Movie News
Witness her: “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is off to the races at the box office this holiday weekend.
Director George Miller’s R-rated prequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road” has made $3.5 million in previews so far. The Warner Bros. action film is expected to bring in $40 million to $45 million over the four-day Memorial Day weekend, roughly the same as what “Fury Road” made across three days in 2015.
“Fury Road,” which starred Tom Hardy as wasteland warrior Max Rockatansky and introduced Charlize Theron as the badass driver Imperator Furiosa, opened with $45.4 million after $3.7 million in Thursday previews.
“Furiosa” winds back the clock and stars Anya Taylor-Joy as a younger version of Theron’s character. It shows how she became a fearless sharpshooter working for the evil Immortan Joe and his War Boys, later seen in “Fury Road.” Chris Hemsworth also stars as Dementus, the leader of a pack of biker warriors.
Director George Miller’s R-rated prequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road” has made $3.5 million in previews so far. The Warner Bros. action film is expected to bring in $40 million to $45 million over the four-day Memorial Day weekend, roughly the same as what “Fury Road” made across three days in 2015.
“Fury Road,” which starred Tom Hardy as wasteland warrior Max Rockatansky and introduced Charlize Theron as the badass driver Imperator Furiosa, opened with $45.4 million after $3.7 million in Thursday previews.
“Furiosa” winds back the clock and stars Anya Taylor-Joy as a younger version of Theron’s character. It shows how she became a fearless sharpshooter working for the evil Immortan Joe and his War Boys, later seen in “Fury Road.” Chris Hemsworth also stars as Dementus, the leader of a pack of biker warriors.
- 5/24/2024
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Following his massive victory against Tyson Fury to become the newly crowned Undisputed World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Oleksandr Usyk has found his next opponent on the big screen as he is set to join the cast of A24’s The Smashing Machine as Mma legend Igor Vovchanchyn. The film stars Dwayne Johnson and Academy Award-nominated Emily Blunt.
The pic is written and directed by Benny Safdie and produced and financed by A24. The film is based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in A24’s ‘The Smashing Machine’
The news comes after Johnson revealed the first image from the film which features an unrecognizable Johnson in the corner of the ring getting ready for a match. The...
The pic is written and directed by Benny Safdie and produced and financed by A24. The film is based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in A24’s ‘The Smashing Machine’
The news comes after Johnson revealed the first image from the film which features an unrecognizable Johnson in the corner of the ring getting ready for a match. The...
- 5/24/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Buyers are hot for The Substance.
The Demi Moore body horror film from director Coralie Fargeat, one of the buzziest films in this year’s Cannes competition, has all but sold out worldwide following its rapturous reception at last week’s world premiere.
The Match Factory, which is handling world sales on the movie, closed deals in Cannes for Italy (I Wonder Pictures), Spain (Elastica Films), Scandinavia (Nonstop Entertainment), South Korea (Challan), Hong Kong (Golden Scene Company), Cis (Vlg.Film Ltd.), Ukraine and Baltics (Adastra Cinema), Taiwan (Catchplay), Australia and New Zealand (Madman Entertainment), Poland (Monolith), Greece (Feelgood Entertainment), Former Yugoslavia (McF Megacom), Bulgaria (Beta Film) and Romania (Independenta Film 97). Metropolitan has previously acquired the film for distribution in France.
Match Factory’s parent company Mubi holds all rights for The Substance in North America, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Latin America, and Benelux, and is planning a theatrical rollout later this year.
The Demi Moore body horror film from director Coralie Fargeat, one of the buzziest films in this year’s Cannes competition, has all but sold out worldwide following its rapturous reception at last week’s world premiere.
The Match Factory, which is handling world sales on the movie, closed deals in Cannes for Italy (I Wonder Pictures), Spain (Elastica Films), Scandinavia (Nonstop Entertainment), South Korea (Challan), Hong Kong (Golden Scene Company), Cis (Vlg.Film Ltd.), Ukraine and Baltics (Adastra Cinema), Taiwan (Catchplay), Australia and New Zealand (Madman Entertainment), Poland (Monolith), Greece (Feelgood Entertainment), Former Yugoslavia (McF Megacom), Bulgaria (Beta Film) and Romania (Independenta Film 97). Metropolitan has previously acquired the film for distribution in France.
Match Factory’s parent company Mubi holds all rights for The Substance in North America, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Latin America, and Benelux, and is planning a theatrical rollout later this year.
- 5/24/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Benoit Blanc is back to solve another mystery in Rian Johnson’s third “Knives Out” film, titled “Wake Up Dead Man.”
Johnson announced the title, along with a 2025 release date, in a teaser posted to X Friday morning.
“In the beginning, the knives came out. Then, behold, the glass was shattered. But my most dangerous case yet is about to be revealed,” narrates Daniel Craig in the 45-second video, referencing the first two titles of the murder mystery franchise, 2019’s “Knives Out” and 2022’s “Glass Onion.”
“Wake Up Dead Man” will be distributed by Netflix as part of Johnson’s two-sequel deal with the streamer, worth $450 million. Despite the first film, distributed by Lionsgate, grossing $312 million at the global box office, Netflix put out “Glass Onion” with only a limited theatrical release, collecting a mere $13 million before launching it on streaming.
Johnson sent the internet into a frenzy early Friday...
Johnson announced the title, along with a 2025 release date, in a teaser posted to X Friday morning.
“In the beginning, the knives came out. Then, behold, the glass was shattered. But my most dangerous case yet is about to be revealed,” narrates Daniel Craig in the 45-second video, referencing the first two titles of the murder mystery franchise, 2019’s “Knives Out” and 2022’s “Glass Onion.”
“Wake Up Dead Man” will be distributed by Netflix as part of Johnson’s two-sequel deal with the streamer, worth $450 million. Despite the first film, distributed by Lionsgate, grossing $312 million at the global box office, Netflix put out “Glass Onion” with only a limited theatrical release, collecting a mere $13 million before launching it on streaming.
Johnson sent the internet into a frenzy early Friday...
- 5/24/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Morgan Spurlock, a documentary filmmaker who captured his own psychological and physical symptoms from eating McDonald’s every day for a month in the Oscar-nominated 2004 feature “Super Size Me,” died Thursday in upstate New York due to complications of cancer. He was 53.
Spurlock’s family confirmed his death.
“It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan,” says Craig Spurlock, who worked with his brother on several projects. “Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas and generosity. Today the world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. I am so proud to have worked together with him.”
Spurlock rose to prominence for “Super Size Me,” in which he conducted an experiment involving consuming only food from McDonald’s for a 30-day stretch. The rules also included the stipulation that Spurlock could not refuse the “super-size” option if prompted during the transaction. The filmmaker...
Spurlock’s family confirmed his death.
“It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan,” says Craig Spurlock, who worked with his brother on several projects. “Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas and generosity. Today the world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. I am so proud to have worked together with him.”
Spurlock rose to prominence for “Super Size Me,” in which he conducted an experiment involving consuming only food from McDonald’s for a 30-day stretch. The rules also included the stipulation that Spurlock could not refuse the “super-size” option if prompted during the transaction. The filmmaker...
- 5/24/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Late screenwriter-director Sophie Fillières’ seventh and final feature, “This Life of Mine” was the opening film at this year’s Directors’ Fortnight and today wrapped things up as the France Writers’ Guild’s favorite French-language feature, winning the Sacd Authors’ Favorite Prize.
In the film, Barbie, once a devoted mother and partner, faces the realities of middle age as she turns 55. Following a classic three-act structure, the film advances from comedy to tragedy to epiphany, at times toying with the absurd.
Said Anne Villacèque, Sacd administrator: “This year, we had to decide from a particularly eclectic selection. Choosing between novel and poetry, right arm and left arm, grandiose or more modest films. We chose the film whose heart beat the strongest and continued to move us long after seeing it.
“A daring, delicate, unpredictable film, the culmination of a work full of dissonance and side steps, as its director liked to say,...
In the film, Barbie, once a devoted mother and partner, faces the realities of middle age as she turns 55. Following a classic three-act structure, the film advances from comedy to tragedy to epiphany, at times toying with the absurd.
Said Anne Villacèque, Sacd administrator: “This year, we had to decide from a particularly eclectic selection. Choosing between novel and poetry, right arm and left arm, grandiose or more modest films. We chose the film whose heart beat the strongest and continued to move us long after seeing it.
“A daring, delicate, unpredictable film, the culmination of a work full of dissonance and side steps, as its director liked to say,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety - Film News
Netflix has acquired the legal drama “Monsanto,” a buzzy package from this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
John Lee Hancock directed the movie, which stars Glen Powell, Anthony Mackie and Laura Dern.
“Monsanto” tells the true story of young upstart lawyer Brent Wisner (Powell), who took on the court case against the giant U.S. chemical company Monsanto on behalf of Dewayne “Lee” Johnson (Mackie). Johnson used the company’s product Roundup, a top-selling weed and grass pesticide killer, as part of his job as a high school groundskeeper. During the trial, Monsanto Company’s chief toxicologist Dr. Melinda Rogers (Dern), testifies that Roundup is safe. Hancock also wrote the screenplay with Michael Wisner, Alexandra Duparc.
“I was drawn to this contemporary David vs. Goliath true story because I found it dramatic, moving, quite funny and of critical importance in today’s world,” Hancock said prior to the film’s sale.
John Lee Hancock directed the movie, which stars Glen Powell, Anthony Mackie and Laura Dern.
“Monsanto” tells the true story of young upstart lawyer Brent Wisner (Powell), who took on the court case against the giant U.S. chemical company Monsanto on behalf of Dewayne “Lee” Johnson (Mackie). Johnson used the company’s product Roundup, a top-selling weed and grass pesticide killer, as part of his job as a high school groundskeeper. During the trial, Monsanto Company’s chief toxicologist Dr. Melinda Rogers (Dern), testifies that Roundup is safe. Hancock also wrote the screenplay with Michael Wisner, Alexandra Duparc.
“I was drawn to this contemporary David vs. Goliath true story because I found it dramatic, moving, quite funny and of critical importance in today’s world,” Hancock said prior to the film’s sale.
- 5/23/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin and Matt Donnelly
- Variety - Film News
Steven Spielberg’s next movie will hit theaters on May 15, 2026, Universal and Amblin Entertainment announced Thursday.
The untitled movie is described as an original event film created and helmed by the iconic director, but plot details are being kept under tight wraps.
Based on a story by Spielberg, the screenplay is written by longtime collaborator David Koepp, whose previous work with Spielberg includes the scripts for Jurassic Park and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Combined, those films earned more than $3 billion worldwide.
He last directed the semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans, which was released in 2022. Released by Universal, the Amblin film received seven Academy Awards nominations, including for best picture, directing, best original screenplay, best actress and best picture.
Spielberg is one of the industry’s most successful and influential filmmakers, along with being the top-grossing director of all time. His bevy of blockbusters include Jaws, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, the Indiana Jones franchise and Jurassic Park.
The untitled movie is described as an original event film created and helmed by the iconic director, but plot details are being kept under tight wraps.
Based on a story by Spielberg, the screenplay is written by longtime collaborator David Koepp, whose previous work with Spielberg includes the scripts for Jurassic Park and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Combined, those films earned more than $3 billion worldwide.
He last directed the semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans, which was released in 2022. Released by Universal, the Amblin film received seven Academy Awards nominations, including for best picture, directing, best original screenplay, best actress and best picture.
Spielberg is one of the industry’s most successful and influential filmmakers, along with being the top-grossing director of all time. His bevy of blockbusters include Jaws, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, the Indiana Jones franchise and Jurassic Park.
- 5/23/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The velociraptors have found a Friend.
Rupert Friend, the British actor who in appeared in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, will star alongside Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey in the all-new Jurassic World feature being made by Universal Pictures.
Gareth Edwards is directing the creature feature that also has Manuel Garcia-Rulfo on the call sheet.
David Koepp, the original screenwriter of Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park, penned the script for the new installment, whose plot details are being kept hidden in a can of Barbasol.
The project is casting furiously ahead of a production start in mid-June in London. Universal will have a tight turnaround in postproduction, as the studio has set a theatrical release of July 2, 2025.
Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley, who have shepherded the modern Jurassic franchise, will produce through Kennedy/Marshall. Steven Spielberg, who kicked off the franchise in 1993 with Jurassic Park, is exec producing through Amblin Entertainment.
Rupert Friend, the British actor who in appeared in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, will star alongside Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey in the all-new Jurassic World feature being made by Universal Pictures.
Gareth Edwards is directing the creature feature that also has Manuel Garcia-Rulfo on the call sheet.
David Koepp, the original screenwriter of Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park, penned the script for the new installment, whose plot details are being kept hidden in a can of Barbasol.
The project is casting furiously ahead of a production start in mid-June in London. Universal will have a tight turnaround in postproduction, as the studio has set a theatrical release of July 2, 2025.
Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley, who have shepherded the modern Jurassic franchise, will produce through Kennedy/Marshall. Steven Spielberg, who kicked off the franchise in 1993 with Jurassic Park, is exec producing through Amblin Entertainment.
- 5/22/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A Native American costume designer sued Apple on Wednesday, alleging that her contributions to “Killers of the Flower Moon” were overlooked during the studio’s awards campaign.
Kristi Marie Hoffman, who was credited as an assistant costume designer, also alleges that she was subject to racial discrimination on set.
Hoffman filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which resulted in a confidential settlement in December 2022. Subsequently, Hoffman alleges that the studio retaliated by denying her credit and accolades and “attempting to erase her contributions.”
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Hoffman sued Apple, the Costume Designers Guild, and Jacqueline West, the costume designer who hired her.
In the complaint, she states that she was brought on because West needed someone with the cultural competency to handle the project, and West also wanted to make sure that Native Americans were represented among the crew.
Kristi Marie Hoffman, who was credited as an assistant costume designer, also alleges that she was subject to racial discrimination on set.
Hoffman filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which resulted in a confidential settlement in December 2022. Subsequently, Hoffman alleges that the studio retaliated by denying her credit and accolades and “attempting to erase her contributions.”
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Hoffman sued Apple, the Costume Designers Guild, and Jacqueline West, the costume designer who hired her.
In the complaint, she states that she was brought on because West needed someone with the cultural competency to handle the project, and West also wanted to make sure that Native Americans were represented among the crew.
- 5/22/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety - Film News
The Cannes Film Festival is nearing its conclusion, with plenty of films making a splash on the starry Croisette on the French Riviera. However, one studio executive tells Variety, “There aren’t many Oscar-buzzy titles to be excited about, not even in the international feature space.”
This year’s main competition jury, led by president Greta Gerwig and including J.A. Bayona, Ebru Ceylan, Pierfrancesco Favino, Lily Gladstone, Eva Green, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Nadine Labaki and Omar Sy, will name its winners on Saturday.
It was looking like a foregone conclusion that the Palme d’Or win would be bestowed upon Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez,” starring Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón, which was picked up by Netflix. However, on Friday, Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” garnered the most enthusiastic reactions on social media from attendees and the longest-standing ovation at 12 minutes. One awards publicist says,...
This year’s main competition jury, led by president Greta Gerwig and including J.A. Bayona, Ebru Ceylan, Pierfrancesco Favino, Lily Gladstone, Eva Green, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Nadine Labaki and Omar Sy, will name its winners on Saturday.
It was looking like a foregone conclusion that the Palme d’Or win would be bestowed upon Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez,” starring Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón, which was picked up by Netflix. However, on Friday, Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” garnered the most enthusiastic reactions on social media from attendees and the longest-standing ovation at 12 minutes. One awards publicist says,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety - Film News
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” Mohammad Rasoulof’s latest film that he received an eight-year prison sentence from Iranian authorities for making, earned a rapturous 12-minute standing ovation at its Cannes Film Festival premiere on Friday. Rasoulof risked his life by appearing at the premiere as he fled Iran for Europe on May 13 to avoid going to prison.
There was undeniable applause as the film’s credits began to roll (though it is Variety‘s policy to begin timing the standing ovation once the house lights come up), with Rasoulof getting teary and waving enthusiastically to the balcony. Ali Abbasi, the director of fellow competition title “The Apprentice,” stood next to Rasoulof and encouraged the crowd to keep clapping — not that they needed it, as their cheers just seemed to get louder and louder. There was even a sign in the audience reading “Femme! Vie! Liberté!” (“Woman! Life! Freedom!
There was undeniable applause as the film’s credits began to roll (though it is Variety‘s policy to begin timing the standing ovation once the house lights come up), with Rasoulof getting teary and waving enthusiastically to the balcony. Ali Abbasi, the director of fellow competition title “The Apprentice,” stood next to Rasoulof and encouraged the crowd to keep clapping — not that they needed it, as their cheers just seemed to get louder and louder. There was even a sign in the audience reading “Femme! Vie! Liberté!” (“Woman! Life! Freedom!
- 5/24/2024
- by Ramin Setoodeh and Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Kodi, the canine defendant in Laetitia Dosch’s Dog on Trial, was named top dog at the Cannes Film Festival, snatching the Palm Dog prize for the best canine performance.
In a rare treat, Kodi, a 9-year-old Griffon, attended the event, a boozy and chaotic affair, as is the Palm Dog tradition, at the Plage du Festival in Cannes on Friday. He even gave a demonstration of his howling performance from the film, something the director said he had to be trained to do, not being a natural howler in real life.
In Dog on Trial, Kodi plays Cosmos, the four-legged companion of a visually impaired man (François Damiens) who, after a biting incident, finds himself at the center of an absurd trial to decide whether he will be put down. Avril (Laetitia Dosch), a lawyer accustomed to lost causes, decides to represent Cosmos.
Dosch said she insisted on having...
In a rare treat, Kodi, a 9-year-old Griffon, attended the event, a boozy and chaotic affair, as is the Palm Dog tradition, at the Plage du Festival in Cannes on Friday. He even gave a demonstration of his howling performance from the film, something the director said he had to be trained to do, not being a natural howler in real life.
In Dog on Trial, Kodi plays Cosmos, the four-legged companion of a visually impaired man (François Damiens) who, after a biting incident, finds himself at the center of an absurd trial to decide whether he will be put down. Avril (Laetitia Dosch), a lawyer accustomed to lost causes, decides to represent Cosmos.
Dosch said she insisted on having...
- 5/24/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Page Kennedy has joined the cast of “The Breed,” an upcoming reimagining of the cult favorite. He joins a cast that also includes Grace Caroline Currey. The film will be directed by brothers Nathan and Griff Furst, who will also produce together through their Curmudgeon Films shingle.
Kennedy, a Shakespearean-trained performer, was recently seen in “The Meg 2: The Trench,” appearing opposite Jason Statham in the mega-shark movie, which opened last summer. He reprised his role from the first film, 2018’s “The Meg,” which grossed more than $530 million. He also starred on the Netflix series “The Upshaws” alongside Wanda Sykes and Mike Epps. He will next be seen in the upcoming action-comedy “Code 3,” which co-stars Rainn Wilson and Yvette Nicole Brown. In addition to his film work, Kennedy has been a series regular on numerous shows such as “Rush Hour,” “Weeds,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Backstroke” and “Blue Mountain State.” In addition to his acting work,...
Kennedy, a Shakespearean-trained performer, was recently seen in “The Meg 2: The Trench,” appearing opposite Jason Statham in the mega-shark movie, which opened last summer. He reprised his role from the first film, 2018’s “The Meg,” which grossed more than $530 million. He also starred on the Netflix series “The Upshaws” alongside Wanda Sykes and Mike Epps. He will next be seen in the upcoming action-comedy “Code 3,” which co-stars Rainn Wilson and Yvette Nicole Brown. In addition to his film work, Kennedy has been a series regular on numerous shows such as “Rush Hour,” “Weeds,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Backstroke” and “Blue Mountain State.” In addition to his acting work,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety - Film News
“Still Working 9 to 5,” the 2022 documentary that uses the ideas raised 1980’s “9 to 5” as a way to explore inequality in the workplace, will have its L.A. premiere May 29 at the Renberg Theatre in Hollywood in partnership with the Era.
“Still Working 9 to 5” follows the journey of women in the workplace and looks at the continuing inequality over the past 40 years. It’s directed and produced by Camille Hardman and Gary Lane.
Alyssa Milano will present the Era Coalition Trailblazer Awards to “9 to 5” stars Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton at the screening. Fonda and Tomlin are confirmed to attend, while Parton will accept her award by a prerecorded video from Nashville.
A panel discussion with Tomlin and Fonda about the documentary, women’s rights and the importance of the Era passing this election year will be hosted by Zakia Thomas, the president of the Era Coalition.
“Still Working 9 to 5” follows the journey of women in the workplace and looks at the continuing inequality over the past 40 years. It’s directed and produced by Camille Hardman and Gary Lane.
Alyssa Milano will present the Era Coalition Trailblazer Awards to “9 to 5” stars Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton at the screening. Fonda and Tomlin are confirmed to attend, while Parton will accept her award by a prerecorded video from Nashville.
A panel discussion with Tomlin and Fonda about the documentary, women’s rights and the importance of the Era passing this election year will be hosted by Zakia Thomas, the president of the Era Coalition.
- 5/23/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay, Lexi Carson, Jack Dunn and Selena Kuznikov
- Variety - Film News
Netflix is in talks to acquire one of the most talked about titles at this year’s Cannes Film Festival: Emilia Pérez.
The movie, from writer-director Jacques Audiard, follows a cartel leader who hires an undervalued lawyer to help him withdraw from his business and realize a plan he has been secretly preparing for years, to transition into a woman.
Zoe Saldaña stars in the film, along with Selena Gomez and Edgar Ramirez, with breakout Karla Sofia Gascón as the title character.
The film earned a warm Cannes reception with a long standing ovation and near universal praise from critics.
The Hollywood Reporter‘s review reads: “The baseline is a drama of criminality and redemption, but then there’s an unforced current of Almodóvarian humor, along with moments of melodrama, noir, social realism, a hint of telenovela camp and a climactic escalation into suspense, ultimately touched by tragedy. All this...
The movie, from writer-director Jacques Audiard, follows a cartel leader who hires an undervalued lawyer to help him withdraw from his business and realize a plan he has been secretly preparing for years, to transition into a woman.
Zoe Saldaña stars in the film, along with Selena Gomez and Edgar Ramirez, with breakout Karla Sofia Gascón as the title character.
The film earned a warm Cannes reception with a long standing ovation and near universal praise from critics.
The Hollywood Reporter‘s review reads: “The baseline is a drama of criminality and redemption, but then there’s an unforced current of Almodóvarian humor, along with moments of melodrama, noir, social realism, a hint of telenovela camp and a climactic escalation into suspense, ultimately touched by tragedy. All this...
- 5/23/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: AI firm Flawless, distributor-financier XYZ Films (Mandy), and producer Tea Shop Productions (The Fall) have acquired Michel Gondry’s 2023 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight movie The Book Of Solutions for all English-speaking territories.
Directed and written by Gondry, the French-language comedy is the first film in seven years from the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Science of Sleep filmmaker.
It will be releases simultaneously in the original French language and converted to a director-approved English-language version using Flawless’ TrueSync AI technology, which became known after movies like The Fall. You can read about Flawless’ “visual translation” techniques and acquisitions strategy in our story here.
Pic stars Pierre Niney, Blanche Gardin, Francoise Lebrun and Vincent Elbaz and was produced by George Bermann at Partizan.
In the film, Marc (Niney), a bipolar and paranoid filmmaker, is having trouble with his latest project. With his editor as an accomplice, he manages...
Directed and written by Gondry, the French-language comedy is the first film in seven years from the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Science of Sleep filmmaker.
It will be releases simultaneously in the original French language and converted to a director-approved English-language version using Flawless’ TrueSync AI technology, which became known after movies like The Fall. You can read about Flawless’ “visual translation” techniques and acquisitions strategy in our story here.
Pic stars Pierre Niney, Blanche Gardin, Francoise Lebrun and Vincent Elbaz and was produced by George Bermann at Partizan.
In the film, Marc (Niney), a bipolar and paranoid filmmaker, is having trouble with his latest project. With his editor as an accomplice, he manages...
- 5/23/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Vanessa Kirby has amassed an impressively starry ensemble cast for the first feature out of the gates for Aluna Entertainment, the production company she established in 2021 with former Film4 exec Lauren Dark.
“Night Always Comes,” which Oscar nominee Kirby will lead, is set to star Jennifer Jason Leigh, Zack Gottsagen (“The Peanut Butter Falcon”), Stephan James (“If Beale Street Could Talk”), Julia Fox (“Uncut Gems”), Eli Roth, Randall Park and Michael Kelly.
Shooting is now underway in Portland on the thriller, which is based on the 2021 novel by Willy Vlautin. Benjamin Caron directs from a script by Sarah Conradt (“Mother’s Instinct”).
As per the logline, “Night Always Comes” follows Lynette, a woman who risks everything to secure a future for herself and her brother by setting out on a dangerous odyssey in Portland, in doing so confronting her own dark past over one propulsive night.
Kirby and Dark are producing...
“Night Always Comes,” which Oscar nominee Kirby will lead, is set to star Jennifer Jason Leigh, Zack Gottsagen (“The Peanut Butter Falcon”), Stephan James (“If Beale Street Could Talk”), Julia Fox (“Uncut Gems”), Eli Roth, Randall Park and Michael Kelly.
Shooting is now underway in Portland on the thriller, which is based on the 2021 novel by Willy Vlautin. Benjamin Caron directs from a script by Sarah Conradt (“Mother’s Instinct”).
As per the logline, “Night Always Comes” follows Lynette, a woman who risks everything to secure a future for herself and her brother by setting out on a dangerous odyssey in Portland, in doing so confronting her own dark past over one propulsive night.
Kirby and Dark are producing...
- 5/23/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Kodak, which had a momentous 2023 with more than 60 movies shot on film has gotten off to a promising start in 2024 with Luca Guadignino’s “Challengers” and Jane Shoenbrun’s “I Saw the TV Glow, which A24 released wide May 17. Upcoming releases include Jeff Nichols’ “The Bikeriders” and Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu.”
Meanwhile, Kodak premiered 29 movies shot on film at Cannes. These include five features competing for the Palme d’Or: Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Kinds of Kindness,” Sean Baker’s “Anora,” Andrea Arnold’s “Bird,” Karim Aïnouz’s “Motel Destino,” and Miguel Gomes’ “Grand Tour.”
Additionally, four movies are featured in Un Certain Regard, and 16 titles across Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week were captured on film. Meanwhile, 16mm film continues to prove its popularity and relevance, with 23 of the on-film titles at the festival choosing it as their capture medium.
This article was first published January 27, 2024. It has been updated.
Cannes 2024 Premieres ‘Kinds...
Meanwhile, Kodak premiered 29 movies shot on film at Cannes. These include five features competing for the Palme d’Or: Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Kinds of Kindness,” Sean Baker’s “Anora,” Andrea Arnold’s “Bird,” Karim Aïnouz’s “Motel Destino,” and Miguel Gomes’ “Grand Tour.”
Additionally, four movies are featured in Un Certain Regard, and 16 titles across Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week were captured on film. Meanwhile, 16mm film continues to prove its popularity and relevance, with 23 of the on-film titles at the festival choosing it as their capture medium.
This article was first published January 27, 2024. It has been updated.
Cannes 2024 Premieres ‘Kinds...
- 5/27/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The Italian photographer is no stranger to altercations, but when he set off for Harry’s Bar, it had been a while since his last celebrity contretemps
Not for nothing is Rino Barillari known as “the king of paparazzi”. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has masqueraded as priests, gardeners and bricklayers in his quest to capture up-close photos of the rich and famous, from Princess Margaret and Jackie Kennedy to the Beatles, Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra.
But until Tuesday, it had been a long time since Barillari was involved in a contretemps with a celebrity.
Not for nothing is Rino Barillari known as “the king of paparazzi”. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has masqueraded as priests, gardeners and bricklayers in his quest to capture up-close photos of the rich and famous, from Princess Margaret and Jackie Kennedy to the Beatles, Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra.
But until Tuesday, it had been a long time since Barillari was involved in a contretemps with a celebrity.
- 5/25/2024
- by Angela Giuffrida in Rome
- The Guardian - Film News
Economic downturn, changing viewing habits and Hollywood strikes prompt questions about whether bubble has burst
The latest series of the Devil’s Hour starring Peter Capaldi and Jessica Raine may be a supernatural thriller but it is being filmed in more prosaic surroundings: not far from the M25 in Surrey.
Shepperton studios, part of Pinewood Group, is now the second-largest film studio in the world after a new extension opened earlier this year.
The latest series of the Devil’s Hour starring Peter Capaldi and Jessica Raine may be a supernatural thriller but it is being filmed in more prosaic surroundings: not far from the M25 in Surrey.
Shepperton studios, part of Pinewood Group, is now the second-largest film studio in the world after a new extension opened earlier this year.
- 5/25/2024
- by Jane Croft
- The Guardian - Film News
On Friday nights, IndieWire After Dark takes a feature-length beat to honor fringe cinema in the streaming age.
First, the spoiler-free pitch for one editor’s midnight movie pick — something weird and wonderful from any age of film that deserves our memorializing.
Then, the spoiler-filled aftermath as experienced by the unwitting editor attacked by this week’s recommendation.
The Pitch: Scared of a Spider Bite Birthing a Thousand Spiders on Your Face? In ‘The Manitou,’ It’s Worse.
At a certain point in time, we lived in a world where we could wander into a movie playing on some random network (Rip Upn) and get sucked in with no knowledge of what it was, the behind-the-scenes stories it held, or even a whiff of IMDb trivia. It was a sad, bleak era. That is how I happened upon “The Manitou” one lazy summer Sunday. Everything about this oddball horror movie...
First, the spoiler-free pitch for one editor’s midnight movie pick — something weird and wonderful from any age of film that deserves our memorializing.
Then, the spoiler-filled aftermath as experienced by the unwitting editor attacked by this week’s recommendation.
The Pitch: Scared of a Spider Bite Birthing a Thousand Spiders on Your Face? In ‘The Manitou,’ It’s Worse.
At a certain point in time, we lived in a world where we could wander into a movie playing on some random network (Rip Upn) and get sucked in with no knowledge of what it was, the behind-the-scenes stories it held, or even a whiff of IMDb trivia. It was a sad, bleak era. That is how I happened upon “The Manitou” one lazy summer Sunday. Everything about this oddball horror movie...
- 5/25/2024
- by Mark Peikert and Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
When you sit down to watch a documentary about the Beach Boys, you know what you want: to be immersed in the California dreamin’ of the group’s early surfin’-hit days, in the jaunty beauty of songs like “I Get Around” and “Help Me Rhonda,” and in the story of how Brian Wilson began to figure out a way to turn pop songs into miniature symphonies. You want to be immersed in the recording of “Pet Sounds,” in the Beach Boys’ rivalry with the Beatles, in the derailed masterpiece that was “Smile,” and in how Brian’s mental and emotional problems began to tear himself and the group apart. You want to know how the other Beach Boys, caught in the wilderness, found a way to put the group back together, though it’s almost like they became a different group. You want to see the Beach Boys’ saga...
- 5/25/2024
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety - Film News
Well, the first trailer for Dennis Quaid’s Ronald Reagan biopic has debuted. The actor plays the 40th President of the United States in the feature, which promises to span the major events of Reagan’s life, including his confrontation with childhood bullies, his acting career and time leading the Screen Actors Guild and his ascendant rise in politics bolstered by anti-communist rhetoric. Set to a cover of Tears for Fears’ ’80s hit “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” the trailer tracks how Reagan wanted to rule the free world — and did.
“I was a lifeguard on a river. And I learned how to read the currents — not just the ones on the surface, but also the ones deep underneath the water,” President Reagan says in the trailer, drawing a comparison to his own eye for geopolitical tensions. The footage also teases more well-known moments from the conservative President’s tenure,...
“I was a lifeguard on a river. And I learned how to read the currents — not just the ones on the surface, but also the ones deep underneath the water,” President Reagan says in the trailer, drawing a comparison to his own eye for geopolitical tensions. The footage also teases more well-known moments from the conservative President’s tenure,...
- 5/25/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety - Film News
Typically, reboot film franchises don’t surpass the originals. The first films are so iconic and firmly entrenched in the popular consciousness that the reboots get dinged for any changes they make — and sometimes the changes they don’t make. But there are exceptions — just check the “Planet of the Apes.” And maybe no film series inverts this trend more than “Mad Max.”
For decades, George Miller’s Australian apocalypse series was an iconic apocalyptic action series that helped create an entire sci-fi aesthetic in its own right. Starring Mel Gibson pre-fame, the trilogy of films from 1979 to 1985 were fondly remembered as an iconoclastic action franchise, with the second entry in particular often cracking lists of the best in the genre.
And yet, when Miller resurrected the franchise in 2015, he miraculously came back with a film that eclipsed all of them in respect and attention. “Mad Max: Fury Road” wasn...
For decades, George Miller’s Australian apocalypse series was an iconic apocalyptic action series that helped create an entire sci-fi aesthetic in its own right. Starring Mel Gibson pre-fame, the trilogy of films from 1979 to 1985 were fondly remembered as an iconoclastic action franchise, with the second entry in particular often cracking lists of the best in the genre.
And yet, when Miller resurrected the franchise in 2015, he miraculously came back with a film that eclipsed all of them in respect and attention. “Mad Max: Fury Road” wasn...
- 5/25/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Sideshow and Janus Films have acquired the North American rights to Alain Guiraudie’s queer crime thriller “Misericordia,” starring Félix Kysyl, Catherine Frot, Jean-Baptiste Durand, Jacques Develay and David Ayala. The film was a selection of the Cannes Premiere section at this year’s festival.
The film follows Jérémie (Kysyl), a man returning to his hometown for the funeral of his former employer. After a mysterious disappearance, a priest and a townsperson make Jérémie’s short stay take an unexpected turn.
Guiraudie wrote and directed the film, produced by Charles Gillibert of CG Cinema. Janus Films and Sideshow are planning a theatrical release.
The deal was negotiated by Alice Lesort for Les Films du Losange on behalf of the filmmakers with Sideshow and Janus Films. The film is a CG Cinéma, Scala Films, Arte France Cinéma, Andergraun Films and Rosa Filmes co-production with the participation of Arte France, Ocs and Les Films du Losange.
The film follows Jérémie (Kysyl), a man returning to his hometown for the funeral of his former employer. After a mysterious disappearance, a priest and a townsperson make Jérémie’s short stay take an unexpected turn.
Guiraudie wrote and directed the film, produced by Charles Gillibert of CG Cinema. Janus Films and Sideshow are planning a theatrical release.
The deal was negotiated by Alice Lesort for Les Films du Losange on behalf of the filmmakers with Sideshow and Janus Films. The film is a CG Cinéma, Scala Films, Arte France Cinéma, Andergraun Films and Rosa Filmes co-production with the participation of Arte France, Ocs and Les Films du Losange.
- 5/24/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety - Film News
Producers of Cannes competition entry The Apprentice have said the film is “a fair and balanced portrait” of Donald Trump after after getting a cease and desist letter from lawyers for the former US president.
The letter, first reported by Variety and apparently geared towards blocking a US release of the biographical drama, comes a few days after Trump’s presidential election campaign threatened legal action against the filmmakers.
Producers of the film, directed by Ali Abbasi, responded to the cease and desist letter on Friday (May 24) with a statement that said: “The film is a fair and balanced portrait of the former president.
The letter, first reported by Variety and apparently geared towards blocking a US release of the biographical drama, comes a few days after Trump’s presidential election campaign threatened legal action against the filmmakers.
Producers of the film, directed by Ali Abbasi, responded to the cease and desist letter on Friday (May 24) with a statement that said: “The film is a fair and balanced portrait of the former president.
- 5/24/2024
- ScreenDaily
Jane Schoenbrun wants weirdness to know no genre boundary. Following their breakout Sundance hit film “I Saw the TV Glow” and the long publicity tour that followed, Schoenbrun is looking forward to taking a bit of a break, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have ideas in the tank, ready to go when called upon. Speaking with friend and collaborator Brigette Lundy-Paine for the A24 podcast, Schoenbrun shared some of the concepts percolating in their mind as well as some failed pitches that pushed them to explore new mediums.
“I think I’d really like to make an Apatow style comedy,” Schoenbrun said to Lundy-Paine somewhat seriously, later adding, “I want to make a stoner comedy for reals. And I feel like I’m always trying to think of a movie concept worthy of Conor O’Malley. I’ve got a couple of good ones, but here’s one.
“I think I’d really like to make an Apatow style comedy,” Schoenbrun said to Lundy-Paine somewhat seriously, later adding, “I want to make a stoner comedy for reals. And I feel like I’m always trying to think of a movie concept worthy of Conor O’Malley. I’ve got a couple of good ones, but here’s one.
- 5/24/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Cannes – After screening “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” a world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, one has to breathe a sigh of relief that director and screenwriter Mohammad Rasoulof is safely out of Iran. A victim of a politically motivated jail sentence for supporting the 2022 Masha Amini hijab protests, Rasoulof‘s latest feature will likely anger the Iranian government even more. Especially considering how brilliant “Sacred Fig” is at deconstructing the rampant injustice in the totalitarian state.
Continue reading ‘The Seed Of The Sacred Fig’ Review: Mohammad Rasoulof’s Searing Indictment Of Modern Iran [Cannes] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Seed Of The Sacred Fig’ Review: Mohammad Rasoulof’s Searing Indictment Of Modern Iran [Cannes] at The Playlist.
- 5/24/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
Anamaria Vartolomei, the breakout star of Audrey Diwan’s Venice prizewinning “Happening,” is under the spotlight at this year’s Cannes Film Festival playing strong women in a pair of movies, “Being Maria” and “The Count Monte Cristo.” Both movies are supported by Chanel for which Vartolomei is an ambassador.
Vartolomei says since starring in Diwan’s drama “Happening,” which was set in the 1960s and centered around the then-illegal act of abortion, she has continued being lured to demanding roles with political and social themes.
“I think movies are the expressions of my engagements as a woman, and as such I often star in films that are engaged because when you’re an actress you contribute to change and we must continue to wage this battle that other women have led before,” says Vartolomei, who was wearing a glamorous dark khaki and black silk jacquard muslin dress by Chanel.
Vartolomei says since starring in Diwan’s drama “Happening,” which was set in the 1960s and centered around the then-illegal act of abortion, she has continued being lured to demanding roles with political and social themes.
“I think movies are the expressions of my engagements as a woman, and as such I often star in films that are engaged because when you’re an actress you contribute to change and we must continue to wage this battle that other women have led before,” says Vartolomei, who was wearing a glamorous dark khaki and black silk jacquard muslin dress by Chanel.
- 5/24/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
A New Mexico judge denied Alec Baldwin’s motion to throw out his manslaughter indictment on Friday, keeping the case on schedule for trial in July.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer rejected each of Baldwin’s lawyers’ arguments for dismissal, finding that the grand jury process was not prejudiced against the actor.
Baldwin is facing up to 18 months in prison if convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. He is accused of negligently pointing his gun at Hutchins and pulling the trigger while preparing to film a scene, and has also been faulted for contributing to lax safety standards on set.
Baldwin’s lawyers sought to throw out the indictment, arguing that prosecutor Kari Morrissey steered the grand jury away from exculpatory information, and failed to make defense witnesses available.
In her ruling on Friday, Marlowe Sommer noted that Morrissey had read a letter from the...
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer rejected each of Baldwin’s lawyers’ arguments for dismissal, finding that the grand jury process was not prejudiced against the actor.
Baldwin is facing up to 18 months in prison if convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. He is accused of negligently pointing his gun at Hutchins and pulling the trigger while preparing to film a scene, and has also been faulted for contributing to lax safety standards on set.
Baldwin’s lawyers sought to throw out the indictment, arguing that prosecutor Kari Morrissey steered the grand jury away from exculpatory information, and failed to make defense witnesses available.
In her ruling on Friday, Marlowe Sommer noted that Morrissey had read a letter from the...
- 5/24/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety - Film News
Even though "Bones" has been off the air since 2017, the show maintains a loyal following. Audiences followed Emily Deschanel's Brennan and David Boreanaz's Booth for 12 seasons and nearly 250 episodes as they solved crimes while falling in love. That relationship was at the very center of the show from the pilot onward. That being the case, fans of the show had a tendency to not like it when the Brennan/Booth romance was messed with. That's why Kathryn Winnick was given a warning before she accepted her role as Hannah.
Winnick, who would go on to star in shows such as "Vikings" and "Big Sky," stepped into the series relatively late in the game. Her character Hannah Burley was a major player in "Bones" season 6, and one that fans had strong opinions about. She had a fling with Booth in Afghanistan and, in the show's sixth season, she made...
Winnick, who would go on to star in shows such as "Vikings" and "Big Sky," stepped into the series relatively late in the game. Her character Hannah Burley was a major player in "Bones" season 6, and one that fans had strong opinions about. She had a fling with Booth in Afghanistan and, in the show's sixth season, she made...
- 5/24/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Lady Gaga has been born a star but now, she’s transforming into DC comic book character Harley Quinn for “Joker: Folie à Deux.”
The Oscar and Grammy winner teased her upcoming role alongside fellow Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix in the sequel to 2019 Batman prequel “Joker.” As Phoenix reprises his titular role as Arthur Fleck Aka the Joker, Gaga will play Harley from the “Batman the Animated Series” origins, as a bit different from Margot Robbie’s version of the character.
“You know my version of Harley is mine and it’s very authentic to this movie and these characters,” Gaga told Access Hollywood. “I’ve never done anything like I’ve done in this movie before, so it’s all going to be completely brand new and really fun.”
Margot Robbie brought Harley to life first in “Suicide Squad,” followed by spinoff “Birds of Prey” and quasi-reboot “The Suicide Squad.
The Oscar and Grammy winner teased her upcoming role alongside fellow Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix in the sequel to 2019 Batman prequel “Joker.” As Phoenix reprises his titular role as Arthur Fleck Aka the Joker, Gaga will play Harley from the “Batman the Animated Series” origins, as a bit different from Margot Robbie’s version of the character.
“You know my version of Harley is mine and it’s very authentic to this movie and these characters,” Gaga told Access Hollywood. “I’ve never done anything like I’ve done in this movie before, so it’s all going to be completely brand new and really fun.”
Margot Robbie brought Harley to life first in “Suicide Squad,” followed by spinoff “Birds of Prey” and quasi-reboot “The Suicide Squad.
- 5/24/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Welcome to My Favorite Scene! In this series, IndieWire speaks to actors behind a few of our favorite television performances about their personal-best onscreen moment and how it came together.
IndieWire caught Lamorne Morris on the road. Headed to work on an unnamed set in Los Angeles, the “Fargo” Season 5 actor joked about an overcast day and rush-hour traffic. Asked how he was faring, he quipped on speakerphone, “Oh, I’m good! I’m in the car, just driving at high speeds recklessly. Very, veeery recklessly.”
The former “New Girl” actor may be many years entrenched in the Hollywood grind, but Morris is native to Chicago. A childhood spent in the American midwest helped him with the accent and demeanor needed for Deputy Witt Farr. The North Dakota highway patrolman has a surprise encounter in Episode 1 “The Tragedy of the Commons” with the scrappy Dot Lyon (Juno Temple) and menacing...
IndieWire caught Lamorne Morris on the road. Headed to work on an unnamed set in Los Angeles, the “Fargo” Season 5 actor joked about an overcast day and rush-hour traffic. Asked how he was faring, he quipped on speakerphone, “Oh, I’m good! I’m in the car, just driving at high speeds recklessly. Very, veeery recklessly.”
The former “New Girl” actor may be many years entrenched in the Hollywood grind, but Morris is native to Chicago. A childhood spent in the American midwest helped him with the accent and demeanor needed for Deputy Witt Farr. The North Dakota highway patrolman has a surprise encounter in Episode 1 “The Tragedy of the Commons” with the scrappy Dot Lyon (Juno Temple) and menacing...
- 5/24/2024
- by Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
When Morgan Spurlock, who died May 23 from complications of cancer at age 53, first entered the documentary space in 2004 with “Super Size Me,” he managed to turn the film’s success into a career. A career that was not only prolific, but also lucrative — a rarity, to this day, in the field.
The secret to Spurlock’s success? He was not only a talented filmmaker, but also a brilliant businessman.
Just 11 months after the Sundance premiere of “Super Size Me,” Spurlock partnered with FX on the docuseries “30 Days,” which chronicled the journey of an individual situated in an environment antithetical to his background. The first season of the series began airing in 2005 and included episodes about a Christian living as a Muslim and a conservative heterosexual living with a gay man. In total, FX chairman John Landgraf ordered three seasons of “30 Days,” which was executive produced by Ben Silverman and R.J. Cutler.
The secret to Spurlock’s success? He was not only a talented filmmaker, but also a brilliant businessman.
Just 11 months after the Sundance premiere of “Super Size Me,” Spurlock partnered with FX on the docuseries “30 Days,” which chronicled the journey of an individual situated in an environment antithetical to his background. The first season of the series began airing in 2005 and included episodes about a Christian living as a Muslim and a conservative heterosexual living with a gay man. In total, FX chairman John Landgraf ordered three seasons of “30 Days,” which was executive produced by Ben Silverman and R.J. Cutler.
- 5/24/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety - Film News
The 1962 war epic "The Longest Day" starred the infamously brusque John Wayne as Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin H. Vandervoort, a real-life American soldier who was present for the titular "day," aka D-Day. Wayne was 55 at the time of filming, however, making him a full 28 years older than Vandervoort was on June 6, 1944. Wayne was still a major star, though, so the filmmakers simply had to ignore the massive age gap.
The studios also had to begrudgingly pay Wayne a massive $250,000 for his work, which was 10 times larger than most of the film's other stars. It seems that Wayne sought such a high salary not because of greed or ego, but out of spite. Wayne, you see, had a beef with 20th Century Fox executive Daryl F. Zanuck, and the actor wanted to actively butt heads with the CEO. It wasn't that Wayne wanted the money, he just wanted to make sure that Zanuck didn't have it.
The studios also had to begrudgingly pay Wayne a massive $250,000 for his work, which was 10 times larger than most of the film's other stars. It seems that Wayne sought such a high salary not because of greed or ego, but out of spite. Wayne, you see, had a beef with 20th Century Fox executive Daryl F. Zanuck, and the actor wanted to actively butt heads with the CEO. It wasn't that Wayne wanted the money, he just wanted to make sure that Zanuck didn't have it.
- 5/24/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Katherine Mallen Kupferer, one of the breakout stars of “Ghostlight,” has signed with Fusion Entertainment for management.
“Ghostlight” premiered at Sundance and will be released across the country this summer by IFC Films and Sapan Studios. A Chicago-based stage and screen actor, Kupferer last year had a supporting role as Gretchen in the film adaptation of Judy Blume’s “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret,” which was directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and executive produced by James L. Brooks.
“Katherine leaps off the screen in both ‘Ghostlight’ and ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margeret,” said Fusion Entertainment partners Chris Evans and Adam Kersh. “Even at a young age, she is an impressively versatile comedic and dramatic actor. We look forward to working with Katherine and helping guide her already promising career to new heights.”
Born to theatrical parents Keith Kupferer and Tara Mallen Kupferer, Katherine made her...
“Ghostlight” premiered at Sundance and will be released across the country this summer by IFC Films and Sapan Studios. A Chicago-based stage and screen actor, Kupferer last year had a supporting role as Gretchen in the film adaptation of Judy Blume’s “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret,” which was directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and executive produced by James L. Brooks.
“Katherine leaps off the screen in both ‘Ghostlight’ and ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margeret,” said Fusion Entertainment partners Chris Evans and Adam Kersh. “Even at a young age, she is an impressively versatile comedic and dramatic actor. We look forward to working with Katherine and helping guide her already promising career to new heights.”
Born to theatrical parents Keith Kupferer and Tara Mallen Kupferer, Katherine made her...
- 5/24/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety - Film News
Move over, Kanye West.
The rapper and Kim Kardashian’s daughter North West will make her Hollywood Bowl singing debut Friday at the first of the two-night “The Lion King” concert event. She will perform “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.”
As previously reported, West will join “Lion King” veterans Nathan Lane, Billy Eichner, Jeremy Irons, Ernie Sabella, Heather Headley, Lebo M and Jason Weaver as well as Egot winner Jennifer Hudson.
A full orchestra is set to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning musical score led by conductor Sarah Hicks. The song list featured Elton John and Tim Rice classics such as “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” “Circle of Life,” “Be Prepared” and “Hakuna Matata.”
The shows will be filmed for later broadcast as “The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl” on Disney+.
The celebration is presented by Disney Concerts, Fulwell 73 Productions, Amp Worldwide and Live Nation-Hewitt Silva.
The rapper and Kim Kardashian’s daughter North West will make her Hollywood Bowl singing debut Friday at the first of the two-night “The Lion King” concert event. She will perform “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.”
As previously reported, West will join “Lion King” veterans Nathan Lane, Billy Eichner, Jeremy Irons, Ernie Sabella, Heather Headley, Lebo M and Jason Weaver as well as Egot winner Jennifer Hudson.
A full orchestra is set to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning musical score led by conductor Sarah Hicks. The song list featured Elton John and Tim Rice classics such as “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” “Circle of Life,” “Be Prepared” and “Hakuna Matata.”
The shows will be filmed for later broadcast as “The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl” on Disney+.
The celebration is presented by Disney Concerts, Fulwell 73 Productions, Amp Worldwide and Live Nation-Hewitt Silva.
- 5/24/2024
- by Marc Malkin and Jazz Tangcay
- Variety - Film News
Everyone’s talking about where the Sundance Film Festival will live in the future, but a more compelling question may be this: How do independent filmmakers plan to distribute their films and create real careers when even Sundance — wherever it may be based — is not enough?
That’s not a knock on Sundance, or on any festival; it’s recognizance that the world has changed. Many films don’t sell, even at Sundance. The decline in theatergoing, the change in streamers’ strategies, the rise of arthouse events: No one knows what the new normal is, but today putting faith in selling a movie at its premiere and living happily ever is not even a fairy tale; it’s a toxic myth.
That’s why (with Brian Newman’s kind permission) we’re reprinting his May 23 column from Newman’s weekly Sub-Genre Media Newsletter. He called it Film 101: New Rules for Distribution,...
That’s not a knock on Sundance, or on any festival; it’s recognizance that the world has changed. Many films don’t sell, even at Sundance. The decline in theatergoing, the change in streamers’ strategies, the rise of arthouse events: No one knows what the new normal is, but today putting faith in selling a movie at its premiere and living happily ever is not even a fairy tale; it’s a toxic myth.
That’s why (with Brian Newman’s kind permission) we’re reprinting his May 23 column from Newman’s weekly Sub-Genre Media Newsletter. He called it Film 101: New Rules for Distribution,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Brian Newman
- Indiewire
Guan Hu’s Black Dog has won the top prize in the Un Certain Regard section of this year’s Cannes Film Festival (May 14-25).
It is the Cannes debut for Mr. Six director Guan and follows a former convict who forms an unlikely connection with the titular animal, as he clears stray dogs in his remote hometown on the edge of the Gobi desert before the 2008 Olympic Games. Playtime are handling international sales.
The jury prize went to The Story Of Souleymane from Boris Lojkine, back at the festival 10 years after his 2014 feature Hope, with the story of a...
It is the Cannes debut for Mr. Six director Guan and follows a former convict who forms an unlikely connection with the titular animal, as he clears stray dogs in his remote hometown on the edge of the Gobi desert before the 2008 Olympic Games. Playtime are handling international sales.
The jury prize went to The Story Of Souleymane from Boris Lojkine, back at the festival 10 years after his 2014 feature Hope, with the story of a...
- 5/24/2024
- ScreenDaily
This weekend brings the action-packed odyssey of "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" to theaters for all to witness and enjoy. While the movie acts as a prequel to incredible "Mad Max: Fury Road," it does differ from George Miller's fast-paced franchise revival from 2015 by spanning years, even decades, as we learn the origins of Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy) and see how her quest for vengeance against the maniacal Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) becomes tied up in the legacy of Mad Max and the Wasteland's wars.
But where "Furiosa" matches "Fury Road" is in the unbelievable, adrenaline-fueled vehicular mayhem and brutal combat between both humans and customized cars, trucks, and pretty anything with wheels. However, the prequel does enhance one particular element of the "Mad Max" franchise, and it's a detail that almost made it into "Fury Road."
Along with the usual post-apocalyptic mash-ups of hot rods and monster trucks, as well...
But where "Furiosa" matches "Fury Road" is in the unbelievable, adrenaline-fueled vehicular mayhem and brutal combat between both humans and customized cars, trucks, and pretty anything with wheels. However, the prequel does enhance one particular element of the "Mad Max" franchise, and it's a detail that almost made it into "Fury Road."
Along with the usual post-apocalyptic mash-ups of hot rods and monster trucks, as well...
- 5/24/2024
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
You can't do better than Jeffrey Wright, so why even try? The actor is coming off his first-ever Oscar nod for "American Fiction," which is frankly shocking given the pedigree of his previous work. We're talking about the man who starred in Mike Nichols' "Angels in America" miniseries (reprising the role he played in the original Pulitzer Prize-winning play's Broadway debut), spent 15 years playing Felix Leiter, the coolest cat in the Daniel Craig James Bond movies, and was the Mvp of Matt Reeves' "The Batman" as Jim Gordon. He was also everyone's favorite human-turned-host, Bernard Lowe, across all four seasons of "Westworld" and has recently become a member of Wes Anderson's acting troupe.
Now, HBO and "The Last of Us" writers/executive producers Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have, very wisely, elected to bring Wright back in the role that he previously tackled via voice-acting and motion-capture in 2020's...
Now, HBO and "The Last of Us" writers/executive producers Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have, very wisely, elected to bring Wright back in the role that he previously tackled via voice-acting and motion-capture in 2020's...
- 5/24/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
It’s been a minute since we heard from director Sam Mendes and his uber-ambitious “Beatles” film plans. Known for the Oscar-winning “American Beauty” and the Bond films, “Skyfall,” and “Spectre,” Mendes isn’t just taking the bold step of making a fictional film about the Beatles, he’s making four of them, one about each member: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
Continue reading Paul Mescal Reportedly Being Eyed For Role In Sam Mendes’ ‘Beatles’ Movies at The Playlist.
Continue reading Paul Mescal Reportedly Being Eyed For Role In Sam Mendes’ ‘Beatles’ Movies at The Playlist.
- 5/24/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
This article contains spoilers for "Furiosa."
Even though there are currently only five films within the "Mad Max" saga, the movies span an impressive number of decades, from the late 1970s to 2024. Naturally, there has been quite an evolution within cinema during that time, both for the medium itself as well as for the saga's director, George Miller. At age 79, Miller shows no interest in settling into any rigid stylistic groove.
As times have changed, so has the look and feel of the "Mad Max" films, and one could make the case that each successive installment of the series has expanded in ambition and scope concurrent with most long-running film franchises. With the second film, "Mad Max 2," and the fourth, "Fury Road," being (as of now) the most popular and influential installments of the saga, there's never been any real call to do what so many less successful franchises tend to do,...
Even though there are currently only five films within the "Mad Max" saga, the movies span an impressive number of decades, from the late 1970s to 2024. Naturally, there has been quite an evolution within cinema during that time, both for the medium itself as well as for the saga's director, George Miller. At age 79, Miller shows no interest in settling into any rigid stylistic groove.
As times have changed, so has the look and feel of the "Mad Max" films, and one could make the case that each successive installment of the series has expanded in ambition and scope concurrent with most long-running film franchises. With the second film, "Mad Max 2," and the fourth, "Fury Road," being (as of now) the most popular and influential installments of the saga, there's never been any real call to do what so many less successful franchises tend to do,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
Of all the films premiering at Cannes this year, “The Most Precious of Cargoes” is both an anomaly (the first animated feature to compete for the Palme d’Or since “Persepolis” in 2007) and the most likely to become a classic. Blending the heavy lines of early-20th-century woodcuts with the gentle pastels of watercolor painting, “The Artist” director Michel Hazanavicius finds a poignant way to address not only the horrors of the Holocaust, but the kindness that combated it, crafting an indelible parable destined to be watched and shared by generations to come.
The polar opposite of “The Zone of Interest,” his hand-drawn adaptation of the slender but impactful novel by Jean-Claude Grumberg engages audiences at the gut, rather than in some abstract intellectual way. It focuses on neither the culprits nor the victims, but average folk who tried to remain neutral — as if such a thing were possible — until...
The polar opposite of “The Zone of Interest,” his hand-drawn adaptation of the slender but impactful novel by Jean-Claude Grumberg engages audiences at the gut, rather than in some abstract intellectual way. It focuses on neither the culprits nor the victims, but average folk who tried to remain neutral — as if such a thing were possible — until...
- 5/24/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety - Film News
Attorneys for Donald Trump have sent a cease and desist letter to the filmmakers behind “The Apprentice” in an effort to block its U.S. sale and release. It warns the team behind the film not to pursue a distribution deal, according to two people who have read the letter. “The Apprentice,” which looks at Trump’s early years as a real estate developer and his relationship with Roy Cohn, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this week.
“The film is a fair and balanced portrait of the former president,” the producers of the film said in a statement regarding the cease-and-desist letter. “We want everyone to see it and then decide.”
The movie, which was independently produced, stars Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn. It presents a damning portrait of the former president as an ethically compromised, philanderer who stiffs contractors and cuts deals with the...
“The film is a fair and balanced portrait of the former president,” the producers of the film said in a statement regarding the cease-and-desist letter. “We want everyone to see it and then decide.”
The movie, which was independently produced, stars Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn. It presents a damning portrait of the former president as an ethically compromised, philanderer who stiffs contractors and cuts deals with the...
- 5/24/2024
- by Brent Lang and Katcy Stephan
- Variety - Film News
Lily Gladstone went back home to the Blackfeet Nation after her lengthy awards season with “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and “nobody was upset” that she didn’t win the Oscar for best actress. Gladstone was a frontrunner for the Academy Award alongside Emma Stone, but it was Stone who prevailed on Oscars night for her performance in “Poor Things.” It turns out some of the Blackfeet Nation leaders assumed Gladstone would be coming home with the gold.
“It was funny, the organizers of the event called me beforehand and they said that they’d got a bunch of little cardboard cut-outs of gold-man statues that looked like an Oscar, to give to the kids,” Gladstone recently told Empire magazine. “They asked if that was okay, or if it was gonna hurt my feelings. I said: ‘No, absolutely not.’ That’s just the whole thing of award campaigns and the...
“It was funny, the organizers of the event called me beforehand and they said that they’d got a bunch of little cardboard cut-outs of gold-man statues that looked like an Oscar, to give to the kids,” Gladstone recently told Empire magazine. “They asked if that was okay, or if it was gonna hurt my feelings. I said: ‘No, absolutely not.’ That’s just the whole thing of award campaigns and the...
- 5/24/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
"The Bear" is open for business and viewers are once again invited to a front-row seat in the kitchen ... if you can take the heat, that is. The FX/Hulu original hit series has been off our airwaves since its second season wrapped in June of last year, but every foodie's patience is about to be rewarded. The last time we checked in with this oddball assortment of characters, Jeremy Allen White's chef Carmy, Ayo Edebiri's creative partner Sydney, Ebon Moss-Bachrach's fiery Richie, and the rest of the gang had traded in their rugged beef stand for the cozy confines of a bona fide restaurant known as The Bear -- despite an awfully unlucky (and nigh catastrophic) series of unfortunate events.
The Emmy-winning series is considered a masterclass of writing and inducing stress, so naturally everybody's excited to see where season 3 takes the group as they navigate even...
The Emmy-winning series is considered a masterclass of writing and inducing stress, so naturally everybody's excited to see where season 3 takes the group as they navigate even...
- 5/24/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
George Lucas returned to the Cannes Croisette for the first time since 1971 this week to receive an honorary Palme d’Or. So what did the 80-year-old director say about his career as he talked to a packed audience at the Debussy Theater after accepting the prize? Well, to the surprise of no one, THR reports that he mainly talked about “Star Wars.” Along the way, Lucas defended the prequel trilogy, his continual updates to the original trilogy, and lamented how Disney misused his ideas after he sold Lucasfilm to the company in 2012 for $4.05 billion.
Continue reading George Lucas Says His ‘Star Wars’ Ideas Were “Lost” Once Disney Took Over at The Playlist.
Continue reading George Lucas Says His ‘Star Wars’ Ideas Were “Lost” Once Disney Took Over at The Playlist.
- 5/24/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
“All We Imagine As Light” opens as only a film set in Mumbai can— with the gradual unfurling of this massive metropolis at dawn. Its essential workers begin corralling the huge resources needed to maintain its creaking infrastructure and feed the tens of millions of people who will wake up and take public transport to work. The bustling local economy flickers into life as vendors set up shop by the millions to earn an honest living.
Continue reading ‘All We Imagine As Light’ Review: First Indian Competition Entry In 30 Years Earns Its Accolades [Cannes] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘All We Imagine As Light’ Review: First Indian Competition Entry In 30 Years Earns Its Accolades [Cannes] at The Playlist.
- 5/24/2024
- by Ankit Jhunjhunwala
- The Playlist
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