Spoiler Alert: The following contains details about the first two episodes of Disney+/Lucasfilm’s Ahsoka, “Master and Apprentice” and “Toil and Trouble.”
The first episode of tonight’s Disney+ Star Wars series, Ahsoka, is dedicated to late actor Ray Stevenson, who died May 21 in Ischia, Italy.
A placard reads at the end of the epsiode, “For our friend, Ray.”
The Northern Ireland-born actor has a sizeable role on Ahsoka, playing an evil, Jedi-trained henchman, Baylan Skoll. He travels around the galaxy with his apprentice, Shin Hati, played by Ivanna Sakhno. In the first episode, “Master and Apprentice,” directed by series creator Dave Filoni, the duo rescues a witch, Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) who is key in bringing the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen), who’ll rule the empire.
Related: ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’ Trailer Sees Rosario Dawson Attempt To Stop A War Brewing In The Galaxy
Stevenson...
The first episode of tonight’s Disney+ Star Wars series, Ahsoka, is dedicated to late actor Ray Stevenson, who died May 21 in Ischia, Italy.
A placard reads at the end of the epsiode, “For our friend, Ray.”
The Northern Ireland-born actor has a sizeable role on Ahsoka, playing an evil, Jedi-trained henchman, Baylan Skoll. He travels around the galaxy with his apprentice, Shin Hati, played by Ivanna Sakhno. In the first episode, “Master and Apprentice,” directed by series creator Dave Filoni, the duo rescues a witch, Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) who is key in bringing the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen), who’ll rule the empire.
Related: ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’ Trailer Sees Rosario Dawson Attempt To Stop A War Brewing In The Galaxy
Stevenson...
- 8/23/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Prison Break and Legends Of Tomorrow star Dominic Purcell is replacing the late Ray Stevenson in Paramount and Republic Pictures’ movie Cassino In Ischia, which is now back underway in Italy.
Production came to an abrupt halt in late May after lead actor Stevenson suffered sudden illness and was rushed to hospital where he passed away aged 58.
Purcell takes on the role of Nic Cassino, a former action star who is knocked off his perch by the next generation of action heroes. In an attempt to revive his career, he travels to Italy to make the first ever “Neo-Realist” action film with a down on his luck Italian director. When unresolved family struggles resurface, he is forced to reconcile all he left behind on his road to fame.
Pic is being produced by Martin Scorsese collaborator Barbara DeFina, whose credits with the filmmaker include Silence, Casino, Cape Fear, The Color Of Money,...
Production came to an abrupt halt in late May after lead actor Stevenson suffered sudden illness and was rushed to hospital where he passed away aged 58.
Purcell takes on the role of Nic Cassino, a former action star who is knocked off his perch by the next generation of action heroes. In an attempt to revive his career, he travels to Italy to make the first ever “Neo-Realist” action film with a down on his luck Italian director. When unresolved family struggles resurface, he is forced to reconcile all he left behind on his road to fame.
Pic is being produced by Martin Scorsese collaborator Barbara DeFina, whose credits with the filmmaker include Silence, Casino, Cape Fear, The Color Of Money,...
- 6/29/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Sad news out of the TV and movie world on Monday as it has been reported that Ray Stevenson has died.
The beloved actor was 58 years old, passing away just four days shy of his birthday.
Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported that Stevenson had been hospitalized on the island of Ischia while working on the movie Cassino on Ischia, directed by Frank Ciota.
Stevenson had a string of beloved TV and movie roles on his resume and was said to be working on many projects at the time of his death.
He found much success for his work on SS Rajamouli’s global box office smash Rrr.
The 6-foot-3 actor is also well-known for his appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the role of Volstagg across the Thor franchise.
Stevenson also had a significant recurring role in the History drama series Vikings as Othere.
He also had a presence in the Star Wars universe,...
The beloved actor was 58 years old, passing away just four days shy of his birthday.
Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported that Stevenson had been hospitalized on the island of Ischia while working on the movie Cassino on Ischia, directed by Frank Ciota.
Stevenson had a string of beloved TV and movie roles on his resume and was said to be working on many projects at the time of his death.
He found much success for his work on SS Rajamouli’s global box office smash Rrr.
The 6-foot-3 actor is also well-known for his appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the role of Volstagg across the Thor franchise.
Stevenson also had a significant recurring role in the History drama series Vikings as Othere.
He also had a presence in the Star Wars universe,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Ray Stevenson, the actor behind memorable roles in Marvel’s Thor series, Rrr, Divergent, Vikings, and more, died Sunday in Italy. Details related to Stevenson’s passing are developing. However, the Italian newspaper La Repubblica says he was hospitalized on the island of Ischia while in production on the film Cassino on Ischia, directed by Frank Ciota.
In April, Stevenson embraced fans at Star Wars Celebration. In the upcoming Star Wars series Ahsoka, he plays one of the primary antagonists, Baylan Skoll. Like a kid waking up on Christmas morning to a tree packed with presents, Stevenson expressed his gratitude for playing in the Star Wars Universe by saying, “Getting to wield the light saber is just the best feeling in the world,” he said with a smile. “The first time they handed it to for the camera test, I couldn’t help myself, I made the noise.”
Many know...
In April, Stevenson embraced fans at Star Wars Celebration. In the upcoming Star Wars series Ahsoka, he plays one of the primary antagonists, Baylan Skoll. Like a kid waking up on Christmas morning to a tree packed with presents, Stevenson expressed his gratitude for playing in the Star Wars Universe by saying, “Getting to wield the light saber is just the best feeling in the world,” he said with a smile. “The first time they handed it to for the camera test, I couldn’t help myself, I made the noise.”
Many know...
- 5/22/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Ray Stevenson, the burly British actor who starred as Volstagg in the Thor movies and as the brutally evil governor in the recent Oscar-winning Indian hit Rrr, has died. He was 58.
Stevenson died Sunday, four days shy of his birthday, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Hollywood Reporter. The Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported he had been hospitalized on the island of Ischia while in production on the film Cassino on Ischia, directed by Frank Ciota.
No other details of his death were immediately available.
The 6-foot-3 actor was an imposing presence onscreen and commanded attention when he took to the stage in April for a public appearance at Star Wars Celebration in London. He is one of the main antagonists in the upcoming Star Wars series Ahsoka.
“Getting to wield the light saber is just the best feeling in the world,” he said then. “The first time they handed...
Stevenson died Sunday, four days shy of his birthday, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Hollywood Reporter. The Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported he had been hospitalized on the island of Ischia while in production on the film Cassino on Ischia, directed by Frank Ciota.
No other details of his death were immediately available.
The 6-foot-3 actor was an imposing presence onscreen and commanded attention when he took to the stage in April for a public appearance at Star Wars Celebration in London. He is one of the main antagonists in the upcoming Star Wars series Ahsoka.
“Getting to wield the light saber is just the best feeling in the world,” he said then. “The first time they handed...
- 5/22/2023
- by Borys Kit, Aaron Couch and Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Rrr and Thor franchise star Ray Stevenson is headlining Frank Ciota’s Cassino in Ischia, a feature which is being produced by Goodfellas and Casino‘s Barbara DeFina.
The pic is a Republic Pictures Acquisition which is being distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
In the movie, three-time winner of “Best Yell in Action Film,” box office king and action star Nic Cassino (Stevenson) is knocked off his perch by the next generation of action heroes. In an attempt to revive his career, he travels to Italy to make the first ever “Neo-Realist” action film with down on their luck Italian directors. However, unresolved struggles with his family resurface and he is forced to reconcile all he left behind on his road to fame. Frank Ciota’s brother, Joseph Ciota, wrote the screenplay. The brothers previously collaborated on Stiffs and Ciao America.
Pic is produced by Isola Verde Films and DeFina Film Productions.
The pic is a Republic Pictures Acquisition which is being distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
In the movie, three-time winner of “Best Yell in Action Film,” box office king and action star Nic Cassino (Stevenson) is knocked off his perch by the next generation of action heroes. In an attempt to revive his career, he travels to Italy to make the first ever “Neo-Realist” action film with down on their luck Italian directors. However, unresolved struggles with his family resurface and he is forced to reconcile all he left behind on his road to fame. Frank Ciota’s brother, Joseph Ciota, wrote the screenplay. The brothers previously collaborated on Stiffs and Ciao America.
Pic is produced by Isola Verde Films and DeFina Film Productions.
- 5/15/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
A look at what's new on DVD today:
"Afterschool" (2009)
Directed by Antonio Campos
Released by Mpi Home Video
Nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature, Campos' polarizing debut stars Ezra Miller as a high schooler whose Av club assignment leads him to capture the drug-induced deaths of two of his popular prep school classmates. [Sam Adams' review of the film is here.]
"All Men Are Brothers" (1975) and "Return of the 5 Deadly Venoms" (1978)
Directed by Chang Cheh and Wu Ma/Chang Cheh
Released by Well Go USA
Well Go USA do long-suffering American kung fu fans a solid and finally release "All Men Are Brothers," the sequel to the Shaw Brothers' epic "Seven Blows of the Dragon" (a.k.a. "Water Margin") featuring David Chiang and Chen Kuan-tai as warriors battling against the tyranny of despots, and "Return of the 5 Deadly Venoms," which pits Shaw brothers favorites' the Venom Mob against the master that crippled them.
"Afterschool" (2009)
Directed by Antonio Campos
Released by Mpi Home Video
Nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature, Campos' polarizing debut stars Ezra Miller as a high schooler whose Av club assignment leads him to capture the drug-induced deaths of two of his popular prep school classmates. [Sam Adams' review of the film is here.]
"All Men Are Brothers" (1975) and "Return of the 5 Deadly Venoms" (1978)
Directed by Chang Cheh and Wu Ma/Chang Cheh
Released by Well Go USA
Well Go USA do long-suffering American kung fu fans a solid and finally release "All Men Are Brothers," the sequel to the Shaw Brothers' epic "Seven Blows of the Dragon" (a.k.a. "Water Margin") featuring David Chiang and Chen Kuan-tai as warriors battling against the tyranny of despots, and "Return of the 5 Deadly Venoms," which pits Shaw brothers favorites' the Venom Mob against the master that crippled them.
- 9/8/2010
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
Neighborhoods may change, but the intolerant attitudes of some insular communities go on. One hopeful person's charming new environment is another's hellhole of stifled dreams and crushing family pressures.
There are a few worthy notions in debut filmmaker Frank Ciota's low-budget drama set in Boston's Little Italy, but the story line is uninvolving and the performances are unable to keep one fully engaged. With not-the-best sound and overly conservative direction, "The North End" nonetheless kept the attention of audiences at the Santa Barbara (Calif.) International Film Festival.
With a background in advertising, Ciota made several short films in the early 1990s and then teamed with his screenwriter brother Joseph to create "The North End". Part homage and part social critique, the film sticks close to the bars and sidewalks of the titular neighborhood.
Headliner Frank Vincent ("Casino") plays Dom Dibella, a North Ender who made it to Hollywood as an actor playing bad guys and has returned to reprise the role of mob godfather in real life. Community elder and general of the local troops, he leads the way in bemoaning the intrusion of yuppies and "Moroccans" in the 'hood.
Two of the invaders are Harvard graduates Freddie (Matt Del Negro) and Mac (Mark Hartmann), who end up falling for beguiling local beauty Danielle (Lina Sivio). Freddie is an aspiring filmmaker on a quest to make a documentary about the changing local scene, while Mac is a successful investment banker who recently broke up with his fiancee.
Neither choose to heed the warning that many protective males with guns and bad attitudes await those who defile an Italian woman and treat her wrong. Believing their ethnicity is most strongly reflected in the maternal side of one's family, these macho guys also reserve the right to physically intimidate or discipline their own mothers, sisters and wives given the proper circumstances.
Young and heading toward a career in modeling, Danielle wants none of it. But jealous Mac is prone to violence, and she soon realizes her mistake. Jumping in when he gets a chance, quiet and thoughtful Freddie is an Italian kid who has evolved beyond the "traditional" values of Dom DiBella. He makes quick headway with Danielle, and disaster looms on several fronts.
Overall, "The North End" is believable enough but not unique or particularly challenging. It's hard to get behind the characters, and the banter of bigots grows wearisome -- even if there are a few good laughs included. Sivio, Del Negro and Hartmann give it their best, and they all have memorable moments.
THE NORTH END
Mavex
Director: Frank Ciota
Producer: Michael King
Screenwriter: Joseph A. Ciota
Director of photography: Jonathan Bekemeier
Art director: Matt Hankey
Editor: George Chiochios
Music: Adam Steinberg
Color/stereo
Cast:
Dom Dibella: Frank Vincent
Freddie: Matt Del Negro
Danielle: Lina Sivio
Mac: Mark Hartmann
Running time -- 98 minutes
No MPAA rating...
There are a few worthy notions in debut filmmaker Frank Ciota's low-budget drama set in Boston's Little Italy, but the story line is uninvolving and the performances are unable to keep one fully engaged. With not-the-best sound and overly conservative direction, "The North End" nonetheless kept the attention of audiences at the Santa Barbara (Calif.) International Film Festival.
With a background in advertising, Ciota made several short films in the early 1990s and then teamed with his screenwriter brother Joseph to create "The North End". Part homage and part social critique, the film sticks close to the bars and sidewalks of the titular neighborhood.
Headliner Frank Vincent ("Casino") plays Dom Dibella, a North Ender who made it to Hollywood as an actor playing bad guys and has returned to reprise the role of mob godfather in real life. Community elder and general of the local troops, he leads the way in bemoaning the intrusion of yuppies and "Moroccans" in the 'hood.
Two of the invaders are Harvard graduates Freddie (Matt Del Negro) and Mac (Mark Hartmann), who end up falling for beguiling local beauty Danielle (Lina Sivio). Freddie is an aspiring filmmaker on a quest to make a documentary about the changing local scene, while Mac is a successful investment banker who recently broke up with his fiancee.
Neither choose to heed the warning that many protective males with guns and bad attitudes await those who defile an Italian woman and treat her wrong. Believing their ethnicity is most strongly reflected in the maternal side of one's family, these macho guys also reserve the right to physically intimidate or discipline their own mothers, sisters and wives given the proper circumstances.
Young and heading toward a career in modeling, Danielle wants none of it. But jealous Mac is prone to violence, and she soon realizes her mistake. Jumping in when he gets a chance, quiet and thoughtful Freddie is an Italian kid who has evolved beyond the "traditional" values of Dom DiBella. He makes quick headway with Danielle, and disaster looms on several fronts.
Overall, "The North End" is believable enough but not unique or particularly challenging. It's hard to get behind the characters, and the banter of bigots grows wearisome -- even if there are a few good laughs included. Sivio, Del Negro and Hartmann give it their best, and they all have memorable moments.
THE NORTH END
Mavex
Director: Frank Ciota
Producer: Michael King
Screenwriter: Joseph A. Ciota
Director of photography: Jonathan Bekemeier
Art director: Matt Hankey
Editor: George Chiochios
Music: Adam Steinberg
Color/stereo
Cast:
Dom Dibella: Frank Vincent
Freddie: Matt Del Negro
Danielle: Lina Sivio
Mac: Mark Hartmann
Running time -- 98 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 3/25/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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