Movie News
“Rosemary’s Baby” prequel “Apartment 7A,” starring Julia Garner and directed by Natalie Erika James, will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ ahead of the Halloween season.
Roman Polanski’s 1968 horror classic was produced by Paramount, starring Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes as a young couple who are trying to start a family but find themselves tormented by strange neighbors.
According to an official logline, “Apartment 7A” is “Set in 1965 New York City, and tells the story prior to the legendary horror classic ‘Rosemary’s Baby’, exploring what happened in the apartment before Rosemary moved in. When a struggling, young dancer suffers a devastating injury, she finds herself drawn in by dark forces when a peculiar, well-connected, older couple promises her a shot at fame.”
Commissioned for Paramount+, the film also stars Dianne Wiest (“Mayor of Kingstown”), Jim Sturgess (“Across the Universe”) and Kevin McNally (the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film series). Supporting cast...
Roman Polanski’s 1968 horror classic was produced by Paramount, starring Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes as a young couple who are trying to start a family but find themselves tormented by strange neighbors.
According to an official logline, “Apartment 7A” is “Set in 1965 New York City, and tells the story prior to the legendary horror classic ‘Rosemary’s Baby’, exploring what happened in the apartment before Rosemary moved in. When a struggling, young dancer suffers a devastating injury, she finds herself drawn in by dark forces when a peculiar, well-connected, older couple promises her a shot at fame.”
Commissioned for Paramount+, the film also stars Dianne Wiest (“Mayor of Kingstown”), Jim Sturgess (“Across the Universe”) and Kevin McNally (the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film series). Supporting cast...
- 4/26/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - Film News
“Challengers” is getting ready to serve at the box office.
Director Luca Guadagnino’s sexy tennis drama made $1.9 million at the the box office in Thursday previews.
The Amazon MGM film, which stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, is expected to make between $12 million and $15 million in its opening weekend. It’s poised to take the number one spot this weekend and beat A24’s “Civil War,” which has conquered the box office the last two weeks.
The trio of young stars play tennis pros caught in a personal and professional entanglement. Zendaya, who’s coming off the sci-fi blockbuster “Dune: Part Two,” plays Tashi Duncan, a former prodigy who had to retire from tennis after a serious injury. Mike Faist, who played Riff in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” is Art Donaldson, another tennis pro caught in a losing streak who later marries Tashi and is coached by her.
Director Luca Guadagnino’s sexy tennis drama made $1.9 million at the the box office in Thursday previews.
The Amazon MGM film, which stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, is expected to make between $12 million and $15 million in its opening weekend. It’s poised to take the number one spot this weekend and beat A24’s “Civil War,” which has conquered the box office the last two weeks.
The trio of young stars play tennis pros caught in a personal and professional entanglement. Zendaya, who’s coming off the sci-fi blockbuster “Dune: Part Two,” plays Tashi Duncan, a former prodigy who had to retire from tennis after a serious injury. Mike Faist, who played Riff in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” is Art Donaldson, another tennis pro caught in a losing streak who later marries Tashi and is coached by her.
- 4/26/2024
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety - Film News
It’s been well over a year since news first broke that Disney was moving forward with “The Princess Diaries 3.” Anne Hathaway can’t reveal any details, but she did assure fans in a recent V magazine interview that development continues on the long-anticipated sequel, and the intention remains to get it off the ground.
“We’re in a good place,” Hathaway said. “That’s all I can say. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place.”
Hathaway would return as down-to-earth royal Mia Thermopolis in “The Princess Diaries 3.” It appears to be the sequel she is most interested in seeing through, as she doesn’t see a feasible way to bring another one of her popular classics, “The Devil Wears Prada,” back to life.
“Probably not,” Hathaway answered when asked about making a “Prada” sequel. “We all love each other and if somebody could...
“We’re in a good place,” Hathaway said. “That’s all I can say. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place.”
Hathaway would return as down-to-earth royal Mia Thermopolis in “The Princess Diaries 3.” It appears to be the sequel she is most interested in seeing through, as she doesn’t see a feasible way to bring another one of her popular classics, “The Devil Wears Prada,” back to life.
“Probably not,” Hathaway answered when asked about making a “Prada” sequel. “We all love each other and if somebody could...
- 4/25/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
Bill Kong is cautious, vastly experienced and has an impeccable reputation as a key gateway between Hollywood and China to maintain. He is someone far more likely to deadpan than gush.
So, to hear him getting into high gear with a pitch for his bucket list martial arts movie project “The Furious” immediately invites comparison with previous Kong-produced action pictures including Oscar-winner “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Jet Li’s Fearless” or the Zhang Yimou-directed “Hero.”
“I’m going to do an action movie that rocks the world. And to prove that Hong Kong still has something to give the film industry. I want to show that Asian people can still make an action movie that is better than the rest of the world,” Kong tells Variety.
Significantly, “The Furious” is a project made by Hong Kong, rather than made in Hong Kong. Kong’s Edko Films is financing and producing.
So, to hear him getting into high gear with a pitch for his bucket list martial arts movie project “The Furious” immediately invites comparison with previous Kong-produced action pictures including Oscar-winner “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Jet Li’s Fearless” or the Zhang Yimou-directed “Hero.”
“I’m going to do an action movie that rocks the world. And to prove that Hong Kong still has something to give the film industry. I want to show that Asian people can still make an action movie that is better than the rest of the world,” Kong tells Variety.
Significantly, “The Furious” is a project made by Hong Kong, rather than made in Hong Kong. Kong’s Edko Films is financing and producing.
- 4/25/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
A quartet of fast-rising British names are coming together for a buzzy new project launching at the Cannes market.
Bella Ramsey, Louis Partridge and Ruby Stokes are set to lead “Sunny Dancer,” the sophomore feature from George Jaques. Embankment Films is handling global pre-sales of the film, which it says showcases the “best of new British talent.”
“Sunny Dancer” follows Ivy (Ramsey), a teenager in remission from cancer, whose gloriously outspoken mum and well-intentioned dad insist she attend Children Run Free Camp, a summer retreat for young adults affected by cancer. The camp’s slogan, “Where kids come to kid,” does little to alleviate Ivy’s apprehension, and a quick Google search confirms her fears when she stumbles upon a cringeworthy promotional video filled with tacky messages and clichéd sunsets. As if conquering cancer wasn’t enough of a challenge, Ivy now faces the prospect of spending her summer at what she calls “chemo camp.
Bella Ramsey, Louis Partridge and Ruby Stokes are set to lead “Sunny Dancer,” the sophomore feature from George Jaques. Embankment Films is handling global pre-sales of the film, which it says showcases the “best of new British talent.”
“Sunny Dancer” follows Ivy (Ramsey), a teenager in remission from cancer, whose gloriously outspoken mum and well-intentioned dad insist she attend Children Run Free Camp, a summer retreat for young adults affected by cancer. The camp’s slogan, “Where kids come to kid,” does little to alleviate Ivy’s apprehension, and a quick Google search confirms her fears when she stumbles upon a cringeworthy promotional video filled with tacky messages and clichéd sunsets. As if conquering cancer wasn’t enough of a challenge, Ivy now faces the prospect of spending her summer at what she calls “chemo camp.
- 4/25/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
Fred Schepisi is set to direct Israel-based thriller “The Dimona Affair,” Variety has learned exclusively.
The project is based on the story of a whistleblower who claimed Israel was building a nuclear weapons program. (The country has always denied it has nuclear weapons).
After giving The Sunday Times of London a detailed interview about the program in the 1980s, causing an international scandal, “low level” Israeli nuclear technician Mordechai Vanunu fled the country. He was then reportedly lured to Rome by a female Israeli secret service agent in a honeytrap operation where he was kidnapped and repatriated to Israel. Vanunu eventually stood trial for espionage and treason before being convicted and jailed.
Schepisi, whose last feature project was “Words and Pictures” starring Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche in 2013, is set to direct from a script penned by screenwriter and investigative journalist Morrie Rosmarin.
The director is best known for 1993 pic “Six Degrees of Separation...
The project is based on the story of a whistleblower who claimed Israel was building a nuclear weapons program. (The country has always denied it has nuclear weapons).
After giving The Sunday Times of London a detailed interview about the program in the 1980s, causing an international scandal, “low level” Israeli nuclear technician Mordechai Vanunu fled the country. He was then reportedly lured to Rome by a female Israeli secret service agent in a honeytrap operation where he was kidnapped and repatriated to Israel. Vanunu eventually stood trial for espionage and treason before being convicted and jailed.
Schepisi, whose last feature project was “Words and Pictures” starring Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche in 2013, is set to direct from a script penned by screenwriter and investigative journalist Morrie Rosmarin.
The director is best known for 1993 pic “Six Degrees of Separation...
- 4/25/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety - Film News
Kenneth Branagh has spent much of his career bringing to life the works of British writers William Shakespeare and Agatha Christie. Now he will not get a chance to play a different famed scribe. Branagh will voice star as Charles Dickens in The King of Kings, a faith-based feature inspired by the lives of both Dickens and Jesus Christ.
Uma Thurman will voice star as Catherine Dickens, the wife of the author, while Jojo Rabbit‘s Roman Griffin Davis will voice the couple’s youngest son, Walter.
The King of Kings is inspired by “The Life of Our Lord,” a Dickens short story published in 1934, decades after his death. It follows Dickens and Walter as they — and their cat Willa — become immersed in the story of Jesus.
“It is through the Dickens family that our audience experiences the life of Jesus Christ, and Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman and Roman Griffin Davis bring all the emotion,...
Uma Thurman will voice star as Catherine Dickens, the wife of the author, while Jojo Rabbit‘s Roman Griffin Davis will voice the couple’s youngest son, Walter.
The King of Kings is inspired by “The Life of Our Lord,” a Dickens short story published in 1934, decades after his death. It follows Dickens and Walter as they — and their cat Willa — become immersed in the story of Jesus.
“It is through the Dickens family that our audience experiences the life of Jesus Christ, and Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman and Roman Griffin Davis bring all the emotion,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has come on board “The Thursday Murder Club,” Amblin’s upcoming adaptation of the bestselling novel starring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and Ben Kingsley. Chris Columbus is writing and directing the story of a group of friends who solve murders.
The 2020 book by Richard Osman tells the story of four friends who live in a retirement community and take on cold cases for fun. When a shady property developer is found dead, the four find themselves in the middle of their first live crime. Mirren will play ex-spy Elizabeth, Kingsley will play ex-psychiatrist Ibrahim and Brosnan will play former union activist Ron.
Netflix and Amblin’s film partnership also includes the upcoming Jason Bateman-Taron Egerton film “Carry-On.”
Osman, a popular British quiz show presenter, said in a statement, “I’m so proud of this book, so it is a dream to see ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ in such incredible hands.
The 2020 book by Richard Osman tells the story of four friends who live in a retirement community and take on cold cases for fun. When a shady property developer is found dead, the four find themselves in the middle of their first live crime. Mirren will play ex-spy Elizabeth, Kingsley will play ex-psychiatrist Ibrahim and Brosnan will play former union activist Ron.
Netflix and Amblin’s film partnership also includes the upcoming Jason Bateman-Taron Egerton film “Carry-On.”
Osman, a popular British quiz show presenter, said in a statement, “I’m so proud of this book, so it is a dream to see ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ in such incredible hands.
- 4/25/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety - Film News
Gabby and her cats are coming to the big screen next year.
DreamWorks Animation and Universal revealed Thursday that Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie will open nationwide on Sept. 26, 2025.
The live-action/CGI series has been a smash hit for Netflix since its debut in 2021. Created by Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, Gabby’s Dollhouse is a mixed-media preschool adventure that centers on a 12-year-old who, after unboxing an item, uses the power of her magical cat ears to shrink down to dollhouse size and go on adventures with the help of her animated cat friends. The show operates with a narrative ethos of flexible thinking and learning from your mistakes, and does so through a mix of things like music, dance, cooking and crafting.
Laila Lockhart Kraner will reprise her role from the series in the feature film, which follows Gabby as she goes on a road trip with her...
DreamWorks Animation and Universal revealed Thursday that Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie will open nationwide on Sept. 26, 2025.
The live-action/CGI series has been a smash hit for Netflix since its debut in 2021. Created by Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, Gabby’s Dollhouse is a mixed-media preschool adventure that centers on a 12-year-old who, after unboxing an item, uses the power of her magical cat ears to shrink down to dollhouse size and go on adventures with the help of her animated cat friends. The show operates with a narrative ethos of flexible thinking and learning from your mistakes, and does so through a mix of things like music, dance, cooking and crafting.
Laila Lockhart Kraner will reprise her role from the series in the feature film, which follows Gabby as she goes on a road trip with her...
- 4/25/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lily Gladstone and Bowen Yang will star in Bleecker Street and Shivhans Pictures’ remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 romantic comedy “The Wedding Banquet” from director Andrew Ahn.
Kelly Marie Tran, Oscar-winner Yuh-jung Youn and Joan Chen are also attached to star.
The reimagination of Lee’s Oscar-nominated film is based on a screenplay by Ahn and James Schamus. Schamus also co-wrote the original film with Lee and Neil Peng.
The film, which begins filming in May in Vancouver, follows what happens when Min’s boyfriend Chris rejects his marriage proposal. Min convinces his best friend Angela to marry him instead, paying for her partner Liz’s IVF treatments in exchange for his green card. However, things begin to unravel when Min’s grandmother makes a surprise trip from Seoul to throw the couple a Korean wedding banquet.
“It warms my heart to see how my film from so many years...
Kelly Marie Tran, Oscar-winner Yuh-jung Youn and Joan Chen are also attached to star.
The reimagination of Lee’s Oscar-nominated film is based on a screenplay by Ahn and James Schamus. Schamus also co-wrote the original film with Lee and Neil Peng.
The film, which begins filming in May in Vancouver, follows what happens when Min’s boyfriend Chris rejects his marriage proposal. Min convinces his best friend Angela to marry him instead, paying for her partner Liz’s IVF treatments in exchange for his green card. However, things begin to unravel when Min’s grandmother makes a surprise trip from Seoul to throw the couple a Korean wedding banquet.
“It warms my heart to see how my film from so many years...
- 4/25/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Jennifer Aniston is ready to pour herself a cup of ambition.
Aniston and her Echo Films partner Kristin Hahn are producing a “9 to 5” reimagining for 20th Century Studios, Variety has confirmed.
The film is currently in development, with Diablo Cody working on the latest draft of the “9 to 5” reimagining. Plot details are being kept under wraps.
The original “9 to 5” follows three female office colleagues who decide to exact revenge on their sexist, egotistical boss. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman starred in the 1980 office satire, directed by Colin Higgins and written by Patricia Resnick. The hit comedy film spawned a sitcom of the same name, which aired on ABC from 1982 to 1983, and in first-run syndication from 1986 to 1988. Parton, Tomlin and Fonda participated in the 2022 documentary “Still Working 9 to 5,” which focuses on the impact of the classic film 40 years later.
Aniston and her Echo Films partner Kristin Hahn are producing a “9 to 5” reimagining for 20th Century Studios, Variety has confirmed.
The film is currently in development, with Diablo Cody working on the latest draft of the “9 to 5” reimagining. Plot details are being kept under wraps.
The original “9 to 5” follows three female office colleagues who decide to exact revenge on their sexist, egotistical boss. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman starred in the 1980 office satire, directed by Colin Higgins and written by Patricia Resnick. The hit comedy film spawned a sitcom of the same name, which aired on ABC from 1982 to 1983, and in first-run syndication from 1986 to 1988. Parton, Tomlin and Fonda participated in the 2022 documentary “Still Working 9 to 5,” which focuses on the impact of the classic film 40 years later.
- 4/25/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Multi award-winning Filipina actress Ruby Ruiz has landed her first major screen role following her appearance in Amazon’s “Expats.” She will lead “First Light,” the feature directorial debut of James. J. Robinson.
Principal photography is now underway on the Australian-Filipino co-production, which comes with funding from Screen Australia. Veteran actress Maricel Soriano (“Mother Nanny”), Rez Cortez (“Bukal”), Soliman Cruz (“Blue Room”) and Kidlat Tahimik round out the cast.
Set in the remote mountains of the Philippines, “First Light” sees the death of a young construction worker force an elderly nun to confront the muddied ethics of an institution she has dedicated her life to. The script, also by Robinson, is a deeply personal story exploring the intersection of duty, faith and institutional power.
“Developing ‘First Light’ over the past two years has been an incredibly profound journey into the heart of pre-colonial Filipino philosophy,” Robinson said. “To be able...
Principal photography is now underway on the Australian-Filipino co-production, which comes with funding from Screen Australia. Veteran actress Maricel Soriano (“Mother Nanny”), Rez Cortez (“Bukal”), Soliman Cruz (“Blue Room”) and Kidlat Tahimik round out the cast.
Set in the remote mountains of the Philippines, “First Light” sees the death of a young construction worker force an elderly nun to confront the muddied ethics of an institution she has dedicated her life to. The script, also by Robinson, is a deeply personal story exploring the intersection of duty, faith and institutional power.
“Developing ‘First Light’ over the past two years has been an incredibly profound journey into the heart of pre-colonial Filipino philosophy,” Robinson said. “To be able...
- 4/25/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
Sudanese first-timer Mohamed Kordofani’s “Goodbye Julia,” a timely morality tale that takes place just before the 2011 secession of South Sudan, and Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania’s “Four Daughters” lead the way in nominations for the eighth edition of the Critics Awards for Arab films, winners of which will be announced during the Cannes Film Festival.
The first Sudanese film ever to screen in Cannes’ official selection, “Goodbye Julia” (pictured) is the story of two women — one from the North, the other from the South — who are brought together by fate in a complex relationship that attempts to reconcile differences between northern and southern Sudanese communities in the currently war-ravaged country.
The drama, which marked Kordofani’s debut, has scored nominations in seven categories of the Arab film awards, including best feature, director, screenplay, actress, actor and editing.
Ben Hania’s hybrid doc/drama “Four Daughters,” about an Arab...
The first Sudanese film ever to screen in Cannes’ official selection, “Goodbye Julia” (pictured) is the story of two women — one from the North, the other from the South — who are brought together by fate in a complex relationship that attempts to reconcile differences between northern and southern Sudanese communities in the currently war-ravaged country.
The drama, which marked Kordofani’s debut, has scored nominations in seven categories of the Arab film awards, including best feature, director, screenplay, actress, actor and editing.
Ben Hania’s hybrid doc/drama “Four Daughters,” about an Arab...
- 4/25/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
Magnify, the rebranded international sales arm of Magnolia Pictures, has acquired global and U.S. sales rights to “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point” in the run up to its world premiere at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight.
Directed and co-writer by Tyler Taormina (“Ham on Rye”), the film stars Michael Cera (“Barbie”), Francesca Scorsese, Maria Dizzia (“Martha Marcy May Marlene”), Ben Shenkman (“Billions”), Elsie Fisher (“Eighth Grade”), Gregg Turkington (“Entertainment”), Sawyer Spielberg (“Masters of the Air”) breakout actor Matilda Fleming, among others.
Written by Taormina and Eric Berger, the film revolves around a rambunctious extended family descending upon their small Long Island hometown for the holidays where hijinks, generational squabbles, and family traditions ensue.
“Taormina takes a singular approach to the classic holiday family movie, bringing his absurdist humor and dynamic filmmaking to life with a charming and perfectly cast ensemble,” said Lorna Lee Torres, Magnify SVP of Global Sales. “We...
Directed and co-writer by Tyler Taormina (“Ham on Rye”), the film stars Michael Cera (“Barbie”), Francesca Scorsese, Maria Dizzia (“Martha Marcy May Marlene”), Ben Shenkman (“Billions”), Elsie Fisher (“Eighth Grade”), Gregg Turkington (“Entertainment”), Sawyer Spielberg (“Masters of the Air”) breakout actor Matilda Fleming, among others.
Written by Taormina and Eric Berger, the film revolves around a rambunctious extended family descending upon their small Long Island hometown for the holidays where hijinks, generational squabbles, and family traditions ensue.
“Taormina takes a singular approach to the classic holiday family movie, bringing his absurdist humor and dynamic filmmaking to life with a charming and perfectly cast ensemble,” said Lorna Lee Torres, Magnify SVP of Global Sales. “We...
- 4/25/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
The original 1954 "Godzilla" film may look a bit worn 70 years after its release, but one aspect of the movie is still capable of reaching across time and space to rattle the nerves of modern moviegoers: that famous kaiju roar. Ishirō Honda's groundbreaking film brought its eponymous creature to life with a screeching, discordant sound that sends tingles down the spine, and it's a noise that the latest Toho Studios masterpiece, the critically acclaimed "Godzilla Minus One," aimed to emulate and expand upon.
In an interview with A Frame, the sound team behind the Oscar-winning film explained exactly how they put together the new Godzilla roar, a stunning noise that punctuated the film's first trailer and sounds even better in context. According to writer-director Takashi Yamazaki, he and the sound team decided to create the latest roar in part by replaying the original audio in a space that would allow for major echoes and reverberations.
In an interview with A Frame, the sound team behind the Oscar-winning film explained exactly how they put together the new Godzilla roar, a stunning noise that punctuated the film's first trailer and sounds even better in context. According to writer-director Takashi Yamazaki, he and the sound team decided to create the latest roar in part by replaying the original audio in a space that would allow for major echoes and reverberations.
- 4/26/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Rian Johnson and Edgar Wright both think “Challengers” is a grand slam.
The two directors took to social media to praise Luca Guadagnino’s buzzy feature starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist as a tumultuous trio of tennis pros who may or may not all be harboring feelings for each other (they are.)
“So I loved loved Loved ‘Challengers’ – didn’t know what to expect, and walked out of the theater totally buzzing,” Johnson tweeted. “It’s smart and sophisticated while still poppy and propulsive, basically ‘Design For Living’ as a kick-ass sports movie. Seriously It’S So Good.”
Meanwhile, Wright shared on Instagram his own praise for the Guadagnino feature.
“Mio amico Luca Guadagnino has a grand slam* of a new movie finally hitting cinemas this week and it’s truly fantastic,” Wright wrote. “Go see the sexy, funny, and thrilling ‘Challengers,’ with the formidable trio of Zendaya,...
The two directors took to social media to praise Luca Guadagnino’s buzzy feature starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist as a tumultuous trio of tennis pros who may or may not all be harboring feelings for each other (they are.)
“So I loved loved Loved ‘Challengers’ – didn’t know what to expect, and walked out of the theater totally buzzing,” Johnson tweeted. “It’s smart and sophisticated while still poppy and propulsive, basically ‘Design For Living’ as a kick-ass sports movie. Seriously It’S So Good.”
Meanwhile, Wright shared on Instagram his own praise for the Guadagnino feature.
“Mio amico Luca Guadagnino has a grand slam* of a new movie finally hitting cinemas this week and it’s truly fantastic,” Wright wrote. “Go see the sexy, funny, and thrilling ‘Challengers,’ with the formidable trio of Zendaya,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
When determining what films have any chance of winning the Oscar for Best Picture, or even being in contention for it, there recently has been a returned focus toward the delicate balance of art and commerce. As theatrical exhibition continues to rebuild and reform in wake of the global pandemic, the last two Best Picture winners, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “Oppenheimer,” were celebrated not just for being inventive, but for proving that audiences were still willing to come out in droves for a film without a colon or numeral toward the end of the title.
All that to say, if “Challengers” does well during its opening weekend at the box office, which is not a given, it will be much harder to ignore during awards season. As of now, there’s simply not much else down the line on the 2024 release calendar that fits into that sweet spot...
All that to say, if “Challengers” does well during its opening weekend at the box office, which is not a given, it will be much harder to ignore during awards season. As of now, there’s simply not much else down the line on the 2024 release calendar that fits into that sweet spot...
- 4/26/2024
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Miriam Haley, the key witness at Harvey Weinstein’s rape trial in New York, said Friday that she is weighing whether to testify again, after an appeals court on Thursday overturned his guilty verdict.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has indicated that it will seek to retry the former producer, but a trial likely would not go forward without Haley’s participation.
At a press conference with her attorney, Gloria Allred, Haley said she does not want to go through the ordeal of another trial, but recognized there are broader issues at stake.
“This isn’t just about me,” she said. “It’s a really important case. It’s in the public eye. It is difficult for me personally, but it is important for the collective.”
The Court of Appeals overturned Weinstein’s verdict on a 4-3 vote, finding that the trial judge, James Burke, erred by allowing testimony from...
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has indicated that it will seek to retry the former producer, but a trial likely would not go forward without Haley’s participation.
At a press conference with her attorney, Gloria Allred, Haley said she does not want to go through the ordeal of another trial, but recognized there are broader issues at stake.
“This isn’t just about me,” she said. “It’s a really important case. It’s in the public eye. It is difficult for me personally, but it is important for the collective.”
The Court of Appeals overturned Weinstein’s verdict on a 4-3 vote, finding that the trial judge, James Burke, erred by allowing testimony from...
- 4/26/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety - Film News
Audiences loved "All in the Family," Norman Lear's hit sitcom about lovable bigot Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor), his long-suffering wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), their daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), and Gloria's husband, Michael "Meathead" Stivic (Rob Reiner), all living under the same roof in disharmonyy. I know that when I was a kid, I loved watching "All in the Family" re-runs on Nick at Nite, and the show has a large legacy that endures to this day, thanks to its lengthy run: it lasted for 9 seasons, and then continued on as the spin-off sitcom "Archie Bunker's Place."
But "Archie Bunker's Place" was a different beast altogether, and it happened as the result of one of the cast members deciding to leave the main series. While this could've spelled the end for Archie Bunker, that's not how things shook out. Instead, the story continued, albeit in a different incarnation. But that...
But "Archie Bunker's Place" was a different beast altogether, and it happened as the result of one of the cast members deciding to leave the main series. While this could've spelled the end for Archie Bunker, that's not how things shook out. Instead, the story continued, albeit in a different incarnation. But that...
- 4/26/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Anne Hathaway isn’t against the idea of a streaming-only release, but she still can recognize box office potential when she sees it.
The Oscar winner stars in and produces “The Idea of You,” which will have a streaming only release on Prime Video on May 2. Hathaway told Variety that while she is still excited that the romantic drama will reach a wide audience on the platform, she knows that the film would fulfill a missing target in theaters.
“I’ve never had a movie this size be released [exclusively] on streaming, so I’m not really in a place to answer that question,” Hathaway said when asked about her take on whether or not streaming only was beneficial to this feature. “Part of me is excited that such a wide audience is going to have instant access to it. And a part of me [is aware that] there aren’t a lot of...
The Oscar winner stars in and produces “The Idea of You,” which will have a streaming only release on Prime Video on May 2. Hathaway told Variety that while she is still excited that the romantic drama will reach a wide audience on the platform, she knows that the film would fulfill a missing target in theaters.
“I’ve never had a movie this size be released [exclusively] on streaming, so I’m not really in a place to answer that question,” Hathaway said when asked about her take on whether or not streaming only was beneficial to this feature. “Part of me is excited that such a wide audience is going to have instant access to it. And a part of me [is aware that] there aren’t a lot of...
- 4/26/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“Deadpool and Wolverine” is set to be one of the biggest films of the summer, and fan theories are already flying around the internet regarding what Marvel could have in store for what looks like a bonkers trip across a multiverse populated by characters previously owned by 20th Century Fox and now owned by Disney. Whatever goes down in the sequel, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, prior knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will not be a mandatory requirement in order to enjoy it. That’s according to the film’s director, Shawn Levy.
“I was a good student in school. I’ll do my homework as an adult. But I am definitely not looking to do homework when I go to the movies,” Levy recently told the Associated Press. “I very much made this film with certainly a healthy respect and gratitude towards the rabid fan base that...
“I was a good student in school. I’ll do my homework as an adult. But I am definitely not looking to do homework when I go to the movies,” Levy recently told the Associated Press. “I very much made this film with certainly a healthy respect and gratitude towards the rabid fan base that...
- 4/26/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
A first clip has been unveiled from Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau’s Nat Geo documentary “Fly,” which will screen at Hot Docs on Sunday.
The doc follows three couples entwined in the world of base jumping, one of the world’s deadliest sports. Schwarz and Clusiauoree began working on “Fly” for seven years following the death of well-known climber Dean Potter, who lost his life while base jumping at Yosemite National Park.
“We were intrigued by these people who wanted to jump off cliffs with parachutes and wondered about their motivations,” says Schwartz. “We had this idea that maybe (base jumpers) are part of this crazy, reckless death cult or are empty adrenaline seekers, but we quickly found out how amazing they were and how full of life they were. That’s when we started filming.”
The directors chose to follow three couples: Jimmy and Marta, affectionately known as...
The doc follows three couples entwined in the world of base jumping, one of the world’s deadliest sports. Schwarz and Clusiauoree began working on “Fly” for seven years following the death of well-known climber Dean Potter, who lost his life while base jumping at Yosemite National Park.
“We were intrigued by these people who wanted to jump off cliffs with parachutes and wondered about their motivations,” says Schwartz. “We had this idea that maybe (base jumpers) are part of this crazy, reckless death cult or are empty adrenaline seekers, but we quickly found out how amazing they were and how full of life they were. That’s when we started filming.”
The directors chose to follow three couples: Jimmy and Marta, affectionately known as...
- 4/26/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety - Film News
Raymond Chan, a longtime art director in the production design department for Marvel Studios features, died Tuesday near his home in Wales. He was 56. His death was confirmed in a statement by the studio.
Chan was a regular contributor to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with credits including “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Avengers: Endgame” and the upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Sources told TMZ that “Deadpool” star Ryan Reynolds is “downright gutted about the sudden loss — and that it hits close to home for him.” The “Deadpool & Wolverine” crew is “devastated by the loss of their beloved compatriot.”
Chan’s first Marvel credit was on the 2013 sequel “Thor: The Dark World,” where he served as supervising art director. Outside of Marvel Studios, his other credits include “National Treasure,” “Nanny McPhee,” “Children of Men,” “Blood Diamond,” “Robin Hood,” “Knight and Day” and “Dungeons and Dragons.”
Born Dec. 1, 1967 in Oldham, Greater Manchester, Chan was raised by his parents,...
Chan was a regular contributor to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with credits including “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Avengers: Endgame” and the upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Sources told TMZ that “Deadpool” star Ryan Reynolds is “downright gutted about the sudden loss — and that it hits close to home for him.” The “Deadpool & Wolverine” crew is “devastated by the loss of their beloved compatriot.”
Chan’s first Marvel credit was on the 2013 sequel “Thor: The Dark World,” where he served as supervising art director. Outside of Marvel Studios, his other credits include “National Treasure,” “Nanny McPhee,” “Children of Men,” “Blood Diamond,” “Robin Hood,” “Knight and Day” and “Dungeons and Dragons.”
Born Dec. 1, 1967 in Oldham, Greater Manchester, Chan was raised by his parents,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Lexi Carson
- Variety - Film News
Melanie Lynskey recently told People magazine that her husband and fellow actor Jason Ritter has sacrificed his own career in recent years so that hers could flourish. Lynskey has been on a roll lately with an Emmy-nominated and series regular role on Showtime’s “Yellowjackets,” plus acclaimed supporting turns in “The Last of Us,” “Candy” and more. None of this career success would be possible had Ritter not put his own acting career on pause to help raise their five-year-old daughter while Lynskey took acting gigs.
“He’s the most supportive person in the world,” Lynskey told the publication. “The last few years we’ve had this role of like, whoever’s job makes the most sense, whether it’s the most exciting career wise or it’s more money, we would prioritize the one that was going to help move the person’s career forward.”
Lynskey said Ritter is...
“He’s the most supportive person in the world,” Lynskey told the publication. “The last few years we’ve had this role of like, whoever’s job makes the most sense, whether it’s the most exciting career wise or it’s more money, we would prioritize the one that was going to help move the person’s career forward.”
Lynskey said Ritter is...
- 4/26/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
The Monte-Carlo Television Festival will present its International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent to British actor Simone Ashley at its opening ceremony on June 14. The award recognizes the “exceptional rising talent of an actor who has elevated the bar of excellence to international acclaim.”
Ashley is known for portraying Kate Sharma, the female lead of Season 2 of the Netflix series “Bridgerton.” She reprises her role in Season 3, which premieres next month.
Ashley recently appeared in Disney’s live-action reimagining of “The Little Mermaid” as Ariel’s sister, Indira. She also voices Rose in Gfm Animation’s animated feature film “10 Lives.” Next, she will helm Amazon Prime Video’s original romantic-comedy “Picture This,” and lead independent film “This Tempting Madness.”
Prior to her breakout moment, Ashley was best known for her role as Olivia in the series “Sex Education.”
She was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, and featured in the Time100 Next list.
Ashley is known for portraying Kate Sharma, the female lead of Season 2 of the Netflix series “Bridgerton.” She reprises her role in Season 3, which premieres next month.
Ashley recently appeared in Disney’s live-action reimagining of “The Little Mermaid” as Ariel’s sister, Indira. She also voices Rose in Gfm Animation’s animated feature film “10 Lives.” Next, she will helm Amazon Prime Video’s original romantic-comedy “Picture This,” and lead independent film “This Tempting Madness.”
Prior to her breakout moment, Ashley was best known for her role as Olivia in the series “Sex Education.”
She was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, and featured in the Time100 Next list.
- 4/26/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety - Film News
It's safe to say first-time feature screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes came out of the gate hot with his first produced screenplay. "Challengers," the erotic tennis thriller starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor, was one of /Film's most anticipated films of 2024, and the movie lived up to our sky-high expectations by being a mesmerizing drama about three people locked in a deep and unconventional relationship.
But interestingly, one of the film's most important scenes was not in its first draft. I spoke to Kuritzkes this week in advance of the film's release, and he told me about how a story idea from director Luca Guadagnino eventually evolved into one of the movie's most famous moments:
"One of the first conversations we had was that Luca said, 'In a love triangle, all the corners should touch.' I heard that, and I thought, 'Yeah, all these people's lives are so deeply intwined,...
But interestingly, one of the film's most important scenes was not in its first draft. I spoke to Kuritzkes this week in advance of the film's release, and he told me about how a story idea from director Luca Guadagnino eventually evolved into one of the movie's most famous moments:
"One of the first conversations we had was that Luca said, 'In a love triangle, all the corners should touch.' I heard that, and I thought, 'Yeah, all these people's lives are so deeply intwined,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
Pauly Shore wrote on Instagram that he was “up all night crying” after Richard Simmons continued to publicly distance himself from the biopic on his life that Shore is attached to star in. Furthermore, Simmons revealed on his social media platforms that he’s talking to film studios about making his own biopic.
“I just read that a man that I don’t know is writing my bio pic starring Pauly Shore,” Simmons posted earlier this week. “I do not approve this movie. I am in talks with major studios to create my own biopic with some help. Wait for this movie.”
Shore’s Simmons biopic, which the fitness icon is not involved with, is now in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization from writer Jordan Allen-Dutton.
“I was up all night crying regarding Richard Simmons’ tweet,” Shore responded. “Richard, how do you not approve of this movie?...
“I just read that a man that I don’t know is writing my bio pic starring Pauly Shore,” Simmons posted earlier this week. “I do not approve this movie. I am in talks with major studios to create my own biopic with some help. Wait for this movie.”
Shore’s Simmons biopic, which the fitness icon is not involved with, is now in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization from writer Jordan Allen-Dutton.
“I was up all night crying regarding Richard Simmons’ tweet,” Shore responded. “Richard, how do you not approve of this movie?...
- 4/26/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
IndieWire launched our “Pass the Remote” FYC TV screening series, produced in partnership with Disney, with a dynamic casting directors panel April 25 at Vidiots in Los Angeles.
Next up? Our Disney Storytellers Panels this Monday, April 29 — this will be two panels, one for drama, one for comedy, and will feature a beer/wine reception.
Talent on hand for the drama panel will be the following writers: Michael Dinner, “Justified: City Primeval”; Erica Lipez, “We Were The Lucky Ones”; Jeff Stetson, “Genius: MLK/X”; Samir Mehta, “Under the Bridge.” And for the comedy panel, the writing talent will be: Tazbah Chavez, “Reservation Dogs”; Ben Smith, “Only Murders in the Building”; Ron Weiner, “Life & Beth”; Zach Dunn, “What We Do in the Shadows” ; Jen D’Angelo, “Quiz Lady.” IndieWire features writer Jim Hemphill will be moderating both panels.
All events in the “Pass the Remote” screening series take place at the Vidiots Foundation...
Next up? Our Disney Storytellers Panels this Monday, April 29 — this will be two panels, one for drama, one for comedy, and will feature a beer/wine reception.
Talent on hand for the drama panel will be the following writers: Michael Dinner, “Justified: City Primeval”; Erica Lipez, “We Were The Lucky Ones”; Jeff Stetson, “Genius: MLK/X”; Samir Mehta, “Under the Bridge.” And for the comedy panel, the writing talent will be: Tazbah Chavez, “Reservation Dogs”; Ben Smith, “Only Murders in the Building”; Ron Weiner, “Life & Beth”; Zach Dunn, “What We Do in the Shadows” ; Jen D’Angelo, “Quiz Lady.” IndieWire features writer Jim Hemphill will be moderating both panels.
All events in the “Pass the Remote” screening series take place at the Vidiots Foundation...
- 4/26/2024
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Caitlin Cronenberg’s directorial debut “Humane,” which opens in select theaters Friday, tackles a decidedly heavy topic: the climate crisis. Yet the film always has an ironic levity to it, something she assigns to human nature.
“In a crisis, someone is always making a joke,” Cronenberg says. “Someone is always being light and funny and trying to get the mood to match the way that they feel, just because that’s their response to fear.”
That fear bubbles and builds in the pressure cooker of “Humane,” which boasts a deliciously pulpy setup. In the near future, a climate disaster will force 20% of people to enroll in the government’s new euthanasia program to sustain resources. But when a wealthy patriarch (Peter Gallagher) gathers his children (including Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire) at his mansion to tell them he’s signed up for it with his wife, she disappears and the government comes knocking,...
“In a crisis, someone is always making a joke,” Cronenberg says. “Someone is always being light and funny and trying to get the mood to match the way that they feel, just because that’s their response to fear.”
That fear bubbles and builds in the pressure cooker of “Humane,” which boasts a deliciously pulpy setup. In the near future, a climate disaster will force 20% of people to enroll in the government’s new euthanasia program to sustain resources. But when a wealthy patriarch (Peter Gallagher) gathers his children (including Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire) at his mansion to tell them he’s signed up for it with his wife, she disappears and the government comes knocking,...
- 4/26/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety - Film News
“Happy Death Day” is back for one more kill, according to lead actress Jessica Rothe.
The “Boy Kills World” star told ScreenGeek that director Christopher Landon already has a third feature set to cap off the “Groundhog Day”-type horror trilogy. Rothe plays sorority sister Tree Gelbman who relives her own murder in the 2017 original film. That movie grossed $125 million at the global box office against a budget of $4.8 million. A 2019 sequel similarly did well, garnering $64 million against a budget of $9 million.
“Well, I can say Chris Landon has the whole thing figured out. We just need to wait for Blumhouse and Universal to get their ducks in a row,” Rothe said of a third installment. “But my fingers are so crossed. I think Tree deserves her third and final chapter to bring that incredible character and franchise to a close or a new beginning.”
Landon was set to direct the now-reworked “Scream 7.
The “Boy Kills World” star told ScreenGeek that director Christopher Landon already has a third feature set to cap off the “Groundhog Day”-type horror trilogy. Rothe plays sorority sister Tree Gelbman who relives her own murder in the 2017 original film. That movie grossed $125 million at the global box office against a budget of $4.8 million. A 2019 sequel similarly did well, garnering $64 million against a budget of $9 million.
“Well, I can say Chris Landon has the whole thing figured out. We just need to wait for Blumhouse and Universal to get their ducks in a row,” Rothe said of a third installment. “But my fingers are so crossed. I think Tree deserves her third and final chapter to bring that incredible character and franchise to a close or a new beginning.”
Landon was set to direct the now-reworked “Scream 7.
- 4/26/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Keke Palmer and Sza are set to star in an untitled buddy comedy film for TriStar Pictures.
Lawrence Lamont (“Rap Sh!t”) is set to direct with the screenplay written by “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton.
Hoorae’s Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi, ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and MacRo Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks are producing. Singleton is co-producing. Big Boss’ Palmer and Sharon Palmer are executive producing. MacRo Film Studios is coming on board to co-finance and produce.
The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures. The lab was a previous pact between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures to source and incubate emerging, diverse screenwriters to develop and write their first studio feature based on original ideas.
Palmer and Sza first teamed up for “Saturday Night Live” in Dec. 2022, when Palmer hosted and Sza was the musical guest.
Lamont has...
Lawrence Lamont (“Rap Sh!t”) is set to direct with the screenplay written by “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton.
Hoorae’s Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi, ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and MacRo Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks are producing. Singleton is co-producing. Big Boss’ Palmer and Sharon Palmer are executive producing. MacRo Film Studios is coming on board to co-finance and produce.
The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures. The lab was a previous pact between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures to source and incubate emerging, diverse screenwriters to develop and write their first studio feature based on original ideas.
Palmer and Sza first teamed up for “Saturday Night Live” in Dec. 2022, when Palmer hosted and Sza was the musical guest.
Lamont has...
- 4/26/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety - Film News
Following the massive success of “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” there was a time when the Russo Brothers were the biggest filmmakers on the planet, and most fans presumed, don’t worry, they’ll be back to direct “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
But much has changed in the ensuing years. The Russos, via their Agbo company, have delivered two films in that time that they themselves have directed, the drama “Cherry” with Tom Holland for Apple and the would-be Netflix franchise “The Gray Man” with Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, an expensive affair that never took off with critics.
Continue reading The Russo Brothers Say They “Want To Build Our Own ‘Star Wars’” & Still Hope For ‘Gray Man 2.’ at The Playlist.
But much has changed in the ensuing years. The Russos, via their Agbo company, have delivered two films in that time that they themselves have directed, the drama “Cherry” with Tom Holland for Apple and the would-be Netflix franchise “The Gray Man” with Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, an expensive affair that never took off with critics.
Continue reading The Russo Brothers Say They “Want To Build Our Own ‘Star Wars’” & Still Hope For ‘Gray Man 2.’ at The Playlist.
- 4/26/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
As an actress and executive producer, Zendaya is already a multi-hyphenate, but she’s not quite ready to climb into a director’s chair. IndieWire reports (via The New York Times) that the “Challengers” star needs more time before she directs her first project. But when that day comes, Luca Guadagnino will say, “I told you so.”
Read More: ‘Challengers’ Review: Zendaya Rules This Love Triangle
“I’m overly conscious of everything else around me,” Zendaya told the publication in an interview for Guada’s new tennis drama, in theaters today. That’s when Guadagnino chimed in, “Because Z is a director. I told you many times, and I repeat it now to The Times.” Zendaya stressed that she’s still “learning,” but given the pedigree of directors she’s worked with recently, like Guadagnino and Denis Villeneuve, she may be further along in her apprenticeship than she thinks.
Continue...
Read More: ‘Challengers’ Review: Zendaya Rules This Love Triangle
“I’m overly conscious of everything else around me,” Zendaya told the publication in an interview for Guada’s new tennis drama, in theaters today. That’s when Guadagnino chimed in, “Because Z is a director. I told you many times, and I repeat it now to The Times.” Zendaya stressed that she’s still “learning,” but given the pedigree of directors she’s worked with recently, like Guadagnino and Denis Villeneuve, she may be further along in her apprenticeship than she thinks.
Continue...
- 4/26/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
If you’ve been wondering when a heist movie would wed traditional bank-robbing sequences with the current fixation on cryptocurrency, “Cash Out” is here to answer that question. And yet little about this John Travolta vehicle feels new or even timely, as the would-be thriller directed by Ives trades exclusively in shopworn tropes that by now are de rigueur for the genre. It is, as you might imagine, the story of one last job before our protagonist can finally hang it up for good — which is also how one imagines the role itself might have been pitched to Travolta.
The actor, who at this point is like a past-his-prime slugger dragging down his career batting average, brings a familiar name to “Cash Out” but none of the vibrancy we’ve seen from him in the past. He stars as Mason Goddard, whom we meet as he and his femme-fatale inamorata...
The actor, who at this point is like a past-his-prime slugger dragging down his career batting average, brings a familiar name to “Cash Out” but none of the vibrancy we’ve seen from him in the past. He stars as Mason Goddard, whom we meet as he and his femme-fatale inamorata...
- 4/26/2024
- by Michael Nordine
- Variety - Film News
Isaa Rae has a buzzy new buddy comedy in the works starring Keke Palmer and Grammy winner Sza, IndieWire has confirmed.
Rae is set to produce the untitled feature for TriStar Pictures. Rae’s “Rap Sh!t” director Lawrence Lamont will direct the film using a screenplay by “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton. The project hailed from the ColorCreative’s lab at Sony Pictures as part of a program between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures to foster emerging diverse screenwriters’ first studio features.
Palmer will executive produce through her Big Boss banner along with Sharon Palmer. Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi will produce through Rae’s banner Hoorae; ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and Charles D. King and MacRo Film Studios’ James Lopez and Poppy Hanks also produce. Singleton is co-producing.
Palmer and Sza did a December 2022 “Saturday Night Life” together — Palmer as host and Sza as her musical guest.
The...
Rae is set to produce the untitled feature for TriStar Pictures. Rae’s “Rap Sh!t” director Lawrence Lamont will direct the film using a screenplay by “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton. The project hailed from the ColorCreative’s lab at Sony Pictures as part of a program between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures to foster emerging diverse screenwriters’ first studio features.
Palmer will executive produce through her Big Boss banner along with Sharon Palmer. Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi will produce through Rae’s banner Hoorae; ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and Charles D. King and MacRo Film Studios’ James Lopez and Poppy Hanks also produce. Singleton is co-producing.
Palmer and Sza did a December 2022 “Saturday Night Life” together — Palmer as host and Sza as her musical guest.
The...
- 4/26/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Bob Bakish may be out at Paramount Global before any sale or merger deal for the media company is completed.
The board of directors of Paramount Global, including controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, have discussed a plan to oust Bakish as CEO, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources. Instead, the company would form an “Office of the CEO” comprising Paramount Global’s division heads to run operations on an interim basis, per the report.
A Paramount Global rep declined to comment.
The report comes as Paramount — owner of Paramount Pictures, CBS, Paramount+ and cable channels like MTV and Comedy Central — has been in exclusive M&a talks with David Ellison’s Skydance Media the past two weeks. Meanwhile, word emerged last week that Sony Pictures Entertainment was mulling a joint bid with private-equity firm Apollo Global Management, which had offered more than $27 billion for the entirety of the media company...
The board of directors of Paramount Global, including controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, have discussed a plan to oust Bakish as CEO, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources. Instead, the company would form an “Office of the CEO” comprising Paramount Global’s division heads to run operations on an interim basis, per the report.
A Paramount Global rep declined to comment.
The report comes as Paramount — owner of Paramount Pictures, CBS, Paramount+ and cable channels like MTV and Comedy Central — has been in exclusive M&a talks with David Ellison’s Skydance Media the past two weeks. Meanwhile, word emerged last week that Sony Pictures Entertainment was mulling a joint bid with private-equity firm Apollo Global Management, which had offered more than $27 billion for the entirety of the media company...
- 4/26/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety - Film News
Warner Bros. and HBO have acquired rights to “The Commandant’s Shadow,” a documentary based on the real life Höss family from “The Zone of Interest.” The film comes to theaters May 9 through a partnership with Fathom Events.
According to an official logline, “The Commandant’s Shadow”, “follows Hans Jürgen Höss, the 87-year-old son of Rudolf Höss, as he faces his father’s terrible legacy for the first time. His father was the Camp Commandant of Auschwitz and masterminded the murder of over a million Jews; the life of Höss and his family was recently fictionalized in the Academy Award-winning ‘The Zone of Interest.’ Now, ‘The Commandant’s Shadow’ tells the story of the real people who lived on site at Höss’s death camp.”
“We are always looking for opportunities to partner with our friends at Fathom, and ‘The Commandant’s Shadow’ is especially worthy of this kind of event-ized theatrical release.” said Jeff Goldstein,...
According to an official logline, “The Commandant’s Shadow”, “follows Hans Jürgen Höss, the 87-year-old son of Rudolf Höss, as he faces his father’s terrible legacy for the first time. His father was the Camp Commandant of Auschwitz and masterminded the murder of over a million Jews; the life of Höss and his family was recently fictionalized in the Academy Award-winning ‘The Zone of Interest.’ Now, ‘The Commandant’s Shadow’ tells the story of the real people who lived on site at Höss’s death camp.”
“We are always looking for opportunities to partner with our friends at Fathom, and ‘The Commandant’s Shadow’ is especially worthy of this kind of event-ized theatrical release.” said Jeff Goldstein,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay, Lexi Carson and Jack Dunn
- Variety - Film News
Despite their rom com-heavy résumés, Anne Hathaway and actor-turned-director Michael Showalter had never met prior to collaborating on the May-December love story “The Idea of You,” which bows May 2 on Amazon Prime Video. Unless you count that one time at Beverly Hills’ Gucci Osteria, which in 2022 was the site of a dinner party to celebrate Jessica Chastain’s Oscar nomination for the Showalter-directed film “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.”
“I wanted to talk to Anne, but I was too embarrassed,” Showalter recalls of the soiree. “The path of least resistance is to just not talk to anybody.” Adds Hathaway with a chuckle: “I couldn’t figure out how to breach my wall of shyness.”
Months later, Hathaway conquered her timidity when she recruited Showalter to co-write and direct “The Idea of You,” in which the star of “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Princess Diaries” portrays a 40-year-old single mother...
“I wanted to talk to Anne, but I was too embarrassed,” Showalter recalls of the soiree. “The path of least resistance is to just not talk to anybody.” Adds Hathaway with a chuckle: “I couldn’t figure out how to breach my wall of shyness.”
Months later, Hathaway conquered her timidity when she recruited Showalter to co-write and direct “The Idea of You,” in which the star of “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Princess Diaries” portrays a 40-year-old single mother...
- 4/26/2024
- by Michael Ausiello
- Variety - Film News
Much has been made about the smoky sexiness of Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers," notably the brief threesome scene near the beginning of the movie. While the scene is plenty sexy, it constitutes the bulk of the on-screen physicality of "Challengers," and it is, perhaps disappointingly, relegated to about 90 seconds of tongue kissing; Guadagnino's film is not the bisexual throuple film the ad campaign would have you believe it is.
Instead, it's a soapy, recognizably classical love triangle about three bitter souls who were never able to get over that fateful make-out session. The three players involved were promising tennis champions in high school. There's Tashi (Zendaya), the hotshot celebrity that is already being courted by marketers. There's Patrick (Josh O'Connor), the rough-hewn, stubble-encrusted stud. And there's Art (Mike Faist), the talented jokester whose magic shell quickly hardens into a crunchy layer of jealousy. "Challengers" follows them, via flashbacks, through their...
Instead, it's a soapy, recognizably classical love triangle about three bitter souls who were never able to get over that fateful make-out session. The three players involved were promising tennis champions in high school. There's Tashi (Zendaya), the hotshot celebrity that is already being courted by marketers. There's Patrick (Josh O'Connor), the rough-hewn, stubble-encrusted stud. And there's Art (Mike Faist), the talented jokester whose magic shell quickly hardens into a crunchy layer of jealousy. "Challengers" follows them, via flashbacks, through their...
- 4/26/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
We finally know a bit more about Aaron Sorkin’s long-gestating follow-up to “The Social Network.” He may want to update some “West Wing” set pieces.
Sorkin said during “The Town” podcast that he blames Facebook for the January 6, 2021 insurrection on the Capitol led by right-wing extremists. A sequel is born.
Sorkin knows a thing or two about Facebook: “The Social Network” charted the creation of social media platform Facebook. The Oscar-winning feature was released in 2010 and won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
On “The Town,” when asked about his take on the current state of politics, Sorkin said, “Look, yeah, I’ll be writing about this. I blame Facebook for January 6.”
When pressed for more details, he added: “You’re going to need to buy a movie ticket.”
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Sorkin was previously working on a January 6 script as well. That one was shelved. Sounds...
Sorkin said during “The Town” podcast that he blames Facebook for the January 6, 2021 insurrection on the Capitol led by right-wing extremists. A sequel is born.
Sorkin knows a thing or two about Facebook: “The Social Network” charted the creation of social media platform Facebook. The Oscar-winning feature was released in 2010 and won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
On “The Town,” when asked about his take on the current state of politics, Sorkin said, “Look, yeah, I’ll be writing about this. I blame Facebook for January 6.”
When pressed for more details, he added: “You’re going to need to buy a movie ticket.”
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Sorkin was previously working on a January 6 script as well. That one was shelved. Sounds...
- 4/26/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
2024 may end up a banner year in horror thanks to “Nosferatu,” “MaXXXine,” “Cuckoo,” “I Saw The TV Glow,” and “In A Violent Nature.” But Paramount is banking one of its premier genre entries will find an audience on its streamer, Paramount+. That’s right, the “Rosemary’s Baby” prequel “Apartment 7A” will premiere on the streamer instead of a theatrical release.
Continue reading ‘Apartment 7A’: ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ Prequel Starring Julia Garner To Premiere On Paramount+ This Fall at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Apartment 7A’: ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ Prequel Starring Julia Garner To Premiere On Paramount+ This Fall at The Playlist.
- 4/26/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Earlier this month, as you’ve likely heard, John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Harvey Keitel reunited at the TCM Classic Film Festival to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Quentin Tarantino’s classic 1994 film “Pulp Fiction.” The filmmaker himself was sadly not in attendance, presumably busy with his reportedly endless writing on the now scrapped tenth and supposedly final film, “The Movie Critic.”
TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz interviewed the cast in a fascinating and enlightening conversation about the interconnected, talky gangster movie set in Los Angeles.
Continue reading ‘Pulp Fiction’ & “The Art Of Small Talk”: Samuel L. Jackson Says “Gangsters Don’t Talk About That Stuff” In 30-Minute Q&a [Watch] at The Playlist.
TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz interviewed the cast in a fascinating and enlightening conversation about the interconnected, talky gangster movie set in Los Angeles.
Continue reading ‘Pulp Fiction’ & “The Art Of Small Talk”: Samuel L. Jackson Says “Gangsters Don’t Talk About That Stuff” In 30-Minute Q&a [Watch] at The Playlist.
- 4/26/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Array Releasing has acquired “For Our Children” and has set a release date for May 10 on Netflix.
Written, directed and produced by Débora Souza Silva, the documentary chronicles the powerful convergence of two mothers, Reverend Wanda Johnson and Angela Williams, whose lives were forever altered by police brutality against young Black men.
“Array is proud to work with filmmaker Débora Souza Silva to tell the important stories of Reverend Johnson and Angela Williams and their ability to find hope and light in a world too often defined by division and despair,” said Array’s President Tilane Jones in a statement. “Through intimate storytelling and raw authenticity, ‘For Our Children’ illuminates the unbreakable bonds of love and resilience that bind us all.”
Silva’s work has been featured on PBS, BBC and Fusion. In 2021, she received the Creative Capital Award. She was also honored by the National Association of Black Journalists,...
Written, directed and produced by Débora Souza Silva, the documentary chronicles the powerful convergence of two mothers, Reverend Wanda Johnson and Angela Williams, whose lives were forever altered by police brutality against young Black men.
“Array is proud to work with filmmaker Débora Souza Silva to tell the important stories of Reverend Johnson and Angela Williams and their ability to find hope and light in a world too often defined by division and despair,” said Array’s President Tilane Jones in a statement. “Through intimate storytelling and raw authenticity, ‘For Our Children’ illuminates the unbreakable bonds of love and resilience that bind us all.”
Silva’s work has been featured on PBS, BBC and Fusion. In 2021, she received the Creative Capital Award. She was also honored by the National Association of Black Journalists,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety - Film News
When "Six Feet Under" came to Netflix in November 2023, I was eager to finally watch one of HBO's finest television shows. My father passed away in September, and while binging this series so soon after his death might seem like a masochistic endeavor, it was quite healing. One of the few things I knew about "Six Feet Under" was that many critics and audiences consider the final episode the greatest television ending of all time. As George R. R. Martin told Variety, "[T]hat last episode was far and away the best finale in the entire history of television, and I cannot imagine how anyone could possibly do better." Empire's review called it "almost unbearably moving and thrillingly executed."
I found it hard to believe that anything could top Don Draper finding Coke ad inspiration on a mountaintop or Walter White dying next to his baby blue. But after seeing the...
I found it hard to believe that anything could top Don Draper finding Coke ad inspiration on a mountaintop or Walter White dying next to his baby blue. But after seeing the...
- 4/26/2024
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
Sam Raimi has handpicked another heir apparent to the “Evil Dead” franchise. Deadline reports that “The Last Stop In Yuma County” director Francis Galluppi follows in the footsteps of Fede Álvarez and Lee Cronin as the next up-and-comer to take the reins on the long-running horror series. And from the sounds of things, it’s another fresh start for the Deadites: an original story developed by Galluppi with no connection to last year’s “Evil Dead Rise.”
Read More: Bruce Campbell Says He’ll Return For Another ‘Evil Dead’ Movie If Sam Raimi Comes Back To Direct
Galluppi will write and direct the new film through Raimi and Robert Tapert‘s Ghost House Pictures. It’s still early stages, however, so it’s unclear who else will be involved on the production end. Feel free to speculate away about the setting for this installment.
Continue reading ‘Evil Dead’: ‘The Last Stop In Yuma County...
Read More: Bruce Campbell Says He’ll Return For Another ‘Evil Dead’ Movie If Sam Raimi Comes Back To Direct
Galluppi will write and direct the new film through Raimi and Robert Tapert‘s Ghost House Pictures. It’s still early stages, however, so it’s unclear who else will be involved on the production end. Feel free to speculate away about the setting for this installment.
Continue reading ‘Evil Dead’: ‘The Last Stop In Yuma County...
- 4/26/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
"Evil Dead" fans had to wait a full decade between movies following the release of Fede Álvarez's 2013 entry in the long-running horror franchise. It seems the powers that be have no interest in making anyone wait that long again. To that end, we've learned that Francis Galluppi ("The Last Stop in Yuma County") has been tapped to write and direct a new movie set within the universe of Sam Raimi's original 1981 horror classic.
According to Deadline, Galluppi developed the idea and brought it to Raimi's team. They sparked to it and now it's officially in the works. No plot details have been revealed but it is described as an original story set within the "Evil Dead" universe. There's also no word yet on casting or anything like that -- meaning, it's unclear if any familiar characters will be included in this new installment. Rami had this to say...
According to Deadline, Galluppi developed the idea and brought it to Raimi's team. They sparked to it and now it's officially in the works. No plot details have been revealed but it is described as an original story set within the "Evil Dead" universe. There's also no word yet on casting or anything like that -- meaning, it's unclear if any familiar characters will be included in this new installment. Rami had this to say...
- 4/26/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Few horror movies in the last several decades have left quite as much a psychological scar as "Rosemary's Baby" from 1968, a widespread cultural obsession among genre fans that has now led to a prequel film called "Apartment 7A," which has long been in the works and finally has a release window.
We first heard about "Apartment 7A" back in 2022, which was meant to tell the story of the eponymous apartment before Rosemary Woodhouse ever moved in and experienced the story's awful events. First told in author Ira Levin's best-selling novel, the main setting of that old, eerie-looking building on Central Park West ranks high among the likes of the Overlook Hotel from "The Shining," the Nostromo in "Alien," and other famous horror locales. Now, we're finally getting an origin story -- of sorts -- with ties going all the way back to the controversial Roman Polanski-directed classic.
Today,...
We first heard about "Apartment 7A" back in 2022, which was meant to tell the story of the eponymous apartment before Rosemary Woodhouse ever moved in and experienced the story's awful events. First told in author Ira Levin's best-selling novel, the main setting of that old, eerie-looking building on Central Park West ranks high among the likes of the Overlook Hotel from "The Shining," the Nostromo in "Alien," and other famous horror locales. Now, we're finally getting an origin story -- of sorts -- with ties going all the way back to the controversial Roman Polanski-directed classic.
Today,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Oscar winner reveals she would enjoy fans using her given name despite using Emma professionally
Her films have racked up more than $1bn at the box office and she has won two Oscars under her stage name, but Emma Stone says she would now prefer to be called by her given name: Emily.
In a joint interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Nathan Fielder, her co-star in the surreal TV show The Curse, revealed that actors and crew members she worked with called her Emily.
Her films have racked up more than $1bn at the box office and she has won two Oscars under her stage name, but Emma Stone says she would now prefer to be called by her given name: Emily.
In a joint interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Nathan Fielder, her co-star in the surreal TV show The Curse, revealed that actors and crew members she worked with called her Emily.
- 4/26/2024
- by Sammy Gecsoyler
- The Guardian - Film News
Keeping a television series fresh and engaging after its first few seasons is always a difficult task. It often separates the classic TV shows from the also-rans. And it’s often even tougher to pull off for a network comedy or sitcom. In many ways, that’s why it’s a relief that the third season of “Abbot Elementary” may arguably be one of its best. A major reason for that has to be Janelle James‘ portrayal of the blunt and take-no-prisoners elementary school principal, Ava.
Continue reading ‘Abbott Elementary’: Janelle James Makes A Case For Ava & Janine’s Friendship at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Abbott Elementary’: Janelle James Makes A Case For Ava & Janine’s Friendship at The Playlist.
- 4/26/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
Is there a rule book for comedy? It’s a question igniting fiery debates, especially in today’s era of “cancel culture” dictating the dos and don’ts of stand-up. But for Tony Hinchcliffe, the idea of conforming to these restrictions is as likely as finding a unicorn at a rodeo.
“There’s no room for victim mentality here,” Hinchcliffe tells Variety. “When you step into a dark, dingy comedy club, what do you want to see? Think about it like a strip club. Do you want to see girls in a dress? Or do you want to see nasty fucking shit? You want ping-pong balls flying at your head.”
Hinchcliffe sits back in a golden chair for his Zoom interview, rocking a plain white T-shirt and basketball shorts, reminiscing about his days as the class clown. He was born and raised on the rough and tumble streets of Youngstown,...
“There’s no room for victim mentality here,” Hinchcliffe tells Variety. “When you step into a dark, dingy comedy club, what do you want to see? Think about it like a strip club. Do you want to see girls in a dress? Or do you want to see nasty fucking shit? You want ping-pong balls flying at your head.”
Hinchcliffe sits back in a golden chair for his Zoom interview, rocking a plain white T-shirt and basketball shorts, reminiscing about his days as the class clown. He was born and raised on the rough and tumble streets of Youngstown,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety - Film News
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