Ki Hong Lee is one of the numerous Asian-American actors making waves in Hollywood. Perhaps the most recognized role of his career, Lee is best known for his role in The Maze Runner film series. He debuted with the franchise in 2014 and appeared in all projects in the trilogy. Beyond The Maze Runner film series, Ki Hong Lee is also known for his television roles, including playing Dong Nguyen in Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and in ABC Family’s The Nine Lives of Chloe King where he took on the role of Paul. He has guest starred in other notable...
- 8/16/2023
- by Banks Onuoha
- TVovermind.com
Exclusive: Lana Condor is trapped in a subterranean biosphere in a new scripted podcast series.
Condor, who played Lara Jean Covey in the To All The Boys film franchise, is starring in Evergreen, the first installment in anthology series Hidden Signal from QCode. The series also stars Alan Cumming and Abigail Spencer.
The nine-episode psychological sci-fi thriller was created and written by Chloe Stearns and John Wynn, who exec produced and directed QCode’s Last Known Position.
Evergreen finds Hannah (Condor) trapped inside her boss Fin Gorale’s (Alan Cumming) subterranean biosphere named Evergreen, alongside seven of the world’s greatest minds. When Fin informs the group that an asteroid has destroyed the surface of the Earth, they find themselves – forced survivors – tasked with rebuilding society. As the characters vie for control of Evergreen, alliances form and fracture as heroes turn into villains. But when Hannah discovers that Evergreen is malfunctioning,...
Condor, who played Lara Jean Covey in the To All The Boys film franchise, is starring in Evergreen, the first installment in anthology series Hidden Signal from QCode. The series also stars Alan Cumming and Abigail Spencer.
The nine-episode psychological sci-fi thriller was created and written by Chloe Stearns and John Wynn, who exec produced and directed QCode’s Last Known Position.
Evergreen finds Hannah (Condor) trapped inside her boss Fin Gorale’s (Alan Cumming) subterranean biosphere named Evergreen, alongside seven of the world’s greatest minds. When Fin informs the group that an asteroid has destroyed the surface of the Earth, they find themselves – forced survivors – tasked with rebuilding society. As the characters vie for control of Evergreen, alliances form and fracture as heroes turn into villains. But when Hannah discovers that Evergreen is malfunctioning,...
- 5/8/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
When the trailer for the next season of Party Down was released, fans got a good look at what they can expect from the revival. In addition to hilarious scenes with the original cast, the trailer showed the long list of guest stars who will appear in the Starz show.
What was ‘Party Down’ about?
Party Down aired from 2009-10 on Starz and followed an LA catering company. The series boasted a cast that included actors like Adam Scott, Lizzy Caplan, Jane Lynch, Jennifer Coolidge, and Megan Mullally.
Party Down stars Lizzy Caplan, Adam Scott, Martin Starr, and Ryan Hanson in 2010 | Jason Laveris/FilmMagic
The show was critically acclaimed but had low ratings. Many thought Party Down was also canceled after losing Lynch to Glee, where she played Coach Sue Sylvester, and Scott to Parks and Recreation, where he starred as Ben Wyatt.
A ‘Party Down’ revival has been in...
What was ‘Party Down’ about?
Party Down aired from 2009-10 on Starz and followed an LA catering company. The series boasted a cast that included actors like Adam Scott, Lizzy Caplan, Jane Lynch, Jennifer Coolidge, and Megan Mullally.
Party Down stars Lizzy Caplan, Adam Scott, Martin Starr, and Ryan Hanson in 2010 | Jason Laveris/FilmMagic
The show was critically acclaimed but had low ratings. Many thought Party Down was also canceled after losing Lynch to Glee, where she played Coach Sue Sylvester, and Scott to Parks and Recreation, where he starred as Ben Wyatt.
A ‘Party Down’ revival has been in...
- 2/17/2023
- by India McCarty
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“This is no joke. This is catering!” so says Jane Lynch in the short trailer announcing the triumphant return of cult comedy “Party Down.”
The Rob Thomas and Paul Rudd-created cater-waiter comedy, which originally aired for two seasons on Starz beginning in 2009, is serving up (<—see what I did there?) six episodes on the network beginning February 24. If you’ve been hearing people talk about this show for a decade and want to catch up, the 20 beloved episodes are on the Starz app, as well as Hulu. (The first season is on Prime Video.)
Adam Scott is back as the failed actor stuck wearing bowties and attending other people’s parties. In addition to he and Lynch, other original cast members returning include Ken Marino, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen and Megan Mullally. Alas, Lizzy Caplan will not appear in the third season (but her character is referenced).
New to the crew,...
The Rob Thomas and Paul Rudd-created cater-waiter comedy, which originally aired for two seasons on Starz beginning in 2009, is serving up (<—see what I did there?) six episodes on the network beginning February 24. If you’ve been hearing people talk about this show for a decade and want to catch up, the 20 beloved episodes are on the Starz app, as well as Hulu. (The first season is on Prime Video.)
Adam Scott is back as the failed actor stuck wearing bowties and attending other people’s parties. In addition to he and Lynch, other original cast members returning include Ken Marino, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen and Megan Mullally. Alas, Lizzy Caplan will not appear in the third season (but her character is referenced).
New to the crew,...
- 1/27/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
The Party Down gang is back for seconds in the first full trailer teasing the Starz comedy’s long-awaited return.
In the footage released Thursday ahead of the Feb. 24 launch, Adam Scott reprises his role as actor-bartender Henry Pollard, who finds himself unexpectedly reuniting a decade later with his former co-workers from the Party Down catering team. The series, which has built a cult following, concluded its original two-season run in June 2010.
“This is not how I envisioned my 40s,” Scott tells a fellow member of the crew in the trailer.
During a different moment, a frazzled Constance Carmell (Jane Lynch) exclaims while at an event, “This is no joke. This is catering!”
Also returning from the original cast alongside Scott and Lynch are Ken Marino, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen and Megan Mullally. Lizzy Caplan will not return due to scheduling conflicts.
New to the cast for the six-episode third season are Jennifer Garner,...
In the footage released Thursday ahead of the Feb. 24 launch, Adam Scott reprises his role as actor-bartender Henry Pollard, who finds himself unexpectedly reuniting a decade later with his former co-workers from the Party Down catering team. The series, which has built a cult following, concluded its original two-season run in June 2010.
“This is not how I envisioned my 40s,” Scott tells a fellow member of the crew in the trailer.
During a different moment, a frazzled Constance Carmell (Jane Lynch) exclaims while at an event, “This is no joke. This is catering!”
Also returning from the original cast alongside Scott and Lynch are Ken Marino, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen and Megan Mullally. Lizzy Caplan will not return due to scheduling conflicts.
New to the cast for the six-episode third season are Jennifer Garner,...
- 1/26/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you have an event coming up that requires a top-notch catering service, you should call someone other than Party Down. While the gang at Party Down knows how to make a celebration enjoyable, they’re likely to cause chaos behind the scenes, resulting in shenanigans that could be hard to explain to your guests. Starz is ready to start the party today with a new Party Down revival trailer. The party begins on Friday, February 24, on the Starz app and other streaming platforms. The revival also leads a conga line to Starz for a linear debut on Friday, February 24, at 9 Pm Et/Pt.
The Party Down revival trailer is getting us pumped for six all-new episodes that take place ten years after the original series. Several Party Down catering crew members have moved on since the original series, but a mutual event unites them, and the band gets back together.
The Party Down revival trailer is getting us pumped for six all-new episodes that take place ten years after the original series. Several Party Down catering crew members have moved on since the original series, but a mutual event unites them, and the band gets back together.
- 1/26/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
In the age of revival television, it is still genuinely hard to believe that Starz is bringing the cult comedy favorite "Party Down" back for a long (long!) awaited third season, but it is indeed happening. As evidence of that, we have a brand new trailer for the new batch of episodes, which will be arriving via the premium cable channel next month. And yes, most of the original cast is back! Sadly, Lizzy Caplan isn't here as Casey Klein for another round of "will they, won't they" with Adam Scott's Henry Pollard. Be that as it may, it very much looks like the show folks like myself fell in love with. And in the third season...
Ten years later, most of the Party Down catering team have moved on, including actor/bartender Henry Pollard (Adam Scott). After a surprise reunion, the gang find themselves once again stoically enduring the...
Ten years later, most of the Party Down catering team have moved on, including actor/bartender Henry Pollard (Adam Scott). After a surprise reunion, the gang find themselves once again stoically enduring the...
- 1/26/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Party Down will be back in session on Starz next month.
Thankfully, we have our biggest glimpse at the third season to date with a new trailer.
The third season consists of six all-new episodes and is set to premiere on Friday, February 24 at midnight on the Starz app, all Starz streaming, and on-demand platforms, and internationally on the Lionsgate+ premium streaming platform in the UK, Brazil, and Latin America.
On linear, it will debut on Starz the same day at 9:00 Pm Et/Pt in the U.S. and Canada.
True to the series' tradition, the all-new season will feature a slew of can't miss guest star appearances.
Dan Bakkedahl (Veep), Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), Liv Hewson (Yellowjackets), Fran Kranz (Julia), Ki Hong Lee (Dave), Lyric Lewis (A.P. Bio), Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live), Nick Offerman (The Last of Us), Judy Reyes (Claws), and Calum Worthy (The Act...
Thankfully, we have our biggest glimpse at the third season to date with a new trailer.
The third season consists of six all-new episodes and is set to premiere on Friday, February 24 at midnight on the Starz app, all Starz streaming, and on-demand platforms, and internationally on the Lionsgate+ premium streaming platform in the UK, Brazil, and Latin America.
On linear, it will debut on Starz the same day at 9:00 Pm Et/Pt in the U.S. and Canada.
True to the series' tradition, the all-new season will feature a slew of can't miss guest star appearances.
Dan Bakkedahl (Veep), Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), Liv Hewson (Yellowjackets), Fran Kranz (Julia), Ki Hong Lee (Dave), Lyric Lewis (A.P. Bio), Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live), Nick Offerman (The Last of Us), Judy Reyes (Claws), and Calum Worthy (The Act...
- 1/26/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
It’s about to turn up because “Party Down” is back!
The beloved Starz original comedy series has officially returned 14 years since the show debuted in 2009. Original stars Adam Scott, Jane Lynch, Ken Marino, Ryan Hansen, and Martin Starr, plus Season 2 addition Megan Mullally, are reprising their respective roles for the revival series. Lizzy Caplan is the only original actor not returning for the reboot. Check out the trailer below.
The cater-waiter comedy centers on aspiring actor Henry (Scott), whose apathetic bartending skills sustain his dreams of being a Hollywood star. Henry works for Party Down catering company, managed by Ron (Marino). Each episode centered around a different catering job: from Sweet Sixteens to Bar Mitzvahs, funerals to pre-school fundraisers. The series ran for two seasons before being axed in 2010.
“This is not how I envisioned my 40s,” Henry says in the trailer for the highly anticipated revival.
Per the official Season 3 synopsis,...
The beloved Starz original comedy series has officially returned 14 years since the show debuted in 2009. Original stars Adam Scott, Jane Lynch, Ken Marino, Ryan Hansen, and Martin Starr, plus Season 2 addition Megan Mullally, are reprising their respective roles for the revival series. Lizzy Caplan is the only original actor not returning for the reboot. Check out the trailer below.
The cater-waiter comedy centers on aspiring actor Henry (Scott), whose apathetic bartending skills sustain his dreams of being a Hollywood star. Henry works for Party Down catering company, managed by Ron (Marino). Each episode centered around a different catering job: from Sweet Sixteens to Bar Mitzvahs, funerals to pre-school fundraisers. The series ran for two seasons before being axed in 2010.
“This is not how I envisioned my 40s,” Henry says in the trailer for the highly anticipated revival.
Per the official Season 3 synopsis,...
- 1/26/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The Party Down gang is reuniting to cater even more star-studded parties in the long-awaited third season of the Starz cult classic comedy. Now fans can get their first look at a fresh trailer. Set to debut Friday, February 24 at midnight on the Starz app, Starz streaming, and On Demand platforms, viewers can tune into the linear television debut on Starz at 9 p.m. Et/Pt in the United States and Canada. In the newly unveiled trailer, the talented guest stars are uncovered as Quinta Brunson, Nick Offerman, Bobby Moynihan, Liv Hewson, Dan Bakkedahl, Judy Reyes, Calum Worthy, Fran Kranz, Ki Hong Lee, and Lyric Lewis join the mix. (Credit: Starz) Season 3 is set ten years following the events of 2010’s Season 2 as most of the Party Down team have moved on, including actor and bartender Henry Pollard (Adam Scott). Following a surprise reunion, the gang finds themselves once again...
- 1/26/2023
- TV Insider
We’re mere weeks away from the long overdue return of Starz’s cult hit series “Party Down,” and as the first trailer will prove, we’re delighted to report the gang are all still living that cautionary don’t-move-to-la life, even into their 40s and 50s. I mean, we’re delighted for you, the fans. We feel kind of bad for the characters.
You can see for yourself at the top of the page. It’s been 10 years and ostensibly they’ve all moved on. But after a surprise reunion, the gang find themselves once again stoically enduring the procession of random parties and oddball guests all over Los Angeles.
But time has not exactly been kind. It’s not just that actor/bartender Henry Pollard (Adam Scott) is grappling with the reality that he’s well into his 40s and still doing that for a living. It’s...
You can see for yourself at the top of the page. It’s been 10 years and ostensibly they’ve all moved on. But after a surprise reunion, the gang find themselves once again stoically enduring the procession of random parties and oddball guests all over Los Angeles.
But time has not exactly been kind. It’s not just that actor/bartender Henry Pollard (Adam Scott) is grappling with the reality that he’s well into his 40s and still doing that for a living. It’s...
- 1/26/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Starz is ready to get this party started: It released the official trailer for Party Down, the revival of the cult comedy series from 2009-10. Starz will debut the laugher at midnight on Friday, February 24 on its app and streaming platforms. Its linear debut is set for later that night at 9 Pm Et/Pt on Starz.
The third season will consist of six all-new episodes and take place 10 years later, when most of the Party Down catering team have moved on, including actor/bartender Henry Pollard (Adam Scott). After a surprise reunion, the gang find themselves once again stoically enduring the procession of random parties and oddball guests all over Los Angeles.
Scott reprises his role alongside original cast members Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen and Megan Mullally. New cast members include Jennifer Garner, Tyrel Jackson Williams, Zoë Chao and James Marsden. Guest stars include Dan Bakkedahl,...
The third season will consist of six all-new episodes and take place 10 years later, when most of the Party Down catering team have moved on, including actor/bartender Henry Pollard (Adam Scott). After a surprise reunion, the gang find themselves once again stoically enduring the procession of random parties and oddball guests all over Los Angeles.
Scott reprises his role alongside original cast members Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen and Megan Mullally. New cast members include Jennifer Garner, Tyrel Jackson Williams, Zoë Chao and James Marsden. Guest stars include Dan Bakkedahl,...
- 1/26/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Much has changed in the nearly three years between “Little America” seasons. Back in January 2020, when the half-hour episodic anthology first debuted, Apple TV+ was only in its third month of existence. Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon, and Lee Eisenberg’s adaptation of true stories featured in Epic Magazine was just the streamer’s eighth series. Sian Heder, an executive producer and co-showrunner, was best known for her years writing on “Orange Is the New Black.” An orange-haired cretin still controlled the White House, and American immigration policy was summed up by the enraging phrase “kids in cages.”
Today, Apple TV+ has expanded from drama, comedy, and family programming into unscripted, animation, and live sports. Its shows and movies have won the highest honors in TV and film, including Heder taking home an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Outside the entertainment sphere, an experienced leader has taken over the lease at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,...
Today, Apple TV+ has expanded from drama, comedy, and family programming into unscripted, animation, and live sports. Its shows and movies have won the highest honors in TV and film, including Heder taking home an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Outside the entertainment sphere, an experienced leader has taken over the lease at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,...
- 11/30/2022
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for season two of its BAFTA, Independent Spirit, NAACP Image and GLAAD Media Award-nominated anthology series, ‘Little America.’
Created by Emmy Award nominee Lee Eisenberg and Academy Award winner Siân Heder, the series will return with eight brand new, inspiring stories on Friday, December 9 on Apple TV+.
The series is influenced by true stories featured in Vox Media’s Epic Magazine and aims to share and celebrate the funny, romantic, heartfelt, inspiring and surprising stories of immigrants from all over the world living in America.
Inspired by real stories of immigrants from around the world pursuing their American dream, the highly anticipated second season of “Little America” will feature performances from Phylicia Rashad, Alan S. Kim, Ki Hong Lee and more.
Also in trailers – Whitney Houston struggles with fame in new trailer for ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’
The post Trailer drops for season...
Created by Emmy Award nominee Lee Eisenberg and Academy Award winner Siân Heder, the series will return with eight brand new, inspiring stories on Friday, December 9 on Apple TV+.
The series is influenced by true stories featured in Vox Media’s Epic Magazine and aims to share and celebrate the funny, romantic, heartfelt, inspiring and surprising stories of immigrants from all over the world living in America.
Inspired by real stories of immigrants from around the world pursuing their American dream, the highly anticipated second season of “Little America” will feature performances from Phylicia Rashad, Alan S. Kim, Ki Hong Lee and more.
Also in trailers – Whitney Houston struggles with fame in new trailer for ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’
The post Trailer drops for season...
- 11/15/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Paramount Network shared the official trailer for the fifth season of “Yellowstone,” which returns on Nov. 13 with two episodes. The new trailer opens with Kevin Costner’s John Dutton being sworn in as Governor of Montana, and previews the chaos that immediately follows.
“Yellowstone” comes from “Wind River” director Taylor Sheridan, and the show’s cast alongside Costner includes Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Brecken Merrill, Forrie Smith, Denim Richards, Ian Bohen, Finn Little, Ryan Bingham and Gil Birmingham. Mo Brings Plenty, Wendy Moniz, Jen Landon and Kathryn Kelly have been upped to series regulars. The upcoming season will also feature the return of Josh Lucas as young John Dutton alongside Jacki Weaver, Kylie Rogers and Kyle Red Silverstein with Kai Caster, Lainey Wilson, Lilli Kay and Dawn Olivieri joining the cast.
Watch the trailer below.
Also in today’s television news:
Events
Netflix and...
“Yellowstone” comes from “Wind River” director Taylor Sheridan, and the show’s cast alongside Costner includes Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Brecken Merrill, Forrie Smith, Denim Richards, Ian Bohen, Finn Little, Ryan Bingham and Gil Birmingham. Mo Brings Plenty, Wendy Moniz, Jen Landon and Kathryn Kelly have been upped to series regulars. The upcoming season will also feature the return of Josh Lucas as young John Dutton alongside Jacki Weaver, Kylie Rogers and Kyle Red Silverstein with Kai Caster, Lainey Wilson, Lilli Kay and Dawn Olivieri joining the cast.
Watch the trailer below.
Also in today’s television news:
Events
Netflix and...
- 9/29/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
Apple TV+ is rolling out new seasons of four of the streamer’s popular series before the end of the year.
“The Mosquito Coast” Season 2 will begin rolling out on Nov. 4 with the first episode. New episodes will premiere weekly through Jan. 6. The series is based on Paul Theroux’s best-selling novel and starring Justin Theroux, Melissa George, Logan Polish, and Gabriel Bateman.
In Season 2, after barely escaping Mexico with their lives, the Foxes venture deep into the Guatemalan jungle to meet up with an old friend and her community of refugees. This new refuge creates trouble for the Foxes though when they become entangled in a conflict between the scions of a local drug lord. At odds about whether to settle down or keep moving, Allie and Margot pursue different paths to secure their family’s future.
“Slow Horses” Season 2 will debut about a month later on Dec. 2. The...
“The Mosquito Coast” Season 2 will begin rolling out on Nov. 4 with the first episode. New episodes will premiere weekly through Jan. 6. The series is based on Paul Theroux’s best-selling novel and starring Justin Theroux, Melissa George, Logan Polish, and Gabriel Bateman.
In Season 2, after barely escaping Mexico with their lives, the Foxes venture deep into the Guatemalan jungle to meet up with an old friend and her community of refugees. This new refuge creates trouble for the Foxes though when they become entangled in a conflict between the scions of a local drug lord. At odds about whether to settle down or keep moving, Allie and Margot pursue different paths to secure their family’s future.
“Slow Horses” Season 2 will debut about a month later on Dec. 2. The...
- 9/29/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
Mitchell Slaggert is transferring to Essex College as a new series regular on “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” which is set to return for a sophomore season later this year. He will play Jackson, another student at the prestigious university.
The half-hour dramedy series — co-created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble — stars Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp and Alyah Chanelle Scott as four budding freshman at an Ivy-esque Vermont college. “Sex Lives” follows their trials and tribulations as they navigate new friendships, social clubs and, well, sex.
Slaggert previously appeared in the “Gossip Girl” reboot and 2017’s fantasy horror film “Wish Upon,” opposite Joey King, Ryan Phillippe and Ki Hong Lee. His other credits include “Moss,” “Write When You Get Work” and “Diablo Guardián.” The actor is repped by Aperture Talent Agency and Authentic Talent and Literary Management.
Also Read:
‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ Renewed for...
The half-hour dramedy series — co-created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble — stars Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp and Alyah Chanelle Scott as four budding freshman at an Ivy-esque Vermont college. “Sex Lives” follows their trials and tribulations as they navigate new friendships, social clubs and, well, sex.
Slaggert previously appeared in the “Gossip Girl” reboot and 2017’s fantasy horror film “Wish Upon,” opposite Joey King, Ryan Phillippe and Ki Hong Lee. His other credits include “Moss,” “Write When You Get Work” and “Diablo Guardián.” The actor is repped by Aperture Talent Agency and Authentic Talent and Literary Management.
Also Read:
‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ Renewed for...
- 6/3/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
“E-rank hunter Jinwoo Sung has no money, no talent, and no prospects to speak of—and apparently, no luck, either! When he enters a hidden double dungeon one fateful day, he’s abandoned by his party and left to die at the hands of some of the most horrific monsters he’s ever encountered. But just before the last, fatal blow…” (Hachette Audio)
Establishing itself as an immensely popular title within manhwa, through both original novel series and webtoon adaptation, it is no surprise that “Solo Leveling” was chosen as one of the inaugural series to be released by Yen Audio (partnership between Yen press and Hachette Audio). In addition, the project marks the second audio book narrated by Korean-American actor Ki Hong Lee (“Maze Runner” series) putting a recognizable face that aptly falls in line with the targeted audience (Young Adult). So, How does Yen Audio...
Establishing itself as an immensely popular title within manhwa, through both original novel series and webtoon adaptation, it is no surprise that “Solo Leveling” was chosen as one of the inaugural series to be released by Yen Audio (partnership between Yen press and Hachette Audio). In addition, the project marks the second audio book narrated by Korean-American actor Ki Hong Lee (“Maze Runner” series) putting a recognizable face that aptly falls in line with the targeted audience (Young Adult). So, How does Yen Audio...
- 7/27/2021
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
New York, NY (7/16/21) – Following the June 2021 announcement of actor Ki Hong Lee narrating the Solo Leveling, Vol. 1 audiobook, Yen Press, LLC announced the narrators for the remaining launch series of Yen Audio, a newly created imprint dedicated to audiobook adaptations of light novels. These series include adaptations of some of the most popular light novels from Yen On—Sword Art Online, Overlord, and The Saga of Tanya the Evil.
Sword Art Online, Vol. 1 will be narrated by Bryce Papenbrook. Bryce Papenbrook has been a professional voice-over artist since the age of eight and has since starred in numerous roles, including Kirito from the Sword Art Online anime. Additional noteworthy roles include Inosuke Hashibira from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan. The Sword Art Online, Vol. 1 audiobook is scheduled for an August 2021 release.
Overlord, Vol. 1 will be narrated by Christopher Guerrero. Christopher Guerrero is...
Sword Art Online, Vol. 1 will be narrated by Bryce Papenbrook. Bryce Papenbrook has been a professional voice-over artist since the age of eight and has since starred in numerous roles, including Kirito from the Sword Art Online anime. Additional noteworthy roles include Inosuke Hashibira from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan. The Sword Art Online, Vol. 1 audiobook is scheduled for an August 2021 release.
Overlord, Vol. 1 will be narrated by Christopher Guerrero. Christopher Guerrero is...
- 7/17/2021
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
Dave is back on Fxx, and yes, he’s still embarrassing himself. But now, he’s doing it on a whole new continent! And in front of mega-famous supermodels!
The first half of Wednesday’s Season 2 premiere finds the aspiring rapper in Korea with manager Mike and hype man GaTa, presenting a Korean music award — he tries to point out BTS in the crowd, but oof, it’s not them — and getting ready for his first big music video shoot. He’s lined up Korean pop star Cl to appear on the track, and he even has a Korean intern...
The first half of Wednesday’s Season 2 premiere finds the aspiring rapper in Korea with manager Mike and hype man GaTa, presenting a Korean music award — he tries to point out BTS in the crowd, but oof, it’s not them — and getting ready for his first big music video shoot. He’s lined up Korean pop star Cl to appear on the track, and he even has a Korean intern...
- 6/17/2021
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: The Bleav Podcast Network is launching the new dark comedy podcast The Bystanders starring Jane Lynch and Emmy and Tony Winner Kristin Chenoweth. It will also mark the first scripted podcast from Black Label Media. Heather Morris will also co-star and produce the show with Jaclyn Hales and Ash Lendzion writing, directing and producing the show.
The star-studded cast also includes Oscar Nunez, Ed Westwick, Ki Hong Lee, Michael Hitchcock, Karen Huie, Matt Mattson and Jim Lau.
The Bystanders is the twisted tale about a group of neighbors who witness one of their own get brutally murdered in the courtyard of their apartment complex and do absolutely nothing to stop it, or so we think. As the tenants become suspects themselves, the whodunnit will keep audiences guessing the identity of the real murderer until the very end.
The series also takes a closer look at The Bystander Effect, which...
The star-studded cast also includes Oscar Nunez, Ed Westwick, Ki Hong Lee, Michael Hitchcock, Karen Huie, Matt Mattson and Jim Lau.
The Bystanders is the twisted tale about a group of neighbors who witness one of their own get brutally murdered in the courtyard of their apartment complex and do absolutely nothing to stop it, or so we think. As the tenants become suspects themselves, the whodunnit will keep audiences guessing the identity of the real murderer until the very end.
The series also takes a closer look at The Bystander Effect, which...
- 5/17/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO on Wednesday announced the three finalists of the fourth annual Asian Pacific American Visionaries, a short film competition that showcases cinematic storytellers of Asian and Pacific Islander descent.
The finalists were selected from hundreds of submissions and were judged by a distinguished panel of HBO executives, industry leaders and fellow APA filmmakers. The three winning films exemplified this year’s competition theme: “Breaking Barriers.” Filmmakers Johnson Cheng (“Lonely Blue Night”), Thomas Percy Kim (“Si”), and Tiffany So (“Fine China”), will premiere their films during the virtual 2020 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, on September 25th at 5 p.m. Pt/8 p.m. Et via HBOVisionaries.com.
Below is a description of the finalists and their films:
Johnson Cheng (“Lonely Blue Night”) is a Chinese American filmmaker whose films have screened at over 100 international film festivals, including Tribeca, TIFF Kids, Atlanta, and Palm Springs (Best Student Film Award). He is a...
The finalists were selected from hundreds of submissions and were judged by a distinguished panel of HBO executives, industry leaders and fellow APA filmmakers. The three winning films exemplified this year’s competition theme: “Breaking Barriers.” Filmmakers Johnson Cheng (“Lonely Blue Night”), Thomas Percy Kim (“Si”), and Tiffany So (“Fine China”), will premiere their films during the virtual 2020 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, on September 25th at 5 p.m. Pt/8 p.m. Et via HBOVisionaries.com.
Below is a description of the finalists and their films:
Johnson Cheng (“Lonely Blue Night”) is a Chinese American filmmaker whose films have screened at over 100 international film festivals, including Tribeca, TIFF Kids, Atlanta, and Palm Springs (Best Student Film Award). He is a...
- 9/9/2020
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
"When people see me, they..." "Die?" Gravitas Ventures has unveiled the first official trailer for an indie dark comedy called Looks That Kill, which is landing on VOD soon. The film stars Brandon Flynn as a teenage boy dealing with the ups and downs of being lethally attractive. His face kills - literally! Of course, since this is a teenage story, he meets a girl with her own bizarre ailment, who aids him on his self-discovery quest. Julia Goldani Telles co-stars, with Ki Hong Lee, Annie Mumolo, and Tom Proctor. This doesn't look that cheesy, I have to say, there's an earnestness to it that gives it an edge. Though it's still yet another film about beautiful teens. Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Kellen Moore's Looks That Kill, direct from YouTube: Looks That Kill is a dark comedy about Max Richards (Brandon Flynn), a teenage boy...
- 6/12/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Gravitas Ventures has acquired worldwide distribution rights to “Looks That Kill,” a black comedy starring “13 Reasons Why” actor Brandon Flynn.
Produced by American High, the film stars Flynn, Julia Goldani Telles, Ki Hong Lee (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), and Annie Mumolo.
The project comes from debut writer-director Kellen Moore, and will be available for digital purchase on June 19.
Flynn plays Max Richards, described as a “teenage boy born with a medical condition of being lethally attractive.” After meeting a young woman named Alex with a similar bizarre ailment, Max goes on a journey of self-discovery while attempting to avoid mass casualties.
American High’s Jeremy Garelick, Will Phelps, Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, Glen Trotiner, and Austin Sepulveda are producers on the film. Ryan Bennett and Michael Glassman serve as executive producers.
“Through every step of the filmmaking process it is vital to find partners that believe in your movie as much as you do.
Produced by American High, the film stars Flynn, Julia Goldani Telles, Ki Hong Lee (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), and Annie Mumolo.
The project comes from debut writer-director Kellen Moore, and will be available for digital purchase on June 19.
Flynn plays Max Richards, described as a “teenage boy born with a medical condition of being lethally attractive.” After meeting a young woman named Alex with a similar bizarre ailment, Max goes on a journey of self-discovery while attempting to avoid mass casualties.
American High’s Jeremy Garelick, Will Phelps, Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, Glen Trotiner, and Austin Sepulveda are producers on the film. Ryan Bennett and Michael Glassman serve as executive producers.
“Through every step of the filmmaking process it is vital to find partners that believe in your movie as much as you do.
- 5/4/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Gravitas Ventures has acquired worldwide rights to Looks That Kill, a dark comedy from American High and writer/director Kellen Moore. Set for an on-demand release June 19, the film stars Brandon Flynn, best known from the Netflix teen drama, 13 Reasons Why, Julia Goldani Telles from Showtime’s The Affair, Ki Hong Lee (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), and Annie Mumolo (Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar).
The plot tracks Max Richards (Flynn), a teenage boy born with a medical condition of being lethally attractive, who is changed forever when he meets Alex, a girl with her own bizarre ailment, who aids him on his quest of self-discovery… without accidentally killing someone.
American High’s Jeremy Garelick, Will Phelps, Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, Glen Trotiner, and Austin Sepulveda produced the pic with Ryan Bennett and Michael Glassman serving as executive producers.
Tony Piantedosi, Vice President of Acquisitions at Gravitas Ventures, negotiated...
The plot tracks Max Richards (Flynn), a teenage boy born with a medical condition of being lethally attractive, who is changed forever when he meets Alex, a girl with her own bizarre ailment, who aids him on his quest of self-discovery… without accidentally killing someone.
American High’s Jeremy Garelick, Will Phelps, Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, Glen Trotiner, and Austin Sepulveda produced the pic with Ryan Bennett and Michael Glassman serving as executive producers.
Tony Piantedosi, Vice President of Acquisitions at Gravitas Ventures, negotiated...
- 5/4/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Gravitas Ventures has acquired the worldwide rights to Looks that Kill, setting a June 19 digital release for the high school dark comedy.
The feature follows Max Richards (13 Reasons Why star Brandon Flynn), a teenager born with a medical condition of being lethally attractive, who is changed forever when he meets Alex, a girl with her own bizarre ailment who aids him on his quest of self-discovery — without accidentally killing anyone.
Kellen Moore directed the movie, which also stars Julia Goldani Telles, Ki Hong Lee and Annie Mumolo.
American High’s Jeremy Garelick and Will Phelps produced along with Mickey ...
The feature follows Max Richards (13 Reasons Why star Brandon Flynn), a teenager born with a medical condition of being lethally attractive, who is changed forever when he meets Alex, a girl with her own bizarre ailment who aids him on his quest of self-discovery — without accidentally killing anyone.
Kellen Moore directed the movie, which also stars Julia Goldani Telles, Ki Hong Lee and Annie Mumolo.
American High’s Jeremy Garelick and Will Phelps produced along with Mickey ...
Gravitas Ventures has acquired the worldwide rights to Looks that Kill, setting a June 19 digital release for the high school dark comedy.
The feature follows Max Richards (13 Reasons Why star Brandon Flynn), a teenager born with a medical condition of being lethally attractive, who is changed forever when he meets Alex, a girl with her own bizarre ailment who aids him on his quest of self-discovery — without accidentally killing anyone.
Kellen Moore directed the movie, which also stars Julia Goldani Telles, Ki Hong Lee and Annie Mumolo.
American High’s Jeremy Garelick and Will Phelps produced along with Mickey ...
The feature follows Max Richards (13 Reasons Why star Brandon Flynn), a teenager born with a medical condition of being lethally attractive, who is changed forever when he meets Alex, a girl with her own bizarre ailment who aids him on his quest of self-discovery — without accidentally killing anyone.
Kellen Moore directed the movie, which also stars Julia Goldani Telles, Ki Hong Lee and Annie Mumolo.
American High’s Jeremy Garelick and Will Phelps produced along with Mickey ...
If there’s anyone that’s used to difficult circumstances, it’s the Maze Runner stars.
On Tuesday, several of the cast members from the science-fiction film series, including Kaya Scodelario (Teresa), Dylan O’Brien (Thomas), Will Poulter (Gally), Ki Hong Lee (Minho), Dexter Draden (Frypan) and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Newt) reunited over video chat amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
Scodelario, 28, shared a screenshot from the cast reunion on Instagram. In her caption, the actress threw some slight shade at the third film, which debuted in 2018 to less-than favorable reviews.
“We survived the Glade, the Scorch & whatever the third one was about.
On Tuesday, several of the cast members from the science-fiction film series, including Kaya Scodelario (Teresa), Dylan O’Brien (Thomas), Will Poulter (Gally), Ki Hong Lee (Minho), Dexter Draden (Frypan) and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Newt) reunited over video chat amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
Scodelario, 28, shared a screenshot from the cast reunion on Instagram. In her caption, the actress threw some slight shade at the third film, which debuted in 2018 to less-than favorable reviews.
“We survived the Glade, the Scorch & whatever the third one was about.
- 4/1/2020
- by Eric Todisco
- PEOPLE.com
Russell Sanzgiri’s Counterpart Pictures has optioned the film rights to Tapas Media’s digital comic book “Blink,” Variety has learned exclusively.
The comic, written by former DC Comics editor Rex Ogle and drawn by Eduardo Francisco, focuses on a young African-American girl pushed to the brink — until she screams at the top of her lungs, seemingly causing anything and everything to freeze indefinitely. Alone and afraid, she wanders around New York City while being stalked by an ancient evil entity.
Sanzgiri will executive produce. His credits include Netflix’s “Michael Bolton’s Big, Sexy Valentine’s Day Special” and the Fullscreen series “Guilty Party: History of Lying.” Sanzgiri broke into the business assisting on Spike Jonze’s short films, such as “I’m Here,” starring Andrew Garfield, and “We Were Once a Fairytale,” with Kanye West. Most recently, Sanzgiri served as an executive producer on the documentary “Changing the Game,...
The comic, written by former DC Comics editor Rex Ogle and drawn by Eduardo Francisco, focuses on a young African-American girl pushed to the brink — until she screams at the top of her lungs, seemingly causing anything and everything to freeze indefinitely. Alone and afraid, she wanders around New York City while being stalked by an ancient evil entity.
Sanzgiri will executive produce. His credits include Netflix’s “Michael Bolton’s Big, Sexy Valentine’s Day Special” and the Fullscreen series “Guilty Party: History of Lying.” Sanzgiri broke into the business assisting on Spike Jonze’s short films, such as “I’m Here,” starring Andrew Garfield, and “We Were Once a Fairytale,” with Kanye West. Most recently, Sanzgiri served as an executive producer on the documentary “Changing the Game,...
- 9/26/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
It’s pilot season — when broadcast networks decide which of dozens of prospective shows should become full-fledged series.
TheWrap’s complete network pilot guide will keep you up to speed on the status of every project under consideration by ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. In cases where they’ve already ordered a show to series, we’ll say so.
Check back often for regular updates.
ABC: Comedy / Drama
CBS: Comedy / Drama
The CW: Drama
Fox: Comedy / Drama
NBC: Comedy / Drama
ABC Comedy
Happy Accident
Writer(s): Jon Pollack, Abraham Higginbotham
Director: Kat Coiro
Studio: 20th Century Fox Television/ABC Studios
Logline: Two Pittsburgh families — a father with three adult daughters, and a hotel lounge singer with her med student son — are forced together after a decades-old secret is revealed. (Single camera)
Cast: Matt Walsh, Joanna Garcia Swisher, Vanessa Williams, Elliot Knight, Kether Donohue, Jessie Pinnick, Robert Smith...
TheWrap’s complete network pilot guide will keep you up to speed on the status of every project under consideration by ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. In cases where they’ve already ordered a show to series, we’ll say so.
Check back often for regular updates.
ABC: Comedy / Drama
CBS: Comedy / Drama
The CW: Drama
Fox: Comedy / Drama
NBC: Comedy / Drama
ABC Comedy
Happy Accident
Writer(s): Jon Pollack, Abraham Higginbotham
Director: Kat Coiro
Studio: 20th Century Fox Television/ABC Studios
Logline: Two Pittsburgh families — a father with three adult daughters, and a hotel lounge singer with her med student son — are forced together after a decades-old secret is revealed. (Single camera)
Cast: Matt Walsh, Joanna Garcia Swisher, Vanessa Williams, Elliot Knight, Kether Donohue, Jessie Pinnick, Robert Smith...
- 3/26/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Holly Chou (The Big Sick) is set as the lead, and Cindy Cheung (13 Reasons Why), Stephen Park (In Living Color), Kelly Hu (Arrow), Helen Hong (The Thundermans), Ki Hong Lee (The Maze Runner franchise), Ashley Park (Tales of the City) and John Gemberling (Broad City) round out the series-regular cast of ABC’s single-camera comedy pilot from Emmy-winning Rick & Morty writer Jessica Gao, Imagine Television Studios, ABC Studios and CBS TV Studios.
Written by Gao, who is of Chinese descent, the untitled series is about Janet Zhao (Chou), a first generation Chinese-American woman who struggles to set healthy boundaries with her crazy, exhausting family. When her wealthy grandmother dies and names Janet the sole inheritor, she suddenly finds herself the unwilling new matriarch of the family she’s spent her life trying to keep at arm’s length.
In addition to Chou as Janet, Cheung is Kathy, Park plays Robert,...
Written by Gao, who is of Chinese descent, the untitled series is about Janet Zhao (Chou), a first generation Chinese-American woman who struggles to set healthy boundaries with her crazy, exhausting family. When her wealthy grandmother dies and names Janet the sole inheritor, she suddenly finds herself the unwilling new matriarch of the family she’s spent her life trying to keep at arm’s length.
In addition to Chou as Janet, Cheung is Kathy, Park plays Robert,...
- 3/11/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
"They're not coming out of there unless we make them." Universal has released a new official trailer for the indie drama The Public, the latest film written & directed by Emilio Estevez. This played at the Toronto Film Festival and is finally getting a release in April, even though the first trailer debuted more than a year ago. The title is a reference to a public library in Cincinnati. When an Arctic cold freezes the city, a group of homeless people decide to hold an "occupy" movement and camp out in the library. On top of writing and directing, Estevez also stars as one of the managers. The ensemble cast features Jena Malone, Christian Slater, Alec Baldwin, Taylor Schilling, Gabrielle Union, Michael Kenneth Williams, Jeffrey Wright, Ki Hong Lee, Richard T. Jones, and Jacob Vargas. From the early festival reviews, I've heard this is a very moving, captivating film about modern society,...
- 2/28/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The Public, Emilio Estevez’s latest film as writer, actor and director premiered at the 2018 Toronto Film Festival in Canada. The film stars Christian Slater, Alec Baldwin, Jena Malone, Taylor Schilling, Gabrielle Union, Jeffrey Wright, Michael Kenneth Williams, Ki Hong Lee and Jacob Vargas.
The Public is set to be released in 2019. Dave Sztypuljak was on the carpet talking to the director and his actors, here’s how he got on.
The Public Tiff Press Conference
Plot:
In “the public” an unusually bitter Arctic blast has made its way to downtown Cincinnati and the front doors of the public library where the action of the film takes place. The story revolves around the library patrons, many of whom are homeless, mentally ill and marginalized, as well as an exhausted and overwhelmed staff of librarians who often build emotional connections and a sense of obligation to care for those regular patrons.
The Public is set to be released in 2019. Dave Sztypuljak was on the carpet talking to the director and his actors, here’s how he got on.
The Public Tiff Press Conference
Plot:
In “the public” an unusually bitter Arctic blast has made its way to downtown Cincinnati and the front doors of the public library where the action of the film takes place. The story revolves around the library patrons, many of whom are homeless, mentally ill and marginalized, as well as an exhausted and overwhelmed staff of librarians who often build emotional connections and a sense of obligation to care for those regular patrons.
- 9/19/2018
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
It’s only been a couple of years since his stint on The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt but Ki Hong Lee hasn’t been resting on his laurels since then. In fact he’s been pretty busy even during his run on the show and has been racking up credits in a fairly steady fashion. You won’t find his name appearing like a rash over the internet or on TV or in films, but he’s been plenty busy since assuming the role on Kimmy Schmidt and after. His acting career seems to have slowed down just for the moment but it’s still very much
What has Ki Hong Lee Been Up to Since “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt?”...
What has Ki Hong Lee Been Up to Since “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt?”...
- 7/2/2018
- by Tom
- TVovermind.com
Stars: Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosa Salazar, Aidan Gillen, Walton Goggins, Ki Hong Lee, Barry Pepper, Will Poulter, Patricia Clarkson | Written by T.S. Nowlin | Directed by Wes Ball
This third and final entry in the Maze Runner franchise gives the Ya series a rousing send-off, stream-lining the books’ overly complex plot in favour of a succession of exciting action set-pieces. It might be a little too long at a posterior-troubling two hours and twenty minutes, but better that than splitting the third part of the trilogy into two movies, like certain other dystopian teen movies we could mention.
To its credit, Maze Runner: The Death Cure assumes audiences are already familiar with the events of 2014′s The Maze Runner and 2015′s The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, because otherwise, what are you doing here in the first place? To that end, the film opens in rip-roaring fashion,...
This third and final entry in the Maze Runner franchise gives the Ya series a rousing send-off, stream-lining the books’ overly complex plot in favour of a succession of exciting action set-pieces. It might be a little too long at a posterior-troubling two hours and twenty minutes, but better that than splitting the third part of the trilogy into two movies, like certain other dystopian teen movies we could mention.
To its credit, Maze Runner: The Death Cure assumes audiences are already familiar with the events of 2014′s The Maze Runner and 2015′s The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, because otherwise, what are you doing here in the first place? To that end, the film opens in rip-roaring fashion,...
- 5/28/2018
- by Matthew Turner
- Nerdly
If you’ve watched the “Maze Runner” movies, you know who Dexter Darden is — he plays the ever-present Frypan, a character who, while not quite at the forefront, is always a major player in whatever is going on. And Darden told TheWrap that fans of the book series were not always happy with his involvement with the films.
“Originally, they weren’t very happy, because Frypan in the books wasn’t necessarily a man of color,” Darded explained, describing a phenomenon that has occurred fairly often when a black actor is cast as a character who is not black in the source material. See, for example, Idris Elba in the “Thor” films, which was met with a similarly irrational outcry from some fans at first. But as is usually the case with these sorts of “controversies,” the situation calmed down once the first movie came out.
“So they weren’t really the most excited about that, but Wes Ball and James Dashner had kinda come to the conclusion that, look, in the book it just says that he’s a chubby guy with nappy hair, so it’s like, if Dexter gains 15 pounds he could really be any ethnicity. Although it does say he has red hair. So it was a little bit mixed in the beginning, but since then the fans have literally been the most amazing. Like literally the most amazing, incredible support.”
Also Read: Watch 'Maze Runner: The Death Cure' Cast Honor Trilogy Director Wes Ball (Exclusive Video)
Darden said the eventual positive response only grew when Frypan got into more of the action in “The Death Cure,” which lands on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K today.
“In the third one I think fans are really happy to see me kinda come to the forefront and step up to the plate and really showcase what my abilities are and what I can provide to the character and what I can provide to the team,” Darden said. “And so the outcry on social media, and fan mail as well, has just been incredible and this has been something I’ve been very fortunate to experience.”
Darden told me that earlier in his budding career, the types of roles he was able to audition for and would be offered seemed to, as the story in Hollywood so often goes, be dictated by racial stereotypes — but he seemed to think the situation is improving somewhat.
” ‘Rush Hour’ is my favorite movie of all time, so that’s kind of where I was aspiring to be — in a movie where a black guy can play opposite of an Asian man, and then it becomes one of the biggest franchises in the world. That’s what I love, and I feel like we’ve kinda gotten away from that a little bit, and it became a bit scary, And I was just getting roles and auditions for guys who are just a gangbanger on the corner, or the guy whose father or mother’s abandoned them and they don’t really have a life to look forward to,” Darden said. “But now I think with the cultural diversity and what movies like ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise are doing and ‘Get Out’ and the opportunities that they’re allowing are making that more popular again and giving us the opportunity to play roles outside of the basic stereotype that the black male is categorized in.”
Also Read: Will 'Black Panther' Finally Open Hollywood's Floodgates for More Diverse Studio Movies?
We also discussed the significance of Darden, as a black man, simply existing in Hollywood and as a key part of this film franchise in Donald Trump’s America — a time in which profound political and cultural divides that many had thought, or at least pretended to think, were fading have reasserted themselves in force.
“It’s always been apparent. It’s always been something that’s overwhelming and one of those things that you just kind of have to come to grips with and operate through. I think with the way our country is going now, and that cultural divide being so prevalent, people are becoming a little bit more bold in their beliefs and their racism,” Darden said, before describing how this new “family” he’s developed with his “Maze Runner” castmates has certainly been a boon though all this.
“What I do know is I’m fortunate now to have a platform to keep developing and building myself as an individual to the point where I have a voice, in the sense of speaking out on certain matters — whether the president of the United States is being racist and sexist in this specific moment,” Darden said. “And I have the opportunity to stand up for like a sister like a Rosa Salazar or Kaya Scodelario, or have the bravado to speak up for my brother like a Ki Hong Lee, who is an Asian-American male, and not necessarily feeling like he has to be outcast because of his ethnic and historical or cultural background.
Also Read: Oscars: Jordan Peele Becomes First African-American Winner for Best Original Screenplay
“While also standing alongside a brother like a Dylan O’Brien, who you know is a caucasian male, grew up in the States, who doesn’t believe in those kinds of things. We can stand by each other and have each other’s support. And that’s one of the things that’s so beautiful about “Maze Runner” and my castmates, who I love and who will be my family for the rest of my life, is that we always will have each other’s backs, regardless of the color of our skin or where we come from.”
Read original story ‘Maze Runner’ Star Dexter Darden Talks the Initial Negative Response to His Casting, and Surviving Trump’s America At TheWrap...
“Originally, they weren’t very happy, because Frypan in the books wasn’t necessarily a man of color,” Darded explained, describing a phenomenon that has occurred fairly often when a black actor is cast as a character who is not black in the source material. See, for example, Idris Elba in the “Thor” films, which was met with a similarly irrational outcry from some fans at first. But as is usually the case with these sorts of “controversies,” the situation calmed down once the first movie came out.
“So they weren’t really the most excited about that, but Wes Ball and James Dashner had kinda come to the conclusion that, look, in the book it just says that he’s a chubby guy with nappy hair, so it’s like, if Dexter gains 15 pounds he could really be any ethnicity. Although it does say he has red hair. So it was a little bit mixed in the beginning, but since then the fans have literally been the most amazing. Like literally the most amazing, incredible support.”
Also Read: Watch 'Maze Runner: The Death Cure' Cast Honor Trilogy Director Wes Ball (Exclusive Video)
Darden said the eventual positive response only grew when Frypan got into more of the action in “The Death Cure,” which lands on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K today.
“In the third one I think fans are really happy to see me kinda come to the forefront and step up to the plate and really showcase what my abilities are and what I can provide to the character and what I can provide to the team,” Darden said. “And so the outcry on social media, and fan mail as well, has just been incredible and this has been something I’ve been very fortunate to experience.”
Darden told me that earlier in his budding career, the types of roles he was able to audition for and would be offered seemed to, as the story in Hollywood so often goes, be dictated by racial stereotypes — but he seemed to think the situation is improving somewhat.
” ‘Rush Hour’ is my favorite movie of all time, so that’s kind of where I was aspiring to be — in a movie where a black guy can play opposite of an Asian man, and then it becomes one of the biggest franchises in the world. That’s what I love, and I feel like we’ve kinda gotten away from that a little bit, and it became a bit scary, And I was just getting roles and auditions for guys who are just a gangbanger on the corner, or the guy whose father or mother’s abandoned them and they don’t really have a life to look forward to,” Darden said. “But now I think with the cultural diversity and what movies like ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise are doing and ‘Get Out’ and the opportunities that they’re allowing are making that more popular again and giving us the opportunity to play roles outside of the basic stereotype that the black male is categorized in.”
Also Read: Will 'Black Panther' Finally Open Hollywood's Floodgates for More Diverse Studio Movies?
We also discussed the significance of Darden, as a black man, simply existing in Hollywood and as a key part of this film franchise in Donald Trump’s America — a time in which profound political and cultural divides that many had thought, or at least pretended to think, were fading have reasserted themselves in force.
“It’s always been apparent. It’s always been something that’s overwhelming and one of those things that you just kind of have to come to grips with and operate through. I think with the way our country is going now, and that cultural divide being so prevalent, people are becoming a little bit more bold in their beliefs and their racism,” Darden said, before describing how this new “family” he’s developed with his “Maze Runner” castmates has certainly been a boon though all this.
“What I do know is I’m fortunate now to have a platform to keep developing and building myself as an individual to the point where I have a voice, in the sense of speaking out on certain matters — whether the president of the United States is being racist and sexist in this specific moment,” Darden said. “And I have the opportunity to stand up for like a sister like a Rosa Salazar or Kaya Scodelario, or have the bravado to speak up for my brother like a Ki Hong Lee, who is an Asian-American male, and not necessarily feeling like he has to be outcast because of his ethnic and historical or cultural background.
Also Read: Oscars: Jordan Peele Becomes First African-American Winner for Best Original Screenplay
“While also standing alongside a brother like a Dylan O’Brien, who you know is a caucasian male, grew up in the States, who doesn’t believe in those kinds of things. We can stand by each other and have each other’s support. And that’s one of the things that’s so beautiful about “Maze Runner” and my castmates, who I love and who will be my family for the rest of my life, is that we always will have each other’s backs, regardless of the color of our skin or where we come from.”
Read original story ‘Maze Runner’ Star Dexter Darden Talks the Initial Negative Response to His Casting, and Surviving Trump’s America At TheWrap...
- 4/24/2018
- by Phil Owen
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Brandon Flynn (13 Reasons Why), Julia Goldani Telles (The Affair), and Ki Hong Lee (Maze Runner franchise) are set to lead the American High’s third feature, Looks The Kill, the feature directorial debut from Kellen Moore, who also penned the screenplay. Will Phelps, Glen Trotiner, Austin Sepulveda, and Jeremy Garelick are producing the pic, which will go before cameras this month. The film tells the story of sixteen-year-old Max Richards who is forced to live…...
- 3/22/2018
- Deadline
This week, the Cinemaholics are back to review Maze Runner: The Death Cure, the third and final installment of the Ya franchise starring Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo Esposito, Patricia Clarkson, Ki Hong Lee, Aidan Gillen and many others. Is it worth running back into the maze though, or should even the biggest fans steer clear of getting infected by this movie? As always, the Cinemaholics have opinions.
Later in the show, the gang also reviews Hostiles, a dour western directed by Scott Cooper and starring Christian Bale, Wes Studi, and Rosamund Pike, and Will unpacks the new Sundance dramedy Please Stand By starring Dakota Fanning and Alice Eve.
Finally, Jon raves about the new CW superhero show Black Lightning starring Cress Williams, China Anne McClain, and Nafessa Williams, Will gets to talk about the animation wonder The Breadwinner, directed by Nora Twomey and recently nominated for an Oscar,...
Later in the show, the gang also reviews Hostiles, a dour western directed by Scott Cooper and starring Christian Bale, Wes Studi, and Rosamund Pike, and Will unpacks the new Sundance dramedy Please Stand By starring Dakota Fanning and Alice Eve.
Finally, Jon raves about the new CW superhero show Black Lightning starring Cress Williams, China Anne McClain, and Nafessa Williams, Will gets to talk about the animation wonder The Breadwinner, directed by Nora Twomey and recently nominated for an Oscar,...
- 1/28/2018
- by Jon Negroni
- We Got This Covered
Stars: Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosa Salazar, Aidan Gillen, Walton Goggins, Ki Hong Lee, Barry Pepper, Will Poulter, Patricia Clarkson | Written by T.S. Nowlin | Directed by Wes Ball
This third and final entry in the Maze Runner franchise gives the Ya series a rousing send-off, stream-lining the books’ overly complex plot in favour of a succession of exciting action set-pieces. It might be a little too long at a posterior-troubling two hours and twenty minutes, but better that than splitting the third part of the trilogy into two movies, like certain other dystopian teen movies we could mention.
To its credit, Maze Runner: The Death Cure assumes audiences are already familiar with the events of 2014′s The Maze Runner and 2015′s The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, because otherwise, what are you doing here in the first place? To that end, the film opens in rip-roaring fashion,...
This third and final entry in the Maze Runner franchise gives the Ya series a rousing send-off, stream-lining the books’ overly complex plot in favour of a succession of exciting action set-pieces. It might be a little too long at a posterior-troubling two hours and twenty minutes, but better that than splitting the third part of the trilogy into two movies, like certain other dystopian teen movies we could mention.
To its credit, Maze Runner: The Death Cure assumes audiences are already familiar with the events of 2014′s The Maze Runner and 2015′s The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, because otherwise, what are you doing here in the first place? To that end, the film opens in rip-roaring fashion,...
- 1/26/2018
- by Matthew Turner
- Nerdly
Chicago – The third part of the “Maze Runner” trilogy is called “The Death Cure,” and that cure best describes the faint pulse of this run-out-of-steam dystopia aimed at “young adults.” It is mostly warring and not much more, except for a stab (literally) at misplaced emotion.
Rating: 2.0/5.0
The trilogy started out with promise, as they are based on a novel series by James Dashner. The first film had a drawing-back-the-curtain effect, promising that perhaps the strange maze our heroes had to go through was some sort of mind experiment. But by the second film, that effect turned into a literal and bizarre adventure in a post-apocalyptic world, a kiddie “Mad Max.” The third installment continues the second film concept, and ups the ante. More big bang effects, more guns, more 20-year-olds-portraying-teenagers-as-virus-survivalists, and less of anything to really latch onto. This is the Maze Runner film for completists only.
The film...
Rating: 2.0/5.0
The trilogy started out with promise, as they are based on a novel series by James Dashner. The first film had a drawing-back-the-curtain effect, promising that perhaps the strange maze our heroes had to go through was some sort of mind experiment. But by the second film, that effect turned into a literal and bizarre adventure in a post-apocalyptic world, a kiddie “Mad Max.” The third installment continues the second film concept, and ups the ante. More big bang effects, more guns, more 20-year-olds-portraying-teenagers-as-virus-survivalists, and less of anything to really latch onto. This is the Maze Runner film for completists only.
The film...
- 1/26/2018
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
On no, not more dystopia! The third and final chapter in the Maze Runner trilogy comes at a time when worst-case-scenario Ya sci-fi series seems redundant – why imagine terrible futures when we have Trump to remind us that the end of the world is coming? Still, completists will make sure that The Death Cure shows some life at the box office. Fans of the franchise's talented star Dylan O'Brien will want to see the 26-year-old actor return to home base after suffering a serious stunt-related injury while filming the sequel...
- 1/26/2018
- Rollingstone.com
It’s kind of a slow month at the movies, so join me in a cinema experiment (cue Kenneth Strickfaden’s sparking, buzzing Frankenstein lab equipment). That’s because this weekend’s new flick is a real rarity for this time of year: a franchise entry. To be more precise, it’s the third part of a trilogy based upon (oh oh) a popular series of young adult novels (that sends a chill up my spine, only matched by the name “Nicholas Sparks”). And its setting is a most familiar backdrop for such stories, a dystopian future. The first one came out in 2014, followed a year later by the middle entry. But why the nearly three-year wait? Being “heavy” on the action stunts, the leading man was injured on the set, forcing a lengthy shut down. Will this derail its momentum? Well, generally January is the “multiplex graveyard” where franchise flicks come to die.
- 1/26/2018
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
MaryAnn’s quick take… The Auto-Tuned boy-band version of the apocalypse. You will forgive that every plot point that isn’t a cliché is in fact a plot hole because the hero is so dreamy and impossibly perfect, right? I’m “biast” (pro): nothing
I’m “biast” (con): not a fan of the previous films
I have not read the source material
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto) women’s participation in this film
(learn more about this)
So, a bunch of kids — okay, just boys — are trapped in a mysterious Glade at the center of a massive Maze, and there are monsters in the Maze that keep them inside. Also, the Maze is constantly changing configuration. Also too, they all have amnesia so they don’t know who they are. Some of them have been there for years. Then Thomas arrives, and he is the Hero,...
I’m “biast” (con): not a fan of the previous films
I have not read the source material
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto) women’s participation in this film
(learn more about this)
So, a bunch of kids — okay, just boys — are trapped in a mysterious Glade at the center of a massive Maze, and there are monsters in the Maze that keep them inside. Also, the Maze is constantly changing configuration. Also too, they all have amnesia so they don’t know who they are. Some of them have been there for years. Then Thomas arrives, and he is the Hero,...
- 1/24/2018
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Author: Stefan Pape
The release date for the third, and final instalment into the popular Maze Runner franchise had to be pushed back a year following the serious on-set accident involving the film’s leading star Dylan O’Brien. In turn, this Wes Ball endeavour feels even more timely, released at a time when as a society we seem more inclined to be building walls as opposed to breaking them down – injecting a greater deal of profundity to a narrative that gives the power to the disenfranchised.
You would have imagined that the Gladers had overcome their biggest puzzle yet, after they first arrived on the maze, desperate to find a way out – but it seems that they’re about to embark on a monumental task, in a bid to save their dearest friends from the clutches of Ava Paige (Patricia Clarkson) and Janson (Aidan Gillen). Under the guidance, and...
The release date for the third, and final instalment into the popular Maze Runner franchise had to be pushed back a year following the serious on-set accident involving the film’s leading star Dylan O’Brien. In turn, this Wes Ball endeavour feels even more timely, released at a time when as a society we seem more inclined to be building walls as opposed to breaking them down – injecting a greater deal of profundity to a narrative that gives the power to the disenfranchised.
You would have imagined that the Gladers had overcome their biggest puzzle yet, after they first arrived on the maze, desperate to find a way out – but it seems that they’re about to embark on a monumental task, in a bid to save their dearest friends from the clutches of Ava Paige (Patricia Clarkson) and Janson (Aidan Gillen). Under the guidance, and...
- 1/22/2018
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The leads of Maze Runner: The Death Cure attended a fan screening of the new film on Thursday. Maze Runner: The Death Cure Cast Attends Fan Screening The third film in the Maze Runner trilogy hits theaters on Jan. 26, but offered a special pre-premiere screening to fans of the franchise. Ki Hong Lee, Dexter Darden, Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Will […]
Source: uInterview
The post ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ Cast Attends Fan Screening appeared first on uInterview.
Source: uInterview
The post ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ Cast Attends Fan Screening appeared first on uInterview.
- 1/20/2018
- by Hillary Luehring-Jones
- Uinterview
The Death Cure is the best of a not great movie franchise...
The Maze Runner is a strange franchise. Languishing at the tail-end of the dystopian Ya craze, it’s a Frankenstein’s monster of things we’ve all seen before, yet the films themselves are so average that no one really notices when a new one reaches cinemas. It’s faired better than sister property Divergent, which never got to finish, but it’s still a world away from your Potters and Hunger Games.
The Death Cure brings its own baggage to the table, of crouse, finally reaching our screens a full year later than planned due to a serious on-set accident that led to star Dylan O’Brien being hospitalised.
After a rescue mission fails to retrieve Minho (Ki Hong Lee) Thomas (O’Brien), Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) and the others plan to break into Wckd headquarters. Meanwhile, Teresa...
The Maze Runner is a strange franchise. Languishing at the tail-end of the dystopian Ya craze, it’s a Frankenstein’s monster of things we’ve all seen before, yet the films themselves are so average that no one really notices when a new one reaches cinemas. It’s faired better than sister property Divergent, which never got to finish, but it’s still a world away from your Potters and Hunger Games.
The Death Cure brings its own baggage to the table, of crouse, finally reaching our screens a full year later than planned due to a serious on-set accident that led to star Dylan O’Brien being hospitalised.
After a rescue mission fails to retrieve Minho (Ki Hong Lee) Thomas (O’Brien), Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) and the others plan to break into Wckd headquarters. Meanwhile, Teresa...
- 1/17/2018
- Den of Geek
Sneak Peek more new footage from the 'dystopian" science fiction thriller "Maze Runner: The Death Cure", directed by Wes Ball, based on the final book in "The Maze Runner" trilogy, opening January 26, 2018, plus take a look @ Boom! Studios' "Maze Runner: The Death Cure Prelude", now available:
"...in the conclusion to the 'Maze Runner' trilogy, 'Thomas' leads his group of escaped 'Gladers' on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary 'Last City', a labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all. Anyone who makes it out alive will get answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived..."
Cast includes Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Dexter Darden, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Walton Goggins, Ki Hong Lee, Jacob Lofland, Barry Pepper, Wll Poulter, Rosa Salazar and Patricia Clarkson.
Boom! Studios' graphic novel,...
"...in the conclusion to the 'Maze Runner' trilogy, 'Thomas' leads his group of escaped 'Gladers' on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary 'Last City', a labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all. Anyone who makes it out alive will get answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived..."
Cast includes Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Dexter Darden, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Walton Goggins, Ki Hong Lee, Jacob Lofland, Barry Pepper, Wll Poulter, Rosa Salazar and Patricia Clarkson.
Boom! Studios' graphic novel,...
- 1/13/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
"We're a public library, we're not a shelter for the homeless." The first trailer has debuted for the latest film written & directed by Emilio Estevez (where has he been all this time?) titled The Public, which is a reference to a public library in Cincinnati. On top of writing & directing, Estevez also stars as one of the managers of the library. When an Arctic cold comes into the city, a group of homeless people decide to hold an "occupy" movement and camp out in the library. The full cast features Jena Malone, Christian Slater, Alec Baldwin, Taylor Schilling, Gabrielle Union, Michael Kenneth Williams, Jeffrey Wright, Ki Hong Lee, Richard T. Jones, and Jacob Vargas. This actually seems like a fascinating take on this kind of story. Pretty much every public library in every city has to deal with homeless people, and yet this seems to show how important this place...
- 1/5/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Stars: Joey King, Ryan Phillippe, Ki Hong Lee, Mitchell Slaggert, Shannon Purser, Sydney Park, Elisabeth Rohm, Josephine Langford, Alexander Nunez, Sherilyn Fenn | Written by Barbara Marshall | Directed by John R Leonetti
You get what you wish for. It’s a trope that has proliferated movies and literature since the dawn of time. When the concept is done well it typically leads to taut, thrilling movies; when its done wrong… Well you get films like Gremlin.
Wish Upon, whilst not a fantastic example of the genre, is not Gremlin-level bad, but it’s not without its problems. The main of which is a ridiculously selfish lead character whose actions belie what is supposed to be a good natured teen struggling with high school. Think Mean Girls but with death, murder, a monkeys paw (yes, for that is the central conceit All these movies take from) and a lot of dead people.
You get what you wish for. It’s a trope that has proliferated movies and literature since the dawn of time. When the concept is done well it typically leads to taut, thrilling movies; when its done wrong… Well you get films like Gremlin.
Wish Upon, whilst not a fantastic example of the genre, is not Gremlin-level bad, but it’s not without its problems. The main of which is a ridiculously selfish lead character whose actions belie what is supposed to be a good natured teen struggling with high school. Think Mean Girls but with death, murder, a monkeys paw (yes, for that is the central conceit All these movies take from) and a lot of dead people.
- 1/3/2018
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Sneak Peek footage from the 'dystopian" science fiction thriller "Maze Runner: The Death Cure", directed by Wes Ball, based on the final book in "The Maze Runner" trilogy, opening January 26, 2018, plus take a look @ Boom! Studios' "Maze Runner: The Death Cure Prelude", now available:
"...in the conclusion to the 'Maze Runner' trilogy, 'Thomas' leads his group of escaped 'Gladers' on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary 'Last City', a labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all. Anyone who makes it out alive will get answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived..."
Cast includes Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Dexter Darden, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Walton Goggins, Ki Hong Lee, Jacob Lofland, Barry Pepper, Wll Poulter, Rosa Salazar and Patricia Clarkson.
Boom! Studios' graphic novel, "Maze Runner: The Death Cure...
"...in the conclusion to the 'Maze Runner' trilogy, 'Thomas' leads his group of escaped 'Gladers' on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary 'Last City', a labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all. Anyone who makes it out alive will get answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived..."
Cast includes Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Dexter Darden, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Walton Goggins, Ki Hong Lee, Jacob Lofland, Barry Pepper, Wll Poulter, Rosa Salazar and Patricia Clarkson.
Boom! Studios' graphic novel, "Maze Runner: The Death Cure...
- 12/19/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
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