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The “Blade Runner” series in the works at Amazon Prime Video has cast Michelle Yeoh in a lead role, Variety has learned.
The series, titled “Blade Runner 2099,” was ordered at Amazon in September 2022. It serves as a sequel to both the original “Blade Runner” film and the followup film, “Blade Runner 2049.” Exact plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say Yeoh will play a character named Olwen, described as a replicant near the end of her life.
Amazon declined to comment on specific character details.
Yeoh won the Academy Award for best actress for “Everything Everywhere All at Once...
The series, titled “Blade Runner 2099,” was ordered at Amazon in September 2022. It serves as a sequel to both the original “Blade Runner” film and the followup film, “Blade Runner 2049.” Exact plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say Yeoh will play a character named Olwen, described as a replicant near the end of her life.
Amazon declined to comment on specific character details.
Yeoh won the Academy Award for best actress for “Everything Everywhere All at Once...
- 5/7/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Some breaking news from Westeros: The Game of Thrones prequel series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has added a major talent from Black Mirror to serve as its debut season’s lead director, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Owen Harris has boarded the HBO drama as an executive producer and will also direct the first three episodes, establishing the directorial vision for the series. Harris is best known for helming two of Black Mirror‘s finest episodes — “Be Right Back” and the widely acclaimed “San Junipero.”
In addition, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ episode count has now been revealed: The first season will be six episodes, making for a tighter opener than the 10-episode first seasons of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. The run time seems appropriate given Knight is an adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s 160-page novella The Hedge Knight rather than one of his 900-page epic novels.
Owen Harris has boarded the HBO drama as an executive producer and will also direct the first three episodes, establishing the directorial vision for the series. Harris is best known for helming two of Black Mirror‘s finest episodes — “Be Right Back” and the widely acclaimed “San Junipero.”
In addition, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ episode count has now been revealed: The first season will be six episodes, making for a tighter opener than the 10-episode first seasons of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. The run time seems appropriate given Knight is an adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s 160-page novella The Hedge Knight rather than one of his 900-page epic novels.
- 5/7/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Primates will rule (the box office) again!
Disney’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is aiming for $50 million to $55 million from 3,700 theaters in its domestic debut, which will easily be enough to tower over the box office chart. Those ticket sales are roughly even with two of the three prior installments in 20th Century’s rebooted “Planet of the Apes” franchise: 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes” opened to $56.2 million and 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” opened to $54.8 million, while 2014’s “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” notched a series-best $72 million.
At the international box office, where “Apes” movies tend to make the bulk of their revenues, this installment is tracking to collect $80 million to $90 million. Based on those projections, the film should end up on Sunday with a solid $130 million to $140 million at the global box office.
Directed by Wes Ball,...
Disney’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is aiming for $50 million to $55 million from 3,700 theaters in its domestic debut, which will easily be enough to tower over the box office chart. Those ticket sales are roughly even with two of the three prior installments in 20th Century’s rebooted “Planet of the Apes” franchise: 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes” opened to $56.2 million and 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” opened to $54.8 million, while 2014’s “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” notched a series-best $72 million.
At the international box office, where “Apes” movies tend to make the bulk of their revenues, this installment is tracking to collect $80 million to $90 million. Based on those projections, the film should end up on Sunday with a solid $130 million to $140 million at the global box office.
Directed by Wes Ball,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety - Film News
David Corenswet gets dressed as Superman one boot at a time in the first look at the actor in costume. Superman writer-director James Gunn revealed the image on social media Monday.
The unveiling of an actor in costume as Superman is a rare affair, akin to the first look at a new James Bond. Only three men have starred as the character in its nearly 50-year big screen career: Christopher Reeve (1978-87), Brandon Routh (2006) and Henry Cavill (2013-2022), not counting serials that played in movie theaters in the late 1940s and early ’50s.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by James Gunn (@jamesgunn)
Corenswet is known in the world of TV, where he has been a Ryan Murphy regular on shows such as The Politician and Hollywood, but Superman is poised to bring him to a whole new level of fame. There is a lot riding on the film,...
The unveiling of an actor in costume as Superman is a rare affair, akin to the first look at a new James Bond. Only three men have starred as the character in its nearly 50-year big screen career: Christopher Reeve (1978-87), Brandon Routh (2006) and Henry Cavill (2013-2022), not counting serials that played in movie theaters in the late 1940s and early ’50s.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by James Gunn (@jamesgunn)
Corenswet is known in the world of TV, where he has been a Ryan Murphy regular on shows such as The Politician and Hollywood, but Superman is poised to bring him to a whole new level of fame. There is a lot riding on the film,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeannie Epper, the peerless, fearless stunt performer who doubled for Lynda Carter on Wonder Woman and swung on a vine across a 350-foot gorge and propelled down an epic mudslide as Kathleen Turner in Romancing the Stone, has died. She was 83.
Epper died Sunday night of natural causes at her home in Simi Valley, her family told The Hollywood Reporter.
Just one member of a dynasty of stunt performers that Steven Spielberg dubbed the “Flying Wallendas of Film” — starting with her father, John Epper, there have been four generations of Eppers in show business since the 1930s — she worked on 150-plus films and TV shows during an astounding 70-year career.
In 2007, Epper received the first lifetime achievement honor given to a woman at the World Taurus Awards and ranks among the greatest stuntwomen of all time.
Known for her agility, horse-riding skills and competitiveness, the 5-foot-9 Epper also stepped in...
Epper died Sunday night of natural causes at her home in Simi Valley, her family told The Hollywood Reporter.
Just one member of a dynasty of stunt performers that Steven Spielberg dubbed the “Flying Wallendas of Film” — starting with her father, John Epper, there have been four generations of Eppers in show business since the 1930s — she worked on 150-plus films and TV shows during an astounding 70-year career.
In 2007, Epper received the first lifetime achievement honor given to a woman at the World Taurus Awards and ranks among the greatest stuntwomen of all time.
Known for her agility, horse-riding skills and competitiveness, the 5-foot-9 Epper also stepped in...
- 5/6/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fox Corp. beat Wall Street estimates with its fiscal third-quarter earnings report Wednesday, with revenue hitting $3.4 billion and net income growing to $704 million. The gain in profits was due to last year’s settlement at Fox News, combined with a gain on the value of its Usfl assets, which it merged with the XFL to create the Ufl.
Advertising revenue was down sharply in the quarter though to $1.2 billion from $1.9 billion a year ago, but that was because last year’s quarter included the Super Bowl. Affiliate fee revenue rose slightly to $1.9 billion.
Fox’s cable division, which is led by Fox News, posted revenue of $1.5 billion, down slightly from last year, while its TV division, led by the Fox broadcast network, had revenue of $1.9 billion, down more sharply from last year due to the Super Bowl comparison.
“Fox’s fiscal third-quarter results once again demonstrate how our unique strategy...
Advertising revenue was down sharply in the quarter though to $1.2 billion from $1.9 billion a year ago, but that was because last year’s quarter included the Super Bowl. Affiliate fee revenue rose slightly to $1.9 billion.
Fox’s cable division, which is led by Fox News, posted revenue of $1.5 billion, down slightly from last year, while its TV division, led by the Fox broadcast network, had revenue of $1.9 billion, down more sharply from last year due to the Super Bowl comparison.
“Fox’s fiscal third-quarter results once again demonstrate how our unique strategy...
- 5/8/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fox Corp. said it swung to a profit in its fiscal third quarter despite slumps in advertising revenue, largely due to the absence of charges associated with a massive legal setback tied to Fox News Channel and a boost in affiliate fees.
The owner of Fox News Channel and the Fox broadcasting network said overall revenue fell to about $3.45 billion, compared to approximately $4.08 billion in the year-earlier period.
Fox was crimped by comparisons with the year-earlier quarter, which featured a Super Bowl broadcast, but it was also boosted by the lack of charges associated with a settlement of more than...
The owner of Fox News Channel and the Fox broadcasting network said overall revenue fell to about $3.45 billion, compared to approximately $4.08 billion in the year-earlier period.
Fox was crimped by comparisons with the year-earlier quarter, which featured a Super Bowl broadcast, but it was also boosted by the lack of charges associated with a settlement of more than...
- 5/8/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety - TV News
Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett is set to star as the leader of the “Alpha Gang,” an alien invasion comedy by “Sasquatch Sunset” filmmakers David and Nathan Zellner.
The hot package will be launched at Cannes by MK2 Films (“Anatomy of a Fall”) handling international sales and CAA Media Finance handling North American distribution rights. “Alpha Gang” is set to start filming in the Fall.
“Alpha Gang” marks the Zellner brothers’ anticipated follow-up to “Sasquatch Sunset,” the buzzy absurdist comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough which was the talk of this year’s Sundance Film Festival and is currently on release in the U.S. via Bleecker Street.
The Zellner brothers are producing “Alpha Gang” with Blanchett and Coco Francini for Dirty Films, as well as Ryan Zacarias for Fat City, and Gina Gammell for Felix Culpa.
“Alpha Gang” follows alien invaders sent on a mission to conquer Earth. “Disguised in...
The hot package will be launched at Cannes by MK2 Films (“Anatomy of a Fall”) handling international sales and CAA Media Finance handling North American distribution rights. “Alpha Gang” is set to start filming in the Fall.
“Alpha Gang” marks the Zellner brothers’ anticipated follow-up to “Sasquatch Sunset,” the buzzy absurdist comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough which was the talk of this year’s Sundance Film Festival and is currently on release in the U.S. via Bleecker Street.
The Zellner brothers are producing “Alpha Gang” with Blanchett and Coco Francini for Dirty Films, as well as Ryan Zacarias for Fat City, and Gina Gammell for Felix Culpa.
“Alpha Gang” follows alien invaders sent on a mission to conquer Earth. “Disguised in...
- 5/8/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
New transmedia company Iconic Arts launched Tuesday with $3.1 million in financing at a $20 million pre-seed valuation. The entertainment studio boasts support from screenwriter Eric Roth, Grammy winning artist Will.i.am and exec vets of Disney, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Jp Morgan.
Iconic Arts, which has opened offices in both Los Angeles and Tokyo, is founded by Steven Haddadian, Alec Roth, Matthew Medney, Mo Yazdani and Jack Sheehan.
Per Iconic Arts, “For the last year, the team has been developing an original slate of IP by using a unique workflow which combines talented creators with emerging technologies such as a set of...
Iconic Arts, which has opened offices in both Los Angeles and Tokyo, is founded by Steven Haddadian, Alec Roth, Matthew Medney, Mo Yazdani and Jack Sheehan.
Per Iconic Arts, “For the last year, the team has been developing an original slate of IP by using a unique workflow which combines talented creators with emerging technologies such as a set of...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety - TV News
Tilda Swinton‘s feature directorial debut is up for an award at Sheffield DocFest where it will get its world premiere as part of a lineup of 48 world premieres from 56 different countries.
The U.K. documentary festival, taking place June 12-17, revealed its full program on Wednesday. Its theme for the 31st edition this year will be “Reflections on Realities.”
Swinton’s debut alongside filmmaker Bartek Dziadosz, The Hexagonal Hive and a Mouse in a Maze, will have its world premiere at the event in England, following them as “they travel the world to understand what it means to learn, and along the way uncover playful food for thought.”
Stand-out music documentaries at Sheffield DocFest 2024 include the world premiere of the documentary on English rock band Blur, titled blur: To the End, and the European premiere of Mogwai: If the Stars Had a Sound.
The event’s film program totals...
The U.K. documentary festival, taking place June 12-17, revealed its full program on Wednesday. Its theme for the 31st edition this year will be “Reflections on Realities.”
Swinton’s debut alongside filmmaker Bartek Dziadosz, The Hexagonal Hive and a Mouse in a Maze, will have its world premiere at the event in England, following them as “they travel the world to understand what it means to learn, and along the way uncover playful food for thought.”
Stand-out music documentaries at Sheffield DocFest 2024 include the world premiere of the documentary on English rock band Blur, titled blur: To the End, and the European premiere of Mogwai: If the Stars Had a Sound.
The event’s film program totals...
- 5/8/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director and producer Tom Tykwer has become managing director of Berlin-based production company X Filme Creative Pool, best known for “Babylon Berlin,” alongside Uwe Schott. Tykwer succeeds Stefan Arndt, one of Germany’s leading producers.
The reorganization of the company’s management is intended to “sharpen the focus on the development and implementation of creative, bold and unusual material for film and television,” according to a statement.
Arndt is leaving at his own request but will remain associated with the company as a producer.
X Filme Creative Pool was founded 30 years ago by Tykwer together with the writers and directors...
The reorganization of the company’s management is intended to “sharpen the focus on the development and implementation of creative, bold and unusual material for film and television,” according to a statement.
Arndt is leaving at his own request but will remain associated with the company as a producer.
X Filme Creative Pool was founded 30 years ago by Tykwer together with the writers and directors...
- 5/8/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety - TV News
Director and producer Tom Tykwer has become managing director of Berlin-based production company X Filme Creative Pool, best known for “Babylon Berlin,” alongside Uwe Schott. Tykwer succeeds Stefan Arndt, one of Germany’s leading producers.
The reorganization of the company’s management is intended to “sharpen the focus on the development and implementation of creative, bold and unusual material for film and television,” according to a statement.
Arndt is leaving at his own request but will remain associated with the company as a producer.
X Filme Creative Pool was founded 30 years ago by Tykwer together with the writers and directors Wolfgang Becker and Dani Levy as well as Arndt. The four founders, who remain shareholders together with Beta Film and Bogey, based themselves on United Artists with the aim of producing sophisticated films with an audience appeal – or, as Variety put it, “intelligent films that audiences want to see.”
Tykwer...
The reorganization of the company’s management is intended to “sharpen the focus on the development and implementation of creative, bold and unusual material for film and television,” according to a statement.
Arndt is leaving at his own request but will remain associated with the company as a producer.
X Filme Creative Pool was founded 30 years ago by Tykwer together with the writers and directors Wolfgang Becker and Dani Levy as well as Arndt. The four founders, who remain shareholders together with Beta Film and Bogey, based themselves on United Artists with the aim of producing sophisticated films with an audience appeal – or, as Variety put it, “intelligent films that audiences want to see.”
Tykwer...
- 5/8/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety - Film News
The Jeonju International Film Festival, South Korea’s second most important generalist film festival, on Tuesday announced “The Major Tones” and “Time to Be Strong” as the Grand Prix winners of its two competition sections. The festival continues until Friday.
Directed by Argentina’s Ingrid Pokropek, “The Major Tones” is a mystery film about a youngster with a metal plate in her arm which begins to receive peculiar messages in Morse Code. It premiered at the Mar del Plata festival and also played in Berlin’s Generation KPlus section. In Jeonju it won the international section.
The Korean section was dominated by “Time to Be Strong,” the sophomore effort of director Namkoong Sun. In addition to the Korean competition’s Grand Prix, it also shared the best actor award and picked up the Watch award from a local streamer.
The film follows three former K-pop idol singers whose careers have...
Directed by Argentina’s Ingrid Pokropek, “The Major Tones” is a mystery film about a youngster with a metal plate in her arm which begins to receive peculiar messages in Morse Code. It premiered at the Mar del Plata festival and also played in Berlin’s Generation KPlus section. In Jeonju it won the international section.
The Korean section was dominated by “Time to Be Strong,” the sophomore effort of director Namkoong Sun. In addition to the Korean competition’s Grand Prix, it also shared the best actor award and picked up the Watch award from a local streamer.
The film follows three former K-pop idol singers whose careers have...
- 5/8/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
EchoStar lost about 348,000 net pay TV subscribers in the first quarter, compared with a drop of 552,000 in the year-ago period, the company said on Wednesday.
The company disclosed in a regulatory filing early on Wednesday that it lost around 135,000 net Sling TV subscribers in the latest quarter, compared with a year-ago loss of 234,000. It ended March with 1.92 million Sling TV subs.
“The decrease in net Sling TV subscriber losses was primarily related to lower Sling TV subscriber disconnects in 2024 due to our emphasis on acquiring higher quality subscribers, partially offset by lower Sling TV subscriber activations,” the company said in a regulatory filing. “We continue to experience increased competition, including competition from other subscription video-on-demand and live-linear Ott service providers, many of which are providers of our content and offer football and other seasonal sports programming direct to subscribers on an a la carte basis.”
EchoStar also recorded a net...
The company disclosed in a regulatory filing early on Wednesday that it lost around 135,000 net Sling TV subscribers in the latest quarter, compared with a year-ago loss of 234,000. It ended March with 1.92 million Sling TV subs.
“The decrease in net Sling TV subscriber losses was primarily related to lower Sling TV subscriber disconnects in 2024 due to our emphasis on acquiring higher quality subscribers, partially offset by lower Sling TV subscriber activations,” the company said in a regulatory filing. “We continue to experience increased competition, including competition from other subscription video-on-demand and live-linear Ott service providers, many of which are providers of our content and offer football and other seasonal sports programming direct to subscribers on an a la carte basis.”
EchoStar also recorded a net...
- 5/8/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
German filmmaker Tom Tykwer is taking over as managing director of X Filme Creative Pool, the company he co-founded 30 years ago, replacing partner Stefan Arndt, who is stepping down from the post on his own accord.
Tykwer will head up X Filme together with Uwe Schott, a producer who has been at the Berlin-based outfit since 2009 and has worked on many of the company’s biggest productions, from Cloud Atlas to the TV series Babylon Berlin.
Arndt, whose cinematic resume includes Run Lola Run, The White Ribbon, and Oscar winner Amour, will continue to produce for X Filme and, as a co-founder, remains a shareholder in the company.
In a statement, he said he wanted to withdraw from the daily business of managing X Filme “so that I can concentrate more on producing again. Some exciting projects are already in the making and I’m looking forward to realizing them...
Tykwer will head up X Filme together with Uwe Schott, a producer who has been at the Berlin-based outfit since 2009 and has worked on many of the company’s biggest productions, from Cloud Atlas to the TV series Babylon Berlin.
Arndt, whose cinematic resume includes Run Lola Run, The White Ribbon, and Oscar winner Amour, will continue to produce for X Filme and, as a co-founder, remains a shareholder in the company.
In a statement, he said he wanted to withdraw from the daily business of managing X Filme “so that I can concentrate more on producing again. Some exciting projects are already in the making and I’m looking forward to realizing them...
- 5/8/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
French actress Isabelle Huppert (Michael Haneke’s Elle, The Piano Teacher, La Cérémonie) will serve as the president of the international jury of the competition at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, which takes place Aug. 28-Sept. 7.
The jury will decide on the Golden Lion for best film, as well as other official awards.
The decision on the jury head was made by the board of directors of the Biennale di Venezia based on the recommendation of the director of the Venice Film Festival, Alberto Barbera.
“There is a long and beautiful history between the festival and I,” Huppert said. “Becoming a privileged spectator is an honor. More than ever, cinema is a promise. The promise to escape, to disrupt, to surprise, to take a good look at the world, united in the differences of our tastes and ideas.”
Barbera lauded Huppert as “an immense actress, demanding, curious and of great generosity.
The jury will decide on the Golden Lion for best film, as well as other official awards.
The decision on the jury head was made by the board of directors of the Biennale di Venezia based on the recommendation of the director of the Venice Film Festival, Alberto Barbera.
“There is a long and beautiful history between the festival and I,” Huppert said. “Becoming a privileged spectator is an honor. More than ever, cinema is a promise. The promise to escape, to disrupt, to surprise, to take a good look at the world, united in the differences of our tastes and ideas.”
Barbera lauded Huppert as “an immense actress, demanding, curious and of great generosity.
- 5/8/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Isabelle Huppert will preside over the main jury of the upcoming Venice Film Festival.
The revered French actor has a longstanding rapport with the Lido, having won Venice’s
Coppa Volpi for best actress twice, first with “Story of Women” in 1988, and subsequently with “La Cérémonie” in 1995, both directed by Claude Chabrol.
Huppert – who has made a total of eight films with Chabrol – also has a close bond with the Cannes Film Festival where in 1978 she won the best actress statuette for Chabrol’s “Violette.” In 2001, Huppert won her second best actress award at Cannes for her tour-de-force performance as a sado-masochistic music professor in Michael Haneke’s “The Piano.” In 2005, Huppert was honored by Venice with a Special Golden Lion for her titular role in “Gabrielle,” Patrice Chéreau’s costume drama about an imploded marriage.
In 2017 she gained her first Academy Award nomination for her role as a rape...
The revered French actor has a longstanding rapport with the Lido, having won Venice’s
Coppa Volpi for best actress twice, first with “Story of Women” in 1988, and subsequently with “La Cérémonie” in 1995, both directed by Claude Chabrol.
Huppert – who has made a total of eight films with Chabrol – also has a close bond with the Cannes Film Festival where in 1978 she won the best actress statuette for Chabrol’s “Violette.” In 2001, Huppert won her second best actress award at Cannes for her tour-de-force performance as a sado-masochistic music professor in Michael Haneke’s “The Piano.” In 2005, Huppert was honored by Venice with a Special Golden Lion for her titular role in “Gabrielle,” Patrice Chéreau’s costume drama about an imploded marriage.
In 2017 she gained her first Academy Award nomination for her role as a rape...
- 5/8/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
Indie Sales is re-teaming with rising Belgian filmmaker Laura Wandel on her sophomore feature “In Adam’s Interest,” having previously sold around the world her critically acclaimed feature debut “Playground” which premiered at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard.
“In Adam’s Interest” also reunites Wandel with producer Stéphane Lhoest at Belgium’s Dragons Films, and is produced by Delphine Tomson at Les Films du Fleuve, the Dardenne’ brothers banner. Co-producers are Jan de Clercq at Lunanime, who will release the film in Benelux under his distribution company Lumière; and Marie-Ange Luciani’s Les Films de Pierre, the Oscar-nominated outfit behind “Anatomy of a Fall.” Memento will release “In Adam’s Interest” in French theaters.
A tense social drama, “In Adam’s Interest” follows four-year-old Adam who is suffering from malnutrition and has been taken to hospital following a court’s decision. Lucy, a pediatrics head nurse, authorizes Rebecca, Adam’s mother,...
“In Adam’s Interest” also reunites Wandel with producer Stéphane Lhoest at Belgium’s Dragons Films, and is produced by Delphine Tomson at Les Films du Fleuve, the Dardenne’ brothers banner. Co-producers are Jan de Clercq at Lunanime, who will release the film in Benelux under his distribution company Lumière; and Marie-Ange Luciani’s Les Films de Pierre, the Oscar-nominated outfit behind “Anatomy of a Fall.” Memento will release “In Adam’s Interest” in French theaters.
A tense social drama, “In Adam’s Interest” follows four-year-old Adam who is suffering from malnutrition and has been taken to hospital following a court’s decision. Lucy, a pediatrics head nurse, authorizes Rebecca, Adam’s mother,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
Concert documentary, “Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus,” directed by Neo Sora, will open in mainland Chinese cinemas on May 31.
The film had its world premiere in official selection at the Venice festival last year. That was followed by an acclaimed run at the New York, London and Camerimage festivals.
Japanese composer Sakamoto, who was awarded an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Grammy and two Golden Globes, had a four-decade career that stretched from techno-pop to Oscar winning scores on films including “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” “The Last Emperor,” and “The Revenant.”
Sakamoto died in March last year after a lengthy struggle with cancer. Before his demise, he curated and performed piano at a final concert, comprising 20 pieces of music that he chose and ordered himself.
The concert film includes his popstar Yellow Magic Orchestra period to his iconic “Emperor” film score and meditative final album, “12.” Variety‘s review of the film called it a “glorious final performance.
The film had its world premiere in official selection at the Venice festival last year. That was followed by an acclaimed run at the New York, London and Camerimage festivals.
Japanese composer Sakamoto, who was awarded an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Grammy and two Golden Globes, had a four-decade career that stretched from techno-pop to Oscar winning scores on films including “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” “The Last Emperor,” and “The Revenant.”
Sakamoto died in March last year after a lengthy struggle with cancer. Before his demise, he curated and performed piano at a final concert, comprising 20 pieces of music that he chose and ordered himself.
The concert film includes his popstar Yellow Magic Orchestra period to his iconic “Emperor” film score and meditative final album, “12.” Variety‘s review of the film called it a “glorious final performance.
- 5/8/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
British boxing champion and “Love Island” runner-up Tommy Fury will make his acting debut with Oceana Studios’ “The Debt Inherited.”
The film also marks the directorial debut of Oceana CEO Danny Sawaf. Dubai-based distribution and production outfit Oceana, whose credits include “Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend,” starring Gabriel Byrne and Mira Sorvino, “Monstrous,” starring Christina Ricci, and “Terrifier 2,” will launch sales on “The Debt Inherited” at the Cannes Film Market.
The black comedy crime film is written by Niki Sheldrake and tells the story of Colin and Stanley, two good-for-nothing brothers who are faced with the repayment of their dead father’s debt to a notorious loan shark named Maggie. Soon enough, they unwittingly become involved in a criminal underworld and entangled in a web of blackmail and deceit with a host of insalubrious characters.
While the parts of Colin and Stanley are yet to be cast, the...
The film also marks the directorial debut of Oceana CEO Danny Sawaf. Dubai-based distribution and production outfit Oceana, whose credits include “Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend,” starring Gabriel Byrne and Mira Sorvino, “Monstrous,” starring Christina Ricci, and “Terrifier 2,” will launch sales on “The Debt Inherited” at the Cannes Film Market.
The black comedy crime film is written by Niki Sheldrake and tells the story of Colin and Stanley, two good-for-nothing brothers who are faced with the repayment of their dead father’s debt to a notorious loan shark named Maggie. Soon enough, they unwittingly become involved in a criminal underworld and entangled in a web of blackmail and deceit with a host of insalubrious characters.
While the parts of Colin and Stanley are yet to be cast, the...
- 5/8/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
Ian Gelder, the British actor who played Kevan Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones and the villain Zellin in Doctor Who, has died. He was 74.
“It is with huge huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces that I’m leaving this post to announce the passing of my darling husband and life partner Ian Gelder,” the actor Ben Daniels announced on Instagram. Daniels revealed that Gelder had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer five months ago and that “neither of us had any idea that it would all be so fast.”
“He was my absolute rock and we’d been partners for more than 30 years. If we weren’t together we spoke to each other everyday,” Daniels wrote on Instagram. “He was the kindest, most generous spirited and loving human being. He was a wonderful wonderful actor and everyone who worked with him was touched by his heart and light.
“It is with huge huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces that I’m leaving this post to announce the passing of my darling husband and life partner Ian Gelder,” the actor Ben Daniels announced on Instagram. Daniels revealed that Gelder had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer five months ago and that “neither of us had any idea that it would all be so fast.”
“He was my absolute rock and we’d been partners for more than 30 years. If we weren’t together we spoke to each other everyday,” Daniels wrote on Instagram. “He was the kindest, most generous spirited and loving human being. He was a wonderful wonderful actor and everyone who worked with him was touched by his heart and light.
- 5/8/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Locarno Film Festival is partnering with movie-fan social media site Letterboxd on a new award for this year’s edition.
The Letterboxd Piazza Grande Award will honor a film screening at the legendary Piazza Grande, the Swiss festival’s 8,000-seat outdoor cinema at the heart of Locarno, that “combines both the values and artistic qualities of the cinephile landscape of today and commercial potential on the international festival circuit.” The winning title will receive extensive editorial coverage on Letterboxd and on Locarno’s film festival’s channels to help “build global awareness.”
A jury made up of Letterboxd editorial staff and young accredited critics attending the Festival will vote on the winner.
“Over the past decade, Letterboxd has become one of the essential sites for film fans to share the films they love,” says Locarno artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro. “We are proud to be the first international festival...
The Letterboxd Piazza Grande Award will honor a film screening at the legendary Piazza Grande, the Swiss festival’s 8,000-seat outdoor cinema at the heart of Locarno, that “combines both the values and artistic qualities of the cinephile landscape of today and commercial potential on the international festival circuit.” The winning title will receive extensive editorial coverage on Letterboxd and on Locarno’s film festival’s channels to help “build global awareness.”
A jury made up of Letterboxd editorial staff and young accredited critics attending the Festival will vote on the winner.
“Over the past decade, Letterboxd has become one of the essential sites for film fans to share the films they love,” says Locarno artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro. “We are proud to be the first international festival...
- 5/8/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jessica Henwick (“Glass Onion”) and Alisha Weir (“Abigail”) have been tapped for new animated feature “The Land of Sometimes.”
They will join “Star Wars” icon Ewan McGregor and “The Crown” star Helena Bonham Carter on the project, which also features one of the final performances from the late “Monty Python” alum Terry Jones.
The film, which is repped by Kaleidoscope Film Distribution for global sales, is set to be shown to buyers in Cannes next week with director Leon Joosen (“The Little Mermaid”) on hand to introduce the project.
“Be careful what you wish for!” reads the logline. “Twins Alfie and Elise get more than they bargained for when the Wish Collector takes them to an island full of wonder, with ever-changing seasons. They face a mechanical foe, fantastical creatures and a truth that shines brighter than any wish: the power of family.”
The film, from Two Daughters Entertainment, is...
They will join “Star Wars” icon Ewan McGregor and “The Crown” star Helena Bonham Carter on the project, which also features one of the final performances from the late “Monty Python” alum Terry Jones.
The film, which is repped by Kaleidoscope Film Distribution for global sales, is set to be shown to buyers in Cannes next week with director Leon Joosen (“The Little Mermaid”) on hand to introduce the project.
“Be careful what you wish for!” reads the logline. “Twins Alfie and Elise get more than they bargained for when the Wish Collector takes them to an island full of wonder, with ever-changing seasons. They face a mechanical foe, fantastical creatures and a truth that shines brighter than any wish: the power of family.”
The film, from Two Daughters Entertainment, is...
- 5/8/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety - Film News
Venerable actor Bette Midler says that her partially-autobiographical 2000 sitcom “Bette” represented a series of mistakes.
Among the errors, was her decision not to sue Lindsay Lohan, who appeared as her daughter in the pilot episode, but who did not continue in the following 16 episodes which broadcast on CBS in the U.S.
Midler unpacked her regrets on “Fail Better,” a podcast hosted by fellow star David Duchovny. “’Bette.’ A big, big mistake. I think for several reasons,” Midler said.
She suggested that Lohan’s early exit from “Bette” may have contributed to its failure. “Lindsay Lohan was cast as my daughter in the pilot.
Among the errors, was her decision not to sue Lindsay Lohan, who appeared as her daughter in the pilot episode, but who did not continue in the following 16 episodes which broadcast on CBS in the U.S.
Midler unpacked her regrets on “Fail Better,” a podcast hosted by fellow star David Duchovny. “’Bette.’ A big, big mistake. I think for several reasons,” Midler said.
She suggested that Lohan’s early exit from “Bette” may have contributed to its failure. “Lindsay Lohan was cast as my daughter in the pilot.
- 5/8/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - TV News
Oscar winner Kate Winslet will be honored at this year’s Munich international film festival with the festival’s CineMerit Award for extraordinary achievement.
Winslet will attend the German festival to present the European premiere of her new film, Lee, where she plays war correspondent and photographer Lee Miller. She will receive the CineMerit Award after the Munich screening of Lee and will take part in a sit-down discussion.
Directed by Ellen Kuras, Lee premiered in Toronto last year. Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough, Noémie Merlant, Josh O’Connor, and Andy Samberg co-star. Winslet is also a producer on the film. StudioCanal is releasing Lee in Germany, bowing in theaters here in September.
“We’re delighted that Kate Winslet will be celebrating the film’s European premiere with us in Munich,” said festival director Christoph Gröner and artistic co-director Julia Weigl in a joint statement. “Lee is a wonderfully intense character portrait.
Winslet will attend the German festival to present the European premiere of her new film, Lee, where she plays war correspondent and photographer Lee Miller. She will receive the CineMerit Award after the Munich screening of Lee and will take part in a sit-down discussion.
Directed by Ellen Kuras, Lee premiered in Toronto last year. Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough, Noémie Merlant, Josh O’Connor, and Andy Samberg co-star. Winslet is also a producer on the film. StudioCanal is releasing Lee in Germany, bowing in theaters here in September.
“We’re delighted that Kate Winslet will be celebrating the film’s European premiere with us in Munich,” said festival director Christoph Gröner and artistic co-director Julia Weigl in a joint statement. “Lee is a wonderfully intense character portrait.
- 5/8/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New U.A.E.-based distribution and production studio The Plot Pictures is headed for the Cannes Marche du Film after snapping up Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (Menat) rights to a slew of indie titles across different genres.
They include “Locust,” a first feature film from Taiwanese American multidisciplinary artist Keff that is playing in Critics Week, and Nick Hamm’s epic “William Tell.”
The Plot Pictures CEO Pratixa Shah and head of sales Ozge Conduroglu – who was previously with Starz Play Arabia – are assembling a slate spanning “different genres, regions, and languages,” as Shah put it in statement. “We are agnostic to language and country of origin,” she said, noting that “the hyper local is often what global audiences are looking for, even if it is not local to them.”
The studio, which officially launched in Dubai in March, are co-producers on “Locust.” The film is set in Taiwan where,...
They include “Locust,” a first feature film from Taiwanese American multidisciplinary artist Keff that is playing in Critics Week, and Nick Hamm’s epic “William Tell.”
The Plot Pictures CEO Pratixa Shah and head of sales Ozge Conduroglu – who was previously with Starz Play Arabia – are assembling a slate spanning “different genres, regions, and languages,” as Shah put it in statement. “We are agnostic to language and country of origin,” she said, noting that “the hyper local is often what global audiences are looking for, even if it is not local to them.”
The studio, which officially launched in Dubai in March, are co-producers on “Locust.” The film is set in Taiwan where,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
The Baby Reindeer phenomenon has landed in Los Angeles.
On the heels of Richard Gadd’s limited series becoming a certified sleeper hit by coming in at No. 1 on Netlfix’s English-language TV rankings for a third consecutive week, the streamer welcomed its creator and star to the West Coast. Gadd is making the media rounds this week to discuss the critically acclaimed series inspired by his real-life stalker of six years, and he’s doing so alongside Jessica Gunning, the actress earning raves as the woman who terrorized him.
The pair posted up Tuesday evening on a stage inside the Directors Guild of America with actress Nava Mau and two key members of the Baby Reindeer team — director Weronika Tofilska and editor Peter Oliver — for the show’s first-ever panel discussion. Moderator Tonya Mosley of NPR’s Fresh Air steered the conversation (in front of a capacity crowd of...
On the heels of Richard Gadd’s limited series becoming a certified sleeper hit by coming in at No. 1 on Netlfix’s English-language TV rankings for a third consecutive week, the streamer welcomed its creator and star to the West Coast. Gadd is making the media rounds this week to discuss the critically acclaimed series inspired by his real-life stalker of six years, and he’s doing so alongside Jessica Gunning, the actress earning raves as the woman who terrorized him.
The pair posted up Tuesday evening on a stage inside the Directors Guild of America with actress Nava Mau and two key members of the Baby Reindeer team — director Weronika Tofilska and editor Peter Oliver — for the show’s first-ever panel discussion. Moderator Tonya Mosley of NPR’s Fresh Air steered the conversation (in front of a capacity crowd of...
- 5/8/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Revenues at Bertelsmann’s Luxembourg-based Rtl Group, a media giant which owns Fremantle, rose 2.6% to €1.3 billion ($1.4 billion), for the first quarter of 2024, driven by buoyant TV advertising and streaming.
However, this was offset by decreased revenues at the group’s global content business. Fremantle revenues were down 9.2% to €395 million (Q1/2023: €435 million), due to what Rtl describes as “timing effects in the U.K., Italy and Germany.”
“Revenue from Fremantle is recognized when a show or series is delivered to its clients, i.e. the broadcasters and streaming services. One example: The German version of ‘Idols’ (‘Deutschland Sucht den Superstar...
However, this was offset by decreased revenues at the group’s global content business. Fremantle revenues were down 9.2% to €395 million (Q1/2023: €435 million), due to what Rtl describes as “timing effects in the U.K., Italy and Germany.”
“Revenue from Fremantle is recognized when a show or series is delivered to its clients, i.e. the broadcasters and streaming services. One example: The German version of ‘Idols’ (‘Deutschland Sucht den Superstar...
- 5/8/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - TV News
The Playmaker has signed with Neopol Film to handle international sales for their upcoming creature horror thriller, “Paws.” Featuring polar bear creature animatronics from the renowned studio behind “Star Wars” and “Jurassic World,” the film tells the story of a climate researcher stranded in the Arctic who must forge an unlikely alliance with a polar bear in order to survive. The project will feature a stellar international cast, yet to be announced.
“Paws” is the second feature film from writer-director Lukas Rinker, following his critically acclaimed debut “Holy Shit!,” which premiered at Frightfest London and has been distributed in 48 countries worldwide.
With a blend of horror and environmental themes, “Paws” is a chilling eco-thriller that pits humanity’s greed against the power of nature. The Playmaker team will present “Paws” at the upcoming Marché du Film in Cannes, offering international buyers an exclusive first look.
In the film, a ship crashes in the Arctic,...
“Paws” is the second feature film from writer-director Lukas Rinker, following his critically acclaimed debut “Holy Shit!,” which premiered at Frightfest London and has been distributed in 48 countries worldwide.
With a blend of horror and environmental themes, “Paws” is a chilling eco-thriller that pits humanity’s greed against the power of nature. The Playmaker team will present “Paws” at the upcoming Marché du Film in Cannes, offering international buyers an exclusive first look.
In the film, a ship crashes in the Arctic,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety - Film News
In its second collaboration with the Marché du Film’s Goes to Cannes showcase strand, Australia’s Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival will unveil four projects and a finished film, all looking for global sales, distribution, top-up financing and festival selection.
The five projects to be pitched May 18, will vie for the first €10,000 Goes to Cannes Award.
“We set out to curate a selection that embraces a rich tapestry of stories and identities, while also giving prominence to Australian talent,” says festival director Lisa Rose about her program, which “showcases narratives spanning the spectrum of gay, lesbian, pansexual, bisexual, and transgender experience.”
For instance, “From All Sides” fearlessly tackles queer sexuality, “a rarity in cinema originating from Western Sydney, says Rose, who also cites “Strange Creatures” and its story about two brothers, one of whom identifies as pansexual, as “a perspective rarely centered in film.”
As fresh in its take,...
The five projects to be pitched May 18, will vie for the first €10,000 Goes to Cannes Award.
“We set out to curate a selection that embraces a rich tapestry of stories and identities, while also giving prominence to Australian talent,” says festival director Lisa Rose about her program, which “showcases narratives spanning the spectrum of gay, lesbian, pansexual, bisexual, and transgender experience.”
For instance, “From All Sides” fearlessly tackles queer sexuality, “a rarity in cinema originating from Western Sydney, says Rose, who also cites “Strange Creatures” and its story about two brothers, one of whom identifies as pansexual, as “a perspective rarely centered in film.”
As fresh in its take,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Annika Pham
- Variety - Film News
Music and comedy fans can save big during Live Nation’s Concert Week.
From Wednesday, May 8 to Tuesday, May 14, Live Nation is celebrating its 10th anniversary with discounts of up to 75 percent off concerts Livenation.com/concertweek. Fans can score seats as low as $25 for over 5,000 shows in the U.S. and beyond across rock, pop, R&b, country, rap, indie, metal and many other genres.
Buy Concert Week Tickets at Live Nation
That means you can save big on concert tickets from over 900 artists, including Alanis Morissette, Janet Jackson, 21 Savage, Vampire Weekend, Missy Elliott, Meghan Trainor, Peso Pluma, Maroon 5, Maggie Rogers, Third Eye Blind, Kings of Leon, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Niall Horan, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Iron Maiden, 311, Blink-182, Maren Morris, Avril Lavigne, Zz Top, the National, the Pixies, Modest Mouse and hundreds more. Participating comedians include Whitney Cummings, Celeste Barber, Dane Cook and more.
Related: The...
From Wednesday, May 8 to Tuesday, May 14, Live Nation is celebrating its 10th anniversary with discounts of up to 75 percent off concerts Livenation.com/concertweek. Fans can score seats as low as $25 for over 5,000 shows in the U.S. and beyond across rock, pop, R&b, country, rap, indie, metal and many other genres.
Buy Concert Week Tickets at Live Nation
That means you can save big on concert tickets from over 900 artists, including Alanis Morissette, Janet Jackson, 21 Savage, Vampire Weekend, Missy Elliott, Meghan Trainor, Peso Pluma, Maroon 5, Maggie Rogers, Third Eye Blind, Kings of Leon, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Niall Horan, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Iron Maiden, 311, Blink-182, Maren Morris, Avril Lavigne, Zz Top, the National, the Pixies, Modest Mouse and hundreds more. Participating comedians include Whitney Cummings, Celeste Barber, Dane Cook and more.
Related: The...
- 5/8/2024
- by Danielle Directo-Meston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
South by Southwest is heading to London.
The event, which bills itself as “the world’s leading festival celebrating the convergence of creativity, culture and technology,” is expanding with SXSW London in June 2025.
The move gives SXSW, which was founded in 1987 in Austin, a presence in Europe. SXSW previously expanded into the Asia Pacific region, with SXSW Sydney, in 2023. Organizers said each of these events will feature “their own distinct flavor,” making SXSW “an indispensable three-stop tour for the global creative community.”
“As a lifelong fan of SXSW, I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement, a platform where the world’s greatest minds, musicians and motivators come to share their passion and their vision of the future,” said Randel Bryan, managing director of SXSW London. “SXSW London will build on Austin’s incredible legacy, presenting an event that underpins why SXSW is the...
The event, which bills itself as “the world’s leading festival celebrating the convergence of creativity, culture and technology,” is expanding with SXSW London in June 2025.
The move gives SXSW, which was founded in 1987 in Austin, a presence in Europe. SXSW previously expanded into the Asia Pacific region, with SXSW Sydney, in 2023. Organizers said each of these events will feature “their own distinct flavor,” making SXSW “an indispensable three-stop tour for the global creative community.”
“As a lifelong fan of SXSW, I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement, a platform where the world’s greatest minds, musicians and motivators come to share their passion and their vision of the future,” said Randel Bryan, managing director of SXSW London. “SXSW London will build on Austin’s incredible legacy, presenting an event that underpins why SXSW is the...
- 5/8/2024
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The South by Southwest festival, held annually in Austin, Texas, will launch a European edition in London in June 2025.
SXSW London will feature the mix of keynotes conversations, film and TV events, music showcases and showcases for innovations in digital and gaming that have defined SXSW since the festival began in 1987. The London festival will emphasize visual arts, design and fashion with exhibitions and immersive experiences that will be held in the Shoreditch area of east London. SXSW is owned by Variety parent company Pmc.
“As a life-long fan of SXSW, I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement, a platform where the world’s greatest minds, musicians and motivators come to share their passion and their vision of the future,” said Randel Bryan, managing director of SXSW London. “SXSW London will build on Austin’s incredible legacy, presenting an event that underpins why...
SXSW London will feature the mix of keynotes conversations, film and TV events, music showcases and showcases for innovations in digital and gaming that have defined SXSW since the festival began in 1987. The London festival will emphasize visual arts, design and fashion with exhibitions and immersive experiences that will be held in the Shoreditch area of east London. SXSW is owned by Variety parent company Pmc.
“As a life-long fan of SXSW, I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement, a platform where the world’s greatest minds, musicians and motivators come to share their passion and their vision of the future,” said Randel Bryan, managing director of SXSW London. “SXSW London will build on Austin’s incredible legacy, presenting an event that underpins why...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - Film News
The South by Southwest festival, held annually in Austin, Texas, will launch a European edition in London in June 2025.
SXSW London will feature the mix of keynotes conversations, film and TV events, music showcases and showcases for innovations in digital and gaming that have defined SXSW since the festival began in 1987. The London festival will emphasize visual arts, design and fashion with exhibitions and immersive experiences that will be held in the Shoreditch area of east London. SXSW is owned by Variety parent company Pmc.
“As a life-long fan of SXSW, I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement,...
SXSW London will feature the mix of keynotes conversations, film and TV events, music showcases and showcases for innovations in digital and gaming that have defined SXSW since the festival began in 1987. The London festival will emphasize visual arts, design and fashion with exhibitions and immersive experiences that will be held in the Shoreditch area of east London. SXSW is owned by Variety parent company Pmc.
“As a life-long fan of SXSW, I truly believe that it’s more than an event — it’s a movement,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - TV News
Charli Xcx has confirmed past rumors that she was working on writing music for a potential new Britney Spears album at one point.
However, the English singer-songwriter admitted in a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live that she wasn’t too sure how involved Spears was in the process, as the “Toxic” singer had previously shut down rumors on social media.
“Um, so. Well, yes, but, it leaked to the press,” Charli Xcx said, responding to a caller’s question. “Britney then did this post where she was like, ‘I don’t have random people write for me.’ I was like, okay, go off! So I don’t know that she was part of the process.”
In January, Spears took to her Instagram to set the record straight, writing, “They keep saying I’m turning to random people to do a new album … I will never return to the...
However, the English singer-songwriter admitted in a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live that she wasn’t too sure how involved Spears was in the process, as the “Toxic” singer had previously shut down rumors on social media.
“Um, so. Well, yes, but, it leaked to the press,” Charli Xcx said, responding to a caller’s question. “Britney then did this post where she was like, ‘I don’t have random people write for me.’ I was like, okay, go off! So I don’t know that she was part of the process.”
In January, Spears took to her Instagram to set the record straight, writing, “They keep saying I’m turning to random people to do a new album … I will never return to the...
- 5/8/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Travis Kelce continues his push into Hollywood, scoring a role in Ryan Murphy’s FX horror series Grotesquerie.
Grotesquerie star Niecy Nash-Betts confirmed Kelce’s involvement in the show in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday. Although details on the show are scant, Nash-Betts along with Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville are among the announced castmembers.
No details have been revealed on what role Kelce will be playing. In February, Murphy dropped a teaser for a new series titled Grotesquerie in an Instagram post. The cryptic teaser features Nash-Betts’ voice, sounding very disturbed about a crime scene.
Kansas City Chiefs star Kelce, who is having something of a pop culture moment due to his relationship with Taylor Swift and his team winning the most recent Super Bowl, has been increasingly upping his off field entertainment work and even dabbling in the dramatic arts. Aside from his popular podcast New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce,...
Grotesquerie star Niecy Nash-Betts confirmed Kelce’s involvement in the show in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday. Although details on the show are scant, Nash-Betts along with Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville are among the announced castmembers.
No details have been revealed on what role Kelce will be playing. In February, Murphy dropped a teaser for a new series titled Grotesquerie in an Instagram post. The cryptic teaser features Nash-Betts’ voice, sounding very disturbed about a crime scene.
Kansas City Chiefs star Kelce, who is having something of a pop culture moment due to his relationship with Taylor Swift and his team winning the most recent Super Bowl, has been increasingly upping his off field entertainment work and even dabbling in the dramatic arts. Aside from his popular podcast New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s been a busy 2024 already for Bollywood star Kriti Sanon with back-to-back box office hits and her first film as producer due in the fall.
As revealed by Variety, Sanon and fellow A-list actor Kajol headline Netflix’s mystery thriller original film “Do Patti.” The film marks the producing debut of Sanon and writer Kanika Dhillon. One of Sanon’s most acclaimed acting roles is surrogacy comedy-drama “Mimi” (2021). Some of her thoughts and inputs that she discussed with director Laxman Utekar were incorporated into the film.
“I really enjoyed the whole process of how that film was made. And I felt that I want to eventually also get involved in certain films that I feel passionate about, beyond just being an actor, [to] creatively be there in the whole filmmaking process,” Sanon told Variety. “And also, hopefully, in the future, [to] be able to support and tell a lot of stories that come from my heart,...
As revealed by Variety, Sanon and fellow A-list actor Kajol headline Netflix’s mystery thriller original film “Do Patti.” The film marks the producing debut of Sanon and writer Kanika Dhillon. One of Sanon’s most acclaimed acting roles is surrogacy comedy-drama “Mimi” (2021). Some of her thoughts and inputs that she discussed with director Laxman Utekar were incorporated into the film.
“I really enjoyed the whole process of how that film was made. And I felt that I want to eventually also get involved in certain films that I feel passionate about, beyond just being an actor, [to] creatively be there in the whole filmmaking process,” Sanon told Variety. “And also, hopefully, in the future, [to] be able to support and tell a lot of stories that come from my heart,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
Travis Kelce has joined the cast of Ryan Murphy’s new horror series “Grotesquerie.”
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been cast opposite Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville in the FX series, which will premiere this fall. Although character details have not been revealed, this marks Kelce’s first major acting role.
Kelce confirmed the news in an Instagram Story featuring a video of himself and Nash-Betts.
“Guys, guess who I am working with in ‘Grotesquerie’?” Nash-Betts asks in the video before panning over to Kelce.
“Stepping into new territory with Niecy,” Kelce adds.
The NFL...
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been cast opposite Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville in the FX series, which will premiere this fall. Although character details have not been revealed, this marks Kelce’s first major acting role.
Kelce confirmed the news in an Instagram Story featuring a video of himself and Nash-Betts.
“Guys, guess who I am working with in ‘Grotesquerie’?” Nash-Betts asks in the video before panning over to Kelce.
“Stepping into new territory with Niecy,” Kelce adds.
The NFL...
- 5/8/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety - TV News
Lily Allen took a moment this week to interrogate the “nepo baby” terminology that has become widespread in its use to denote Hollywood professionals whose parents are also famous.
“Nepo babies, I think it’s quite like ‘Karen’, in the sense that it’s just a word that is basically used for women who are taking up space, and we’d rather they didn’t, and they should just go away,” the “Fuck You” singer said on her Miss Me podcast.
Allen, 39, is the daughter of British actor Keith Allen. Her brother Alfie is also an actor, best known for his work on Game of Thrones. “My brother, for instance, doesn’t get called nepo baby, and I do,” Allen continued this week.
“I actually don’t really mind the nepotism thing, it’s the ‘baby’ that annoys me,” she said. “It’s like, I’m 40 years old nearly!”
Allen...
“Nepo babies, I think it’s quite like ‘Karen’, in the sense that it’s just a word that is basically used for women who are taking up space, and we’d rather they didn’t, and they should just go away,” the “Fuck You” singer said on her Miss Me podcast.
Allen, 39, is the daughter of British actor Keith Allen. Her brother Alfie is also an actor, best known for his work on Game of Thrones. “My brother, for instance, doesn’t get called nepo baby, and I do,” Allen continued this week.
“I actually don’t really mind the nepotism thing, it’s the ‘baby’ that annoys me,” she said. “It’s like, I’m 40 years old nearly!”
Allen...
- 5/8/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ian Gelder, a British actor known for his role as Kevan Lannister in “Game of Thrones,” died Monday of complications from bile duct cancer. He was 74.
Gelder’s partner, Ben Daniels, confirmed his death in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
“It is with huge huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces that I’m leaving this post to announce the passing of my darling husband and life partner Ian Gelder,” Daniels wrote. “Ian was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in December and yesterday he passed at 13.07. I’d stopped all work to be his carer but...
Gelder’s partner, Ben Daniels, confirmed his death in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
“It is with huge huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces that I’m leaving this post to announce the passing of my darling husband and life partner Ian Gelder,” Daniels wrote. “Ian was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in December and yesterday he passed at 13.07. I’d stopped all work to be his carer but...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - TV News
NBC has renewed “Lopez vs. Lopez” for Season 3, while “Extended Family” has been canceled after one season.
In the recently concluded second season of “Lopez vs. Lopez,” Mayan (Mayan Lopez) and the Lopez family underwent big changes while George (George Lopez) took his first step in sobriety. Alongside the Lopezes, the cast includes Selenis Leyva, Matt Shively, Brice Gonzalez and Al Madrigal.
Per Live + Same Day data from Nielsen, Season 2 premiered to 2.3 million viewers and ranged from 1.5 to 2.2 million viewers for the rest of the season, while NBCUniversal notes that the show has reached 10 million viewers to date across platforms,...
In the recently concluded second season of “Lopez vs. Lopez,” Mayan (Mayan Lopez) and the Lopez family underwent big changes while George (George Lopez) took his first step in sobriety. Alongside the Lopezes, the cast includes Selenis Leyva, Matt Shively, Brice Gonzalez and Al Madrigal.
Per Live + Same Day data from Nielsen, Season 2 premiered to 2.3 million viewers and ranged from 1.5 to 2.2 million viewers for the rest of the season, while NBCUniversal notes that the show has reached 10 million viewers to date across platforms,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety - TV News
Ahead of next week’s upfront presentation to Madison Avenue ad buyers, NBC has solidified its comedy lineup for the 2024-25 broadcast season.
The network has handed out a series order to the multicamera comedy Happy’s Place, starring Reba McEntire, and renewed George Lopez’s half-hour Lopez vs. Lopez for a third season. Additionally, NBC has canceled rookie comedy Extended Family, starring Jon Cryer.
Happy’s Place, which was picked up to pilot in late January, revolves around Bobbie (McEntire), who inherits her father’s restaurant and is less than thrilled to discover that she has a new business partner in the half-sister she never knew she had. The series reunites McEntire with the team behind her eponymous 2001 sitcom, including showrunner Kevin Abbott, and co-star Melissa Peterman. Belissa Escobedo, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk and Rex Linn round out the cast of the series, which is produced in-house at Universal Television.
The network has handed out a series order to the multicamera comedy Happy’s Place, starring Reba McEntire, and renewed George Lopez’s half-hour Lopez vs. Lopez for a third season. Additionally, NBC has canceled rookie comedy Extended Family, starring Jon Cryer.
Happy’s Place, which was picked up to pilot in late January, revolves around Bobbie (McEntire), who inherits her father’s restaurant and is less than thrilled to discover that she has a new business partner in the half-sister she never knew she had. The series reunites McEntire with the team behind her eponymous 2001 sitcom, including showrunner Kevin Abbott, and co-star Melissa Peterman. Belissa Escobedo, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk and Rex Linn round out the cast of the series, which is produced in-house at Universal Television.
- 5/8/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NBC has given a series order to “Happy’s Place,” the Reba McEntire-led pilot the network ordered in January, and greenlit “Lopez vs. Lopez” for Season 3. The multi-cam comedy will debut during the 2024-2024 broadcast season.
“Happy’s Place” follows Bobbie (Reba McEntire), who inherits her father’s restaurant and is less than thrilled to discover that she has a new business partner in the half-sister (Belissa Escobedo) she never knew she had. The cast also includes Melissa Peterman, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk and Rex Linn. Universal Television is the studio.
With Kevin Abbott writing the series and executive producing alongside Michael Hanel,...
“Happy’s Place” follows Bobbie (Reba McEntire), who inherits her father’s restaurant and is less than thrilled to discover that she has a new business partner in the half-sister (Belissa Escobedo) she never knew she had. The cast also includes Melissa Peterman, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk and Rex Linn. Universal Television is the studio.
With Kevin Abbott writing the series and executive producing alongside Michael Hanel,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety - TV News
Michael Douglas is sharing his thoughts on how the approach to filming sex scenes has changed throughout the years.
The veteran actor, who has starred in dozens of projects, including 1987’s Fatal Attraction and 1992’s Basic Instinct, was asked in an interview with Radio Times, via The Telegraph, about the recent trend of sex scenes appearing less in films.
“I’m past the age where I’ve got to worry about that. But it’s interesting with all the intimacy coordinators,” he said. “It feels like executives taking control away from filmmakers — but there have been some terrible faux pas and harassment.”
Douglas continued, “Sex scenes are like fight scenes, it’s all choreographed. In my experience, you take responsibility as the man to make sure the woman is comfortable, you talk it through. You say, ‘Ok, I’m gonna touch you here if that’s all right’. It’s...
The veteran actor, who has starred in dozens of projects, including 1987’s Fatal Attraction and 1992’s Basic Instinct, was asked in an interview with Radio Times, via The Telegraph, about the recent trend of sex scenes appearing less in films.
“I’m past the age where I’ve got to worry about that. But it’s interesting with all the intimacy coordinators,” he said. “It feels like executives taking control away from filmmakers — but there have been some terrible faux pas and harassment.”
Douglas continued, “Sex scenes are like fight scenes, it’s all choreographed. In my experience, you take responsibility as the man to make sure the woman is comfortable, you talk it through. You say, ‘Ok, I’m gonna touch you here if that’s all right’. It’s...
- 5/8/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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Season 11 of “Vanderpump Rules” — which became a sensation earlier this year during its 10th season because of the #Scandoval, a cheating scandal within the cast — ends tonight with the much buzzed-about season finale.
The finale will air tonight, Tuesday, May 7 at 8 p.m. Et on Bravo. Cable-cutters can stream the drama on live TV platforms such as Sling TV (which is currently 50% off), DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV or Fubo TV (which offers a 7-day free trial). Episodes will also...
Season 11 of “Vanderpump Rules” — which became a sensation earlier this year during its 10th season because of the #Scandoval, a cheating scandal within the cast — ends tonight with the much buzzed-about season finale.
The finale will air tonight, Tuesday, May 7 at 8 p.m. Et on Bravo. Cable-cutters can stream the drama on live TV platforms such as Sling TV (which is currently 50% off), DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV or Fubo TV (which offers a 7-day free trial). Episodes will also...
- 5/8/2024
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety - TV News
Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock might be down for Speed 3.
The Speed stars stopped by the 50 Mph podcast to discuss the 1994 action-thriller, alongside their fellow co-stars Jeff Daniels and Alan Ruck.
When asked about a possible threequel, the Matrix star said, “I mean, you know — we’d freakin’ knock it out of the park.” Bullock chimed in, saying that she may be up for it, “Before I die, before I leave this planet, I do think that Keanu and I need to do something in front of the camera. Are we, you know, in wheelchairs or with walkers? Maybe. Are we on little scooters at Disneyland?”
Reeves echoed her sentiment, adding that it can’t be forced, despite their seeming interest. “It does feel like there is a siren call to it, like there’s something that wasn’t done,” he said. “I would love to work with you again before our eyes close.
The Speed stars stopped by the 50 Mph podcast to discuss the 1994 action-thriller, alongside their fellow co-stars Jeff Daniels and Alan Ruck.
When asked about a possible threequel, the Matrix star said, “I mean, you know — we’d freakin’ knock it out of the park.” Bullock chimed in, saying that she may be up for it, “Before I die, before I leave this planet, I do think that Keanu and I need to do something in front of the camera. Are we, you know, in wheelchairs or with walkers? Maybe. Are we on little scooters at Disneyland?”
Reeves echoed her sentiment, adding that it can’t be forced, despite their seeming interest. “It does feel like there is a siren call to it, like there’s something that wasn’t done,” he said. “I would love to work with you again before our eyes close.
- 5/7/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Apple Studios is facing a lawsuit accusing it of violating a series of California labor laws on the set of Palm Royale.
Daniel Ferguson, in a proposed class action filed on May 3 in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims the studio stiffed him and other background actors on pay, “maintained a policy and practice of not paying” them for all of the hours they worked and refused to provide legally-mandated meal breaks.
According to the complaint, Ferguson worked for Apple Studios, which didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment, in Los Angeles for four months in 2022 during the production of Palm Royale. The satire, starring Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern and Ricky Martin, centers on a former pageant queen who tries to break into the upper echelons of high society in late 1960s Florida.
The lawsuit details claims that Apple Studios didn’t properly calculate the pay of background actors and...
Daniel Ferguson, in a proposed class action filed on May 3 in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims the studio stiffed him and other background actors on pay, “maintained a policy and practice of not paying” them for all of the hours they worked and refused to provide legally-mandated meal breaks.
According to the complaint, Ferguson worked for Apple Studios, which didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment, in Los Angeles for four months in 2022 during the production of Palm Royale. The satire, starring Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern and Ricky Martin, centers on a former pageant queen who tries to break into the upper echelons of high society in late 1960s Florida.
The lawsuit details claims that Apple Studios didn’t properly calculate the pay of background actors and...
- 5/7/2024
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nikki Glaser, one of the standouts from Netflix’s Tom Brady roast, has revealed that she didn’t get to deliver every joke she had planned during the live comedy event.
During an interview on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show following the roast, the comedian and actress, who earned widespread praise for her set, shared some of the punchlines the audience missed on Sunday night.
“Tom, I love your work — you’ve done on your face,” read one of Glaser’s jokes about the football star’s alleged plastic surgery that she cut. “Seriously, slow down. What is happening with your cheeks? You look like a Ken doll that was microwaved. You love deflating things, stop.”
The FGirl Island star said she also cut a joke about Cte (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), a progressive degenerative disease affecting many NFL players who have suffered repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
“It...
During an interview on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show following the roast, the comedian and actress, who earned widespread praise for her set, shared some of the punchlines the audience missed on Sunday night.
“Tom, I love your work — you’ve done on your face,” read one of Glaser’s jokes about the football star’s alleged plastic surgery that she cut. “Seriously, slow down. What is happening with your cheeks? You look like a Ken doll that was microwaved. You love deflating things, stop.”
The FGirl Island star said she also cut a joke about Cte (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), a progressive degenerative disease affecting many NFL players who have suffered repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
“It...
- 5/7/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“CSI: Vegas” may be canceled, but CBS isn’t giving up on the franchise. The Eye network announced Tuesday a new edition in the “CSI” universe — but this time in the unscripted space.
CBS has ordered the unscripted, true-crime docuseries “The Real CSI: Miami” based on the drama “CSI: Miami,” which aired from 2002 to 2012 (for 10 seasons and 232 episodes). The new series is set to release on CBS on June 26 at 10 p.m. Et. The news came as CBS announced its summer lineup.
The logline for “The Real CSI: Miami” reads, “Each episode features gripping real-life crime cases and the cutting-edge...
CBS has ordered the unscripted, true-crime docuseries “The Real CSI: Miami” based on the drama “CSI: Miami,” which aired from 2002 to 2012 (for 10 seasons and 232 episodes). The new series is set to release on CBS on June 26 at 10 p.m. Et. The news came as CBS announced its summer lineup.
The logline for “The Real CSI: Miami” reads, “Each episode features gripping real-life crime cases and the cutting-edge...
- 5/7/2024
- by Lexi Carson
- Variety - TV News
Kim Kardashian was booed as she took the stage during “The Roast of Tom Brady” on Sunday, but you won’t see that on Netflix.
The version of the special that’s now available on the streamer bears a disclaimer reading that it was “edited from a previous livestream,” and the boos have been removed, along with Kevin Hart’s brief attempt to pacify the crowd.
During the original stream, the shouting began as host Kevin Hart introduced Kardashian and continued for more than ten seconds, forcing her to start over as she tried to tell her first joke. “Alright,...
The version of the special that’s now available on the streamer bears a disclaimer reading that it was “edited from a previous livestream,” and the boos have been removed, along with Kevin Hart’s brief attempt to pacify the crowd.
During the original stream, the shouting began as host Kevin Hart introduced Kardashian and continued for more than ten seconds, forcing her to start over as she tried to tell her first joke. “Alright,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety - TV News
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