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Lily Gladstone and Bowen Yang will star in Bleecker Street and Shivhans Pictures’ remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 romantic comedy “The Wedding Banquet” from director Andrew Ahn.
Kelly Marie Tran, Oscar-winner Yuh-jung Youn and Joan Chen are also attached to star.
The reimagination of Lee’s Oscar-nominated film is based on a screenplay by Ahn and James Schamus. Schamus also co-wrote the original film with Lee and Neil Peng.
The film, which begins filming in May in Vancouver, follows what happens when Min’s boyfriend Chris rejects his marriage proposal. Min convinces his best friend Angela to marry him instead, paying for her partner Liz’s IVF treatments in exchange for his green card. However, things begin to unravel when Min’s grandmother makes a surprise trip from Seoul to throw the couple a Korean wedding banquet.
“It warms my heart to see how my film from so many years...
Kelly Marie Tran, Oscar-winner Yuh-jung Youn and Joan Chen are also attached to star.
The reimagination of Lee’s Oscar-nominated film is based on a screenplay by Ahn and James Schamus. Schamus also co-wrote the original film with Lee and Neil Peng.
The film, which begins filming in May in Vancouver, follows what happens when Min’s boyfriend Chris rejects his marriage proposal. Min convinces his best friend Angela to marry him instead, paying for her partner Liz’s IVF treatments in exchange for his green card. However, things begin to unravel when Min’s grandmother makes a surprise trip from Seoul to throw the couple a Korean wedding banquet.
“It warms my heart to see how my film from so many years...
- 4/25/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Jennifer Aniston is ready to pour herself a cup of ambition.
Aniston and her Echo Films partner Kristin Hahn are producing a “9 to 5” reimagining for 20th Century Studios, Variety has confirmed.
The film is currently in development, with Diablo Cody working on the latest draft of the “9 to 5” reimagining. Plot details are being kept under wraps.
The original “9 to 5” follows three female office colleagues who decide to exact revenge on their sexist, egotistical boss. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman starred in the 1980 office satire, directed by Colin Higgins and written by Patricia Resnick. The hit comedy film spawned a sitcom of the same name, which aired on ABC from 1982 to 1983, and in first-run syndication from 1986 to 1988. Parton, Tomlin and Fonda participated in the 2022 documentary “Still Working 9 to 5,” which focuses on the impact of the classic film 40 years later.
Aniston and her Echo Films partner Kristin Hahn are producing a “9 to 5” reimagining for 20th Century Studios, Variety has confirmed.
The film is currently in development, with Diablo Cody working on the latest draft of the “9 to 5” reimagining. Plot details are being kept under wraps.
The original “9 to 5” follows three female office colleagues who decide to exact revenge on their sexist, egotistical boss. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman starred in the 1980 office satire, directed by Colin Higgins and written by Patricia Resnick. The hit comedy film spawned a sitcom of the same name, which aired on ABC from 1982 to 1983, and in first-run syndication from 1986 to 1988. Parton, Tomlin and Fonda participated in the 2022 documentary “Still Working 9 to 5,” which focuses on the impact of the classic film 40 years later.
- 4/25/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
A new Harry Potter audiobook series is coming to Audible.
As part of a partnership with Pottermore Publishing and Audible, the two will release seven new English language audiobooks scheduled for late 2025. The audiobooks will feature a full range of character voices, with the Audible CEO citing more than 100 actors, Dolby Atmos sound design and new scoring.
Each book will be released sequentially and globally. This is in addition to the original single-voice audiobook recordings by Jim Dale and Stephen Fry, which were first released in 1999 and have reached 1.4 billion global listening hours after launching on Audible in 2015.
“Together with Pottermore Publishing, best-in-class producers, and over one hundred actors, we will introduce a groundbreaking new soundscape for the Wizarding World, as well as performances that will inspire our listeners’ imaginations and redefine these quintessential characters for a new generation,” said Bob Carrigan, CEO of Audible.
“We are delighted to be...
As part of a partnership with Pottermore Publishing and Audible, the two will release seven new English language audiobooks scheduled for late 2025. The audiobooks will feature a full range of character voices, with the Audible CEO citing more than 100 actors, Dolby Atmos sound design and new scoring.
Each book will be released sequentially and globally. This is in addition to the original single-voice audiobook recordings by Jim Dale and Stephen Fry, which were first released in 1999 and have reached 1.4 billion global listening hours after launching on Audible in 2015.
“Together with Pottermore Publishing, best-in-class producers, and over one hundred actors, we will introduce a groundbreaking new soundscape for the Wizarding World, as well as performances that will inspire our listeners’ imaginations and redefine these quintessential characters for a new generation,” said Bob Carrigan, CEO of Audible.
“We are delighted to be...
- 4/25/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Danny Boyle’s “28 Years Later” has added Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes to its cast.
The continuation of the “28 Days Later” franchise will be released in theaters globally by Sony Pictures. “28 Days Later” was released in 2002 and starred Cillian Murphy, then largely unknown. Boyle directed the feature, while Alex Garland wrote. A sequel, “28 Weeks Later,” was released in 2007.
Plot details are still being kept under wraps for the new screenplay, written by Garland. It will be part of an upcoming trilogy, for which Nia DaCosta is in talks to direct the second film.
Boyle and Garland are producing, as is original producer Andrew Macdonald and Peter Rice. Bernie Bellew is also producing. Murphy is also returning as an executive producer, and is not currently attached to star.
Comer earned an Emmy for her work as Villanelle on “Killing Eve.” She will next be seen...
The continuation of the “28 Days Later” franchise will be released in theaters globally by Sony Pictures. “28 Days Later” was released in 2002 and starred Cillian Murphy, then largely unknown. Boyle directed the feature, while Alex Garland wrote. A sequel, “28 Weeks Later,” was released in 2007.
Plot details are still being kept under wraps for the new screenplay, written by Garland. It will be part of an upcoming trilogy, for which Nia DaCosta is in talks to direct the second film.
Boyle and Garland are producing, as is original producer Andrew Macdonald and Peter Rice. Bernie Bellew is also producing. Murphy is also returning as an executive producer, and is not currently attached to star.
Comer earned an Emmy for her work as Villanelle on “Killing Eve.” She will next be seen...
- 4/24/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has set its lineup of narrative and documentary features for its 28th edition, including Jussie Smollett’s return to acting in “The Lost Holliday,” filmmaker Christine Swanson’s latest drama “Albany Road” and the acclaimed Luther Vandross doc “Never Too Much.”
This year’s festival takes place June 12-16 in Miami Beach, Fla., followed by a virtual segment June 17-24 on ABFF Play. Winners of film festival competition will be announced on June 15, during the “Best of ABFF Awards” hosted by Emmy-nominee Dondré Whitfield.
The 2024 narrative lineup includes “Albany Road,” directed and written by Swanson, starring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield and J. Alphonse Nicholson; “The Lost Holliday” directed by, co-written and starring Smollett alongside Vivica A. Fox, produced by Mona Scott-Young; “The Waterboyz,” directed by Coke Daniels and produced by Ben Crump, starring Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony and Quavo; and “Black Heat,...
This year’s festival takes place June 12-16 in Miami Beach, Fla., followed by a virtual segment June 17-24 on ABFF Play. Winners of film festival competition will be announced on June 15, during the “Best of ABFF Awards” hosted by Emmy-nominee Dondré Whitfield.
The 2024 narrative lineup includes “Albany Road,” directed and written by Swanson, starring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield and J. Alphonse Nicholson; “The Lost Holliday” directed by, co-written and starring Smollett alongside Vivica A. Fox, produced by Mona Scott-Young; “The Waterboyz,” directed by Coke Daniels and produced by Ben Crump, starring Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony and Quavo; and “Black Heat,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety - Film News
Dan Rather is returning to CBS News.
Nearly 20 years after stepping down as the anchor of the CBS Evening News, and 18 years after he last appeared on the network, the anchor will return to a CBS program. This time, he will be the subject of an interview on CBS Sunday Morning.
Per a release from CBS, “Lee Cowan talks with former CBS News anchor Dan Rather about his work at CBS and his life in news.”
A source confirms that it will be Rather’s first appearance on a CBS News program since he formally left the network under tumultuous circumstances nearly two decades ago.
Rather said that he was the scapegoat in a scandal over a 2004 report for 60 Minutes II on then-President George W. Bush’s military record, and the anchor subsequently sued the network for breach of contract. The 60 Minutes spin-off was canceled less than a year later.
Nearly 20 years after stepping down as the anchor of the CBS Evening News, and 18 years after he last appeared on the network, the anchor will return to a CBS program. This time, he will be the subject of an interview on CBS Sunday Morning.
Per a release from CBS, “Lee Cowan talks with former CBS News anchor Dan Rather about his work at CBS and his life in news.”
A source confirms that it will be Rather’s first appearance on a CBS News program since he formally left the network under tumultuous circumstances nearly two decades ago.
Rather said that he was the scapegoat in a scandal over a 2004 report for 60 Minutes II on then-President George W. Bush’s military record, and the anchor subsequently sued the network for breach of contract. The 60 Minutes spin-off was canceled less than a year later.
- 4/25/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has come on board “The Thursday Murder Club,” Amblin’s upcoming adaptation of the bestselling novel starring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and Ben Kingsley. Chris Columbus is writing and directing the story of a group of friends who solve murders.
The 2020 book by Richard Osman tells the story of four friends who live in a retirement community and take on cold cases for fun. When a shady property developer is found dead, the four find themselves in the middle of their first live crime. Mirren will play ex-spy Elizabeth, Kingsley will play ex-psychiatrist Ibrahim and Brosnan will play former union activist Ron.
Netflix and Amblin’s film partnership also includes the upcoming Jason Bateman-Taron Egerton film “Carry-On.”
Osman, a popular British quiz show presenter, said in a statement, “I’m so proud of this book, so it is a dream to see ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ in such incredible hands.
The 2020 book by Richard Osman tells the story of four friends who live in a retirement community and take on cold cases for fun. When a shady property developer is found dead, the four find themselves in the middle of their first live crime. Mirren will play ex-spy Elizabeth, Kingsley will play ex-psychiatrist Ibrahim and Brosnan will play former union activist Ron.
Netflix and Amblin’s film partnership also includes the upcoming Jason Bateman-Taron Egerton film “Carry-On.”
Osman, a popular British quiz show presenter, said in a statement, “I’m so proud of this book, so it is a dream to see ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ in such incredible hands.
- 4/25/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety - Film News
Gabby and her cats are coming to the big screen next year.
DreamWorks Animation and Universal revealed Thursday that Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie will open nationwide on Sept. 26, 2025.
The live-action/CGI series has been a smash hit for Netflix since its debut in 2021. Created by Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, Gabby’s Dollhouse is a mixed-media preschool adventure that centers on a 12-year-old who, after unboxing an item, uses the power of her magical cat ears to shrink down to dollhouse size and go on adventures with the help of her animated cat friends. The show operates with a narrative ethos of flexible thinking and learning from your mistakes, and does so through a mix of things like music, dance, cooking and crafting.
Laila Lockhart Kraner will reprise her role from the series in the feature film, which follows Gabby as she goes on a road trip with her...
DreamWorks Animation and Universal revealed Thursday that Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie will open nationwide on Sept. 26, 2025.
The live-action/CGI series has been a smash hit for Netflix since its debut in 2021. Created by Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, Gabby’s Dollhouse is a mixed-media preschool adventure that centers on a 12-year-old who, after unboxing an item, uses the power of her magical cat ears to shrink down to dollhouse size and go on adventures with the help of her animated cat friends. The show operates with a narrative ethos of flexible thinking and learning from your mistakes, and does so through a mix of things like music, dance, cooking and crafting.
Laila Lockhart Kraner will reprise her role from the series in the feature film, which follows Gabby as she goes on a road trip with her...
- 4/25/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The annual Peabody Awards have unveiled its 2024 nominations.
This year, the Peabody Awards Board of Jurors selected nominees from over 1,100 entries from television, podcasts/radio, and the web in the entertainment, news, documentary, arts, children’s/youth, public service, and multimedia programming categories. Documentary films such as “Judy Blume Forever” and “The Eternal Memory” topped the list of nominees, along with series “The Bear” and “The Last of Us.”
“Whether a hilarious comedy, an engaging interactive experience, or a heartwarming children’s show, Peabody is dedicated to honoring the most compelling stories across the media landscape,” Jeffrey Jones, executive director of Peabody, said. “Each of the 68 nominees this year deserve to be recognized for telling unique stories that leave a profound impact in capturing our imaginations. From exposing injustice to capturing the struggles and triumphs of inspirational figures across the world, these extraordinary nominees demonstrate the power and beauty of compelling storytelling.
This year, the Peabody Awards Board of Jurors selected nominees from over 1,100 entries from television, podcasts/radio, and the web in the entertainment, news, documentary, arts, children’s/youth, public service, and multimedia programming categories. Documentary films such as “Judy Blume Forever” and “The Eternal Memory” topped the list of nominees, along with series “The Bear” and “The Last of Us.”
“Whether a hilarious comedy, an engaging interactive experience, or a heartwarming children’s show, Peabody is dedicated to honoring the most compelling stories across the media landscape,” Jeffrey Jones, executive director of Peabody, said. “Each of the 68 nominees this year deserve to be recognized for telling unique stories that leave a profound impact in capturing our imaginations. From exposing injustice to capturing the struggles and triumphs of inspirational figures across the world, these extraordinary nominees demonstrate the power and beauty of compelling storytelling.
- 4/25/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Bill Kong is cautious, vastly experienced and has an impeccable reputation as a key gateway between Hollywood and China to maintain. He is someone far more likely to deadpan than gush.
So, to hear him getting into high gear with a pitch for his bucket list martial arts movie project “The Furious” immediately invites comparison with previous Kong-produced action pictures including Oscar-winner “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Jet Li’s Fearless” or the Zhang Yimou-directed “Hero.”
“I’m going to do an action movie that rocks the world. And to prove that Hong Kong still has something to give the film industry. I want to show that Asian people can still make an action movie that is better than the rest of the world,” Kong tells Variety.
Significantly, “The Furious” is a project made by Hong Kong, rather than made in Hong Kong. Kong’s Edko Films is financing and producing.
So, to hear him getting into high gear with a pitch for his bucket list martial arts movie project “The Furious” immediately invites comparison with previous Kong-produced action pictures including Oscar-winner “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Jet Li’s Fearless” or the Zhang Yimou-directed “Hero.”
“I’m going to do an action movie that rocks the world. And to prove that Hong Kong still has something to give the film industry. I want to show that Asian people can still make an action movie that is better than the rest of the world,” Kong tells Variety.
Significantly, “The Furious” is a project made by Hong Kong, rather than made in Hong Kong. Kong’s Edko Films is financing and producing.
- 4/25/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
A quartet of fast-rising British names are coming together for a buzzy new project launching at the Cannes market.
Bella Ramsey, Louis Partridge and Ruby Stokes are set to lead “Sunny Dancer,” the sophomore feature from George Jaques. Embankment Films is handling global pre-sales of the film, which it says showcases the “best of new British talent.”
“Sunny Dancer” follows Ivy (Ramsey), a teenager in remission from cancer, whose gloriously outspoken mum and well-intentioned dad insist she attend Children Run Free Camp, a summer retreat for young adults affected by cancer. The camp’s slogan, “Where kids come to kid,” does little to alleviate Ivy’s apprehension, and a quick Google search confirms her fears when she stumbles upon a cringeworthy promotional video filled with tacky messages and clichéd sunsets. As if conquering cancer wasn’t enough of a challenge, Ivy now faces the prospect of spending her summer at what she calls “chemo camp.
Bella Ramsey, Louis Partridge and Ruby Stokes are set to lead “Sunny Dancer,” the sophomore feature from George Jaques. Embankment Films is handling global pre-sales of the film, which it says showcases the “best of new British talent.”
“Sunny Dancer” follows Ivy (Ramsey), a teenager in remission from cancer, whose gloriously outspoken mum and well-intentioned dad insist she attend Children Run Free Camp, a summer retreat for young adults affected by cancer. The camp’s slogan, “Where kids come to kid,” does little to alleviate Ivy’s apprehension, and a quick Google search confirms her fears when she stumbles upon a cringeworthy promotional video filled with tacky messages and clichéd sunsets. As if conquering cancer wasn’t enough of a challenge, Ivy now faces the prospect of spending her summer at what she calls “chemo camp.
- 4/25/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
When Ncuti Gatwa makes his first appearance as the 15th Doctor in the science-fiction series “Doctor Who,” he isn’t wearing any pants.
In a 60th-anniversary special released in December, the previous Doctor — played by series icon David Tennant — subverts the show’s long-standing practice of regeneration: Instead of simply transforming into the next Doctor, he literally splits in half, bringing Gatwa’s Doctor into the world alongside him. In the process, the two divide the clothes of Tennant’s Doctor between them, leaving Gatwa in nothing but a dress shirt and a pair of tighty-whities.
“Oh, my God, that first costume fitting!
In a 60th-anniversary special released in December, the previous Doctor — played by series icon David Tennant — subverts the show’s long-standing practice of regeneration: Instead of simply transforming into the next Doctor, he literally splits in half, bringing Gatwa’s Doctor into the world alongside him. In the process, the two divide the clothes of Tennant’s Doctor between them, leaving Gatwa in nothing but a dress shirt and a pair of tighty-whities.
“Oh, my God, that first costume fitting!
- 4/25/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety - TV News
In an odd quirk of distribution timing, this month has seen the arrival of no less than two imported, semi-comedic thrillers featuring decrepit apartment building invaded by giant spiders. Already playing U.S. theaters is the Australian “Sting,” which is fun, if formulaic. In a whole other class, however, is French “Infested,” a first feature by director Sebastien Vanicek following several impressive shorts. An instant minor genre classic, it is fun and then some — a conceptually unremarkable but resourceful, energetic, stylish and good-humored creature feature with above-average human character interest.
That achievement has been duly noted: Intended as a streaming premiere, “Vermines” (the original title) pleased its producer such that he apparently insisted on a home-turf theatrical release, despite the long delay that imposes on its launch in other formats under French law. It’s seen big-screen release in numerous nations since late last year, though in the U.S.
That achievement has been duly noted: Intended as a streaming premiere, “Vermines” (the original title) pleased its producer such that he apparently insisted on a home-turf theatrical release, despite the long delay that imposes on its launch in other formats under French law. It’s seen big-screen release in numerous nations since late last year, though in the U.S.
- 4/26/2024
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety - Film News
In “Boy Kills World,” Bill Skarsgård has burning eyes and model cheekbones, sinewy arms popping out of a dirty red athletic vest, and a feral pout that makes him look like Jean-Claude van Damme crossed with Lou Reed. He plays a deaf-mute avenger, known only as Boy, who kills people in insanely violent ways. Yet through it all, the character retains his innocence. He’s a wounded wild child in a man’s body.
Raised on a mountain by a martial-arts trainer called the Shaman (Yayan Ruhian), who may remind you, at first, of the Zen master in “Kill Bill: Volume 2,” Boy had his past taken away from him by a vicious totalitarian regime. During the Culling, an annual ritual where law and order is maintained by the state-sanctioned execution of criminals in the street, Boy saw his little sister, Mina (Quinn Copeland), executed right in front of him.
Raised on a mountain by a martial-arts trainer called the Shaman (Yayan Ruhian), who may remind you, at first, of the Zen master in “Kill Bill: Volume 2,” Boy had his past taken away from him by a vicious totalitarian regime. During the Culling, an annual ritual where law and order is maintained by the state-sanctioned execution of criminals in the street, Boy saw his little sister, Mina (Quinn Copeland), executed right in front of him.
- 4/26/2024
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety - Film News
The Abbey Food & Bar and its sister location the Chapel at The Abbey in West Hollywood, California, reportedly sold for $27 million.
Tech and hotel entrepreneur Tristan Schukraft agreed to buy the nightclub last November from investment banker David Cooley after being on the market for about four months, but it hadn’t been publicly revealed how much until now.
According to a report from Commercial Observer on Wednesday, the 14,200-square-foot properties located on North Robertson Blvd. were sold for $27 million.
The listing for both spaces was reportedly described as “a generational purchase opportunity to acquire one of the world’s most iconic nightclubs and restaurants, The Abbey and The Chapel at the Abbey, including its tangible and intangible assets with all branding and branding rights to the businesses, and trophy West Hollywood real estate.”
Schukraft has planned to keep the restaurant and nightclub open. He shared in a statement in November,...
Tech and hotel entrepreneur Tristan Schukraft agreed to buy the nightclub last November from investment banker David Cooley after being on the market for about four months, but it hadn’t been publicly revealed how much until now.
According to a report from Commercial Observer on Wednesday, the 14,200-square-foot properties located on North Robertson Blvd. were sold for $27 million.
The listing for both spaces was reportedly described as “a generational purchase opportunity to acquire one of the world’s most iconic nightclubs and restaurants, The Abbey and The Chapel at the Abbey, including its tangible and intangible assets with all branding and branding rights to the businesses, and trophy West Hollywood real estate.”
Schukraft has planned to keep the restaurant and nightclub open. He shared in a statement in November,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Luke Grimes is sharing his thoughts on his on-screen dad Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone.
During a recent interview with The Independent, Grimes addressed Costner’s seemingly controversial departure from the hit Western series, saying while it was “unfortunate,” he understands the actor’s decision.
“Whatever happened there is unfortunate if it’s changed anything about how the show was going to unfold,” the Fifty Shades of Grey actor said. “I know, [Costner] got busy with his movies that were like passion projects [including the recently announced Horizon: An American Saga]. At a certain point, you gotta do what you gotta do, man; you gotta do what you love.”
In the Taylor Sheridan co-created series, Grimes plays Kayce Dutton, the son of Costner’s John Dutton III.
Although Costner’s Yellowstone exit was rocky, especially after he threatened to file a lawsuit last year, he told Entertainment Tonight earlier this month that he would...
During a recent interview with The Independent, Grimes addressed Costner’s seemingly controversial departure from the hit Western series, saying while it was “unfortunate,” he understands the actor’s decision.
“Whatever happened there is unfortunate if it’s changed anything about how the show was going to unfold,” the Fifty Shades of Grey actor said. “I know, [Costner] got busy with his movies that were like passion projects [including the recently announced Horizon: An American Saga]. At a certain point, you gotta do what you gotta do, man; you gotta do what you love.”
In the Taylor Sheridan co-created series, Grimes plays Kayce Dutton, the son of Costner’s John Dutton III.
Although Costner’s Yellowstone exit was rocky, especially after he threatened to file a lawsuit last year, he told Entertainment Tonight earlier this month that he would...
- 4/26/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
[This story contains major spoilers from the season finale of FX’s Shōgun.]
It’s easy to picture Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada gazing toward the horizon with a beatific sense of satisfaction over everything he has achieved with FX’s smash-hit miniseries Shōgun. His character, Lord Yoshii Toranaga, enjoys several such moments in the show’s 10th and last episode, A Dream of a Dream, as his patient, masterful strategizing finally yields precisely the outcome he desires: absolute power for himself and peace for all of Japan.
Sanada’s moment of career triumph is not dissimilar in its decade-spanning tirelessness (at least, in entertainment industry terms). He began performing nearly 60 years ago as a child in Japan, apprenticing under the legendary actor Sonny Chiba on the way to becoming a major local star, before breaking into Hollywood with roles in projects like The Last Samurai, Lost, The Wolverine, Avengers: Endgame, Bullet Train, John Wick: Chapter 4 and many others.
But now,...
It’s easy to picture Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada gazing toward the horizon with a beatific sense of satisfaction over everything he has achieved with FX’s smash-hit miniseries Shōgun. His character, Lord Yoshii Toranaga, enjoys several such moments in the show’s 10th and last episode, A Dream of a Dream, as his patient, masterful strategizing finally yields precisely the outcome he desires: absolute power for himself and peace for all of Japan.
Sanada’s moment of career triumph is not dissimilar in its decade-spanning tirelessness (at least, in entertainment industry terms). He began performing nearly 60 years ago as a child in Japan, apprenticing under the legendary actor Sonny Chiba on the way to becoming a major local star, before breaking into Hollywood with roles in projects like The Last Samurai, Lost, The Wolverine, Avengers: Endgame, Bullet Train, John Wick: Chapter 4 and many others.
But now,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It was Valentine’s Day earlier this year when, in an Albany courtroom, the seven judges that make up the New York State Court of Appeals spent part of their day hearing oral arguments about potentially overturning the nearly four-year-old landmark trial in which Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of two of five felony counts of rape, resulting in a prison sentence of 23 years. On Thursday, more than two months later, the court announced it has reversed the mogul’s conviction in what is a shocking move to many and a pivotal moment in the #MeToo era.
Others who were closely watching the case and the proceedings on that February day in Albany may feel less shocked by the reversal. That Wednesday, the court’s seven judges — four women and three men — held both defense and the prosecution attorneys to account for their arguments, which centered around the...
Others who were closely watching the case and the proceedings on that February day in Albany may feel less shocked by the reversal. That Wednesday, the court’s seven judges — four women and three men — held both defense and the prosecution attorneys to account for their arguments, which centered around the...
- 4/26/2024
- by Kevin Dolak
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Toronto (AP) — Bob Cole, the voice of hockey in Canada for a half century who served as the soundtrack for some of the national sport’s biggest moments, has died. He was 90.
Friend and fellow broadcaster John Shannon said Cole died Wednesday night in his hometown of St. John’s, the capital of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the network for which Cole worked, announced his death Thursday, adding daughter Megan said her father had been healthy “up until the very end.”
“He’s such a legend, such a great man,” said Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon, a Nova Scotia native. “I’ve met him a few times over the years. At charity golf tournaments in Halifax, he’d come out and support Atlantic Canadians. Amazing person, super funny. Just a great guy and obviously some of the best calls of all time.”
Known for his “Oh baby!
Friend and fellow broadcaster John Shannon said Cole died Wednesday night in his hometown of St. John’s, the capital of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the network for which Cole worked, announced his death Thursday, adding daughter Megan said her father had been healthy “up until the very end.”
“He’s such a legend, such a great man,” said Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon, a Nova Scotia native. “I’ve met him a few times over the years. At charity golf tournaments in Halifax, he’d come out and support Atlantic Canadians. Amazing person, super funny. Just a great guy and obviously some of the best calls of all time.”
Known for his “Oh baby!
- 4/26/2024
- by The Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ellen DeGeneres returned to the comedy stage Wednesday night for the first set of her “Ellen’s Last Stand…Up Tour,” taking significant time to address controversy around her talk show that began with an internal investigation of poor working conditions on the show as reported in Buzzfeed.
“Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business,” DeGeneres sarcastically quipped onstage of the Largo at the Coronet Theater in West Hollywood, reports Rolling Stone, which had a reporter on site for the show. “There’s no mean people in show business. … I became this one-dimensional character who gave stuff away and danced up steps.
“Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business,” DeGeneres sarcastically quipped onstage of the Largo at the Coronet Theater in West Hollywood, reports Rolling Stone, which had a reporter on site for the show. “There’s no mean people in show business. … I became this one-dimensional character who gave stuff away and danced up steps.
- 4/26/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety - TV News
Season 4 of “We’re Here” sees new hosts Priyanka, Sasha Velour, Latrice Royale and Jaida Essence Hall travelling to red states Tennessee and Oklahoma, where safety had become a concern at times because of anti-lgbtq protests and threats. “It was frightening sometimes,” Jaida told me Wednesday night at the season premiere screening and party at the Avalon Hollywood. “It was eye-opening, imagining other people like myself who have to live in those spaces and see that every day. It’s just heartbreaking.”
Series co-creator Steve Warren said, “It’s surreal we had to think about our security. We are living in...
Series co-creator Steve Warren said, “It’s surreal we had to think about our security. We are living in...
- 4/26/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety - TV News
One Tree Hill star Sophia Bush confirmed her relationship with Ashlyn Harris on Thursday, self-authoring a Glamour cover story which also delved into her divorce from Grant Hughes and personal fertility journey.
“I finally feel like I can breathe,” Bush wrote, adding that “I’ve always known my sexuality exists on a spectrum. Right now I think the word that best defines it is queer.”
Bush married Grant Hughes in 2022 after a decade of friendship. She then filed for divorce just over a year later in August 2023, and was subsequently romantically linked to Harris.
“The ones who said I’d left my ex because I suddenly realized I wanted to be with women — my partners have known what I’m into for as long as I have (so that’s not it, y’all, sorry!),” Bush wrote this week.
In the essay, Bush also detailed her personal struggle with fertility treatments,...
“I finally feel like I can breathe,” Bush wrote, adding that “I’ve always known my sexuality exists on a spectrum. Right now I think the word that best defines it is queer.”
Bush married Grant Hughes in 2022 after a decade of friendship. She then filed for divorce just over a year later in August 2023, and was subsequently romantically linked to Harris.
“The ones who said I’d left my ex because I suddenly realized I wanted to be with women — my partners have known what I’m into for as long as I have (so that’s not it, y’all, sorry!),” Bush wrote this week.
In the essay, Bush also detailed her personal struggle with fertility treatments,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Janet Jackson and Drew Barrymore are looking back at their acting careers and revealing some iconic movies they passed on.
The singer made a surprise appearance on Friday’s episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, and in a preview clip, Jackson shared which legendary superhero she almost played.
After being asked if she was supposed to star in The Matrix, to which she responded, “No,” Jackson added that she couldn’t remember the film’s name but knew who got the role when she turned it down.
“It was … this is horrible,” the Good Times alum said. “I can’t remember the film, but Halle Berry played Storm.” Barrymore exclaimed in response, “X-Men?”
“I couldn’t because I was just embarking on the Janet tour,” Jackson continued. “But I think that’s what you’re confusing it with. It wasn’t The Matrix.”
Berry debuted her superhero Storm in the 2001 movie,...
The singer made a surprise appearance on Friday’s episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, and in a preview clip, Jackson shared which legendary superhero she almost played.
After being asked if she was supposed to star in The Matrix, to which she responded, “No,” Jackson added that she couldn’t remember the film’s name but knew who got the role when she turned it down.
“It was … this is horrible,” the Good Times alum said. “I can’t remember the film, but Halle Berry played Storm.” Barrymore exclaimed in response, “X-Men?”
“I couldn’t because I was just embarking on the Janet tour,” Jackson continued. “But I think that’s what you’re confusing it with. It wasn’t The Matrix.”
Berry debuted her superhero Storm in the 2001 movie,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jerry Seinfeld was delighted to join his friend Larry David for Curb Your Enthusiasm‘s finale, the comedian said this week, adding that the series’ Seinfeld tie-in helped elevate his own show’s conclusion.
“I think connecting the two finales [was the way to go],” Seinfeld told Vanity Fair. When Curb Your Enthusiasm concluded earlier this month, its series finale mirrored many of the details from Seinfeld‘s 1998 finale, with both shows featuring their main characters on trial for breaking a recondite local law. Seinfeld‘s final episode was written by David, and Seinfeld returned to play himself for the final installment of Curb.
Seinfeld said this week he told David yes right away upon being approached with the idea. “That just seemed like nothing but fun,” he said. “And I just love hanging out with Larry. We always just laugh all day long.”
Plus, Seinfeld said he felt the connection between their two shows strengthened the finale of Seinfeld,...
“I think connecting the two finales [was the way to go],” Seinfeld told Vanity Fair. When Curb Your Enthusiasm concluded earlier this month, its series finale mirrored many of the details from Seinfeld‘s 1998 finale, with both shows featuring their main characters on trial for breaking a recondite local law. Seinfeld‘s final episode was written by David, and Seinfeld returned to play himself for the final installment of Curb.
Seinfeld said this week he told David yes right away upon being approached with the idea. “That just seemed like nothing but fun,” he said. “And I just love hanging out with Larry. We always just laugh all day long.”
Plus, Seinfeld said he felt the connection between their two shows strengthened the finale of Seinfeld,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Taylor Swift has brought fame to yet another location: The Black Dog.
In the Grammy-winning artist’s most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department, one of her songs is named after the local London pub. Since the album’s release on April 19, Swifties from all over the world have flocked to the bar.
“It’s been surreal,” The Black Dog’s marketing manager, Amy Cowley, told People of the response they’ve seen. “We’re quite lucky because we’re a well-established and well-loved local pub already, but that’s the keyword, we’re a local pub, so to get this worldwide attention has been crazy.”
Cowley continued, of the now-famous bar in south London, “We’ve had people from all over. We’ve had interest from the States, Spain, Germany and Australia. It’s been far-reaching.”
The manager explained they’ve had to turn people away from The Black...
In the Grammy-winning artist’s most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department, one of her songs is named after the local London pub. Since the album’s release on April 19, Swifties from all over the world have flocked to the bar.
“It’s been surreal,” The Black Dog’s marketing manager, Amy Cowley, told People of the response they’ve seen. “We’re quite lucky because we’re a well-established and well-loved local pub already, but that’s the keyword, we’re a local pub, so to get this worldwide attention has been crazy.”
Cowley continued, of the now-famous bar in south London, “We’ve had people from all over. We’ve had interest from the States, Spain, Germany and Australia. It’s been far-reaching.”
The manager explained they’ve had to turn people away from The Black...
- 4/25/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jessica Lange spoke critically of present-day Hollywood during a recent interview with Vulture, saying “there should be a law against it” when the topic came up about Warner Bros. Discovery axing already-shot movies like “Batgirl” and “Coyote vs. Acme” for tax write-off purposes. This topic became a launching pad for some of Lange’s wider criticisms of today’s entertainment industry.
“We’re living in a corporate world and it certainly has rolled over into the film industry,” Lange said. “So much of the industry now is not about the creative process. Obviously, this is not across the board, but there are many instances where I feel like the artistic impulse is overwhelmed by the corporate profit motive. You look at some of the best films of the past year — what do they have in common? They’re not from America. My favorite was ‘Anatomy of a Fall.’ How often...
“We’re living in a corporate world and it certainly has rolled over into the film industry,” Lange said. “So much of the industry now is not about the creative process. Obviously, this is not across the board, but there are many instances where I feel like the artistic impulse is overwhelmed by the corporate profit motive. You look at some of the best films of the past year — what do they have in common? They’re not from America. My favorite was ‘Anatomy of a Fall.’ How often...
- 4/25/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
With an appeals court overturning Harvey Weinstein’s conviction in New York, all eyes are now looking toward the integrity of a California judge’s decisions that led to a Los Angeles jury’s verdict finding him guilty of rape.
Weinstein’s fate may rest on a key distinction between the two states in cases dealing with sexual assault: California allows courts to introduce evidence that demonstrate a defendant’s propensity to commit sex crimes, even when the allegations haven’t led to formal charges. New York, meanwhile, only allows such evidence solely when it’s necessary to provide history on a defendant’s motive, intent or common scheme to carry out the alleged crimes.
If New York prosecutors fail to secure a conviction in a retrial, that subtle difference could swing whether Weinstein, 72, is released from prison or likely spends the majority of the remainder of his life behind bars.
Weinstein’s fate may rest on a key distinction between the two states in cases dealing with sexual assault: California allows courts to introduce evidence that demonstrate a defendant’s propensity to commit sex crimes, even when the allegations haven’t led to formal charges. New York, meanwhile, only allows such evidence solely when it’s necessary to provide history on a defendant’s motive, intent or common scheme to carry out the alleged crimes.
If New York prosecutors fail to secure a conviction in a retrial, that subtle difference could swing whether Weinstein, 72, is released from prison or likely spends the majority of the remainder of his life behind bars.
- 4/25/2024
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Los Angeles’ iconic seaside diner Patrick’s Roadhouse at the edge of Pacific Palisades may have slung its last hash brown.
Amid a long-term lease negotiation, and after the financial battering of the pandemic, the half-century-old restaurant just off Pacific Coast Highway, known for its bright green exterior and kitsch décor, is attempting to raise $250,000 for back rent and building improvements as it holds discussions with potential new business partners about the possibility of a return.
While off the radar of industry cognoscenti in recent years, it had long been an unpretentious lure for A-listers like Johnny Carson, Sean Penn and Lucille Ball as well as execs including Jeffrey Katzenberg and onetime Paramount Pictures president Ned Tanen. Its most important Hollywood connection, though, may be its namesake: the seasoned character actor Patrick Fischler, son of the original owner Bill Fischler, who has since died.
Patrick Fischler
Fischler, best known for portraying...
Amid a long-term lease negotiation, and after the financial battering of the pandemic, the half-century-old restaurant just off Pacific Coast Highway, known for its bright green exterior and kitsch décor, is attempting to raise $250,000 for back rent and building improvements as it holds discussions with potential new business partners about the possibility of a return.
While off the radar of industry cognoscenti in recent years, it had long been an unpretentious lure for A-listers like Johnny Carson, Sean Penn and Lucille Ball as well as execs including Jeffrey Katzenberg and onetime Paramount Pictures president Ned Tanen. Its most important Hollywood connection, though, may be its namesake: the seasoned character actor Patrick Fischler, son of the original owner Bill Fischler, who has since died.
Patrick Fischler
Fischler, best known for portraying...
- 4/25/2024
- by Gary Baum
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Zendaya briefly opened up about how she has been “nervous” leading up to the release of Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers.
The Emmy-winning actress took to Instagram to share a carousel of photos and videos behind the scenes of her upcoming film with her co-stars, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor.
“This is my first time leading a film in this way so ya girls been nervous but everyones excitement and encouragement has meant the world to me,” she captioned the Instagram post. “I’m so honored that I get to do this beside these incredibly talented, brilliant (and hilarious) people and on behalf of all of us, we hope you enjoy the film and again…try not to judge the characters too much lol but also #teamtashi.”
The carousel included videos of Zendaya working out with a bouncy ball and training on a tennis court, O’Connor flipping a plastic water...
The Emmy-winning actress took to Instagram to share a carousel of photos and videos behind the scenes of her upcoming film with her co-stars, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor.
“This is my first time leading a film in this way so ya girls been nervous but everyones excitement and encouragement has meant the world to me,” she captioned the Instagram post. “I’m so honored that I get to do this beside these incredibly talented, brilliant (and hilarious) people and on behalf of all of us, we hope you enjoy the film and again…try not to judge the characters too much lol but also #teamtashi.”
The carousel included videos of Zendaya working out with a bouncy ball and training on a tennis court, O’Connor flipping a plastic water...
- 4/25/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Uberto Pasolini’s “Nowhere Special” is delicately tinted by profound shades of imminent grief. As a 35-year-old, terminally ill single father in Northern Ireland, John (a quietly powerful James Norton) grieves his impending demise and the inevitable fact that he will vacate his four-year-old son Michael’s (Daniel Lamont) life permanently and prematurely. A Belfast window washer, John sees the reflections of his grief everywhere as he scrubs and shines surface after surface. In one scene, it’s the headstones on display in the window of a funeral parlor. In another, it’s a dad happily picking up his baby inside a restaurant. That’s just John’s every day on the other side of a glass facade, with stark glimpses into what’s coming and what he will soon lose.
Meanwhile, his often silent and always observant toddler Michael deals with his own share of grief, at an age...
Meanwhile, his often silent and always observant toddler Michael deals with his own share of grief, at an age...
- 4/25/2024
- by Tomris Laffly
- Variety - Film News
While Jerry Seinfeld and his writing partner Spike Feresten didn’t necessarily have an initial plan for the casting in Unfrosted, the pair knew they had to have Hugh Grant as Frosted Flakes’ mascot Tony the Tiger.
The director and writer recently spoke to IndieWire about how they scored the Notting Hill star for the role of Thurl Ravenscroft in the Netflix Pop-Tart comedy.
“There was a long time where we didn’t have anybody to make this movie. We had the budget, we had the script, but we didn’t have any people to play the parts,” Seinfeld recalled. “That was one of the most terrifying moments. We would go into this little room that we had with each part on a 3×5 card on the wall. And we had [Jim] Gaffigan as Kellogg — and that was it. And there were like 30 parts.”
They started filling out the cast, one by one,...
The director and writer recently spoke to IndieWire about how they scored the Notting Hill star for the role of Thurl Ravenscroft in the Netflix Pop-Tart comedy.
“There was a long time where we didn’t have anybody to make this movie. We had the budget, we had the script, but we didn’t have any people to play the parts,” Seinfeld recalled. “That was one of the most terrifying moments. We would go into this little room that we had with each part on a 3×5 card on the wall. And we had [Jim] Gaffigan as Kellogg — and that was it. And there were like 30 parts.”
They started filling out the cast, one by one,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated: Jensen Ackles is set to guest star in the CBS drama series “Tracker.”
Series lead Justin Hartley revealed the news in a video posted to his official Instagram. In the video, Hartley teases that they have found the “perfect casting choice” to play Russell Shaw, the estranged brother of Hartley’s character, Colter Shaw. As the video ends, Hartley turns the camera to reveal Ackles on the show’s set.
Ackles will appear in the episode airing on May 12. In the episode, Russell enlists Colter’s help to track down an old Army buddy. “Tracker” has four episodes left...
Series lead Justin Hartley revealed the news in a video posted to his official Instagram. In the video, Hartley teases that they have found the “perfect casting choice” to play Russell Shaw, the estranged brother of Hartley’s character, Colter Shaw. As the video ends, Hartley turns the camera to reveal Ackles on the show’s set.
Ackles will appear in the episode airing on May 12. In the episode, Russell enlists Colter’s help to track down an old Army buddy. “Tracker” has four episodes left...
- 4/25/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Freelance casting assistants are launching an attempt to unionize with the Teamsters.
Nearly 150 New York- and Los Angeles-based casting assistants are supporting the drive to unionize with Teamsters Local 399 and Teamsters Local 817, the former union announced on Thursday. The group has requested voluntary recognition from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents major Hollywood companies in collective bargaining and negotiates a casting director agreement with the Teamsters, and Netflix, which has its own casting director contract with the union. By taking this two-pronged approach, the Teamsters are seeking to represent casting assistants working on projects associated with most major Hollywood companies.
With this organizing drive, the Teamsters also appear to be attempting to fill out the union’s representation of the casting department: Locals 399 and 817 already represent casting directors and associate casting directors, but non-union casting assistants also have an “integral role in production,” Local 399 stated.
“Teamsters...
Nearly 150 New York- and Los Angeles-based casting assistants are supporting the drive to unionize with Teamsters Local 399 and Teamsters Local 817, the former union announced on Thursday. The group has requested voluntary recognition from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents major Hollywood companies in collective bargaining and negotiates a casting director agreement with the Teamsters, and Netflix, which has its own casting director contract with the union. By taking this two-pronged approach, the Teamsters are seeking to represent casting assistants working on projects associated with most major Hollywood companies.
With this organizing drive, the Teamsters also appear to be attempting to fill out the union’s representation of the casting department: Locals 399 and 817 already represent casting directors and associate casting directors, but non-union casting assistants also have an “integral role in production,” Local 399 stated.
“Teamsters...
- 4/25/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Emily Blunt seems staunchly opposed to algorithms making any decisions in Hollywood. Ahead of the release of her summer tentpole “The Fall Guy,” the Oscar nominee joined co-star Ryan Gosling for a Vanity Fair Italy cover story in which she expressed frustration over algorithm-driven decision making. Blunt pointed to Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” as the kind of gamble that an algorithm or data-crunching practices would probably advise not to make, given it’s a biopic with an R rating and a three-hour runtime that features no action scenes.
“Some new things frustrate me: algorithms, for example,” Blunt said. “I hate that fucking word, excuse the expletive! How can it be associated with art and content? How can we let it determine what will be successful and what will not?”
“Let me explain with an example,” she continued. “I was in a three-hour film about a physicist, which had the that...
“Some new things frustrate me: algorithms, for example,” Blunt said. “I hate that fucking word, excuse the expletive! How can it be associated with art and content? How can we let it determine what will be successful and what will not?”
“Let me explain with an example,” she continued. “I was in a three-hour film about a physicist, which had the that...
- 4/25/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
Netflix’s 3 Body Problem delivered its second straight No. 1 showing among streaming titles, leading the rankings for the last week of March. The acquired series top 10 had several new entrants, thanks in part to a change in how Nielsen reports the numbers.
The ratings service says it made an “enhancement” to its Streaming Content Ratings, which is the basis for the weekly top 10 lists, that results in a number of programs being added to the Scr product. (They weren’t previously “due to business agreements which preceded the rankings, coupled with the associated technical aspects of measurement.”) The affected programs stream mostly on Hulu and Peacock after airing on linear networks.
The upshot is that former Fox series The Resident (1.48 billion minutes on Hulu and Netflix) and animated mainstays Family Guy (837 million minutes on Hulu) and American Dad (619 million on Hulu) all made their first appearance in the top...
The ratings service says it made an “enhancement” to its Streaming Content Ratings, which is the basis for the weekly top 10 lists, that results in a number of programs being added to the Scr product. (They weren’t previously “due to business agreements which preceded the rankings, coupled with the associated technical aspects of measurement.”) The affected programs stream mostly on Hulu and Peacock after airing on linear networks.
The upshot is that former Fox series The Resident (1.48 billion minutes on Hulu and Netflix) and animated mainstays Family Guy (837 million minutes on Hulu) and American Dad (619 million on Hulu) all made their first appearance in the top...
- 4/25/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
More than 250 artists, including Billie Eilish, Green Day, Sia and Cyndi Lauper, signed a letter Thursday urging the Senate Commerce Committee to support a bill that would reform the ticketing system for live events.
The Fans First Act, which was initially introduced in December by Sens. John Cornyn, Amy Klobuchar, Marsha Blackburn, Peter Welch, Roger Wicker and Ben Ray Lujan, aims to address flaws in the current live event ticketing system. The bill hopes to increase transparency in ticket sales, protect consumers from fake or overpriced tickets, and hold those who engage in illegal ticket sale practices accountable.
“As artists and members of the music community, we rely on touring for our livelihood, and we value music fans above all else,” the letter said in part. “We are joining together to say that the current system is broken: predatory resellers and secondary platforms engage in deceptive ticketing practices to inflate...
The Fans First Act, which was initially introduced in December by Sens. John Cornyn, Amy Klobuchar, Marsha Blackburn, Peter Welch, Roger Wicker and Ben Ray Lujan, aims to address flaws in the current live event ticketing system. The bill hopes to increase transparency in ticket sales, protect consumers from fake or overpriced tickets, and hold those who engage in illegal ticket sale practices accountable.
“As artists and members of the music community, we rely on touring for our livelihood, and we value music fans above all else,” the letter said in part. “We are joining together to say that the current system is broken: predatory resellers and secondary platforms engage in deceptive ticketing practices to inflate...
- 4/25/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Endeavor chief Ari Emanuel received a roughly $84 million pay package last year — between his base salary, bonus, stock awards and other compensation — the company disclosed in its proxy filing on Thursday.
President Mark Shapiro received $38.8 million, by those same measures, in 2023, while executive chairman Patrick Whitesell saw $13.2 million in pay, the filing disclosed.
The Endeavor pay for Emanuel and Shapiro include their paydays at Tko Group Holdings, the owners of WWE and UFC, where his compensation package was valued at nearly $65 million last year.
After a three-year run as a public company, Endeavor is set to go private in a reversal for Silver Lake and the executives running the company. But Emanuel, Whitesell and Shapiro will all be the beneficiaries of some generous deal-related bonuses.
For starters, they are incentivized to be sellers. While a source says that no major asset sales are imminent and there is no rush to sell anything off,...
President Mark Shapiro received $38.8 million, by those same measures, in 2023, while executive chairman Patrick Whitesell saw $13.2 million in pay, the filing disclosed.
The Endeavor pay for Emanuel and Shapiro include their paydays at Tko Group Holdings, the owners of WWE and UFC, where his compensation package was valued at nearly $65 million last year.
After a three-year run as a public company, Endeavor is set to go private in a reversal for Silver Lake and the executives running the company. But Emanuel, Whitesell and Shapiro will all be the beneficiaries of some generous deal-related bonuses.
For starters, they are incentivized to be sellers. While a source says that no major asset sales are imminent and there is no rush to sell anything off,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s been well over a year since news first broke that Disney was moving forward with “The Princess Diaries 3.” Anne Hathaway can’t reveal any details, but she did assure fans in a recent V magazine interview that development continues on the long-anticipated sequel, and the intention remains to get it off the ground.
“We’re in a good place,” Hathaway said. “That’s all I can say. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place.”
Hathaway would return as down-to-earth royal Mia Thermopolis in “The Princess Diaries 3.” It appears to be the sequel she is most interested in seeing through, as she doesn’t see a feasible way to bring another one of her popular classics, “The Devil Wears Prada,” back to life.
“Probably not,” Hathaway answered when asked about making a “Prada” sequel. “We all love each other and if somebody could...
“We’re in a good place,” Hathaway said. “That’s all I can say. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place.”
Hathaway would return as down-to-earth royal Mia Thermopolis in “The Princess Diaries 3.” It appears to be the sequel she is most interested in seeing through, as she doesn’t see a feasible way to bring another one of her popular classics, “The Devil Wears Prada,” back to life.
“Probably not,” Hathaway answered when asked about making a “Prada” sequel. “We all love each other and if somebody could...
- 4/25/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
Roku reported total net revenue of $882 million in the first quarter, up 19 percent year over year.
Both platform revenue and devices revenue saw a year-over-year increase of 19 percent in the first quarter results reported Thursday, with platform revenue of $754.9 million and devices revenue of $126.5 million. The company narrowed its loss from operations to $72 million from $104.2 million in the previous quarter, and $212.5 million a year ago.
Roku’s net loss was $50.8 million compared to a net loss of $193 million a year earlier.
Total streaming hours reached 30.8 billion, up 5.7 billion hours year-over-year, while the number of streaming households, or the distinct number of user accounts that have streamed content in the platform in the last 30 days, reached 81.6 million, up 14 percent. Sequentially, Roku added 1.6 million households.
To grow engagement, Roku highlighted its launch of the NBA Zone on the home screen, which features NBA games, highlights, documentaries, original series, league news, and more.
Both platform revenue and devices revenue saw a year-over-year increase of 19 percent in the first quarter results reported Thursday, with platform revenue of $754.9 million and devices revenue of $126.5 million. The company narrowed its loss from operations to $72 million from $104.2 million in the previous quarter, and $212.5 million a year ago.
Roku’s net loss was $50.8 million compared to a net loss of $193 million a year earlier.
Total streaming hours reached 30.8 billion, up 5.7 billion hours year-over-year, while the number of streaming households, or the distinct number of user accounts that have streamed content in the platform in the last 30 days, reached 81.6 million, up 14 percent. Sequentially, Roku added 1.6 million households.
To grow engagement, Roku highlighted its launch of the NBA Zone on the home screen, which features NBA games, highlights, documentaries, original series, league news, and more.
- 4/25/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gkids and European animation distributor Anime Ltd. have acquired global rights to Naoko Yamada’s new film “The Colors Within.” Gkids has acquired the film for North America, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand, while Anime Ltd. has acquired the film for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and all of Europe.
“We have long admired Naoko Yamada and her ability to create dazzling, emotional stories out of the everyday concerns of teenagers,” said Gkids president David Jesteadt. “’The Colors Within’ is her most beautiful film yet, and we are proud to partner with our friends at Anime Ltd. on another soon to be classic from Science Saru and Story inc., who are responsible for some of the best anime productions of this new century.”
According to an official logline, “The Colors Within” follows “a high school student with the ability to see the ‘colors’ of others. Colors of bliss, excitement and serenity,...
“We have long admired Naoko Yamada and her ability to create dazzling, emotional stories out of the everyday concerns of teenagers,” said Gkids president David Jesteadt. “’The Colors Within’ is her most beautiful film yet, and we are proud to partner with our friends at Anime Ltd. on another soon to be classic from Science Saru and Story inc., who are responsible for some of the best anime productions of this new century.”
According to an official logline, “The Colors Within” follows “a high school student with the ability to see the ‘colors’ of others. Colors of bliss, excitement and serenity,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - Film News
Even as linear TV continues to struggle, the video advertising market on YouTube continues to grow.
The Google-owned video platform on Thursday reported advertising revenue of $8.1 billion in Q1 2024, up more than 20% from $6.7 billion in the Q1 quarter a year ago. Wall Street estimates were for YouTube ad revenue of $7.7 billion.
Q1 is often a soft one for advertising, in Q4 (which is usually the best quarter for ads), YouTube had ad revenue of $9.2 billion. Both quarters were up by more than $1.2 billion from a year ago.
“Our results in the first quarter reflect strong performance from Search, YouTube and Cloud,” Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said in a statement. “We are well under way with our Gemini era and there’s great momentum across the company. Our leadership in AI research and infrastructure, and our global product footprint, position us well for the next wave of AI innovation.”
YouTube...
The Google-owned video platform on Thursday reported advertising revenue of $8.1 billion in Q1 2024, up more than 20% from $6.7 billion in the Q1 quarter a year ago. Wall Street estimates were for YouTube ad revenue of $7.7 billion.
Q1 is often a soft one for advertising, in Q4 (which is usually the best quarter for ads), YouTube had ad revenue of $9.2 billion. Both quarters were up by more than $1.2 billion from a year ago.
“Our results in the first quarter reflect strong performance from Search, YouTube and Cloud,” Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said in a statement. “We are well under way with our Gemini era and there’s great momentum across the company. Our leadership in AI research and infrastructure, and our global product footprint, position us well for the next wave of AI innovation.”
YouTube...
- 4/25/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
From “Glee” to “The Golden Bachelor,” “Empire” to “The Dropout,” “Arrested Development” to “Abbott Elementary” and “24” to “9-1-1,” Shannon Ryan has played a critical role in the launch of countless TV
series over the past three decades.
Now president of marketing for Disney Entertainment Television, Ryan oversees marketing, publicity and communications for an unprecedented portfolio of more than 200 active series at any given time across Hulu, ABC, National Geographic, Disney Channel, Onyx Collective, Freeform and other platforms. In recognition of Ryan’s track record at Fox and Mouse House, as well as her commitment to mentorship programs for girls and young women,...
series over the past three decades.
Now president of marketing for Disney Entertainment Television, Ryan oversees marketing, publicity and communications for an unprecedented portfolio of more than 200 active series at any given time across Hulu, ABC, National Geographic, Disney Channel, Onyx Collective, Freeform and other platforms. In recognition of Ryan’s track record at Fox and Mouse House, as well as her commitment to mentorship programs for girls and young women,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety - TV News
Harvey Weinstein was already effectively serving a life sentence when he was flown to Los Angeles to face his second trial on rape and sexual assault charges.
That second conviction is now the only thing keeping him in prison, after the New York Court of Appeals overturned his original verdict in a 4-3 ruling on Thursday.
The court’s ruling could now be used to bolster the appeal in California, which, if successful, could set the former Hollywood producer free.
“At the time the jury was deciding the evidence in California, they were working under the assumption and the belief that he had properly been convicted in New York,” said Jennifer Bonjean, the attorney who is handling Weinstein’s California appeal. “Now we know that’s not true.”
The Los Angeles jury was informed of Weinstein’s earlier conviction during the trial, and it also came up during jury selection.
That second conviction is now the only thing keeping him in prison, after the New York Court of Appeals overturned his original verdict in a 4-3 ruling on Thursday.
The court’s ruling could now be used to bolster the appeal in California, which, if successful, could set the former Hollywood producer free.
“At the time the jury was deciding the evidence in California, they were working under the assumption and the belief that he had properly been convicted in New York,” said Jennifer Bonjean, the attorney who is handling Weinstein’s California appeal. “Now we know that’s not true.”
The Los Angeles jury was informed of Weinstein’s earlier conviction during the trial, and it also came up during jury selection.
- 4/25/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety - Film News
Caitlin Cronenberg’s assured directorial debut Humane begins with the planet plagued by ecological disaster. After decades of ignoring the warnings of scientists, society is battling the threat of its own extinction. Erratic weather patterns are commonplace. A scarcity of food and water has led to strict rations. Curfews abound. The ozone layer is anemic from years of abuse, leaving little protection from Uv rays. Everyone walks around with reflective umbrellas.
In this not-so-distant dystopian future, countries have one year to reduce their population by 20 percent. These grim terms are part of the Athens accord, an emergency international meeting convened to respond to this man-made crisis. In North America, where Humane is vaguely set, the government has created a voluntary euthanasic program. Families of citizens who enlist are paid $250,000 and receive gratitude in the form of a shoddily constructed “Thank you” video on a nationally televised piece of propaganda. The...
In this not-so-distant dystopian future, countries have one year to reduce their population by 20 percent. These grim terms are part of the Athens accord, an emergency international meeting convened to respond to this man-made crisis. In North America, where Humane is vaguely set, the government has created a voluntary euthanasic program. Families of citizens who enlist are paid $250,000 and receive gratitude in the form of a shoddily constructed “Thank you” video on a nationally televised piece of propaganda. The...
- 4/25/2024
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Look around and you just may find yourself amid a Pet Shop Boys renaissance.
Of course, the English duo — consisting of Neil Tennant, 69, and Chris Lowe, 64 — never went anywhere. They have been steadily putting out music since their landmark 1984 debut, Please, which instantly established them with timeless songs like “West End Girls” and “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money).”
But Pet Shop Boys’ deep catalog has been plundered in recent years everywhere from Madison Avenue (“Opportunities” showed up in a Super Bowl ad for Allstate) to Hollywood (several classics were used to wonderful effect in two of last year’s zeitgeistiest movies, Saltburn and All of Us Strangers). Their signature sound is suddenly everywhere — wistful and longing, danceable and intellectually sophisticated synth-pop. Their 15th studio effort, Nonetheless, drops tomorrow and features more of that infectious trademark music.
Tennant and Lowe sat with The Hollywood Reporter recently to relive their...
Of course, the English duo — consisting of Neil Tennant, 69, and Chris Lowe, 64 — never went anywhere. They have been steadily putting out music since their landmark 1984 debut, Please, which instantly established them with timeless songs like “West End Girls” and “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money).”
But Pet Shop Boys’ deep catalog has been plundered in recent years everywhere from Madison Avenue (“Opportunities” showed up in a Super Bowl ad for Allstate) to Hollywood (several classics were used to wonderful effect in two of last year’s zeitgeistiest movies, Saltburn and All of Us Strangers). Their signature sound is suddenly everywhere — wistful and longing, danceable and intellectually sophisticated synth-pop. Their 15th studio effort, Nonetheless, drops tomorrow and features more of that infectious trademark music.
Tennant and Lowe sat with The Hollywood Reporter recently to relive their...
- 4/25/2024
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jill Ratner is moving from Disney to Sony. The executive is joining Sony Pictures Entertainment as executive vice president and general counsel. She steps into a role vacated by Leah Weil, who announced in January she would transition to an advisory position after 30 years with the company.
Ratner begins her new post on May 28, and will oversee all of Spe’s legal functions, compliance and labor relations, music affairs, government/external affairs, and corporate social responsibility teams. She will report to Spe chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra.
Ratner comes to Sony from the Walt Disney Company, where she has served as deputy general counsel since 2019.
She previously worked at 21st Century Fox from 2004 to 2019 and help steer the company through Disney’s acquisition of most of Fox’s assets. She previously served as domestic counsel at the Motion Picture Association, and as a litigation associate at Hogan Lovells Llp and...
Ratner begins her new post on May 28, and will oversee all of Spe’s legal functions, compliance and labor relations, music affairs, government/external affairs, and corporate social responsibility teams. She will report to Spe chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra.
Ratner comes to Sony from the Walt Disney Company, where she has served as deputy general counsel since 2019.
She previously worked at 21st Century Fox from 2004 to 2019 and help steer the company through Disney’s acquisition of most of Fox’s assets. She previously served as domestic counsel at the Motion Picture Association, and as a litigation associate at Hogan Lovells Llp and...
- 4/25/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When John Bradley met with David Benioff and D.B. Weiss about their new series “3 Body Problem,” the first thing they told the “Game of Thrones” actor is that they’d written a role in the sci-fi mind-bender for him. Quite literally. “They said, ‘It’s as close to yourself as any character you’ll ever play,’” Bradley says. “It’s kind of a daunting prospect. It’s a bit like you’re going to see yourself drawn by one of those caricature artists on the street. I’m going to find out what these highly perceptive, very bright people...
- 4/25/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety - TV News
‘Unsung Hero’ Review: The Family That Prays Together, Plays Together in Uplifting Faith-Based Biopic
The heartrending hook behind “Unsung Hero” isn’t solely discovering how one tight knit family birthed two chart-topping contemporary Christian musical acts, although that is an interesting draw. It’s not necessarily learning how the Aussie expats survived a slew of hardships through togetherness and fortitude. The fascinating angle it adopts is similar to the way Steven Spielberg explored a tumultuous time in his childhood with “The Fablemans,” as Joel Smallbone (who co-wrote and directed with Richard L. Ramsey) also engages with family history, portraying his father grappling with financial and personal crises. The co-directors re-contextualize character-building circumstances, crafting a soul-stirring testament to the power of family and faith in the process.
David Smallbone (Joel Smallbone) is at the top of his game in early 1991. He’s got a great support system at work as one of Australia’s top Christian artist concert promoters, luring in such performers as the heavy metal hair band Stryper.
David Smallbone (Joel Smallbone) is at the top of his game in early 1991. He’s got a great support system at work as one of Australia’s top Christian artist concert promoters, luring in such performers as the heavy metal hair band Stryper.
- 4/25/2024
- by Courtney Howard
- Variety - Film News
“Jeanne du Barry” director Maïwenn is speaking out against The Independent after her interview with the publication, which posted online earlier this month, was headlined with a quote in which the filmmaker said her crew was “scared” of star Johnny Depp.
“I have to be honest. It’s difficult to shoot with him… all the crew were scared because he has a different kind of humor and we didn’t know if he was going to be on time, or if he was going to be ok to say his lines,” Maïwenn said during The Independent interview. “I mean, even if he was there on set, on time, the crew were afraid of him.”
Maïwenn clarified the comment in a statement to Variety, saying that she was referring to Depp’s “charisma” and “star status” when discussing why he was “scary.” Nothing about Depp’s behavior on set made anyone afraid of him,...
“I have to be honest. It’s difficult to shoot with him… all the crew were scared because he has a different kind of humor and we didn’t know if he was going to be on time, or if he was going to be ok to say his lines,” Maïwenn said during The Independent interview. “I mean, even if he was there on set, on time, the crew were afraid of him.”
Maïwenn clarified the comment in a statement to Variety, saying that she was referring to Depp’s “charisma” and “star status” when discussing why he was “scary.” Nothing about Depp’s behavior on set made anyone afraid of him,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
Satirical news site The Onion has a new owner.
G/O Media CEO Jim Spanfeller announced on Thursday that the company had sold the publication to a Chicago-based company called Global Tetrahedron, which is comprised of “four digital media veterans with a profound love for The Onion and comedy based content.” The firm is run by former NBC reporter Ben Collins and owned by tech executive Jeff Lawson, who spoke to The New York Times about the buy.
(The name of the company, social media users pointed out on Thursday, is the same as a fictional firm that appears in The Onion’s first book, 1999’s Our Dumb Century: The Onion Presents 100 Years of Headlines from America’s Finest News Source.)
According to Spanfeller, the new company will preserve the publication’s current staff and keep the site based in Chicago. “The Onion for over 35 years has been an...
G/O Media CEO Jim Spanfeller announced on Thursday that the company had sold the publication to a Chicago-based company called Global Tetrahedron, which is comprised of “four digital media veterans with a profound love for The Onion and comedy based content.” The firm is run by former NBC reporter Ben Collins and owned by tech executive Jeff Lawson, who spoke to The New York Times about the buy.
(The name of the company, social media users pointed out on Thursday, is the same as a fictional firm that appears in The Onion’s first book, 1999’s Our Dumb Century: The Onion Presents 100 Years of Headlines from America’s Finest News Source.)
According to Spanfeller, the new company will preserve the publication’s current staff and keep the site based in Chicago. “The Onion for over 35 years has been an...
- 4/25/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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