This is Day 78 of the SAG-AFTRA strike.
It was everything everywhere all at once Thursday in New York City: Striking actors getting ready for contract talks were joined by writers who have just wrapped up theirs at a rally in Manhattan that also highlighted Asian American Pacific Islander culture in film and television.
On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated by Asian communities worldwide, about 200 people gathered outside the Manhattan offices of Warner Bros. Discovery for pickets and speeches that marked the official end of one strike against the major studios and the continuation of another whose end might be in sight.
Speakers including Joel de la Fuente of Hemlock Grove, Perry Yung of The Knick, Celia Au of Wu Assassins and Ivory Aquino of When We Rise hailed the growing visibility of Asian-Americans onscreen and said that their strike demands — including sustainable wages and limits on the use...
It was everything everywhere all at once Thursday in New York City: Striking actors getting ready for contract talks were joined by writers who have just wrapped up theirs at a rally in Manhattan that also highlighted Asian American Pacific Islander culture in film and television.
On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated by Asian communities worldwide, about 200 people gathered outside the Manhattan offices of Warner Bros. Discovery for pickets and speeches that marked the official end of one strike against the major studios and the continuation of another whose end might be in sight.
Speakers including Joel de la Fuente of Hemlock Grove, Perry Yung of The Knick, Celia Au of Wu Assassins and Ivory Aquino of When We Rise hailed the growing visibility of Asian-Americans onscreen and said that their strike demands — including sustainable wages and limits on the use...
- 9/28/2023
- by Sean Piccoli
- Deadline Film + TV
"Batgirl" Star Leslie Grace Says She Found Out About the Movie's Cancellation "Like the Rest of You"
Image Source: Getty / Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
"Batgirl"'s directors, the cast, and fans are still reeling from Warner Bros.'s shocking decision to ax the nearly finished superhero adaptation. On Aug. 2, 2022, multiple reports confirmed that the 90 million production, inspired by the DC Comics character of the same name, had been shelved, prompting outrage all over. Now, six months after the bombshell, "Batgirl" star Leslie Grace is opening up about her reaction to her movie's cancellation, which, according to her, she learned about from a New York Post report.
"I found out like the rest of you," the actor, best known for starring in "In the Heights," told Variety in an interview published on Feb. 13, 2023. "And then my phone just started blowing up. . . . It was like deflating a balloon. On that day, I was very much just taking it all in, but also so sure of the magic that happened - in...
"Batgirl"'s directors, the cast, and fans are still reeling from Warner Bros.'s shocking decision to ax the nearly finished superhero adaptation. On Aug. 2, 2022, multiple reports confirmed that the 90 million production, inspired by the DC Comics character of the same name, had been shelved, prompting outrage all over. Now, six months after the bombshell, "Batgirl" star Leslie Grace is opening up about her reaction to her movie's cancellation, which, according to her, she learned about from a New York Post report.
"I found out like the rest of you," the actor, best known for starring in "In the Heights," told Variety in an interview published on Feb. 13, 2023. "And then my phone just started blowing up. . . . It was like deflating a balloon. On that day, I was very much just taking it all in, but also so sure of the magic that happened - in...
- 2/13/2023
- by Kelsie Gibson
- Popsugar.com
We all know the saga of the Batgirl movie at this point; The DC movie starred Leslie Grace as Barbara Gordon aka Batgirl, but Warner Bros. Discovery shelved the movie last summer, despite the fact that it was nearly finished post-production. The move was said to take advantage of a tax write-down, but it may also be that the film just wasn’t all that good. During yesterday’s DC press event, DC Studios’ Peter Safran commented on Batgirl, saying that the studio made the right choice to drop the movie as it would have hurt the DC brand.
“I saw the movie, and there are a lot of incredibly talented people in front of and behind the camera on that film. But that film was not releasable, and it happens sometimes,” Peter Safran said. “That film was not releasable. I actually think that [president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery David] Zaslav and the team made a...
“I saw the movie, and there are a lot of incredibly talented people in front of and behind the camera on that film. But that film was not releasable, and it happens sometimes,” Peter Safran said. “That film was not releasable. I actually think that [president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery David] Zaslav and the team made a...
- 1/31/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Leslie Grace is giving fans a taste of the Batgirl costume that could have been. The In the Heights actress shared a retrospective look back at her 2022 on Instagram that included several behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Batgirl production.
Grace was slated to star as the titular vigilante hero in a planned film for HBO Max. But in August 2022, it was revealed that Warner Bros. decided to scrap the film entirely, despite production being nearly finished.
The Instagram video features clips of Grace filming as Barbara Gordon, stunt training footage, behind-the-scenes shots and the actress in her trailer with a face covered in SFX makeup bruises and goofing around on the set of the project, alongside her cast and crew. The compilation also includes photos, including one of Grace with Brendan Fraser’s Firefly, and reveals the final costume of Grace’s Batgirl, which is reminiscent of Michael Keaton’s Batman costume.
Grace was slated to star as the titular vigilante hero in a planned film for HBO Max. But in August 2022, it was revealed that Warner Bros. decided to scrap the film entirely, despite production being nearly finished.
The Instagram video features clips of Grace filming as Barbara Gordon, stunt training footage, behind-the-scenes shots and the actress in her trailer with a face covered in SFX makeup bruises and goofing around on the set of the project, alongside her cast and crew. The compilation also includes photos, including one of Grace with Brendan Fraser’s Firefly, and reveals the final costume of Grace’s Batgirl, which is reminiscent of Michael Keaton’s Batman costume.
- 1/4/2023
- by Divya Goyal
- ET Canada
The first poster for “Blue Beetle” was unveiled during DC Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Ccxp presentation Saturday in São Paulo, Brazil.
The poster is reminiscent of the first teaser for countless comic book superhero films, from “Batman” in 1989 to “X-Men” in 2000 in that it’s entirely comprised of the title character(s)’ iconic logo. It’s all about that alien scarab beetle that gives young Jamie Reyes (Xolo Maridueña from Netflix’s “Cobra Kai”) his otherworldly powers.
The film will also star Susan Sarandon as the villainous Victoria Kord, with Belissa Escodobo, Bruna Marquezine, George Lopez, Raoul Max Trujillo and “What We Do In the Shadows” scene-stealer Harvey Guillén lending support. The film was initially intended as an HBO Max original before it was bumped up to theatrical release status. That promotion turned out to be a proverbial life-saver when the other big HBO Max DC Comics movie,...
The poster is reminiscent of the first teaser for countless comic book superhero films, from “Batman” in 1989 to “X-Men” in 2000 in that it’s entirely comprised of the title character(s)’ iconic logo. It’s all about that alien scarab beetle that gives young Jamie Reyes (Xolo Maridueña from Netflix’s “Cobra Kai”) his otherworldly powers.
The film will also star Susan Sarandon as the villainous Victoria Kord, with Belissa Escodobo, Bruna Marquezine, George Lopez, Raoul Max Trujillo and “What We Do In the Shadows” scene-stealer Harvey Guillén lending support. The film was initially intended as an HBO Max original before it was bumped up to theatrical release status. That promotion turned out to be a proverbial life-saver when the other big HBO Max DC Comics movie,...
- 12/3/2022
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Any company with characters like Batman and Wonder Woman should be laughing all the way to the bank. So why are DC and its owner Warner Bros struggling with so many projects?
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a “funeral screening”, so were the cast and crew members who gathered for secret showings of the new Batgirl movie this August. They were in all likelihood the last people ever to see the movie. The week before, Warner Bros had announced that Batgirl would never be released but would instead be destroyed, buried, perhaps read its last rites and cremated in a little bat-shaped coffin.
Seldom, if ever, has a studio spent 90m (£79m) on a movie only to scrap it before it ever saw the light of day. Especially not one that was widely anticipated (it was a superhero movie with “bat” in its title), and which was...
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a “funeral screening”, so were the cast and crew members who gathered for secret showings of the new Batgirl movie this August. They were in all likelihood the last people ever to see the movie. The week before, Warner Bros had announced that Batgirl would never be released but would instead be destroyed, buried, perhaps read its last rites and cremated in a little bat-shaped coffin.
Seldom, if ever, has a studio spent 90m (£79m) on a movie only to scrap it before it ever saw the light of day. Especially not one that was widely anticipated (it was a superhero movie with “bat” in its title), and which was...
- 10/18/2022
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Cartoon Network fans can all breathe a sigh of relief - the beloved channel from your childhood isn't going anywhere. On Friday, Oct. 14, #RIPCartoonNetwork started trending on Twitter after another round of layoffs were announced at Warner Bros. Television as the newly formed Warner Bros. Discovery continues to consolidate departments. The news, which included consolidation within the animation department, according to Variety, left Cartoon Network viewers fearing for the home of classics like "Powerpuff Girls," "Dexter's Laboratory," and "Adventure Time."
The rumblings about the channel's potential demise became so loud that the network's official Twitter account chimed in with a hilarious response to the rumors. "Y'all we're not dead, we're just turning 30...
The rumblings about the channel's potential demise became so loud that the network's official Twitter account chimed in with a hilarious response to the rumors. "Y'all we're not dead, we're just turning 30...
- 10/15/2022
- by Sabienna Bowman
- Popsugar.com
Leslie Grace isn’t letting “Batgirl” down without a fight.
Almost two months after Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed the DC film would be indefinitely shelved, lead star Leslie Grace shared a TikTok video of behind-the-scenes footage from filming. Grace plays Barbara Gordon in the film, which was expected to premiere on streamer HBO Max in early 2023. Michael Keaton, Brendan Fraser, and J.K. Simmons rounded out the cast.
Grace shared scenes of herself in the makeup chair, practicing fight choreography, and co-star Fraser doing push-ups as character Firefly. The video is set to Grace’s original song titled “Batgirls Get Lonely Too.”
“Wrote this song during the pandemic…b4 I even knew Any of this would be my life,” Grace captioned.
“Batgirl” filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah previously stated Warner Bros. Discovery has blocked their access to the production servers so they cannot finish “Batgirl.”
“We have nothing,” Fallah said.
Almost two months after Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed the DC film would be indefinitely shelved, lead star Leslie Grace shared a TikTok video of behind-the-scenes footage from filming. Grace plays Barbara Gordon in the film, which was expected to premiere on streamer HBO Max in early 2023. Michael Keaton, Brendan Fraser, and J.K. Simmons rounded out the cast.
Grace shared scenes of herself in the makeup chair, practicing fight choreography, and co-star Fraser doing push-ups as character Firefly. The video is set to Grace’s original song titled “Batgirls Get Lonely Too.”
“Wrote this song during the pandemic…b4 I even knew Any of this would be my life,” Grace captioned.
“Batgirl” filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah previously stated Warner Bros. Discovery has blocked their access to the production servers so they cannot finish “Batgirl.”
“We have nothing,” Fallah said.
- 9/26/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Imagine being an actor cast in the leading role in a high-profile, big-budget superhero movie, and then film and wrap production — only to have the completed movie shelved by the studio under murky circumstances in the midst of a corporate shuffle.
That’s exactly what happened to Leslie Grace when Warner Bros. decided not to release “Batgirl”, in which she plays the titular costumed crimefighter in what had been a hugely anticipated release.
On Saturday, Grace apparently went rogue by posting behind-the-scenes footage from the flick in a brief 15-second TikTok video, which had originally been scheduled to debut on HBO Max.
Read More: ‘Batgirl’ Star Leslie Grace & Zoe Saldana React To 90-Million Superhero Movie Being Shelved
In the video, Grace is seen in an array of behind-the-scenes footage, including getting her makeup done, performing a stunt with wires, practicing a choreographed fight scene and more.
“I couldn’t resist,...
That’s exactly what happened to Leslie Grace when Warner Bros. decided not to release “Batgirl”, in which she plays the titular costumed crimefighter in what had been a hugely anticipated release.
On Saturday, Grace apparently went rogue by posting behind-the-scenes footage from the flick in a brief 15-second TikTok video, which had originally been scheduled to debut on HBO Max.
Read More: ‘Batgirl’ Star Leslie Grace & Zoe Saldana React To 90-Million Superhero Movie Being Shelved
In the video, Grace is seen in an array of behind-the-scenes footage, including getting her makeup done, performing a stunt with wires, practicing a choreographed fight scene and more.
“I couldn’t resist,...
- 9/25/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Leslie Grace posted “Batgirl” behind-the-scenes footage Saturday, over a month after Warner Bros. Discovery abruptly canceled its streaming and theatrical release in August.
“I couldn’t resist,” Grace captioned a TikTok video that compiled clips from production, including stunts, on-camera confrontations, combat training and Batgirl makeup.
Check it out below.
@iamlesliegrace i couldn’t resist.. @Omar Apollo ♬ Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All) – Omar Apollo
The “In the Heights” breakout star, who plays the titular role of Barbara Gordon in “Batgirl,” also tagged singer-songwriter Omar Apollo, whose song “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me at All)” played behind the clips with the lyrics, “You know you really made me hate myself / Had to stop before I break myself / Shoulda broke it off to date myself / You didn’t deserve me at all, at all, at all.”
Also Read:
DC Films Chief Walter Hamada to Stay On for Time Being Post-‘Batgirl’
On Aug.
“I couldn’t resist,” Grace captioned a TikTok video that compiled clips from production, including stunts, on-camera confrontations, combat training and Batgirl makeup.
Check it out below.
@iamlesliegrace i couldn’t resist.. @Omar Apollo ♬ Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All) – Omar Apollo
The “In the Heights” breakout star, who plays the titular role of Barbara Gordon in “Batgirl,” also tagged singer-songwriter Omar Apollo, whose song “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me at All)” played behind the clips with the lyrics, “You know you really made me hate myself / Had to stop before I break myself / Shoulda broke it off to date myself / You didn’t deserve me at all, at all, at all.”
Also Read:
DC Films Chief Walter Hamada to Stay On for Time Being Post-‘Batgirl’
On Aug.
- 9/25/2022
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Although Batgirl is looking as though it may be locked in a vault for all time, we have gotten to see bits and pieces thanks to photos and videos from the set. Leslie Grace’s stunt-double Emely Cartagena posted a video on Instagram showing the progression of an impressive stunt sequence featuring Batgirl crashing a Gotham City party and taking down a Christmas tree in the process.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Emely Cartagena (@emelycart_pur)
The Batgirl set video ends with a look at the actual filmed scene (through a monitor), giving us a tease of what could have been. These bits and pieces may be all we’ll ever see of Batgirl. Even the film’s directors, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, weren’t able to keep any of the footage for themselves. The pair tried to save some footage when they learned of the movie’s fate,...
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Emely Cartagena (@emelycart_pur)
The Batgirl set video ends with a look at the actual filmed scene (through a monitor), giving us a tease of what could have been. These bits and pieces may be all we’ll ever see of Batgirl. Even the film’s directors, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, weren’t able to keep any of the footage for themselves. The pair tried to save some footage when they learned of the movie’s fate,...
- 9/19/2022
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Just like its titular hero, Batgirl never gives up. The movie was infamously canceled by Warner Bros. Discovery president David Zaslav right as it neared completion and buried under legal stipulations that would prevent it from ever being screened in theaters. But leaks and fan-made tributes to the film continue unabated, revealing massive interest for a movie that Zaslav determined would be better served as a 90 million tax write-off.
Now we have a new leak, and it’s one of the most compelling yet. The clip originally comes from the Instagram account of stunt person Emely Cartagena (then tweeted by actor Ivory Aquino), who doubled for Batgirl star Leslie Grace during action sequences. It shows Cartagena as Batgirl leaping from a ledge, doing a wobbly flip, and landing on a bright red Christmas tree, where she brings the whole thing down in front of fleeing partygoers.
Just.. Wowww...
Now we have a new leak, and it’s one of the most compelling yet. The clip originally comes from the Instagram account of stunt person Emely Cartagena (then tweeted by actor Ivory Aquino), who doubled for Batgirl star Leslie Grace during action sequences. It shows Cartagena as Batgirl leaping from a ledge, doing a wobbly flip, and landing on a bright red Christmas tree, where she brings the whole thing down in front of fleeing partygoers.
Just.. Wowww...
- 9/19/2022
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Thanks to Warner Bros. Discovery shelving the Batgirl movie, we may never get to see anything noteworthy from the production again. Thankfully, the folks at Corridor Digital have given us a small taste of what the Batgirl movie could have been with their very own “leaked” trailer.
Boasting some excellent visual effects and costumes, Corridor’s Batgirl trailer includes footage of Commissioner Gordon (J.K. Simmons), Firefly (Brendan Fraser), and Batman (Michael Keaton) pulled from other movies. It also ends with a bit of a meta-tag that left me laughing. Check it out for yourself above! You can also check out a video explaining just how Corridor went about making the trailer right here.
Related Brendan Fraser calls Batgirl cancellation “disappointing”
As Warner Bros. Discovery chose to pull the plug on Batgirl to take advantage of a tax write-down, it’s highly unlikely that we’ll ever get to see anything from the movie.
Boasting some excellent visual effects and costumes, Corridor’s Batgirl trailer includes footage of Commissioner Gordon (J.K. Simmons), Firefly (Brendan Fraser), and Batman (Michael Keaton) pulled from other movies. It also ends with a bit of a meta-tag that left me laughing. Check it out for yourself above! You can also check out a video explaining just how Corridor went about making the trailer right here.
Related Brendan Fraser calls Batgirl cancellation “disappointing”
As Warner Bros. Discovery chose to pull the plug on Batgirl to take advantage of a tax write-down, it’s highly unlikely that we’ll ever get to see anything from the movie.
- 9/13/2022
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Brie Larson’s recent Twitter post has been praised by Marvel fans, after the actor addressed her her future in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) during a recent interview.
Larson plays Carol Danvers, Aka Captain Marvel, in the popular superhero film franchise.
Beginning with her role in 2018’s Captain Marvel, Larson has faced pushback online from a small sub-set of Marvel fans, including targeted sexist harassment campaigns.
When asked how long she would be playing the role, Larson told Variety: “I don’t know. Does anyone want me to do it again?”
Fans said they were “heartbroken” by her answer.
The Academy Award-winner made the comments at D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, US, where a first look of Marvel Studios’ forthcoming The Marvels was unveiled.
Now, Larson has addressed the trolls in a new Twitter post, comprising two photographs accompanied by a “legendary” caption.
The photographs...
Larson plays Carol Danvers, Aka Captain Marvel, in the popular superhero film franchise.
Beginning with her role in 2018’s Captain Marvel, Larson has faced pushback online from a small sub-set of Marvel fans, including targeted sexist harassment campaigns.
When asked how long she would be playing the role, Larson told Variety: “I don’t know. Does anyone want me to do it again?”
Fans said they were “heartbroken” by her answer.
The Academy Award-winner made the comments at D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, US, where a first look of Marvel Studios’ forthcoming The Marvels was unveiled.
Now, Larson has addressed the trolls in a new Twitter post, comprising two photographs accompanied by a “legendary” caption.
The photographs...
- 9/12/2022
- by Maanya Sachdeva
- The Independent - TV
Batgirl actor Ivory Aquino has directly addressed Warner Bros over their controversial decision to axe the movie.
Earlier this month (2 August) it was announced that Warner Bros had decided to shelve the film due to a changing regime behind-the-scenes.
Since then, Warner Bros are reportedly going to screen Batgirl on its studio lot in Burbank, California, for people who worked on the movie, both cast and crew, as well as representatives and executives.
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Warner Bros would host the “funeral screenings” this week, before the footage is put under lock and key.
In an emotional letter to Discovery CEO David Zaslov posted from her Twitter account, Aqunio – who played Batgirl’s best friend Alysia Yeoh – has now begged Warner Bros to reconsider its rumoured plan to physically destroy the filmed footage.
“As one of many who poured our hearts into the making of this movie, I...
Earlier this month (2 August) it was announced that Warner Bros had decided to shelve the film due to a changing regime behind-the-scenes.
Since then, Warner Bros are reportedly going to screen Batgirl on its studio lot in Burbank, California, for people who worked on the movie, both cast and crew, as well as representatives and executives.
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Warner Bros would host the “funeral screenings” this week, before the footage is put under lock and key.
In an emotional letter to Discovery CEO David Zaslov posted from her Twitter account, Aqunio – who played Batgirl’s best friend Alysia Yeoh – has now begged Warner Bros to reconsider its rumoured plan to physically destroy the filmed footage.
“As one of many who poured our hearts into the making of this movie, I...
- 8/26/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Film
Weeks after Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said he was looking for a Kevin Feige-like figure to run DC at Warner Bros., producer Dan Lin is in talks to take on the role, a source with knowledge tells TheWrap. Lin would serve as DC chief, creatively overseeing the development and production of DC superhero adaptations.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros. told TheWrap that no formal offer had been out to Lin, and that reports of his status were premature. Lin is a prolific producer well-versed in diverse franchise fare, from the Robert Downey Jr. “Sherlock Holmes” films to the “Lego Movie” franchise to Disney’s “Aladdin,” as well as New Line’s “It.” Lin is also the founder and CEO of Rideback (formerly Lin Pictures), and is producing Disney’s upcoming “Haunted Mansion” movie directed by Justin Simien.
Earlier this month, Zaslav said Warner Bros. Discovery was going...
A spokesperson for Warner Bros. told TheWrap that no formal offer had been out to Lin, and that reports of his status were premature. Lin is a prolific producer well-versed in diverse franchise fare, from the Robert Downey Jr. “Sherlock Holmes” films to the “Lego Movie” franchise to Disney’s “Aladdin,” as well as New Line’s “It.” Lin is also the founder and CEO of Rideback (formerly Lin Pictures), and is producing Disney’s upcoming “Haunted Mansion” movie directed by Justin Simien.
Earlier this month, Zaslav said Warner Bros. Discovery was going...
- 8/25/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
(Superhero Bits is a collection of stories, updates, and videos about anything and everything inspired by the comics of Marvel, DC, and more. For comic book movies, TV shows, merchandise, events, and whatever catches our eye, this is the place to find anything that falls through the cracks.)
In this edition of Superhero Bits:
A "Batgirl" star makes a plea to Warner Bros.
Olivia Wilde can't say anything about her Marvel movie.
Henry Cavill may have filmed a new Superman scene.
A new "Spider-Man: No Way Home" re-release clip.
All that and more!
She-Hulk Arrives In Marvel Puzzle Quest
With the release of "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law" on Disney+, the character is getting a major boost in the larger public consciousness. As such, Marvel is doing a lot to bring Jennier Walters to many other corners of the company's empire. Case in point, She-Hulk is coming to the mobile game "Marvel Puzzle Quest.
In this edition of Superhero Bits:
A "Batgirl" star makes a plea to Warner Bros.
Olivia Wilde can't say anything about her Marvel movie.
Henry Cavill may have filmed a new Superman scene.
A new "Spider-Man: No Way Home" re-release clip.
All that and more!
She-Hulk Arrives In Marvel Puzzle Quest
With the release of "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law" on Disney+, the character is getting a major boost in the larger public consciousness. As such, Marvel is doing a lot to bring Jennier Walters to many other corners of the company's empire. Case in point, She-Hulk is coming to the mobile game "Marvel Puzzle Quest.
- 8/25/2022
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
The demand to see “Batgirl” refuses to wane.
Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Films announced in August that the film, which was in post-production, would not be released as a cost-cutting measure. On Wednesday, The Hollywood Reporter claimed that Warner Bros. was hosting “funeral screenings” of the movie for its cast, crew and executives.
The report stated that the movie would be locked away permanently or perhaps even destroyed after the funeral screenings. Ivory Aquino, who portrays Aysia Yeoh in the unreleased “Batgirl” movie, caught wind of the reports and made a public plea to David Zaslaw, chief executive officer and president of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Read More: ‘Batgirl’ Cancellation Spawns ‘#HBOMaxJustCanceled’ Memes On Twitter
A letter to #DavidZaslav @Wbd
Dear Mr. Zaslav,
I just read an article @THR about supposed ‘funeral screenings’ of #Batgirl and the possibility afterwards that the film footage would be destroyed.. if this is the case,...
Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Films announced in August that the film, which was in post-production, would not be released as a cost-cutting measure. On Wednesday, The Hollywood Reporter claimed that Warner Bros. was hosting “funeral screenings” of the movie for its cast, crew and executives.
The report stated that the movie would be locked away permanently or perhaps even destroyed after the funeral screenings. Ivory Aquino, who portrays Aysia Yeoh in the unreleased “Batgirl” movie, caught wind of the reports and made a public plea to David Zaslaw, chief executive officer and president of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Read More: ‘Batgirl’ Cancellation Spawns ‘#HBOMaxJustCanceled’ Memes On Twitter
A letter to #DavidZaslav @Wbd
Dear Mr. Zaslav,
I just read an article @THR about supposed ‘funeral screenings’ of #Batgirl and the possibility afterwards that the film footage would be destroyed.. if this is the case,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Shakiel Mahjouri
- ET Canada
In the course of 12 tweets Thursday, Batgirl actress Ivory Aquino, who plays Alysia Yeoh, Barbara Gordon’s roommate and the first major trans character in a live-action DC movie, expressed her grief to Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav over the studio’s cancellation of the film, and pleaded with him to “Consider releasing Batgirl.”
However, despite news of rumored screenings on the Warner Bros lot, which some close to the film are baffled by, we hear that a decision to revive Batgirl is unlikely. Warner Bros Discovery has already written the production, budgeted at roughly 80 million, off its books, and for the studio to turn around and sink more millions into it is impossible from all accounting maneuvers.
In speaking with those close to the film about those on-the-lot screenings, some were jarred: They didn’t get an invite, not to mention the film has no VFX, no music track.
However, despite news of rumored screenings on the Warner Bros lot, which some close to the film are baffled by, we hear that a decision to revive Batgirl is unlikely. Warner Bros Discovery has already written the production, budgeted at roughly 80 million, off its books, and for the studio to turn around and sink more millions into it is impossible from all accounting maneuvers.
In speaking with those close to the film about those on-the-lot screenings, some were jarred: They didn’t get an invite, not to mention the film has no VFX, no music track.
- 8/25/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Batgirl actress Ivory Aquino called the lead character in the now-shelved film an “underdog and has nowhere to go but up” in a public plea to release the DC movie.
In a 12-tweet open letter to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, Aquino appealed to the exec to release the film following reports that screenings are being held on the studio lot. On Wednesday, The Hollywood Reporter published a story detailing the secret screenings, which are being held for members of the movie’s cast and crew, as well as representatives and executives.
In the thread, the actress, who plays Alysia Yeoh, Batgirl aka Barbara Gordon’s roommate and the first major trans character to appear in a DC film, implored Zaslav to “consider releasing Batgirl.” While recounting a conversation with a friend, in which a film studio is likened to a machine,...
Batgirl actress Ivory Aquino called the lead character in the now-shelved film an “underdog and has nowhere to go but up” in a public plea to release the DC movie.
In a 12-tweet open letter to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, Aquino appealed to the exec to release the film following reports that screenings are being held on the studio lot. On Wednesday, The Hollywood Reporter published a story detailing the secret screenings, which are being held for members of the movie’s cast and crew, as well as representatives and executives.
In the thread, the actress, who plays Alysia Yeoh, Batgirl aka Barbara Gordon’s roommate and the first major trans character to appear in a DC film, implored Zaslav to “consider releasing Batgirl.” While recounting a conversation with a friend, in which a film studio is likened to a machine,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Batgirl” star Ivory Aquino took to social media to state the case for why the diverse “underdog” DC installment should be released.
Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed earlier this month that “Batgirl,” starring Leslie Grace, Jk Simmons, Michael Keaton, and Brendan Fraser, would no longer receive an HBO Max or any release. The film was directed by “Ms. Marvel” and “Bad Boys for Life” filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah and still in the post-production phase, with VFX effects still needed.
Aquino, who was set to become the first trans actor in a live-action DC film and played Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl’s best friend, tweeted a letter to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav to release the feature.
“As much as ‘Batgirl ‘has been labeled a woke film, it simply came together that way because of writing that reflects the world we live in,” Aquino wrote. “As one of...
Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed earlier this month that “Batgirl,” starring Leslie Grace, Jk Simmons, Michael Keaton, and Brendan Fraser, would no longer receive an HBO Max or any release. The film was directed by “Ms. Marvel” and “Bad Boys for Life” filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah and still in the post-production phase, with VFX effects still needed.
Aquino, who was set to become the first trans actor in a live-action DC film and played Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl’s best friend, tweeted a letter to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav to release the feature.
“As much as ‘Batgirl ‘has been labeled a woke film, it simply came together that way because of writing that reflects the world we live in,” Aquino wrote. “As one of...
- 8/25/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“Batgirl” actor Ivory Aquino is speaking out about Warner Bros.’ decision to indefinitely shelve the DC film. In an emotional letter addressed to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslov, Aquino — who played the best friend of Barbara Gordon (a.k.a. Batgirl) — pleaded for the studio executive to rethink the alleged plan to permanently destroy the movie’s footage.
“As one of many who poured our hearts into the making of this movie, I ask that this measure be reconsidered,” Aquino wrote Wednesday night on Twitter. “As much as I’ve tried my best to be strong these past few weeks, I’d find myself crying, for lack of a better term, from grief, and tonight was one of those nights.”
A letter to #DavidZaslav @Wbd
Dear Mr. Zaslav,
I just read an article @THR about supposed ‘funeral screenings’ of #Batgirl and the possibility afterwards that the film footage would be destroyed.
“As one of many who poured our hearts into the making of this movie, I ask that this measure be reconsidered,” Aquino wrote Wednesday night on Twitter. “As much as I’ve tried my best to be strong these past few weeks, I’d find myself crying, for lack of a better term, from grief, and tonight was one of those nights.”
A letter to #DavidZaslav @Wbd
Dear Mr. Zaslav,
I just read an article @THR about supposed ‘funeral screenings’ of #Batgirl and the possibility afterwards that the film footage would be destroyed.
- 8/25/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The situation surrounding the cancelation of the Batgirl movie continues to showcase both those involved with the production and fans alike voicing their disapproval of the decision made by CEO David Zaslav. Recently, there was a report of a “funeral screening” for the cast and crew of what footage there is before it is to be locked away in a vault or – God Forbid – destroyed. If the film is destroyed, it’ll be to guarantee to the IRS that the WB will not be making any kind of profit from it and, therefore, will remain a tax write-off.
Recently, one of the film’s stars took to Twitter to voice their personal feelings in a letter to CEO David Zaslav himself. Ivory Aquino, who was to play Alysia Yeoh in the Batgirl film, broke silence on the matter to address the business of it all and attempt to appeal to Zaslav’s sentiment and goodwill.
Recently, one of the film’s stars took to Twitter to voice their personal feelings in a letter to CEO David Zaslav himself. Ivory Aquino, who was to play Alysia Yeoh in the Batgirl film, broke silence on the matter to address the business of it all and attempt to appeal to Zaslav’s sentiment and goodwill.
- 8/25/2022
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett have renewed their overall deal with MTV Entertainment Studios through their production banner Bassett Vance Productions.
Along with the renewal news, Paramount also announced that the pair’s first feature film from their overall deal, “Heist 88,” is currently in production. The film tells the story of one of the largest bank heists ever to occur in the United States.
Here’s a description: Jeremy Horne (Vance), a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything, decides to pull one last job before going to prison. He recruits four young bank employees to steal close to 80 million dollars in a daring and brazen assault on the US banking system. “Heist 88” takes place in a time before widespread computerization and the vast cybersecurity of today.
Also Read:
‘Batgirl’ Actress Ivory Aquino Begs David Zaslav to Reconsider Releasing the...
Along with the renewal news, Paramount also announced that the pair’s first feature film from their overall deal, “Heist 88,” is currently in production. The film tells the story of one of the largest bank heists ever to occur in the United States.
Here’s a description: Jeremy Horne (Vance), a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything, decides to pull one last job before going to prison. He recruits four young bank employees to steal close to 80 million dollars in a daring and brazen assault on the US banking system. “Heist 88” takes place in a time before widespread computerization and the vast cybersecurity of today.
Also Read:
‘Batgirl’ Actress Ivory Aquino Begs David Zaslav to Reconsider Releasing the...
- 8/25/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
“Batgirl” actress Ivory Aquino is hoping Warner Bros. Discovery head David Zaslav might reconsider his decision to scrap the superhero film, considering the outpouring of support for the movie since its demise this month. In an open letter on Twitter, Aquino asked Zaslav to “consider releasing” the film, because really, Batgirl has “always been the underdog.”
Earlier this year, Aquino was cast in the film as Alysia Yeoh, a trans woman and roommate of Barbara Gordon’s (Leslie Grace) who was introduced in the “Batgirl” comics by writer Gail Simone and artist Ardian Syaf in 2011. Aquino’s character would have marked the first transgender character ever in a DC Comics film.
Her thoughts came in response to reports of “Batgirl” screenings happening on the Warner Bros. lot this week, said to be exclusively for people who worked on the movie as well as representatives and executives. Those reports also indicated that,...
Earlier this year, Aquino was cast in the film as Alysia Yeoh, a trans woman and roommate of Barbara Gordon’s (Leslie Grace) who was introduced in the “Batgirl” comics by writer Gail Simone and artist Ardian Syaf in 2011. Aquino’s character would have marked the first transgender character ever in a DC Comics film.
Her thoughts came in response to reports of “Batgirl” screenings happening on the Warner Bros. lot this week, said to be exclusively for people who worked on the movie as well as representatives and executives. Those reports also indicated that,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Warner Bros. isn’t in the business of making bad movies. At least, that’s the common refrain on social media now that David Zaslav, chief executive of the newly combined Warner Bros. Discovery, is in charge. What seems to be a more accurate assessment is that Warner Bros. isn’t in the business of making movies that aren’t guaranteed to line company coffers.
The cancellations of Batgirl and Scoob!: Holiday Haunt, which until Tuesday were both in postproduction, have sent shock waves through Hollywood. In the case of Batgirl, social media pundits claimed the film was shelved because it was so bad it couldn’t be released. This, of course, operates under the assumption that Warners hasn’t released plenty of bad movies before — bad movies that made money. And it suggests that a regime change at Warners means we should...
Warner Bros. isn’t in the business of making bad movies. At least, that’s the common refrain on social media now that David Zaslav, chief executive of the newly combined Warner Bros. Discovery, is in charge. What seems to be a more accurate assessment is that Warner Bros. isn’t in the business of making movies that aren’t guaranteed to line company coffers.
The cancellations of Batgirl and Scoob!: Holiday Haunt, which until Tuesday were both in postproduction, have sent shock waves through Hollywood. In the case of Batgirl, social media pundits claimed the film was shelved because it was so bad it couldn’t be released. This, of course, operates under the assumption that Warners hasn’t released plenty of bad movies before — bad movies that made money. And it suggests that a regime change at Warners means we should...
- 8/4/2022
- by Richard Newby
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
On Tuesday, Batgirl filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were in Morocco, where they had recently celebrated El Arbi’s wedding at a bash attended by guests such as their Bad Boys for Life star Will Smith. In the afterglow of the happy occasion, they received the stunning news that their upcoming DC film Batgirl would be shelved, despite it being deep into postproduction ahead of a planned HBO Max bow. The filmmakers are said to have been given a heads-up shortly before articles circulated online.
“We are saddened and shocked by the news,” the filmmakers wrote in a statement Wednesday. “As directors, it is critical that our work be shown to audiences, and while the film was far from finished, we wish that fans all over the world would have the opportunity to see and embrace the final film themselves. Maybe...
On Tuesday, Batgirl filmmakers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were in Morocco, where they had recently celebrated El Arbi’s wedding at a bash attended by guests such as their Bad Boys for Life star Will Smith. In the afterglow of the happy occasion, they received the stunning news that their upcoming DC film Batgirl would be shelved, despite it being deep into postproduction ahead of a planned HBO Max bow. The filmmakers are said to have been given a heads-up shortly before articles circulated online.
“We are saddened and shocked by the news,” the filmmakers wrote in a statement Wednesday. “As directors, it is critical that our work be shown to audiences, and while the film was far from finished, we wish that fans all over the world would have the opportunity to see and embrace the final film themselves. Maybe...
- 8/3/2022
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced that it will honor award-winning actor, producer, and activist Wilson Cruz with the Vito Russo Award during the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Hilton Midtown in New York on Friday, May 6, 2022.
The GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.
During the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York, singer/songwriter, Emmy-Award winning actress, and rising superstar Dove Cameron will perform her new single ‘Boyfriend.’ Her hit single, ‘Boyfriend’ which was released in February and has accumulated over 130 million streams on Spotify can be best described as an empowered piece of noir-pop turned massively beloved queer anthem. Playwright and composer Michael R. Jackson will also appear in a special performance from his Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “A Strange Loop,” which opens on Broadway this week.
The GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.
During the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York, singer/songwriter, Emmy-Award winning actress, and rising superstar Dove Cameron will perform her new single ‘Boyfriend.’ Her hit single, ‘Boyfriend’ which was released in February and has accumulated over 130 million streams on Spotify can be best described as an empowered piece of noir-pop turned massively beloved queer anthem. Playwright and composer Michael R. Jackson will also appear in a special performance from his Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “A Strange Loop,” which opens on Broadway this week.
- 5/3/2022
- Look to the Stars
The White Lotus star Murray Bartlett is a very busy man: Just weeks after booking a role in Hulu’s Chippendales limited series, the actor has revealed that he will also appear in Season 2 of Apple TV+’s Physical, our sister site Variety reports.
Bartlett will play Vincent “Vinnie” Green, a charismatic fitness instructor, weight loss guru and late-night infomercial pioneer who is both friends and rivals with Rose Byrne’s Sheila.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Hallmark's ER Reunion, My Brilliant Friend Returns and MoreTVLine Items: ABC's Maggie Moves to Hulu, del Toro's Pinocchio and MoreTVLine Items: Perry Mason Castings,...
Bartlett will play Vincent “Vinnie” Green, a charismatic fitness instructor, weight loss guru and late-night infomercial pioneer who is both friends and rivals with Rose Byrne’s Sheila.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Hallmark's ER Reunion, My Brilliant Friend Returns and MoreTVLine Items: ABC's Maggie Moves to Hulu, del Toro's Pinocchio and MoreTVLine Items: Perry Mason Castings,...
- 1/25/2022
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
In an exclusive newsbreak, Deadline has announced that the upcoming "Batgirl" movie has added Ivory Aquino to the cast, and those who speculated the character calling for "Alanna" was actually for the comic book character Alysia Yeoh have been proven correct. Aquino joins the cast which includes Leslie Grace ("In the Heights"), J.K. Simmons ("Spider-Man: No Way Home"), Brendan Fraser ("The Mummy"), Michael Keaton ("Batman"), and Jacob Scipio ("Bad Boys for Life"). Aquino is playing Barbara Gordon's best friend, Alysia Yeoh, with the film based on the "Batgirl" DC comics from writer Gail Simone and artist Ardian Syaf.
The post HBO Max's Batgirl Movie Has Cast Ivory Aquino as Alysia Yeoh appeared first on /Film.
The post HBO Max's Batgirl Movie Has Cast Ivory Aquino as Alysia Yeoh appeared first on /Film.
- 1/25/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Barbara Gordon has officially found her roommate.
Ivory Aquino has been cast in the HBO Max feature film “Batgirl” as Alysia Yeoh, the best friend of the titular superhero, a.k.a. Barbara Gordon (Leslie Grace).
Both Aquino and Yeoh are transgender, marking the first time a live-action feature film adaptation of a DC Comics title will feature an openly trans character. Yeoh first appeared in a 2011 issue of “Batgirl” written by Gail Simone and penciled by Ardian Syaf.
News of Aquino’s casting first leaked online in mid-January after Grace posted a photo seemingly from the set of the film to her Instagram story, tagging Aquino and captioning the shot (of two women crossing the street) with “Barbara and Alysia...
Ivory Aquino has been cast in the HBO Max feature film “Batgirl” as Alysia Yeoh, the best friend of the titular superhero, a.k.a. Barbara Gordon (Leslie Grace).
Both Aquino and Yeoh are transgender, marking the first time a live-action feature film adaptation of a DC Comics title will feature an openly trans character. Yeoh first appeared in a 2011 issue of “Batgirl” written by Gail Simone and penciled by Ardian Syaf.
News of Aquino’s casting first leaked online in mid-January after Grace posted a photo seemingly from the set of the film to her Instagram story, tagging Aquino and captioning the shot (of two women crossing the street) with “Barbara and Alysia...
- 1/25/2022
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Ivory Aquino has joined the cast of Batgirl, the upcoming superhero film that Bad Boys for Life‘s Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are directing for HBO Max.
Aquino will star alongside previously announced cast members including Leslie Grace, J.K. Simmons, Brendan Fraser, Michael Keaton and Jacob Scipio.
Batgirl is based on the DC comics created by writer Gail Simone and artist Ardian Syaf. While specifics with regard to the film’s plot are being kept under wraps, it will center on Gotham City police commissioner Jim Gordon’s (Simmons) daughter, Barbara (Grace). Aquino will play Barbara’s best friend, bartender Alysia Yeoh—the first major transgender character ever to appear in a live-action film adaptation of DC comics.
Fraser is portraying the villain Firefly, as previously announced, with Keaton reprising his role as Batman from Tim Burton’s 1989 film...
Aquino will star alongside previously announced cast members including Leslie Grace, J.K. Simmons, Brendan Fraser, Michael Keaton and Jacob Scipio.
Batgirl is based on the DC comics created by writer Gail Simone and artist Ardian Syaf. While specifics with regard to the film’s plot are being kept under wraps, it will center on Gotham City police commissioner Jim Gordon’s (Simmons) daughter, Barbara (Grace). Aquino will play Barbara’s best friend, bartender Alysia Yeoh—the first major transgender character ever to appear in a live-action film adaptation of DC comics.
Fraser is portraying the villain Firefly, as previously announced, with Keaton reprising his role as Batman from Tim Burton’s 1989 film...
- 1/24/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Dean Imperial, Babe Howard, James McDaniel, Madeline Wise, Ivory Aquino, Dora Madison, Frank Wood, Arliss Howard | Written and Directed by Noah Hutton
Welcome to the world of the gig economy gone quantum, literally. Lapsis, the first fictional feature from documentarian Noah Hutton posits a near future/alternative present where quantum computing has gone mainstream. And the new “ride share” is cabling, running fiber across the wilderness to link massive slab like junction boxes.
Ray (Dean Imperial) struggles to make ends meet as a driver for a shady airport delivery service. He doesn’t have a wife or kids but he does have a brother Jamie (Babe Howard) who suffers from Omnia, a chronic-fatigue like ailment. Getting him into a treatment program is well beyond his means. So, despite his technophobia and lack of physical conditioning, he turns to Cblr, one of the companies hiring “independent contractors”’ to lay cable for quantum personal computers.
Welcome to the world of the gig economy gone quantum, literally. Lapsis, the first fictional feature from documentarian Noah Hutton posits a near future/alternative present where quantum computing has gone mainstream. And the new “ride share” is cabling, running fiber across the wilderness to link massive slab like junction boxes.
Ray (Dean Imperial) struggles to make ends meet as a driver for a shady airport delivery service. He doesn’t have a wife or kids but he does have a brother Jamie (Babe Howard) who suffers from Omnia, a chronic-fatigue like ailment. Getting him into a treatment program is well beyond his means. So, despite his technophobia and lack of physical conditioning, he turns to Cblr, one of the companies hiring “independent contractors”’ to lay cable for quantum personal computers.
- 5/31/2021
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
"I'm just out here working like everybody else, man." Film Movement has released an official trailer for an intriguing indie sci-fi film titled Lapsis, made by filmmaker Noah Hutton. This originally premiered at the Bucheon Fantastic Film Festival, and it also played at the Nashville, Scottsdale, Mill Valley, Virginia, and St. Louis Film Festivals (virtually) throughout this year. Struggling to support himself and his ailing younger brother, delivery man Ray takes a strange job as a "cabler" in a strange new realm of the gig economy. This film is set in an alternate reality where the quantum computing revolution has begun, but they need to hire people to connect the cables for miles between huge magnetic cubes. Called "a smart class-conscious sci-fi parable" by THR, Lapsis is a darkly comic and very timely look at the gig economy and the failed utopian promises of big tech. Starring Dean Imperial, Madeline Wise,...
- 12/29/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The austere climes of Brighton Beach always add a cold sense of isolation to film, in contrast to the more iconic bright hues of neighboring Coney Island. In “Lingua Franca,” sparsely traveled boardwalks and above-ground subway trains offers . The accomplished third feature from writer/director/editor/star Isabel Sandoval, “Lingua Franca” keeps a tight focus on its central figure, the fiercely independent and self-protective Olivia, played by Sandoval in an appropriately understated performance. The film is undoubtedly hers — though the supporting players are vital, Sandoval keeps the point of view securely in Olivia’s control.
“Lingua Franca” illustrates the woefully untapped potential of marginalized storytellers. Though the film is not autobiographical, Sandoval is herself a trans Filpina immigrant. She can take creative risks that would feel unnerving coming from a creator even one circle outside of Olivia’s intersecting identities, and she does. And while Olivia’s choices ensure the...
“Lingua Franca” illustrates the woefully untapped potential of marginalized storytellers. Though the film is not autobiographical, Sandoval is herself a trans Filpina immigrant. She can take creative risks that would feel unnerving coming from a creator even one circle outside of Olivia’s intersecting identities, and she does. And while Olivia’s choices ensure the...
- 8/26/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Olivia (writer-director Isabel Sandoval) takes care of an elderly Russian patient in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach neighborhood. A transgender woman from the Philippines, she’s managed to carve out a small space for herself within the borough’s Filipino diaspora. Like a lot of immigrants living in the United States, Olivia lives in fear that the shadow of Ice could darken her door at any minute; a man she’d been preparing to pay in exchange for a green-card marriage has unexpectedly backed out of the deal at the last minute.
- 8/26/2020
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
Although the United States doesn’t have an official language, the Lingua Franca of Isabel Sandoval’s third feature-length refers to the English adopted by immigrants who arrive in America and need it to make their lives easier. However, one could argue it could also refer to the silences which often express much more of the characters’ heartaches and dreams than the English they use to communicate with each other in society.
The director stars as Olivia, an undocumented, transgender Filipina desperate to obtain the green card that would allow her to continue working in the United States. It’s not necessarily that she is in love with her job, although she’s exceptional and tender as the caretaker of Olga (Lynn Cohen), an elderly woman with dementia, who always seems to be expecting a call that will never come. What matters to Olivia is the relative security that the US offers her,...
The director stars as Olivia, an undocumented, transgender Filipina desperate to obtain the green card that would allow her to continue working in the United States. It’s not necessarily that she is in love with her job, although she’s exceptional and tender as the caretaker of Olga (Lynn Cohen), an elderly woman with dementia, who always seems to be expecting a call that will never come. What matters to Olivia is the relative security that the US offers her,...
- 8/26/2020
- by Jose Solís
- The Film Stage
"You're safe now... you're here with me." "You don't know what you're talking about." Array has released an official trailer for the indie drama titled Lingua Franca, the third feature made by filmmaker Isabel Sandoval. This premiered last year at the Venice Film Festival in the Venice Days sidebar, becoming the first film directed by and starring an openly trans woman of color to screen in competition. It also played at the London, Busan, and Stockholm Film Festivals, and stopped by AFI Fest in the fall. The film is a love story between an undocumented, transgender, Filipina caregiver and a Russian-Jewish slaughterhouse worker in Brooklyn. "Sensual and provocative, Lingua Franca is an unflinchingly candid chronicle of a disempowered woman's political and sexual awakening." The film stars Isabel Sandoval, Eamon Farren, Lynn Cohen, Ivory Aquino, and Lev Gorn. This looks ravishing - intimate and authentic, more than a story about love.
- 8/11/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
At virtual concert for Joe Biden on Sunday, John Legend and Andra Day performed a socially distanced duet of Greatest Love Of All, a chorus and Kristin Chenoweth sang numbers with specially written campaign lyrics, and Barbra Streisand delivered eight minutes of closing remarks that were both an endorsement of the candidate and a sharp rebuke of Donald Trump.
“Let’s face it, Trump is unfit, mentally and morally, to hold this distinguished office,” Streisand said.
The fundraising concert marked 100 days until the election, but it also may have been a preview for what next month’s Democratic National Convention will feel like, as the plans are for a dramatically scaled down in-person gathering in Milwaukee mean virtual connections throughout the country.
Sunday’s event, produced by Bruce Cohen and Claire Lucas, was called Celebration for Change. As Donald Trump has tried to characterize as his opponent as a doddering and even senile,...
“Let’s face it, Trump is unfit, mentally and morally, to hold this distinguished office,” Streisand said.
The fundraising concert marked 100 days until the election, but it also may have been a preview for what next month’s Democratic National Convention will feel like, as the plans are for a dramatically scaled down in-person gathering in Milwaukee mean virtual connections throughout the country.
Sunday’s event, produced by Bruce Cohen and Claire Lucas, was called Celebration for Change. As Donald Trump has tried to characterize as his opponent as a doddering and even senile,...
- 7/27/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Before Sundance gets underway, SXSW has unveiled the first wave of their film lineup. This year’s slate includes Judd Apatow’s Pete Davidson-led comedy The King of Staten Island, a new Spike Jonze-directed Beastie Boys documentary, an intriguing new film by Amy Seimetz, and more.
There’s also The Lovebirds, directed by Michael Showalter (The Big Sick) and starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, whose comedic stylings coalesce astoundingly well in the first trailer. The duo play Leilani and Jibran, a couple who are accidentally embroiled in a murder mystery as a man claiming to be a cop commits murder with their car and leaves them with the evidence.
Ahead of a release on April 3, see the trailer below, followed by the SXSW 2020 lineup.
Narrative Feature Competition
Ten world premieres, ten unique ways to celebrate the art of storytelling. Selected from 1,305 narrative feature submissions in 2020.
Holler
Director...
There’s also The Lovebirds, directed by Michael Showalter (The Big Sick) and starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, whose comedic stylings coalesce astoundingly well in the first trailer. The duo play Leilani and Jibran, a couple who are accidentally embroiled in a murder mystery as a man claiming to be a cop commits murder with their car and leaves them with the evidence.
Ahead of a release on April 3, see the trailer below, followed by the SXSW 2020 lineup.
Narrative Feature Competition
Ten world premieres, ten unique ways to celebrate the art of storytelling. Selected from 1,305 narrative feature submissions in 2020.
Holler
Director...
- 1/17/2020
- by Margaret Rasberry
- The Film Stage
The 27th edition of the SXSW Film Festival will feature a romantic caper starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, a documentary about the Beastie Boys directed by Spike Jonze, a “hidden camera” comedy headlined by Tiffany Haddish and an autobiographical studio vehicle from Pete Davidson.
Thousands of moviegoers will flock to Austin, Texas, starting on March 13 for the annual gathering, which is a launching pad for major summer — or spring — studio releases, as well as smaller independent films and buzzy TV shows.
“King of Staten Island,” which stars Davidson, will open the fest. The movie is directed by Judd Apatow, who is no stranger to SXSW, having brought many of his hit projects — from “Knocked Up” to “Bridesmaids” — to screen first at SXSW.
Other high-profile titles that will premiere in Austin include “The Lovebirds,” a comedy from Michael Showalter, with Rae and Nanjiani trying to solve a murder mystery; “Bad Trip,...
Thousands of moviegoers will flock to Austin, Texas, starting on March 13 for the annual gathering, which is a launching pad for major summer — or spring — studio releases, as well as smaller independent films and buzzy TV shows.
“King of Staten Island,” which stars Davidson, will open the fest. The movie is directed by Judd Apatow, who is no stranger to SXSW, having brought many of his hit projects — from “Knocked Up” to “Bridesmaids” — to screen first at SXSW.
Other high-profile titles that will premiere in Austin include “The Lovebirds,” a comedy from Michael Showalter, with Rae and Nanjiani trying to solve a murder mystery; “Bad Trip,...
- 1/15/2020
- by Ramin Setoodeh
- Variety Film + TV
The 27th edition of the SXSW Film Festival has unveiled its robust slate of feature and episodic premieres which will kick off with its opening night film, Judd Apatow’s The King of Staten Island starring Saturday Night Live cast member Pete Davidson. The fest is set to run March 13-22 in Austin.
In The King of Staten Island, Davidson is a burnout living in the titular New York City borough with his mom played by Oscar-winning actress Marisa Tomei. The movie, which will make its world premiere at SXSW, also stars Bill Burr, Bel Powley, Steve Buscemi and Maude Apatow.
“Judd Apatow has consistently provided transcendent, exhilarating experiences at SXSW, starting with Knocked Up, then Bridesmaids, Trainwreck, Girls, The Big Sick, and his documentary May it Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers,” said Janet Pierson, Director of Film. “This March it’s our particular privilege to present his...
In The King of Staten Island, Davidson is a burnout living in the titular New York City borough with his mom played by Oscar-winning actress Marisa Tomei. The movie, which will make its world premiere at SXSW, also stars Bill Burr, Bel Powley, Steve Buscemi and Maude Apatow.
“Judd Apatow has consistently provided transcendent, exhilarating experiences at SXSW, starting with Knocked Up, then Bridesmaids, Trainwreck, Girls, The Big Sick, and his documentary May it Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers,” said Janet Pierson, Director of Film. “This March it’s our particular privilege to present his...
- 1/15/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“The King of Staten Island,” written by Judd Apatow and Pete Davidson, as well as “Bad Trip” starring Tiffany Haddish and Eric Andre, have been announced as part of the 2020 SXSW Film Festival lineup.
“Pink Skies Ahead,” starring Mary J. Blige and Marcia Gay Hayden, “Violet,” starring Olivia Munn and Justin Theroux, Spike Jonze’s “Beastie Boys Story” documentary, and “The Love Birds,” starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani,” will also be debuting at the festival.
Alex Gibney will be returning with “Crazy, Not Insane,” a documentary about the minds of serial killers. “The King of Staten Island” is also the festival’s Opening Night Film.
Also Read: 'SNL': Pete Davidson's Parody of Michael Avenatti Gets a 'Total Loser' Review From the Attorney
In total, 102 features and episodics were announced on Wednesday — dozens of additional titles will be announced on Feb. 5. The 2020 program was selected from 2,316 feature-length film submissions. The...
“Pink Skies Ahead,” starring Mary J. Blige and Marcia Gay Hayden, “Violet,” starring Olivia Munn and Justin Theroux, Spike Jonze’s “Beastie Boys Story” documentary, and “The Love Birds,” starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani,” will also be debuting at the festival.
Alex Gibney will be returning with “Crazy, Not Insane,” a documentary about the minds of serial killers. “The King of Staten Island” is also the festival’s Opening Night Film.
Also Read: 'SNL': Pete Davidson's Parody of Michael Avenatti Gets a 'Total Loser' Review From the Attorney
In total, 102 features and episodics were announced on Wednesday — dozens of additional titles will be announced on Feb. 5. The 2020 program was selected from 2,316 feature-length film submissions. The...
- 1/15/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
— even if her script eventually muffles some of the film’s early promise. This low-key drama about a trans Filipina looking for love (and a green card) while working as a domestic in Brooklyn is low-key in the right ways, utilizing subtlety and suggestion in place of spelled-out backstories or case pleading. After a while, however, we need more emotional payoff than Sandoval is willing to provide. Nonetheless, this U.S.-Philippines co-production is well worth a look for niche programmers and distributors in various formats.
The writer-director is also the lead performer here, given an “introducing” credit (prior features “Senorita” and “Apparition” were credited to Vincent Sandoval). We don’t know at what point her character Olivia underwent a gender transition, though she’s known fellow émigré Trixie (Ivory Aquino) since their shared childhood in the Cebu province. Trixie is introduced marrying a handsome New Yorker, an apparent love...
The writer-director is also the lead performer here, given an “introducing” credit (prior features “Senorita” and “Apparition” were credited to Vincent Sandoval). We don’t know at what point her character Olivia underwent a gender transition, though she’s known fellow émigré Trixie (Ivory Aquino) since their shared childhood in the Cebu province. Trixie is introduced marrying a handsome New Yorker, an apparent love...
- 1/11/2020
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
Without uttering a word, the main title sequence for FX’s new anthology series “Feud: Bette and Joan” sets the dramatic yet somber tone for the entire series by using musical and graphical cues from ‘60s cinema.
While the images trace the plot of “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,” it also reflects the misery of the actresses drawn into a cycle of torment of their own devising. Take a look at the sequence:
The credits fit right in with “Feud,” a technicolor feast that examines the even more colorful rivalry between acclaimed actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, which reached its pinnacle while they co-starred in the psycho-biddy horror movie “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” in 1962. The series takes place during and after the shooting of the film, in which Bette (Susan Sarandon) and Joan (Jessica Lange) play combative siblings Baby Jane and Blanche, respectively. There is no love lost between these sisters,...
While the images trace the plot of “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,” it also reflects the misery of the actresses drawn into a cycle of torment of their own devising. Take a look at the sequence:
The credits fit right in with “Feud,” a technicolor feast that examines the even more colorful rivalry between acclaimed actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, which reached its pinnacle while they co-starred in the psycho-biddy horror movie “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” in 1962. The series takes place during and after the shooting of the film, in which Bette (Susan Sarandon) and Joan (Jessica Lange) play combative siblings Baby Jane and Blanche, respectively. There is no love lost between these sisters,...
- 3/3/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
Ivory Aquino didn’t come out publicly as a transgender woman until she landed a role on ABC’s “When We Rise,” a miniseries that retraces the gay rights movement in America. She had previously been playing cisgender roles in theater, and only select people knew her gender history.
“This is my first trans role because I have played cisgender roles on stage,” Aquino told IndieWire during the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour in January. “I have been in New York doing theater, doing Shakespeare. I got to play Juliet two seasons ago in Bryant Park, and no one knew I was trans. And it didn’t matter to the audience because they were so invested in the story. After playing Juliet, for me, I was telling a castmate, ‘I could go to heaven now.’”
Read More: Dustin Lance Black Wants to Unite the Nation, Even Trump, With the...
“This is my first trans role because I have played cisgender roles on stage,” Aquino told IndieWire during the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour in January. “I have been in New York doing theater, doing Shakespeare. I got to play Juliet two seasons ago in Bryant Park, and no one knew I was trans. And it didn’t matter to the audience because they were so invested in the story. After playing Juliet, for me, I was telling a castmate, ‘I could go to heaven now.’”
Read More: Dustin Lance Black Wants to Unite the Nation, Even Trump, With the...
- 3/1/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
ABC has promoted When We Rise as a mini-series from the very beginning so there seems to be no chance that it will be cancelled or renewed for a second season. But, could strong ratings lead the network to produce similar programming or other mini-series? Stay tuned.From Dustin Lance Black, the When We Rise TV show chronicles the leaders who agitated for Lgbt rights in the Us Civil Rights movement. The mini-series follows Lgbt activist Cleve Jones (Guy Pearce), women's right leader Roma Guy (Mary-Louise Parker), her wife and social justice activist Diane (Rachel Griffiths), African-American community organizer Ken Jones (Michael K. Williams), and transgender activist Cecilia Chung (Ivory Aquino). The cast also includes Austin McKenzie, Emily Skeggs, Jonathan Majors, Fiona Dourif, Henry Czerny, Whoopi Goldberg, Arliss Howard, Sam Jaeger, T.R. Knight, Mary McCormack, Kevin McHale, Rosie O'Donnell, Denis O'Hare, Pauley Perrette, David Hyde Pierce, Richard...
- 2/28/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Network: ABCEpisodes: Eight (hour)Seasons: OneTV show dates: February 27, 2018 — March 3, 2017Series status: Ending Performers include: Guy Pearce, Mary-Louise Parker, Rachel Griffiths, Michael K. Williams, Ivory Aquino, Austin McKenzie, Emily Skeggs, Jonathan Majors, Fiona Dourif, Henry Czerny, Whoopi Goldberg, Arliss Howard, Sam Jaeger, T.R. Knight, Mary McCormack, Kevin McHale, Rosie O'Donnell, Denis O'Hare, Pauley Perrette, David Hyde Pierce, Richard Schiff, Phylicia Rashad, Rob Reiner, and William Sadler.TV show description:From Dustin Lance Black, the When We Rise TV show chronicles the leaders who agitated for Lgbt rights in the Us Civil Rights movement. The mini-series follows Lgbt activist Cleve Jones, women's right leader Roma Guy, her wife and social justice activist Diane, African-American community organizer Ken Jones, and transgender...
- 2/28/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
In response to President Donald Trump‘s new bathroom ruling rolling back protections for transgender children, transgender actress Ivory Aquino writes exclusively for People about the controversial decision.
People magazine has graciously shared my story of transition. Although that included gender confirmation surgery, this is not part of everyone’s journey in the trans community, nor is it necessary in recognizing and honoring one’s gender expression. The term gender confirmation itself can be misleading, for one’s gender cannot be confirmed, one’s gender simply Is.
I stress this in light of the recent overturning of federal protections for...
People magazine has graciously shared my story of transition. Although that included gender confirmation surgery, this is not part of everyone’s journey in the trans community, nor is it necessary in recognizing and honoring one’s gender expression. The term gender confirmation itself can be misleading, for one’s gender cannot be confirmed, one’s gender simply Is.
I stress this in light of the recent overturning of federal protections for...
- 2/28/2017
- by People Staff
- PEOPLE.com
Rosie O’Donnell and Whoopi Goldberg are just two of numerous notable actors who are advocating for Lgbtq rights in the upcoming miniseries When We Rise.
Created and executive produced by Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black, the eight-hour TV event chronicles the real-life personal and political struggles, set-backs and triumphs of Lgbtq activists who helped pioneer equality for their community decades ago in the U.S.
In an emotional People exclusive featurette, Guy Pearce (Cleve Jones), Rachel Griffiths (Diane) and Ivory Aquino (Cecilia Chung) join O’Donnell, Goldberg and more in portraying the fight for Lgbtq rights.
“None of these...
Created and executive produced by Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black, the eight-hour TV event chronicles the real-life personal and political struggles, set-backs and triumphs of Lgbtq activists who helped pioneer equality for their community decades ago in the U.S.
In an emotional People exclusive featurette, Guy Pearce (Cleve Jones), Rachel Griffiths (Diane) and Ivory Aquino (Cecilia Chung) join O’Donnell, Goldberg and more in portraying the fight for Lgbtq rights.
“None of these...
- 2/24/2017
- by Patrick Gomez and Natalie Stone
- PEOPLE.com
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