The Oscar-nominated novelist, screenwriter and essayist Nick Hornby below writes a special tribute for Deadline commemorating Jenne Casarotto, his agent for nearly 30 years, who died on February 29 aged 77.
The industry titan, who co-founded leading British talent agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates in 1989, was eulogized today by family, friends and close colleagues at an event named a Celebration of the Life of Jenne Casarotto in the Queen Elizabeth Hall located in London’s Southbank Centre.
Private Eye editor Ian Hislop welcomed guests. Agent colleagues Abby Singer, Mel Kenyon and Jodi Shields spoke of working with Jenne, her son Mark Casarotto commemorated his mother, and producers Jeremy Thomas and Tim Bevan and longtime director clients John Madden and Shawn Slovo told stories about the Jenne they knew and loved.
During the ceremony, it was announced that Casarotto Ramsay & Associates and the National Film and Television School have established The Jenne Casarotto Scholarship...
The industry titan, who co-founded leading British talent agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates in 1989, was eulogized today by family, friends and close colleagues at an event named a Celebration of the Life of Jenne Casarotto in the Queen Elizabeth Hall located in London’s Southbank Centre.
Private Eye editor Ian Hislop welcomed guests. Agent colleagues Abby Singer, Mel Kenyon and Jodi Shields spoke of working with Jenne, her son Mark Casarotto commemorated his mother, and producers Jeremy Thomas and Tim Bevan and longtime director clients John Madden and Shawn Slovo told stories about the Jenne they knew and loved.
During the ceremony, it was announced that Casarotto Ramsay & Associates and the National Film and Television School have established The Jenne Casarotto Scholarship...
- 5/13/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
The sci-fi thriller M3GAN (read our review Here, get a copy Here) was such a financial success when it reached theatres in January of last year, it didn’t even take Universal Pictures and production companies Blumhouse and Atomic Monster two weeks to announce that they’d be re-teaming for a sequel. We’ve known that M3GAN stars Allison Williams and Violet McGraw will be reprising their roles in M3GAN 2.0, which is set to reach theatres on May 16, 2025, and now Deadline reports that they’re being joined in the cast by Ivanna Sakhno, who is said to have landed a major part in the sequel.
Sakhno’s previous credits include Ivan the Powerful, Can’t Take It Back, The Body Tree, Pacific Rim: Uprising, The Spy Who Dumped Me, High Fidelity, Let It Snow, The Reunion, and the Star Wars series Ahsoka. Details on the character she’ll be playing...
Sakhno’s previous credits include Ivan the Powerful, Can’t Take It Back, The Body Tree, Pacific Rim: Uprising, The Spy Who Dumped Me, High Fidelity, Let It Snow, The Reunion, and the Star Wars series Ahsoka. Details on the character she’ll be playing...
- 5/1/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Following her breakout role as Shin Hati in the hit Star Wars series Ahsoka, Ivanna Sakhno has found her next big role. Sources tell Deadline she has landed a major part in M3GAN 2.0, a sequel to the hit film from Atomic Monster and Blumhouse in association with Divide/Conquer.
She joins a cast that includes Allison Williams and Violet McGraw.
Plot details on M3GAN 2.0 are unknown, but the original film revolves around a life-like AI doll that is programmed to be a child’s greatest companion and a parent’s greatest ally. Designed by brilliant toy-company roboticist Gemma (Williams), M3GAN can listen, watch and learn as she becomes friend and teacher, playmate and protector, for the child she is bonded to. That film would go on to make $180 million worldwide on a $12 million budget, with a sequel quickly going into development.
Related: How ‘M3GAN’ Boogied Her Way To...
She joins a cast that includes Allison Williams and Violet McGraw.
Plot details on M3GAN 2.0 are unknown, but the original film revolves around a life-like AI doll that is programmed to be a child’s greatest companion and a parent’s greatest ally. Designed by brilliant toy-company roboticist Gemma (Williams), M3GAN can listen, watch and learn as she becomes friend and teacher, playmate and protector, for the child she is bonded to. That film would go on to make $180 million worldwide on a $12 million budget, with a sequel quickly going into development.
Related: How ‘M3GAN’ Boogied Her Way To...
- 5/1/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Mystery Inc. rides again! Variety is reporting that the long-running "Scooby-Doo" franchise may be making a leap back to the live-action world, this time courtesy of Netflix. Sources tell the outlet that, unlike past versions of the Hanna-Barbera-created franchise, the new series won't be a comedic mystery but a one-hour drama series. Warner Bros. Television, which has been responsible for other dark teen-centric Netflix shows like "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" and "Dead Boy Detectives," is set to produce.
Though the deal apparently isn't set in stone yet, the untitled "Scooby-Doo" live-action project is apparently in talks to receive a script-to-series commitment, with the team from Arrowverse maestro Greg Berlanti's Berlanti Productions (which also helped bring the two above titles to life) set to produce. Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, the creative duo that co-executive produced shows like Hulu's "High Fidelity" and MGM+'s underrated "From," are set to...
Though the deal apparently isn't set in stone yet, the untitled "Scooby-Doo" live-action project is apparently in talks to receive a script-to-series commitment, with the team from Arrowverse maestro Greg Berlanti's Berlanti Productions (which also helped bring the two above titles to life) set to produce. Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg, the creative duo that co-executive produced shows like Hulu's "High Fidelity" and MGM+'s underrated "From," are set to...
- 4/29/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Channing Tatum y Naomi Ackie protagonizan este thriller psicológico. © Warner Bros
Warner Bros ha publicado el primer tráiler de su nuevo y salvaje thriller psicológico, “Parpadea Dos Veces” (originalmente titulado “Pussy Island”).
“Parpadea Dos Veces” sigue al magnate de la tecnología Slater King (Channing Tatum), que conoce a la camarera Frida (Naomi Ackie) en su gala de recaudación de fondos. Allí saltan chispas. Él la invita a pasar unas vacaciones de ensueño con sus amigos en su isla privada. Un auténtico paraíso. Las noches salvajes se mezclan con mañanas bañadas por el sol y todo el mundo se lo pasa en grande. Nadie quiere que el viaje termine, pero cuando empiezan a suceder cosas extrañas, Frida intuye que algo anda mal en ese lugar. Tendrá que descubrir la verdad si quiere salir viva de la fiesta.
La película supone el debut como directora de Zoë Kravitz (“The Batman”), con un...
Warner Bros ha publicado el primer tráiler de su nuevo y salvaje thriller psicológico, “Parpadea Dos Veces” (originalmente titulado “Pussy Island”).
“Parpadea Dos Veces” sigue al magnate de la tecnología Slater King (Channing Tatum), que conoce a la camarera Frida (Naomi Ackie) en su gala de recaudación de fondos. Allí saltan chispas. Él la invita a pasar unas vacaciones de ensueño con sus amigos en su isla privada. Un auténtico paraíso. Las noches salvajes se mezclan con mañanas bañadas por el sol y todo el mundo se lo pasa en grande. Nadie quiere que el viaje termine, pero cuando empiezan a suceder cosas extrañas, Frida intuye que algo anda mal en ese lugar. Tendrá que descubrir la verdad si quiere salir viva de la fiesta.
La película supone el debut como directora de Zoë Kravitz (“The Batman”), con un...
- 4/29/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
Actor Zoe Kravitz makes her directorial debut with psychological thriller Blink Twice, and here’s the trailer.
Actor Zoe Kravitz has turned filmmaker, having teamed up with Et Feigenbaum for Blink Twice, her directorial debut which initially went under the title Pussy Island. It hasn’t been confirmed exactly what prompted the name change, but we didn’t spot any cats in the trailer.
Anyway, the synopsis reads as follows:
When tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun soaked days and everyone’s having a great time. No one wants this trip to end, but as strange things start to happen, Frida begins to question her reality. There is something wrong with this place.
Actor Zoe Kravitz has turned filmmaker, having teamed up with Et Feigenbaum for Blink Twice, her directorial debut which initially went under the title Pussy Island. It hasn’t been confirmed exactly what prompted the name change, but we didn’t spot any cats in the trailer.
Anyway, the synopsis reads as follows:
When tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun soaked days and everyone’s having a great time. No one wants this trip to end, but as strange things start to happen, Frida begins to question her reality. There is something wrong with this place.
- 4/24/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Zoë Kravitz is making her directorial debut with “Blink Twice,” a star-studded, horror satire that just got a trailer on Tuesday.
Kravitz, who also wrote the script with “High Fidelity” creator E.T. Feigenbaum, directs a cast that includes her fiancée (they met while making this film) Channing Tatum, who also produces; Naomi Ackie, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, and Alia Shawkat.
Here’s the official synopsis from MGM: “When tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun-soaked days and everyone’s having a great time. No one wants this trip to end, but as strange things start to happen, Frida begins to question her reality. There is something wrong with this place.
Kravitz, who also wrote the script with “High Fidelity” creator E.T. Feigenbaum, directs a cast that includes her fiancée (they met while making this film) Channing Tatum, who also produces; Naomi Ackie, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, and Alia Shawkat.
Here’s the official synopsis from MGM: “When tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun-soaked days and everyone’s having a great time. No one wants this trip to end, but as strange things start to happen, Frida begins to question her reality. There is something wrong with this place.
- 4/23/2024
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
In what will surely come as a huge shock to the general public and cause no small number of monocles to pop out, Amazon MGM Studios has elected to retitle Zoë Kravitz's feature directing debut, which was previously going under the not-at-all provocative moniker "Pussy Island." Kravitz's film will instead be released as "Blink Twice," which for me conjures memories of David Tennant's 10th Doctor desperately warning Carey Mulligan not to blink around the Weeping Angels in the classic modern "Doctor Who" episode "Blink."
That association isn't entirely inappropriate, either. "Blink Twice," like "Blink," is a potpourri of horror, mystery-thriller, and humor with an English actor at its core. In this case, it's Naomi Ackie of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody," and "Master of None" season 3 fame starring as a young woman who accompanies a tech billionaire -- played by Kravitz's current real-life significant other,...
That association isn't entirely inappropriate, either. "Blink Twice," like "Blink," is a potpourri of horror, mystery-thriller, and humor with an English actor at its core. In this case, it's Naomi Ackie of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody," and "Master of None" season 3 fame starring as a young woman who accompanies a tech billionaire -- played by Kravitz's current real-life significant other,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
"Are you having a good time?" Amazon MGM Studios has revealed the first official trailer for Blink Twice, a mystery thriller marking the feature directorial debut of actress Zoë Kravitz. She's co-writing & directing in collaboration with another writer from the "High Fidelity" series she starred on recently. It's opening in theaters in August. "This summer, make some memories." Naomi Ackie stars as Frida is a young waitress in Los Angeles who has her eye on tech entrepreneur Slater King. On a dream vacation to his private island, strange things start to happen. Frida will have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out alive. Uh oh... Co-starring Channing Tatum as Slater, along with Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, and Alia Shawkat. At first glance, this reminds me of Don't Worry Darling with many similarities, but it also seems like...
- 4/23/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Nothing is as it seems on the private islands of the elite.
In Zoë Kravitz’s feature directorial debut “Blink Twice,” that duplicity just might be the difference between life and death. “Blink Twice” follows tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum), who invites cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) on a dream vacation to his private island. Yet, while on the trip, strange things start to happen and Frida begins to question her reality.
Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, and Alia Shawkat co-star in the feature Kravitz co-wrote with E.T. Feigenbaum (“High Fidelity”).
The official synopsis reads: “When tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun soaked days and everyone’s having a great time.
In Zoë Kravitz’s feature directorial debut “Blink Twice,” that duplicity just might be the difference between life and death. “Blink Twice” follows tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum), who invites cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) on a dream vacation to his private island. Yet, while on the trip, strange things start to happen and Frida begins to question her reality.
Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, and Alia Shawkat co-star in the feature Kravitz co-wrote with E.T. Feigenbaum (“High Fidelity”).
The official synopsis reads: “When tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun soaked days and everyone’s having a great time.
- 4/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Disney’s “Space Mountain” has been reignited.
Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec, whose credits including “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” and the two Michael Bay-produced live-action “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” films, have been hired to write a new screenplay based on the beloved Disney Parks attraction, TheWrap has learned.
Jonathan Eirich from Rideback is producing the feature, along with Joby Harold (who wrote an earlier iteration of the project) and Tory Tunnell of Safehouse. Ryan Halprin of Rideback is executive producing.
The original Space Mountain opened as the centerpiece of the Magic Kingdom’s version of Tomorrowland in 1975, part of the expansive Walt Disney World resort outside of Orlando, Fla. The ride is known for its strikingly graphic design — comprised of a cone and spires that jut heavenward (and can be seen as part of John Hench’s early concept art) — and its thrilling, coaster-in-the-dark aesthetic. A version of...
Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec, whose credits including “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” and the two Michael Bay-produced live-action “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” films, have been hired to write a new screenplay based on the beloved Disney Parks attraction, TheWrap has learned.
Jonathan Eirich from Rideback is producing the feature, along with Joby Harold (who wrote an earlier iteration of the project) and Tory Tunnell of Safehouse. Ryan Halprin of Rideback is executive producing.
The original Space Mountain opened as the centerpiece of the Magic Kingdom’s version of Tomorrowland in 1975, part of the expansive Walt Disney World resort outside of Orlando, Fla. The ride is known for its strikingly graphic design — comprised of a cone and spires that jut heavenward (and can be seen as part of John Hench’s early concept art) — and its thrilling, coaster-in-the-dark aesthetic. A version of...
- 4/20/2024
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Andrew DeYoung has been tapped to direct and executive produce HBO’s half-hour comedy pilot The Chair Company, starring Tim Robinson. The project hails from Robinson and his writing partner Zach Kanin, and is executive produced by Adam McKay and Todd Schulman for McKay’s Hyperobject Industries.
In The Chair Company, written and executive produced by Robinson and Kanin, after an embarrassing incident at work, a man (Robinson) finds himself investigating a far-reaching conspiracy.
The project continues DeYoung’s with Robinson, having most recently shot his feature debut comedy Friendship, from Fifth Season and BoulderLight Pictures, with Robinson and Paul Rudd. He co-wrote and directed the Peacock sketch comedy special Would It Kill You To Laugh? through A24. Recent credits include directing episodes of the hit Max series Our Flag Means Death and upcoming Jenji Kohan Netflix series Decameron. He has directed multiple episodes, including the series finale, of...
In The Chair Company, written and executive produced by Robinson and Kanin, after an embarrassing incident at work, a man (Robinson) finds himself investigating a far-reaching conspiracy.
The project continues DeYoung’s with Robinson, having most recently shot his feature debut comedy Friendship, from Fifth Season and BoulderLight Pictures, with Robinson and Paul Rudd. He co-wrote and directed the Peacock sketch comedy special Would It Kill You To Laugh? through A24. Recent credits include directing episodes of the hit Max series Our Flag Means Death and upcoming Jenji Kohan Netflix series Decameron. He has directed multiple episodes, including the series finale, of...
- 4/18/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Plot: Harriet finds art imitating life when she discovers certain songs can transport her back in time – literally. While she relives the past through romantic memories of her former boyfriend, her time traveling collides with a burgeoning new love interest in the present. As she takes her journey through the hypnotic connection between music and memory, she wonders – even if she could change the past, should she?
Review: Music connects people in ways beyond sharing similar tastes in genre or artists. Music can evoke memories of times and places where significant events have occurred. Whether it be a happy or tragic memory, music can take us back whether we like it or not. That is the central conceit of The Greatest Hits, which literally takes the magic of music as it pushes and pulls the main character into moments from her relationship with her deceased boyfriend. It is a wonderfully...
Review: Music connects people in ways beyond sharing similar tastes in genre or artists. Music can evoke memories of times and places where significant events have occurred. Whether it be a happy or tragic memory, music can take us back whether we like it or not. That is the central conceit of The Greatest Hits, which literally takes the magic of music as it pushes and pulls the main character into moments from her relationship with her deceased boyfriend. It is a wonderfully...
- 4/11/2024
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Lucy Boynton plays a woman who can travel back in time with the power of a song in a high-concept, low-enjoyment fantasy
In the often insufferably cutesy romance The Greatest Hits, our heroine travels back in time whenever a song from her past is played, nostalgia acting as a magical, transporting force. While watching the film, we too are pulled back but rather to all of the far superior films we’re inconveniently reminded of, from High Fidelity to Richard Curtis’s similarly high-concept About Time to the ’00s Sundance breakouts (500) Days of Summer and Garden State. It’s a film about the power that great music has in distracting us from the now that instead showcases the power that great films have in distracting us from the lesser ones they inspire.
But even without the many whiffs of familiarity, writer-director Ned Benson’s film would still be hitting a bum note.
In the often insufferably cutesy romance The Greatest Hits, our heroine travels back in time whenever a song from her past is played, nostalgia acting as a magical, transporting force. While watching the film, we too are pulled back but rather to all of the far superior films we’re inconveniently reminded of, from High Fidelity to Richard Curtis’s similarly high-concept About Time to the ’00s Sundance breakouts (500) Days of Summer and Garden State. It’s a film about the power that great music has in distracting us from the now that instead showcases the power that great films have in distracting us from the lesser ones they inspire.
But even without the many whiffs of familiarity, writer-director Ned Benson’s film would still be hitting a bum note.
- 4/10/2024
- by Benjamin Lee
- The Guardian - Film News
Emmy Award-winning actor Jack Black is known for his roles in family and comedy movies, in addition to his exceptional work as a voice artist for animated movies. The actor became a household name with High Fidelity in 2000, which led to him landing bigger parts in movies. Black solidified his position as a leading actor in the industry with 2003’s School of Rock and has appeared in movies including Goosebumps, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, The House with a Clock in Its Walls, and more.
The actor has voiced one of his favorite animated characters, Po, in the Kung Fu Panda franchise and Bowser in the Super Mario Bros. movie. Jack Black is one of the most enthusiastic and passionate artists; whether it comes to acting, music, or comedy, he has managed to ace in all three fields. The actor recently revealed his favorite game and teased a possible sequel...
The actor has voiced one of his favorite animated characters, Po, in the Kung Fu Panda franchise and Bowser in the Super Mario Bros. movie. Jack Black is one of the most enthusiastic and passionate artists; whether it comes to acting, music, or comedy, he has managed to ace in all three fields. The actor recently revealed his favorite game and teased a possible sequel...
- 3/23/2024
- by Avneet Ahluwalia
- FandomWire
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, still basking in the eternal sunshine of being an Oscar winner, is returning to her musical roots.
The newly-minted Best Supporting Actress winner for “The Holdovers” is teaming up with “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” director Michel Gondry for an upcoming musical biopic based on Pharrell Williams. The music icon is producing the feature, which is in production at Universal. “Elvis” actor Kelvin Harrison Jr. is set to portray Williams, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Randolph is in talks to star in a yet-unidentified role. The feature is set during Williams’ coming-of-age years in Virginia Beach in the 1970s.
Randolph previously tapped into the ’70s era for her breakout turn in “My Name Is Dolemite.” The actress showed off her singing chops in series “High Fidelity” and “Rustin,” among other projects. Randolph told IndieWire that Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers” marked a turning point...
The newly-minted Best Supporting Actress winner for “The Holdovers” is teaming up with “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” director Michel Gondry for an upcoming musical biopic based on Pharrell Williams. The music icon is producing the feature, which is in production at Universal. “Elvis” actor Kelvin Harrison Jr. is set to portray Williams, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Randolph is in talks to star in a yet-unidentified role. The feature is set during Williams’ coming-of-age years in Virginia Beach in the 1970s.
Randolph previously tapped into the ’70s era for her breakout turn in “My Name Is Dolemite.” The actress showed off her singing chops in series “High Fidelity” and “Rustin,” among other projects. Randolph told IndieWire that Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers” marked a turning point...
- 3/22/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Waves) has been set to lead a new, untitled Universal feature project from director Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and producer Pharrell Williams (Hidden Figures), according to multiple sources, who also tell us that 2024 Academy Award winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers) is in talks.
Universal declined comment. But the film is said to be a coming-of-age musical, set in 1977 Virginia Beach, which draws inspiration from Williams’ childhood growing up in the city’s Atlantis Apartments.
Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4) and Steven Levenson penned the script. Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other, alongside Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions.
Known for roles in Trey Edward Shults’ Waves, Joe Wright’s Cyrano, Nat Geo’s Genius: MLK/X, which had him playing Martin Luther King Jr., and Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which had him portraying B.B. King,...
Universal declined comment. But the film is said to be a coming-of-age musical, set in 1977 Virginia Beach, which draws inspiration from Williams’ childhood growing up in the city’s Atlantis Apartments.
Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4) and Steven Levenson penned the script. Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other, alongside Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions.
Known for roles in Trey Edward Shults’ Waves, Joe Wright’s Cyrano, Nat Geo’s Genius: MLK/X, which had him playing Martin Luther King Jr., and Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which had him portraying B.B. King,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
A new miniseries has been announced, and it looks fantastic.
We look at the cast list. What do we see? Oh, another show starring Nicole Kidman. Or Jake Lacy. Or Kate Winslet. Or Betty Gilpin.
You get the idea.
Look, we get it. A miniseries has limited episodes to make an impact, and a recognizable name can be a big draw.
Since it's become commonplace for renowned movie actors to make the move to television, particularly miniseries, why wouldn't a studio jump on the chance to nab a big name?
It's a winning formula -- literally.
Nicole Kidman is an Oscar winner. What television producer wouldn't want her attached to their project?
She's also snagged a couple of Emmys for her work on HBO's Big Little Lies. She's proven her worth as a TV star.
The same can be said about Kate Winslet, who similarly made the jump from movies to television.
We look at the cast list. What do we see? Oh, another show starring Nicole Kidman. Or Jake Lacy. Or Kate Winslet. Or Betty Gilpin.
You get the idea.
Look, we get it. A miniseries has limited episodes to make an impact, and a recognizable name can be a big draw.
Since it's become commonplace for renowned movie actors to make the move to television, particularly miniseries, why wouldn't a studio jump on the chance to nab a big name?
It's a winning formula -- literally.
Nicole Kidman is an Oscar winner. What television producer wouldn't want her attached to their project?
She's also snagged a couple of Emmys for her work on HBO's Big Little Lies. She's proven her worth as a TV star.
The same can be said about Kate Winslet, who similarly made the jump from movies to television.
- 3/14/2024
- by Shela Ward
- TVfanatic
Lenny Kravitz received his Walk of Fame star yesterday in front of Capitol Records in Hollywood. This makes for 2,774th stars total on the Walk of Fame. Several special guests attended the “American Woman” singer’s March 12 ceremony, including longtime friend Denzel Washington, daughter Zoë Kravitz, and her fiancé Channing Tatum.
Channing Tatum, Zoë Kravitz, and Denzel Washington at the Walk of Fame ceremony | Valerie MacOn/Afp via Getty Images; Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
Lenny was flanked by couples at the ceremony. Denzel Washington and his wife of over 40 years, Pauletta Washington, sat to his left; Zoë and Tatum to his right. Lenny’s ex-wife and Zoë’s mom, Cosby Show star Lisa Bonet, did not attend.
Channing Tatum, Zoë Kravitz, and Lenny Kravitz at the Walk of Fame Star Ceremony | Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
A couple for over two years now, Tatum and Zoë held hands and laughed as Washington and Lenny spoke.
Channing Tatum, Zoë Kravitz, and Denzel Washington at the Walk of Fame ceremony | Valerie MacOn/Afp via Getty Images; Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
Lenny was flanked by couples at the ceremony. Denzel Washington and his wife of over 40 years, Pauletta Washington, sat to his left; Zoë and Tatum to his right. Lenny’s ex-wife and Zoë’s mom, Cosby Show star Lisa Bonet, did not attend.
Channing Tatum, Zoë Kravitz, and Lenny Kravitz at the Walk of Fame Star Ceremony | Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
A couple for over two years now, Tatum and Zoë held hands and laughed as Washington and Lenny spoke.
- 3/14/2024
- by Ali Hicks
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Backstage at the Independent Spirit Awards on February 25, Da’Vine Joy Randolph told reporters she wasn’t counting on anything major this Oscars weekend: “I’m not expecting anything,” Randolph said when asked about her Oscar chances. “I’m not betting on anything. I’m just happy to be invited into the building. To me, I’ve already won, because I’ve gained the respect of you guys. That’s what matters to me the most.”
A lovely sentiment, but it became Oscar official on Sunday evening when Randolph won the 2024 Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Mary Lamb in “The Holdovers,” a cook at a private school in the 1970s dealing with the recent death of her son in Vietnam.
Co-starring Paul Giamatti (who is also nominated tonight) and Dominic Sessa, the true three-hander from Alexander Payne is nominated for a total of five Oscars, including Best Picture,...
A lovely sentiment, but it became Oscar official on Sunday evening when Randolph won the 2024 Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Mary Lamb in “The Holdovers,” a cook at a private school in the 1970s dealing with the recent death of her son in Vietnam.
Co-starring Paul Giamatti (who is also nominated tonight) and Dominic Sessa, the true three-hander from Alexander Payne is nominated for a total of five Oscars, including Best Picture,...
- 3/10/2024
- by Erin Strecker
- Indiewire
The Kung Fu Panda universe has earned an unparalleled level of respect and commendation from fans ever since it was first launched on the big screens in 2008. And inevitably enough, a major credit for this skyrocketed fame goes to none other than Po’s voice actor, Jack Black. Thanks to his immaculate animated voice-acting skills, viewers got roped into the saga like wildfires in Savanna.
Kung Fu Panda
That being said, when Jack Black was initially offered this fan-favorite role, he wasn’t all too sure about taking it on. After all, jumping from the live-action genre to the animated one isn’t the easiest, especially when it is the lead character that you have to voice. But amazingly, DreamWorks actually used one of Black’s own masterpieces to convince him to voice the beloved Dragon Warrior!
SUGGESTEDThe $104M Chinese Action-Comedy DreamWorks Doesn’t Want You to Know Reportedly Inspired...
Kung Fu Panda
That being said, when Jack Black was initially offered this fan-favorite role, he wasn’t all too sure about taking it on. After all, jumping from the live-action genre to the animated one isn’t the easiest, especially when it is the lead character that you have to voice. But amazingly, DreamWorks actually used one of Black’s own masterpieces to convince him to voice the beloved Dragon Warrior!
SUGGESTEDThe $104M Chinese Action-Comedy DreamWorks Doesn’t Want You to Know Reportedly Inspired...
- 3/6/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Da’Vine Joy Randolph only broke out in 2019, but she’s already one of the most talented actors in the business.
Born in 1986 to a Philadelphia family, Randolph has her roots in the theater; at Temple University, she initially studied classical vocal performance and opera, switching her major to musical theater. After graduation, she attended the Yale School of Drama, graduating in 2011 with a Master’s. Immediately out of school, she was cast in the Broadway musical adaptation of “Ghost: The Musical,” and her performance as medium Oda Mae Brown netted her a Tony Award nomination.
From there, Randolph became a regular face on TV and film, frequently playing bit roles in films and shows like “The Angriest Man in Brooklyn,” “Office Christmas Party,” “This Is Us,” “Veep,” “On Becoming a God in Central Florida,” and “Empire.” A main part in the short-lived 2014 series “Selfie” aside, none of these parts were particularly meaty.
Born in 1986 to a Philadelphia family, Randolph has her roots in the theater; at Temple University, she initially studied classical vocal performance and opera, switching her major to musical theater. After graduation, she attended the Yale School of Drama, graduating in 2011 with a Master’s. Immediately out of school, she was cast in the Broadway musical adaptation of “Ghost: The Musical,” and her performance as medium Oda Mae Brown netted her a Tony Award nomination.
From there, Randolph became a regular face on TV and film, frequently playing bit roles in films and shows like “The Angriest Man in Brooklyn,” “Office Christmas Party,” “This Is Us,” “Veep,” “On Becoming a God in Central Florida,” and “Empire.” A main part in the short-lived 2014 series “Selfie” aside, none of these parts were particularly meaty.
- 2/22/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
After her supporting role in HBO’s critically panned series The Idol, which was canceled after one season, Da’Vine Joy Randolph is now an Oscar nominee for her supporting role in The Holdovers. In an interview for Vanity Fair‘s Hollywood Issue, she was asked about the response to The Idol in light of the praise she’s received for the Alexander Payne film, specifically, “Does it sting?”
Randolph responded, “No, because I know what I did, and I’m very proud of what I did in the role that I created. How people respond and people’s feelings don’t have nothing to do with me. And I don’t have anything to do with contributing to that narrative either. So I just let it go. I enjoy my contribution.”
The Idol came from Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, who also starred. The series centered...
Randolph responded, “No, because I know what I did, and I’m very proud of what I did in the role that I created. How people respond and people’s feelings don’t have nothing to do with me. And I don’t have anything to do with contributing to that narrative either. So I just let it go. I enjoy my contribution.”
The Idol came from Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, who also starred. The series centered...
- 2/21/2024
- by Tatiana Tenreyro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Syfy has announced its spring and summer slate of television series, including “Chucky” and “Reginald the Vampire.”
The network revealed the dates during NBCUniversal’s portion of the TV Critics Assn. winter press tour in Pasadena. The second half of Season 3 of “Chucky” will premiere April 10 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt. Season 2 of “Reginald the Vampire” will premiere May 8 at 10 p.m. and Season 2 of “The Ark” will arrive in the summer. Additionally, the horror drama “SurrealEstate” has been renewed for Season 3.
In Season 3 of “Chucky,” the murderous doll finds himself in the White House. Meanwhile, “Reginald the Vampire” follows a man who “finally got his life together when he was turned into a vampire.”
“The Ark” is set “100 years in the future when planetary colonization missions have begun as a necessity to help secure the survival of the human race. The first of these missions on a spacecraft known...
The network revealed the dates during NBCUniversal’s portion of the TV Critics Assn. winter press tour in Pasadena. The second half of Season 3 of “Chucky” will premiere April 10 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt. Season 2 of “Reginald the Vampire” will premiere May 8 at 10 p.m. and Season 2 of “The Ark” will arrive in the summer. Additionally, the horror drama “SurrealEstate” has been renewed for Season 3.
In Season 3 of “Chucky,” the murderous doll finds himself in the White House. Meanwhile, “Reginald the Vampire” follows a man who “finally got his life together when he was turned into a vampire.”
“The Ark” is set “100 years in the future when planetary colonization missions have begun as a necessity to help secure the survival of the human race. The first of these missions on a spacecraft known...
- 2/14/2024
- by Jaden Thompson, Diego Ramos Bechara and Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Before Jack Black took the pop culture world by storm with a breakout role in 2000's "High Fidelity," the actor, musician, and comedian had his doubts about the movie. In the latest issue of Total Film magazine, Black reflects back on his decades-long career and admits that he initially passed on the role of music junkie Barry over fears that it might negatively impact his own real-life music career.
"My friend, John Cusack, was like, 'You would be perfect for this role, Barry, in 'High Fidelity,'" Black recalled (Cusack starred in and co-wrote the movie). "I was hesitant because I was like, I don't know if I want to make a movie about rock and roll, and someone who is a critic of rock and roll." Though "High Fidelity" is a music-lovers' classic now, the film based on a Nick Hornby book features some painfully authentic music snobbery,...
"My friend, John Cusack, was like, 'You would be perfect for this role, Barry, in 'High Fidelity,'" Black recalled (Cusack starred in and co-wrote the movie). "I was hesitant because I was like, I don't know if I want to make a movie about rock and roll, and someone who is a critic of rock and roll." Though "High Fidelity" is a music-lovers' classic now, the film based on a Nick Hornby book features some painfully authentic music snobbery,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
"Say Anything" marked America's transition into the 1990s by sealing off the heyday of feel-good high-school rom-coms and goth rock in the '80s. It was a major and much-needed send-off that is probably still an all-time favorite among many a Gen-x-er today.
The coming-of-age hit from 20th Century Fox featured breakout stars like John Cusack and Ione Skye. Even the supporting roles were played by soon-to-be major players like Pamela Adlon or the children of mega-famous stars like Jason Gould.
But not every actor featured in the 1989 romance movie survived into 2024. Unfortunately, John Mahoney, who played Diane's hypercritical (and hypocritical) father, James Court, passed away back in 2018. The late actor was the oldest major cast member by quite a few years and was in his late 70s when he passed. Before his death, Mahoney had an incredible career in film and television — his supporting role as Martin Crane in...
The coming-of-age hit from 20th Century Fox featured breakout stars like John Cusack and Ione Skye. Even the supporting roles were played by soon-to-be major players like Pamela Adlon or the children of mega-famous stars like Jason Gould.
But not every actor featured in the 1989 romance movie survived into 2024. Unfortunately, John Mahoney, who played Diane's hypercritical (and hypocritical) father, James Court, passed away back in 2018. The late actor was the oldest major cast member by quite a few years and was in his late 70s when he passed. Before his death, Mahoney had an incredible career in film and television — his supporting role as Martin Crane in...
- 1/27/2024
- by Shae Sennett
- Slash Film
Turns out Zoë Kravitz did, in fact, change the name of her provocative “Pussy Island.” Kravitz’s feature directorial debut, which she co-wrote with “High Fidelity” scribe E.T. Feigenbaum, will receive a theatrical release from Amazon MGM Studios on August 23 as the newly-titled “Blink Twice.”
Kravitz previously told The Wall Street Journal Magazine that she would not change the name of the feature after writing it in 2017 and later updating the script “a million times” as the #MeToo movement made her rethink the premise.
“Blink Twice” follows tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum), who invites cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) on a dream vacation to his private island. Yet, while on the trip, strange things start to happen and Frida begins to question her reality.
Alia Shawkat, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Christian Slater, Kyle MacLachlan, and Geena Davis round out the cast. “Blink Twice” is produced by writer/director Kravitz,...
Kravitz previously told The Wall Street Journal Magazine that she would not change the name of the feature after writing it in 2017 and later updating the script “a million times” as the #MeToo movement made her rethink the premise.
“Blink Twice” follows tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum), who invites cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) on a dream vacation to his private island. Yet, while on the trip, strange things start to happen and Frida begins to question her reality.
Alia Shawkat, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Christian Slater, Kyle MacLachlan, and Geena Davis round out the cast. “Blink Twice” is produced by writer/director Kravitz,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Zöe Kravitz and Channing Tatum’s upcoming movie has a new title and a release date.
The suspense-horror drama, previously called Pussy Island, has been retitled Blink Twice, and it’s also landed a summer release in theaters, Amazon MGM Studios announced Friday.
Blink Twice, which marks Kravitz’s feature directorial debut, will hit the big screen on Aug. 23.
The movie follows a tech billionaire (Tatum) who invites a cocktail waitress named Frida (Naomi Ackie) to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. But the young woman’s paradise-like vacation turns into something more sinister when strange things start happening. Continues the logline: “There is something wrong with this place. She’ll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive.
Tatum, Alia Shawkat, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Christian Slater, Kyle MacLachlan and Geena Davis also star.
The suspense-horror drama, previously called Pussy Island, has been retitled Blink Twice, and it’s also landed a summer release in theaters, Amazon MGM Studios announced Friday.
Blink Twice, which marks Kravitz’s feature directorial debut, will hit the big screen on Aug. 23.
The movie follows a tech billionaire (Tatum) who invites a cocktail waitress named Frida (Naomi Ackie) to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. But the young woman’s paradise-like vacation turns into something more sinister when strange things start happening. Continues the logline: “There is something wrong with this place. She’ll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive.
Tatum, Alia Shawkat, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Christian Slater, Kyle MacLachlan and Geena Davis also star.
- 1/26/2024
- by Pamela McClintock and Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Golden Globe-winning star of The Holdovers on sparring with comedy greats, switching from opera to acting, and cooking as therapy
A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, Philadelphia-born actor Da’Vine Joy Randolph was nominated for a Tony award for her breakthrough performance in the 2012 Broadway stage production of Ghost: The Musical. Since then, she has worked in TV and film, starring opposite Eddie Murphy in Dolemite Is My Name and as Aunt Pooh in On the Come Up. Last week she won for best supporting actress award at the Golden Globes for her role in Alexander Payne’s bittersweet tragicomic three-hander, The Holdovers. She plays a recently bereaved mother and the longsuffering head cook at an elite New England boarding school in the 1970s, opposite Paul Giamatti’s curmudgeonly teacher, and newcomer Dominic Sessa as a troubled student.
When you were first approached by Alexander Payne, you didn’t know who he was.
A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, Philadelphia-born actor Da’Vine Joy Randolph was nominated for a Tony award for her breakthrough performance in the 2012 Broadway stage production of Ghost: The Musical. Since then, she has worked in TV and film, starring opposite Eddie Murphy in Dolemite Is My Name and as Aunt Pooh in On the Come Up. Last week she won for best supporting actress award at the Golden Globes for her role in Alexander Payne’s bittersweet tragicomic three-hander, The Holdovers. She plays a recently bereaved mother and the longsuffering head cook at an elite New England boarding school in the 1970s, opposite Paul Giamatti’s curmudgeonly teacher, and newcomer Dominic Sessa as a troubled student.
When you were first approached by Alexander Payne, you didn’t know who he was.
- 1/14/2024
- by Wendy Ide
- The Guardian - Film News
Lisa Bonet has filed for divorce from Jason Momoa 18 years after the two actors became a couple.
The 56-year-old Bonet, whose legal name is Lilakoi Moon, filed documents to end her marriage to the 44-year-old Momoa in Los Angeles County court on Monday. The filing comes nearly two years after they announced their separation.
The petition cites irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. The filing says neither person should get financial support and that the two have agreed on how to split their assets. The documents say they should have joint custody of their 16-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son.
Momoa is best known for his roles in the Aquaman movies and on Game of Thrones. Bonet was a star of The Cosby Show, its spinoff A Different World, and the films High Fidelity and Enemy of the State.
The two met and started dating in 2005, but did not...
The 56-year-old Bonet, whose legal name is Lilakoi Moon, filed documents to end her marriage to the 44-year-old Momoa in Los Angeles County court on Monday. The filing comes nearly two years after they announced their separation.
The petition cites irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. The filing says neither person should get financial support and that the two have agreed on how to split their assets. The documents say they should have joint custody of their 16-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son.
Momoa is best known for his roles in the Aquaman movies and on Game of Thrones. Bonet was a star of The Cosby Show, its spinoff A Different World, and the films High Fidelity and Enemy of the State.
The two met and started dating in 2005, but did not...
- 1/9/2024
- by The Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
At the end of 2021, a surprise contender zoomed toward a best picture nomination when Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car began to sweep critics groups’ awards across the country. The Japanese drama earned the prize for best film from critics in Boston, Los Angeles, New York and Seattle, besting then-frontrunners Dune and The Power of the Dog and eventual best picture winner Coda. Buoyed by critical acclaim, Drive My Car went the extra mile beyond the international feature category, which it won: It also earned Academy Award nominations for best picture, director and original screenplay, way outpacing any predictions made by prognosticators when the season had begun in earnest.
People often deride the Oscars for being about artsy films most moviegoers don’t see. But the fact remains that it’s the studio-backed movies with fat FYC budgets that typically garner Oscar nominations — making Drive My Car’s success all the more the outlier.
People often deride the Oscars for being about artsy films most moviegoers don’t see. But the fact remains that it’s the studio-backed movies with fat FYC budgets that typically garner Oscar nominations — making Drive My Car’s success all the more the outlier.
- 1/8/2024
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: The Rolling Stones can’t get no satisfaction at FX.
A major series chronicling the band’s glory years has taken “a tumble” out of development with FX amid wider content cuts at Disney, according to the show’s producer.
Andy Harries, CEO of The Crown producer Left Bank Pictures, said he was “regrouping” on the show and having conversations about its future — both in terms of a new home and showrunner.
“It’s not in with FX [anymore], unfortunately,” Harries told Deadline. “It did take a tumble out because of the cutbacks at Disney. It was just too expensive and too ambitious for the immediate agenda.”
He added, “John Landgraf was really effusive about the scripts and ambition for the show, but he just didn’t feel that he was going to be able to get it greenlit in the next two years.”
Harries would not rule out returning to FX with the project,...
A major series chronicling the band’s glory years has taken “a tumble” out of development with FX amid wider content cuts at Disney, according to the show’s producer.
Andy Harries, CEO of The Crown producer Left Bank Pictures, said he was “regrouping” on the show and having conversations about its future — both in terms of a new home and showrunner.
“It’s not in with FX [anymore], unfortunately,” Harries told Deadline. “It did take a tumble out because of the cutbacks at Disney. It was just too expensive and too ambitious for the immediate agenda.”
He added, “John Landgraf was really effusive about the scripts and ambition for the show, but he just didn’t feel that he was going to be able to get it greenlit in the next two years.”
Harries would not rule out returning to FX with the project,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Amy Adams (Sharp Objects) is setting her sights on a new TV role.
The Emmy Award-winning actress will star in and executive-produce the legal-thriller limited series The Holdout, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineHightown to End With Season 3 - Get Starz Premiere Date, Photos (Exclusive 2024 First Look)Kristen Wiig's Palm Royale Series Set for March Debut on Apple TV+ - See First Photos of Allison Janney, Laura Dern, Carol Burnett and OthersBridgerton Sets Two-Part Release Date for Season 3 - Find Out When!
Written by Oscar winner Graham Moore (The Imitation Game) and based on his novel of the same name,...
The Emmy Award-winning actress will star in and executive-produce the legal-thriller limited series The Holdout, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineHightown to End With Season 3 - Get Starz Premiere Date, Photos (Exclusive 2024 First Look)Kristen Wiig's Palm Royale Series Set for March Debut on Apple TV+ - See First Photos of Allison Janney, Laura Dern, Carol Burnett and OthersBridgerton Sets Two-Part Release Date for Season 3 - Find Out When!
Written by Oscar winner Graham Moore (The Imitation Game) and based on his novel of the same name,...
- 12/12/2023
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Eric Dane (Euphoria), Maia Mitchell (Good Trouble), Tyriq Withers (Atlanta) and Thomas Doherty (Gossip Girl) have been set to star in Family Secrets, a new thriller from Matt Kaplan’s Ace Entertainment.
Currently in production in Montenegro, the film follows a charming young man (Withers) who makes himself part of a destination wedding to exact revenge on the family’s patriarch (Dane) by seducing his affluent goddaughter (Mitchell) and befriending the groom-to-be (Doherty). But as their relationship gets steamier, the truth gets closer to the surface, forcing the question of whether anyone is safe… and who is conning who?
Directing the pic is Malik Vitthal, the filmmaker best known for his law enforcement horror Body Cam starring Mary J. Blige and Nat Wolff, as well as the John Boyega Netflix drama Imperial Dreams, which won the Best of Next! Audience Award at Sundance. Writers of the most recent draft...
Currently in production in Montenegro, the film follows a charming young man (Withers) who makes himself part of a destination wedding to exact revenge on the family’s patriarch (Dane) by seducing his affluent goddaughter (Mitchell) and befriending the groom-to-be (Doherty). But as their relationship gets steamier, the truth gets closer to the surface, forcing the question of whether anyone is safe… and who is conning who?
Directing the pic is Malik Vitthal, the filmmaker best known for his law enforcement horror Body Cam starring Mary J. Blige and Nat Wolff, as well as the John Boyega Netflix drama Imperial Dreams, which won the Best of Next! Audience Award at Sundance. Writers of the most recent draft...
- 12/7/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC Signature head of creative affairs Tracy Underwood has been elevated to president of the Disney-owned TV studio.
Underwood, who has been at the studio since 2010, will be filling the role vacated in July by Jonnie Davis. Davis was named president of ABC Signature (then ABC Studios) in July 2019 in the wake of the 21st Century Fox-Disney merger.
Reporting to Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios and global original TV strategy for Disney Entertainment, Underwood will now oversee all creative affairs, including the studio’s development of drama, comedy and limited series, as well as the current series slate.
Senior vice president of series Sydnee Rimes will continue to lead the current series team, now reporting into Underwood. Susan Lewis, senior vice president of drama development, and Danny Feldheim, senior vice president of comedy development, will continue to report to Underwood.
Underwood’s prior role will not be backfilled.
Underwood, who has been at the studio since 2010, will be filling the role vacated in July by Jonnie Davis. Davis was named president of ABC Signature (then ABC Studios) in July 2019 in the wake of the 21st Century Fox-Disney merger.
Reporting to Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios and global original TV strategy for Disney Entertainment, Underwood will now oversee all creative affairs, including the studio’s development of drama, comedy and limited series, as well as the current series slate.
Senior vice president of series Sydnee Rimes will continue to lead the current series team, now reporting into Underwood. Susan Lewis, senior vice president of drama development, and Danny Feldheim, senior vice president of comedy development, will continue to report to Underwood.
Underwood’s prior role will not be backfilled.
- 12/5/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
ABC Signature veteran Tracy Underwood has been elevated to President of the Disney Television Studios division. Underwood, most recently EVP of creative affairs for ABC Signature, is taking over the top post vacated by Jonnie Davis in July.
In her new position, Underwood will add oversight of current series to her current role overseeing development of drama, comedy and limited series, which will not be backfilled. Sydnee Rimes, SVP of Series and head of ABC Signature’s current series team, will now report into Underwood; Susan Lewis, SVP of Drama Development, and Danny Feldheim, SVP of Comedy Development, will continue to report into her.
Underwood’s promotion caps a lengthy search for Davis’ successor led by Eric Schrier, President of Disney Television Studios and Global Original TV Strategy for Disney Entertainment, to whom she will report. Outside candidates were considered, with Underwood emerging as the leading candidate by October.
While streamlining its content leadership,...
In her new position, Underwood will add oversight of current series to her current role overseeing development of drama, comedy and limited series, which will not be backfilled. Sydnee Rimes, SVP of Series and head of ABC Signature’s current series team, will now report into Underwood; Susan Lewis, SVP of Drama Development, and Danny Feldheim, SVP of Comedy Development, will continue to report into her.
Underwood’s promotion caps a lengthy search for Davis’ successor led by Eric Schrier, President of Disney Television Studios and Global Original TV Strategy for Disney Entertainment, to whom she will report. Outside candidates were considered, with Underwood emerging as the leading candidate by October.
While streamlining its content leadership,...
- 12/5/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Jermaine Fowler, who recently had a role in the horror comedy The Blackening, has just finished up his work on a psychological thriller from Hot Tub Time Machine director Steve Pink, Deadline reports. The untitled project was able to get through production in the midst of the SAG strike by securing an interim agreement.
Written by Sam Johnson and Connor Diedrich, the thriller sees Fowler taking on the role of Allen Perkins. The story follows Allen through various twists and turns on a descent into darkness as he hosts his old college pals for the weekend.
Fowler is joined in the cast by James Morosini (I Love My Dad), Pauline Chalamet (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Edy Modica (Jury Duty), Rob Yang (Succession), and Brendan Hunt (Ted Lasso).
Pink said this thriller is “one of the coolest films I have ever had the opportunity to direct in my career.
Written by Sam Johnson and Connor Diedrich, the thriller sees Fowler taking on the role of Allen Perkins. The story follows Allen through various twists and turns on a descent into darkness as he hosts his old college pals for the weekend.
Fowler is joined in the cast by James Morosini (I Love My Dad), Pauline Chalamet (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Edy Modica (Jury Duty), Rob Yang (Succession), and Brendan Hunt (Ted Lasso).
Pink said this thriller is “one of the coolest films I have ever had the opportunity to direct in my career.
- 10/12/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Jermaine Fowler (Sorry to Bother You) has wrapped production on a new psychological thriller directed by Steve Pink (Hot Tub Time Machine).
Rounding out the cast of the pic, shot under a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement, are James Morosini (I Love My Dad), Pauline Chalamet (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Edy Modica (Jury Duty), Rob Yang (Succession), and Brendan Hunt (Ted Lasso). The production companies involved are Hurley/Pickle Productions (The Wheel), Phiphen (Butcher’s Crossing), Range Media Partners, and Gummy Films (What Doesn’t Float).
Written by Sam Johnson and Connor Diedrich, the film follows Allen Perkins (Fowler) through various twists and turns on a descent into darkness as he hosts his old college pals for the weekend. Producers included Josh Jason and Molly Gilula of Hurley/Pickle Productions, along with Molly Conners of Phiphen, Aj Bourscheid & Austin Lantero of Range Media Partners, and Chalamet, Rachel Walden, and Luca Balser of Gummy Films.
Rounding out the cast of the pic, shot under a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement, are James Morosini (I Love My Dad), Pauline Chalamet (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Edy Modica (Jury Duty), Rob Yang (Succession), and Brendan Hunt (Ted Lasso). The production companies involved are Hurley/Pickle Productions (The Wheel), Phiphen (Butcher’s Crossing), Range Media Partners, and Gummy Films (What Doesn’t Float).
Written by Sam Johnson and Connor Diedrich, the film follows Allen Perkins (Fowler) through various twists and turns on a descent into darkness as he hosts his old college pals for the weekend. Producers included Josh Jason and Molly Gilula of Hurley/Pickle Productions, along with Molly Conners of Phiphen, Aj Bourscheid & Austin Lantero of Range Media Partners, and Chalamet, Rachel Walden, and Luca Balser of Gummy Films.
- 10/11/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
It was 20 years ago this month that Jack Black put on a bow tie, walked into a prep school, and told a bunch of fourth graders to get the Led out. His star turn as the lovable loser in Richard Linklater’s School of Rock helped the film gross nearly $20 million when it opened, breaking the record for music-themed comedies at the time. Over the years, it’s inspired a hit Broadway musical, a TV show, and a children’s book, and helped popularize actual School of Rock programs for...
- 9/28/2023
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
Clockwise from upper left: Barbie (Warner Bros.), Easy A (Sony), The Lego Movie (Warner Bros.), Tropic Thunder (Paramount), Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy (DreamWorks), Bridesmaids (Universal)Graphic: The A.V. Club
What do Derek Zoolander, Ron Burgundy, and Borat have in common—other than making us laugh in that red-faced,...
What do Derek Zoolander, Ron Burgundy, and Borat have in common—other than making us laugh in that red-faced,...
- 8/15/2023
- by Phil Pirrello
- avclub.com
Randall Park is seemingly everywhere nowadays. He’s FBI Agent Jimmy Woo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, popping up in this year’s Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania and the upcoming The Marvels. Over in the DC Extended Universe, you can see his Dr. Stephen Shin, who’ll feature in the Christmas release Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. And behind the camera, his feature directorial debut, Shortcomings, is now playing in theaters.
Serving as counterprogramming to twin blockbusters Barbie and Oppenheimer, Park’s film tells the story of Ben (After...
Serving as counterprogramming to twin blockbusters Barbie and Oppenheimer, Park’s film tells the story of Ben (After...
- 8/14/2023
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
Giorgio Miraflor’s ‘Me + Lee’ Is a Love Letter to the Intangible Energy That Exists Between Siblings
For many, there is an unfathomable bond of love between siblings which spans lifetimes regardless of whatever is thrown at it, and within that enduring connection exists an ineffable energy which filmmaker Giorgio Miraflor poignantly captures in his latest short Me + Lee. The second instalment in the Brooklyn based filmmaker’s genre traversing short film series, Me + Lee is a narrative led slice of life drama inspired by his own fraternal relationship, whilst also being a reflection of his Filipino heritage. Set within a flat brimming with signifiers of the rich relationship which unfolded within its walls, Miraflor effectively uses the location to immerse us in the cloistered life of his protagonist, a reclusive existence which could potential be shifted by an unexpected conversation with his pizza delivery guy. Dn invited Miraflor to join us for a conversation about his desire to show realistic, non-caricature depictions of Filipino lives in his films,...
- 8/9/2023
- by Sarah Smith
- Directors Notes
The Apple TV+ crime drama “City on Fire,” which wrapped up its 8-episode first season two months ago, will not be getting a second season, TheWrap has confirmed.
Based on the novel of the same name by Garth Risk Hallberg, “City on Fire” wasn’t listed as a limited series. But the story shown in Season 1 covered the entire book, which means viewers won’t be stuck with a never-resolved cliffhanger similar to Hulu’s 2020 “High Fidelity” adaptation.
Set in 2003, the story follows the aftermath of the shooting of a young student in Central Park, New York city. The investigation uncovers ties to a series of fires, the Manhattan music scene, and a secretive and wealthy real estate family.
Created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, the show was executive produced by Schwartz and Savage alongside Lis Rowinski and Jesse Peretz.
“City on Fire” stars Wyatt Oleff, Chase Sui Wonders,...
Based on the novel of the same name by Garth Risk Hallberg, “City on Fire” wasn’t listed as a limited series. But the story shown in Season 1 covered the entire book, which means viewers won’t be stuck with a never-resolved cliffhanger similar to Hulu’s 2020 “High Fidelity” adaptation.
Set in 2003, the story follows the aftermath of the shooting of a young student in Central Park, New York city. The investigation uncovers ties to a series of fires, the Manhattan music scene, and a secretive and wealthy real estate family.
Created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, the show was executive produced by Schwartz and Savage alongside Lis Rowinski and Jesse Peretz.
“City on Fire” stars Wyatt Oleff, Chase Sui Wonders,...
- 8/4/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Kingsley Ben-Adir is really jamming now.
This month, the first trailer was released for the new biopic “Bob Marley: One Love”, with Ben-Adir starring as the iconic reggae artist.
Playing Marley onscreen is just the latest big role for the 37-year-old actor, who is swiftly rising to prominence as one of the best, most interesting actors of his generation.
Read More: ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ Trailer: Biopic Of Reggae’s King Showcases His Inspiring Story Of Peace Amid Violence
But who is Kingsley Ben-Adir?
Ben-Adir, born February 26, 1986, is a British actor. The son of a Trinidadian mother and British Jewish father, the actor was raised in the Gospel Oak neighbourhood of Northwest London.
In 2011, he graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
How did his career get going?
Fresh out of school, Ben-Adir starred in a production of Gillian Slovo’s critically acclaimed play The Riots in 2011. He...
This month, the first trailer was released for the new biopic “Bob Marley: One Love”, with Ben-Adir starring as the iconic reggae artist.
Playing Marley onscreen is just the latest big role for the 37-year-old actor, who is swiftly rising to prominence as one of the best, most interesting actors of his generation.
Read More: ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ Trailer: Biopic Of Reggae’s King Showcases His Inspiring Story Of Peace Amid Violence
But who is Kingsley Ben-Adir?
Ben-Adir, born February 26, 1986, is a British actor. The son of a Trinidadian mother and British Jewish father, the actor was raised in the Gospel Oak neighbourhood of Northwest London.
In 2011, he graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
How did his career get going?
Fresh out of school, Ben-Adir starred in a production of Gillian Slovo’s critically acclaimed play The Riots in 2011. He...
- 7/6/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Image Source: YouTube user Paramount Pictures
Kingsley Ben-Adir is legendary musician and reggae pioneer Bob Marley in Paramount Pictures's forthcoming biopic "Bob Marley: One Love." The "One Night in Miami" breakout star was announced to portray the famed Jamaican artist in February 2022 in a film expected to celebrate the life and legacy of Marley - and we finally have a first look at his transformation.
Paramount dropped the first trailer for the sweeping movie on July 6, billing it as Marley's "powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music." The film is directed by "King Richard" director Reinaldo Marcus Green, with "King Richard" writer Zach Baylin behind the screenplay. The project was produced in partnership with the Marley family, which was crucial for Green; Marley's son Ziggy is one of the film's producers.
"To get the blessing of Ziggy and the family to come on and be...
Kingsley Ben-Adir is legendary musician and reggae pioneer Bob Marley in Paramount Pictures's forthcoming biopic "Bob Marley: One Love." The "One Night in Miami" breakout star was announced to portray the famed Jamaican artist in February 2022 in a film expected to celebrate the life and legacy of Marley - and we finally have a first look at his transformation.
Paramount dropped the first trailer for the sweeping movie on July 6, billing it as Marley's "powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music." The film is directed by "King Richard" director Reinaldo Marcus Green, with "King Richard" writer Zach Baylin behind the screenplay. The project was produced in partnership with the Marley family, which was crucial for Green; Marley's son Ziggy is one of the film's producers.
"To get the blessing of Ziggy and the family to come on and be...
- 7/6/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
[This story contains spoilers from The Idol finale.]
After five episodes, Sam Levinson’s latest drama The Idol has come to an end. But the controversy surrounding the hotly debated Max series created with Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Reza Fahim continues. After four episodes of building a narrative that appeared to be about a young pop artist falling victim to the abuse of a cult leader and producer, Sunday night’s season finale exposed Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) as the orchestrator of the very circumstances she was thought to be a victim of following her entrance into Tedros’ (Tesfaye) crude world of music and masochism.
The unexpected shift has caused many viewers to double down on early critiques that the series was “torture porn.” But Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who plays Jocelyn’s manager Destiny on The Idol, says the season one ending isn’t misogynistic, as some have argued. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
After five episodes, Sam Levinson’s latest drama The Idol has come to an end. But the controversy surrounding the hotly debated Max series created with Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Reza Fahim continues. After four episodes of building a narrative that appeared to be about a young pop artist falling victim to the abuse of a cult leader and producer, Sunday night’s season finale exposed Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) as the orchestrator of the very circumstances she was thought to be a victim of following her entrance into Tedros’ (Tesfaye) crude world of music and masochism.
The unexpected shift has caused many viewers to double down on early critiques that the series was “torture porn.” But Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who plays Jocelyn’s manager Destiny on The Idol, says the season one ending isn’t misogynistic, as some have argued. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
- 7/5/2023
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A Chaotic or Disaster Bisexual is defined in a variety of ways. They could give off so much chaotic energy, that without knowing anything else about them you could correctly guess that they’re bi. They can also be defined by their awkwardness when it comes to flirting and expressing their feelings. Despite being attracted to a wide variety of people, the Chaotic Bisexual is a hot mess above all else.
While some may see this term as an insult or an essentialization of an entire sexuality, many embrace this title with open arms. Identifying as a Chaotic Bisexual allows us to embrace the flaws that make us human and not take ourselves so seriously. Bi people have to deal with so many misunderstandings both within and outside of the queer community – we’re not queer enough for some, too queer for others – and this term gives us a chance...
While some may see this term as an insult or an essentialization of an entire sexuality, many embrace this title with open arms. Identifying as a Chaotic Bisexual allows us to embrace the flaws that make us human and not take ourselves so seriously. Bi people have to deal with so many misunderstandings both within and outside of the queer community – we’re not queer enough for some, too queer for others – and this term gives us a chance...
- 6/30/2023
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
On “The Idol,” Da’Vine Joy Randolph brings a rare bit of heart to the much-discussed show. Playing Destiny, Jocelyn’s (Lily-Rose Depp) manager, the actor portrays one of the only stabilizing forces surrounding the sexualized pop star who has been wrapped up in a dangerous world, led by wannabe musician and cult leader Tedros (Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye).
Randolph was hand-picked by “Idol” co-creator Sam Levinson after the “Euphoria” creator took over the show during a complete overhaul in which he shot it again, after an initial version helmed by Amy Seimetz was completely scrapped, Randolph says. Controversy began before the show even premiered, with a Rolling Stone article that claimed production on “The Idol” had gone “disgustingly off the rails” and that Levinson’s version played like “twisted torture porn.”
The character of Destiny was added into Levinson’s version, Randolph reveals to Variety. She says Levinson re-worked the show,...
Randolph was hand-picked by “Idol” co-creator Sam Levinson after the “Euphoria” creator took over the show during a complete overhaul in which he shot it again, after an initial version helmed by Amy Seimetz was completely scrapped, Randolph says. Controversy began before the show even premiered, with a Rolling Stone article that claimed production on “The Idol” had gone “disgustingly off the rails” and that Levinson’s version played like “twisted torture porn.”
The character of Destiny was added into Levinson’s version, Randolph reveals to Variety. She says Levinson re-worked the show,...
- 6/29/2023
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
Most film fans in the ‘80s got their first glimpse of John Cusack on the big screen as one of Anthony Michael Hall’s buddies who placed a bet that requires that their pal to secure a pair of Molly Ringwald’s panties in the John Hughes teen comedy “Sixteen Candles.” Hey, everyone has to start somewhere. Consider that his sister Joan was reduced to playing “Geek Girl” with an awkward brace around neck.
It was uphill from there as Cusack, with his ironically humorous takes on leading manhood, became one of the more in-demand male stars for the next two decades, working with such top-notch directors as John Sayles, Rob Reiner, Cameron Crowe, Stephen Frears, Spike Jonze, Woody Allen, Terrence Malick and Mike Newell. Somehow, Cusack has been under the radar when it comes to be nominated for major awards as a performer. But he has made considerable contributions...
It was uphill from there as Cusack, with his ironically humorous takes on leading manhood, became one of the more in-demand male stars for the next two decades, working with such top-notch directors as John Sayles, Rob Reiner, Cameron Crowe, Stephen Frears, Spike Jonze, Woody Allen, Terrence Malick and Mike Newell. Somehow, Cusack has been under the radar when it comes to be nominated for major awards as a performer. But he has made considerable contributions...
- 6/24/2023
- by Susan Wloszczyna, Misty Holland and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Hollywood star John Cusack has spoken out about the tragic Titanic submarine loss, stating that it “doesn’t seem tragic” to him. Following a five-day search, it was announced on Thursday that all five men on board were killed in just seconds after the submersible suffered a “catastrophic implosion” 1,600ft from the bow of the Titanic, according to the US Coast Guard, reports Mirror.co.uk.
The search for the submarine prompted widespread conversations and debate on social media, with 56-year-old John making his view on the matter known.
In a post shared to his Twitter, the Serendipity actor tweeted: “I like the adventure spirit – but if someone dies climbing Mount Everest – it doesn’t seem tragic to me – sad yes – but tragic to me is when innocent people die who had no choice.”
I like the adventure spirit – but if someone dies climbing Mount Everest – it doesn’t seem...
The search for the submarine prompted widespread conversations and debate on social media, with 56-year-old John making his view on the matter known.
In a post shared to his Twitter, the Serendipity actor tweeted: “I like the adventure spirit – but if someone dies climbing Mount Everest – it doesn’t seem tragic to me – sad yes – but tragic to me is when innocent people die who had no choice.”
I like the adventure spirit – but if someone dies climbing Mount Everest – it doesn’t seem...
- 6/24/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
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