Francis Ford Coppola’s projects may be few and far between nowadays and his most recent film, passion project Megalopolis was a flop with audiences and critics (our own Chris Bumbray gave it a 5/10), but the guy still has a staggering presence and remains one of the most respected and influential filmmakers of his generation. As such, the industry is prepared to honor Coppola with the AFI Life Achievement Award next year.
In a statement, chair of the AFI Board of Trustees and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, said, “Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist – one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit. AFI is honored to present him with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.”
Like so many, Francis Ford Coppola came up through the Roger Corman system, delivering...
In a statement, chair of the AFI Board of Trustees and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, said, “Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist – one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit. AFI is honored to present him with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.”
Like so many, Francis Ford Coppola came up through the Roger Corman system, delivering...
- 10/31/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Early in director Laurent Bouzereau’s “Music by John Williams” documentary (streaming November 1 on Disney+), Steven Spielberg explains that he was worried about the demise of orchestral film scoring in the early ’70s while embarking on his directing career. He was determined that this emotionally stirring, if anachronistic, format would not die on his watch, so he hired John Williams to score his first theatrical feature, “The Sugarland Express” (1974).
Williams (who caught the director’s attention in 1969 with “The Reivers”) surprised Spielberg with an intimate harmonica solo (played by Toots Thielmans) that helped elevate the movie in a way he didn’t expect. Thus began the greatest director-composer collaboration in the history of movies, with Spielberg making 29 films with Williams and admitting that the composer has been indispensable to each and every one of them.
But it was their second film together, “Jaws” (1975), that propelled their careers. With two unforgettable...
Williams (who caught the director’s attention in 1969 with “The Reivers”) surprised Spielberg with an intimate harmonica solo (played by Toots Thielmans) that helped elevate the movie in a way he didn’t expect. Thus began the greatest director-composer collaboration in the history of movies, with Spielberg making 29 films with Williams and admitting that the composer has been indispensable to each and every one of them.
But it was their second film together, “Jaws” (1975), that propelled their careers. With two unforgettable...
- 10/31/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The American Film Institute has announced that veteran director Francis Ford Coppola will receive its 50th Life Achievement Award. The honor has previously gone to filmmakers John Ford, William Wyler, Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, and Mike Nichols, among many others. This comes after Coppola won our poll as the director most deserving of the AFI’s honor, so our readers are bound to be happy.
Kathleen Kennedy, Chair of the AFI Board of Trustees, said in a statement, “Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist — one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit. AFI is honored to present him with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.”
SEEFrancis Ford Coppola movies: 16 greatest films ranked worst to best
Coppola has divided critics with his latest film — the ambitious, self-funded epic “Megalopolis” — but...
Kathleen Kennedy, Chair of the AFI Board of Trustees, said in a statement, “Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist — one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit. AFI is honored to present him with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.”
SEEFrancis Ford Coppola movies: 16 greatest films ranked worst to best
Coppola has divided critics with his latest film — the ambitious, self-funded epic “Megalopolis” — but...
- 10/29/2024
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Megalopolis helmer Francis Ford Coppola is set to receive the American Film Institute’s 50th Life Achievement Award, AFI’s highest honor for a career in film, during a Gala Tribute at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 26, 2025.
Coppola is the latest in a line of esteemed artists to receive the award. Nicole Kidman took this year’s, with Julie Andrews, Denzel Washington, George Clooney, Diane Keaton and John Williams also recently being honored.
Said Kathleen Kennedy, Chair of the AFI Board of Trustees, “Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist – one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit. AFI is honored to present him with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.”
Most recently seeing Lionsgate release his film Megalopolis, a Roman epic set in modern times starring Adam Driver,...
Coppola is the latest in a line of esteemed artists to receive the award. Nicole Kidman took this year’s, with Julie Andrews, Denzel Washington, George Clooney, Diane Keaton and John Williams also recently being honored.
Said Kathleen Kennedy, Chair of the AFI Board of Trustees, “Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist – one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit. AFI is honored to present him with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.”
Most recently seeing Lionsgate release his film Megalopolis, a Roman epic set in modern times starring Adam Driver,...
- 10/29/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Francis Ford Coppola has been named as AFI’s 50th Life Achievement Award honoree, the institute revealed on Tuesday.
The “Megalopolis” director will receive his award at a gala tribute held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 26, 2025.
“Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist — one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit,” Kathleen Kennedy, chair of the AFI board of trustees said in a statement. “AFI is honored to present him with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.”
In addition to “Megalopolis,” Coppola is also known for being the filmmaker behind “The Godfather,” “The Godfather Part II,” “Apocalypse Now,” “The Outsiders,” “The Godfather Part III” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” to name just a few. He has won five Oscars, six Golden Globes, two Palmes d’Ors out...
The “Megalopolis” director will receive his award at a gala tribute held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 26, 2025.
“Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist — one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit,” Kathleen Kennedy, chair of the AFI board of trustees said in a statement. “AFI is honored to present him with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.”
In addition to “Megalopolis,” Coppola is also known for being the filmmaker behind “The Godfather,” “The Godfather Part II,” “Apocalypse Now,” “The Outsiders,” “The Godfather Part III” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” to name just a few. He has won five Oscars, six Golden Globes, two Palmes d’Ors out...
- 10/29/2024
- by JD Knapp
- The Wrap
Francis Ford Coppola has a date with American Film Institute next year.
The filmmaker has been selected to receive the 50th installment of the organization’s highest honor, the AFI Life Achievement Award, at a ceremony scheduled to take place at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on April 26, 2025. He will be 86 at the time. The tribute will air on TNT with encore presentations on Turner Classic Movies. All proceeds from the gala will support AFI’s education and arts initiatives.
The AFI Life Achievement Award is presented to an honoree “whose talent has in a fundamental way advanced the film art, whose accomplishment has been acknowledged by scholars, critics, professional peers and the general public, and whose work has stood the test of time.”
“Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist, one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who...
The filmmaker has been selected to receive the 50th installment of the organization’s highest honor, the AFI Life Achievement Award, at a ceremony scheduled to take place at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on April 26, 2025. He will be 86 at the time. The tribute will air on TNT with encore presentations on Turner Classic Movies. All proceeds from the gala will support AFI’s education and arts initiatives.
The AFI Life Achievement Award is presented to an honoree “whose talent has in a fundamental way advanced the film art, whose accomplishment has been acknowledged by scholars, critics, professional peers and the general public, and whose work has stood the test of time.”
“Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist, one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who...
- 10/29/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After a year that saw Francis Ford Coppola unveil “Megalopolis,” a lifelong passion project on which he staked a large part of his personal fortune, the beloved filmmaker is set to receive one of the most prestigious honors in Hollywood.
The American Film Institute will honor Coppola with its AFI Life Achievement Award at a gala held at the Dolby Theatre on April 26, 2025. The New Hollywood legend will be the 50th recipient of the award, continuing a tradition that began with John Ford in 1973.
“Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist — one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit,” Kathleen Kennedy, who serves as chair of the AFI Board of Trustees, said in a statement. “AFI is honored to present him with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.”
The AFI...
The American Film Institute will honor Coppola with its AFI Life Achievement Award at a gala held at the Dolby Theatre on April 26, 2025. The New Hollywood legend will be the 50th recipient of the award, continuing a tradition that began with John Ford in 1973.
“Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist — one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit,” Kathleen Kennedy, who serves as chair of the AFI Board of Trustees, said in a statement. “AFI is honored to present him with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award.”
The AFI...
- 10/29/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Francis Ford Coppola will receive the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award at a gala tribute in Hollywood on April 26, 2025.
Coppola’s latest film Megalopolis starring Adam Driver recently opened in North America through Lionsgate after premiering in Cannes.
The veteran filmmaker’s credits include The Godfather trilogy, Apocalypse Now, American Graffiti, The Conversation, The Outsiders, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and The Rainmaker. Coppola co-founded American Zoetrope with George Lucas.
“Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist – one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit,...
Coppola’s latest film Megalopolis starring Adam Driver recently opened in North America through Lionsgate after premiering in Cannes.
The veteran filmmaker’s credits include The Godfather trilogy, Apocalypse Now, American Graffiti, The Conversation, The Outsiders, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and The Rainmaker. Coppola co-founded American Zoetrope with George Lucas.
“Francis Ford Coppola is a peerless artist – one who has created seminal works in the canon of American film, and has also inspired generations of filmmakers who now embody his artistry and his independent spirit,...
- 10/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
Francis Ford Coppola will accept the AFI Life Achievement Award, the American Film Institute's highest honor, next year, despite everyone being super rude about Megalopolis being kind of silly or whatever. Coppola, who spent decades working on his passion project only for much of the industry to poo-poo it on...
- 10/29/2024
- by Matt Schimkowitz
- avclub.com
Wicked director Jon M. Chu will receive the Ace Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award at the 75th annual Ace Eddie Awards, which recognize the year’s best editing achievements in film and TV.
The American Society of Editors made the announcement Monday, along with revealing that longtime Robert Altman and Tyler Perry collaborator Maysie Hoy and Star Wars Oscar winner Paul Hirsch will be bestowed with career achievement honors during the ceremony, set for January 18, 2025 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
The Filmmaker of the Year honor goes to an artist who “exemplifies distinguished achievement in the art and business of film,” Ace said. Recent recipients include John Waters, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino, Kathleen Kennedy and Christopher Nolan.
“Jon M. Chu is a visionary filmmaker who has captivated audiences worldwide with his dynamic storytelling and innovative visual style,” said Ace president Sabrina Plisco, Ace, noting Chu’s...
The American Society of Editors made the announcement Monday, along with revealing that longtime Robert Altman and Tyler Perry collaborator Maysie Hoy and Star Wars Oscar winner Paul Hirsch will be bestowed with career achievement honors during the ceremony, set for January 18, 2025 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
The Filmmaker of the Year honor goes to an artist who “exemplifies distinguished achievement in the art and business of film,” Ace said. Recent recipients include John Waters, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino, Kathleen Kennedy and Christopher Nolan.
“Jon M. Chu is a visionary filmmaker who has captivated audiences worldwide with his dynamic storytelling and innovative visual style,” said Ace president Sabrina Plisco, Ace, noting Chu’s...
- 10/28/2024
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
American Cinema Editors (Ace) announced today that “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu will receive the 2025 Ace Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award, recognizing an artist who exemplifies distinguished achievement in the art and business of film. Ace will also bestow career achievement honors to film editors Maysie Hoy and Paul Hirsch for their outstanding career contributions to film editing. All honors will be presented at the 75th annual Ace Eddie Awards on January 18, 2025 at UCLA’s Royce Hall where winners will also be announced in 13 competitive categories recognizing the best film editing achievements of the year in film and television.
In a press release, Ace president Sabrina Plisco said, “Jon M. Chu is a visionary filmmaker who has captivated audiences worldwide with his dynamic storytelling and innovative visual style. From the vibrant energy of “In The Heights” to the sweeping romance of the groundbreaking “Crazy Rich Asians,” his films...
In a press release, Ace president Sabrina Plisco said, “Jon M. Chu is a visionary filmmaker who has captivated audiences worldwide with his dynamic storytelling and innovative visual style. From the vibrant energy of “In The Heights” to the sweeping romance of the groundbreaking “Crazy Rich Asians,” his films...
- 10/28/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Wicked director Jon M. Chu will receive the Ace Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award from the American Cinema Editors (Ace), it was announced on Monday.
The award recognizes “an artist who exemplifies distinguished achievement in the art and business of film,” according to Ace. Film editors Maysie Hoy and Paul Hirsch will also receive career achievement honors for their “outstanding career contributions to film editing.”
All honors will be presented at the 75th annual Ace Eddie Awards on Jan. 18 at UCLA’s Royce Hall. Nominations will be announced on Dec. 11.
“Jon M. Chu is a visionary filmmaker who has captivated audiences worldwide with his dynamic storytelling and innovative visual style,” says newly elected Ace president Sabrina Plisco. “From the vibrant energy of In The Heights to the sweeping romance of the groundbreaking Crazy Rich Asians, his films are a testament to the power of cinema to transport, entertain and inspire.
The award recognizes “an artist who exemplifies distinguished achievement in the art and business of film,” according to Ace. Film editors Maysie Hoy and Paul Hirsch will also receive career achievement honors for their “outstanding career contributions to film editing.”
All honors will be presented at the 75th annual Ace Eddie Awards on Jan. 18 at UCLA’s Royce Hall. Nominations will be announced on Dec. 11.
“Jon M. Chu is a visionary filmmaker who has captivated audiences worldwide with his dynamic storytelling and innovative visual style,” says newly elected Ace president Sabrina Plisco. “From the vibrant energy of In The Heights to the sweeping romance of the groundbreaking Crazy Rich Asians, his films are a testament to the power of cinema to transport, entertain and inspire.
- 10/28/2024
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney's handling of the Star Wars franchise is a bit of a mess right now. From cancelations to delays, it feels like Lucasfilm doesn't know what it's doing with the one surefire franchise.
Creative differences have led to multiple TV shows and movies getting scrapped or canceled. And now the latest movie impacted is the previously announced Star Wars film that was focused on Daisy Ridley's Rey Skywalker.
The movie hasn't been canceled, but it did hit a road bump this week with the departure of writer Steven Knight. The Peaky Blinders creator was tapped to write the movie following the departure of Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson who stepped away when their vision clashed with Kennedy's.
As of right now, the studio is in talks with other writers, but it's unclear how far along those talks are right now. Ultimately, what this does mean is that production on...
Creative differences have led to multiple TV shows and movies getting scrapped or canceled. And now the latest movie impacted is the previously announced Star Wars film that was focused on Daisy Ridley's Rey Skywalker.
The movie hasn't been canceled, but it did hit a road bump this week with the departure of writer Steven Knight. The Peaky Blinders creator was tapped to write the movie following the departure of Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson who stepped away when their vision clashed with Kennedy's.
As of right now, the studio is in talks with other writers, but it's unclear how far along those talks are right now. Ultimately, what this does mean is that production on...
- 10/26/2024
- by Matthew Liebl
- Along Main Street
Kathleen Kennedy's time in charge of Lucasfilm has been dominated by creative differences and movies and TV shows which have been announced but failed to ever actually reach the screen.
As we first reported on SFFGazette.com, Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) is the latest writer to depart the Rey movie first announced at last April's Star Wars Celebration. Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were originally tapped to develop The Rise of Skywalker follow-up, only for Knight to step in when their vision clashed with Kennedy's.
It looked like Knight might be the one to get this story about Rey, now a Jedi Master looking to create a new Jedi Order while attempting to combat the dark forces that rise up to stop her, across the finish line. Apparently not.
The studio is now in talks with other writers but this should mean production won't start until deep into 2025.
The...
As we first reported on SFFGazette.com, Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) is the latest writer to depart the Rey movie first announced at last April's Star Wars Celebration. Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were originally tapped to develop The Rise of Skywalker follow-up, only for Knight to step in when their vision clashed with Kennedy's.
It looked like Knight might be the one to get this story about Rey, now a Jedi Master looking to create a new Jedi Order while attempting to combat the dark forces that rise up to stop her, across the finish line. Apparently not.
The studio is now in talks with other writers but this should mean production won't start until deep into 2025.
The...
- 10/25/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
In a surprise to no one, the Rey film, which disappeared after being pushed back for “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” has hit yet another setback. This time, the new writer, who Lucasfilm and Kathleen Kennedy got to replace the other two writers they fired, has also left the film.
Steven Knight was brought in March 2023 to replace the original writers Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson. Lindelof has said publically that he was asked to leave Star Wars.
This isn’t even the first time this has happened. Kathleen Kennedy has a trail of people who either quit or were fired for “creative differences.”
There is a list of 18 from 2022, which has increased since then! Some of the people removed include,
Michael Arndt, Gary Whitta, Gareth Edwards, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, Colin Trevorrow, Josh Trank, Stephen Daldry, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Stephen Schiff, J.D. Dillard and Matt Owens, Stuart Beattie,...
Steven Knight was brought in March 2023 to replace the original writers Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson. Lindelof has said publically that he was asked to leave Star Wars.
This isn’t even the first time this has happened. Kathleen Kennedy has a trail of people who either quit or were fired for “creative differences.”
There is a list of 18 from 2022, which has increased since then! Some of the people removed include,
Michael Arndt, Gary Whitta, Gareth Edwards, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, Colin Trevorrow, Josh Trank, Stephen Daldry, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Stephen Schiff, J.D. Dillard and Matt Owens, Stuart Beattie,...
- 10/25/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
Last year, it was reported that Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight was tapped to pen the screenplay for the untitled Rey-centric Star Wars movie with Ms. Marvel‘s Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy attached to direct. The new cinematic Star Wars installment is the same one that Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson originally penned before they departed. Knight is best known for creating Peaky Blinders, the period crime drama starring Cillian Murphy, but he is also known for his work on Eastern Promises, Dirty Pretty Things, Locke, Allied, Spencer, Taboo, See, Sas: Rogue Heroes, and more. It’s said that this new Star Wars movie will mark the franchise’s return to the big screen following the release of The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.
Variety is now reporting that Steven Knight has also left the proposed Star Wars project for undisclosed reasons. This comes long after production was expected to kick off earlier...
Variety is now reporting that Steven Knight has also left the proposed Star Wars project for undisclosed reasons. This comes long after production was expected to kick off earlier...
- 10/25/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Daisy Ridley’s husband Tom Bateman "knows the story" of her upcoming ‘Star Wars’ film.The 32-year-old actress - who confirmed that she had married the ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ star, 35, in January 2023 - is set to reprise her role as Rey Skywalker in the new blockbuster, and has now revealed her spouse is "in the know" about what will happen in the movie but will not be giving away any spoilers.Speaking with People, Ridley said: "He knows the story. [He] swore to secrecy."It's also interesting because there are so many more intricacies than one might [think]. If I'm describing something to you, the actual reality of what it is might be quite different. But he does know the story."While the ‘Young Woman and the Sea’ star insisted she was "not much of a revealer" when it came to spoilers, Ridley emphasised that she was not expecting Lucasfilm...
- 10/25/2024
- by Alex Getting
- Bang Showbiz
Steven Knight has officially exited his role as writer for the upcoming Star Wars: New Jedi Order, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and starring Daisy Ridley—a move that may come as a letdown to fans. The project has already seen multiple setbacks and prominent departures, sparking comparisons to the challenged Blade reboot.
Knight reportedly struggled with the script over the past year, producing four drafts without finalizing one. Continuous feedback from Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy necessitated ongoing revisions. According to Matt Belloni of Puck, Knight’s departure likely pushes the film’s release beyond its intended December 2026 date.
The Star Wars: New Jedi Order project, in development for two years, has already seen several writers, including Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson, depart over creative differences. Now, Disney and Lucasfilm are reportedly reconsidering whether to move forward with this Rey-focused storyline, intended to showcase her efforts in leading a new generation of Jedi.
Knight reportedly struggled with the script over the past year, producing four drafts without finalizing one. Continuous feedback from Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy necessitated ongoing revisions. According to Matt Belloni of Puck, Knight’s departure likely pushes the film’s release beyond its intended December 2026 date.
The Star Wars: New Jedi Order project, in development for two years, has already seen several writers, including Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson, depart over creative differences. Now, Disney and Lucasfilm are reportedly reconsidering whether to move forward with this Rey-focused storyline, intended to showcase her efforts in leading a new generation of Jedi.
- 10/25/2024
- by Hrvoje Milakovic
- Comic Basics
There is another disturbance in the Force. Screenwriter Steven Knight has departed the “Star Wars” movie set to follow Daisy Ridley’s Rey after the events of 2019’s “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.”
In March 2023, Variety exclusively reported that Knight had signed onto the project, replacing original screenwriters Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson. Lucasfilm is actively talking with potential writers to take on the story, which has been said to chronicle Rey’s efforts to start a new Jedi Academy, but the delay likely means production won’t start until well into 2025 at least.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is still attached to direct the film, which would be her feature debut; she previously directed episodes of the Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel” after twice winning the Oscar for best documentary short film. While discussing her latest documentary about designer Diane von Furstenberg, which premiered on Hulu in June, Obaid-Chinoy told Variety that...
In March 2023, Variety exclusively reported that Knight had signed onto the project, replacing original screenwriters Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson. Lucasfilm is actively talking with potential writers to take on the story, which has been said to chronicle Rey’s efforts to start a new Jedi Academy, but the delay likely means production won’t start until well into 2025 at least.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is still attached to direct the film, which would be her feature debut; she previously directed episodes of the Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel” after twice winning the Oscar for best documentary short film. While discussing her latest documentary about designer Diane von Furstenberg, which premiered on Hulu in June, Obaid-Chinoy told Variety that...
- 10/25/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
In a recent development that might disappoint Star Wars fans, Steven Knight has stepped down as the writer for the upcoming ‘Star Wars: New Jedi Order,’ directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and starring Daisy Ridley. This project has faced several setbacks and high-profile departures, drawing comparisons to the troubled ‘Blade’ reboot.
Previously, it was shared that Knight had been struggling with the script for over a year, despite not finalizing a draft. He produced four versions, yet continuous feedback from Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy meant revisions kept coming.
Now, as reported by Matt Belloni of Puck, Knight has officially left the project. This exit likely delays the film beyond its planned December 2026 release.
The film, under development for two years, had seen other writers like Damon Lindelof and Justin Brit-Gibson also leave due to creative clashes.
Disney and LucasFilm are reportedly reevaluating whether to proceed with this Rey-centric story, which...
Previously, it was shared that Knight had been struggling with the script for over a year, despite not finalizing a draft. He produced four versions, yet continuous feedback from Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy meant revisions kept coming.
Now, as reported by Matt Belloni of Puck, Knight has officially left the project. This exit likely delays the film beyond its planned December 2026 release.
The film, under development for two years, had seen other writers like Damon Lindelof and Justin Brit-Gibson also leave due to creative clashes.
Disney and LucasFilm are reportedly reevaluating whether to proceed with this Rey-centric story, which...
- 10/25/2024
- by Hrvoje Milakovic
- Fiction Horizon
With The Mandalorian And Grogu still over a year away, a look at some of the Star Wars films Lucasfilm hasn’t made since 2019.
The release of 2015’s The Force Awakens sparked the beginning of a frenzied five years for the Star Wars franchise. It was a period that saw a new film in the series released annually, with numbered sequels interspersed with the spin-offs Rogue One (2016) and Solo (2018). Then 2019 happened, and things went rather quiet.
One problem, for Disney-owned production company Lucasfilm, was that 2019’s The Rise Of Skywalker barely made a billion dollars in cinemas – only half of what The Force Awakens had made four years earlier. The other problem was that Solo: A Star Wars Story, which cost somewhere around $270m to make, only made $400m.
Those declining numbers appeared to give Lucasfilm pause, because it’s spent the years since announcing or hyping future Star Wars movies,...
The release of 2015’s The Force Awakens sparked the beginning of a frenzied five years for the Star Wars franchise. It was a period that saw a new film in the series released annually, with numbered sequels interspersed with the spin-offs Rogue One (2016) and Solo (2018). Then 2019 happened, and things went rather quiet.
One problem, for Disney-owned production company Lucasfilm, was that 2019’s The Rise Of Skywalker barely made a billion dollars in cinemas – only half of what The Force Awakens had made four years earlier. The other problem was that Solo: A Star Wars Story, which cost somewhere around $270m to make, only made $400m.
Those declining numbers appeared to give Lucasfilm pause, because it’s spent the years since announcing or hyping future Star Wars movies,...
- 10/25/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Even without the John Williams factor, the premiere event for the 38th annual AFI Fest would have been notable in one particular regard, Steven Spielberg said. “First of all, I thank the AFI board and everyone for doing something they’ve never done before, which is to open the AFI Festival with a documentary,” Spielberg said in introducing the 2025 events’s opening-night attraction at the Tcl Chinese Theatre. “That is a wonderful thing, to really be able to place the documentary form exactly where it belongs, right up alongside the narrative form.”
But “even without the John Williams factor” is not something that Spielberg has wanted to experience very often in his filmmaking career. From his debut feature, “The Sugarland Express,” through his most recent film, 2022’s “The Fabelmans,” Spielberg has brought Williams in to score 29 of his features. And now they more or less share a 30th together: “Music by John Williams,...
But “even without the John Williams factor” is not something that Spielberg has wanted to experience very often in his filmmaking career. From his debut feature, “The Sugarland Express,” through his most recent film, 2022’s “The Fabelmans,” Spielberg has brought Williams in to score 29 of his features. And now they more or less share a 30th together: “Music by John Williams,...
- 10/24/2024
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Plot: From his early days as a jazz pianist to his 54 Oscar® nominations and five wins, the documentary takes an in-depth look at Williams’ countless contributions to film including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture. The film features interviews with artists and filmmakers whose lives have been touched by his timeless music.
Review: There is no one like John Williams. From Star Wars to Superman to Jurassic Park to Harry Potter and beyond, Williams has left an indelible mark on the landscape of cinema and music in general. In his nineties, John Williams became synonymous with movie soundtracks thanks to his collaborations with George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and several other filmmakers and film franchises. The new documentary Music By John Williams, directed by the composer’s longtime friend and documentarian Laurent Bouzereau, is an ode to Williams’ creative...
Review: There is no one like John Williams. From Star Wars to Superman to Jurassic Park to Harry Potter and beyond, Williams has left an indelible mark on the landscape of cinema and music in general. In his nineties, John Williams became synonymous with movie soundtracks thanks to his collaborations with George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and several other filmmakers and film franchises. The new documentary Music By John Williams, directed by the composer’s longtime friend and documentarian Laurent Bouzereau, is an ode to Williams’ creative...
- 10/24/2024
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
At the premiere of Disney+ doc Music by John Williams on opening night of AFI Fest on Wednesday, Steven Spielberg took some time to reflect on his longtime collaboration with the legendary composer.
The duo have worked on nearly 30 films together, including Jaws, E.T., Schindler’s List and the Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones franchises. Spielberg serves as producer on the new Williams documentary and inside the Los Angeles screening, recalled how for several years the two would host fundraiser concerts for orchestras around the country. The filmmaker would play a scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade with no music first, joking the four-minute scene would feel like 14 minutes. And then the scene would replay with Williams leading an orchestra, making the four minutes feel like 90 seconds.
“That is the miracle of film scoring and that is the consistent miracle of John Williams, what he has brought to all...
The duo have worked on nearly 30 films together, including Jaws, E.T., Schindler’s List and the Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones franchises. Spielberg serves as producer on the new Williams documentary and inside the Los Angeles screening, recalled how for several years the two would host fundraiser concerts for orchestras around the country. The filmmaker would play a scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade with no music first, joking the four-minute scene would feel like 14 minutes. And then the scene would replay with Williams leading an orchestra, making the four minutes feel like 90 seconds.
“That is the miracle of film scoring and that is the consistent miracle of John Williams, what he has brought to all...
- 10/24/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Filming for Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi will begin soon. The upcoming prequel, set earlier in the timeline than any other film in the franchise, will be directed by James Mangold, who co-wrote the script with Beau Willimon (known for Andor and House of Cards).
Mangold has been nominated for two Academy Awards: one for writing Logan (2017) and another as a producer on Ford v. Ferrari, which was nominated for Best Picture. His other notable works include The Wolverine and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
According to Empire (via World of Reel and ScreenRant), Mangold mentioned in an interview for his Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet, that once that project wraps—already drawing Oscar buzz—he’ll begin shooting Dawn of the Jedi. Filming could potentially start by late 2025.
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi takes place 25,000 years before A New Hope and...
Mangold has been nominated for two Academy Awards: one for writing Logan (2017) and another as a producer on Ford v. Ferrari, which was nominated for Best Picture. His other notable works include The Wolverine and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
According to Empire (via World of Reel and ScreenRant), Mangold mentioned in an interview for his Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet, that once that project wraps—already drawing Oscar buzz—he’ll begin shooting Dawn of the Jedi. Filming could potentially start by late 2025.
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi takes place 25,000 years before A New Hope and...
- 10/24/2024
- by Robert Milakovic
- Fiction Horizon
‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’ will begin filming soon. The upcoming ‘Dawn of the Jedi’, a prequel set earlier than any other movie in the series, will be directed by James Mangold. The script is co-written by Mangold and Beau Willimon (known for Andor and House of Cards).
Mangold has been nominated for two Oscars: one for writing the 2017 film ‘Logan’ and another as a producer on ‘Ford v. Ferrari’, which was up for Best Picture. Mangold has also directed ‘The Wolverine’ and ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.’
According to Empire magazine (via World of Reel and ScreenRant), ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’ is set to start filming soon. In an interview promoting his new Bob Dylan biopic, ‘A Complete Unknown’, starring Timothée Chalamet, Mangold mentioned that after wrapping up work on that project, which is already getting Oscar attention, he will begin shooting the new Star Wars movie.
Mangold has been nominated for two Oscars: one for writing the 2017 film ‘Logan’ and another as a producer on ‘Ford v. Ferrari’, which was up for Best Picture. Mangold has also directed ‘The Wolverine’ and ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.’
According to Empire magazine (via World of Reel and ScreenRant), ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’ is set to start filming soon. In an interview promoting his new Bob Dylan biopic, ‘A Complete Unknown’, starring Timothée Chalamet, Mangold mentioned that after wrapping up work on that project, which is already getting Oscar attention, he will begin shooting the new Star Wars movie.
- 10/24/2024
- by Robert Milakovic
- Comic Basics
The AFI Fest opened Wednesday night back at its home, the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, and runs through Sunday, highlighted by world premieres of awaited new films from past American Film Institute Life Achievement Award honorees including Tom Hanks with his new film, Here, on Friday, and Clint Eastwood with his latest, Juror #2, on Sunday (among a host of prime Oscar contenders and international films). But the fest kicked off with yet another AFI honoree, legendary movie composer and musician John Williams, who is the subject of an exceptionally well-conceived and executed documentary on his remarkable career.
This is a legacy that includes more highlights and statistics and achievements than perhaps any other motion picture composer in history, although the shy and not self-laudatory musician would probably give you an argument on that, preferring to highlight those legends that preceded his glory decades that have run through the ‘50s all to way to now,...
This is a legacy that includes more highlights and statistics and achievements than perhaps any other motion picture composer in history, although the shy and not self-laudatory musician would probably give you an argument on that, preferring to highlight those legends that preceded his glory decades that have run through the ‘50s all to way to now,...
- 10/24/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Leslye Headland served as the creator and showrunner for The Acolyte. The series received mostly negative reviews from critics and fans alike and was canceled after one season. However, in an interview, Headland discussed her approach to the story which explores the Sith and their rule of two while taking inspiration from George Lucas’ prequel trilogy.
Leslye Headland created The Acolyte (Credits: Lucasfilm).
Headland explained that in the series most of the characters believed they were doing the right thing and had a compelling reason for this approach. Headland’s comments prove that despite the show’s failure, she had a good starting point to craft a compelling story that could have been a fine addition to the galaxy far, far away.
Leslye Headland Believed The Acolyte Characters Were Doing the Right Thing
Created by Leslye Headland, The Acolyte follows the mystery around the murders of a Jedi group with...
Leslye Headland created The Acolyte (Credits: Lucasfilm).
Headland explained that in the series most of the characters believed they were doing the right thing and had a compelling reason for this approach. Headland’s comments prove that despite the show’s failure, she had a good starting point to craft a compelling story that could have been a fine addition to the galaxy far, far away.
Leslye Headland Believed The Acolyte Characters Were Doing the Right Thing
Created by Leslye Headland, The Acolyte follows the mystery around the murders of a Jedi group with...
- 10/12/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
The Force of positive thinking continues to be strong with Ewan McGregor, who said at L.A. Comic Con this past weekend that he and… someone… are “exploring” possibilities for a second season of Disney+’s live-action Obi-Wan Kenobi Star Wars series.
Set 10 years after the events of 2005’s Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 1 found our titular hero hiding out from the force-sensitive agents, known as Inquisitors, who were tasked with dispatching all surviving Jedi.
More from TVLineThe Acolyte's Jodie Turner-Smith: Disney Needs to Speak Up 'When People Are Getting Dog-Piled on the Internet With Racism...
Set 10 years after the events of 2005’s Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 1 found our titular hero hiding out from the force-sensitive agents, known as Inquisitors, who were tasked with dispatching all surviving Jedi.
More from TVLineThe Acolyte's Jodie Turner-Smith: Disney Needs to Speak Up 'When People Are Getting Dog-Piled on the Internet With Racism...
- 10/9/2024
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Jodie Turner-Smith, who played Mother Aniseya in The Acolyte, has called out Disney for not doing enough to defend the cast - particularly Amandla Stenberg - when they were targetted for online abuse.
Back in August, we got word that Lucasfilm/Disney would not be moving forward with a second season of the Disney+ Star Wars series, despite several major storylines and character arcs being left unresolved by the end of the season 1 finale.
The decision was met with a mixture of indifference and disappointment, but it's very clear that a lot of Star Wars fans - and some of the actors involved with the show - were surprised by this development.
The "official" reason for the show's cancellation was low/declining viewership, but many feel the intense backlash from a vocal minority may have factored into the decision. We may never know if this was the case, but Stenberg...
Back in August, we got word that Lucasfilm/Disney would not be moving forward with a second season of the Disney+ Star Wars series, despite several major storylines and character arcs being left unresolved by the end of the season 1 finale.
The decision was met with a mixture of indifference and disappointment, but it's very clear that a lot of Star Wars fans - and some of the actors involved with the show - were surprised by this development.
The "official" reason for the show's cancellation was low/declining viewership, but many feel the intense backlash from a vocal minority may have factored into the decision. We may never know if this was the case, but Stenberg...
- 10/7/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Ahsoka Season 2 Reportedly Top Priority Despite Star Wars Future Uncertainty - Main Image
According to a new report, of every Lucasfilm project currently in development, Ahsoka season 2 takes up top priority. Despite the franchise's uncertain future, it would seem high hopes rely on the continuation of the beloved Jedi Master's story.
Lucasfilm Reportedly Prioritizing Ahsoka Season 2 Despite Franchise's Uncertain Future
With reports coming in that Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy may soon be ending her contract for Star Wars, fans remain unsure of what the franchise's future looks like outside of its live adaptation shows.
Considering that the cancellation of the most recent Star Wars series, The Acolyte, after merely 8 episodes already veered fans into disappointment, who knows how Lucasfilm plans on coaxing fans back into the franchise?
Well, an insider report details that Lucasfilm is prioritizing Ahsoka season 2 above anything else, despite having only wrapped up on Disney+ last year.
According to a new report, of every Lucasfilm project currently in development, Ahsoka season 2 takes up top priority. Despite the franchise's uncertain future, it would seem high hopes rely on the continuation of the beloved Jedi Master's story.
Lucasfilm Reportedly Prioritizing Ahsoka Season 2 Despite Franchise's Uncertain Future
With reports coming in that Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy may soon be ending her contract for Star Wars, fans remain unsure of what the franchise's future looks like outside of its live adaptation shows.
Considering that the cancellation of the most recent Star Wars series, The Acolyte, after merely 8 episodes already veered fans into disappointment, who knows how Lucasfilm plans on coaxing fans back into the franchise?
Well, an insider report details that Lucasfilm is prioritizing Ahsoka season 2 above anything else, despite having only wrapped up on Disney+ last year.
- 10/7/2024
- EpicStream
Obi-Wan Kenobi was originally destined to be a movie, but with Disney keen to bolster its streaming offerings, it instead became a six-part TV series.
Despite some divisive elements, the show was a hit and did a great job of filling in the gaps between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. Lucasfilm even figured out a way to give us an Obi-Wan vs. Darth Vader rematch, leading to that now-iconic scene where we caught a glimpse of what lies beneath the Sith Lord's helmet.
With another decade between that battle and Ben's demise on the Death Star, plenty of Star Wars fans are optimistic a second season could happen which fills in more of the gaps and perhaps revisits the Jedi Master's rivalry with Maul.
Unfortunately, despite Ewan McGregor's continued enthusiasm, we've heard repeatedly from Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy that there are...
Despite some divisive elements, the show was a hit and did a great job of filling in the gaps between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. Lucasfilm even figured out a way to give us an Obi-Wan vs. Darth Vader rematch, leading to that now-iconic scene where we caught a glimpse of what lies beneath the Sith Lord's helmet.
With another decade between that battle and Ben's demise on the Death Star, plenty of Star Wars fans are optimistic a second season could happen which fills in more of the gaps and perhaps revisits the Jedi Master's rivalry with Maul.
Unfortunately, despite Ewan McGregor's continued enthusiasm, we've heard repeatedly from Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy that there are...
- 10/6/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor offered fans some good news regarding Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2 as a part of Los Angeles Comic-Con.
McGregor's Obi-Wan Kenobi was last seen in Season 1 of his self-titled series back in 2021. Despite Ewan McGregor sharing his excitement to potentially get to play the character again, word has been any sort of follow-up was not happening.
In fact, Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy previously told fans Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2 was not in "active development" but made sure to not count it out entirely.
Read full article on The Direct.
McGregor's Obi-Wan Kenobi was last seen in Season 1 of his self-titled series back in 2021. Despite Ewan McGregor sharing his excitement to potentially get to play the character again, word has been any sort of follow-up was not happening.
In fact, Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy previously told fans Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2 was not in "active development" but made sure to not count it out entirely.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 10/6/2024
- by Klein Felt
- The Direct
With Star Wars fans quickly starting to lose faith in Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy's vision for the franchise (and her apparent inability to get new movies into theaters), the news that Dave Filoni would serve as the studio's Chief Creative Officer was welcomed.
He was already a key figure overseeing Disney+'s post-Return of the Jedi TV shows and, during last year's Star Wars Celebration, it was confirmed that he'll also helm his own movie. That's expected to serve as a conclusion to this current era of streaming storytelling, with Din Djarin, Ahsoka Tano, and more assembling to battle Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Before we get there, Ahsoka season 2 needs to answer some lingering questions and better set the stage for what could end up being Filoni's take on the classic "Heir to the Empire" storyline.
The first batch of episodes wrapped up on Disney+ just over a year...
He was already a key figure overseeing Disney+'s post-Return of the Jedi TV shows and, during last year's Star Wars Celebration, it was confirmed that he'll also helm his own movie. That's expected to serve as a conclusion to this current era of streaming storytelling, with Din Djarin, Ahsoka Tano, and more assembling to battle Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Before we get there, Ahsoka season 2 needs to answer some lingering questions and better set the stage for what could end up being Filoni's take on the classic "Heir to the Empire" storyline.
The first batch of episodes wrapped up on Disney+ just over a year...
- 10/5/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Disney has released the trailer for the upcoming Music by John Williams documentary that offers a long-overdue focus on the legendary composer! Check it out!
In the world of movie soundtrack composers, there are two categories: John Williams and everyone else. His early works showed his skills, such as The Towering Inferno, Valley of the Dolls, The Cowboys, and Fiddler on the Roof, which won him his first Oscar. It was in 1974 that Williams first worked with director Steven Spielberg on The Sugarland Express, beginning an amazing partnership.
A year later, they combined forces on Jaws, the mega-blockbuster hit that earned Williams a second Oscar and launched him to fame. Since then, Williams has crafted some of the most iconic movie music of all time: Star Wars, the Indiana Jones trilogy, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Superman, Home Alone and the first three Harry Potter films.
In the world of movie soundtrack composers, there are two categories: John Williams and everyone else. His early works showed his skills, such as The Towering Inferno, Valley of the Dolls, The Cowboys, and Fiddler on the Roof, which won him his first Oscar. It was in 1974 that Williams first worked with director Steven Spielberg on The Sugarland Express, beginning an amazing partnership.
A year later, they combined forces on Jaws, the mega-blockbuster hit that earned Williams a second Oscar and launched him to fame. Since then, Williams has crafted some of the most iconic movie music of all time: Star Wars, the Indiana Jones trilogy, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Superman, Home Alone and the first three Harry Potter films.
- 10/2/2024
- by Michael Weyer
- Along Main Street
We have sad news to report today. Robert Watts, the producer on the Star Wars and Indiana Jones trilogies as well as other beloved films has passed away. He died in his sleep at the age 86.
Watts was friends and worked for producer Gary Kurtz, which is how he started on Star Wars: A New Hope as a production manager. From there, he would step up as the associate producer for The Empire Strikes Back and then later was the co-producer for Return of the Jedi, via Deadline. From his work with the Star Wars trilogies, he would also join Steven Spielberg on his trilogy of films with Indiana Jones. He started as the associate producer for Raiders of the Lost Arc before becoming the producer for the other two films in the franchise.
Watts also made a small cameo in Return of the Jedi. Via Lucasfilm, who shared a...
Watts was friends and worked for producer Gary Kurtz, which is how he started on Star Wars: A New Hope as a production manager. From there, he would step up as the associate producer for The Empire Strikes Back and then later was the co-producer for Return of the Jedi, via Deadline. From his work with the Star Wars trilogies, he would also join Steven Spielberg on his trilogy of films with Indiana Jones. He started as the associate producer for Raiders of the Lost Arc before becoming the producer for the other two films in the franchise.
Watts also made a small cameo in Return of the Jedi. Via Lucasfilm, who shared a...
- 10/2/2024
- by Hope Mullinax
- https://dorksideoftheforce.com/
John Williams has composed some of the greatest pieces of music in the history of cinema. From Jaws to Star Wars to Indiana Jones, his multiple collaborations with other Hollywood legends like Steven Spielberg have resulted in a plethora of instantly recognizable pieces of music that have inspired generations of filmmakers, writers, and actors.
Williams’ career in the movie business has spanned over fifty years, netting him several Emmy, BAFTA, and Academy Awards. To celebrate the maestro’s monumental achievements, The Walt Disney Company has commissioned a new documentary that will premiere very soon on Disney+.
“Music by John Williams”, directed by Laurent Bouzereau and produced in part by Spielberg, will feature “…interviews with Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Kate Capshaw, Gustavo Dudamel, J.J. Abrams, Chris Martin, Ron Howard, Chris Columbus, George Lucas, Itzhak Perlman, Lawrence Kasdan, Yo-Yo Ma, Ke Huy Quan, James Mangold, Alan Silvestri, David Newman, Thomas Newman,...
Williams’ career in the movie business has spanned over fifty years, netting him several Emmy, BAFTA, and Academy Awards. To celebrate the maestro’s monumental achievements, The Walt Disney Company has commissioned a new documentary that will premiere very soon on Disney+.
“Music by John Williams”, directed by Laurent Bouzereau and produced in part by Spielberg, will feature “…interviews with Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Kate Capshaw, Gustavo Dudamel, J.J. Abrams, Chris Martin, Ron Howard, Chris Columbus, George Lucas, Itzhak Perlman, Lawrence Kasdan, Yo-Yo Ma, Ke Huy Quan, James Mangold, Alan Silvestri, David Newman, Thomas Newman,...
- 10/2/2024
- by Mike Phalin
- Pirates & Princesses
"Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music." So says legendary composer John Williams in the first trailer for the aptly titled Music By John Williams, Disney+'s upcoming soup-to-nuts documentary on the musical maestro produced by Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, and Ron Howard. And we're pretty sure we can all agree that John Williams' music alone — stunning symphonic compositions on such iconic works as Jaws, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and even the Olympics — has proven more than enough for several generations' lifetimes, which makes the prospect of a doc dedicated to the life and times of the man himself all the more exciting. Check out that trailer below:
Opening with an experiment in which Williams' longtime collaborator Steven Spielberg underlines the power of a movie score by showing us a scene from Jaws both with and without Williams' iconic two-note piano ostinato, this...
Opening with an experiment in which Williams' longtime collaborator Steven Spielberg underlines the power of a movie score by showing us a scene from Jaws both with and without Williams' iconic two-note piano ostinato, this...
- 10/2/2024
- by Jordan King
- Empire - Movies
After three seasons on Disney+, The Mandalorian will be making the leap to the big screen with The Mandalorian & Grogu. It remains to be seen where the character will go next, but Giancarlo Esposito believes that the Mandalorian movie will be the first of a new Star Wars trilogy.
The actor, who plays Moff Gideon in the series, spoke to fans during an appearance at Dragon Con (via Culture Slate). “As in the MCU… Disney will figure out how to join all of these characters into one really great movie or TV show. That’s my sense of where it will go,” Esposito said. “Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau have a new vision, continuing on with a Mandalorian movie… My sense is that it’s all going to converge at one point or another and we’re going to have another set of… [a] trilogy, or more, of films.“
The Mandalorian...
The actor, who plays Moff Gideon in the series, spoke to fans during an appearance at Dragon Con (via Culture Slate). “As in the MCU… Disney will figure out how to join all of these characters into one really great movie or TV show. That’s my sense of where it will go,” Esposito said. “Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau have a new vision, continuing on with a Mandalorian movie… My sense is that it’s all going to converge at one point or another and we’re going to have another set of… [a] trilogy, or more, of films.“
The Mandalorian...
- 10/1/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Oscar winner John Williams is the subject of a new documentary coming to Disney Plus. “Music by John Williams” from Lucasfilm Ltd, Amblin Documentaries, and Imagine Documentaries, which offers a fascinating and insightful look at the prolific life and career of the legendary composer, will hit the streamer and have a limited theatrical release in New York, Los Angeles, and London on November 1. The documentary will also open the 38th edition of AFI Fest on October 23. Watch the trailer below.
From his early days as a jazz pianist to his 54 Oscar nominations and five wins, the documentary takes an in-depth look at Williams’ countless contributions to film, including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture. The film features interviews with artists and filmmakers whose lives have been touched by his timeless music. Directed by award-winning filmmaker and best-selling author Laurent Bouzereau,...
From his early days as a jazz pianist to his 54 Oscar nominations and five wins, the documentary takes an in-depth look at Williams’ countless contributions to film, including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture. The film features interviews with artists and filmmakers whose lives have been touched by his timeless music. Directed by award-winning filmmaker and best-selling author Laurent Bouzereau,...
- 10/1/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
The iconic scores of John Williams will be celebrated with documentary “Music by John Williams.”
The Disney+ film reunites legendary composer Williams with his frequent collaborators Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, and Kathleen Kennedy, who all produce the documentary. Williams has scored films such as “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones,” and “Jurassic Park,” and in 2023 made history as the oldest Oscar nominee in any category for “The Fabelmans.” The composer has a total of 54 Oscar nominations and five wins.
“Music by John Williams” will “offer a fascinating and insightful look at the prolific life and career of the legendary composer,” according to the official logline. “From his early days as a jazz pianist to his Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy wins, the documentary takes an in-depth look at Williams’ countless contributions to film, including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture.”
The...
The Disney+ film reunites legendary composer Williams with his frequent collaborators Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, and Kathleen Kennedy, who all produce the documentary. Williams has scored films such as “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones,” and “Jurassic Park,” and in 2023 made history as the oldest Oscar nominee in any category for “The Fabelmans.” The composer has a total of 54 Oscar nominations and five wins.
“Music by John Williams” will “offer a fascinating and insightful look at the prolific life and career of the legendary composer,” according to the official logline. “From his early days as a jazz pianist to his Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy wins, the documentary takes an in-depth look at Williams’ countless contributions to film, including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture.”
The...
- 10/1/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
If you want to watch the classic “Indiana Jones” films on Disney+, you are out of luck right now. Currently, all the films have been removed except for Disney’s film “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
The franchise landing page on Disney+ does not include “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” “Indiana Jones the Last Crusade,” or “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”
Now, all that is available is Disney’s film and two specials about the film.
Where did the films go?
While Disney owns the “Indiana Jones” franchise, Paramount has the distribution rights to the first four films.
In May 2013, Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy announced that the four films and the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles would stream on Disney+ along with Paramount. Both services were sharing the films for streaming, but it is possible that the deal has lapsed,...
The franchise landing page on Disney+ does not include “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” “Indiana Jones the Last Crusade,” or “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”
Now, all that is available is Disney’s film and two specials about the film.
Where did the films go?
While Disney owns the “Indiana Jones” franchise, Paramount has the distribution rights to the first four films.
In May 2013, Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy announced that the four films and the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles would stream on Disney+ along with Paramount. Both services were sharing the films for streaming, but it is possible that the deal has lapsed,...
- 10/1/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
How can you put into a few words the ineffable career of John Williams? It's hard to even imagine, but the newest documentary about the maestro Music By John Williams will try. The feature will look at the career of the greatest film composer of all time when it streams on Disney+ on November 1.
The official trailer showcases people who have worked with Williams for decades such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Kathleen Kennedy to discuss their long time friend. "Star Wars would basically not be Star Wars without Johhny Williams' music," Lucas says in the trailer while the main theme of the franchise billows in the background.
"The minute John raises his baton and plays the first theme," Kennedy shares, "You just go, 'Oh my God! Here's another one!'" This is true as Williams has defined generations worth of movies and TV shows. Besides Star Wars, he...
The official trailer showcases people who have worked with Williams for decades such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Kathleen Kennedy to discuss their long time friend. "Star Wars would basically not be Star Wars without Johhny Williams' music," Lucas says in the trailer while the main theme of the franchise billows in the background.
"The minute John raises his baton and plays the first theme," Kennedy shares, "You just go, 'Oh my God! Here's another one!'" This is true as Williams has defined generations worth of movies and TV shows. Besides Star Wars, he...
- 10/1/2024
- by Hope Mullinax
- https://dorksideoftheforce.com/
One contributor to the film world who is unanimously loved by everyone is composer John Williams. The name rings of countless iconic movie themes that almost anyone can hum on a dime. From Jaws to E.T., Star Wars to Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park to Home Alone, Williams’ career is one that transcends generations. It’s only inevitable that the maestro would become the subject of a documentary and a new look at the man is coming to Disney+ this fall.
Music by John Williams from Lucasfilm Ltd, Amblin Documentaries, and Imagine Documentaries, which offers a fascinating and insightful look at the prolific life and career of legendary composer John Williams, will premiere on Disney+ on November 1. The documentary will also open the 38th edition of AFI Fest on October 23. Disney has also released new images from the documentary as well as the one-sheet key art.
Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, J.J. Abrams...
Music by John Williams from Lucasfilm Ltd, Amblin Documentaries, and Imagine Documentaries, which offers a fascinating and insightful look at the prolific life and career of legendary composer John Williams, will premiere on Disney+ on November 1. The documentary will also open the 38th edition of AFI Fest on October 23. Disney has also released new images from the documentary as well as the one-sheet key art.
Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, J.J. Abrams...
- 10/1/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Disney has released a first look at Music by John Williams. This new documentary offers a fascinating and insightful look at the prolific life and career of legendary composer John Williams.
From Lucasfilm Ltd, Amblin Documentaries, and Imagine Documentaries, the documentary will premiere on Disney+ and have a limited theatrical release in New York, Los Angeles, and London on November 1.
The documentary will also open the 38th edition of AFI Fest on October 23. Advance theatrical tickets for Music by John Williams will be available for purchase on October 24 via Fandango or wherever tickets are sold.
From his early days as a jazz pianist to his 54 Oscar nominations and five wins, the documentary takes an in-depth look at Williams’ countless contributions to film, including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker and best-selling author Laurent Bouzerea,...
From Lucasfilm Ltd, Amblin Documentaries, and Imagine Documentaries, the documentary will premiere on Disney+ and have a limited theatrical release in New York, Los Angeles, and London on November 1.
The documentary will also open the 38th edition of AFI Fest on October 23. Advance theatrical tickets for Music by John Williams will be available for purchase on October 24 via Fandango or wherever tickets are sold.
From his early days as a jazz pianist to his 54 Oscar nominations and five wins, the documentary takes an in-depth look at Williams’ countless contributions to film, including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker and best-selling author Laurent Bouzerea,...
- 10/1/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Disney has finally realised that the best place for Star Wars is on the big screen after several years where the only place fans could head into a Galaxy Far, Far Away was on streaming.
During last year's strikes, The Mandalorian season 4 became The Mandalorian and Grogu movie. We'd imagine Jon Favreau has upped the stakes and reshaped the story but Moff Gideon actor Giancarlo Esposito believes the filmmaker's plans extend well beyond just one feature.
Talking at Dragon Con (via SFFGazette.com), the actor shared his belief that Favreau has plans on par with what we've seen from Marvel Studios (a franchise Esposito is also familiar with after joining the cast of Captain America: Brave New World during reshoots).
"As in the MCU, Disney will figure out how to join all of these characters into one really great movie or TV show," the actor shared. "That’s my sense of where it will go.
During last year's strikes, The Mandalorian season 4 became The Mandalorian and Grogu movie. We'd imagine Jon Favreau has upped the stakes and reshaped the story but Moff Gideon actor Giancarlo Esposito believes the filmmaker's plans extend well beyond just one feature.
Talking at Dragon Con (via SFFGazette.com), the actor shared his belief that Favreau has plans on par with what we've seen from Marvel Studios (a franchise Esposito is also familiar with after joining the cast of Captain America: Brave New World during reshoots).
"As in the MCU, Disney will figure out how to join all of these characters into one really great movie or TV show," the actor shared. "That’s my sense of where it will go.
- 10/1/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Greta Gerwig Grateful Even for Those Who Call Her “Completely Bananas” in Pioneer of the Year Speech
Greta Gerwig expressed her gratitude for being a “show person” while accepting the prize as the 2024 Pioneer of the Year.
Gerwig was the recipient of this year’s honor from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. The ceremony took place Wednesday at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills to celebrate Gerwig’s accomplishments that include writing and directing Lady Bird, Little Women and Barbie, all of which were nominated for the best picture Oscar.
“I’m mostly used to going to the Beverly Hilton to lose, so this is a nice change of pace,” Gerwig quipped at the start of her acceptance speech about the venue that has served for decades as home of the Golden Globe Awards.
She went on to thank the organization for supporting the moviegoing experience. “The work that you do for caring for this community that I’m part of, it’s just extraordinary,...
Gerwig was the recipient of this year’s honor from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. The ceremony took place Wednesday at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills to celebrate Gerwig’s accomplishments that include writing and directing Lady Bird, Little Women and Barbie, all of which were nominated for the best picture Oscar.
“I’m mostly used to going to the Beverly Hilton to lose, so this is a nice change of pace,” Gerwig quipped at the start of her acceptance speech about the venue that has served for decades as home of the Golden Globe Awards.
She went on to thank the organization for supporting the moviegoing experience. “The work that you do for caring for this community that I’m part of, it’s just extraordinary,...
- 9/26/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 90s was a great time for adaptations. Jurassic Park is the gold standard, of course, but there was so much more. That book’s author, Michael Crichton, also had Sphere and Congo get greenlit and released while we would see non-horror output like Forrest Gump and Shawshank Redemption, which account for the greatest film of all time… and Forrest Gump. On the horror side we would have Silence of the Lambs, the wonderful It TV miniseries, Exorcist III, and a fun little monster movie throwback called The Relic. At the time, I just thought it was a cool creature feature designed specifically for 12-year-olds like me but looking back all these years later I found out it was an adaptation of a book by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child in what would be the first of 22 separate stories for one of the chief protagonists. That’s all well and...
- 9/26/2024
- by Andrew Hatfield
- JoBlo.com
The massive popularity of the Star Wars Jedi video games has led to mounting speculation that Force-wielding protagonist, Cal Kestis, might one day make the jump to the big or small screen, and we're now hearing that plans are in place for the character to appear in live-action.
Though details are sparse, reliable insider Daniel Richtman is reporting that "Cal Kestis is coming to live-action on Disney+."
Whether this means a project focusing on Kestis is in development or the character will appear in another upcoming series is not clear, but with the games set between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, Cal showing up in season 2 of Ahsoka - which takes place after Return of the Jedi - seems unlikely, as does an appearance in Skeleton Crew.
We have no idea if Cameron Monaghan would reprise the role, but it would seem like a...
Though details are sparse, reliable insider Daniel Richtman is reporting that "Cal Kestis is coming to live-action on Disney+."
Whether this means a project focusing on Kestis is in development or the character will appear in another upcoming series is not clear, but with the games set between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, Cal showing up in season 2 of Ahsoka - which takes place after Return of the Jedi - seems unlikely, as does an appearance in Skeleton Crew.
We have no idea if Cameron Monaghan would reprise the role, but it would seem like a...
- 9/26/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
American Zoetrope's filmography is kind of mind-boggling. Co-founded by "Movie Brats" Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas in 1969, the distributor and production company has stayed pretty true to its mission statement of backing not just projects by Coppola and his family, but also experimental and international cinema. The list of directors that've had American Zoetrope in their corner at some point or another is just as extraordinary. There's Jean-Luc Godard, Akira Kurosawa, Wim Wenders, Paul Schrader, Agnieszka Holland, Hans-Jürgen Syberberg, Godfrey Reggio, Carroll Ballard, and, of course, Tim Burton. Wait, what?
It's true: At the peak of his powers in the 1990s, the ringmaster of the "macabre funhouse" (as /Film's Bj Colangelo has aptly put it) teamed up with Coppola's American Zoetrope for 1999's "Sleepy Hollow."
When you think about it, it's not so surprising that Coppola got in on Burton's creep-tastical revamp of Washington Irving's 1820 short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
It's true: At the peak of his powers in the 1990s, the ringmaster of the "macabre funhouse" (as /Film's Bj Colangelo has aptly put it) teamed up with Coppola's American Zoetrope for 1999's "Sleepy Hollow."
When you think about it, it's not so surprising that Coppola got in on Burton's creep-tastical revamp of Washington Irving's 1820 short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
- 9/24/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
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