Movie News
The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge awarded prizes in several categories at a Thursday event on the Sony Pictures Studios lot in Culver City.
The Disability Film Challenge is celebrating 11 years of advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Presenters and attendees included “Ricky Stanicky” writer, producer and director Peter Farrelly, comedian Nate Bargatze, “Coda” director Siân Heder, Caterina Scorsone of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Sheaun McKinney of “The Neighborhood,” Rick Glassman of “Not Dead Yet,” Jillian Mercado of “The L Word: Generation Q” and Heather Morris of “Glee.”
The winners were selected from 135 submitted from around the world. They include:
Best Film – “Audio Description” – Lee Pugsley;
Best Director – “The Case of the Obsidian Muskrat”- Chase Chambers
Best Actor – “Emergency Contact” – Kiersten Kelly
Best Writer – “Call the A.D.A.” – David Radcliff
Best Editor – “The Case of the Obsidian Muskrat” – Chase Chambers
Best Awareness Campaign – “Out of Reach” – Sawsan Zakaria...
The Disability Film Challenge is celebrating 11 years of advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Presenters and attendees included “Ricky Stanicky” writer, producer and director Peter Farrelly, comedian Nate Bargatze, “Coda” director Siân Heder, Caterina Scorsone of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Sheaun McKinney of “The Neighborhood,” Rick Glassman of “Not Dead Yet,” Jillian Mercado of “The L Word: Generation Q” and Heather Morris of “Glee.”
The winners were selected from 135 submitted from around the world. They include:
Best Film – “Audio Description” – Lee Pugsley;
Best Director – “The Case of the Obsidian Muskrat”- Chase Chambers
Best Actor – “Emergency Contact” – Kiersten Kelly
Best Writer – “Call the A.D.A.” – David Radcliff
Best Editor – “The Case of the Obsidian Muskrat” – Chase Chambers
Best Awareness Campaign – “Out of Reach” – Sawsan Zakaria...
- 5/10/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety - Film News
It’s all monkey business at the box office.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” the latest film in 20th Century Studios’ primate franchise, will rule over the box office this weekend. It’s already made $6.6 million in previews so far.
The new “Apes” movie is the fourth in the modern reboot franchise and the first since 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes.” “Kingdom” is projected to make between $50 million and $55 million in its opening weekend, which is roughly in line with the three previous entries.
The series’ second movie, 2014’s “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” holds the opening-weekend record with $72 million ($4.1 million in previews); followed by “War for the Planet of the Apes” with its $56.2 million opening ($5 million in previews); and finally the initial 2011 reboot “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” with a $54.8 million opening ($1.3 million in previews).
Director Wes Ball (“The Maze Runner...
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” the latest film in 20th Century Studios’ primate franchise, will rule over the box office this weekend. It’s already made $6.6 million in previews so far.
The new “Apes” movie is the fourth in the modern reboot franchise and the first since 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes.” “Kingdom” is projected to make between $50 million and $55 million in its opening weekend, which is roughly in line with the three previous entries.
The series’ second movie, 2014’s “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” holds the opening-weekend record with $72 million ($4.1 million in previews); followed by “War for the Planet of the Apes” with its $56.2 million opening ($5 million in previews); and finally the initial 2011 reboot “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” with a $54.8 million opening ($1.3 million in previews).
Director Wes Ball (“The Maze Runner...
- 5/10/2024
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety - Film News
History? They just made some.
A long anticipated sequel to the hit 2023 romantic comedy “Red, White & Royal Blue” is officially in development at Amazon MGM Studios, with stars Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez set to return. Matthew López, who co-wrote and directed the first film, is returning to write the screenplay with Casey McQuiston, who wrote the best selling novel of the same name. The cast and filmmakers made the announcement on Thursday following a special screening of the movie in Culver City, Calif.
The original film chronicles the how the First Son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz (Perez), and Prince Henry (Galitzine), third in line to the British throne, navigate the classic trajectory of transforming from bitter enemies into passionate lovers, while having to keep their relationship from going public and becoming international media sensations. (Spoiler alert: It does.)
As with McQuiston’s novel, which became...
A long anticipated sequel to the hit 2023 romantic comedy “Red, White & Royal Blue” is officially in development at Amazon MGM Studios, with stars Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez set to return. Matthew López, who co-wrote and directed the first film, is returning to write the screenplay with Casey McQuiston, who wrote the best selling novel of the same name. The cast and filmmakers made the announcement on Thursday following a special screening of the movie in Culver City, Calif.
The original film chronicles the how the First Son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz (Perez), and Prince Henry (Galitzine), third in line to the British throne, navigate the classic trajectory of transforming from bitter enemies into passionate lovers, while having to keep their relationship from going public and becoming international media sensations. (Spoiler alert: It does.)
As with McQuiston’s novel, which became...
- 5/10/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety - Film News
Galactus is coming.
British actor Ralph Ineson is the latest addition to the cast of Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four,” as the world-devouring cosmic villain Galactus.
The superhero quartet known as Marvel’s First Family will be played by Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (aka the Thing). The film will also feature Oscar nominee John Malkovich and Emmy winner Paul Walter Hauser, both in undisclosed roles, as well as Emmy winner Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a version of the Silver Surfer.
First introduced in a “Fantastic Four” issue from 1966, Galactus is a god-like entity who survives only by feeding on entire planets — and every living soul who inhabits it. He was designed by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby to stand apart from the standard,...
British actor Ralph Ineson is the latest addition to the cast of Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four,” as the world-devouring cosmic villain Galactus.
The superhero quartet known as Marvel’s First Family will be played by Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (aka the Thing). The film will also feature Oscar nominee John Malkovich and Emmy winner Paul Walter Hauser, both in undisclosed roles, as well as Emmy winner Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a version of the Silver Surfer.
First introduced in a “Fantastic Four” issue from 1966, Galactus is a god-like entity who survives only by feeding on entire planets — and every living soul who inhabits it. He was designed by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby to stand apart from the standard,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Katcy Stephan, Angelique Jackson and Adam B. Vary
- Variety - Film News
Olivia Wilde (Don’t Worry Darling) has signed on to star in I Want Your Sex, a new thriller from director Gregg Araki (Mysterious Skin) and Black Bear.
Blithely exploring desire, domination and fantasy, the film asks the question, how far is too far? When fresh-faced Elliot lands an exciting job for renowned artist, icon and provocateur Erika Tracy (Wilde), his fantasies come true as Erika taps him to become her sexual muse. But Elliot soon finds himself out of his depth as Erika takes him on a journey more profound than he ever could have imagined, into a world of sex, obsession, power, betrayal and murder.
Written by Karley Sciortino & Araki, the film will be produced by Seth Caplan, as well as Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler. Exec producers include John Friedberg and Courtney L. Cunniff. Black Bear will also fully finance the picture...
Blithely exploring desire, domination and fantasy, the film asks the question, how far is too far? When fresh-faced Elliot lands an exciting job for renowned artist, icon and provocateur Erika Tracy (Wilde), his fantasies come true as Erika taps him to become her sexual muse. But Elliot soon finds himself out of his depth as Erika takes him on a journey more profound than he ever could have imagined, into a world of sex, obsession, power, betrayal and murder.
Written by Karley Sciortino & Araki, the film will be produced by Seth Caplan, as well as Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler. Exec producers include John Friedberg and Courtney L. Cunniff. Black Bear will also fully finance the picture...
- 5/9/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
John Malkovich is the latest actor to join Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Character details are being kept in the Negative Zone.
Fantastic Four stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Julia Garner is playing The Silver Surfer, while Paul Walter Hauser is among the cast in an undisclosed role.
Fantastic Four has a release date of July 25, 2025 and hails from WandaVision director Matt Shakman, helming from a script from by Eric Pearson, Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer. WandaVision‘s Peter Cameron has also worked on the script.
Fantastic Four is a cornerstone property for Marvel. Writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby introduced the team with 1961’s Fantastic Four No. 1, a comic that launched the Marvel Universe...
Fantastic Four stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Julia Garner is playing The Silver Surfer, while Paul Walter Hauser is among the cast in an undisclosed role.
Fantastic Four has a release date of July 25, 2025 and hails from WandaVision director Matt Shakman, helming from a script from by Eric Pearson, Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer. WandaVision‘s Peter Cameron has also worked on the script.
Fantastic Four is a cornerstone property for Marvel. Writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby introduced the team with 1961’s Fantastic Four No. 1, a comic that launched the Marvel Universe...
- 5/9/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a highly competitive situation, Legendary has closed a deal with Mob Entertainment to develop and produce a live-action film based on its hit horror video game franchise Poppy Playtime, Deadline can confirm. Legendary will develop and produce along with Don Murphy & Susan Montford’s Angry Films, and Mob Entertainment.
In the Poppy Playtime games, players take on the role of a former employee of the once-illustrious toy brand, Playtime Co. Upon receiving a cryptic letter, the protagonist is drawn back to the sprawling, desolate facility only to quickly discover it’s become home to a host of toys that have taken on a life of their own. Far from the friendly playthings of childhood memories, these toys harbor sinister intentions.
Since the launch of Chapter One in 2021, the franchise has become incredibly popular across gaming, social media and merchandising around the world. Boasting 12 million players across PC and mobile,...
In the Poppy Playtime games, players take on the role of a former employee of the once-illustrious toy brand, Playtime Co. Upon receiving a cryptic letter, the protagonist is drawn back to the sprawling, desolate facility only to quickly discover it’s become home to a host of toys that have taken on a life of their own. Far from the friendly playthings of childhood memories, these toys harbor sinister intentions.
Since the launch of Chapter One in 2021, the franchise has become incredibly popular across gaming, social media and merchandising around the world. Boasting 12 million players across PC and mobile,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
[Editor’s note: Spoilers for “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” below.]
Wes Ball had two things going for him in directing “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”: His love of the original franchise, which he first watched on TV as a kid in the ’80s, and his admiration for “Avatar,” whose virtual production and performance capture prowess he leveraged with the help of Wētā FX.
“Something I’ve always wanted to do is go play in that ‘Avatar’ style and do it here, where there is no camera, there’s no lights, there’s no set really,” Ball told IndieWire. “And you have to create that in the computer with really talented artists. And I had a great time doing it.”
Ball got a taste of the tech working with Wētā on the shuttered “Mouse Guard” adaptation of David Petersen’s graphic novel (a casualty of the Disney/Fox merger). “That...
Wes Ball had two things going for him in directing “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”: His love of the original franchise, which he first watched on TV as a kid in the ’80s, and his admiration for “Avatar,” whose virtual production and performance capture prowess he leveraged with the help of Wētā FX.
“Something I’ve always wanted to do is go play in that ‘Avatar’ style and do it here, where there is no camera, there’s no lights, there’s no set really,” Ball told IndieWire. “And you have to create that in the computer with really talented artists. And I had a great time doing it.”
Ball got a taste of the tech working with Wētā on the shuttered “Mouse Guard” adaptation of David Petersen’s graphic novel (a casualty of the Disney/Fox merger). “That...
- 5/11/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Spoiler Warning: This story contains spoilers for the ending of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” now playing in theaters.
A new decade means a new “Planet of the Apes” trilogy.
The “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” ending teases much more story to come, and director Wes Ball has already confirmed there are plans for two more sequels. At that rate, the reboot series, comprised of two trilogies, will surpass the five-movie original series, which ran from 1968 to 1973.
The chimpanzee Noa (Owen Teague) and young human Mae (Freya Allan) seem ready for some more monkey business at the end of “Kingdom” — but maybe not on the same side. By the end of “Kingdom,” Noa and Mae have opposing views on whether apes or humans should be the dominant species on Earth. There’s also a secret clan of civilized humans who make contact with another group somewhere else in the world,...
A new decade means a new “Planet of the Apes” trilogy.
The “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” ending teases much more story to come, and director Wes Ball has already confirmed there are plans for two more sequels. At that rate, the reboot series, comprised of two trilogies, will surpass the five-movie original series, which ran from 1968 to 1973.
The chimpanzee Noa (Owen Teague) and young human Mae (Freya Allan) seem ready for some more monkey business at the end of “Kingdom” — but maybe not on the same side. By the end of “Kingdom,” Noa and Mae have opposing views on whether apes or humans should be the dominant species on Earth. There’s also a secret clan of civilized humans who make contact with another group somewhere else in the world,...
- 5/11/2024
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety - Film News
What's in a roar? Well, if it belongs to a ginormous prehistoric reptilian monster like Godzilla, it matters as much as what the creature represents or makes us feel. Godzilla's roar has evolved over the years — the original sound resembled a shrill "Skreeeonk!" as described in Dark Horse's "Godzilla" comics, and went on to alternate between deep, guttural sounds and high-pitched screeches that feel otherworldly. Akira Ifukube, who created the score for Ishirō Honda's "Godzilla", was the one who crafted the monster's distinctive disyllabic roar. This was not an easy task to accomplish, especially in 1954, when most creature sounds were created organically with minimal reliance on technological tweaks. How did Ifukube and Honda decide on a sound that would go on to constitute the heart and soul of such a beloved character?
For starters, Ifukube did not believe that Godzilla should roar at all, as the creature's reptilian...
For starters, Ifukube did not believe that Godzilla should roar at all, as the creature's reptilian...
- 5/11/2024
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
Chris Pine hopes he just found Luca Guadagnino’s next project: Disney’s “Princess Diaries 3.”
The actor and “Poolman” director proposed collaborating with the “Challengers” director for the third franchise installment during Entertainment Weekly’s Role Call Youtube series.
“‘Princess Diaries 3,’ where is it?’ Have you been reading my diary?” Pine quipped when revisiting his past roles. “I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything about it.”
However, Pine did have his own pitch for the film.
“You know, like, what it would be? It would be like a Luca Guadagnino film,” Pine said. “[If he] directs ‘Princess Diaries 3,’ now that is fucking fire.”
Of course, “Princess Diaries 3” would have to come after Guadagnino’s “Separate Rooms” with Lea Séydoux and Josh O’Connor. Guadagnino is also debuting “Queer” at Cannes 2024.
Pine hasn’t been publicly linked to the next “Princess Diaries” film, but his role in the 2004 sequel proved to be...
The actor and “Poolman” director proposed collaborating with the “Challengers” director for the third franchise installment during Entertainment Weekly’s Role Call Youtube series.
“‘Princess Diaries 3,’ where is it?’ Have you been reading my diary?” Pine quipped when revisiting his past roles. “I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything about it.”
However, Pine did have his own pitch for the film.
“You know, like, what it would be? It would be like a Luca Guadagnino film,” Pine said. “[If he] directs ‘Princess Diaries 3,’ now that is fucking fire.”
Of course, “Princess Diaries 3” would have to come after Guadagnino’s “Separate Rooms” with Lea Séydoux and Josh O’Connor. Guadagnino is also debuting “Queer” at Cannes 2024.
Pine hasn’t been publicly linked to the next “Princess Diaries” film, but his role in the 2004 sequel proved to be...
- 5/11/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
This post contains spoilers for the latest episodes of "Doctor Who."
It turns out love really is all you need. Well, love and a Time Lord willing to fight off the spirit of music through a delightfully campy song battle that sees literal musical notes fill the air. The showdown between the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa), Ruby (Millie Gibson), and the chaotic being known as Maestro (Jinkx Monsoon) in the new season's second episode might be one of the goofiest things that's happened on "Doctor Who" recently -- and it's not even the most over-the-top part of the episode. "The Devil's Chord" takes some deliciously weird risks, the biggest of which is centering its drama on "characters" who aren't exactly historical figures yet: The Beatles.
Of course, the long-running BBC sci-fi series (which recently made the move to Disney+) is known for crafting plotlines that see its central heroes mucking...
It turns out love really is all you need. Well, love and a Time Lord willing to fight off the spirit of music through a delightfully campy song battle that sees literal musical notes fill the air. The showdown between the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa), Ruby (Millie Gibson), and the chaotic being known as Maestro (Jinkx Monsoon) in the new season's second episode might be one of the goofiest things that's happened on "Doctor Who" recently -- and it's not even the most over-the-top part of the episode. "The Devil's Chord" takes some deliciously weird risks, the biggest of which is centering its drama on "characters" who aren't exactly historical figures yet: The Beatles.
Of course, the long-running BBC sci-fi series (which recently made the move to Disney+) is known for crafting plotlines that see its central heroes mucking...
- 5/11/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for "Midsommar."
The arrival at Hårga village in Ari Aster's "Midsommar" seems harmonious at first — perhaps, a bit too harmonious, with everyone donning stark white and plastered smiles till the illusion of sanctity shatters. This happens halfway through the film after the first feast ends, where the oldest members of the commune wilfully jump off a cliff, completing the Ättestupa ritual in excessively violent ways. When the male elder is still alive after his jump, his legs bent and cracked due to the impact, the villagers mock his pain and smash his head in over and over with a massive mallet. The visceral shock of the scene is intensified by the anxiety of what might happen after, as it is clear that the Ättestupa is just the beginning of a fever dream designed to torment and disorient.
How was this visually shocking scene accomplished? The...
The arrival at Hårga village in Ari Aster's "Midsommar" seems harmonious at first — perhaps, a bit too harmonious, with everyone donning stark white and plastered smiles till the illusion of sanctity shatters. This happens halfway through the film after the first feast ends, where the oldest members of the commune wilfully jump off a cliff, completing the Ättestupa ritual in excessively violent ways. When the male elder is still alive after his jump, his legs bent and cracked due to the impact, the villagers mock his pain and smash his head in over and over with a massive mallet. The visceral shock of the scene is intensified by the anxiety of what might happen after, as it is clear that the Ättestupa is just the beginning of a fever dream designed to torment and disorient.
How was this visually shocking scene accomplished? The...
- 5/11/2024
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
In the pilot episode of "Star Trek: Voyager" -- called "Caretaker" -- the chief medical officer on board the U.S.S. Voyager was killed in an alien-inflicted cataclysm that swept the clear across the galaxy in a matter of moments. With the ship damaged and the medical staff wiped out, the Voyager crew had to rely on a temporary Emergency Medical Hologram to serve as the ship's main doctor.
For the first few seasons, the Emh (Robert Picardo) was snippy and impatient, having been programmed to respond only to emergencies. Using the Emh so frequently, however, caused it to develop a consciousness and a personality. Before long, the unnamed Doctor was seen as an official member of the crew.
Because he was a hologram, the Doctor was typically confined to the sickbay, where his holographic emitters were equipped. He could also be transferred directly to the ship's holodeck occasionally,...
For the first few seasons, the Emh (Robert Picardo) was snippy and impatient, having been programmed to respond only to emergencies. Using the Emh so frequently, however, caused it to develop a consciousness and a personality. Before long, the unnamed Doctor was seen as an official member of the crew.
Because he was a hologram, the Doctor was typically confined to the sickbay, where his holographic emitters were equipped. He could also be transferred directly to the ship's holodeck occasionally,...
- 5/11/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
After two months at the bargaining table, IATSE and the major studios have begun talking about one of the key hurdles to getting a new contract: artificial intelligence.
The union is seeking to ensure that the adoption of AI will not displace jobs. In an update to members on Friday evening, the union advised that the two sides are “constructively engaging” on the issue, as well as on wages and other working conditions.
Talks on the Basic Agreement, which covers 45,000-50,000 crew workers, began last week and are scheduled to run through next Thursday. At that point, it may become clearer whether a deal can be reached without resort to a strike authorization.
“The goal of these negotiations is to ensure that our contracts keep pace with the rapid evolution of the entertainment industry,” Matt Loeb, IATSE’s international president, said in the update. “In many cases, the language in...
The union is seeking to ensure that the adoption of AI will not displace jobs. In an update to members on Friday evening, the union advised that the two sides are “constructively engaging” on the issue, as well as on wages and other working conditions.
Talks on the Basic Agreement, which covers 45,000-50,000 crew workers, began last week and are scheduled to run through next Thursday. At that point, it may become clearer whether a deal can be reached without resort to a strike authorization.
“The goal of these negotiations is to ensure that our contracts keep pace with the rapid evolution of the entertainment industry,” Matt Loeb, IATSE’s international president, said in the update. “In many cases, the language in...
- 5/11/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety - Film News
This article contains spoilers for "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes."
At the end of the "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," Mae (Freya Allan) returns to the Eagle-raising ape clan to say farewell to Noa (Owen Teague), telling him that humans should be allowed to return to their position as the dominant species. Noa tells her that doing so would stifle the freedom the apes are currently experiencing. The metaphorical genie can't be put back in the bottle, so to speak. But then the audience sees that she's holding a gun behind her back. It's a chilling moment reinforcing the tyrannical Proximus Caesar's belief that Mae is looking out for humans and no one else. It's a shock to the system considering everything the two have been through, and it also leaves the ending up to interpretation. Was she there to kill him? Was the gun a...
At the end of the "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," Mae (Freya Allan) returns to the Eagle-raising ape clan to say farewell to Noa (Owen Teague), telling him that humans should be allowed to return to their position as the dominant species. Noa tells her that doing so would stifle the freedom the apes are currently experiencing. The metaphorical genie can't be put back in the bottle, so to speak. But then the audience sees that she's holding a gun behind her back. It's a chilling moment reinforcing the tyrannical Proximus Caesar's belief that Mae is looking out for humans and no one else. It's a shock to the system considering everything the two have been through, and it also leaves the ending up to interpretation. Was she there to kill him? Was the gun a...
- 5/11/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Not every TV show can hit a home run right out of the gate. Often, they need time to settle into a routine or win over audiences, especially when they are more character-driven. Normally, things start to shake out after the pilot episode, which is where we usually see the growing pains of a show trying to figure out exactly what it is. But every once in a while, there's a show -- sometimes even one that will go on to become legitimately great -- that needs a little more hand-holding.
Maybe the characters aren't gelling the right way, the showrunners are attempting to retool the series in real time, or they were simply experimenting stylistically. Whatever the reason, it's not impossible for a show that requires some extra time to cook to become beloved by audience. Here are some of our favorite shows that, despite eventually aspiring to greatness,...
Maybe the characters aren't gelling the right way, the showrunners are attempting to retool the series in real time, or they were simply experimenting stylistically. Whatever the reason, it's not impossible for a show that requires some extra time to cook to become beloved by audience. Here are some of our favorite shows that, despite eventually aspiring to greatness,...
- 5/11/2024
- by Audrey Fox
- Slash Film
Prior to 1964 -- the year "Gilligan's Island" debuted, comedian and actor Jerry Van Dyke already had an expanding showbiz career. In 1963 alone, he appeared in the films "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," "Palm Springs Weekend," and "McClintock!" He also had a few guest appearances on his brother's sitcom "The Dick Van Dyke Show," and regularly turned up on talk shows to perform and converse.
It was in 1964 that Van Dyke was offered the title role in Sherwood Schwartz's "Gilligan's Island," still in development at the time. Van Dyke couldn't have predicted that "Gilligan's Island" would last for 98 episodes and become one of the most widely recognized sitcoms in TV history, so turning it down didn't seem like much of an event. As the public now knows, the title role in "Gilligan's Island" went to comedian Bob Denver, star of "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis."
Van Dyke would subsequently...
It was in 1964 that Van Dyke was offered the title role in Sherwood Schwartz's "Gilligan's Island," still in development at the time. Van Dyke couldn't have predicted that "Gilligan's Island" would last for 98 episodes and become one of the most widely recognized sitcoms in TV history, so turning it down didn't seem like much of an event. As the public now knows, the title role in "Gilligan's Island" went to comedian Bob Denver, star of "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis."
Van Dyke would subsequently...
- 5/11/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "Baby Reindeer."
The Netflix series "Baby Reindeer" is based on the award-winning one-man show written and performed by comedian Richard Gadd, who wrote the piece based on his own experiences with having been stalked. Since the show's debut on April 11, 2024, "Baby Reindeer" has stayed on the Netflix most-watched charts, becoming the obsession of viewers across the globe. Gadd stars as Donny Dunn, a fictionalized version of himself, meaning he is re-enacting his trauma for the world to see in every episode. Donny is stalked by a woman named Martha Scott, brought to life in a phenomenal, star-making performance by Jessica Gunning. Gadd's story is very real, but in the interest of protecting Martha's identity, as well as the identities of everyone else featured in the series inspired by real people, names and events were altered with Gadd's creative licensing.
But that hasn't stopped folks from...
The Netflix series "Baby Reindeer" is based on the award-winning one-man show written and performed by comedian Richard Gadd, who wrote the piece based on his own experiences with having been stalked. Since the show's debut on April 11, 2024, "Baby Reindeer" has stayed on the Netflix most-watched charts, becoming the obsession of viewers across the globe. Gadd stars as Donny Dunn, a fictionalized version of himself, meaning he is re-enacting his trauma for the world to see in every episode. Donny is stalked by a woman named Martha Scott, brought to life in a phenomenal, star-making performance by Jessica Gunning. Gadd's story is very real, but in the interest of protecting Martha's identity, as well as the identities of everyone else featured in the series inspired by real people, names and events were altered with Gadd's creative licensing.
But that hasn't stopped folks from...
- 5/11/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
From 2010 to 2023, when "Doctor Who" fans claimed they missed former showrunner Russell T Davies, they usually meant they missed his great character work. The original Davies' run, from season 1 through 4 of the revival series, is notable in how it clearly presents its companions not just as relatable, working-class women, but how it puts them at the center of the narrative. It's not necessarily a better approach than Davies' successor Steven Moffat (who would generally make the Doctor the point-of-view character), but it's a totally reasonable approach to be nostalgic for.
What those fans probably weren't referring to is Davies' questionable taste in monsters. Although he occasionally gives us some classic villains, like whatever that thing was in "Midnight," his original aliens tend to be on the sillier, juvenile side of things. Davies is the guy who gave us not one, not two, but three different episodes focused on the Slitheen,...
What those fans probably weren't referring to is Davies' questionable taste in monsters. Although he occasionally gives us some classic villains, like whatever that thing was in "Midnight," his original aliens tend to be on the sillier, juvenile side of things. Davies is the guy who gave us not one, not two, but three different episodes focused on the Slitheen,...
- 5/11/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
French sales agent Pyramide International has dropped a dark and subtle trailer for “Việt and Nam” a gay drama about two young miners who must complete a mission before fate pulls them apart.
Directed by Vietnamese auteur Trương Minh Quý, the film plays at the Cannes Film Festival in Un Certain Regard with its world premiere on May 22.
Per a synopsis from lead producer Epicmedia: “Nam and Việt, both young miners, cherish fleeting moments, knowing that one of them will soon leave for a new life across the sea. But the departure cannot happen as, lying in a far-off forest is Nam’s father, a soldier, whose remains they’re compelled to find. Together, following the mysteries of memories and dreams, they retrace the path to the past.”
The film is the third feature by Trương Minh Quý, who previously made a splash by taking part in the 2012 edition...
Directed by Vietnamese auteur Trương Minh Quý, the film plays at the Cannes Film Festival in Un Certain Regard with its world premiere on May 22.
Per a synopsis from lead producer Epicmedia: “Nam and Việt, both young miners, cherish fleeting moments, knowing that one of them will soon leave for a new life across the sea. But the departure cannot happen as, lying in a far-off forest is Nam’s father, a soldier, whose remains they’re compelled to find. Together, following the mysteries of memories and dreams, they retrace the path to the past.”
The film is the third feature by Trương Minh Quý, who previously made a splash by taking part in the 2012 edition...
- 5/11/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
The writer-director’s film I Saw the TV Glow brings together themes of fandom, pop culture obsession and trans identity
For the writer-director Jane Schoenbrun, making their highly anticipated follow-up to the breakout indie horror We’re All Going to the World’s Fair was a starkly different process. While their debut cost about $100,000 to make and felt like the result of 10 people running wild in the woods somewhere, far off the grid, I Saw the TV Glow was something else entirely: a budget larger than anything they had worked with before, a giant machine where everything had to move in careful synchronization.
“It was so different that it was almost like working in a different medium,” Schoenbrun said. “I really tried to take advantage of that with this film. I tried to make something that could be like almost painted. So many images in this film were so labored over.”
Continue reading.
For the writer-director Jane Schoenbrun, making their highly anticipated follow-up to the breakout indie horror We’re All Going to the World’s Fair was a starkly different process. While their debut cost about $100,000 to make and felt like the result of 10 people running wild in the woods somewhere, far off the grid, I Saw the TV Glow was something else entirely: a budget larger than anything they had worked with before, a giant machine where everything had to move in careful synchronization.
“It was so different that it was almost like working in a different medium,” Schoenbrun said. “I really tried to take advantage of that with this film. I tried to make something that could be like almost painted. So many images in this film were so labored over.”
Continue reading.
- 5/11/2024
- by Veronica Esposito
- The Guardian - Film News
The Irish author on the follow-up to his bestselling novel, being blanked at the Oscars and the joys of giving up drinking
Colm Tóibín does not approve of sequels. “It would have been a disaster if Pride and Prejudice had a sequel. It would have been a disaster if Ulysses had a sequel. Imagine!” the Irish novelist exclaims from his study in Columbia University, New York, where he teaches. “It ends with Molly Bloom asleep, then you’d suddenly realise, ‘Oh, my God, it’s starting another day.’”
Yet fans of Tóibín’s novel Brooklyn will be delighted to know that after a gap of nearly 15 years he has overcome these misgivings to write a follow-up, Long Island. Set in the 1950s, Brooklyn takes the fairytale of New York – an Irish girl who emigrates to America – and turns it into a heartbreaking story of homesickness and regret. Adapted by Nick Hornby...
Colm Tóibín does not approve of sequels. “It would have been a disaster if Pride and Prejudice had a sequel. It would have been a disaster if Ulysses had a sequel. Imagine!” the Irish novelist exclaims from his study in Columbia University, New York, where he teaches. “It ends with Molly Bloom asleep, then you’d suddenly realise, ‘Oh, my God, it’s starting another day.’”
Yet fans of Tóibín’s novel Brooklyn will be delighted to know that after a gap of nearly 15 years he has overcome these misgivings to write a follow-up, Long Island. Set in the 1950s, Brooklyn takes the fairytale of New York – an Irish girl who emigrates to America – and turns it into a heartbreaking story of homesickness and regret. Adapted by Nick Hornby...
- 5/11/2024
- by Lisa Allardice
- The Guardian - Film News
Dev Patel’s seething directorial debut joins a thriving genre, from the bloody violence of Tarantino and John Wick to the comic rage of The First Wives Club
In real life, most of us don’t get that many opportunities to exact revenge on someone. A passive-aggressive comeback maybe, but that’s not quite the same. In the movies, however, as in Greek mythology, vengeance is one of the driving forces of storytelling: revenge films, both aggressively bloody and more benign, provide cathartic wish-fulfilment for our own petty grievances and unsettled scores. In Dev Patel’s seething directorial debut Monkey Man, the quest is familiar – as his streetwise hero seeks retribution for his mother’s murder – but the sheer gusto of his vengeance is invigorating, down to driving a dagger into a villain’s throat with his teeth.
The modern revenge movie is largely characterised by such kinetic action and extreme violence,...
In real life, most of us don’t get that many opportunities to exact revenge on someone. A passive-aggressive comeback maybe, but that’s not quite the same. In the movies, however, as in Greek mythology, vengeance is one of the driving forces of storytelling: revenge films, both aggressively bloody and more benign, provide cathartic wish-fulfilment for our own petty grievances and unsettled scores. In Dev Patel’s seething directorial debut Monkey Man, the quest is familiar – as his streetwise hero seeks retribution for his mother’s murder – but the sheer gusto of his vengeance is invigorating, down to driving a dagger into a villain’s throat with his teeth.
The modern revenge movie is largely characterised by such kinetic action and extreme violence,...
- 5/11/2024
- by Guy Lodge
- The Guardian - Film News
Group will protest against government’s treatment of freelance workers at festivals across France
The Cannes film festival is facing strike action as it opens next week and could see protests by projectionists, floor managers and press agents who are demanding changes to the French government’s treatment of seasonal film festival staff.
The festival on France’s Côte d’Azur has faced major strike action only once before, during the student protests and workers’ strikes that began in May 1968.
The Cannes film festival is facing strike action as it opens next week and could see protests by projectionists, floor managers and press agents who are demanding changes to the French government’s treatment of seasonal film festival staff.
The festival on France’s Côte d’Azur has faced major strike action only once before, during the student protests and workers’ strikes that began in May 1968.
- 5/11/2024
- by Angelique Chrisafis in Paris
- The Guardian - Film News
‘Dare’ (2009): Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, and Ashley Springer Star in ‘Challengers’ for Theater Kids
On Friday nights, IndieWire After Dark takes a feature-length beat to honor fringe cinema in the streaming age.
First, the spoiler-free pitch for one editor’s midnight movie pick — something weird and wonderful from any age of film that deserves our memorializing.
Then, the spoiler-filled aftermath as experienced by the unwitting editor attacked by this week’s recommendation.
The Pitch: Discovering the Power of a Dick… Ahead of Its Time
Non-monogamy became a common topic of conversation this spring as Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” made any mention of pro tennis the conversational equivalent of a three-way sex invite.
On dating apps, searches for “open relationships” continued to rise in popularity just as reality television embraced multi-partnered dynamics through shows like Peacock’s “Couple to Throuple.” Even in 2024, polyamory isn’t outright “mainstream” by any stretch of the imagination(s). But as far as contemporary relationships are concerned, the “three’s...
First, the spoiler-free pitch for one editor’s midnight movie pick — something weird and wonderful from any age of film that deserves our memorializing.
Then, the spoiler-filled aftermath as experienced by the unwitting editor attacked by this week’s recommendation.
The Pitch: Discovering the Power of a Dick… Ahead of Its Time
Non-monogamy became a common topic of conversation this spring as Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” made any mention of pro tennis the conversational equivalent of a three-way sex invite.
On dating apps, searches for “open relationships” continued to rise in popularity just as reality television embraced multi-partnered dynamics through shows like Peacock’s “Couple to Throuple.” Even in 2024, polyamory isn’t outright “mainstream” by any stretch of the imagination(s). But as far as contemporary relationships are concerned, the “three’s...
- 5/11/2024
- by Alison Foreman and Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The reigning Queen of Comic-Con and the ultimate science fiction superstar, Sigourney Weaver, might be gearing up to conquer yet another interstellar franchise.
Weaver is in talks to join the cast of the Star Wars film, “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” Variety has confirmed.
Earlier this year, Lucasfilm announced the standalone spinoff featuring Pedro Pascal as the stoic bounty hunter known as “The Mandalorian” (or Djarin to fans deep in the franchise) and his disarmingly charming puppet counterpart Grogru. Created by Jon Favreau for Disney+, the series followed the odd couple as they traipse across the galaxy far, far away avoiding the Empire and safeguarding the adorable green creature whilst forging a relationship for the ages. It’s part Western, part monster-of-the-week with delightful cameos from Star Wars universe legacy characters sprinkled in now and again.
Favreau is slated to direct the feature. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and chief creative officer...
Weaver is in talks to join the cast of the Star Wars film, “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” Variety has confirmed.
Earlier this year, Lucasfilm announced the standalone spinoff featuring Pedro Pascal as the stoic bounty hunter known as “The Mandalorian” (or Djarin to fans deep in the franchise) and his disarmingly charming puppet counterpart Grogru. Created by Jon Favreau for Disney+, the series followed the odd couple as they traipse across the galaxy far, far away avoiding the Empire and safeguarding the adorable green creature whilst forging a relationship for the ages. It’s part Western, part monster-of-the-week with delightful cameos from Star Wars universe legacy characters sprinkled in now and again.
Favreau is slated to direct the feature. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and chief creative officer...
- 5/11/2024
- by Meredith Woerner
- Variety - Film News
Danny Boyle’s “28 Years Later” is hitting the big screen next summer. Sony Pictures has slated the long-awaited project for June 20, 2025.
Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes are set to star in the sequel to “28 Days Later” and “28 Weeks Later.”
Plot details are still being kept under wraps for the new screenplay, written by Alex Garland. It will be part of an upcoming trilogy, for which Nia DaCosta is in talks to direct the second film.
Boyle and Garland are producing, as is original producer Andrew Macdonald and Peter Rice. Bernie Bellew is also producing. Cillian Murphy is also returning as an executive producer, but is not currently attached to star.
“28 Days Later” was released in 2002 and starred a largely unknown Murphy as a bike courier who discovers the release of contagious virus upon awaking from a coma. Boyle directed the feature, while Garland wrote.
Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes are set to star in the sequel to “28 Days Later” and “28 Weeks Later.”
Plot details are still being kept under wraps for the new screenplay, written by Alex Garland. It will be part of an upcoming trilogy, for which Nia DaCosta is in talks to direct the second film.
Boyle and Garland are producing, as is original producer Andrew Macdonald and Peter Rice. Bernie Bellew is also producing. Cillian Murphy is also returning as an executive producer, but is not currently attached to star.
“28 Days Later” was released in 2002 and starred a largely unknown Murphy as a bike courier who discovers the release of contagious virus upon awaking from a coma. Boyle directed the feature, while Garland wrote.
- 5/11/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety - Film News
Nicholas Galitzine is quickly turning into one of Hollywood’s rising stars with steamy roles in last year’s British rom-com “Red, White, and Royal Blue” (now with a sequel on approach) and this year’s age-gap romance “The Idea of You.” However, in an interview with British GQ recently, Galitzine admitted that having the opportunity to take on quality roles is a relatively new phenomenon for him.
“I’ve had to cut my teeth on a lot of projects, which, I find the result of them, admittedly, maybe not great,” Galitzine said. “But for me, it was always, ‘Ok, this job won’t take me from point A to Z, but it is at least pushing me in the right direction?’”
Galitzine’s early roles include his performance as a moody violinist in the film “High Strung,” as well as playing Prince Robert in the critically panned jukebox musical...
“I’ve had to cut my teeth on a lot of projects, which, I find the result of them, admittedly, maybe not great,” Galitzine said. “But for me, it was always, ‘Ok, this job won’t take me from point A to Z, but it is at least pushing me in the right direction?’”
Galitzine’s early roles include his performance as a moody violinist in the film “High Strung,” as well as playing Prince Robert in the critically panned jukebox musical...
- 5/11/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Technologists Todd Terrazas, Max Einhorn, Mike Gioia and Ian Eck have posed a challenge to nine up-and-coming filmmakers: create short films using generative AI in only 48 hours. The Cinema Synthetica filmmaking competition is the first of its kind, founded in hopes of demonstrating the potential of AI tools to influence the future of filmmaking.
The completion is part of the AI on the Lot conference, a one-day summit to be held next week in downtown Los Angeles where Hollywood creatives can collaborate with those at the forefront of artificial intelligence. The nine Cinema Synthetica participants were carefully selected for the challenge and then divided into teams of three. After two full days of work, the films will be presented at AI on the Lot on May 16 to a panel of judges that will include such industry insiders as Einhorn, Jeff Clanagan, Kathleen McCaffrey, Momo Wang, Rachel Joy Victor and Jackee Chang.
The completion is part of the AI on the Lot conference, a one-day summit to be held next week in downtown Los Angeles where Hollywood creatives can collaborate with those at the forefront of artificial intelligence. The nine Cinema Synthetica participants were carefully selected for the challenge and then divided into teams of three. After two full days of work, the films will be presented at AI on the Lot on May 16 to a panel of judges that will include such industry insiders as Einhorn, Jeff Clanagan, Kathleen McCaffrey, Momo Wang, Rachel Joy Victor and Jackee Chang.
- 5/11/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - Film News
The world of Pierre Creton’s “A Prince” is lush and verdant. His protagonist is a gardener’s apprentice whose penchant for taming and nurturing the wilderness around him is only matched by the latent eroticism he finds in various older men he comes to be involved with. Mostly driven by voiceover narration meant to ground and disorient you in equal measure, “A Prince” is a study in the stories we keep from one another and the ones we tell ourselves. Creton’s vision of unruly desires in the French countryside is literate and oblique perhaps to a fault, its erotic sensibility feeling more intellectual than visceral.
The first line in Creton’s film, delivered in voiceover as images of gardening take up the screen, feels like a deferred promise: “The story really began when Kutta arrived,” we’re told by Françoise (who’ll be played by Manon Schaap but...
The first line in Creton’s film, delivered in voiceover as images of gardening take up the screen, feels like a deferred promise: “The story really began when Kutta arrived,” we’re told by Françoise (who’ll be played by Manon Schaap but...
- 5/11/2024
- by Manuel Betancourt
- Variety - Film News
“The Strangers” marketing campaign got a little too strange.
Around 11:30 p.m. Pt Tuesday night, TikTok shut down Lionsgate’s page after a promotional livestream for the studio’s upcoming horror-franchise prequel “The Strangers – Chapter 1” was found to have violated the social media platform’s terms of service.
The video was removed. In its place, a TikTok alert read: “We do not allow showing or promoting dangerous activities and challenges. This includes dares, games, tricks, inappropriate use of dangerous tools, eating substances that are harmful to one’s health, or similar activities that may lead to significant physical harm.”
A Lionsgate spokesperson did not respond to IndieWire’s request for comment on the stream being taken down.
The Lionsgate TikTok page has been restored. On it are five videos promoting the film, but no livestream.
“The Strangers – Chapter 1” livestream showed a masked person — the Scarecrow from the film — with...
Around 11:30 p.m. Pt Tuesday night, TikTok shut down Lionsgate’s page after a promotional livestream for the studio’s upcoming horror-franchise prequel “The Strangers – Chapter 1” was found to have violated the social media platform’s terms of service.
The video was removed. In its place, a TikTok alert read: “We do not allow showing or promoting dangerous activities and challenges. This includes dares, games, tricks, inappropriate use of dangerous tools, eating substances that are harmful to one’s health, or similar activities that may lead to significant physical harm.”
A Lionsgate spokesperson did not respond to IndieWire’s request for comment on the stream being taken down.
The Lionsgate TikTok page has been restored. On it are five videos promoting the film, but no livestream.
“The Strangers – Chapter 1” livestream showed a masked person — the Scarecrow from the film — with...
- 5/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is a more typical summer movie season-starter than last week’s disappointing “The Fall Guy” (Universal). It’s a franchise film and it’s from Disney (which usually starts things off with a Marvel film).
It’s expected to open to over $50 million this weekend and become the first to gross over $100 million domestic. Industry sources suggest that over the summer, at least eight other releases (extending to early September) will reach this mark. A week ago, that guess would gave been 10.
The same sources pegged “The Fall Guy” as likely to gross over $125 million in the U.S./Canada. This weekend will clarify its fate, but the current trajectory suggests around $80 million. That’s a disappointment for theaters as well as Universal, which spent around $140 million to make the film before marketing.
“Apes” is one of several titles now projected in the $125-$150 million range.
It’s expected to open to over $50 million this weekend and become the first to gross over $100 million domestic. Industry sources suggest that over the summer, at least eight other releases (extending to early September) will reach this mark. A week ago, that guess would gave been 10.
The same sources pegged “The Fall Guy” as likely to gross over $125 million in the U.S./Canada. This weekend will clarify its fate, but the current trajectory suggests around $80 million. That’s a disappointment for theaters as well as Universal, which spent around $140 million to make the film before marketing.
“Apes” is one of several titles now projected in the $125-$150 million range.
- 5/10/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
The following contains spoilers for "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes."
It's been 7 years since "War of the Planet of the Apes" brought to an end the story of Caesar the first ape capable of speech, who led a revolution and forever changed the world. Now, we're entering a new chapter in the "Planet of the Apes" saga with "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," set generations after the events of the previous film.
The movie follows Noa (Owen Teague), a member of the Eagle Clan who witnesses that entire clan being conquered and taken captive by a tyrannical king named Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand). When Noa sets out to free his people, he joins forces with Raka (Peter Macon), an orangutan from the Order of Caesar, and a human named Mae (Freya Allan) who is also on the run from Proximus' apes.
Proximus needs Mae because she...
It's been 7 years since "War of the Planet of the Apes" brought to an end the story of Caesar the first ape capable of speech, who led a revolution and forever changed the world. Now, we're entering a new chapter in the "Planet of the Apes" saga with "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," set generations after the events of the previous film.
The movie follows Noa (Owen Teague), a member of the Eagle Clan who witnesses that entire clan being conquered and taken captive by a tyrannical king named Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand). When Noa sets out to free his people, he joins forces with Raka (Peter Macon), an orangutan from the Order of Caesar, and a human named Mae (Freya Allan) who is also on the run from Proximus' apes.
Proximus needs Mae because she...
- 5/10/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Joel Edgerton is glad he’s not part of the MCU, especially when it came to his possible casting for Star Lord in “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
Appearing on The Playlist’s “Bingeworthy” podcast, Edgerton revealed that he “didn’t quite sort of understand the tone” of the comedy-action film that spurred a trilogy, despite auditioning for the lead role. Chris Pratt was later cast.
“Star-Lord’s a good one, actually, because I, unlike Chris [Pratt], didn’t quite sort of understand the tone of it the way he did and the way that those guys did,” Edgerton said. “And I wasn’t really sure how I could be a part of that tone. And I truly think that the world is a much better place that I’m not Star-Lord, even if I had the opportunity or I did a good enough audition because it is the way it’s meant to be.
Appearing on The Playlist’s “Bingeworthy” podcast, Edgerton revealed that he “didn’t quite sort of understand the tone” of the comedy-action film that spurred a trilogy, despite auditioning for the lead role. Chris Pratt was later cast.
“Star-Lord’s a good one, actually, because I, unlike Chris [Pratt], didn’t quite sort of understand the tone of it the way he did and the way that those guys did,” Edgerton said. “And I wasn’t really sure how I could be a part of that tone. And I truly think that the world is a much better place that I’m not Star-Lord, even if I had the opportunity or I did a good enough audition because it is the way it’s meant to be.
- 5/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Memory, the L.A.-based production and now distribution company featured in Filmmaker‘s 2016 25 New Faces list announced today the release plans for New Strains, a microbudget, camcorder-shot pandemic comedy from a pair of filmmakers, Artemis Shaw and Prashanth Kamalakanthan, also featured on our list. The film will screen at the Roxy Cinema in New York (June 13), Nitehawk Cinema Williamsburg (June 15 & 16), and Los Angeles’ Now Instant Image Hall (June 21 & 22), with a North American digital release to follow on Friday, July 19. In New Strains, a pandemic — not necessarily Covid-19 — strands a couple, Kallia […]
The post Memory Announces Summer Theatrical and Digital Release Dates for Microbudget Pandemic Comedy New Strains first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Memory Announces Summer Theatrical and Digital Release Dates for Microbudget Pandemic Comedy New Strains first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/10/2024
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
John Leguizamo recently revealed to Business Insider some of the roles he regrets turning down the most throughout his career. They include Stanley Tucci’s role as Nigel in “The Devil Wears Prada,” Robin Williams’ voice role in “Happy Feet” and Vince Vaughn’s role in the 2005 action movie “Mrs. and Mrs. Smith.” Vaughn starred opposite Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in the latter film.
“I had my reasons. I mean, they’re stupid, but I had my reasons,” Leguizamo said about these decisions, adding that it was a salary concern that resulted in him turning down “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” The actor said he was offered to work for scale on the film, while Pitt and Jolie were getting a $20 million payday. Reports have surfaced over the years that it was Pitt who got $20 million, while Jolie earned $10 million.
“For ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ it was because they were...
“I had my reasons. I mean, they’re stupid, but I had my reasons,” Leguizamo said about these decisions, adding that it was a salary concern that resulted in him turning down “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” The actor said he was offered to work for scale on the film, while Pitt and Jolie were getting a $20 million payday. Reports have surfaced over the years that it was Pitt who got $20 million, while Jolie earned $10 million.
“For ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ it was because they were...
- 5/10/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
Bankside Films has boarded Calum Macdiarmid’s prison thriller Wasteman starring 2023 Screen Star of Tomorrow David Jonsson and Tom Blyth and has struck an early deal with Lionsgate for UK & Ireland rights.
Macdiarmid’s feature debut follows parolee Taylor, whose hopes of a fresh start are jeopardised by the arrival of dominant cellmate Dee, played by Blyth, who recently played the young Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes.
As Taylor finds solace and protection in Dee’s shadow, their bond is tested when Dee becomes the target of a vicious attack, leading to an...
Macdiarmid’s feature debut follows parolee Taylor, whose hopes of a fresh start are jeopardised by the arrival of dominant cellmate Dee, played by Blyth, who recently played the young Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes.
As Taylor finds solace and protection in Dee’s shadow, their bond is tested when Dee becomes the target of a vicious attack, leading to an...
- 5/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
Jackrabbit Media is heading to Cannes with five new sales projects led by Aimee Kuge’s festival winner Cannibal Mukbang.
The film takes audiences into the bizarre world of mukbanging, where people broadcast themselves eating huge amounts of food, as an introverted nerd finds himself out of his depth after falling for a mysterious woman.
Horror sci-fi Peripheral from Sulayman Tahir explores the unsettling events that unfold when a woman’s husband goes missing, only to return with strange and paranormal occurrences.
The Bunker stars Tobin Bell from the Saw franchise and Tony Todd from Candyman. The sci-fi horror thriller...
The film takes audiences into the bizarre world of mukbanging, where people broadcast themselves eating huge amounts of food, as an introverted nerd finds himself out of his depth after falling for a mysterious woman.
Horror sci-fi Peripheral from Sulayman Tahir explores the unsettling events that unfold when a woman’s husband goes missing, only to return with strange and paranormal occurrences.
The Bunker stars Tobin Bell from the Saw franchise and Tony Todd from Candyman. The sci-fi horror thriller...
- 5/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
Wes Ball's "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" stands on the shoulders of the most recent trilogy that came before it and the legacy of fallen chimpanzee leader, Caesar (Andy Serkis). That trilogy contains some of the strongest entries in the entire series, which meant Ball's venture had huge shoes to fill. Fortunately, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" has already proven to be a critical hit, which has many thinking it could be the start of another trilogy.
Taking place hundreds of years after the events of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," and "War for the Planet of the Apes," all of the events are inching audiences closer and closer to 1968's "Planet of the Apes" set in the year 3978, where a human astronaut crash-lands on a planet inhabited by intelligent apes, unaware that the planet is...
Taking place hundreds of years after the events of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," and "War for the Planet of the Apes," all of the events are inching audiences closer and closer to 1968's "Planet of the Apes" set in the year 3978, where a human astronaut crash-lands on a planet inhabited by intelligent apes, unaware that the planet is...
- 5/10/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The original Japanese version of Ishiro Honda's kaiju classic "Gojira" -- previously bowdlerized by American translators as "Godzilla" -- wasn't released in American theaters until 2004 to coincide with the film's 50th anniversary. Up until then, American audiences had to content themselves with the 1956 film "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!," a heavily re-edited version of "Gojira" that included new scenes of actor Raymond Burr narrating the action. The footage was directed by Terry O. Morse.
When "Gojira" was finally released in 2004, not every critic was pleased. Most audiences accepted that Honda's film more or less birthed the kaiju genre, and established a persistent pop culture icon that persists to this day. Roger Ebert acknowledged that "Gojira" could be significant while also being completely shabby. He gave the film only one and a half stars, saying it was "idiotic." "Godzilla at times looks uncannily like a man in a lizard suit,...
When "Gojira" was finally released in 2004, not every critic was pleased. Most audiences accepted that Honda's film more or less birthed the kaiju genre, and established a persistent pop culture icon that persists to this day. Roger Ebert acknowledged that "Gojira" could be significant while also being completely shabby. He gave the film only one and a half stars, saying it was "idiotic." "Godzilla at times looks uncannily like a man in a lizard suit,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Did you see that plot twist coming, Precious? Warner Bros. Discovery recently announced the news that we'll be returning to Middle-earth in a new movie about Gollum, everybody's favorite fish-eating gremlin, tentatively titled "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum." Despite the usual excitement that follows any developments about such popular material, it's fair to say that the collective reaction to this reveal mostly amounted to: "...Him?" Compared to the likes of the classic "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and the widely-panned "The Hobbit" movies, the animated "The War of the Rohirrim" film, and even Prime Video's "The Rings of Power" show, a prequel following an awfully brief chapter in the centuries-spanning life of pathetic ol' Sméagol, of all characters, doesn't quite conjure up the same images of epic storytelling and sweeping adventures fans have come to expect from their beloved franchise. It certainly helps that actor...
- 5/10/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Ewan McGregor and Ellen Burstyn are a toxic son-mother duo just in time for Mother’s Day.
The aptly titled indie film “Mother, Couch” marks first time filmmaker Niclas Larsson’s directorial debut. Larsson penned the script based on Jerker Virdborg’s novel “Mamma I Soffa” that centers on a dysfunctional family trying to convince their mother (Burstyn) to leave a department store.
A trio of estranged children — David (McGregor), Gruffudd (Rhys Ifans), and Linda (Lara Flynn Boyle) — must figure out how to escape the eerie store that is owned by identical twins Marco and Marcus (F. Murray Abraham) and daughter Bella (Taylor Russell). The film becomes a descent into madness and mayhem as the store melts into a surreal purgatory where the two families must purge their long-withheld resentments.
“Mother, Couch” is produced by Ella Bishop and Pau Suris for Suris/Bishop Films, Alex Black for Lyrical Media, and Sara Murphy for Fat City.
The aptly titled indie film “Mother, Couch” marks first time filmmaker Niclas Larsson’s directorial debut. Larsson penned the script based on Jerker Virdborg’s novel “Mamma I Soffa” that centers on a dysfunctional family trying to convince their mother (Burstyn) to leave a department store.
A trio of estranged children — David (McGregor), Gruffudd (Rhys Ifans), and Linda (Lara Flynn Boyle) — must figure out how to escape the eerie store that is owned by identical twins Marco and Marcus (F. Murray Abraham) and daughter Bella (Taylor Russell). The film becomes a descent into madness and mayhem as the store melts into a surreal purgatory where the two families must purge their long-withheld resentments.
“Mother, Couch” is produced by Ella Bishop and Pau Suris for Suris/Bishop Films, Alex Black for Lyrical Media, and Sara Murphy for Fat City.
- 5/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Toronto-based Raven Banner has added the Michael Jai White action film Sunset Superman and road rage thriller Cold Road to its Cannes slate.
Jason Krawczyk, who directed 205 SXSW fantasy He Never Died, wrote and directed Sunset Superman starring White as Jt, a gentle giant helping his grandmother fix the leaky sink in her secluded cabin.
When the cabin is targeted by a gang of home invaders led by the unhinged Stan, played by Billy Zane, Jt must fend off growing number of thugs while keeping his grandmother – whom he fears the most— oblivious to the escalating mayhem.
Justin Kelly, Robert Fisher...
Jason Krawczyk, who directed 205 SXSW fantasy He Never Died, wrote and directed Sunset Superman starring White as Jt, a gentle giant helping his grandmother fix the leaky sink in her secluded cabin.
When the cabin is targeted by a gang of home invaders led by the unhinged Stan, played by Billy Zane, Jt must fend off growing number of thugs while keeping his grandmother – whom he fears the most— oblivious to the escalating mayhem.
Justin Kelly, Robert Fisher...
- 5/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
Here's some very cool news: the folks at the Jim Henson Company will lend their skills to building practical monster puppets for a new live-action movie based on "Beowulf" and on the John Gardner novel "Grendel." The film, titled "Grendel," will retell the legend of Beowulf from the monster Grendel's point of view (via THR). Jeff Bridges is set to play Grendel, while Dave Bautista will portray Beowulf. The cast also includes Bryan Cranston set as King Hrothgar, Sam Elliott as The Dragon, Thomasin McKenzie as Queen Wealhtheow, Aidan Turner as Unferth, and T Bone Burnett will also appear as a character named The Shaper. Burnett will also craft original songs for the film. Robert D. Krzykowski, who helmed the wonderfully titled film "The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot," is set to direct.
So what makes this so cool? Simply the fact that we're getting practical monsters...
So what makes this so cool? Simply the fact that we're getting practical monsters...
- 5/10/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Earlier this week, the Apple corporation released a commercial for its upcoming iPad Pro product. The commercial itself was less a positive demonstration of the new iPad and more of a sadistically gleeful ode to the encroaching dominance of the tech industry: in the spot, objects of human creativity are crushed into oblivion, and it's then revealed that the iPad has replaced all of what has just been decimated.
The commercial immediately came under criticism on social media, so much so that Apple had to issue a public apology a day later. While the ad is undeniably awful, the widespread, vitriolic backlash it received feels like a bubble bursting, as the ad's subtext seems to be the same core concept at the heart of generative AI programs: replace as many human beings as possible, at any cost.
Generative AI is undeniably a morally suspect and corrupt technology, seeing as how...
The commercial immediately came under criticism on social media, so much so that Apple had to issue a public apology a day later. While the ad is undeniably awful, the widespread, vitriolic backlash it received feels like a bubble bursting, as the ad's subtext seems to be the same core concept at the heart of generative AI programs: replace as many human beings as possible, at any cost.
Generative AI is undeniably a morally suspect and corrupt technology, seeing as how...
- 5/10/2024
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
[Editor’s note: Massive spoilers for “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” below.]
Apes rule in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” kicking off director Wes Ball’s post-Caesar saga 300 years later. Wētā FX leveraged its tech from the previous “Apes” trilogy and the Oscar-winning “Avatar: The Way of Water” for greater photorealism in their performance capture animation and VFX. This is important because the apes are chattier, and there are more CG action set pieces (33 minutes are entirely digital — a franchise first). It adds up to possibly earning the franchise the VFX Oscar that it’s been denied.
After achieving great on-set facial capture in the rain and snow for director Matt Reeves’ “Dawn” and “War” films, Wētā embraced more expansive environments for “Kingdom” along with more active and expressive apes. In the film, simians have begun developing their own civilization in villages spread throughout the overgrown Pacific Northwest, with decrepit skyscrapers in the distance.
Apes rule in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” kicking off director Wes Ball’s post-Caesar saga 300 years later. Wētā FX leveraged its tech from the previous “Apes” trilogy and the Oscar-winning “Avatar: The Way of Water” for greater photorealism in their performance capture animation and VFX. This is important because the apes are chattier, and there are more CG action set pieces (33 minutes are entirely digital — a franchise first). It adds up to possibly earning the franchise the VFX Oscar that it’s been denied.
After achieving great on-set facial capture in the rain and snow for director Matt Reeves’ “Dawn” and “War” films, Wētā embraced more expansive environments for “Kingdom” along with more active and expressive apes. In the film, simians have begun developing their own civilization in villages spread throughout the overgrown Pacific Northwest, with decrepit skyscrapers in the distance.
- 5/10/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
“X-Men” is back in the cultural zeitgeist thanks to Marvel Animation’s hit animated series “X-Men ’97,” and while it’s a different beast, it is paving the way for some of the first significant mutants to join the MCU this summer in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” We already know that star/producer Ryan Reynolds offered filmmaker Shawn Levy the “Deadpool 3” gig during the filming of “The Adam Project” (they also worked together on “Free Guy”).
Continue reading Shawn Levy Admits He Turned Down ‘The Wolverine’ When Hugh Jackman Asked Him During ‘Real Steel’ at The Playlist.
Continue reading Shawn Levy Admits He Turned Down ‘The Wolverine’ When Hugh Jackman Asked Him During ‘Real Steel’ at The Playlist.
- 5/10/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
‘I Saw the TV Glow’ Director Jane Schoenbrun Shares a Theory for Why We’re So Nostalgic for the ’90s
There’s a moment late in “I Saw the TV Glow” when Owen (Justice Smith), now an adult, watches an episode of “The Pink Opaque,” the ’90s TV series that obsessed him in high school. The supernatural teen genre series now looks and feels completely different to him: Gone is the supernatural mystery, the seductive production values, that magical glow of a vicarious world.
In the cinematic world of Jane Schoenbrun’s film, Owen and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) are cosmically linked to “The Pink Opaque” lead characters Tara (Lindsey Jordan) and Isabel (Helena Howard), so it’s possible the series has actually altered, but this scene of Owen re-watching it as an adult also speaks to something Schoenbrun experienced.
“There was always this idea of the way that a field that you played in as a kid looked and felt giant, but when you go back, it’s just this...
In the cinematic world of Jane Schoenbrun’s film, Owen and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) are cosmically linked to “The Pink Opaque” lead characters Tara (Lindsey Jordan) and Isabel (Helena Howard), so it’s possible the series has actually altered, but this scene of Owen re-watching it as an adult also speaks to something Schoenbrun experienced.
“There was always this idea of the way that a field that you played in as a kid looked and felt giant, but when you go back, it’s just this...
- 5/10/2024
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Jeff Bridges is turning to the world of practical puppeteering for an upcoming monster film from the Jim Henson Company called “Grendel.”
Bridges will executive produce and be the lead of the latest feature from The Jim Henson Company, the company announced Friday, May 10. “Grendel” will follow the legendary monster at the heart of the epic poem Beowulf, and it will allow the monster to tell his side of the story.
In addition to Bridges as Grendel, the ensemble cast includes Dave Bautista as Beowulf, Bryan Cranston as King Hrothgar, Sam Elliott as The Dragon, Thomasin McKenzie as Queen Wealhtheow, and Aidan Turner as Unferth.
Composer, producer, and songwriter T Bone Burnett will also star in a rare acting role as The Shaper, and he’ll also provide original songs for the film.
Robert D. Krzykowski is set to direct from a screenplay he adapted from John Gardner’s critically...
Bridges will executive produce and be the lead of the latest feature from The Jim Henson Company, the company announced Friday, May 10. “Grendel” will follow the legendary monster at the heart of the epic poem Beowulf, and it will allow the monster to tell his side of the story.
In addition to Bridges as Grendel, the ensemble cast includes Dave Bautista as Beowulf, Bryan Cranston as King Hrothgar, Sam Elliott as The Dragon, Thomasin McKenzie as Queen Wealhtheow, and Aidan Turner as Unferth.
Composer, producer, and songwriter T Bone Burnett will also star in a rare acting role as The Shaper, and he’ll also provide original songs for the film.
Robert D. Krzykowski is set to direct from a screenplay he adapted from John Gardner’s critically...
- 5/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
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