Adam Fogelson is replacing Joe Drake as chair of Lionsgate’s motion picture group.
Drake reportedly initiated the transition and will be working with Fogelson over the coming months on succession plans. Drake, who was named co-chair of Lionsgate in 2017, will be leaving the company. He’s departing after leading the studio to its first billion-dollar year since 2019, thanks to commercial winners like “John Wick: Chapter 4” and “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”
“Despite unprecedented disruption over the last few years, we built a team that thrived throughout and achieved everything I could have imagined at Lionsgate,’ Drake said in a statement. “Having worked side by side with Adam for the past 18 months, he is the perfect choice to lead the motion picture group forward to even greater heights.”
Drake served as Lionsgate’s co-chief operating officer and motion picture group president for five years before leaving...
Drake reportedly initiated the transition and will be working with Fogelson over the coming months on succession plans. Drake, who was named co-chair of Lionsgate in 2017, will be leaving the company. He’s departing after leading the studio to its first billion-dollar year since 2019, thanks to commercial winners like “John Wick: Chapter 4” and “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”
“Despite unprecedented disruption over the last few years, we built a team that thrived throughout and achieved everything I could have imagined at Lionsgate,’ Drake said in a statement. “Having worked side by side with Adam for the past 18 months, he is the perfect choice to lead the motion picture group forward to even greater heights.”
Drake served as Lionsgate’s co-chief operating officer and motion picture group president for five years before leaving...
- 1/10/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
It’s been more than 12 years since “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” wrapped the fantasy series on the big screen, but that doesn’t keep fans from approaching its star Daniel Radcliffe with shouts of “It’s Harry!”
Unfortunately, as he explained to host Kelly Clarkson and his “Merrily We Roll Along” Broadway costars Lindsay Mendez and Jonathan Groff, he’s aged a bit in the interim.
“I’m like, ‘I’m sorry.’ They’re like, ‘You’re old now, what happened?’” Radcliffe said of these interactions, joking that he disappoints “kids on, like, a regular basis.”
The conversation picked up on Monday’s episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” as the three musical theater stars of the Stephen Sondheim revival reflected on their lives as parents.
Radcliffe just welcomed his first son to the world in April and Mendez has a young daughter at home...
Unfortunately, as he explained to host Kelly Clarkson and his “Merrily We Roll Along” Broadway costars Lindsay Mendez and Jonathan Groff, he’s aged a bit in the interim.
“I’m like, ‘I’m sorry.’ They’re like, ‘You’re old now, what happened?’” Radcliffe said of these interactions, joking that he disappoints “kids on, like, a regular basis.”
The conversation picked up on Monday’s episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” as the three musical theater stars of the Stephen Sondheim revival reflected on their lives as parents.
Radcliffe just welcomed his first son to the world in April and Mendez has a young daughter at home...
- 10/30/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Physical media could soon become a thing of the past. But Redbox doesn’t think users are ready to make the transition to purely digital video just yet, and is bulking up its stock of niche titles at its disc rental kiosks, its parent company Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (Csse) announced this week.
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The company said it will bring on a range of new and older films, such as the rare “Ugly Dolls,” catalog titles such as “Jerry Maguire,” and much more. The move is intended to help serve customers who had been signed up to rent discs via mail from Netflix; the streamer announced this spring it was ending its DVD rental service as of Friday, Sept. 29.
The addition of these titles does not mean that Redbox is abandoning traditional blockbusters. Films like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” with large mainstream audiences will still...
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The company said it will bring on a range of new and older films, such as the rare “Ugly Dolls,” catalog titles such as “Jerry Maguire,” and much more. The move is intended to help serve customers who had been signed up to rent discs via mail from Netflix; the streamer announced this spring it was ending its DVD rental service as of Friday, Sept. 29.
The addition of these titles does not mean that Redbox is abandoning traditional blockbusters. Films like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” with large mainstream audiences will still...
- 9/26/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Since 1989, Adam Sandler has been one of the busiest men in Hollywood. Not only is he a prolific funnyman on screen, but he's also got his own production company, Happy Madison, that has cranked out over 25 feature films. Sandler inked a lucrative exclusivity deal with Netflix a few years back and has been churning out films for them to varying degrees of success.
Sure, Sandler has made some sophomoric films, and many include questionable casting choices/characterizations that don't hold up in our contemporary culture (like every role Rob Schneider has ever played), but he's also been unfairly used as a punching bag by snobbish cinephiles despite the overwhelming evidence that he's a comedic genius. When he won Best Male Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards following his egregious Oscars snub for "Uncut Gems," his acceptance speech included the now-viral line, "I'd also like to give a shout-out to my fellow nominees,...
Sure, Sandler has made some sophomoric films, and many include questionable casting choices/characterizations that don't hold up in our contemporary culture (like every role Rob Schneider has ever played), but he's also been unfairly used as a punching bag by snobbish cinephiles despite the overwhelming evidence that he's a comedic genius. When he won Best Male Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards following his egregious Oscars snub for "Uncut Gems," his acceptance speech included the now-viral line, "I'd also like to give a shout-out to my fellow nominees,...
- 8/30/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Love is in the air on Netflix, as two of the steamer’s most popular romance franchises dominated the English-language television charts for the week of May 15 to May 21.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story once again took the top spot with another 82.39M hours viewed in its third week on Netflix. The Bridgerton prequel series has now tallied nearly 390M viewing hours since it debuted on May 4, which means that it still stands a chance at becoming one of Netflix’s most popular series of all time. The series would need to surpass Inventing Anna‘s 511M viewing hours in the remaining 10 days of its 28-day measurement window in order to meet that milestone.
If it does, it will join both seasons of Bridgerton among Netflix’s most-watched series of all time. Each season drew more than 600M hours viewed in their first 28 days on the service.
Second among the...
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story once again took the top spot with another 82.39M hours viewed in its third week on Netflix. The Bridgerton prequel series has now tallied nearly 390M viewing hours since it debuted on May 4, which means that it still stands a chance at becoming one of Netflix’s most popular series of all time. The series would need to surpass Inventing Anna‘s 511M viewing hours in the remaining 10 days of its 28-day measurement window in order to meet that milestone.
If it does, it will join both seasons of Bridgerton among Netflix’s most-watched series of all time. Each season drew more than 600M hours viewed in their first 28 days on the service.
Second among the...
- 5/23/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first scripted TV series, the Jennifer Lopez-starring action film The Mother and documentaries featuring Anna Nicole Smith and Barack Obama are among the high-profile projects hitting Netflix this month.
At the end of May, the streamer is dropping the Schwarzenegger-starring spy comedy Fubar, in which the former California governor and Top Gun: Maverick’s Monica Barbaro play a father and daughter who discover they’ve each been secretly working as CIA operatives as they’re forced to team up and get to know each other’s true selves.
And earlier this month, in time for Mother’s Day, Lopez plays an assassin who emerges from hiding to protect a daughter she gave up for adoption years earlier in The Mother, streaming this Friday. The Niki Caro-directed action movie also stars Joseph Fiennes, Lucy Paez, Omari Hardwick, Paul Raci and Gael Garcia Bernal and was written by Andrea Berloff,...
At the end of May, the streamer is dropping the Schwarzenegger-starring spy comedy Fubar, in which the former California governor and Top Gun: Maverick’s Monica Barbaro play a father and daughter who discover they’ve each been secretly working as CIA operatives as they’re forced to team up and get to know each other’s true selves.
And earlier this month, in time for Mother’s Day, Lopez plays an assassin who emerges from hiding to protect a daughter she gave up for adoption years earlier in The Mother, streaming this Friday. The Niki Caro-directed action movie also stars Joseph Fiennes, Lucy Paez, Omari Hardwick, Paul Raci and Gael Garcia Bernal and was written by Andrea Berloff,...
- 5/11/2023
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Must-watch comedy series, eye-opening documentaries and an expansion of the “Bridgerton” universe are among the noteworthy additions to Netflix this month. May 12 sees the premiere of Jennifer Lopez’s new Netflix original film “The Mother,” in which she plays an assassin lured back in for one last job. And on May 23, the documentary “Victim/Suspect” examines how sexual assault victims too often get turned into suspects when they report their assaults.
“Queen Charlotte,” the “Bridgerton” prequel series, arrives on May 4 while a new season of Tim Robinson’s sketch series “I Think You Should Leave” drops on May 30. And if you missed the most recent season of the niche (but delightful) comedy series “Documentary Now!,” you can stream that on Netflix starting May 9.
Check out the full list of what’s new on Netflix in May 2023 below.
Also Read:
The 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now Arriving May 1
Above Suspicion
Airport...
“Queen Charlotte,” the “Bridgerton” prequel series, arrives on May 4 while a new season of Tim Robinson’s sketch series “I Think You Should Leave” drops on May 30. And if you missed the most recent season of the niche (but delightful) comedy series “Documentary Now!,” you can stream that on Netflix starting May 9.
Check out the full list of what’s new on Netflix in May 2023 below.
Also Read:
The 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now Arriving May 1
Above Suspicion
Airport...
- 5/1/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Netflix recently announced it would be investing $2.5 billion into South Korean programming. Before Squid Game season 2 comes down the pike, however, the first seeds of that investment will bear fruit for Netflix in May 2023.
Netflix’s list of new releases for May 2023 is highlighted by the May 12 release of Korean series Black Knight. Set “in a dystopian 2071 devastated by air pollution,” this show will follow world-saving deliverymen known as “Black Knights.” Other international offerings this month include Japanese sumo drama Sanctuary on May 4 and Spanish crime thriller Muted on May 19.
Netflix’s domestic TV options this month include Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story on May 4. That will be followed by post-apocalyptic animated comedy Mulligan on May 12 and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s TV debut Fubar on May 25. And for those hoping for “triples,” I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson premieres on May 30.
On the movie side of things, Netflix has an unusually busy month.
Netflix’s list of new releases for May 2023 is highlighted by the May 12 release of Korean series Black Knight. Set “in a dystopian 2071 devastated by air pollution,” this show will follow world-saving deliverymen known as “Black Knights.” Other international offerings this month include Japanese sumo drama Sanctuary on May 4 and Spanish crime thriller Muted on May 19.
Netflix’s domestic TV options this month include Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story on May 4. That will be followed by post-apocalyptic animated comedy Mulligan on May 12 and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s TV debut Fubar on May 25. And for those hoping for “triples,” I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson premieres on May 30.
On the movie side of things, Netflix has an unusually busy month.
- 5/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Every time news breaks regarding Legendary Entertainment’s remake of the infamous 1978 box office hit Faces of Death (get it Here), it’s something completely unexpected. Who would have ever thought that film would inspire a remake that stars young actors from the likes of Euphoria, Stranger Things, and Saved by the Bell? That’s exactly what’s happening, as the project (which starts filming this month) does indeed star Barbie Ferreira of the HBO series Euphoria, Dacre Montgomery of Netflix’s Stranger Things, and Josie Totah of the recent Saved by the Bell revival. Now The Wrap delivers some more unexpected news: singer Charli Xcx has chosen to make her film acting debut in the Faces of Death remake.
Charli Xcx has done some voice acting before (The Angry Birds Movie and UglyDolls) and has appeared on TV shows (Saturday Night Live and Gossip Girl), but this will be...
Charli Xcx has done some voice acting before (The Angry Birds Movie and UglyDolls) and has appeared on TV shows (Saturday Night Live and Gossip Girl), but this will be...
- 4/21/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Disney+ has made huge efforts to invite celebrities to do guest appearances in “The Mandalorian,” with actors like Tim Meadows and Jason Sudeikis dropping by to do one-off roles in the series. However, the latest episode in the series broke all records for celebrity guest appearances this week with three surprising cameos from people we didn’t expect to see in the “Star Wars” franchise. From actor/singer Jack Black to rapper Lizzo, this week’s “The Mandalorian” was a cameo fest on the set. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the actors who made special appearances in this week’s “The Mandalorian.”
Spoilers Ahead
Jack Black
Of all the people you could imagine would turn up in a Star Wars spin-off show, Jack Black would probably be at the bottom of the list. The rock teacher from “School of Rock” has quite a few accolades under his belt, from...
Spoilers Ahead
Jack Black
Of all the people you could imagine would turn up in a Star Wars spin-off show, Jack Black would probably be at the bottom of the list. The rock teacher from “School of Rock” has quite a few accolades under his belt, from...
- 4/5/2023
- by Indrayudh Talukdar
- Film Fugitives
Click here to read the full article.
Emma Roberts has jumped on board Madame Web, the Sony spinoff centered on the Spider-Man character, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
S.J. Clarkson is set to direct the feature, which is part of Sony’s growing stable of films based on Marvel characters. Roberts, a regular on FX’s American Horror Story anthology, also appeared in The Hunt and Netflix’s feature Holidate. Her credits also include Fox’s Scream Queens and UglyDolls.
Introduced in the 1980 comic The Amazing Spider-Man #210, Madame Web is a clairvoyant mutant who specializes in predicting the future of Spider-themed superheroes, having mentored not only Peter Parker’s alter ego, but also multiple generations of heroes calling themselves Spider-Woman.
Traditionally depicted as a blind, paralyzed old woman, she is surrounded by a web-like machine necessary to keep her alive, meaning that she stays away from direct conflict, and rather sends others on missions.
Emma Roberts has jumped on board Madame Web, the Sony spinoff centered on the Spider-Man character, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
S.J. Clarkson is set to direct the feature, which is part of Sony’s growing stable of films based on Marvel characters. Roberts, a regular on FX’s American Horror Story anthology, also appeared in The Hunt and Netflix’s feature Holidate. Her credits also include Fox’s Scream Queens and UglyDolls.
Introduced in the 1980 comic The Amazing Spider-Man #210, Madame Web is a clairvoyant mutant who specializes in predicting the future of Spider-themed superheroes, having mentored not only Peter Parker’s alter ego, but also multiple generations of heroes calling themselves Spider-Woman.
Traditionally depicted as a blind, paralyzed old woman, she is surrounded by a web-like machine necessary to keep her alive, meaning that she stays away from direct conflict, and rather sends others on missions.
- 6/27/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A consortium of investors led by Najafi Companies has closed its deal to purchase STX Entertainment, the beleaguered film and television company behind “Bad Moms” and “My Spy.” The sale ends STX’s unhappy union with Eros, the Indian media company that it merged with in 2020. The goal was to go public, which STXEros did, but to little investor fanfare. STX had previously tried and abandoned an effort to go public on the Hong Kong stock exchange in 2018, citing unfavorable market conditions.
The cash-strapped independent studio had attracted some 11th-hour interest from Lionsgate, but a potential deal collapsed, leaving Najafi Companies, a Phoenix-based private-equity firm run by Jahm Najafi, as the victor. Najafi is the vice chairman of the Phoenix Suns. Investment firms As Birch Grove LP and 777 Partners helped finance the deal for STX. In December the group bid 173 million for the company.
STX said its executive team will remain in place,...
The cash-strapped independent studio had attracted some 11th-hour interest from Lionsgate, but a potential deal collapsed, leaving Najafi Companies, a Phoenix-based private-equity firm run by Jahm Najafi, as the victor. Najafi is the vice chairman of the Phoenix Suns. Investment firms As Birch Grove LP and 777 Partners helped finance the deal for STX. In December the group bid 173 million for the company.
STX said its executive team will remain in place,...
- 4/22/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Maya and the Three creator Jorge Gutiérrez has set I, Chihuahua as his first animated feature for Netflix, with actor and comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias coming aboard to produce and star. (Check out never-before-seen concept art created for the feature below.)
Written by Gutiérrez, Doug Landale and Candie Kelty Langdale, I, Chihuahua is billed as the ultimate underdog tale of Chacho—a scrappy masked Luchador Chihuahua, who embarks on a hilarious and action-packed journey around the world to fight for his family. After learning his beloved home is in danger, Chacho dons a Lucha Libre mask to become Luchacho. Our masked underdog then enters an international fight tournament, competing against a hilarious and eclectic mix of animal fighters from all over the world, in the lead-up to a final, epic fight against the nefarious beast known as Chamuco, The Widow Maker. Iglesias will produce alongside Tim Yoon.
“I cannot...
Written by Gutiérrez, Doug Landale and Candie Kelty Langdale, I, Chihuahua is billed as the ultimate underdog tale of Chacho—a scrappy masked Luchador Chihuahua, who embarks on a hilarious and action-packed journey around the world to fight for his family. After learning his beloved home is in danger, Chacho dons a Lucha Libre mask to become Luchacho. Our masked underdog then enters an international fight tournament, competing against a hilarious and eclectic mix of animal fighters from all over the world, in the lead-up to a final, epic fight against the nefarious beast known as Chamuco, The Widow Maker. Iglesias will produce alongside Tim Yoon.
“I cannot...
- 3/23/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate is exploring acquiring some or all of STX Entertainment after the “Hustlers” studio already was in the midst of a planned sale to Najafi Companies for $173 million, individuals with knowledge of the talks told TheWrap.
Reps for both Lionsgate and STX declined to comment.
The purchase agreement from Najafi included a 45-day “go-shop period” which allowed current STX owner Eros to solicit other proposals for 45 days, and the $173 million also included absorbing $148 million in debt. STX would pay a $4.5 million termination fee if the deal with Najafi doesn’t go through. Prior to the Najafi sale, the studio had attempted to sell off rights to its library of films to pay down its debt, and is nearing a February deadline to repay its creditors.
In a SEC filing on Friday, ErosSTX confirmed that the company had received another offer under the go-shop process that was previously outlined in the initial terms of the sale,...
Reps for both Lionsgate and STX declined to comment.
The purchase agreement from Najafi included a 45-day “go-shop period” which allowed current STX owner Eros to solicit other proposals for 45 days, and the $173 million also included absorbing $148 million in debt. STX would pay a $4.5 million termination fee if the deal with Najafi doesn’t go through. Prior to the Najafi sale, the studio had attempted to sell off rights to its library of films to pay down its debt, and is nearing a February deadline to repay its creditors.
In a SEC filing on Friday, ErosSTX confirmed that the company had received another offer under the go-shop process that was previously outlined in the initial terms of the sale,...
- 1/26/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
(Welcome to ...And More, our no-frills, zero B.S. guide to when and where you can watch upcoming movies and shows, and everything else you could possibly stand to know.)
The train of original animated films for Netflix doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon, with "Back to the Outback" coming our way at the end of 2021. The feature will be animated by Reel FX Creative Studios, the same animation team behind films like "Free Birds" and "Book of Life," who also lent a hand for the animation on "UglyDolls" and "Scoob!" The new film marks the sixth original animated feature for Netflix after "Klaus,"...
The post Back to the Outback: Release Date, Cast, and More appeared first on /Film.
The train of original animated films for Netflix doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon, with "Back to the Outback" coming our way at the end of 2021. The feature will be animated by Reel FX Creative Studios, the same animation team behind films like "Free Birds" and "Book of Life," who also lent a hand for the animation on "UglyDolls" and "Scoob!" The new film marks the sixth original animated feature for Netflix after "Klaus,"...
The post Back to the Outback: Release Date, Cast, and More appeared first on /Film.
- 10/20/2021
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The parent company of indie film and TV studio STX is shopping its film library rights in order to pay off debt of roughly $150 million and infuse the company with cash, a Wednesday regulatory filing said.
ErosSTX, which owns the producer of films like “Hustlers” and “Greenland,” revealed it had “entered into an exclusive negotiation period with a third party to monetize the revenue from 46 films in its library.” While the third party is unknown, the company is exclusively shopping the library revenue stream and will retain derivative and ancillary rights, allowing STX to develop remakes and sequels based on its existing IP.
Run by CEO Robert Simonds, STX’s library sale would resolve $150.1 million owed to a revolving credit facility from Jp Morgan and $22 million in mezzanine credit. The potential transaction would exceed the debt and add cash to STX’s balance sheet, sources said.
In a media landscape rife with consolidation,...
ErosSTX, which owns the producer of films like “Hustlers” and “Greenland,” revealed it had “entered into an exclusive negotiation period with a third party to monetize the revenue from 46 films in its library.” While the third party is unknown, the company is exclusively shopping the library revenue stream and will retain derivative and ancillary rights, allowing STX to develop remakes and sequels based on its existing IP.
Run by CEO Robert Simonds, STX’s library sale would resolve $150.1 million owed to a revolving credit facility from Jp Morgan and $22 million in mezzanine credit. The potential transaction would exceed the debt and add cash to STX’s balance sheet, sources said.
In a media landscape rife with consolidation,...
- 8/6/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Robert Simonds’ cash-strapped STX film studio, whose rare box office hits include “Hustlers” and the “Bad Moms” franchise, is trying to generate badly needed funds by selling off much of its 46-film library.
According to a regulatory filing on Wednesday, STX’s Mumbai-based parent company Eros STX Global Corp. said it “has entered into an exclusive negotiation period with a third party to monetize the revenue from 46 films in its library.” The company did not identify the prospective partner, and said the studio “will continue to administer and distribute the 46-film catalog for a fee, and will retain derivative rights to the 46 films, including sequels, remakes and prequels.”
The company said the money raised would be used to pay down its debt load — including a $150.1 million credit facility with JPMorgan that matures Oct. 7, as well as an additional $22.7 million in debt due in 2022.
“The company is currently working with these lenders on several options,...
According to a regulatory filing on Wednesday, STX’s Mumbai-based parent company Eros STX Global Corp. said it “has entered into an exclusive negotiation period with a third party to monetize the revenue from 46 films in its library.” The company did not identify the prospective partner, and said the studio “will continue to administer and distribute the 46-film catalog for a fee, and will retain derivative rights to the 46 films, including sequels, remakes and prequels.”
The company said the money raised would be used to pay down its debt load — including a $150.1 million credit facility with JPMorgan that matures Oct. 7, as well as an additional $22.7 million in debt due in 2022.
“The company is currently working with these lenders on several options,...
- 8/5/2021
- by Diane Haithman
- The Wrap
Singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha will make her feature film debut in “Queenpins,” a crime comedy starring Kristen Bell.
The movie, from STXfilms, is inspired by a true story of the largest coupon counterfeit scam in history. It centers on a suburban housewife (Bell) fed up with being overlooked by her husband and society. So she tries to take back control of her life by starting an illegal coupon club and ends up scamming millions from food companies with her fellow coupon clippers. Rexha will play a computer hacker named Tempe Tina. The cast also includes Vince Vaughn, Paul Walter Hauser and Kirby Howell-Baptiste.
Rexha, who previously voiced a role in STX’s animated family film “UglyDolls,” is a Grammy nominated artist best known for songs including “Meant to Be,” “I’m a Mess” and “Me, Myself & I.”
“This is a perfect film for Bebe to be making her live-action film debut.
The movie, from STXfilms, is inspired by a true story of the largest coupon counterfeit scam in history. It centers on a suburban housewife (Bell) fed up with being overlooked by her husband and society. So she tries to take back control of her life by starting an illegal coupon club and ends up scamming millions from food companies with her fellow coupon clippers. Rexha will play a computer hacker named Tempe Tina. The cast also includes Vince Vaughn, Paul Walter Hauser and Kirby Howell-Baptiste.
Rexha, who previously voiced a role in STX’s animated family film “UglyDolls,” is a Grammy nominated artist best known for songs including “Meant to Be,” “I’m a Mess” and “Me, Myself & I.”
“This is a perfect film for Bebe to be making her live-action film debut.
- 10/28/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Pop star Bebe Rexha will make her feature film acting debut in “Queenpins,” a crime comedy starring Kirsten Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste at STXfilms.
Though Rexha lent her voice to the STX animated film “UglyDolls,” “Queenpins” will be the singer’s first on-screen role.
“Queenpins” is based on a true story of the largest coupon counterfeit scam in U.S. history and follows a disgruntled suburban housewife who works to take back her life by starting an illegal coupon club that scams millions from big food companies and delivers millions of dollars of deals to fellow coupon clippers. Rexha in the film will play Tempe Tina, an eccentric computer hacker who helps the film’s heroines with the coupon scam.
The female-fronted comedy also stars Vince Vaughn and Paul Walter Hauser, and STX will handle distribution in the U.S., U.K. and Ireland. The studio will also handle international...
Though Rexha lent her voice to the STX animated film “UglyDolls,” “Queenpins” will be the singer’s first on-screen role.
“Queenpins” is based on a true story of the largest coupon counterfeit scam in U.S. history and follows a disgruntled suburban housewife who works to take back her life by starting an illegal coupon club that scams millions from big food companies and delivers millions of dollars of deals to fellow coupon clippers. Rexha in the film will play Tempe Tina, an eccentric computer hacker who helps the film’s heroines with the coupon scam.
The female-fronted comedy also stars Vince Vaughn and Paul Walter Hauser, and STX will handle distribution in the U.S., U.K. and Ireland. The studio will also handle international...
- 10/28/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha is boarding Eros STX’s comedy Queenpins, which will rep her feature film acting debut.
She joins Bad Moms star Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste, as well as Vince Vaughn and Paul Walter Hauser, in a comedy about the largest coupon counterfeit scam in US history. The pic is in the spirit of such female driven STX comedies as the Bad Moms franchise, Hustlers and I Feel Pretty.
Said STXfilms Chairman Adam Fogelson said, “This is a perfect film for Bebe to be making her live-action film debut. She’s an incredible talent and international superstar and we love her for this role as Tempe Tina, an eccentric computer hacker who helps our heroines with their coupon scam. We know she will add so much fun, talent and personality to this cast.”
STX previously collaborated with Rexha on their animated movie UglyDolls.
Queenpins is written...
She joins Bad Moms star Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste, as well as Vince Vaughn and Paul Walter Hauser, in a comedy about the largest coupon counterfeit scam in US history. The pic is in the spirit of such female driven STX comedies as the Bad Moms franchise, Hustlers and I Feel Pretty.
Said STXfilms Chairman Adam Fogelson said, “This is a perfect film for Bebe to be making her live-action film debut. She’s an incredible talent and international superstar and we love her for this role as Tempe Tina, an eccentric computer hacker who helps our heroines with their coupon scam. We know she will add so much fun, talent and personality to this cast.”
STX previously collaborated with Rexha on their animated movie UglyDolls.
Queenpins is written...
- 10/28/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Studios has inked a first-look deal with the multi-faceted musician Lizzo.
The streamer will work with Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson to develop and produce TV series, Deadline reports. The news was unveiled by Amazon Studios television co-heads Albert Cheng and Vernon Sanders during the company’s virtual Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour, during which Cheng called the singer a “force of positivity.”
In addition to her music career, Lizzo has previously appeared in Hustlers and lent her vocal acting talents to the animated musical UglyDolls. Her most recent album, Cuz I Love You, won three Grammys and spawned the hit singles Good As Hell and Truth Hurts.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
The streamer will work with Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson to develop and produce TV series, Deadline reports. The news was unveiled by Amazon Studios television co-heads Albert Cheng and Vernon Sanders during the company’s virtual Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour, during which Cheng called the singer a “force of positivity.”
In addition to her music career, Lizzo has previously appeared in Hustlers and lent her vocal acting talents to the animated musical UglyDolls. Her most recent album, Cuz I Love You, won three Grammys and spawned the hit singles Good As Hell and Truth Hurts.
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- 8/6/2020
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Amazon has struck a first-look deal with Good As Hell singer Lizzo.
Lizzo, real name Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is to work with the streamer to develop and produce TV series.
Albert Cheng and Vernon Sanders, Co-Heads of Television at Amazon Studios, revealed the news as part of the company’s virtual TCA press tour. Lizzo popped by the virtual call to say that she was “excited” by the deal.
Cheng called her a “force of positivity”.
Lizzo starred in feature film Hustlers and voiced a character in UglyDolls, but this marks her first major move in television.
She broke through with the release of her third studio album, which includes single such as Juice and Tempo. Her success meant that Good As Hell, her 2016 single, climbed back up the charts.
“I’m so excited to partner with the amazing team at Amazon,” said Lizzo. “Thank you to Jen Salke and...
Lizzo, real name Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is to work with the streamer to develop and produce TV series.
Albert Cheng and Vernon Sanders, Co-Heads of Television at Amazon Studios, revealed the news as part of the company’s virtual TCA press tour. Lizzo popped by the virtual call to say that she was “excited” by the deal.
Cheng called her a “force of positivity”.
Lizzo starred in feature film Hustlers and voiced a character in UglyDolls, but this marks her first major move in television.
She broke through with the release of her third studio album, which includes single such as Juice and Tempo. Her success meant that Good As Hell, her 2016 single, climbed back up the charts.
“I’m so excited to partner with the amazing team at Amazon,” said Lizzo. “Thank you to Jen Salke and...
- 8/6/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Kelly Asbury, an animator who directed Oscar-nominated films such as “Shrek 2” and “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” has died. He was 60.
Asbury died Friday morning in Los Angeles following a long battle with abdominal cancer, a representative for Asbury, Nancy Newhouse Porter, told Variety.
Asbury, who started his career at Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1983, directed five animated feature films during his career: “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” which was released in 2002; “Shrek 2″ in 2004, which he co-directed with Conrad Vernon; 2011’s “Gnomeo & Juliet”; 2017’s “Smurfs: The Lost Village”; and his final directorial effort was 2019’s “Ugly Dolls,” which starred Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton and Pitbull.
His other work includes credits on “The Little Mermaid,” Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “Chicken Run,” “Shrek,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Frozen” and “Sherlock Gnomes.”
In addition, the Texas native...
Asbury died Friday morning in Los Angeles following a long battle with abdominal cancer, a representative for Asbury, Nancy Newhouse Porter, told Variety.
Asbury, who started his career at Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1983, directed five animated feature films during his career: “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” which was released in 2002; “Shrek 2″ in 2004, which he co-directed with Conrad Vernon; 2011’s “Gnomeo & Juliet”; 2017’s “Smurfs: The Lost Village”; and his final directorial effort was 2019’s “Ugly Dolls,” which starred Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton and Pitbull.
His other work includes credits on “The Little Mermaid,” Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “Chicken Run,” “Shrek,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Frozen” and “Sherlock Gnomes.”
In addition, the Texas native...
- 6/27/2020
- by Klaritza Rico
- Variety Film + TV
Kelly Asbury, an animation writer-director and voice actor whose credits include Shrek 2, Smurfs: The Lost Village and Beauty and the Beast, died today after battling cancer for several years. He was 60. His rep Nancy Newhouse Porter of Newhouse Porter Hubbard confirmed the news to Deadline.
“He was one of the most admired and beloved people in the industry,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking for everyone.”
A three-time Annie Awards nominee for helming 2004’s Shrek 2 and writing and directing 2011’s Gnomeo & Juliet, Asbury also was nommed twice by the Cannes Film Festival: He was up for the Palme d’Or for Shrek 2 and the Camera d’Or for best debut feature for 2002’s Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
His also directed last year’s UglyDolls, and his writing credits included co-penning the story for Disney’s 1991 animated classic Beauty and the Beast.
Born on January 15, 1960, in Beaumont,...
“He was one of the most admired and beloved people in the industry,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking for everyone.”
A three-time Annie Awards nominee for helming 2004’s Shrek 2 and writing and directing 2011’s Gnomeo & Juliet, Asbury also was nommed twice by the Cannes Film Festival: He was up for the Palme d’Or for Shrek 2 and the Camera d’Or for best debut feature for 2002’s Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
His also directed last year’s UglyDolls, and his writing credits included co-penning the story for Disney’s 1991 animated classic Beauty and the Beast.
Born on January 15, 1960, in Beaumont,...
- 6/26/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Kelly Asbury, an animation director known for directing “Shrek 2,” “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” and most recently “Uglydolls,” has died. He was 60.
Asbury died peacefully Friday in Encino, California, following a long battle with cancer, a representative for Asbury, Nancy Newhouse Porter, told TheWrap.
Asbury has a story credit on Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and additionally wrote the screenplay and story for “Gnomeo & Juliet,” which he also directed in 2011. Asbury got his start at Disney between 1983 and 1995, contributing storyboards for Golden Age Disney films such as “The Little Mermaid,” “The Black Cauldron,” “The Rescuers Down Under” and more.
Also Read: Lewis John Carlino, 'The Great Santini' Writer and Director, Dies at 88
Upon shifting to DreamWorks in 1995, his directorial debut was for the 2002 animated film “Spirit,” which was nominated for an Oscar. He would even provide additional voices for “Shrek 2” and in “Shrek the Third.
Asbury died peacefully Friday in Encino, California, following a long battle with cancer, a representative for Asbury, Nancy Newhouse Porter, told TheWrap.
Asbury has a story credit on Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and additionally wrote the screenplay and story for “Gnomeo & Juliet,” which he also directed in 2011. Asbury got his start at Disney between 1983 and 1995, contributing storyboards for Golden Age Disney films such as “The Little Mermaid,” “The Black Cauldron,” “The Rescuers Down Under” and more.
Also Read: Lewis John Carlino, 'The Great Santini' Writer and Director, Dies at 88
Upon shifting to DreamWorks in 1995, his directorial debut was for the 2002 animated film “Spirit,” which was nominated for an Oscar. He would even provide additional voices for “Shrek 2” and in “Shrek the Third.
- 6/26/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Kelly Asbury, the respected animator who directed such films as Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, Shrek 2 and Gnomeo & Juliet, has died. He was 60.
Asbury died Friday after a long battle with cancer, rep Nancy Newhouse Porter confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. "This was one of the most admired and beloved people in the industry," she said.
Most recently, Asbury helmed the STX animated film UglyDolls (2019), a musical starring Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton and Pitbull.
A CalArts alum and three-time Annie Awards nominee who started his career at Walt Disney Feature Animation ...
Asbury died Friday after a long battle with cancer, rep Nancy Newhouse Porter confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. "This was one of the most admired and beloved people in the industry," she said.
Most recently, Asbury helmed the STX animated film UglyDolls (2019), a musical starring Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton and Pitbull.
A CalArts alum and three-time Annie Awards nominee who started his career at Walt Disney Feature Animation ...
- 6/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Kelly Asbury, the respected animator who directed such films as Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, Shrek 2 and Gnomeo & Juliet, has died. He was 60.
Asbury died Friday at his home in Encino after a long battle with cancer, rep Nancy Newhouse Porter confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. "This was one of the most admired and beloved people in the industry," she said.
Most recently, Asbury helmed the STX animated film Uglydolls (2019), a musical starring Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton and Pitbull.
A CalArts alum and three-time Annie Awards nominee who started his career ...
Asbury died Friday at his home in Encino after a long battle with cancer, rep Nancy Newhouse Porter confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. "This was one of the most admired and beloved people in the industry," she said.
Most recently, Asbury helmed the STX animated film Uglydolls (2019), a musical starring Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton and Pitbull.
A CalArts alum and three-time Annie Awards nominee who started his career ...
- 6/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
DreamWorks Animation presents Trolls World Tour, a music- filled, exciting adventure that’s sure to make the whole family sing, dance, and have fun again and again. Join Poppy, Branch, and the rest of the Trolls in the all-new Dance Party Edition exclusively on Digital June 23, 2020 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, and DVD July 7, 2020 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The Dance Party Edition includes an interactive dance party mode where viewers are introduced to dance moves to learn while they watch the film, lyrics to sing along, and surprises featuring their favorite characters! This special Dance Party Edition includes bonus content, such as an exclusive original short film starring the unforgettable Tiny Diamond, deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes exclusives with the power-house musical cast of Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, George Clinton and many more. This fun and entertaining family film is the must-own movie of the summer.
- 5/19/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Golden Age of Streaming who? Despite an influx of entertainment options on Netflix, Hulu and now Disney Plus, global box office receipts will surpass $42 billion in 2019, according to Comscore, cementing a new industry high.
Though U.S. ticket sales slumped 4.4% to $11.4 billion, international audiences fueled the record turnout. Overseas revenues also set a new high-water mark as blockbusters including Disney’s “Avengers: Endgame,” Sony’s “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and Warner Bros.’ “Joker” drove foreign box office tallies to $31.1 billion. It marks the first time the international box office has exceeded $30 million.
“Avengers: Endgame” was this year’s biggest movie, earning a staggering $858 million in North America and $2.79 billion worldwide. Though it didn’t set an all-time record in the States, it powered past “Avatar” globally ($2.78 billion) to become the highest-grossing movie in history.
In the U.S. and worldwide, the 10 biggest movies of the year were either a sequel,...
Though U.S. ticket sales slumped 4.4% to $11.4 billion, international audiences fueled the record turnout. Overseas revenues also set a new high-water mark as blockbusters including Disney’s “Avengers: Endgame,” Sony’s “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and Warner Bros.’ “Joker” drove foreign box office tallies to $31.1 billion. It marks the first time the international box office has exceeded $30 million.
“Avengers: Endgame” was this year’s biggest movie, earning a staggering $858 million in North America and $2.79 billion worldwide. Though it didn’t set an all-time record in the States, it powered past “Avatar” globally ($2.78 billion) to become the highest-grossing movie in history.
In the U.S. and worldwide, the 10 biggest movies of the year were either a sequel,...
- 1/10/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that 344 feature films are eligible for the 2019 Academy Awards.
To be eligible for the consideration, the films must open in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County by Dec. 31, and begin a minimum run of seven consecutive days. Academy rules also state that a feature-length motion picture must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm film, or in a qualifying digital format.
Nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. The ceremony takes place on Sunday, Feb. 9, airing live from Hollywood on ABC.
“Abominable”
“Ad Astra”
“Adam”
“The Addams Family”
“The Aeronauts”
“After the Wedding”
“The Aftermath”
“Aga”
“Aladdin”
“Alita: Battle Angel”
“Always Be My Maybe”
“The Amazing Johnathan”
“American Factory”
“American Woman”
“Angel Has Fallen”
“The Angry Birds Movie 2”
“Anna”
“Annabelle Comes Home...
To be eligible for the consideration, the films must open in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County by Dec. 31, and begin a minimum run of seven consecutive days. Academy rules also state that a feature-length motion picture must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm film, or in a qualifying digital format.
Nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. The ceremony takes place on Sunday, Feb. 9, airing live from Hollywood on ABC.
“Abominable”
“Ad Astra”
“Adam”
“The Addams Family”
“The Aeronauts”
“After the Wedding”
“The Aftermath”
“Aga”
“Aladdin”
“Alita: Battle Angel”
“Always Be My Maybe”
“The Amazing Johnathan”
“American Factory”
“American Woman”
“Angel Has Fallen”
“The Angry Birds Movie 2”
“Anna”
“Annabelle Comes Home...
- 12/18/2019
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
“Playmobil: The Movie” will make box office history, but certainly not in the way it intended. Stx’s animated adventure generated less than $1 million despite launching in 2,337 North American theaters and now stands as one of the worst opening weekends of all time.
“Playmobil” scraped together just $668,000 over the weekend, marking the third-lowest debut ever for a film that was playing in over 2,000 locations. The only movies to suffer worse fates were 2012’s “The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure” and 2008’s “Delgo”.
North American theater chains and regional venues offered the film for $5, significantly less than the average ticket price in U.S. of roughly $9. Children’s tickets can run up to $15 in major markets like New York or Los Angeles. But even heavily discounted prices weren’t enough of an incentive. Since it’s already a competitive time of year for moviegoing, the studio will struggle to hold...
“Playmobil” scraped together just $668,000 over the weekend, marking the third-lowest debut ever for a film that was playing in over 2,000 locations. The only movies to suffer worse fates were 2012’s “The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure” and 2008’s “Delgo”.
North American theater chains and regional venues offered the film for $5, significantly less than the average ticket price in U.S. of roughly $9. Children’s tickets can run up to $15 in major markets like New York or Los Angeles. But even heavily discounted prices weren’t enough of an incentive. Since it’s already a competitive time of year for moviegoing, the studio will struggle to hold...
- 12/9/2019
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Janelle Monáe has quickly gone from celebrated avant-garde R&b artist to a powerful screen actress ever since her supporting role in 2016’s “Moonlight.” She’s since starred in “Hidden Figures,” “Welcome to Marwen,” and “Harriet,” along with lending her voice to “UglyDolls” and “Lady and the Tramp.” She will finally take the lead next year with the mysterious horror movie “Antebellum.” Check out the seriously creepy first trailer below.
Here’s the movie’s logline: “Successful author Veronica (Monáe) finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality and must uncover the mind-bending mystery before it’s too late.” Given the Southern Gothic atmosphere of the trailer, and the fact that the title refers to the Civil War era, it’s safe to say this is going to be a social thriller in the vein of “Get Out” and “Us” — whose producer Sean McKittrick also produced “Antebellum.” Yet there’s also...
Here’s the movie’s logline: “Successful author Veronica (Monáe) finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality and must uncover the mind-bending mystery before it’s too late.” Given the Southern Gothic atmosphere of the trailer, and the fact that the title refers to the Civil War era, it’s safe to say this is going to be a social thriller in the vein of “Get Out” and “Us” — whose producer Sean McKittrick also produced “Antebellum.” Yet there’s also...
- 11/21/2019
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Janelle Monáe stars in the upcoming thriller Antebellum, from the producers of Get Out and Us.
The minute-long preview doesn’t provide much insight into Antebellum’s top-secret plot, instead offering a foreboding series of images and sounds blending modern-day technologies and the pre-Civil War period — with Monae’s Veronica caught between the two realities.
“Successful author Veronica Henley (Janelle Monáe) finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality and must uncover the mind-bending mystery before it’s too late,” the film’s synopsis states.
Antebellum, written and directed by Gerard Bush...
The minute-long preview doesn’t provide much insight into Antebellum’s top-secret plot, instead offering a foreboding series of images and sounds blending modern-day technologies and the pre-Civil War period — with Monae’s Veronica caught between the two realities.
“Successful author Veronica Henley (Janelle Monáe) finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality and must uncover the mind-bending mystery before it’s too late,” the film’s synopsis states.
Antebellum, written and directed by Gerard Bush...
- 11/21/2019
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
DJ/producer Marshmello and country music star Kane Brown appeared on The Ellen Degeneres Show this week to perform their new song, “One Thing Right,” released this past June.
While the band waited for them onstage, Marshmello and Brown rolled up to the Ellen soundstage in a sweet ride, before being handed a guitar and a microphone, respectively. The pair walked through throngs of fans and Ellen attendees while performing, and they arrived in the main studio to find the audience already on their feet and clapping. Marshmello and Brown...
While the band waited for them onstage, Marshmello and Brown rolled up to the Ellen soundstage in a sweet ride, before being handed a guitar and a microphone, respectively. The pair walked through throngs of fans and Ellen attendees while performing, and they arrived in the main studio to find the audience already on their feet and clapping. Marshmello and Brown...
- 10/2/2019
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
A parade of patriotic films is set to march into Chinese cineplexes this month, crowding out Hollywood fare in a display of how firmly the entertainment industry remains under the control of the government. China may be the world’s second-biggest movie market after the U.S., but as far as its Communist rulers are concerned, politics trump economics.
The National Day holiday, which extends from Oct. 1-7, is one of the country’s peak moviegoing periods, and typically marks a time when authorities impose an unofficial blackout on foreign titles so that local ones get a boost. This year, the holiday has thundered in with even greater fanfare — and censorship — because 2019 marks a key milestone for the Communist Party: the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic after a bloody civil war. That has resulted in a theatrical lineup stocked with overtly nationalistic films approved by...
The National Day holiday, which extends from Oct. 1-7, is one of the country’s peak moviegoing periods, and typically marks a time when authorities impose an unofficial blackout on foreign titles so that local ones get a boost. This year, the holiday has thundered in with even greater fanfare — and censorship — because 2019 marks a key milestone for the Communist Party: the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic after a bloody civil war. That has resulted in a theatrical lineup stocked with overtly nationalistic films approved by...
- 10/2/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Animated adventure film “Abominable” is heading for a moderate but dominant $18 million opening weekend at 4,242 North American sites, early estimates showed on Friday.
The second weekend of Focus Features’ “Downton Abbey” is leading the rest of the pack with about $14 million, which will give the big-screen version of the British TV drama around $58 million in its first 10 days. A trio of holdovers are battling for third place in the $9 million to $11 million range: Stx’s third weekend of “Hustlers,” Disney-Fox’s second frame of Brad Pitt’s “Ad Astra” and Warner Bros.’ fourth session of horror sequel “It: Chapter Two,” which will finish the weekend with about $192 million domestically in its first 24 days.
“Abominable,” produced by Universal’s DreamWorks Animation and Pearl Studios, is coming at the middle of the range of pre-release forecasts. The film centers on the relationship between a modern Chinese teenager and a Yeti...
The second weekend of Focus Features’ “Downton Abbey” is leading the rest of the pack with about $14 million, which will give the big-screen version of the British TV drama around $58 million in its first 10 days. A trio of holdovers are battling for third place in the $9 million to $11 million range: Stx’s third weekend of “Hustlers,” Disney-Fox’s second frame of Brad Pitt’s “Ad Astra” and Warner Bros.’ fourth session of horror sequel “It: Chapter Two,” which will finish the weekend with about $192 million domestically in its first 24 days.
“Abominable,” produced by Universal’s DreamWorks Animation and Pearl Studios, is coming at the middle of the range of pre-release forecasts. The film centers on the relationship between a modern Chinese teenager and a Yeti...
- 9/27/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
“Hustlers” rolled in the Benjamins this weekend, collecting $33.2 million when it debuted in 3,250 North American theaters.
Boosted by rave reviews and stellar word of mouth, “Hustlers” beat expectations and now ranks as the best start for an Stx film, along with the biggest live-action opening weekend for stars Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu. Directed by Lorene Scafaria, the R-rated heist thriller is based on Jessica Pressler’s 2015 New York magazine article about a group of strippers who turn the tables on their wealthy Wall Street clientele after the 2008 recession hits.
“Hustlers” arrived in second place behind Warner Bros.’ “It: Chapter Two,” which claimed the No. 1 spot for the second weekend in a row. The terrifying sequel pocketed another $40 million this weekend, marking a 55% decline from its inaugural outing. The follow-up to 2017’s “It” has earned $153 million in North America and $323 million globally. Between “It: Chapter Two” and its predecessor, the...
Boosted by rave reviews and stellar word of mouth, “Hustlers” beat expectations and now ranks as the best start for an Stx film, along with the biggest live-action opening weekend for stars Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu. Directed by Lorene Scafaria, the R-rated heist thriller is based on Jessica Pressler’s 2015 New York magazine article about a group of strippers who turn the tables on their wealthy Wall Street clientele after the 2008 recession hits.
“Hustlers” arrived in second place behind Warner Bros.’ “It: Chapter Two,” which claimed the No. 1 spot for the second weekend in a row. The terrifying sequel pocketed another $40 million this weekend, marking a 55% decline from its inaugural outing. The follow-up to 2017’s “It” has earned $153 million in North America and $323 million globally. Between “It: Chapter Two” and its predecessor, the...
- 9/15/2019
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Stx’s crime dramedy “Hustlers” is heading for an impressive domestic opening weekend with as much as $28 million for a solid second place behind “It: Chapter Two’s” sophomore session of around $40 million, early estimates showed Friday.
Warner Bros.’ adaptation of mystery drama “The Goldfinch,” however, is showing little traction and heading for a dismal debut of less than $4 million from 2,542 venues.
Stx had forecast that “Hustlers” would open with between $20 million and $26 million from 3,250 sites, but rival estimates placed the star-studded title at as high as $29 million. The comedy-drama is likely to become Stx’s best performer since Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart’s “The Upside” became a surprise hit earlier this year. The studio’s other recent releases, including “Best of Enemies,” “Uglydolls,” and “Poms,” have disappointed at the box office.
Based on Jessica Pressler’s New York magazine story “The Hustlers at Scores,” “Hustlers” follows a group...
Warner Bros.’ adaptation of mystery drama “The Goldfinch,” however, is showing little traction and heading for a dismal debut of less than $4 million from 2,542 venues.
Stx had forecast that “Hustlers” would open with between $20 million and $26 million from 3,250 sites, but rival estimates placed the star-studded title at as high as $29 million. The comedy-drama is likely to become Stx’s best performer since Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart’s “The Upside” became a surprise hit earlier this year. The studio’s other recent releases, including “Best of Enemies,” “Uglydolls,” and “Poms,” have disappointed at the box office.
Based on Jessica Pressler’s New York magazine story “The Hustlers at Scores,” “Hustlers” follows a group...
- 9/13/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Kelly Clarkson’s aptly-named new talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, premiered this week on NBC. And in “Kellyoke,” a segment in which Clarkson covers some of her favorite songs, she led with a rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” Much like Ellen Degeneres’ dance segments on her own talk show, Clarkson strolled down the aisle in the sound studio, getting the audience up on their feet and clapping to the rhythm.
Clarkson also joined artists like Martina McBride in speaking out against the lack of women on country music radio.
Clarkson also joined artists like Martina McBride in speaking out against the lack of women on country music radio.
- 9/11/2019
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
After a rough couple months for Stx, help could be on the way in the form of a pole-twirling, Robin Hooding Jennifer Lopez.
“Hustlers,” a heist drama about a group of strippers who turn the tables on their Wall Street clientele, looks primed to be a box office hit when it arrives on the big screen this weekend. The R-rated comedic thriller is expected to earn between $20 million and $26 million when it debuts in 3,250 North American theaters. Those ticket sales would be an especially solid start at a time when Netflix and other streamers are challenging audiences’ appetite for mid-budget fare at multiplexes.
For Stx, “Hustlers” would be more than just a win for counterprogramming against blockbusters like Warner Bros. “It: Chapter Two.” After a string of summer flops such as “Uglydolls,” “Poms” and “The Best of Enemies,” box office success for “Hustlers” would be a sign of renewed confidence in the mid-level studio.
“Hustlers,” a heist drama about a group of strippers who turn the tables on their Wall Street clientele, looks primed to be a box office hit when it arrives on the big screen this weekend. The R-rated comedic thriller is expected to earn between $20 million and $26 million when it debuts in 3,250 North American theaters. Those ticket sales would be an especially solid start at a time when Netflix and other streamers are challenging audiences’ appetite for mid-budget fare at multiplexes.
For Stx, “Hustlers” would be more than just a win for counterprogramming against blockbusters like Warner Bros. “It: Chapter Two.” After a string of summer flops such as “Uglydolls,” “Poms” and “The Best of Enemies,” box office success for “Hustlers” would be a sign of renewed confidence in the mid-level studio.
- 9/11/2019
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma officially retired from his role as chairman Tuesday, marking the end of an era for the world’s largest e-commerce firm.
In a move first announced last year, Ma is handing over the reins to current CEO Daniel Zhang, who now faces the difficult task of steering Asia’s most valuable listed firm at a time when growth in its core e-commerce sector has slowed significantly, China’s economy is faltering and trade tensions are on the rise.
Ma, one of China’s richest and most recognizable businessmen, started the company with a group of friends out of his Hangzhou apartment back in 1999, struggling for years before eventually going on to spark the country’s e-commerce boom. It is now a $460 billion behemoth, with most of its income coming from within mainland China.
Ma is stepping down on his 55th birthday, which coincides with Alibaba’s 20th anniversary.
In a move first announced last year, Ma is handing over the reins to current CEO Daniel Zhang, who now faces the difficult task of steering Asia’s most valuable listed firm at a time when growth in its core e-commerce sector has slowed significantly, China’s economy is faltering and trade tensions are on the rise.
Ma, one of China’s richest and most recognizable businessmen, started the company with a group of friends out of his Hangzhou apartment back in 1999, struggling for years before eventually going on to spark the country’s e-commerce boom. It is now a $460 billion behemoth, with most of its income coming from within mainland China.
Ma is stepping down on his 55th birthday, which coincides with Alibaba’s 20th anniversary.
- 9/10/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Stx Entertainment’s “Hustlers,” a comedic thriller about strip-club employees seeking revenge, is expected to earn $25 million when it opens on Sept. 13, according to early tracking.
The movie — starring Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Lili Reinhart, Keke Palmer, Cardi B and Lizzo — will debut alongside Warner Bros.’ “The Goldfinch.” The drama, based on the best-selling novel, should collect $18 million on the same weekend. Ansel Elgort stars as an art forger alongside Nicole Kidman, Finn Wolfhard and Sarah Paulson.
“Hustlers,” which will have its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, is based on Jessica Pressler’s New York magazine story “The Hustlers at Scores.” It follows a group of strippers who orchestrate a plan to get back at the affluent Wall Street clients who have wronged them.
Stx could use a hit after its animated “Uglydolls” bombed in May, earning $27 million worldwide from a $45 million budget. However, “Second Act” with Lopez...
The movie — starring Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Lili Reinhart, Keke Palmer, Cardi B and Lizzo — will debut alongside Warner Bros.’ “The Goldfinch.” The drama, based on the best-selling novel, should collect $18 million on the same weekend. Ansel Elgort stars as an art forger alongside Nicole Kidman, Finn Wolfhard and Sarah Paulson.
“Hustlers,” which will have its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, is based on Jessica Pressler’s New York magazine story “The Hustlers at Scores.” It follows a group of strippers who orchestrate a plan to get back at the affluent Wall Street clients who have wronged them.
Stx could use a hit after its animated “Uglydolls” bombed in May, earning $27 million worldwide from a $45 million budget. However, “Second Act” with Lopez...
- 8/22/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Struggling indie Hollywood studio Stx has pushed back the release of the action-thriller 21 Bridges from late September to the Thanksgiving corridor.
The pic, starring Chadwick Boseman and produced by the Russo brothers, was to have originally opened this summer, but the date was then altered to a Sept. 27 release. The film will now open Nov. 22 during the lucrative holiday corridor; it also provides distance from The Joker, which is set to bow in early October.
The new date for 21 Bridges comes as Stx searches for new sources of financing following the big-budget miss Uglydolls. One possibility is a deal between Stx ...
The pic, starring Chadwick Boseman and produced by the Russo brothers, was to have originally opened this summer, but the date was then altered to a Sept. 27 release. The film will now open Nov. 22 during the lucrative holiday corridor; it also provides distance from The Joker, which is set to bow in early October.
The new date for 21 Bridges comes as Stx searches for new sources of financing following the big-budget miss Uglydolls. One possibility is a deal between Stx ...
- 7/29/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Struggling indie Hollywood studio Stx has pushed back the release of the action-thriller 21 Bridges from late September to the Thanksgiving corridor.
The pic, starring Chadwick Boseman and produced by the Russo brothers, was to have originally opened this summer, but the date was then altered to a Sept. 27 release. The film will now open Nov. 22 during the lucrative holiday corridor; it also provides distance from The Joker, which is set to bow in early October.
The new date for 21 Bridges comes as Stx searches for new sources of financing following the big-budget miss Uglydolls. One possibility is a deal between Stx ...
The pic, starring Chadwick Boseman and produced by the Russo brothers, was to have originally opened this summer, but the date was then altered to a Sept. 27 release. The film will now open Nov. 22 during the lucrative holiday corridor; it also provides distance from The Joker, which is set to bow in early October.
The new date for 21 Bridges comes as Stx searches for new sources of financing following the big-budget miss Uglydolls. One possibility is a deal between Stx ...
- 7/29/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
To mark the release of Uglydolls on 16th August, we’ve been given Family Gala Screening tickets, as well as a merchandise bundle for one star winner. We have 6 family tickets to the Manchester screening on 3rd August, and 6 family tickets for the London screening on 11th August.
Directed by Kelly Asbury (Gnomeo and Juliet, Shrek 2), Uglydolls features original songs by the incredible pop artist voice cast, including Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton, Pitbull, Charli Xcx and Bebe Rexha.
Unconventionality rules in Uglydolls, the new animated family adventure based on the beloved toy brand. In the adorably different town of Uglyville, the free-spirited Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) and her UglyDolls friends confront what it means to be different, struggle with their desire to be loved, and ultimately discover that you don’t have to be perfect to be amazing because who you truly are is what matters most.
Directed by Kelly Asbury (Gnomeo and Juliet, Shrek 2), Uglydolls features original songs by the incredible pop artist voice cast, including Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton, Pitbull, Charli Xcx and Bebe Rexha.
Unconventionality rules in Uglydolls, the new animated family adventure based on the beloved toy brand. In the adorably different town of Uglyville, the free-spirited Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) and her UglyDolls friends confront what it means to be different, struggle with their desire to be loved, and ultimately discover that you don’t have to be perfect to be amazing because who you truly are is what matters most.
- 7/27/2019
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Stx Entertainment is in discussion with a Saudi Arabia investment fund to bring in much needed capital, an individual with knowledge of the talks told TheWrap.
As TheWrap previously reported, the five-year-old studio has been eagerly seeking a cash investment or a potential buyer in recent weeks, after a string of flops at the box office. The studio recently put off an upcoming movie release starring Dave Bautista and let a Jennifer Lopez project go to Universal.
The investment would make Stx the first major Hollywood entity to take money from Saudi Arabia since the murder of Washington Post opinion writer and Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018. (U.S. intelligence reports confirm that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman himself ordered Khashoggi killed.)
The individual said that the investment discussions were being driven directly by the crown prince, via a government-backed fund. “It’s his way of showing that his money...
As TheWrap previously reported, the five-year-old studio has been eagerly seeking a cash investment or a potential buyer in recent weeks, after a string of flops at the box office. The studio recently put off an upcoming movie release starring Dave Bautista and let a Jennifer Lopez project go to Universal.
The investment would make Stx the first major Hollywood entity to take money from Saudi Arabia since the murder of Washington Post opinion writer and Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018. (U.S. intelligence reports confirm that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman himself ordered Khashoggi killed.)
The individual said that the investment discussions were being driven directly by the crown prince, via a government-backed fund. “It’s his way of showing that his money...
- 7/19/2019
- by Trey Williams and Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
After a series of film flops and an aborted initial public offering, Stx Entertainment is battling mounting skepticism that it can survive in an increasingly unforgiving movie business.
As it hustles to find $500 million in fresh capital, the company, which operates in the red according to financial disclosures, is simultaneously hoping to attract a “superstar” executive to help stabilize its struggling film division. The company has started to interview candidates for the job, and is open to hiring someone to serve as co-chairman of Stx Films alongside Adam Fogelson, who retains the support of the company’s leadership. The studio is looking to signal to the industry that it is righting the ship after the anemic financial performance of “UglyDolls,” “Poms,” and “Best of Enemies” and a lackluster track record of fielding hits. For this reason, Stx may have difficulty in attracting top executive talent.
Even as it looks to...
As it hustles to find $500 million in fresh capital, the company, which operates in the red according to financial disclosures, is simultaneously hoping to attract a “superstar” executive to help stabilize its struggling film division. The company has started to interview candidates for the job, and is open to hiring someone to serve as co-chairman of Stx Films alongside Adam Fogelson, who retains the support of the company’s leadership. The studio is looking to signal to the industry that it is righting the ship after the anemic financial performance of “UglyDolls,” “Poms,” and “Best of Enemies” and a lackluster track record of fielding hits. For this reason, Stx may have difficulty in attracting top executive talent.
Even as it looks to...
- 7/17/2019
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Jennifer Lopez’s forthcoming romantic comedy “Marry Me” is leaving Stx Entertainment go to Universal Pictures, according to an individual with knowledge of the project.
Stx originally picked up the project, which is also set to star Owen Wilson, in April. The film was supposed to be the third collaboration between the studio and Lopez, following last year’s “Second Act” and the upcoming stripper revenge flick “Hustlers,” which is slated to hit theaters in September.
A representative for Stx did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Also Read: Oren Aviv to Step Down From Stx Entertainment Motion Picture Group
STXfilms chairman Adam Fogelson said in April that the studio was looking forward to continuing its relationship with Lopez.
The film is based on a graphic novel by Bobby Crosby and centers around a pop superstar (Lopez) who, moments before marrying her rock star fiancé at Madison Square Garden,...
Stx originally picked up the project, which is also set to star Owen Wilson, in April. The film was supposed to be the third collaboration between the studio and Lopez, following last year’s “Second Act” and the upcoming stripper revenge flick “Hustlers,” which is slated to hit theaters in September.
A representative for Stx did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Also Read: Oren Aviv to Step Down From Stx Entertainment Motion Picture Group
STXfilms chairman Adam Fogelson said in April that the studio was looking forward to continuing its relationship with Lopez.
The film is based on a graphic novel by Bobby Crosby and centers around a pop superstar (Lopez) who, moments before marrying her rock star fiancé at Madison Square Garden,...
- 7/15/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Stx Entertainment has pushed the release date of its Dave Bautista-led action comedy “My Spy” to 2020, an individual with knowledge of the film told TheWrap. The film was initially scheduled to hit theaters August 23.
Stx declined to comment for this story.
Insiders at the studio, however, have said they love the film and have every confidence in the movie, and expect to announce a date soon.
The film, starring Chloe Coleman (“Big Little Lies”) opposite Bautista, follows a hardened CIA operative who finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl (Coleman) after being sent undercover to spy on her family.
Also Read: Jennifer Lopez Reunites With Stx Entertainment for Rom-Com 'Marry Me'
Initially “My Spy” was set up to come a little more than a month after “Stuber,” which Bautista also stars in alongside Kumail Nanjiani. The studio, which had a recent string of underperforming films at the box office,...
Stx declined to comment for this story.
Insiders at the studio, however, have said they love the film and have every confidence in the movie, and expect to announce a date soon.
The film, starring Chloe Coleman (“Big Little Lies”) opposite Bautista, follows a hardened CIA operative who finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl (Coleman) after being sent undercover to spy on her family.
Also Read: Jennifer Lopez Reunites With Stx Entertainment for Rom-Com 'Marry Me'
Initially “My Spy” was set up to come a little more than a month after “Stuber,” which Bautista also stars in alongside Kumail Nanjiani. The studio, which had a recent string of underperforming films at the box office,...
- 7/11/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
The independent studio STX Entertainment is looking to merge, raise capital or find a buyer following a string of box office disappointments and the scuttling of a planned Ipo last fall, TheWrap has learned.
Board members including Dominic Ng, CEO of East-West Bank, have met with deep-pocketed investors and Hollywood studios in recent weeks looking for a partner, two knowledgeable individuals told TheWrap.
But with high overhead that one knowledgeable insider set at $55 million a year, a minimal film library led by the 2016 hit comedy “Bad Moms” and a business strategy that so far has failed to show significant results, the five-year-old upstart has found no one willing to commit additional funding, those individuals said.
Ng denied that he was taking meetings to do a deal for Stx: “I have nothing to do with personally getting involved in putting a deal together,” he told TheWrap. “That is news to me today.
Board members including Dominic Ng, CEO of East-West Bank, have met with deep-pocketed investors and Hollywood studios in recent weeks looking for a partner, two knowledgeable individuals told TheWrap.
But with high overhead that one knowledgeable insider set at $55 million a year, a minimal film library led by the 2016 hit comedy “Bad Moms” and a business strategy that so far has failed to show significant results, the five-year-old upstart has found no one willing to commit additional funding, those individuals said.
Ng denied that he was taking meetings to do a deal for Stx: “I have nothing to do with personally getting involved in putting a deal together,” he told TheWrap. “That is news to me today.
- 7/8/2019
- by Sharon Waxman and Trey Williams
- The Wrap
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