What's the best Disney villain song? I love Scar's devious rallying call "Be Prepared" from "The Lion King." For the feminine villains, "Mother Knows Best" from "Tangled" (sung by Tony winner Donna Murphy as Gothel) is deliciously theatrical.
Ultimately, still, the crown can't go anywhere but to "Hellfire" from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," as Claude Frollo (the late Tony Jay) sings before a searing fireplace about his lust for Romani "witch" Esmeralda (Demi Moore). Jay's mellifluous baritone was like no other — the actor's voice was so powerful it lifted the song with its echoes.
Now, the "Hunchback" soundtrack is nothing to sneer at, but "Hellfire" is on another level of daring ambition. "Out There" (by Tom Hulce as Quasimodo) is the "yearning song" seen in many a Disney movie, a la "Part of Your World" from "The Little Mermaid" or "Belle's Reprise" from "Beauty and the Beast." Esmeralda's...
Ultimately, still, the crown can't go anywhere but to "Hellfire" from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," as Claude Frollo (the late Tony Jay) sings before a searing fireplace about his lust for Romani "witch" Esmeralda (Demi Moore). Jay's mellifluous baritone was like no other — the actor's voice was so powerful it lifted the song with its echoes.
Now, the "Hunchback" soundtrack is nothing to sneer at, but "Hellfire" is on another level of daring ambition. "Out There" (by Tom Hulce as Quasimodo) is the "yearning song" seen in many a Disney movie, a la "Part of Your World" from "The Little Mermaid" or "Belle's Reprise" from "Beauty and the Beast." Esmeralda's...
- 4/15/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Nearly a month after Jonathan Glazer’s Oscars speech reverberated across Hollywood and caused a wave of controversy, 455 Jewish creatives (and counting) have signed a letter in a show of support.
“We were alarmed to see some of our colleagues in the industry mischaracterize and denounce his remarks. Their attacks on Glazer are a dangerous distraction from Israel’s escalating military campaign which has already killed over 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza and brought hundreds of thousands to the brink of starvation,” reads the letter, published amid the continued conflict in the Middle East. “We grieve for all those who have been killed in Palestine and Israel over too many decades, including the 1200 Israelis killed in the October 7 Hamas attacks and the 253 hostages taken.”
The letter is signed by a mix of actors, writers, producers, filmmakers and other creatives. Among those backing Glazer are Joker star Joaquin Phoenix; Killer Films vet Pamela Koffler...
“We were alarmed to see some of our colleagues in the industry mischaracterize and denounce his remarks. Their attacks on Glazer are a dangerous distraction from Israel’s escalating military campaign which has already killed over 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza and brought hundreds of thousands to the brink of starvation,” reads the letter, published amid the continued conflict in the Middle East. “We grieve for all those who have been killed in Palestine and Israel over too many decades, including the 1200 Israelis killed in the October 7 Hamas attacks and the 253 hostages taken.”
The letter is signed by a mix of actors, writers, producers, filmmakers and other creatives. Among those backing Glazer are Joker star Joaquin Phoenix; Killer Films vet Pamela Koffler...
- 4/10/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Update: More than 300 Jewish creatives — including eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, “SNL” star Sarah Sherman, actor and documentarian Alex Winter and “Seinfeld” writer Larry Charles — have added their names to the list of signatories of an open letter in support of Jonathan Glazer’s Oscars speech.
The number of signees now sits at 492, having more than tripled since Variety first published the April 5 letter, which criticized the attacks on Glazer for being a “dangerous distraction” from the mounting death toll in Gaza while also contributing to the “suppression of free speech and dissent.”
New additions also include Oscar-winning “Anatomy of a Fall” co-writer Arthur Harari, veteran U.K. producer and Oscar winner Jeremy Thomas, “Girls” co-showrunner and co-writer Jenni Konner and “The Hunger Games” writer and director and four-time Oscar nominee Gary Ross. Many members of the Israeli film community have also signed the open letter, including Oren Moverman, Nadav Lapid,...
The number of signees now sits at 492, having more than tripled since Variety first published the April 5 letter, which criticized the attacks on Glazer for being a “dangerous distraction” from the mounting death toll in Gaza while also contributing to the “suppression of free speech and dissent.”
New additions also include Oscar-winning “Anatomy of a Fall” co-writer Arthur Harari, veteran U.K. producer and Oscar winner Jeremy Thomas, “Girls” co-showrunner and co-writer Jenni Konner and “The Hunger Games” writer and director and four-time Oscar nominee Gary Ross. Many members of the Israeli film community have also signed the open letter, including Oren Moverman, Nadav Lapid,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Ellise Shafer and Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
It's a testament to Disney's branding that mainstream audiences don't necessarily know who directed or starred in some of their better-known movies. Although many have seen the studio's 1950 animated feature "Cinderella," most audiences wouldn't be able to tell you that Ilene Woods played the title character, or that Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, and Clyde Geronimi directed the film. Disney's "Aladdin" changed that with the casting of Robin Williams as the Genie. And the trend of hiring known screen celebrities, often not voice actors, to sell an animated feature to a broad audience went to a whole other level in the wake of DreamWorks' "Shrek." The advent of the internet also helped certain actresses become known among Disney fans. Nowadays, many adults know the names of the actresses who played characters like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, or Ariel the Mermaid.
By Disney's own selection, there are thirteen "official" Disney Princesses: Snow White,...
By Disney's own selection, there are thirteen "official" Disney Princesses: Snow White,...
- 3/25/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
What are the greatest songs by Ariana Grande? The singer with her signature powerhouse voice has made a name for herself on the charts and on the awards scene, so we’ve ranked our favorite songs she has recorded … so far. Did your favorite make the cut? And what do you think of our choice for her best song ever?
Grande started out on Broadway when she was just 15 in the musical “13,” which featured an entirely teenage cast. Then she broke out even bigger a couple of years later when she played Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon comedy “Victorious” in the early 2010s and then its spinoff “Sam and Cat.”
SEEBiggest Grammy Winners of All Time: See The Most Awarded Artists
Like other artists who came before her — including Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato — she turned her notoriety on kids’ TV into a bestselling music career.
Grande started out on Broadway when she was just 15 in the musical “13,” which featured an entirely teenage cast. Then she broke out even bigger a couple of years later when she played Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon comedy “Victorious” in the early 2010s and then its spinoff “Sam and Cat.”
SEEBiggest Grammy Winners of All Time: See The Most Awarded Artists
Like other artists who came before her — including Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato — she turned her notoriety on kids’ TV into a bestselling music career.
- 3/22/2024
- by Kevin Jacobsen and Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
After dabbling in TV for much of the last decade, Gremlins and The Howling director Joe Dante is set to return to feature filmmaking with his first project since 2014’s Burying the Ex. Dante, who kicked off his career in the late 1970s with the Roger Corman-backed Hollywood Boulevard and Piranha, will now reunite with the legendary filmmaker for a reboot of Little Shop of Horrors.
Initially directed by Corman in 1960 as a micro-budget feature (starring a young Jack Nicholson!), the story was then re-popularized in the 1980s with Frank Oz’s take, itself based on Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman’s Off-Broadway play. This new version is titled Little Shop of Halloween Horrors, Deadline reports. Corman will produce Dante’s reboot, which is described as a hopeful franchise-starter (continuer?), but there are no other specific details outside of the obvious Halloween theme of the title.
The original...
Initially directed by Corman in 1960 as a micro-budget feature (starring a young Jack Nicholson!), the story was then re-popularized in the 1980s with Frank Oz’s take, itself based on Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman’s Off-Broadway play. This new version is titled Little Shop of Halloween Horrors, Deadline reports. Corman will produce Dante’s reboot, which is described as a hopeful franchise-starter (continuer?), but there are no other specific details outside of the obvious Halloween theme of the title.
The original...
- 3/18/2024
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
A remake of Little Shop Of Horrors is in the works with director Joe Dante and original creator Roger Corman.
The last update we had on a remake of Little Shop Of Horrors was back in 2020, when it was reported that Taron Egerton, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans were set to star, with Greg Berlanti directing from a script by Matthew Robinson.
It now appears those plans have been abandoned in favour of a different creative team. Described as a “reimagining intended to jumpstart a new franchise”, Little Shop Of Halloween Horrors will be directed by Joe Dante, according to Deadline.
Charles S Haas, who previously collaborated with Dante on Gremlins 2: The New Batch, will write the screenplay. Roger Corman will co-produce with Brad Krevoy.
The story originated as low-budget film directed by Corman and co-starring a young Jack Nicholson. Little Shop Of Horrors quickly cemented itself as a...
The last update we had on a remake of Little Shop Of Horrors was back in 2020, when it was reported that Taron Egerton, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans were set to star, with Greg Berlanti directing from a script by Matthew Robinson.
It now appears those plans have been abandoned in favour of a different creative team. Described as a “reimagining intended to jumpstart a new franchise”, Little Shop Of Halloween Horrors will be directed by Joe Dante, according to Deadline.
Charles S Haas, who previously collaborated with Dante on Gremlins 2: The New Batch, will write the screenplay. Roger Corman will co-produce with Brad Krevoy.
The story originated as low-budget film directed by Corman and co-starring a young Jack Nicholson. Little Shop Of Horrors quickly cemented itself as a...
- 3/18/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Get in, loser, we're bringing back the horror/comedy. Recent attempts to find our next great, mainstream-friendly horror franchise have mostly involved such uninspired efforts as Disney's "Haunted Mansion" remake and, most recently, the news that Hollywood is giving "The Blob" another shot. This time, however, no lesser talents than horror legends Joe Dante and Roger Corman are teaming up to reboot the classic 1960 film "The Little Shop of Horrors." Even the most ardently anti-remake fan out there would have to admit that this feels like a win-win.
The exciting news comes courtesy of Deadline, which reports that this "reimagining" is meant to kickstart a whole new franchise, a phrase that would surely cause a shiver to run down the spine of anyone who witnessed something like Universal's "Dark Universe" gambit flame out in spectacular fashion ... if it weren't for the filmmakers involved on this project, that is. Dante will direct the reboot,...
The exciting news comes courtesy of Deadline, which reports that this "reimagining" is meant to kickstart a whole new franchise, a phrase that would surely cause a shiver to run down the spine of anyone who witnessed something like Universal's "Dark Universe" gambit flame out in spectacular fashion ... if it weren't for the filmmakers involved on this project, that is. Dante will direct the reboot,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Iconic filmmakers Joe Dante and Roger Corman are teaming with Emmy-nominated veteran producer Brad Krevoy, CEO of Mpca, on Little Shop of Halloween Horrors, a reboot of Corman’s famed 1960 horror comedy, Little Shop of Horrors.
A reimagining intended to jumpstart a new franchise, Little Shop of Halloween Horrors will be directed by Dante, from a script by Charles S. Haas (Gremlins 2: The New Batch), with Corman and Krevoy co-producing. Also joining the project is independent producer Charles Cohen, who previously worked at T-Street, where he oversaw and executive produced the Republic Pictures release Snack Shack, in addition to developing other projects for the company.
Originating as a low-budget genre flick directed by Corman and co-starring a young Jack Nicholson, the first Little Shop of Horrors quickly cemented itself as a cult classic following its release in 1960. Shot on a shoestring budget, pic tells the...
A reimagining intended to jumpstart a new franchise, Little Shop of Halloween Horrors will be directed by Dante, from a script by Charles S. Haas (Gremlins 2: The New Batch), with Corman and Krevoy co-producing. Also joining the project is independent producer Charles Cohen, who previously worked at T-Street, where he oversaw and executive produced the Republic Pictures release Snack Shack, in addition to developing other projects for the company.
Originating as a low-budget genre flick directed by Corman and co-starring a young Jack Nicholson, the first Little Shop of Horrors quickly cemented itself as a cult classic following its release in 1960. Shot on a shoestring budget, pic tells the...
- 3/15/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala will feature a special appearance from Diane Warren, who has been named this year’s recipient of the Johnny Mercer Award. The award, to be presented at the ceremony on June 13, is considered to be the institution’s highest honor. It is reserved for songwriters and songwriting teams that have already been inducted into the Hall of Fame and whose catalogue of work matches the quality and standards set by esteemed songwriter Johnny Mercer.
“I’m beyond honored to receive the Johnny Mercer Award,...
“I’m beyond honored to receive the Johnny Mercer Award,...
- 2/22/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Just weeks ago, Sir Elton John became the 19th entertainer to win the highly desirable Egot by claiming his first ever Emmy Award. And now, which person is the most likely to be the 20th Egot later this year, in 2025 or beyond? Here is a summary of the 80 people who have the best chance right now.
The most likely duo could be composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (actually meaning a 20th and 21st Egot if they win). They are producers and songwriters for the third season of “Only Murders in the Building,” so they will have a couple of opportunities in September at the Emmys. They first won an Oscar, Tony, and Grammy.
For the 2024 Grammys, nobody is nominated who could become an Egot, so the next possible chance would be 2025. There are a total of 25 people who have won everything needed except a Grammy. They are actress Ellen Burstyn,...
The most likely duo could be composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (actually meaning a 20th and 21st Egot if they win). They are producers and songwriters for the third season of “Only Murders in the Building,” so they will have a couple of opportunities in September at the Emmys. They first won an Oscar, Tony, and Grammy.
For the 2024 Grammys, nobody is nominated who could become an Egot, so the next possible chance would be 2025. There are a total of 25 people who have won everything needed except a Grammy. They are actress Ellen Burstyn,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
It’s early afternoon on a Friday when Darren Criss and Evan Rachel Wood pick up the phone, just five days before they are set to debut as the new Seymour and Audrey in off-Broadway’s Little Shop of Horrors.
Both are on their way to the Westside Theatre stage for their first top-to-bottom run-through, taking over the complicated but beloved characters based on Roger Corman’s 1960 horror comedy and deftly adapted for the stage by theater legends Howard Ashman (book and lyrics) and Alan Menken (music).
Now in the fifth year of the U.S. revival of the dark goings-on of a Skid Row flower shop, several notable names have left their mark on the show: Jonathan Groff, Jeremy Jordan, Conrad Ricamora, Corbin Bleu, Constance Wu, Maude Apatow, Tammy Blanchard and Lena Hall. But none quite like this, as an intentional leap together among friends.
As the interview begins,...
Both are on their way to the Westside Theatre stage for their first top-to-bottom run-through, taking over the complicated but beloved characters based on Roger Corman’s 1960 horror comedy and deftly adapted for the stage by theater legends Howard Ashman (book and lyrics) and Alan Menken (music).
Now in the fifth year of the U.S. revival of the dark goings-on of a Skid Row flower shop, several notable names have left their mark on the show: Jonathan Groff, Jeremy Jordan, Conrad Ricamora, Corbin Bleu, Constance Wu, Maude Apatow, Tammy Blanchard and Lena Hall. But none quite like this, as an intentional leap together among friends.
As the interview begins,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Only 19 people have won the awards grand slam known as the Egot. They are (in chronological order of achievement) composer Richard Rodgers, actress Helen Hayes, actress Rita Moreno, actor John Gielgud, actress Audrey Hepburn, composer Marvin Hamlisch, orchestrator Jonathan Tunick, writer/director/composer Mel Brooks, director Mike Nichols, actress Whoopi Goldberg, producer Scott Rudin, composer Robert Lopez, singer and actor John Legend, composer Tim Rice, composer Andrew Lloyd
Webber, composer Alan Menken, actress/producer Jennifer Hudson, actress Viola Davis and composer Elton John.
There are a total of eight people who have won a combination of the Tony, Oscar and Grammy without an Emmy Award. The two living people are featured in this photo gallery because they could still achieve the Egot. They are composer Benj Pasek and composer Justin Paul.
The six deceased people are actor Henry Fonda, composer Oscar Hammerstein, composer Alan Jay Lerner, composer Frank Loesser, composer...
Webber, composer Alan Menken, actress/producer Jennifer Hudson, actress Viola Davis and composer Elton John.
There are a total of eight people who have won a combination of the Tony, Oscar and Grammy without an Emmy Award. The two living people are featured in this photo gallery because they could still achieve the Egot. They are composer Benj Pasek and composer Justin Paul.
The six deceased people are actor Henry Fonda, composer Oscar Hammerstein, composer Alan Jay Lerner, composer Frank Loesser, composer...
- 1/23/2024
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Sir Elton John has become the 19th person to win an Egot.
At this year’s Emmy Awards, the 76-year-old musician completed the rare distinction by winning Best Variety Special for his 2022 Disney+ concert film, Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.
Over the course of his legendary career, John has won six Grammys, two Academy Awards, and one Tony Award. With tonight’s win at the Emmys, John follows in the footsteps of legends like Richard Rogers, Rita Moreno, Audrey Hepburn, Mel Brooks, and Andrew Lloyd Webber in achieving Egot status.
Prior to John, the most recent Egot winners were John Legend (2018), Alan Menken (2020), Jennifer Hudson (2022), and Viola Davis (2023).
John did not attend tonight’s Emmy Awards, but did issue a statement following his victory. “I am incredibly humbled to be joining the unbelievably talented group of Egot winners tonight,” he said. “The journey to this moment has been filled with passion,...
At this year’s Emmy Awards, the 76-year-old musician completed the rare distinction by winning Best Variety Special for his 2022 Disney+ concert film, Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.
Over the course of his legendary career, John has won six Grammys, two Academy Awards, and one Tony Award. With tonight’s win at the Emmys, John follows in the footsteps of legends like Richard Rogers, Rita Moreno, Audrey Hepburn, Mel Brooks, and Andrew Lloyd Webber in achieving Egot status.
Prior to John, the most recent Egot winners were John Legend (2018), Alan Menken (2020), Jennifer Hudson (2022), and Viola Davis (2023).
John did not attend tonight’s Emmy Awards, but did issue a statement following his victory. “I am incredibly humbled to be joining the unbelievably talented group of Egot winners tonight,” he said. “The journey to this moment has been filled with passion,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Music
Elton John is officially an Egot winner.
The “I’m Still Standing” singer joined the elite Egot club on Monday night after he was awarded for his Disney+ show Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium at the 2023 Emmy Awards. An Egot is an artist who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony Award in their career.
John was not present to accept the award Monday as he is recovering from a knee injury, but he shared a statement about the honor via his publicist.
“I am incredibly...
The “I’m Still Standing” singer joined the elite Egot club on Monday night after he was awarded for his Disney+ show Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium at the 2023 Emmy Awards. An Egot is an artist who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony Award in their career.
John was not present to accept the award Monday as he is recovering from a knee injury, but he shared a statement about the honor via his publicist.
“I am incredibly...
- 1/16/2024
- by Jodi Guglielmi
- Rollingstone.com
Elton John is the latest member of the Egot club, scoring his first Emmy for best variety special (live).
The 2023 Emmy Awards win for the musician’s Farewell From Dodger Stadium special, which he secured during Monday night’s telecast, joins his Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.
The Disney+ special chronicles the musician’s final North American show as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. The tour began in 2018 and was set to end in 2021 but was postponed, like many tours, by the Covid-19 pandemic.
John was recovering from a knee operation and couldn’t attend the show, so producer Ben Winston accepted the award on his behalf. “He’s absolutely fine, but he wanted to send his love and thanks to the Television Academy for this incredible award,” Winston said. “We did know this was going to be historic because it was going to win a man...
The 2023 Emmy Awards win for the musician’s Farewell From Dodger Stadium special, which he secured during Monday night’s telecast, joins his Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.
The Disney+ special chronicles the musician’s final North American show as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. The tour began in 2018 and was set to end in 2021 but was postponed, like many tours, by the Covid-19 pandemic.
John was recovering from a knee operation and couldn’t attend the show, so producer Ben Winston accepted the award on his behalf. “He’s absolutely fine, but he wanted to send his love and thanks to the Television Academy for this incredible award,” Winston said. “We did know this was going to be historic because it was going to win a man...
- 1/16/2024
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sir Elton John just won his first Emmy Award on Monday night’s ceremony, making him the 19th person ever to achieve an Egot. His Disney+ program “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium” was nominated for Best Variety Special (Live) against “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage,” “The Oscars,” “Super Bowl Lvii Halftime Show” and “75th Annual Tony Awards.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member has also won two Oscars for Best Original Song (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King” in 1994; and I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from “Rocketman” in 2019). He won a Tony Award for the original score of “Aida” in 2000. And he’s a five-time Grammy Award winner for “That’s What Friends Are For” (1987), “Basque” (1992), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1995), “Candle in the Wind” (1998) and “Aida” (2001).
SEEElton John songs: 25 greatest hits ranked worst to best
Only 18 people previously have won...
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member has also won two Oscars for Best Original Song (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King” in 1994; and I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from “Rocketman” in 2019). He won a Tony Award for the original score of “Aida” in 2000. And he’s a five-time Grammy Award winner for “That’s What Friends Are For” (1987), “Basque” (1992), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1995), “Candle in the Wind” (1998) and “Aida” (2001).
SEEElton John songs: 25 greatest hits ranked worst to best
Only 18 people previously have won...
- 1/16/2024
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS (Getty Images), Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures, Moris Puccio/Legendary Entertainment, Disney/Pixar, Daniel Pockett (Getty Images), Amazon MGM Studios, Focus Features, Image: Courtesy of Netflix, Courtesy of HBO, Lucasfilm, Graphic: The A.V. ClubHere’s why you know that song from Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig...
- 1/13/2024
- avclub.com
Clockwise from top left: Flora And Son (Apple), Barbie (Warner Bros.), American Symphony (Netflix), Asteroid City (Focus Features)Graphic: The A.V. Club
When the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences recently released its shortlist of the 15 songs in consideration for Best Original Song nomination, there was almost as much...
When the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences recently released its shortlist of the 15 songs in consideration for Best Original Song nomination, there was almost as much...
- 1/10/2024
- by Cindy White
- avclub.com
When hitmaking producer The-Dream got the call to write an original song for the remake of The Color Purple, he almost couldn’t do it. He was busy — busy with Beyoncé.
“We were working on the Renaissance film, and I got a call from [music executive] Larry Jackson. He was like, ‘Yo, man, I need a record and I don’t know if you could do this,’” The-Dream tells The Hollywood Reporter. “And I was like, ‘Ah, man, I’m in the middle of this Renaissance thing and I’m doing more.’ I think people have an idea of what they think I do and it just kind of stops there. Like, ‘Oh, he writes a song and he goes home.’ It’s like, ‘Nah, that’s not quite what I do.’”
But much like Queen Bey, The-Dream is a skilled multitasker, and he recorded a song so compelling it’s landed...
“We were working on the Renaissance film, and I got a call from [music executive] Larry Jackson. He was like, ‘Yo, man, I need a record and I don’t know if you could do this,’” The-Dream tells The Hollywood Reporter. “And I was like, ‘Ah, man, I’m in the middle of this Renaissance thing and I’m doing more.’ I think people have an idea of what they think I do and it just kind of stops there. Like, ‘Oh, he writes a song and he goes home.’ It’s like, ‘Nah, that’s not quite what I do.’”
But much like Queen Bey, The-Dream is a skilled multitasker, and he recorded a song so compelling it’s landed...
- 1/9/2024
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Darren Criss and Evan Rachel Wood will be stopping by the Little Shop of Horrors early next year, according to the Glee alum.
In a recent appearance on SiriusXM, Criss said that he would be making a limited run in the musical alongside Wood starting in late January.
“Folks, Evan [Rachel Wood] and I, if you haven’t heard, will be going into Little Shop of Horrors at the West Side Theatre Off-Broadway, and I’m going to be doing that from I think late January through the End of March,” Broadway World reported. “It’ll be short and sweet, but I’m so excited to be announcing that to you if you didn’t already know that.”
Criss and Wood will be taking over the lead roles of Seymour and Audrey, respectively, beginning Jan. 30.
“The casting of this show has become one of the greatest joys of our lives.
In a recent appearance on SiriusXM, Criss said that he would be making a limited run in the musical alongside Wood starting in late January.
“Folks, Evan [Rachel Wood] and I, if you haven’t heard, will be going into Little Shop of Horrors at the West Side Theatre Off-Broadway, and I’m going to be doing that from I think late January through the End of March,” Broadway World reported. “It’ll be short and sweet, but I’m so excited to be announcing that to you if you didn’t already know that.”
Criss and Wood will be taking over the lead roles of Seymour and Audrey, respectively, beginning Jan. 30.
“The casting of this show has become one of the greatest joys of our lives.
- 12/24/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Spellbound and John Lasseter – Pictures: Skydance Animation and GettyImages
Skydance Animation, which ex-Pixar head John Lasseter currently heads, unceremoniously dropped its seemingly homely, animated feature deal at Apple TV for a partnership with Netflix back in November 2023.
Netflix’s Original animated feature output has long been a discussion point of the industry. It’s an area that Ted Sarandos has addressed numerous times, most recently citing the re-watch value this type of content delivers for subscribers, and his view that Netflix are “underpenetrated” in the genre. This was as the streamer came off arguably its biggest flex of the year, swiping Skydance Animation from its output deal at Apple TV+. Despite restructuring and layoffs that recently impacted the internal Netflix Animation division, animated family movies seem to be a key part of the future strategy.
Netflix already has a partnership with Skydance Media at large, with recent output on the kids side,...
Skydance Animation, which ex-Pixar head John Lasseter currently heads, unceremoniously dropped its seemingly homely, animated feature deal at Apple TV for a partnership with Netflix back in November 2023.
Netflix’s Original animated feature output has long been a discussion point of the industry. It’s an area that Ted Sarandos has addressed numerous times, most recently citing the re-watch value this type of content delivers for subscribers, and his view that Netflix are “underpenetrated” in the genre. This was as the streamer came off arguably its biggest flex of the year, swiping Skydance Animation from its output deal at Apple TV+. Despite restructuring and layoffs that recently impacted the internal Netflix Animation division, animated family movies seem to be a key part of the future strategy.
Netflix already has a partnership with Skydance Media at large, with recent output on the kids side,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Emily Horgan
- Whats-on-Netflix
Ninety-four songs and 149 scores have been deemed eligible in the music categories for the 96th annual Academy Awards, Variety has learned.
Voting began Thursday, with 390 members of the Academy music branch eligible to vote in this year’s competition. And for the first time in years, there appear to be no surprises or glaring omissions.
Any film can submit up to three songs, and the “Barbie” entries were as expected: Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made for,” Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” and the Mark Ronson-Andrew Wyatt song “I’m Just Ken.”
Five other films submitted the maximum of three songs, including two from Disney: the live-action “The Little Mermaid,” with “For the First Time,” “The Scuttlebutt” and “Wild Uncharted Waters,” all by Alan Menken (who won Oscars for the original in 1989) and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and “Wish,” the Julia Michaels-Benjamin Rice tunes including “I’m a Star,...
Voting began Thursday, with 390 members of the Academy music branch eligible to vote in this year’s competition. And for the first time in years, there appear to be no surprises or glaring omissions.
Any film can submit up to three songs, and the “Barbie” entries were as expected: Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made for,” Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” and the Mark Ronson-Andrew Wyatt song “I’m Just Ken.”
Five other films submitted the maximum of three songs, including two from Disney: the live-action “The Little Mermaid,” with “For the First Time,” “The Scuttlebutt” and “Wild Uncharted Waters,” all by Alan Menken (who won Oscars for the original in 1989) and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and “Wish,” the Julia Michaels-Benjamin Rice tunes including “I’m a Star,...
- 12/15/2023
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
‘Disney 100: A Century of Dreams’ (Photo Credit: ABC)
ABC’s celebrating all things Disney with a 20/20 special Disney 100: A Century of Dreams. The two-hour special will air on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 9pm Et/Pt and will feature new stories from those with intimate knowledge of Disney’s legacy, along with rare footage from the iconic brand’s 100 years.
Disney CEO Bob Iger, Mary Poppins stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, and Walt Disney’s grandsons Chris Miller and Walter Miller are involved in the special in new interviews. The special explores Disney’s music history with songwriter Richard Sherman, Sir Elton John, composer Alan Menken, and singer/songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda talking about music’s role in Disney’s storytelling.
Disney 100: A Century of Dreams also includes interviews with actors who’ve voiced characters in Disney’s animated productions, including Idina Menzel, Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, and Ariana DeBose.
ABC’s celebrating all things Disney with a 20/20 special Disney 100: A Century of Dreams. The two-hour special will air on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 9pm Et/Pt and will feature new stories from those with intimate knowledge of Disney’s legacy, along with rare footage from the iconic brand’s 100 years.
Disney CEO Bob Iger, Mary Poppins stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, and Walt Disney’s grandsons Chris Miller and Walter Miller are involved in the special in new interviews. The special explores Disney’s music history with songwriter Richard Sherman, Sir Elton John, composer Alan Menken, and singer/songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda talking about music’s role in Disney’s storytelling.
Disney 100: A Century of Dreams also includes interviews with actors who’ve voiced characters in Disney’s animated productions, including Idina Menzel, Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, and Ariana DeBose.
- 12/8/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Apple TV animated show Central Park has come to an end after three series, Josh Gad has confirmed.
Josh Gad may be better known as the voice of Olaf in Disney’s blockbuster Frozen franchise, but in the last few years he created, co-wrote and starred in animated musical sitcom Central Park for Apple TV.
The show followed the Tillerman-Hunter family, as seen from the viewpoint of the narrator Birdie. When Bitsy Brandenham, an elderly heiress, plots to buy up all the land in Central Park and develop it, the Tillermans must deal with their issues and save the park.
The voice cast included Emmy Raver-Lampman, Tituss Burgess, Daveed Diggs, Josh Gad, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr, Stanley Tucci and Kristen Bell.
Josh Gad created the show with Nora Smith and Bob’s Burgers founder Loren Bouchard, with the two shows sharing the same animation and art style. But Central Park...
Josh Gad may be better known as the voice of Olaf in Disney’s blockbuster Frozen franchise, but in the last few years he created, co-wrote and starred in animated musical sitcom Central Park for Apple TV.
The show followed the Tillerman-Hunter family, as seen from the viewpoint of the narrator Birdie. When Bitsy Brandenham, an elderly heiress, plots to buy up all the land in Central Park and develop it, the Tillermans must deal with their issues and save the park.
The voice cast included Emmy Raver-Lampman, Tituss Burgess, Daveed Diggs, Josh Gad, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr, Stanley Tucci and Kristen Bell.
Josh Gad created the show with Nora Smith and Bob’s Burgers founder Loren Bouchard, with the two shows sharing the same animation and art style. But Central Park...
- 12/5/2023
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” is set to dominate the original song race. Oscar voters will likely pick all three contenders from the blockbuster for the original song shortlist: Billie Eilish’s tear-inducing ballad “What Was I Made For,” Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” and Ryan Gosling’s pitiful song of feeling inadequate “I’m Just Ken.”
Mark Ronson and songwriting partner Andrew Wyatt wrote the latter two, while Eilish partnered with brother Finneas on her tune. However, with only two nominations allowed in this category, it will be left to the music branch to decide which two they pick.
Lenny Kravitz eyes a spot on the list with “Road to Freedom,” a song he penned for George C. Wolfe’s “Rustin.” The soulful song’s horns and trombones are key to this composition, which accompanies the film’s end credits.
Disney seeks to snag nominations for the original songs...
Mark Ronson and songwriting partner Andrew Wyatt wrote the latter two, while Eilish partnered with brother Finneas on her tune. However, with only two nominations allowed in this category, it will be left to the music branch to decide which two they pick.
Lenny Kravitz eyes a spot on the list with “Road to Freedom,” a song he penned for George C. Wolfe’s “Rustin.” The soulful song’s horns and trombones are key to this composition, which accompanies the film’s end credits.
Disney seeks to snag nominations for the original songs...
- 11/29/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Billie Eilish and Finneas along with Lenny Kravitz and Diane Warren are among the nominees at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
Eilish and Finneas landed a nomination for “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie. The song is one of three from the movie vying for Oscar consideration. Olivia Rodrigo and Dan Nigro were nominated for “Can’t Catch Me Now” from “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” which was just revealed as the official song of the film. Also receiving nominations for their music are Justin Timberlake, Alan Menken, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Metro Boomin and A$AP Rocky.
The composers nominated include Alexandre Desplat, Michael Giacchino, Ludwig Göransson, Laura Karpman, Branford Marsalis, Thomas Newman, James Newton Howard, Daniel Pemberton, John Powell, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt and Hans Zimmer, among others.
Robbie Robertson who passed away earlier this year landed a...
Eilish and Finneas landed a nomination for “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie. The song is one of three from the movie vying for Oscar consideration. Olivia Rodrigo and Dan Nigro were nominated for “Can’t Catch Me Now” from “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” which was just revealed as the official song of the film. Also receiving nominations for their music are Justin Timberlake, Alan Menken, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Metro Boomin and A$AP Rocky.
The composers nominated include Alexandre Desplat, Michael Giacchino, Ludwig Göransson, Laura Karpman, Branford Marsalis, Thomas Newman, James Newton Howard, Daniel Pemberton, John Powell, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt and Hans Zimmer, among others.
Robbie Robertson who passed away earlier this year landed a...
- 11/2/2023
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
The Hollywood Music in Media Awards (Hmma) today announced the 2023 nominees for scores and songs in film and other visual media categories. The awards will be presented Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. (Pst) at The Avalon, 1735 Vine Street, in Hollywood, CA.
Song nominees include Oscar-winners Billie Eilish and Finneas for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie, Olivia Rodrigo and Dan Nigro for “Can’t Catch Me Now” from Hunger Games: The Ballard of Songbirds & Snakes. Justin Timberlake, Alan Menken, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lenny Kravitz, Diane Warren, Metro Boomin, and A$AP Rocky also received nods for their original songs in films.
Composers nominated include Alexandre Desplat, Michael Giacchino, Ludwig Göransson, Laura Karpman, Branford Marsalis, Thomas Newman, James Newton Howard, Daniel Pemberton, John Powell, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Robbie Robertson, Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt, Hans Zimmer (The Creator), among many others.
Films nominated in score, song, onscreen performance, and in...
Song nominees include Oscar-winners Billie Eilish and Finneas for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie, Olivia Rodrigo and Dan Nigro for “Can’t Catch Me Now” from Hunger Games: The Ballard of Songbirds & Snakes. Justin Timberlake, Alan Menken, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lenny Kravitz, Diane Warren, Metro Boomin, and A$AP Rocky also received nods for their original songs in films.
Composers nominated include Alexandre Desplat, Michael Giacchino, Ludwig Göransson, Laura Karpman, Branford Marsalis, Thomas Newman, James Newton Howard, Daniel Pemberton, John Powell, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Robbie Robertson, Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt, Hans Zimmer (The Creator), among many others.
Films nominated in score, song, onscreen performance, and in...
- 11/2/2023
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The upcoming animated musical Spellbound has found a new streaming home!
Starring Rachel Zegler and Jordan Fisher, the movie was originally set up at Apple TV+ as part of a deal between it’s production company Skydance Animation and the streamer.
Now, Apple and Skydance Animation’s multi-year pact has come to a close, with the animation company needing a new home, and they’ve quickly found one at Netflix, THR reports.
Keep reading to learn more…
All of Skydance Animation’s animated slate will move to Netflix, which of course includes Spellbound, set for a 2024 release at it’s new home.
In Spellbound, after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters and threatens to cover their kingdom in darkness forever, Ellian (Zegler) embarks on a daring quest to save her family and Lumbria at large.
In case you missed it, check out the first look at Rachel‘s character!
Starring Rachel Zegler and Jordan Fisher, the movie was originally set up at Apple TV+ as part of a deal between it’s production company Skydance Animation and the streamer.
Now, Apple and Skydance Animation’s multi-year pact has come to a close, with the animation company needing a new home, and they’ve quickly found one at Netflix, THR reports.
Keep reading to learn more…
All of Skydance Animation’s animated slate will move to Netflix, which of course includes Spellbound, set for a 2024 release at it’s new home.
In Spellbound, after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters and threatens to cover their kingdom in darkness forever, Ellian (Zegler) embarks on a daring quest to save her family and Lumbria at large.
In case you missed it, check out the first look at Rachel‘s character!
- 10/18/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Some people say all good things must end, and that is the case for Apple and Skydance Animation, who say they’re parting ways. While this is disappointing news, a silver lining remains. Apple is continuing its partnership with Skydance Media, with plans to work together on live-action film and television projects. The parting comes after the union’s multi-year deal ends. As a parting gift (of sorts), Skydance Animation keeps Spellbound, Vicky Jenson’s animated fantasy epic starring Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, John Lithgow, Nathan Lane, Jenifer Lewis, and Javier Bardem, to name a few.
Skydance Animation is likely to find a new home quickly, perhaps with a studio more interested in producing animated projects instead of epics like Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon. Thankfully, Skydance Media remains in a good place with Apple as new and existing projects like Foundation, The Big Door Prize, and...
Skydance Animation is likely to find a new home quickly, perhaps with a studio more interested in producing animated projects instead of epics like Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon. Thankfully, Skydance Media remains in a good place with Apple as new and existing projects like Foundation, The Big Door Prize, and...
- 10/18/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
In a shocking move, Skydance Animation has inked a multiyear agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animation features that will be released directly on Netflix. According to the release, the deal also brings Skydance’s full existing animated feature slate exclusively to Netflix.
The move comes only two years after a wide-ranging partnership between Skydance Animation and Apple TV+ was announced, following Apple’s acquisition of Skydance Animation’s “Luck.” That deal was meant to include both television and features. (The Netflix release doesn’t mention television series.)
“Spellbound,” a high-concept musical fantasy from director Vicky Jenson, will be the first film released under the pact, in 2024. The movie features a score by composer Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater and an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess. The movie was previewed at this...
The move comes only two years after a wide-ranging partnership between Skydance Animation and Apple TV+ was announced, following Apple’s acquisition of Skydance Animation’s “Luck.” That deal was meant to include both television and features. (The Netflix release doesn’t mention television series.)
“Spellbound,” a high-concept musical fantasy from director Vicky Jenson, will be the first film released under the pact, in 2024. The movie features a score by composer Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater and an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess. The movie was previewed at this...
- 10/18/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
That didn’t take long. Skydance Animation has found a new home, signing a multi-year agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animated movies to be released directly on Netflix. This deal means Skydance’s full existing animated feature slate will be released exclusively on Netflix.
Deal comes as a multi-year pact with Apple comes to an end. Skydance Animation is already staked with Netflix, and the deal expands on a number of different projects. The first new one is Spellbound, a film that began its road at Apple, but will now debut on Netflix in 2024. That will be followed by Pookoo in 2025.
This deal expands on the existing relationship between the two companies who have already partnered on a number of projects including the films The Adam Project, Heart of Stone, The Old Guard, and Spy Kids: Armageddon along with the series Fubar, Altered Carbon and Grace and Frankie.
Deal comes as a multi-year pact with Apple comes to an end. Skydance Animation is already staked with Netflix, and the deal expands on a number of different projects. The first new one is Spellbound, a film that began its road at Apple, but will now debut on Netflix in 2024. That will be followed by Pookoo in 2025.
This deal expands on the existing relationship between the two companies who have already partnered on a number of projects including the films The Adam Project, Heart of Stone, The Old Guard, and Spy Kids: Armageddon along with the series Fubar, Altered Carbon and Grace and Frankie.
- 10/18/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Christian Slater, Christopher Briney, Josh Radnor, Dagmara Dominczyk and more have joined the lineup of actors participating in The 24 Hour Plays on Broadway.
The annual event sees actors, writers, directors and production staff coming together on the night of Oct. 22 for a brainstorming session. The writers create the plays overnight and then the cast comes back together on Oct. 23 to rehearse ahead of the performance that evening. This year’s event will take place at The Town Hall and will honor playwright and former Law & Order: Svu showrunner Warren Leight, who has been a longtime supporter of the organization.
“Simply put, this promises to be an unforgettable evening,” said Artistic Director Mark Armstrong. “Warren is an extraordinary artist who’s spent his career lifting up others, so it’s no surprise that a long list of great artists have stepped up to celebrate him, on and offstage. He’s been...
The annual event sees actors, writers, directors and production staff coming together on the night of Oct. 22 for a brainstorming session. The writers create the plays overnight and then the cast comes back together on Oct. 23 to rehearse ahead of the performance that evening. This year’s event will take place at The Town Hall and will honor playwright and former Law & Order: Svu showrunner Warren Leight, who has been a longtime supporter of the organization.
“Simply put, this promises to be an unforgettable evening,” said Artistic Director Mark Armstrong. “Warren is an extraordinary artist who’s spent his career lifting up others, so it’s no surprise that a long list of great artists have stepped up to celebrate him, on and offstage. He’s been...
- 10/17/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Barbie, Spider-Man, Black Panther – visions of dolls and comic-book characters inevitably will be dancing in the heads of Grammy voters when they sit down to nominate movie music for this year’s golden gramophones.
“Barbie: The Album” seems a shoo-in to compete for best compilation soundtrack, the category for movies dominated by songs. But the Metro Boomin-curated album for the animated “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” also topped Billboard’s soundtrack chart this year and seems likely to swing into competition.
On a similar note, the third edition of “Guardians of the Galaxy” film inspired another “Awesome Mix” that was hugely popular and seems poised to join its two predecessors as a Grammy nominee. The “Fast X” album and Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid,” with its new songs by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda, could also make it onto the ballot.
The Grammy eligibility year always complicates matters for Recording...
“Barbie: The Album” seems a shoo-in to compete for best compilation soundtrack, the category for movies dominated by songs. But the Metro Boomin-curated album for the animated “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” also topped Billboard’s soundtrack chart this year and seems likely to swing into competition.
On a similar note, the third edition of “Guardians of the Galaxy” film inspired another “Awesome Mix” that was hugely popular and seems poised to join its two predecessors as a Grammy nominee. The “Fast X” album and Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid,” with its new songs by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda, could also make it onto the ballot.
The Grammy eligibility year always complicates matters for Recording...
- 10/16/2023
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
The hit live-action "The Little Mermaid" just hit Disney+ to stream on Sept. 6, and apart from the original movie's songs like "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," and "Kiss the Girl," audiences everywhere have gotten to enjoy four new songs courtesy of the original animated movie's composer, Alan Menken, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
For the most part, the songs from the original movie sound the same in the 2023 remake, but Menken did give fans a heads-up that there would be some minor changes to the original lyrics to make the movie, which was initially released in 1989, feel more modern. "There are some lyric changes in 'Kiss the Girl' because people have gotten very sensitive about the idea that [Prince Eric] would, in any way, force himself on [Ariel]," Menken told Vanity Fair in March.
No one would blame you if you initially missed the tweaks Menken and Miranda made to "Kiss the Girl.
For the most part, the songs from the original movie sound the same in the 2023 remake, but Menken did give fans a heads-up that there would be some minor changes to the original lyrics to make the movie, which was initially released in 1989, feel more modern. "There are some lyric changes in 'Kiss the Girl' because people have gotten very sensitive about the idea that [Prince Eric] would, in any way, force himself on [Ariel]," Menken told Vanity Fair in March.
No one would blame you if you initially missed the tweaks Menken and Miranda made to "Kiss the Girl.
- 9/10/2023
- by Noelle Devoe
- Popsugar.com
Animated flicks don’t get the justice they deserve when it comes to the Academy Awards. So often, animated movies are some of the most original, memorable, and well-told stories of the entire year yet they are, more often than not, confined to the category of Best Animated Picture.
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,” “Fantasia,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “The Lion King,” “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo,” “Wall-e,” “Shrek,” and last year’s Best Animated Picture winner, “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio,” are just a handful of all-time classic movies that aren’t great animated movies, they are great movies period. Despite this, however, we have only had three animated movies in Oscars history that have been nominated for Best Picture.
“Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated movie to do so, landing a Best Picture bid in 1991. Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, “Beauty and the Beast...
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,” “Fantasia,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “The Lion King,” “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo,” “Wall-e,” “Shrek,” and last year’s Best Animated Picture winner, “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio,” are just a handful of all-time classic movies that aren’t great animated movies, they are great movies period. Despite this, however, we have only had three animated movies in Oscars history that have been nominated for Best Picture.
“Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated movie to do so, landing a Best Picture bid in 1991. Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, “Beauty and the Beast...
- 9/8/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Disney’s latest live-action remake of an animated classic is the biggest new addition to Disney+ this month but September’s debuts stretch almost all the way back to the studio’s beginning thanks to some newly added shorts. Disney’s musical history even gets a tribute from one of classical music’s biggest stars. But first: The month on Disney+ begins under the sea.
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Disney’s latest live-action remake of an animated classic is the biggest new addition to Disney+ this month but September’s debuts stretch almost all the way back to the studio’s beginning thanks to some newly added shorts. Disney’s musical history even gets a tribute from one of classical music’s biggest stars. But first: The month on Disney+ begins under the sea.
Buy Disney+ Subscription...
- 9/1/2023
- by Keith Phipps
- Rollingstone.com
The live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” is ready to make a splash on Disney+. The Rob Marshall-directed film starring Halle Bailey, which opened in theaters in late May, will arrive on the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming service Sept. 6.
Ready to go back “Under the Sea?”
As part of the release, Disney+ subscribers will have access to special bonus content, including a King Triton song called “Impossible Child” with music by multiple Academy Award winner Alan Menken and lyrics by three-time Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda; “Passing the Dinglehopper,” and “Under the Sea – Song Breakdown.” You’re about to get a deep dive into the making of the film.
“The Little Mermaid,” starring Bailey, Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni and Art Malik, made more than $542 at the global box office since its early-summer release. Marshall directed the film from a script...
Ready to go back “Under the Sea?”
As part of the release, Disney+ subscribers will have access to special bonus content, including a King Triton song called “Impossible Child” with music by multiple Academy Award winner Alan Menken and lyrics by three-time Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda; “Passing the Dinglehopper,” and “Under the Sea – Song Breakdown.” You’re about to get a deep dive into the making of the film.
“The Little Mermaid,” starring Bailey, Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni and Art Malik, made more than $542 at the global box office since its early-summer release. Marshall directed the film from a script...
- 8/7/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Disney’s live-action reimagining of the studio’s Oscar®-winning animated musical classic “The Little Mermaid,” which opened in theaters in May and went on to gross more than $542 million at the global box office, will premiere on Disney+ September 6, 2023. Disney+ subscribers will be able to access special bonus content, including Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men”) as King Triton performing the song “Impossible Child” with music by multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken and lyrics by three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda; “Passing the Dinglehopper,” and “Under the ... Read more...
- 8/7/2023
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
Despite appearances on television throughout the past five decades, Sir Elton John just received his first ever Emmy Awards nomination. His Disney+ program “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium” is nominated for Best Variety Special (Live). A win would elevate him into a legendary Egot champion, the 19th person to join that exclusive club.
Nominees in this category are “Super Bowl Lvii Halftime Show Starring Rihanna,” “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage,” “The Oscars” and “75th Annual Tony Awards.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member already has two Oscars for Best Original Song (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King” in 1994; and I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from “Rocketman” in 2019). He won a Tony Award for the original score of “Aida” in 2000. And he’s a five-time Grammy Award winner for “That’s What Friends Are For” (1987), “Basque” (1992), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1995), “Candle...
Nominees in this category are “Super Bowl Lvii Halftime Show Starring Rihanna,” “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage,” “The Oscars” and “75th Annual Tony Awards.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member already has two Oscars for Best Original Song (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from “The Lion King” in 1994; and I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from “Rocketman” in 2019). He won a Tony Award for the original score of “Aida” in 2000. And he’s a five-time Grammy Award winner for “That’s What Friends Are For” (1987), “Basque” (1992), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1995), “Candle...
- 7/19/2023
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Despite all the musical superstars who entered this year’s Emmy competition, only one – Ed Sheeran – managed to score when the 75th annual Emmy Award nominations were announced Wednesday.
Sheeran was nominated (along with co-writers Max Martin and Foy Vance) for the song “A Beautiful Game” for the season 3 finale of “Ted Lasso,” one of two songs from the popular Apple TV+ series that made it into the music-and-lyrics category.
Emmy’s 550-member music peer group ignored the original songs entered by Dolly Parton, David Byrne, Steve Martin, Kid Cudi, Donald Glover and Lainey Wilson, as well as those from such Oscar-winning tunesmiths as Alan Menken, Steven Schwartz, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.
Among the seven music categories, a surprising number of first-time nominees was recognized, and more than one-fourth of all the nominees in the five composition and songwriting categories are women, another positive sign of change in the Hollywood musical landscape.
Sheeran was nominated (along with co-writers Max Martin and Foy Vance) for the song “A Beautiful Game” for the season 3 finale of “Ted Lasso,” one of two songs from the popular Apple TV+ series that made it into the music-and-lyrics category.
Emmy’s 550-member music peer group ignored the original songs entered by Dolly Parton, David Byrne, Steve Martin, Kid Cudi, Donald Glover and Lainey Wilson, as well as those from such Oscar-winning tunesmiths as Alan Menken, Steven Schwartz, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.
Among the seven music categories, a surprising number of first-time nominees was recognized, and more than one-fourth of all the nominees in the five composition and songwriting categories are women, another positive sign of change in the Hollywood musical landscape.
- 7/12/2023
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
It’s not unusual to see a musical based on a movie or TV show or even a comic. But “Rogers: The Musical” might be the first one created from a throwaway joke in a TV show spun-off from a film series based on comic books. Audiences can now check out the mini-musical, which runs about a tight half hour, at Disney California Adventure’s Hyperion Theater, through Aug. 31. I was lucky enough to witness the opening performance last week, followed by a panel discussion with some of the key creatives.
“Rogers” first came to life in the Disney+ show “Hawkeye,” in which Jeremy Renner’s titular Avenger finds himself taking in a Broadway show with his kids. The show hits a little too close to home, as it turns out to be an adaptation of the life of his friend Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America. The show...
“Rogers” first came to life in the Disney+ show “Hawkeye,” in which Jeremy Renner’s titular Avenger finds himself taking in a Broadway show with his kids. The show hits a little too close to home, as it turns out to be an adaptation of the life of his friend Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America. The show...
- 7/6/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Disney‘s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid is swimming onto the home market in September with a Digital, 4K Uhd, Blu-ray, and DVD rollout. The Little Mermaid arrives exclusively on Digital retailers on July 25 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on September 19.
Per Disney’s official press release:
The Little Mermaid is visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of Disney’s beloved animated musical classic, the story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land...
Per Disney’s official press release:
The Little Mermaid is visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of Disney’s beloved animated musical classic, the story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land...
- 7/6/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Three months from now, the Weeknd might just have an Emmy to place alongside his four Grammys and his Oscar nomination.
That’s because he joins a dozen other music superstars — including Dolly Parton, Common, Ryan Tedder, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Meshell Ndegeocello — who have entered work in this year’s Emmy competition.
Voting began yesterday in the seven music categories. Approximately 550 members of the Academy’s music branch will cast ballots, although viewing the hundreds of entries before voting ends on June 26 is an impossible task, Academy officials privately concede.
The Weeknd, aka Abel Tesfaye, is among the 19 entries in the Music Direction category. He submitted “The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium,” an HBO special that aired in February. If nominated, he’s likely to be up against such past winners as Adam Blackstone and Rickey Minor (“The Oscars”).
Most of the big-name performers have entered the song category...
That’s because he joins a dozen other music superstars — including Dolly Parton, Common, Ryan Tedder, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Meshell Ndegeocello — who have entered work in this year’s Emmy competition.
Voting began yesterday in the seven music categories. Approximately 550 members of the Academy’s music branch will cast ballots, although viewing the hundreds of entries before voting ends on June 26 is an impossible task, Academy officials privately concede.
The Weeknd, aka Abel Tesfaye, is among the 19 entries in the Music Direction category. He submitted “The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium,” an HBO special that aired in February. If nominated, he’s likely to be up against such past winners as Adam Blackstone and Rickey Minor (“The Oscars”).
Most of the big-name performers have entered the song category...
- 6/17/2023
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
The 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony felt like a family reunion: Taylor Swift collaborator Liz Rose received a heartwarming performance by her teary-eyed daughter, Gloria Estefan performed lively hits alongside her grandson and husband, and Teddy Riley was joined by his musical brothers from Harlem.
Jeff Lynne and Glen Ballard were also part of the new class, which was celebrated Thursday night in New York City. Egot recipient Tim Rice and Post Malone also received special honors.
Liz Rose, who met Swift in her early teens and co-wrote songs on her first two albums, was honored with an emotional performance by her daughter Caitlin Rose. She sang Swift’s “White Horse,” which won the best country song Grammy in 2010.
The audience at the Marriott Marquis New York cheered Caitlin Rose on as she wiped tears from her face during the touching performance. Her voice cracked at times, beautifully, as she looked at her mother,...
Jeff Lynne and Glen Ballard were also part of the new class, which was celebrated Thursday night in New York City. Egot recipient Tim Rice and Post Malone also received special honors.
Liz Rose, who met Swift in her early teens and co-wrote songs on her first two albums, was honored with an emotional performance by her daughter Caitlin Rose. She sang Swift’s “White Horse,” which won the best country song Grammy in 2010.
The audience at the Marriott Marquis New York cheered Caitlin Rose on as she wiped tears from her face during the touching performance. Her voice cracked at times, beautifully, as she looked at her mother,...
- 6/16/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In Vicky Jenson’s upcoming 3D animation “Spellbound,” the hills – of the magical kingdom of Lumbria – are alive with the sound of music.
Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman, taking on royals-turned-monsters, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, André De Shields and Nathan Lane are part of the voice cast as well.
“Why a musical? People always ask that. In theatre, they say that when emotions are too big to speak about, you sing about them. And when they are too big to sing about, you dance,” she told the Annecy audience on Tuesday.
“Emotions are big in this story. They are funny, exuberant, angry and heartbreaking.”
“Spellbound,” is a Skydance Animation and Apple Original Films production, and will be distributed by Apple+.
It follows princess Ellian who tries to keep her family together after a mysterious spell transforms her parents, the king and queen, into monsters. She also needs to keep it...
Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman, taking on royals-turned-monsters, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, André De Shields and Nathan Lane are part of the voice cast as well.
“Why a musical? People always ask that. In theatre, they say that when emotions are too big to speak about, you sing about them. And when they are too big to sing about, you dance,” she told the Annecy audience on Tuesday.
“Emotions are big in this story. They are funny, exuberant, angry and heartbreaking.”
“Spellbound,” is a Skydance Animation and Apple Original Films production, and will be distributed by Apple+.
It follows princess Ellian who tries to keep her family together after a mysterious spell transforms her parents, the king and queen, into monsters. She also needs to keep it...
- 6/14/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
There is a lot riding on Vicky Jenson’s upcoming musical animation Spellbound about a princess on a mission to reverse a spell that has transformed her beloved king and queen parents into rampaging monsters.
The film is the second animated feature for Skydance Animation after Luck, which followed its short Blush, and its most ambitious production to date as it attempts to grow into a company rivaling its head of animation John Lasseter’s former homes of Pixar and Disney.
The work also marks Jenson’s first major animation feature in two decades, after Shark Tale (2004) and Oscar-winning Shrek (2001).
Jenson and the film’s Head of Story Brian Pimental hit the Annecy International Film Festival on Tuesday to give a Work in Progress presentation.
“We’re really excited to finally bring you a peak into Spellbound. Skydance Animation is a pretty cool place to work. One of the reasons...
The film is the second animated feature for Skydance Animation after Luck, which followed its short Blush, and its most ambitious production to date as it attempts to grow into a company rivaling its head of animation John Lasseter’s former homes of Pixar and Disney.
The work also marks Jenson’s first major animation feature in two decades, after Shark Tale (2004) and Oscar-winning Shrek (2001).
Jenson and the film’s Head of Story Brian Pimental hit the Annecy International Film Festival on Tuesday to give a Work in Progress presentation.
“We’re really excited to finally bring you a peak into Spellbound. Skydance Animation is a pretty cool place to work. One of the reasons...
- 6/14/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Snoop Dogg has deferred his induction into the 2023 Songwriters Hall of Fame. The organization made the announcement just two days before this year’s ceremony, stating that he cited “personal reasons” (via Billboard) and will instead be inducted with the class of 2024.
The Long Beach rapper isn’t the only inductee from this year’s class to withdraw from the ceremony. Sade Adu has also deferred, though the Songwriters Hall of Fame has only said she will be inducted with a future class.
Jeff Lynne, Gloria Estefan, Teddy Riley, Glen Ballard, and Liz Rose will still be inducted at the ceremony, where Tim Rice will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Johnny Mercer Award. Meanwhile, Post Malone will be honored with the Hal David Starlight Award, which was created to celebrate “gifted songwriters who are at an apex in their careers and are making a significant impact in the...
The Long Beach rapper isn’t the only inductee from this year’s class to withdraw from the ceremony. Sade Adu has also deferred, though the Songwriters Hall of Fame has only said she will be inducted with a future class.
Jeff Lynne, Gloria Estefan, Teddy Riley, Glen Ballard, and Liz Rose will still be inducted at the ceremony, where Tim Rice will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Johnny Mercer Award. Meanwhile, Post Malone will be honored with the Hal David Starlight Award, which was created to celebrate “gifted songwriters who are at an apex in their careers and are making a significant impact in the...
- 6/13/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
Tituss Burgess has joined the voice cast of Spellbound, an Apple Original Film by Skydance Animation. Additionally, the studio released a new image (above) exclusively to The Hollywood Reporter, in advance of its work-in-progress presentation on Tuesday at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
Slated for a 2024 release on Apple TV+, Spellbound is a musical fairytale that centers on a terrible spell that has turned a king and queen into monsters, leaving their daughter, Princess Ellian (voiced by Rachel Ziegler), to manage the kingdom on her own. It features an original score and songs by veteran composer Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin), with lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled).
Six-time Emmy nominee Burgess provides the voices of Cole Tillerman and Kelleth Vanbeaceler in Apple TV+’s animated series Central Park. He also joined the season 2 cast of Apple’s Schmigadoon as the narrator.
Spellbound‘s voice cast also includes John Lithgow,...
Slated for a 2024 release on Apple TV+, Spellbound is a musical fairytale that centers on a terrible spell that has turned a king and queen into monsters, leaving their daughter, Princess Ellian (voiced by Rachel Ziegler), to manage the kingdom on her own. It features an original score and songs by veteran composer Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin), with lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled).
Six-time Emmy nominee Burgess provides the voices of Cole Tillerman and Kelleth Vanbeaceler in Apple TV+’s animated series Central Park. He also joined the season 2 cast of Apple’s Schmigadoon as the narrator.
Spellbound‘s voice cast also includes John Lithgow,...
- 6/12/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This article contains spoilers for "The Little Mermaid."
There are quite a few changes in "The Little Mermaid" live-action version, from the ending to Prince Eric's backstory, and King Triton's characterization. Director Rob Marshall reminded viewers in his interview with SFX that his film "really is a reimagining of 'Little Mermaid' more than a remake. There are things in animated musicals that you just accept that you just wouldn't accept in live-action." One of those things is the "Les Poissons" song.
In the comical number, Chef Louis chases Sebastian around his kitchen. The original scene relies a lot on the juxtaposition of scale and Sebastian's over-the-top expressions for its humor. Sebastian's tiny body avoids a huge pot of boiling water and flies into the air. His eyes bulge out and he nearly throws up when he realizes that he could be cooked. He even hunches into his shell to try and hide.
There are quite a few changes in "The Little Mermaid" live-action version, from the ending to Prince Eric's backstory, and King Triton's characterization. Director Rob Marshall reminded viewers in his interview with SFX that his film "really is a reimagining of 'Little Mermaid' more than a remake. There are things in animated musicals that you just accept that you just wouldn't accept in live-action." One of those things is the "Les Poissons" song.
In the comical number, Chef Louis chases Sebastian around his kitchen. The original scene relies a lot on the juxtaposition of scale and Sebastian's over-the-top expressions for its humor. Sebastian's tiny body avoids a huge pot of boiling water and flies into the air. His eyes bulge out and he nearly throws up when he realizes that he could be cooked. He even hunches into his shell to try and hide.
- 6/3/2023
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
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