Top News
Thandiwe Newton is the latest new cast member to join “Wednesday” Season 2 at Netflix.
Variety has learned exclusively from sources that Newton will star in the second season of the megahit series. Exact character details are being kept under wraps. She is the latest new cast member to be revealed, as Variety previously reported that Steve Buscemi will also appear in Season 2.
Reps for Netflix declined to comment.
Newton has held a number of TV roles in her career, perhaps most notably starring in the HBO series “Westworld.” She received three Emmy nominations for best supporting actress in a drama for that show,...
Variety has learned exclusively from sources that Newton will star in the second season of the megahit series. Exact character details are being kept under wraps. She is the latest new cast member to be revealed, as Variety previously reported that Steve Buscemi will also appear in Season 2.
Reps for Netflix declined to comment.
Newton has held a number of TV roles in her career, perhaps most notably starring in the HBO series “Westworld.” She received three Emmy nominations for best supporting actress in a drama for that show,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Terry Carter, who played sergeant Joe Broadhurst on the TV series “McCloud” and detective Colonel Tigh on the original “Battlestar Galactica,” died at his home in New York, N.Y., Tuesday morning. He was 95.
Born John Everett DeCoste in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 16, 1928, to parents of Dominican, Argentine and African American descent, Carter would go on to become the first Black TV news anchor for Boston’s Wbz-tv Eyewitness News, where he also became their first opening night drama and movie critic. He was also one of the first Black regulars on the 1956 TV sitcom series “The Phil Silvers Show,” in which he played Private Sugarman.
Carter’s other credits include the 1970 TV movie “Company of Killers,” in which he starred alongside Van Johnson and Ray Milland, and the 1974 film “Foxy Brown” with Pam Grier.
In 1979 Carter formed the Council for Positive Images, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing intercultural and interethnic understanding through media.
Born John Everett DeCoste in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 16, 1928, to parents of Dominican, Argentine and African American descent, Carter would go on to become the first Black TV news anchor for Boston’s Wbz-tv Eyewitness News, where he also became their first opening night drama and movie critic. He was also one of the first Black regulars on the 1956 TV sitcom series “The Phil Silvers Show,” in which he played Private Sugarman.
Carter’s other credits include the 1970 TV movie “Company of Killers,” in which he starred alongside Van Johnson and Ray Milland, and the 1974 film “Foxy Brown” with Pam Grier.
In 1979 Carter formed the Council for Positive Images, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing intercultural and interethnic understanding through media.
- 4/23/2024
- by Lexi Carson
- Variety - Film News
Marvel’s favorite frenemies are back in the second trailer for the hotly anticipated “Deadpool and Wolverine” — the third installment in the “Deadpool” series of films and the first set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
This time, Deadpool and Wolverine fight like bloody hell to the tune of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”
“I’m about to lose everything that I’ve ever cared about,” Deadpool tells Wolverine in the trailer, to which Wolverine responds, “Not my fucking problem.”
“Is that what you said when your world went to shit?” Deadpool retorts, provoking Wolverine to strike his crotch with those claws before Deadpool shoots him several times in the torso.
Cut to the two heroes chumming it up over lunch: “Wanna talk about what’s haunting you, or should we wait for a third act flashback?”
The threequel stars Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and brings back Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, whom...
This time, Deadpool and Wolverine fight like bloody hell to the tune of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”
“I’m about to lose everything that I’ve ever cared about,” Deadpool tells Wolverine in the trailer, to which Wolverine responds, “Not my fucking problem.”
“Is that what you said when your world went to shit?” Deadpool retorts, provoking Wolverine to strike his crotch with those claws before Deadpool shoots him several times in the torso.
Cut to the two heroes chumming it up over lunch: “Wanna talk about what’s haunting you, or should we wait for a third act flashback?”
The threequel stars Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and brings back Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, whom...
- 4/22/2024
- by Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety - Film News
Claymation legends Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham will offer stop-motion fans a sneak peek at their upcoming Wallace & Gromit film at this year’s Annecy animation festival.
The still-untitled feature will see inveterate, cheese-loving inventor Wallace designing a “smart gnome” for the family garden who begins to develop a mind of its own. As events spiral out of control, it is up to faithful dog Gromit to put things right. Park and Crossingham co-directed the film, based on a story by Park and a screenplay from Shaun the Sheep and Gnomeo & Juliet writer Mark Burton.
The film, which will premiere on Netflix worldwide outside the U.K., where it will have a first-release window on the BBC, is the second feature from Aardman Animations based on the beloved characters, following the Oscar-winning Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) and the series of award-winning shorts, including Oscar-winners The Wrong...
The still-untitled feature will see inveterate, cheese-loving inventor Wallace designing a “smart gnome” for the family garden who begins to develop a mind of its own. As events spiral out of control, it is up to faithful dog Gromit to put things right. Park and Crossingham co-directed the film, based on a story by Park and a screenplay from Shaun the Sheep and Gnomeo & Juliet writer Mark Burton.
The film, which will premiere on Netflix worldwide outside the U.K., where it will have a first-release window on the BBC, is the second feature from Aardman Animations based on the beloved characters, following the Oscar-winning Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) and the series of award-winning shorts, including Oscar-winners The Wrong...
- 4/22/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Lord of the Rings” owner Embracer is separating the group into three games and entertainment companies: Asmodee Group, Coffee Stain & Friends and Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends.
Asmodee is a tabletop games publisher and distributor with a studio network and IP catalogue. Coffee Stain & Friends is a gaming entity with a dual focus on indie and A/AA premium and free-to-play games for PC/console and mobile. Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends is known for its Aaa game development and publishing for PC and console, as well as managing the “The Lord of the Rings” and “Tomb Raider” IPs. Aaa is the term used to classify video games produced or distributed by a major publisher, which usually have higher development and marketing budgets than other tiers of games.
The company’s board of directors proposes that shares in two of these entities, Asmodee and Coffee Stain & Friends, will be distributed to the shareholders of Embracer Group,...
Asmodee is a tabletop games publisher and distributor with a studio network and IP catalogue. Coffee Stain & Friends is a gaming entity with a dual focus on indie and A/AA premium and free-to-play games for PC/console and mobile. Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends is known for its Aaa game development and publishing for PC and console, as well as managing the “The Lord of the Rings” and “Tomb Raider” IPs. Aaa is the term used to classify video games produced or distributed by a major publisher, which usually have higher development and marketing budgets than other tiers of games.
The company’s board of directors proposes that shares in two of these entities, Asmodee and Coffee Stain & Friends, will be distributed to the shareholders of Embracer Group,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran and K.J. Yossman
- Variety - Film News
Callum Turner has been cast in the lead role of the series adaptation of the William Gibson novel “Neuromancer” at Apple TV+, Variety has learned.
The series was originally announced in February. Per the official description, the 10-episode drama follows “a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case (Turner) who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high stakes crime with his partner Molly, a razor-girl assassin with mirrored eyes, aiming to pull a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets.”
This will mark the second starring role in an Apple series for Turner. Previously, he starred in the...
The series was originally announced in February. Per the official description, the 10-episode drama follows “a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case (Turner) who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high stakes crime with his partner Molly, a razor-girl assassin with mirrored eyes, aiming to pull a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets.”
This will mark the second starring role in an Apple series for Turner. Previously, he starred in the...
- 4/23/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Zendaya is getting candid about the conversations surrounding her kissing scenes in films and television series.
The Emmy-winning actress chatted with Jake Hamilton, the creator behind YouTube account Jake’s Takes, while promoting Challengers. She sat down with her co-stars, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, for a brief conversation ahead of the release of Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film.
At one point in the interview, Hamilton pointed out to Zendaya that when she does a kissing scene, it seems to get an “abnormal” amount of attention, and she agreed, noting, “I know, it’s very odd.” He went on to ask her if she thinks people have forgotten that’s part of an actor’s job, or if they’re simply using it as a way to get her to talk about kissing.
“I have no idea. I don’t know if it’s because they want it to be,...
The Emmy-winning actress chatted with Jake Hamilton, the creator behind YouTube account Jake’s Takes, while promoting Challengers. She sat down with her co-stars, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, for a brief conversation ahead of the release of Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film.
At one point in the interview, Hamilton pointed out to Zendaya that when she does a kissing scene, it seems to get an “abnormal” amount of attention, and she agreed, noting, “I know, it’s very odd.” He went on to ask her if she thinks people have forgotten that’s part of an actor’s job, or if they’re simply using it as a way to get her to talk about kissing.
“I have no idea. I don’t know if it’s because they want it to be,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Post Malone, Vault Comics and Michael Bay and Brad Fuller’s Platinum Dunes have partnered to create an all-new IP universe based on an original story by the recording artist.
Blending elements of road thrillers like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and demonic horror like “Evil Dead,” Malone’s story is set in medieval Europe, where the only thing standing in the way of the horde of demons infesting the continent is a mysterious armored 18-wheeler seemingly sent back from the heavens.
“I’m so pumped to share this badass story with the world, and I couldn’t ask for better partners than Michael Bay and Vault to help bring this story to life,” says Malone.
Working closely with Malone, Vault will launch the story first as a graphic novel, set for publication in 2025. Meanwhile, Post Malone, Platinum Dunes and Vault will concurrently develop a feature film adaptation.
“This is the...
Blending elements of road thrillers like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and demonic horror like “Evil Dead,” Malone’s story is set in medieval Europe, where the only thing standing in the way of the horde of demons infesting the continent is a mysterious armored 18-wheeler seemingly sent back from the heavens.
“I’m so pumped to share this badass story with the world, and I couldn’t ask for better partners than Michael Bay and Vault to help bring this story to life,” says Malone.
Working closely with Malone, Vault will launch the story first as a graphic novel, set for publication in 2025. Meanwhile, Post Malone, Platinum Dunes and Vault will concurrently develop a feature film adaptation.
“This is the...
- 4/23/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety - Film News
Super-producer Jerry Bruckheimer recently told People magazine that Bruce Willis was so generous on the set of their 1998 blockbuster “Armageddon” that he gave money away to the crew to make sure people had some “nice extra cash at the end of the week.” Willis headlined the Michael Bay-directed film opposite Billy Bob Thornton, Liv Tyler and Ben Affleck.
“Bruce is such a good guy,” Bruckheimer said. “He was so generous to the crew. They’d have [cash giveaway] drawings, and he’d throw a lot of money in the hat, and the crew members would always take away some nice extra cash at the end of the week, whoever won.”
Bruckheimer called Willis a “giving guy” and a “good friend.” Apparently the “Armageddon” crew had a weekly cash pot going at the end of each week of production. Willis made sure to increase the jackpot with his own money to make the reward that much greater.
“Bruce is such a good guy,” Bruckheimer said. “He was so generous to the crew. They’d have [cash giveaway] drawings, and he’d throw a lot of money in the hat, and the crew members would always take away some nice extra cash at the end of the week, whoever won.”
Bruckheimer called Willis a “giving guy” and a “good friend.” Apparently the “Armageddon” crew had a weekly cash pot going at the end of each week of production. Willis made sure to increase the jackpot with his own money to make the reward that much greater.
- 4/23/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
When millions of Americans came together to marvel at the stunning solar eclipse, we saw a rare moment of unity amid the darkness of a country torn apart by polarization. Bookending the same week? The release of action-thriller “Civil War,” now the number one film in America and A24 Films’ most successful release yet. Set against the backdrop of an imagined second American Civil War, the film follows photojournalists led by Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst), as they capture the horrors of a failed country.
After previewing the film, I fixated on the plot’s open space left by writer and director Alex Garland. For audiences wondering what leads us to this point of no return, Garland deliberately shoots back with blanks, inviting us to fill in the rest.
I believe that it matters how we fill those gaps. Films of this magnitude, especially on a radioactive topic, set a narrative in our culture.
After previewing the film, I fixated on the plot’s open space left by writer and director Alex Garland. For audiences wondering what leads us to this point of no return, Garland deliberately shoots back with blanks, inviting us to fill in the rest.
I believe that it matters how we fill those gaps. Films of this magnitude, especially on a radioactive topic, set a narrative in our culture.
- 4/23/2024
- by Steven Olikara
- Variety - Film News
Peter Morgan’s new play Patriots, now on Broadway, opens with an awareness of its audience. “In the West you have no idea,” Boris Berezovksy (an excellent Michael Stuhlbarg) says through a voiceover. “You think of Russia as a cold, bleak place, full of hardship and cruelty.” The stage is bare, and the oligarch, who played an instrumental role in Vladimir Putin’s rise to power, speaks to us from a liminal space. He goes on to describe the beauty of his country, Russian music, the sounds of children laughing in the streets and the taste of ice cream on a cold day.
When the stage comes into view (set design by Miriam Buether, lighting design by Jack Knowles), it’s 1955. Berezovsky is a schoolboy gifted in mathematics. A teacher urges his parents — congenial and full of quips — to push their son. “Anyone can be a doctor, Mrs. Berezovsky,” says...
When the stage comes into view (set design by Miriam Buether, lighting design by Jack Knowles), it’s 1955. Berezovsky is a schoolboy gifted in mathematics. A teacher urges his parents — congenial and full of quips — to push their son. “Anyone can be a doctor, Mrs. Berezovsky,” says...
- 4/23/2024
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jo Ann Ross, the first woman to run a broadcast TV network’s ad-sales efforts and one of the last senior ad-sales executives in the TV industry to hold direct relationships with advertisers when primetime broadcast programs were seen as the primary venue for Madison Avenue’s dollars, is leaving the industry, stepping down from her role as chairman of Paramount Global’s ad sales division at the end of April.
Ross had already stepped back from day to day duties, ceding that role to John Halley, who was named president of ad sales for the company in 2022. But her...
Ross had already stepped back from day to day duties, ceding that role to John Halley, who was named president of ad sales for the company in 2022. But her...
- 4/23/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety - TV News
With cable TV service in a state of cord-cutting freefall, two of the biggest players in the space are leaning into a new strategy to try and stop the bleeding.
Comcast and Charter Communications are the two biggest pay-tv companies in the U.S., and the two largest broadband providers. But with TV subscribers falling quarter by quarter and year by year, in the last week both have launched products to try and placate consumers grappling with the sticker shock of total cable packages, replete with sports channels and niche offerings.
Charter on Tuesday launched what it is calling Spectrum TV Stream, which will provide 90 streaming channels for $40 per month. A&e, AMC, CNN, Discovery, Disney Channel, Fox News, FX, Hallmark, and HGTV are among the offerings. The streaming offering will be available to Spectrum internet customers.
The company also rolled out Spectrum Stream Latino, which will cost $25 per month and feature 45 Spanish-language channels.
Comcast and Charter Communications are the two biggest pay-tv companies in the U.S., and the two largest broadband providers. But with TV subscribers falling quarter by quarter and year by year, in the last week both have launched products to try and placate consumers grappling with the sticker shock of total cable packages, replete with sports channels and niche offerings.
Charter on Tuesday launched what it is calling Spectrum TV Stream, which will provide 90 streaming channels for $40 per month. A&e, AMC, CNN, Discovery, Disney Channel, Fox News, FX, Hallmark, and HGTV are among the offerings. The streaming offering will be available to Spectrum internet customers.
The company also rolled out Spectrum Stream Latino, which will cost $25 per month and feature 45 Spanish-language channels.
- 4/23/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The last time I spoke to Noah Jupe was four years ago when he was just 15 years old. It was over Zoom, and he was promoting HBO’s “The Undoing” from a Detroit hotel room, where he was under mandatory quarantine waiting to be cleared to start work on Steven Soderbergh’s “No Sudden Move.”
At the time, Jupe’s list of credits already included “The Night Manager,” “Suburbicon,” the first two “A Quiet Place” films and “Ford v Ferrari.” He had earned a Spirit Award nomination for his work starring role in “Honey Boy,” director Alma Har’el’s drama loosely based on Shia Labeouf’s childhood.
The British actor is now 19 and I’m meeting him once again over Zoom — this time, he’s in his London-area home — for this week’s “Just for Variety” podcast. He’s promoting Apple TV+’s “Franklin.” The limited series follows Benjamin Franklin,...
At the time, Jupe’s list of credits already included “The Night Manager,” “Suburbicon,” the first two “A Quiet Place” films and “Ford v Ferrari.” He had earned a Spirit Award nomination for his work starring role in “Honey Boy,” director Alma Har’el’s drama loosely based on Shia Labeouf’s childhood.
The British actor is now 19 and I’m meeting him once again over Zoom — this time, he’s in his London-area home — for this week’s “Just for Variety” podcast. He’s promoting Apple TV+’s “Franklin.” The limited series follows Benjamin Franklin,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety - Film News
The last time I spoke to Noah Jupe was four years ago when he was just 15 years old. It was over Zoom, and he was promoting HBO’s “The Undoing” from a Detroit hotel room, where he was under mandatory quarantine waiting to be cleared to start work on Steven Soderbergh’s “No Sudden Move.”
At the time, Jupe’s list of credits already included “The Night Manager,” “Suburbicon,” the first two “A Quiet Place” films and “Ford v Ferrari.” He had earned a Spirit Award nomination for his work starring role in “Honey Boy,” director Alma Har’el’s drama...
At the time, Jupe’s list of credits already included “The Night Manager,” “Suburbicon,” the first two “A Quiet Place” films and “Ford v Ferrari.” He had earned a Spirit Award nomination for his work starring role in “Honey Boy,” director Alma Har’el’s drama...
- 4/23/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety - TV News
GLAAD is putting the finishing touches on the program for its East Coast awards gala by confirming Jennifer Hudson and Orville Peck for top honors and media personality Ross Mathews to front the affair as host.
The GLAAD Media Awards — set for May 11 at the Hilton Midtown — will honor Hudson with an excellence in media award while country artist Peck will take home a Vito Russo award. Hudson will receive the trophy for being an ally who has “made a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people.” She’ll join a roster of honorees that includes Marren Morris, Judith Light, Ava DuVernay, Patti Labelle, Debra Messing, Tyra Banks, Julianne Moore, Barbra Walters, Diane Sawyer and more.
“A multihyphenate talent who uses her platform and influence across media to support and uplift LGBTQ people, Jennifer Hudson’s allyship is thoughtful, loud and powerful,” said GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.
The GLAAD Media Awards — set for May 11 at the Hilton Midtown — will honor Hudson with an excellence in media award while country artist Peck will take home a Vito Russo award. Hudson will receive the trophy for being an ally who has “made a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people.” She’ll join a roster of honorees that includes Marren Morris, Judith Light, Ava DuVernay, Patti Labelle, Debra Messing, Tyra Banks, Julianne Moore, Barbra Walters, Diane Sawyer and more.
“A multihyphenate talent who uses her platform and influence across media to support and uplift LGBTQ people, Jennifer Hudson’s allyship is thoughtful, loud and powerful,” said GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.
- 4/23/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Twenty years after its release, the Jennifer Garner-led comedy 13 Going on 30 is still thriving.
Sony released Gary Winick’s comedy in theaters April 23, 2004, and the film earned $96 million ($159 million today) at the global office. Also featuring Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer and Andy Serkis, the movie centered on teenage Jenna Rink (played by Christa B. Allen, now known as Christa Belle), who gets embarrassed at a party and makes a wish that transforms her into her 30-year-old self (Garner).
Co-writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, in addition to Belle, separately share with The Hollywood Reporter about other actresses being considered for Garner’s part, Ruffalo feeling hesitant to do the “Thriller” dance, memories of Winick (who died of cancer in 2011 at age 49), the status of a stage musical, and persistent chatter among the film’s team regarding a potential onscreen reboot.
Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30...
Sony released Gary Winick’s comedy in theaters April 23, 2004, and the film earned $96 million ($159 million today) at the global office. Also featuring Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer and Andy Serkis, the movie centered on teenage Jenna Rink (played by Christa B. Allen, now known as Christa Belle), who gets embarrassed at a party and makes a wish that transforms her into her 30-year-old self (Garner).
Co-writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, in addition to Belle, separately share with The Hollywood Reporter about other actresses being considered for Garner’s part, Ruffalo feeling hesitant to do the “Thriller” dance, memories of Winick (who died of cancer in 2011 at age 49), the status of a stage musical, and persistent chatter among the film’s team regarding a potential onscreen reboot.
Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alec Baldwin seemingly slapped someone’s phone out of their hand after they kept trying to get him to say “Free Palestine.”
A video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night sees a person go up to Baldwin at a New York City coffee shop.
The nearly one-minute video, posted on an account with the name “Crackhead Barney & Friends,” begins with the person asking him to say “Free Palestine.” The person then goes on to address Baldwin’s ongoing involuntary manslaughter case, following the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the Rust set.
“Why did you kill that lady? You killed that lady, got no jail time,” the user continues. “No jail time Alec. You’re putting innocent people in jail, Alec Baldwin. Free Palestine Alec. Just one time, and I’ll leave you alone. I’ll leave you alone. I swear.”
Baldwin walks to the front door of the coffee shop,...
A video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night sees a person go up to Baldwin at a New York City coffee shop.
The nearly one-minute video, posted on an account with the name “Crackhead Barney & Friends,” begins with the person asking him to say “Free Palestine.” The person then goes on to address Baldwin’s ongoing involuntary manslaughter case, following the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the Rust set.
“Why did you kill that lady? You killed that lady, got no jail time,” the user continues. “No jail time Alec. You’re putting innocent people in jail, Alec Baldwin. Free Palestine Alec. Just one time, and I’ll leave you alone. I’ll leave you alone. I swear.”
Baldwin walks to the front door of the coffee shop,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Two years ago, it was neon yellow roller blades and coordinating skating costumes for Barbie and Ken that showed up on Venice Beach in Los Angeles, drumming up excitement for what became a blockbuster hit. This year, it’s apes on horseback.
20th Century Film sent horse handlers dressed as monkeys to the iconic California coast in an out-of-the-box marketing effort for their upcoming movie, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
On Monday, the studio’s president, Steve Asbell, reshared a video of the event on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “We out here opening up an entirely new front on the CGI vs. practical effects twitter debate!”
We out here opening up an entirely new front on the CGI vs. practical effects twitter debate! #KingdomofthePlanetoftheApes
cc: @tvaziri https://t.co/BIWOg96guB
— Steve Asbell (@steveasbell) April 22, 2024
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a sequel to 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes...
20th Century Film sent horse handlers dressed as monkeys to the iconic California coast in an out-of-the-box marketing effort for their upcoming movie, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
On Monday, the studio’s president, Steve Asbell, reshared a video of the event on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “We out here opening up an entirely new front on the CGI vs. practical effects twitter debate!”
We out here opening up an entirely new front on the CGI vs. practical effects twitter debate! #KingdomofthePlanetoftheApes
cc: @tvaziri https://t.co/BIWOg96guB
— Steve Asbell (@steveasbell) April 22, 2024
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a sequel to 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes...
- 4/23/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jon Stewart’s return to The Daily Show has given the show a big lift on the nights that he hosts — and even on the nights he doesn’t.
Stewart’s surprise return to Comedy Central’s late- night flagship — he’ll anchor the show on Monday nights through the presidential election — led to an immediate ratings spike for the show, as his first show back on Feb. 12 hit a multiyear high in viewers. The first few episodes after Stewart’s return, hosted by Daily Show correspondent Jordan Klepper, also came in way ahead of the show’s average viewership for 2023.
Seven weeks into the Stewart-and-correspondents hosting arrangement, that pattern has mostly held up. Ratings have cooled some in April, but both Stewart’s Monday shows and the news team-led installments later in the week have consistently stayed well above both the show’s guest host era of 2023 and the...
Stewart’s surprise return to Comedy Central’s late- night flagship — he’ll anchor the show on Monday nights through the presidential election — led to an immediate ratings spike for the show, as his first show back on Feb. 12 hit a multiyear high in viewers. The first few episodes after Stewart’s return, hosted by Daily Show correspondent Jordan Klepper, also came in way ahead of the show’s average viewership for 2023.
Seven weeks into the Stewart-and-correspondents hosting arrangement, that pattern has mostly held up. Ratings have cooled some in April, but both Stewart’s Monday shows and the news team-led installments later in the week have consistently stayed well above both the show’s guest host era of 2023 and the...
- 4/23/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The “One Piece” live-action series at Netflix is bringing in Joe Tracz to serve as its new co-showrunner for Season 2.
Tracz will helm the popular series based on the Eiichiro Oda manga of the same name alongside Season 1 co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer Matt Owens. Steven Maeda, who developed the series with Owens and was co-showrunner on Season 1, will step down but continue to serve as an executive producer on the series.
“Joe has brought a wealth of enthusiasm and experience into our second season that will help take ‘One Piece’ to new heights,” Owens said. “We’re incredibly lucky...
Tracz will helm the popular series based on the Eiichiro Oda manga of the same name alongside Season 1 co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer Matt Owens. Steven Maeda, who developed the series with Owens and was co-showrunner on Season 1, will step down but continue to serve as an executive producer on the series.
“Joe has brought a wealth of enthusiasm and experience into our second season that will help take ‘One Piece’ to new heights,” Owens said. “We’re incredibly lucky...
- 4/23/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Alec Baldwin’s lawyers alleged a “stunning abuse of prosecutorial power” in the “Rust” case on Tuesday, arguing that a favorable plea offer was withdrawn last fall due to a misunderstanding about Baldwin’s role in a documentary about the case.
Baldwin is facing a trial in July in Santa Fe, N.M., on a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. If convicted, he faces up to 18 months in prison.
Last October, prosecutors offered him a misdemeanor plea that would carry no jail time. But prosecutor Kari Morrissey said in a recent filing that she rescinded that offer after learning that Baldwin had “commissioned his own documentary” about Hutchins’ death, and was pressuring witnesses in the case to participate.
Concerned that Baldwin’s conduct would cause ongoing harm the victims and their families, she withdraw the offer and decided to seek a felony indictment.
Baldwin is facing a trial in July in Santa Fe, N.M., on a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. If convicted, he faces up to 18 months in prison.
Last October, prosecutors offered him a misdemeanor plea that would carry no jail time. But prosecutor Kari Morrissey said in a recent filing that she rescinded that offer after learning that Baldwin had “commissioned his own documentary” about Hutchins’ death, and was pressuring witnesses in the case to participate.
Concerned that Baldwin’s conduct would cause ongoing harm the victims and their families, she withdraw the offer and decided to seek a felony indictment.
- 4/23/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety - Film News
Terry Carter, who played sergeant Joe Broadhurst on the TV series “McCloud” and detective Colonel Tigh on the original “Battlestar Galactica,” died at his home in New York, N.Y., Tuesday morning. He was 95.
Born John Everett DeCoste in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 16, 1928, to parents of Dominican, Argentine and African American descent, Carter would go on to become the first Black TV news anchor for Boston’s Wbz-tv Eyewitness News, where he also became their first opening night drama and movie critic. He was also one of the first Black regulars on the 1956 TV sitcom series “The Phil Silvers Show,...
Born John Everett DeCoste in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 16, 1928, to parents of Dominican, Argentine and African American descent, Carter would go on to become the first Black TV news anchor for Boston’s Wbz-tv Eyewitness News, where he also became their first opening night drama and movie critic. He was also one of the first Black regulars on the 1956 TV sitcom series “The Phil Silvers Show,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Lexi Carson
- Variety - TV News
[This story contains some spoilers from the premiere of The Jinx — Part Two.]
When speaking recently about the remarkable series of events that led to Robert Durst’s arrest one day before The Jinx aired its season one finale in 2015, the filmmakers behind The Jinx — Part Two, which premiered its six-episode follow-up on Sunday, revealed that director Andrew Jarecki knew from the FBI when Durst went on the run.
“Andrew knew that he was already on the run because there was some talk about some personal danger that Andrew was in,” executive producer Zac Stuart-Pontier told The Hollywood Reporter. “So, he did know that for those four or five days that [Durst] was on the run. But this was not common knowledge.”
Jarecki acknowledged there was confusion about what the public knew at the time, including when the filmmakers submitted evidence for the police investigation into Durst for the 2000 murder of his close friend, Susan Berman. The Jinx — Part Two explained via a title...
When speaking recently about the remarkable series of events that led to Robert Durst’s arrest one day before The Jinx aired its season one finale in 2015, the filmmakers behind The Jinx — Part Two, which premiered its six-episode follow-up on Sunday, revealed that director Andrew Jarecki knew from the FBI when Durst went on the run.
“Andrew knew that he was already on the run because there was some talk about some personal danger that Andrew was in,” executive producer Zac Stuart-Pontier told The Hollywood Reporter. “So, he did know that for those four or five days that [Durst] was on the run. But this was not common knowledge.”
Jarecki acknowledged there was confusion about what the public knew at the time, including when the filmmakers submitted evidence for the police investigation into Durst for the 2000 murder of his close friend, Susan Berman. The Jinx — Part Two explained via a title...
- 4/23/2024
- by Jackie Strause
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Padma Lakshmi’s post-Top Chef career may veer further into comedy, as the popular former host of the hit reality competition show shops around a comedy series script and continues to host her stand-up comedy night in Brooklyn.
In a wide-ranging and revealing New Yorker profile, out on Tuesday, Lakshmi tells writer Helen Rosner that the series was developed with Bridesmaids and Spy director Paul Feig, adding that it is a “hard comedy,” but declining to share its title or more about the show’s pitch. Lakshmi plans to produce and star in the series, she told the magazine.
Lakshmi has managed to become a household name, or at least an icon of the sensual potential of food, over her two decades as host of Bravo’s Top Chef. She exited the reality competition series in 2023 after 19 seasons, she said, “after much soul searching.” Kristen Kish filled her shoes...
In a wide-ranging and revealing New Yorker profile, out on Tuesday, Lakshmi tells writer Helen Rosner that the series was developed with Bridesmaids and Spy director Paul Feig, adding that it is a “hard comedy,” but declining to share its title or more about the show’s pitch. Lakshmi plans to produce and star in the series, she told the magazine.
Lakshmi has managed to become a household name, or at least an icon of the sensual potential of food, over her two decades as host of Bravo’s Top Chef. She exited the reality competition series in 2023 after 19 seasons, she said, “after much soul searching.” Kristen Kish filled her shoes...
- 4/23/2024
- by Kevin Dolak
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It took Richard Shepard years to get out of “movie jail” after he made “The Linguini Incident,” the nearly-forgotten 1991 crime comedy starring David Bowie and Rosanna Arquette. But now the film is getting a second chance, with a series of screenings and an upcoming Blu-ray release.
Just about everything went wrong with the production that could go wrong, Shepard recalls. “I made this movie when I was 25 — and I was no genius at 25,” admits the director, who went on to helm features including “The Perfection” as well as TV series like Lena Dunham’s HBO comedy “Girls.”
Unlike Dunham, who was “in complete control of her artistic self” at that age, “I was not,” says Shepard.
But when his original co-producer, Sarah Jackson, suggested he try to rerelease a director’s cut of the scrappy indie caper about two restaurant employees who decide to rob their bosses, Shepard jumped at...
Just about everything went wrong with the production that could go wrong, Shepard recalls. “I made this movie when I was 25 — and I was no genius at 25,” admits the director, who went on to helm features including “The Perfection” as well as TV series like Lena Dunham’s HBO comedy “Girls.”
Unlike Dunham, who was “in complete control of her artistic self” at that age, “I was not,” says Shepard.
But when his original co-producer, Sarah Jackson, suggested he try to rerelease a director’s cut of the scrappy indie caper about two restaurant employees who decide to rob their bosses, Shepard jumped at...
- 4/23/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety - Film News
The New York Times features interviews every day. In its news report, in its podcasts like The Daily, in The New York Times Magazine.
But there was, to hear deputy managing editor Sam Dolnick explain, something missing.
“We didn’t have the really big flagship audio show that interviewed the biggest names in culture, and a place like The New York Times should,” Dolnick says.
On April 27, the Times will remedy that problem, launching what it is calling The Interview, a new franchise that will include an audio podcast, and a print version that will run in The New York Times Magazine. The Interview will be led by Talk columnist David Marchese, as well as Times audio host Lulu Garcia-Navarro.
“It felt like we had different versions of this with David’s column and some work that Lulu’s done in other parts, but we wanted to kind of build...
But there was, to hear deputy managing editor Sam Dolnick explain, something missing.
“We didn’t have the really big flagship audio show that interviewed the biggest names in culture, and a place like The New York Times should,” Dolnick says.
On April 27, the Times will remedy that problem, launching what it is calling The Interview, a new franchise that will include an audio podcast, and a print version that will run in The New York Times Magazine. The Interview will be led by Talk columnist David Marchese, as well as Times audio host Lulu Garcia-Navarro.
“It felt like we had different versions of this with David’s column and some work that Lulu’s done in other parts, but we wanted to kind of build...
- 4/23/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jon Stewart used the April 22 episode of “The Daily Show” to eviscerate the media for giving way too much attention to Donald Trump’s ongoing hush money trial. The host said the legal battle is both “a test of the fairness of the American legal system” and “a test of the media’s ability to cover Donald Trump in a responsible way.” Stewart determined that the media is failing when it comes to the latter.
Throwing to footage from across cable news networks, including MSNBC host Chris Hayes proclaiming this is “the trial of the century” and various media outlets...
Throwing to footage from across cable news networks, including MSNBC host Chris Hayes proclaiming this is “the trial of the century” and various media outlets...
- 4/23/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - TV News
Victoria Gold, formerly co-publisher of the Hollywood Reporter, will join Variety next month as senior VP of entertainment and special projects.
The move marks a homecoming for Gold, who previously spent eight years with Variety prior to her 14-year tenure at the Reporter, where she rose to co-publisher in 2021. In her new role, Gold will succeed Dawn Allen, the respected Variety sales executive who is retiring after a 35-year career.
“We are thrilled to have Victoria rejoin our winning team as the No. 1 entertainment business news organization in the world,” said Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, CEO and Group Publisher of Variety. “Victoria’s expertise in the film industry coupled with her history with Variety makes her a natural choice for the role.”
Gold’s appointment is effective May 15. In announcing the transition, Sobrino-Stearns paid tribute to Allen and the legacy she leaves at the industry’s most-read entertainment news outlet.
“Dawn Allen...
The move marks a homecoming for Gold, who previously spent eight years with Variety prior to her 14-year tenure at the Reporter, where she rose to co-publisher in 2021. In her new role, Gold will succeed Dawn Allen, the respected Variety sales executive who is retiring after a 35-year career.
“We are thrilled to have Victoria rejoin our winning team as the No. 1 entertainment business news organization in the world,” said Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, CEO and Group Publisher of Variety. “Victoria’s expertise in the film industry coupled with her history with Variety makes her a natural choice for the role.”
Gold’s appointment is effective May 15. In announcing the transition, Sobrino-Stearns paid tribute to Allen and the legacy she leaves at the industry’s most-read entertainment news outlet.
“Dawn Allen...
- 4/23/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety - Film News
Victoria Gold, formerly co-publisher of the Hollywood Reporter, will join Variety next month as senior VP of entertainment and special projects.
The move marks a homecoming for Gold, who previously spent eight years with Variety prior to her 14-year tenure at the Reporter, where she rose to co-publisher in 2021. In her new role, Gold will succeed Dawn Allen, the respected Variety sales executive who is retiring after a 35-year career.
“We are thrilled to have Victoria rejoin our winning team as the No. 1 entertainment business news organization in the world,” said Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, CEO and Group Publisher of Variety. “Victoria...
The move marks a homecoming for Gold, who previously spent eight years with Variety prior to her 14-year tenure at the Reporter, where she rose to co-publisher in 2021. In her new role, Gold will succeed Dawn Allen, the respected Variety sales executive who is retiring after a 35-year career.
“We are thrilled to have Victoria rejoin our winning team as the No. 1 entertainment business news organization in the world,” said Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, CEO and Group Publisher of Variety. “Victoria...
- 4/23/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety - TV News
Roadside Attractions has acquired “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” the directorial debut of artist Titus Kaphar that premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
The drama, about an acclaimed painter whose life is upended by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, stars André Holland (“Moonlight”) and John Earl Jelks (“Miracle at St. Anna”), along with Oscar nominees Andra Day (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”) and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”). Kaphar wrote the film, in addition to directing it.
“‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ was produced by Stephanie Allain, Derek Cianfrance, Jamie Patricof and Sean Cotton. Roadside plans to open the film nationwide for the fall awards season.
Holland stars as Tarrell Rodin, an artist who lives with his wife, singer-songwriter Aisha (Day), and young son Jermaine. His artwork explores the anguish of his youth. His path to success is derailed when his father, La’Ron (Jelks), a recovering addict desperate to make amends,...
The drama, about an acclaimed painter whose life is upended by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, stars André Holland (“Moonlight”) and John Earl Jelks (“Miracle at St. Anna”), along with Oscar nominees Andra Day (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”) and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”). Kaphar wrote the film, in addition to directing it.
“‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ was produced by Stephanie Allain, Derek Cianfrance, Jamie Patricof and Sean Cotton. Roadside plans to open the film nationwide for the fall awards season.
Holland stars as Tarrell Rodin, an artist who lives with his wife, singer-songwriter Aisha (Day), and young son Jermaine. His artwork explores the anguish of his youth. His path to success is derailed when his father, La’Ron (Jelks), a recovering addict desperate to make amends,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety - Film News
Paris-based Xr distributor Diversion Cinema will partner with the Cannes Film Festival to oversee this year’s inaugural Immersive Competition. A specialist in location-based exhibition, Diversion will handle technical duties for the 14 immersive experiences spread across the competitive and non-competitive sections.
Running concurrent to the film event, Cannes’ immersive showcase will spread out across 700 sq. m. at the Cineum – a modern multiplex about three miles from the Palais that has served as an official festival site since 2021 – while Diversion will have a staff of eight welcoming festival attendees each and every day.
“Providing for festivals like Cannes is part of our DNA,” says Diversion founder Camille Lopato. “Cannes was one of our first clients when we started our business back in 2016. Back then, it was among the first A-class festival to screen VR with such ambition, and this year Cannes is back with a vengeance, with a very fine and...
Running concurrent to the film event, Cannes’ immersive showcase will spread out across 700 sq. m. at the Cineum – a modern multiplex about three miles from the Palais that has served as an official festival site since 2021 – while Diversion will have a staff of eight welcoming festival attendees each and every day.
“Providing for festivals like Cannes is part of our DNA,” says Diversion founder Camille Lopato. “Cannes was one of our first clients when we started our business back in 2016. Back then, it was among the first A-class festival to screen VR with such ambition, and this year Cannes is back with a vengeance, with a very fine and...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety - Film News
Update: After “Homeland’s” David Harewood told The Guardian that actors should be able to “Black up” for roles, but warned “it’d better be fucking good,” the actor clarified in a statement to Variety, “I don’t support or condone Blackface. My own documentary on the subject can be found on the BBC website. It is a grotesque distortion of race and should always be condemned.”
Previously: Speaking to The Guardian, Harewood, who also serves as president of prestigious British drama school the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, said: “We’re at this strange point in the profession where people go: ‘Oh,...
Previously: Speaking to The Guardian, Harewood, who also serves as president of prestigious British drama school the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, said: “We’re at this strange point in the profession where people go: ‘Oh,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - TV News
Lionsgate TV’s Gary Goodman has signed a new multi-year deal to continue in his role as exec VP of worldwide production. He’ll continue to oversee production on the studio’s slate of scripted series as well as East Coast television production facilities in Yonkers, N.Y., Atlanta and a new site opening soon in Newark, N.J.
In his 17 years at Lionsgate, Goodman has worked on series including “Mad Men,” “Orange is the New Black,” “Weeds,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Nashville” and “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” among others. He has also led production for multiple installments of the “Power” franchise and “Bmf” for Starz,...
In his 17 years at Lionsgate, Goodman has worked on series including “Mad Men,” “Orange is the New Black,” “Weeds,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Nashville” and “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” among others. He has also led production for multiple installments of the “Power” franchise and “Bmf” for Starz,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov and Jack Dunn
- Variety - TV News
PBS landed 11 nominations, by far the most of any outlet, as Peabody Awards Board of Jurors announced this year’s 41 nominees across its documentary, news, public service and radio/podcast categories. The pubcaster’s Peabody noms include “20 Days in Mariupol,” which recently won the Oscar for best documentary feature film.
“20 Days in Mariupol” is a production of “Frontline” and the Associated Press. Among PBS series, “Frontline” landed five noms, the most of any program, while “Independent Lens” received three.
Also scoring multiple nominations was the combination of HBO and Max, which received four — including one for the doc...
“20 Days in Mariupol” is a production of “Frontline” and the Associated Press. Among PBS series, “Frontline” landed five noms, the most of any program, while “Independent Lens” received three.
Also scoring multiple nominations was the combination of HBO and Max, which received four — including one for the doc...
- 4/23/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety - TV News
Amazon MGM Studios has unveiled the first trailer for Zoë Kravitz’s twisted directorial debut “Blink Twice.”
Originally titled “Pussy Island,” the movie follows Frida (Naomi Ackie) and Jess (Alia Shawkat) as they are charmed by tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) and lured to his private island for a weekend getaway. What starts as a steamy vacation soon devolves into a reality-bending nightmare that the women soon learn they must escape if they want to live.
“So do you think the human sacrifice is before or after dinner?” Jess asks Frida in jest, before things get truly scary.
Other cast members include Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Adria Arjona, Geena Davis, Simon Rex, Christian Slater and Liz Caribel. Producers include Kravitz, Bruce Cohen, Garret Levitz and Tiffany Persons with Jordan Harkins and Stacy Perskie serving as executive producers.
Amazon MGM has been off to a strong start with theatrical...
Originally titled “Pussy Island,” the movie follows Frida (Naomi Ackie) and Jess (Alia Shawkat) as they are charmed by tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) and lured to his private island for a weekend getaway. What starts as a steamy vacation soon devolves into a reality-bending nightmare that the women soon learn they must escape if they want to live.
“So do you think the human sacrifice is before or after dinner?” Jess asks Frida in jest, before things get truly scary.
Other cast members include Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Adria Arjona, Geena Davis, Simon Rex, Christian Slater and Liz Caribel. Producers include Kravitz, Bruce Cohen, Garret Levitz and Tiffany Persons with Jordan Harkins and Stacy Perskie serving as executive producers.
Amazon MGM has been off to a strong start with theatrical...
- 4/23/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - Film News
Strand Releasing has acquired North American rights from sales company Films Boutique to tender coming-of-age drama “Young Hearts” by Belgian newcomer Anthony Schatteman, which recently launched from the Berlin Film Festival.
Schatteman’s standout debut follows a 13-year-old boy named Elias, who feels drawn to his new neighbor, Alexander, and must overcome his conflicted feelings about being attracted to another boy. “Young Hearts” won a special mention in the Generation Kplus section of the Berlinale in February and has now been selected by Cannes Écran Junior, the Cannes Film Festival sidebar section showcasing films for all audiences that have a specific cultural and educational value for younger viewers.
The film will soon have its North American premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival in May.
“Casting directors take note: Lou Goossens [who plays Elias] in this first feature film role is an actor to watch out for,” wrote Variety critic Catherine Bray in her “Young Hearts” review,...
Schatteman’s standout debut follows a 13-year-old boy named Elias, who feels drawn to his new neighbor, Alexander, and must overcome his conflicted feelings about being attracted to another boy. “Young Hearts” won a special mention in the Generation Kplus section of the Berlinale in February and has now been selected by Cannes Écran Junior, the Cannes Film Festival sidebar section showcasing films for all audiences that have a specific cultural and educational value for younger viewers.
The film will soon have its North American premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival in May.
“Casting directors take note: Lou Goossens [who plays Elias] in this first feature film role is an actor to watch out for,” wrote Variety critic Catherine Bray in her “Young Hearts” review,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
Al Pacino and Dan Stevens have teamed up for exorcism horror film “The Ritual” from director David Midell.
XYZ Films has acquired worldwide rights to the feature, with plans to release it theatrically in 2025 and arrange international distribution at the upcoming Cannes market.
“The Ritual” was written by Midell and Enrico Natale and produced by Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch and Natale. Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen round out the cast.
Based on a true story, “The Ritual” follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms. The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.
Pacino has multiple projects in the pipeline,...
XYZ Films has acquired worldwide rights to the feature, with plans to release it theatrically in 2025 and arrange international distribution at the upcoming Cannes market.
“The Ritual” was written by Midell and Enrico Natale and produced by Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch and Natale. Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen round out the cast.
Based on a true story, “The Ritual” follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms. The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.
Pacino has multiple projects in the pipeline,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ Season 9 Queens Revealed, Will Compete for Charity for the First Time
Category is: All Star Charity Extravaganza!
Paramount+ and World of Wonder have officially announced the Season 9 cast of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” which will consist of eight alumni of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stretching from its first season to Season 14. It’s the first season of “All Stars” — other than the all-winners seventh season — to feature just eight queens.
They will be competing for a $200,000 grand prize, but for the first time in “Drag Race” herstory, the money will be donated to the charity of the winner’s choosing. The prize is supplied through The Palette Fund, a private foundation...
Paramount+ and World of Wonder have officially announced the Season 9 cast of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” which will consist of eight alumni of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stretching from its first season to Season 14. It’s the first season of “All Stars” — other than the all-winners seventh season — to feature just eight queens.
They will be competing for a $200,000 grand prize, but for the first time in “Drag Race” herstory, the money will be donated to the charity of the winner’s choosing. The prize is supplied through The Palette Fund, a private foundation...
- 4/23/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety - TV News
Jennifer Lopez confronts her mistrust of technology to battle artificial intelligence villain Harlan, played by Simu Liu, in the latest trailer for Netflix’s upcoming sci-fi movie Atlas.
In the first trailer for Atlas, Lopez’s data-driven counter-terrorism analyst Atlas Shepherd first showed her deep distrust of AI when disaster strikes. But the new trailer sees Liu introduced as the AI character Harlan, whom Atlas has long hunted and is now shown to have nearly ended humanity after first being engineered to advance it.
So to save the the future of humanity from AI, Atlas, in the latest teaser trailer, learns to trust AI. As dystopian, ground-pounding carnage dominates the trailer, Lopez rockets off to a far-off planet to capture a renegade robot and teams up with a computer program named Smith in what appears, at times, like buddy comedy.
“I don’t need your help. I don’t trust any AI,...
In the first trailer for Atlas, Lopez’s data-driven counter-terrorism analyst Atlas Shepherd first showed her deep distrust of AI when disaster strikes. But the new trailer sees Liu introduced as the AI character Harlan, whom Atlas has long hunted and is now shown to have nearly ended humanity after first being engineered to advance it.
So to save the the future of humanity from AI, Atlas, in the latest teaser trailer, learns to trust AI. As dystopian, ground-pounding carnage dominates the trailer, Lopez rockets off to a far-off planet to capture a renegade robot and teams up with a computer program named Smith in what appears, at times, like buddy comedy.
“I don’t need your help. I don’t trust any AI,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In many ways, “Letters From Drancy” has hewed a prestigious if unremarkable path. The VR doc premiered at last year’s Venice Immersive before additional festival slots at the BFI London Film Festival, South by Southwest and now the NewImages Festival in Paris. In other ways the title is all too uncommon – as it was one of three films commissioned by the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, where it is now on permanent display.
The wrenching film follows survivor Marion Deichmann as she returns to her native France to retrace both family tragedy and her own path to safety. Produced by East City Films, “Letters From Drancy” is part of a trilogy that uses new-media tools to shine light on these tales. Other films include “Walk to Westerbork” and “Escape to Shanghai.”
The film also crystalizes a major theme of this year’s NewImages, showing how an affecting and artistically...
The wrenching film follows survivor Marion Deichmann as she returns to her native France to retrace both family tragedy and her own path to safety. Produced by East City Films, “Letters From Drancy” is part of a trilogy that uses new-media tools to shine light on these tales. Other films include “Walk to Westerbork” and “Escape to Shanghai.”
The film also crystalizes a major theme of this year’s NewImages, showing how an affecting and artistically...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety - Film News
Brian Helgeland’s illustrious Hollywood career includes winning an Oscar for writing “L.A Confidential,” directing Heath Ledger’s beloved 2001 comedy “A Knight’s Tale” and scripting films such as “Man on Fire” and “Mystic River.” It also could’ve included a “Game of Thrones” spinoff series had HBO moved forward on his pitch, which was titled “Ten Thousand Ships” and centered on Queen Nymeria.
“It came out great, but I think they felt the period of my show was too far removed from the pillars of the original,” Helgeland recently told Inverse about his spinoff. “That’s why it hasn’t been picked up yet,...
“It came out great, but I think they felt the period of my show was too far removed from the pillars of the original,” Helgeland recently told Inverse about his spinoff. “That’s why it hasn’t been picked up yet,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - TV News
Studiocanal’s Amy Winehouse biopic “Back to Black” stayed atop the U.K. and Ireland box office for the second consecutive weekend with £1.8 million ($2.3 million), according to numbers from Comscore. The film now has a running total of £6.3 million.
In its second weekend, in second place, Entertainment Film Distributors’ “Civil War,” directed by Alex Garland and starring Kirsten Dunst, collected £1.05 million for a total of £3.8 million. In third position, in its fourth weekend, Universal’s “Kung Fu Panda 4” collected £901,615 for a total of £18.5 million.
In fourth place, in its fourth weekend, Warner Bros.’ “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” earned £652,128 for a total of £12.8 million. Universal’s “Abigail” debuted in fifth position with £596,590. There were no other debuts in the top 10.
Coming up, Trafalgar Releasing is opening “Aespa World Tour in Cinemas” featuring the eponymous Korean band in their concert at London’s O2 Arena, midweek.
There are a...
In its second weekend, in second place, Entertainment Film Distributors’ “Civil War,” directed by Alex Garland and starring Kirsten Dunst, collected £1.05 million for a total of £3.8 million. In third position, in its fourth weekend, Universal’s “Kung Fu Panda 4” collected £901,615 for a total of £18.5 million.
In fourth place, in its fourth weekend, Warner Bros.’ “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” earned £652,128 for a total of £12.8 million. Universal’s “Abigail” debuted in fifth position with £596,590. There were no other debuts in the top 10.
Coming up, Trafalgar Releasing is opening “Aespa World Tour in Cinemas” featuring the eponymous Korean band in their concert at London’s O2 Arena, midweek.
There are a...
- 4/23/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
A24’s political thriller “Civil War” is resonating not just in red states and blue but overseas, too.
Alex Garland’s film, starring Kirsten Dunst as a photojournalist who traverses a violently divided United States, has grossed $45.7 million in North America and $20 million internationally. Global ticket sales stand at $67.3 million through Monday, and it’s projected to cross $70 million on Tuesday.
“Civil War” is the first A24 movie to top the domestic box office, and it’s impressively remained the No. 1 film for two consecutive weekends. Given the fiercely U.S.-centric subject matter, it wasn’t clear the film would resonate at the international box office. But “Civil War” has managed to appeal to overseas audiences with the biggest turnout in the United Kingdom, where it has grossed $4.8 million, followed by the Netherlands, where it has grossed $750,000. Over the weekend, the film opened in first place in several smaller moviegoing markets,...
Alex Garland’s film, starring Kirsten Dunst as a photojournalist who traverses a violently divided United States, has grossed $45.7 million in North America and $20 million internationally. Global ticket sales stand at $67.3 million through Monday, and it’s projected to cross $70 million on Tuesday.
“Civil War” is the first A24 movie to top the domestic box office, and it’s impressively remained the No. 1 film for two consecutive weekends. Given the fiercely U.S.-centric subject matter, it wasn’t clear the film would resonate at the international box office. But “Civil War” has managed to appeal to overseas audiences with the biggest turnout in the United Kingdom, where it has grossed $4.8 million, followed by the Netherlands, where it has grossed $750,000. Over the weekend, the film opened in first place in several smaller moviegoing markets,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety - Film News
Elon Musk’s X platform is continuing its video push, launching a dedicated app for smart TV sets.
The X video app launched Tuesday, with the company touting a handful of key features, including a trending video algorithm, artificial intelligence-powered trending topics and cross-device compatibility, so users can start watching on their phone and continue watching on TV.
The X TV app will not have any ads at launch, according to a note sent to the company’s corporate partners Tuesday.
“We’re focusing on launching this new feature for consumers first, but we do plan to monetize it, and will discuss different forms of partnerships — and that may include ads,” the note said.
The company also posted a preview video of the video experience, providing a brief glimpse of the TV app. The videos included in the preview video included Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin and footage...
The X video app launched Tuesday, with the company touting a handful of key features, including a trending video algorithm, artificial intelligence-powered trending topics and cross-device compatibility, so users can start watching on their phone and continue watching on TV.
The X TV app will not have any ads at launch, according to a note sent to the company’s corporate partners Tuesday.
“We’re focusing on launching this new feature for consumers first, but we do plan to monetize it, and will discuss different forms of partnerships — and that may include ads,” the note said.
The company also posted a preview video of the video experience, providing a brief glimpse of the TV app. The videos included in the preview video included Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin and footage...
- 4/23/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Nantucket Film Festival has set the lineup for its 2024 edition and will honor The Morning Show writer-producer Kerry Ehrin, Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Roger Ross Williams and Girls5Eva showrunner Meredith Scardino.
The 29th edition of the festival will open with Josh Margolin’s June Squibb-starrer Thelma, close with Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui’s Christopher Reeve documentary Super/Man and Jeff Zimbalist’s documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, about a daredevil couple who secretly filmed themselves climbing the world’s last super skyscraper. The festival will also continue its tradition of screening a Disney or Pixar film on its opening day, with a festival screening of Inside Out 2.
The festival also announced several honorees: Ehrin will receive the Excellence in Television Writing Award; Williams will receive the Career Achievement in Filmmaking Award and his latest feature Stamped From the Beginning, based on the book of the same name by Ibram X. Kendi,...
The 29th edition of the festival will open with Josh Margolin’s June Squibb-starrer Thelma, close with Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui’s Christopher Reeve documentary Super/Man and Jeff Zimbalist’s documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, about a daredevil couple who secretly filmed themselves climbing the world’s last super skyscraper. The festival will also continue its tradition of screening a Disney or Pixar film on its opening day, with a festival screening of Inside Out 2.
The festival also announced several honorees: Ehrin will receive the Excellence in Television Writing Award; Williams will receive the Career Achievement in Filmmaking Award and his latest feature Stamped From the Beginning, based on the book of the same name by Ibram X. Kendi,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has promoted Chaya Rosenthal to chief marketing officer.
She’s worked at the company since 2017 and previously served as VP of marketing. Rosenthal has 20 years of marketing experience, including stops at Fandango and its parent company NBCUniversal before joining Drafthouse.
“Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a brand that is driven by differentiation, which requires having the guts to try new and innovative things, with the know-how and experience to scale it and drive deeper brand loyalty as a result,” said Alamo Drafthouse CEO Michael Kustermann. “Chaya is that 1 in 100 marketing leader that possesses that balance. She is courageous, creative and analytical at the same time.”
Alamo Drafthouse is known not just for its menu with craft beer and locally sourced food, but also themed events tied to new and beloved movies. Rosenthal helped to elevate some of those tailored in-theater experiences, like a “Barbie” “dress up and slumber...
She’s worked at the company since 2017 and previously served as VP of marketing. Rosenthal has 20 years of marketing experience, including stops at Fandango and its parent company NBCUniversal before joining Drafthouse.
“Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a brand that is driven by differentiation, which requires having the guts to try new and innovative things, with the know-how and experience to scale it and drive deeper brand loyalty as a result,” said Alamo Drafthouse CEO Michael Kustermann. “Chaya is that 1 in 100 marketing leader that possesses that balance. She is courageous, creative and analytical at the same time.”
Alamo Drafthouse is known not just for its menu with craft beer and locally sourced food, but also themed events tied to new and beloved movies. Rosenthal helped to elevate some of those tailored in-theater experiences, like a “Barbie” “dress up and slumber...
- 4/23/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety - Film News
David Rooney: We’re nearing the middle of one of the most contentious election years in America’s history, with bitter divisions making a mockery of the increasingly obsolete appellation, “United States.” People are Anxious as they weigh a presidential vote destined to fuel the rage of one side or the other, potentially inciting violence.
That climate would seem to make this the ideal time for Alex Garland’s Civil War, which set a house record for A24 with its $25.7 million opening weekend and held strong at No. 1 in its second weekend. You can’t argue with those numbers. But what’s more interesting is the debate the film has ignited as to whether its fuzzy politics are a cop-out.
In probably the most rah-rah American movie of recent years, 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, the foreign enemy with a uranium enrichment plant that needs bombing was identified with vague allusions at best,...
That climate would seem to make this the ideal time for Alex Garland’s Civil War, which set a house record for A24 with its $25.7 million opening weekend and held strong at No. 1 in its second weekend. You can’t argue with those numbers. But what’s more interesting is the debate the film has ignited as to whether its fuzzy politics are a cop-out.
In probably the most rah-rah American movie of recent years, 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, the foreign enemy with a uranium enrichment plant that needs bombing was identified with vague allusions at best,...
- 4/23/2024
- by David Rooney and Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In 2020, director Hsin-Chien Huang won the NewImages Festival’s top prize for “Bodyless,” a dreamlike exploration of his own childhood growing up under Taiwanese martial law. That year’s jury was led by French music producer and composer Jean-Michel Jarre – and sometime over the course of the festival the two men hit it off.
This year, the fast friends will return as creative partners and co-directors of “The Eye and I,” a visual and musical collaboration screening in NewImages’ competition and born of the festival’s wider goal to develop the immersive ecosystem in part by encouraging such outcomes.
“Our mission is to connect people,” says festival director Michele Ziegler. “We’re always looking to expand our circle and build our community – and we hope more and more people will join.”
Indeed, a bout of jury duty has proven to be a powerful motivator, as Jarre is hardly the first creative to make the leap.
This year, the fast friends will return as creative partners and co-directors of “The Eye and I,” a visual and musical collaboration screening in NewImages’ competition and born of the festival’s wider goal to develop the immersive ecosystem in part by encouraging such outcomes.
“Our mission is to connect people,” says festival director Michele Ziegler. “We’re always looking to expand our circle and build our community – and we hope more and more people will join.”
Indeed, a bout of jury duty has proven to be a powerful motivator, as Jarre is hardly the first creative to make the leap.
- 4/23/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety - Film News
Running April 24 – 28 at Paris’ Forum des Images, this year’s NewImages Festival will focus on bridge building, looking to foster connection and bolster partnerships between new media creators and legacy institutions.
“We really want to bring the Xr industry closer to the cultural sector of museums and theaters, really anything that could be a future showcase for immersive works,” festival director Michele Ziegler tells Variety. “While a few distributors now specialize in this, there is still much work to do convincing cultural decision makers to invest in new media. We have much to mediate and explore.”
To that end, Ziegler and her team took a dual track, curating a 15-project competition with an eye toward audience accessibility and a seven-title out-of-competition showcase united around a shared theme of cultural transmission.
Spanning five continents, eight countries and a wealth of immersive approaches, many competition titles traverse memories and dreamscapes, accenting historical...
“We really want to bring the Xr industry closer to the cultural sector of museums and theaters, really anything that could be a future showcase for immersive works,” festival director Michele Ziegler tells Variety. “While a few distributors now specialize in this, there is still much work to do convincing cultural decision makers to invest in new media. We have much to mediate and explore.”
To that end, Ziegler and her team took a dual track, curating a 15-project competition with an eye toward audience accessibility and a seven-title out-of-competition showcase united around a shared theme of cultural transmission.
Spanning five continents, eight countries and a wealth of immersive approaches, many competition titles traverse memories and dreamscapes, accenting historical...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety - Film News
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