The 1962 war epic "The Longest Day" starred the infamously brusque John Wayne as Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin H. Vandervoort, a real-life American soldier who was present for the titular "day," aka D-Day. Wayne was 55 at the time of filming, however, making him a full 28 years older than Vandervoort was on June 6, 1944. Wayne was still a major star, though, so the filmmakers simply had to ignore the massive age gap.
The studios also had to begrudgingly pay Wayne a massive $250,000 for his work, which was 10 times larger than most of the film's other stars. It seems that Wayne sought such a high salary not because of greed or ego, but out of spite. Wayne, you see, had a beef with 20th Century Fox executive Daryl F. Zanuck, and the actor wanted to actively butt heads with the CEO. It wasn't that Wayne wanted the money, he just wanted to make sure that Zanuck didn't have it.
The studios also had to begrudgingly pay Wayne a massive $250,000 for his work, which was 10 times larger than most of the film's other stars. It seems that Wayne sought such a high salary not because of greed or ego, but out of spite. Wayne, you see, had a beef with 20th Century Fox executive Daryl F. Zanuck, and the actor wanted to actively butt heads with the CEO. It wasn't that Wayne wanted the money, he just wanted to make sure that Zanuck didn't have it.
- 5/24/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
When it comes to undisputed box office superstardom, it is difficult to look past Tom Cruise. The charismatic actor has proved his impact in Hollywood time and again through iconic blockbusters that have cemented his place as one of the most influential celebrities in the industry.
Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick (image credit: Paramount Pictures)
With Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise went on to create history not just through the film’s record breaking collections, but also reportedly earned a jaw-dropping $100 million plus for his iconic role. While this is a staggering achievement that’s hard to beat, the ball was set rolling 5 decades ago by the legendary Marlon Brando who became the first male actor to take home $1 million for a single film.
Tom Cruise May Hold This Record But Marlon Brando Pioneered It
When it comes to blockbusters, networth, and whopping paychecks, Tom Cruise is at the top of the celebrity list.
Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick (image credit: Paramount Pictures)
With Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise went on to create history not just through the film’s record breaking collections, but also reportedly earned a jaw-dropping $100 million plus for his iconic role. While this is a staggering achievement that’s hard to beat, the ball was set rolling 5 decades ago by the legendary Marlon Brando who became the first male actor to take home $1 million for a single film.
Tom Cruise May Hold This Record But Marlon Brando Pioneered It
When it comes to blockbusters, networth, and whopping paychecks, Tom Cruise is at the top of the celebrity list.
- 5/23/2024
- by Sharanya Sankar
- FandomWire
The highest-paid actors in Hollywood — Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr., Keanu Reeves, and others — could easily command millions of dollars in upfront salary. For Avengers: Endgame, Downey Jr. earned a $20 million upfront salary and a $75 million total income. The precedent for these humongous salaries was Elizabeth Taylor’s upfront salary of $1 million for Cleopatra.
Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame | Marvel Studios
The British-American actress worked in the industry for nearly seven decades. She was cast in Cleopatra after she completed her contract at MGM Studios. 20th Century Fox, who produced the film, recognized her incredible talent and offered her a massive guaranteed salary along with a percentage of the gross profits.
Elizabeth Taylor Became The First Movie Star To Be Paid $1 Million Salary Elizabeth Taylor in a still from Cleopatra | 20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox set aside a sum of $2 million for the production of their project Cleopatra.
Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame | Marvel Studios
The British-American actress worked in the industry for nearly seven decades. She was cast in Cleopatra after she completed her contract at MGM Studios. 20th Century Fox, who produced the film, recognized her incredible talent and offered her a massive guaranteed salary along with a percentage of the gross profits.
Elizabeth Taylor Became The First Movie Star To Be Paid $1 Million Salary Elizabeth Taylor in a still from Cleopatra | 20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox set aside a sum of $2 million for the production of their project Cleopatra.
- 5/20/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
A celebrity from the age of 11, Elizabeth Taylor was practiced at public relations for almost all her life, so there aren’t many personal revelations in Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes. But Nanette Burstein’s elegantly constructed documentary, mostly in Taylor’s own words backed by illuminating archival images, works as a lively bit of film history about movie stardom in the volatile 1960s as the studio system was fading and the media exploding.
The film — which premiered at Cannes in the Cannes Classics sidebar — is based on 40 hours of recently rediscovered audiotapes, recordings Taylor made in the mid-1960s for a ghost-written memoir (long out of print). It was the most frenzied moment of her fame, when she was coming off the paparazzi-fueled scandal that was Cleopatra. Taylor, who died in 2011, recalls her many marriages — four when she made these recordings, since she was on the first of two...
The film — which premiered at Cannes in the Cannes Classics sidebar — is based on 40 hours of recently rediscovered audiotapes, recordings Taylor made in the mid-1960s for a ghost-written memoir (long out of print). It was the most frenzied moment of her fame, when she was coming off the paparazzi-fueled scandal that was Cleopatra. Taylor, who died in 2011, recalls her many marriages — four when she made these recordings, since she was on the first of two...
- 5/17/2024
- by Caryn James
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Carrie Preston is an acclaimed actress, producer, and director. She has a long list of roles and projects but is most known for her roles as Arlene Fowler in the HBO drama True Blood and Elsbeth Tascioni in the CBS drama The Good Wife.
She won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her work on The Good Wife.
After The Good Wife, she played the same character in the Paramount+ spinoff, The Good Flight.
Now, with the expanding multiverse of The Good Wife, Preston has gone from an accessory to the main event with her role on CBS's Elsbeth as Elsbeth Tascioni.
It is about time Preston is front and center, and we are here to celebrate her long and delightful road to lead lady!
Early Career
Preston started acting in 1985 as Mint Jennifer in the movie Just a Friend. She was also part...
She won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her work on The Good Wife.
After The Good Wife, she played the same character in the Paramount+ spinoff, The Good Flight.
Now, with the expanding multiverse of The Good Wife, Preston has gone from an accessory to the main event with her role on CBS's Elsbeth as Elsbeth Tascioni.
It is about time Preston is front and center, and we are here to celebrate her long and delightful road to lead lady!
Early Career
Preston started acting in 1985 as Mint Jennifer in the movie Just a Friend. She was also part...
- 5/17/2024
- by Eve Pierpont
- TVfanatic
There have been countless books written about the immortal star Elizabeth Taylor, even some credited to her as both memoir or autobiography including 1989’s Elizabeth On Elizabeth. But a book released on January 1, 1965, probably comes closest to a pure autobiography, and the cover simply says, Elizabeth Taylor by Elizabeth Taylor. It is a by-the-numbers account of her life through her own words up until that point, but it actually was written by Richard Meryman, a journalist credited with among other things the last interview with Marilyn Monroe.
Meryman got Taylor to sit for some tape-recorded sessions in 1964, so he would be able to write the book as if Taylor did it herself. Sixty years later, those presumed “lost” recordings have been found and cleared for release by Taylor’s and Meryman’s estates. They have been in Meryman’s wife’s possession all these years,...
Meryman got Taylor to sit for some tape-recorded sessions in 1964, so he would be able to write the book as if Taylor did it herself. Sixty years later, those presumed “lost” recordings have been found and cleared for release by Taylor’s and Meryman’s estates. They have been in Meryman’s wife’s possession all these years,...
- 5/17/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Angelina Jolie has been a star in the film industry for the vast majority of her life. The actress has appeared in a plethora of films with diverse and well-written roles that would leave a lasting impact in the memories of its viewers, and some of the most iconic roles that she has ever portrayed. From the role of Lisa Rowe in Girl, Interrupted to being the evil fairy witch, Maleficent, she gained immense praise from fans and critics alike, praising her acting range.
Angelina Jolie. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The most talked about role of the Eternals actress is that of Cleopatra, which she was extremely close to portraying. However, the film got canceled. Now, Zendaya is set to portray the Egyptian Queen, and Brian Helgeland, the original scriptwriter of the canceled Cleopatra movie, hopes Denis Villeneuve uses his script.
Scriptwriter of Cleopatra Shares How The Film Featuring Angelina Jolie...
Angelina Jolie. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The most talked about role of the Eternals actress is that of Cleopatra, which she was extremely close to portraying. However, the film got canceled. Now, Zendaya is set to portray the Egyptian Queen, and Brian Helgeland, the original scriptwriter of the canceled Cleopatra movie, hopes Denis Villeneuve uses his script.
Scriptwriter of Cleopatra Shares How The Film Featuring Angelina Jolie...
- 4/26/2024
- by Tushar Auddy
- FandomWire
Renowned for her acting prowess, Angelina Jolie almost portrayed the historical figure Cleopatra in a film, which was ultimately canceled. Following the disastrous reception of Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s 1963 film, numerous filmmakers have expressed interest in bringing their vision of the Egyptian queen to the screen.
Angelina Jolie | Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Jolie was attached to one such project, with directors like David Fincher and Ang Lee also being involved before its cancellation. Brian Helgeland, the original screenwriter of the film, has recently provided insight into the canceled film, describing it as a love affair epic infused with elements like political thriller, assassinations, and romance.
Inside Angelina Jolie’s Canceled Epic of Cleopatra
Screenwriter and producer Brian Helgeland recently reflected on the canceled Cleopatra film, which was set to star Angelina Jolie. He shared that he was the “very first writer” to work on the film’s script, which aimed to...
Angelina Jolie | Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Jolie was attached to one such project, with directors like David Fincher and Ang Lee also being involved before its cancellation. Brian Helgeland, the original screenwriter of the film, has recently provided insight into the canceled film, describing it as a love affair epic infused with elements like political thriller, assassinations, and romance.
Inside Angelina Jolie’s Canceled Epic of Cleopatra
Screenwriter and producer Brian Helgeland recently reflected on the canceled Cleopatra film, which was set to star Angelina Jolie. He shared that he was the “very first writer” to work on the film’s script, which aimed to...
- 4/25/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Brian Helgeland has been discussing his script for Sony’s aborted take on Cleopatra which was set to star Angelina Jolie…
Cleopatra is one of those iconic figures that Hollywood seems perpetually interested in bringing to the screen again, even if the vast majority of these projects never seem to get anywhere.
One of the other nearly-ran Cleopatra projects was set to feature Angelina Jolie back in 2011. Writer and director Brian Helgeland has been chatting about his time on the project as the first writer to get a crack at the script. According to the director of Payback and A Knight’s Tale, it would have included some surprising events, apparently rooted in history:
“I was the very first writer on Cleopatra when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said in an interview with Inverse.
“It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex,...
Cleopatra is one of those iconic figures that Hollywood seems perpetually interested in bringing to the screen again, even if the vast majority of these projects never seem to get anywhere.
One of the other nearly-ran Cleopatra projects was set to feature Angelina Jolie back in 2011. Writer and director Brian Helgeland has been chatting about his time on the project as the first writer to get a crack at the script. According to the director of Payback and A Knight’s Tale, it would have included some surprising events, apparently rooted in history:
“I was the very first writer on Cleopatra when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said in an interview with Inverse.
“It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Hollywood has been trying to get another Cleopatra movie off the ground for quite some time, and one of those iterations was set to star Angelina Jolie as the iconic Egyptian Queen.
Brian Helgeland was the first writer to take a stab at Angelina Jolie’s Cleopatra movie, and he shared a few details while talking with Inverse. “I was the very first writer on Cleopatra when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said. “I don’t have anything to do with the current version unless they call me and want to use my draft.“
Helgeland continued, saying the movie “had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex,” but at its heart, it was an epic split between Cleopatra’s love affairs with Caesar and Mark Antony. “Lots of true events surprised me when I was writing it. For example,...
Brian Helgeland was the first writer to take a stab at Angelina Jolie’s Cleopatra movie, and he shared a few details while talking with Inverse. “I was the very first writer on Cleopatra when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said. “I don’t have anything to do with the current version unless they call me and want to use my draft.“
Helgeland continued, saying the movie “had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex,” but at its heart, it was an epic split between Cleopatra’s love affairs with Caesar and Mark Antony. “Lots of true events surprised me when I was writing it. For example,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Angelina Jolie’s scrapped “Cleopatra” movie was part romance epic and part “political thriller with assassinations and sex,” according to the movie’s original screenwriter Brian Helgeland. The Oscar-winning actor was set to play the Egyptian queen in a tentpole for Sony Pictures that once courted director David Fincher to helm. It never got off the ground.
“I was the very first writer on ‘Cleopatra’ when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said in an interview with Inverse. “It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex, but it’s an epic that’s divided between her love affairs with Caesar and Marc Antony. Lots of true events surprised me when I was writing it.”
“For example, the day Caesar was assassinated — the Ides of March and all that stuff — she was in Rome,” he continued. “They were leaving for Egypt,...
“I was the very first writer on ‘Cleopatra’ when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said in an interview with Inverse. “It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex, but it’s an epic that’s divided between her love affairs with Caesar and Marc Antony. Lots of true events surprised me when I was writing it.”
“For example, the day Caesar was assassinated — the Ides of March and all that stuff — she was in Rome,” he continued. “They were leaving for Egypt,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
“Dune” filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has a lot of options for what he could make next, and one of them could be his long-gestating “Cleopatra” movie based on the Stacy Schiff novel “Cleopatra: A Life” for Sony Pictures.
Before that, however, some may remember the era when filmmaker David Fincher had a version of the movie set up at Paramount, circa 2012, that would have starred Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie (long before the competing Gal Gadot incarnation with Patty Jenkins and Kari Skogland).
Continue reading Brian Helgeland Shares Details On David Fincher’s Unmade ‘Cleopatra’ Film Almost Starring Angelina Jolie at The Playlist.
Before that, however, some may remember the era when filmmaker David Fincher had a version of the movie set up at Paramount, circa 2012, that would have starred Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie (long before the competing Gal Gadot incarnation with Patty Jenkins and Kari Skogland).
Continue reading Brian Helgeland Shares Details On David Fincher’s Unmade ‘Cleopatra’ Film Almost Starring Angelina Jolie at The Playlist.
- 4/24/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Long live Queen Cleopatra, even if her film adaptations have been plagued for more than half a century.
After Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s 1963 “Cleopatra” starring Elizabeth Taylor made history as one of the biggest box office disasters ever, a long-gestating adaptation was set with Angelina Jolie attached to star (and directors like David Fincher and Ang Lee being attached at different times). “A Knight’s Tale” and “Man on Fire” writer Brian Helgeland wrote the script, and while the film was “almost made,” it eventually fell by the wayside.
Now, Helgeland is recalling the details of the scrapped project in a new interview with Inverse. “I was the very first writer on ‘Cleopatra’ when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said. “It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex, but it’s an epic that’s divided between her...
After Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s 1963 “Cleopatra” starring Elizabeth Taylor made history as one of the biggest box office disasters ever, a long-gestating adaptation was set with Angelina Jolie attached to star (and directors like David Fincher and Ang Lee being attached at different times). “A Knight’s Tale” and “Man on Fire” writer Brian Helgeland wrote the script, and while the film was “almost made,” it eventually fell by the wayside.
Now, Helgeland is recalling the details of the scrapped project in a new interview with Inverse. “I was the very first writer on ‘Cleopatra’ when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said. “It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex, but it’s an epic that’s divided between her...
- 4/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Buddy Adler was just two years into his brief reign as the Head of Production for 20th Century Fox in 1958 when producer Walter Wanger brought him an epic project that could potentially pull the then-struggling studio out of its box office slump. The film wound up soaring so far over budget that Fox would be forced to sell 180 acres of its Los Angeles backlot to Alcoa just to stay financially afloat.
Had Adler made "Cleopatra" on his own terms, the title role would've been a sensibly priced production toplined by one of the studio's affordable contract stars (e.g. Joan Collins or Joanne Woodward). Wanger, however, had outsized dreams. He saw the historical drama as a Hollywood epic for the ages. He believed in its potential to dominate the box office and win scores of Academy Awards. He wanted Elizabeth Taylor, arguably the most popular movie star on the planet,...
Had Adler made "Cleopatra" on his own terms, the title role would've been a sensibly priced production toplined by one of the studio's affordable contract stars (e.g. Joan Collins or Joanne Woodward). Wanger, however, had outsized dreams. He saw the historical drama as a Hollywood epic for the ages. He believed in its potential to dominate the box office and win scores of Academy Awards. He wanted Elizabeth Taylor, arguably the most popular movie star on the planet,...
- 4/14/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
James Bond isn’t just another name. It’s an entire legacy on its own. Stemmed from Ian Fleming’s novels, the British secret agent quickly became a household name, and eventually, a huge part of the film industry. Seven actors have had their turn of bringing the character to life but it all started with Sean Connery all the way back in 1962.
Sean Connery as James Bond in Dr. No (1962)
While Sean Connery’s portrayal of the character still remains an iconic one, Ian Fleming was initially not his biggest fan. In fact, when Sean Connery was finally cast as James Bond, the author was quick to comment that the actor was not the “elegant man” he had quite hoped for. To top it all off, Ian Fleming was actually interested in another actor altogether!
Ian Fleming Had His Doubts about Sean Connery
Never Say Never Again (1983)
Starting with Dr. No,...
Sean Connery as James Bond in Dr. No (1962)
While Sean Connery’s portrayal of the character still remains an iconic one, Ian Fleming was initially not his biggest fan. In fact, when Sean Connery was finally cast as James Bond, the author was quick to comment that the actor was not the “elegant man” he had quite hoped for. To top it all off, Ian Fleming was actually interested in another actor altogether!
Ian Fleming Had His Doubts about Sean Connery
Never Say Never Again (1983)
Starting with Dr. No,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
Legendary Entertainment has picked up feature rights to the latest nonfiction title from author Annie Jacobsen as a potential project for filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.
The company has optioned Nuclear War: A Scenario, which hit shelves last month and examines the nuclear military establishment. Villeneuve is in talks with Legendary to be involved in the project, which could include serving as producer, writer or director, or some combination of those roles. His longtime producing partner Tanya Lapointe would be involved as well.
Villeneuve and Legendary are currently developing a third movie in his Dune series that is based on the writings of sci-fi author Frank Herbert. Dune: Part Two, which hit theaters in March from Warner Bros., is currently the year’s highest-grossing film domestically, having surpassed $250 million.
Jacobsen was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for her 2015 book, The Pentagon’s Brain: An Uncensored History of Darpa, America’s Top-Secret Military Research Agency.
The company has optioned Nuclear War: A Scenario, which hit shelves last month and examines the nuclear military establishment. Villeneuve is in talks with Legendary to be involved in the project, which could include serving as producer, writer or director, or some combination of those roles. His longtime producing partner Tanya Lapointe would be involved as well.
Villeneuve and Legendary are currently developing a third movie in his Dune series that is based on the writings of sci-fi author Frank Herbert. Dune: Part Two, which hit theaters in March from Warner Bros., is currently the year’s highest-grossing film domestically, having surpassed $250 million.
Jacobsen was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for her 2015 book, The Pentagon’s Brain: An Uncensored History of Darpa, America’s Top-Secret Military Research Agency.
- 4/4/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With “Dune: Part Two” now in the rearview mirror, what’s next for Denis Villeneuve? First, a well-deserved rest, but the director said last month that he has “four projects on the table,” including “Dune Messiah,” “Cleopatra,” and another secret project. But what about the fourth?
Read More: ‘Dune: Messiah’: Denis Villeneuve Says He’ll Make Sequel Only If “It’s Going To Be Better Than ‘Part Two'”
Well, it could be “Nuclear War: A Scenario.” Deadline reports that Legendary Entertainment optioned Annie Jacobsen‘s nonfiction bestseller and eyes Villeneuve to direct.
Continue reading ‘Nuclear War: A Scenario’: Legendary Options Annie Jacobsen’s Nonfiction Bestseller, Eyes Denis Villeneuve To Direct at The Playlist.
Read More: ‘Dune: Messiah’: Denis Villeneuve Says He’ll Make Sequel Only If “It’s Going To Be Better Than ‘Part Two'”
Well, it could be “Nuclear War: A Scenario.” Deadline reports that Legendary Entertainment optioned Annie Jacobsen‘s nonfiction bestseller and eyes Villeneuve to direct.
Continue reading ‘Nuclear War: A Scenario’: Legendary Options Annie Jacobsen’s Nonfiction Bestseller, Eyes Denis Villeneuve To Direct at The Playlist.
- 4/4/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Elizabeth Taylor was once a Hollywood icon and movie actress noted for her unique beauty and portrayal of strong-willed characters. She started her career as a child star in the early 1940s before making her way into stardom the following decade.
Elizabeth Taylor in A Date with Judy
Apart from her acting prowess, Taylor had many shocking revelations in life that fed the tabloids. She had seven husbands, was a Judaism convert, and even contracted a serious illness.
Suggested“A pretty hard act to follow”: Elizabeth Taylor Laughed Off 1974 Oscars Controversy After Gay Rights Activist Streaked N-ked Across Stage
Elizabeth Taylor’s Dramatic Hollywood Transformation
One of the many things people noticed about Elizabeth Taylor was her appearance and personality. She was different from the rest of her co-child stars, and in her 1987 interview with Rolling Stone, the British-American star shared:
“When I was a child in England they...
Elizabeth Taylor in A Date with Judy
Apart from her acting prowess, Taylor had many shocking revelations in life that fed the tabloids. She had seven husbands, was a Judaism convert, and even contracted a serious illness.
Suggested“A pretty hard act to follow”: Elizabeth Taylor Laughed Off 1974 Oscars Controversy After Gay Rights Activist Streaked N-ked Across Stage
Elizabeth Taylor’s Dramatic Hollywood Transformation
One of the many things people noticed about Elizabeth Taylor was her appearance and personality. She was different from the rest of her co-child stars, and in her 1987 interview with Rolling Stone, the British-American star shared:
“When I was a child in England they...
- 3/4/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Denis Villenueve’s follow-up to the 2021 sci-fi epic Dune has arrived in theaters and everyone is going crazy about the film since its release. The film has been lauded by both critics and audiences for not falling into the ‘sequel trap’ as it successfully extended upon the lore established by the first film while also fleshing out core characters in exciting ways.
A still from Dune: Part Two
The film’s ending left Paul Atreides in an interesting place, a significant evolution from his arc in the first film. Many fans were expecting a post-credits scene of some sort as the MCU has made that trend popular. However, director Villeneuve wanted part 2 to stand on its own and not rely on the tease of what’s to come.
Denis Villeneuve Wanted Dune: Part Two To Be a Wholesome Experience Denis Villeneuve did not include a post-credits scene for Dune: Part...
A still from Dune: Part Two
The film’s ending left Paul Atreides in an interesting place, a significant evolution from his arc in the first film. Many fans were expecting a post-credits scene of some sort as the MCU has made that trend popular. However, director Villeneuve wanted part 2 to stand on its own and not rely on the tease of what’s to come.
Denis Villeneuve Wanted Dune: Part Two To Be a Wholesome Experience Denis Villeneuve did not include a post-credits scene for Dune: Part...
- 3/2/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Many questions abound with “Dune: Part Two” now in theaters. Will it be the theatrical smash hit Warner Bros. expects it to be? Will it be so successful that Denis Villeneuve and his “Dune” cast have no choice but to expedite development on “Dune Messiah” and shoot it as soon as possible? And if not, where does Villeneuve go from here creatively? Maybe he pivots to his long-developing “Cleopatra” project, or instead to new project entirely?
Continue reading Denis Villeneuve Has “Four Projects On The Table,” But Won’t Work In “Someone Else’s Universe” Again Like ‘Blade Runner 2049’ at The Playlist.
Continue reading Denis Villeneuve Has “Four Projects On The Table,” But Won’t Work In “Someone Else’s Universe” Again Like ‘Blade Runner 2049’ at The Playlist.
- 3/1/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Elizabeth Taylor’s son will be interviewed on TV for the first time about his mother in the upcoming Kim Kardashian-produced doc about one of Hollywood’s ultimate leading ladies.
Kari Lia, one of the EPs behind Passion Pictures’ Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar [working title] for the BBC, revealed to Deadline that Chris Wilding, Taylor’s son with her second husband Michael Wilding, will speak after many decades.
Former film editor Wilding will feature in the upcoming doc series alongside Todd Fisher, Carrie Fisher’s brother, and Aileen Getty, Taylor’s daughter-in-law who campaigned alongside her to help those with HIV/Aids. The new interviewees will contribute alongside the likes of Kardashian, Joan Collins and Margaret O’Brien, all of whom knew Taylor personally.
Lia said Wilding had been “shy” in the past to discuss his mother’s legacy but, as what would have been her 92nd birthday approaches, he felt...
Kari Lia, one of the EPs behind Passion Pictures’ Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar [working title] for the BBC, revealed to Deadline that Chris Wilding, Taylor’s son with her second husband Michael Wilding, will speak after many decades.
Former film editor Wilding will feature in the upcoming doc series alongside Todd Fisher, Carrie Fisher’s brother, and Aileen Getty, Taylor’s daughter-in-law who campaigned alongside her to help those with HIV/Aids. The new interviewees will contribute alongside the likes of Kardashian, Joan Collins and Margaret O’Brien, all of whom knew Taylor personally.
Lia said Wilding had been “shy” in the past to discuss his mother’s legacy but, as what would have been her 92nd birthday approaches, he felt...
- 2/27/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has insisted that after the second flick ‘Dune: Part Two’, which followed the 2021 epic war film, adapted from Frank Herbert’s original classic novel, ‘Dune Messiah’ will be his last outing if it’s green-lit, despite there being four more books.
He said: “Dune Messiah should be the last Dune movie for me”. Villeneuve will then turn his attention to adaptations of Stacy Schiff’s ‘Cleopatra’ and Arthur C. Clarke’s ‘Rendezvous With Rama’, reports Female First UK.
The director made the revelation to Time magazine. Actress Zendaya recently said she would “of course” return for ‘Dune 3’.
The 27-year-old actress is open to reprising her role of Chani in a potential ‘Dune Messiah’ film and insisted that she will work with the director again anytime he asks.
She told Fandango: “Would we be down? I mean of course. Anytime Denis calls it’s a yes from me,...
He said: “Dune Messiah should be the last Dune movie for me”. Villeneuve will then turn his attention to adaptations of Stacy Schiff’s ‘Cleopatra’ and Arthur C. Clarke’s ‘Rendezvous With Rama’, reports Female First UK.
The director made the revelation to Time magazine. Actress Zendaya recently said she would “of course” return for ‘Dune 3’.
The 27-year-old actress is open to reprising her role of Chani in a potential ‘Dune Messiah’ film and insisted that she will work with the director again anytime he asks.
She told Fandango: “Would we be down? I mean of course. Anytime Denis calls it’s a yes from me,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
After Dune: Part Two, Denis Villeneuve will potentially make Dune Messiah, but won’t continue making further entries, the director has said.
After a lengthy delay, director Denis Villeneuve’s much-anticipated Dune: Part Two is only a month away. And as the sci-fi follow-up to 2021’s Dune readies for release, Villeneuve has talked about his interest in making a third film – an adaptation of novelist Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah – and how he’s happy to end his involvement in the saga there.
Herbert’s operatic space fantasy continued for five further novels after the seminal Dune, published in 1965, while his son Brian and other authors continued the narrative in a string of other books after he author’s passing in 1986. But while there’s a veritable sea of books and stories to draw from in future movies, Villeneuve seemed content to move onto other projects after the completion of Dune Messiah.
After a lengthy delay, director Denis Villeneuve’s much-anticipated Dune: Part Two is only a month away. And as the sci-fi follow-up to 2021’s Dune readies for release, Villeneuve has talked about his interest in making a third film – an adaptation of novelist Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah – and how he’s happy to end his involvement in the saga there.
Herbert’s operatic space fantasy continued for five further novels after the seminal Dune, published in 1965, while his son Brian and other authors continued the narrative in a string of other books after he author’s passing in 1986. But while there’s a veritable sea of books and stories to draw from in future movies, Villeneuve seemed content to move onto other projects after the completion of Dune Messiah.
- 2/1/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Denis Villeneuve insists the third 'Dune' film will be his last in the franchise.The filmmaker insists that after the second flick 'Dune: Part Two', which followed the 2021 epic war film, adapted from Frank Herbert’s original classic novel, 'Dune Messiah' will be his last outing if it's green-lit, despite there being four more books.He told Time magazine: “Dune Messiah should be the last Dune movie for me.”Villeneuve will then turn his attention to adaptations of Stacy Schiff’s 'Cleopatra' and Arthur C. Clarke’s 'Rendezvous With Rama'.Zendaya recently said she would "of course" return for 'Dune 3'.The 27-year-old actress is open to reprising her role of Chani in a potential 'Dune Messiah' film and insisted that she will work with the director again anytime he asks.She told Fandango: "Would we be down? I mean of course. Anytime Denis...
- 2/1/2024
- by Lizzie Baker
- Bang Showbiz
Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuve hints at Dune 3 (Photo Credit – wikimedia/IMDb)
We are just a few weeks away from the release of Dune: Part Two. It’s a Denis Villeneuve directorial that stars Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Florence Pugh, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Lea Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Austin Butler, and Stellan Skarsgard. Based on author Frank Herbert’s Dune book series, Denis has turned his first book into two movies, the first one released in 2021.
The trailer and promos of Dune: Part Two have stirred enough curiosity among the audience to see what Timothee’s character, Paul Atreides, will do to avenge what happened to his family. We all know the second film will end on a cliffhanger, naturally making way for the third Dune film. Dune 3 will be based on Herbert’s sequel to his first book, Dune Messiah. In an interview, Denis hinted that the threequel is indeed happening,...
We are just a few weeks away from the release of Dune: Part Two. It’s a Denis Villeneuve directorial that stars Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Florence Pugh, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Lea Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Austin Butler, and Stellan Skarsgard. Based on author Frank Herbert’s Dune book series, Denis has turned his first book into two movies, the first one released in 2021.
The trailer and promos of Dune: Part Two have stirred enough curiosity among the audience to see what Timothee’s character, Paul Atreides, will do to avenge what happened to his family. We all know the second film will end on a cliffhanger, naturally making way for the third Dune film. Dune 3 will be based on Herbert’s sequel to his first book, Dune Messiah. In an interview, Denis hinted that the threequel is indeed happening,...
- 2/1/2024
- by Pooja Darade
- KoiMoi
Singer Melanie, who performed at Woodstock in 1969 and had hits in the 1970s with “Brand New Key” and “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” died Tuesday. She was 76.
Her children — Leilah, Jeordie and Beau Jarred — shared the news in a Facebook post on Wednesday. The cause of death is unknown, though her reps mentioned an “illness” in their own statement.
“This is the hardest post for us to write, and there are so many things we want to say, first, and there’s no easy way except to say it… Mom passed, peacefully, out of this world and into the next on January, 23rd, 2024,” her children wrote.
They asked fans to light a candle at 10 p.m. Central time on Wednesday to remember their mom.
“She was one of the most talented, strong and passionate women of the era and every word she wrote, every note she sang reflected that,...
Her children — Leilah, Jeordie and Beau Jarred — shared the news in a Facebook post on Wednesday. The cause of death is unknown, though her reps mentioned an “illness” in their own statement.
“This is the hardest post for us to write, and there are so many things we want to say, first, and there’s no easy way except to say it… Mom passed, peacefully, out of this world and into the next on January, 23rd, 2024,” her children wrote.
They asked fans to light a candle at 10 p.m. Central time on Wednesday to remember their mom.
“She was one of the most talented, strong and passionate women of the era and every word she wrote, every note she sang reflected that,...
- 1/24/2024
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"Clone High", the animated science fiction sitcom created by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Bill Lawrence, set at a high school populated by government-cloned historical figures, including teenage versions of 'Abe Lincoln', 'Joan of Arc', 'Gandhi', 'Cleopatra' and 'JFK', streams Season 2 February 1, 2024 on Max:
"....'Clone High' is set in a high school in 'Exclamation' USA, secretly being run as an elaborate military experiment orchestrated by the government office 'Secret Board of Shadowy Figures'.
"The school is entirely populated by the clones of famous historical figures that were created in the 1980's and raised with the intent of having their various strengths and abilities harnessed by the military..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"....'Clone High' is set in a high school in 'Exclamation' USA, secretly being run as an elaborate military experiment orchestrated by the government office 'Secret Board of Shadowy Figures'.
"The school is entirely populated by the clones of famous historical figures that were created in the 1980's and raised with the intent of having their various strengths and abilities harnessed by the military..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 1/19/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Nicola Maccanico, a former Warner Bros. and Sky Italia senior exec, has been spearheading the radical overhaul of Rome’s Cinecittà Studios since April 2021, when the government-owned facilities embarked on a mission to secure a multi-million dollar loan provided by the European Union’s post-pandemic recovery fund.
Three years later, the studios are equipped with 20 state-of-the-art soundstages, including one of Europe’s largest LED walls, and have become a magnet for Hollywood productions such as Roland Emmerich’s gladiator series “Those About to Die.” As the production hiatus brought on by the Hollywood strikes eases up, more U.S. shoots are soon to come, he vows.
Below, Maccanico discusses with Variety what he’s accomplished in terms of reviving the studios and what remains to be done.
The first phase of the Cinecittà revamp plan seems to be complete. How tough has it been?
I was called to head Cinecittà...
Three years later, the studios are equipped with 20 state-of-the-art soundstages, including one of Europe’s largest LED walls, and have become a magnet for Hollywood productions such as Roland Emmerich’s gladiator series “Those About to Die.” As the production hiatus brought on by the Hollywood strikes eases up, more U.S. shoots are soon to come, he vows.
Below, Maccanico discusses with Variety what he’s accomplished in terms of reviving the studios and what remains to be done.
The first phase of the Cinecittà revamp plan seems to be complete. How tough has it been?
I was called to head Cinecittà...
- 1/17/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
This year’s awards-contending films offer a treasure trove of crafts that includes transformations, exquisite sets, lavish costumes, memorable scores and songs and immersive cinematography. The contenders range from newcomers to legends — Variety breaks down the categories below.
Makeup And Hair
Prosthetic makeup designer Kazu Hiro could very well walk away with his third Oscar for his work on Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro.” Transforming Cooper into the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein consisted of five different stages to gradually age the actor. And the guild as well as the Academy love a transformation.
Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” could be a contender in this area, following in the footsteps of the first two films that landed guild nominations. The sheer volume of prosthetics and wigs went into building the characters such as the humanimals, the hybrid of humanoid and animal, and the villain, the High Evolutionary, played by Chukwudi Iwuji.
Makeup And Hair
Prosthetic makeup designer Kazu Hiro could very well walk away with his third Oscar for his work on Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro.” Transforming Cooper into the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein consisted of five different stages to gradually age the actor. And the guild as well as the Academy love a transformation.
Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” could be a contender in this area, following in the footsteps of the first two films that landed guild nominations. The sheer volume of prosthetics and wigs went into building the characters such as the humanimals, the hybrid of humanoid and animal, and the villain, the High Evolutionary, played by Chukwudi Iwuji.
- 11/10/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
It was announced six years ago that Denis Villeneuve would direct a Cleopatra movie for Sony Pictures. It’s been some time since we last heard about the project, but scooper Daniel Richtman believes that Villeneuve will finally start shooting the movie next year.
Not only that, but the report seems to indicate that Denis Villeneuve will be reuniting with his Dune stars as Zendaya is attached to star as Cleopatra. It adds that Timothée Chalamet has been offered the role of Octavius and Daniel Craig is being eyed for Caesar. Very interesting, but take it with a grain of salt for now until something more official has been announced.
Related Dune: The Sisterhood Max series is now going by the title Dune: Prophecy
The film is set to be written by David Scarpa (All The Money in the World) based on the best-selling biography by Stacy Schiff. Scarpa has...
Not only that, but the report seems to indicate that Denis Villeneuve will be reuniting with his Dune stars as Zendaya is attached to star as Cleopatra. It adds that Timothée Chalamet has been offered the role of Octavius and Daniel Craig is being eyed for Caesar. Very interesting, but take it with a grain of salt for now until something more official has been announced.
Related Dune: The Sisterhood Max series is now going by the title Dune: Prophecy
The film is set to be written by David Scarpa (All The Money in the World) based on the best-selling biography by Stacy Schiff. Scarpa has...
- 11/9/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Films come in various lengths, and some filmmakers have created exceptionally long movies that push the boundaries of time. While this might seem daunting to some, it offers the opportunity to become fully engrossed in the storytelling and be transported to epic battles, as seen in such pics as War and Peace or Gettysburg, or to faraway lands, such as ancient Egypt in Cleopatra.
Related: 30 Feature Films With Shortest Production Schedules, From ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ And ‘The Blair Witch Project’ to ‘Whiplash’
Martin Scorsese’s latest western epic, Killers of the Flower Moon, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro, has entered the list of the top 20 longest films in box office history with a runtime of 3 hours and 26 minutes. Scorsese’s previous film, 2019’s The Irishman, surpasses this with a runtime of 3 hours and 29 minutes.
Some experimental films have pushed the boundaries of time to extremes.
Related: 30 Feature Films With Shortest Production Schedules, From ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ And ‘The Blair Witch Project’ to ‘Whiplash’
Martin Scorsese’s latest western epic, Killers of the Flower Moon, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro, has entered the list of the top 20 longest films in box office history with a runtime of 3 hours and 26 minutes. Scorsese’s previous film, 2019’s The Irishman, surpasses this with a runtime of 3 hours and 29 minutes.
Some experimental films have pushed the boundaries of time to extremes.
- 11/6/2023
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
Fellini, Visconti, Loren, Heston, Hepburn, Peck, Taylor, Burton … a dream dinner party of talent graced the grounds of Rome’s renowned Cinecittà film studios during the so-called “Hollywood on the Tiber” period — named after the river that runs through the Italian capital.
From the epic Quo Vadis in 1951 right through to Peter Sellers’ Pink Panther in 1963, the city was burning with big film-production energy. Hollywood studios clamored to record runaway English-language projects there, lapping up the local subsidies, lower costs and unfrozen international funds; peaking with Cleopatra in 1963 — at that time the most expensive title ever made. And now, thanks to both enduring appeal and a similar dynamic that created the post-war boom time, the U.S. film world is starting to take very frequent Roman holidays once again.
“Italy, in recent years, is experiencing a new renaissance in the movie industry,” says Alessandra Rainaldi, trade commissioner of the Italian...
From the epic Quo Vadis in 1951 right through to Peter Sellers’ Pink Panther in 1963, the city was burning with big film-production energy. Hollywood studios clamored to record runaway English-language projects there, lapping up the local subsidies, lower costs and unfrozen international funds; peaking with Cleopatra in 1963 — at that time the most expensive title ever made. And now, thanks to both enduring appeal and a similar dynamic that created the post-war boom time, the U.S. film world is starting to take very frequent Roman holidays once again.
“Italy, in recent years, is experiencing a new renaissance in the movie industry,” says Alessandra Rainaldi, trade commissioner of the Italian...
- 11/1/2023
- by Becky Lucas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Austin, Texas has become one of the biggest live music capitals of the world, with more than 250 clubs, theaters, and arenas—and some of the biggest music festivals in the United States. The Austin City Limits Music Festival in particular serves up a wide array of performances from some of today’s hottest artists across two back-to-back weekends. From 30 Seconds to Mars’s out-of-this-world set to Noah Kahan’s Stick Season birthday celebration, we’ve compiled our favorite moments from weekend two of Acl 2023.
30 Seconds to Mars
Jared Leto’s 30 Seconds to Mars delivered a performance that stole the show on Saturday. The actor-singer’s grand entrance, which saw him leaping from the very top of the stage, set the standard for the weekend. Leto even invited photographers on stage to capture the sea of fans before stepping into the crowd himself, standing on the barricade as the audience lifted him into the air.
30 Seconds to Mars
Jared Leto’s 30 Seconds to Mars delivered a performance that stole the show on Saturday. The actor-singer’s grand entrance, which saw him leaping from the very top of the stage, set the standard for the weekend. Leto even invited photographers on stage to capture the sea of fans before stepping into the crowd himself, standing on the barricade as the audience lifted him into the air.
- 10/16/2023
- by Dan Garcia
- Slant Magazine
Matteo Garrone’s Io Capitano (Me Captain in English), which was recently chosen as Italy’s entry for this season’s best international feature Oscar competition, will be celebrated with the Humanitarian Award at the 28th Capri, Hollywood International Film Festival later this year, the fest announced Sunday. The award will be accepted in-person by Garrone and the film’s stars, Seydou Sarr and Moustapha Fall.
The film — which premiered in September at the Venice International Film Festival, where it was awarded the Silver Lion for the direction by Garrone (2008’s Gomorrah) and the Marcello Mastroianni Award for the performance by Sarr — tells the story of a Senegalese teenager’s desperate quest to get from Dakar to Europe.
“Io Capitano is well deserving of the Capri Humanitarian Award, as it is an important work of art encouraging inclusion and solidarity among human beings and shows the utmost respect for individuality and cultural diversity,...
The film — which premiered in September at the Venice International Film Festival, where it was awarded the Silver Lion for the direction by Garrone (2008’s Gomorrah) and the Marcello Mastroianni Award for the performance by Sarr — tells the story of a Senegalese teenager’s desperate quest to get from Dakar to Europe.
“Io Capitano is well deserving of the Capri Humanitarian Award, as it is an important work of art encouraging inclusion and solidarity among human beings and shows the utmost respect for individuality and cultural diversity,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Greta Van Fleet is so deeply indebted to classic rock that it’s no surprise they draw inspiration from Elvis Presley. Greta Van Fleet’s Josh Kiszka revealed how Elvis inspired him as a performer. His looks owe a debt to the “All Shook Up” singer as well.
Greta Van Fleet’s Josh Kiszka discussed Elvis Presley, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin
During a 2021 interview with Forbes, Greta Van Fleet’s Josh Kiszka was asked if footage of other musicians ever inspired his live performances. “I always have to go back to the way James Brown or Elvis Presley would have held themselves,” he replied. “Even Aretha Franklin. There’s such a presence to them. And Elvis could just sort of stand there and just be very casual and very cool. And James Brown was so acrobatic. And such a showman.
“And Aretha, that’s another thing, she had almost...
Greta Van Fleet’s Josh Kiszka discussed Elvis Presley, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin
During a 2021 interview with Forbes, Greta Van Fleet’s Josh Kiszka was asked if footage of other musicians ever inspired his live performances. “I always have to go back to the way James Brown or Elvis Presley would have held themselves,” he replied. “Even Aretha Franklin. There’s such a presence to them. And Elvis could just sort of stand there and just be very casual and very cool. And James Brown was so acrobatic. And such a showman.
“And Aretha, that’s another thing, she had almost...
- 9/22/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Horace Ové, director of “Pressure” (1976), the first full-length Black British film, died on Sept. 16. He was 86.
Ové’s son Zak posted on Facebook: “Our loving father Horace, took his last breath at 4.30 this morning, while sleeping peacefully. I hope his spirit is free now after many years of suffering with Alzheimer’s. You are forever missed, and forever loved. Rest in Peace Pops, and thank you for everything.”
Born in Trinidad in 1936, Ové’s moved to London in 1960 to study interior design. A stint in Rome, during which he worked as a film extra including on Joseph Mankiewicz’s “Cleopatra” (1963), he was exposed to the work of Federico Fellini and Vittorio De Sica, who would become infuences. He returned to Britain in 1965 and covered social and political events in the country while being a student at the London Film School. During the 1960s and 1970s he was one of the...
Ové’s son Zak posted on Facebook: “Our loving father Horace, took his last breath at 4.30 this morning, while sleeping peacefully. I hope his spirit is free now after many years of suffering with Alzheimer’s. You are forever missed, and forever loved. Rest in Peace Pops, and thank you for everything.”
Born in Trinidad in 1936, Ové’s moved to London in 1960 to study interior design. A stint in Rome, during which he worked as a film extra including on Joseph Mankiewicz’s “Cleopatra” (1963), he was exposed to the work of Federico Fellini and Vittorio De Sica, who would become infuences. He returned to Britain in 1965 and covered social and political events in the country while being a student at the London Film School. During the 1960s and 1970s he was one of the...
- 9/17/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Many native critics have bemoaned the invasion of English-speaking actors turning their hand to the Italian tongue at this year’s Venice Film Festival, easy to spot not, this time, by their proclivity for adding both onion and garlic to a sugo or cream to a carbonara. In this case, it’s Joe Keery, Willem Dafoe, and Lily James in the baffling competition title “Finalmente l’alba,” (“Finally Dawn”), which mixes Italian and American actors in Rome’s booming “Hollywood on the Tiber” era, during which the Cinecittà Studios was a breeding ground for large-scale productions of the 1950s and ’60s such as “Ben Hur” and “Cleopatra.”
Beginning as a “Babylon”-esque tale about the unmitigated heft and mania of epic filmmaking in Rome before becoming a quasi-murder mystery, and then, ultimately, a loss-of-innocence bildungsroman for one of cinema’s least memorable protagonists, Saverio Costanzo’s driverless feature seems to constantly...
Beginning as a “Babylon”-esque tale about the unmitigated heft and mania of epic filmmaking in Rome before becoming a quasi-murder mystery, and then, ultimately, a loss-of-innocence bildungsroman for one of cinema’s least memorable protagonists, Saverio Costanzo’s driverless feature seems to constantly...
- 9/1/2023
- by Steph Green
- Indiewire
Let's get one thing straight here: snakes are awesome.
Yes, some are venomous and some could crush the life out of you, but these are some of the coolest reptiles on the planet. And if you're in a controlled situation with someone who knows how to handle them, it is a uniquely ecstatic feeling to let these suckers slither all over you. Okay, I don't need to get up close with a cobra or a black mamba, but if they're behind protective glass I could watch them do their rat-eating thing all day. They're marvelous, misunderstood creatures.
Not everyone agrees. I'd venture to say the vast majority of humanity disagrees with me. Fictional archaeologist Indiana Jones absolutely disagrees with me (though Harrison Ford does not). When it comes to storytelling, I get it. If you're throwing your hero into situations where asps are common, there's no better way to get...
Yes, some are venomous and some could crush the life out of you, but these are some of the coolest reptiles on the planet. And if you're in a controlled situation with someone who knows how to handle them, it is a uniquely ecstatic feeling to let these suckers slither all over you. Okay, I don't need to get up close with a cobra or a black mamba, but if they're behind protective glass I could watch them do their rat-eating thing all day. They're marvelous, misunderstood creatures.
Not everyone agrees. I'd venture to say the vast majority of humanity disagrees with me. Fictional archaeologist Indiana Jones absolutely disagrees with me (though Harrison Ford does not). When it comes to storytelling, I get it. If you're throwing your hero into situations where asps are common, there's no better way to get...
- 8/27/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Not so fast, Wonder Woman.
Despite Gal Gadot’s recent claims that she’d be back at DC with “Wonder Woman 3,” Variety has shared that a new entry in the superhero saga is not in the works at the studio under DC co-CEOs Peter Safran and James Gunn. Per the report, there are no plans right now to develop another “Wonder Woman” movie as part of the new order of the DC Universe. Gadot previously starred as Amazon princess Diana in Patty Jenkins’ 2017 blockbuster — which grossed more than $821 million worldwide — and the same director’s more cooly received sequel “Wonder Woman 1984.” That follow-up film, after much release date shuffling amid the pandemic, dropped December 15, 2020 day-and-date in theaters and on HBO Max and failed to recoup its budget. The circumstances were, of course, against it.
ComicBook.com recently shared an August 2 interview with Gadot where she said hopes for a...
Despite Gal Gadot’s recent claims that she’d be back at DC with “Wonder Woman 3,” Variety has shared that a new entry in the superhero saga is not in the works at the studio under DC co-CEOs Peter Safran and James Gunn. Per the report, there are no plans right now to develop another “Wonder Woman” movie as part of the new order of the DC Universe. Gadot previously starred as Amazon princess Diana in Patty Jenkins’ 2017 blockbuster — which grossed more than $821 million worldwide — and the same director’s more cooly received sequel “Wonder Woman 1984.” That follow-up film, after much release date shuffling amid the pandemic, dropped December 15, 2020 day-and-date in theaters and on HBO Max and failed to recoup its budget. The circumstances were, of course, against it.
ComicBook.com recently shared an August 2 interview with Gadot where she said hopes for a...
- 8/10/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Oscars rewind: A look back at Jennifer Lawrence’s road to Best Actress for ‘Silver Linings Playbook’
Recently Gold Derby revisited each of Jennifer Lawrence‘s four Oscar nominations to coincide with the release of her new movie, “No Hard Feelings.” Today we’ll go more in depth on her road to winning Best Actress for “Silver Linings Playbook” back in 2012. That win made her the second youngest Best Actress (at age 22) in Oscar history, only behind Marlee Matlin, who was 21 when she prevailed for “Children of a Lesser God” in 1986.
SEERevisiting ‘Cleopatra’: The epic love story of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
In this film adaptation of Matthew Quick‘s 2008 novel of the same name, Lawrence plays Tiffany, a young widow who meets Pat Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper), a man with bipolar disorder, leading to an unlikely romance. The movie was written and directed by David O. Russell, who was coming off of receiving his first Oscar nom for helming 2010’s “The Fighter,” which won...
SEERevisiting ‘Cleopatra’: The epic love story of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
In this film adaptation of Matthew Quick‘s 2008 novel of the same name, Lawrence plays Tiffany, a young widow who meets Pat Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper), a man with bipolar disorder, leading to an unlikely romance. The movie was written and directed by David O. Russell, who was coming off of receiving his first Oscar nom for helming 2010’s “The Fighter,” which won...
- 6/24/2023
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
A certain distinguished author once began his novel with “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” but he probably wasn’t referring to this weekend’s box office, as much as that saying applies. Read on for the weekend box office report.
This weekend was one of the newer national holidays, celebrating Juneteenth, the official end of slavery in America, which also meant that most government agencies were closed on Monday. Unfortunately, many schools (not all) across the country were already out for the summer, so that wasn’t gonna have as much effect on family films as it normally might.
First up, Ezra Miller starred in Warner Bros’ latest superhero action flick, “The Flash,” as the title character, a long-running (ha ha) DC superhero who was introduced in Zack Snyder‘s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” In fact, not only did Ben Affleck...
This weekend was one of the newer national holidays, celebrating Juneteenth, the official end of slavery in America, which also meant that most government agencies were closed on Monday. Unfortunately, many schools (not all) across the country were already out for the summer, so that wasn’t gonna have as much effect on family films as it normally might.
First up, Ezra Miller starred in Warner Bros’ latest superhero action flick, “The Flash,” as the title character, a long-running (ha ha) DC superhero who was introduced in Zack Snyder‘s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” In fact, not only did Ben Affleck...
- 6/19/2023
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Joseph L. Mankiewicz’ “Cleopatra,” which opened in New York on June 12, 1963 and in Los Angeles a week later, was not a flop. In fact, the 243-minute film was a box office champ making $26 million at the box office, $6 million more than the Cinerama epic “How the West was Won.” But being the most expensive movie of its time — the budget ended up being around $44 million which would be around $429.5 million in 2023 — it took a long time to recoup its staggering costs. The film was such a drain on Twentieth Century Fox, the studio ended up having to sell nearly 300 acres of its backlot. That acreage was transformed into Century City.
The budgets started to soar when the original production with Elizabeth Taylor, who asked for and received $1 million for her services, Peter Finch as Julius Caesar, Stephen Boyd as Marc Antony and veteran filmmaker Rouben Mamoulian as director, stopped production...
The budgets started to soar when the original production with Elizabeth Taylor, who asked for and received $1 million for her services, Peter Finch as Julius Caesar, Stephen Boyd as Marc Antony and veteran filmmaker Rouben Mamoulian as director, stopped production...
- 6/19/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Newen Connect is jumping on the Cleopatra bandwagon by leading its Sunny Side of the Doc slate with a documentary about the last queen of Egypt.
Cleopatra: Cracking the Enigma helms an eight-strong slate being shopped this week at the La Rochelle confab, as Newen attempts to exert dominance in the international doc market.
The four-part show for French network Rmc Découverte, which is produced by Label News, is based on unprecedented excavations and shows never-before-seen footage of attempts to lift the veil on the mysterious life of the iconic Egyptian ruler.
Cracking the Enigma comes fresh off the back of Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra docudrama, which generated headlines due to controversies surrounding the ethnicity of the lead, Adele James.
Speaking to Deadline, Newen Head of Factual Distribution Chloé Persyn said the distributor is not trying to ride the wave of the Netflix show’s controversy but instead take...
Cleopatra: Cracking the Enigma helms an eight-strong slate being shopped this week at the La Rochelle confab, as Newen attempts to exert dominance in the international doc market.
The four-part show for French network Rmc Découverte, which is produced by Label News, is based on unprecedented excavations and shows never-before-seen footage of attempts to lift the veil on the mysterious life of the iconic Egyptian ruler.
Cracking the Enigma comes fresh off the back of Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra docudrama, which generated headlines due to controversies surrounding the ethnicity of the lead, Adele James.
Speaking to Deadline, Newen Head of Factual Distribution Chloé Persyn said the distributor is not trying to ride the wave of the Netflix show’s controversy but instead take...
- 6/19/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
As far as history goes, you can’t get much more historical than Taormina for a film festival. The Antico Teatro (or Greek Theater) – where the latest films will be shown – dates back to 300 BC. More recently – as in a mere century or so – the Sicilian coastal town has proved an irresistible getaway for many, from Oscar Wilde to Greta Garbo. Born in 1955 as the Taormina and Messina Film Festival, the festival has frequently hosted many international stars of cinema, and intermittently distributed the Nastri Azzurri awards voted on by Italian journalists, and at others the David di Donatello, Italy’s equivalent to the Italian Oscars. Here are some key moments from its history.
When Dickie fought with Liz: Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor had used Taormina as a getaway right at the beginning of their romance fresh from the set of “Cleopatra.” In 1967, they returned to Taormina to attend...
When Dickie fought with Liz: Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor had used Taormina as a getaway right at the beginning of their romance fresh from the set of “Cleopatra.” In 1967, they returned to Taormina to attend...
- 6/18/2023
- by John Bleasdale
- Variety Film + TV
Martin Landau is the Oscar-winning thespian who enjoyed one of the greatest late career renaissances in cinema history, hitting his stride in his 60’s and remaining active until his death in 2017. Let’s take a look back at 12 of his greatest films, ranked worst to best.
Born in 1928 in Brooklyn, New York, Landau first came to the attention of movie audiences with a villainous role in Alfred Hitchcock‘s “North by Northwest” (1959). He became a television star playing Rollin Hand on “Mission: Impossible,” for which he received three consecutive Emmy nominations as Best Drama Actor (1967-1968) and a Golden Globe victory in 1968.
After decades of bit roles in B-movies and guest spots on TV (including playing a bad guy on “Columbo”), Landau enjoyed a major career comeback thanks to Francis Ford Coppola‘s “Tucker: The Man and His Dream” (1988), for which he won the Golden Globe and earned his first...
Born in 1928 in Brooklyn, New York, Landau first came to the attention of movie audiences with a villainous role in Alfred Hitchcock‘s “North by Northwest” (1959). He became a television star playing Rollin Hand on “Mission: Impossible,” for which he received three consecutive Emmy nominations as Best Drama Actor (1967-1968) and a Golden Globe victory in 1968.
After decades of bit roles in B-movies and guest spots on TV (including playing a bad guy on “Columbo”), Landau enjoyed a major career comeback thanks to Francis Ford Coppola‘s “Tucker: The Man and His Dream” (1988), for which he won the Golden Globe and earned his first...
- 6/17/2023
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Glenda Jackson, the double Oscar-winning British actress and former Labour MP, has died. She was 87.
In a statement, her agent Lionel Larner said she died at her home in Blackheath, south-east London, following a “brief illness.”
Larner’s statement read: “Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress, and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side.”
Statement continued: “She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine.”
Jackson was perhaps best known for her two Oscar-winning performances in Ken Russell’s 1970’s pic Women in Love, a D. H. Lawrence adaptation, where she starred alongside Alan Bates and Oliver Reed and 1973’s A Touch of Class. Jackson also won a BAFTA Best Actress gong for Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971).
Jackson was born in 1936 in North West England. She studied at London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art...
In a statement, her agent Lionel Larner said she died at her home in Blackheath, south-east London, following a “brief illness.”
Larner’s statement read: “Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress, and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side.”
Statement continued: “She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine.”
Jackson was perhaps best known for her two Oscar-winning performances in Ken Russell’s 1970’s pic Women in Love, a D. H. Lawrence adaptation, where she starred alongside Alan Bates and Oliver Reed and 1973’s A Touch of Class. Jackson also won a BAFTA Best Actress gong for Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971).
Jackson was born in 1936 in North West England. She studied at London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art...
- 6/15/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The director of “Queen Cleopatra” is addressing critics.
Last week, Netflix released the trailer for the new drama-documentary series about the iconic Queen of Egypt and drew intense backlash for casting a Black actress as Cleopatra. The series is executive produced and narrated by Jada Pinkett Smith.
Read More: Gal Gadot Defends ‘Cleopatra’ Casting Against ‘Whitewashing’ Backlash
Writing for Variety, director Tina Gharavi, who is Iranian, directly took on criticisms, recalling, “I remember as a kid seeing Elizabeth Taylor play Cleopatra. I was captivated, but even then, I felt the image was not right. Was her skin really that white?”
It is not known exactly what the real Cleopatra looked like, and heritage has long been a source of debate, often attributed to Macedonian Greeks, but with some claiming Persian and other backgrounds.
“Doing the research, I realized what a political act it would be to see Cleopatra portrayed by a Black actress,...
Last week, Netflix released the trailer for the new drama-documentary series about the iconic Queen of Egypt and drew intense backlash for casting a Black actress as Cleopatra. The series is executive produced and narrated by Jada Pinkett Smith.
Read More: Gal Gadot Defends ‘Cleopatra’ Casting Against ‘Whitewashing’ Backlash
Writing for Variety, director Tina Gharavi, who is Iranian, directly took on criticisms, recalling, “I remember as a kid seeing Elizabeth Taylor play Cleopatra. I was captivated, but even then, I felt the image was not right. Was her skin really that white?”
It is not known exactly what the real Cleopatra looked like, and heritage has long been a source of debate, often attributed to Macedonian Greeks, but with some claiming Persian and other backgrounds.
“Doing the research, I realized what a political act it would be to see Cleopatra portrayed by a Black actress,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
“African Queens: Queen Cleopatra” is coming under fire for casting a Black biracial actress as the titular Greek-Egyptian ruler.
The docuseries, which premieres May 10, has been slammed for allegedly “blackwashing” the heritage of Queen Cleopatra VII. Egyptian scholars claim that Cleopatra, who was born in Egyptian city Alexandria in 69 Bce, was born of European descent and not Black. Scholars have confirmed that Cleopatra was Macedonian-Greek on her father Ptolemy Xii’s side but her mother’s ethnic origin is unknown. Actress Adele James portrays Cleopatra in the series.
Egyptian lawyer Mahmoud al-Semary filed a complaint with the nation’s public prosecutor to request that Netflix be blocked in Egypt due to the promotion of “Afrocentric thinking” including “slogans and writings aimed at distorting and erasing the Egyptian identity.”
Al-Semary alleged that “Queen Cleopatra” violates Egyptian media laws. Egyptologist Zahi Hawass was also quoted by the al-Masry al-Youm newspaper saying that...
The docuseries, which premieres May 10, has been slammed for allegedly “blackwashing” the heritage of Queen Cleopatra VII. Egyptian scholars claim that Cleopatra, who was born in Egyptian city Alexandria in 69 Bce, was born of European descent and not Black. Scholars have confirmed that Cleopatra was Macedonian-Greek on her father Ptolemy Xii’s side but her mother’s ethnic origin is unknown. Actress Adele James portrays Cleopatra in the series.
Egyptian lawyer Mahmoud al-Semary filed a complaint with the nation’s public prosecutor to request that Netflix be blocked in Egypt due to the promotion of “Afrocentric thinking” including “slogans and writings aimed at distorting and erasing the Egyptian identity.”
Al-Semary alleged that “Queen Cleopatra” violates Egyptian media laws. Egyptologist Zahi Hawass was also quoted by the al-Masry al-Youm newspaper saying that...
- 4/20/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
A more valid criterion will be to see how its influence survives today, or say, how at home we would be if we are somehow sent back to one of these civilisations?
On both these standards, ancient Rome, say in the late Republican period (1st century Bce), could well qualify.
In Rome of this period, you would find yourself in a large sprawling city, where plush neighbourhoods with elegant villas are interspersed with more crowded areas full of multi-storey buildings, streets teem with people from all over the known world, there are markets and various services, common people eagerly follow and gossip over the foibles of the rich and famous, are swayed by sops and entertainment spectacles, stay keenly involved in governance which, however, is largely a preserve of professional politicians with issues over public works, food subsidies, corruption et al predominating.
Unlike most other ancient civilisations across Europe, Asia,...
On both these standards, ancient Rome, say in the late Republican period (1st century Bce), could well qualify.
In Rome of this period, you would find yourself in a large sprawling city, where plush neighbourhoods with elegant villas are interspersed with more crowded areas full of multi-storey buildings, streets teem with people from all over the known world, there are markets and various services, common people eagerly follow and gossip over the foibles of the rich and famous, are swayed by sops and entertainment spectacles, stay keenly involved in governance which, however, is largely a preserve of professional politicians with issues over public works, food subsidies, corruption et al predominating.
Unlike most other ancient civilisations across Europe, Asia,...
- 4/9/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Do you like movies about gladiators?
Hollywood is betting you do.
There are a trio of sword-and-sandal epics in the works, including a long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning 2000 movie Gladiator and a reboot of Starz’ groundbreaking TV series Spartacus.
The curious surge of Ancient Rome titles in the pipeline seems to be purely coincidental, but it also makes sense given that studios have been searching for the next genre title that might break out — particularly since the end of HBO’s Game of Thrones — and given the revival of another muscular old-time Hollywood genre, the Western, following the explosive popularity of Yellowstone. Each project has roots in a different take on the material, and two of the projects had major casting news within the past week.
The gladiator genre actually has cinema roots dating all the way back to the 1913 silent film The Last Days of Pompeii. The...
Hollywood is betting you do.
There are a trio of sword-and-sandal epics in the works, including a long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning 2000 movie Gladiator and a reboot of Starz’ groundbreaking TV series Spartacus.
The curious surge of Ancient Rome titles in the pipeline seems to be purely coincidental, but it also makes sense given that studios have been searching for the next genre title that might break out — particularly since the end of HBO’s Game of Thrones — and given the revival of another muscular old-time Hollywood genre, the Western, following the explosive popularity of Yellowstone. Each project has roots in a different take on the material, and two of the projects had major casting news within the past week.
The gladiator genre actually has cinema roots dating all the way back to the 1913 silent film The Last Days of Pompeii. The...
- 3/22/2023
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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