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Octavia Spencer has said that her aspirations in the film world were initially much smaller than being the Oscar-winning actress she became. In fact, she initially aspired to just work behind the scenes in the film world in an office capacity.

After working office jobs on a few films that shot in her native Alabama, Spencer eventually got a job in the casting department of “A Time to Kill” starring Matthew McConaughey. She convinced director Joel Schumacher to let her audition, and he cast her in a small role in the film. Her friend Taylor encouraged her to move to Los Angeles, and she began to get steady work as an actress. While she worked for 15 solid years in small parts on films and guest appearances on television shows, her career trajectory didn’t seem to be one that would make her a three-time Oscar nominee. Spencer has said she...

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Another Simple Favor is a dark comedy mystery crime film directed by Paul Feig from a screenplay co-written by Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis. The 2025 sequel film is set five years after the events of A Simple Favor, and it follows Stephanie, who’s now a popular true crime vlogger, as she is invited by Emily to her wedding in Italy. The wedding is soon interrupted by a brutal murder, forcing Stephanie to investigate it. Another Simple Favor stars Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Elizabeth Perkins, Michele Morrone, Elena Sofia Ricci, Henry Golding, and Allison Janney. So, if you loved the biting dark comedy, thrilling mystery, and compelling characters in Another Simple Favor, here are some similar movies you should check out next.

A Simple Favor (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Lionsgate

A Simple Favor...

In a surprising move, the partners at Slate PR — one of Hollywood’s highest-profile publicity firms that represents a long list of A-list stars, creators, talent and events — are dissolving the company.

The development was confirmed Thursday morning in a brief statement sharing that after 15 years together, the partners Stephen Huvane, Simon Halls, Robin Baum, Ina Treciokas and Andy Gelb have all “decided to move forward on separate paths.” The statement added that Treciokas will soon announce her next venture while the others, Huvane, Halls, Baum and Gelb, will “do the same.”

“The partners depart with mutual respect and appreciation for their joint accomplishments at Slate PR,” per a statement received by The Hollywood Reporter. “The partners sincerely thank their clients, colleagues and industry peers for their support throughout the years. They remain committed to providing thoughtful and strategic communications guidance in their new ventures.”

That announcement of a new...

Chadwick Boseman wasn’t one to just play the role — he lived it. Be it Jackie Robinson’s unshakable grace in 42 or the electric swagger of James Brown in Get On Up, every character Chadwick Boseman donned came to life with a type of intensity that was impossible to fake.

From directors, to co-stars, and even studio heads — everyone knew what to expect. Or at least, they thought they did.

Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa in Black Panther | Credits: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Then, in 2018, came Black Panther, Boseman’s magnum opus. Everyone’s jaw dropped at the regal presence of King T’Challa, right? Well, director Ryan Coogler would tell you that Boseman’s commitment to his part was so immersive that it terrified the top brass at Disney.

The day Disney met the real king of Wakanda

Just to be clear, some of us (if not most...

M3GAN, Annabelle, and Ma will return to theaters nationwide for one night only over three consecutive weeks for Blumhouse‘s second annual Halfway to Halloween Festival.

Gerard Johnstone‘s M3GAN kicks off the event on April 30. This could a good way to revisit the killer doll before M3GAN 2.0 opens on June 27 — if you can stand a theater full of people encouraged to be on their phone during the movie.

You see, M3GAN will be augmented by Meta’s Movie Mate second screen experience. Moviegoers can Dm M3GAN on Instagram to interact with the chat bot and receive never-before-seen content, trivia, and behind the scenes info on the film in real time.

The screenings of John R. Leonetti‘s Annabelle, on May 7, and Tate Taylor‘s Ma, on May 14, will not be impeded by such distractions.

The Halfway to Halloween festivities will also include sneak peeks,...

In 2011, director Tate Taylor released his historical drama "The Help," a story that focuses on Black maids working and living with white families in the American South in the 1960s and attempts to put the focus on the maids rather than their (often bigoted and controlling) employers. Based on a novel of the same name by Kathryn Stockett, the film stars Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark, Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson, and Emma Stone as Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, an aspiring writer who takes it upon herself to compile the stories of Black maids, including Minny and Aibileen, to tell the truth about how "the help" are treated — particularly in Jackson, Mississippi. Aibileen works for Skeeter's friend Elizabeth Leeholt (Ahna O'Reilly), a neglectful mother to her young daughter (upon whom Aibileen dotes), while Minny works for the odious and cruel Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Dallas Howard) and her mother (played by Sissy Spacek...

Octavia Spencer, the Academy Award-winning actress notable for her roles in The Help, Fruitvale Station, and Hidden Figures, has had a history of taking jabs at ongoing global issues — from The Shack's racial controversy in 2017 to Apple's eco-friendly campaign in 2023. In more recent news, Spencer mocked the employees of Doge (Department of Government Efficiency) by referencing her infamous chocolate pie scene from the 2011 film, The Help.

For those unaware, Doge was established as an initiative of the second Trump administration, with Elon Musk serving as its de-facto leader. Even though it's only been a month since it was formed, it has already become the focus of controversy, and Spencer wasted no time voicing her disapproval through a stinging social media post. On her official Instagram account, Spencer shared a picture of Minny Jackson deviously offering the infamous "poop pie" from The Help.

She wrote the following caption specifically aimed...

Captain America: Brave New Worlddirector Julius Onah explains the film's seemingly out of place special thanks during its end credits.

Speaking to People, Onah opened up about the special thanks offered to Academy Award-winner Octavia Spencer, who does not appear in Captain America: Brave New World. "Octavia's the greatest," Onah said. "I'm such a fan of hers, and when the conversation was being had about this film, she put in some kind words for me with Kevin Feige and had spoken to [Anthony] Mackie as well. She's just a genuinely kind, incredibly talented human being, and I wanted to really acknowledge what a great supporter she's been of me and other filmmakers in the past. There was no way I was gonna miss the opportunity to say thank you to her."

Related'Would I Be Born Again?': She-Hulk Star Talks Possible Return in New Daredevil Series

She-Hulk: Attorney...

Emilia Perez is far from the only controversial Oscar contender, as the history of cinematic awards is rife with upsets and undeserved winners. In 2011, Tate Taylor's The Helpcertainly caused some waves when it received four Academy Award nominations and one win — and now, this problematic period drama seems to be making a comeback on Hulu.

Set in 1960s-era Jackson, Mississippi, The Help examines the lives of African-American domestic laborers by focusing on Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson, two Black women who work for wealthy white socialites. Their mistreatment at the hands of the socialites is documented by an aspiring writer, Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, who is also white. Throughout the course of the film, Minny, Aibileen, and other maids in their community face several instances of racism and aggression from their employers: Minny is fired for using an indoor "whites only" bathroom during a dangerous tornado, while another maid is violently arrested.

Octavia Spencer has starred in many successful movies, three of them leading to Academy Award nominations, with the actress winning the golden statuette for 2011's The Help. With over 100 acting credits in different genres, one of her films has found new success on streaming.

In 2019, Spencer reunited with the director of the project that got her the Oscar for a completely different film — Ma. The psychological thriller was a complete change from their first project, and, although it had a mixed reception, it was a big hit at the box office. Six years later, Ma is a success again on Netflix, reaching the seventh spot with 3.2 million views on the global charts, the equivalent of 5.3 million hours viewed.

Related A 93-Year-Old Horror Masterpiece Is Getting a New Streaming Home Next Month

The Academy Award-nominated classic horror film will hit a major streaming platform this February.

This isn't the first week...

Raw, scary, thrilling and suspenseful are some terms that can be coined to define Ma.

Released back in 2019, Ma, an American psychological horror movie, is currently proving to be a Netflix favorite for many of its viewers. It was directed by Tate Taylor and written by Scotty Landes. The movie stars the all-famous The Help actress Octavia Spencer in the lead role, with Juliette Lewis, Diana Silvers, Corey Fogelmanis, Gianni Paolo, McKaley Miller, and Luke Evans being part of the cast members.

The plot revolves around a middle-aged woman who befriends some teenagers after buying them booze on request. Later she offers them a place to party in after hours in her basement. Initially, it all seemed fine, even though the setup in her basement gave eerie vibes. As planned, everything was supposed to go well until the rules for partying were broken and that is when she snaps.

From...

Jessica Chastain has made a name for herself among the most talented actors working today, and her array of incredible performances has elevated every film she has been a part of. With a talent for portraying complex and interesting female roles, Chastain has worked with some of the greatest directors of modern times and has proved her skills across comedy, drama, sci-fi, and intense thought-provoking thrillers. As an Academy Award-winning performer, Chastain’s ability to take simple characterizations and create dynamic three-dimensional individuals made her stand out among her contemporaries.

From powerfully disturbing psychological thrillers to hugely entertaining box office smashes, Chastain has consistently picked movies that challenged her creativity while building up her reputation among mainstream viewers. Having excelled in movies by directors like Ridley Scott and Christopher Nolan, Chastain has walked the fine line between artistry and movie stardom to achieve success across several metrics. With a career filled with varied roles,...

A Complete Unknown Box Office (North America): Surpasses Get On Up ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Timothee Chalamet is indeed one of the most versatile actors of the present generation. The actor’s musical biopic, A Complete Unknown, is on its way to entering the top 20 highest-grossing musical biopics of all time at the US box office. Keep scrolling for the deets.

The Bob Dylan biopic was released on Christmas along with Nosferatu. The musical biopic might not have made it to the domestic top 5 chart, but it is garnering a lot of praise and has received multiple nominations at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. The American Film Institute and the National Board of Review have named it one of the top ten films of 2024. It has reportedly surpassed Get On Up’s collections.

It was based on the life of singer James Brown and was directed by Tate Taylor. The...

Viola Davis has built a career on unforgettable performances that elevate every movie she’s in. The Oscar-winner has an incredible ability to take complex stories and make them richer through her presence, transforming supporting parts into the most memorable moments of the film. Her portrayals are a masterclass in nuance, as Davis creates layered characters that become the emotional core of a story. From the shocking ending of Fences to the intense action in The Woman King, it comes as no surprise that Davis’ best movies are defined by her ability to elevate every moment she appears on the screen.

Even in roles where she isn’t the lead, Davis has a knack for stealing the spotlight, leaving a lasting mark on the audience. The star’s commitment to authenticity makes sure that her movies resonate on a deeper level, proving time and again that she is one of the finest talents in Hollywood.

Exclusive: Actress, writer, and producer Haley Bennett has signed with UTA for representation.

Bennett made her film debut in the 2007 romantic comedy Music and Lyrics opposite Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. Most recently, coming on the heels of her appearance in Lionsgate action-comedy Borderlands (released August 2024), Bennett starred in Samir Oliveros’ feature The Luckiest Man in America opposite Paul Walter Hauser, which premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival and was quickly acquired by IFC and Sapan Studios.

Up next for Bennett is the Apple TV+ series The Last Frontier, where she stars alongside Jason Clarke. Directed by Sam Hargrave and John Curran, the series recently wrapped production and is set to premiere in March 2025. She is also co-writing a film titled After Midnight with Marteinn Thorsson, with David Cronenberg attached as co-producer.

Previously, Bennett starred in Fox Searchlight’s Magazine Dreams, which won the US Dramatic Special...

In Hollywood, sometimes off-set dramas capture more attention and scrutiny than on-set ones. In actress Rebecca Ferguson’s case as well, a bombshell revelation that she made about her co-star has taken the media as well as the public by surprise. The Swedish actress known for her magnetic portrayals in projects like The White Queen and The Greatest Showman, detailed a very unsettling incident involving a co-star.

She went on record to say that this co-star publicly berated her and left her in tears. In the midst of all this, she did not reveal the name of that actor, further prompting the public to put their thinking caps on for a possible name.

Rebecca Ferguson in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation | Credits: Paramount Pictures

Several names of notable A-listers were thrown in the mix, with the fans bringing every actor that Ferguson has worked with in the past. In this article,...

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Killer Heat is a mystery crime thriller drama film directed by Philippe Lacôte from a screenplay co-written by Roberto Bentivegna and Matt Charman. Based on the 2021 short story titled The Jealousy Man by author Jo Nesbø, the Prime Video film is set on a Greek island and it follows the story of a troubled detective known as The Jealousy Man who is brought in to investigate the murder of one of twin brothers who were entangled in a love triangle. Killer Heat stars Shailene Woodley, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Richard Madden in the lead roles with Billy Clements, Manos Gavras, Abby Lee, Clare Holman, and Babou Ceesay. So, if you loved the intense story, thrilling mystery, and compelling characters in Killer Heat here are some similar movies you should check out next.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix...

Exclusive: Following his Emmy-nominated work on the Apple series Palm Royale, director Tate Taylor looks to have found his next feature project. Sources tell Deadline that Taylor is set to direct the Sugar23 production The 17th Annual Coral Gables Christmas Caroling Extravaganza at 20th Century.

Annie Mumolo and Stan Chervin rewrote the original script by Connor Hines & Cory Walls. Michael Sugar and Ashley Zalta will produce on behalf of Sugar23.

Plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say the comedy is in the vein of Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids. Mumolo is expected to also have a producing role on the new pic, and while not confirmed sources say she may also star as well.

Jillian Kay will executive produce.

The project seems like a perfect transition for Taylor, who just worked with Wiig on the comedy series Palm Royale,...

As Carol Burnett makes Emmy Awards history this weekend, Abe Sylvia is reflecting on his collaboration with the comedy legend.

The Palm Royale creator explained that he had the “biggest imposter syndrome” after Burnett came to be cast as wealthy comatose matriarch Norma Dellacorte in his Apple TV+ series, which was renewed for a second season back in June.

“I didn’t have anyone in mind. But we have a fantastic casting director, Kerry Barden, and he really encouraged us to shoot for the moon,” he recalled to Collider. “It was his idea to go after Carol Burnett for Norma. I said, ‘I don’t know. She’s in a coma. Does that feel too small?’ And he was like, ‘Let’s just ask. There’s no hurt in asking.’ And when Carol said yes, I went into my office and cried with the biggest imposter syndrome. I was like,...

If you were waiting for John Woo‘s latest action thriller film The Killer, featuring his signature action style and a thrilling story. Then the wait is finally over as the Nathalie Emmanuel and Omar Sy-led film is finally available to stream on Peacock. Based on Woo’s 1989 film of the same name, the Peacock film is co-written by Brian Helgeland, Josh Campbell, and Matt Stuecken and it follows the story of a deadly assassin as she refuses to kill a young blind woman and in turn her employer puts out a hit on her, forcing her to kill the people coming after her while being hunted by a relentless cop. So, if you loved the high-octane action, thrilling story, and interesting characters in The Killer here are some similar movies you should check out next.

The Killer (Buy DVD on Amazon) Credit – Magnum Presentation

The Killer is a...

Exclusive: Dune and Mission: Impossible star Rebecca Ferguson has joined the cast of Netflix’s upcoming Peaky Blinders movie. Ferguson is the first high-profile name set opposite the previously announced Cillian Murphy. Details about Ferguson’s role are being kept under wraps.

As Deadline reported exclusively last month, Netflix has greenlighted a Peaky feature that will see Oscar winner Murphy in a return to the iconic role of Tommy Shelby, leader of the eponymous Birmingham gangster family.

Tom Harper is directing from a script by Peaky creator Steven Knight. Producers are Caryn Mandabach, Knight, Murphy and Guy Heeley. Exec producers include Harper, David Kosse, Jamie Glazebrook, Andrew Warren and David Mason. The feature will be made in association with BBC Film.

Related: ‘Peaky Blinders’ Firm Caryn Mandabach Productions Acquired By Banijay UK With All ‘Peaky’ Rights Included

Plot details are being kept close to the vest, but Knight told Deadline...

Carol Burnett has become the oldest female nominated for an acting Emmy Award at the age of 91. For her portrayal of Norma Dellacorte in the Apple TV+ period dramedy Palm Royale, Burnett competes in the category of “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.”

Former record holders include Cecily Tyson, who at 93 was recognized by the TV Academy under the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her work in ABC’s How To Get Away With Murder; and Ernest Borgnine, 92 in 2009, was recognized for his work in NBC’s ER under the “Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series” category.

Before this latest distinction, the legendary Burnett received 24 Primetime Emmy nominations which includes 7 wins. Notable recognitions include Outstanding Variety Series-Musical for her eponymous series in 1972, 1973 and 1975; “Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series” in 1997 for Mad About You; and “Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) for Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love last year.

It was a surprise to many of her admiring fans that the legendary Carol Burnett was not already immortalized with her handprints in the iconic Hollywood cement. That fact finally changed on Thursday as she was surrounded by friends, co-stars and family at a brief ceremony outside of the Tcl Chinese Theater.

Before cementing herself for decades of tourists to visit, she said, “I grew up just a few blocks from here, Yucca and Wilcox. It was a block north of Hollywood Boulevard. And when I was a little girl, I can’t begin to count the times my grandmother and I would walk up her to Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Betty Grable was one of my favorites, and I remember bending down and putting my hands on her handprints, never dreaming that someday I’d be putting my hands here 80 years later.”

See‘Palm Royale’ scene stealer Carol Burnett...

“Palm Royale” has been renewed for Season 2 at Apple TV+, Variety has learned.

The series originally debuted on the streamer back in March with the season finale aired in May. It stars Kristen Wiig and Laura Dern as well as Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, Amber Chardae Robinson, Mindy Cohn, Julia Duffy and Kaia Gerber, with guest stars Bruce Dern and the legendary Carol Burnett.

The series is set in 1969 and follows Maxine Simmons (Wiig) “as she endeavors to break into Palm Beach high society,” per the official description. “As Maxine attempts to cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots, ‘Palm Royale’ asks the same question that still baffles us today: ‘How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice to get what someone else has?'”

Wiig was just recently recognized for her work in the series with a nomination from the first ever Gotham TV Awards.

Apple TV+ is booking a return trip to circa-1969 Palm Beach.

The tech giant’s streaming service has renewed Palm Royale for a second season. The pickup for the Kristen Wiig-led comedy comes about a month after the 10-episode first season concluded.

Palm Royale comes from Apple Studios and creator Abe Sylvia (Dead to Me, Nurse Jackie). Wiig stars as Maxine Simmons, a woman determined to join Palm Beach’s high society set in 1969, going to great lengths (and costs) to acheive her goal. The show’s cast also includes Allison Janney, Laura Dern (who also executive produces), Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, Amber Chardae Robinson, Mindy Cohn, Julia Duffy and Kaia Gerber. Bruce Dern and Carol Burnett have recurring roles.

“Palm Royale has delighted global audiences and we are thrilled that viewers will have the opportunity to spend more time with this highly entertaining, iconic cast, from...

Kristen Wiig is heading back to sunny Palm Beach as Apple TV+ has renewed its hit freshman series Palm Royale for a second season.

Loosely based on Juliet McDaniel’s novel Mr. and Mrs. American Pie and produced by Apple Studios, Palm Royale is a true underdog story that follows Maxine Simmons (Wiig) in 1969 as she endeavors to break into Palm Beach high society. Armed with fabulous ensembles and accessories, as well as her quick wit, Maxine attempts to cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots. The dramedy asks the same question: How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice to get what someone else has?

“We are so thrilled to hear about Season 2,” said executive producer Dern. “Jayme and I [with Jaywalker Pictures] have been dreaming up this project for so long in hopes that audiences would have delicious fun with the radical ride that is the world of Palm Royale.

Palm Royale got a lot of mileage out of its impressive cast, notably the women. But Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Laura Dern and even the legendary Carol Burnett needed help to create the titular Palm Beach private club and 1960s-set high society that Maxine Dellacorte Simmons (Wiig) spends the first season trying to infiltrate. That shared assignment fell to a collaborative group including creator and showrunner Abe Sylvia, director and producer Tate Taylor, set decorator Ellen Reede and composer Jeff Toyne. With 10 episodes of the lush Apple TV+ comedy in the books, that foursome joined Wiig, also a producer, and supporting player Josh Lucas (Maxine’s complicated husband, Douglas) for a discussion about the lengths they went to in crafting the show — breaking and entering, whale calls and all.

How much did this ensemble that you landed inform the arc of the show — and where all these characters ended up going?...

On Saturday, May 11, Apple TV+ continued the “Think Apple TV+ Emmy House” with an official Television Academy event at the Hollywood Athletic Club in Los Angeles on behalf of the comedy series “Palm Royale.” Gold Derby associate editor Latasha Ford was there to chat with stars Carol Burnett, Bruce Dern, Leslie Bibb, Josh Lucas and Amber Chardae Robinson, as well as executive producer, director and showrunner Abe Sylvia and executive producer/director Tate Taylor. Watch the exclusive red carpet interviews above.

“Palm Royale” is a true underdog story that follows Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) as she endeavors to break into Palm Beach high society. As Maxine attempts to cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots, “Palm Royale” asks the same question that still baffles us today: “How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice to get what someone else has?” Set during the powder keg year...

Rock fans are in luck: This week’s digital releases involve Sonic Youth, Indigo Girls, and The Beatles. Get ready for a toe-tapping triple feature.

The contender to watch this week: “Uncropped”

A perfect companion piece to “The Freaks Came Out to Write,” Tricia Romano‘s new book about the history of The Village Voice, “Uncropped” profiles one of the iconoclastic newspaper’s signature photographers. James Hamilton captured the streets of New York, musicians like Patti Smith and the Beastie Boys, wartime conflicts in China and the Philippines, and production stills for the likes of Francis Ford Coppola and Wes Anderson. His juicy career is detailed in this unconventional documentary directed by D.W. Young (“The Booksellers”), who stages a handful of intimate conversations between Hamilton and his collaborators, including Anderson and Sonic Youth frontman Thurston Moore. Following a limited theatrical release in April, “Uncropped” is available on VOD.

Other contenders:...

On “Palm Royale,” Maxine knows how to throw a memorable party. Unfortunately for her attempts to break into Palm Beach society circa 1969, that isn’t the same thing as throwing a good party.

At the end-of-season Beach Ball — which also ends Season 1 of Apple TV+’s “Palm Royale” — Maxine should be poised for triumph. None other than President Richard Nixon is in attendance. He, like most of the other well-heeled guests, is eager to meet the guest-of-honor astronaut. Except the man in the space suit is actually Maxine’s pool boy. And her co-host, Evelyn (Allison Janney), left to have sex with her younger lover. Not to mention the revelation that Maxine’s friend, Mitzi, is pregnant by Maxine’s husband. And that’s not even including the showgirls and elaborate decor that is as kinetic as the revelations are frenetic. Is it any wonder Maxine’s planned performance of...

[This story contains mild spoilers from episode nine of Palm Royale.]

Tate Taylor might be the male version of Palm Royale’s Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons.

The executive producer and director behind the Kristen Wiig-starring comedy had his own experience trying to get into an exclusive Palm Beach club during pre-production on the Apple TV+ series. And just like the Tennessee debutante found out in the season premiere, wealthy Florida socialites don’t take too kindly to trespassers.

“I snuck in a side door like Maxine, got a great glimpse of the club, was spotted by security, and was kicked out. So I left Palm Beach feeling like a loser and trash,” Taylor recalls to The Hollywood Reporter in the conversation below. “I said, ‘Okay, this is a very real place.'”

The exclusivity of the Palm Beach community is why filming for Palm Royale had to take place in Los Angeles, where a mix of set locations and sound...

Palm Royale with its meticulously matched period décor and costuming is a true immersion in late 1960s Palm Beach culture. But while watching the Apple TV+ series, one can’t help but see the connections between the topics that were emerging as national concerns then and the biggest social issues now.

“It’s so cool to think about how far we’ve come as women and that we have so many options today, but 1969 isn’t that long ago,” says Leslie Bibb, who stars in the Kristen Wiig-starring comedy as Dinah, a woman desperate to maintain her wealthy status after marrying for money rather than love. “It’s not that far back that women’s rights weren’t an issue.”

For the women of the Palm Royale country club that the series orbits around, including newbie Maxine (Wiig), they still aren’t an issue — even in the face of...

Palm Royale’s Kristen Wiig, Josh Lucas, director Tate Taylor and writer and showrunner Abe Sylvia joined Deadline’s Contenders TV event Sunday to talk about the likability of the characters, some of the tough topics they’ve tackled and how the Palm Beach setting helped amplify the comedy of the show.

In its first season on Apple TV+, Kristen Wiig’s character, Maxine Simmons, is an ambitious woman who schemes to secure her seat at America’s most exclusive table: Palm Beach high society circa 1969. Along the way, Wiig’s character meets a number of personalities who play some part in this socialite town with an ensemble that includes Ricky Martin, Allison Janney, Laura Dern, Leslie Bibb, Josh Lucas and Carol Burnett.

(L-r) Abe Sylvia, Tate Taylor, Kristen Wiig and Josh Lucas on Sunday

When it came to whether audiences should be rooting for Simmons or not, Wiig said,...

Deadline’s Contenders Television: Los Angeles, a veritable smörgåsbord of awards-worthy TV for your Emmy voting perusal, kicks off the second day of its two-day run Sunday morning at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles. The livestream begins at 9:35 a.m. Pt.

Click to sign up for and launch Sunday’s livestream.

Deadline’s annual TV awards-season kickoff continues today with its showcase that by end will encompass panels featuring 20 networks and streamers spotlighting 35 shows, ranging from drama and action to documentaries, comedies, unscripted and late-night.

It follows Saturday’s event packed to the rafters with industry and guild voters hearing from the likes of Jodie Foster, Lily Gladstone, Kurt Russell, Tom Hiddleston, Jeff Probst, Kelsey Grammer, Tony Shalhoub and more discussing their buzzy shows.

Click to read Deadline’s Contenders magazine

Overall for the weekend, Apple TV+ is bringing a whopping seven shows: Masters of the Air, Lessons in Chemistry,...

[This story is focused on the sixth episode of Palm Royale, “Maxine Takes a Step.”]

In Palm Royale, parties and Palm Beach high society go together like Maxine Dellacorte (Kristen Wiig) and her signature grasshopper cocktail. But pulling off these ostentatious displays of wealth and popularity disguised as charitable events, episode after episode, was no small feat for the production team behind the Apple TV+ series.

“We shot episode one and two together with Tate Taylor directing, and it was back-to-back balls. Then we got to episode four and there was another one, and then we got to episode six and there was another one, and we’re like, ‘Oh my God, we’re doing Palm Beach Bridgerton,’” production designer Jon Carlos tells The Hollywood Reporter. “We realized we really have to up the ante on every single one of these parties. They have to be insane and then the next one has to be even more insane.”

The...

If you’ve been anywhere near a television in the last couple of years, odds are you’re already familiar with Dominic Burgess. The British actor broke through in 2017’s “Feud: Bette and Joan” as actor Victor Buono, before popping up in a number of memorable appearances — playing everything from serial killer John Wayne Gacy in “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” to an accident-prone man on “The Good Place” whose hideous red boots create an existential crisis for Chidi.

Most recently, the actor has been stealing scenes as Grayman, the stylist to the grande dames (including Kristen Wiig and Allison Janney) on Apple TV’s “Palm Royale” — and as Hamish Moss, a director on the rise on “American Horror Story: Delicate.” That is, he was on the rise before the April 3 episode, in which Moss met a gruesome death at the hands of Kim Kardashian’s devilish publicist.

Amazon MGM Studios has closed a three-year first-look film deal with Jake Gyllenhaal’s Nine Stories following the rousing success of his movie Road House on Prime Video, which was the most watched original movie for the studio ever with 50 million global viewers in the pic’s first two weeks.

Under the actor’s new deal, Amazon MGM will have a first look on narrative features Nine Stories intends to produce for both theatrical and streaming.

Prior to the Doug Liman-directed Road House, Gyllenhaal made the movie Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant with Amazon MGM. The pic was released last year in theaters.

Oscar- and Tony-nominated Gyllenhaal founded Nine Stories in 2015 with Riva Marker, a fully capitalized production company dedicated to working with visionary storytellers in all fields. Most recently, Nine Stories produced Antoine Fuqua’s The Guilty, starring Gyllenhaal, which was Netflix’s No. 1 film for more than three weeks.

Fresh off the release of “Road House,” Amazon MGM Studios has closed a three-year, first-look film deal with Jake Gyllenhaal’s Nine Stories. Under the pact, Amazon MGM Studios will have first dibs on narrative features that the actor’s production company makes. The deal includes theatrical, as well as streaming releases.

Gyllenhaal most recently starred in “Road House,” a remake of the cult Patrick Swayze film, which was released on Amazon’s streaming service, Prime Video. The film debuted on March 21 and has reached over 50 million worldwide viewers on the service. Prior to that, Gyllenhaal starred in “Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant,” which the studio released theatrically last year.

Gyllenhaal founded Nine Stories in 2015 with Riva Marker. Most recently, Nine Stories produced Antoine Fuqua’s “The Guilty,” which starred Gyllenhaal and debuted on Netflix. It also produced “Wildlife,” which marked Paul Dano’s directorial debut and starred Carey Mulligan; David Gordon Green’s “Stronger,...

[This story contains spoilers from episode four of Palm Royale, “Maxine Rolls the Dice.”]

When Katie O’Connell first read Mr. and Mrs. American Pie, Juliet McDaniel’s 2018 novel that was adapted for Apple TV+’s new period comedy-drama Palm Royale, she was “obsessed” with its 1960s setting.

“It just felt like such a cool time period to explore,” O’Connell tells The Hollywood Reporter. “I loved the idea of an outsider coming into what’s seemingly the most un-woke group of women on the planet. It just felt like there was something there.”

Laura Dern and her Jaywalker Pictures producing partner Jayme Lemons agreed when O’Connell brought the novel to them, using it as a springboard for the 10-part series Dern now executive produces and stars in alongside Kristen Wiig, Carol Burnett, Ricky Martin, Allison Janney and Leslie Bibb.

“The book is very different from the show,” explains Lemons, also an executive producer. “Most of the characters you...

Palm Royale focuses on Maxine's quest to break into Palm Beach's high society, navigating power struggles and suspicions along the way. The stacked cast includes Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, and more, contributing to the show's lavish aesthetic and character depth. The visual style of Palm Royale incorporates elements of the 1969 setting and celebrity photographer Slim Aarons' influence, creating a beautiful yet complex world.

The rich have always lived separate from the rest of the world to a degree, and Palm Royale highlights this in the hotbed of its 1969 setting. Maxine Simmons is at the center of this story, attempting to climb the social and financial ladder to become an important part of the elite in Palm Beach. However, she faces others grasping onto their power as suspicions rise about her background and ability to fit in. Maxine may have a way in, but it may not be enough...

On March 20, 2024, Apple TV+ premiered “Palm Royale,” a star-studded new comedy series with Kristen Wiig playing an ambitious woman scheming to secure her seat at America’s most exclusive table: Palm Beach high society circa 1969. Reviews are mixed (it’s currently at 60% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes), but viewers are sure to enjoy the ensemble cast that includes Carol Burnett, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Josh Lucas and Ricky Martin (to name a few!).

“Palm Royale” was created by Abe Sylvia (“George & Tammy”) and is based on the 2018 novel “Mr. & Mrs. American Pie” by Juliet McDaniel. The 10-episode series kicks off with “Maxing Goes to Palm Beach,” written by Sylvia and directed by Tate Taylor. Read our full review round-up below.

See Kristen Wiig attempts to break into high society in Apple TV+’s stylish ‘Palm Royale’ trailer

Judy Berman of Time Magazine notes, “The self-aware soap is an increasingly popular format,...

Palm Royale delves into the high society of Palm Beach in 1969, with Maxine's quest to join the elite. The show features a star-studded cast, including Kristen Wiig, Carol Burnett, Laura Dern, and more. Josh Lucas discusses his role in the series and his work on Yellowstone.

Palm Royale explores the world of the rich and powerful in Palm Beach in 1969. Maxine Simmons dreams of breaking into the fantastical world of the influential and wealthy. When she and her husband are the heirs to one of the most important figures in Palm Beach, Florida, Maxine snatches the opportunity to become one of the haves instead of the have-nots. The series also explores real-life issues of the era, including sexism and racism.

Kristen Wiig leads Palm Royale's powerhouse cast, including the legendary Carol Burnett, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, and Amber Chardae Robinson. The series is...

Enlightened was more than just the title of the HBO TV series Laura Dern starred in from 2011-2013. It’s also the state of being the actress and her future producing partner, Jayme Lemons, found themselves in after Dern served as an executive producer and Lemons a first-time producer on the comedy-drama.

“Once we had that experience on Enlightened, we both felt like we have all of these other passions, maybe it’s time we focus more on getting these projects done,” Dern tells The Hollywood Reporter in the conversation below.

Thus the creation of Jaywalker Pictures in 2017, Dern and Lemons’ production company whose projects span genres. From the 2020 documentary The Way I See It, about the life of former Chief Official White House Photographer Pete Souza; and the Academy Award-winning short If Anything Happens I Love You, about two parents grieving their daughter who was killed in a school shooting,...

Do not underestimate Tate Taylor’s commitment to “Palm Royale.”

The director and executive producer of Apple TV’s star-studded period dramedy — about Kristin Wiig’s have-not fighting to break into the ranks of Palm Beach society — took his job as director of the first episode so seriously he was asked to leave. Not the show; Taylor was kicked out of an actual Palm Beach club.

Taylor and production designer Jon Carlos went on a 42-hour trip to Palm Beach to get a feel for the town. “The club that the Palm Royale [the fictional club that gives the series its name] is modeled after is very exclusive,” Taylor told IndieWire. “And so I said, ‘I’m going to break in. And I want to get kicked out.’ And I did! I went through the doors, I looked at all the people — of course, I was in board shorts and flip flops — and I got kicked out.”

In that moment,...

Palm Royale will open its doors on Apple TV+ this week when the first three episodes debut.

The period comedy stars Kristen Wiig as an outsider, Maxine Simmons, who goes to extreme lengths to secure a place in Palm Beach high society in 1969.

Palm Royale follows Maxine throughout her quest, touching upon what she will and won’t do to get what she wants.

Monsters and Critics got the chance to screen the entire freshman season ahead of its premiere. Thanks to its stellar cast, witty script, and awe-inspiring setting, it’s sure to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year.

Wiig is electric as this woman will go to great lengths to get what she wants. When the show premieres, we expect plenty of memes of it to spread like wildfire across social media.

It’s that funny, and you can tell the proven comedy powerhouse...

Palm Royale is a great new drama series coming soon to Apple TV+, and one that boasts quite a remarkable leading cast of female talent. To mark the show’s release, we had the pleasure in speaking to a collection of those involved in the show, to speak about the themes of ambition, the beautiful period setting, and of course what it was like to work alongside talent such as Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Laura Dern & Carol Burnett.

Below you can find solo interviews with Josh Lucas, followed by Amber Chardae Robinson, before we spoke to director Tate Taylor paired with producer John Norris, finishing up with another producer in Katie O’Connell Marsh, who was paired with the show-runner, Abe Sylvia.

Josh Lucas

Amber Chardae Robinson

Tate Taylor & John Norris

Abe Sylvia & Katie O’Connell Marsh

Synopsis

Palm Royale is a true underdog story that follows Maxine Simmons (Wiig) as...

The following contains spoilers for Palm Royale, which debuts March 20, 2024 on Apple TV+.

Kristen Wiig is best known as a comedic performer, but she's proved her dramatic skills in indie films like The Skeleton Twins and Welcome to Me. That means it's not entirely surprising to see her leading an Apple TV+ drama series, even if her exaggerated outfits and hairstyles as Maxine Simmons in Palm Royale suggest a character who's at least slightly ridiculous. Palm Royale is much less comedic than people might expect from Saturday Night Live alum Wiig, but it has a campy sense of humor that carries it.

What Palm Royale resembles is the golden age of the network nighttime soap opera, from Desperate Housewives back to the original Dallas and Dynasty. Creator Abe Sylvia most recently garnered acclaim for the Showtime biopic miniseries George & Tammy, but he and director Tate Taylor also collaborated on...

Fashion makes a splash in Apple TV+’s period comedy series Palm Royale, set in 1969 Palm Beach and debuting on March 20.

Watch Palm Royale On Apple TV+

Loosely based on Juliet McDaniel’s book Mr. and Mrs. American Pie, the show stars Kristen Wiig as aspiring Palm Beach socialite Maxine, alongside Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Kaia Gerber, Leslie Bibb and Ricky Martin, plus Carol Burnett and Bruce Dern.

Emmy-winning costume designer Alix Friedberg (who worked with Dern on Big Little Lies) speaks with THR about sourcing thousands of vintage looks and partnering with The RealReal on a curation of over 600 apparel and accessories pieces that mirror the Palm Royale aesthetic.

In the mix are vintage finds from labels seen in the show (such as Courrèges, Givenchy, Chloé, Chanel, Christian Dior, Malcolm Starr and Emilio Pucci) as well as contemporary brands including La DoubleJ and Zimmermann. The RealReal x Palm Royale...

Palm Royale on Apple TV+ is a new period comedy based on the novel Mr. & Mrs. American Pie with a glamorous Palm Springs backdrop. The impressive ensemble cast including Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Leslie Bibb, and Ricky Martin brings the rich storyline to life. Expect juicy drama, high society antics, and scandal as characters navigate power struggles and exclusivity in Palm Beach during the late 1960s.

Palm Royale is a new Apple TV+ period comedy miniseries based on the 2018 novel Mr. & Mrs. American Pie by Juliet McDaniel. The show focuses on a wealthy, exclusive group in Palm Springs during the late 1960s as they fight for attention and a spot in the most exclusive group in town. The Apple TV+ series, which could become a White Lotus replacement, features talented actors with great experience.

Originally titled Mrs. American Pie, Palm Royale was created by Abe Sylvia, best known for Dead to Me,...

“When you first come to Palm Beach, you think you’re the oldest and the richest. But then you realize you are the youngest and poorest.”

Everybody has goals. For new resident Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig), hers is to enter the world of Palm Beach high society circa 1969. She dreams of joining the Palm Royale, the most exclusive country club in the area. It’s the sort of exclusive place filled with swimming pools, galas and daytime martinis that feeds into the competitive charity season. It’s the time of year where the wealthy women in the area show off their wallets and organizational skills to vie for the coveted title of “Queen of the Season.”

All this just to be mentioned in the local society papers. After all, “At the Palm Royale, the more you gave, the more you got.”

Krsiten Wiig in “Palm Royale.” (Apple TV+)

But poor...