The long-awaited live-action “Masters of the Universe” movie is one step closer to becoming a reality, with Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films dating the project for worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2026.
Travis Knight is on board to direct the film adaptation of the popular franchise, with Chris Butler writing the screenplay, following initial drafts written by David Callaham and Aaron and Adam Nee. Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner, Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch are producing.
According to its official synopsis, “Masters of the Universe” introduces a 10-year-old Prince Adam, who crashed to Earth in a spaceship and was separated from his magical Power Sword — the only link to his home on Eternia.
“After tracking it down almost two decades later,” the synopsis explains, “Prince Adam is whisked back across space to defend his home planet against the evil forces of Skeletor. But to defeat such a powerful villain,...
Travis Knight is on board to direct the film adaptation of the popular franchise, with Chris Butler writing the screenplay, following initial drafts written by David Callaham and Aaron and Adam Nee. Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner, Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch are producing.
According to its official synopsis, “Masters of the Universe” introduces a 10-year-old Prince Adam, who crashed to Earth in a spaceship and was separated from his magical Power Sword — the only link to his home on Eternia.
“After tracking it down almost two decades later,” the synopsis explains, “Prince Adam is whisked back across space to defend his home planet against the evil forces of Skeletor. But to defeat such a powerful villain,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s film division is being reorganized under new film chief Dan Lin.
While about 15 staffers are being let go, the reorganization does not represent a reduction in force — Lin will replace the departing executives in the coming weeks as part of his new vision for his group, which will now be split up by genre.
Included in that new regime are Ori Marmur, who will oversee action, fantasy, horror and sci-fi, Kira Goldberg, who will handle dramas, thrillers and family films, Niija Kuykendall on faith-based, holiday and young adult projects, and Jason Young overseeing comedies and rom-coms.
Lin only took his desk at the streamer a week ago, but has had nearly a month to ponder what the operation should look like. He was named as the streaming behemoth’s new film head in February, replacing Scott Stuber and reporting to chief content officer Bela Bajaria.
Lin and Netflix...
While about 15 staffers are being let go, the reorganization does not represent a reduction in force — Lin will replace the departing executives in the coming weeks as part of his new vision for his group, which will now be split up by genre.
Included in that new regime are Ori Marmur, who will oversee action, fantasy, horror and sci-fi, Kira Goldberg, who will handle dramas, thrillers and family films, Niija Kuykendall on faith-based, holiday and young adult projects, and Jason Young overseeing comedies and rom-coms.
Lin only took his desk at the streamer a week ago, but has had nearly a month to ponder what the operation should look like. He was named as the streaming behemoth’s new film head in February, replacing Scott Stuber and reporting to chief content officer Bela Bajaria.
Lin and Netflix...
- 4/8/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
“Masters of the Air” launched with more viewers in its opening weekend than any Apple TV+ series ever has in its first season, according to the streamer. Though an exact number of viewers was not made available, that puts the epic war miniseries launch above other high-profile original titles like “Hijack,” “The Morning Show” and “Severance.”
Remarkably, following the premiere of “Masters of the Air,” viewership across all of Apple TV+ climbed by 65% worldwide when compared to the previous seven-day period. The streamer also maintained double-digit growth across more than 100 territories.
“Masters of the Air” is currently debuting new episodes, with its sixth installment premiering on Friday, Feb. 23. The finale will bow on the streamer on March 15.
“Masters of the Air” is executive produced by Steven Spielberg for Amblin Television, as well as Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman for Playtone. Amblin’s Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey serve as co-executive producers,...
Remarkably, following the premiere of “Masters of the Air,” viewership across all of Apple TV+ climbed by 65% worldwide when compared to the previous seven-day period. The streamer also maintained double-digit growth across more than 100 territories.
“Masters of the Air” is currently debuting new episodes, with its sixth installment premiering on Friday, Feb. 23. The finale will bow on the streamer on March 15.
“Masters of the Air” is executive produced by Steven Spielberg for Amblin Television, as well as Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman for Playtone. Amblin’s Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey serve as co-executive producers,...
- 2/19/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Denzel Washington and Spike Lee are reuniting for their fifth film together – the first since 2006’s “Inside Man.” Apple Original Films and A24 are partnering on “High and Low,” which will be released theatrically by A24 before a global launch on AppleTV+.
The thriller, which starts production in March, is the English-language reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller of the same name. The 1963 film starring Toshiro Mifune was based on the Ed McBain novel “King’s Ransom,” which chronicles the ruin of a businessman following a ransom payment to kidnappers.
Developed and produced by A24, Escape Artists and Mandalay Pictures, “High and Low” features a script written by Alan Fox and Spike Lee.
As Apple is a co-financier on “High and Low,” this project will not be included in a recent multi-year deal that A24 brokered with competing streaming service Max last year, sources familiar with the movie said. The...
The thriller, which starts production in March, is the English-language reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller of the same name. The 1963 film starring Toshiro Mifune was based on the Ed McBain novel “King’s Ransom,” which chronicles the ruin of a businessman following a ransom payment to kidnappers.
Developed and produced by A24, Escape Artists and Mandalay Pictures, “High and Low” features a script written by Alan Fox and Spike Lee.
As Apple is a co-financier on “High and Low,” this project will not be included in a recent multi-year deal that A24 brokered with competing streaming service Max last year, sources familiar with the movie said. The...
- 2/8/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
The creatives behind this year’s awards contenders convened for a series of conversations about their craft during Variety FYC Fest on Dec. 6 in Los Angeles.
Variety‘s senior awards editor Clayton Davis, senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay and senior entertainment and media writer Matt Donnelly moderated several panels throughout the event. From the environmental documentaries “Common Ground” and “The Issue With Tissue: A Boreal Love Story,” to Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” a diverse array of filmmakers behind this year’s movies pulled back the curtain on their process.
Cord Jefferson Panel “American Fiction” Spotlight
“American Fiction” director and writer Cord Jefferson sat down for a one-on-one interview with Variety‘s Davis.
Jefferson revealed that after stumbling upon a review of Percival Everett’s “Erasure,” he immediately picked up the novel that would later inspire his screenplay. “It resonated with me deeper than any piece of art had ever resonated with me,...
Variety‘s senior awards editor Clayton Davis, senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay and senior entertainment and media writer Matt Donnelly moderated several panels throughout the event. From the environmental documentaries “Common Ground” and “The Issue With Tissue: A Boreal Love Story,” to Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” a diverse array of filmmakers behind this year’s movies pulled back the curtain on their process.
Cord Jefferson Panel “American Fiction” Spotlight
“American Fiction” director and writer Cord Jefferson sat down for a one-on-one interview with Variety‘s Davis.
Jefferson revealed that after stumbling upon a review of Percival Everett’s “Erasure,” he immediately picked up the novel that would later inspire his screenplay. “It resonated with me deeper than any piece of art had ever resonated with me,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Jaden Thompson, Valerie Wu and Meredith Woerner
- Variety Film + TV
Jennifer Lopez is attached to star in a feature adaptation of the 1993 Broadway musical “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” written and directed by “Dreamgirls” filmmaker Bill Condon, Variety has confirmed with a source close to the production. The music is by legends John Kander and Fred Ebb, based on the novel by Manuel Puig and the book of the musical by Terrence McNally.
The musical is set in an Argentinian prison in 1981. Lopez would play the titular role, a fantasy woman named Aurora created by Luis Molina, a gay hairdresser serving an eight-year sentence for allegedly corrupting a minor. To escape the horrors of his imprisonment, Molina imagines movies starring Aurora as a classic silver screen diva, including a role of the spider woman, who kills her prey with a kiss. Molina’s life is upended when a Marxist, Valentin Arregui Paz, is brought into his cell, and the two form an unlikely bond.
The musical is set in an Argentinian prison in 1981. Lopez would play the titular role, a fantasy woman named Aurora created by Luis Molina, a gay hairdresser serving an eight-year sentence for allegedly corrupting a minor. To escape the horrors of his imprisonment, Molina imagines movies starring Aurora as a classic silver screen diva, including a role of the spider woman, who kills her prey with a kiss. Molina’s life is upended when a Marxist, Valentin Arregui Paz, is brought into his cell, and the two form an unlikely bond.
- 12/7/2023
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
A group of A-list actors is adding pressure on SAG-AFTRA leadership to find a way to resolve the actors strike, which has now lasted 97 days.
George Clooney, Tyler Perry, Scarlett Johansson, and others held a Zoom meeting on Tuesday afternoon with Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s executive director.
Though the tone has been described as “supportive,” the actors did not call the meeting merely to express support. According to several sources, the A-listers represent significant discontent within the guild that talks have broken down, and are looking for a path to restart negotiations and end the strike.
Perry employs hundreds of people at his studio in Atlanta, and has been concerned for weeks that he cannot resume production.
The group, which also includes Emma Stone and Ben Affleck, was said by one source to have given a “presentation” to Drescher and Crabtree-Ireland.
George Clooney, Tyler Perry, Scarlett Johansson, and others held a Zoom meeting on Tuesday afternoon with Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s executive director.
Though the tone has been described as “supportive,” the actors did not call the meeting merely to express support. According to several sources, the A-listers represent significant discontent within the guild that talks have broken down, and are looking for a path to restart negotiations and end the strike.
Perry employs hundreds of people at his studio in Atlanta, and has been concerned for weeks that he cannot resume production.
The group, which also includes Emma Stone and Ben Affleck, was said by one source to have given a “presentation” to Drescher and Crabtree-Ireland.
- 10/18/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: The Writers Guild of America resumed bargaining with the major studios on Wednesday, as the 142-day writers strike closed in on a record duration.
In a break from previous sessions, several top CEOs joined in the talks on Wednesday in Sherman Oaks. They were Bob Iger of Disney, Ted Sarandos of Netflix, Donna Langley of NBCUniversal and David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The talks concluded by late afternoon, with a plan to return to the table on Thursday, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. All four CEOs are expected to be back in the room again on Thursday.
In a potential sign of progress, the two sides issued a rare — albeit terse — joint statement at 5 p.m.
“The WGA and AMPTP met for bargaining today and will meet again tomorrow,” they said.
The source said the WGA representatives spent the session mostly listening to new proposals...
In a break from previous sessions, several top CEOs joined in the talks on Wednesday in Sherman Oaks. They were Bob Iger of Disney, Ted Sarandos of Netflix, Donna Langley of NBCUniversal and David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The talks concluded by late afternoon, with a plan to return to the table on Thursday, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. All four CEOs are expected to be back in the room again on Thursday.
In a potential sign of progress, the two sides issued a rare — albeit terse — joint statement at 5 p.m.
“The WGA and AMPTP met for bargaining today and will meet again tomorrow,” they said.
The source said the WGA representatives spent the session mostly listening to new proposals...
- 9/20/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: The Writers Guild of America met again with negotiators from the major studios on Friday afternoon, but the sides appeared to make little progress toward ending the 109-day strike. The guild issued a message to members Friday evening confirming that the sides plan to gather again next week.
The guild has held talks each of the last four days with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, but the two sides remain far apart on the major issues, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The WGA’s message to members stated that the sides “continue to exchange proposals” and will meet again next week though no specific dates were included.
“Thank you for the many messages of support and solidarity as we talk with the AMPTP. As always, be skeptical of rumors from third parties, knowing that the Guild will communicate when we think there is something of significance to report,...
The guild has held talks each of the last four days with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, but the two sides remain far apart on the major issues, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The WGA’s message to members stated that the sides “continue to exchange proposals” and will meet again next week though no specific dates were included.
“Thank you for the many messages of support and solidarity as we talk with the AMPTP. As always, be skeptical of rumors from third parties, knowing that the Guild will communicate when we think there is something of significance to report,...
- 8/19/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America responded Tuesday to the latest proposal from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, but any hopes for an easy resolution of the 106-day strike were quickly dispelled.
The WGA did bend slightly on a few items, according to sources familiar with the talks. But the union negotiators did not offer the significant concessions that the studio side was looking for in response to its own offer.
The guild has continued to hold to its proposal for a minimum staff size for TV writers, though it offered to lower the minimum by one writer. But the WGA was unimpressed with the AMPTP’s offer to give showrunners the authority to hire up to a certain minimum, which would increase based on the production budget.
By no means is that the only sticking point. The two sides remain at odds on items across the board,...
The WGA did bend slightly on a few items, according to sources familiar with the talks. But the union negotiators did not offer the significant concessions that the studio side was looking for in response to its own offer.
The guild has continued to hold to its proposal for a minimum staff size for TV writers, though it offered to lower the minimum by one writer. But the WGA was unimpressed with the AMPTP’s offer to give showrunners the authority to hire up to a certain minimum, which would increase based on the production budget.
By no means is that the only sticking point. The two sides remain at odds on items across the board,...
- 8/16/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Angus Cloud completed production for his role on Universal’s upcoming monster thriller from directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett before his death, a source close to the project confirms.
Set for an April 2024 release, the untitled feature stars Cloud alongside a cast including Kathryn Newton, Dan Stevens, Alisha Weir, Kevin Durand and Will Catlett. Melissa Barrera, who starred in the fifth and sixth “Scream” entries, also reunites with Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett for the film. The pair compose the directorial muscle behind the collective known as Radio Silence, which includes producer Chad Villella. Tripp Vinson is also producing, alongside William Sherak, Paul Neinstein and James Vanderbilt for Project X Entertainment.
The film isn’t complete yet and remains impacted by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
Cloud died Monday in Oakland Calif. at the age of 25. The Oakland Fire Department stated that it responded to a medical emergency at approximately 11:30 a.
Set for an April 2024 release, the untitled feature stars Cloud alongside a cast including Kathryn Newton, Dan Stevens, Alisha Weir, Kevin Durand and Will Catlett. Melissa Barrera, who starred in the fifth and sixth “Scream” entries, also reunites with Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett for the film. The pair compose the directorial muscle behind the collective known as Radio Silence, which includes producer Chad Villella. Tripp Vinson is also producing, alongside William Sherak, Paul Neinstein and James Vanderbilt for Project X Entertainment.
The film isn’t complete yet and remains impacted by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
Cloud died Monday in Oakland Calif. at the age of 25. The Oakland Fire Department stated that it responded to a medical emergency at approximately 11:30 a.
- 8/1/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers,” starring Zendaya, which had been set as the Venice Film Festival opener, has been pulled from the festival due to promotional complications prompted by the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Venice has announced that the sexy sports comedy — in which Zendaya plays a former tennis prodigy turned coach entangled in a love triangle with two pro tennis players, played by Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist — has changed its distribution strategy. The film’s promotion has been disrupted by the current actors strike, which prohibits SAG-AFTRA union members from doing any type of promotional activity.
This means Zendaya, O’Connor and Faist would not have been able to launch the film on Aug. 30 on the Venice red carpet.
After a week of discussions, Venice organizers confirmed in a statement on Friday that the film “will not participate at the festival following a decision made by the production.”
Variety understands that...
Venice has announced that the sexy sports comedy — in which Zendaya plays a former tennis prodigy turned coach entangled in a love triangle with two pro tennis players, played by Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist — has changed its distribution strategy. The film’s promotion has been disrupted by the current actors strike, which prohibits SAG-AFTRA union members from doing any type of promotional activity.
This means Zendaya, O’Connor and Faist would not have been able to launch the film on Aug. 30 on the Venice red carpet.
After a week of discussions, Venice organizers confirmed in a statement on Friday that the film “will not participate at the festival following a decision made by the production.”
Variety understands that...
- 7/21/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli and Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
When not even Gerri can keep herself from being washed away by the “tsunami” of “Barbie” marketing that has flooded the cultural discourse over the last two months, it’s clear a major movie event is afoot. But until Sunday night, following the “Barbie” premiere in Los Angeles, any kind of critical reaction to Greta Gerwig’s latest feature – her third film as a solo director – has been absent. So what’s the early word from those lucky enough to attend the lavish debut event?
Well, it’s a little incomplete. For industry observers, awards pundits, and Film Twitter devotees hoping for an early consensus from the top critics and industry veterans, it might be better wait until next week when the “Barbie” review embargo lifts after Warner Bros. finally shows “Barbie” to critics in New York and Los Angeles on a wider scale. But at least some prominent voices...
Well, it’s a little incomplete. For industry observers, awards pundits, and Film Twitter devotees hoping for an early consensus from the top critics and industry veterans, it might be better wait until next week when the “Barbie” review embargo lifts after Warner Bros. finally shows “Barbie” to critics in New York and Los Angeles on a wider scale. But at least some prominent voices...
- 7/10/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Variety won 14 first-place awards Sunday night at the Los Angeles Press Club’s 65th annual SoCal Journalism Awards, more than twice as many as any other entertainment publication.
The 14 awards represented a historic high for Variety at the SoCal Journalism Awards, topping the previous best of 12 first-place prizes the magazine earned in 2018. Variety came into Sunday’s ceremony with a record 96 nominations, representing work published online and in print during the 2022 calendar year.
The awards were handed out during a gala dinner attended by hundreds in the historic Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Several staffers won dual honors. Owen Gleiberman, Variety‘s chief film critic, won best obituary/appreciation for a look back at actor William Hurt, plus best online arts commentary for the column “Is ‘Tar’ Rooting for or Against Cate Blanchett’s Superstar Predator Conductor?” Chris Willman, senior writer and chief music critic,...
The 14 awards represented a historic high for Variety at the SoCal Journalism Awards, topping the previous best of 12 first-place prizes the magazine earned in 2018. Variety came into Sunday’s ceremony with a record 96 nominations, representing work published online and in print during the 2022 calendar year.
The awards were handed out during a gala dinner attended by hundreds in the historic Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Several staffers won dual honors. Owen Gleiberman, Variety‘s chief film critic, won best obituary/appreciation for a look back at actor William Hurt, plus best online arts commentary for the column “Is ‘Tar’ Rooting for or Against Cate Blanchett’s Superstar Predator Conductor?” Chris Willman, senior writer and chief music critic,...
- 6/26/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
One of the most talked-about titles at this year’s Cannes Film Festival isn’t a movie, but a TV show. “The Idol,” a scandalous, sexy and sure-to-be-polarizing series (think “Euphoria” but set in the world of pop music) about the price of fame, premiered the first two of its five episodes at the festival and instantly inspired a thousand hot takes about all that on-screen nudity, bodily fluids and Hollywood sycophants.
But before “The Idol” — the brainchild of “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye — even made its way to the Croisette, an explosive report by Rolling Stone detailed on-set turmoil, including allegations of a toxic work environment, last-minute script rewrites and budgets gone wild.
At a Cannes press conference on Tuesday, the day after the premiere, Levinson responded directly to the allegations and denied any behind-the-scenes drama. “When my wife read me the article,” he recalled,...
But before “The Idol” — the brainchild of “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye — even made its way to the Croisette, an explosive report by Rolling Stone detailed on-set turmoil, including allegations of a toxic work environment, last-minute script rewrites and budgets gone wild.
At a Cannes press conference on Tuesday, the day after the premiere, Levinson responded directly to the allegations and denied any behind-the-scenes drama. “When my wife read me the article,” he recalled,...
- 5/23/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Johnny Depp made a rare public appearance at the Cannes press conference for “Jeanne du Barry,” a costume drama that opened the 76th edition of the film festival. The movie marks the actor’s first leading role in three years, following his high-profile legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. As he reemerged into the limelight, Depp appears to have mixed feelings about his years-long absence from Hollywood films.
“Did I feel boycotted by Hollywood? You’d have to not have a pulse to feel like, ‘No. None of this is happening. It’s a weird joke,'” he told the press on Wednesday. “When you’re asked to resign from a film you’re doing because of something that is merely a function of vowels and consonants floating in the air, yes, you feel boycotted.”
Depp was presumably referring to a sequel to the “Harry Potter” spinoff series “Fantastic Beasts,...
“Did I feel boycotted by Hollywood? You’d have to not have a pulse to feel like, ‘No. None of this is happening. It’s a weird joke,'” he told the press on Wednesday. “When you’re asked to resign from a film you’re doing because of something that is merely a function of vowels and consonants floating in the air, yes, you feel boycotted.”
Depp was presumably referring to a sequel to the “Harry Potter” spinoff series “Fantastic Beasts,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin and Tatiana Siegel
- Variety Film + TV
“Kokomo City” star Koko Da Doll was found fatally shot on Tuesday in Atlanta. She was 35 years old.
The Atlanta Police Department reported that Koko was found with a gunshot wound in Southwest Atlanta shortly before 11 p.m. on Tuesday. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Koko, whose given name is Rasheeda Williams, was a prominent transgender woman featured in the award-winning documentary “Kokomo City,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. The film, which marks the feature directorial debut of Grammy-nominated producer, singer and songwriter D. Smith, presents a raw depiction of the lives of four Black trans sex workers living in Atlanta and New York City — Koko, Daniella Carter, Liyah Mitchell and Dominique Silver — as they confront the dichotomy between the Black community and themselves, as well as the persistent threat of violence they face each day.
Following the film’s Sundance premiere, Koko — who...
The Atlanta Police Department reported that Koko was found with a gunshot wound in Southwest Atlanta shortly before 11 p.m. on Tuesday. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Koko, whose given name is Rasheeda Williams, was a prominent transgender woman featured in the award-winning documentary “Kokomo City,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. The film, which marks the feature directorial debut of Grammy-nominated producer, singer and songwriter D. Smith, presents a raw depiction of the lives of four Black trans sex workers living in Atlanta and New York City — Koko, Daniella Carter, Liyah Mitchell and Dominique Silver — as they confront the dichotomy between the Black community and themselves, as well as the persistent threat of violence they face each day.
Following the film’s Sundance premiere, Koko — who...
- 4/21/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
As a global audience starts to tune in for the 95th Academy Awards, one thing that is guaranteed to surprise viewers is the creative decision not to have a red carpet, but a champagne-colored runner instead. But can this bold choice withstand the traffic on Hollywood’s biggest night? Update: It cannot, and the backlash is already brewing.
“I think the decision to go with a champagne carpet rather than a red carpet shows how confident we are that no blood will be shed,” joked Oscar host Jimmy Kimmel at the unrolling ceremony.
This is the first time since 1961 that the famous Oscars red carpet has not been red, one of the many big changes made for this year’s ceremony including a new dress code and the addition of an Academy Award “crisis team.”
Here's a look behind the scenes at the #Oscars champagne carpet. https://t.co/i5wEon5M8t pic.
“I think the decision to go with a champagne carpet rather than a red carpet shows how confident we are that no blood will be shed,” joked Oscar host Jimmy Kimmel at the unrolling ceremony.
This is the first time since 1961 that the famous Oscars red carpet has not been red, one of the many big changes made for this year’s ceremony including a new dress code and the addition of an Academy Award “crisis team.”
Here's a look behind the scenes at the #Oscars champagne carpet. https://t.co/i5wEon5M8t pic.
- 3/12/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Courtney Valenti is in talks for a leadership film position at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, now under ownership of Amazon.
The development comes after five months of speculation regarding MGM targeting Valenti, a seasoned production executive with decent talent relationships. Valenti exited her role as president of production and development for Warner Bros. Pictures in October 2022. Her departure from Warner Bros. marked the end of a 33-year long tenure at the studio.
Since Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy vacated MGM’s film leadership positions last spring (there soon after taking over as co-chairs of Warner Bros. Picture Group), Amazon has undertaken an ongoing search for a steward of the iconic entertainment banner.
Other individuals familiar with the talks have stated that a deal between Valenti and MGM is far from complete.
Amazon declined to comment for this story. Valenti did not immediately respond for comment.
As president of production and development at Warner Bros.
The development comes after five months of speculation regarding MGM targeting Valenti, a seasoned production executive with decent talent relationships. Valenti exited her role as president of production and development for Warner Bros. Pictures in October 2022. Her departure from Warner Bros. marked the end of a 33-year long tenure at the studio.
Since Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy vacated MGM’s film leadership positions last spring (there soon after taking over as co-chairs of Warner Bros. Picture Group), Amazon has undertaken an ongoing search for a steward of the iconic entertainment banner.
Other individuals familiar with the talks have stated that a deal between Valenti and MGM is far from complete.
Amazon declined to comment for this story. Valenti did not immediately respond for comment.
As president of production and development at Warner Bros.
- 2/1/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
HBO’s “House of the Dragon” has tens of millions of viewers, but Emilia Clarke is not one of them. Why? “I just can’t do it,” she told Variety’s Matt Donnelly at the Variety Studio presented by Audible at Sundance. “It’s so weird. It’s so strange.”
Clarke became a household name thanks to her breakout role as Daenerys Targaryen on HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” which she starred on for all eight seasons. “House of the Dragon” is a prequel series that follows Daenerys’ ancestors, making the show hit far too close to home for Clarke.
“No! Can you [forgive me]?” Clarke said when asked about watching “House of the Dragon.” “It’s too weird. I’m so happy it’s happening. I’m over the moon about all the awards… I just can’t do it. It’s so weird. It’s so strange. It’s kind of like someone saying,...
Clarke became a household name thanks to her breakout role as Daenerys Targaryen on HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” which she starred on for all eight seasons. “House of the Dragon” is a prequel series that follows Daenerys’ ancestors, making the show hit far too close to home for Clarke.
“No! Can you [forgive me]?” Clarke said when asked about watching “House of the Dragon.” “It’s too weird. I’m so happy it’s happening. I’m over the moon about all the awards… I just can’t do it. It’s so weird. It’s so strange. It’s kind of like someone saying,...
- 1/20/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
After last year’s cancelled in-person fest, the Sundance Film Festival has returned to (pretty much) normal for the first time since the pandemic arrived in 2020. Although the bulk of the films are available to watch online in the days following their premieres, the usual blend of cinema buffs, industry professionals and press took over Park City for the Jan. 19 opening night.
“Long time no see,” one happy festival-goer exclaimed to another while waiting to get into the Eccles, one of Sundance’s main hubs. There seemed to be an eagerness for things to return to “normal,” for Sundance to pick back up where it left off more than two years and two virtual iterations ago.
Unfortunately, Covid was still the talk of the town, as attendees gossiped about winter illnesses that ripped through their friend groups back home, as well as lamenting the recent rise in cases of the new Covid-19 subvariant,...
“Long time no see,” one happy festival-goer exclaimed to another while waiting to get into the Eccles, one of Sundance’s main hubs. There seemed to be an eagerness for things to return to “normal,” for Sundance to pick back up where it left off more than two years and two virtual iterations ago.
Unfortunately, Covid was still the talk of the town, as attendees gossiped about winter illnesses that ripped through their friend groups back home, as well as lamenting the recent rise in cases of the new Covid-19 subvariant,...
- 1/20/2023
- by William Earl and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Variety won 22 National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards at a ceremony in Universal City Sunday night, including a staff win for for entertainment website of the year. The 22 trophies represented the most scored by any publication at the event.
Also scoring top honors were deputy music editor Jem Aswad, winning online journalist of the year, and Elizabeth Wagmeister and Clayton Davis, co-hosts of “Variety’s The Take,” as anchor/hosts of the year.
The 15th annual awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work in national and local publications from July 2021 through June 2022, were handed out at the Universal Sheraton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
Tying for the most wins — four apiece — were Aswad and senior music writer and chief music critic Chris Willman. Close behind was chief correspondent Wagmeister, who scored three wins during the ceremony. Five staffers scored two awards each: senior vice president Tim Gray, executive editor of music Shirley Halperin,...
Also scoring top honors were deputy music editor Jem Aswad, winning online journalist of the year, and Elizabeth Wagmeister and Clayton Davis, co-hosts of “Variety’s The Take,” as anchor/hosts of the year.
The 15th annual awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work in national and local publications from July 2021 through June 2022, were handed out at the Universal Sheraton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
Tying for the most wins — four apiece — were Aswad and senior music writer and chief music critic Chris Willman. Close behind was chief correspondent Wagmeister, who scored three wins during the ceremony. Five staffers scored two awards each: senior vice president Tim Gray, executive editor of music Shirley Halperin,...
- 12/5/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are reuniting as business partners with the launch Artists Equity, a production venture backed by RedBird Capital Partners that vows to expand profit participation and provide a “talent-friendly” environment to creatives.
Media investor Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird is said to have committed at least 100 million to funding the venture. Affleck will serve as CEO while Damon is chief content officer. Michael Joe, an alum of Universal Pictures and STX Films, has signed on as chief operating officer of the L.A.-based company.
“Artists Equity was conceived from Matt’s and my longtime passion for the art of storytelling and our
shared desire to help creators deliver on their vision, as we have been fortunate to do throughout our
careers,” Affleck said in a statement. “Our goal with Artists Equity is to build a creator-focused studio that can optimize the production process with shared participation...
Media investor Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird is said to have committed at least 100 million to funding the venture. Affleck will serve as CEO while Damon is chief content officer. Michael Joe, an alum of Universal Pictures and STX Films, has signed on as chief operating officer of the L.A.-based company.
“Artists Equity was conceived from Matt’s and my longtime passion for the art of storytelling and our
shared desire to help creators deliver on their vision, as we have been fortunate to do throughout our
careers,” Affleck said in a statement. “Our goal with Artists Equity is to build a creator-focused studio that can optimize the production process with shared participation...
- 11/20/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
After two years of virtual events or limited-capacity premieres, the festival returns in spectacular fashion, with more than 250 films expected to screen during the 10-day event. To break down the musts from the meh, here are nine films we’re dying to see.
“Causeway” (A24/Apple Original Films)
Though Jennifer Lawrence had a juicy supporting role in Adam McKay’s disaster comedy “Don’t Look Up” last year, we have not seen the former Katniss Everdeen in the driver’s seat of a film since the one-two punch of “Mother!” and “Red Sparrow”. She returns in earnest at TIFF with “Causeway,” about a soldier with a traumatic brain injury trying to readjust to normal life.
— Matt Donnelly
“Empire of Light” (Searchlight Pictures)
Sam Mendes crafts an ode to the power of movies with this story of a cinema ticket-taker (Olivia Colman) who finds herself drawn to a new employee (Michael Ward). Colman,...
“Causeway” (A24/Apple Original Films)
Though Jennifer Lawrence had a juicy supporting role in Adam McKay’s disaster comedy “Don’t Look Up” last year, we have not seen the former Katniss Everdeen in the driver’s seat of a film since the one-two punch of “Mother!” and “Red Sparrow”. She returns in earnest at TIFF with “Causeway,” about a soldier with a traumatic brain injury trying to readjust to normal life.
— Matt Donnelly
“Empire of Light” (Searchlight Pictures)
Sam Mendes crafts an ode to the power of movies with this story of a cinema ticket-taker (Olivia Colman) who finds herself drawn to a new employee (Michael Ward). Colman,...
- 9/1/2022
- by Brent Lang, Clayton Davis, Matt Donnelly, Angelique Jackson and Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Neon, the independent film distributor behind Oscar winners “Parasite” and “I, Tonya,” is assessing options for its financial future.
The New York-based company has tapped the investment bank Raine to explore a sale of some or all of its business. The move comes as Neon looks to expand its distribution business internationally and consider opportunities in television and streaming. The company also plans to use potential investments to bolster its production businesses.
Neon declined to comment.
Neon was receiving inquiries about mergers and acquisitions, so it hired Raine to sort through their options. Sources close to the situation say Neon hopes to find a deal that keeps the company in tact, though it would be open to a minority stake sale. There’s also talk that Neon could become a label on a prominent streaming service. Tom Quinn and Dan Friedkin are currently the majority owners.
Neon’s mission to...
The New York-based company has tapped the investment bank Raine to explore a sale of some or all of its business. The move comes as Neon looks to expand its distribution business internationally and consider opportunities in television and streaming. The company also plans to use potential investments to bolster its production businesses.
Neon declined to comment.
Neon was receiving inquiries about mergers and acquisitions, so it hired Raine to sort through their options. Sources close to the situation say Neon hopes to find a deal that keeps the company in tact, though it would be open to a minority stake sale. There’s also talk that Neon could become a label on a prominent streaming service. Tom Quinn and Dan Friedkin are currently the majority owners.
Neon’s mission to...
- 8/3/2022
- by Angelique Jackson and Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Sun Valley, Idaho — Rupert Murdoch will attend Allen & Co.’s Sun Valley conference this week, Variety has confirmed.
The annual event colloquially known as “summer camp for billionaires” kicks off as usual on July 5 at the Sun Valley Lodge in the titular Idaho resort town. Murdoch, 91, arrived on site during the July 4th holiday on Monday, according to a source familiar with the matter, two days after the Fox Corp. and News Corp. baron attended granddaughter Charlotte Freud’s wedding to rapper Lukey Storey in the U.K.
Murdoch’s decision to come to the Sun Valley retreat — an event he has attend numerous times over the years — is an interesting surprise, as his name was not among those on the list of invite-only Sun Valley guests obtained by Variety last month.
However, Murdoch’s sons James Murdoch, CEO of Lupa Systems, and Lachlan Murdoch, the current CEO of Fox Corp.
The annual event colloquially known as “summer camp for billionaires” kicks off as usual on July 5 at the Sun Valley Lodge in the titular Idaho resort town. Murdoch, 91, arrived on site during the July 4th holiday on Monday, according to a source familiar with the matter, two days after the Fox Corp. and News Corp. baron attended granddaughter Charlotte Freud’s wedding to rapper Lukey Storey in the U.K.
Murdoch’s decision to come to the Sun Valley retreat — an event he has attend numerous times over the years — is an interesting surprise, as his name was not among those on the list of invite-only Sun Valley guests obtained by Variety last month.
However, Murdoch’s sons James Murdoch, CEO of Lupa Systems, and Lachlan Murdoch, the current CEO of Fox Corp.
- 7/5/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
“Top Gun: Maverick,” Tom Cruise’s long-awaited return to the danger zone, had to take a few detours due to Covid-19.
When the pandemic hit, the sequel to 1986’s “Top Gun” was supposed to open on June 24, 2020. Those plans had to be rearranged when theaters shuttered and moviegoing struggled to return. Now, at long last, Cruise was on hand in the South of France on Wednesday for the Cannes premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick,” a film that has earned critical raves and seems primed for box office riches. But did he ever think about sending the sequel to streaming, a fate that befell many other films during the early days of the coronavirus?
“That’s not going to happen. Ever,” Cruise said during a wide-ranging talk about his work at the festival.
The audience at the Grand Palais’ Debussy theater applauded loudly. Cruise explained further, “I’ve spent a lot of time with theater owners.
When the pandemic hit, the sequel to 1986’s “Top Gun” was supposed to open on June 24, 2020. Those plans had to be rearranged when theaters shuttered and moviegoing struggled to return. Now, at long last, Cruise was on hand in the South of France on Wednesday for the Cannes premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick,” a film that has earned critical raves and seems primed for box office riches. But did he ever think about sending the sequel to streaming, a fate that befell many other films during the early days of the coronavirus?
“That’s not going to happen. Ever,” Cruise said during a wide-ranging talk about his work at the festival.
The audience at the Grand Palais’ Debussy theater applauded loudly. Cruise explained further, “I’ve spent a lot of time with theater owners.
- 5/18/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Cannes is bringing the metaverse to the film industry.
The first-ever NFTCannes Summit will take place at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. This annual event is designed to connect leading minds from the media and entertainment industry to innovators, creators and investors in web3.
Officially kicking off on May 23 at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the summit is run by a coalition of groups, including production studio Electromagnetic Productions (Emp), global cryptocurrency financial management company Galaxy Interactive, Nft app OP3N, leading blockchain platform Avalanche and private investing platform Republic. The invitation-only event features conversations and panels that delve into the growing intersections between media institutions and web3 technologies.
The program will focus on topics spanning the future of current Nft applications in entertainment, fan and community-building opportunities, as well as live events and experiences. The hosts of the first-ever summit are Mark Kimsey, co-founder and co-ceo of Emp; Sam Englebardt,...
The first-ever NFTCannes Summit will take place at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. This annual event is designed to connect leading minds from the media and entertainment industry to innovators, creators and investors in web3.
Officially kicking off on May 23 at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the summit is run by a coalition of groups, including production studio Electromagnetic Productions (Emp), global cryptocurrency financial management company Galaxy Interactive, Nft app OP3N, leading blockchain platform Avalanche and private investing platform Republic. The invitation-only event features conversations and panels that delve into the growing intersections between media institutions and web3 technologies.
The program will focus on topics spanning the future of current Nft applications in entertainment, fan and community-building opportunities, as well as live events and experiences. The hosts of the first-ever summit are Mark Kimsey, co-founder and co-ceo of Emp; Sam Englebardt,...
- 5/17/2022
- by Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
United Talent Agency has promised to reimburse its employees for travel expenses relating to reproductive health services that are not accessible in their states of residence, according to a memo obtained by Variety.
In the memo, UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer wrote, “We’re doing this to support the right to choose that has been a bedrock of settled law for almost half a century. Several states have already introduced restrictive legislation, and the draft Supreme Court ruling leaked yesterday, if it comes to pass, could make abortion illegal in more than half of the country.”
On Monday, Politico published a leaked majority draft opinion from the Supreme Court that revealed the justices have privately voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, which has protected basic abortion rights in the United States since its 1973 ruling.
Hollywood talent agencies often take up the mantle of social justice causes championed by clients. In 2017, UTA...
In the memo, UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer wrote, “We’re doing this to support the right to choose that has been a bedrock of settled law for almost half a century. Several states have already introduced restrictive legislation, and the draft Supreme Court ruling leaked yesterday, if it comes to pass, could make abortion illegal in more than half of the country.”
On Monday, Politico published a leaked majority draft opinion from the Supreme Court that revealed the justices have privately voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, which has protected basic abortion rights in the United States since its 1973 ruling.
Hollywood talent agencies often take up the mantle of social justice causes championed by clients. In 2017, UTA...
- 5/4/2022
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
CinemaCon is set to reevaluate its safety protocols following an incident on April 26 in which Olivia Wilde was served a mysterious manila envelope on stage at the Las Vegas event while presenting her new film “Don’t Worry Darling.” The envelope included the words “personal and confidential” on it. Wilde thought the file was a script when she opened it on stage. The incident occurred during Warner Bros.’ CinemaCon presentation.
“To protect the integrity of our studio partners and the talent, we will reevaluate our security protocols,” NATO managing director and head of CinemaCon Mitch Neuhauser told Variety. “We will act accordingly because it’s the right thing to do. We want to do the safe, proper thing.”
Variety has numerous eye witnesses who said the individual who served Wilde the envelope was credentialed by CinemaCon.
According to Deadline, the envelope contained custody documents being served to Wilde on behalf of Jason Sudeikis.
“To protect the integrity of our studio partners and the talent, we will reevaluate our security protocols,” NATO managing director and head of CinemaCon Mitch Neuhauser told Variety. “We will act accordingly because it’s the right thing to do. We want to do the safe, proper thing.”
Variety has numerous eye witnesses who said the individual who served Wilde the envelope was credentialed by CinemaCon.
According to Deadline, the envelope contained custody documents being served to Wilde on behalf of Jason Sudeikis.
- 4/27/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Spoiler Alert: This story contains major details about the new horror thriller “Fresh.”
“Fresh” is not for the squeamish. The new Hulu film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as Noa, a woman who falls for Steve, a handsome surgeon (Sebastian Stan) she meets in a grocery store. Little does she know he’s a black market dealer of human meat who sells to enormously rich men who enjoy eating female flesh. Edgar-Jones’ character wakes up one day to find she’s been kidnapped, and her new beau has plans to cut off various body parts for his clientele.
I caught up with Edgar-Jones, who shot to fame during the pandemic for her work opposite Paul Mescal in the limited series “Normal People,” for this week’s “Just for Variety” podcast ahead of “Fresh’s” Los Angeles premiere.
“Post-‘Normal People,’ I was really keen to find something really different from anything I’d done before.
“Fresh” is not for the squeamish. The new Hulu film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as Noa, a woman who falls for Steve, a handsome surgeon (Sebastian Stan) she meets in a grocery store. Little does she know he’s a black market dealer of human meat who sells to enormously rich men who enjoy eating female flesh. Edgar-Jones’ character wakes up one day to find she’s been kidnapped, and her new beau has plans to cut off various body parts for his clientele.
I caught up with Edgar-Jones, who shot to fame during the pandemic for her work opposite Paul Mescal in the limited series “Normal People,” for this week’s “Just for Variety” podcast ahead of “Fresh’s” Los Angeles premiere.
“Post-‘Normal People,’ I was really keen to find something really different from anything I’d done before.
- 3/11/2022
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
This year’s 79th Annual Golden Globes awards ceremony wasn’t televised or livestreamed, and has never been seen by anyone other than those in attendance for the show on Jan. 9 at the Beverly Hilton. Until now.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has shared with Variety three excerpts from the 2022 ceremony, which opened with HFPA president Helen Hoehne and featured representatives from educational and philanthropic organizations — recepients of grants from the org — as presenters. Despite the lack of any at-home audiences, the show was still produced with the sheen of a full-fledged telecast, as directed by Patricia Lowry and produced by Neil Mandt, Michael Mandt and Matthew Brady.
The Mandt brothers, whose credits include “Jim Rome is Burning” and “Destination Truth,” spoke to the Golden Globes website about the show: “This is certainly a unique year,” Michael Mandt told the org. “We knew the challenges given the timing considering the world’s Covid situation,...
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has shared with Variety three excerpts from the 2022 ceremony, which opened with HFPA president Helen Hoehne and featured representatives from educational and philanthropic organizations — recepients of grants from the org — as presenters. Despite the lack of any at-home audiences, the show was still produced with the sheen of a full-fledged telecast, as directed by Patricia Lowry and produced by Neil Mandt, Michael Mandt and Matthew Brady.
The Mandt brothers, whose credits include “Jim Rome is Burning” and “Destination Truth,” spoke to the Golden Globes website about the show: “This is certainly a unique year,” Michael Mandt told the org. “We knew the challenges given the timing considering the world’s Covid situation,...
- 2/19/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has scored 98 nominations for the 2021 National Art and Entertainment Journalism awards, leading all publications.
The awards are presented yearly by the Los Angeles Press Club.
“Thank you to the Naej for recognizing the hard and wonderful work of our great team of writers and editors. We’re so honored,” said Claudia Eller, editor-in-chief of Variety.
Variety was nominated twice for print entertainment publication, for its “Hitmakers” and “Gamechangers” issues. Variety.com was nominated for entertainment website. Senior vice president Tim Gray and features editor Chris Willman both earned nominations for print journalist of the year, while deputy music editor Jem Aswad is nominated for online journalist of the year.
Variety scored six nominations across the photography and art category, including two nods for cover art, for the “Death of Cable” and “Power of Women” covers. Photo director Jennifer Dorn, former creative director Raul Aguila and photographer Sophy Holland were...
The awards are presented yearly by the Los Angeles Press Club.
“Thank you to the Naej for recognizing the hard and wonderful work of our great team of writers and editors. We’re so honored,” said Claudia Eller, editor-in-chief of Variety.
Variety was nominated twice for print entertainment publication, for its “Hitmakers” and “Gamechangers” issues. Variety.com was nominated for entertainment website. Senior vice president Tim Gray and features editor Chris Willman both earned nominations for print journalist of the year, while deputy music editor Jem Aswad is nominated for online journalist of the year.
Variety scored six nominations across the photography and art category, including two nods for cover art, for the “Death of Cable” and “Power of Women” covers. Photo director Jennifer Dorn, former creative director Raul Aguila and photographer Sophy Holland were...
- 1/19/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
From Issa Rae of “Insecure” to Discovery Inc.’s indefatigable CEO David Zaslav, this year Variety chronicled — as we have since 1905 — the stories of the biggest power brokers, dealmakers and creative trailblazers in Hollywood. Stephen Colbert, Anthony Mackie, Chloé Zhao, Phoebe Bridgers, Michaela Coel, Lil Nas X, Jean Smart and Jack Harlow are just some of our 21 favorite Variety cover stories of 2021. Taken collectively, these stories offer a portrait into another pandemic year in Hollywood, when it wasn’t always easy to conduct business as usual. But these entertainers and executives still powered through, reminding us of the resilience and improvisational spirit that’s always been crucial to the DNA of show business.
Actors on Actors Movie Issue: A ‘Silence of the Lambs’ Reunion
Jan. 20
Like many things in entertainment, our Emmy-winning Actors on Actors franchise had to go virtual in 2021. But that didn’t stop us from putting together...
Actors on Actors Movie Issue: A ‘Silence of the Lambs’ Reunion
Jan. 20
Like many things in entertainment, our Emmy-winning Actors on Actors franchise had to go virtual in 2021. But that didn’t stop us from putting together...
- 12/31/2021
- by Ramin Setoodeh, Maane Khatchatourian, Brent Lang, Angelique Jackson, Ellise Shafer and Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Harry Styles' golden moments keep coming—and his latest one popped up unexpectedly on the big screen. Ahead of the release of the newest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Eternals, fans are learning the pop star is a surprise addition to the franchise. When the movie premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Calif. on Monday, Oct. 18, attendees revealed that Styles pops up as Eros, Thanos' brother. Thanos has been most recently played by Josh Brolin. "Big reveal from #TheEternals premiere," Variety Senior Film Writer Matt Donnelly tweeted. "Harry Styles has joined the MCU as Eros, brother of Thanos." Variety Senior Editor Marc...
- 10/19/2021
- E! Online
As the first worldwide screenings of the latest James Bond installment “No Time to Die” came to a close, journalists and critics took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Daniel Craig’s last outing as the famed secret agent.
Though social media reactions tend to be more positive than reviews, one thing was clear via film Twitter: “No Time to Die,” which was delayed for nearly two years due to creative changes and the Covid-19 pandemic, was well worth the wait.
Film critic Scott Mantz wrote that though he needed more time to process the film, it was certainly better than Bond films “Quantum of Solace” and “Spectre.” “It’s Daniel Craig’s most grounded and — dare I say it? — most intimate take on #JamesBond with a powerful, unexpected & very emotional payoff,” Mantz said. “Def worth the wait!”
No Time To Die: Need more time to process, but...
Though social media reactions tend to be more positive than reviews, one thing was clear via film Twitter: “No Time to Die,” which was delayed for nearly two years due to creative changes and the Covid-19 pandemic, was well worth the wait.
Film critic Scott Mantz wrote that though he needed more time to process the film, it was certainly better than Bond films “Quantum of Solace” and “Spectre.” “It’s Daniel Craig’s most grounded and — dare I say it? — most intimate take on #JamesBond with a powerful, unexpected & very emotional payoff,” Mantz said. “Def worth the wait!”
No Time To Die: Need more time to process, but...
- 9/28/2021
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Benedict Cumberbatch is enjoying a rigorous fall festival workout. The British actor started at Venice with the world premiere of western “The Power of the Dog,” in which he’s earning raves as a volatile cattle rancher in Montana, followed by a tribute to its writer/director Jane Campion at Telluride, and now he’s getting his own Tribute Actor Award at the 46th Toronto International Film Festival (September 9-18).
Every year, the festival anoints a chosen few award winners who tend to go on to win Oscars, including Anthony Hopkins (“The Father”), Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”), Taika Waititi (“Jojo Rabbit”), Roger Deakins (“Blade Runner 2049”), and director Chloé Zhao, whose “Nomadland,” like “Jojo Rabbit” and “Green Book,” went on to win the coveted People’s Choice award, often an Oscar Best Picture bellwether.
Also accepting a Tribute Actor Award is Jessica Chastain, who also went to Venice, and then flew...
Every year, the festival anoints a chosen few award winners who tend to go on to win Oscars, including Anthony Hopkins (“The Father”), Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”), Taika Waititi (“Jojo Rabbit”), Roger Deakins (“Blade Runner 2049”), and director Chloé Zhao, whose “Nomadland,” like “Jojo Rabbit” and “Green Book,” went on to win the coveted People’s Choice award, often an Oscar Best Picture bellwether.
Also accepting a Tribute Actor Award is Jessica Chastain, who also went to Venice, and then flew...
- 9/11/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Benedict Cumberbatch is enjoying a rigorous fall festival workout. The British actor started at Venice with the world premiere of western “The Power of the Dog,” in which he’s earning raves as a volatile cattle rancher in Montana, followed by a tribute to its writer/director Jane Campion at Telluride, and now he’s getting his own Tribute Actor Award at the 46th Toronto International Film Festival (September 9-18).
Every year, the festival anoints a chosen few award winners who tend to go on to win Oscars, including Anthony Hopkins (“The Father”), Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”), Taika Waititi (“Jojo Rabbit”), Roger Deakins (“Blade Runner 2049”), and director Chloé Zhao, whose “Nomadland,” like “Jojo Rabbit” and “Green Book,” went on to win the coveted People’s Choice award, often an Oscar Best Picture bellwether.
Also accepting a Tribute Actor Award is Jessica Chastain, who also went to Venice, and then flew...
Every year, the festival anoints a chosen few award winners who tend to go on to win Oscars, including Anthony Hopkins (“The Father”), Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”), Taika Waititi (“Jojo Rabbit”), Roger Deakins (“Blade Runner 2049”), and director Chloé Zhao, whose “Nomadland,” like “Jojo Rabbit” and “Green Book,” went on to win the coveted People’s Choice award, often an Oscar Best Picture bellwether.
Also accepting a Tribute Actor Award is Jessica Chastain, who also went to Venice, and then flew...
- 9/11/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
I want to give a huge shout-out to our Herculean six-person team of editors and writers — Brent Lang, Cynthia Littleton, Gene Maddaus, Michael Schneider, Matt Donnelly and Joe Otterson — who collectively pulled off this week’s incredibly comprehensive cover story.
The piece, titled “Battle Royal,” chronicles and analyzes what Scarlett Johansson’s legal battle with Disney over her “Black Widow” compensation means for future talent deals, and it also documents and breaks news about some of the eye-popping salaries earned by Hollywood’s biggest stars of film and television.
Media companies’ priorities have radically shifted to populating their streaming platforms with as much high-profile content as possible to sign up as many subscribers as possible — profoundly altering the metrics of success and how talent gets paid in this newfound, more complex business environment.
As we know, Johansson cried foul when it came to all the money she claims she was...
The piece, titled “Battle Royal,” chronicles and analyzes what Scarlett Johansson’s legal battle with Disney over her “Black Widow” compensation means for future talent deals, and it also documents and breaks news about some of the eye-popping salaries earned by Hollywood’s biggest stars of film and television.
Media companies’ priorities have radically shifted to populating their streaming platforms with as much high-profile content as possible to sign up as many subscribers as possible — profoundly altering the metrics of success and how talent gets paid in this newfound, more complex business environment.
As we know, Johansson cried foul when it came to all the money she claims she was...
- 8/18/2021
- by Claudia Eller
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has been nominated for 62 Southern California Journalism Awards, including two for entertainment journalist of the year, one for print journalist of the year, traditional news website, and in-house or corporate publication.
The awards, given out by the Los Angeles Press Club, honor outstanding journalism in the region across print, digital, radio and broadcast platforms.
Features editor Chris Willman and chief film critic Owen Gleiberman are both up for entertainment journalist of the year, and senior TV editor Brian Steinberg is up for print journalist of the year. Willman leads all Variety staffers with eight total nominations, followed by Gleiberman and Steinberg with five apiece.
Variety‘s “Hitmakers” issue featuring Harry Styles and “The Great Depression” issue, about the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on Hollywood, are both nominated for best single issue. “An Earth-Shattering Year,” reflecting on the industry-shaking events of 2020, is up for best in-house or corporate publication.
The awards, given out by the Los Angeles Press Club, honor outstanding journalism in the region across print, digital, radio and broadcast platforms.
Features editor Chris Willman and chief film critic Owen Gleiberman are both up for entertainment journalist of the year, and senior TV editor Brian Steinberg is up for print journalist of the year. Willman leads all Variety staffers with eight total nominations, followed by Gleiberman and Steinberg with five apiece.
Variety‘s “Hitmakers” issue featuring Harry Styles and “The Great Depression” issue, about the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on Hollywood, are both nominated for best single issue. “An Earth-Shattering Year,” reflecting on the industry-shaking events of 2020, is up for best in-house or corporate publication.
- 8/11/2021
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Tommy Dorfman, one of the breakout stars of Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why,” has come out as a trans woman.
Dorfman posted on Instagram on Thursday, proudly announcing: “Thrilled to reintroduce myself as the woman I am today.”
“I’m especially grateful to every single trans person who walked this path, broke down barriers, and risked their lives to live authentically and radically as themselves before me,” the post continued. “Thank you to all the trans woman that showed me who I am, how to live, celebrate myself, and take up space in this world.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by tommy dorfman (@tommy.dorfman)
Dorfman said the new pronouns she identifies with are “she/her.”
In her announcement, Dorfman posted photographs of herself, wearing a dress and heels, and thanked her “day one team” — including stylists and a glam squad — that has supported her “evolution in the most affirming of ways.
Dorfman posted on Instagram on Thursday, proudly announcing: “Thrilled to reintroduce myself as the woman I am today.”
“I’m especially grateful to every single trans person who walked this path, broke down barriers, and risked their lives to live authentically and radically as themselves before me,” the post continued. “Thank you to all the trans woman that showed me who I am, how to live, celebrate myself, and take up space in this world.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by tommy dorfman (@tommy.dorfman)
Dorfman said the new pronouns she identifies with are “she/her.”
In her announcement, Dorfman posted photographs of herself, wearing a dress and heels, and thanked her “day one team” — including stylists and a glam squad — that has supported her “evolution in the most affirming of ways.
- 7/22/2021
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
French actor Lea Seydoux is supposed to be the toast of this year’s Cannes Film Festival with four films, including three in competition. But sources say that the French star may cancel her trip to the South of France after testing positive for Covid.
Seydoux has not made the trip to Cannes yet; she’s currently on the production of a film, during which she contracted Covid. A source close to the actor says she’s most asymptomatic and has been self isolating for over a week at her Paris home.
A spokesperson for Seydoux confirmed she tested positive for Covid-19 despite being fully vaccinated and asymptomatic. She will remain in quarantine until her doctors deem her safe to travel to Cannes and attend festival events.
In a plot twist worthy of an episode of “Call My Agent!,” Seydoux is getting tested every day. She is waiting for negative...
Seydoux has not made the trip to Cannes yet; she’s currently on the production of a film, during which she contracted Covid. A source close to the actor says she’s most asymptomatic and has been self isolating for over a week at her Paris home.
A spokesperson for Seydoux confirmed she tested positive for Covid-19 despite being fully vaccinated and asymptomatic. She will remain in quarantine until her doctors deem her safe to travel to Cannes and attend festival events.
In a plot twist worthy of an episode of “Call My Agent!,” Seydoux is getting tested every day. She is waiting for negative...
- 7/10/2021
- by Ramin Setoodeh and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The 74th edition of the Cannes Film Festival came back to a roaring start on Tuesday night.
As the end credits of this year’s opening night film “Annette” rolled, the crowd stood — as they often do — for an ovation. Director Leos Carax smoked a cigarette from his seat in the Palais out of relief. He then handed one to his star, Adam Driver, who lit up and puffed at the cameras, while the crowd cheered for five full minutes.
The #Cannes2021 crowd showered ‘Annette’ with a polite 5-minute standing ovation for Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard. pic.twitter.com/20lCbOipwp
— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) July 6, 2021
It was by no means a record for Cannes, but it also felt like the crowd wasn’t just celebrating the movie. The world’s glitziest film festival had pulled off a comeback, after taking a year off in 2020 due to Covid-19.
Indeed, it was...
As the end credits of this year’s opening night film “Annette” rolled, the crowd stood — as they often do — for an ovation. Director Leos Carax smoked a cigarette from his seat in the Palais out of relief. He then handed one to his star, Adam Driver, who lit up and puffed at the cameras, while the crowd cheered for five full minutes.
The #Cannes2021 crowd showered ‘Annette’ with a polite 5-minute standing ovation for Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard. pic.twitter.com/20lCbOipwp
— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) July 6, 2021
It was by no means a record for Cannes, but it also felt like the crowd wasn’t just celebrating the movie. The world’s glitziest film festival had pulled off a comeback, after taking a year off in 2020 due to Covid-19.
Indeed, it was...
- 7/6/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy, Ramin Setoodeh and Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Studios is in late-stage discussions for “Foe,” an adaptation of Iain Reid’s science-fiction novel starring Saoirse Ronan, Lakeith Stanfield and Paul Mescal.
The streamer is closing in on global rights in a competitive situation, though a deal has yet to be signed. FilmNation is handling international rights, while CAA Media Finance and UTA’s Independent Film Group are co-representing domestic rights.
Directed by “Lion’s” Garth Davis, who wrote the script with Reid based off the Canadian author’s 2018 novel, “Foe” is set in the near future, where corporate greed is destroying the environment. Mescal and Ronan, both of whom are Irish, play Junior and Hen, respectively, who have been married for seven years and live a reclusive life on a remote farm. Their lives change forever when a stranger at their door (Stanfield) tells them Junior has been selected to travel to an experimental space station orbiting Earth.
The streamer is closing in on global rights in a competitive situation, though a deal has yet to be signed. FilmNation is handling international rights, while CAA Media Finance and UTA’s Independent Film Group are co-representing domestic rights.
Directed by “Lion’s” Garth Davis, who wrote the script with Reid based off the Canadian author’s 2018 novel, “Foe” is set in the near future, where corporate greed is destroying the environment. Mescal and Ronan, both of whom are Irish, play Junior and Hen, respectively, who have been married for seven years and live a reclusive life on a remote farm. Their lives change forever when a stranger at their door (Stanfield) tells them Junior has been selected to travel to an experimental space station orbiting Earth.
- 7/6/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Writer-director Leslye Headland is a celebrated indie storyteller and authority on the triumphs and struggles of contemporary women. Now shepherding the “Star Wars” TV series “The Acolyte” for Disney Plus, her credits include “Russian Doll,” “Sleeping With Other People” and the comedy “Bachelorette.” Here she shares her coming-out journey.
The saddest night of my life was the 2012 Los Angeles premiere of my film “Bachelorette.” It was not without warning.
Earlier that year, when my directorial debut premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, I was flooded with both relief and anxiety: relief, because my work was being recognized; anxiety, because when your dreams come true and you’re not living as your authentic self, it is a particularly painful experience. After years preparing for failure, nothing had prepared me for success.
Months later, at the premiere, I was blonder, thinner and “straight”-er than I’d ever been. My hotel was...
The saddest night of my life was the 2012 Los Angeles premiere of my film “Bachelorette.” It was not without warning.
Earlier that year, when my directorial debut premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, I was flooded with both relief and anxiety: relief, because my work was being recognized; anxiety, because when your dreams come true and you’re not living as your authentic self, it is a particularly painful experience. After years preparing for failure, nothing had prepared me for success.
Months later, at the premiere, I was blonder, thinner and “straight”-er than I’d ever been. My hotel was...
- 6/3/2021
- by Leslye Headland
- Variety Film + TV
Scott Rudin’s business relationship with A24, the indie studio where he produced such acclaimed films as “Lady Bird” and “Uncut Gems,” is over, sources tell Variety. The severing of ties comes in the wake of allegations of workplace abuses that have been leveled at Rudin and a devastating cover story in The Hollywood Reporter about his bullying behavior.
The producer had no formal first-look deal with the company, but many of his projects found a natural home at the studio, where Rudin’s high-pedigree taste complemented A24’s filmmaker-friendly style. Rudin will no longer be involved with such upcoming A24 releases as “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and “The Humans.” He was also attached to Alex Garland’s “Men” and “Red, White and Water” — a war drama that will star Jennifer Lawrence — but will also exit those projects.
Projects that Rudin had in development with the studio, such as an...
The producer had no formal first-look deal with the company, but many of his projects found a natural home at the studio, where Rudin’s high-pedigree taste complemented A24’s filmmaker-friendly style. Rudin will no longer be involved with such upcoming A24 releases as “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and “The Humans.” He was also attached to Alex Garland’s “Men” and “Red, White and Water” — a war drama that will star Jennifer Lawrence — but will also exit those projects.
Projects that Rudin had in development with the studio, such as an...
- 4/20/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
“Minari” star Alan S. Kim has already captured audiences and critics’ hearts, and now the young star has landed new agents.
The eight-year-old has signed with CAA for representation in all areas.
Kim earned rave reviews for his breakout performance as David Yi in Lee Isaac Chung’s “Minari,” which has been nominated for six Academy Awards, including best picture. The heartfelt and intimate family drama recently won the Golden Globe Award for best foreign language film, in addition to earning the grand jury prize and audience award at Sundance, where it premiered in 2020.
In a ridiculously cute (and now-viral) video interview, Kim opened up to Variety’s Matt Donnelly about why he auditioned for the role.
“I wanted to get a chance to just be famous and just be on video and be on a big screen,” Kim said, adding that the best advice he’s received was from...
The eight-year-old has signed with CAA for representation in all areas.
Kim earned rave reviews for his breakout performance as David Yi in Lee Isaac Chung’s “Minari,” which has been nominated for six Academy Awards, including best picture. The heartfelt and intimate family drama recently won the Golden Globe Award for best foreign language film, in addition to earning the grand jury prize and audience award at Sundance, where it premiered in 2020.
In a ridiculously cute (and now-viral) video interview, Kim opened up to Variety’s Matt Donnelly about why he auditioned for the role.
“I wanted to get a chance to just be famous and just be on video and be on a big screen,” Kim said, adding that the best advice he’s received was from...
- 3/29/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood producers and filmmakers think they know what audiences want after a roughly a year of being stuck in their homes, cut off from friends and family while a global pandemic raged.
“People want to escape,” predicts Milan Popelka, chief operating officer of FilmNation, the company behind “Arrival” and “Late Night.” “Stories that are more uplifting and optimistic will be at a premium. There’s more than enough stress in the world, I don’t think people will be interested in watching something that adds to their stress levels.”
That means more comedies, musicals and feel-good stories mixed in with the usual diet of superhero films and sequels, producers say. It also signals that the movie business won’t be too eager to greenlight movies set during the darkest days of the pandemic… at least not for the foreseeable future.
“The last thing people want to watch is stories of...
“People want to escape,” predicts Milan Popelka, chief operating officer of FilmNation, the company behind “Arrival” and “Late Night.” “Stories that are more uplifting and optimistic will be at a premium. There’s more than enough stress in the world, I don’t think people will be interested in watching something that adds to their stress levels.”
That means more comedies, musicals and feel-good stories mixed in with the usual diet of superhero films and sequels, producers say. It also signals that the movie business won’t be too eager to greenlight movies set during the darkest days of the pandemic… at least not for the foreseeable future.
“The last thing people want to watch is stories of...
- 3/18/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Less than a week after the Hollywood Foreign Press Association circulated a letter to Hollywood publicists insisting it was committed to diversifying and addressing longstanding criticisms of the organization, Variety has learned that a group of top publicity firms plan to formally warn the HFPA that they expect to see tangible changes.
The letter, which is still being drafted, will inform the organization behind the Golden Globe Awards that publicists will advise their clients not to take part in HFPA press conferences or interviews until the group proves it has a plan for transforming practices that have recently come under scrutiny, including the fact that the press association has not had any Black members since at least 2002.
The letter to be signed by representatives from an array of publicity and communications firms has been going through several revisions during the past few days through conference calls and Zoom sessions. It...
The letter, which is still being drafted, will inform the organization behind the Golden Globe Awards that publicists will advise their clients not to take part in HFPA press conferences or interviews until the group proves it has a plan for transforming practices that have recently come under scrutiny, including the fact that the press association has not had any Black members since at least 2002.
The letter to be signed by representatives from an array of publicity and communications firms has been going through several revisions during the past few days through conference calls and Zoom sessions. It...
- 3/15/2021
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Hugh Grant has been cast as the villain in Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley’s untitled “Dungeons & Dragons” film adaptation.
Grant will play the main antagonist in the film, which is being jointly produced and financed by eOne and Paramount. Sophia Lillis, known for her work in “Uncle Frank,” the “It” films and Netflix’s “I Am Not Okay With This,” has also joined the project.
Grant and Lillis join an already star-studded cast including Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Justice Smith and Regé-Jean Page.
Based off of Hasbro’s wildy popular game franchise from Wizards of the Coast, the “Dungeons & Dragons” adaptation will dive into the game’s magical world of elves, humans, bards, orcs — and of course, dragons. However, it remains to be seen if the film’s storyline will take place entirely in the game’s fantasy world or involve the game-playing aspect.
More than...
Grant will play the main antagonist in the film, which is being jointly produced and financed by eOne and Paramount. Sophia Lillis, known for her work in “Uncle Frank,” the “It” films and Netflix’s “I Am Not Okay With This,” has also joined the project.
Grant and Lillis join an already star-studded cast including Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Justice Smith and Regé-Jean Page.
Based off of Hasbro’s wildy popular game franchise from Wizards of the Coast, the “Dungeons & Dragons” adaptation will dive into the game’s magical world of elves, humans, bards, orcs — and of course, dragons. However, it remains to be seen if the film’s storyline will take place entirely in the game’s fantasy world or involve the game-playing aspect.
More than...
- 3/2/2021
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
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