Earlier this week, social media scooper @MyTimeToShineH claimed that a 300 TV series is in development. Now, the news has been confirmed by Variety, with the trade explaining that it's still in the "early" stages right now.
It sounds like Warner Bros. Television is still figuring out the creative direction of the show as no writer or platform is currently attached (Max is surely the most likely destination). However, the plan is for this to be a prequel to the 2006 movie directed by Zack Snyder.
Talking of the Man of Steel and Rebel Moon filmmaker, Snyder is said to be in talks to direct and executive produce the 300 prequel, marking his first return to the world of comic books since 2021's Justice League Snyder Cut.
Deborah Snyder, who also executive produced 300, would return in the same role alongside Stone Quarry's Wesley Coller. Fellow 300 producers Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, and Bernie Goldmann...
It sounds like Warner Bros. Television is still figuring out the creative direction of the show as no writer or platform is currently attached (Max is surely the most likely destination). However, the plan is for this to be a prequel to the 2006 movie directed by Zack Snyder.
Talking of the Man of Steel and Rebel Moon filmmaker, Snyder is said to be in talks to direct and executive produce the 300 prequel, marking his first return to the world of comic books since 2021's Justice League Snyder Cut.
Deborah Snyder, who also executive produced 300, would return in the same role alongside Stone Quarry's Wesley Coller. Fellow 300 producers Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, and Bernie Goldmann...
- 6/1/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Writer, director, and producer Zack Snyder has become forever entwined with comic book cinema, with many devoted fans knowing him best for his work with the DC universe, but once upon a time he directed a very different kind of comic book movie. Nearly 20 years ago, back in 2006, a little movie called "300" blew everyone's minds and kicked itself into the pop culture consciousness, teaching us all about the ancient Battle of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and his 300 Spartans held off a massive Persian army under King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro). Sure, it wasn't super historically accurate because it was based on the graphic novel by "Sin City" artist and scribe Frank Miller (with colors by Lynn Varley), but it was impossibly cool. It inspired all kinds of tributes and spoofs and even a spin-off film, "300: Rise of an Empire," which showed the naval side of the battle,...
- 5/31/2024
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
We've been hearing whispers about a potential small-screen 300 spin-off for years, and it seems a series may finally be moving forward - but it more than likely will not be based on Frank Miller's graphic novel or the movie adaptations that followed.
According to scooper Mttsh, a "300 TV series is officially in development."
We don't have any more to go on for now, but THR recently reported that Zack Snyder, who helmed the 2006 movie, had regained the rights to Blood and Ashes, which was originally pitched to Warner Bros. as a follow-up to 300 and its sequel, Rise of an Empire.
The story, which Snyder began writing while working on Army of the Dead, moves away from the Spartans to focus on the relationship between Alexander the Great and his second in command, Haphaestion.
“We got the rights back so we can make if we want it,” Snyder told the trade in a 2023 interview.
According to scooper Mttsh, a "300 TV series is officially in development."
We don't have any more to go on for now, but THR recently reported that Zack Snyder, who helmed the 2006 movie, had regained the rights to Blood and Ashes, which was originally pitched to Warner Bros. as a follow-up to 300 and its sequel, Rise of an Empire.
The story, which Snyder began writing while working on Army of the Dead, moves away from the Spartans to focus on the relationship between Alexander the Great and his second in command, Haphaestion.
“We got the rights back so we can make if we want it,” Snyder told the trade in a 2023 interview.
- 5/28/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
One of the major turning points in Targaryen’s history was Aegon’s Conquest. Aegon I rose to power and decided to consolidate the seven kingdoms. Thus, he became the first king of the seven kingdoms and forged an Iron Throne. We already have a Game of Thrones spinoff around this in the works, and the writing seems to be going well.
Who is writing the script for Aegon’s Conquest?
Credits: HBO
Romania-based filmmaker and writer Mattson Tomlin is currently working on scripting Aegon’s Conquest. The show will dive into the historical events that made House Targaryen one of the most fierce and courageous families in the world. Though there is no dedicated book written on this significant event, Tomlin claimed that he is crafting the show based on the pages of Fire & Blood dedicated to this narrative. In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, he said,
“That one is very...
Who is writing the script for Aegon’s Conquest?
Credits: HBO
Romania-based filmmaker and writer Mattson Tomlin is currently working on scripting Aegon’s Conquest. The show will dive into the historical events that made House Targaryen one of the most fierce and courageous families in the world. Though there is no dedicated book written on this significant event, Tomlin claimed that he is crafting the show based on the pages of Fire & Blood dedicated to this narrative. In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, he said,
“That one is very...
- 5/16/2024
- by Vidhi Narula
- Wiki of Thrones
Set in George Martin’s massive World of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones has a vast and yet untapped spin-off potential. Apart from House of the Dragon, there have been countless ideas and projects in discussion over at HBO in the past few years, and one of the most prominent ones — Aegon’s Conquest — is already in early development, with George Martin being actively involved in it.
Aegon’s Conquest’s Writer Gives Update on the Project
Screenwriter Mattson Tomlin isn’t a stranger in the industry by any means. The Terminator franchise, Keanu Reeves’ Brzrkr, Robert Pattinson’s The Batman: Part Two — he’s working with many prosperous titles. But the one that specifically tickles Game of Thrones fans’ nerves is Aegon’s Conquest, the potentially upcoming prequel about the greatest Targaryen conqueror who created the Seven Kingdoms.
“[Aegon’s Conquest] is [in its] very early days where I’m currently writing the script,...
Aegon’s Conquest’s Writer Gives Update on the Project
Screenwriter Mattson Tomlin isn’t a stranger in the industry by any means. The Terminator franchise, Keanu Reeves’ Brzrkr, Robert Pattinson’s The Batman: Part Two — he’s working with many prosperous titles. But the one that specifically tickles Game of Thrones fans’ nerves is Aegon’s Conquest, the potentially upcoming prequel about the greatest Targaryen conqueror who created the Seven Kingdoms.
“[Aegon’s Conquest] is [in its] very early days where I’m currently writing the script,...
- 5/16/2024
- by dean-black@startefacts.com (Dean Black)
- STartefacts.com
Author George R.R. Martin created the global phenomenon Game of Thrones when he wrote the fantasy novel series A Song of Ice and Fire. Set in a medieval fantasy realm where Seven Kingdoms fight to be the ruler of the lands, the novel series spawned the popular HBO show which won multiple Emmys and was one of the most-watched series.
After the show ended with season 8, which was largely considered to be disappointing, HBO commissioned multiple prequels, of which only House of the Dragon has seen the light of day. However, among the multiple prequels in development is Aegon’s Conquest, which sees the origins of the Seven Kingdoms. Writer Mattson Tomlin mentioned that Martin instructed him to avoid one mistake from Game of Thrones creators.
Game of Thrones Prequel Aegon’s Conquest Is In Early Stages Of Development Tom Glynn-Carney in House of the Dragon
George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones...
After the show ended with season 8, which was largely considered to be disappointing, HBO commissioned multiple prequels, of which only House of the Dragon has seen the light of day. However, among the multiple prequels in development is Aegon’s Conquest, which sees the origins of the Seven Kingdoms. Writer Mattson Tomlin mentioned that Martin instructed him to avoid one mistake from Game of Thrones creators.
Game of Thrones Prequel Aegon’s Conquest Is In Early Stages Of Development Tom Glynn-Carney in House of the Dragon
George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones...
- 5/16/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese have collaborated on a number of projects together as actor and director. Beginning their partnership with Gangs of New York, the duo went on to work on films such as The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street, and the recent Killers of the Flower Moon. The duo are also rumored to collaborate again on a Frank Sinatra biopic.
While the two have worked together on many projects, they have also developed projects that have never seen the light of day. One of those was apparently a biographical drama on Alexander, The Great. The two never got to make it, but the duo may have no regrets about it as Colin Farrell’s version of the film ended up almost costing the actor his career.
Leonardo DiCaprio And Martin Scorsese Almost Developed A Movie On Alexander Leonardo DiCaprio in The Aviator
Leonardo...
While the two have worked together on many projects, they have also developed projects that have never seen the light of day. One of those was apparently a biographical drama on Alexander, The Great. The two never got to make it, but the duo may have no regrets about it as Colin Farrell’s version of the film ended up almost costing the actor his career.
Leonardo DiCaprio And Martin Scorsese Almost Developed A Movie On Alexander Leonardo DiCaprio in The Aviator
Leonardo...
- 4/21/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Leonardo DiCaprio turned down perhaps almost as many films as he ended up starring in. There was one feature he was seriously mulling over doing that he decided to pass on for another project.
But if DiCaprio signed on, the movie might’ve been different than the disaster that took a toll on Colin Farrell.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese wanted to do a movie on Alexander the Great Colin Farrell | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
DiCaprio confided that he and his frequent cinematic partner Scorsese had very similar minds when it came to filmmaking. So, when the opportunity came to do a project based on Alexander the Great, they were both interested. But the famous conqueror wasn’t the only historical figure DiCaprio and Scorsese had their eyes on. The pair also planned to develop their Aviator movie about Howard Hughes.
“Alexander The Great was also, like I said before, it...
But if DiCaprio signed on, the movie might’ve been different than the disaster that took a toll on Colin Farrell.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese wanted to do a movie on Alexander the Great Colin Farrell | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
DiCaprio confided that he and his frequent cinematic partner Scorsese had very similar minds when it came to filmmaking. So, when the opportunity came to do a project based on Alexander the Great, they were both interested. But the famous conqueror wasn’t the only historical figure DiCaprio and Scorsese had their eyes on. The pair also planned to develop their Aviator movie about Howard Hughes.
“Alexander The Great was also, like I said before, it...
- 4/20/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
What’s next for director Zack Snyder after his upcoming “Rebel Moon” part two sci-fi sequel? While the genre filmmaker has teased a possible third installment in the series, Snyder still has various projects in the oven and is still mulling over what gets made from that pack of contenders, including a sequel to his “Army Of The Dead” zombie movie. During a recent chat with Games Radar to promote the second half of “Rebel Moon,” Snyder was asked about some of the previous projects he had in development, such as a film inspired by the King Arthur mythology (Snyder is a big fan of John Boorman’s R-rated “Excalibur”), Horse Latitudes (a long-gestating Afghan War pic formerly known as “The Last Photograph”), and his sexualized take on Alexander The Great in “Blood & Ashes” too (Snyder once mused about making a George Washington action film).
Continue reading Zack Snyder Teases...
Continue reading Zack Snyder Teases...
- 4/17/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
As Zack Snyder puts it, Warner Bros. is not the biggest fan of him or his work. After cutting him out of the Dceu following the much-controversial Justice League debacle, Snyder revealed that the studio also put an end to one of his other projects. In 2021, Snyder planned to write a third 300 film for WB but ended up writing a historical gay love story. However, it was never greenlit by the studio.
Zack Snyder on The Joe Rogan Experience
Zack Snyder also vehemently defended 300 as many fans accused the Gerard Butler-starring film of homophobia. Snyder shared that the film, in some ways, was one of the gayest movies, with a male-centric story and vision to it.
Zack Snyder’s Dream Queer Romance Project Was Crushed By Warner Bros.
Zack Snyder on the sets of Rebel Moon Part One: A Child of Fire
Zack Snyder and Warner Bros. don’t...
Zack Snyder on The Joe Rogan Experience
Zack Snyder also vehemently defended 300 as many fans accused the Gerard Butler-starring film of homophobia. Snyder shared that the film, in some ways, was one of the gayest movies, with a male-centric story and vision to it.
Zack Snyder’s Dream Queer Romance Project Was Crushed By Warner Bros.
Zack Snyder on the sets of Rebel Moon Part One: A Child of Fire
Zack Snyder and Warner Bros. don’t...
- 3/8/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
300 was a highly stylized retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae adapted from the comic by Frank Miller, and director Zack Snyder recently spoke about the movie on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Although historians have found plenty of evidence of homosexuality in Ancient Greece, 300 doesn’t really touch upon it. When asked if he ever thought “about putting a bunch of gay stuff in there,” Snyder replied that he was adapting a comic, not real history. However, the director did say that he’s been talking about a 300 series which would include more of those elements.
“It’s Frank’s book. I made what Frank wrote,” Snyder said. “And we’ve been talking about doing a series where I really wanted to introduce those concepts a lot more because I just feel like it’s important. If we go forward and do more in the ‘300’ universe,...
“It’s Frank’s book. I made what Frank wrote,” Snyder said. “And we’ve been talking about doing a series where I really wanted to introduce those concepts a lot more because I just feel like it’s important. If we go forward and do more in the ‘300’ universe,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Zack Snyder is eyeing a “300” TV series with a subversive twist.
The “Rebel Moon” director revealed during an appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast (in the below video) that following his 2007 film and its subsequent 2014 sequel “300: Rise of an Empire,” he wants to explore the historic cinematic universe by way of an episodic structure.
“All my movies are just a little bit weird, in a good way. ‘300,’ for all the like coolness of it as far as like ‘Yeah, let’s go fight,’ it’s still a weirdo movie,” Snyder said.
Podcast host Rogan asked the filmmaker, “Did you ever think about putting a bunch of gay stuff in there?” to which Snyder pointed to Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s comic book that he adapted for “300.”
“It’s Frank’s book. I made what Frank wrote. And we’ve been talking about doing a...
The “Rebel Moon” director revealed during an appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast (in the below video) that following his 2007 film and its subsequent 2014 sequel “300: Rise of an Empire,” he wants to explore the historic cinematic universe by way of an episodic structure.
“All my movies are just a little bit weird, in a good way. ‘300,’ for all the like coolness of it as far as like ‘Yeah, let’s go fight,’ it’s still a weirdo movie,” Snyder said.
Podcast host Rogan asked the filmmaker, “Did you ever think about putting a bunch of gay stuff in there?” to which Snyder pointed to Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s comic book that he adapted for “300.”
“It’s Frank’s book. I made what Frank wrote. And we’ve been talking about doing a...
- 3/7/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
When director Ridley Scott was promoting his latest—and we might argue funniest—historical epic back in November, the filmmaker spoke with pride about the film addressing Napoleon Bonaparte’s legendary campaign into Egypt. As Scott pointed out to Deadline, no previous film about the Frenchman who plunged Europe into decades of war had also addressed his misadventures in North Africa and the Near East too.
“I saw these wonderful two paintings,” Scott said at the time. “One was of a man sitting on a horse staring at the Sphinx, and it was Napoleon. So I thought I had to have that because no one has done the Egyptian campaign. And the truth [is] they took it over pretty easily.”
He is partially right. Napoleon did indeed conquer Egypt with relative ease in 1798. Keeping the land proved to be another story entirely, one which Scott’s Napoleon glosses over in its...
“I saw these wonderful two paintings,” Scott said at the time. “One was of a man sitting on a horse staring at the Sphinx, and it was Napoleon. So I thought I had to have that because no one has done the Egyptian campaign. And the truth [is] they took it over pretty easily.”
He is partially right. Napoleon did indeed conquer Egypt with relative ease in 1798. Keeping the land proved to be another story entirely, one which Scott’s Napoleon glosses over in its...
- 3/2/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
At the start of "Star Trek: Picard," the title character (Patrick Stewart) is living in retirement on his generations-old family vineyard. Although one can replicate synthehol in the future, it's comforting to know that some vintners will still be making wine the old-fashioned way. The full range of wines made at Château Picard hasn't been listed in the official canon of "Star Trek," but sharp-eyed Trekkies have noted that characters have been seen drinking a Château Picard Bordeaux and bottles labeled Château La Barre. Thanks to enterprising booze-hounds, real-life bottles of Château Picard can be purchased online. The Klingon blood wine is actually just a cabernet sauvignon.
Given that the Picard family had been in the wine-making business for centuries, one might assume that Château Picard is very fine indeed, exploring and idly conquering the palate like Alexander the Great. Like Picard himself, I imagine Château Picard to be dry and complex,...
Given that the Picard family had been in the wine-making business for centuries, one might assume that Château Picard is very fine indeed, exploring and idly conquering the palate like Alexander the Great. Like Picard himself, I imagine Château Picard to be dry and complex,...
- 2/18/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Alexander the Great was an objectively terrible person. The 4th century Bce Macedonian king and military leader came to power when his father was assassinated, and immediately had any rivals for the throne killed. When Alexander executed a man who had conspired against him, he had the man’s father killed as well, just to make sure he could not try to avenge his son. This might be explained away as a powerful ruler doing what was necessary to protect himself, but that does not excuse his murder of Cleitus – a man who had earlier saved his life – in a drunken rage. Alexander’s stated aim was to conquer the whole world, something that should surely make him a villain in any version of his story. Emperors who kill and take over other people’s land are usually the bad guys.
And yet, we are obsessed with him, and have been for over 2,000 years.
And yet, we are obsessed with him, and have been for over 2,000 years.
- 2/14/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
A recent docuseries released on Netflix, Alexander: The Making of a God, has ignited controversy among conservatives due to its depiction of Alexander the Great as a gay man.
The inclusion of a passionate kiss between Alexander, portrayed by Buck Braithwaite, and his close companion Hephaestion in the opening episode has drawn the ire of the prominent right-wing “End Wokeness” X account, well-known for its opposition to progressive ideologies. The account took offense to Netflix’s portrayal with the statement, “Netflix’s new documentary about Alexander the Great turned him gay within the first 8 minutes.”
Despite the conservative indignation and the subsequent backlash from its followers, historians have long acknowledged Alexander’s sexuality as more complex than a heterosexual orientation. The belief that Alexander was bisexual has been widely accepted among scholars and transcends ideological boundaries.
The portrayal of Alexander’s bisexuality is not a novel concept in popular media.
The inclusion of a passionate kiss between Alexander, portrayed by Buck Braithwaite, and his close companion Hephaestion in the opening episode has drawn the ire of the prominent right-wing “End Wokeness” X account, well-known for its opposition to progressive ideologies. The account took offense to Netflix’s portrayal with the statement, “Netflix’s new documentary about Alexander the Great turned him gay within the first 8 minutes.”
Despite the conservative indignation and the subsequent backlash from its followers, historians have long acknowledged Alexander’s sexuality as more complex than a heterosexual orientation. The belief that Alexander was bisexual has been widely accepted among scholars and transcends ideological boundaries.
The portrayal of Alexander’s bisexuality is not a novel concept in popular media.
- 2/14/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Netflix’s Top 10 TV Shows (Jan 29-Feb 4): Check Out The Full List Here! ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
Sofia Vergara led Griselda: Limited Series, one of her career-best performances, and the show is getting love from the viewers by staying on top for the second consecutive week. There are a few new entries in Netflix’s Top 10 TV shows in English for January 29-February 4, 2024.
Sofia’s series is inspired by the events of the drug mafia Griselda Blanco; while people praise the Modern Family star, the real-life son of Blanco felt she was too ugly to play his mother. The views and hours people invest in the series prove Blanco’s son daily.
From Sofia Vergara’s Griselda to Michelle Yeoh’s The Brothers Sun, check out the global top 10 TV shows on Netflix. The streaming giant is often credited for starting the concept of binge-watching, and it is now...
Sofia Vergara led Griselda: Limited Series, one of her career-best performances, and the show is getting love from the viewers by staying on top for the second consecutive week. There are a few new entries in Netflix’s Top 10 TV shows in English for January 29-February 4, 2024.
Sofia’s series is inspired by the events of the drug mafia Griselda Blanco; while people praise the Modern Family star, the real-life son of Blanco felt she was too ugly to play his mother. The views and hours people invest in the series prove Blanco’s son daily.
From Sofia Vergara’s Griselda to Michelle Yeoh’s The Brothers Sun, check out the global top 10 TV shows on Netflix. The streaming giant is often credited for starting the concept of binge-watching, and it is now...
- 2/7/2024
- by Esita Mallik
- KoiMoi
From psychology classes to calling, "Cut!" on set, here are some fun facts to get to know Alexander: The Making of a God's Will Stevens.
Stevens joins the cast of Netflix's Alexander the Great docuseries, playing Hephaestion in the show's dramatic reenactments of key moments from the Macedonian king's life.
Stevens' character has been the subject of much speculation throughout history, being one of the key figures in the argument Alexander the Great may have been gay, something the series is not afraid to tackle head-on.
Read full article on The Direct.
Stevens joins the cast of Netflix's Alexander the Great docuseries, playing Hephaestion in the show's dramatic reenactments of key moments from the Macedonian king's life.
Stevens' character has been the subject of much speculation throughout history, being one of the key figures in the argument Alexander the Great may have been gay, something the series is not afraid to tackle head-on.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 2/2/2024
- by Klein Felt
- The Direct
You’ve likely heard of Alexander the Great — the warrior prince who became a legendary Hellenic ruler of most of the known Western world. However, Alexander: The Making of a God, recounts the historical icon’s conquests in a new way, using contemporary accounts and fact-based archaeology, much of which is based on ongoing excavations being undertaken by Greek archeologist Calliope Limneos-Papakosta in Alexandria, Egypt, the city that Alexander the Great founded.
What’s Alexander: The Making of a God about?
The six-part docuseries explores the extraordinary path of the young, exiled man determined to find his place in the world following his father’s assassination, quickly uniting his country in a campaign for dominance. Alexander pursued an unrelenting obsession with defeating the Persian King Darius, and his ambition led to his claim of largest Western empire in history, from Greece to part of India, in just under six years.
What’s Alexander: The Making of a God about?
The six-part docuseries explores the extraordinary path of the young, exiled man determined to find his place in the world following his father’s assassination, quickly uniting his country in a campaign for dominance. Alexander pursued an unrelenting obsession with defeating the Persian King Darius, and his ambition led to his claim of largest Western empire in history, from Greece to part of India, in just under six years.
- 2/2/2024
- by Amanda Richards
- Tudum - Netflix
Netflix recently released a brand-new docuseries about Alexander the Great titled Alexander: The Making of a God, leaving many fans interested in learning more about the show's star, Buck Braithwaite
Alexander: The Making of a God debuted on the streaming service on January 31, featuring Braithwaite as Alexander the Great.
Even though it has been met with poor audience reviews (it currently has a 4.7/10 rating on IMDb as of writing), many have praised Braithwaite for his performance as Alexander the Great.
Read full article on The Direct.
Alexander: The Making of a God debuted on the streaming service on January 31, featuring Braithwaite as Alexander the Great.
Even though it has been met with poor audience reviews (it currently has a 4.7/10 rating on IMDb as of writing), many have praised Braithwaite for his performance as Alexander the Great.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 2/2/2024
- by Nathan Johnson
- The Direct
Netflix's new Alexander the Great docuseries has fans questioning if the great military leader was, in fact, gay.
While being best known for conquering Persia and Greece as the king of ancient Macedon, Alexander: The Making of a God (streaming now on Netflix) suggests the historical figure harbored a secret about his sexuality.
The new series gets into the inner workings of Alexander the Great, following him on the rise to reign as King of Macedon and through that reign, along with the people around him.
Read full article on The Direct.
While being best known for conquering Persia and Greece as the king of ancient Macedon, Alexander: The Making of a God (streaming now on Netflix) suggests the historical figure harbored a secret about his sexuality.
The new series gets into the inner workings of Alexander the Great, following him on the rise to reign as King of Macedon and through that reign, along with the people around him.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 2/1/2024
- by Klein Felt
- The Direct
Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” was revered by the British critics and scored well at the European box office, but it found a muted stateside response. (The Metascore is 64 — respectable but not stellar.) During the awards race (ballots are due January 16 at 5 Pm Pt), the movie scored well with crafts — but the Golden Globes nominated Joaquin Phoenix for “Beau is Afraid,” not “Napoleon.”
All of this leaves the 86-year-old filmmaker waiting a while longer to return to the Best Director circle; his fourth nomination was in 2016 for “The Martian.” He caught up with us on Zoom at his vacation home in Provence before he wraps the last few weeks of post production on “Gladiator 2,” which will be released Thanksgiving weekend. He likes to skirt around some questions.
Anne Thompson: You’ve got to finish “Gladiator 2?”
Ridley Scott: This house belongs to a general Robert of Napoleon’s army. I...
All of this leaves the 86-year-old filmmaker waiting a while longer to return to the Best Director circle; his fourth nomination was in 2016 for “The Martian.” He caught up with us on Zoom at his vacation home in Provence before he wraps the last few weeks of post production on “Gladiator 2,” which will be released Thanksgiving weekend. He likes to skirt around some questions.
Anne Thompson: You’ve got to finish “Gladiator 2?”
Ridley Scott: This house belongs to a general Robert of Napoleon’s army. I...
- 1/16/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
“Alexander: The Making of a God” is a new six part docudrama series “…that reveals the extraordinary life of ‘Alexander the Great’ through his radical transformation from warrior prince to living god”, streaming January 31, 2024 on Netflix:
‘..the series explores his rise as an exiled young man into his obsession and bloodlust with defeating the mighty ‘Persian Emperor Darius’ that led him to conquer the known world in just under six years.
‘’His fascinating story is told through stunning drama intertwined with expert academic insight, ground-breaking archaeology and ongoing excavations at the archaeological site in Alexandria, Egypt led by Calliope Limneos-Papakosta…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
‘..the series explores his rise as an exiled young man into his obsession and bloodlust with defeating the mighty ‘Persian Emperor Darius’ that led him to conquer the known world in just under six years.
‘’His fascinating story is told through stunning drama intertwined with expert academic insight, ground-breaking archaeology and ongoing excavations at the archaeological site in Alexandria, Egypt led by Calliope Limneos-Papakosta…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 1/11/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
After winning best actor in a musical or comedy at Sunday Night’s Golden Globes, Paul Giamatti wanted to make sure that the profession that he portrays in his film The Holdovers was not forgotten
“It’s a movie about a teacher, I play a teacher and I come from a whole family of teachers and teachers are good people and you gotta respect them, this is for teachers as well,” Giamatti said.
Giamatti also had fun with the audience about how his knees were sore from all the standing and sitting adding that his chances of landing a role in a future John Wick film were slim.
He beat out Matt Damon from Air, Timothee Chalamet from Wonka, Nicolas Cage From Dream Scenario Joaquin Phoenix in Beau is a Afraid and Jeffrey Wright from American Fiction. This was The Holdovers’ second Golden Globe of the night having also won...
“It’s a movie about a teacher, I play a teacher and I come from a whole family of teachers and teachers are good people and you gotta respect them, this is for teachers as well,” Giamatti said.
Giamatti also had fun with the audience about how his knees were sore from all the standing and sitting adding that his chances of landing a role in a future John Wick film were slim.
He beat out Matt Damon from Air, Timothee Chalamet from Wonka, Nicolas Cage From Dream Scenario Joaquin Phoenix in Beau is a Afraid and Jeffrey Wright from American Fiction. This was The Holdovers’ second Golden Globe of the night having also won...
- 1/8/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Oppenheimer was the top winner at the 81st annual Golden Globes on Sunday night, with the Christopher Nolan film taking home five wins including best picture (drama), best director, best actor, best supporting actor and best original score.
Anatomy of a Fall and Poor Things won two prizes each, with the former taking best non-English film and best screenplay, the latter winning best picture (musical or comedy) and best actress.
Lily Gladstone won best actress in a drama for her breakout performance in Martin Scorcese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, becoming the first Indigenous performer to win a Golden Globe. She opened her speech with words said in the Blackfeet language, the tribe to which she belongs. “This is for every little rez kid, every little urban kid, every little Native kid out there who has a dream, who is seeing themselves represented and our stories told by ourselves in our own words,...
Anatomy of a Fall and Poor Things won two prizes each, with the former taking best non-English film and best screenplay, the latter winning best picture (musical or comedy) and best actress.
Lily Gladstone won best actress in a drama for her breakout performance in Martin Scorcese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, becoming the first Indigenous performer to win a Golden Globe. She opened her speech with words said in the Blackfeet language, the tribe to which she belongs. “This is for every little rez kid, every little urban kid, every little Native kid out there who has a dream, who is seeing themselves represented and our stories told by ourselves in our own words,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Before Zack Snyder left Warner Bros. behind, he developed a script for what was supposed to be a sequel to 300 titled Blood and Ashes. The studio ultimately passed on the project, but THR has reported that Snyder has regained the rights to the script.
Blood and Ashes wound up having little to do with 300 as it focused on the relationship between Alexander the Great and Haphaestion. Part love story and part ancient Greek war epic, it may have been too much for the studio at the time. Given that the project has no connection with 300, Snyder was able to get the rights back. “We got the rights back so we can make if we want it,” Snyder said. “I don’t know what the marketplace is for an incredibly homoerotic, super violent, super sexual movie. But maybe it’s perfect.“
300 was Zack Snyder’s first experience...
Blood and Ashes wound up having little to do with 300 as it focused on the relationship between Alexander the Great and Haphaestion. Part love story and part ancient Greek war epic, it may have been too much for the studio at the time. Given that the project has no connection with 300, Snyder was able to get the rights back. “We got the rights back so we can make if we want it,” Snyder said. “I don’t know what the marketplace is for an incredibly homoerotic, super violent, super sexual movie. But maybe it’s perfect.“
300 was Zack Snyder’s first experience...
- 12/1/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Zack Snyder may have his hands full launching Rebel Moon, his sci-fi fantasy film that Netflix unveils Dec. 22, but that doesn’t mean the energetic filmmaker isn’t busy developing other projects.
Enter Blood and Ashes. The film began life as a sequel to 300 and 300: Rise of an Empire, and was one of the last projects Snyder worked on before officially leaving Warner Bros. after the debacle that was Justice League. But what he turned in was quite different from a 300 sequel.
Blood and Ashes, which he partially wrote while shooting Army of the Dead for Netflix in 2019, ended up focusing on the relationship between Alexander the Great and his second in command, Haphaestion. It was a gay love story that was also an ancient Greek war epic, one he said then-Warners executive Courtenay Valenti liked and championed.
The studio, perhaps unsurprisingly, given its subject matter and the...
Enter Blood and Ashes. The film began life as a sequel to 300 and 300: Rise of an Empire, and was one of the last projects Snyder worked on before officially leaving Warner Bros. after the debacle that was Justice League. But what he turned in was quite different from a 300 sequel.
Blood and Ashes, which he partially wrote while shooting Army of the Dead for Netflix in 2019, ended up focusing on the relationship between Alexander the Great and his second in command, Haphaestion. It was a gay love story that was also an ancient Greek war epic, one he said then-Warners executive Courtenay Valenti liked and championed.
The studio, perhaps unsurprisingly, given its subject matter and the...
- 12/1/2023
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ridley Scott has the giggles. The revelation that I’m a New Yorker has prompted the legendary director to launch into a winding tale of the time he was on a traveling scholarship after graduating from London’s Royal College of Art.
“They said, ‘Where do you want to go?’ And, being a 22-year-old in London, I said, ‘I want to go to New York,’” he recalls.
When he arrived in the Big Apple, Scott was told that the most reasonably priced place to stay while on a grant was the Ymca.
“They said, ‘Where do you want to go?’ And, being a 22-year-old in London, I said, ‘I want to go to New York,’” he recalls.
When he arrived in the Big Apple, Scott was told that the most reasonably priced place to stay while on a grant was the Ymca.
- 11/24/2023
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
He is the only actor who has played the roles of Rama (twice) – and of Raja Dashrath, Arjuna – and Karna, Vikramaditya, Harishchandra, Emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan, Alexander the Great – and a quarter-century later, his determined Indian opponent, Raja Porus, and for good measure, Persian strongman Rustom, and Hannibal of Carthage.
With his chiselled looks, strapping figure and emoting abilities, which made him consummate performer on stage, screen, and in his own life, Prithviraj Kapoor was a patriarch in all senses, be it with a range of regal roles in a career spanning silent films to the technicolour era, and in bequeathing Indian filmdom its most famous family, whose fourth generation is still flourishing.
As part of the latter, he is possibly the only Indian actor who has appeared in two films featuring three generations of a family – with his father and sons in “Awaara” (1951) and his son and grandson...
With his chiselled looks, strapping figure and emoting abilities, which made him consummate performer on stage, screen, and in his own life, Prithviraj Kapoor was a patriarch in all senses, be it with a range of regal roles in a career spanning silent films to the technicolour era, and in bequeathing Indian filmdom its most famous family, whose fourth generation is still flourishing.
As part of the latter, he is possibly the only Indian actor who has appeared in two films featuring three generations of a family – with his father and sons in “Awaara” (1951) and his son and grandson...
- 11/3/2023
- by Agency News Desk
He is the only actor who has played the roles of Rama (twice) – and of Raja Dashrath, Arjuna – and Karna, Vikramaditya, Harishchandra, Emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan, Alexander the Great – and a quarter-century later, his determined Indian opponent, Raja Porus, and for good measure, Persian strongman Rustom, and Hannibal of Carthage.
With his chiselled looks, strapping figure and emoting abilities, which made him consummate performer on stage, screen, and in his own life, Prithviraj Kapoor was a patriarch in all senses, be it with a range of regal roles in a career spanning silent films to the technicolour era, and in bequeathing Indian filmdom its most famous family, whose fourth generation is still flourishing.
As part of the latter, he is possibly the only Indian actor who has appeared in two films featuring three generations of a family – with his father and sons in “Awaara” (1951) and his son and grandson...
With his chiselled looks, strapping figure and emoting abilities, which made him consummate performer on stage, screen, and in his own life, Prithviraj Kapoor was a patriarch in all senses, be it with a range of regal roles in a career spanning silent films to the technicolour era, and in bequeathing Indian filmdom its most famous family, whose fourth generation is still flourishing.
As part of the latter, he is possibly the only Indian actor who has appeared in two films featuring three generations of a family – with his father and sons in “Awaara” (1951) and his son and grandson...
- 11/3/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
NapoleonPhoto: Apple TV+ (Getty Images)
Napoleon is not like other guys—or, as he would put it, “I am not built like other men.” As the new trailer points out, he’s a genius warrior emperor general rebel tyrant, the spiritual descendant of Alexander the Great and Caesar, and an...
Napoleon is not like other guys—or, as he would put it, “I am not built like other men.” As the new trailer points out, he’s a genius warrior emperor general rebel tyrant, the spiritual descendant of Alexander the Great and Caesar, and an...
- 10/18/2023
- by Mary Kate Carr
- avclub.com
Ridley Scott brings his historical film skills to France for the epic biopic Napoleon, which comes to us from Apple Originals. The director is currently on hiatus filming the sequel, Gladiator 2, while the SAG-AFTRA strike still marches on. And recently, the Blade Runner filmmaker recently revealed that he has a whopping four-and-a-half-hour director’s cut of Napoleon that he’s working on. Apple has just released the new trailer for the film.
The official synopsis from Apple reads,
Napoleon is an original and personal look at Napoleon’s origins and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor, viewed through the prism of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine. The film captures Napoleon’s famous battles, relentless ambition, and astounding strategic mind as an extraordinary military leader and war visionary.
The film stars Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role of the French emperor.
The official synopsis from Apple reads,
Napoleon is an original and personal look at Napoleon’s origins and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor, viewed through the prism of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine. The film captures Napoleon’s famous battles, relentless ambition, and astounding strategic mind as an extraordinary military leader and war visionary.
The film stars Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role of the French emperor.
- 10/18/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Ridley Scott's four-hour 'Napoleon' director's cut will be released to streaming audiences.The 85-year-old director has confirmed that an extended version of his upcoming historical epic – which features Joaquin Phoenix as the French emperor – will be available to viewers on Apple TV+ once the picture has been released in cinemas.Ridley told Total Film magazine: "I'm working on it. It was four (hours) 10 (minutes) this morning. And so what will happen is, we'll screen (the theatrical cut) first with Sony, and then it has its run, and then the perfect thing is that (the director's cut) goes to streaming, and we have four hours 10 minutes."The 'Blade Runner' director also revealed that he managed to shoot the period film in just 62 days, incorporating the staging of six epic battles.Ridley explained: "Every scene is geometry. By having 11 to 14 cameras, we shot 'Napoleon' in 62 days.
- 10/10/2023
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Ridley Scott has made no secret of the fact that he was impressed by Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in “Joker.” But the “Blade Runner” director doesn’t necessarily endorse all of the film’s contents.
In a new interview with Deadline, Scott reiterated that he was inspired to cast Phoenix in his upcoming biopic “Napoleon” after watching his Oscar-winning performance in Todd Phillips’ DC origin story. But he added that he didn’t like what he saw as the film’s glorification of violence.
“I was blown away by his outrageous film ‘Joker,'” Scott said. “I didn’t like the way it celebrated violence but Joaquin was remarkable. I thought he’d be an amazing asset to ‘Napoleon,’ [not only creatively] also in a commercial sense. There were only two actors I had in mind for the role. I won’t mention the other one.”
Scott has clearly spent a lot of time thinking about “Joker.
In a new interview with Deadline, Scott reiterated that he was inspired to cast Phoenix in his upcoming biopic “Napoleon” after watching his Oscar-winning performance in Todd Phillips’ DC origin story. But he added that he didn’t like what he saw as the film’s glorification of violence.
“I was blown away by his outrageous film ‘Joker,'” Scott said. “I didn’t like the way it celebrated violence but Joaquin was remarkable. I thought he’d be an amazing asset to ‘Napoleon,’ [not only creatively] also in a commercial sense. There were only two actors I had in mind for the role. I won’t mention the other one.”
Scott has clearly spent a lot of time thinking about “Joker.
- 10/8/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Warning: contains minor spoilers for Good Omens Season 2
The set for season two of Good Omens is a complete entity – you can walk up and down Whickber Street, browse the record shop, the magic shop, and of course Aziraphale’s bookshop, and even stop for a coffee at Give Me Coffee Or Give Me Death. It has a genuinely magical feel to it, and an extraordinary amount of care has gone into making every detail part of the show’s world. Take a walk with us, and we’ll explore just a few of its hidden secrets.
Aziraphale’s Bookshop: Crossroads, a Compass & Cocoa
After you’ve got off the Number 666 bus to Soho Square and admired the Bentley parked in the street, you will probably want to dive straight in to Aziraphale’s bookshop. Filled with over 7,000 real books, you can smell the wonderful, papery scent as soon as you walk in.
The set for season two of Good Omens is a complete entity – you can walk up and down Whickber Street, browse the record shop, the magic shop, and of course Aziraphale’s bookshop, and even stop for a coffee at Give Me Coffee Or Give Me Death. It has a genuinely magical feel to it, and an extraordinary amount of care has gone into making every detail part of the show’s world. Take a walk with us, and we’ll explore just a few of its hidden secrets.
Aziraphale’s Bookshop: Crossroads, a Compass & Cocoa
After you’ve got off the Number 666 bus to Soho Square and admired the Bentley parked in the street, you will probably want to dive straight in to Aziraphale’s bookshop. Filled with over 7,000 real books, you can smell the wonderful, papery scent as soon as you walk in.
- 8/2/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Ridley Scott was illuminated to cast Joaquin Phoenix in Napoleon after seeing him in Joker. The Gladiator director reunited with Commodus in the film about the historical French leader.
“I’m staring at Joaquin and saying, ‘This little demon is Napoleon Bonaparte.’ He looks like him,” Scott told Empire Magazine.
Scott says that he compares Napoleon with “Alexander The Great. Adolf Hitler. Stalin.”
“Listen, he’s got a lot of bad shit under his belt. At the same time, he was remarkable with his courage, and in his can-do, and in his dominance. He was extraordinary,” the filmmaker added.
Phoenix told the outlet “There was just a very nostalgic idea of working with Ridley again” after having “an incredible experience” filming Gladiator.
“I was so young. It was my first big production. I really yearned for that experience again, or something similar,” Phoenix added.
The Beau is Afraid actor said...
“I’m staring at Joaquin and saying, ‘This little demon is Napoleon Bonaparte.’ He looks like him,” Scott told Empire Magazine.
Scott says that he compares Napoleon with “Alexander The Great. Adolf Hitler. Stalin.”
“Listen, he’s got a lot of bad shit under his belt. At the same time, he was remarkable with his courage, and in his can-do, and in his dominance. He was extraordinary,” the filmmaker added.
Phoenix told the outlet “There was just a very nostalgic idea of working with Ridley again” after having “an incredible experience” filming Gladiator.
“I was so young. It was my first big production. I really yearned for that experience again, or something similar,” Phoenix added.
The Beau is Afraid actor said...
- 8/1/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
We must admit this season of The Afterparty is much less engaging than the first one, which was quicker, more fun, and even with the repetitive episodes (considering they’re all telling the same story in their own versions), not as tedious. Travis’ version is too different from Grace’s or Aniq’s. While Travis’ episode is charming visually, the humor feels a little more plastered on than natural. Admittedly, I had to stop a few times because I was getting rather distracted. But we have some new clues, and it seems like Aniq is getting more used to his detective hat.
Spoilers Ahead
What Happens In Episode 3?
Zoe gave Aniq everything that she found on Edgar’s body while Aniq and Danner were listening to Grace’s story. He sees the pharmaceutical prescription as well as the third cuff link, which has the letter G on it. According to Zoe,...
Spoilers Ahead
What Happens In Episode 3?
Zoe gave Aniq everything that she found on Edgar’s body while Aniq and Danner were listening to Grace’s story. He sees the pharmaceutical prescription as well as the third cuff link, which has the letter G on it. According to Zoe,...
- 7/19/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
The John Wick franchise has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, garnering a legion of fans clamoring for more. And more they’ll get, with various spin-offs in the works. But one man who isn’t a fan is Academy Award-winning director Oliver Stone, who has pegged John Wick as unbelievable. You know, because he’s really got his finger on the pulse…
In a discussion with Variety, Oliver Stone at the Transilvania Film Festival (that’s a thing?!) – Stone likened the latest John Wick to a video game, unjustly comparing it to actual warfare. “I saw John Wick 4 on the plane. Talk about volume. I think the film is disgusting beyond belief. Disgusting. I don’t know what people are thinking…Maybe I was watching G.I. Joe when I was a kid. But [Keanu Reeves] kills, what, three, four hundred people in the f*cking movie. And as a combat veteran,...
In a discussion with Variety, Oliver Stone at the Transilvania Film Festival (that’s a thing?!) – Stone likened the latest John Wick to a video game, unjustly comparing it to actual warfare. “I saw John Wick 4 on the plane. Talk about volume. I think the film is disgusting beyond belief. Disgusting. I don’t know what people are thinking…Maybe I was watching G.I. Joe when I was a kid. But [Keanu Reeves] kills, what, three, four hundred people in the f*cking movie. And as a combat veteran,...
- 6/20/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Newen Connect is jumping on the Cleopatra bandwagon by leading its Sunny Side of the Doc slate with a documentary about the last queen of Egypt.
Cleopatra: Cracking the Enigma helms an eight-strong slate being shopped this week at the La Rochelle confab, as Newen attempts to exert dominance in the international doc market.
The four-part show for French network Rmc Découverte, which is produced by Label News, is based on unprecedented excavations and shows never-before-seen footage of attempts to lift the veil on the mysterious life of the iconic Egyptian ruler.
Cracking the Enigma comes fresh off the back of Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra docudrama, which generated headlines due to controversies surrounding the ethnicity of the lead, Adele James.
Speaking to Deadline, Newen Head of Factual Distribution Chloé Persyn said the distributor is not trying to ride the wave of the Netflix show’s controversy but instead take...
Cleopatra: Cracking the Enigma helms an eight-strong slate being shopped this week at the La Rochelle confab, as Newen attempts to exert dominance in the international doc market.
The four-part show for French network Rmc Découverte, which is produced by Label News, is based on unprecedented excavations and shows never-before-seen footage of attempts to lift the veil on the mysterious life of the iconic Egyptian ruler.
Cracking the Enigma comes fresh off the back of Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra docudrama, which generated headlines due to controversies surrounding the ethnicity of the lead, Adele James.
Speaking to Deadline, Newen Head of Factual Distribution Chloé Persyn said the distributor is not trying to ride the wave of the Netflix show’s controversy but instead take...
- 6/19/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Brigitte Bandit and her fellow Austin, TX, drag performers have taken extra precautions when heading to shows in recent months.
She and others in the drag community have been the target of false claims and anti-trans legislation lobbed by conservative activists and politicians in the state. That has emboldened hate groups, according to Bandit: since last year, multiple drag shows in the area have been canceled due to threats against the venue hosting them, and neo-Nazis have shown up to all-age drag events waving swastika flags, she told Popsugar.
Even walking to gigs has been scary. Bandit, who is nonbinary and uses she/them pronouns, is now nervous about the way people look or react to her. Most kings and queens who need to show up to gigs in full drag walk with each other or with a friend. When she has access to a dressing room at the show,...
She and others in the drag community have been the target of false claims and anti-trans legislation lobbed by conservative activists and politicians in the state. That has emboldened hate groups, according to Bandit: since last year, multiple drag shows in the area have been canceled due to threats against the venue hosting them, and neo-Nazis have shown up to all-age drag events waving swastika flags, she told Popsugar.
Even walking to gigs has been scary. Bandit, who is nonbinary and uses she/them pronouns, is now nervous about the way people look or react to her. Most kings and queens who need to show up to gigs in full drag walk with each other or with a friend. When she has access to a dressing room at the show,...
- 6/14/2023
- by Danielle McLean
- Popsugar.com
Paramount Pictures "Cleopatra", starring Gal Gadot, is being directed by Patty Jenkins ("Wonder Woman") in a new period biographical drama scripted by Laeta Kalogridis, produced by Atlas Entertainment's Charles Roven, Jenkins, Gadot and Pilot Wave Motion Pictures' Jaron Varsano:
"...'Cleopatra' is the daughter of 'Ptolemy', an ancestor of the leader of the army of 'Alexander the Great'...
"...who became the lover of Rome's 'Julius Caesar' and 'Marc Antony', and a powerful political leader in her own right, before killing herself."
Elizabeth Taylor starred as "Cleopatra" in a 1963 feature.
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Cleopatra' is the daughter of 'Ptolemy', an ancestor of the leader of the army of 'Alexander the Great'...
"...who became the lover of Rome's 'Julius Caesar' and 'Marc Antony', and a powerful political leader in her own right, before killing herself."
Elizabeth Taylor starred as "Cleopatra" in a 1963 feature.
Click the images to enlarge...
- 5/30/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
“Queen Cleopatra,” Netflix’s four-part documentary on perhaps the most famous Queen of Egypt, has been very poorly reviewed.
On Rotten Tomatoes it currently has a tomatometer score of 10%, meaning official reviews have been terrible. But it also has a 2% audience score, meaning that the overwhelming majority of non-professional users who bothered reviewing the show themselves hated it too.
But no doubt you’ve seen by now how the show’s star and creators have had to push back against much of the reaction to the show, and the star herself has been harassed. So what’s going on?
It’s complex, but in short, while yes, there are sincere critiques of the show’s historical inaccuracies and the production itself, there is also a separate backlash that is unmistakably racist. Let’s dive in.
Racism
“Queen Cleopatra” focuses on many of the things people know about her. Her rise to power in Egypt,...
On Rotten Tomatoes it currently has a tomatometer score of 10%, meaning official reviews have been terrible. But it also has a 2% audience score, meaning that the overwhelming majority of non-professional users who bothered reviewing the show themselves hated it too.
But no doubt you’ve seen by now how the show’s star and creators have had to push back against much of the reaction to the show, and the star herself has been harassed. So what’s going on?
It’s complex, but in short, while yes, there are sincere critiques of the show’s historical inaccuracies and the production itself, there is also a separate backlash that is unmistakably racist. Let’s dive in.
Racism
“Queen Cleopatra” focuses on many of the things people know about her. Her rise to power in Egypt,...
- 5/18/2023
- by Mason Bissada
- The Wrap
The proverb of “all press is good press” feels almost as old as the Nile. Yet it’s being put to the test this week via the release of Netflix’s African Queens: Cleopatra. The documentary is the second of three from the streaming service and executive producer Jada Pinkett Smith, both of whom have committed to spotlighting women rulers in African history by way of historical reenactments (or “docudrama”) which is then juxtaposed against interviews with talking heads and experts.
Yet the veracity of the documentary aspect of the film is being aggressively challenged after Netflix’s Cleopatra cast Black British actress Adele James as Cleopatra VII Philopator, the last pharaoh of Egypt and the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty. The trailer even rather proactively includes a line from one of its interviewees, Professor Shelley P. Haley of Hamilton College, who said her grandmother once told her, “I don...
Yet the veracity of the documentary aspect of the film is being aggressively challenged after Netflix’s Cleopatra cast Black British actress Adele James as Cleopatra VII Philopator, the last pharaoh of Egypt and the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty. The trailer even rather proactively includes a line from one of its interviewees, Professor Shelley P. Haley of Hamilton College, who said her grandmother once told her, “I don...
- 5/11/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
NewsCleopatra, queen of Egypt in the years 51-30 BC, is back in the news thanks to a controversial docudrama series on Netflix called Queen Cleopatra. Much debate has raged about her ethnicity.The ConversationCleopatra, queen of Egypt in the years 51-30 BC, is back in the news thanks to a controversial docudrama series on Netflix called Queen Cleopatra. Much debate has raged about her ethnicity. The queen was of Greek ancestry. In the Netflix series she’s played by a black actress. The fuss has provided an opportunity to look at her role in history and how she has been portrayed over time. Historian Toby Wilkinson is an Egyptologist and author of the award-winning book The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt: the History of a Civilisation from 3000 BC to Cleopatra. We asked him to shed some light on the past. Who was Cleopatra and why is she so important?...
- 5/11/2023
- by AjayR
- The News Minute
Exclusive: The story of Alexander the Great is being given the docudrama treatment by Netflix, Deadline understands.
Following on from the success of shows such as The Last Czars and African Queens, the streamer has over the past year been developing a big-budget retelling of the life of one of world history’s most notorious figures, which currently has a working title of Alexander the Great.
A crew of more than 100 people have been filming on-and-off in Morocco since last summer on the hybrid docudrama, which will feature both documentary and scripted elements. British indies Tailfeather Productions and Lion TV are attached the series and Tony Mitchell (Miss America) is showrunner, we understand.
Alexander the Great was King of the ancient Greek city of Macedon. He is widely considered to be one of history’s greatest and most successful military commanders and by the age of 30 had created one of the largest empires in history,...
Following on from the success of shows such as The Last Czars and African Queens, the streamer has over the past year been developing a big-budget retelling of the life of one of world history’s most notorious figures, which currently has a working title of Alexander the Great.
A crew of more than 100 people have been filming on-and-off in Morocco since last summer on the hybrid docudrama, which will feature both documentary and scripted elements. British indies Tailfeather Productions and Lion TV are attached the series and Tony Mitchell (Miss America) is showrunner, we understand.
Alexander the Great was King of the ancient Greek city of Macedon. He is widely considered to be one of history’s greatest and most successful military commanders and by the age of 30 had created one of the largest empires in history,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Angelina Jolie once teamed up with Colin Farrell for the critically panned Oliver Stone feature Alexander. While working with Farrell, Jolie experienced an intense and unexpected reaction to her co-star during a harrowing moment between the two.
Angelina Jolie originally thought being cast in ‘Alexander’ was ‘ridiculous’ Angelina Jolie | Stefania D’Alessandro/Getty Images
Jolie’s casting in Stone’s 2004 feature raised more than a few eyebrows. As the movie’s title suggests, Alexander was Stone’s interpretation of the story of legendary conqueror Alexander the Great. Farrell was cast as the titular character, and Jolie was offered the part of his mother Queen Olympias.
The age difference between the two co-stars, however, led to some questioning the casting choice since Jolie was only 10 months older than Farrell. Jolie also found the notion of playing Farrell’s mother peculiar. Still, she was eventually persuaded to be in the feature.
“At first,...
Angelina Jolie originally thought being cast in ‘Alexander’ was ‘ridiculous’ Angelina Jolie | Stefania D’Alessandro/Getty Images
Jolie’s casting in Stone’s 2004 feature raised more than a few eyebrows. As the movie’s title suggests, Alexander was Stone’s interpretation of the story of legendary conqueror Alexander the Great. Farrell was cast as the titular character, and Jolie was offered the part of his mother Queen Olympias.
The age difference between the two co-stars, however, led to some questioning the casting choice since Jolie was only 10 months older than Farrell. Jolie also found the notion of playing Farrell’s mother peculiar. Still, she was eventually persuaded to be in the feature.
“At first,...
- 4/5/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.