Get ready: all kinds of spooky and supernatural shenanigans are about to get underway with the return of Beetlejuice. Tim Burton’s long-awaited sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is gearing up to raise hell in cinemas this September – and we have your best look at the film yet in our world-exclusive cover story.
The issue hits newsstands from Thursday 6 June – but for now, here’s a sneak peek inside its pages.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
The ‘juice is loose! Empire gets up close and personal with the return of Beetlejuice, going on set of Tim Burton’s throwback sequel and speaking to the filmmaker and his cast – Michael Keaton! Winona Ryder! Catherine O’Hara! Jenna Ortega! Willem Dafoe! Monica Bellucci! Justin Theroux! – about resurrecting the spectre back to cinema screens. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!
A Quiet Place: Day One
Michael Sarnoski’s prequel heads back to the start of the alien invasion – and into the noise-infested New York City.
The issue hits newsstands from Thursday 6 June – but for now, here’s a sneak peek inside its pages.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
The ‘juice is loose! Empire gets up close and personal with the return of Beetlejuice, going on set of Tim Burton’s throwback sequel and speaking to the filmmaker and his cast – Michael Keaton! Winona Ryder! Catherine O’Hara! Jenna Ortega! Willem Dafoe! Monica Bellucci! Justin Theroux! – about resurrecting the spectre back to cinema screens. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!
A Quiet Place: Day One
Michael Sarnoski’s prequel heads back to the start of the alien invasion – and into the noise-infested New York City.
- 6/6/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
The disaster flick is riddled with inaccuracies, cliches and gusts of machismo. But with its global climate catastrophe, it feels more relevant than ever
In the winter of 2013, a breakdown in the polar vortex allowed freezing cold air to escape southwards towards the North American continent. As ice storms, tornadoes and blizzards swept across the US, Donald Trump tweeted. “I’m in Los Angeles and it’s freezing,” he wrote. “Global warming is a total, and very expensive, hoax!”
It was all a little too reminiscent of Roland Emmerich’s disaster flick The Day After Tomorrow – which opens with US leaders dismissing scientific concerns about the loss of a huge chunk of the Antarctic ice shelf. The researchers are soon vindicated: within days, the melting ice sets off a chain of freak weather events, culminating in a global superstorm that plunges the entire northern hemisphere into a new ice age.
In the winter of 2013, a breakdown in the polar vortex allowed freezing cold air to escape southwards towards the North American continent. As ice storms, tornadoes and blizzards swept across the US, Donald Trump tweeted. “I’m in Los Angeles and it’s freezing,” he wrote. “Global warming is a total, and very expensive, hoax!”
It was all a little too reminiscent of Roland Emmerich’s disaster flick The Day After Tomorrow – which opens with US leaders dismissing scientific concerns about the loss of a huge chunk of the Antarctic ice shelf. The researchers are soon vindicated: within days, the melting ice sets off a chain of freak weather events, culminating in a global superstorm that plunges the entire northern hemisphere into a new ice age.
- 6/4/2024
- by Lauren Collee
- The Guardian - Film News
With the 1995 release of "Godzilla vs. Destoroyah," Toho ended the Heisei era of their Godzilla films in earnest and, in an unprecedented move, handed the reigns of their most popular monster over to TriStar Pictures for a proposed three-picture deal. Rather than make a typical mid-budget film, TriStar elected to make a major summer tentpole, pouring about $150 million into production and hiring "Independence Day" director Roland Emmerich. The film was a 139-minute FX bonanza that reimagined Godzilla as a sleek, square-jawed iguana that terrorized New York City. The monster was small enough to hide inside skyscrapers and spent large portions of the film offscreen in New York's sewers.
The script was more comedic than awe-inspired, populated by chattering Noo Yawk characters whose reactions to Godzilla were more along the lines of "weary acceptance" than awe. The cast would end up featuring Matthew Broderick, Maris Pitillo, Jean Reno, Kevin Dunn, and...
The script was more comedic than awe-inspired, populated by chattering Noo Yawk characters whose reactions to Godzilla were more along the lines of "weary acceptance" than awe. The cast would end up featuring Matthew Broderick, Maris Pitillo, Jean Reno, Kevin Dunn, and...
- 6/3/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"Stargate" is a very silly movie, but like many silly movies, it's also kind of fun. The sci-fi action pic comes from the team of director Roland Emmerich and writer Dean Devlin, who would go on to score a blockbuster hit with "Independence Day." But before they got there, they made "Stargate," a movie in which a giant gate opens a portal to another planet, where the aliens all look human and live and behave like they're in Ancient Egypt. You see, centuries ago, these aliens visited our world and influenced human history. It's basically a scenario you'll hear time and time again on the ludicrous History Channel show "Ancient Aliens," but with a lot more guns. As Roger Ebert said in his one-star review of the film, "The movie is so lacking in any sense of wonder that it hurtles us from one end of the universe to the other,...
- 6/2/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Update: Daniel Richtman has learned that there’s not only a Mummy prequel in the works at Universal, but there are two other Mummy projects in the works as well. He writes, “There are no less than Three Mummy projects in development at Universal, one is a direct sequel to the Fraser films.” So fans might get to see Brendan Fraser make his long-awaited return to the role of Rick O’Connell after all!
The original article follows:
The 2017 version of The Mummy was supposed to kick off a new cinematic universe at Universal Pictures – a Dark Universe that would consist of interconnected reboots of their classic monster properties. Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Creature from the Black Lagoon, they were all coming back, and they were all going to be crossing paths with each other. The...
The original article follows:
The 2017 version of The Mummy was supposed to kick off a new cinematic universe at Universal Pictures – a Dark Universe that would consist of interconnected reboots of their classic monster properties. Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Creature from the Black Lagoon, they were all coming back, and they were all going to be crossing paths with each other. The...
- 5/30/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The Cannes Film Festival has a storied history of infamous moments. We think of Brigitte Bardot in her bikini, Spike Lee threatening Wim Wenders with a baseball bat after losing the Palme d’Or, pretty much everything Lars Von Trier has said or done…But one that really caught the media’s attention was when Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren went at it on the red carpet, with people under the impression that the Universal Soldier co-stars and European macho men were really at each other’s throats. Turns out, it was all just a gag for the press.
It’s one thing that Universal Soldier was even being represented at the Cannes Film Festival but another entirely that it wasn’t even screened! As it was, despite a minor presence on the Palais des Festivals, Roland Emmerich’s sci-fi action flick wasn’t part of any screenings because it wasn’t complete.
It’s one thing that Universal Soldier was even being represented at the Cannes Film Festival but another entirely that it wasn’t even screened! As it was, despite a minor presence on the Palais des Festivals, Roland Emmerich’s sci-fi action flick wasn’t part of any screenings because it wasn’t complete.
- 5/27/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
This post contains spoilers for the "Stargate" franchise.
Roland Emmerich's 1994 sci-fi drama "Stargate" posits an intriguing premise. An ancient ring-shaped device excavated during an archaeological expedition in Giza turns out to be a two-way portal connecting similar devices on distant plants, using a wormhole as a means to transport people. The film's elaborate plot gradually reveals that extraterrestrial beings enslaved parts of the human civilization, and used the Stargate device to trap them in their home planets across the galaxy. Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner's beloved series "Stargate Sg-1" builds its foundation on the film's lore, expanding a dystopian world where military organizations on Earth use the Stargate to free the enslaved humans and protect the planet from a vicious alien race known as the Goa'uld.
"Sg-1" ran for 10 seasons over a span of 10 years, and birthed a sprawling franchise dedicated to enriching its mythos, so much so...
Roland Emmerich's 1994 sci-fi drama "Stargate" posits an intriguing premise. An ancient ring-shaped device excavated during an archaeological expedition in Giza turns out to be a two-way portal connecting similar devices on distant plants, using a wormhole as a means to transport people. The film's elaborate plot gradually reveals that extraterrestrial beings enslaved parts of the human civilization, and used the Stargate device to trap them in their home planets across the galaxy. Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner's beloved series "Stargate Sg-1" builds its foundation on the film's lore, expanding a dystopian world where military organizations on Earth use the Stargate to free the enslaved humans and protect the planet from a vicious alien race known as the Goa'uld.
"Sg-1" ran for 10 seasons over a span of 10 years, and birthed a sprawling franchise dedicated to enriching its mythos, so much so...
- 5/27/2024
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
Filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, and Christopher Nolan are known for pushing the boundaries in blockbuster filmmaking as they bring in original ideas and mount them on a large scale. While the directors have grown to be critical favorites, they also seem to have won the box office race with their original films.
Among these legends, Christopher Nolan seems to have gained the top spot in one category. With four of his original films grossing over $500 million at the box office, Nolan beat Spielberg and Roland Emmerich to gain the top spot. The Oscar-winner is the only filmmaker to have achieved this feat with movies that are not comic adaptations, reboots, or sequels.
Christopher Nolan Beats Steven Spielberg In One Directorial Achievement Christopher Nolan in an interview | Credits: YouTube/The Late Show
Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan have been maverick filmmakers who seem to have cracked...
Among these legends, Christopher Nolan seems to have gained the top spot in one category. With four of his original films grossing over $500 million at the box office, Nolan beat Spielberg and Roland Emmerich to gain the top spot. The Oscar-winner is the only filmmaker to have achieved this feat with movies that are not comic adaptations, reboots, or sequels.
Christopher Nolan Beats Steven Spielberg In One Directorial Achievement Christopher Nolan in an interview | Credits: YouTube/The Late Show
Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan have been maverick filmmakers who seem to have cracked...
- 5/19/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
(Welcome to Tales from the Box Office, our column that examines box office miracles, disasters, and everything in between, as well as what we can learn from them.)
"This isn't art. It isn't even great trash. It's a con game, and we bear the claw marks." That's what critic Rita Kempley wrote for the Washington Post in a particularly scathing review of Roland Emmerich's 1998 movie, "Godzilla." It was the first attempt by Hollywood to bring the classic monster to life in America, and it was a spectacular failure. That's what Warner Bros., Legendary, and director Gareth Edwards were working against while crafting 2014's "Godzilla." Skepticism was built in. They had to prove that a film within this franchise made outside of Japan could work.
They did that and then some.
"Godzilla is one of the world's most powerful pop culture icons, and we at Legendary are thrilled to be...
"This isn't art. It isn't even great trash. It's a con game, and we bear the claw marks." That's what critic Rita Kempley wrote for the Washington Post in a particularly scathing review of Roland Emmerich's 1998 movie, "Godzilla." It was the first attempt by Hollywood to bring the classic monster to life in America, and it was a spectacular failure. That's what Warner Bros., Legendary, and director Gareth Edwards were working against while crafting 2014's "Godzilla." Skepticism was built in. They had to prove that a film within this franchise made outside of Japan could work.
They did that and then some.
"Godzilla is one of the world's most powerful pop culture icons, and we at Legendary are thrilled to be...
- 5/18/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Peacock has released some first-look images for Those About To Die, Roland Emmerich’s epic drama set in ancient Rome, starring Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins.
Also starring are Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, and Dimitri Leonidas. All 10 episodes of the series drop on Peacock on Thursday, July 18.
Created by Robert Rodat, based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction classic of the same name, the drama series is set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at theintersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner each direct five episodes,
The series was created by Robert Rodat, who also wrote five episodes.
Also starring are Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, and Dimitri Leonidas. All 10 episodes of the series drop on Peacock on Thursday, July 18.
Created by Robert Rodat, based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction classic of the same name, the drama series is set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at theintersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner each direct five episodes,
The series was created by Robert Rodat, who also wrote five episodes.
- 5/17/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock has revealed the first photos from Roland Emmerich’s epic drama series Those About to Die, set in ancient Rome. Emmerich directs the series and serves as executive producer.
Those About to Die stars two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins and a cast that includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim. All ten episodes of the series will launch on July 18.
Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition. It explores a side of ancient Rome never before told—the dirty business of entertaining the masses and giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport.
The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
“I have always been fascinated by the history of the Roman Empire.
Those About to Die stars two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins and a cast that includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim. All ten episodes of the series will launch on July 18.
Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition. It explores a side of ancient Rome never before told—the dirty business of entertaining the masses and giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport.
The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
“I have always been fascinated by the history of the Roman Empire.
- 5/17/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Take a look at these first photos from Those About to Die and answer this question: Are you not entertained?!
In April, Peacock released a new teaser for the ancient Roman epic starring Anthony Hopkins (but which is not related to Ridley Scott’s 2000 film). The streamer also announced a release date as well: The historical drama will premiere Thursday, July 18, with all 10 episodes hitting the streamer at once.
More from TVLineReasonable Doubt Sets Season 2 Return - Plus, Get First LookTVLine Items: The Mole Sets Return Date, La Brea Star's New NBC Gig and MoreCW Fall Schedule: Superman & Lois to End on a New Night,...
In April, Peacock released a new teaser for the ancient Roman epic starring Anthony Hopkins (but which is not related to Ridley Scott’s 2000 film). The streamer also announced a release date as well: The historical drama will premiere Thursday, July 18, with all 10 episodes hitting the streamer at once.
More from TVLineReasonable Doubt Sets Season 2 Return - Plus, Get First LookTVLine Items: The Mole Sets Return Date, La Brea Star's New NBC Gig and MoreCW Fall Schedule: Superman & Lois to End on a New Night,...
- 5/17/2024
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
The genre of science fiction is the one that deals with imaginative concepts of science and technology, trying to predict the future or to speculate of parallel universes. However, sometimes a movie pretending to stick to the real-life laws of science turns out to be among the least scientifically accurate ones.
Here are 5 sci-fi films with zero science factor, handpicked by Redditors.
Lucy (2014)
“Everyone knows the 10% of brain 'fact' is completely bogus, but they built an entire movie around it anyway,” admits Redditor @lostonpolk.
Indeed, the whole concept of Luc Besson’s movie assuming that people only use about 10% of their total brainpower is a total myth. In fact, we use different parts of our brain for different tasks, and we don’t need a special drug to unlock increased intellectual capacity.
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Climate change is obviously a real thing, but Roland Emmerich’s film distorts the...
Here are 5 sci-fi films with zero science factor, handpicked by Redditors.
Lucy (2014)
“Everyone knows the 10% of brain 'fact' is completely bogus, but they built an entire movie around it anyway,” admits Redditor @lostonpolk.
Indeed, the whole concept of Luc Besson’s movie assuming that people only use about 10% of their total brainpower is a total myth. In fact, we use different parts of our brain for different tasks, and we don’t need a special drug to unlock increased intellectual capacity.
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Climate change is obviously a real thing, but Roland Emmerich’s film distorts the...
- 5/15/2024
- by benjamin-patel@startefacts.com (Benjamin Patel)
- STartefacts.com
In director Roland Emmerich's 1994 sci-fi thriller "Stargate," a mysterious metal ring, about nine feet wide, is discovered in the remote ruins of Egypt. The ring is found to be a mysterious technology that, when arranged properly, can open a doorway to a distant planet. Actors like James Spader and Kurt Russell pass through the Stargate and find themselves on a distant alien world called Abydos. Everything in Abydos looks like ancient Egypt, and we soon learn that the Abydosians once used the Stargate to visit Earth, enslave humans, and set up ancient Egyptian culture. The villain of the film is Ra (Jaye Davidson), an ancient alien who uses human bodies to extend his life.
There's a lot of cool design and slick special effects in "Stargate," but the alien mythology isn't explored thoroughly enough. Like most of Emmerich's films, it makes big swings visually yet never emerges from the realm of corny melodrama.
There's a lot of cool design and slick special effects in "Stargate," but the alien mythology isn't explored thoroughly enough. Like most of Emmerich's films, it makes big swings visually yet never emerges from the realm of corny melodrama.
- 5/13/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
by Hiranmoy Lahiri
The article contains spoilers
Godzilla (Gojira), the beloved fictional movie monster, is a favorite among viewers. Since 1954, Godzilla has been wreaking havoc on screens, terrifying and delighting audiences. The genesis of this creature can be traced back to something profoundly serious and devastating: thermonuclear weapons and the tangible threats they pose to humanity.
The first instalment in the series was “Godzilla” (1954), directed by Ishirō Honda and produced by Toho Studios. Going beyond a simple horror/monster movie, it drew inspiration from a real-life event involving the ‘Lucky Dragon No. 5' (Daigo Fukuryū Maru) tuna fishing boat. This vessel was navigating in waters near the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, not far from the area where the American military had chosen to conduct a test of a hydrogen bomb (a thermonuclear device). The United States government had predicted that the area would be safe, but the power...
The article contains spoilers
Godzilla (Gojira), the beloved fictional movie monster, is a favorite among viewers. Since 1954, Godzilla has been wreaking havoc on screens, terrifying and delighting audiences. The genesis of this creature can be traced back to something profoundly serious and devastating: thermonuclear weapons and the tangible threats they pose to humanity.
The first instalment in the series was “Godzilla” (1954), directed by Ishirō Honda and produced by Toho Studios. Going beyond a simple horror/monster movie, it drew inspiration from a real-life event involving the ‘Lucky Dragon No. 5' (Daigo Fukuryū Maru) tuna fishing boat. This vessel was navigating in waters near the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, not far from the area where the American military had chosen to conduct a test of a hydrogen bomb (a thermonuclear device). The United States government had predicted that the area would be safe, but the power...
- 5/10/2024
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
Exclusive: Marco Kreuzpaintner has signed with CAA for representation.
Kreuzpaintner began his career in feature films, including the coming-of-age drama Summer Storm, Krabat, The Collini Case, and the Roland Emmerich-produced Trade – Welcome to America, starring Academy Award winner Kevin Kline.
He created and directed the first German original for Amazon Prime Video, Beat, a crime series set in the underground club world of Berlin.
He has directed and executive produced such TV shows as the BAFTA Award-winning series The Lazarus Project for Sky, Soulmates for AMC, and the Netflix/DC Comics limited series Bodies, based on the graphic novel of the same name.
Alongside Roland Emmerich, Kreuzpaintner directed five of the 10 episodes of the upcoming Peacock spectacle Those About to Die, starring Anthony Hopkins and Iwan Rheon.
He continues to be represented in the UK by Alec Drysdale and Olivia Gray at Independent Talent Group, and in Germany by Marie-Luise Schmidt at Die Agenten.
Kreuzpaintner began his career in feature films, including the coming-of-age drama Summer Storm, Krabat, The Collini Case, and the Roland Emmerich-produced Trade – Welcome to America, starring Academy Award winner Kevin Kline.
He created and directed the first German original for Amazon Prime Video, Beat, a crime series set in the underground club world of Berlin.
He has directed and executive produced such TV shows as the BAFTA Award-winning series The Lazarus Project for Sky, Soulmates for AMC, and the Netflix/DC Comics limited series Bodies, based on the graphic novel of the same name.
Alongside Roland Emmerich, Kreuzpaintner directed five of the 10 episodes of the upcoming Peacock spectacle Those About to Die, starring Anthony Hopkins and Iwan Rheon.
He continues to be represented in the UK by Alec Drysdale and Olivia Gray at Independent Talent Group, and in Germany by Marie-Luise Schmidt at Die Agenten.
- 5/7/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Filmmakers often say that they have to personalize their work. After all, they painstakingly devote at least two years of their lives to bring a film to fruition, but in the case of Tarot co-directors Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg, they turned what would normally be a genre exercise into something from the heart.
Tarot — which serves as the writer-directors’ feature directorial debut — is a supernatural horror film involving a group of college friends who, during a weekend getaway, crack open a cursed deck of tarot cards to learn their ominous horoscopes. The tarot card reading is reluctantly led by Harriet Slater’s Haley, who, like Halberg, is a Minnesota native, and shortly after the friend group returns to their Boston-area university, all hell breaks loose as each individual reading comes true in lethal fashion.
Haley’s sole reason for originally getting into tarot as a child was based on...
Tarot — which serves as the writer-directors’ feature directorial debut — is a supernatural horror film involving a group of college friends who, during a weekend getaway, crack open a cursed deck of tarot cards to learn their ominous horoscopes. The tarot card reading is reluctantly led by Harriet Slater’s Haley, who, like Halberg, is a Minnesota native, and shortly after the friend group returns to their Boston-area university, all hell breaks loose as each individual reading comes true in lethal fashion.
Haley’s sole reason for originally getting into tarot as a child was based on...
- 5/6/2024
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Matteo Garrone’s Oscar-nominated drama “Io Capitano,” about the odyssey of two young African men who decide to leave Dakar to reach Europe, and Paola Cortellesi’s feminist dramedy “There’s Still Tomorrow” were both the big winners at Italy’s 69th David di Donatello Awards.
“Io Capitano” won Davids for best picture, director, producers, editor, and cinematographer, among other prizes, while “Still Tomorrow,” which is about the plight of an abused housewife in post-war Rome and had 19 nominations scored six statuettes, including best directorial debut, actress, non supporting actress, screenplay, and audience award.
“Still Tomorrow,” which marks the directorial debut of popular Italian actor Paola Cortellesi, who also stars, is shot in black-and-white and riffs on Italy’s neorealist past, albeit with a contemporary female empowerment angle.
“I made this debut at the brink of menopause,” Cortellesi, who is 50, said while accepting the statuette for best debuting director. “I hope...
“Io Capitano” won Davids for best picture, director, producers, editor, and cinematographer, among other prizes, while “Still Tomorrow,” which is about the plight of an abused housewife in post-war Rome and had 19 nominations scored six statuettes, including best directorial debut, actress, non supporting actress, screenplay, and audience award.
“Still Tomorrow,” which marks the directorial debut of popular Italian actor Paola Cortellesi, who also stars, is shot in black-and-white and riffs on Italy’s neorealist past, albeit with a contemporary female empowerment angle.
“I made this debut at the brink of menopause,” Cortellesi, who is 50, said while accepting the statuette for best debuting director. “I hope...
- 5/3/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Alien artist Hr Giger was involved in a number of film projects in the 1980s and 90s. We talk to filmmaker William Malone about some amazing films that never happened.
Given just how genre-defining 1979’s Alien was, it’s perhaps surprising that Hr Giger, the Swiss artist who designed the title monster, wasn’t involved in more films. His creations appeared in the likes of Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986), Species (1995), plus a little-seen German indie comedy horror called Killer Condoms (1996), but none were as high-profile or influential as Alien.
In the wake of that genre-defining space horror, other artists and designers tinkered with Giger’s unforgettable xenomorph in its sequels. Giger wasn’t involved in the making of Aliens, Alien Resurrection or subsequent prequels or spin-offs, and his work for Alien 3 was barely used. Instead, Giger had the curious habit of coming up with concepts and artwork for...
Given just how genre-defining 1979’s Alien was, it’s perhaps surprising that Hr Giger, the Swiss artist who designed the title monster, wasn’t involved in more films. His creations appeared in the likes of Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986), Species (1995), plus a little-seen German indie comedy horror called Killer Condoms (1996), but none were as high-profile or influential as Alien.
In the wake of that genre-defining space horror, other artists and designers tinkered with Giger’s unforgettable xenomorph in its sequels. Giger wasn’t involved in the making of Aliens, Alien Resurrection or subsequent prequels or spin-offs, and his work for Alien 3 was barely used. Instead, Giger had the curious habit of coming up with concepts and artwork for...
- 4/29/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Netflix giveth, and Netflix taketh away! Here we go again.
Can you believe we're already nearing the end of April? That means May is on the way — and summer is right around the corner. Here's hoping all these April showers do, indeed, turn into May flowers and bring on a pleasant spring. But while spring is often a season of new beginnings, it's time to say goodbye to several great titles that are currently streaming on Netflix but won't be around much longer. As always, there's a chance these movies and TV shows will return someday. For now, though, they're saying bye-bye. So act fast!
Below, I've highlighted some of the great titles you might want to watch Asap. The full list of titles leaving the service awaits you at the bottom. Let's get to it!
Read more: The 50 Scariest Horror Movie Monsters Ranked
Uncut Gems
I'm not an Oscars guy,...
Can you believe we're already nearing the end of April? That means May is on the way — and summer is right around the corner. Here's hoping all these April showers do, indeed, turn into May flowers and bring on a pleasant spring. But while spring is often a season of new beginnings, it's time to say goodbye to several great titles that are currently streaming on Netflix but won't be around much longer. As always, there's a chance these movies and TV shows will return someday. For now, though, they're saying bye-bye. So act fast!
Below, I've highlighted some of the great titles you might want to watch Asap. The full list of titles leaving the service awaits you at the bottom. Let's get to it!
Read more: The 50 Scariest Horror Movie Monsters Ranked
Uncut Gems
I'm not an Oscars guy,...
- 4/27/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
From Geena Davis and Jamie Lee Curtis, to blaxploitation royalty Pam Grier; Joe Dante and Roland Emmerich, to genre legend Peter Hyams topping the bill – 2024’s Forbidden Worlds Film Festival promises the biggest (and maddest) year yet for genre fans in the South West.
Firing into its third year of taking over arguably Bristol’s best cinema screen – the abandoned IMAX at Bristol Aquarium, Forbidden Worlds has never been one to cater to the masses. It’s a true one-screen wonder of a festival, promising the most unusual and sought-after of cinematic treats; big, mad, weird shit projected large and loud, for three straight days.
For example, while 2024’s edition promises an explosive opening night with a 30th anniversary screening of none other than Keanu Reeves action classic The Bus That Couldn’t Slow Down (otherwise known as Speed), look as far as the following day’s line-up and you’ll...
Firing into its third year of taking over arguably Bristol’s best cinema screen – the abandoned IMAX at Bristol Aquarium, Forbidden Worlds has never been one to cater to the masses. It’s a true one-screen wonder of a festival, promising the most unusual and sought-after of cinematic treats; big, mad, weird shit projected large and loud, for three straight days.
For example, while 2024’s edition promises an explosive opening night with a 30th anniversary screening of none other than Keanu Reeves action classic The Bus That Couldn’t Slow Down (otherwise known as Speed), look as far as the following day’s line-up and you’ll...
- 4/24/2024
- by Ben Robins
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Worldwide box office April 19-21 Rank Film (distributor) 3-day (world) Cume (world) 3-day (int’l) Cume (int’l) Territories 1. Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire (Warner Bros) $31.1m $485.2m $21.6m $313.6m 78 2. Civil War (A24) $21.4m $61.7m $10.3m $16.8m 40 3. Kung Fu Panda 4 (Universal) $19.9m $480.3m $15.3m $300.3m 83 4. Abigail (Universal) $15.2m $15.2m $5m $5m 63 5. Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Pentagram (Toho) $11.9m $42.5m $11.9m $42.5m 1 6. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Sony) $11.1m $176.1m $6.7m $73.2m 60 7. The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare (Lionsgate) $9.8m $9.8m $767,300 $778,000 13 8. Dune: Part Two (Warner Bros) $7.1m $695.8m $4.2m $419.2m 75 9. Back To Black (Focus Features) $6.4m $16.9m $6.4m $16.9m 105 10. Spy...
- 4/22/2024
- ScreenDaily
Director Gareth Edwards' 2014 "Godzilla" has become a rather important movie in the history of the now 70-year-old franchise. Not only was it the first American-produced film to feature the legendary monster since 1998's disastrous attempt by Roland Emmerich, but it also kicked off Warner Bros. and Legendary's MonsterVerse, which is still going strong today. But even back then, excitement was palpable and the production had to try and keep a tight lid on things. In some cases, those were fruitless efforts.
Many films use code names during production to help throw people off the scent. For "Godzilla," the powers that be decided to refer to the movie as "Nautilus," which is seemingly a reference to the USS Nautilus. During a 2014 on-set interview conducted by Collider with one of the film's stars, Bryan Cranston, the actor was asked whether or not he says the word "Godzilla" in the film. It's then...
Many films use code names during production to help throw people off the scent. For "Godzilla," the powers that be decided to refer to the movie as "Nautilus," which is seemingly a reference to the USS Nautilus. During a 2014 on-set interview conducted by Collider with one of the film's stars, Bryan Cranston, the actor was asked whether or not he says the word "Godzilla" in the film. It's then...
- 4/21/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
TriStar Pictures believed they had the surest of things when they hired Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin to make the first Hollywood "Godzilla" flick. The duo had just delivered the biggest film of 1996 in "Independence Day," and appeared poised to become a blockbuster brand name on par with Steven Spielberg and James Cameron. Every studio in town wanted to make their next smash hit. But this is where the trouble started: TriStar wanted Emmerich and Devlin to make its next smash hit.
The 1998 iteration of "Godzilla" did not originate with Emmerich and Devlin. TriStar came very close to greenlighting it in 1994 with Jan De Bont (hot off the success of "Speed") directing a screenplay by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio (who would eventually make their franchise fortune on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series), which would've placed it in direct competition with "Independence Day" during the summer of 1996. So this all felt awfully fortuitous.
The 1998 iteration of "Godzilla" did not originate with Emmerich and Devlin. TriStar came very close to greenlighting it in 1994 with Jan De Bont (hot off the success of "Speed") directing a screenplay by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio (who would eventually make their franchise fortune on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series), which would've placed it in direct competition with "Independence Day" during the summer of 1996. So this all felt awfully fortuitous.
- 4/20/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
If there was one thing that was going to tempt movie-goers into cinemas for some mid-budget vampire action in 2003, it was probably Bill Nighy as a vampire overlord. Or, was it the marketing campaign featuring a leather clad Kate Beckinsale? I’ll let you decide… The early noughties had already brought some decent vampire action, before we were subjected to the shimmering embarrassment to the genre that was the Twilight saga. We were also just a few short years away from seeing some proper kick-ass, sexy vampire action on the small screen with Hbc’s excellent True Blood series. The vampire genre was starting to show some signs of a re-awakening, and films such as the fun but flawed Queen of the Damned from 2002 and, of course, the awesome Blade series, were leading the bloodsucking way.
Vampires have always been a popular form of escapism for audiences and they’re still massively popular now.
Vampires have always been a popular form of escapism for audiences and they’re still massively popular now.
- 4/17/2024
- by Adam Walton
- JoBlo.com
And, no, to rain on your parade right away, the three words were not "Lizard fights ape," although that would have served as a fine filmmaking motto for Adam Wingard's "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire." Those same three words might also have been a perfectly succinct review, and there is little going on in the MonsterVerse film beyond scads of deliberately silly monster action. The premise of "Godzilla x Kong" is pretty simple: Kong has moved to the Hollow Earth to rule over the monsters that live there, while Godzilla has remained on the Earth's surface to fight any rogue monsters that have the temerity to claim ownership of the planet. Kong discovers beneath Hollow Earth -- in Hollower Earth, I suppose -- that an entire species of Kong monsters has survived, all of them enslaved by the Skar King, a lanky giant gibbon. Godzilla is called to...
- 4/17/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Our planet can be absolutely terrifying. From unpredictable earthquakes to monstrous storms, there’s really no shortage of ways in which our cosmic home can kill us. And yet, our species perseveres, with humanity going so far as to entertain itself by telling stories about how we can overcome – or at the very least survive – the fury of nature. In fact, these stories have become so prevalent in popular culture that disaster movies are known to be one of the most profitable genres in all of cinema, and while some audiences remain critical so-called “disaster-porn,” I’d argue that the best of these films are really about the endurance of the human spirit.
And if you’re planning on telling a story about people coming to terms with how fragile they are when confronted with nature, why not place the camera in the hands of your own main characters? I mean,...
And if you’re planning on telling a story about people coming to terms with how fragile they are when confronted with nature, why not place the camera in the hands of your own main characters? I mean,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Luiz H. C.
- bloody-disgusting.com
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" is now in theaters, and while the movie offers silly but fun Saturday morning cartoon vibes (according to Witney Seibold's review for /Film), one former MonsterVerse cast member's absence will be felt. Talented actor Lance Reddick passed away unexpectedly in 2023, and though he didn't seem to have a planned return to the franchise in the works at the time of his death, he appeared in 2021's "Godzilla vs. Kong."
The MonsterVerse may not have had big plans for the future of Guillerman, the Monarch Director whom Reddick played in Legendary's first Godzilla-Kong showdown, but director Adam Wingard did initially intend for Reddick to have a larger part of that film. "Originally, Lance's part was a little bit bigger as he plays the Monarch director, he's running the organization," Wingard told GamesRadar+ around the time that "Godzilla vs. Kong" was released in theaters (per Syfy). The veteran actor,...
The MonsterVerse may not have had big plans for the future of Guillerman, the Monarch Director whom Reddick played in Legendary's first Godzilla-Kong showdown, but director Adam Wingard did initially intend for Reddick to have a larger part of that film. "Originally, Lance's part was a little bit bigger as he plays the Monarch director, he's running the organization," Wingard told GamesRadar+ around the time that "Godzilla vs. Kong" was released in theaters (per Syfy). The veteran actor,...
- 4/14/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
The fourth and final season of “Evil” will premiere Thursday, May 23, on Paramount+, the streamer announced Monday. Production recently began in New York City on the previously announced four bonus episodes. Season 4 will include 14 episodes premiering weekly.
The series is a psychological thriller that investigates the origins of evil and the church’s unexplained mysteries including demonic possession. The official description of the upcoming season reads: “Kristen, David and Ben continue to assess cases that involve wayward technology, possessed pigs, demonic oppression and infestation, a dance muse conjured by alleged witches and an evil relic.”
The series stars Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Kurt Fuller, Andrea Martin, Christine Lahti, Brooklyn Shuck, Skylar Gray, Maddy Crocco and Dalya Knapp.
“Evil” is produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions. Robert King, Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Rockne S. O’Bannon and Sam Hoffman serve as executive producers.
Watch the official trailer below.
The series is a psychological thriller that investigates the origins of evil and the church’s unexplained mysteries including demonic possession. The official description of the upcoming season reads: “Kristen, David and Ben continue to assess cases that involve wayward technology, possessed pigs, demonic oppression and infestation, a dance muse conjured by alleged witches and an evil relic.”
The series stars Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Kurt Fuller, Andrea Martin, Christine Lahti, Brooklyn Shuck, Skylar Gray, Maddy Crocco and Dalya Knapp.
“Evil” is produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions. Robert King, Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Rockne S. O’Bannon and Sam Hoffman serve as executive producers.
Watch the official trailer below.
- 4/11/2024
- by Lexi Carson, Selena Kuznikov and Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
The biblical thriller Mary has reportedly wrapped production in Morocco, and Deadline reveals that the film will feature Sir Anthony Hopkins in another royal role after portraying the former King of Asgard, Odin, as well as Lear in the Prime original film, King Lear. Hopkins plays King Herod in the thriller that’s directed by DJ Caruso, whose credits include Disturbia, Eagle Eye and the Vin Diesel actioner xXx: Return of Xander Cage. He joins newcomer Noa Cohen, who plays the titular role. Cohen was chosen after a worldwide casting search and happened to grow up an hour away from where Mary was born in Israel. Cohen can be seen in the Israeli YA series My Nephew Bentz, Infinity and the 2022 feature Silent Game.
The plot synopsis, per Deadline, reads,
“In coming-of-age story Mary, the title character is shunned following the otherworldly conception of her child and forced into hiding.
The plot synopsis, per Deadline, reads,
“In coming-of-age story Mary, the title character is shunned following the otherworldly conception of her child and forced into hiding.
- 4/10/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Veteran Japanese character actor Tadanobu Asano is having a very overdue breakthrough moment. The chameleonic film star has been a mainstay of Japanese cinema for nearly three decades, while also regularly appearing in prominent supporting parts in big Hollywood productions. But his irresistible performance in FX’s period series Shōgun is giving him an all-new level of global recognition.
Asano co-stars in Shōgun as Kashigi Yabushige, the scheming lord of Izu, a rugged region of feudal Japan where much of the series takes place. Playing the character with lived-in swagger and a fatalistic sense of humor, Asano has become one of the show’s clear fan favorites, with Reddit and Twitter threads popping up to revel in his character’s antics. Asano announced himself early in Shōgun‘s run: As many have marveled, Yabushige makes his entrance to the show by boiling a man alive but then wins the audience...
Asano co-stars in Shōgun as Kashigi Yabushige, the scheming lord of Izu, a rugged region of feudal Japan where much of the series takes place. Playing the character with lived-in swagger and a fatalistic sense of humor, Asano has become one of the show’s clear fan favorites, with Reddit and Twitter threads popping up to revel in his character’s antics. Asano announced himself early in Shōgun‘s run: As many have marveled, Yabushige makes his entrance to the show by boiling a man alive but then wins the audience...
- 4/10/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"The telling of history is but a history of war." How often do you think about the Roman Empire? Peacock has unveiled a first look teaser trailer for an epic new streaming series landing this year titled Those About To Die, a riff on the classic Roman phrase "Hail, Emperor, those who are about to die salute you" or "Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant." The series chronicles the world of gladiators in Ancient Rome. It may not be connected to Ridley Scott's Gladiator movie, or its upcoming sequel Gladiator 2 due out later this year, but it's definitely something they want you to feel is connected. Some of the episodes are directed by Roland Emmerich and it was shot at the Cinecittà studio in Rome. Anthony Hopkins stars as the Roman Emperor Vespasian, with a massive cast: Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins-Court,...
- 4/8/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Those who know who Roland Emmerich is will probably know that the director is known for his epic films, a lot of which are also major disaster films. Some of these major titles include Universal Soldier (1992), Stargate (1994), Independence Day (1996) and its sequel Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), Godzilla (1998), The Patriot (2000), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), 10,000 BC (2008), 2012 (2009), White House Down (2013), Midway (2019), and Moonfall (2022). But, Emmerich is now shifting to television, as his new project is about to be released on Peacock this summer. Ahead of the premiere, a teaser trailer has been released.
The project in question is the epic sword-and-sandal series Those About to Die, which is set in Ancient Rome. The series will be based on the book of the same name by writer and journalist Daniel P. Mannix; interesting enough, the same book served as the basis for Ridley Scott’s epic classic, Gladiator.
The series will star acting legend...
The project in question is the epic sword-and-sandal series Those About to Die, which is set in Ancient Rome. The series will be based on the book of the same name by writer and journalist Daniel P. Mannix; interesting enough, the same book served as the basis for Ridley Scott’s epic classic, Gladiator.
The series will star acting legend...
- 4/8/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Director/producer Roland Emmerich (“Midway”) and Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins (“Silence of The Lambs”) have teamed up with AGC Studios to bring the Roman Empire to the small screen as Peacock has released a first-look trailer for the upcoming series “Those About To Die.” The new show premiering this summer is set to explore the world of gladiators, which has been iconically portrayed in the Ridley Scott action-drama “Gladiator.” Taking a page from history, “Those About To Die” sees Hopkins lead as the real-life Emperor Vespasian in the show focusing on the seedy and corrupt world of the blood sport.
Continue reading ‘Those About To Die’ Teaser Trailer: Anthony Hopkins Leads Gladiator Series Debuting July 18 at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Those About To Die’ Teaser Trailer: Anthony Hopkins Leads Gladiator Series Debuting July 18 at The Playlist.
- 4/8/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Roland Emmerich is officially heading back to television, teasing his upcoming series Those About to Die. That sounds like it could have been the title of most of his works, but this time around Emmerich is stepping into the arena to focus on the world of gladiators.
Roland Emmerich took to Instagram over the weekend to show off new promotional art for Those About to Die which features star Anthony Hopkins and the release date: July 18th, 2024. He captioned the photo by writing, “For there are those about to rise and… Those About To Die”. Peacock has also released the teaser, although don’t expect to see any footage.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Roland Emmerich (@rolandemmerich)
It’s a solid enough poster which seems designed to try to snag some leftover Game of Thrones fans with its stark imagery, dreary facial expressions and font style.
Roland Emmerich took to Instagram over the weekend to show off new promotional art for Those About to Die which features star Anthony Hopkins and the release date: July 18th, 2024. He captioned the photo by writing, “For there are those about to rise and… Those About To Die”. Peacock has also released the teaser, although don’t expect to see any footage.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Roland Emmerich (@rolandemmerich)
It’s a solid enough poster which seems designed to try to snag some leftover Game of Thrones fans with its stark imagery, dreary facial expressions and font style.
- 4/8/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Independence Day and Moonfall director Roland Emmerich heads to ancient Rome for the TV series, Those About To Die. Here’s a trailer and some other things.
Whether he makes sci-fi disaster films or somewhat more grounded dramas, writer-director-producer Roland Emmerich’s work is seldom dull. For a recent example, just take a look at Moonfall.
Emmerich is heading to ancient Rome for his latest opus – the 10-part TV series Those About To Die. It’s based on the book by Daniel P Mannix, and is all about the scheming and political intrigue that goes into the staging of gladiatorial contests. It’s probably no coincidence that the series will stream in July – a matter of months before Ridley Scott’s much-anticipated Gladiator 2 emerges in November.
Anthony Hopkins leads the ensemble cast, and stars as Emperor Vespasian. You’ll also find Dimitri Leonidas as Flavius Scorpus (who was a...
Whether he makes sci-fi disaster films or somewhat more grounded dramas, writer-director-producer Roland Emmerich’s work is seldom dull. For a recent example, just take a look at Moonfall.
Emmerich is heading to ancient Rome for his latest opus – the 10-part TV series Those About To Die. It’s based on the book by Daniel P Mannix, and is all about the scheming and political intrigue that goes into the staging of gladiatorial contests. It’s probably no coincidence that the series will stream in July – a matter of months before Ridley Scott’s much-anticipated Gladiator 2 emerges in November.
Anthony Hopkins leads the ensemble cast, and stars as Emperor Vespasian. You’ll also find Dimitri Leonidas as Flavius Scorpus (who was a...
- 4/8/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock revealed the teaser for Those About to Die during WWE WrestleMania Xl and announced a July 18 premiere date. Roland Emmerich directs the series and serves as executive producer.
Those About to Die stars two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins alongside a cast that includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim.
Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport.
The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
All ten episodes of Those About to Die launch July 18, just in time for viewers to also watch the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Those About to Die stars two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins alongside a cast that includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim.
Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport.
The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
All ten episodes of Those About to Die launch July 18, just in time for viewers to also watch the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- 4/8/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Photo by: Peacock Betrayal whispers. Steel clashes. Rome bleeds. From visionary director Roland Emmerich comes Those About to Die, a historical drama ignited by ambition and stained with blood. Witness a powerhouse cast – Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, and more – navigate the treacherous shadows of a fallen empire. In the arena, glory and death dance hand in hand. Emperors scheme. Gladiators fight. Shadows devour. Those About to Die unveils the brutal spectacle and seductive darkness of Rome at its zenith.
Dive into a thrilling spectacle when all episodes of Those About to Die launch on July 18th on Peacock.
The post Rome Bleeds In: Those About to Die’ – New Epic Historical Drama Coming This July appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
Dive into a thrilling spectacle when all episodes of Those About to Die launch on July 18th on Peacock.
The post Rome Bleeds In: Those About to Die’ – New Epic Historical Drama Coming This July appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 4/8/2024
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
2024 is shaping up to be an embarrassment of riches for Roman history buffs, with projects as varied as Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator 2” and Francis Ford Coppola’s Rome-inspired sci-fi epic “Megalopolis” expected to hit theaters later this year. The era will also be well-represented on television thanks to Roland Emmerich’s upcoming Peacock series “Those About to Die.”
The 10-episode series, which stars Anthony Hopkins as Roman Emperor Vespasian, is set in the world of gladiatorial combat. Adapted from Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction book of the same name, the show was developed by Robert Rodat and directed by Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner. In addition to Hopkins, the ensemble cast includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim.
“I have always been fascinated by the history of the Roman Empire,” Emmerich said in a statement announcing the series. “So much still seems relevant for our...
The 10-episode series, which stars Anthony Hopkins as Roman Emperor Vespasian, is set in the world of gladiatorial combat. Adapted from Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction book of the same name, the show was developed by Robert Rodat and directed by Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner. In addition to Hopkins, the ensemble cast includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim.
“I have always been fascinated by the history of the Roman Empire,” Emmerich said in a statement announcing the series. “So much still seems relevant for our...
- 4/7/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Peacock has set the premiere date and released the first trailer for gladiator epic Those About To Die, starring Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins. All ten episodes of the series will drop Thursday, July 18 on the streamer.
Written by Robert Rodat, based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction classic of the same name, the series stars Hopkins as Emperor Vaspasian during the height of the Roman Empire. The epic drama is set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
The ensemble cast also includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones,...
Written by Robert Rodat, based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction classic of the same name, the series stars Hopkins as Emperor Vaspasian during the height of the Roman Empire. The epic drama is set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
The ensemble cast also includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones,...
- 4/7/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Euro Gang Entertainment, the company launched last year by Hollywood veterans Gianni Nunnari and Simon Horsman (“Legacy: The True Story of the L.A. Lakers”) is ramping up operations in Italy through a partnership with Rome-based Alfred Film, the young shingle co-founded by experienced producers Roberto Amoroso and Maria Theresia Braun.
The Euro Gang deal with Alfred currently comprises three feature films and an English-language TV series that will shoot in Italy and elsewhere, according to a statement.
Founded in 2020, Alfred Film – which is named in homage to Alfred Hitchcock – is focused on commercially-driven quality projects such as their mainstream comedy “Tre di Troppo,” directed by and starring Italian comedy draw Fabio De Luigi, which grossed €4.7 million ($5 million) at the local box office and is the third highest-grossing Italian film of 2023.
Amoroso is a former creative director at Sky Italia, where during a long stint at the pay-tv platform he was...
The Euro Gang deal with Alfred currently comprises three feature films and an English-language TV series that will shoot in Italy and elsewhere, according to a statement.
Founded in 2020, Alfred Film – which is named in homage to Alfred Hitchcock – is focused on commercially-driven quality projects such as their mainstream comedy “Tre di Troppo,” directed by and starring Italian comedy draw Fabio De Luigi, which grossed €4.7 million ($5 million) at the local box office and is the third highest-grossing Italian film of 2023.
Amoroso is a former creative director at Sky Italia, where during a long stint at the pay-tv platform he was...
- 4/5/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
With Godzilla x Kong‘s box office success and Godzilla Minus One’s Oscar win making the kaiju legend more relevant than ever, let’s turn the doomsday clock back to 1998 as Awfully Good Movies tackles Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin’s infamous American reboot, known simply as Godzilla!
With TriStar eager to keep its rights agreement with Toho to make its own Godzilla trilogy after director Jan de Bont was dropped from the film, they turned to the same duo that just blew up both the box office and the White House with Independence Day, who were allowed to do whatever the hell they wanted with the giant lizard’s American debut as long as they could get the flick made within a year for Memorial Day 1998. And much like the Toho executives who first saw Emmerich’s redesigned Godzilla, the eager audiences of Godzilla fans in Japan and...
With TriStar eager to keep its rights agreement with Toho to make its own Godzilla trilogy after director Jan de Bont was dropped from the film, they turned to the same duo that just blew up both the box office and the White House with Independence Day, who were allowed to do whatever the hell they wanted with the giant lizard’s American debut as long as they could get the flick made within a year for Memorial Day 1998. And much like the Toho executives who first saw Emmerich’s redesigned Godzilla, the eager audiences of Godzilla fans in Japan and...
- 4/4/2024
- by Jesse Shade
- JoBlo.com
Italy’s Cinecittà Studios, which have been undergoing a radical overhaul since 2021, recently released their fiscal 2023 results, which saw the Rome-based facilities turn a profit for the second year in a row after bleeding red ink for years.
The iconic studios are being managed by Nicola Maccanico, a former Warner Bros. and Sky Italia senior exec who last year lured big shoots such as Roland Emmerich’s gladiator series “Those About to Die” starring Anthony Hopkins and Netflix’s period soap “The Decameron” to the government-run “City of Cinema.” Last year, the studios were able to maintain a 70% occupancy level despite the impact of the Hollywood strikes and are on track to keep that level this year with several big Hollywood shoots coming soon, though NDAs are keeping details under wraps.
Below, Maccanico speaks to Variety about how he’s navigating Cinecittà’s revamp and what the prospects are going forward.
The iconic studios are being managed by Nicola Maccanico, a former Warner Bros. and Sky Italia senior exec who last year lured big shoots such as Roland Emmerich’s gladiator series “Those About to Die” starring Anthony Hopkins and Netflix’s period soap “The Decameron” to the government-run “City of Cinema.” Last year, the studios were able to maintain a 70% occupancy level despite the impact of the Hollywood strikes and are on track to keep that level this year with several big Hollywood shoots coming soon, though NDAs are keeping details under wraps.
Below, Maccanico speaks to Variety about how he’s navigating Cinecittà’s revamp and what the prospects are going forward.
- 4/3/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
With a stellar opening weekend in the books for "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire," the MonsterVerse franchise has passed a significant milestone at the box office. The franchise, which kicked off in 2014 with director Gareth Edwards' "Godzilla," has collectively crossed the $2 billion mark worldwide. Through five films (and a TV show), the series has remained steadily popular, with no signs of audience fatigue whatsoever. Long live the King(s) of the Monsters.
Director Adam Wingard's "Godzilla x Kong" pulled in a very impressive $80 million on its opening weekend, which was a far bigger number than pre-release tracking suggested. That number includes a record-breaking $10 million from Thursday preview screenings. The movie also pulled in $114.8 million internationally, giving it a global opening of $194.8 million. That makes it one of the biggest opening weekends of 2024 overall, right up there with "Dune: Part Two." More importantly, that pushed the MonsterVerse to a...
Director Adam Wingard's "Godzilla x Kong" pulled in a very impressive $80 million on its opening weekend, which was a far bigger number than pre-release tracking suggested. That number includes a record-breaking $10 million from Thursday preview screenings. The movie also pulled in $114.8 million internationally, giving it a global opening of $194.8 million. That makes it one of the biggest opening weekends of 2024 overall, right up there with "Dune: Part Two." More importantly, that pushed the MonsterVerse to a...
- 4/1/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
While plans to further TriStar’s Godzilla franchise on the big screen fell through, the animated sequel turned out to be a great alternative. Godzilla: The Series debuted mere months after the 1998 film was released, and it went on to become a popular part of Fox Kids’ Saturday morning programming. And although this continuation had a limited lifespan of just two seasons, it still managed to do the impossible and redeem Roland Emmerich’s widely disliked adaptation.
Similar to Ultra Q, Godzilla: The Series saw Dr. Niko “Nick” Tatopoulos leading a specialized team — Humanitarian Environmental Analysis Team, or H.E.A.T. for short — in the struggle against the giant and disruptive creatures (often referred to as “mutants”) who have begun to appear all across the globe. Aiding them was the lone, surviving offspring of Godzilla teased at the end of the film. And to ensure the juvenile Godzilla stood...
Similar to Ultra Q, Godzilla: The Series saw Dr. Niko “Nick” Tatopoulos leading a specialized team — Humanitarian Environmental Analysis Team, or H.E.A.T. for short — in the struggle against the giant and disruptive creatures (often referred to as “mutants”) who have begun to appear all across the globe. Aiding them was the lone, surviving offspring of Godzilla teased at the end of the film. And to ensure the juvenile Godzilla stood...
- 3/29/2024
- by Paul Lê
- bloody-disgusting.com
He may be king of the monsters and headliner of the longest-running film franchise, but Godzilla isn’t exactly a beacon of consistency. He made his premiere in Honda Ishirô’s 1954 classic Godzilla as an allegorical figure, warning of the dangers of nuclear technology, before eventually settling into a drive-in movie star and a hero for children, as well as those young at heart. That’s a somewhat unlikely legacy, especially considering that the original film ends with the creature’s unambiguous death.
Inspired by King Kong’s popularity in Japan, Godzilla’s filmmakers didn’t have the time or resources to execute the stop-motion movie magic that brought Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack’s King Kong to life (the 1933 monster adventure was re-released in Japan in 1952), but their resourcefulness and ingenuity resulted in a different kind of magic. Tsuburaya Eiji’s pioneering use of suitmation was not...
Inspired by King Kong’s popularity in Japan, Godzilla’s filmmakers didn’t have the time or resources to execute the stop-motion movie magic that brought Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack’s King Kong to life (the 1933 monster adventure was re-released in Japan in 1952), but their resourcefulness and ingenuity resulted in a different kind of magic. Tsuburaya Eiji’s pioneering use of suitmation was not...
- 3/29/2024
- by Rob Humanick
- Slant Magazine
Godzilla has defeated giant spiders, giant lobsters, giant robots, giant dinosaurs, giant space dragons, giant plant monsters, giant beetles, and of course, giant monkeys. But recently, the King of the Monsters conquered a foe that many thought him incapable of taking on: the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
With “Godzilla Minus One,” Toho’s iconic kaiju (or giant monster) franchise “Godzilla” earned its first Academy Award, receiving the Oscar for Best Visual Effects after wowing audiences with its impressive CGI re-creation of cinema’s most iconic movie monster. It became the first Japanese production to win the award, bookending a successful season for the film, which broke through in America in a major way. After years of the franchise’s Japanese films reaching relatively niche U.S. audiences, “Godzilla Minus One” grossed $110 million worldwide and attracted critical acclaim, bringing the franchise new fans and newfound recognition.
“Godzilla Minus One...
With “Godzilla Minus One,” Toho’s iconic kaiju (or giant monster) franchise “Godzilla” earned its first Academy Award, receiving the Oscar for Best Visual Effects after wowing audiences with its impressive CGI re-creation of cinema’s most iconic movie monster. It became the first Japanese production to win the award, bookending a successful season for the film, which broke through in America in a major way. After years of the franchise’s Japanese films reaching relatively niche U.S. audiences, “Godzilla Minus One” grossed $110 million worldwide and attracted critical acclaim, bringing the franchise new fans and newfound recognition.
“Godzilla Minus One...
- 3/28/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Euro Gang Entertainment, the company founded by Gianni Nunnari (300) and Simon Horsman (Legacy: The True Story Of The LA Lakers), has entered into a three picture and series deal with German writer-director Marco Kreuzpaintner who most recently co-directed with Roland Emmerich the big-budget 10-part gladiator series, Those About to Die, with Anthony Hopkins.
Alongside Euro Gang, Kreuzpaintner will produce and direct Drood, a series based on the book of the same name by U.S. author Dan Simmons (The Terror). The story revolves around a sinister and mysterious hunt through Victorian London’s perilous underground for a murderous specter, led by none other than Charles Dickens, and his best friend and fellow author, Wilkie Collins.
The second project, Black Vatican, is a contemporary horror series based on an original story by Andrea Nobile and Maurizio Curcio. Kreuzpaintner will direct the pilot penned by Alex Child, where the Pope, possessed by Satan,...
Alongside Euro Gang, Kreuzpaintner will produce and direct Drood, a series based on the book of the same name by U.S. author Dan Simmons (The Terror). The story revolves around a sinister and mysterious hunt through Victorian London’s perilous underground for a murderous specter, led by none other than Charles Dickens, and his best friend and fellow author, Wilkie Collins.
The second project, Black Vatican, is a contemporary horror series based on an original story by Andrea Nobile and Maurizio Curcio. Kreuzpaintner will direct the pilot penned by Alex Child, where the Pope, possessed by Satan,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: AGC Television is dropping a hot TV project into this week’s Series Mania market in Lille.
The Stone Quarry’s Zack Snyder (Zack Snyder’s Justice League), Deborah Snyder (Wonder Woman) and Wesley Coller (Rebel Moon) are among producers of French Foreign Legion series Until The Last One, whose pilot is being directed by Eli Snyder, most recently second unit director on his father’s Rebel Moon.
The series will follow a British deserter from the infamous French Foreign Legion who is found twenty years after fleeing the harsh reality of his mercenary service and forced back with the new recruits in the thick of danger. The series will chart the violence and the politics of the global hotspots where the Legion are sent to fight and the emotional stories and scars carried by its recruits.
The Foreign Legion is famed for its uniqueness as a military outfit,...
The Stone Quarry’s Zack Snyder (Zack Snyder’s Justice League), Deborah Snyder (Wonder Woman) and Wesley Coller (Rebel Moon) are among producers of French Foreign Legion series Until The Last One, whose pilot is being directed by Eli Snyder, most recently second unit director on his father’s Rebel Moon.
The series will follow a British deserter from the infamous French Foreign Legion who is found twenty years after fleeing the harsh reality of his mercenary service and forced back with the new recruits in the thick of danger. The series will chart the violence and the politics of the global hotspots where the Legion are sent to fight and the emotional stories and scars carried by its recruits.
The Foreign Legion is famed for its uniqueness as a military outfit,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
AGC Studios chief creative officer Lourdes Diaz has signed a new multi-year employment agreement and has been elevated to partner with a seat on the board of the independent film and television studio.
The promotion comes on the back of founders Stuart Ford, chairman and CEO, and Miguel Palos, chief operating office, themselves signing new multi-year agreements late last year.
Since AGC launched in 2018, it has become one of Hollywood’s leading production and financing players, with 41 major film and TV productions under its belt.
In a statement, Ford and Palos said Diaz had been a “hugely influential contributor to the company’s explosive growth.”
They added: “Aside from building a highly respected scripted television operation, in her broader role as chief creative officer she has shaped key decisions on the feature film and unscripted sides of the company, helped kickstart our Family and YA division and has made us...
The promotion comes on the back of founders Stuart Ford, chairman and CEO, and Miguel Palos, chief operating office, themselves signing new multi-year agreements late last year.
Since AGC launched in 2018, it has become one of Hollywood’s leading production and financing players, with 41 major film and TV productions under its belt.
In a statement, Ford and Palos said Diaz had been a “hugely influential contributor to the company’s explosive growth.”
They added: “Aside from building a highly respected scripted television operation, in her broader role as chief creative officer she has shaped key decisions on the feature film and unscripted sides of the company, helped kickstart our Family and YA division and has made us...
- 3/18/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
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