Biz Break: Magnolia Takes Steve Jobs, Avengers, and Michael Eisner Raises Cash

A 'lost' 1995 interview with late Apple guru Steve Jobs and the expected $100M opener of Avengers are among Wednesday afternoon's round up of news in Biz Breaks. Also, Disney's former chief Michael Eisner is raising big cash for a new venture, Gary Ross is in talks for Houdini and more.

Magnolia Nabs Rights to Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview
Robert Cringely filmed the candid, in-depth interview with Jobs in 1995, Jobs discusses at length his early days, career battles, and vision for the future. Small portions of the piece were used for a television series at the time, but the vast majority was shelved, and for 17 years thought to be lost. Recently unearthed, it is being presented in its unedited entirety. Magnolia will open the film theatrically May 11 with DVD and VOD to follow this summer.

From around the 'net...

This Weekend's $100M Opening?
Disney’s release of Marvel’s The Avengers is poised for a $100 million plus opening weekend boosted by IMAX, which is already contributing big time to the film's overseas numbers. But only 20 films have ever opened to more than $100 million in North America. Hollywood.com takes a look.

Michael Eisner Raising $800M for Launch Film/TV Company
The former Disney chief has been focused on producing digital content through Tornante. Eisner has not, however, reentered the business of making movies or full length television series for distribution over broadcast or cable after leaving Disney in 2005, CNBC reports.

Hunger Games Director Gary Ross Appears Before Houdini
With The Hunger Games cashing in, Gary Ross is in talks to direct Summit's Houdini. The project is an adaptation of The Secret Life of Houdini, The Making of America's First Superhero, a biography of Harry Houdini by William Kalush and Larry Sloman, THR reports.

DC Entertainment to Offer Readers 6 New Titles
Among the six titles appearing at comic shops Wednesday is a contemporary take on its vintage war comic, G.I. Combat, A.P. reports.