Joseph Quinn became a worldwide star overnight when he featured as Eddie Munson in the fourth season of Stranger Things. The British actor had been a part of shows such as Game of Thrones and BBC’s Howards End before he was cast as the Metallica-loving oddball in the Netflix series. He will be seen in A Quiet Place: Day One next.
Quinn was also cast as Johnny Storm a.k.a The Human Torch in the MCU’s upcoming The Fantastic Four. He would be sharing screen space with Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. While the gang would be making their MCU debut, the role of Johnny Storm has been depicted twice before, with the first being portrayed by Chris Evans.
Joseph Quinn Did Not Take Inspiration From Chris Evans’ Human Torch Joseph Quinn in A Quiet Place: Day One
After months of speculation, Marvel finally announced...
Quinn was also cast as Johnny Storm a.k.a The Human Torch in the MCU’s upcoming The Fantastic Four. He would be sharing screen space with Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. While the gang would be making their MCU debut, the role of Johnny Storm has been depicted twice before, with the first being portrayed by Chris Evans.
Joseph Quinn Did Not Take Inspiration From Chris Evans’ Human Torch Joseph Quinn in A Quiet Place: Day One
After months of speculation, Marvel finally announced...
- 4/18/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
The early Fantastic Four films by Fox have often been criticized. Even after all these years, fans and critics often find one thing or the other about the movies that they dislike. From deviation from the source material to poor character growth, there is just so much more about the two movies that ended up garnering negative reviews.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
Recently, concept art from the second film, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer went viral on the internet. And fans cannot believe how they were robbed of what could have been an excellent film featuring a terrifying Galactus.
Galactus Concept Art From Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer Goes Viral An image of Galactus in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007).
It has been decades since the second Fantastic Four movie by Fox starring the likes of Jessica Alba and Chris Evans was released.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
Recently, concept art from the second film, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer went viral on the internet. And fans cannot believe how they were robbed of what could have been an excellent film featuring a terrifying Galactus.
Galactus Concept Art From Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer Goes Viral An image of Galactus in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007).
It has been decades since the second Fantastic Four movie by Fox starring the likes of Jessica Alba and Chris Evans was released.
- 4/14/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
It's Margot Robbie's world and we're just living in it, folks. The actor-turned-producer is flying high after her work both in front of the camera and behind the scenes of "Barbie," teaming up with director Greta Gerwig to turn what many assumed would be some soulless corporate product into a bona fide sensation. Between that and her star-making performances in recent years, she's pretty much had her pick of the litter in Hollywood. And now, she's using her well-earned clout to take on another major production that most have remained skeptical of: a movie based on the popular board game Monopoly.
/Film's Ryan Scott is currently on the ground at this year's CinemaCon event and was in attendance of the Lionsgate panel, where they announced that "Monopoly" will, indeed, pass Go as the studio is joining forces with Robbie's LuckyChap production company to make this far-fetched concept into a reality.
/Film's Ryan Scott is currently on the ground at this year's CinemaCon event and was in attendance of the Lionsgate panel, where they announced that "Monopoly" will, indeed, pass Go as the studio is joining forces with Robbie's LuckyChap production company to make this far-fetched concept into a reality.
- 4/10/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Barbie producer LuckyChap is rolling the dice once more with a classic game adaption. The banner run by Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara has joined Hasbro Entertainment and Lionsgate’s Monopoly movie as producers.
Lionsgate announced the news at CinemaCon on Wednesday.
Hollywood has tried to crack a Monopoly adaptation for more than a decade, with Kevin Hart and filmmaker Tim Story among those who have come and gone. Lionsgate extended its rights to Monopoly when it completed its purchase of Hasbro’s film and TV arm eOne in December.
Monopoly dates back to 1935, and challenges players to acquire properties and build houses and hotels, all while avoiding bankruptcy and the dreaded “go directly to jail” card. Nearly 1 billion copies have been sold.
Lionsgate film boss Adam Fogelson said in a statement that LuckyChap “are exceptional producers who choose their projects with great thought and care, and join...
Lionsgate announced the news at CinemaCon on Wednesday.
Hollywood has tried to crack a Monopoly adaptation for more than a decade, with Kevin Hart and filmmaker Tim Story among those who have come and gone. Lionsgate extended its rights to Monopoly when it completed its purchase of Hasbro’s film and TV arm eOne in December.
Monopoly dates back to 1935, and challenges players to acquire properties and build houses and hotels, all while avoiding bankruptcy and the dreaded “go directly to jail” card. Nearly 1 billion copies have been sold.
Lionsgate film boss Adam Fogelson said in a statement that LuckyChap “are exceptional producers who choose their projects with great thought and care, and join...
- 4/10/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Matt Shakman’s The Fantastic Four is reported to have hired Ozark star Julia Garner in the film. The film already has an ensemble cast in the form of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon-Moss Bachrach. It will be the first depiction of the characters in the MCU and is rumored to be set in an alternate reality. The characters have had two iterations before.
Julia Garner has been cast as the Silver Surfer in the upcoming film, which seemingly has not gone down well with fans. Though it is speculated that she would be playing the role of Shalla-Bal, a female version of the supervillain in another reality, fans seem to be extremely upset with the gender-swapped role and criticized Marvel for the move.
Julia Garner To Play Silver Surfer In The Fantastic Four A still from the MCU’s The Fantastic Four
The popular Marvel characters...
Julia Garner has been cast as the Silver Surfer in the upcoming film, which seemingly has not gone down well with fans. Though it is speculated that she would be playing the role of Shalla-Bal, a female version of the supervillain in another reality, fans seem to be extremely upset with the gender-swapped role and criticized Marvel for the move.
Julia Garner To Play Silver Surfer In The Fantastic Four A still from the MCU’s The Fantastic Four
The popular Marvel characters...
- 4/4/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Fantastic Four star Jessica Alba faced several challenges in her teenage years and she has been vocal about most of them. However, she kept one disturbing incident from her past close to her heart and never spoke about it publicly. When she was just 15 years old, Alba was kidnapped from the set of her show, Flipper, in 1996. She was later found bound and gagged inside the trunk of a car and her captor(s) were never brought to justice.
Dark Angel star Jessica Alba was once kidnapped from the set of her show in 1996
Even before she became a legal adult, Alba revealed she was the victim of ogling from older men. She was bullied and slut-shamed at her school for her physical appearance. Alba has also been open about her regrets in life, including her engagement with actor Michael Weatherly.
Jessica Alba Was Kidnapped In 1996 and Went Missing For...
Dark Angel star Jessica Alba was once kidnapped from the set of her show in 1996
Even before she became a legal adult, Alba revealed she was the victim of ogling from older men. She was bullied and slut-shamed at her school for her physical appearance. Alba has also been open about her regrets in life, including her engagement with actor Michael Weatherly.
Jessica Alba Was Kidnapped In 1996 and Went Missing For...
- 4/4/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
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/Film recently ranked the five live-action Fantastic Four films and came to the following daring conclusion: Oley Sassone's unreleased 1994 entry "The Fantastic Four" was the best. Many have seen this version of "The Fantastic Four" thanks to the wide circulation of bootleg copies, and it's been ridiculed in many cinematic circles for its low budget (it was made for only $1 million), its corny dialogue, and its aggressively bad special effects. But while the cheapness of Sassone's film is visibly evident -- it was overseen by B-movie elder stateman Roger Corman -- it does manage to capture the comic-operatic tone of the original 1960s comic books. It accurately understands the outsize nature of the characters.
For many years, the only way to see "The Fantastic Four" was through surreptitiously distributed VHS taps handed off between nerdy high school students. Thanks...
/Film recently ranked the five live-action Fantastic Four films and came to the following daring conclusion: Oley Sassone's unreleased 1994 entry "The Fantastic Four" was the best. Many have seen this version of "The Fantastic Four" thanks to the wide circulation of bootleg copies, and it's been ridiculed in many cinematic circles for its low budget (it was made for only $1 million), its corny dialogue, and its aggressively bad special effects. But while the cheapness of Sassone's film is visibly evident -- it was overseen by B-movie elder stateman Roger Corman -- it does manage to capture the comic-operatic tone of the original 1960s comic books. It accurately understands the outsize nature of the characters.
For many years, the only way to see "The Fantastic Four" was through surreptitiously distributed VHS taps handed off between nerdy high school students. Thanks...
- 3/19/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Marvel’s First Family is finally on its way to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Matt Shakman’s Fantastic Four hitting screens in 2025. From the ashes of Tim Story’s two noughties movies and Josh Trank’s maligned Fantastic Four, here’s hoping it’s third time lucky for Reed Richards, Sue and Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm.
Boasting an all-star cast of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the team is up there with the arrival of the X-Men in terms of MCU hype. While recent MCU entries have faltered at the box office, Fantastic Four has the potential to go all the way. The question is, has Shakman learned from the mistakes of the past, or will this be another rinse-and-repeat introduction of the iconic superhero team?
We’re All Doom-ed
Alongside the titular quartet, there are questions about who will be the big bad of Fantastic Four.
Boasting an all-star cast of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the team is up there with the arrival of the X-Men in terms of MCU hype. While recent MCU entries have faltered at the box office, Fantastic Four has the potential to go all the way. The question is, has Shakman learned from the mistakes of the past, or will this be another rinse-and-repeat introduction of the iconic superhero team?
We’re All Doom-ed
Alongside the titular quartet, there are questions about who will be the big bad of Fantastic Four.
- 3/4/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Amazon MGM’s Eddie Murphy heist comedy The Pickup has four new additions: Eva Longoria (Land of Women), Ismael Cruz Cordova (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Jack Kesy (Hellboy: The Crooked Man), and Marshawn Lynch (Bottoms).
Details as to their roles are under wraps, as is the plot of the film. Others set for roles, as previously announced, are Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer and Andrew Dice Clay.
Tim Story (The Blackening) is directing from a script by Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows. Producers include John Davis and John Fox for Davis Entertainment; Murphy and Charisse Hewitt-Webster for Eddie Murphy Productions; and Story for The Story Company. Executive producers are Davis Entertainment’s Jeremy Stein, The Story Company’s Vicky Mara Story, Burrows, Ross Fanger, and Mider.
Recently making her feature directorial debut with the dramedy Flamin’ Hot, which brought Searchlight its biggest ever streaming premiere...
Details as to their roles are under wraps, as is the plot of the film. Others set for roles, as previously announced, are Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer and Andrew Dice Clay.
Tim Story (The Blackening) is directing from a script by Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows. Producers include John Davis and John Fox for Davis Entertainment; Murphy and Charisse Hewitt-Webster for Eddie Murphy Productions; and Story for The Story Company. Executive producers are Davis Entertainment’s Jeremy Stein, The Story Company’s Vicky Mara Story, Burrows, Ross Fanger, and Mider.
Recently making her feature directorial debut with the dramedy Flamin’ Hot, which brought Searchlight its biggest ever streaming premiere...
- 2/28/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
After wrapping up his four-season run on HBO’s acclaimed dark comedy Barry, Henry Winkler has been set to receive USC Comedy’s prestigious Oakie Award for Exceptional Achievements in Film and Television Comedy.
Part of the Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie Masters of Comedy Lecture Series, the award presentation will take place on Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00 pm and will include an in-depth conversation with Winkler, moderated by Barry‘s co-creator and star, Bill Hader. In addition to Hader, past recipients of the Oakie Award include Catherine O’Hara, Nancy Meyers, Kenya Barris, Steve Carell, James Burrows, Paul Feig, Mel Brooks, James L. Brooks, Judd Apatow, Lisa Kudrow, Barnet Kellman, David Isaacs, Phil Rosenthal, and Tim Story.
In a statement on Winkler’s forthcoming recognition, David Isaacs, Co-Chair of USC Comedy and Chair of the John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television, said: “Henry Winkler’s indelible mark...
Part of the Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie Masters of Comedy Lecture Series, the award presentation will take place on Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00 pm and will include an in-depth conversation with Winkler, moderated by Barry‘s co-creator and star, Bill Hader. In addition to Hader, past recipients of the Oakie Award include Catherine O’Hara, Nancy Meyers, Kenya Barris, Steve Carell, James Burrows, Paul Feig, Mel Brooks, James L. Brooks, Judd Apatow, Lisa Kudrow, Barnet Kellman, David Isaacs, Phil Rosenthal, and Tim Story.
In a statement on Winkler’s forthcoming recognition, David Isaacs, Co-Chair of USC Comedy and Chair of the John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television, said: “Henry Winkler’s indelible mark...
- 2/21/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Ant-Man: Quantumania was a film that felt the least like an Ant-Man movie out of the three films that were released with the character at its center. However, the film’s focus on family and exploration made it feel like another superhero IP, one that Reed never got off the ground but came very close to directing.
Marvel’s Fantastic Four announcement
Back when Fox was still a distinct entity from Disney, the studio was keen on producing a Fantastic Four movie, an endeavor that came to fruition with 2005’s Fantastic Four, directed by Tim Story. However, a host of filmmakers had their run pitching their vision for Marvel’s First Family, Peyton Reed among them. What was interesting about his pitch, was that Reed wanted his version of the Fantastic Four set in the 1960s, just as Marvel’s version of the team will allegedly be set.
Suggested“Jessica Alba...
Marvel’s Fantastic Four announcement
Back when Fox was still a distinct entity from Disney, the studio was keen on producing a Fantastic Four movie, an endeavor that came to fruition with 2005’s Fantastic Four, directed by Tim Story. However, a host of filmmakers had their run pitching their vision for Marvel’s First Family, Peyton Reed among them. What was interesting about his pitch, was that Reed wanted his version of the Fantastic Four set in the 1960s, just as Marvel’s version of the team will allegedly be set.
Suggested“Jessica Alba...
- 2/16/2024
- by Anuraag Chatterjee
- FandomWire
1961’s Fantastic Four may have kicked off the Marvel Universe, but the Ff aren’t really superheroes. They are explorers, they are scientists, and yes, they do fight supervillains such as Doctor Doom, but at their heart, the Fantastic Four are a family.
So when Marvel officially announced the cast for next year’s Fantastic Four movie with a Twitter post, the good news isn’t the cast. Pedro Pascal has long been rumored to play Mr. Fantastic Reed Richards, as has Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm-Richards aka Invisible Girl/Woman, Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch/Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, Aunt Petunia’s favorite nephew the Thing.
No, the big news here is that Marvel made the announcement in the form of a Valentine card. “Happy Valentine’s Day” declares the banner above the team. Below the banner, we see Reed playfully dancing with Sue,...
So when Marvel officially announced the cast for next year’s Fantastic Four movie with a Twitter post, the good news isn’t the cast. Pedro Pascal has long been rumored to play Mr. Fantastic Reed Richards, as has Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm-Richards aka Invisible Girl/Woman, Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch/Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, Aunt Petunia’s favorite nephew the Thing.
No, the big news here is that Marvel made the announcement in the form of a Valentine card. “Happy Valentine’s Day” declares the banner above the team. Below the banner, we see Reed playfully dancing with Sue,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Marvel Studios has found its Fantastic Four. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn will star as the heroes in The Fantastic Four.
Pascal was previously reported to star as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic in the feature, while the others had been heavily rumored in recent months. Kirby will star as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, while Joseph Quinn will play her brother, Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Moss-Bachrach will star as Ben Grimm/The Thing.
The casting caps years of speculation over who might play the team. The film now has a new release date of July 25, 2025, and hails from WandaVision director Matt Shakman. Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer penned a draft of the script, with Avatar: The Way of Water scribe Josh Friedman working on a version, as well.
Marvel announced the news early Wednesday in a Valentine’s Day Instagram message to fans. At the same time,...
Pascal was previously reported to star as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic in the feature, while the others had been heavily rumored in recent months. Kirby will star as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, while Joseph Quinn will play her brother, Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Moss-Bachrach will star as Ben Grimm/The Thing.
The casting caps years of speculation over who might play the team. The film now has a new release date of July 25, 2025, and hails from WandaVision director Matt Shakman. Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer penned a draft of the script, with Avatar: The Way of Water scribe Josh Friedman working on a version, as well.
Marvel announced the news early Wednesday in a Valentine’s Day Instagram message to fans. At the same time,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Aaron Couch and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Horror movies have a unique way of captivating audiences with their blend of suspense, fear, and at times, dark humor. As we look ahead into 2023, the horror genre is not showing any signs of slowing down. In this article, we’ll tease some of the most awaited horror titles set to chill our spines and provoke our thoughts in the coming months. The Blackening Delivers Satire with Scares Director Tim Story brings us ‘The Blackening’, a horror-comedy that intertwines satire with traditional scares. The screenplay by Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins is noted for its self-awareness and smart humor that...
- 2/13/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
The first "Fantastic Four" comic book was published in November 1961, although it wasn't until issue #3 that the comics regularly came emblazoned with the superlative declaration "The World's Greatest Comic Magazine!" No one protested. The goal of the Fantastic Four was to tap into the natural enormity of comic book superhero stories: These were larger-than-life characters going on cosmic adventures and doing battle with planet-eating alien demigods. The very bodies of the titular Four were reminiscent of the four elements: One was made of stone, one was made of fire, one had a liquid-like body, and one was invisible like air.
And yet, through the melodramatic opera of their adventures, the Fantastic Four had appealingly banal personal lives. Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman struggled to make their marriage work. The Human Torch and the Thing bickered constantly. The fact that the Human Torch was the Invisible Woman's brother only complicated matters.
And yet, through the melodramatic opera of their adventures, the Fantastic Four had appealingly banal personal lives. Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman struggled to make their marriage work. The Human Torch and the Thing bickered constantly. The fact that the Human Torch was the Invisible Woman's brother only complicated matters.
- 2/10/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Hickory-dickory-dock, the Dice Man is teaming up with Eddie Murphy for a heist comedy, eliciting excitement and shock. Andrew Dice Clay is bringing his signature comedy brand to The Pickup, an upcoming film directed by Tim Story for Amazon MGM Studios.
Written by Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows, The Pickup also stars Pete Davidson and Keke Palmer, with the project angling for a Prime Video release in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Plot details remain a mystery, though with Clay and Murphy at the wheel, The Pickup is sure to entertain.
In addition to his directorial duties, Story produces through his The Story Company banner, with Davis Entertainment’s John Davis and John Fox, and Murphy and Charisse Hewitt-Webster via Eddie Murphy Productions. The Story Company’s Vicky Mara Story, Davis Entertainment’s Jeremy Stein, Kevin Burrows, Ross Fanger, and Matt Mider executive produce.
Many know Andrew Dice Clay...
Written by Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows, The Pickup also stars Pete Davidson and Keke Palmer, with the project angling for a Prime Video release in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Plot details remain a mystery, though with Clay and Murphy at the wheel, The Pickup is sure to entertain.
In addition to his directorial duties, Story produces through his The Story Company banner, with Davis Entertainment’s John Davis and John Fox, and Murphy and Charisse Hewitt-Webster via Eddie Murphy Productions. The Story Company’s Vicky Mara Story, Davis Entertainment’s Jeremy Stein, Kevin Burrows, Ross Fanger, and Matt Mider executive produce.
Many know Andrew Dice Clay...
- 2/6/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
While innovations in technology have made it easier than ever to make a movie, it has become harder than ever to receive significant financial backing. Doubly hard when one is a director of an underrepresented background.
Black Americans have been a part of the film industry since the beginning, over a century ago, but one could argue that there were not any Black film directors given enough of a platform to become a household name until the 1990s. Though a diverse set of directors were able to breakthrough from that time through the aughts, the shift in focus toward solely blockbuster filmmaking has left many Black filmmakers out to dry.
In recent years, quite a few Black directors have seen a greater level of support and reverence, from “Get Out” director Jordan Peele to “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler, “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins to “Selma” director Ava DuVernay. And every...
Black Americans have been a part of the film industry since the beginning, over a century ago, but one could argue that there were not any Black film directors given enough of a platform to become a household name until the 1990s. Though a diverse set of directors were able to breakthrough from that time through the aughts, the shift in focus toward solely blockbuster filmmaking has left many Black filmmakers out to dry.
In recent years, quite a few Black directors have seen a greater level of support and reverence, from “Get Out” director Jordan Peele to “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler, “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins to “Selma” director Ava DuVernay. And every...
- 2/1/2024
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
In a cinematic landscape filled with talent, certain performances stand out. From the quiet intensity of Greta Lee in Past Lives to the commanding presence of Taraji P. Henson in The Color Purple, this collection of actors make up some of my favorite performances of the year of films I saw. Each actor brings a unique energy and emotional depth to their roles to not only define their characters but elevate them.
These are not in any particular order.
Greta Lee & Teo Yoo, Past Lives
Lee beautifully navigates the delicate emotional journey put forth in Celine Song’s script. She embodies Nora’s quiet longing with a subtlety, her expressive eyes and gentle smile hinting at the depths of unsaid feelings. When faced with the ghosts of the yesterday, Lee unleashes a rawness that both devastates and resonates, reminding us of the vulnerability it takes to confront the paths not taken.
These are not in any particular order.
Greta Lee & Teo Yoo, Past Lives
Lee beautifully navigates the delicate emotional journey put forth in Celine Song’s script. She embodies Nora’s quiet longing with a subtlety, her expressive eyes and gentle smile hinting at the depths of unsaid feelings. When faced with the ghosts of the yesterday, Lee unleashes a rawness that both devastates and resonates, reminding us of the vulnerability it takes to confront the paths not taken.
- 12/31/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The best way I can describe the past year is as a year of trend shifts in the film zeitgeist. In a film environment where the most popular discussions often revolved around the never-ending slate of superhero blockbusters (and Martin Scorsese’s opinions on them for some reason), 2023 positioned itself as a time of change in the film industry.
Between the struggles faced by once-dominant cape flicks to break even at the box office and the SAG-AFTRA/WGA strikes being at the forefront of industry shakeups into awards season, 2023 has been a year of unlikely and/or unusual success stories for off-kilter genre movies.
In 2023 alone, we bore witness to a horror game adaptation outperforming superhero movies from both Marvel and DC, video game movies in general overtaking the conversation surrounding films and of course, the Barbenheimer double feature born from a meme before blossoming into two of the most successful films of the year.
Between the struggles faced by once-dominant cape flicks to break even at the box office and the SAG-AFTRA/WGA strikes being at the forefront of industry shakeups into awards season, 2023 has been a year of unlikely and/or unusual success stories for off-kilter genre movies.
In 2023 alone, we bore witness to a horror game adaptation outperforming superhero movies from both Marvel and DC, video game movies in general overtaking the conversation surrounding films and of course, the Barbenheimer double feature born from a meme before blossoming into two of the most successful films of the year.
- 12/28/2023
- by Wesley Lara
- bloody-disgusting.com
To say it’s been a strange, turbulent year might be a bit of an understatement. Historically, 2023 marks the year of the dual strikes by WGA and SAG-AFTRA, the first time in over 60 years that Hollywood writers and actors went on strike at the same time. While both fought for better working conditions and deservedly won, the work stoppage no doubt plays a large role in the theatrical slate both this year and at least into the next. Through it all, horror continues to thrive. Box office records were shattered and indie darlings and international gems continue to surprise audiences. Of course, it’s in the most turbulent times where horror thrives most; audiences turn to horror for catharsis or release from real world anxieties and fears.
That reflects in 2023’s horror offerings, which has given everything from unexpected lo-fi indie hits like Skinamarink and Screambox’s can’t-miss The Outwaters...
That reflects in 2023’s horror offerings, which has given everything from unexpected lo-fi indie hits like Skinamarink and Screambox’s can’t-miss The Outwaters...
- 12/22/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: Clint Eastwood’s Juror No. 2 at Warner Bros. has rounded its cast with Amy Aquino, Adrienne C. Moore, Cedric Yarbrough, Chikako Fukuyama and Onix Serrano.
The movie follows Justin Kemp, played by Nicholas Hoult, who while serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma — one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict–or free–the wrong killer. Eastwood is producing under his Malpaso banner in addition to directing off of Jonathan Abrams’ screenplay. The pic is currently shooting in Georgia.
Also part of the ensemble are Toni Collette (prosecutor), Gabriel Basso (accused), Zoey Deutch (Kemp’s wife), Leslie Bibb (juror), Chris Messina (public defender), and Kiefer Sutherland (Kemp’s AA sponsor).
Also producing for Malpaso are Tim Moore and Jessica Meier, and Dichotomy’s Adam Goodman & Matt Skiena. EPs are Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell and David M. Bernstein.
The movie follows Justin Kemp, played by Nicholas Hoult, who while serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma — one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict–or free–the wrong killer. Eastwood is producing under his Malpaso banner in addition to directing off of Jonathan Abrams’ screenplay. The pic is currently shooting in Georgia.
Also part of the ensemble are Toni Collette (prosecutor), Gabriel Basso (accused), Zoey Deutch (Kemp’s wife), Leslie Bibb (juror), Chris Messina (public defender), and Kiefer Sutherland (Kemp’s AA sponsor).
Also producing for Malpaso are Tim Moore and Jessica Meier, and Dichotomy’s Adam Goodman & Matt Skiena. EPs are Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell and David M. Bernstein.
- 12/15/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Two Saturday Night Live legends, Pete Davidson and Eddie Murphy, are joining forces for The Pickup, an upcoming comedy directed by Tim Story. The project hails from Amazon MGM Studios, with plot details remaining a mystery. Smoke on the street says The Pickup is a heist comedy with a script by Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows.
In addition to his directorial duties, Story produces through his The Story Company banner, with Davis Entertainment’s John Davis and John Fox, and Murphy and Charisse Hewitt-Webster via Eddie Murphy Productions. The Story Company’s Vicky Mara Story, Davis Entertainment’s Jeremy Stein, and Kevin Burrows, Ross Fanger, and Matt Mider executive produce.
When he’s not the subject of paparazzi fodder or changing dating partners like fresh pairs of underwear, Davidson appears in films like Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Fast X, Dumb Money, and Good Burger 2. He recently completed his role for The Home.
In addition to his directorial duties, Story produces through his The Story Company banner, with Davis Entertainment’s John Davis and John Fox, and Murphy and Charisse Hewitt-Webster via Eddie Murphy Productions. The Story Company’s Vicky Mara Story, Davis Entertainment’s Jeremy Stein, and Kevin Burrows, Ross Fanger, and Matt Mider executive produce.
When he’s not the subject of paparazzi fodder or changing dating partners like fresh pairs of underwear, Davidson appears in films like Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Fast X, Dumb Money, and Good Burger 2. He recently completed his role for The Home.
- 12/14/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
It looks like heist movies will be the dominant genre in film in the next couple of years. Today it was announced that Pete Davidson will join Eddie Murphy on “The Pickup,” a heist comedy for Amazon MGM. Tim Story will direct the “SNL” alums on the project and also produce through his The Story Company.
Continue reading ‘The Pickup’: Pete Davidson Joins Eddie Murphy In Upcoming Heist Comedy For Amazon MGM at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Pickup’: Pete Davidson Joins Eddie Murphy In Upcoming Heist Comedy For Amazon MGM at The Playlist.
- 12/14/2023
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Exclusive: In a meet-up of Saturday Night Live alums, Pete Davidson has joined Eddie Murphy in The Pickup at Amazon MGM Studios. Tim Story is directing the comedy and producing through his The Story Company, alongside Davis Entertainment’s John Davis and John Fox, and Murphy and Charisse Hewitt-Webster via Eddie Murphy Productions.
Executive producers include The Story Company’s Vicky Mara Story, Davis Entertainment’s Jeremy Stein, and Kevin Burrows, Ross Fanger and Matt Mider.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows-penned film is being described as a heist comedy.
Related: ‘Candy Cane Lane’ Review: Eddie Murphy Lights Up The Season With A Family-Friendly Holiday Comedy – His First Ever
Coming off strong reviews opposite Paul Dano in Dumb Money, Davidson is currently on his 2023 stand-up tour across the U.S. He recently starred opposite Joe Pesci and Edie Falco in the semi-autobiographical Peacock series Bupkis,...
Executive producers include The Story Company’s Vicky Mara Story, Davis Entertainment’s Jeremy Stein, and Kevin Burrows, Ross Fanger and Matt Mider.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows-penned film is being described as a heist comedy.
Related: ‘Candy Cane Lane’ Review: Eddie Murphy Lights Up The Season With A Family-Friendly Holiday Comedy – His First Ever
Coming off strong reviews opposite Paul Dano in Dumb Money, Davidson is currently on his 2023 stand-up tour across the U.S. He recently starred opposite Joe Pesci and Edie Falco in the semi-autobiographical Peacock series Bupkis,...
- 12/14/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
In Kenneth Branagh's 2011 fantasy clunker "Thor," Chris Hemsworth plays an extraterrestrial once worshiped on Earth as the Norse God of Thunder. Thor and his retinue traverse the galaxy using a carefully protected device called the Bifröst, a.k.a. the Rainbow Bridge, which can zap travelers anywhere in the galaxy instantaneously within a massive laser beam. The Bifröst is protected and controlled by a powerful armored guard/engineer named Heimdall, a hulking hunk decked out in gold and leather and sporting eerie golden eyes. Those golden eyes allow Heimdall to see great distances and into other realms.
Heimdall was played by actor Idris Elba, who would go on to play the character in five additional Marvel Cinematic Universe pictures.
Elba, as many know, first broke into the public eye for his role on the hit HBO series "The Wire" in 2002. Since then, Elba has become a proper movie and TV star,...
Heimdall was played by actor Idris Elba, who would go on to play the character in five additional Marvel Cinematic Universe pictures.
Elba, as many know, first broke into the public eye for his role on the hit HBO series "The Wire" in 2002. Since then, Elba has become a proper movie and TV star,...
- 12/10/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
On December 6, the 2023 IndieWire Honors ceremony will celebrate 11 filmmakers, creators, and actors for their achievements in creative independence. Comedian and filmmaker Dewayne Perkins will host the event. We’re showcasing their work with new interviews leading up to the Los Angeles event.
Long before “The Blackening” became the freshest horror comedy of 2023, it was a twinkle in the eye of Dewayne Perkins. The comic, who will take the stage to host the IndieWire Honors this week, spent years making sketches about the way horror films treat Black characters. This ongoing work with the concept resulted in “The Blackening,” which follows a group of friends whose Juneteenth cabin retreat quickly turns deadly when they discover a racist board game determined to kill them.
The film, which Perkins adapted from his own sketch alongside Tracy Oliver, opened to rave reviews this summer after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival and being...
Long before “The Blackening” became the freshest horror comedy of 2023, it was a twinkle in the eye of Dewayne Perkins. The comic, who will take the stage to host the IndieWire Honors this week, spent years making sketches about the way horror films treat Black characters. This ongoing work with the concept resulted in “The Blackening,” which follows a group of friends whose Juneteenth cabin retreat quickly turns deadly when they discover a racist board game determined to kill them.
The film, which Perkins adapted from his own sketch alongside Tracy Oliver, opened to rave reviews this summer after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival and being...
- 12/3/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
In 2005 and in 2007, director Tim Story made a pair of feature films starring the Fantastic Four, one of Marvel Comics' most superlative titles. "Fantastic Four," created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, was more or less a family sitcom except the three family members and their best friend all happened to have superpowers. It was light and comedic, while also featuring bloviating, demonstrative supervillains who shouted regularly about the glories of world domination. It was a comic book series that declared itself to be The World's Greatest Comics Magazine!
Story's feature film adaptations were not very well received when they were released. 2005's "Fantastic Four" only bears a 28% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while its sequel, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," only has a 38% approval rating. Moreso, Marvel Comics fans were harsh to Story's movies, hating their cartoony tone and corny scripts. It's worth acknowledging, however, that Story's...
Story's feature film adaptations were not very well received when they were released. 2005's "Fantastic Four" only bears a 28% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while its sequel, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," only has a 38% approval rating. Moreso, Marvel Comics fans were harsh to Story's movies, hating their cartoony tone and corny scripts. It's worth acknowledging, however, that Story's...
- 12/2/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
In the trailer for only his third directorial feature, filmmaker Zack Snyder was heralded with the title of “visionary.” In retrospect, you might label that many things: aspirational, hubris, or just plain, good old-fashioned marketing copy. Whatever the case might be, it had a point. Love or hate Snyder’s aesthetic, his films are visually and instantly recognizable, and they’ve found a fervent audience that is still tens of millions strong more than a decade after this sizzle reel.
But all that would come later. Back in 2009, the moniker was adorned on Snyder during the marketing push for Watchmen, the ambitious and sprawling attempt to turn Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ most influential graphic novel from the 1980s into a three-hour film (or about two hours and 45 minutes in the case of the original theatrical cut). The film could never lose points for daring, but it was analyzed mercilessly...
But all that would come later. Back in 2009, the moniker was adorned on Snyder during the marketing push for Watchmen, the ambitious and sprawling attempt to turn Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ most influential graphic novel from the 1980s into a three-hour film (or about two hours and 45 minutes in the case of the original theatrical cut). The film could never lose points for daring, but it was analyzed mercilessly...
- 11/29/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Stars: Ludacris, Lil Rey Howery, Madison Skye Validum, Teyonah Parris, Oscar Nuñez, Ravi Patel, Marcus Lewis, Mary Lynn Rajskub | Written by Scott Rosenberg | Directed by Tim Story
Not only do Disney have a second season of The Santa Clauses being released this holiday season, they also have a handful of new festive movies coming too. The first of which is Dashing Through the Snow.
Ludacris plays a divorced social worker who despises Christmas after a painful childhood memory but has to spend Christmas Eve on a call with his daughter and a man who very much loves Christmas.
I think this movie’s biggest problem is that it seems to try to have several different stories run alongside each other, with the lead one just being ‘daughter tries to convince her Dad that Christmas is a happy time of year’. There are some weird subplots here that of course involve Santa and reindeer,...
Not only do Disney have a second season of The Santa Clauses being released this holiday season, they also have a handful of new festive movies coming too. The first of which is Dashing Through the Snow.
Ludacris plays a divorced social worker who despises Christmas after a painful childhood memory but has to spend Christmas Eve on a call with his daughter and a man who very much loves Christmas.
I think this movie’s biggest problem is that it seems to try to have several different stories run alongside each other, with the lead one just being ‘daughter tries to convince her Dad that Christmas is a happy time of year’. There are some weird subplots here that of course involve Santa and reindeer,...
- 11/27/2023
- by Alain Elliott
- Nerdly
It appears as though another killer is on the loose, now that a sequel to "The Blackening" is officially moving forward.
In a year that's seen many a high-profile box office bomb (and not just the big-budget variety either), director Tim Story's well-received slasher comedy is a testament to the power of thriftiness. While the film only made $18.5 million at the global box office, that was more than enough to cover its $5 million budget and then some. It's also further proof that no genre is consistently thriving in the post-2020 lockdowns era quite like horror, with "The Blackening" joining "M3GAN" and "Five Nights at Freddy's" as horror flicks that successfully launched shiny new film franchises in 2023.
According to Variety, "The Blackening" writers Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins -- who based their script on the short sketch of the same name by Perkins' comedy troupe 3Peat -- are now in...
In a year that's seen many a high-profile box office bomb (and not just the big-budget variety either), director Tim Story's well-received slasher comedy is a testament to the power of thriftiness. While the film only made $18.5 million at the global box office, that was more than enough to cover its $5 million budget and then some. It's also further proof that no genre is consistently thriving in the post-2020 lockdowns era quite like horror, with "The Blackening" joining "M3GAN" and "Five Nights at Freddy's" as horror flicks that successfully launched shiny new film franchises in 2023.
According to Variety, "The Blackening" writers Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins -- who based their script on the short sketch of the same name by Perkins' comedy troupe 3Peat -- are now in...
- 11/26/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
When director Tim Story’s horror comedy The Blackening was released back in June, co-writer and star Dewayne Perkins told Variety that he envisioned the film being the start of a franchise, one that could bring back the “same group, sprinkle in some new people. I feel like we’ve got something good, and I love the dynamic, but fresh blood always turns things up a little bit.” Now Variety has confirmed that a sequel to The Blackening is officially in development!
The Blackening didn’t exactly set the box office of fire, earning just $18.5 million… but since the movie had a budget of $3 million (plus another $2 million for marketing), that’s enough for producer MRC and domestic distributor Lionsgate to feel that it’s worth going back to for a sequel. They’re developing the follow-up with Perkins, co-writer Tracy Oliver, and producer E. Brian Dobbins.
Story directed The...
The Blackening didn’t exactly set the box office of fire, earning just $18.5 million… but since the movie had a budget of $3 million (plus another $2 million for marketing), that’s enough for producer MRC and domestic distributor Lionsgate to feel that it’s worth going back to for a sequel. They’re developing the follow-up with Perkins, co-writer Tracy Oliver, and producer E. Brian Dobbins.
Story directed The...
- 11/21/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Some might say they don’t want a lot for Christmas, but who’s going to turn down a Christmas movie starring rapper-actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and comedian Lil Rel Howery?
Directed by Tim Story, and produced by Will Packer’s Will Packer Productions, comes the comedic fantasy film “Dashing Through the Snow,” which carries the title of the classic Christmas jingle “Dashing Through the Snow (Jingle Bells).”
In the lighthearted tale, Bridges stars as Eddie Garrick, a social worker who no longer believes in the magic of Christmas due to a traumatic childhood experience. But, with the help of his Christmas-loving daughter Charlotte (Madison Skye Validum) and good ol’ Saint Nick — who just goes by Nick (Lil Rel Howery) — the group is on a mission to restore Eddie’s faith in Christmas while evading wicked politician Conrad Harf (Oscar Nuñez).
The film lands exclusively on Disney+, and here’s...
Directed by Tim Story, and produced by Will Packer’s Will Packer Productions, comes the comedic fantasy film “Dashing Through the Snow,” which carries the title of the classic Christmas jingle “Dashing Through the Snow (Jingle Bells).”
In the lighthearted tale, Bridges stars as Eddie Garrick, a social worker who no longer believes in the magic of Christmas due to a traumatic childhood experience. But, with the help of his Christmas-loving daughter Charlotte (Madison Skye Validum) and good ol’ Saint Nick — who just goes by Nick (Lil Rel Howery) — the group is on a mission to restore Eddie’s faith in Christmas while evading wicked politician Conrad Harf (Oscar Nuñez).
The film lands exclusively on Disney+, and here’s...
- 11/20/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
After scaring up $18 million in theaters earlier this year, horror-comedy The Blackening is getting a sequel from Lionsgate, Variety has exclusively announced this afternoon.
Variety notes, “producer MRC and domestic distributor Lionsgate have entered into talks with Dewayne Perkins, Tracy Oliver and producer E. Brian Dobbins to develop a follow-up film.”
The first film was made on a production budget of just $5 million, so there’s needless to say lots of potential for this to become a profitable Scary Movie-type horror franchise.
Stay tuned for more on The Blackening 2 as we learn it.
The Blackening, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, centers around a group of Black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer. Forced to play by his rules, the friends soon realize this ain’t no motherf****** game.
Directed by Tim Story (Ride Along,...
Variety notes, “producer MRC and domestic distributor Lionsgate have entered into talks with Dewayne Perkins, Tracy Oliver and producer E. Brian Dobbins to develop a follow-up film.”
The first film was made on a production budget of just $5 million, so there’s needless to say lots of potential for this to become a profitable Scary Movie-type horror franchise.
Stay tuned for more on The Blackening 2 as we learn it.
The Blackening, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, centers around a group of Black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer. Forced to play by his rules, the friends soon realize this ain’t no motherf****** game.
Directed by Tim Story (Ride Along,...
- 11/20/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
MRC and Lionsgate are developing a sequel to “The Blackening,” the hit horror-comedy from Dewayne Perkins and Tracy Oliver.
After the microbudget production (just $5 million) made more than $18 million at the box office, producer MRC and domestic distributor Lionsgate have entered into talks with Perkins, Oliver and producer E. Brian Dobbins to develop a follow-up film.
Directed by Tim Story and co-written by Perkins and Oliver, “The Blackening” follows a group of college friends who reunite for Juneteenth weekend and are hunted by a killer who asks them to determine who is the Blackest among them — lampooning the common horror movie trope that sees the Black character die first. Perkins initially conceived the story as a sketch for his comedy troupe 3Peat, which developed into a short for Comedy Central, before Oliver reached out to develop it into a feature.
The project premiered in 2022 as a TIFF Midnight Madness selection,...
After the microbudget production (just $5 million) made more than $18 million at the box office, producer MRC and domestic distributor Lionsgate have entered into talks with Perkins, Oliver and producer E. Brian Dobbins to develop a follow-up film.
Directed by Tim Story and co-written by Perkins and Oliver, “The Blackening” follows a group of college friends who reunite for Juneteenth weekend and are hunted by a killer who asks them to determine who is the Blackest among them — lampooning the common horror movie trope that sees the Black character die first. Perkins initially conceived the story as a sketch for his comedy troupe 3Peat, which developed into a short for Comedy Central, before Oliver reached out to develop it into a feature.
The project premiered in 2022 as a TIFF Midnight Madness selection,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges never planned on being an actor when he started his rap career during the late ’90s. He attributes his successful transition from music to acting to late writer-director John Singleton, who gave him his breakout role as Tej Parker in the “The Fast and the Furious” (2001) sequel “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003).
During a discussion about his new role as Eddie Garrick in Disney+’s new Christmas movie “Dashing Through the Snow,” Bridges discussed his more than 20-year career as an actor, and how acting initially was never “part of the plan.”
While his debut role was playing an unsatisfied customer in record producer and filmmaker DJ Pooh’s comedy “The Wash” (2001), it wasn’t until Singleton cast him as a former street racer and mechanic that his acting career went full speed ahead.
“No, it was not part of the plan. I always give credit to John Singleton,...
During a discussion about his new role as Eddie Garrick in Disney+’s new Christmas movie “Dashing Through the Snow,” Bridges discussed his more than 20-year career as an actor, and how acting initially was never “part of the plan.”
While his debut role was playing an unsatisfied customer in record producer and filmmaker DJ Pooh’s comedy “The Wash” (2001), it wasn’t until Singleton cast him as a former street racer and mechanic that his acting career went full speed ahead.
“No, it was not part of the plan. I always give credit to John Singleton,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
In “Dashing Through the Snow,” Lil Rel Howery has the off-the-cuff funk energy of a hustler who’s so quick that you believe his spiel before you’ve had the chance to outthink it. The whole issue of believing is key to the movie, since Howery plays Santa Claus — or, perhaps, a petty criminal who’s pretending to be Santa Claus. The character calls himself Nick, and he’s dressed as a variation on the old-school Victorian Santa: half-frame glasses, a coat festooned with gold buttons and paramilitary shoulder flaps, a vest of gold finery, along with a few token bits of street cool.
Howery’s line readings sound improvised, and that’s a good thing. He’s the ebullient, fast-talking spark plug of a formula comedy with a cheap engine, though one that putters along harmlessly enough. Not so long ago, there were maybe three or four Christmas movies per holiday season.
Howery’s line readings sound improvised, and that’s a good thing. He’s the ebullient, fast-talking spark plug of a formula comedy with a cheap engine, though one that putters along harmlessly enough. Not so long ago, there were maybe three or four Christmas movies per holiday season.
- 11/19/2023
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Imagine being “impish” on Christmas day and getting smacked by Belsnickel with a broomstick! That’s how watching director Tim Story’s latest film, Dashing Through the Snow, feels. Every year, we have a slew of “Christmas-themed” movies around this time, and the majority of those range from mediocre to bad. In fact, the number of bad “Christmas movies” has grown significantly with the likes of Netflix and other Ott’s taking the reins of entertainment. Dashing Through the Snow is a Disney+ Hotstar product, and it’s not much different from the ones you see on Netflix, except there’s barely any romance here, and the target audience is most likely kids and young teens.
So what do we have here? A grown man who really hates Christmas is so original, right? Anyway, Eddie has his reasons for feeling the way he does about everyone’s favorite holiday. And yes,...
So what do we have here? A grown man who really hates Christmas is so original, right? Anyway, Eddie has his reasons for feeling the way he does about everyone’s favorite holiday. And yes,...
- 11/18/2023
- by Rohitavra Majumdar
- Film Fugitives
Every time Lil Rel Howery watches his new Disney+ film “Dashing Through the Snow,” he gets “emotional” seeing a Black Santa.
“Because, it’s like, you see Black Santa – [Chris “Ludacris” Bridges” and I] were talking about this earlier – when you see the end of the movie, like, every time I see the end of it, and I’m like, ‘Is it weird because it’s me?’ But, I always get emotional,” Howery, who plays Santa “Nick” Claus in the film, told TheWrap. “Like, wow, just to see Santa fly through the air. That’s a Black Santa. He’s waving. It’s just a beautiful thing because we don’t see that often. I’m actually very honored and cannot wait to see how children react to this because I do think it’s so very special what we did with the representation.”
While Black actors have had roles where they...
“Because, it’s like, you see Black Santa – [Chris “Ludacris” Bridges” and I] were talking about this earlier – when you see the end of the movie, like, every time I see the end of it, and I’m like, ‘Is it weird because it’s me?’ But, I always get emotional,” Howery, who plays Santa “Nick” Claus in the film, told TheWrap. “Like, wow, just to see Santa fly through the air. That’s a Black Santa. He’s waving. It’s just a beautiful thing because we don’t see that often. I’m actually very honored and cannot wait to see how children react to this because I do think it’s so very special what we did with the representation.”
While Black actors have had roles where they...
- 11/17/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges and LIl Rel Howery try, and fail, to bring life to a shoddily assembled family movie incapable of delivering baseline cheer
For a child on Christmas morning, there’s no disappointment greater than ripping the paper off a present to find that Mom and Dad skimped on quality control – a wish for the latest MP3 player granted as a brandless kidney bean capable of holding a total of 16 songs, or a SpongeBob plushie labeled “Rectangle Friend” with one eye pointing the wrong way due to substandard Taiwanese assembly. It’s what the kid asked for, technically, and yet an essential quality of authenticity has been lost somewhere along the way. Something just ain’t right.
That’s the prevailing feeling experienced by viewers of Dashing Through the Snow, a family comedy kicked around Disney for six years with Kevin Hart attached until he was swapped out for...
For a child on Christmas morning, there’s no disappointment greater than ripping the paper off a present to find that Mom and Dad skimped on quality control – a wish for the latest MP3 player granted as a brandless kidney bean capable of holding a total of 16 songs, or a SpongeBob plushie labeled “Rectangle Friend” with one eye pointing the wrong way due to substandard Taiwanese assembly. It’s what the kid asked for, technically, and yet an essential quality of authenticity has been lost somewhere along the way. Something just ain’t right.
That’s the prevailing feeling experienced by viewers of Dashing Through the Snow, a family comedy kicked around Disney for six years with Kevin Hart attached until he was swapped out for...
- 11/17/2023
- by Charles Bramesco
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: Plucky announced the formation of Plucky Pictures and the option of two key properties to launch the division. This milestone is a major move for Plucky on its mission to create engaging content across all media.
This news comes as the company acquired options on two properties:
The Survivalist series of novels from the estate of author Jerry Ahern.
Calabrese the life rights to a member of the Chicago Outfit.
“On the eve of our tenth anniversary, we’re excited to expand our creative services to include longform content development and production” says Jeffrey J. Marks, Partner at Plucky. “Given our success in short form and our stellar reputation for crafting highly regarded main titles and motion content, combined with the opportunity to acquire the rights to a pair of exciting projects, this seems like the natural evolution at the perfect time.”
The Survivalist is an alternate history fiction,...
This news comes as the company acquired options on two properties:
The Survivalist series of novels from the estate of author Jerry Ahern.
Calabrese the life rights to a member of the Chicago Outfit.
“On the eve of our tenth anniversary, we’re excited to expand our creative services to include longform content development and production” says Jeffrey J. Marks, Partner at Plucky. “Given our success in short form and our stellar reputation for crafting highly regarded main titles and motion content, combined with the opportunity to acquire the rights to a pair of exciting projects, this seems like the natural evolution at the perfect time.”
The Survivalist is an alternate history fiction,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jingle Jangle and Almost Christmas director/writer/producer David E. Talbert is launching Hbcu Next, a fellowship program that will bring aspiring filmmakers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to the USC School of Cinematic Arts (Sca) Summer Program.
Talbert conceived and funded Hbcu Next alongside his wife and producing partner Lyn Sisson-Talbert as an opportunity to enrich the educational experience for students of Color. Within this program, participants will gain essential career insights and the creative skills required to develop more authentic portrayals of Black experiences and culture within screenwriting, filmmaking, and the evolving media landscape.
Talbert says, “Our overall objective is to foster an environment for students from HBCUs and USC to engage in cultural exchange, learning from one another’s experiences and backgrounds, and to provide access to an education conducive to giving Black storytellers a pipeline to the entertainment industry.”
“The industry gets to benefit...
Talbert conceived and funded Hbcu Next alongside his wife and producing partner Lyn Sisson-Talbert as an opportunity to enrich the educational experience for students of Color. Within this program, participants will gain essential career insights and the creative skills required to develop more authentic portrayals of Black experiences and culture within screenwriting, filmmaking, and the evolving media landscape.
Talbert says, “Our overall objective is to foster an environment for students from HBCUs and USC to engage in cultural exchange, learning from one another’s experiences and backgrounds, and to provide access to an education conducive to giving Black storytellers a pipeline to the entertainment industry.”
“The industry gets to benefit...
- 11/8/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
"Dashing Through the Snow" is a new live-action comedy feature, directed by Tim Story, starring tars Lil Rel Howery and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, streaming November 17, 2023 on Disney+:
"...'Eddie Garrick' (Bridges) is a good-hearted man who has turned his back on Christmas due to a traumatic childhood experience. At the request of his wife 'Allison Garrick' (Teyonah Parris), from whom he is separated, Eddie takes his daughter 'Charlotte' (Madison Skye Validum) out with him on Christmas Eve, where they meet a mysterious man in a red suit named 'Nick' (Lil Rel Howery).
"Eddie, who is a social worker, thinks the man is delusional and needs professional help, but when he evokes the wrath of a local politician (Oscar Nuñez), he and his daughter are taken on a magical adventure that just might restore his faith in Christmas..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Eddie Garrick' (Bridges) is a good-hearted man who has turned his back on Christmas due to a traumatic childhood experience. At the request of his wife 'Allison Garrick' (Teyonah Parris), from whom he is separated, Eddie takes his daughter 'Charlotte' (Madison Skye Validum) out with him on Christmas Eve, where they meet a mysterious man in a red suit named 'Nick' (Lil Rel Howery).
"Eddie, who is a social worker, thinks the man is delusional and needs professional help, but when he evokes the wrath of a local politician (Oscar Nuñez), he and his daughter are taken on a magical adventure that just might restore his faith in Christmas..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 11/3/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Tim Story is a talented filmmaker known for his directorial contributions to comedy and superhero genres. While he’s yet to receive an Academy Award nomination or other major award association nominations, Story has graced critics and audiences with amazing films. Story-directed films easily stand out for his ability to infuse a balance of action, humor, and character development, all catered to the appeal of a wider audience. Tim Story represents a generation of younger black directors in Hollywood. Although he made his directorial debut in 1997, since then, Story has directed several popular and successful films. With over 15 films...
- 10/29/2023
- by Onyinye Izundu
- TVovermind.com
Disney+ has unleashed the official trailer for its holiday family comedy feature ‘Dashing Through the Snow.’
Eddie Garrick (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) is a good-hearted man who has turned his back on Christmas due to a traumatic childhood experience. At the request of his wife Allison Garrick (Teyonah Parris), from whom he is separated, Eddie takes his 9-year-old daughter Charlotte (Madison Skye Validum) out with him on Christmas Eve, where they meet a mysterious man in a red suit named Nick (Lil Rel Howery). Eddie, who is a social worker, thinks the man is delusional and needs professional help, but when he evokes the wrath of a local politician (Oscar Nuñez), he and his daughter are taken on a magical adventure that just might restore his faith in Christmas.
Directed by Tim Story, Teyonah Parris, Madison Skye Validum, Oscar Nuñez, Ravi V. Patel, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Gina Brillon, Sebastian Sozzi, Kevin Connolly,...
Eddie Garrick (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) is a good-hearted man who has turned his back on Christmas due to a traumatic childhood experience. At the request of his wife Allison Garrick (Teyonah Parris), from whom he is separated, Eddie takes his 9-year-old daughter Charlotte (Madison Skye Validum) out with him on Christmas Eve, where they meet a mysterious man in a red suit named Nick (Lil Rel Howery). Eddie, who is a social worker, thinks the man is delusional and needs professional help, but when he evokes the wrath of a local politician (Oscar Nuñez), he and his daughter are taken on a magical adventure that just might restore his faith in Christmas.
Directed by Tim Story, Teyonah Parris, Madison Skye Validum, Oscar Nuñez, Ravi V. Patel, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Gina Brillon, Sebastian Sozzi, Kevin Connolly,...
- 10/26/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
"Who do you work for?" "Every married man will understand this – I work for Mrs. Claus!" Disney has revealed an official trailer for a holiday fantasy comedy titled Dashing Through The Snow, directed by Tim Story (who last made The Blackening). Arriving for streaming in November on Disney+, meaning this movie is skipping theaters entirely. A divorced social worker for the Atlanta police despises Christmas due to a painful childhood memory. When sent on a call while spending Christmas Eve with his daughter, he inadvertently evokes the wrath of a local politician but meets a strange man who helps him understand the joy and magic of Christmas. Another Black Santa movie out this year (along with The Naughty Nine). Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges stars with Teyonah Parris, Madison Skye Validum, Lil Rel Howery as "Saint Nick", Oscar Nuñez, Ravi V. Patel, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Gina Brillon, Sebastian Sozzi, Kevin Connolly, and Zulay Henao.
- 10/26/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
"Dashing Through the Snow" is a new live-action comedy feature, directed by Tim Story, starring tars Lil Rel Howery and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, streaming November 17, 2023 on Disney+:
"...'Eddie Garrick' (Bridges) is a good-hearted man who has turned his back on Christmas due to a traumatic childhood experience. At the request of his wife 'Allison Garrick' (Teyonah Parris), from whom he is separated, Eddie takes his daughter 'Charlotte' (Madison Skye Validum) out with him on Christmas Eve, where they meet a mysterious man in a red suit named 'Nick' (Lil Rel Howery).
"Eddie, who is a social worker, thinks the man is delusional and needs professional help, but when he evokes the wrath of a local politician (Oscar Nuñez), he and his daughter are taken on a magical adventure that just might restore his faith in Christmas..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Eddie Garrick' (Bridges) is a good-hearted man who has turned his back on Christmas due to a traumatic childhood experience. At the request of his wife 'Allison Garrick' (Teyonah Parris), from whom he is separated, Eddie takes his daughter 'Charlotte' (Madison Skye Validum) out with him on Christmas Eve, where they meet a mysterious man in a red suit named 'Nick' (Lil Rel Howery).
"Eddie, who is a social worker, thinks the man is delusional and needs professional help, but when he evokes the wrath of a local politician (Oscar Nuñez), he and his daughter are taken on a magical adventure that just might restore his faith in Christmas..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 10/26/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges is a total Grinch, and it’s up to Lil Rel Howery to help him find the Christmas spirit in the trailer for the upcoming film Dashing Through the Snow, premiering Friday, Nov. 17 on Disney+.
Press Play on the above video for a sneak peek at the holiday hijinks in store.
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The movie stars Bridges as Eddie Garrick, an all-around good...
Press Play on the above video for a sneak peek at the holiday hijinks in store.
More from TVLineThe Crown Trailer Foreshadows Diana's Tragic Death in Final Season - WatchTVLine Items: Bradley Cooper's Maestro Trailer, Shoresy Renewed and MoreDoctor Who Sets Release Dates for Trio of Disney+ Specials - Watch Trailer
The movie stars Bridges as Eddie Garrick, an all-around good...
- 10/25/2023
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Richard Roundtree, who will forever be linked with the role of trailblazing Black detective John Shaft, has died. The actor, who on screen is best remembered for the iconic role, was also a breast cancer survivor known for raising funds to treat the condition. He was more recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died yesterday afternoon, with his family at his bedside.
Richard Roundtree was born in New Rochelle, New York, played football for Southern Illinois University and did some modeling before the acting bug bit.
He was drawn to theater and joined New York’s acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company, then starred as Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope off-Broadway before the role of John Shaft presented itself — a lucky break secured after Sidney Poitier refused to screen test for the role, leading director Gordon Parks to cast Roundtree instead.
The role of Shaft, the “hotter than Bond, cooler than Bullitt” private detective,...
Richard Roundtree was born in New Rochelle, New York, played football for Southern Illinois University and did some modeling before the acting bug bit.
He was drawn to theater and joined New York’s acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company, then starred as Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope off-Broadway before the role of John Shaft presented itself — a lucky break secured after Sidney Poitier refused to screen test for the role, leading director Gordon Parks to cast Roundtree instead.
The role of Shaft, the “hotter than Bond, cooler than Bullitt” private detective,...
- 10/25/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Blaxploitation star broke the mould.
Richard Roundtree, the star of Shaft who was an icon of the Blaxploitation movement, has died in his Los Angeles home of pancreatic cancer. He was 81.
Roundtree was born in 1942 in Rochelle, New York, to parents John, a caterer and rubbish collector, and Kathryn, a maid and nurse.
He left Southern Illinois University when he chose to become a model and before long moved to New York City where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company.
Roundtree was acting in a play when he auditioned for Shaft, eventually landing the iconic role as the private detective...
Richard Roundtree, the star of Shaft who was an icon of the Blaxploitation movement, has died in his Los Angeles home of pancreatic cancer. He was 81.
Roundtree was born in 1942 in Rochelle, New York, to parents John, a caterer and rubbish collector, and Kathryn, a maid and nurse.
He left Southern Illinois University when he chose to become a model and before long moved to New York City where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company.
Roundtree was acting in a play when he auditioned for Shaft, eventually landing the iconic role as the private detective...
- 10/25/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Richard Roundtree, an icon of Blaxploitation film who starred as detective John Shaft in Gordon Parks’ 1971 action thriller, died Tuesday afternoon after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81 years old.
His death was confirmed by Patrick McMinn, his manager since 1987.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn said in his statement. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree was a leading man from the very start of his lifetime in screen acting. After beginning his career in modeling, he secured “Shaft” at the age of 28, marking his feature debut. The MGM release earned $12 million in ticket sales off of a $500,000 production budget, helping to save the studio from bankruptcy. A breakthrough hit, “Shaft” set the tone for a prolific decade of Blaxploitation filmmaking and demonstrated Hollywood’s historical failure to consider Black talent...
His death was confirmed by Patrick McMinn, his manager since 1987.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn said in his statement. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree was a leading man from the very start of his lifetime in screen acting. After beginning his career in modeling, he secured “Shaft” at the age of 28, marking his feature debut. The MGM release earned $12 million in ticket sales off of a $500,000 production budget, helping to save the studio from bankruptcy. A breakthrough hit, “Shaft” set the tone for a prolific decade of Blaxploitation filmmaking and demonstrated Hollywood’s historical failure to consider Black talent...
- 10/25/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
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