Beatles icon Paul McCartney commemorates the closing of Höfner.

      He has been using a Höfner bass since the 1960s...

      Paul McCartney has acknowledged the closure of the German instrument manufacturer Höfner.

      This week, the company announced it would cease operations after more than a century of producing instruments.

      Although Höfner's history includes many highlights, it is perhaps best known for its association with Paul McCartney, who famously chose a Höfner bass during Beatlemania and has largely remained loyal to the brand ever since.

      Instantly linked to the Beatles icon, many aspiring bassists around the globe have chosen Höfner instruments after seeing photographs of Paul McCartney playing one.

      Regrettably, the company is expected to close its doors at the end of this year, according to official reports.

      Taking a moment to express his gratitude, Beatles legend Paul McCartney released a brief statement wishing well to everyone at the company.

      It’s truly unfortunate to witness Höfner go out of business. They have been crafting instruments for over a century, and I purchased my first Höfner bass in the sixties. I have cherished it ever since. It’s a fantastic instrument to play: lightweight, allowing for free play, and it produces delightful tonal variations that I enjoy. So, my condolences to everyone at Höfner, and thank you for all your support over the years.

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Continuing with part one of our 2026 movie preview, we are presenting our countdown of the 50 most-anticipated films of the year. 50. Sheep in the Box and Look Back (Hirokazu Kore-eda) Between 2013 and 2023, Hirokazu Kore-eda has produced eight features (with at least five considered outstanding, not accounting for his earlier works). The Japanese Palme d’Or winner is known for his enchanting family dramas and intricate mysteries, paired with his unwavering dedication. With two films set to premiere in 2026, Kore-eda is returning after a relatively brief three-year hiatus (aside from directors like Kiyoshi Kurosawa). Based on Tatsuki Fujimoto’s acclaimed work, Look Back explores the bond between two manga artists who have contrasting personalities, while the futuristic Sheep in the Box depicts a couple who welcomes a sophisticated humanoid as their son. – Luke H. 49. Cry to Heaven (Tom Ford) Tom Ford has expressed his desire to focus solely on filmmaking in the remainder of his career. His adaptation of Anne Rice's Cry to Heaven—his first project since the divisive Nocturnal Animals in 2016—is anticipated to mark the beginning of a new era characterized by Soderbergh-like productivity. Set in 18th-century Italy, the story revolves around two contrasting opera singers, potentially portrayed by Ford’s prior associates Nicholas Hoult and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, with a star-studded cast that includes Adele in her acting debut. Although filming starts in January, the Italian backdrop suggests he may be aiming for a Venice premiere. – Alistair R. 48. Untitled Jesse Eisenberg film In his upcoming feature, Jesse Eisenberg is set to direct a musical comedy centered on local theater. Featuring Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, and Halle Bailey, the untitled film tells the story of a timid woman captivated by a mysterious director after she lands a role in a local production. This bold follow-up from Eisenberg contrasts his previous exploration of shared grief in A Real Pain with a lighter tone that may resonate more with audiences. – Michael F. 47. October (Jeremy Saulnier) Following the tumultuous production of his 2024 film Rebel Ridge, which ultimately resulted in a commendable crime thriller and a fortunate recasting choice, writer-director Jeremy Saulnier is diving back into work with October. Renowned for his visceral filmmaking, Saulnier’s latest project is described as a horror-action-thriller set during Halloween, hinting at a return to form. With Rebel Ridge relegated to a Netflix release, it’s exciting to see him collaborate again with distributors A24, bringing along a notable cast that includes Imogen Poots from his previous film, along with James Badge Dale, and rising stars Chase Sui Wonders and Sophie Wilde, and showcasing Cory Michael Smith in his first leading role. – Mitchell B. 46. Primetime (Lance Oppenheim) Lance Oppenheim makes his narrative cinema debut with Primetime, inspired by Chris Hansen's work on Dateline and To Catch a Predator. This non-documentary feature stars Robert Pattinson as an investigative journalist, supported by a notable cast including Phoebe Bridgers and Merritt Weaver. Oppenheim’s documentaries often delve into unique community aspects and unconventional interactions, suggesting that Primetime will follow a similar thrilling vein. – Michael F. 45. Saturn Return (Greg Kwedar) Greg Kwedar, co-writer of Trains Dreams, is set to direct his latest film, Saturn Return, for Netflix. This romantic drama, featuring Charles Melton, Rachel Brosnahan, and Will Poulter, spans a decade, exploring the evolution from youthful college romance to the complexities of adulthood. If it mirrors the emotional depth of Kwedar’s last project, Sing Sing, Saturn Return may capture the simple yet poignant aspects of existence. – Michael F. 44. Burning Rainbow Farm (Justin Kurzel) Justin Kurzel has been adept at crafting compelling narratives from true crime tales, and following his career zenith with The Order, he returns with Burning Rainbow Farm. This film recounts the story of a couple running a cannabis-friendly community in rural Michigan whose lives are turned upside down when they clash with the law and lose custody of their young son, culminating in a dramatic siege. Sebastian Stan, fresh off an Oscar nomination for The Apprentice, stars alongside Leo Woodall in this love story about outliers challenging societal norms. – Mitchell B. 43. Whitney Springs (Trey Parker) Kendrick Lamar’s film debut is certainly unconventional, especially as it’s coming from the South Park team. Directed by Trey Parker and produced by Parker, Matt Stone, Lamar, and his partner Dave Free, the film is a dark comedy about a Black man who works as a slave reenactor and discovers his white girlfriend’s ancestors owned his ancestors.

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