The Hollywood Reporter's list of its 10 best stories of the week:

'HOT WHEELS' DIRECTOR SEARCH NEARING FINISH LINE (EXCLUSIVE)

Second-unit helmer Simon Crane and Juan Carlos Fresnadillo of "28 Weeks Later" are the two vying for the gig.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/hot-wheels-director-search-nearing-576629?AP

WHAT THE LEGENDARY-NBCUNIVERSAL PARTNERSHIP MEANS FOR BOTH SIDES (ANALYSIS)

With a flush new partner, the cost-conscious studio could start thinking big again.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/what-legendary-nbcuniversal-partnership-means-583111?AP

JERRY BRUCKHEIMER'S DISNEY FUTURE IN QUESTION AS MOGULS DEFEND HIS 'LONE RANGER'

The producer's rich "Pirates 5" deal will almost certainly be renegotiated while Les Moonves, Ron Meyer and Jeffrey Katzenberg praise the "Rock of Gibraltar of Hollywood" after a pricey flop.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jerry-bruckheimers-disney-future-question-582560?AP

DISNEY ANALYSTS PEG 'LONE RANGER' LOSS AT UP TO $190 MILLION

While Wall Street updated its forecasts for the expected write-down on the movie, Disney stock rose, and Credit Suisse's Michael Senno highlighted the conglomerate's "strong setup for the long term."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-analysts-peg-lone-ranger-581961?AP

WHY PAY TV WILL PAY BIG MONEY FOR HULU (ANALYSIS)

It's all about defense for DirecTV, Peter Chernin and AT&T and even Time Warner Cable, which are still in the hunt for the streaming service - while a bid from private equity powerhouses Guggenheim Digital Media and KKR falls out.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/why-pay-tv-will-pay-582430?AP

REMEMBERING PJ TOROKVEI: COMEDY GENIUS BEHIND 'WKRP' WAS TRANSGENDER TRAILBLAZER

Producer Stan Brooks recalls how the screenwriter, who died July 3 at age 62, revealed his plans to become a woman: "I was hoping for Christie Brinkley; I fear I'm heading toward Bea Arthur."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/remembering-pj-torokvei-comedy-genius-582318?AP

MONSTERS, ROBOTS AND TOM CRUISE: INSIDE THE 'PACIFIC RIM' PREMIERE

Director Guillermo del Toro and star Charlie Hunnam spoke to THR about Warner Bros. and Legendary's tentpole at the Hollywood premiere on Tuesday.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/pacific-rim-premiere-charlie-hunnam-583162?AP

HOW DEADLY SHOULD SUPERMAN BE?

In this month's issue of "Justice League," the Kryptonian hero of the comic book apparently follows the example set by the controversial climax of "Man of Steel."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/how-deadly-should-superman-be-583131?AP

COMIC-CON 2013: THR'S FULL GUIDE TO PARTIES IN SAN DIEGO

From Warner Bros. Television to "Kick-Ass 2" and "The Walking Dead" events, where to be and be seen during the annual fan convention.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/comic-con-2013-party-schedule-582463?AP

'WALTONS' ACTOR JOE CONLEY DIES AT 85

He played general store owner Ike Godsey through all nine seasons of the CBS family drama.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/waltons-actor-joe-conley-dies-581742?AP