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Throwback To When Chris Rock Revealed Why He Never Wanted To Follow Jim Carrey’s Career Path ( Photo Credit – Wikimedia )

Chris Rock never wanted to be the next Jim Carrey. He made that clear back in 2005 when he explained his approach to picking movie roles. “I can do serious roles sometimes in other people’s movies but not in one of my own,” he said in an interview with The Guardian. “I don’t want to ask my fans to come and not laugh at me. ‘Hey! Come on, let’s go see Chris Rock not be funny!’”

From the start, Rock built his career around comedy. Stand-up was his first love, and even as Hollywood came calling, he stayed true to that foundation. He popped up in Beverly Hills Cop 2 and I’m Gonna Git You Sucka in the ’80s, but by the ’90s, he was making more significant moves.

April is bringing fresh movies, shows, and specials to Paramount+! Whether you love action, comedy, or family-friendly content, there’s something for everyone. Get ready for new originals, classic favorites, and exclusive premieres. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming next month!

1. The Last Stop in Yuma County (April 1)

A traveling salesman, stranded at a remote Arizona rest stop, becomes caught in a dangerous hostage situation when two ruthless bank robbers arrive, willing to use violence to protect their stolen money.

2. Before Dawn (April 1)

A young man leaves his family’s sheep farm in the Australian outback and joins his fellow countrymen on the Western Front during World War I, hoping to help bring an end to the brutal conflict.

3. An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile special (April 6)

Filming on March 26 at London’s Palladium Theatre, a primetime concert special will feature live performances by Elton John and Brandi Carlile,...

Jack Quaid commits to the bit by getting increasingly injured during a basketball game to promote his new action comedy movie Novocaine. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen (Villains; Significant Other), the film follows introverted bank executive Nate Caine (Quaid), who has a rare disorder that keeps his from feeling pain. After his love interest, Sherry (Amber Midthunder) is kidnapped by bank robbers, he goes on a mission to save her, using his inability to feel pain to his advantage. Reviews for Novocainehave been positive, praising its action sequences, comedic moments, and characters.

To promote Novocaine, Quaid attended a basketball game between the LA Clippers and Sacramento Kings. The star, who was there with Midthunder, kept getting increasingly injured, with images he posted to Instagram showing him in one arm cast, before slowly adding a second cast and a neck brace as the game continued. Check out Quaid's images...

Our writers highlight the films they find endlessly rewatchable, including Father of the Bride and Head of State

“Feelgood” movies are often thought of as big-hearted romantic comedies, comforting classics, or childhood favourites that still hold up decades later. In our series, My feelgood movie, Guardian writers reflect on their go-to flick, and explain why their pick is endlessly rewatchable.

This list will be updated weekly with further picks.

Where to watch: Father of the Bride is available on Hulu and Disney+ in the US and on Disney+ in the UK and Australia.

Chris Rock is stepping back into the directorial chair for the first time in a decade with Misty Green, a new Hollywood drama. This marks his fourth time behind the camera, following Head of State (2003), I Think I Love My Wife (2007), and Top Five (2014), with the latter scoring the best reviews of the three with an 85% "Certified Fresh" approval from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The decade since Top Five has seen Rock focused on on-screen acting, including his leading turn in Fargo season 4 and the polarizing Spiral: From the Book of Saw, which he also executive produced.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Rock is set to direct and star in Misty Green, which will debut next week at the American Film Market. The film is based on Rock's original script, and it will follow the journey of a promising actress whose career has stopped due to her personal struggles. This...

Chris Rock is looking to tackle Hollywood with his new feature Misty Green.

Rock is attached to direct and star in the film for the package that will debut next week at the American Film Market. Neon International is handling foreign rights, with CAA Media Finance responsible for domestic rights.

Misty Green is based on an original script from Rock and centers on a talented actress whose career has been stifled by her vices. Things change when a director (Rock) offers her a tailor-made part that could finally revitalize her path, although the situation is complicated by their turbulent past.

Casting is underway for the film that counts Rock and Peter Rice as producers, alongside James Lopez for Macro Film Studios and Tommy Oliver for Confluential Films. Serving as executive producers are Charles D. King for Macro Film Studios and Codie Elaine Oliver for Confluential Films.

Rock has directed such...

Paramount has announced the lineup of movies, TV shows, and live sports coming to the Paramount+ streaming service in November. The Paramount Plus November 2024 schedule includes Taylor Sheridan’s Landman, which navigates the fortune-seeking world of Texas oil rigs.

Sports fans can also enjoy an incredible spread of games over the holiday week, including the Nwsl Championship and UEFA Champions League marquee matches, as well as NFL on CBS and Big Ten on CBS action.

Landman

In November, audiences will be treated to the premiere of the new original series Landman, from Taylor Sheridan, co-creator of Yellowstone and starring Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton, Golden Globe nominee Demi Moore, and Emmy Award winner Jon Hamm.

Set in the proverbial boomtowns of West Texas, the series tells the gripping story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires in the world of oil rigs fueling a boom so big that it’s reshaping our climate,...

Ed Wheeler, a veteran actor who appeared in Law & Order, Blue Bloods, Broadcast News, Mickey Blue Eyes and many other films, TV shows, stage productions and commercials, has died. He was 88.

His wife, Messeret Stroman Wheeler, told Deadline that he died August 21 at Englewood (NJ) Hospital of respiratory failure due to pneumonia complications.

Born on February 18, 1936, in Brooklyn, Wheeler got his start in showbiz doing TV commercials, including national ads for the likes of Luvs diapers, Reynolds Wrap, Sudafed, Pepcid AC, Computer Associates and many others.

He trained under Gene Frankel and Vin Diesel’s stepfather Irving Vincent and earned his first screen credits on such TV series as Watch Your Mouth, 3-2-1 Contact and The Core of the Apple. Wheeler’s first film role was opposite William Hurt, Albert Brooks and Holly Hunter in James L. Brooks’ Broadcast News (1987).

He went on to appear in such films as Presumed Innocent,...

If you’re in the mood for a classic comedy, Prime Video is a great place to stream. You can get started with a 30-day Free trial, and there’s a lot to love.

30-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month amazon.com

Classic Comedy Movies on Prime Video

Classic Comedy TV on Prime Video

Add More Comedy with Prime Video Channels

Classic Comedy Movies on Prime Video

For the purposes of this list, we’ll consider “classic comedies” as titles that came out at least 20 years ago.

Death Becomes Her The Big Lebowski Dr. Strangelove Heathers Swingers Galaxy Quest Fargo Billy Madison An American Werewolf in London Sweet Home Alabama Election Army of Darkness Overboard Dirty Rotten Scoundrels American Graffiti Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein Bowfinger Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood CB4 Roxanne Sprung Duck Soup Wallace & Gromit: The...

Priyanka Chopra Jonas recently wished her brother-in-law, Joe Jonas, a happy 35th birthday, calling him the “coolest cat in town.” She shared a picture on her Instagram stories featuring herself, her husband Nick Jonas, and Joe. In the image, Priyanka is seen wrapped around Nick’s arm while Joe smiles at the camera.

Joe Jonas, who married English actress Sophie Turner in 2019, filed for divorce in 2023. They share two daughters. Meanwhile, Priyanka has wrapped up filming for The Bluff, a swashbuckler film set in the 19th-century Caribbean Islands. She plays an ex-pirate protecting her family when her past catches up with her. The film features other prominent actors, including Karl Urban and Ismael Cruz Cordova.

Priyanka will also star in Head of State, an action-comedy directed by Ilya Naishuller, alongside Idris Elba and John Cena. Recently, Nick Jonas discussed their daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas and whether she might follow...

Nick Jonas celebrated his wife Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ 42nd birthday on July 18 by sharing a heartfelt post on social media. He posted a series of pictures highlighting their cherished moments together and accompanied them with a loving note, expressing his gratitude and love for her. The first photo shows Priyanka relaxing in a swimming pool, while other photos capture intimate moments, including the couple sharing a kiss and spending time at the beach.

Fans were quick to comment on Nick’s post, showering Priyanka with birthday wishes and compliments. One fan called Nick the “National Jiju” (brother-in-law), while others praised Priyanka’s beauty and wished her a happy birthday. Their comments, “National Jiju for a reason “. Another user said, “she’s So flawless!!!! i love you guys so much! happy bday queen “. Others just wished her, “Happy birthday @priyankachopra enjoy your special day love you ”

View this post on Instagram...

Chris Rock is easily one of the boldest, most original, and straight up funniest stand-up comedians of the 21st century, which makes it all the more disappointing that his career in front of the camera has been a bit of a disappointment. When compared to the surprisingly nuanced and thought-provoking material found in his comedy routines, it's disappointing to see Rocks talents wasted in thankless cameo roles, as well as a recurring vocal performance in the Madagascar series. Rocks directorial efforts Head of State and I Think I Love My Wife, while bold in concept, lacked the self-awareness that had made him so engaging as a screen presence. While he risked stepping into a period of irrelevance, Rock finally directed and starred in a great movie when he was joined by Rosario Dawson for the romantic comedy Top Five.

Chris Rock headlines the voice cast of animated sequel Everybody Still Hates Chris, and here are the details.

Chris Rock attained superstardom following his second HBO stand-up special Bring The Pain in 1996. Hollywood beckoned, and he took supporting roles in the likes of Lethal Weapon 4 and Nurse Betty, as well as writing and directing feature films Down To Earth and Head Of State. After the much publicized incident at the Oscars two years ago, Rock released Netflix special Selective Outrage and co-starred in civil rights drama Rustin.

In 2005, autobiographical sitcom Everybody Hates Chris premiered on television. Broadcast on Channel 5 in the UK, the show portrays a semi-fictionalized version of Rock’s childhood. Tyler James Williams portrayed a teenage Rock, alongside Terry Crews as father Julius, Tichina Arnold as mother Rochelle, Tequan Richmond as younger brother Drew, Imani Hakim as younger sister Tonya and Vincent Martella as Rock’s school friend Greg.

Priyanka Chopra’s husband Nick Jonas recently started shooting for his upcoming film ‘Power Ballad’, and received a shoutout from his wife, who just wrapped up her project ‘Head Of State’. The actress took to her social media on Thursday and shared a picture of Nick Jonas which shows him sporting a crew cut hairstyle.

Priyanka penned a sweet note for her husband in the caption, as she wrote, “Husband appreciation post: As I finish one he starts one. The universe keeps us in sync. So happy to be reunited as he starts filming ‘Power Ballad’. Congratulations on your first day, baby. There is no one who works harder than you. This is going to be amazing.” In her post, she expressed her gratitude for his constant support and love, highlighting his kindness, talent, and dedication.

She also shared how he inspires her every day and makes her laugh even in the toughest times.

Since the February 2nd episode of Friday Night SmackDown, The Rock got involved in his storyline alongside Roman Reigns and The Bloodline. It all culminated on both nights of WrestleMania 40 this past week.

John Cena, source: WWE

John Cena made a shocking appearance at the Premium Live Event on WrestleMania 40 Sunday and helped Cody Rhodes pick up the win over Roman Reigns at the Showcase of The Immortals. Thus, The American Nightmare became the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. With that said, John Cena has addressed standing up to The Rock in order to assist Cody Rhodes win at WrestleMania 40.

John Cena Breaks His Silence After Helping Cody Rhodes Beat Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 The Rock and John Cena, source: WWE

WWE WrestleMania 40 on Sunday was brimming with surprises, captivating fans from start to finish. The event kicked off with unexpected appearances by industry icons such as Stephanie McMahon, Bubba Ray Dudley,...

Exclusive: Emmy nominee Sarah Niles has joined the cast of Apple Studios’ untitled F1 pic starring Brad Pitt. The cast also includes Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem and Tobias Menzies. Joseph Kosinski is set to direct.

Kosinski will produce his untitled feature alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman of Jerry Bruckheimer Films, seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton through his Dawn Apollo banner and Plan B, with Copper CEO Penni Thow serving as executive producer.

Pitt stars as a former driver returning to the sport with fictional team Apxgp, with Idris playing his teammate. Niles will play idris’ mother in the movie.

The film marks a reunion for Niles and Apple after the two worked together on the streamer’s hit series Ted Lasso, which earned Niles an Emmy nomination for her scene stealing role as the therapist for the soccer team AFC Richmond. She recently wrapped production on...

Another Round has the potential to be successful with Leonardo DiCaprio executive producing and potentially starring in the American remake. Though original director Thomas Vinterberg jokes about his involvement, Chris Rock as the director of the remake is an exciting opportunity to see what he can bring to the film. While some may doubt the success of the remake, Rock has shown a shift towards directing more thoughtful features and has the potential to create a compelling adaptation.

Another Round director, Thomas Vinterberg, gives his thoughts on the planned American remake. The 2020 Danish original film was a massive critical success, winning many accolades during the 2021 awards season, including the Oscar for Best International Feature Film, with Vinterberg also nominated for Best Director. Rights for an American remake were acquired in the week leading up to the Oscars, with Leonardo DiCaprio set to executive produce and Chris Rock directing.

During an...

Academy Award-nominated director Thomas Vinterberg has just shared his opinion on Chris Rock's upcoming remake of Another Round.

Starring Mads Mikkelsen, 2021's Another Round won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film in 2021, and, only a few years later, an American version was announced. Chris Rock will direct the upcoming black comedy, and original director Vinterberg addressed the new remake in an interview with Soundvenue, calling Rock an "exciting choice" to helm the film.

Related James Bond Movie Actor Wants Daniel Craig to Return for One More Film Casino Royale star Mads Mikkelsen is calling for Daniel Craig to return for one last James Bond movie.

"The choice of Chris Rock is exciting. It's exciting what he comes up with. I am full of good expectations," says Vinterberg. The original director is not involved in the American version, and even joked that "if it's sh—ty, he'll get slapped again,...

The American remake of Danish film Another Round has raised concerns due to the choice of director, Chris Rock, known for his work in comedy. The team behind the remake must understand the deeper themes of the original and adapt it to connect with an American audience. The American version needs a cast that can handle the emotional weight and maintain the realistic and grounded qualities of the original.

Leonardo DiCaprio is producing the American remake of the Oscar-winning Danish film Another Round, but its latest update has raised concerns about the project. It’s not uncommon for Hollywood to remake foreign movies that find great success, but it’s a huge challenge as it’s not just translating a story to the English language but also making sure it connects with a completely different audience. Among the upcoming American remakes of foreign movies is Another Round, a Danish film directed by Thomas Vinterberg.

Chris Rock has been chosen to direct the English-language remake of Another Round, which was originally directed by Thomas Vinterberg. Leonardo DiCaprio's production company, Appian Way Productions, is involved in the remake project. While it's unclear if DiCaprio will star in the remake, his involvement will likely depend on his schedule, as he has other film commitments.

Leonardo DiCaprio's Another Round remake finds its director. Released in 2020, the black comedy also known under its original title Druk (Danish for "binge-drinking"), follows four high school teachers in the midst of midlife crises who embark on an experiment to maintain a constant level of intoxication throughout the workday, with a cast led by Mads Mikkelsen (Fantastic Beasts 3), Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang, and Lars Ranthe. Shortly after Another Round won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, with Thomas Vinterberg also receiving a nomination for Best Director, an English-language remake...

Exclusive: Chris Rock has made a deal to develop to direct Another Round, based on the 2020 Thomas Vinterberg-directed black comedy that won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film as well as the BAFTA.

The film is an Appian Way and Makeready production for Fifth Season. Jennifer Davisson and Leonardo DiCaprio are producing for Appian Way, and Brad Weston and Collin Creighton are producing for Makeready. Stuart Bloomberg wrote a draft and they will now bring in a new writer to work with Rock.

Rock has made directing a priority, and adds this to a Universal-based adaptation of King: A Life, the Jonathan Eig book about Martin Luther King Jr., along with an untitled script Rock is writing that has Peter Rice producing.

Rock stamped himself as a director with chops with Top Five, which he also wrote and which became the biggest deal at the 2014 Toronto Film Festival...

Christmas comes early on Max, as the streamer adds a bevy of holiday movies to its library for the month of November, alongside new TV debuts, a noteworthy documentary and more. “Elf,” “Christmas Vacation,” “Arthur Christmas,” “The Shop Around the Corner” and “Four Christmases” are some of the holiday films arriving on the streaming platform on Nov. 1.

This month also sees the Season 2 premieres of “Rap Sh!t” (on Nov. 9) and “Julia” (on Nov. 16) and the series premiere of “Two and a Half Men” creator Chuck Lorre’s new sitcom “Bookie” starring Sebastian Maniscalco (on Nov. 30).

On Nov. 11, check out the documentary “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life” in which the comedian, actor and filmmaker’s best friend Rob Reiner peppers him with questions about his life and career.

And Chip and Joanna Gaines renovate a 100-year-old building in “Fixer Upper: The Hotel,” which premieres on Nov. 8.

Check out the full list...

It’s a lean month for new original content on HBO/Max. November will see the return of two scripted series in Julia and Rap Sh!t, both of which are debuting their respective second seasons, but this month’s fresh highlight is likely to be Bookie, a new comedy series from the partnership of The Big Bang Theory creator Chuck Lorre, and Nick Bakay. The show tracks an LA bookie called Danny (Sebastian Maniscalco), whose business is in peril as California movies to legalize sports gambling.

Elsewhere in November, there quite a few interesting documentaries to keep an eye on, and two that jump out as “must watch”. The first is Albert Brooks: Defending My Life, which chronicles the aging comedian’s life and career. The second is the previously-released Little Richard: I Am Everything, which tries to peel back the whitewashed canon of Richard Penniman in a true...

Max out your November viewing with Max! The streamer is starting the new month with a wide variety of additions to its combined library of HBO and Max exclusives, plus titles from Food Network, Cartoon Network, HGTV, and more.

While also racing toward the official holiday season with dozens of Christmas classics like “A Christmas Story” and “Elf,” you can also stream new documentaries on Albert Brooks and Little Richard, catch the premieres of new seasons of “Rap Sh!t” and “Julia,” and much more.

Check out The Streamable’s top picks for what’s new this month on Max, and then continue below to see the full list of everything new in November!

7-Day Free Trial $9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com

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What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Coming to Max in November 2023? “Rap Sh!t” Season 2 | Thursday, Nov. 9

Issa Rae is back on her “Rap Sh!

Sarah Lancashire and David Hyde Pierce in ‘Julia’ season 2 (Photograph by Sebastein Gonon/Max)

Max’s November 2023 schedule includes season two of Julia starring Sarah Lancashire as Julia Child and the return of Rap Sh!t with Aida Osman and Mia KaMillion. Bookie, a new comedy about sports gambling created by Chuck Lorre, makes its debut on November 30th with Sebastian Maniscalco starring as an LA bookie.

HBO documentaries Albert Brooks: Defending My Life and South to Black Power will stream on Max this November, along with CNN Films’ Little Richard: I Am Everything.

Series & Films Arriving On Max In November 2023:

November 1

Act of Valor (2012)

After the Thin Man (1936)

Aliens (1986)

The Ant Bully (2006)

Arthur Christmas (2011)

The Avengers (1998)

The Bachelor (1999)

The Bad and the Beautiful (1952)

Bells Are Ringing (1960)

Black Beauty (1994)

Boys’ Night Out (1962)

Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984)

Brigadoon (1954)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

A Christmas Carol (1938)

Christmas Cookie Challenge, Seasons...

A new biopic chronicling legendary civil rights orator Martin Luther King Jr. is in the works, with Chris Rock and Steven Spielberg attached to the Universal Pictures project.

Per Deadline, the theatrical effort chronicling King Jr. will be based on an adaptation of Jonathan Eig's critically acclaimed biography, King: A Life, a bestseller and National Book Award nominee exploring the celebrated activist's life while using newly declassified FBI information. Rock will direct the untitled feature-length project while Spielberg is the executive producer. Spielberg's Amblin Partners will produce the movie.

Related: Chris Rock's Animated Everybody Still Hates Chris Lands Straight-to-Series Order

For Rock, this will arguably be his biggest stint in the director's chair, having previously helmed films such as 2003's Head of State, which featured Bernie Mac and Robin Givens, and 2007's I Think I Love My Wife, which saw him appear alongside Kerry Washington. He also directed and wrote the 2014 comedy movie,...

Comedian and actor Chris Rock is in final talks to direct and produce a biopic on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with Steven Spielberg serving as an executive producer through his production company Amblin Partners.

The project will be an adaptation of “King: A Life,” a critically acclaimed biography of the civil rights leader written by Jonathan Eig and published earlier this year. The book draws from recently released documents related to King. These range from personal letters to White House telephone transcripts and FBI documents related to director J. Edgar Hoover’s hostile and racist surveillance of King.

It was not immediately clear whether Rock will also star in the film. He has played the lead in the three features he’s previously directed, as well as writing them.

The last feature Rock directed was 2014’s “Top Five.” Before that, he directed 2007’s “I Think I Love My Wife” and 2003’s “Head of State.

A new bestselling Martin Luther King Jr. biography is set to get the movie treatment, and according to Deadline, polarizing comedian Chris Rock is nearly set to direct the adaptation. The actor and comic is apparently in final talks to both direct and produce a movie version of Jonathan Eig's "King: A Life," a National Book Award nominee and bestseller that hit shelves in May.

This will be the first dramatic feature from Rock, whose previous directorial efforts include the 2003 comedy "Head of State" and two rom-coms, "I Think I Love My Wife" and "Top Five." Rock starred in all three films, with the latter released in 2014, making the new feature the comic's first return to feature filmmaking in nearly a decade. This news seems pretty unexpected for the man who's best known for edgy comedy, but another name attached to the project is even more surprising: Steven Spielberg.

Universal Pictures is working on a biopic based on the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Chris Rock just may be the man to direct it, with Steven Spielberg as executive producer.

The news came on Thursday, October 5th, via a report by Deadline, which claimed that Universal has optioned the rights to adapt King: A Life, the best-selling biography of King written by Jonathan Eig. According to the report, Rock is “in final talks to direct and produce,” and Spielberg locked-in as executive producer, with Amblin Partners and Kristie Macosko Krieger set to have producer credits as well.

Additional details on the film are scarce, but Deadline has indicated that some other industry players, such as Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development, Ryan Jones, will be attached to the project.

Rock made his directorial debut with the 2003 comedy, Head of State, and though he has since directed several titles,...

Chris Rock is in final negotiations to direct and produce a biopic based on the life of Martin Luther King Jr. at Universal, an individual with knowledge of the project told IndieWire.

The film, which will be executive produced by Steven Spielberg, will be based on “King: A Life,” Jonathan Eig’s new biography that Universal has optioned and that The New York Times called the “definitive” bio of MLK Jr. and the first comprehensive account of his life in decades.

The project will be produced by Amblin Partners, with Kristie Macosko Krieger serving as producer, and Spielberg as EP.

“King: A Life” was a Nyt Bestseller and a National Book Award nominee. The book utilizes new FBI information from previously untapped primary sources and hundreds of interviews. Eig presents King Jr. as courageous but emotionally troubled, someone who demanded peaceful protest but also grappled with his own frailties.

This...

The comedian and actor, who is best known for his stand-up specials and roles in films such as Madagascar, Grown Ups and Top Five, will helm the project for Paramount Pictures and Plan B Entertainment, the production company co-founded by Brad Pitt.

The film, which is currently untitled, will focus on the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, who was assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39. The script will be written by Bo Burnham, who recently earned an Oscar nomination for his screenplay for Promising Young Woman.

The film will be produced by Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B, along with Rock and his partner Eli Bush. The executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay.

The biopic is expected to start production in early 2024 and will be released in theaters later that year to coincide with the 60th anniversary of King’s...

Chris Rock is gearing up to examine the life of Martin Luther King Jr. The actor and comedian is in final negotiations to direct and produce a biopic of the late civil rights icon, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

Universal is behind the project and has optioned the rights to Jonathan Eig’s biography, King: A Life, which debuted to acclaim in May and earned a National Book Award nomination. The book, which drew upon newly unearthed FBI information on King, is described by its publisher, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, as an “intimate portrayal of King as a courageous but emotionally troubled individual who demanded peaceful protest while grappling with his own frailties and a government that hunted him.”

Steven Spielberg will executive produce the project via his Amblin Partners, with Kristie Macosko Krieger producing.

Rock previously directed and starred in the TIFF favorite Top Five (2014). He also directed Head of State...

Chris Rock and Steven Spielberg are collaborating on a movie about the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

Rock is in final talks to direct and produce the project, with Spielberg on board as executive producer. Universal Pictures is backing the biographical drama after optioning Jonathan Eig’s biography “King: A Life.”

Eig’s book has been called the definitive biography of the late civil rights icon. It uses new FBI information and hundreds of interviews to paint a portrayal of King as a “courageous but emotionally troubled individual who demanded peaceful protest while grappling with his own frailties and a government that hunted him.” Since it’s early in the development process, casting has not been announced.

Universal’s senior VP of production development Ryan Jones will oversee the project on behalf of the studio. The untitled movie will be produced by Amblin Partners, with Kristie Macosko Krieger serving as producer,...

Exclusive: Universal Pictures is gearing up to tell a definitive cinematic biopic about the life of Martin Luther King Jr. The studio has optioned the rights to adapt Jonathan Eig’s critically acclaimed biography King: A Life. Chris Rock is in final talks to direct and produce, and Steven Spielberg will be executive producer.

The film will be produced by Amblin Partners, with Kristie Macosko Krieger serving as producer along with Rock. King: A Life has been a big bestseller, and is nominated for the National Book Award. It has been hailed as a definitive biography of the civil rights icon Dr. King, for its use of previously untapped sources that include newly declassified FBI information. The book sketches out the courageous man who demanded peaceful protests in the segregationist south, all the while grappling with his own frailties and a federal government that haunted his every step instead of...

We are pleased to share with you Level 33 Entertainment’s horror thriller feature film Haunted Trail about a group of friends who receive the surprise of their lives when they realize there’s a real killer on the scene of a local haunted trail. Directed by Robin Givens (currently directing The Nana Project with Academy Award-Winning actress Mercedes Ruehl, “Batwoman,” “Riverdale,” Horror Noire, The Jenkins Family Christmas, The Family That Preys, Head of State), the film …

The post Level 33 Entertainment’s Horror Thriller Feature Film Haunted Trail | Limited Theaters on 9/9 and Digital Vod 9/27! appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.

Right now, the name Chris Rock is synonymous with one thing: The Slap at the March 27 Oscars. However, Rock’s career is a lot more varied than that one incident, though there are several clues in his work leading up to that moment.

May 20 marks the 35th anniversary of his movie debut as a parking valet in the 1987 “Beverly Hills Cop 2.”

Variety’s review described it as “noisy, numbing, unimaginative” and didn’t mention Rock. A year later, however, he got a shout-out in the Dec. 9, 1988, review of “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” with Variety enthusing, “Chris Rock turns a walk-on into a standout” as a customer in a rib joint.

Rock’s first big break came in 1984, when he booked a splashy standup gig in 1984 at Catch a Rising Star in New York. Eddie Murphy saw and mentored him, Rock continued to work, and soon he made his...

Exclusive: Ian McKellen is among the stars of Ken McMullen’s Hamlet Within, a part-documentary feature investigating the mythology around the Shakespeare play, which is headed to the Cannes Market.

The Art Cinema and Scape Films co-production will be released as an Nft collection on newly formed Blockchain ecosystem platform Cineverse, which allows filmmakers, distributors and producers to market their features directly.

The film will launch in Cannes at an event on May 21, with Screenbound International Pictures selling it at the market.

Hamlet Within is billed as a “radical cinematic investigation into the myth of Hamlet, its origins and its enduring appeal across cultures and systems of beliefs.” Part-doc and part-fictional discourse, it is shot in five acts and framed by a prelude and an epilogue and billed as “a collage of acted monologues and staged dialogues referencing Hamlet’s most famous soliloquies.”

It will feature the likes of the...

When you’re a streaming service, there’s only one way to celebrate the New Year. And that’s by IP mining to bring back a franchise that had no business in coming back!

With its list of new releases for January 2022, Hulu is raiding CBS’s closet and premiering How I Met Your Father, a continuation of the sitcom How I Met Your Mother. Complaints about unnecessary rebooting aside, perhaps its worth giving the Hillary Duff starring series a chance. If nothing else, telling a story about 2022 from a future perspective might play well.

Aside from Himyf, there aren’t any other Hulu original series to speak of. Instead, Hulu is opting to once again beef up its film library. January 1 sees the arrival of Master and Commander, Seven, and a whole bunch of Star Treks. Hulu will also be the streaming home of some recently released film Indies,...

Exclusive: Robin Givens (Riverdale) has been tapped for a key role in the upcoming third season of the CW’s Batwoman.

Givens, a new series regular on the DC drama, will play Jada Jet. A powerful CEO for Jet Industries, Jada isn’t bossy: she’s the boss. Passionate and hard working, a woman who has worked her way through life’s ups and downs to climb her way to the top — all while being extremely protective over her impetuous son. A woman with a deep past that forced her to give up her first-born child, Jada is a woman with a good heart, but will do whatever it takes to protect her family.

In the June 27 Season 2 finale, Ryan Wilder (Javicia Leslie) has fully taken up the mantle as Batwoman with Kate Kane leaving Gotham in a search for her long-missing cousin Bruce Wayne (aka Batman). It also was...

And just like that – here comes spring. Amazon Prime‘s list of new releases for April 2021 isn’t as cheery as one would expect from the sunny season. But perhaps that’s by design – you should be outside anyway!

Amazon’s most prominent original series for April 2021 is undoubtedly Them from multi-hyphenate Lena Waithe. This horror anthology’s first season, subtitled “Covenant”, will center on a Black family in the 1950s who move from North Carolina to a white neighborhood in Los Angeles. It premieres on April 9. Given its name and premise, Them is drawing some (largely joke-y) comparisons to Jordan Peele’s Us on social media. But hey, the world could always use some more Us.

Read more TV Does the Latest Lord of the Rings Amazon Series Cast Exit Signal Trouble? By Joseph Baxter TV New On Amazon Prime Video UK March 2021: Invincible, Coming 2 America and More!

After working together on The Suicide Squad, Idris Elba and John Cena are poised to re-team for Amazon's action movie Head of State, Collider has confirmed. Deadline reports that Amazon bought the pitch following a Zoom presentation from screenwriter Harrison Query and producers Peter Safran and John Rickard in a deal said to be worth between high-six and low-seven figures for the rising scribe. Max Jacoby will co-produce for The Safran Company, Plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say Elba and Cena will play a mismatched odd couple in a '90s-style …...

Amazon Studios has scooped up the rights for Head of State, an upcoming action film project that pairs Idris Elba with John Cena. In what we know so far, both actors are in the final stages of negotiating for a six-figure sum for their participation. Meanwhile, the project's writer, Harrison Query, is eyeing a seven-figure deal for his scripting efforts. According to Deadline, plot…...

For many people, Chris Rock might just be known for his iconic stand-up comedy routines. For others, he may be just the guy that shows up from time to time in Adam Sandler films. But in recent years, Rock has been shattering preconceived notions about his abilities and tackling some incredibly interesting work such as the lead in the new season of “Fargo” and as a producer-star of the upcoming “Saw” spinoff horror film, “Spiral.” He’s also a filmmaker in his own right, writing and directing films such as “Head of State,” “I Think I Love My Wife,” and “Top FIve.” And apparently, Rock has a couple more feature scripts he’s finished that will continue to prove his range.

Continue reading Chris Rock Wrote A Script For A Film He Describes As Similar To ‘Bad Lieutenant’ at The Playlist.

Fall is upon us, and so is Hulu’s list of every title coming and going from the streaming service in November.

Among the list of arriving titles is a new episode of Hulu’s original monthly anthology series, “Into the Dark.” November’s episode is called “Pilgrim,” and claims to be inspired by true events — in which a woman invites a bunch of Pilgrim re-enactors over for Thanksgiving dinner. But things get spooky when the “actors” refuse to break character.

Other new arrivals include Season 5 of “You’re the Worst,” described as a modern look at love, the complete first seasons of “Dollface,” about a young woman re-entering the world of women, “The Accident,” which begins with a deadly explosion at a construction site, and “Love Island: Australia,” an answer to the U.K. and U.S. versions of the beloved reality dating show.

Also Read: Here's Everything New...

Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures are teaming up with Chris Rock to bring a new “Saw” film to theaters on Oct. 23, 2020, Chairman of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group Joe Drake announced on Thursday.

Rock will star in the project that he is also executive producing. The film will be produced by longtime “Saw” producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules. Darren Lynn Bousman, who helmed three of the most successful films in the “Saw” franchise, will direct this reimagining. The screenplay is based on a story by Rock and written by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. Daniel Heffner and the original creators of “Saw,” James Wan and Leigh Whannell, will also executive produce.

“When Chris Rock came to us and described in chilling detail his fantastic vision that reimagines and spins-off the world of the notorious Jigsaw Killer, we were all-in,” Drake said in a statement. “‘Saw’ is one of the highest...

Chris Rock is teaming with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures for a fresh reimagining on the next Saw movie. The comedy multi-hyphenate has written a story which is being adapted by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, and Rock will also executive produce.

Lionsgate has dated the film for an Oct. 23, 2020 release.

“When Chris Rock came to us and described in chilling detail his fantastic vision that reimagines and spins-off the world of the notorious Jigsaw Killer, we were all-in,” said Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake. “Saw is one of the highest grossing horror franchises of all-time and it’s one of Lionsgate’s most successful film series. This upcoming film will still be as mind bending and intense as all the previous Saw films. Chris conceived this idea and it will be completely reverential to the legacy of the material while reinvigorating the brand with his wit, creative...

Chris Rock has come onboard to direct the NBC single-cam comedy pilot “Saving Kenan,” Variety has learned.

Rock will also executive produce the pilot, which stars “SNL” mainstay Kenan Thompson. Thompson will play a newly widowed dad determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law become more involved in their lives

Rock is best known for his work as a stand up comedian and actor, but he has directed multiple projects throughout his career. He previously directed himself in the films “Head of State,” “I Think I Love My Wife, and “Top Five,” all three of which he also wrote or co-wrote. He also directed an episode of the CW series “Everybody Hates Chris,” which he co-created with Ali LeRoi and was based on Rock’s own childhood. Most recently, he directed the comedy special “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo.” Rock has also...

Fitz might not be president anymore but his story is far from over on Scandal. The third episode of Scandal's final season was almost completely devoted to the former Head of State and at the end of episode, Fitz made a decision. He left Vermont and headed back to Washington D.C., all to pull Olivia away from the dark path she is currently headed down. Whether Fitz will be successful is a completely different matter. Yet in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, actor Tony Goldwyn is hopeful that his character will succeed.

As YouTubers gain experience and their skills evolve, they often make the early videos private, so that the cringey infancy of their channels is left unseen by viewers. Now, that strategy is so widespread that even the Head of State is doing it. As discovered by CNN, 66 videos hosted by Donald Trump before he became president have been made private.

The videos in question lived on the Trump Organization YouTube channel and were billed as updates “From The Desk Of Donald Trump.” Trump began hosting those vlogs in 2011, back when he was still the guy who harangued President Obama about his birth certificate, and he continued to provide regular updates for years after that. In total, his run of desk-side chats ran for 75 episodes, nine of which are still publicly available.

It’s not hard to imagine why Trump and his handlers might want to hide From The Desk of...

Oliver Stone defended his soft approach interviewing Russian President Vladimir Putin to Stephen Colbert on The Late Show Monday. Stone's new four-part documentary, The Putin Interviews, debuted June 12th and continues through the 15th on Showtime.

Stone interviewed Putin more than a dozen times over two years – an unprecedented amount of access for a Western interviewer. Colbert noted that many have criticized the director for being "too cozy" with the Russian President. Stone insisted he was merely polite and respectful. When Colbert pressed the director on Russia's interference in the...