For some 10 years, British-American actor-producer David Oyelowo has nurtured his obsession with the legendary post-Civil War Deputy U.S. Marshall Bass Reeves — long considered an inspiration for the Lone Ranger, with his white horse and Native American sidekick. Others had tried to make movies about him. Morgan Freeman, for one, spent some three decades pushing the project forward, to no avail. Always, there was resistance to centering a project on a Black lawman.
“You simply cannot avoid the question of race,” said Oyelowo at his spacious home in the San Fernando Valley. “Because arguably, the most, if not one of the most beloved genres, certainly, in American cinema is the Western. The narrative in our business, ‘Black doesn’t travel,’ ‘Black is niche,’ ‘Black is not global,’ therefore, does not warrant the level of budget.”
As time passed, mounting a Western set in the 1800s only became more expensive. “The further away you get,...
“You simply cannot avoid the question of race,” said Oyelowo at his spacious home in the San Fernando Valley. “Because arguably, the most, if not one of the most beloved genres, certainly, in American cinema is the Western. The narrative in our business, ‘Black doesn’t travel,’ ‘Black is niche,’ ‘Black is not global,’ therefore, does not warrant the level of budget.”
As time passed, mounting a Western set in the 1800s only became more expensive. “The further away you get,...
- 6/19/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Get ready for a captivating journey through history with “The Real Red Tails,” airing on National Geographic at 8:00 Pm on Monday, June 3, 2024. In this groundbreaking documentary, viewers are taken on a thrilling exploration of an unsolved mystery involving the legendary Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.
The discovery of underwater wreckage from a P-39 airplane sparks renewed interest in the story of these trailblazing African American pilots, known as the Red Tails. As experts delve into the wreckage and piece together clues from the past, they uncover a tale of bravery, courage, and determination that captivates audiences and sheds new light on a pivotal moment in history.
Through interviews with surviving Tuskegee Airmen, archival footage, and cutting-edge technology, “The Real Red Tails” offers viewers a rare glimpse into the lives and experiences of these remarkable individuals. From their struggles against racism and discrimination to their triumphs in the skies,...
The discovery of underwater wreckage from a P-39 airplane sparks renewed interest in the story of these trailblazing African American pilots, known as the Red Tails. As experts delve into the wreckage and piece together clues from the past, they uncover a tale of bravery, courage, and determination that captivates audiences and sheds new light on a pivotal moment in history.
Through interviews with surviving Tuskegee Airmen, archival footage, and cutting-edge technology, “The Real Red Tails” offers viewers a rare glimpse into the lives and experiences of these remarkable individuals. From their struggles against racism and discrimination to their triumphs in the skies,...
- 5/27/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
It’s been 10 years since David Oyelowo made his U.S. breakthrough portraying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in “Selma.” Playing the awe-inspiring civil rights leader was an opportunity for the British-Nigerian actor to live up to his surname, which translates to “a king deserves respect.”
Oyelowo has been reflecting on that time in his life a lot more lately, thanks in part to “Becoming King,” a documentary directed by his wife, Jessica Oyelowo, that captures the seven-year journey to bring “Selma” to the big screen.
“It was a big year,” he says of 2014. “There was no way you could know the sheer amount of things that would happen, because at the beginning of it, nothing was happening. ‘Selma’ felt dead. I was in the middle of shooting ‘A Most Violent Year,’ having a good time with that, but just feeling in a state of limbo and then—”
He stops mid-thought.
Oyelowo has been reflecting on that time in his life a lot more lately, thanks in part to “Becoming King,” a documentary directed by his wife, Jessica Oyelowo, that captures the seven-year journey to bring “Selma” to the big screen.
“It was a big year,” he says of 2014. “There was no way you could know the sheer amount of things that would happen, because at the beginning of it, nothing was happening. ‘Selma’ felt dead. I was in the middle of shooting ‘A Most Violent Year,’ having a good time with that, but just feeling in a state of limbo and then—”
He stops mid-thought.
- 5/23/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Anthony Hemingway has boarded the Netflix series adaptation of the Judy Blume novel “Forever” to direct multiple episodes, Variety has learned exclusively.
The series stars Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. and hails from creator Mara Brock Akil. The official logline states the series is “an epic love story of two Black teens exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.”
Hemingway will direct four episodes in total — the second and third as well as the seventh and eighth episodes, specifically. He will also now serve as an executive producer on the series. It was previously announced that Regina King would be directing the pilot and executive producing the series as well.
Hemingway is one of the most sought-after directors in television today. His recent credits include helming episodes of “Genius: Aretha,” the pilot of “Power Book II: Ghost,...
The series stars Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. and hails from creator Mara Brock Akil. The official logline states the series is “an epic love story of two Black teens exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.”
Hemingway will direct four episodes in total — the second and third as well as the seventh and eighth episodes, specifically. He will also now serve as an executive producer on the series. It was previously announced that Regina King would be directing the pilot and executive producing the series as well.
Hemingway is one of the most sought-after directors in television today. His recent credits include helming episodes of “Genius: Aretha,” the pilot of “Power Book II: Ghost,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
On June 2, 1943 Lieutenant Charles B. Hall of the Army Air Forces shot down an enemy Italian fighter plane over the island of Pantelleria off the Tunisian Coast. He was the first African American ever to do so.
Hall was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the Black fighter pilots who trained at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and served as critical air support during the invasion of Italy and as bomber escorts over Occupied Europe thereafter. Their achievement is immortalized in a new 360-degree VR film created by New York-based studio Koncept VR and the World War II Foundation.
“Tuskegee Airmen,” directed by Uli Futschik and Joergen Geerds, combines archive footage with voiceover reminiscences of surviving members of the Airmen and newly shot material — such as a 360-degree camera mounted on a P-51 Mustang, the nimble fighter craft associated with the Airmen that often had their tails painted red (hence...
Hall was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the Black fighter pilots who trained at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and served as critical air support during the invasion of Italy and as bomber escorts over Occupied Europe thereafter. Their achievement is immortalized in a new 360-degree VR film created by New York-based studio Koncept VR and the World War II Foundation.
“Tuskegee Airmen,” directed by Uli Futschik and Joergen Geerds, combines archive footage with voiceover reminiscences of surviving members of the Airmen and newly shot material — such as a 360-degree camera mounted on a P-51 Mustang, the nimble fighter craft associated with the Airmen that often had their tails painted red (hence...
- 4/23/2024
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Plot: The story of the first Black congresswoman and political icon, Shirley Chisholm, and her trailblazing run for president of the U.S. It chronicles her audacious, boundary-breaking 1972 presidential campaign.
Review: 2024 is an election year in the United States, which means we are going to be inundated by countless robocalls and television ads as the country once again selects the Commander in Chief for the next four years. While it is as contentious as ever in this country, there have been volatile and unique elections in the past. Fifty-two years ago, an election took place that featured many firsts, but most notably, it was the year that Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm became the first black candidate for President of the United States. Her story has been chronicled in documentaries and was spoofed last year in Hulu’s History of the World Part II. Still, John Ridley’s feature film Shirley, starring...
Review: 2024 is an election year in the United States, which means we are going to be inundated by countless robocalls and television ads as the country once again selects the Commander in Chief for the next four years. While it is as contentious as ever in this country, there have been volatile and unique elections in the past. Fifty-two years ago, an election took place that featured many firsts, but most notably, it was the year that Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm became the first black candidate for President of the United States. Her story has been chronicled in documentaries and was spoofed last year in Hulu’s History of the World Part II. Still, John Ridley’s feature film Shirley, starring...
- 3/15/2024
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
James “Rhodey” Rhodes is a central character in the MCU—having appeared in eight films to date. The character has also featured in the miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) and is poised to be the main focus in Armor Wars, which is in production now. And Don Cheadle is all set to wield the suit of War Machine.
Don Cheadle as James Rhodes in a still from The Falcon And The Winter Soldier
Terrence Howard was supposed to keep playing War Machine in the Marvel movies, but he got replaced by Cheadle in Iron Man 2. It was partly due to decrease in pay. The actor didn’t get along well with Robert Downey Jr., which also added to the tension.
Suggested“This is objectively meaner than anything Scorsese has said”: Robert Downey Jr. ‘Trashing’ Iron Man Yet Again After BAFTA Win Upsets Fans Terrence Howard’s...
Don Cheadle as James Rhodes in a still from The Falcon And The Winter Soldier
Terrence Howard was supposed to keep playing War Machine in the Marvel movies, but he got replaced by Cheadle in Iron Man 2. It was partly due to decrease in pay. The actor didn’t get along well with Robert Downey Jr., which also added to the tension.
Suggested“This is objectively meaner than anything Scorsese has said”: Robert Downey Jr. ‘Trashing’ Iron Man Yet Again After BAFTA Win Upsets Fans Terrence Howard’s...
- 2/19/2024
- by Shreya Jha
- FandomWire
Ready your rocket pack and dig out your best leather suit – David Oyelowo seems pretty positive about the direction his Rocketeer sequel is going.
David Oyelowo’s follow-up to Disney’s live-action original, The Rocketeer, was first announced in 2021 – and we’ve not heard much about it since. In a recent interview, though, Oyelowo offered a bit of an update on the current state of the project.
“We have forward momentum,” Oyelowo told TheWrap.
“I know you guys hear this stuff all the time, but we[‘re] in the script development stage and if you’re going to reinvigorate that beloved franchise, you better come with the goods. And so Eugene Ashe is currently writing away and we were talking about it only this week. We’re all very committed to that. But it’s going to have to be great and we will not rest until it is.”
The original film,...
David Oyelowo’s follow-up to Disney’s live-action original, The Rocketeer, was first announced in 2021 – and we’ve not heard much about it since. In a recent interview, though, Oyelowo offered a bit of an update on the current state of the project.
“We have forward momentum,” Oyelowo told TheWrap.
“I know you guys hear this stuff all the time, but we[‘re] in the script development stage and if you’re going to reinvigorate that beloved franchise, you better come with the goods. And so Eugene Ashe is currently writing away and we were talking about it only this week. We’re all very committed to that. But it’s going to have to be great and we will not rest until it is.”
The original film,...
- 12/21/2023
- by James Harvey
- Film Stories
Need a break from the summer heat? Before the barbecue and fireworks extravaganza, cue up one of these 10 Fourth of July movies. Some are patriotic favorites, while others deliver summer vibes in spades. All are guaranteed to keep you entertained for a couple of hours.
‘Born on the Fourth of July’
Tom Cruise earned an Oscar nomination for his performance as paralyzed Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July. Based on the real-life story of Kovic, the movie follows him from his childhood through his time as a Marine in Vietnam to his return to the U.S. and embrace of anti-war activism.
Born on the Fourth of July is streaming on Netflix.
‘Top Gun’ and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
In the mood for some lighter Tom Cruise fare? Top Gun delivers a hefty dose of action and romance with its story of a...
‘Born on the Fourth of July’
Tom Cruise earned an Oscar nomination for his performance as paralyzed Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July. Based on the real-life story of Kovic, the movie follows him from his childhood through his time as a Marine in Vietnam to his return to the U.S. and embrace of anti-war activism.
Born on the Fourth of July is streaming on Netflix.
‘Top Gun’ and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
In the mood for some lighter Tom Cruise fare? Top Gun delivers a hefty dose of action and romance with its story of a...
- 7/3/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If you’re a fan of true crime documentaries or early millennium classic cartoons then boy does Hulu’s list of new releases have some great news for you!
Hulu continues its implicit understanding that streaming services are basically true crime distribution machines this month with a trio of intriguing titles. While it’s not necessarily true crime per se, The Ashley Madison Affair about the notorious dating platform premieres on July 7. That will be followed by Betrayal: The Perfect Husband on July 11, which is based on a compelling podcast of the same name. The Jewel Thief arrives on July 13 to provide an account of Gerald Blanchard, one of history’s most creative criminals.
But where does the cartoon excitement comes in? Well, that’s because season 11 of Matt Groening’s beloved Futurama premieres on July 24. Fry, Leela, the Professor, and Bender will all return for a direct continuation of...
Hulu continues its implicit understanding that streaming services are basically true crime distribution machines this month with a trio of intriguing titles. While it’s not necessarily true crime per se, The Ashley Madison Affair about the notorious dating platform premieres on July 7. That will be followed by Betrayal: The Perfect Husband on July 11, which is based on a compelling podcast of the same name. The Jewel Thief arrives on July 13 to provide an account of Gerald Blanchard, one of history’s most creative criminals.
But where does the cartoon excitement comes in? Well, that’s because season 11 of Matt Groening’s beloved Futurama premieres on July 24. Fry, Leela, the Professor, and Bender will all return for a direct continuation of...
- 7/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Vampires are taking a wacky bite out of summer. In Season 5 of FX and Hulu’s “What We Do In The Shadows,” Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) looks for a vampire who can give him the transformation that Nandor the Relentless has kept from him. But it may not go as planned. The beloved comedy, which takes a mockumentary look at four vampires living in Staten Island, returns on July 14.
Check out the Season 5 trailer of “What We Do In the Shadows”:
Another highly anticipated return coming to Hulu in July is the latest season of long-running animated series “Futurama.” The show’s first four seasons aired on Fox from 1999 to 2003, it was then picked up by Comedy Central for three seasons from 2008 to 2013. Now, nearly a decade later, the Mike Judge-created series will return for the first half of the 20-episode Season 8 on July 24 with the original voice cast.
Check out the Season 5 trailer of “What We Do In the Shadows”:
Another highly anticipated return coming to Hulu in July is the latest season of long-running animated series “Futurama.” The show’s first four seasons aired on Fox from 1999 to 2003, it was then picked up by Comedy Central for three seasons from 2008 to 2013. Now, nearly a decade later, the Mike Judge-created series will return for the first half of the 20-episode Season 8 on July 24 with the original voice cast.
- 6/23/2023
- by Fern Siegel
- The Streamable
“The Help” is coming to Freevee on June 1. The top-notch cast includes Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Jessica Chastain. The plot focuses on two black maids who work in white homes in Jackson, Mississippi, in the 1960s. Stone plays a writer who wants to help the women chronicle the hardships they face, so their injustices are exposed nationwide. “The Help” chronicles real-life conditions in the Deep South, while celebrating female friendship and empowerment.
Watch the trailer for “The Help”:
Also streaming on June 1 is the hit dystopian thriller “The Hunger Games,” turned into a four-film franchise, starring Jennifer Lawrence. In the first, the nation of Panem pits one girl and one boy from 12 tribes to fight to the death each year in the games. There can be only one survivor. The story is written from the perspective of a 16-year-old girl, who takes her sister’s place...
Watch the trailer for “The Help”:
Also streaming on June 1 is the hit dystopian thriller “The Hunger Games,” turned into a four-film franchise, starring Jennifer Lawrence. In the first, the nation of Panem pits one girl and one boy from 12 tribes to fight to the death each year in the games. There can be only one survivor. The story is written from the perspective of a 16-year-old girl, who takes her sister’s place...
- 5/25/2023
- by Fern Siegel
- The Streamable
Exclusive: Terrence Howard (Empire), Jb. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Rebecca De Mornay (Jessica Jones) are set to star in Giving Thanks, a coming-of-age comedy set in Inglewood, California that will go into production in June.
The story revolves around Marcus and Roddy, two best friends who work at a dead-end retail job and dream about jump-starting their dream of living on their own while seeking fame and fortune. The pair come up with an ingenious plan to kidnap the pet iguana of football star Achilles Cooper for ransom, while also forcing the famous player to headline the birthday party of Marcus’s father.
Howard plays Calvin Turner, a hard-working father who wants to see his son, Marcus, take advantage of the opportunities life affords him. Smoove will portray Marcus’s arch-nemesis Dexter, an ambitious hustler who manages the retail box store where he works. And De Mornay is set...
The story revolves around Marcus and Roddy, two best friends who work at a dead-end retail job and dream about jump-starting their dream of living on their own while seeking fame and fortune. The pair come up with an ingenious plan to kidnap the pet iguana of football star Achilles Cooper for ransom, while also forcing the famous player to headline the birthday party of Marcus’s father.
Howard plays Calvin Turner, a hard-working father who wants to see his son, Marcus, take advantage of the opportunities life affords him. Smoove will portray Marcus’s arch-nemesis Dexter, an ambitious hustler who manages the retail box store where he works. And De Mornay is set...
- 5/1/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Chicago – Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors are two of the hottest featured players in film right now and teamed up over the weekend in “Creed III,” the continuation of the Adonis Creed (Jordan) story, son of Apollo Creed from the Rocky Balboa Universe. Majors portrays Damian, the latest challenger to Creed’s reign.
Damian Anderson was a fellow juvenile detention brother to Adonis, before the troubled son of Apollo was taken off the streets by Mama Creed (Phylicia Rashad). Damian served 18 years for a gun situation that involved Adonis, and “Dame” was the Golden Gloves champion who never got his shot. When he emerges from prison, he expects Adonis to give him that shot, and eventually they face off where they should have been years before … in the boxing ring. Tessa Thompson also reprises her role as Bianca Taylor, the singing star wife of Adonis.
Michael B. Jordan in Chicago,...
Damian Anderson was a fellow juvenile detention brother to Adonis, before the troubled son of Apollo was taken off the streets by Mama Creed (Phylicia Rashad). Damian served 18 years for a gun situation that involved Adonis, and “Dame” was the Golden Gloves champion who never got his shot. When he emerges from prison, he expects Adonis to give him that shot, and eventually they face off where they should have been years before … in the boxing ring. Tessa Thompson also reprises her role as Bianca Taylor, the singing star wife of Adonis.
Michael B. Jordan in Chicago,...
- 3/6/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
George Lucas is arguably the most influential filmmaker of our era. While some would suggest Martin Scorsese or Steven Spielberg and have a point, Star Wars changed the movie business in a way no other film did before or since. Spielberg and Scorsese have more impressive filmographies, but Star Wars is still the blockbuster all others are measured against.
In this episode of What Happened to this Celebrity, which is written (with Brad Hamerly), narrated, edited and produced by Taylor James Johnson, we dig into Lucas’ rich but sometimes divisive legacy. We tackle his early days, with him having a notable flop in Thx-1138 that perhaps pivoted him away from the esoteric, and his eventual arrival onto the Hollywood A-list with his classic American Graffiti. From there, we explain how Star Wars got made, why he opted not to direct the sequels, and how, in the nineties, he decided to...
In this episode of What Happened to this Celebrity, which is written (with Brad Hamerly), narrated, edited and produced by Taylor James Johnson, we dig into Lucas’ rich but sometimes divisive legacy. We tackle his early days, with him having a notable flop in Thx-1138 that perhaps pivoted him away from the esoteric, and his eventual arrival onto the Hollywood A-list with his classic American Graffiti. From there, we explain how Star Wars got made, why he opted not to direct the sequels, and how, in the nineties, he decided to...
- 3/3/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Chicago – The highly anticipated “Creed III,” opening March 3rd, continues the “Rocky Universe” story of Adonis Creed, son of Rocky Balboa nemesis Apollo Creed. In this latest chapter Adonis is challenged by a childhood friend named Damian (Jonathan Majors), freed from prison with a score to settle.
Damian Anderson was a fellow juvenile detention brother to Adonis, before the troubled son of Apollo was taken off the streets by Mama Creed (Phylicia Rashad). Damian served 18 years for a gun situation that involved Adonis, and “Dame” was the Golden Gloves champion who never got his shot. When he emerges from prison, he expects Adonis to give him that shot, and eventually they face off where they should have been years before … in the boxing ring. Tessa Thompson also reprises her role as Bianca Taylor, the singing star wife of Adonis.
Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors of ‘Creed III’
Photo credit: United Artists Releasing
Michael B.
Damian Anderson was a fellow juvenile detention brother to Adonis, before the troubled son of Apollo was taken off the streets by Mama Creed (Phylicia Rashad). Damian served 18 years for a gun situation that involved Adonis, and “Dame” was the Golden Gloves champion who never got his shot. When he emerges from prison, he expects Adonis to give him that shot, and eventually they face off where they should have been years before … in the boxing ring. Tessa Thompson also reprises her role as Bianca Taylor, the singing star wife of Adonis.
Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors of ‘Creed III’
Photo credit: United Artists Releasing
Michael B.
- 3/2/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Exclusive: Joanne Mitchell (The Outing) has signed on to direct the psychological horror Sybil, starring Rebecca Calder (Love Me Do), James Fleet (Four Weddings and a Funeral), and Sacharissa Claxton (Sandman).
Written by Dominic Brunt, Joanne Mitchell, and Tracey Sheals based on an original story by Sheals, the flick is billed as a twisted tale of a lonely mortician and her macabre quest for the perfect family. The Mortician’s life can be a lonely one. But there are always opportunities for love and revenge, the synopsis reads.
The pic is produced by Zoe Stewart (Hush) with Cataslyst Studios’ Holly Levow, Mark Pennell, and Paul Kampf. Principal Photography recently began in Belgrade. The cast is rounded out by Rupert Proctor (Notting Hill), Robyn Rainsford (Letters to April), and Jay Taylor (Red Tails).
“We have an extraordinarily talented cast and crew to bring the bizarre and macabre world of Sybil to life,...
Written by Dominic Brunt, Joanne Mitchell, and Tracey Sheals based on an original story by Sheals, the flick is billed as a twisted tale of a lonely mortician and her macabre quest for the perfect family. The Mortician’s life can be a lonely one. But there are always opportunities for love and revenge, the synopsis reads.
The pic is produced by Zoe Stewart (Hush) with Cataslyst Studios’ Holly Levow, Mark Pennell, and Paul Kampf. Principal Photography recently began in Belgrade. The cast is rounded out by Rupert Proctor (Notting Hill), Robyn Rainsford (Letters to April), and Jay Taylor (Red Tails).
“We have an extraordinarily talented cast and crew to bring the bizarre and macabre world of Sybil to life,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
May 2022 represents the calm before the storm for Amazon Prime Video. Early June will see the arrival of the much-hyped third season of The Boys. Before all that, however, Prime has some other streaming goodies to tide you over.
This month is highlighted by a handful of intriguing original series. Season two of Amazon’s sleeper hit The Wilds premieres on May 6. This pulpy mystery series about a group of teenage girls marooned on an island is Prime Video’s version of Lost or Yellowjackets so give it a watch if that kind of thing sounds up your alley. Also arriving on May 6 is the true crime docuseries The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith.
Canada’s finest comedy goobers The Kids in the Hall return in a rebooted version of their sketch series on May 13. The week after that J.K. Simmons will try his hand at sci-fi once again...
This month is highlighted by a handful of intriguing original series. Season two of Amazon’s sleeper hit The Wilds premieres on May 6. This pulpy mystery series about a group of teenage girls marooned on an island is Prime Video’s version of Lost or Yellowjackets so give it a watch if that kind of thing sounds up your alley. Also arriving on May 6 is the true crime docuseries The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith.
Canada’s finest comedy goobers The Kids in the Hall return in a rebooted version of their sketch series on May 13. The week after that J.K. Simmons will try his hand at sci-fi once again...
- 5/1/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
An original sci-fi series starring two Oscar winners, the second season of a buzzworthy teen show and the return of a beloved cult comedy series are just some of the new additions to Amazon Prime Video in May.
Below, you can peruse a full list of the movies and TV shows that are being added to Amazon Prime Video in May 2022. The second season of the Prime Video original series “The Wilds” debuts on May 6, telling the story of a group of girls who have been stranded on an island as part of an experiment.
And on May 13, the iconic Canadian sketch comedy troupe “The Kids in the Hall” return for a slew of new episodes, reunited for the first time in years.
If it’s original sci-fi you’re into, J.K. Simmons and Sissy Spacek play a couple who have a portal in their backyard in the new series “Night Sky,...
Below, you can peruse a full list of the movies and TV shows that are being added to Amazon Prime Video in May 2022. The second season of the Prime Video original series “The Wilds” debuts on May 6, telling the story of a group of girls who have been stranded on an island as part of an experiment.
And on May 13, the iconic Canadian sketch comedy troupe “The Kids in the Hall” return for a slew of new episodes, reunited for the first time in years.
If it’s original sci-fi you’re into, J.K. Simmons and Sissy Spacek play a couple who have a portal in their backyard in the new series “Night Sky,...
- 4/30/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Exclusive: UTA has signed acclaimed director-producer Anthony Hemingway (Genius: Aretha) and his production company Anthony Hemingway Productions for worldwide representation in all areas.
Hemingway is an Emmy, Golden Globe, BAFTA and NAACP Image Award who has also been recognized with the PGA’s David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Long-Form Television. He most recently directed and executive produced ABC’s reboot of LA Law, as well as the True Lies pilot for CBS. He also recently directed and exec produced Genius: Aretha—the third season of National Geographic’s acclaimed anthology series Genius, starring Cynthia Erivo and Courtney B. Vance.
Hemingway broke out as.a director in the mid-to-late 2000s, while helming a pair of episodes for HBO’s iconic series, The Wire. In the years since, he has gone on to direct episodes of such acclaimed series as Battlestar Galactica, Community, The Closer, Fringe, Once Upon a Time,...
Hemingway is an Emmy, Golden Globe, BAFTA and NAACP Image Award who has also been recognized with the PGA’s David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Long-Form Television. He most recently directed and executive produced ABC’s reboot of LA Law, as well as the True Lies pilot for CBS. He also recently directed and exec produced Genius: Aretha—the third season of National Geographic’s acclaimed anthology series Genius, starring Cynthia Erivo and Courtney B. Vance.
Hemingway broke out as.a director in the mid-to-late 2000s, while helming a pair of episodes for HBO’s iconic series, The Wire. In the years since, he has gone on to direct episodes of such acclaimed series as Battlestar Galactica, Community, The Closer, Fringe, Once Upon a Time,...
- 4/27/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
After directing “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday,” Lee Daniels is returning to the world of period biopics with a new dramatic series focused on singer/actor Sammy Davis Jr., one of the most charismatic and accessible black entertainers of the last century.
Deadline reports Daniels has hired Elijah Kelley to play the legendary performer after previously working with together on the drama “The Butler.” The eight-episode series is based on the novel “In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr.
Continue reading Lee Daniels To Direct Dramatic Sammy Davis Jr. Hulu Series Starring Elijah Kelley at The Playlist.
Deadline reports Daniels has hired Elijah Kelley to play the legendary performer after previously working with together on the drama “The Butler.” The eight-episode series is based on the novel “In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr.
Continue reading Lee Daniels To Direct Dramatic Sammy Davis Jr. Hulu Series Starring Elijah Kelley at The Playlist.
- 4/15/2022
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Ne-Yo (Step Up: High Water) has signed on to star alongside his real-life aunt Kym Whitley (Twenties) and niece Tyler Kay Whitley (The Game) in the indie romantic comedy The Pact, from writer-director Robert Mychal Patrick Butler (Life Ain’t Like The Movies).
The film follows best friends Jessie (Tyler Kay Whitley) and Brandon, who made a pact in college to get married on their 30th birthday, should they both be single at the time. After Brandon gets dumped by his longtime girlfriend Amanda (Grace Aubry) on the eve of his 30th, he heads to Vegas with Jessie, marrying her after a night of drunken shenanigans. Back home, confronted with the fallout of their decision, Jessie has to deal with a new relationship and her upset Aunt Porsha (Kym Whitley), who found out her favorite niece has gotten married on social media. She’s at the same time tasked by her manager,...
The film follows best friends Jessie (Tyler Kay Whitley) and Brandon, who made a pact in college to get married on their 30th birthday, should they both be single at the time. After Brandon gets dumped by his longtime girlfriend Amanda (Grace Aubry) on the eve of his 30th, he heads to Vegas with Jessie, marrying her after a night of drunken shenanigans. Back home, confronted with the fallout of their decision, Jessie has to deal with a new relationship and her upset Aunt Porsha (Kym Whitley), who found out her favorite niece has gotten married on social media. She’s at the same time tasked by her manager,...
- 4/14/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“When you watch this show, you’re probably thinking, ‘Gosh, this is a bit crazy.’” So says David Oyelowo of his character in HBO Max’s twisty psychological thriller “The Girl Before.”
In the four-episode series, Oyelowo stars as Edward Monkford, the brooding architect behind a one-of-a-kind ultra-minimalist home in London that comes with a daunting set of rules. Viewers follow two women, Jane (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Emma (Jessica Plummer), during separate timelines in which they inhabit Edward’s house and subsequently enter relationships with the mysterious owner.
In exchange for affordable rent, the women are expected to live according to Edward’s stipulations: no pictures, no ornaments, no children, no books—the list goes on, to the tune of 200 rules.
Oyelowo’s Edward is unfazed by the home’s unique setup: “All buildings are designed to have an effect on people: castles to intimidate; churches to inspire,” he says in the second episode.
In the four-episode series, Oyelowo stars as Edward Monkford, the brooding architect behind a one-of-a-kind ultra-minimalist home in London that comes with a daunting set of rules. Viewers follow two women, Jane (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Emma (Jessica Plummer), during separate timelines in which they inhabit Edward’s house and subsequently enter relationships with the mysterious owner.
In exchange for affordable rent, the women are expected to live according to Edward’s stipulations: no pictures, no ornaments, no children, no books—the list goes on, to the tune of 200 rules.
Oyelowo’s Edward is unfazed by the home’s unique setup: “All buildings are designed to have an effect on people: castles to intimidate; churches to inspire,” he says in the second episode.
- 2/9/2022
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
With its list of new releases for January 2022, Amazon Prime Video is keeping things pretty simple. The streaming giant is rolling out a couple of original films, one big TV effort, and a whole host of library content, then calling it a day. And really, that’s all you need!
The two Amazon original films this month are of the family friendly variety. The Tender Bar, based on a memoir of the same name and directed by George Clooney, premieres on Jan. 7. This is followed on Jan. 14 by Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. This is the fourth installment in the animated Hotel Transylvania series, hammering home the fact that if you bring Adam Sandler and Genndy Tartakovsky aboard you project, things are gonna go pretty smoothly.
The one Amazon original TV series this month is As We See It. This project comes from Friday Night Lights head writer Jason Katims and is...
The two Amazon original films this month are of the family friendly variety. The Tender Bar, based on a memoir of the same name and directed by George Clooney, premieres on Jan. 7. This is followed on Jan. 14 by Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. This is the fourth installment in the animated Hotel Transylvania series, hammering home the fact that if you bring Adam Sandler and Genndy Tartakovsky aboard you project, things are gonna go pretty smoothly.
The one Amazon original TV series this month is As We See It. This project comes from Friday Night Lights head writer Jason Katims and is...
- 1/1/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Emmy winner Anthony Hemingway has signed on to direct a present-day “reimagining” of The Preacher’s Wife, featuring original cast member Courtney B. Vance, for Bassett Vance Productions.
Penny Marshall’s 1996 film, starring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Vance, was itself a remake of The Bishop’s Wife, the 1947 film based on Robert Nathan’s book of the same name that starred Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. It centers on Dudley (Washington), an angel who comes to earth to help preacher Henry Biggs (Vance) and his wife Julia (Houston) save the church and their family. The film endures as a perennial favorite around the holidays; its soundtrack remains the bestselling gospel album of all time.
Hemingway’s version of The Preacher’s Wife will “creatively evolve the story in a new direction,” per Bvp’s producing partner Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, while boosting “the musicality” of the storytelling.
Penny Marshall’s 1996 film, starring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Vance, was itself a remake of The Bishop’s Wife, the 1947 film based on Robert Nathan’s book of the same name that starred Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. It centers on Dudley (Washington), an angel who comes to earth to help preacher Henry Biggs (Vance) and his wife Julia (Houston) save the church and their family. The film endures as a perennial favorite around the holidays; its soundtrack remains the bestselling gospel album of all time.
Hemingway’s version of The Preacher’s Wife will “creatively evolve the story in a new direction,” per Bvp’s producing partner Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, while boosting “the musicality” of the storytelling.
- 11/3/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Lynne Hale, the longtime publicity head at Lucasfilm, is planning to retire after 35 years with George Lucas’ namesake company, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
Hale serves as the vice president of publicity and communications, and she plans to retire at the end of 2021.
Hale first joined Lucasfilm in 1986, then the company’s sole publicist, and in her time there she worked on elevating “Star Wars” back into the pop culture hierarchy, including working on the re-release of the original “Star Wars” trilogy in 1997. She also worked on all three of the prequel films and has been a key component in driving the strategy on everything from the latest films and the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian” once Lucasfilm came under Disney’s purview.
Some of her other non-Star Wars related film campaigns have been on behalf of films such as “Tucker: A Man and His Dream,” “Willow,” “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade...
Hale serves as the vice president of publicity and communications, and she plans to retire at the end of 2021.
Hale first joined Lucasfilm in 1986, then the company’s sole publicist, and in her time there she worked on elevating “Star Wars” back into the pop culture hierarchy, including working on the re-release of the original “Star Wars” trilogy in 1997. She also worked on all three of the prequel films and has been a key component in driving the strategy on everything from the latest films and the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian” once Lucasfilm came under Disney’s purview.
Some of her other non-Star Wars related film campaigns have been on behalf of films such as “Tucker: A Man and His Dream,” “Willow,” “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade...
- 9/17/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
One of the Star Wars galaxy’s leaders is moving on to her next adventure. Lynne Hale, the longtime head of publicity and communications at Lucasfilm who worked closely with founder George Lucas, will retire at the end of 2021 after 35 years with the company.
Hale joined Lucasfilm in 1986 as the company’s sole publicist, working out of an office at Skywalker Ranch. She helped usher in a new era of Star Wars when she led her first major campaign, 1999’s Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, and became known to fans during the leadup thanks to Lynne’s Diaries, a behind-the-scenes video series published on StarWars.com. She also oversaw the campaigns for prequel trilogy titles Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005).
“George took a chance on me early in my career and gave me the opportunity to not only learn from a visionary filmmaker, but also from...
Hale joined Lucasfilm in 1986 as the company’s sole publicist, working out of an office at Skywalker Ranch. She helped usher in a new era of Star Wars when she led her first major campaign, 1999’s Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, and became known to fans during the leadup thanks to Lynne’s Diaries, a behind-the-scenes video series published on StarWars.com. She also oversaw the campaigns for prequel trilogy titles Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005).
“George took a chance on me early in my career and gave me the opportunity to not only learn from a visionary filmmaker, but also from...
- 9/17/2021
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney+ has set a stacked cast of guest stars and new recurring talent for The Proud Family revival Louder and Prouder, in commemoration of the original animated series’ 20th anniversary.
The guest-starring voice cast for the series set to launch on Disney+ in 2022 will feature A-listers from the worlds of music, film, TV and sports including Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Chance the Rapper, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Tiffany Haddish, Lena Waithe, Anthony Anderson, Gabrielle Union, Debbie Allen, James Pickens Jr., Courtney B. Vance, Jane Lynch, Marsai Martin, Jaden Smith, Glynn Turman, Lamorne Morris, Brenda Song, Tina Knowles, Eva Longoria, Holly Robinson Peete, Al Roker, Bretman Rock, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez and Dominique Dawes, among others.
New recurring stars announced today include Asante Blackk (This Is Us) as Penny’s boyfriend, Kareem; rapper Artist “A Boogie” Dubose as Maya’s gamer brother, Francis “Kg” Leibowitz-Jenkins; Raquel Lee Bolleau (Real Husbands of Hollywood...
The guest-starring voice cast for the series set to launch on Disney+ in 2022 will feature A-listers from the worlds of music, film, TV and sports including Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Chance the Rapper, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Tiffany Haddish, Lena Waithe, Anthony Anderson, Gabrielle Union, Debbie Allen, James Pickens Jr., Courtney B. Vance, Jane Lynch, Marsai Martin, Jaden Smith, Glynn Turman, Lamorne Morris, Brenda Song, Tina Knowles, Eva Longoria, Holly Robinson Peete, Al Roker, Bretman Rock, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez and Dominique Dawes, among others.
New recurring stars announced today include Asante Blackk (This Is Us) as Penny’s boyfriend, Kareem; rapper Artist “A Boogie” Dubose as Maya’s gamer brother, Francis “Kg” Leibowitz-Jenkins; Raquel Lee Bolleau (Real Husbands of Hollywood...
- 9/15/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Avenue has acquired North American rights to The System, a newly announced film starring Tyrese Gibson (Fast & Furious franchise), Terrence Howard (Crash), Jeremy Piven (Entourage), and Lil Yachty (Long Shot).
The action-thriller picked up by Highland Film Group’s domestic distribution arm centers on a former marine (Gibson) who is recruited by authorities to go undercover in a notoriously dangerous prison, following a drug bust. After discovering an underground fight ring, he has to fight to stay alive, and to take down the corrupt system.
Dallas Jackson (Netflix’s Thriller) wrote and directed the film, which was shot in Jackson, Mississippi.
Gibson produced it with Bryan Lord (Willy’s Wonderland) and Petr Jakl (Best Sellers). The project’s EPs are Martin J. Barab, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Gardy Craig and Highland Film Group’s Arianne Fraser, Delphine Perrier, JJ Caruth and Caleb Ward.
“Bryan Lord and Dallas Jackson...
The action-thriller picked up by Highland Film Group’s domestic distribution arm centers on a former marine (Gibson) who is recruited by authorities to go undercover in a notoriously dangerous prison, following a drug bust. After discovering an underground fight ring, he has to fight to stay alive, and to take down the corrupt system.
Dallas Jackson (Netflix’s Thriller) wrote and directed the film, which was shot in Jackson, Mississippi.
Gibson produced it with Bryan Lord (Willy’s Wonderland) and Petr Jakl (Best Sellers). The project’s EPs are Martin J. Barab, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Gardy Craig and Highland Film Group’s Arianne Fraser, Delphine Perrier, JJ Caruth and Caleb Ward.
“Bryan Lord and Dallas Jackson...
- 8/26/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Emmy-winning director and producer Anthony Hemingway has signed with M88.
Best known for “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” “Red Tails” and “Underground,” Hemingway most recently directed and executive produced “Genius: Aretha,” starring Cynthia Erivo, who earned an Emmy nomination for lead actress in a limited series for her performance as Aretha Franklin. The director also recently helmed the premiere episode of Starz’s “Power” spinoff, “Power Book II: Ghost,” starring Mary J. Blige.
Up next, Hemingway is set to produce the upcoming animated short, “Skin Deep,” with 6 Point Harness, the animated studio behind Matthew Cherry’s Oscar winner “Hair Love.” Hemingway is also set to pair with “Pose” star Hailie Sahar for a Sir Lady Java biopic, bringing the one-time performer and long-time LGBTQ activist’s story to the big screen.
Hemingway launched his eponymous production banner Anthony Hemingway Productions in 2018, with the mission to “revolutionize and...
Best known for “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” “Red Tails” and “Underground,” Hemingway most recently directed and executive produced “Genius: Aretha,” starring Cynthia Erivo, who earned an Emmy nomination for lead actress in a limited series for her performance as Aretha Franklin. The director also recently helmed the premiere episode of Starz’s “Power” spinoff, “Power Book II: Ghost,” starring Mary J. Blige.
Up next, Hemingway is set to produce the upcoming animated short, “Skin Deep,” with 6 Point Harness, the animated studio behind Matthew Cherry’s Oscar winner “Hair Love.” Hemingway is also set to pair with “Pose” star Hailie Sahar for a Sir Lady Java biopic, bringing the one-time performer and long-time LGBTQ activist’s story to the big screen.
Hemingway launched his eponymous production banner Anthony Hemingway Productions in 2018, with the mission to “revolutionize and...
- 7/14/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
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In honor of George Lucas’ 74th birthday, we’re celebrating some of his best movies. Lucas has accomplished more in seven decades than most of us could do in seven lifetimes, and his filmography has something for everyone. After his early years directing experimental films, Lucas created some of the biggest blockbuster franchises in history. Then he used his Hollywood clout to help other daring filmmakers make their dream projects.
Since Lucas sold his company to Disney in 2012, many of his films, including all of the “Star Wars” movies, are streaming on Disney+. To watch all of them, plus new shows like “The Mandalorian,” Disney+ costs just $7.99 a month. For an even better deal,...
In honor of George Lucas’ 74th birthday, we’re celebrating some of his best movies. Lucas has accomplished more in seven decades than most of us could do in seven lifetimes, and his filmography has something for everyone. After his early years directing experimental films, Lucas created some of the biggest blockbuster franchises in history. Then he used his Hollywood clout to help other daring filmmakers make their dream projects.
Since Lucas sold his company to Disney in 2012, many of his films, including all of the “Star Wars” movies, are streaming on Disney+. To watch all of them, plus new shows like “The Mandalorian,” Disney+ costs just $7.99 a month. For an even better deal,...
- 5/14/2021
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Multiple Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Emmy-nominated actor, producer and director David Oyelowo and his wife, actress, writer and producer Jessica Oyelowo, have signed a two-year first-look deal with Walt Disney Pictures for feature length films across all platforms at the studio.
The Oyelowos will produce through their Yoruba Saxon banner, which is focused on creating values-based content for all quadrants, with an aim to shift the culture and color outside the lines.
Yoruba Saxon’s most recent film and sixth is the upcoming family adventure The Water Man, which marks David’s feature length directorial debut, in which he stars and also features Jessica. The Water Man follows a boy who sets out on a quest to save his ill mother by searching for a mythic figure said to have magical healing powers. Rosario Dawson, Maria Bello and Alfred Molina also star. The pic originally made its world premiere at TIFF last September.
The Oyelowos will produce through their Yoruba Saxon banner, which is focused on creating values-based content for all quadrants, with an aim to shift the culture and color outside the lines.
Yoruba Saxon’s most recent film and sixth is the upcoming family adventure The Water Man, which marks David’s feature length directorial debut, in which he stars and also features Jessica. The Water Man follows a boy who sets out on a quest to save his ill mother by searching for a mythic figure said to have magical healing powers. Rosario Dawson, Maria Bello and Alfred Molina also star. The pic originally made its world premiere at TIFF last September.
- 5/4/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
When “Mudbound” brought Mary J. Blige Oscar bids for acting and songwriting (“Mighty River”) in 2018, a trail was blazed and an annual tradition began. In 2019, Lady Gaga won for penning “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” and was simultaneously included in the Best Actress lineup. Last year, Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet”) competed for both Best Actress and Best Original Song (“Stand Up”). The trend is set to continue this year now that Leslie Odom Jr. is expected to reap double bids for “One Night in Miami.” He would be the first man to achieve this double act and could be the first person to pull off both wins.
Since he made his Broadway debut in “Rent” at age 17, Odom’s singing voice has been an integral part of his acting career. In 2012, after over a decade of adding theatre and TV roles to his resume, he made his film debut in “Red Tails,...
Since he made his Broadway debut in “Rent” at age 17, Odom’s singing voice has been an integral part of his acting career. In 2012, after over a decade of adding theatre and TV roles to his resume, he made his film debut in “Red Tails,...
- 2/27/2021
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
After nearly 30 years collaborating with Spike Lee to compose the music on his films, Terence Blanchard’s soaring compositions are finally getting noticed. He got his first Oscar nomination for BlacKkKlansman, a Best Picture nominee which brought Lee his first Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. And the morning they sat down to discuss the method of their collaboration with Mike Fleming Jr., Lee’s first words to Blanchard were congratulatory, since Da 5 Bloods had just joined the Academy’s Best Score shortlist. The pair have worked together on more than 15 films, including Malcolm X, When the Levees Broke, Jungle Fever, Inside Man and Miracle at St. Anna. Blanchard, who moonlights as a jazz musician in between scoring jobs, has also worked on the Kasi Lemmons-directed Eve’s Bayou, Anthony Hemingway’s Red Tails, executive produced by George Lucas, and the Matthew Rhys-starrer HBO series Perry Mason. Here, Blanchard and...
- 2/25/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO is celebrating Black History Month by making many of its most popular black-driven TV shows and movies available to stream for free online. It’s part of the network’s “Black History Is Our History” spotlight page, which aims to highlight HBO’s “diverse and expansive slate of content” and “rich history of amplifying Black stories and talent.”
Among the HBO shows and films available to stream online free: select episodes of Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You, the critically-acclaimed Lovecraft Country, the Serena Williams documentary Being Serena,...
Among the HBO shows and films available to stream online free: select episodes of Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You, the critically-acclaimed Lovecraft Country, the Serena Williams documentary Being Serena,...
- 2/4/2021
- by Tim Chan
- Rollingstone.com
Leslie Odom Jr. will receive the Spotlight Award, Actor from the Palm Springs International Film Awards for his role in “One Night in Miami,” Psifa organizers announced on Monday.
Odom plays iconic soul singer Sam Cooke in the film from director Regina King and also does his own singing on Cooke classics like “Chain Gang” and “A Change Is Gonna Come.” “I was terrified,” he told TheWrap of playing Cooke in the drama, which is based on an actual night in which Cooke, boxer Muhammad Ali (then called Cassius Clay), activist Malcolm X and football star Jim Brown met in a Miami hotel room after one of Ali’s fights.
Odom also co-wrote and performs a new song, “Speak Now,” in the film.
Past recipients of Psiff’s Spotlight Award, Actor include Timothée Chalamet, Jamie Foxx, Sam Rockwell and J.K. Simmons.
“Leslie Odom Jr. is a truly talented performer,” Psiff...
Odom plays iconic soul singer Sam Cooke in the film from director Regina King and also does his own singing on Cooke classics like “Chain Gang” and “A Change Is Gonna Come.” “I was terrified,” he told TheWrap of playing Cooke in the drama, which is based on an actual night in which Cooke, boxer Muhammad Ali (then called Cassius Clay), activist Malcolm X and football star Jim Brown met in a Miami hotel room after one of Ali’s fights.
Odom also co-wrote and performs a new song, “Speak Now,” in the film.
Past recipients of Psiff’s Spotlight Award, Actor include Timothée Chalamet, Jamie Foxx, Sam Rockwell and J.K. Simmons.
“Leslie Odom Jr. is a truly talented performer,” Psiff...
- 2/1/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, Jim Brown, and Muhammad Ali walk into a motel room. No really, this isn’t a put-on. It’s an event that actually happened (more or less) on the night that Ali won the heavyweight championship of the world in 1964, and right before he changed his name from Cassius Clay. Now what these four historic figures at the intersection of Black male celebrity and wider American pop culture said to each other that evening is unknown… but it makes the mind wander; it also makes for a hell of a good story in One Night in Miami.
The new film from director Regina King marks the Oscar and Emmy winning actor’s first foray into feature-length directing intended for the big screen—even as most audiences will only see One Night in Miami on Amazon when it premieres on the streaming service later this year—and...
The new film from director Regina King marks the Oscar and Emmy winning actor’s first foray into feature-length directing intended for the big screen—even as most audiences will only see One Night in Miami on Amazon when it premieres on the streaming service later this year—and...
- 1/9/2021
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Video Version of this Article Photo/Video: Michael B. Jordan/Hollywood Insider YouTube Channel As a relative newcomer to the big screen, actor Michael B. Jordan is very quickly rocketing towards international fame. Raised in Newark, New Jersey, and attended Newark Arts High School, Jordan began acting at a very early age. He worked as a child model and then began appearing in minor roles on shows such as Cosby and The Sopranos. However, after a string of larger supporting roles on popular shows, his career led him to the big screen. With a number of huge roles already under his belt and plenty more upcoming projects, Jordan appears to be a big part of Hollywood’s future. So, let’s take a look at some of Michael B Jordan's biggest roles and how they have led him to where he is today: Steve Montgomery - Chronicle After a few...
- 10/29/2020
- by Thomas McNulty
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
As we have just about a week left to go of October, let’s take a look at everything that’s due to arrive on HBO Max in November. It’s a big month for the WarnerMedia streaming service, with countless new movies from their legendary library being added and plenty of fresh originals dropping throughout the following weeks. A few upcoming releases have yet to be dated, but otherwise, here’s the full list of what’s coming to HBO Max next month.
Released November Tba
12 Dates Of Christmas, HBO Max Original Series Premiere
Colin Quinn & Friends: A Parking Lot Comedy Show, HBO Max Original Special Premiere
Crazy, Not Insane, Documentary Premiere (HBO)
The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air Reunion Special, HBO Max Original Special Premiere
Full Bloom, HBO Max Original Series Premiere
I Hate Suzie, HBO Max Original Series Premiere
The Mystery Of Db Cooper, Documentary Premiere (HBO)
Sesame Street,...
Released November Tba
12 Dates Of Christmas, HBO Max Original Series Premiere
Colin Quinn & Friends: A Parking Lot Comedy Show, HBO Max Original Special Premiere
Crazy, Not Insane, Documentary Premiere (HBO)
The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air Reunion Special, HBO Max Original Special Premiere
Full Bloom, HBO Max Original Series Premiere
I Hate Suzie, HBO Max Original Series Premiere
The Mystery Of Db Cooper, Documentary Premiere (HBO)
Sesame Street,...
- 10/23/2020
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
With a new month quickly approaching, it’s time to look ahead and see what’s coming to all your favorite streaming services this November. That’s Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and, of course, HBO Max.
Halloween will soon be behind us and given that Christmas isn’t too far off, we’re beginning to see some holiday titles pop up, with all the major platforms getting into the festive spirit. That’ll continue in December as well, of course, but for November, there’s certainly tons on offer for those looking to start the celebrations early.
There’s a lot of other great stuff on the way, too, though, be it classic films, underrated gems, brand new releases and much more, and you can check out the entire lineup, sorted by date, down below. Ready to dive in?
November 1
Netflix
60 Days In: Season 5
A...
Halloween will soon be behind us and given that Christmas isn’t too far off, we’re beginning to see some holiday titles pop up, with all the major platforms getting into the festive spirit. That’ll continue in December as well, of course, but for November, there’s certainly tons on offer for those looking to start the celebrations early.
There’s a lot of other great stuff on the way, too, though, be it classic films, underrated gems, brand new releases and much more, and you can check out the entire lineup, sorted by date, down below. Ready to dive in?
November 1
Netflix
60 Days In: Season 5
A...
- 10/23/2020
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
“A Call to Spy” braids the stories of three decorated WWII spies to reveal — and to revel in — their pivotal roles in British spy craft and history. The title may fall flat but the movie, a sturdy directorial debut for producer Lydia Dean Pilcher, gets to the heart of the matter. Even as they faced various forms of discrimination, Vera Atkins, Virginia Hall and Noor Inayat Khan responded boldly to the tug of duty. They served Britain, and
A scene of torture begins the film. The year is 1941, and Germany has invaded France. The person being interrogated is a woman. Soaked, gasping, she will not crumble. Turns out, she doesn’t have to. The woman is Hall (Sarah Megan Thomas), and to our relief, she’s undergoing the final test in her training. Three months earlier, the Special Operations Executive branch of the British government began recruiting “lady spies.” Winston Churchill...
A scene of torture begins the film. The year is 1941, and Germany has invaded France. The person being interrogated is a woman. Soaked, gasping, she will not crumble. Turns out, she doesn’t have to. The woman is Hall (Sarah Megan Thomas), and to our relief, she’s undergoing the final test in her training. Three months earlier, the Special Operations Executive branch of the British government began recruiting “lady spies.” Winston Churchill...
- 10/1/2020
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Given the controversies and allegations surrounding Nate Parker, many were surprised by the announcement that he would be directing David Oyelowo’s film “Sweet Thunder,” a biopic about boxing great Sugar Ray Robinson.
During a conversation as part of the Toronto Film Festival, Oyelowo defended his decision to work with the filmmaker.
“I have a pretty good discernment when it comes to good people,” Oyelowo said at Variety’s Virtual TIFF Studio presented by Canada Goose while promoting his directorial debut “The Water Man.” “He is a good person beyond his fallibility, beyond the mistakes he made. And I believe in redemption. I believe in forgiveness and he is someone I have been around enough to know that in my opinion he is worthy of that.”
Parker’s career came to a screeching halt just as he was earning major Oscar buzz in 2016 for “Birth of a Nation,” his directorial...
During a conversation as part of the Toronto Film Festival, Oyelowo defended his decision to work with the filmmaker.
“I have a pretty good discernment when it comes to good people,” Oyelowo said at Variety’s Virtual TIFF Studio presented by Canada Goose while promoting his directorial debut “The Water Man.” “He is a good person beyond his fallibility, beyond the mistakes he made. And I believe in redemption. I believe in forgiveness and he is someone I have been around enough to know that in my opinion he is worthy of that.”
Parker’s career came to a screeching halt just as he was earning major Oscar buzz in 2016 for “Birth of a Nation,” his directorial...
- 9/15/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Terence Blanchard
Variety Artisans Award
The Grammy-winning composer has been working with director Spike Lee for more than three decades, starting as a trumpet player on “Do the Right Thing,” graduating to composer on “Jungle Fever” and scoring all of Lee’s films since — earning an Oscar nomination for 2018’s “BlacKkKlansman” and acclaim for “Da 5 Bloods” now playing on Netflix.
But he’s not only “Spike Lee’s composer,” as the rest of his 70-plus film and TV credits attest. He’s just finished eight episodes of HBO’s “Perry Mason” and has two scores debuting at Toronto, both for films by African American actors making their directorial debuts: Regina King’s “One Night in Miami” and Halle Berry’s “Bruised.” Blanchard is in greater demand than ever, yet he continues to be selective about his film work. He looks for projects that have meaning, both culturally and historically...
Variety Artisans Award
The Grammy-winning composer has been working with director Spike Lee for more than three decades, starting as a trumpet player on “Do the Right Thing,” graduating to composer on “Jungle Fever” and scoring all of Lee’s films since — earning an Oscar nomination for 2018’s “BlacKkKlansman” and acclaim for “Da 5 Bloods” now playing on Netflix.
But he’s not only “Spike Lee’s composer,” as the rest of his 70-plus film and TV credits attest. He’s just finished eight episodes of HBO’s “Perry Mason” and has two scores debuting at Toronto, both for films by African American actors making their directorial debuts: Regina King’s “One Night in Miami” and Halle Berry’s “Bruised.” Blanchard is in greater demand than ever, yet he continues to be selective about his film work. He looks for projects that have meaning, both culturally and historically...
- 9/9/2020
- by Malina Saval and Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Genius: Aretha director-producer Anthony Hemingway is in talks to helm Train Man, a legal drama based on the true story of Darius McCollum, a man with Asperger syndrome whose fascination with subways and trains led to him posing as various New York City Metro officials in order to operate subway trains.
Despite allegedly having extensive knowledge of the NYC public transportation system, he was said to be rejected for employment. McCollum, who was arrested on several occasions, became a folk hero for people who are on the spectrum.
Simon Stephenson wrote the screenplay, which will follow the lawyer hired to defend McCollum. The long-gestating project at one point had Julia Roberts eyeing the lead. As of now, no cast is attached.
FilmNation and Gotham Group are producing the pic.
Hemingway is widely known in the TV space, having executive produced and directed episodes for Underground, Unsolved, The Purge...
Despite allegedly having extensive knowledge of the NYC public transportation system, he was said to be rejected for employment. McCollum, who was arrested on several occasions, became a folk hero for people who are on the spectrum.
Simon Stephenson wrote the screenplay, which will follow the lawyer hired to defend McCollum. The long-gestating project at one point had Julia Roberts eyeing the lead. As of now, no cast is attached.
FilmNation and Gotham Group are producing the pic.
Hemingway is widely known in the TV space, having executive produced and directed episodes for Underground, Unsolved, The Purge...
- 8/26/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, the Cynthia Erivo starring Genius: Aretha doesn’t yet know when it will resume production nor who will be playing one of the music business’ most powerful executives in the legendary singer’s life.
“We have not set an actual date yet,” said director and EP Anthony Hemingway today of when the cameras could be turned on again. Fresh off inking an overall deal with 20th Century Fox Television last week, the Red Tails director was speaking via video link at the TCA virtual panel for the latest installment of the Nat Geo anthology series.
“We are having a lot of conversations now with the studio and the network just trying to figure it out,” Hemingway added. “It’s all about safety and working within the new parameters of protocols that so many of us are going to have to learn about the way we approach our work,...
“We have not set an actual date yet,” said director and EP Anthony Hemingway today of when the cameras could be turned on again. Fresh off inking an overall deal with 20th Century Fox Television last week, the Red Tails director was speaking via video link at the TCA virtual panel for the latest installment of the Nat Geo anthology series.
“We are having a lot of conversations now with the studio and the network just trying to figure it out,” Hemingway added. “It’s all about safety and working within the new parameters of protocols that so many of us are going to have to learn about the way we approach our work,...
- 8/3/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Emmy-winning producer Anthony Hemingway, Emmy-winning actor Terrence Terrell and 6 Point Harness, the animated studio behind Matthew Cherry’s Oscar-winning Hair Love, have teamed for the animated short Skin Love.
Based on Terrell’s personal experiences, the short follows a Black boy navigating colorism, mental health, self-love and learning to love the skin you’re in. Terrell draws from his books Blacky, The Shes and The Crown Kids.
Terrell will write and direct, Anthony Hemingway will produce via Anthony Hemingway Productions, along with 6 Point Harness.
Terrell’s recently-launched kickstarter campaign quickly gained traction and was the foundation for his interview series, in which he interviews entertainers, influencers and philanthropists about their struggles and success. His guests have included Tina Knowles, Tabitha Brown, Kalen Allen, among others.
“My hope is that with the help of supporters via the kickstarter campaign, we...
Based on Terrell’s personal experiences, the short follows a Black boy navigating colorism, mental health, self-love and learning to love the skin you’re in. Terrell draws from his books Blacky, The Shes and The Crown Kids.
Terrell will write and direct, Anthony Hemingway will produce via Anthony Hemingway Productions, along with 6 Point Harness.
Terrell’s recently-launched kickstarter campaign quickly gained traction and was the foundation for his interview series, in which he interviews entertainers, influencers and philanthropists about their struggles and success. His guests have included Tina Knowles, Tabitha Brown, Kalen Allen, among others.
“My hope is that with the help of supporters via the kickstarter campaign, we...
- 7/23/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Plus has released a new “Celebrate Black Stories” collection on the streaming service’s homepage. It includes such hits as Black Panther, The Princess and the Frog and A Wrinkle in Time and is prominently featured on the site to help subscribers find meaningful films that showcase black storytelling. The new section is an addition to The Walt Disney Company’s donation of $5 million to nonprofit groups that work diligently on social justice reform.
Here’s the full collection:
A Wrinkle In Time
Black Panther
Breaking 2
Cool Runnings
Doc McStuffins
Hounded
Jump In
Kc Undercover
Kazzam
Let It Shine
Loop
Marvels Rising: Heart of Iron
Queen of Katwe
Raven’s Home
Red Tails
Remember The Titans
Ruby Bridges
Sister Act
Sister Act 2
That’s So Raven
The Color Of Friendship
The Lion King
The Poof Point
The Princess and the Frog
The Proud Family Movie
Twitches
Twitches Too
Up, Up and...
Here’s the full collection:
A Wrinkle In Time
Black Panther
Breaking 2
Cool Runnings
Doc McStuffins
Hounded
Jump In
Kc Undercover
Kazzam
Let It Shine
Loop
Marvels Rising: Heart of Iron
Queen of Katwe
Raven’s Home
Red Tails
Remember The Titans
Ruby Bridges
Sister Act
Sister Act 2
That’s So Raven
The Color Of Friendship
The Lion King
The Poof Point
The Princess and the Frog
The Proud Family Movie
Twitches
Twitches Too
Up, Up and...
- 6/16/2020
- by Billy Givens
- We Got This Covered
Exclusive: Writer-director John Ridley has been writing and directing film and TV projects about racial conflict his whole career. And despite winning the Oscar for scripting 12 Years a Slave, he has always found it a tough sell, the idea of forcing people to confront their own feelings about race and prejudice. He is in an unusual place in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder that prompted protests in major cities across the country. Right after writing a brief op-ed in the Los Angeles Times suggesting it wasn’t Ok for HBO Max to continue airing the cinematic classic Gone With The Wind without a qualifier that it wrongly celebrates the South and diminishes the horrors of slavery, WarnerMedia announced it would pull the film until it can provide some historical context for viewers. And Warner Bros just scrapped a Grand Rex theater showing in Paris to commemorate the...
- 6/12/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Spike Lee’s latest joint “Da 5 Bloods” is just a couple of weeks away from releasing on Netflix (June 12), and IndieWire is gearing up for the release with an exclusive track from the film’s original score. Composed by jazz musician and longtime Lee collaborator Terence Blanchard, it’s a stirring companion piece to the director’s war epic. Listen below. IndieWire also shares the album art for the original score.
“‘What This Mission’s About’ was such a complicated cue,” Blanchard said in a statement, while also revealing the track opens the film. “It took me five days to write because of the detail in the scene and the number of important aspects that were part of the storytelling process. Spike put together a brilliant opening sequence to this film and it was a joy, an honor, and a great experience to work on it. This is an amazing story.
“‘What This Mission’s About’ was such a complicated cue,” Blanchard said in a statement, while also revealing the track opens the film. “It took me five days to write because of the detail in the scene and the number of important aspects that were part of the storytelling process. Spike put together a brilliant opening sequence to this film and it was a joy, an honor, and a great experience to work on it. This is an amazing story.
- 5/27/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Is there a filmmaker working currently that has as much of an eclectic filmography as John Ridley? While we can’t say that everything he’s written and/or directed is incredible, Ridley has credits that include scripts for films such as “U-Turn,” “Red Tails,” “12 Year’s a Slave,” and “Ben-Hur.” And as a director, he’s worked on projects such as a Jimi Hendrix biopic and the upcoming limited series “The Godfather of Harlem.” So, it shouldn’t shock anyone that his next big project is a musical featuring music from the duo behind “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land.”
According to Deadline, Ridley has signed on to write, direct, and produce a new limited series for Showtime.
Continue reading John Ridley Teams With ‘La La Land’ Songwriters For New Musical Limited Series At Showtime at The Playlist.
According to Deadline, Ridley has signed on to write, direct, and produce a new limited series for Showtime.
Continue reading John Ridley Teams With ‘La La Land’ Songwriters For New Musical Limited Series At Showtime at The Playlist.
- 1/10/2020
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
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