MoviePass’ next big pivot is basically blockchain sports betting for film buffs

The Verge - May 1st, 2025

MoviePass has announced the upcoming launch of Mogul, a new platform built on the Sui blockchain by Mysten Labs, aiming to create a competitive entertainment experience akin to fantasy sports. Mogul will enable users to engage in fantasy-style tournaments and challenges by predicting films' critical ratings, potential awards, and box office performance. Participants can earn digital collectibles and in-game currency, and track their rankings on a leaderboard. Over 400,000 people have already signed up for early access, and beta participants will receive digital wallets. The platform will eventually integrate more closely with the MoviePass app to provide a seamless entertainment experience.

This initiative marks a significant shift for MoviePass, which initially gained fame as a disruptor in the theater subscription service market. After facing financial collapse due to an unsustainable business model, the company is attempting a comeback with a focus on fan engagement through Web3 technology. The move into NFTs and gamified movie speculation raises questions about the company's direction and whether it can redefine its brand while addressing past transparency issues. The venture could signal a new wave of onchain consumer experiences, potentially influencing the culture and economy surrounding film fandom.

Fan Engagement Film Industry Movie Pass Web3 Mogul Mysten Labs Sui Blockchain Fantasy Sports Nf Ts Evan Cheng

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and mostly accurate overview of Mogul's launch and its implications for the entertainment industry. It effectively communicates the platform's innovative aspects while acknowledging MoviePass' past controversies. However, the lack of direct citations and diverse perspectives slightly detracts from its credibility and balance. The article is timely and relevant, capturing current trends in technology and entertainment, but could benefit from deeper exploration of potential controversies and broader societal impacts. Overall, it serves as an informative piece for readers interested in the intersection of blockchain technology and the entertainment industry.

Accuracy

The article is largely accurate in its depiction of Mogul and its functionalities. The claim that Mogul is a blockchain-based platform inspired by fantasy sports aligns with statements from MoviePass and Mysten Labs. Specific details, such as the use of Mysten’s Sui blockchain and the focus on film predictions, are verified by reliable sources. However, the article's mention of "betting for fake money" could be misleading without clarification that Mogul uses virtual currency to avoid gambling classifications. The historical context about MoviePass’ past issues with the FTC is accurate, although not directly sourced in the article.

Balance

The story presents a predominantly positive view of Mogul’s launch, emphasizing its innovative aspects and potential for fan engagement. However, it briefly touches on past controversies involving MoviePass, which adds some balance. The article could improve by including more perspectives, such as potential consumer concerns about privacy or skepticism about the integration of blockchain technology in entertainment.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to explain complex concepts like blockchain and fantasy sports. It effectively communicates Mogul’s purpose and potential impact on the entertainment industry. However, some terms like "betting for fake money" could be clarified to prevent misunderstandings about the platform’s legal status and functionality.

Source quality

The article references statements from credible sources like MoviePass CEO Stacy Spikes and Mysten Labs' Evan Cheng, enhancing its reliability. However, it lacks direct citations or links to these sources within the text, which could improve transparency and allow readers to verify claims independently. The reliance on company statements may introduce bias, as there is no input from independent experts or critics.

Transparency

The article provides a clear overview of Mogul’s features and the strategic direction of MoviePass. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather information, such as interviews or press releases. There is also no disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest, such as the author’s relationship with MoviePass or its competitors.