Top News
Shōgun is a limited series no more: FX is gearing up for more installments of the historic drama.
The renewal was expected and foreshadowed by star-producer Hiroyuki Sanada closing a deal to continue as Lord Yoshii Toranaga. Also back are co-creators, executive producers and writers Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo as well as EP Michaela Clavell.
For now, FX and streaming partner Hulu are saying that they are working with the estate of Shōgun author James Clavell to to develop two additional seasons.
There is no mention of a green light, and a start date for production has not been set, but a writers’ room is being assembled and will begin this summer. There is also no information on source material, whether the new seasons will stay within the Shōgun universe or will also draw from the other books in Clavell’s Asian Saga.
The news of Shōgun‘s return...
The renewal was expected and foreshadowed by star-producer Hiroyuki Sanada closing a deal to continue as Lord Yoshii Toranaga. Also back are co-creators, executive producers and writers Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo as well as EP Michaela Clavell.
For now, FX and streaming partner Hulu are saying that they are working with the estate of Shōgun author James Clavell to to develop two additional seasons.
There is no mention of a green light, and a start date for production has not been set, but a writers’ room is being assembled and will begin this summer. There is also no information on source material, whether the new seasons will stay within the Shōgun universe or will also draw from the other books in Clavell’s Asian Saga.
The news of Shōgun‘s return...
- 5/16/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva and Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Horror and thriller directors Michael and Peter Spierig (Lionsgate’s Jigsaw) are set to direct Fall 2, it was announced by Capstone Studios’ CEO Christian Mercuri. Scott Mann, who directed and co-wrote the first film, is returning to co-write Fall 2 with Jonathan Frank.
Following the successful survival thriller Fall released in 2022 by Lionsgate, Fall 2 will reunite producers Mark Lane and James Harris of Tea Shop Productions (47 Meters Down), Capstone’s Christian Mercuri, David Haring, and Scott Mann via the Flawless banner.
Dan Asma, John Long, and Roman Viaris will also reunite as executive producers alongside Capstone’s Ruzanna Kegeyan. Capstone will finance the sequel, with Fall 2 set to begin shooting in June 2024.
Capstone Global is handling worldwide rights to the franchise. In late 2023, Capstone Studios greenlit both Fall 2 and Fall 3 under the franchise. Mann will return to write and direct the third installment.
“We’re extremely excited to helm the second...
Following the successful survival thriller Fall released in 2022 by Lionsgate, Fall 2 will reunite producers Mark Lane and James Harris of Tea Shop Productions (47 Meters Down), Capstone’s Christian Mercuri, David Haring, and Scott Mann via the Flawless banner.
Dan Asma, John Long, and Roman Viaris will also reunite as executive producers alongside Capstone’s Ruzanna Kegeyan. Capstone will finance the sequel, with Fall 2 set to begin shooting in June 2024.
Capstone Global is handling worldwide rights to the franchise. In late 2023, Capstone Studios greenlit both Fall 2 and Fall 3 under the franchise. Mann will return to write and direct the third installment.
“We’re extremely excited to helm the second...
- 5/16/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Natasha Lyonne is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The actor, best known for the TV shows “Russian Doll” and “Poker Face,” has been cast in Disney’s upcoming “The Fantastic Four” reboot. It’s not clear who Lyonne will portray in the comic book adventure.
Created for Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, “The Fantastic Four” centers around Marvel’s First Family. This iteration of the superhero quartet will star Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (aka the Thing). Other already-announced cast members include Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer, Paul Walter-Hauser and John Malkovich.
Matt Shakman, whose credits include “WandaVision,” is directing “The Fantastic Four” from a script by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, Eric Pearson and Ian Springer. Production is expected...
The actor, best known for the TV shows “Russian Doll” and “Poker Face,” has been cast in Disney’s upcoming “The Fantastic Four” reboot. It’s not clear who Lyonne will portray in the comic book adventure.
Created for Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, “The Fantastic Four” centers around Marvel’s First Family. This iteration of the superhero quartet will star Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (aka the Thing). Other already-announced cast members include Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer, Paul Walter-Hauser and John Malkovich.
Matt Shakman, whose credits include “WandaVision,” is directing “The Fantastic Four” from a script by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, Eric Pearson and Ian Springer. Production is expected...
- 5/15/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The travel series “Conan O’Brien Must Go” has been renewed for Season 2 at Max.
The announcement was made as part of the Warner Bros. Discovery upfront presentation to advertisers in New York on Wednesday. The second season of the series will consist of six episodes, whereas the first season was four.
“This latest travel show has been so fun and rewarding that I suspected it was all a cruel prank. My apologies in advance to the next six countries,” O’Brien said in a statement.
In Season 1, O’Brien travels to Norway, Thailand, Argentina, and Ireland, surprising people he met through his podcast,...
The announcement was made as part of the Warner Bros. Discovery upfront presentation to advertisers in New York on Wednesday. The second season of the series will consist of six episodes, whereas the first season was four.
“This latest travel show has been so fun and rewarding that I suspected it was all a cruel prank. My apologies in advance to the next six countries,” O’Brien said in a statement.
In Season 1, O’Brien travels to Norway, Thailand, Argentina, and Ireland, surprising people he met through his podcast,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
“If,” a fantasy-comedy from director John Krasinski and star Ryan Reynolds, looks to collect a promising $40 million in its box office debut.
Based on projections, “If” — short for imaginary friends — is tracking to land at least $35 million and as much as $45 million from 4,000 North American theaters. At the higher end of estimates, those ticket sales would mark a solid start for a live-action PG family film that’s not based on an existing property. But the movie cost $110 million, so it’ll need to resonate globally to justify its price tag. Ahead of its domestic release, “If” opened last weekend in two overseas markets, France and Belgium, where it’s earned $3.7 million to date. It lands this week in 56 additional international territories.
Krasinski wrote, directed and stars in “If,” which follows neighbors Cal and Bea (Reynolds and Cailey Fleming) with the ability to see other people’s imaginary friends. While...
Based on projections, “If” — short for imaginary friends — is tracking to land at least $35 million and as much as $45 million from 4,000 North American theaters. At the higher end of estimates, those ticket sales would mark a solid start for a live-action PG family film that’s not based on an existing property. But the movie cost $110 million, so it’ll need to resonate globally to justify its price tag. Ahead of its domestic release, “If” opened last weekend in two overseas markets, France and Belgium, where it’s earned $3.7 million to date. It lands this week in 56 additional international territories.
Krasinski wrote, directed and stars in “If,” which follows neighbors Cal and Bea (Reynolds and Cailey Fleming) with the ability to see other people’s imaginary friends. While...
- 5/15/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety - Film News
DC Studios is wasting no time in setting a release date for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow now that the movie has found its director.
The high-profile movie will fly into cinemas on June 26, 2026, DC and Warner Bros. announced Tuesday. It is the second film to receive a release date since James Gunn and Peter Safran were brought in to overhaul DC under the new banner DC Studios. The first was Superman, which Gunn is currently shooting for a July 2025 release date.
Flimmaker Craig Gillespie was tapped by Gunn and Safran to shepherd Supergirl, which stars Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon). She’ll play Superman’s Kara Zor-El, the cousin of Superman. The feature film, from a script by Ana Nogueira, is inspired by the Tom King and Bilquis Evely comic, and will depart from the earnest take on the character seen on the CW Supergirl series.
The plan is...
The high-profile movie will fly into cinemas on June 26, 2026, DC and Warner Bros. announced Tuesday. It is the second film to receive a release date since James Gunn and Peter Safran were brought in to overhaul DC under the new banner DC Studios. The first was Superman, which Gunn is currently shooting for a July 2025 release date.
Flimmaker Craig Gillespie was tapped by Gunn and Safran to shepherd Supergirl, which stars Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon). She’ll play Superman’s Kara Zor-El, the cousin of Superman. The feature film, from a script by Ana Nogueira, is inspired by the Tom King and Bilquis Evely comic, and will depart from the earnest take on the character seen on the CW Supergirl series.
The plan is...
- 5/14/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Bros. is aiming for a flawless victory, dating “Mortal Kombat 2” for an IMAX release on Oct. 24, 2025.
The New Line sequel, first announced in January 2022, will be written by Jeremy Slater, best known for the Disney Plus Marvel series “Moon Knight.” Simon McQuoid, who directed “Mortal Kombat,” returns to direct the follow-up. Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Tadanobu Asano, Mehcad Brooks, Ludi Lin, Damon Herriman, Tati Gabrielle Martyn Ford, Max Huang and Ana Thu Nguyen star, with Chin Han, Joe Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada. Todd Garner, James Wan, Simon McQuoid, E. Bennett Walsh and Toby Emmerich are producing.
The first “Mortal Kombat,” a martial arts-inspired adaptation of the popular video game created by Ed Boon and John Tobias, opened in theaters and on HBO Max in April 2021, earning $42 million domestically and $83 million worldwide.
In a 2021 interview with Variety, McQuoid hinted at characters he’d...
The New Line sequel, first announced in January 2022, will be written by Jeremy Slater, best known for the Disney Plus Marvel series “Moon Knight.” Simon McQuoid, who directed “Mortal Kombat,” returns to direct the follow-up. Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Tadanobu Asano, Mehcad Brooks, Ludi Lin, Damon Herriman, Tati Gabrielle Martyn Ford, Max Huang and Ana Thu Nguyen star, with Chin Han, Joe Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada. Todd Garner, James Wan, Simon McQuoid, E. Bennett Walsh and Toby Emmerich are producing.
The first “Mortal Kombat,” a martial arts-inspired adaptation of the popular video game created by Ed Boon and John Tobias, opened in theaters and on HBO Max in April 2021, earning $42 million domestically and $83 million worldwide.
In a 2021 interview with Variety, McQuoid hinted at characters he’d...
- 5/14/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety - Film News
The “WandaVision” spinoff “Agatha All Along” has set its Disney+ premiere date.
The series will debut with two episodes on Sept.. 18. The announcement was made during the Disney upfront presentation to advertisers in New York on Tuesday.
Series star Kathryn Hahn took the stage with co-stars Joe Locke and Patti LuPone, who confirmed the series’ title after a number of changes. The show was first called “Agatha: House of Harkness.” The title appeared to change to “Agatha: Coven of Chaos” by July 2022, and then to “Agatha: Darkhold Diaries” in September 2023.
Related Content: Upfronts 2024 Full Coverage
Variety exclusively reported that the...
The series will debut with two episodes on Sept.. 18. The announcement was made during the Disney upfront presentation to advertisers in New York on Tuesday.
Series star Kathryn Hahn took the stage with co-stars Joe Locke and Patti LuPone, who confirmed the series’ title after a number of changes. The show was first called “Agatha: House of Harkness.” The title appeared to change to “Agatha: Coven of Chaos” by July 2022, and then to “Agatha: Darkhold Diaries” in September 2023.
Related Content: Upfronts 2024 Full Coverage
Variety exclusively reported that the...
- 5/14/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Tony McFarr, who was Chris Pratt’s stunt double in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and two of the “Jurassic World” movies, died on Monday. He was 47.
McFarr’s mother told TMZ that he died at his home outside of Orlando, Fla. No cause of death has been given. His death was reported on the website of the Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home in Merritt Island, Fla.
The stuntman performed in dozens of movies and shows, dating back to the early 2010s. He first doubled for Pratt on the 2015 film “Jurassic World” and followed that up with 2017’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and 2018’s “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.” He also performed Pratt’s stunts in the 2016 drama “Passengers.”
McFarr’s other stunt credits included a range of blockbusters and Marvel movies like “Captain America: Civil War,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,...
McFarr’s mother told TMZ that he died at his home outside of Orlando, Fla. No cause of death has been given. His death was reported on the website of the Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home in Merritt Island, Fla.
The stuntman performed in dozens of movies and shows, dating back to the early 2010s. He first doubled for Pratt on the 2015 film “Jurassic World” and followed that up with 2017’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and 2018’s “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.” He also performed Pratt’s stunts in the 2016 drama “Passengers.”
McFarr’s other stunt credits included a range of blockbusters and Marvel movies like “Captain America: Civil War,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Freddy Fazbear will return to haunt multiplexes in 2025.
Universal and Blumhouse’s “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” a horror sequel set in the haunted Chuck E. Cheese-esque establishment known as Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, will land in theaters on Dec. 5, 2025.
Universal added several Blumhouse titles to its release calendar, including “The Woman in the Yard” and “Drop”. The studio also shifted the dates for two other buzzy sequels: “M3GAN 2.0” from May 16, 2025, to June 27, 2025; and “The Black Phone 2” from June 27, 2025, to Oct. 17, 2025.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s,” adapted from the popular video game, made a killing at the box office last October with $297 million globally and became Blumhouse’s highest-grossing film of all time — all while streaming simultaneously on Peacock. Josh Hutcherson starred in the original as a nighttime security guard at Freddys Fazbear’s Pizza, where the animatronic mascots are prone to murder. The studio hasn’t clarified who is returning for the follow-up,...
Universal and Blumhouse’s “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” a horror sequel set in the haunted Chuck E. Cheese-esque establishment known as Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, will land in theaters on Dec. 5, 2025.
Universal added several Blumhouse titles to its release calendar, including “The Woman in the Yard” and “Drop”. The studio also shifted the dates for two other buzzy sequels: “M3GAN 2.0” from May 16, 2025, to June 27, 2025; and “The Black Phone 2” from June 27, 2025, to Oct. 17, 2025.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s,” adapted from the popular video game, made a killing at the box office last October with $297 million globally and became Blumhouse’s highest-grossing film of all time — all while streaming simultaneously on Peacock. Josh Hutcherson starred in the original as a nighttime security guard at Freddys Fazbear’s Pizza, where the animatronic mascots are prone to murder. The studio hasn’t clarified who is returning for the follow-up,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
One Cannes ritual is IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond’s annual press lunch. IMAX is thriving in the global marketplace, with more than 1,700 screens in 90 countries, as audiences continue to recognize and embrace the global brand for giant film and digital cameras and big-screen formats. Helfand announced the company’s upcoming 2025 filmed for IMAX slate (below) while at Cannes, which he believes will break records for the company. Thanks to IMAX believer Chris Nolan‘s global blockbuster “Oppenheimer,” IMAX performed at peak capacity with over $1 billion in revenue in 2023, matching the company’s 2019 pre-pandemic record.
IMAX delivered 20% of the global box office for “Oppenheimer” — shot entirely with IMAX film cameras — and more than $190 million worldwide, making it the fifth highest grossing IMAX film of all time. IMAX also delivered 21% of the global box office for “Dune: Part Two” — shot entirely with IMAX-certified digital cameras — and over $145 million worldwide, making it the seventh highest.
IMAX delivered 20% of the global box office for “Oppenheimer” — shot entirely with IMAX film cameras — and more than $190 million worldwide, making it the fifth highest grossing IMAX film of all time. IMAX also delivered 21% of the global box office for “Dune: Part Two” — shot entirely with IMAX-certified digital cameras — and over $145 million worldwide, making it the seventh highest.
- 5/16/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The main cast of Jim Jarmusch‘s first film since 2019’s “The Dead Don’t Die” has been revealed, and what a cast it is. Variety reports that Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Jarmusch regular Tom Waits, Charlotte Rampling, Indya Moore, and Luka Sabbat join Cate Blanchett and Vicky Krieps on “Father Mother Sister Brother.” Jarmusch has already wrapped shooting, with post-production underway in NYC, so expect the film to be ready for a premiere later this year.
Continue reading ‘Father Mother Sister Brother’: Jim Jarmusch’s Latest Star Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, Tom Waits & More at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Father Mother Sister Brother’: Jim Jarmusch’s Latest Star Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, Tom Waits & More at The Playlist.
- 5/16/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
It used to be all about the trailers and the broadcast fall schedules. Now those are largely a thing of the past as the media sector’s upfront presentations to Madison Avenue ad buyers continue to evolve.
Following a week of spin and hard sales, here are eight central takeaways after Netflix, Amazon, NBCUniversal, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, YouTube and Fox made their pitches.
1. The Streaming Giants Came to Play Reese Witherspoon attends as Amazon debuts Inaugural Upfront Presentation at Pier 36 on May 14, 2024 in New York City.
This year was the first time that Netflix and Amazon had physical events in New York during upfronts week (YouTube is now in year three), and they clearly tried to make an impression, gunning for a piece of the $20 billion or so in upfront commitments that used to go exclusively to traditional entertainment companies. Amazon’s event Tuesday featured “the highest concentration of...
Following a week of spin and hard sales, here are eight central takeaways after Netflix, Amazon, NBCUniversal, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, YouTube and Fox made their pitches.
1. The Streaming Giants Came to Play Reese Witherspoon attends as Amazon debuts Inaugural Upfront Presentation at Pier 36 on May 14, 2024 in New York City.
This year was the first time that Netflix and Amazon had physical events in New York during upfronts week (YouTube is now in year three), and they clearly tried to make an impression, gunning for a piece of the $20 billion or so in upfront commitments that used to go exclusively to traditional entertainment companies. Amazon’s event Tuesday featured “the highest concentration of...
- 5/16/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg, Alex Weprin and Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix’s Baby Reindeer entered the streaming top 10 in mid-April, and given the continued buzz around the series, it’s likely to stay around for a while.
The show drew 673 million minutes of viewing for the week of April 15-21, according to Nielsen’s latest streaming rankings. That was good for third place among original series and ninth among all titles.
Prime Video’s Fallout had a second straight huge week, if not quite as big as its first. It had 2.62 billion minutes of watch time, off a slight 10 percent from its opening week, which was the best single week for a Prime Video show since Nielsen began its streaming rankings almost four years ago. It’s also the first show that doesn’t stream on Netflix to have back-to-back weeks above 2 billion minutes of viewing.
The former BBC America thriller Killing Eve made its first appearance in the acquired...
The show drew 673 million minutes of viewing for the week of April 15-21, according to Nielsen’s latest streaming rankings. That was good for third place among original series and ninth among all titles.
Prime Video’s Fallout had a second straight huge week, if not quite as big as its first. It had 2.62 billion minutes of watch time, off a slight 10 percent from its opening week, which was the best single week for a Prime Video show since Nielsen began its streaming rankings almost four years ago. It’s also the first show that doesn’t stream on Netflix to have back-to-back weeks above 2 billion minutes of viewing.
The former BBC America thriller Killing Eve made its first appearance in the acquired...
- 5/16/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Many would likely agree with Eva Mendes’ sentiment that Emily Blunt really is “just that damn good” in The Fall Guy.
The actress and businesswoman took to Instagram on Thursday to praise husband Ryan Gosling’s latest film. She shared the movie’s poster, which features Blunt and Gosling kissing, as well as some fans’ tweets about the action-packed romantic comedy.
“Did you know?! @thefallguymovie is the First non super hero movie to open the summer box office in 17 years!” Mendes wrote in the caption. “And maybe it didn’t break the box office but it broke sooo many other records. I’m extra proud of this one.”
The Place Beyond the Pines actress, who shares two daughters with Gosling, went on to jokingly explain why she was Ok with her husband kissing his co-star and onscreen love interest Blunt in the movie.
“The proof is in my post-i don...
The actress and businesswoman took to Instagram on Thursday to praise husband Ryan Gosling’s latest film. She shared the movie’s poster, which features Blunt and Gosling kissing, as well as some fans’ tweets about the action-packed romantic comedy.
“Did you know?! @thefallguymovie is the First non super hero movie to open the summer box office in 17 years!” Mendes wrote in the caption. “And maybe it didn’t break the box office but it broke sooo many other records. I’m extra proud of this one.”
The Place Beyond the Pines actress, who shares two daughters with Gosling, went on to jokingly explain why she was Ok with her husband kissing his co-star and onscreen love interest Blunt in the movie.
“The proof is in my post-i don...
- 5/16/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Shōgun” is officially in the drama race for the Primetime Emmys.
FX has confirmed that the once limited or anthology series heavyweight has been officially submitted and accepted in the drama categories, where it will compete against Netflix’s “The Crown,” Apple’s “The Morning Show” and Prime Video’s “Fallout.” In addition, the network has shared exclusively with Variety the complete list of 40 Emmy submissions, which includes six submissions for directing, four for writing, and two eligible guest actors. HBO’s “Game of Thrones” currently holds the record for most nominations in a single year with 32. Could FX break the monumental record?...
FX has confirmed that the once limited or anthology series heavyweight has been officially submitted and accepted in the drama categories, where it will compete against Netflix’s “The Crown,” Apple’s “The Morning Show” and Prime Video’s “Fallout.” In addition, the network has shared exclusively with Variety the complete list of 40 Emmy submissions, which includes six submissions for directing, four for writing, and two eligible guest actors. HBO’s “Game of Thrones” currently holds the record for most nominations in a single year with 32. Could FX break the monumental record?...
- 5/16/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety - TV News
In a major licensing deal for the artificial intelligence firm OpenAI, the organization says that it has inked a multifaceted deal with the web platform Reddit.
Reddit has said that licensing its data to help train generative AI models is one of its growth opportunities, and indeed the company says that “OpenAI will access Reddit’s Data Api, which provides real-time, structured, and unique content from Reddit. This will enable OpenAI’s AI tools to better understand and showcase Reddit content, especially on recent topics.”
However, the deal will also see OpenAI commit to being a Reddit advertising partner, with Reddit also committing to bring “new AI-powered features to redditors and mods.”
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, though Reddit had previously disclosed a $203 million AI licensing deal, believed to be with Google to help train its Gemini Llm.
It’s also worth noting that Sam Altman,...
Reddit has said that licensing its data to help train generative AI models is one of its growth opportunities, and indeed the company says that “OpenAI will access Reddit’s Data Api, which provides real-time, structured, and unique content from Reddit. This will enable OpenAI’s AI tools to better understand and showcase Reddit content, especially on recent topics.”
However, the deal will also see OpenAI commit to being a Reddit advertising partner, with Reddit also committing to bring “new AI-powered features to redditors and mods.”
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, though Reddit had previously disclosed a $203 million AI licensing deal, believed to be with Google to help train its Gemini Llm.
It’s also worth noting that Sam Altman,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s finally here. After many reports about production issues, screenings and 40 years worth of waiting, Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
The anticipated epic is being met with a lot of mixed reactions (and confusion) from the reviewers, some lauding the audacity of the movie and others questioning its existence.
The Hollywood Reporter‘s chief film critic David Rooney offers: “It’s windy and overstuffed, frequently baffling and way too talky, quoting Hamlet and The Tempest, Marcus Aurelius and Petrarch, ruminating on time, consciousness and power to a degree that becomes ponderous. But it’s also often amusing, playful, visually dazzling and illuminated by a touching hope for humanity.”
Over the last couple of months, multiple reports about Megalopolis — including from THR — have shed light on the project that Coppola has been discussing for decades. He poured a stunning $120 million of his own money...
The anticipated epic is being met with a lot of mixed reactions (and confusion) from the reviewers, some lauding the audacity of the movie and others questioning its existence.
The Hollywood Reporter‘s chief film critic David Rooney offers: “It’s windy and overstuffed, frequently baffling and way too talky, quoting Hamlet and The Tempest, Marcus Aurelius and Petrarch, ruminating on time, consciousness and power to a degree that becomes ponderous. But it’s also often amusing, playful, visually dazzling and illuminated by a touching hope for humanity.”
Over the last couple of months, multiple reports about Megalopolis — including from THR — have shed light on the project that Coppola has been discussing for decades. He poured a stunning $120 million of his own money...
- 5/16/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sharon Stone, Liam Neeson and more actors are coming to the defense of Kevin Spacey and calling for his return to the industry at large. Spacey has not worked in Hollywood since being accused by several men of sexual misconduct starting in 2017. The two-part documentary “Spacey Unmasked” recently aired in the U.K. and is now streaming on Max and features previously unheard of testimonies about Spacey’s alleged sexual misconduct, including a claim that he allegedly groped another “House of Cards” actor on set.
In statements given to The Telegraph, Stone and Neeson were joined by the likes of Stephen Fry and F Murray Abraham in their calls for Spacey’s return. Abraham himself was accused of sexual misconduct during the production of the Apple TV+ series “Mythic Quest,” which reportedly led to his firing.
“I can’t wait to see Kevin back at work. He is a genius.
In statements given to The Telegraph, Stone and Neeson were joined by the likes of Stephen Fry and F Murray Abraham in their calls for Spacey’s return. Abraham himself was accused of sexual misconduct during the production of the Apple TV+ series “Mythic Quest,” which reportedly led to his firing.
“I can’t wait to see Kevin back at work. He is a genius.
- 5/16/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
The revival of I Know What You Did Last Summer is appropriately set to hit theaters in the dead of summer.
Sony Pictures announced Thursday that its new film with the same name as the original 1997 slasher flick is set for theatrical release domestically on July 18, 2025. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge) is directing the sequel from a screenplay she co-wrote with Sam Lansky after an initial script from Leah McKendrick. Neal Moritz produces the film.
The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. were in talks to reprise their roles from the first movie that hit theaters Oct. 17, 1997.
Also scheduled for release on July 18, 2025, is Paramount’s Naked Gun reboot from director Akiva Schaffer that features Liam Neeson as bumbling detective Frank Drebin.
The original I Know What You Did Last Summer starred Hewitt, Prinze, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe. It was penned by...
Sony Pictures announced Thursday that its new film with the same name as the original 1997 slasher flick is set for theatrical release domestically on July 18, 2025. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge) is directing the sequel from a screenplay she co-wrote with Sam Lansky after an initial script from Leah McKendrick. Neal Moritz produces the film.
The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. were in talks to reprise their roles from the first movie that hit theaters Oct. 17, 1997.
Also scheduled for release on July 18, 2025, is Paramount’s Naked Gun reboot from director Akiva Schaffer that features Liam Neeson as bumbling detective Frank Drebin.
The original I Know What You Did Last Summer starred Hewitt, Prinze, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe. It was penned by...
- 5/16/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mofac Animation has found Jesus.
Oscar Isaac has signed on to portray Jesus Christ in The King of Kings, the animated family film being made by the South Korean-based animation house. At the same time, Forest Whitaker has been tapped to give voice to the apostle Peter.
The duo join a growing A-list voice cast that includes Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, and Jojo Rabbit actor Roman Griffin Davis.
Seong-ho “Jay” Jang, known as a visual effects pioneer in Korea, is directing King of Kings while Anfernee Kim (Last Knights, John Woo’s The Crossing 2) is producing.
The faith-based feature is very loosely inspired by The Life of Our Lord, a little-known Charles Dickens short story that was published posthumously and that depicted the life and times of Jesus.
The script, by Jang and Rob Edwards (Disney’s The Princess and the Frog), sees Charles and Walter Dickens, voiced by Branagh and Davis,...
Oscar Isaac has signed on to portray Jesus Christ in The King of Kings, the animated family film being made by the South Korean-based animation house. At the same time, Forest Whitaker has been tapped to give voice to the apostle Peter.
The duo join a growing A-list voice cast that includes Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, and Jojo Rabbit actor Roman Griffin Davis.
Seong-ho “Jay” Jang, known as a visual effects pioneer in Korea, is directing King of Kings while Anfernee Kim (Last Knights, John Woo’s The Crossing 2) is producing.
The faith-based feature is very loosely inspired by The Life of Our Lord, a little-known Charles Dickens short story that was published posthumously and that depicted the life and times of Jesus.
The script, by Jang and Rob Edwards (Disney’s The Princess and the Frog), sees Charles and Walter Dickens, voiced by Branagh and Davis,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Take-Two Interactive, the holding company that owns Rockstar Games, has set a Fall 2025 release date for Grand Theft Auto VI.
Speculation about the upcoming release of the popular video game was high ahead of Take-Two releasing its fourth quarter earnings on Thursday. The company earlier set a 2025 release for Grand Theft Auto VI, and with the update has narrowed the release date to autumn next year.
“We are highly confident that Rockstar Games will deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience, and our expectations for the commercial impact of the title continue to increase,” Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick told analysts in prepared remarks after unveiling his company’s latest earnings.
The last entry in the franchise was Grand Theft Auto V, which was initially released in 2013. The online component to the game has had several updates through the years. As each update dropped, fans embraced the latest version of the game.
The...
Speculation about the upcoming release of the popular video game was high ahead of Take-Two releasing its fourth quarter earnings on Thursday. The company earlier set a 2025 release for Grand Theft Auto VI, and with the update has narrowed the release date to autumn next year.
“We are highly confident that Rockstar Games will deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience, and our expectations for the commercial impact of the title continue to increase,” Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick told analysts in prepared remarks after unveiling his company’s latest earnings.
The last entry in the franchise was Grand Theft Auto V, which was initially released in 2013. The online component to the game has had several updates through the years. As each update dropped, fans embraced the latest version of the game.
The...
- 5/16/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Milo Yiannopoulos is parting ways with Ye (formerly Kanye West). The ex-Breitbart editor, who had been serving as Yeezy’s chief of staff, revealed his exit to TMZ on Wednesday.
“I wish Ye every success in the future,” he told the outlet. “I have some concerns about his new team and hope he proceeds with caution.”
Yiannopoulos also shared with TMZ his letter of resignation, in which he wrote that he “cannot be complicit in the production or dissemination of pornographic films and literature, for moral and religious reasons. He added that “such material and the kind of people invariably involved in its production represent an imminent danger to my life as a recovering addict and an unacceptable risk to my spiritual and physical health as a former homosexual.”
He also noted on his resignation letter that he was delivering an “orderly handover” by Friday, May 31 or “the first pornography shoot,...
“I wish Ye every success in the future,” he told the outlet. “I have some concerns about his new team and hope he proceeds with caution.”
Yiannopoulos also shared with TMZ his letter of resignation, in which he wrote that he “cannot be complicit in the production or dissemination of pornographic films and literature, for moral and religious reasons. He added that “such material and the kind of people invariably involved in its production represent an imminent danger to my life as a recovering addict and an unacceptable risk to my spiritual and physical health as a former homosexual.”
He also noted on his resignation letter that he was delivering an “orderly handover” by Friday, May 31 or “the first pornography shoot,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Tatiana Tenreyro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The May 17 release of the 2024 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue celebrates the swimsuit franchise’s 60th anniversary. A new documentary highlights the woman who founded the issue in 1964 – Jule Campbell.
Directed by Campbell’s daughter-in-law Jill Campbell, “Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue” explores how the editor, who died in 2022, broke glass ceilings, navigated a sexist workplace and battled accusations of objectification, all while launching the careers of mogul models including Kathy Ireland, Christie Brinkley and Tyra Banks.
The 107 minute film, produced by Eue Documentaries and Red Barn Productions, recently wrapped production. The director is currently submitting the doc for consideration at various fall film festivals.
During her 32-year tenure as founding editor of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, Campbell was charged with the task of creating a yearly swimsuit issue that did not come across as gratuitous. The docu investigates how she managed to control the photographs that...
Directed by Campbell’s daughter-in-law Jill Campbell, “Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue” explores how the editor, who died in 2022, broke glass ceilings, navigated a sexist workplace and battled accusations of objectification, all while launching the careers of mogul models including Kathy Ireland, Christie Brinkley and Tyra Banks.
The 107 minute film, produced by Eue Documentaries and Red Barn Productions, recently wrapped production. The director is currently submitting the doc for consideration at various fall film festivals.
During her 32-year tenure as founding editor of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, Campbell was charged with the task of creating a yearly swimsuit issue that did not come across as gratuitous. The docu investigates how she managed to control the photographs that...
- 5/16/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety - Film News
Lovo, a Berkeley-based AI startup, was accused in a class action lawsuit on Thursday of stealing actors’ voices to create Genny, a publicly accessible AI generator.
Paul Skye Lehrman and Linnea Sage, a New York couple who work as voice actors, alleged that they were deceived into providing voice samples through a freelance website. They were paid $1200 and $400, respectively, for reading scripts, and were told the recordings would be used internally, or for academic purposes.
Years later, they discovered that their voices had been cloned and were being used publicly without their permission or additional payment, the suit alleges. They are seeking to represent every actor whose voice was taken, and to stop Lovo from using those voices without consent and payment.
“You gotta get back control of their voices and their professional destiny,” said Steve Cohen, a partner at Pollock Cohen Llp, who filed the complaint. “There’s gotta...
Paul Skye Lehrman and Linnea Sage, a New York couple who work as voice actors, alleged that they were deceived into providing voice samples through a freelance website. They were paid $1200 and $400, respectively, for reading scripts, and were told the recordings would be used internally, or for academic purposes.
Years later, they discovered that their voices had been cloned and were being used publicly without their permission or additional payment, the suit alleges. They are seeking to represent every actor whose voice was taken, and to stop Lovo from using those voices without consent and payment.
“You gotta get back control of their voices and their professional destiny,” said Steve Cohen, a partner at Pollock Cohen Llp, who filed the complaint. “There’s gotta...
- 5/16/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety - Film News
Lovo, a Berkeley-based AI startup, was accused in a class action lawsuit on Thursday of stealing actors’ voices to create Genny, a publicly accessible AI generator.
Paul Skye Lehrman and Linnea Sage, a New York couple who work as voice actors, alleged that they were deceived into providing voice samples through a freelance website. They were paid $1200 and $400, respectively, for reading scripts, and were told the recordings would be used internally, or for academic purposes.
Years later, they discovered that their voices had been cloned and were being used publicly without their permission or additional payment, the suit alleges. They...
Paul Skye Lehrman and Linnea Sage, a New York couple who work as voice actors, alleged that they were deceived into providing voice samples through a freelance website. They were paid $1200 and $400, respectively, for reading scripts, and were told the recordings would be used internally, or for academic purposes.
Years later, they discovered that their voices had been cloned and were being used publicly without their permission or additional payment, the suit alleges. They...
- 5/16/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety - TV News
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 has received an official release date in theaters — Dec. 5, 2025.
The move was among a handful of key additions and changes Universal and prolific partner Blumhouse made to their 2025 theatrical calendar, including pushing back the release of M3GAN 2.0 by a month, from May 16 to June 27.
Previously, The Black Phone 2 was set to open on June 27, 2025. It will now go out months later on Oct. 17, 2025.
The Five Nights at Freddy’s sequel wasn’t the only pic getting a release date for the first time.
Blumhouse’s original horror-thriller The Woman in the Yard will open on March 28 of next year, followed quickly by Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse’s thriller Drop on April 22.
The sequel to Five Nights at Freddy‘s was announced at CinemaCon in April, minus a release date. The first film was a surprise sensation that weathered poor reviews and a day-and-date release...
The move was among a handful of key additions and changes Universal and prolific partner Blumhouse made to their 2025 theatrical calendar, including pushing back the release of M3GAN 2.0 by a month, from May 16 to June 27.
Previously, The Black Phone 2 was set to open on June 27, 2025. It will now go out months later on Oct. 17, 2025.
The Five Nights at Freddy’s sequel wasn’t the only pic getting a release date for the first time.
Blumhouse’s original horror-thriller The Woman in the Yard will open on March 28 of next year, followed quickly by Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse’s thriller Drop on April 22.
The sequel to Five Nights at Freddy‘s was announced at CinemaCon in April, minus a release date. The first film was a surprise sensation that weathered poor reviews and a day-and-date release...
- 5/16/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor Charlyne Yi has detailed the experience of being physically assaulted by a scene partner on the set of the upcoming Apple TV+ adaptation of Time Bandits, which Yi says led to their coercion into quitting the production and subsequent denial of workers’ compensation for a back injury and post-traumatic stress.
Yi, a main cast member in the upcoming series from writer-producer-director Taika Waititi, wrote on Instagram on Wednesday that a male actor with whom they shared a scene repeatedly pressed his body against their back so hard that they had to “dig [their] feet into the ground to keep my stance during rehearsals and filming.” According to Yi, this physical abuse continued after they attempted to “shove him off” and repeated during their time on set, with the abuser deploying “covert” tactics to control his public image while their complaints of extreme back pain to colleagues, producers and Hr were met with gaslighting tactics.
Yi, a main cast member in the upcoming series from writer-producer-director Taika Waititi, wrote on Instagram on Wednesday that a male actor with whom they shared a scene repeatedly pressed his body against their back so hard that they had to “dig [their] feet into the ground to keep my stance during rehearsals and filming.” According to Yi, this physical abuse continued after they attempted to “shove him off” and repeated during their time on set, with the abuser deploying “covert” tactics to control his public image while their complaints of extreme back pain to colleagues, producers and Hr were met with gaslighting tactics.
- 5/16/2024
- by Kevin Dolak
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mediawan Rights, the distribution arm of the wider media group, manages scripted, unscripted, format and feature documentary sales, keying European content onto international airwaves. And if initially heritage titles, foreign-language fare and time-tested perennials made up much of the catalogue, the group’s expanding footprint and well-capitalized partnerships promise a new yield of premium fare developed in-house and marked by global ambitions.
“We’ve seen a radical shift,” says Mediawan Rights CEO Valérie Vleeschhouwer. “Our catalogue from six years ago has little in common with that of today. We really wanted to move upmarket, to increase our own creative output...
“We’ve seen a radical shift,” says Mediawan Rights CEO Valérie Vleeschhouwer. “Our catalogue from six years ago has little in common with that of today. We really wanted to move upmarket, to increase our own creative output...
- 5/16/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety - TV News
Is Francis Ford Coppola’s controversial magnum opus “Megalopolis” any good?
The two hour and 20 minute dystopian drama certainly divided the audience at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday night with its collision course of shocking scenes: a doctored sex tape featuring Adam Driver, Shia Labeouf dressing in drag and playing a Trumpian figure and Aubrey Plaza dominating her way through a slew of men in the film.
But there was still a huge amount of respect for iconic director Coppola, who received a four-minute standing ovation upon entering the room. After the credits rolled and the crowd clapped for seven minutes, Coppola hugged Driver and Giancarlo Esposito and got emotional as he made a speech dedicating the film to hope and family.
“Thank you all so much. It is so impossible to find words to tell you how I feel,” Coppola said, then introduced his family members in the audience.
The two hour and 20 minute dystopian drama certainly divided the audience at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday night with its collision course of shocking scenes: a doctored sex tape featuring Adam Driver, Shia Labeouf dressing in drag and playing a Trumpian figure and Aubrey Plaza dominating her way through a slew of men in the film.
But there was still a huge amount of respect for iconic director Coppola, who received a four-minute standing ovation upon entering the room. After the credits rolled and the crowd clapped for seven minutes, Coppola hugged Driver and Giancarlo Esposito and got emotional as he made a speech dedicating the film to hope and family.
“Thank you all so much. It is so impossible to find words to tell you how I feel,” Coppola said, then introduced his family members in the audience.
- 5/16/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety - Film News
Francis Ford Coppola’s long-gestating and much-discussed sci-fi epic Megalopolis had its world premiere on Thursday night at the Cannes Film Festival, and was greeted with a 10-minute standing ovation inside the Grand Lumiere Theatre, as he gave a hug to each of his his principal stars — among them Nathalie Emmanuel, Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza and Giancarlo Esposito — and threw his hat into the cheering crowd.
Coppola, who lost his wife Eleanor last month, eventually interrupted the applause to take a microphone and introduce the members of his family who were with him, including his son, Roman Coppola, and sister, Talia Shire, both of whom worked on the film. He then said of his other collaborators on the film: “They were all my family. And in fact, as [Driver’s character] Cesar says [in the film], ‘We are all one family.'”
Added the filmmaker: “The most important thing we have, the most...
Coppola, who lost his wife Eleanor last month, eventually interrupted the applause to take a microphone and introduce the members of his family who were with him, including his son, Roman Coppola, and sister, Talia Shire, both of whom worked on the film. He then said of his other collaborators on the film: “They were all my family. And in fact, as [Driver’s character] Cesar says [in the film], ‘We are all one family.'”
Added the filmmaker: “The most important thing we have, the most...
- 5/16/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“The Thundermans” are back — again. Nickelodeon Studios has announced a greenlight for a new spinoff series based on the popular live-action superhero comedy.
The announcement comes after the successful launch of the TV movie “The Thundermans Return,” which premiered on Nickelodeon and Paramount+ in March. The film was the number one entertainment telecast of the year so far in Nielsen’s Live+3 ratings among kids 6-11 and reached 1.6 million viewers across four telecasts its premiere weekend.
The spinoff series will star Kira Kosarin as Phoebe, Jack Griffo as Max, and Maya Le Clark as Chloe. Other original cast members will appear in guest roles.
The announcement comes after the successful launch of the TV movie “The Thundermans Return,” which premiered on Nickelodeon and Paramount+ in March. The film was the number one entertainment telecast of the year so far in Nielsen’s Live+3 ratings among kids 6-11 and reached 1.6 million viewers across four telecasts its premiere weekend.
The spinoff series will star Kira Kosarin as Phoebe, Jack Griffo as Max, and Maya Le Clark as Chloe. Other original cast members will appear in guest roles.
- 5/16/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
In the long-gestating, career-encompassing allegory that is “Megalopolis,” director Francis Ford Coppola puts his name above the title and, in the film’s lone act of modesty, the words “A Fable” beneath it. To call this garish, idea-bloated monstrosity a mere “fable” is to grossly undersell the project’s expansive insights into art, life and legacy. Here, backed by an estimated $120 million of the “Godfather” director’s own money, is the sort of big swing audiences and critics have come to adore him for: a recklessly ambitious, ginormous epic in which humanity’s eternal themes — greed, corruption, loyalty and power — threaten to suffocate a more intimate personal crisis. In this case, a conservative politician and a forward-thinking urban designer clash over the future of a city’s future.
It’s Coppola’s fortune, and he can spend it as he likes, but grandiose title aside, it’s not at all...
It’s Coppola’s fortune, and he can spend it as he likes, but grandiose title aside, it’s not at all...
- 5/16/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety - Film News
The character in Megalopolis played by Adam Driver with idealistic passion, Cesar Catilina, is a visionary genius intent on saving New York City by building a utopian future, dislodging the elite ruling class in the process. In many ways, Cesar’s mission, both noble and egomaniacal, seems a direct reflection of the dogged determination of Francis Ford Coppola to get this movie made at any cost. The “fable” could almost be an allegory for the pursuit of a dream in which an auteur can still make a monumental epic without compromise in a Hollywood that marginalizes art to focus purely on economics.
The first sparks of the idea came to Coppola in the early 1980s and he’s been developing it on and off ever since — doing table reads with major-name actors, shooting 30 hours of second unit footage in Manhattan in 2001 and then almost abandoning the project six years later when funding proved elusive.
The first sparks of the idea came to Coppola in the early 1980s and he’s been developing it on and off ever since — doing table reads with major-name actors, shooting 30 hours of second unit footage in Manhattan in 2001 and then almost abandoning the project six years later when funding proved elusive.
- 5/16/2024
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
More seasons of “Shōgun” are (maybe) on the way.
Variety has learned that FX, Hulu and the estate of James Clavell — who authored the novel on which “Shōgun” is based — are working to develop more seasons of the critically acclaimed series. A writers’ room will begin this summer to develop two more seasons of the show.
It must be noted that this is not a formal renewal, and no production has been scheduled for more episodes. Series co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo remain onboard the series, as does executive producer Michaela Clavell of the James Clavell estate, as well...
Variety has learned that FX, Hulu and the estate of James Clavell — who authored the novel on which “Shōgun” is based — are working to develop more seasons of the critically acclaimed series. A writers’ room will begin this summer to develop two more seasons of the show.
It must be noted that this is not a formal renewal, and no production has been scheduled for more episodes. Series co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo remain onboard the series, as does executive producer Michaela Clavell of the James Clavell estate, as well...
- 5/16/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
It’s official: FX and Hulu are prepping not one but two more seasons of breakout drama Shōgun.
The Disney-owned network said Thursday that it is teaming with the estate of author James Clavell to extend Shōgun for two additional seasons. The company noted that both seasons are in development, meaning that a two-season renewal depends on how the creative comes in.
A writers room is being assembled and will open in the summer to explore a continuation of Shōgun beyond Clavell’s original novel. Shōgun’s creatives, including co-creators, exec producers and writers Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, exec producer Michaela Clavell as well as star and producer Hiroyuki Sanada are all involved with the development.
Shōgun, which wrapped its season in late April, ranks as FX’s most-watched show ever (based on global hours streamed). The 10-episode first season is available now to binge on Hulu.
The news...
The Disney-owned network said Thursday that it is teaming with the estate of author James Clavell to extend Shōgun for two additional seasons. The company noted that both seasons are in development, meaning that a two-season renewal depends on how the creative comes in.
A writers room is being assembled and will open in the summer to explore a continuation of Shōgun beyond Clavell’s original novel. Shōgun’s creatives, including co-creators, exec producers and writers Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, exec producer Michaela Clavell as well as star and producer Hiroyuki Sanada are all involved with the development.
Shōgun, which wrapped its season in late April, ranks as FX’s most-watched show ever (based on global hours streamed). The 10-episode first season is available now to binge on Hulu.
The news...
- 5/16/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Thursday’s nights Academy of Country Music Awards program will provide further evidence that we are entering a Post country music period. But not as in “post-country,” let’s be clear… we’re talking about a Post Malone country era. The crossover star is expected to debut a song from his forthcoming country album at the ACM Awards, on a show that features nearly all the current heavyweights of the genre in performance slots.
Among the other stars performing new songs on the show are Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and host Reba McEntire; it’s going...
Among the other stars performing new songs on the show are Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and host Reba McEntire; it’s going...
- 5/16/2024
- by Chris Willman
- Variety - TV News
The Environmental Media Association has officially announced the speakers and panelists for its 8th annual Ema Impact Summit, which will feature a closing conversation with Hillary Clinton.
Taking place June 4 and 5 at the Pendry West Hollywood, the event unites Hollywood environmentalists with a wide range of innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives and corporations to discuss bringing sustainability to the forefront. Secretary Clinton will join Ema to dive into the devastating effects of climate change on early childhood development and how her work through the Clinton Foundation’s Too Small to Fail initiative is advancing new solutions. She will also focus on climate storytelling from a new frame, expanding on the silent crisis impacting pregnant women and young children.
Other big-name participants include Rainn Wilson, who will moderate a chat with representatives from Tony’s Chocoloney and Rodney Strong Vineyards about their organic products and practices; True Detective creator Issa Lopez and director Eli Roth,...
Taking place June 4 and 5 at the Pendry West Hollywood, the event unites Hollywood environmentalists with a wide range of innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives and corporations to discuss bringing sustainability to the forefront. Secretary Clinton will join Ema to dive into the devastating effects of climate change on early childhood development and how her work through the Clinton Foundation’s Too Small to Fail initiative is advancing new solutions. She will also focus on climate storytelling from a new frame, expanding on the silent crisis impacting pregnant women and young children.
Other big-name participants include Rainn Wilson, who will moderate a chat with representatives from Tony’s Chocoloney and Rodney Strong Vineyards about their organic products and practices; True Detective creator Issa Lopez and director Eli Roth,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Freddy Fazbear will return to haunt multiplexes in 2025.
Universal and Blumhouse’s “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” a horror sequel set in the haunted Chuck E. Cheese-esque establishment known as Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, will land in theaters on Dec. 5, 2025.
Universal added several Blumhouse titles to its release calendar, including “The Woman in the Yard” and “Drop”. The studio also shifted the dates for two other buzzy sequels: “M3GAN 2.0” from May 16, 2025, to June 27, 2025; and “The Black Phone 2” from June 27, 2025, to Oct. 17, 2025.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s,” adapted from the popular video game, made a killing at the box office last October with $297 million globally and became Blumhouse’s highest-grossing film of all time — all while streaming simultaneously on Peacock. Josh Hutcherson starred in the original as a nighttime security guard at Freddys Fazbear’s Pizza, where the animatronic mascots are prone to murder. The studio hasn’t clarified who is returning for the follow-up,...
Universal and Blumhouse’s “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” a horror sequel set in the haunted Chuck E. Cheese-esque establishment known as Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, will land in theaters on Dec. 5, 2025.
Universal added several Blumhouse titles to its release calendar, including “The Woman in the Yard” and “Drop”. The studio also shifted the dates for two other buzzy sequels: “M3GAN 2.0” from May 16, 2025, to June 27, 2025; and “The Black Phone 2” from June 27, 2025, to Oct. 17, 2025.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s,” adapted from the popular video game, made a killing at the box office last October with $297 million globally and became Blumhouse’s highest-grossing film of all time — all while streaming simultaneously on Peacock. Josh Hutcherson starred in the original as a nighttime security guard at Freddys Fazbear’s Pizza, where the animatronic mascots are prone to murder. The studio hasn’t clarified who is returning for the follow-up,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety - Film News
The NFL has responded to Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College, in which he condemned abortion, euthanasia, IVF, surrogacy and the LGBTQ community. He also denounced the “diabolical lies told to women,” suggesting that enforcing traditional gender roles is the better route.
“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer said in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”
During his 20-minute speech, Butker said to graduating women, “How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may...
“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer said in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”
During his 20-minute speech, Butker said to graduating women, “How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may...
- 5/16/2024
- by Tatiana Tenreyro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tony McFarr, who was Chris Pratt’s stunt double in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and two of the “Jurassic World” movies, died on Monday. He was 47.
McFarr’s mother told TMZ that he died at his home outside of Orlando, Fla. No cause of death has been given. His death was reported on the website of the Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home in Merritt Island, Fla.
The stuntman performed in dozens of movies and shows, dating back to the early 2010s. He first doubled for Pratt on the 2015 film “Jurassic World” and followed that up with 2017’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and 2018’s “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.” He also performed Pratt’s stunts in the 2016 drama “Passengers.”
McFarr’s other stunt credits included a range of blockbusters and Marvel movies like “Captain America: Civil War,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,...
McFarr’s mother told TMZ that he died at his home outside of Orlando, Fla. No cause of death has been given. His death was reported on the website of the Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home in Merritt Island, Fla.
The stuntman performed in dozens of movies and shows, dating back to the early 2010s. He first doubled for Pratt on the 2015 film “Jurassic World” and followed that up with 2017’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and 2018’s “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.” He also performed Pratt’s stunts in the 2016 drama “Passengers.”
McFarr’s other stunt credits included a range of blockbusters and Marvel movies like “Captain America: Civil War,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety - Film News
The Emmy race just got a bit more spicy.
Three popular YouTube web series have found their content creators taking a chance on themselves, which could significantly impact the Emmy race in some categories. The spicy chicken wing interview series Hot Ones, hosted by Sean Evans, has successfully petitioned to be included in the outstanding talk series category. It will compete against late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert.
Created by Chris Schonberger and produced by Complex Media, “Hot Ones” has garnered over three billion views since its debut in 2015. With three seasons airing per calendar year, seasons 21-23, totaling 36 episodes,...
Three popular YouTube web series have found their content creators taking a chance on themselves, which could significantly impact the Emmy race in some categories. The spicy chicken wing interview series Hot Ones, hosted by Sean Evans, has successfully petitioned to be included in the outstanding talk series category. It will compete against late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert.
Created by Chris Schonberger and produced by Complex Media, “Hot Ones” has garnered over three billion views since its debut in 2015. With three seasons airing per calendar year, seasons 21-23, totaling 36 episodes,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety - TV News
With a guest list that totaled 400 bold-faced names, the 2024 Met Gala may rank as the best-attended celebrity event so far this year. But beyond the sheer volume of high-wattage stars who ascended the Metropolitan Museum of Art stairs on May 6, who really won the night’s red carpet in terms of brand exposure?
In the latest edition of the Red Carpet Power Rankings, an exclusive partnership between Launchmetrics and The Hollywood Reporter, the results are in.
It should surprise no one that Zendaya performed well in the rankings of top-five women at the Met Gala, as someone who not only draws intense interest wherever she goes but also because the Euphoria and Challengers star did two laps on the red carpet, first wearing custom Maison Margiela, then changing inside the museum and climbing the steps once again, this time in vintage Givenchy, which she and star stylist Law Roach purchased...
In the latest edition of the Red Carpet Power Rankings, an exclusive partnership between Launchmetrics and The Hollywood Reporter, the results are in.
It should surprise no one that Zendaya performed well in the rankings of top-five women at the Met Gala, as someone who not only draws intense interest wherever she goes but also because the Euphoria and Challengers star did two laps on the red carpet, first wearing custom Maison Margiela, then changing inside the museum and climbing the steps once again, this time in vintage Givenchy, which she and star stylist Law Roach purchased...
- 5/16/2024
- by Laurie Brookins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A pair of young adults sit on a rocky coast staring at the sun as it hovers on the horizon, casting an ochre glow over the landscape. They trade dreams, jokes and promises while smoking a joint. She teases him about being horny. He vows to break up with his girlfriend, so they no longer have to hide their relationship. Later, in bed, nestling into the grooves of each other’s bodies, they will excitedly murmur their visions of tomorrow.
None of their tomorrows comes true because the boy, Diddi (Baldur Einarsson), dies. On his way out of town, an explosion engulfs a tunnel in Reykjavik in flames, indiscriminately incinerating vehicles and bodies like his own. When the girl, Una (Elin Hall), hears the news, she is enveloped by a gutting despair.
Without ever working above a whisper, Runar Runarsson’s When the Light Breaks (Ljósbrot) finds distinctive and unexpectedly...
None of their tomorrows comes true because the boy, Diddi (Baldur Einarsson), dies. On his way out of town, an explosion engulfs a tunnel in Reykjavik in flames, indiscriminately incinerating vehicles and bodies like his own. When the girl, Una (Elin Hall), hears the news, she is enveloped by a gutting despair.
Without ever working above a whisper, Runar Runarsson’s When the Light Breaks (Ljósbrot) finds distinctive and unexpectedly...
- 5/16/2024
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Barbie cast may have hung up their pink wardrobe pieces, but the Mattel doll is keeping her rose-powered world alive through fashion and beauty collections. For those who missed out on Aldo and Barbie’s previous sold-out collaboration, a new drop of Y2K-inspired pieces has arrived.
Related: The Best Barbie Beauty Collections, From Bright Pink Hair Tools to Under-$15 Makeup
Available online and in stores starting today, new limited-edition Aldo x Barbie DreamHouse collection ($35-$160) comprises ’90s- and Y2K-inspired footwear, bags and jewelry in powder pink, bold fuschia and iridescent rosé hues. Shoes include embellished sneakers, comfy sandals, kitten heel mules, translucent slingbacks, four-inch stilettos, stacked heart pumps and chunky platform sandals, all featuring Aldo’s Pillow Walk insoles made of dual-density cushioned foam or bouncy lightweight cushioning for comfort no matter the height.
For carryall collectors, there are microbags with allover Barbie logos, a very Balenciaga...
Related: The Best Barbie Beauty Collections, From Bright Pink Hair Tools to Under-$15 Makeup
Available online and in stores starting today, new limited-edition Aldo x Barbie DreamHouse collection ($35-$160) comprises ’90s- and Y2K-inspired footwear, bags and jewelry in powder pink, bold fuschia and iridescent rosé hues. Shoes include embellished sneakers, comfy sandals, kitten heel mules, translucent slingbacks, four-inch stilettos, stacked heart pumps and chunky platform sandals, all featuring Aldo’s Pillow Walk insoles made of dual-density cushioned foam or bouncy lightweight cushioning for comfort no matter the height.
For carryall collectors, there are microbags with allover Barbie logos, a very Balenciaga...
- 5/16/2024
- by Danielle Directo-Meston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After four decades of filmmaking, Renny Harlin isn’t slowing down in the slightest. The journeyman director, who’s most known for Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, Deep Blue Sea and A Nightmare on Elm Street 4, is back on the big screen with The Strangers: Chapter 1, the first film in a trilogy that he’s already shot across 52 days in Slovakia.
Chapter 1 stays true to Bryan Bertino’s 2008 horror classic, The Strangers, only it imagines a scenario where an analogue for Liv Tyler’s character definitively survives the central home invasion, setting up Chapter Two and Three. Madelaine Petsch’s Maya is now filling that protagonist role, as her cross-country road trip to Portland results in her and her boyfriend (Froy Gutierrez’s Ryan) having to stay at a small town Airbnb due to car trouble. That’s when the Strangers crawl out of the woodwork to play their patented cat-and-mouse game.
Chapter 1 stays true to Bryan Bertino’s 2008 horror classic, The Strangers, only it imagines a scenario where an analogue for Liv Tyler’s character definitively survives the central home invasion, setting up Chapter Two and Three. Madelaine Petsch’s Maya is now filling that protagonist role, as her cross-country road trip to Portland results in her and her boyfriend (Froy Gutierrez’s Ryan) having to stay at a small town Airbnb due to car trouble. That’s when the Strangers crawl out of the woodwork to play their patented cat-and-mouse game.
- 5/16/2024
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Few companies in the world have had such as impact on their local film industry than Globo Filmes, the feature co-production arm of Brazilian giant Globo, which is Latin America’s biggest communications conglomerate. Over the last 25 years, Globo Filmes has backed more than 500 movies, almost all through co-production.
Those films have collectively sold 260 million cinema theater admissions, an average of over 10 million admissions a year, accounting for more than 70% of Brazilian market share from 1998-2024.
Globo Filmes greenlights more than 20 movies a year, powering up by far the biggest production slate of any company in Brazil, thanks to article...
Those films have collectively sold 260 million cinema theater admissions, an average of over 10 million admissions a year, accounting for more than 70% of Brazilian market share from 1998-2024.
Globo Filmes greenlights more than 20 movies a year, powering up by far the biggest production slate of any company in Brazil, thanks to article...
- 5/16/2024
- by John Hopewell
- Variety - TV News
Few companies in the world have had such as impact on their local film industry than Globo Filmes, the feature co-production arm of Brazilian giant Globo, which is Latin America’s biggest communications conglomerate. Over the last 25 years, Globo Filmes has backed more than 500 movies, almost all through co-production.
Those films have collectively sold 260 million cinema theater admissions, an average of over 10 million admissions a year, accounting for more than 70% of Brazilian market share from 1998-2024.
Globo Filmes greenlights more than 20 movies a year, powering up by far the biggest production slate of any company in Brazil, thanks to article 3A of the country’s audiovisual law, which allows it to tap tax incentives for investing in feature films.
Launching in 1998, Globo Filmes helped accelerate the Brazilian film industry’s recovery after President Fernando Collor de Mello shuttered state film agency Embrafilme in 1990, paralyzing production. Twenty-five years later, after a...
Those films have collectively sold 260 million cinema theater admissions, an average of over 10 million admissions a year, accounting for more than 70% of Brazilian market share from 1998-2024.
Globo Filmes greenlights more than 20 movies a year, powering up by far the biggest production slate of any company in Brazil, thanks to article 3A of the country’s audiovisual law, which allows it to tap tax incentives for investing in feature films.
Launching in 1998, Globo Filmes helped accelerate the Brazilian film industry’s recovery after President Fernando Collor de Mello shuttered state film agency Embrafilme in 1990, paralyzing production. Twenty-five years later, after a...
- 5/16/2024
- by John Hopewell
- Variety - Film News
A key driver in Brazil’s late 1990s cinema resurgence, Globo Filmes has co-produced iconic box office blockbusters, Oscar and “A” Fest plays, arthouse breakouts. movies sparking big TV spin-offs. A brief selection of milestones in its storied history:
1990
President Fernando Collar’s government closes state owned film company Embrafilme, decimating Brazilian film production.
1993
A new Audiovisual Law offers companies income tax deductions for investment in Brazilian movies as Brazil’s Resurgence – economic and cultural recovery – lifts off.
1997
Globo Filmes is founded. Recalls Daniel Filho, its guiding spirit, in early years: “I started working in Globo TV but I always said: “I want to make cinema.’ I was on my way to close a deal with exhibitor Luis Severiano Ribeiro to launch a film production house when I got a call from Globo to launch Globo Filmes. I agreed: Globo had to do what French and British channels were doing: Participate in films.
1990
President Fernando Collar’s government closes state owned film company Embrafilme, decimating Brazilian film production.
1993
A new Audiovisual Law offers companies income tax deductions for investment in Brazilian movies as Brazil’s Resurgence – economic and cultural recovery – lifts off.
1997
Globo Filmes is founded. Recalls Daniel Filho, its guiding spirit, in early years: “I started working in Globo TV but I always said: “I want to make cinema.’ I was on my way to close a deal with exhibitor Luis Severiano Ribeiro to launch a film production house when I got a call from Globo to launch Globo Filmes. I agreed: Globo had to do what French and British channels were doing: Participate in films.
- 5/16/2024
- by John Hopewell
- Variety - Film News
Glen Powell, Bad Robot and Imax have released a theatrical trailer in support of The Blue Angels Foundation, a non-profit created by former Blue Angels pilots that funds critical services for wounded veterans and their families. The trailer will run nationwide in anticipation of the Imax original documentary “The Blue Angels,” which starts its Imax exclusive run May 17.
Opening with an introduction from Powell, the trailer goes inside the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station 1 in San Diego, Calif., a housing and support facility for those receiving care from The Blue Angels Foundation. Founded in 2004, Freedom Station 1 provides transitional care, post-traumatic stress treatment and suicide prevention to help wounded veterans reenter the civilian community.
“We’re honored that our foundation will be featured in the upcoming Imax documentary, ‘The Blue Angels,’ showcasing our tireless efforts to serve wounded veterans and their families,” said Scott Kartvedt, president of The Blue Angels Foundation. “This...
Opening with an introduction from Powell, the trailer goes inside the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station 1 in San Diego, Calif., a housing and support facility for those receiving care from The Blue Angels Foundation. Founded in 2004, Freedom Station 1 provides transitional care, post-traumatic stress treatment and suicide prevention to help wounded veterans reenter the civilian community.
“We’re honored that our foundation will be featured in the upcoming Imax documentary, ‘The Blue Angels,’ showcasing our tireless efforts to serve wounded veterans and their families,” said Scott Kartvedt, president of The Blue Angels Foundation. “This...
- 5/16/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety - Film News
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