The star of stage and screen on playing Persephone in Netflix’s bold take on Greek mythology, going viral and being uncool about awards
Actor, producer and campaigner Rakie Ayola, 56, was born in Cardiff to a Sierra Leonean mother and a Nigerian father. She trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. She won a Bafta for the BBC drama Anthony and a Bafta Cymru for The Pact, but is perhaps best known as nurse Kyla Tyson in Holby City and for playing Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. She now stars in Netflix series Kaos, a modern-day retelling of Greek mythology.
What attracted you to the role of Persephone, queen of the underworld?
My character’s first scene at Mount Olympus. Hades and Persephone arrive for breakfast, then she proceeds to just help herself to the breakfast bar. I...
Actor, producer and campaigner Rakie Ayola, 56, was born in Cardiff to a Sierra Leonean mother and a Nigerian father. She trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. She won a Bafta for the BBC drama Anthony and a Bafta Cymru for The Pact, but is perhaps best known as nurse Kyla Tyson in Holby City and for playing Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. She now stars in Netflix series Kaos, a modern-day retelling of Greek mythology.
What attracted you to the role of Persephone, queen of the underworld?
My character’s first scene at Mount Olympus. Hades and Persephone arrive for breakfast, then she proceeds to just help herself to the breakfast bar. I...
- 8/18/2024
- by Michael Hogan
- The Guardian - Film News
Onyeka Onwenu, who had a storied career across Nigerian entertainment, media, and politics, has died at age 72 in Lagos. The country’s president, Bola Tinubu, released a statement mourning the loss from his official X handle on July 31. Peter Obi, who ran for president against Tinubu in 2023 and lost, shared on X that he was at the hospital where Onwenu died. “I watched in pain as the doctors and medical staff fought tirelessly and battled to save her life, doing everything possible to bring her back to life but eventually...
- 8/1/2024
- by Mankaprr Conteh
- Rollingstone.com
Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o will be president of the international jury of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, the Berlinale unveiled on Monday.
The star of 12 Years a Slave, Us and the Black Panther franchise will head up the jury that picks the Gold and Silver Bear winners of the 2024 Berlinale, which runs February 15-25, 2024.
“Lupita Nyong’o embodies what we like in cinema: versatility in embracing different projects, addressing different audiences, and consistency to one idea that is quite recognizable in her characters, as diverse as they may look. We are happy and proud she has accepted our invitation to be the jury president of the 74th Berlinale,” said Berlinale co-directors Mariëtte Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian in a statement.
Added Nyong’o: “I am deeply honored to serve as the President of the International Jury of the Berlin International Film Festival. I look forward to celebrating and recognizing the...
The star of 12 Years a Slave, Us and the Black Panther franchise will head up the jury that picks the Gold and Silver Bear winners of the 2024 Berlinale, which runs February 15-25, 2024.
“Lupita Nyong’o embodies what we like in cinema: versatility in embracing different projects, addressing different audiences, and consistency to one idea that is quite recognizable in her characters, as diverse as they may look. We are happy and proud she has accepted our invitation to be the jury president of the 74th Berlinale,” said Berlinale co-directors Mariëtte Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian in a statement.
Added Nyong’o: “I am deeply honored to serve as the President of the International Jury of the Berlin International Film Festival. I look forward to celebrating and recognizing the...
- 12/11/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lupita Nyong’o, the Oscar-winning Kenyan-Mexican actor and filmmaker, will preside over the international jury of the upcoming Berlin Film Festival. She will be the second consecutive female jury president at the Berlinale, following fellow actor Kristen Stewart.
“Lupita Nyong’o embodies what we like in cinema: versatility in embracing different projects, addressing different audiences, and consistency to one idea that is quite recognisable in her characters, as diverse as they may look,” said Berlinale directors Mariëtte Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian.
Lupita Nyong’o, who broke through in “12 Years a Slave,” said she was “deeply honored to serve as the President of the International Jury of the Berlin International Film Festival.”
“I look forward to celebrating and recognising the outstanding work of filmmakers from around the world,” Nyong’o continued.
On top of winning a best supporting Oscar for her performance in “12 Years a Slave,” she has received the Screen Actors Guild Award,...
“Lupita Nyong’o embodies what we like in cinema: versatility in embracing different projects, addressing different audiences, and consistency to one idea that is quite recognisable in her characters, as diverse as they may look,” said Berlinale directors Mariëtte Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian.
Lupita Nyong’o, who broke through in “12 Years a Slave,” said she was “deeply honored to serve as the President of the International Jury of the Berlin International Film Festival.”
“I look forward to celebrating and recognising the outstanding work of filmmakers from around the world,” Nyong’o continued.
On top of winning a best supporting Oscar for her performance in “12 Years a Slave,” she has received the Screen Actors Guild Award,...
- 12/11/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Nyong’o won best supporting actress Oscar for ’12 Years A Slave’
Lupita Nyong’o will be the president of the international jury for the 74th Berlin International Film Festival.
Nyong’o won the 2014 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years A Slave, and played the role of warrior Nakia in the Marvel film Black Panther. She also starred in the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022).
Her further credits include Us, Little Monsters, Queen Of Katwe, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the horror film The 355 and she stars in the upcoming horror franchise spin-off A Quiet Place: Day One.
Lupita Nyong’o will be the president of the international jury for the 74th Berlin International Film Festival.
Nyong’o won the 2014 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years A Slave, and played the role of warrior Nakia in the Marvel film Black Panther. She also starred in the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022).
Her further credits include Us, Little Monsters, Queen Of Katwe, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the horror film The 355 and she stars in the upcoming horror franchise spin-off A Quiet Place: Day One.
- 12/11/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o will head the competition jury at the 2024 Berlin Film Festival.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the President of the International Jury of the Berlin International Film Festival. I look forward to celebrating and recognizing the outstanding work of filmmakers from around the world,” Nyong’o said of her appointment.
The daughter of Kenyan parents, Nyong’o was born in Mexico City and grew up in Kenya. She then studied Film and Theatre Studies at Hampshire College (USA) and initially worked on various film productions in the USA. Back in Kenya, she produced her first film In My Genes in 2009, which she also directed and wrote. After further studies at the Yale School of Drama, she began her acting career and is best known for her breakout performance in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave for which she picked up the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the President of the International Jury of the Berlin International Film Festival. I look forward to celebrating and recognizing the outstanding work of filmmakers from around the world,” Nyong’o said of her appointment.
The daughter of Kenyan parents, Nyong’o was born in Mexico City and grew up in Kenya. She then studied Film and Theatre Studies at Hampshire College (USA) and initially worked on various film productions in the USA. Back in Kenya, she produced her first film In My Genes in 2009, which she also directed and wrote. After further studies at the Yale School of Drama, she began her acting career and is best known for her breakout performance in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave for which she picked up the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
- 12/11/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Music Entertainment (Sme) today announces that one of the UK’s most celebrated and successful podcasts, How To Fail with Elizabeth Day, will join its robust podcast slate in January 2024. The landmark partnership brings the start of a new chapter for Day, one of the UK’s top independent female podcasters.
The weekly series, hosted by author and podcaster Elizabeth Day, has published over 200 episodes and reached more than 45 million downloads since 2018.
A pioneer in the UK’s podcast landscape, Elizabeth revolutionised the interview format by celebrating all the things that haven’t gone right. With her warmth and wit, she has made How To Fail the first port of call for the world’s most influential guests, including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Stanley Tucci, Gloria Steinem, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Andrew Scott and Bernadine Evaristo.
Starting from January 2024, Sony Music Entertainment will exclusively distribute How To Fail with Elizabeth Day. Through the partnership,...
The weekly series, hosted by author and podcaster Elizabeth Day, has published over 200 episodes and reached more than 45 million downloads since 2018.
A pioneer in the UK’s podcast landscape, Elizabeth revolutionised the interview format by celebrating all the things that haven’t gone right. With her warmth and wit, she has made How To Fail the first port of call for the world’s most influential guests, including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Stanley Tucci, Gloria Steinem, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Andrew Scott and Bernadine Evaristo.
Starting from January 2024, Sony Music Entertainment will exclusively distribute How To Fail with Elizabeth Day. Through the partnership,...
- 10/18/2023
- Podnews.net
Despite owning the dancefloors with her music, Dua Lipa still finds time to dive into a good book.
The Albanian disco-pop sensation, 28, momentarily put the bedazzled microphone down to launch her book club through her editorial platform, Service95.
The “Dance The Night” dazzler spotlights a new book to delve into each month, with the materials chosen to “represent diverse global voices, telling powerful stories spanning fiction, memoir and manifesto,” according to the website’s description.
Amazon Canada offers all of her chosen faves, so you can indulge in fresh reads that will have you “Levitating”.
Read More: Taylor Swift Just Stepped Out In This Boot Style Worthy Of A Spot On Your Fall Shoe Rack
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez One Hundred Years of Solitude — Photo: Amazon Canada
This 1967 novel by Colombian author and Novel Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez is Lipa’s selection for October.
The Albanian disco-pop sensation, 28, momentarily put the bedazzled microphone down to launch her book club through her editorial platform, Service95.
The “Dance The Night” dazzler spotlights a new book to delve into each month, with the materials chosen to “represent diverse global voices, telling powerful stories spanning fiction, memoir and manifesto,” according to the website’s description.
Amazon Canada offers all of her chosen faves, so you can indulge in fresh reads that will have you “Levitating”.
Read More: Taylor Swift Just Stepped Out In This Boot Style Worthy Of A Spot On Your Fall Shoe Rack
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez One Hundred Years of Solitude — Photo: Amazon Canada
This 1967 novel by Colombian author and Novel Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez is Lipa’s selection for October.
- 9/19/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Senegalese and French director Ramata-Toulaye Sy is only the second Black woman to make it into Competition in Cannes. Her debut feature, Banel & Adama, which had its debut Saturday, follows in the footsteps of Mati Diop’s 2019 Atlantics.
Sy draws on her roots in the Fulani, or Peul, culture of the Futa region in northern Senegal for her magic-realist film about a young couple whose passion brings chaos to their remote rural community. “The people of Futa have the reputation of being very dignified and sticking to their community,” says Sy, who was born and grew up in France. “I was raised in the Fulani tradition at home and French culture outside.”
Inspiration for Banel & Adama came from a desire to create a tragic African heroine on par with Pierre Corneille’s Médée or Jean Racine’s Phèdre. “We don’t really have these mythical, tragic characters, or we do,...
Sy draws on her roots in the Fulani, or Peul, culture of the Futa region in northern Senegal for her magic-realist film about a young couple whose passion brings chaos to their remote rural community. “The people of Futa have the reputation of being very dignified and sticking to their community,” says Sy, who was born and grew up in France. “I was raised in the Fulani tradition at home and French culture outside.”
Inspiration for Banel & Adama came from a desire to create a tragic African heroine on par with Pierre Corneille’s Médée or Jean Racine’s Phèdre. “We don’t really have these mythical, tragic characters, or we do,...
- 5/20/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
As the writers strike continues to dominate Hollywood discourse, Ted Sarandos has exited a planned appearance at a Pen America event next week that was set to honor him.
The literary organization announced Wednesday that the Netflix co-ceo will no longer attend their annual gala to accept the Pen America Business Visionary Award. The event will still take place May 18 in New York as planned with Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost as host, and Lorne Michaels remains scheduled to participate as an honored guest.
“We admire Ted Sarandos’ singular work translating literature to artful presentation onscreen, and his stalwart defense of free expression and satire,” Pen America said in a statement. “As a writers organization, we have been following recent events closely and understand his decision.”
The group added that the event will include a focus on the rise of book bans and the constraints surrounding comedy as it...
The literary organization announced Wednesday that the Netflix co-ceo will no longer attend their annual gala to accept the Pen America Business Visionary Award. The event will still take place May 18 in New York as planned with Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost as host, and Lorne Michaels remains scheduled to participate as an honored guest.
“We admire Ted Sarandos’ singular work translating literature to artful presentation onscreen, and his stalwart defense of free expression and satire,” Pen America said in a statement. “As a writers organization, we have been following recent events closely and understand his decision.”
The group added that the event will include a focus on the rise of book bans and the constraints surrounding comedy as it...
- 5/10/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos will no longer attend a gala meant to honor him next week in New York. The decision comes as labor issues grab headlines across Hollywood.
Sarandos was set to accept the Business Visionary Award at the annual Pen American Spring Literary Gala, alongside fellow honoree Lorne Michaels and a host of literati including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Susan Choi, Jennifer Egan, Min Jin Lee, Jay McInerney and Gay Talese. He’s skipping the event, to be held under the blue whale at the American Museum of Natural History, as many industry celebrations weigh how to address the writers strike.
“Given the threat to disrupt this wonderful evening, I thought it was best to pull out so as not to distract from the important work that Pen America does for writers and journalists, as well as the celebration of my friend and personal hero Lorne Michaels. I hope...
Sarandos was set to accept the Business Visionary Award at the annual Pen American Spring Literary Gala, alongside fellow honoree Lorne Michaels and a host of literati including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Susan Choi, Jennifer Egan, Min Jin Lee, Jay McInerney and Gay Talese. He’s skipping the event, to be held under the blue whale at the American Museum of Natural History, as many industry celebrations weigh how to address the writers strike.
“Given the threat to disrupt this wonderful evening, I thought it was best to pull out so as not to distract from the important work that Pen America does for writers and journalists, as well as the celebration of my friend and personal hero Lorne Michaels. I hope...
- 5/10/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Last week, Equality Now hosted its 30th Anniversary Gala to celebrate the organization’s three decades of gender equality work and the En 30 for 30 list of artists, activists, and advocates.
Stars Attend Equality Now Gala
The event featured inspiring performances of music, drama, and comedy with art and advocacy supporting equality for women and girls.
In attendance, Equality Now 30 for 30 women and changemakers – Gloria Steinem, Brisa De Angulo, Jaha Dukureh, Drew Dixon, Sarah Sophie Flicker, and Paola Mendoza along with award-winning actress Jodie Turner-Smith and international best-selling author and Equality Now 30 for 30 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and the fifth annual Changemaker Award presented by Gucci and Chime For Change to recognize the activism of the women and girls of Iran and special performances by the Resistance Revival Chorus, Sage Sovereign, Felukah.
Also in attendance: Maya Hawke, Sarah Cooper, Jeremy O. Harris, Cindi Leive, Emily Alyn Lind, Aasif Mandvi, Patina Miller, Lynn Nottage,...
Stars Attend Equality Now Gala
The event featured inspiring performances of music, drama, and comedy with art and advocacy supporting equality for women and girls.
In attendance, Equality Now 30 for 30 women and changemakers – Gloria Steinem, Brisa De Angulo, Jaha Dukureh, Drew Dixon, Sarah Sophie Flicker, and Paola Mendoza along with award-winning actress Jodie Turner-Smith and international best-selling author and Equality Now 30 for 30 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and the fifth annual Changemaker Award presented by Gucci and Chime For Change to recognize the activism of the women and girls of Iran and special performances by the Resistance Revival Chorus, Sage Sovereign, Felukah.
Also in attendance: Maya Hawke, Sarah Cooper, Jeremy O. Harris, Cindi Leive, Emily Alyn Lind, Aasif Mandvi, Patina Miller, Lynn Nottage,...
- 11/25/2022
- Look to the Stars
Actress Letitia Wright sought therapy following death of Chadwick Boseman. The Hollywood actor died in August 2020, aged 43, and his ‘Black Panther’ co-star admits to being “devastated” by his death, reports aceshowbiz.com.
“I was devastated, as you can imagine. I’ve had to process it through therapy. It’s not like I had a two-year break to process it and then came back into the film. We had to start six months after Chad died,” shared Letitia, who stars in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’.
Wright’s entire life outlook has been changed by Chadwick’s death, with the movie star admitting she’s become “afraid to lose people”.
She told the Guardian newspaper: “You don’t know until something happens how it will affect you. You think you have time, and that’s the thing I’ve learned. These things make you realise it’s important to reach out to people you love.
“I was devastated, as you can imagine. I’ve had to process it through therapy. It’s not like I had a two-year break to process it and then came back into the film. We had to start six months after Chad died,” shared Letitia, who stars in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’.
Wright’s entire life outlook has been changed by Chadwick’s death, with the movie star admitting she’s become “afraid to lose people”.
She told the Guardian newspaper: “You don’t know until something happens how it will affect you. You think you have time, and that’s the thing I’ve learned. These things make you realise it’s important to reach out to people you love.
- 11/20/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Equality Now (En), the leading international women’s rights organization that uses the law to protect and promote women’s and girls’ rights, will hold its 30th Anniversary Gala in New York on November 15.
The evening will celebrate the organization’s three decades of gender equality work and the En 30 for 30 list of artists, activists, and advocates (previously announced), and will feature inspiring performances of music, drama, and comedy with art and advocacy supporting equality for women and girls
The gala will celebrate the Equality Now 30 for 30 women and changemakers:
Alanis Morissette, Amandla Stenberg, Amy Ziering, Annie Lennox, Asma Jahangir (posthumously), Ayesha Malik, Brisa De Angulo, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Drew Dixon, Elizabeth Evatt, Gloria Steinem, Hibaaq Osman, Jaha Dukureh, Jane Fonda, Judith Bruce, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Linda Perry, Margaret Atwood, Meaza Ashenafi, Nadeen Ashraf, Paola Mendoza, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (posthumously), Salma Hayek, Sanna Marin, Sapana Pradhan Malla, Sarah Sophie Flicker,...
The evening will celebrate the organization’s three decades of gender equality work and the En 30 for 30 list of artists, activists, and advocates (previously announced), and will feature inspiring performances of music, drama, and comedy with art and advocacy supporting equality for women and girls
The gala will celebrate the Equality Now 30 for 30 women and changemakers:
Alanis Morissette, Amandla Stenberg, Amy Ziering, Annie Lennox, Asma Jahangir (posthumously), Ayesha Malik, Brisa De Angulo, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Drew Dixon, Elizabeth Evatt, Gloria Steinem, Hibaaq Osman, Jaha Dukureh, Jane Fonda, Judith Bruce, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Linda Perry, Margaret Atwood, Meaza Ashenafi, Nadeen Ashraf, Paola Mendoza, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (posthumously), Salma Hayek, Sanna Marin, Sapana Pradhan Malla, Sarah Sophie Flicker,...
- 11/11/2022
- Look to the Stars
Biyi Bandele, the renowned Nigerian novelist, playwright and filmmaker behind 2013’s “Half of a Yellow Sun” and upcoming film “The King’s Horseman,” has died. He was 54.
Bandele died on Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, according to a Facebook post from his daughter, Temi Bandele. A cause of death was not given.
“Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and filmmaker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father,” Temi writes in the post. “He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.”
Bandele had recently finished his latest film entitled “The King’s Horseman.” Inspired by Nigerian Nobel Prize-winning writer Wole Soyinka’s anti-colonial play “Death and the King’s Horseman,...
Bandele died on Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria, according to a Facebook post from his daughter, Temi Bandele. A cause of death was not given.
“Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and filmmaker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father,” Temi writes in the post. “He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.”
Bandele had recently finished his latest film entitled “The King’s Horseman.” Inspired by Nigerian Nobel Prize-winning writer Wole Soyinka’s anti-colonial play “Death and the King’s Horseman,...
- 8/9/2022
- by Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
Biyi Bandele, the Nigerian playwright, novelist and writer-director known for his adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun,” died Sunday in Lagos, Nigeria. His daughter Temi Bandele announced the news of his passing on Facebook. He was 54.
No cause of death was revealed.
“Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and film-maker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father,” she wrote on Bandele’s official page. “He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.”
The post continued, “He was taken from us much too soon. He had already said so much so beautifully, and had so much more to say.
No cause of death was revealed.
“Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and film-maker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father,” she wrote on Bandele’s official page. “He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.”
The post continued, “He was taken from us much too soon. He had already said so much so beautifully, and had so much more to say.
- 8/9/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Brad Pitt, treasure hunter?
The Oscar winner admitted to being “obsessed” with finding rumored gold on his wine-producing property in Provence, France. Pitt purchased the thousand-acre estate, Château Miraval, in 2008 with Angelina Jolie; the former couple were married on the premises in 2014, and produce rosé from the winery. Jolie recently sold her stake in the business, prompting a legal battle as part of their divorce proceedings.
Pitt, however, was approached by a man “a few years ago,” as he told GQ, claiming that the château had millions of dollars in buried gold on the grounds, dating back to the medieval era. The treasure was supposedly taken from the Levant during the Crusades. Pitt was hooked.
“I got obsessed,” the “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” star said. “Like for a year, this was all I could think about, just the excitement of it all.”
The “Bullet Train” actor even bought...
The Oscar winner admitted to being “obsessed” with finding rumored gold on his wine-producing property in Provence, France. Pitt purchased the thousand-acre estate, Château Miraval, in 2008 with Angelina Jolie; the former couple were married on the premises in 2014, and produce rosé from the winery. Jolie recently sold her stake in the business, prompting a legal battle as part of their divorce proceedings.
Pitt, however, was approached by a man “a few years ago,” as he told GQ, claiming that the château had millions of dollars in buried gold on the grounds, dating back to the medieval era. The treasure was supposedly taken from the Levant during the Crusades. Pitt was hooked.
“I got obsessed,” the “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” star said. “Like for a year, this was all I could think about, just the excitement of it all.”
The “Bullet Train” actor even bought...
- 6/22/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Lupita Nyong'o has dropped out of the upcoming Apple TV+ series, "Lady in the Lake," based on the New York Times-bestselling crime novel by Laura Lippman. Nyong'o was set to costar opposite Natalie Portman, who is also executive producing the series, which is currently in production. However, she has reportedly exited the project and the search is now underway for a new actress to serve as the co-lead.
No reason was given for Nyong'o's departure from "Lady in the Lake," but Variety likens it to when she stepped down two years ago from another streaming adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "Americanh." An HBO Max series...
The post Lupita Nyong'o Leaves Apple TV+ Crime Series Lady in the Lake appeared first on /Film.
No reason was given for Nyong'o's departure from "Lady in the Lake," but Variety likens it to when she stepped down two years ago from another streaming adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "Americanh." An HBO Max series...
The post Lupita Nyong'o Leaves Apple TV+ Crime Series Lady in the Lake appeared first on /Film.
- 5/21/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Lupita Nyong’o has exited the “Lady in the Lake” series adaptation at Apple from Endeavor Content, Variety has learned exclusively.
The show was first announced in March 2021. “Lady in the Lake” is currently in production and the hunt is now on for a new actress to take over her role. Natalie Portman remains attached to the series as co-lead and executive producer.
This is the second time in the past two years that Nyong’o has dropped out of a prominent TV role. Variety reported in 2020 that she was forced to exit an adaptation of the Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie novel “Americanah” at HBO Max due to scheduling issues caused by the pandemic.
“Lady in the Lake” is an adaptation of Laura Lippman’s novel of the same name. The limited series takes place in 1960s Baltimore, where an unsolved murder pushes housewife and mother Maddie Schwartz (Portman) to reinvent her...
The show was first announced in March 2021. “Lady in the Lake” is currently in production and the hunt is now on for a new actress to take over her role. Natalie Portman remains attached to the series as co-lead and executive producer.
This is the second time in the past two years that Nyong’o has dropped out of a prominent TV role. Variety reported in 2020 that she was forced to exit an adaptation of the Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie novel “Americanah” at HBO Max due to scheduling issues caused by the pandemic.
“Lady in the Lake” is an adaptation of Laura Lippman’s novel of the same name. The limited series takes place in 1960s Baltimore, where an unsolved murder pushes housewife and mother Maddie Schwartz (Portman) to reinvent her...
- 5/20/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Adjoa Andoh, who plays Lady Danbury in Netflix hit series Bridgerton, is moving into podcasting.
The actor, who also starred in two seasons of Doctor Who, is to star in scripted podcast Don’t Mind: Cruxmont.
The series comes from Fool & Scholar Productions, which is behind the Dungeons and Dragons podcast Dark Dice starring Jeff Goldblum.
Don’t Mind: Cruxmont is a supernatural mystery thriller set in the fictional English village of Cruxmont, a sleepy town with a dark secret. Andoh, who is also producing an adaptation of Island Queen with Bridgerton director Julie Anne Robinson, voices the role of Dr. Gwen Kingston, a determined and enthusiastic physician who, after discovering that her advanced Alzheimer’s patient has made a miraculous recovery, follows a line of inquiry that brings her to the small town of Cruxmont.
Andoh, who is set to start filming soon on Netflix’s Bridgerton spinoff Queen Charlotte,...
The actor, who also starred in two seasons of Doctor Who, is to star in scripted podcast Don’t Mind: Cruxmont.
The series comes from Fool & Scholar Productions, which is behind the Dungeons and Dragons podcast Dark Dice starring Jeff Goldblum.
Don’t Mind: Cruxmont is a supernatural mystery thriller set in the fictional English village of Cruxmont, a sleepy town with a dark secret. Andoh, who is also producing an adaptation of Island Queen with Bridgerton director Julie Anne Robinson, voices the role of Dr. Gwen Kingston, a determined and enthusiastic physician who, after discovering that her advanced Alzheimer’s patient has made a miraculous recovery, follows a line of inquiry that brings her to the small town of Cruxmont.
Andoh, who is set to start filming soon on Netflix’s Bridgerton spinoff Queen Charlotte,...
- 1/20/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The New Yorker Festival will once again be a largely virtual affair this year, though a number of in-person events will also be held outdoors, at Brooklyn’s Skyline Drive-In.
The 22nd annual edition of the festival will take place October 4 to 10.
Amy Schumer, Stanley Tucci, Aimee Mann and Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl are among the confirmed participants, with more to be announced over the coming days. There will also be a preview screening of Stephen Karam’s The Humans, a film adaptation of his Tony Award-winning play, as well as an event focused on HBO limited series Scenes from a Marriage.
The festival has attained a notable profile on the fall cultural calendar over the past two decades, offering the Condé Nast-owned magazine new revenue opportunities. Prior to the pandemic, dozens of festival events would typically unfold simultaneously at multiple indoor venues across the city, among them Town Hall,...
The 22nd annual edition of the festival will take place October 4 to 10.
Amy Schumer, Stanley Tucci, Aimee Mann and Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl are among the confirmed participants, with more to be announced over the coming days. There will also be a preview screening of Stephen Karam’s The Humans, a film adaptation of his Tony Award-winning play, as well as an event focused on HBO limited series Scenes from a Marriage.
The festival has attained a notable profile on the fall cultural calendar over the past two decades, offering the Condé Nast-owned magazine new revenue opportunities. Prior to the pandemic, dozens of festival events would typically unfold simultaneously at multiple indoor venues across the city, among them Town Hall,...
- 9/13/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Bulgarian director Ralitza Petrova, who won Locarno Film Festival’s Golden Leopard in 2016 with “Godless,” is readying her second feature, “Lust,” which will be presented during Sarajevo Film Festival’s CineLink Co-production Market over the coming week.
Produced by Poli Angelova and Petrova for Aporia Filmworks, in collaboration with Screening Emotions, the project has been backed by the Bulgarian National Film Center and Danish Film Institute, with Copenhagen-based Snowglobe on board as well, reuniting with the director following their collaboration on “Godless.”
The film will focus on fortysomething Lilian, forced to return to her native Bulgaria after becoming her estranged father’s heir. She wants nothing to do with his legacy, but a near-death experience delays her departure, forcing Lilian to address her life-long fear of commitment.
“All the characters interacting throughout the film are more or less incapable of receiving and reciprocating love. But there is a possibility for an awakening,...
Produced by Poli Angelova and Petrova for Aporia Filmworks, in collaboration with Screening Emotions, the project has been backed by the Bulgarian National Film Center and Danish Film Institute, with Copenhagen-based Snowglobe on board as well, reuniting with the director following their collaboration on “Godless.”
The film will focus on fortysomething Lilian, forced to return to her native Bulgaria after becoming her estranged father’s heir. She wants nothing to do with his legacy, but a near-death experience delays her departure, forcing Lilian to address her life-long fear of commitment.
“All the characters interacting throughout the film are more or less incapable of receiving and reciprocating love. But there is a possibility for an awakening,...
- 8/13/2021
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
For decades, Indigenous filmmakers and content creators have been chipping away at a wall of obstacles that for too long has silenced them. But at the intersection of Covid-19 lockdowns, streaming technology and diversity initiatives, a variety of Native productions have emerged and made their way to audiences.
Recent social movements have highlighted a lack of diversity and representation in Hollywood. While those movements have gained traction for some in recent years, inclusion for most Native creatives had yet to be realized. Inclusion—whose stories are told and who gets to tell them—is more than just entertainment and job creation for Native Americans. It is the path to reclaiming their narratives.
Native creatives have embraced the current opportunities and have found a way to finally tell their stories with their unique voices. Showrunners, writers and actors are now positioned to control content and offer realistic depictions of Native lives and experiences.
Recent social movements have highlighted a lack of diversity and representation in Hollywood. While those movements have gained traction for some in recent years, inclusion for most Native creatives had yet to be realized. Inclusion—whose stories are told and who gets to tell them—is more than just entertainment and job creation for Native Americans. It is the path to reclaiming their narratives.
Native creatives have embraced the current opportunities and have found a way to finally tell their stories with their unique voices. Showrunners, writers and actors are now positioned to control content and offer realistic depictions of Native lives and experiences.
- 6/17/2021
- by Joely Proudfit
- Variety Film + TV
Bridgerton‘s Adjoa Ando will go from the pages of Julia Quinn’s romantic series to Tina Andrew’s Charlotte Sophia.
Ando will lend her voice to the audiobook of Andrew’s Charlotte Sophia: Myth, Mandess and the Moor from RBmedia. Produced by Recorded Books, the audiobook is slated for a June 22, 2021 release.
The 2013 novel centers on Queen Charlotte, who is thought to be England’s first biracial royal. Charlotte Sophia spans 50 years in the life of a formidable queen whose history collides with lust, betrayal, politics, rape, murder, and madness.
HBO Max has optioned the rights to Andrews’ historical novel for film and TV development. If a project is put into development, Andrews would serve as creator/showrunner and executive producer.
Charlotte Sophia adds to Andoh’s lengthy list of audiobook credits. She has previously narrated The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah,...
Ando will lend her voice to the audiobook of Andrew’s Charlotte Sophia: Myth, Mandess and the Moor from RBmedia. Produced by Recorded Books, the audiobook is slated for a June 22, 2021 release.
The 2013 novel centers on Queen Charlotte, who is thought to be England’s first biracial royal. Charlotte Sophia spans 50 years in the life of a formidable queen whose history collides with lust, betrayal, politics, rape, murder, and madness.
HBO Max has optioned the rights to Andrews’ historical novel for film and TV development. If a project is put into development, Andrews would serve as creator/showrunner and executive producer.
Charlotte Sophia adds to Andoh’s lengthy list of audiobook credits. She has previously narrated The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah,...
- 6/8/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Natalie Portman and Lupita Nyong’o will headline a limited series adaptation of Laura Lippman’s book “Lady in The Lake” for Apple TV+. To add to the excitement, the entire series will be directed by “Honey Boy” filmmaker Alma Har’el, who wrote the pilot and will co-write the rest of the series with Dre Ryan (“The Man in the High Castle”). “Lady in The Lake” is executive produced by Jean-Marc Vallée, whose “Big Little Lies” and “Sharp Objects” boosted the era of movie stars doing limited series to much acclaim. The series marks the first major TV project for both Oscar-winning actresses.
“Lady in the Lake” is a mystery set in 1960s Baltimore at the height of the civil rights movement. The story follows housewife-turned-reporter Maddie Schwartz (Portman) as she pursues the case of a missing woman named Cleo Sherwood (Nyong’o), whose body was found in a city park lake.
“Lady in the Lake” is a mystery set in 1960s Baltimore at the height of the civil rights movement. The story follows housewife-turned-reporter Maddie Schwartz (Portman) as she pursues the case of a missing woman named Cleo Sherwood (Nyong’o), whose body was found in a city park lake.
- 3/10/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Apple TV+ has given a straight-to-series order to Gutsy Women, an event docuseries hosted and executive produced by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, inspired by their best-selling The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience.
The docuseries will feature a diverse cast of trailblazing women, according to Apple. In it, the former first lady, U.S Senator and Secretary of State, and her daughter set out to answer the question: what exactly does it take to be a Gutsy Woman?
Published by Simon and Schuster, the book features portraits of women such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Mary Ritter Beard, Harriet Tubman, Edith Windsor and Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, among others.
The series will be produced for Apple by HiddenLight Productions, the new company founded by Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton and Sam Branson.
Hillary and Chelsea Clinton will executive produce the docuseries with Johnny Webb and Roma Khanna.
The docuseries will feature a diverse cast of trailblazing women, according to Apple. In it, the former first lady, U.S Senator and Secretary of State, and her daughter set out to answer the question: what exactly does it take to be a Gutsy Woman?
Published by Simon and Schuster, the book features portraits of women such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Mary Ritter Beard, Harriet Tubman, Edith Windsor and Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, among others.
The series will be produced for Apple by HiddenLight Productions, the new company founded by Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton and Sam Branson.
Hillary and Chelsea Clinton will executive produce the docuseries with Johnny Webb and Roma Khanna.
- 12/3/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Americanah joins the growing list of shows that have been axed due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira‘s TV series adaptation of the Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie novel is no longer moving forward at HBO Max after Covid-19 production delays led to scheduling conflicts for star and executive producer Nyong’o, who was […]
The post Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira’s ‘Americanah’ Series Not Moving Forward at HBO Max Due to Covid-19 appeared first on /Film.
The post Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira’s ‘Americanah’ Series Not Moving Forward at HBO Max Due to Covid-19 appeared first on /Film.
- 10/15/2020
- by Hoai-Tran Bui
- Slash Film
HBO Max’s adaptation of the novel Americanah has fully hit the brakes, now that Covid-related delays have led to a scheduling conflict for series lead Lupita Nyong’o.
Ordered to series in September 2019 and originally set to begin filming earlier this year — with Nyongo’s Black Panther castmate/Walking Dead alum Danai Gurira penning the pilot and showrunning the 10-episode adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s bestseller — Americanah follows a Nigerian woman named Ifemelu (Nyong’o) and “her extraordinary experiences with love, heartache, adversity and self-discovery” as she travels to America, per the official synopsis.
More from TVLineRichard Schiff: West...
Ordered to series in September 2019 and originally set to begin filming earlier this year — with Nyongo’s Black Panther castmate/Walking Dead alum Danai Gurira penning the pilot and showrunning the 10-episode adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s bestseller — Americanah follows a Nigerian woman named Ifemelu (Nyong’o) and “her extraordinary experiences with love, heartache, adversity and self-discovery” as she travels to America, per the official synopsis.
More from TVLineRichard Schiff: West...
- 10/15/2020
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Americanah will not be moving forward at HBO Max.
The limited series had been a longtime passion project of Lupita Nyong’o who was set to star in and executive produce the adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name. Nyong’o’s Black Panther co-star Danai Gurira wrote the pilot and was to serve as showrunner.
According to sources, the decision to not proceed with Americanah was made after Oscar winner Nyong’o dropped out because of a scheduling conflict.
The show had received a 10-episode straight-to-series order at the streamer last year. It had been cast and ready to go when the coronavirus pandemic shutdown all production in March. The delays caused by the shutdown have scrambled the schedules of A-list talent who are usually booked a year or so in advance with little wiggling room.
Americanah tells the epic story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a young,...
The limited series had been a longtime passion project of Lupita Nyong’o who was set to star in and executive produce the adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name. Nyong’o’s Black Panther co-star Danai Gurira wrote the pilot and was to serve as showrunner.
According to sources, the decision to not proceed with Americanah was made after Oscar winner Nyong’o dropped out because of a scheduling conflict.
The show had received a 10-episode straight-to-series order at the streamer last year. It had been cast and ready to go when the coronavirus pandemic shutdown all production in March. The delays caused by the shutdown have scrambled the schedules of A-list talent who are usually booked a year or so in advance with little wiggling room.
Americanah tells the epic story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a young,...
- 10/15/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira’s series adaptation of the Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie novel “Americanah” is no longer moving ahead as planned at HBO Max after Nyong’o was forced to exit the series, Variety has learned exclusively.
“Americanah” was originally meant to start shooting earlier this year, but the production dates were pushed back due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, Nyong’o then had to drop out as it conflicted with other projects on her schedule.
The show originally received a 10-episode straight-to-series order at the streamer last year. Both Nyong’o and Gurira were to serve as executive producers on the show, with Nyong’o starring and Gurira writing and serving as showrunner.
A long time passion project of Nyong’o’s, she had previously planned to adapt the novel into a film in which she would star alongside David Oyelowo.
“Americanah” was originally meant to start shooting earlier this year, but the production dates were pushed back due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, Nyong’o then had to drop out as it conflicted with other projects on her schedule.
The show originally received a 10-episode straight-to-series order at the streamer last year. Both Nyong’o and Gurira were to serve as executive producers on the show, with Nyong’o starring and Gurira writing and serving as showrunner.
A long time passion project of Nyong’o’s, she had previously planned to adapt the novel into a film in which she would star alongside David Oyelowo.
- 10/15/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Issues stemming from the pandemic has sunk another show.
Americanah, the planned limited series starring Lupita Nyong’o and from showrunner and actress Danai Gurira, is no longer moving forward at HBO Max. Sources say Nyong’o had to drop out of the series after running into a scheduling conflict.
Based on the best-selling novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the drama was picked up straight to series with a 10-episode order a year ago. It tells the story of a woman (Nyong’o) born in Nigeria who leaves for America and her extraordinary experiences with love, heartache, adversity and self-discovery. It ...
Americanah, the planned limited series starring Lupita Nyong’o and from showrunner and actress Danai Gurira, is no longer moving forward at HBO Max. Sources say Nyong’o had to drop out of the series after running into a scheduling conflict.
Based on the best-selling novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the drama was picked up straight to series with a 10-episode order a year ago. It tells the story of a woman (Nyong’o) born in Nigeria who leaves for America and her extraordinary experiences with love, heartache, adversity and self-discovery. It ...
- 10/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Issues stemming from the pandemic has sunk another show.
Americanah, the planned limited series starring Lupita Nyong’o and from showrunner and actress Danai Gurira, is no longer moving forward at HBO Max. Sources say Nyong’o had to drop out of the series after running into a scheduling conflict.
Based on the best-selling novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the drama was picked up straight to series with a 10-episode order a year ago. It tells the story of a woman (Nyong’o) born in Nigeria who leaves for America and her extraordinary experiences with love, heartache, adversity and self-discovery. It ...
Americanah, the planned limited series starring Lupita Nyong’o and from showrunner and actress Danai Gurira, is no longer moving forward at HBO Max. Sources say Nyong’o had to drop out of the series after running into a scheduling conflict.
Based on the best-selling novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the drama was picked up straight to series with a 10-episode order a year ago. It tells the story of a woman (Nyong’o) born in Nigeria who leaves for America and her extraordinary experiences with love, heartache, adversity and self-discovery. It ...
- 10/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The list of TV shows that have had their renewals reversed due to Covid-19 seems to be growing by the day. From “On Becoming a God in Central Florida” to “Glow,” here are all shows that should have kept on going but were heartbreakingly cut short.
“On Becoming a God in Central Florida”
This Showtime drama starring Kirsten Dunst was given the axe on Thursday. It had been renewed for a second season in 2019.
“Glow”
Netflix reversed its renewal for this ladies’ wrestling show’s 4th and final season on Oct. 5
“The Society”
This teen drama was canceled by Netflix in late August after being renewed for a second season.
“I Am Not Okay With This”
Starring “It” franchise darlings Sophia Lillis and Wyatt Oleff, this YA series was canceled by Netflix on the same day as “The Society.”
“I’m Sorry”
TruTV reversed this show’s Season 3 renewal in August.
“On Becoming a God in Central Florida”
This Showtime drama starring Kirsten Dunst was given the axe on Thursday. It had been renewed for a second season in 2019.
“Glow”
Netflix reversed its renewal for this ladies’ wrestling show’s 4th and final season on Oct. 5
“The Society”
This teen drama was canceled by Netflix in late August after being renewed for a second season.
“I Am Not Okay With This”
Starring “It” franchise darlings Sophia Lillis and Wyatt Oleff, this YA series was canceled by Netflix on the same day as “The Society.”
“I’m Sorry”
TruTV reversed this show’s Season 3 renewal in August.
- 10/14/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Phil Hunt and Lucy Fenton launched the new UK company in January.
Bohemia Media, the UK distribution company launched in January by Phil Hunt and Lucy Fenton, has made Chinonye Chukwu’s Clemency its first acquisition.
The film will be released on July 31 via a revenue-sharing model between premium VoD, independent cinemas, racial justice organisations and Poc (people of colour) film organisations across the country.
During the digital theatrical window, Clemency will be available on Bohemia Media’s own VoD platform. Viewers will be asked to select a local cinema or preferred film collective to receive an equal split of the revenue.
Bohemia Media, the UK distribution company launched in January by Phil Hunt and Lucy Fenton, has made Chinonye Chukwu’s Clemency its first acquisition.
The film will be released on July 31 via a revenue-sharing model between premium VoD, independent cinemas, racial justice organisations and Poc (people of colour) film organisations across the country.
During the digital theatrical window, Clemency will be available on Bohemia Media’s own VoD platform. Viewers will be asked to select a local cinema or preferred film collective to receive an equal split of the revenue.
- 6/11/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
The Walking Dead lost another of its longest-running stars this past season, as Danai Gurira left the show as Michonne after seven years on board the post-apocalyptic drama. The Marvel actress has made clear her love for both the character and the franchise as a whole many times before, though, so you can bet that saying goodbye to the series was a tough decision to make.
While speaking to Entertainment Weekly a while back, Gurira opened up about the “incredibly hard” process of leaving Twd, making clear that should couldn’t have asked for a better working experience during her time as Michonne.
“It was incredibly hard to even imagine leaving. I loved that show. I loved the family that I had there, and that I always have. The beauty of coming to work and loving the people you’re around and the work that you’re doing and the...
While speaking to Entertainment Weekly a while back, Gurira opened up about the “incredibly hard” process of leaving Twd, making clear that should couldn’t have asked for a better working experience during her time as Michonne.
“It was incredibly hard to even imagine leaving. I loved that show. I loved the family that I had there, and that I always have. The beauty of coming to work and loving the people you’re around and the work that you’re doing and the...
- 6/1/2020
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
On March 4th, Rolling Stone hosted its second annual Women Shaping the Future event, celebrating, raising, and honoring the influential female voices in culture. The event was the first to take place at the new Edge venue in Hudson Yards, which overlooks New York City.
To kick of the intimate conversations for the audience in attendance, Rolling Stone‘s entertainment editor Maria Fontoura invited actress Uzo Aduba to the stage to discuss her achievements (she won two Emmys for her role as “Crazy Eyes” on Orange Is the New Black...
To kick of the intimate conversations for the audience in attendance, Rolling Stone‘s entertainment editor Maria Fontoura invited actress Uzo Aduba to the stage to discuss her achievements (she won two Emmys for her role as “Crazy Eyes” on Orange Is the New Black...
- 3/13/2020
- by Rolling Stone
- Rollingstone.com
The story, focused mainly on women of colour, was named a favourite of Barack Obama in 2019.
The UK’s Potboiler Television has secured the rights to Bernardine Evaristo’s Booker Prize-winning novel Girl, Woman, Other.
The book follows the lives of 12 characters in the UK – mostly women of colour – over the course of several decades. Each chapter focuses on one character but their lives intertwine as the novel explores feminism, politics and sexuality among other themes.
Evaristo became the first black woman to win the Booker Prize with the novel, which proved the second best-selling fiction hardback of 2019 and was...
The UK’s Potboiler Television has secured the rights to Bernardine Evaristo’s Booker Prize-winning novel Girl, Woman, Other.
The book follows the lives of 12 characters in the UK – mostly women of colour – over the course of several decades. Each chapter focuses on one character but their lives intertwine as the novel explores feminism, politics and sexuality among other themes.
Evaristo became the first black woman to win the Booker Prize with the novel, which proved the second best-selling fiction hardback of 2019 and was...
- 3/12/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
Potboiler Television, the small-screen wing of Gail Egan and Andrea Calderwood’s UK production house, has won rights to Bernardine Evaristo’s Booker-winning novel Girl, Woman, Other.
The book, published last year, made Evaristo the first black woman ever to win the Booker Prize. It stayed on the Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller List for nine consecutive weeks and was the second-best-selling literary fiction hardback of 2019. It has recently been long listed for the 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction.
More from DeadlineBBC Chief Tony Hall Admits Services Could Go Dark Because Of CoronavirusBroadway Usher Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Performances Of 'Six', 'Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?' ContinueWattpad Studios Makes First European Hire As Part Of Film & TV Expansion Drive
It tells the story of modern Britain through the voices of twelve very different people – mostly women, mostly black – who call it home.
“We are delighted to be working...
The book, published last year, made Evaristo the first black woman ever to win the Booker Prize. It stayed on the Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller List for nine consecutive weeks and was the second-best-selling literary fiction hardback of 2019. It has recently been long listed for the 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction.
More from DeadlineBBC Chief Tony Hall Admits Services Could Go Dark Because Of CoronavirusBroadway Usher Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Performances Of 'Six', 'Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?' ContinueWattpad Studios Makes First European Hire As Part Of Film & TV Expansion Drive
It tells the story of modern Britain through the voices of twelve very different people – mostly women, mostly black – who call it home.
“We are delighted to be working...
- 3/12/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC Studios has signed “Black Panther” star Danai Gurira to a two-year overall deal.
Gurira, who is also wrapping up her run on AMC’s “The Walking Dead” this year, will develop, write and produce projects for the studio.
“From Zimbabwe to Wakanda to Broadway, there is no one like Danai Gurira,” said Jonnie Davis, president, ABC Studios. “The scope of her talents and the breadth of her abilities are simply astonishing. We are over the moon that she has chosen to make ABC Studios her exclusive home.”
Also Read: Lupita Nyong'o and Danai Gurira Limited Series 'Americanah' Ordered by HBO Max
Gurira is currently serving as showrunner and executive producer on “Americanah,” a miniseries for HBO Max which she adapted from the bestselling novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She is re-teaming with her “Black Panther” co-star Lupita Nyong’o, who will star in the series alongside Corey Hawkins,...
Gurira, who is also wrapping up her run on AMC’s “The Walking Dead” this year, will develop, write and produce projects for the studio.
“From Zimbabwe to Wakanda to Broadway, there is no one like Danai Gurira,” said Jonnie Davis, president, ABC Studios. “The scope of her talents and the breadth of her abilities are simply astonishing. We are over the moon that she has chosen to make ABC Studios her exclusive home.”
Also Read: Lupita Nyong'o and Danai Gurira Limited Series 'Americanah' Ordered by HBO Max
Gurira is currently serving as showrunner and executive producer on “Americanah,” a miniseries for HBO Max which she adapted from the bestselling novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She is re-teaming with her “Black Panther” co-star Lupita Nyong’o, who will star in the series alongside Corey Hawkins,...
- 2/20/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Danai Gurira has signed a two-year overall deal with ABC Studios.
Under the deal, the celebrated actress and Tony-nominated playwright will develop, write and produce projects for the studio across all platforms. She is currently serving as showrunner and executive producer on “Americanah,” a miniseries for HBO Max which she adapted from the bestselling novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Lupita Nyong’o is attached to star.
“From Zimbabwe to Wakanda to Broadway, there is no one like Danai Gurira,” said Jonnie Davis, president of ABC Studios. “The scope of her talents and the breadth of her abilities are simply astonishing. We are over the moon that she has chosen to make ABC Studios her exclusive home.”
Gurira currently stars on the hit AMC zombie apocalypse series “The Walking Dead,” with the show set to debut the second half of its tenth season this Sunday. It was reported last year that Gurira...
Under the deal, the celebrated actress and Tony-nominated playwright will develop, write and produce projects for the studio across all platforms. She is currently serving as showrunner and executive producer on “Americanah,” a miniseries for HBO Max which she adapted from the bestselling novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Lupita Nyong’o is attached to star.
“From Zimbabwe to Wakanda to Broadway, there is no one like Danai Gurira,” said Jonnie Davis, president of ABC Studios. “The scope of her talents and the breadth of her abilities are simply astonishing. We are over the moon that she has chosen to make ABC Studios her exclusive home.”
Gurira currently stars on the hit AMC zombie apocalypse series “The Walking Dead,” with the show set to debut the second half of its tenth season this Sunday. It was reported last year that Gurira...
- 2/20/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Black Panther and The Walking Dead star Danai Gurira has signed a two-year overall deal with ABC Studios. Under the pact, she will develop, write and produce for the studio across all platforms. Gurira is currently serving as showrunner and executive producer on Americanah, a miniseries for HBO Max which she adapted from the bestselling novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
“From Zimbabwe to Wakanda to Broadway, there is no one like Danai Gurira, said Jonnie Davis, president, ABC Studios. The scope of her talents and the breadth of her abilities are simply astonishing. We are over the moon that she has chosen to make ABC Studios her exclusive home.”
Gurira holds the distinction of being the first African female writer to have a play on Broadway and to bring the perspective of African women to mainstream theater. Her stage plays, which give voice to untold narratives, include In the Continuum,...
“From Zimbabwe to Wakanda to Broadway, there is no one like Danai Gurira, said Jonnie Davis, president, ABC Studios. The scope of her talents and the breadth of her abilities are simply astonishing. We are over the moon that she has chosen to make ABC Studios her exclusive home.”
Gurira holds the distinction of being the first African female writer to have a play on Broadway and to bring the perspective of African women to mainstream theater. Her stage plays, which give voice to untold narratives, include In the Continuum,...
- 2/20/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Max has rounded out the lead cast for Americanah, its upcoming limited series based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name. Newcomer Tireni Oyenusi is set as a series regular, joining previously announced Lupita Nyong’o, Zackary Momoh, Uzo Aduba and Corey Hawkins. Americanah tells the epic story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a young, beautiful, self-assured woman raised in Nigeria, who as a teenager falls in love with her classmate Obinze (Momoh). Living in a military-ruled country, they each depart for the west, with Ifemelu heading for America, where, despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple for the first time with what it means to be black. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous undocumented life in London. Oyenusi plays Dike, Aunty Uju’s (Aduba) son, who immigrated to America as an infant.
- 1/29/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Chinonye Chukwu, in the awards conversation this season for her Sundance-winning death row drama Clemency, has been set to direct the first two episodes of HBO Max’s Americanah. The 10-episode limited series, written and showrun by Danai Gurira, stars Lupita Nyong’o, Zackary Momoh, Uzo Aduba and Corey Hawkins.
The series will premiere on HBO Max, the upcoming WarnerMedia streaming service set to launch in the spring. The news was revealed during the streamer’s turn Wednesday at the TCA winter press tour.
Based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s bestselling novel, Americanah tells the epic story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a self-assured woman raised in Nigeria, who as a teenager falls in love with her classmate Obinze (Momoh). Living in a military-ruled country, they each depart for the West, with Ifemelu heading for America, where, despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple for the first time with what it means to be black.
The series will premiere on HBO Max, the upcoming WarnerMedia streaming service set to launch in the spring. The news was revealed during the streamer’s turn Wednesday at the TCA winter press tour.
Based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s bestselling novel, Americanah tells the epic story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a self-assured woman raised in Nigeria, who as a teenager falls in love with her classmate Obinze (Momoh). Living in a military-ruled country, they each depart for the West, with Ifemelu heading for America, where, despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple for the first time with what it means to be black.
- 1/15/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Corey Hawkins (In the Heights) is set for a leading role alongside Lupita Nyong’o, Zackary Momoh and Uzo Aduba in HBO Max’s Americanah, the limited series based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name.
Americanah tells the epic story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a young, beautiful, self-assured woman raised in Nigeria, who as a teenager falls in love with her classmate Obinze (Momoh). Living in a military-ruled country, they each depart for the west, with Ifemelu heading for America, where, despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple for the first time with what it means to be black. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous undocumented life in London.
Hawkins will play Blaine, Ifemelu’s present-day boyfriend and Yale Professor, who is madly in love with her. Deeply passionate about social injustices,...
Americanah tells the epic story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a young, beautiful, self-assured woman raised in Nigeria, who as a teenager falls in love with her classmate Obinze (Momoh). Living in a military-ruled country, they each depart for the west, with Ifemelu heading for America, where, despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple for the first time with what it means to be black. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous undocumented life in London.
Hawkins will play Blaine, Ifemelu’s present-day boyfriend and Yale Professor, who is madly in love with her. Deeply passionate about social injustices,...
- 1/14/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Corey Hawkins has been cast in a lead role in the upcoming HBO Max series “Americanah,” Variety has learned.
Hawkins joins previously announced stars Lupita Nyong’o, Zackary Momoh, and Uzo Aduba. The series is based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name.
“Americanah” is a 10-episode limited series that tells the story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a young, beautiful, self-assured woman raised in Nigeria, who as a teenager falls in love with her classmate Obinze (Momoh). Living in a military-ruled country, they each depart for the west. Ifemelu heads for America, where she finds academic success, but is forced to grapple for the first time with what it means to be black. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous undocumented life in London.
Hawkins will play Blaine, Ifemelu’s present-day boyfriend and Yale Professor,...
Hawkins joins previously announced stars Lupita Nyong’o, Zackary Momoh, and Uzo Aduba. The series is based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name.
“Americanah” is a 10-episode limited series that tells the story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a young, beautiful, self-assured woman raised in Nigeria, who as a teenager falls in love with her classmate Obinze (Momoh). Living in a military-ruled country, they each depart for the west. Ifemelu heads for America, where she finds academic success, but is forced to grapple for the first time with what it means to be black. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous undocumented life in London.
Hawkins will play Blaine, Ifemelu’s present-day boyfriend and Yale Professor,...
- 1/14/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
HBO Max has cast Corey Hawkins in a leading role alongside Lupita Nyong’o, Zackary Momoh and Uzo Aduba in its upcoming “Americanah” limited series.
The 10 episode series is based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name.
Here’s HBO Max’s official description:
Also Read: 'Vice' Docuseries Revival Gets Premiere Date From Showtime
“‘Americanah’ tells the story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a young, beautiful, self-assured woman raised in Nigeria, who as a teenager falls in love with her classmate Obinze (Momoh). Living in a military-ruled country, they each depart for the west. Ifemelu heads for America, where she finds academic success, but is forced to grapple for the first time with what it means to be black. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous undocumented life in London. A highly...
The 10 episode series is based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name.
Here’s HBO Max’s official description:
Also Read: 'Vice' Docuseries Revival Gets Premiere Date From Showtime
“‘Americanah’ tells the story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a young, beautiful, self-assured woman raised in Nigeria, who as a teenager falls in love with her classmate Obinze (Momoh). Living in a military-ruled country, they each depart for the west. Ifemelu heads for America, where she finds academic success, but is forced to grapple for the first time with what it means to be black. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous undocumented life in London. A highly...
- 1/14/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o says she wants to keep her personal life private.
In an interview to British Vogue, the 36-years-old actress opened up on why she doesn't discuss her personal life openly, reports eonline.com.
Also Read:?Katy Perry opens up on her personal and professional life
"Privacy is a commodity that is hard to come by," Nyong'o said.
She found fame when she won an Oscar in Best Actress in a Supporting Role category for her performance in "12 Years a Slave". She has appeared in major films, including "Us", "Black Panther" and "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker". She is set to star in and produce an adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "Americanah".
The actress says she has given herself "permission to take things slow" and work on projects that leave an impression.
"I don't get fulfillment from the number of zeros attached to a project,...
In an interview to British Vogue, the 36-years-old actress opened up on why she doesn't discuss her personal life openly, reports eonline.com.
Also Read:?Katy Perry opens up on her personal and professional life
"Privacy is a commodity that is hard to come by," Nyong'o said.
She found fame when she won an Oscar in Best Actress in a Supporting Role category for her performance in "12 Years a Slave". She has appeared in major films, including "Us", "Black Panther" and "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker". She is set to star in and produce an adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "Americanah".
The actress says she has given herself "permission to take things slow" and work on projects that leave an impression.
"I don't get fulfillment from the number of zeros attached to a project,...
- 1/3/2020
- GlamSham
HBO Max is bringing Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's bestselling novel Americanah to the small screen, and the cast is already shaping up to be a stellar one. The adaptation was originally announced as a film starring Us star Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo back in 2014, but now Nyong'o and Black Panther costar Danai Gurira are producing a 10-episode limited miniseries airing on WarnerMedia's streaming service.
Americanah tells the epic story of Ifemelu, a teenager living in Nigeria who falls in love with her classmate Obinze. The two leave their homes to journey west, with Ifemelu heading to America and Obinze settling in London after failing to obtain an American visa. Ifemelu finds academic success in the Us, but her life is plagued by the struggles of Black identity in America and failed love. On the other side of the ocean, Obinze lives the dangerous life of an undocumented resident...
Americanah tells the epic story of Ifemelu, a teenager living in Nigeria who falls in love with her classmate Obinze. The two leave their homes to journey west, with Ifemelu heading to America and Obinze settling in London after failing to obtain an American visa. Ifemelu finds academic success in the Us, but her life is plagued by the struggles of Black identity in America and failed love. On the other side of the ocean, Obinze lives the dangerous life of an undocumented resident...
- 12/25/2019
- by Mekishana Pierre
- Popsugar.com
Soon-to-launch streamer HBO Max continues to work to bulk up its originals content library.
The WarnerMedia-owned direct-to-consumer platform has set a script development deal for “The Beach,” a one-hour drama based on the book “Beach Lane,” by New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.
Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith are writing and executive producing alongside “Vampire Diaries” co-creator Julie Plec through her My So-Called Company production shingle, Leslie Morgenstein and Gina Girolamo of Alloy Entertainment and Jenna Dewan for Everheart Productions. Everheart Productions’ Jean Song is co-producing. Warner Bros. TV is the studio.
The series “follows three local teens who work in the Hamptons’ lavish estates, exclusive beach clubs, and breath-taking boats over one magical summer as their lives and hearts become increasingly intertwined with wealthy families who swoop in from the city for the summer season,” according to HBO Max.
HBO Max will make its debut in May,...
The WarnerMedia-owned direct-to-consumer platform has set a script development deal for “The Beach,” a one-hour drama based on the book “Beach Lane,” by New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.
Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith are writing and executive producing alongside “Vampire Diaries” co-creator Julie Plec through her My So-Called Company production shingle, Leslie Morgenstein and Gina Girolamo of Alloy Entertainment and Jenna Dewan for Everheart Productions. Everheart Productions’ Jean Song is co-producing. Warner Bros. TV is the studio.
The series “follows three local teens who work in the Hamptons’ lavish estates, exclusive beach clubs, and breath-taking boats over one magical summer as their lives and hearts become increasingly intertwined with wealthy families who swoop in from the city for the summer season,” according to HBO Max.
HBO Max will make its debut in May,...
- 12/18/2019
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
“Orange Is the New Black” alum Uzo Aduba has joined HBO Max’s upcoming limited series “Americanah” starring Lupita Nyong’o, a representative for WarnerMedia’s forthcoming streaming service told TheWrap.
Executive produced and written by Danai Gurira, “Americanah” is based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name and “tells the story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a young, beautiful, self-assured woman raised in Nigeria, who as a teenager falls in love with her classmate Obinze (Zackary Momoh),” according to the streamer.
“Living in a military-ruled country, they each depart for the west. Ifemelu heads for America, where she finds academic success, but is forced to grapple for the first time with what it means to be black,” according to the film’s official description. “Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous undocumented life in London.
Executive produced and written by Danai Gurira, “Americanah” is based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name and “tells the story of Ifemelu (Nyong’o), a young, beautiful, self-assured woman raised in Nigeria, who as a teenager falls in love with her classmate Obinze (Zackary Momoh),” according to the streamer.
“Living in a military-ruled country, they each depart for the west. Ifemelu heads for America, where she finds academic success, but is forced to grapple for the first time with what it means to be black,” according to the film’s official description. “Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous undocumented life in London.
- 12/18/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
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