Top News
The Sydney Sweeney-led “Barbarella” film is taking shape, with Edgar Wright in talks to direct the picture for Sony. Jane Goldman and Honey Ross are in talks to pen the script.
Wright, best known for making the satiric zombie film “Shaun of the Dead,” is next set to direct Glen Powell in an adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Running Man.” Wright’s other directorial credits include “Last Night in Soho,” “Hot Fuzz,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and “Baby Driver.”
The project also marks another step in Sweeney’s continued relationship with Sony Pictures — she’s most recently starred in “Anyone but You” and “Madame Web” for the studio. While “Madame Web” was largely panned by critics, Sweeney says her involvement in the film was a “strategic business decision” that’s since paid off.
“To me, that film was a building block, it’s what allowed me to build a relationship with Sony,...
Wright, best known for making the satiric zombie film “Shaun of the Dead,” is next set to direct Glen Powell in an adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Running Man.” Wright’s other directorial credits include “Last Night in Soho,” “Hot Fuzz,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and “Baby Driver.”
The project also marks another step in Sweeney’s continued relationship with Sony Pictures — she’s most recently starred in “Anyone but You” and “Madame Web” for the studio. While “Madame Web” was largely panned by critics, Sweeney says her involvement in the film was a “strategic business decision” that’s since paid off.
“To me, that film was a building block, it’s what allowed me to build a relationship with Sony,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety - Film News
Downton Abbey is coming back to the big screen.
Focus Features and Carnival Films are working on the latest Downton movie that will be written by Julian Fellowes, the scribe who created the acclaimed TV show that ran from 2010-15. Simon Curtis is returning to direct after helming 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era.
Along with Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, and Michelle Dockery, the returning cast includes: Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera and Douglas Reith.
Paul Giamatti, fresh off an Oscar nomination for The Holdovers, is reprising his role as Cora Grantham’s brother, Harold Levinson. Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, and Arty Froushan are among the film franchise newcomers. Elsewhere, Dominic West will also reprise his role as Guy Dexter from Downton Abbey: A New Era.
Focus Features and Carnival Films are working on the latest Downton movie that will be written by Julian Fellowes, the scribe who created the acclaimed TV show that ran from 2010-15. Simon Curtis is returning to direct after helming 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era.
Along with Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, and Michelle Dockery, the returning cast includes: Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera and Douglas Reith.
Paul Giamatti, fresh off an Oscar nomination for The Holdovers, is reprising his role as Cora Grantham’s brother, Harold Levinson. Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, and Arty Froushan are among the film franchise newcomers. Elsewhere, Dominic West will also reprise his role as Guy Dexter from Downton Abbey: A New Era.
- 5/13/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney and 20th Century’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” climbed to $72.5 million at the international box office in its first weekend of release.
The newest film in the long-running “Apes” series also notched No. 1 in North America with $58.5 million, bringing its initial global tally to a promising $131 million. Those ticket sales were above Sunday’s projections of $56.5 million domestically and $129 million worldwide. Like its predecessors, the $160 million-budgeted “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is projected to earn the bulk of its revenues at the international box office.
Overseas, the movie enjoyed the biggest start in China with $11.4 million (a lackluster debut for the territory), France with $7.1 million, Mexico with $6.4 million and the United Kingdom with $4.8 million. Other top markets were Korea ($3.2 million), Australia ($2.7 million), Brazil ($2.6 million), Germany (2.2 million) and Spain ($2.2 million).
Audiences opted to watch the film in the best possible quality as premium formats represented 41% of global box office revenues.
The newest film in the long-running “Apes” series also notched No. 1 in North America with $58.5 million, bringing its initial global tally to a promising $131 million. Those ticket sales were above Sunday’s projections of $56.5 million domestically and $129 million worldwide. Like its predecessors, the $160 million-budgeted “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is projected to earn the bulk of its revenues at the international box office.
Overseas, the movie enjoyed the biggest start in China with $11.4 million (a lackluster debut for the territory), France with $7.1 million, Mexico with $6.4 million and the United Kingdom with $4.8 million. Other top markets were Korea ($3.2 million), Australia ($2.7 million), Brazil ($2.6 million), Germany (2.2 million) and Spain ($2.2 million).
Audiences opted to watch the film in the best possible quality as premium formats represented 41% of global box office revenues.
- 5/12/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety - Film News
Legendary B-movie king Roger Corman, who directed and produced hundreds of low-budget films and discovered such future industry stars as Jack Nicholson, Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, has died. He was 98.
Corman died May 9 at his home in Santa Monica, Calif., surrounded by family members, the family confirmed to Variety.
“His films were revolutionary and iconoclastic, and captured the spirit of an age. When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said, ‘I was a filmmaker, just that,'” the family said in a statement.
Corman’s empire, which existed in several incarnations, including New World Pictures,...
Corman died May 9 at his home in Santa Monica, Calif., surrounded by family members, the family confirmed to Variety.
“His films were revolutionary and iconoclastic, and captured the spirit of an age. When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said, ‘I was a filmmaker, just that,'” the family said in a statement.
Corman’s empire, which existed in several incarnations, including New World Pictures,...
- 5/12/2024
- by Richard Natale and Tim Gray
- Variety - TV News
Chris Hemsworth expressed frustration in an interview with The Times of London over Marvel criticisms made by some directors he considers to be personal heroes such as Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola. Hemsworth is one of the original Avengers in the MCU as Thor, debuting in a 2011 standalone movie before headlining three sequels and starring in several “Avengers” movies through 2022.
“It felt harsh, and it bothers me, especially from heroes. It was an eye-roll for me, people bashing the superhero space,” Hemsworth told The Times. “Those guys had films that didn’t work too — we all have. When they talked about what was wrong with superheroes, I thought, cool, tell that to the billions who watch them. Were they all wrong?”
Scorsese made his initial Marvel criticisms in fall 2019, infamously calling these movies a “theme park” and not real cinema. The Oscar winner later clarified that his frustration was...
“It felt harsh, and it bothers me, especially from heroes. It was an eye-roll for me, people bashing the superhero space,” Hemsworth told The Times. “Those guys had films that didn’t work too — we all have. When they talked about what was wrong with superheroes, I thought, cool, tell that to the billions who watch them. Were they all wrong?”
Scorsese made his initial Marvel criticisms in fall 2019, infamously calling these movies a “theme park” and not real cinema. The Oscar winner later clarified that his frustration was...
- 5/13/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
A crew member on 911 died early Saturday morning in a car accident on the highway following a 14-hour overnight shift.
Rico Priem, a grip for the Fox procedural and a member of the crew union IATSE Local 80, was involved in a car crash after working Friday night through Saturday morning on a location shoot in Pomona, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. IATSE and the show’s studio, 20th Television, confirmed the death in statements on Monday after crew members began posting about the tragedy on social media over the weekend.
“We are fully committed to the safety and the well-being of all our members and express our heartfelt condolences to the member’s family,” IATSE said in its statement. “Workers have a reasonable expectation that they can get to work and come home safely. No one should be put in unsafe circumstances while trying to earn a living.”
Added 20th Television in a statement,...
Rico Priem, a grip for the Fox procedural and a member of the crew union IATSE Local 80, was involved in a car crash after working Friday night through Saturday morning on a location shoot in Pomona, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. IATSE and the show’s studio, 20th Television, confirmed the death in statements on Monday after crew members began posting about the tragedy on social media over the weekend.
“We are fully committed to the safety and the well-being of all our members and express our heartfelt condolences to the member’s family,” IATSE said in its statement. “Workers have a reasonable expectation that they can get to work and come home safely. No one should be put in unsafe circumstances while trying to earn a living.”
Added 20th Television in a statement,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The poster for the innocuously named “The Coffee Table” notes that it is “A Cruel Caye Casas Film.” The unique designation is certainly fitting, given the storm of controversy it’s stirring up among horror fans. The comically vague logline for the Spanish film — new parents buy a coffee table that will change their lives forever — hides a shocking incident that happens early on. Said incident is not for the faint of heart, and director and co-writer Casas is eager to not only lean into the controversy but take willing audiences on an emotional journey of horror without monsters or the supernatural.
Without spoiling the central incident, Casas explained his film to Variety, including how much he wanted to push audiences, the unique title and how he reacted when Stephen King recommended his work.
(Note: This interview was conducted over email for accuracy between the Spanish and Catalan-speaking Casas and the English-speaking author.
Without spoiling the central incident, Casas explained his film to Variety, including how much he wanted to push audiences, the unique title and how he reacted when Stephen King recommended his work.
(Note: This interview was conducted over email for accuracy between the Spanish and Catalan-speaking Casas and the English-speaking author.
- 5/13/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety - Film News
The East Coast portion of the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards was marked by two raucous moments at Saturday night’s Manhattan gala — one from Jennifer Lawrence, as she added some cutting, deadpan humor as she presented an achievement award and another when a drag artist and trans activist interrupted the gala’s proceedings to draw attention to the organization’s ties to Israel and its deadly military campaign in Gaza.
On Saturday at the Hilton hotel in Manhattan, Lawrence took the stage to present the Vito Russo Award to gay country singer Orville Peck. Before speaking of her friendship with Peck, the Oscar winner took a shot at former Vice President Mike Pence, who has been accused of, at one point, supporting gay conversion therapy.
“I love the gay community. In fact, I was in love with a homosexual,” she revealed. “ It was my first love. I tried to convert him for years,...
On Saturday at the Hilton hotel in Manhattan, Lawrence took the stage to present the Vito Russo Award to gay country singer Orville Peck. Before speaking of her friendship with Peck, the Oscar winner took a shot at former Vice President Mike Pence, who has been accused of, at one point, supporting gay conversion therapy.
“I love the gay community. In fact, I was in love with a homosexual,” she revealed. “ It was my first love. I tried to convert him for years,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Kevin Dolak
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Shares in AMC Theatres surged 80 percent on Monday after meme stock investor Roaring Kitty resurfaced online.
Stock in parent company AMC Entertainment Holdings, led by CEO Adam Aron, ended the day up $2.28, to close at $5.19. That’s a big jump after shares in AMC tumbled in value since the cinema giant during the pandemic used its meme stock mania to raise fresh cash to stay afloat.
The latest speculative buying of AMC shares followed Roaring Kitty, also known as Keith Gill, returning online after a 3-year absence and rekindling interest in the the cinema chain’s shares. His post on X, formerly Twitter, received over 18 million views and sent shares in GameStop up $12.99, or 74 percent on Monday to close at $30.45.
The return of meme stock mania for the video game retailer effectively helped AMC ride the latest wave of retail investor interest on Wall Street. Representatives for AMC Theatres offered...
Stock in parent company AMC Entertainment Holdings, led by CEO Adam Aron, ended the day up $2.28, to close at $5.19. That’s a big jump after shares in AMC tumbled in value since the cinema giant during the pandemic used its meme stock mania to raise fresh cash to stay afloat.
The latest speculative buying of AMC shares followed Roaring Kitty, also known as Keith Gill, returning online after a 3-year absence and rekindling interest in the the cinema chain’s shares. His post on X, formerly Twitter, received over 18 million views and sent shares in GameStop up $12.99, or 74 percent on Monday to close at $30.45.
The return of meme stock mania for the video game retailer effectively helped AMC ride the latest wave of retail investor interest on Wall Street. Representatives for AMC Theatres offered...
- 5/13/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The premise of the drag makeover show “We’re Here” is that queer liberation hasn’t extended as far as it could. For three seasons, a group of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni have traveled to small towns throughout the country, helping members of the local LGBTQ community assert their identity and visibility through gender-bending performances. But even a project that deliberately targets places where gay and trans people might feel cut off from a sense of camaraderie — many locations are scattered throughout the South and Midwest, with occasional detours to California and Hawai’i — didn’t anticipate their own art...
- 5/13/2024
- by Alison Herman
- Variety - TV News
Kevin Costner says he was ready and willing to move ahead with Yellowstone in accordance with his contract on the show — but that the production wasn’t ready at the appointed time.
Save for a few comments at April’s CinemaCon, Costner has kept quiet about his apparent departure from the Paramount Network hit. As he prepares to premiere the first part of his western epic Horizon: An American Saga at Cannes, however, the actor and filmmaker is offering a much more detailed account of his side of the dispute with Yellowstone’s producers, including showrunner Taylor Sheridan.
“I haven’t felt good about it the last year, what with the way they’ve talked about it. It wasn’t truthful. So now I’m talking about a little bit about what the real truth of it was,” Costner said in a lengthy interview with Deadline. “I made a contract for seasons five,...
Save for a few comments at April’s CinemaCon, Costner has kept quiet about his apparent departure from the Paramount Network hit. As he prepares to premiere the first part of his western epic Horizon: An American Saga at Cannes, however, the actor and filmmaker is offering a much more detailed account of his side of the dispute with Yellowstone’s producers, including showrunner Taylor Sheridan.
“I haven’t felt good about it the last year, what with the way they’ve talked about it. It wasn’t truthful. So now I’m talking about a little bit about what the real truth of it was,” Costner said in a lengthy interview with Deadline. “I made a contract for seasons five,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Roku has landed exclusive multiyear rights for Major League Baseball’s Sunday Leadoff live games, a package previously with NBCUniversal’s Peacock.
Starting May 19, Roku will stream Sunday MLB games for free on the Roku Channel. The company also will launch a new MLB Zone to help baseball fans find live and upcoming games, nightly recaps, highlights, a fully programmed MLB free, ad-supported streaming TV channel, and other content across the Roku platform. The game telecasts will be produced in collaboration with MLB.
On most Sundays throughout the MLB season, Roku will be the home for the league’s first games of the day,...
Starting May 19, Roku will stream Sunday MLB games for free on the Roku Channel. The company also will launch a new MLB Zone to help baseball fans find live and upcoming games, nightly recaps, highlights, a fully programmed MLB free, ad-supported streaming TV channel, and other content across the Roku platform. The game telecasts will be produced in collaboration with MLB.
On most Sundays throughout the MLB season, Roku will be the home for the league’s first games of the day,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety - TV News
Jason Cloth, a Canadian financier with credits on dozens of films including “Babylon” and “Joker,” was hit with a $19.6 million verdict last week after failing to appear at a fraud trial in West Palm Beach, Fla.
A seven-member jury found that Cloth defrauded an investor on “The Pathway,” a TNT docuseries about the NBA draft, out of $6.6 million. The jury also awarded $13 million in punitive damages.
Cloth is also facing a class action suit in Chicago, where is accused of defrauding investors on “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” “Monkey Man” and other films out of more than $80 million.
“He’s made a career of telling people whatever they want to hear in order to get what he wants,” said attorney David Jonelis, who represented the plaintiff in the Florida case.
At the two-day trial, Jonelis presented evidence that Cloth had solicited the investment on “The Pathway” by claiming that it had been greenlit for five seasons.
A seven-member jury found that Cloth defrauded an investor on “The Pathway,” a TNT docuseries about the NBA draft, out of $6.6 million. The jury also awarded $13 million in punitive damages.
Cloth is also facing a class action suit in Chicago, where is accused of defrauding investors on “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” “Monkey Man” and other films out of more than $80 million.
“He’s made a career of telling people whatever they want to hear in order to get what he wants,” said attorney David Jonelis, who represented the plaintiff in the Florida case.
At the two-day trial, Jonelis presented evidence that Cloth had solicited the investment on “The Pathway” by claiming that it had been greenlit for five seasons.
- 5/13/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety - Film News
Jason Cloth, a Canadian financier with credits on dozens of films including “Babylon” and “Joker,” was hit with a $19.6 million verdict last week after failing to appear at a fraud trial in West Palm Beach, Fla.
A seven-member jury found that Cloth defrauded an investor on “The Pathway,” a TNT docuseries about the NBA draft, out of $6.6 million. The jury also awarded $13 million in punitive damages.
Cloth is also facing a class action suit in Chicago, where is accused of defrauding investors on “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” “Monkey Man” and other films out of more than $80 million.
“He’s made a career...
A seven-member jury found that Cloth defrauded an investor on “The Pathway,” a TNT docuseries about the NBA draft, out of $6.6 million. The jury also awarded $13 million in punitive damages.
Cloth is also facing a class action suit in Chicago, where is accused of defrauding investors on “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” “Monkey Man” and other films out of more than $80 million.
“He’s made a career...
- 5/13/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety - TV News
David Sanborn, beloved jazz saxophonist who is credited on songs for Stevie Wonder, David Bowie and many more, died Sunday. He was 78.
A message posted to the musician’s social media page confirmed the news, noting that Sanborn had been battling prostate cancer for the past few years. “Mr. Sanborn had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2018, but had been able to maintain his normal schedule of concerts until just recently. Indeed he already had concerts scheduled into 2025,” the message reads. “David Sanborn was a seminal figure in contemporary pop and jazz music. It has been said that he ‘put the saxophone back into Rock ’n Roll.’”
It is with sad and heavy hearts that we convey to you the loss of internationally renowned, 6 time Grammy Award-winning, saxophonist, David Sanborn. Mr. Sanborn passed Sunday afternoon, May 12th, after an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications. pic.twitter.com/VyW...
A message posted to the musician’s social media page confirmed the news, noting that Sanborn had been battling prostate cancer for the past few years. “Mr. Sanborn had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2018, but had been able to maintain his normal schedule of concerts until just recently. Indeed he already had concerts scheduled into 2025,” the message reads. “David Sanborn was a seminal figure in contemporary pop and jazz music. It has been said that he ‘put the saxophone back into Rock ’n Roll.’”
It is with sad and heavy hearts that we convey to you the loss of internationally renowned, 6 time Grammy Award-winning, saxophonist, David Sanborn. Mr. Sanborn passed Sunday afternoon, May 12th, after an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications. pic.twitter.com/VyW...
- 5/13/2024
- by Rania Aniftos, Billboard
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
I spent the first 37 years of my life on the East Coast, and even there, I knew who Sam Rubin was.
The beloved Ktla Los Angeles entertainment reporter, who died May 10 at age 64, was a Hollywood fixture for over 30 years, beloved, trusted and respected. Drawing heartfelt tributes ranging from industry veterans like Tom Hanks and Henry Winkler and rising stars like Charmaine Bingwa, I’ve never seen such an outpouring for an entertainment journalist since perhaps Roger Ebert in 2013. Sam greeted everyone with the same infectious enthusiasm and genuine curiosity, whether they were industry stalwarts or nervous newcomers. He was synonymous with Los Angeles but he was also known well outside of Southern California through his reporting for ITV and Australia’s 9 Network.
I was fortunate to spend time with Sam off-camera, serving with him on the board of the Critics Choice organization. On my first trip to Los...
The beloved Ktla Los Angeles entertainment reporter, who died May 10 at age 64, was a Hollywood fixture for over 30 years, beloved, trusted and respected. Drawing heartfelt tributes ranging from industry veterans like Tom Hanks and Henry Winkler and rising stars like Charmaine Bingwa, I’ve never seen such an outpouring for an entertainment journalist since perhaps Roger Ebert in 2013. Sam greeted everyone with the same infectious enthusiasm and genuine curiosity, whether they were industry stalwarts or nervous newcomers. He was synonymous with Los Angeles but he was also known well outside of Southern California through his reporting for ITV and Australia’s 9 Network.
I was fortunate to spend time with Sam off-camera, serving with him on the board of the Critics Choice organization. On my first trip to Los...
- 5/13/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety - Film News
I spent the first 37 years of my life on the East Coast, and even there, I knew who Sam Rubin was.
The beloved Ktla Los Angeles entertainment reporter, who died May 10 at age 64, was a Hollywood fixture for over 30 years, beloved, trusted and respected. Drawing heartfelt tributes ranging from industry veterans like Tom Hanks and Henry Winkler and rising stars like Charmaine Bingwa, I’ve never seen such an outpouring for an entertainment journalist since perhaps Roger Ebert in 2013. Sam greeted everyone with the same infectious enthusiasm and genuine curiosity, whether they were industry stalwarts or nervous newcomers. He was...
The beloved Ktla Los Angeles entertainment reporter, who died May 10 at age 64, was a Hollywood fixture for over 30 years, beloved, trusted and respected. Drawing heartfelt tributes ranging from industry veterans like Tom Hanks and Henry Winkler and rising stars like Charmaine Bingwa, I’ve never seen such an outpouring for an entertainment journalist since perhaps Roger Ebert in 2013. Sam greeted everyone with the same infectious enthusiasm and genuine curiosity, whether they were industry stalwarts or nervous newcomers. He was...
- 5/13/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety - TV News
The Barbarella feature starring Sydney Sweeney is getting more oxygen.
Edgar Wright is in talks to direct the film for Sony Pictures, with Jane Goldman and Honey Ross in talks to write the script, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The project is still in early development and is planned as a new take on the character that originated in a French comic series from Jean-Claude Forest.
Barbarella, a mercenary who travels the universe, was portrayed by Jane Fonda in a 1968 movie version that has become a cult favorite. Sweeney’s involvement in the new film was announced in 2022.
This continues Sweeney’s relationship with Sony, with the actress having starred late last year alongside Glen Powell in the studio’s rom-com Anyone but You before appearing with Dakota Johnson in this year’s superhero flick Madame Web.
Wright is known for helming films including Last Night in Soho, Baby Driver...
Edgar Wright is in talks to direct the film for Sony Pictures, with Jane Goldman and Honey Ross in talks to write the script, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The project is still in early development and is planned as a new take on the character that originated in a French comic series from Jean-Claude Forest.
Barbarella, a mercenary who travels the universe, was portrayed by Jane Fonda in a 1968 movie version that has become a cult favorite. Sweeney’s involvement in the new film was announced in 2022.
This continues Sweeney’s relationship with Sony, with the actress having starred late last year alongside Glen Powell in the studio’s rom-com Anyone but You before appearing with Dakota Johnson in this year’s superhero flick Madame Web.
Wright is known for helming films including Last Night in Soho, Baby Driver...
- 5/13/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The MTV Movie & TV Awards is taking another break. Variety has confirmed that the event, which would have normally taken place around this time of year, will instead sit 2024 out — with an eye toward returning next year, perhaps in a different, “reimagined” format.
It’s been a bumpy decade for the MTV Movie & TV Awards, which first began in 1992 (as the MTV Movie Awards). Last’s year’s event was forced to pivot to a pre-taped clip show in light of the Hollywood writers’ strike, as host Drew Barrymore bowed out and the WGA announced plans to picket the ceremony.
It’s been a bumpy decade for the MTV Movie & TV Awards, which first began in 1992 (as the MTV Movie Awards). Last’s year’s event was forced to pivot to a pre-taped clip show in light of the Hollywood writers’ strike, as host Drew Barrymore bowed out and the WGA announced plans to picket the ceremony.
- 5/13/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety - TV News
Bill Burr joined Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast and declared cancel culture is over, while Maher once again doubled down in disbelief about how Louis C.K. remains on the outs in Hollywood. C.K. was accused of sexual misconduct in 2017 and admitted to masturbating in front of several female comics a few weeks later. While C.K. has continued to tour and direct his own projects, he largely operates outside of the Hollywood studio system.
“I mean, don’t get me started on that,” Maher told Burr when C.K. was brought up. “Isn’t it time everyone just went: ‘Ok,...
“I mean, don’t get me started on that,” Maher told Burr when C.K. was brought up. “Isn’t it time everyone just went: ‘Ok,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - TV News
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has unveiled its programming for summer 2024, which includes public events, education programs and four new limited film series. Special guests for the summer season include Gregg Araki, Julie Benz, Lawrence Carter-Long, Peaches Christ, Rebecca Gayheart, Judy Greer, Ricki Lake and more.
Along with the Weekend Short Cuts and Summer Spotlight screenings, the Academy Museum will launch the Summer in the City: Los Angeles, Block by Block film series, which includes 30 films celebrating dozens of neighborhoods around the Southland. The series debuts June 1 with “Boogie Nights” in 70mm and ends Aug. 31 with “Escape from L.A” in 4K.
The other limited series include Full of Pleasure: The Beginnings of New Queer Cinema, which kicks off June 15 with “Go Fish” in 4K, Damas de la Pantalla: The Women of Mexico’s Época de Oro, which begins June 28 with “María Candelaria” and Tellers of Tales: The Films of Powell & Pressburger,...
Along with the Weekend Short Cuts and Summer Spotlight screenings, the Academy Museum will launch the Summer in the City: Los Angeles, Block by Block film series, which includes 30 films celebrating dozens of neighborhoods around the Southland. The series debuts June 1 with “Boogie Nights” in 70mm and ends Aug. 31 with “Escape from L.A” in 4K.
The other limited series include Full of Pleasure: The Beginnings of New Queer Cinema, which kicks off June 15 with “Go Fish” in 4K, Damas de la Pantalla: The Women of Mexico’s Época de Oro, which begins June 28 with “María Candelaria” and Tellers of Tales: The Films of Powell & Pressburger,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety - Film News
Seth Meyers has renewed his deal with NBCUniversal, cementing him as the host of “Late Night” through 2028.
The extension comes months after the renowned writer and comedian hit his 10-year anniversary as host; “Late Night With Seth Meyers” first launched in February 2014.
Meyers’ production company, Sethmaker Shoemeyers, has also extended its deal with Universal Studio Group to produce content across NBCUniversal platforms. The banner previously produced “A.P. Bio” for NBC and “The Amber Ruffin Show” for Peacock.
“Over the last 10 years, Seth has resonated with his audience night after night with a sharp monologue and established segments such as ‘A Closer Look’ and ‘Day Drinking,...
The extension comes months after the renowned writer and comedian hit his 10-year anniversary as host; “Late Night With Seth Meyers” first launched in February 2014.
Meyers’ production company, Sethmaker Shoemeyers, has also extended its deal with Universal Studio Group to produce content across NBCUniversal platforms. The banner previously produced “A.P. Bio” for NBC and “The Amber Ruffin Show” for Peacock.
“Over the last 10 years, Seth has resonated with his audience night after night with a sharp monologue and established segments such as ‘A Closer Look’ and ‘Day Drinking,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety - TV News
Add Amy Sedaris to the list of guest stars stopping by the “Frasier” revival as it returns for a second season on Paramount+. Sedaris is set to appear as Dr. “Doc” Stathos, described as “a municipal therapist with a down home, scattered veneer. She works with the firefighters at Freddy’s firehouse and is also a big, Big fan of Frasier Crane from his old TV talk show.”
Production on “Frasier” Season 2 is now underway, as it is filmed in front of a studio audience on the Paramount lot in Hollywood. Sedaris is the latest guest to be announced, following news that O.
Production on “Frasier” Season 2 is now underway, as it is filmed in front of a studio audience on the Paramount lot in Hollywood. Sedaris is the latest guest to be announced, following news that O.
- 5/13/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety - TV News
Seth Meyers isn’t going anywhere.
The Late Night host has extended his deal with NBCUniversal through 2028, the company announced Monday. Meyers, who skewered the network (among others) during NBCU’s upfront presentation Monday morning, will remain host of Late Night through 2028. Additionally, Meyers’ Sethmaker Shoemeyers production company has extended its deal with Universal Studio Group and will continue to create and develop scripted and unscripted programming for the company’s vast portfolio.
“Over the last 10 years, Seth has resonated with his audience night after night with a sharp monologue and established segments such as A Closer Look and Day Drinking,” said Katie Hockmeyer, executive vp late night programming at NBCUniversal Entertainment. “We’re so happy to continue this legacy franchise with Seth at the helm and watch him continue to elevate the success of Late Night.”
Meyers and NBC recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Meyers-hosted Late Night,...
The Late Night host has extended his deal with NBCUniversal through 2028, the company announced Monday. Meyers, who skewered the network (among others) during NBCU’s upfront presentation Monday morning, will remain host of Late Night through 2028. Additionally, Meyers’ Sethmaker Shoemeyers production company has extended its deal with Universal Studio Group and will continue to create and develop scripted and unscripted programming for the company’s vast portfolio.
“Over the last 10 years, Seth has resonated with his audience night after night with a sharp monologue and established segments such as A Closer Look and Day Drinking,” said Katie Hockmeyer, executive vp late night programming at NBCUniversal Entertainment. “We’re so happy to continue this legacy franchise with Seth at the helm and watch him continue to elevate the success of Late Night.”
Meyers and NBC recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Meyers-hosted Late Night,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For one magical week, everybody with hands anywhere near advertising purse strings is being pampered like royalty — unless, lord help them, they attempted to capture one frame of the Wicked trailer. Because anybody who did that during Monday morning’s NBCUniversal upfront presentation is likely halfway to a black site by now.
“We do have security around the venue with night vision and laser pointers,” cautioned chief content officer Donna Langley from the Radio City Music Hall stage, the room suddenly lit emerald green. The crowd laughed, but she wasn’t kidding. Four people in my immediate vicinity were scolded with flashlights for phone use when the yet-to-be-released full trailer of the Broadway adaptation aired its sneak peek.
There is no need to dissect the irony of a media giant giving one of the most compelling slots in its near-two-hour plea for advertising to a feature film. There’s no...
“We do have security around the venue with night vision and laser pointers,” cautioned chief content officer Donna Langley from the Radio City Music Hall stage, the room suddenly lit emerald green. The crowd laughed, but she wasn’t kidding. Four people in my immediate vicinity were scolded with flashlights for phone use when the yet-to-be-released full trailer of the Broadway adaptation aired its sneak peek.
There is no need to dissect the irony of a media giant giving one of the most compelling slots in its near-two-hour plea for advertising to a feature film. There’s no...
- 5/13/2024
- by Mikey O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Richard Gadd on ‘Baby Reindeer’ Phenomenon, Losing Anonymity and What He Won’t Ever Comment on Again
On a recent Friday, Richard Gadd ducked into a London pub before seeing his favorite band the Pogues hit the stage. A quiet night with friends quickly derailed into a fan frenzy to the massive popularity of Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, the critically acclaimed limited series that Gadd created and stars in based on traumatic real-life experiences.
“It was bedlam, it was chaos,” he explains of the scene that unfolded as patrons, one after another, rushed over to share stories about how the seven episodes had affected them. “I thought, ‘Oh, I can’t really go into pubs anymore and expect to sit quietly in a corner and have some food.” A similar situation played out on the plane when Gadd flew to Los Angeles for press and appearances in early May, as the pilots exited the cockpit upon hearing he was a passenger. “That was quite surreal. I still...
“It was bedlam, it was chaos,” he explains of the scene that unfolded as patrons, one after another, rushed over to share stories about how the seven episodes had affected them. “I thought, ‘Oh, I can’t really go into pubs anymore and expect to sit quietly in a corner and have some food.” A similar situation played out on the plane when Gadd flew to Los Angeles for press and appearances in early May, as the pilots exited the cockpit upon hearing he was a passenger. “That was quite surreal. I still...
- 5/13/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Max prequel series “Dune: Prophecy” has cast legendary Indian actress Tabu in a recurring role, Variety has learned exclusively.
The series was originally commissioned in 2019 under the title “Dune: The Sisterhood.” It is inspired by the novel “Sisterhood of Dune” written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The official logline states, “Set within the expansive universe of ‘Dune,’ created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.
The series was originally commissioned in 2019 under the title “Dune: The Sisterhood.” It is inspired by the novel “Sisterhood of Dune” written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The official logline states, “Set within the expansive universe of ‘Dune,’ created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.
- 5/13/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Pathe has boarded “The Unknown,” the highly anticipated next movie from “Anatomy of a Fall” co-writer Arthur Harari, starring Léa Seydoux. “Anatomy of a Fall,” which Harari co-wrote with director Justine Triet, won an Oscar, two Golden Globes, a BAFTA and the Palme d’Or at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Rolling off “Dune: Part Two,” Seydoux is set to headline the fantasy movie. The actor, whose career spans Hollywood and European productions, recently starred in Bertrand Bonello’s sci-fi romance “The Beast.”
“The Unknown” is produced by Paris-based Bathysphere and is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2026. Pathé is co-producing, and will introduce the package to buyers at the Cannes Market. The banner will also distribute the movie in France.
While the plot remains under wraps, Harari teased that the project is “a mix of realistic urban chronicle, fantasy film, investigation, melodrama and daydream.”
“[It] will continually metamorphose before our eyes,...
Rolling off “Dune: Part Two,” Seydoux is set to headline the fantasy movie. The actor, whose career spans Hollywood and European productions, recently starred in Bertrand Bonello’s sci-fi romance “The Beast.”
“The Unknown” is produced by Paris-based Bathysphere and is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2026. Pathé is co-producing, and will introduce the package to buyers at the Cannes Market. The banner will also distribute the movie in France.
While the plot remains under wraps, Harari teased that the project is “a mix of realistic urban chronicle, fantasy film, investigation, melodrama and daydream.”
“[It] will continually metamorphose before our eyes,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
Melinda French Gates is resigning as co-chair of the non-profit organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Gates co-founded the foundation with her then-husband, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, 24 years ago, stayed on after their divorce in 2021. The foundation, one of the largest charitable foundation’s in the world, has given out more than $77 billion in grants, with focus areas including vaccination, particularly around Covid-19, healthcare and poverty around the world.
Melinda Gates said Monday, in a statement on X, that she wants to “move forward into the next chapter” of her philanthropy. Upon her departure from the foundation, on June 7, Gates said she will receive $12.5 billion which she will use to further her work on behalf of women and families. She founded her own organization, Pivotal Ventures, in 2015 to help address problems impacting U.S. women and families
“This is not a decision I came to lightly. I am immensely proud...
Gates co-founded the foundation with her then-husband, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, 24 years ago, stayed on after their divorce in 2021. The foundation, one of the largest charitable foundation’s in the world, has given out more than $77 billion in grants, with focus areas including vaccination, particularly around Covid-19, healthcare and poverty around the world.
Melinda Gates said Monday, in a statement on X, that she wants to “move forward into the next chapter” of her philanthropy. Upon her departure from the foundation, on June 7, Gates said she will receive $12.5 billion which she will use to further her work on behalf of women and families. She founded her own organization, Pivotal Ventures, in 2015 to help address problems impacting U.S. women and families
“This is not a decision I came to lightly. I am immensely proud...
- 5/13/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MTV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race and Peacock’s The Traitors lead the nominations for the sixth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards, with five apiece.
Both series will vie for best competition series, best ensemble cast in an unscripted series, best show host (RuPaul and Alan Cumming) and male star of the year (RuPaul and Cumming, again). Drag Race also is up for best lifestyle show: fashion/beauty, while Traitors‘ Phaedra Parks earned a nom for female star of the year.
Also up for best show host are Will Arnett (Lego Masters), Terry Crews (America’s Got Talent), Kristen Kish (Top Chef) and Keke Palmer (Password).
Male star of the year nominees also include Jerrod Carmichael (Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show), Bertie Gregory (Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory), Eugene Levy (The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy) and Gerry Turner (The Golden Bachelor).
Also vying for female star are the year...
Both series will vie for best competition series, best ensemble cast in an unscripted series, best show host (RuPaul and Alan Cumming) and male star of the year (RuPaul and Cumming, again). Drag Race also is up for best lifestyle show: fashion/beauty, while Traitors‘ Phaedra Parks earned a nom for female star of the year.
Also up for best show host are Will Arnett (Lego Masters), Terry Crews (America’s Got Talent), Kristen Kish (Top Chef) and Keke Palmer (Password).
Male star of the year nominees also include Jerrod Carmichael (Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show), Bertie Gregory (Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory), Eugene Levy (The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy) and Gerry Turner (The Golden Bachelor).
Also vying for female star are the year...
- 5/13/2024
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Studiocanal has unveiled the first clip of Michel Hazanavicius’s “The Most Precious of Cargoes,” an allegorical hand-drawn animated feature which is competing at the Cannes Film Festival. The first animated film to vie for a Palme d’Or since Ari Folman’s “Waltz With Bashir” in 2008, “The Most Precious of Cargoes” is adapted from Jean-Claude Grumberg’s bestselling novel of the same name.
Set during World War II against the backdrop of the Holocaust,” the film has been developed by Hazanavicius, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind “The Artist,” for many years.Hazanavicius penned the script with Grumberg and created the drawings, with Oscar-winning composer Alexandre Desplat providing the score.
The drama intertwines the fate of a Jewish family, including newborn twins, deported to Auschwitz, with that of a poor and childless woodcutter couple living deep in a Polish forest. On the train to the death camp, the young father wraps...
Set during World War II against the backdrop of the Holocaust,” the film has been developed by Hazanavicius, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind “The Artist,” for many years.Hazanavicius penned the script with Grumberg and created the drawings, with Oscar-winning composer Alexandre Desplat providing the score.
The drama intertwines the fate of a Jewish family, including newborn twins, deported to Auschwitz, with that of a poor and childless woodcutter couple living deep in a Polish forest. On the train to the death camp, the young father wraps...
- 5/13/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
Ellen DeGeneres is set to return to Netflix with a new stand-up special, her second for the streamer and what she’s calling her “last special,” later this year.
“To answer the questions everyone is asking me — yes, I’m going to talk about it,” DeGeneres said in a statement. “Yes, this is my last special. Yes, [wife] Portia [de Rossi] really is that pretty in real life.”
The veteran comedian and former talk-show host previously appeared in the 2018 Netflix special Relatable. Relatable, DeGeneres’ first stand-up special in 15 years, was the first of a two-special deal with Netflix.
Netflix vp stand-up and comedy formats Robbie Praw added: “There is nobody quite like Ellen. She is a true legend and pioneer in so many ways. We can’t wait to bring fans another one of her hilarious comedy specials later this year.”
The special will be produced by Ben Winston and Fulwell73.
While this...
“To answer the questions everyone is asking me — yes, I’m going to talk about it,” DeGeneres said in a statement. “Yes, this is my last special. Yes, [wife] Portia [de Rossi] really is that pretty in real life.”
The veteran comedian and former talk-show host previously appeared in the 2018 Netflix special Relatable. Relatable, DeGeneres’ first stand-up special in 15 years, was the first of a two-special deal with Netflix.
Netflix vp stand-up and comedy formats Robbie Praw added: “There is nobody quite like Ellen. She is a true legend and pioneer in so many ways. We can’t wait to bring fans another one of her hilarious comedy specials later this year.”
The special will be produced by Ben Winston and Fulwell73.
While this...
- 5/13/2024
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The BBC’s former head of creative diversity Joanna Abeyie has spoken out about her stint in the role, saying “a psychologically safe working environment is crucial” particularly in the field of Dei.
Writing in the BFI Sight and Sound Black Film Bulletin, Abeyie, who stepped down from the role last July, said: “I loved my role at the BBC. It felt like I could and indeed was making headway. I left with confidence that several key stakeholders and commissioners were committed to making programmes with and for diverse talent and audiences.”
“So why did I leave? Unfortunately loving a...
Writing in the BFI Sight and Sound Black Film Bulletin, Abeyie, who stepped down from the role last July, said: “I loved my role at the BBC. It felt like I could and indeed was making headway. I left with confidence that several key stakeholders and commissioners were committed to making programmes with and for diverse talent and audiences.”
“So why did I leave? Unfortunately loving a...
- 5/13/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety - TV News
WME has hired Julie Haffner as its head of motion picture business affairs. In the new role, she will oversee motion picture client deals and serve as an advisor to WME agents, executives and clients on structuring and negotiating motion picture and talent deals, in addition to advising on overall strategies for navigating the ever-changing media landscape.
Prior to WME, Haffner served as senior director of business and legal affairs at Netflix, where she negotiated high-level deals for the original studio film group’s slate of motion pictures, and was responsible for projects including “Hillbilly Elegy,” “Yes Day,” “The Christmas Chronicles,” “Lift” and the upcoming projects “The Union” and “Back in Action.”
She also negotiated and managed overall deals for producers including 21 Laps (Shawn Levy), Hartbeat (Kevin Hart), Archewell (Harry and Meghan) and Wonderland (McG).
Haffner previously worked in the motion picture group at Paramount Pictures, and was VP of...
Prior to WME, Haffner served as senior director of business and legal affairs at Netflix, where she negotiated high-level deals for the original studio film group’s slate of motion pictures, and was responsible for projects including “Hillbilly Elegy,” “Yes Day,” “The Christmas Chronicles,” “Lift” and the upcoming projects “The Union” and “Back in Action.”
She also negotiated and managed overall deals for producers including 21 Laps (Shawn Levy), Hartbeat (Kevin Hart), Archewell (Harry and Meghan) and Wonderland (McG).
Haffner previously worked in the motion picture group at Paramount Pictures, and was VP of...
- 5/13/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety - Film News
Doug Belgrad, a former Sony Pictures executive and the founder of 2.0 Entertainment, is joining Netflix as vice president of film. The hire comes as Dan Lin, the streaming service’s newly mint film chief, is shaking up the division, which has been seen as producing too few buzzy films despite spending vast sums of money. Lin, the producer of hits like “The Lego Movie” and “It,” was hired by Netflix in the spring to replace former film chief Scott Stuber, who stepped down in January, and he’s been putting his imprint on the business.
As Belgrad joins Netflix, 2.0 Entertainment will be overseen by Sophie Cassidy and Zack Conroy, two top executives at the company. Belgrad founded 2.0 Entertainment, a film and television production and financing company that is based at Sony Pictures, in 2016. Their films include “Gran Turismo,” “The Pope’s Exorcist” and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” which is set for release this summer.
As Belgrad joins Netflix, 2.0 Entertainment will be overseen by Sophie Cassidy and Zack Conroy, two top executives at the company. Belgrad founded 2.0 Entertainment, a film and television production and financing company that is based at Sony Pictures, in 2016. Their films include “Gran Turismo,” “The Pope’s Exorcist” and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” which is set for release this summer.
- 5/13/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety - Film News
NBC is increasingly throwing the ball to the NFL.
The Comcast-backed media conglomerate said Monday that it had purchased the rights to broadcast an extra NFL game on Saturday, December 21, presumably adding a bigger audience to the last shopping weekend before Christmas. NBC already has the rights to broadcast a game on December 22 as part of its “Sunday Night Football” lineup.
“We’re excited to work with our partners at the NFL to acquire an additional game for NBCUniversal platforms at a crucial point in the playing season,” said Rick Cordella, president of NBC Sports, in a prepared statement.
The Comcast-backed media conglomerate said Monday that it had purchased the rights to broadcast an extra NFL game on Saturday, December 21, presumably adding a bigger audience to the last shopping weekend before Christmas. NBC already has the rights to broadcast a game on December 22 as part of its “Sunday Night Football” lineup.
“We’re excited to work with our partners at the NFL to acquire an additional game for NBCUniversal platforms at a crucial point in the playing season,” said Rick Cordella, president of NBC Sports, in a prepared statement.
- 5/13/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety - TV News
It takes a veritable village of vendors to make a movie theater as appealing as possible, and if ever cinemas need to sparkle — from floors to seats to bathrooms to you name it — it’s now, as the summer box office gets underway. The one-two punch of the pandemic and Hollywood’s labor wars created a perilous slowdown in content that, which means 2024 will have a very tough time matching the $9 billion grossed last year. Without a big Marvel to kick off the season over the May 5-7 weekend, revenue is lagging badly over last year. But there’s still plenty of opportunity for improvement.
Foot traffic is everything for theater owners. While their profit margin on a movie ticket will be 33 percent, that number shoots up to 56 percent on a concession, according to one industry executive with access to data. Popcorn remains king and represents 30 percent of all concession sales,...
Foot traffic is everything for theater owners. While their profit margin on a movie ticket will be 33 percent, that number shoots up to 56 percent on a concession, according to one industry executive with access to data. Popcorn remains king and represents 30 percent of all concession sales,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lacey Chabert is starring in another Christmas film, this time for Netflix. The actor, best known for her roles in “Mean Girls,” “Party of Five” and over 30 Hallmark films, will lead “Hot Frosty” for the streamer.
The film will also star Dustin Milligan, Joe Lo Truglio (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Craig Robinson (“The Office”), Katy Mixon (“American Housewife”), Lauren Holly (“Dumb and Dumber”) and Chrishell Stause (“Selling Sunset”).
The film’s official logline reads, “Two years after losing her husband, Cathy magically brings a handsome snowman to life! Through his naïveté, the snowman helps Cathy to laugh, feel and love again, as the two fall for each other just in time for the holidays…and before he melts.”
Jerry Ciccoritti will direct from a script by Russell Hainline.
Producers include Joel S. Rice and Michael Barbuto for Muse Entertainment, while Aren Prupas and Jonas Prupas will executive produce.
“Hot Frosty” joins Netflix’s 2024 holiday slate,...
The film will also star Dustin Milligan, Joe Lo Truglio (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Craig Robinson (“The Office”), Katy Mixon (“American Housewife”), Lauren Holly (“Dumb and Dumber”) and Chrishell Stause (“Selling Sunset”).
The film’s official logline reads, “Two years after losing her husband, Cathy magically brings a handsome snowman to life! Through his naïveté, the snowman helps Cathy to laugh, feel and love again, as the two fall for each other just in time for the holidays…and before he melts.”
Jerry Ciccoritti will direct from a script by Russell Hainline.
Producers include Joel S. Rice and Michael Barbuto for Muse Entertainment, while Aren Prupas and Jonas Prupas will executive produce.
“Hot Frosty” joins Netflix’s 2024 holiday slate,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety - Film News
Dan Lin has found his right hand man.
Former Sony head turned producer Doug Belgrad is joining Netflix as vice president of film.
“We are thrilled to welcome Doug to our film team as Vice President of Film,” said Lin in a statement. “He brings a wealth of experience to the role from his many years as a respected studio executive, producer and co-financier. We will be leaning on Doug’s great creative instincts, his eye for talent, and his deep relationships across the filmmaking and talent community. We can’t wait for him to get started and look forward to his many contributions as we pursue our mission to make best-in-class films across every genre.”
Belgrad’s hire is the first major exec move by Lin, who took over as head of film in April after taking over the job from Scott Stuber. Lin is tasked with steering the...
Former Sony head turned producer Doug Belgrad is joining Netflix as vice president of film.
“We are thrilled to welcome Doug to our film team as Vice President of Film,” said Lin in a statement. “He brings a wealth of experience to the role from his many years as a respected studio executive, producer and co-financier. We will be leaning on Doug’s great creative instincts, his eye for talent, and his deep relationships across the filmmaking and talent community. We can’t wait for him to get started and look forward to his many contributions as we pursue our mission to make best-in-class films across every genre.”
Belgrad’s hire is the first major exec move by Lin, who took over as head of film in April after taking over the job from Scott Stuber. Lin is tasked with steering the...
- 5/13/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
Real Housewives devotees are a lucky fandom because the Bravo franchise promises a limitless stream of meme-worthy moments with every new season. And if Andy Cohen has anything to say about it, then the unhinged chaos isn’t letting up any time soon.
Every year, there’s one city that takes the cake in entertainment value and last year the clear winner was inarguably Salt Lake City. During the finale, Heather Gay brought the women to the beach to...
Real Housewives devotees are a lucky fandom because the Bravo franchise promises a limitless stream of meme-worthy moments with every new season. And if Andy Cohen has anything to say about it, then the unhinged chaos isn’t letting up any time soon.
Every year, there’s one city that takes the cake in entertainment value and last year the clear winner was inarguably Salt Lake City. During the finale, Heather Gay brought the women to the beach to...
- 5/13/2024
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety - TV News
Argentina’s Eo Media, led by CEO Ezequiel Olzanski, has teamed up with Nicolas Aznarez’s Uruguay-based El Camino Films (“Blindness”) to co-produce murder mystery “Punta Blanca” (a working title) with a stellar cast led by Natalia Oreiro, star of Disney’s “Santa Evita” and Prime Video’s “Iosi, the Regretful Spy.”
The six-episode limited series is created by up-and-coming writer-producer Joaquin Romero Vercellino and penned by writers behind the hit Argentine series streaming on Netflix, “El Marginal”: Silvina Olschansky and Guillermo Salmerón, as well as Alejandro Aimetta (“Maradona: Blessed Dream”). Eo Media will also handle international sales.
Described by the producers as a “thrilling whodunit that takes place in the glamorous coast of ‘90s Punta del Este, Uruguay,” it’s inspired by such pics as “Knives Out“ or “Murder on the Orient Express” “where the identity of the killer remains a mystery until the very end and includes...
The six-episode limited series is created by up-and-coming writer-producer Joaquin Romero Vercellino and penned by writers behind the hit Argentine series streaming on Netflix, “El Marginal”: Silvina Olschansky and Guillermo Salmerón, as well as Alejandro Aimetta (“Maradona: Blessed Dream”). Eo Media will also handle international sales.
Described by the producers as a “thrilling whodunit that takes place in the glamorous coast of ‘90s Punta del Este, Uruguay,” it’s inspired by such pics as “Knives Out“ or “Murder on the Orient Express” “where the identity of the killer remains a mystery until the very end and includes...
- 5/13/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety - Film News
Argentina’s Eo Media, led by CEO Ezequiel Olzanski, has teamed up with Nicolas Aznarez’s Uruguay-based El Camino Films (“Blindness”) to co-produce murder mystery “Punta Blanca” (a working title) with a stellar cast led by Natalia Oreiro, star of Disney’s “Santa Evita” and Prime Video’s “Iosi, the Regretful Spy.”
The six-episode limited series is created by up-and-coming writer-producer Joaquin Romero Vercellino and penned by writers behind the hit Argentine series streaming on Netflix, “El Marginal”: Silvina Olschansky and Guillermo Salmerón, as well as Alejandro Aimetta (“Maradona: Blessed Dream”). Eo Media will also handle international sales.
Described...
The six-episode limited series is created by up-and-coming writer-producer Joaquin Romero Vercellino and penned by writers behind the hit Argentine series streaming on Netflix, “El Marginal”: Silvina Olschansky and Guillermo Salmerón, as well as Alejandro Aimetta (“Maradona: Blessed Dream”). Eo Media will also handle international sales.
Described...
- 5/13/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety - TV News
Netflix has shared a new teaser for Heartstopper season 3, along with its premiere date.
In the teaser, Charlie (Joe Locke) is seen practicing telling his boyfriend Nick (Kit Connor) the three big words: “I love you.” As he continues to rehearse how to express his feelings to his paramour, Charlie’s sister Tori (Jenny Walser) enters his bedroom with some sisterly advice.
“I’m shocked you haven’t said it already,” she remarks.
“I don’t want him to have to say the awkward ‘I love you too’ because he feels obligated to,” explains Charlie.
“You don’t think he feels the same?,” points out Tori, advising him to tell Nick “today.” But when Nick arrives at their house, Charlie gets too nervous and can’t get the words out in the moment.
The teaser is soundtracked by a preview of Billie Eilish’s new song “Birds of a Feather,...
In the teaser, Charlie (Joe Locke) is seen practicing telling his boyfriend Nick (Kit Connor) the three big words: “I love you.” As he continues to rehearse how to express his feelings to his paramour, Charlie’s sister Tori (Jenny Walser) enters his bedroom with some sisterly advice.
“I’m shocked you haven’t said it already,” she remarks.
“I don’t want him to have to say the awkward ‘I love you too’ because he feels obligated to,” explains Charlie.
“You don’t think he feels the same?,” points out Tori, advising him to tell Nick “today.” But when Nick arrives at their house, Charlie gets too nervous and can’t get the words out in the moment.
The teaser is soundtracked by a preview of Billie Eilish’s new song “Birds of a Feather,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Tatiana Tenreyro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ellen DeGeneres is returning to Netflix for her final stand-up special, six years after her last comedy hour, “Relatable.”
The special, which marks her second for Netflix, will arrive later in 2024. It will be produced by Ben Winston and Fulwell73.
In addition to the special, DeGeneres will also kick off a multi-city stand-up tour on June 19 in San Diego.
“To answer the questions everyone is asking me – Yes, I’m going to talk about it. Yes, this is my last special. Yes, Portia really is that pretty in real life,” DeGeneres said in a statement.
The comedian and talk show...
The special, which marks her second for Netflix, will arrive later in 2024. It will be produced by Ben Winston and Fulwell73.
In addition to the special, DeGeneres will also kick off a multi-city stand-up tour on June 19 in San Diego.
“To answer the questions everyone is asking me – Yes, I’m going to talk about it. Yes, this is my last special. Yes, Portia really is that pretty in real life,” DeGeneres said in a statement.
The comedian and talk show...
- 5/13/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety - TV News
After the Writers Guild strike derailed his annual routine last year, Late Night host Seth Meyers returned to the stage of Radio City Music Hall Monday morning during NBCUniversal’s upfront presentation, where he took aim at the entertainment industry, and his own company.
Here are some of Meyers’ top jokes from the event.
On Fox News: “Hello and welcome to the NBC upfronts, if you’re looking for the Fox News upfront, that’s happening outside a lower Manhattan courthouse.”
On Paramount: “Not to brag, it’s been a very good day for me, I found $20 on the street this morning. Long story short, I’m one of the two finalists for Paramount.”
On advertising: “Good time to be me. Let’s be honest, it’s a great time to be you. It must feel so gratifying that eventually everyone comes back to advertising. Remember when streamers...
Here are some of Meyers’ top jokes from the event.
On Fox News: “Hello and welcome to the NBC upfronts, if you’re looking for the Fox News upfront, that’s happening outside a lower Manhattan courthouse.”
On Paramount: “Not to brag, it’s been a very good day for me, I found $20 on the street this morning. Long story short, I’m one of the two finalists for Paramount.”
On advertising: “Good time to be me. Let’s be honest, it’s a great time to be you. It must feel so gratifying that eventually everyone comes back to advertising. Remember when streamers...
- 5/13/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Molly Gordon is set to direct “Small Parts,” a new take on the 1987 comedy “Outrageous Fortune,” for Searchlight Pictures.
In the script, co-written by Gordon and Allie Levitan, two actresses who clash on a scrappy indie film set accidentally find themselves entangled in a game of cat-and-mouse more outrageous than any movie.
Gordon recently co-directed, co-wrote, and starred in the 2023 Searchlight film “Theater Camp.” In addition to being awarded the Sundance U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble and one of 2023’s Top Ten Independent Films by the National Board of Review, Gordon and her co-writers were nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for best first screenplay.
She can currently be seen starring as Claire in the second season of FX/Hulu’s Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series “The Bear,” opposite Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri. Gordon was part of the Screen Actors Guild Award-winning ensemble in the series,...
In the script, co-written by Gordon and Allie Levitan, two actresses who clash on a scrappy indie film set accidentally find themselves entangled in a game of cat-and-mouse more outrageous than any movie.
Gordon recently co-directed, co-wrote, and starred in the 2023 Searchlight film “Theater Camp.” In addition to being awarded the Sundance U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble and one of 2023’s Top Ten Independent Films by the National Board of Review, Gordon and her co-writers were nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for best first screenplay.
She can currently be seen starring as Claire in the second season of FX/Hulu’s Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series “The Bear,” opposite Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri. Gordon was part of the Screen Actors Guild Award-winning ensemble in the series,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety - Film News
Guy Ritchie has another film in the works that doubles down on the British upper class.
The prolific director — already behind this year’s Netflix hit “The Gentlemen” and WWII action thriller “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” — has unveiled his 18th feature film, “Wife and Dog,” with Black Bear launching sales in Cannes.
Plot details and cast are currently being kept under wraps, but Variety hears that with the film, Ritchie will return to the colorful, back-stabbing world of British aristocracy that he explored in both “The Gentlemen” Netflix series and 2019 feature. “Wife and Dog” will shoot in October, with an A-list cast reportedly in negotiations to star.
Ritchie wrote the screenplay and produces alongside long-time producing partner Ivan Atkinson and Black Bear’s John Friedberg. Executive producers include Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler for Black Bear.
Ritchie is on a filmmaking streak at the moment, with four feature released in the last three years,...
The prolific director — already behind this year’s Netflix hit “The Gentlemen” and WWII action thriller “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” — has unveiled his 18th feature film, “Wife and Dog,” with Black Bear launching sales in Cannes.
Plot details and cast are currently being kept under wraps, but Variety hears that with the film, Ritchie will return to the colorful, back-stabbing world of British aristocracy that he explored in both “The Gentlemen” Netflix series and 2019 feature. “Wife and Dog” will shoot in October, with an A-list cast reportedly in negotiations to star.
Ritchie wrote the screenplay and produces alongside long-time producing partner Ivan Atkinson and Black Bear’s John Friedberg. Executive producers include Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler for Black Bear.
Ritchie is on a filmmaking streak at the moment, with four feature released in the last three years,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment has selected its latest class for its New Writers Fellowship, which trains emerging writers to succeed in Hollywood.
The fellowship entails in-person and virtual masterclasses, panels, workshops, and table reads. The 2024 class of television writers were paired up with high-level writing mentors to revise their scripts and worked with creative executive mentors for pitch workshops. Program speakers included writers Charles Yu (“Interior Chinatown”), Angela Kang (“The Walking Dead”), Chris Collins, literary managers Peter McHugh (Gotham Group), Daniel Vang (3 Arts), Vivek Kolli (Link Entertainment), executives Nathan Kitada and more.
Featuring top industry writers, producers, agents and executives, the Fellowship was co-founded and is co-chaired by Leo Chu, showrunner and executive producer for “Ultra Violet” and “Black Scorpion,” and Steve Tao, veteran TV executive and producer previously at The CW, ABC and Bad Robot.
“I am very proud of this class. The Fellows are entering the business during unprecedented uncertainty,...
The fellowship entails in-person and virtual masterclasses, panels, workshops, and table reads. The 2024 class of television writers were paired up with high-level writing mentors to revise their scripts and worked with creative executive mentors for pitch workshops. Program speakers included writers Charles Yu (“Interior Chinatown”), Angela Kang (“The Walking Dead”), Chris Collins, literary managers Peter McHugh (Gotham Group), Daniel Vang (3 Arts), Vivek Kolli (Link Entertainment), executives Nathan Kitada and more.
Featuring top industry writers, producers, agents and executives, the Fellowship was co-founded and is co-chaired by Leo Chu, showrunner and executive producer for “Ultra Violet” and “Black Scorpion,” and Steve Tao, veteran TV executive and producer previously at The CW, ABC and Bad Robot.
“I am very proud of this class. The Fellows are entering the business during unprecedented uncertainty,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety - Film News
Theater Camp director Molly Gordon is on board to helm Small Parts, a reimagining for Searchlight Pictures of Outrageous Fortune, which starred Bette Midler and Shelley Long as rivals.
Gordon, who also stars in The Bear, and co-writer Allie Levitan will do a new take on the 1987 comedy directed by Arther Hiller. Small Parts will center on rival actors who clash on a scrappy indie film set and accidentally find themselves entangled in a game of cat-and-mouse more outrageous than any movie, according to a synopsis from the producers.
The Small Parts project is in development, with Searchlight senior vp of production Taylor Friedman overseeing. For Searchlight, Gordon recently co-directed, co-wrote and starred in Theater Camp, which earned the Sundance U.S. dramatic special jury award for ensemble.
Gordon plays Claire in the second season of The Bear series, opposite Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri. Gordon earned a Screen...
Gordon, who also stars in The Bear, and co-writer Allie Levitan will do a new take on the 1987 comedy directed by Arther Hiller. Small Parts will center on rival actors who clash on a scrappy indie film set and accidentally find themselves entangled in a game of cat-and-mouse more outrageous than any movie, according to a synopsis from the producers.
The Small Parts project is in development, with Searchlight senior vp of production Taylor Friedman overseeing. For Searchlight, Gordon recently co-directed, co-wrote and starred in Theater Camp, which earned the Sundance U.S. dramatic special jury award for ensemble.
Gordon plays Claire in the second season of The Bear series, opposite Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri. Gordon earned a Screen...
- 5/13/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
George Clooney will make his Broadway acting and playwriting debut next spring in a stage adaptation of his 2005 film about journalist Edward R. Murrow.
In the play, which is also entitled Good Night, and Good Luck, Clooney will play Murrow as he pushes executives at CBS to allow him to continue to deliver critical reporting on U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communist efforts. Clooney wrote the Broadway play with Grant Heslov, who co-wrote the screenplay with Clooney.
Good Night, and Good Luck will premiere on Broadway in spring 2025 at Shubert theater to be announced.
“I am honored, after all these years, to be coming back to the stage and especially, to Broadway, the art form and the venue that every actor aspires to,” Clooney said in the press release.
Clooney directed the 2005 film and played Fred W. Friendly, co-producer of Murrow’s television program, See It Now, with Murrow,...
In the play, which is also entitled Good Night, and Good Luck, Clooney will play Murrow as he pushes executives at CBS to allow him to continue to deliver critical reporting on U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communist efforts. Clooney wrote the Broadway play with Grant Heslov, who co-wrote the screenplay with Clooney.
Good Night, and Good Luck will premiere on Broadway in spring 2025 at Shubert theater to be announced.
“I am honored, after all these years, to be coming back to the stage and especially, to Broadway, the art form and the venue that every actor aspires to,” Clooney said in the press release.
Clooney directed the 2005 film and played Fred W. Friendly, co-producer of Murrow’s television program, See It Now, with Murrow,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.