As one might expect, SNL alums David Spade and Dana Carvey have feelings about that upcoming Chris Farley biopic. The two SNL alums were, of course, colleagues and friends of Farley’s, and are understandably protective of his legacy.
“I don’t know how I’m…” Spade says hesitantly in a just-released episode of their Superfly podcast. “[I’m] a little ambivalent about it. I don’t know.”
“I had heard some whispers about this for a long time. I’ve run into this guy Paul,” Spade says of actor Paul Walter Hauser, who is set to star as Farley in the film. “He’s a very nice guy. I think he’s been wanting to do this for a while.”
Carvey voices tentative support for the project, saying “In all seriousness, I wish [Hauser] the best. I think it’s great.” But he also makes sure to note the difficulty of portraying someone like Farley.
“I don’t know how I’m…” Spade says hesitantly in a just-released episode of their Superfly podcast. “[I’m] a little ambivalent about it. I don’t know.”
“I had heard some whispers about this for a long time. I’ve run into this guy Paul,” Spade says of actor Paul Walter Hauser, who is set to star as Farley in the film. “He’s a very nice guy. I think he’s been wanting to do this for a while.”
Carvey voices tentative support for the project, saying “In all seriousness, I wish [Hauser] the best. I think it’s great.” But he also makes sure to note the difficulty of portraying someone like Farley.
- 4/19/2024
- by Nick Riccardo
- LateNighter
Exclusive: Adriyan Rae lands recurring role on Netflix’s Forever created by Mara Brock Akil.
Forever is a reimagination of the 1975 novel by Judy Blume and follows the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities through the awkward — and moving — journey of being each other’s firsts in 2018 Los Angeles. Like its inspiration, the show will examine “the idea of your first love being with you forever,” said Brock Akil, who created acclaimed stories of Black love and growth like sitcom Girlfriends and drama Being Mary Jane. She was also a writer on the YA comedy Moesha.
Oscar winner Regina King (One Night in Miami) will serve as executive producer and will direct the first episode.
Rae will portray Brittany, one of Keisha’s older cousins, and is described as a social climber who looks out for Keisha and her well-being like an older sister—even if...
Forever is a reimagination of the 1975 novel by Judy Blume and follows the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities through the awkward — and moving — journey of being each other’s firsts in 2018 Los Angeles. Like its inspiration, the show will examine “the idea of your first love being with you forever,” said Brock Akil, who created acclaimed stories of Black love and growth like sitcom Girlfriends and drama Being Mary Jane. She was also a writer on the YA comedy Moesha.
Oscar winner Regina King (One Night in Miami) will serve as executive producer and will direct the first episode.
Rae will portray Brittany, one of Keisha’s older cousins, and is described as a social climber who looks out for Keisha and her well-being like an older sister—even if...
- 4/2/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Tubi’s upcoming titles for April include five new Tubi Originals:
YA comedy Crushed, starring Bebe Wood Two titles timed to the 110th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking – a documentary, Mysteries From The Grave: The Titanic, and a horror film, Titanic 666, starring AnnaLynne McCord (“90210”), Keesha Sharp (“Empire”) and Jamie Bamber (“Battlestar Galactica”) Action movie Lord Of The Streets, featuring
Mma stars Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Anderson Silva.
The action sci-fi film Corrective Measures, starring Michael Rooker (“The Walking Dead”), Bruce Willis (“The Sixth Sense”) and Tom Cavanaugh (“The Flash”)
Unless otherwise noted, all titles below will begin streaming on April 1.
Tubi Originals
Crushed – 4/1 – After the hottest guy in school likes her Instagram photo, a high-achieving, high-strung high school girl carries out totally crazy schemes to hook up with him before the senior class trip ends. But things spiral when her obsession gets out of control.
Mysteries From...
YA comedy Crushed, starring Bebe Wood Two titles timed to the 110th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking – a documentary, Mysteries From The Grave: The Titanic, and a horror film, Titanic 666, starring AnnaLynne McCord (“90210”), Keesha Sharp (“Empire”) and Jamie Bamber (“Battlestar Galactica”) Action movie Lord Of The Streets, featuring
Mma stars Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Anderson Silva.
The action sci-fi film Corrective Measures, starring Michael Rooker (“The Walking Dead”), Bruce Willis (“The Sixth Sense”) and Tom Cavanaugh (“The Flash”)
Unless otherwise noted, all titles below will begin streaming on April 1.
Tubi Originals
Crushed – 4/1 – After the hottest guy in school likes her Instagram photo, a high-achieving, high-strung high school girl carries out totally crazy schemes to hook up with him before the senior class trip ends. But things spiral when her obsession gets out of control.
Mysteries From...
- 4/1/2024
- by Stephen Nepa
- Age of the Nerd
The “Suits” spinoff pilot set in Los Angeles at NBC has cast Lex Scott Davis in a lead role, Variety has learned.
Davis joins previously announced cast members Stephen Amell and Josh McDermitt in the pilot, which looks to expand on the success of the USA Network series “Suits” following its remarkable resurgence on streaming in recent months.
The official description of the pilot states: “Ted Black (Amell), a former federal prosecutor from New York, has reinvented himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles. His firm is at a crisis point, and in order to survive he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career. Ted is surrounded by a stellar group of characters who test their loyalties to both Ted and each other while they can’t help but mix their personal and professional lives. All of this is going on while events from...
Davis joins previously announced cast members Stephen Amell and Josh McDermitt in the pilot, which looks to expand on the success of the USA Network series “Suits” following its remarkable resurgence on streaming in recent months.
The official description of the pilot states: “Ted Black (Amell), a former federal prosecutor from New York, has reinvented himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles. His firm is at a crisis point, and in order to survive he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career. Ted is surrounded by a stellar group of characters who test their loyalties to both Ted and each other while they can’t help but mix their personal and professional lives. All of this is going on while events from...
- 2/28/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Even the most die-hard 007 fans know that James Bond movies don’t always hit. There’s the yellow face of You Only Live Twice, the pigeon double-take in Moonraker, the surfing in Die Another Day. But never has the franchise done worse than when a certain Louisiana police officer bumbles into the otherwise solid Live and Let Die.
Yes, I’m talking about Sheriff J.W. Pepper, a loudmouth distraction who sort of makes sense in the American-set Live and Let Die, but then he somehow also shows up in Thailand to further drag down The Man With the Golden Gun.
Modern viewers meeting the character for the first time today will likely be confused by Pepper’s shtick. But to the viewers of the early 1970s, Pepper not only hit as a funny joke, but he was very much in line with Bond’s history of pop culture Johnny-come-latelyisms.
Yes, I’m talking about Sheriff J.W. Pepper, a loudmouth distraction who sort of makes sense in the American-set Live and Let Die, but then he somehow also shows up in Thailand to further drag down The Man With the Golden Gun.
Modern viewers meeting the character for the first time today will likely be confused by Pepper’s shtick. But to the viewers of the early 1970s, Pepper not only hit as a funny joke, but he was very much in line with Bond’s history of pop culture Johnny-come-latelyisms.
- 2/23/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
The Creator and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse have earned seven nominations apiece for the upcoming 22nd Annual Ves Awards in Los Angeles.
Nominees in 25 categories (including TV and commercials which are not included in this report) were selected by Visual Effects Society members at 39 in-person and virtual nomination events conducted worldwide over a 36-hour continuous process.
The nominations protocol included a review of each awards submission including “Befores and Afters” by a minimum of three different judging panels. Participating Ves members on the panels represented 25 countries.
The winners will be announced at the ceremony on February 21 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
Nominees in 25 categories (including TV and commercials which are not included in this report) were selected by Visual Effects Society members at 39 in-person and virtual nomination events conducted worldwide over a 36-hour continuous process.
The nominations protocol included a review of each awards submission including “Befores and Afters” by a minimum of three different judging panels. Participating Ves members on the panels represented 25 countries.
The winners will be announced at the ceremony on February 21 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
- 1/16/2024
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Amazon Studios is vehemently denying it considered using artificial intelligence to complete its upcoming “Road House” sequel starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
Variety on Thursday reported that film producer Joel Silver was pulled from “Road House” and another upcoming Amazon movie, “Play Dirty,” over accusations he had berated MGM marketing head Sue Kroll and the relatively new Amazon film head Courtenay Valenti.
Individuals identified only as “sources close to Silver” told Variety a different story: Silver was penalized by the studio for “raising concerns about Amazon wanting to use AI to finish ‘Road House’ production during the strike,” they say.
When reached, Amazon did not issue a statement — but a rep strongly denied to IndieWire that the studio wanted to use AI. The rep says only there is not an “ounce” of truth to the claim. Production on “Road House” wrapped in October 2022, and additional shooting took place for two days in...
Variety on Thursday reported that film producer Joel Silver was pulled from “Road House” and another upcoming Amazon movie, “Play Dirty,” over accusations he had berated MGM marketing head Sue Kroll and the relatively new Amazon film head Courtenay Valenti.
Individuals identified only as “sources close to Silver” told Variety a different story: Silver was penalized by the studio for “raising concerns about Amazon wanting to use AI to finish ‘Road House’ production during the strike,” they say.
When reached, Amazon did not issue a statement — but a rep strongly denied to IndieWire that the studio wanted to use AI. The rep says only there is not an “ounce” of truth to the claim. Production on “Road House” wrapped in October 2022, and additional shooting took place for two days in...
- 11/30/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Updated with statement from Silver’s rep: Iconic producer Joel Silver has been fired from the forthcoming Amazon film Play Dirty, Deadline can confirm. While the decision reportedly stemmed from alleged verbal abuse on Silver’s part toward studio execs over creative differences, Amazon has declined to comment.
The first of a number of projects in the works at Amazon centered on the Parker crime novels by Donald E. Westlake, which were written under the pen name Richard Stark, Play Dirty was at one point supposed to star Robert Downey Jr., sources said, but while he’s no longer involved in that capacity, with Mark Wahlberg now attached to star, Downey remains aboard to produce for Team Downey and had left the project well ahead of the fallout with Silver. The project was set to reunite Silver with writer-director Shane Black following their work together on such titles as The Nice Guys, Predator,...
The first of a number of projects in the works at Amazon centered on the Parker crime novels by Donald E. Westlake, which were written under the pen name Richard Stark, Play Dirty was at one point supposed to star Robert Downey Jr., sources said, but while he’s no longer involved in that capacity, with Mark Wahlberg now attached to star, Downey remains aboard to produce for Team Downey and had left the project well ahead of the fallout with Silver. The project was set to reunite Silver with writer-director Shane Black following their work together on such titles as The Nice Guys, Predator,...
- 11/30/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
For the past few years, Joel Silver has kept a relatively low profile, his most recent credit on the little-seen “SuperFly” remake of 2018. Still, the hard-charging producer behind some of the biggest hits of the ’80s and ’90s was attempting to mount a comeback. And his prospects looked promising with a series of feature film and TV projects at Amazon that were based on Donald E. Westlake’s Parker noir crime novels.
Alas, the Silver comeback has hit a snag. Sources say Amazon has fired the polarizing Hollywood figure from at least two films — one starring Mark Wahlberg, the other Jake Gyllenhaal — for being verbally abusive to two female executives. But sources close to Silver say Amazon is retaliating against the producer after he pushed back on the studio’s calls to use artificial intelligence to finish a movie during the strike. Amid the chaos, Silver’s longtime friend Robert Downey Jr....
Alas, the Silver comeback has hit a snag. Sources say Amazon has fired the polarizing Hollywood figure from at least two films — one starring Mark Wahlberg, the other Jake Gyllenhaal — for being verbally abusive to two female executives. But sources close to Silver say Amazon is retaliating against the producer after he pushed back on the studio’s calls to use artificial intelligence to finish a movie during the strike. Amid the chaos, Silver’s longtime friend Robert Downey Jr....
- 11/30/2023
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Variety Film + TV
We love rock & roll, and so do most moviegoers, which is why cinema is filled with heroes who get together with their friends to pound out some numbers. Whether they do it for fame and fortune or to just hang out with buddies, pop bands are inherently cinematic, tying together moving images and sound to create something spectacular. That’s particularly true of fictional groups, who often draw from real-world inspirations and transform them into moving protagonists or hated villains.
This list covers ten of the best fictional bands in cinema history. The key word here is “bands,” as we ignore solo acts, even from really good films. So Mac Sledge from Tender Mercies won’t show up, nor will Noni Jean from Beyond the Lights. Also, we’re looking at fictional groups here, so the Ramones from Rock & Roll High School don’t show up, nor do Talking Heads,...
This list covers ten of the best fictional bands in cinema history. The key word here is “bands,” as we ignore solo acts, even from really good films. So Mac Sledge from Tender Mercies won’t show up, nor will Noni Jean from Beyond the Lights. Also, we’re looking at fictional groups here, so the Ramones from Rock & Roll High School don’t show up, nor do Talking Heads,...
- 9/26/2023
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
New Canadian Black talent faces many obstacles to making real inroads on film and TV sets, some hidden or barely acknowledged.
But music video-turned-film and TV director Julien Christian Lutz – also known as “Hotline Bling” helmer Director X – sees one barrier in plain sight and easily surmounted: offering support and guidance to emerging Black talent so they can know their way around Canadian film and TV sets.
“You walk onto those sets and into those writing rooms, they’re very white places,” Lutz, co-founder and managing partner of indie banner Fela, told The Hollywood Reporter ahead of a Toronto Film Festival panel on Sept. 11, entitled Empowering Rising Voices: Advocating for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Through Film, and presented by indeed.
Training Black talent is required across the industry, in front and behind the camera. “We have a talent pool that’s been neglected. They haven’t had the experience they need.
But music video-turned-film and TV director Julien Christian Lutz – also known as “Hotline Bling” helmer Director X – sees one barrier in plain sight and easily surmounted: offering support and guidance to emerging Black talent so they can know their way around Canadian film and TV sets.
“You walk onto those sets and into those writing rooms, they’re very white places,” Lutz, co-founder and managing partner of indie banner Fela, told The Hollywood Reporter ahead of a Toronto Film Festival panel on Sept. 11, entitled Empowering Rising Voices: Advocating for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Through Film, and presented by indeed.
Training Black talent is required across the industry, in front and behind the camera. “We have a talent pool that’s been neglected. They haven’t had the experience they need.
- 9/10/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The first four recipients of the 2023 Legacy Awards have been revealed.
On Tuesday, the founders of The Black Academy – actors, producers and Scarborough-born brothers, Shamier Anderson and Stephan James – alongside Insight Productions and CBC, announced the first four Canadian stars set to receive their flowers at the second annual awards show: Canadian screen industry godmother Tonya Williams; legendary filmmaker Julien Christian Lutz, better known as Director X; platinum-selling artist Jully Black; and rising star Lu Kala.
Read More: Et Canada’s Keshia Chanté To Host The 2023 Legacy Awards With Shamier Anderson And Stephan James
Et Canada’s multi-talented Keshia Chanté is set to host the live 90-minute event – featuring performances, award presentations and tributes honouring Black Canadian talent – from History in Toronto. A limited number of tickets will be available to the general public beginning tomorrow by visiting Ticketmaster.
In the coming weeks, additional honourees, performers and presenters will be...
On Tuesday, the founders of The Black Academy – actors, producers and Scarborough-born brothers, Shamier Anderson and Stephan James – alongside Insight Productions and CBC, announced the first four Canadian stars set to receive their flowers at the second annual awards show: Canadian screen industry godmother Tonya Williams; legendary filmmaker Julien Christian Lutz, better known as Director X; platinum-selling artist Jully Black; and rising star Lu Kala.
Read More: Et Canada’s Keshia Chanté To Host The 2023 Legacy Awards With Shamier Anderson And Stephan James
Et Canada’s multi-talented Keshia Chanté is set to host the live 90-minute event – featuring performances, award presentations and tributes honouring Black Canadian talent – from History in Toronto. A limited number of tickets will be available to the general public beginning tomorrow by visiting Ticketmaster.
In the coming weeks, additional honourees, performers and presenters will be...
- 8/29/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Image Source: Getty | Corey Nickols
Hulu's "The Bear" has taken the internet by storm. Regarded by several critics as one of the best shows of 2022, the series was almost immediately renewed for a second season. Season two of "The Bear" hit Hulu in June 2023 and was the most-watched premiere of any FX series on the platform, per TV Insider. Along with "The Bear"'s dynamic plot with complex characters, the series has also been praised for its stellar cast, which includes the talented Jeremey Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bacharach, and breakout star Ayo Edebiri, who plays chef Sydney Adamu. Edebiri's performance in the acclaimed comedy-drama has already earned her multiple award nominations, including an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series, as well as significant attention from audiences.
Edebiri started her professional career in standup comedy, and her foundation of writing and comedic wit helped launch the...
Hulu's "The Bear" has taken the internet by storm. Regarded by several critics as one of the best shows of 2022, the series was almost immediately renewed for a second season. Season two of "The Bear" hit Hulu in June 2023 and was the most-watched premiere of any FX series on the platform, per TV Insider. Along with "The Bear"'s dynamic plot with complex characters, the series has also been praised for its stellar cast, which includes the talented Jeremey Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bacharach, and breakout star Ayo Edebiri, who plays chef Sydney Adamu. Edebiri's performance in the acclaimed comedy-drama has already earned her multiple award nominations, including an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series, as well as significant attention from audiences.
Edebiri started her professional career in standup comedy, and her foundation of writing and comedic wit helped launch the...
- 8/15/2023
- by Alicia Geigel
- Popsugar.com
Last weekend's box office top five was hotly-contested, with "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem," "Meg 2: The Trench," and "Oppenheimer" all vying for second place. "Meg 2" ultimately landed the No. 2 spot, with "Mutant Mayhem" settling at No. 4. It's worth noting that "The Trench" owed its victory to $3.2 million in Thursday previews that, per box office tradition, were counted as part of its Friday total. "Mutant Mayhem" released earlier in the week, and therefore only Friday-to-Sunday ticket sales were included in its weekend gross. But either way, it was a very tight race with only a $2 million difference in the three movies' totals.
Now in their second weekend of release, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" and "Meg 2: The Trench" have swapped places and are starting to separate. "Tmnt" is on track to drop just 48 percent this weekend, adding $14.6 million to its domestic gross and rising to third place on the charts,...
Now in their second weekend of release, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" and "Meg 2: The Trench" have swapped places and are starting to separate. "Tmnt" is on track to drop just 48 percent this weekend, adding $14.6 million to its domestic gross and rising to third place on the charts,...
- 8/13/2023
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
Even though "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" brings in a plethora of characters from the long history of comics, cartoons, and movies (including many of which who have never been seen on the big screen before), there's one major figure who has been intentionally held back: Shredder.
The news of Shredder not being in "Mutant Mayhem" isn't exactly a secret. Director Jeff Rowe was very open in the press about how Shredder was originally the villain in an early version of the movie, but he and his team ended up completely overhauling the story and saving him for the forthcoming sequel. Plus, all the marketing has been focused on introducing us to Ice Cube as Superfly, who leads his own team of mutants on a villainous scheme to dominate humanity by turning all the world's creatures into mutant beings like them. But the mid-credits scene for "Tmnt: Mutant Mayhem" sets up a sequel,...
The news of Shredder not being in "Mutant Mayhem" isn't exactly a secret. Director Jeff Rowe was very open in the press about how Shredder was originally the villain in an early version of the movie, but he and his team ended up completely overhauling the story and saving him for the forthcoming sequel. Plus, all the marketing has been focused on introducing us to Ice Cube as Superfly, who leads his own team of mutants on a villainous scheme to dominate humanity by turning all the world's creatures into mutant beings like them. But the mid-credits scene for "Tmnt: Mutant Mayhem" sets up a sequel,...
- 8/7/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
This interview contains major spoilers for "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem."
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" is in theaters now, and it's another home run from director Jeff Rowe, who made waves in animation during the pandemic with the Netflix release of "The Mitchells vs. The Machines," which just so happened to be my favorite movie of 2021. So when the teaser trailer for "Mutant Mayhem" revealed another stunning display of visually unique and groundbreaking animation that promised to refresh and innovate one of the pinnacles of my childhood, needless to say I was buzzing with anticipation. So you can imagine the great satisfaction of seeing the movie in theaters and being totally floored by the innovation on screen.
Not only does "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" bring mesmerizing animation to theaters with undeniable style, but it gives the beloved franchise a makeover by actually hiring real teens to voice the titular heroes.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" is in theaters now, and it's another home run from director Jeff Rowe, who made waves in animation during the pandemic with the Netflix release of "The Mitchells vs. The Machines," which just so happened to be my favorite movie of 2021. So when the teaser trailer for "Mutant Mayhem" revealed another stunning display of visually unique and groundbreaking animation that promised to refresh and innovate one of the pinnacles of my childhood, needless to say I was buzzing with anticipation. So you can imagine the great satisfaction of seeing the movie in theaters and being totally floored by the innovation on screen.
Not only does "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" bring mesmerizing animation to theaters with undeniable style, but it gives the beloved franchise a makeover by actually hiring real teens to voice the titular heroes.
- 8/4/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
The following contains spoilers for "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem."
You can't have a truly great superhero without a worthy villain for them to square off with. That's even more true when you have four beloved heroes in the form of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Thankfully, the long history of comics, animated shows, and movies has cemented Shredder as the arch nemesis of the heroes in a half-shell.
However, director Jeff Rowe didn't want to jump into Shredder right away, equating the villain to the "Tmnt" version of Joker, who was arguably best utilized as a sequel adversary in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight." That's why "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" beings the turtles' life of crime-fighting with a villain known as Superfly, a fellow mutant who is leading his own squad of mutated animals like Bebop, Rocksteady, Mondo Gecko, Leatherhead, and many more.
Though Superfly...
You can't have a truly great superhero without a worthy villain for them to square off with. That's even more true when you have four beloved heroes in the form of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Thankfully, the long history of comics, animated shows, and movies has cemented Shredder as the arch nemesis of the heroes in a half-shell.
However, director Jeff Rowe didn't want to jump into Shredder right away, equating the villain to the "Tmnt" version of Joker, who was arguably best utilized as a sequel adversary in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight." That's why "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" beings the turtles' life of crime-fighting with a villain known as Superfly, a fellow mutant who is leading his own squad of mutated animals like Bebop, Rocksteady, Mondo Gecko, Leatherhead, and many more.
Though Superfly...
- 8/4/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
This post contains mild spoilers for "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem," so beware.
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem," as the title implies, features a plethora of mutant characters, and it's not just the titular heroes in a half-shell either. Led by Ice Cube as the villainous Superfly, there's a whole ensemble of mutants voiced by an all-star cast that includes Seth Rogen, John Cena, Rose Byrne, Paul Rudd, and more. However, one of the more grotesque mutant baddies isn't voiced by anyone famous at all. And it turns out the marketing department made quite the snafu in highlighting Scumbug when the character was given their own individual poster during the lead-up to the film's release.
When the big batch of "Tmnt: Mutant Mayhem" character posters were released, each of the posters highlighted one of the film's characters and included the cast member who was voicing them. In the instance of Scumbug,...
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem," as the title implies, features a plethora of mutant characters, and it's not just the titular heroes in a half-shell either. Led by Ice Cube as the villainous Superfly, there's a whole ensemble of mutants voiced by an all-star cast that includes Seth Rogen, John Cena, Rose Byrne, Paul Rudd, and more. However, one of the more grotesque mutant baddies isn't voiced by anyone famous at all. And it turns out the marketing department made quite the snafu in highlighting Scumbug when the character was given their own individual poster during the lead-up to the film's release.
When the big batch of "Tmnt: Mutant Mayhem" character posters were released, each of the posters highlighted one of the film's characters and included the cast member who was voicing them. In the instance of Scumbug,...
- 8/2/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" is digging deeper into the roster of mutant characters than any other big screen adaptation before it. Sure, the more recent live-action adaptations produced by Michael Bay gave us photorealistic CGI versions of Bebop, Rocksteady, and Krang, but "Mutant Mayhem" digs into the stranger corners of the long history of "Tmnt" comics and animation to deliver a roster of wacky and weird characters for the Turtles to square off against.
Leading the mutant mayhem is a character known only as Superfly, a mutated, bipedal fly with an axe to grind against humanity. Voiced by Ice Cube, the character brings some Blaxploitation flair to the movie. However, it sounds like Superfly was originally going to be a much different character that took a more direct cue from "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" history. And it all starts with Baxter Stockman.
Who Is Baxter Stockman?
Baxter Stockman...
Leading the mutant mayhem is a character known only as Superfly, a mutated, bipedal fly with an axe to grind against humanity. Voiced by Ice Cube, the character brings some Blaxploitation flair to the movie. However, it sounds like Superfly was originally going to be a much different character that took a more direct cue from "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" history. And it all starts with Baxter Stockman.
Who Is Baxter Stockman?
Baxter Stockman...
- 8/2/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Mikey, Donnie, Leo, and Raph in Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies’ ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’
The pizza-eating, ninja-fighting, socially awkward teenage turtles are back on the big screen in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, a fresh, new adventure that reboots the popular animated franchise.
The film begins by showing how the attempted arrest and collection of a mad scientist and his experimental mutant pet leads to green experimental ooze seeping down into the sewers of New York. The ooze infects four young turtles and a rat named Splinter (voiced by Jackie Chan), transforming them into nearly human-size mutants who can talk and have intelligence.
Splinter adopts the young turtles and names them Michelangelo (voiced by Shamon Brown Jr.), Donatello (Micah Abbey), Leonardo (voiced by Nicolas Cantu), and Raphael (voiced by Brady Noon). The overprotective adoptive father fears humans and the outside world and keeps his turtles safe in his sewer home.
The pizza-eating, ninja-fighting, socially awkward teenage turtles are back on the big screen in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, a fresh, new adventure that reboots the popular animated franchise.
The film begins by showing how the attempted arrest and collection of a mad scientist and his experimental mutant pet leads to green experimental ooze seeping down into the sewers of New York. The ooze infects four young turtles and a rat named Splinter (voiced by Jackie Chan), transforming them into nearly human-size mutants who can talk and have intelligence.
Splinter adopts the young turtles and names them Michelangelo (voiced by Shamon Brown Jr.), Donatello (Micah Abbey), Leonardo (voiced by Nicolas Cantu), and Raphael (voiced by Brady Noon). The overprotective adoptive father fears humans and the outside world and keeps his turtles safe in his sewer home.
- 8/2/2023
- by Kevin Finnerty
- Showbiz Junkies
This post contains spoilers for "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem."
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" brings us a fresh new take on the heroes in a half-shell (read our review here). The visual style is unlike anything we've seen in the film franchise before, bringing a mix of "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" innovation with unique sketchbook-esque artistic flourishes that make the entire production feel scrappy and cool. Even beyond the animation, the development of the turtles being portrayed and voiced by actual teens adds a dynamic that makes them feel more like genuine teens than any other iteration.
Another key way that "Mutant Mayhem" stands out among all the other "Tmnt" movies is by delivering on the movie's title. This time, there are more mutants in the movie than ever. Along with the turtles and their adoptive father Splinter, the chief villain of the film is Superfly (Ice Cube...
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" brings us a fresh new take on the heroes in a half-shell (read our review here). The visual style is unlike anything we've seen in the film franchise before, bringing a mix of "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" innovation with unique sketchbook-esque artistic flourishes that make the entire production feel scrappy and cool. Even beyond the animation, the development of the turtles being portrayed and voiced by actual teens adds a dynamic that makes them feel more like genuine teens than any other iteration.
Another key way that "Mutant Mayhem" stands out among all the other "Tmnt" movies is by delivering on the movie's title. This time, there are more mutants in the movie than ever. Along with the turtles and their adoptive father Splinter, the chief villain of the film is Superfly (Ice Cube...
- 8/2/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Plot: Follows the Turtle brothers as they work to earn the love of New York City while facing down an army of mutants.
Review: I count myself as a massive fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Whether it’s the old cartoon show, the live actions films of the 90’s, or even the original comic book. While I didn’t vibe with the Michael Bay-produced films, I’ve always loved the turtle action in them. So the fact that this one does the right thing and focuses on the titular characters versus April O’Neil, is already a massive win in my book. That’s what I want in a turtle movie and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem has that in spades. And while there’s certainly a degree of origin story present, it mostly serves to reintroduce the public to this gang of green teens versus treading old ground.
Review: I count myself as a massive fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Whether it’s the old cartoon show, the live actions films of the 90’s, or even the original comic book. While I didn’t vibe with the Michael Bay-produced films, I’ve always loved the turtle action in them. So the fact that this one does the right thing and focuses on the titular characters versus April O’Neil, is already a massive win in my book. That’s what I want in a turtle movie and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem has that in spades. And while there’s certainly a degree of origin story present, it mostly serves to reintroduce the public to this gang of green teens versus treading old ground.
- 8/1/2023
- by Tyler Nichols
- JoBlo.com
One person in particular in Ice Cube’s family was very impressed with his role in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”.
The rapper spoke to Et Canada’s Carlos Bustamante about voicing Superfly in the film, with him saying of when he became aware of the “Tmnt” franchise: “I don’t know. The first time I was made aware of them, like I can’t remember that day or time, but I do remember when I did come across the concept of the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle’… I’m like, ‘Man who thought of this great idea.’
“Like you got teenagers, they mutants, they ninjas and they turtles and they live in New York in the sewer, eat pizza. Like, how can they keep kids away from this franchise? You know, with all those great ingredients to attract all ages. And, you know, once my kids got to a certain age,...
The rapper spoke to Et Canada’s Carlos Bustamante about voicing Superfly in the film, with him saying of when he became aware of the “Tmnt” franchise: “I don’t know. The first time I was made aware of them, like I can’t remember that day or time, but I do remember when I did come across the concept of the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle’… I’m like, ‘Man who thought of this great idea.’
“Like you got teenagers, they mutants, they ninjas and they turtles and they live in New York in the sewer, eat pizza. Like, how can they keep kids away from this franchise? You know, with all those great ingredients to attract all ages. And, you know, once my kids got to a certain age,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
This article is presented by Paramount Pictures.
The Ninja Turtles aren’t the only mutants in New York City. Superfly is the leader of a group of mutants that have experienced firsthand what human beings think of their kind… And he isn’t happy about it. He’s so unhappy that, if humans are never going to accept mutants, Mutants will rule the Earth. This of course will put him in conflict with the Turtles, who have very different feelings about human beings. Superfly also appears to be a fan of rap music, with him directly referencing Ice-t’s “6 in the Mornin’.”
Ice Cube needs little introduction. His contributions to rap music are legendary, both on his own and as a member of N.W.A, and his involvement in Mutant Mayhem continues the tradition of rap music’s close ties with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. As an actor he...
The Ninja Turtles aren’t the only mutants in New York City. Superfly is the leader of a group of mutants that have experienced firsthand what human beings think of their kind… And he isn’t happy about it. He’s so unhappy that, if humans are never going to accept mutants, Mutants will rule the Earth. This of course will put him in conflict with the Turtles, who have very different feelings about human beings. Superfly also appears to be a fan of rap music, with him directly referencing Ice-t’s “6 in the Mornin’.”
Ice Cube needs little introduction. His contributions to rap music are legendary, both on his own and as a member of N.W.A, and his involvement in Mutant Mayhem continues the tradition of rap music’s close ties with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. As an actor he...
- 7/28/2023
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
Since the late ‘80s it seems like every generation has been getting their own version of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” through various TV series and spin-offs, both live-action and animated. So it’s no surprise that the beloved quartet of anthropomorphized mutant turtles who are pizza and martial arts-loving teenagers, receive a makeover on this side of the 2020s, too.
Enter “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” an eager-to-please outing across the sewers and streets of New York City, designed for an era that is still obsessed by origin stories taken from comedic superhero tales like “Deadpool” and recently influenced by the colorful and rule-breaking animation style of the “Spider-Verse” films.
The result is both as original and predictable as you’d expect. In that regard, “Mutant Mayhem” hardly feels like something you’ve never experienced before. But considering how over-exploited this particular IP is, co-directors Jeff Rowe (of...
Enter “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” an eager-to-please outing across the sewers and streets of New York City, designed for an era that is still obsessed by origin stories taken from comedic superhero tales like “Deadpool” and recently influenced by the colorful and rule-breaking animation style of the “Spider-Verse” films.
The result is both as original and predictable as you’d expect. In that regard, “Mutant Mayhem” hardly feels like something you’ve never experienced before. But considering how over-exploited this particular IP is, co-directors Jeff Rowe (of...
- 7/27/2023
- by Tomris Laffly
- The Wrap
The sole motion picture studio to brave an actor-less Comic-Con this year was Paramount which opted to show off fresh footage from its upcoming Aug. 2 Point Grey produced Nickelodeon animated feature, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem before fanboys and fangirls in a very packed Hall H. The Melrose lot is one of the dominant streamers as well, splashing outdoor wraparound building ads in the Gaslamp quarter.
The session kicked off with a hysterical animated piece of the turtles spying on Barbie, Ken and friends.
“What do these people do all day? How can they afford this?” said one of the turtles. This was followed up by poignant sizzle reel featuring Tmnt co-creator Kevin Eastman talking about how he sparked to the zany conceit which sparked a global franchise. He’s been approached by fans over the years, “who said they had a tough childhood and the turtles helped get them through,...
The session kicked off with a hysterical animated piece of the turtles spying on Barbie, Ken and friends.
“What do these people do all day? How can they afford this?” said one of the turtles. This was followed up by poignant sizzle reel featuring Tmnt co-creator Kevin Eastman talking about how he sparked to the zany conceit which sparked a global franchise. He’s been approached by fans over the years, “who said they had a tough childhood and the turtles helped get them through,...
- 7/20/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Ryan Fleming
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ice Cube is set to star opposite Dave Bautista in The Killer’s Game, the action comedy from Day Shift director JJ Perry helming for Lionsgate, which heads into production this summer in Budapest. His role is being kept under wraps.
Ben Kingsley and Sofia Boutella are also on board.
Based on Jay Bonansinga’s novel, the film is written by Rand Ravich and Simon Kinberg, with recent rewrites by James Coyne. The film follows veteran assassin Joe Flood (Bautista), who is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and authorizes a kill on himself to avoid the pain that is destined to follow. After ordering the kill, he finds out that he was misdiagnosed and must then fend off the army of former colleagues trying to kill him.
Mad Chance’s Andrew Lazar will produce alongside Steve Richards for Endurance Media, which is financing the project, as well as Kia Jam.
Ben Kingsley and Sofia Boutella are also on board.
Based on Jay Bonansinga’s novel, the film is written by Rand Ravich and Simon Kinberg, with recent rewrites by James Coyne. The film follows veteran assassin Joe Flood (Bautista), who is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and authorizes a kill on himself to avoid the pain that is destined to follow. After ordering the kill, he finds out that he was misdiagnosed and must then fend off the army of former colleagues trying to kill him.
Mad Chance’s Andrew Lazar will produce alongside Steve Richards for Endurance Media, which is financing the project, as well as Kia Jam.
- 7/10/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
On July 11th, a horror film called The Breach – which was executive produced by legendary musician Slash, who also co-produced the score – will be getting a VOD and digital release in the United States. And Variety reports that Slash has already lined up his next horror project: he’s teaming with Steven Schneider of Room 101, Inc. and Spooky Pictures – a producer whose genre credits include Paranormal Activity, Blair Witch, and Old – for a film called Janus.
Jason Zada (The Forest) will be directing Janus from a screenplay he wrote with Nate Atkins. The story centers on three band members seeking refuge in an old farmhouse where they encounter a woman harboring an unspeakable secret.
Alex Neustaedter (American Rust), Natalie Alyn Lind (Big Sky), Jack Kilmer (Lords of Chaos), Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things), and M.C. Gainey (Con Air) have already been cast in the film.
Slash and Schneider are producing...
Jason Zada (The Forest) will be directing Janus from a screenplay he wrote with Nate Atkins. The story centers on three band members seeking refuge in an old farmhouse where they encounter a woman harboring an unspeakable secret.
Alex Neustaedter (American Rust), Natalie Alyn Lind (Big Sky), Jack Kilmer (Lords of Chaos), Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things), and M.C. Gainey (Con Air) have already been cast in the film.
Slash and Schneider are producing...
- 6/15/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Prolific genre producer Steven Schneider of Room 101, Inc. and Spooky Pictures, is teaming with Malkier Studios on a slate of horror films.
Schneider’s credits include “Paranormal Activity,” “Blair Witch,” and M. Night Shyamalan’s “Old.”
Producing alongside Schneider will be D.C. Cassidy, Michael Fisk and Julia Wang Zhu under the newly formed Malkier Studios production company that will focus on creating IP driven horror, animation and thriller content.
First up under the collaboration is “Janus,” written by Nate Atkins (“Blood-Red Ox”) and Jason Zada with Zada also directing. It will follow three band members seeking refuge in an old farmhouse where they encounter a woman harboring an unspeakable secret. Schneider and Joe Heath will produce alongside Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, who will bring his musical expertise and oversight to the film. The cast includes Alex Neustaedter (“American Rust”), Natalie Alyn Lind (“Big Sky”), Jack Kilmer (“Lords of Chaos...
Schneider’s credits include “Paranormal Activity,” “Blair Witch,” and M. Night Shyamalan’s “Old.”
Producing alongside Schneider will be D.C. Cassidy, Michael Fisk and Julia Wang Zhu under the newly formed Malkier Studios production company that will focus on creating IP driven horror, animation and thriller content.
First up under the collaboration is “Janus,” written by Nate Atkins (“Blood-Red Ox”) and Jason Zada with Zada also directing. It will follow three band members seeking refuge in an old farmhouse where they encounter a woman harboring an unspeakable secret. Schneider and Joe Heath will produce alongside Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, who will bring his musical expertise and oversight to the film. The cast includes Alex Neustaedter (“American Rust”), Natalie Alyn Lind (“Big Sky”), Jack Kilmer (“Lords of Chaos...
- 6/12/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The TMNTs discuss what their lives would be like if they weren’t shunned by the world and considered monsters in the new trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. So, how do they plan on changing the way they’re viewed by society? By taking down the notorious Superfly.
Micah Abbey voices Donatello, Nicolas Cantu is Leonardo, Brady Noon is Raphael, and Shamon Brown Jr. is Michelangelo. Jackie Chan provides the voice of Splinter, Ice Cube is Superfly, Ayo Edebiri is April, Seth Rogen is Bebop, and Rose Byrne (currently seen opposite Rogen Apple TV+’s Platonic) is Leatherhead. Additional voice cast members include Hannibal Buress, John Cena, Natasia Demetriou, Giancarlo Esposito, Post Malone, Paul Rudd, and Maya Rudolph.
Jeff Rowe (co-director of The Mitchells vs the Machines) and Kyler Spears direct the latest Turtles movie. Rowe, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Dan Hernandez, and Benji Samit wrote the screenplay,...
Micah Abbey voices Donatello, Nicolas Cantu is Leonardo, Brady Noon is Raphael, and Shamon Brown Jr. is Michelangelo. Jackie Chan provides the voice of Splinter, Ice Cube is Superfly, Ayo Edebiri is April, Seth Rogen is Bebop, and Rose Byrne (currently seen opposite Rogen Apple TV+’s Platonic) is Leatherhead. Additional voice cast members include Hannibal Buress, John Cena, Natasia Demetriou, Giancarlo Esposito, Post Malone, Paul Rudd, and Maya Rudolph.
Jeff Rowe (co-director of The Mitchells vs the Machines) and Kyler Spears direct the latest Turtles movie. Rowe, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Dan Hernandez, and Benji Samit wrote the screenplay,...
- 5/31/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Writer Alex Tse discusses a few of his favorite films with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Rrr (2022)
Watchmen (2009)
Superfly (2018)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
Independence Day (1996)
Clueless (1995)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
The Goonies (1985)
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)
Infested (2002)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary, Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Joe Dante’s review
Altered States (1980) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
Return Of The Ape Man (1944)
Major League (1989)
The Sting (1973)
Angels In The Outfield (1951)
Rocky (1976)
Slap Shot (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Eight Men Out (1988)
Heavy Metal (1981)
Fritz The Cat (1972) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Killer Snakes (1974)
Zodiac (2007)
Se7en (1995)
Dirty Harry (1971) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary,...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Rrr (2022)
Watchmen (2009)
Superfly (2018)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
Independence Day (1996)
Clueless (1995)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
The Goonies (1985)
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)
Infested (2002)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary, Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Joe Dante’s review
Altered States (1980) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
Return Of The Ape Man (1944)
Major League (1989)
The Sting (1973)
Angels In The Outfield (1951)
Rocky (1976)
Slap Shot (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Eight Men Out (1988)
Heavy Metal (1981)
Fritz The Cat (1972) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Killer Snakes (1974)
Zodiac (2007)
Se7en (1995)
Dirty Harry (1971) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary,...
- 2/7/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Samuel L. Jackson has sported a variety of hairstyles in his movies, from Pulp Fiction to Unbreakable. But there was one unnamed filmmaker who tried to restrict the hairdo Jackson wore in a movie.
Samuel L. Jackson on his favorite movie hair Samuel L. Jackson | Nathan Congleton/Getty Images
Jackson often chooses his hairstyle for the characters that he portrays in movies. Occasionally the actor would feel a certain hairdo would fit a particular role, while also telling audiences a bit more about his character’s story.
In the M. Night Shyamalan film Unbreakable, for instance, Jackson portrays a genius with hints of mental instability. Both Shyamalan and Jackson agreed that a disheveled look for Jackson’s hair would be best for his Unbreakable counterpart.
“I was thinking Frederick Douglass,” he once said according to LA Times about his character’s hair. “It informed my character very well because he’s a thinker.
Samuel L. Jackson on his favorite movie hair Samuel L. Jackson | Nathan Congleton/Getty Images
Jackson often chooses his hairstyle for the characters that he portrays in movies. Occasionally the actor would feel a certain hairdo would fit a particular role, while also telling audiences a bit more about his character’s story.
In the M. Night Shyamalan film Unbreakable, for instance, Jackson portrays a genius with hints of mental instability. Both Shyamalan and Jackson agreed that a disheveled look for Jackson’s hair would be best for his Unbreakable counterpart.
“I was thinking Frederick Douglass,” he once said according to LA Times about his character’s hair. “It informed my character very well because he’s a thinker.
- 2/4/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Antonio Fargas (“Starsky and Hutch”) and Stephanie Sigman (“Miss Bala”) have joined star Mike Colter in Tubi’s ‘Murder City,’ the second movie filmed under Village Roadshow Pictures’ Black Noir Cinema franchise, co-founded by NBA great Kevin Garnett.
Last December, Variety exclusively announced “Murder City” as one of the first films slated for Black Noir Cinema, a lineup of genre movies developed and produced by Village Roadshow and Tubi, which will exclusively debut on the Fox-owned free streaming platform.
Described as a “thrilling contemporary crime story,” the film follows Neil (Colter), a disgraced former cop, who after losing his job on the police force is forced to work with the city’s most notorious — and ruthless — kingpin, Ash (Sigman), to settle the debts of his estranged, deadbeat father, Graham (Fargas), and protect his wife and son.
Rounding out the film’s cast are Medina Senghore, Rhys Coiro, James Udom, Steven Prescod,...
Last December, Variety exclusively announced “Murder City” as one of the first films slated for Black Noir Cinema, a lineup of genre movies developed and produced by Village Roadshow and Tubi, which will exclusively debut on the Fox-owned free streaming platform.
Described as a “thrilling contemporary crime story,” the film follows Neil (Colter), a disgraced former cop, who after losing his job on the police force is forced to work with the city’s most notorious — and ruthless — kingpin, Ash (Sigman), to settle the debts of his estranged, deadbeat father, Graham (Fargas), and protect his wife and son.
Rounding out the film’s cast are Medina Senghore, Rhys Coiro, James Udom, Steven Prescod,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Stars: Andrea Londo, Shawn Ashmore, Jane Badler, Michael Berry Jr., Elizabeth Cappuccino, Dominic Hoffman, Lorenzo Antonucci, Marc Senter, Madeleine Coghlan, Jackie Dallas, Samuel Davis | Written by Kent Harper | Directed by Adam Stilwell
For his freshman film director Adam Stilwell (The Triangle) teams up with writer Kent Harper, who co-wrote the brilliant Surveillance with director Jenifer Lynch back in 2008, for The Voices. A film that feels like something we’ve seen a million times before but one that, ultimately, is something completely unexpected.
A psychological horror, The Voices tells the story of Sara who wakes up to find herself in bed, with vague recollections of her situation and her life. She’s told by her husband Nick that he found her in the bathtub having tried to commit suicide following her problems dealing with the death of her parents. Nick insists that Sara rest up and heal, both mentally and physically,...
For his freshman film director Adam Stilwell (The Triangle) teams up with writer Kent Harper, who co-wrote the brilliant Surveillance with director Jenifer Lynch back in 2008, for The Voices. A film that feels like something we’ve seen a million times before but one that, ultimately, is something completely unexpected.
A psychological horror, The Voices tells the story of Sara who wakes up to find herself in bed, with vague recollections of her situation and her life. She’s told by her husband Nick that he found her in the bathtub having tried to commit suicide following her problems dealing with the death of her parents. Nick insists that Sara rest up and heal, both mentally and physically,...
- 8/23/2022
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Myriad Pictures is selling at the Cannes market.
Trevor Jackson has joined James Franco in the cast of Meyers Media Group’s action thriller Mace, selling in Cannes through Myriad Pictures.
US actor Jackson - best known for roles in Grown-ish and Superfly - has landed the role of Virgil Woods opposite Franco as the titular character in the story of two polar-opposite cops inspired by the ongoing racial injustice on America’s streets.
Idealistic rookie Woods believes he can change the system that fosters corrupt police officers like Mace from within and risks everything to stop Mace from destroying...
Trevor Jackson has joined James Franco in the cast of Meyers Media Group’s action thriller Mace, selling in Cannes through Myriad Pictures.
US actor Jackson - best known for roles in Grown-ish and Superfly - has landed the role of Virgil Woods opposite Franco as the titular character in the story of two polar-opposite cops inspired by the ongoing racial injustice on America’s streets.
Idealistic rookie Woods believes he can change the system that fosters corrupt police officers like Mace from within and risks everything to stop Mace from destroying...
- 5/19/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Ming-Na Wen (The Book of Boba Fett) and Esai Morales (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One) have signed on to star alongside Brianna Hildebrand (Deadpool) in the long-gestating sci-fi thriller Persephone, from director Jeffrey Morris (Oceanus: Act One).
Morris’ first feature follows refugees from a dying earth, who are traveling aboard an enormous space vessel called Odyssey. Their destination is Proxima b—a planet orbiting the nearest star. When a crew is dispatched to repair a shield designed to protect their colony from deadly solar flares, a computer malfunction causes them to crash-land on the alien planet. The crew then discover that they may not be the only life on this hostile world. A mystery unfolds that may not only derail their mission, but also prevent the colonists from ever setting foot on the planet.
Morris penned the script, also co-authoring a companion novel with New York Times bestselling...
Morris’ first feature follows refugees from a dying earth, who are traveling aboard an enormous space vessel called Odyssey. Their destination is Proxima b—a planet orbiting the nearest star. When a crew is dispatched to repair a shield designed to protect their colony from deadly solar flares, a computer malfunction causes them to crash-land on the alien planet. The crew then discover that they may not be the only life on this hostile world. A mystery unfolds that may not only derail their mission, but also prevent the colonists from ever setting foot on the planet.
Morris penned the script, also co-authoring a companion novel with New York Times bestselling...
- 5/4/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor Kaalan Walker, best known for his appearances in Superfly and Kings, was convicted of eight out of 11 counts of sexual assault, with some of his victims being under eighteen. More than 30 women approached prosecutors with stories of assault by Walker, and his convictions account for seven of those victims altogether. Prosecutors accused the actor […]
The post ‘Superfly’ Actor Kaalan Walker Convicted On 8 Counts Of Sexual Assault, Faces 100 Years In Prison appeared first on uInterview.
The post ‘Superfly’ Actor Kaalan Walker Convicted On 8 Counts Of Sexual Assault, Faces 100 Years In Prison appeared first on uInterview.
- 4/28/2022
- by Jacob Linden
- Uinterview
Kaalan Walker, an actor and rapper best known for his role in “Superfly,” was convicted of raping six people and sexually assaulting another.
His attorney, Andrew Flier, confirmed the news to TheWrap, adding that he plans to appeal the decision.
“Mr. Walker maintains his complete innocence to the charges and allegations,” Flier wrote in an email. “The defense is very confidant [sic] that the convictions will be reversed.”
A Los Angeles County jury found Walker, 27, guilty of the charges on Monday. He was acquitted of an additional three charges, including two charges of forcible rape, according to media reports.
Walker faces a maximum sentence of 100 years to life in prison. He is due back in court on May 27.
Walker also reportedly maintained his innocence in the court room on Monday. According to Rolling Stone, as he was led away in handcuffs, he yelled: “I didn’t rape anybody, your honor.”
Prosecutors...
His attorney, Andrew Flier, confirmed the news to TheWrap, adding that he plans to appeal the decision.
“Mr. Walker maintains his complete innocence to the charges and allegations,” Flier wrote in an email. “The defense is very confidant [sic] that the convictions will be reversed.”
A Los Angeles County jury found Walker, 27, guilty of the charges on Monday. He was acquitted of an additional three charges, including two charges of forcible rape, according to media reports.
Walker faces a maximum sentence of 100 years to life in prison. He is due back in court on May 27.
Walker also reportedly maintained his innocence in the court room on Monday. According to Rolling Stone, as he was led away in handcuffs, he yelled: “I didn’t rape anybody, your honor.”
Prosecutors...
- 4/19/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
Superfly actor and rapper Kaalan Walker was found guilty Monday of raping six victims — three of them 16-year-old aspiring models — and sexually assaulting a seventh woman during a series of what prosecutors called “sophisticated” attacks between 2013 and late 2018.
The actor, who appeared in Kings with Halle Berry in 2017 and played gang member Juju in the 2018 flick Superfly, hung his head and began sobbing as the split verdict from a Los Angeles jury was read. He was acquitted of charges related to three of the 10 victims in the case, including two charges of forcible rape.
The actor, who appeared in Kings with Halle Berry in 2017 and played gang member Juju in the 2018 flick Superfly, hung his head and began sobbing as the split verdict from a Los Angeles jury was read. He was acquitted of charges related to three of the 10 victims in the case, including two charges of forcible rape.
- 4/18/2022
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
Superfly actor and rapper Kaalan Walker once “manipulated” a 16-year-old girl into filming an impromptu sex tape at his apartment building while her mother, who thought her daughter was posing for headshots, waited outside, a prosecutor told jurors Wednesday in closing arguments at Walker’s serial rape trial in Los Angeles.
Walker was 22 years old at the time and purportedly told the girl he could introduce her to famed rapper Drake if she simply followed his lead, Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Wallace said, adding that Walker dubiously name-dropped Drake with...
Walker was 22 years old at the time and purportedly told the girl he could introduce her to famed rapper Drake if she simply followed his lead, Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Wallace said, adding that Walker dubiously name-dropped Drake with...
- 4/14/2022
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
From the outside looking in, Kaalan Walker appeared to have it all. He was a rising star in the entertainment industry, and his role in the 2018 movie SuperFly seemed to be the start of something great. Unfortunately for Kaalan, however, his future as an entertainer has likely come to an end. Several women have accused Kaalan of sexual assault, and he could face life in prison if he is convicted. Reports allege that Kaalan used social media as a way to contact women. He then lured them under the promise of a photoshoot but were allegedly assaulted when they
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Kaalan Walker...
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Kaalan Walker...
- 12/11/2021
- by Camille Moore
- TVovermind.com
Exclusive: Rapper, actor, filmmaker, and record producer RZA and screenwriter Alex Tse, who co-created and co-showrun together the Hulu series Wu Tang: An American Saga, have partnered to form Xen Diagram Media, one of the industry’s first Black and Asian creator-led production companies.
The company has taken out its first project, Kid Punchy, a one-hour drama written and executive produced by Graham Gordy, which has been set up at AC Studios. RZA will direct and executive produce, along with Tse and Matt DeRoss for Anonymous Content. David Levine, Anonymous Content Chief Creative Officer, will oversee for AC Studios.
The company is also developing Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai as a one-hour series for television, based on the 1999 feature written and directed by Jim Jarmusch. The film starred Forest Whitaker as the title character, the mysterious “Ghost Dog”, a Mafia hitman, who follows...
The company has taken out its first project, Kid Punchy, a one-hour drama written and executive produced by Graham Gordy, which has been set up at AC Studios. RZA will direct and executive produce, along with Tse and Matt DeRoss for Anonymous Content. David Levine, Anonymous Content Chief Creative Officer, will oversee for AC Studios.
The company is also developing Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai as a one-hour series for television, based on the 1999 feature written and directed by Jim Jarmusch. The film starred Forest Whitaker as the title character, the mysterious “Ghost Dog”, a Mafia hitman, who follows...
- 11/18/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
On Wednesday, legendary filmmaking maverick Melvin Van Peebles died at the age of 89. Four days later, his son Mario was onstage to introduce his father’s most iconic achievement, as “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song” screened in a new 4K restoration by the Criterion Collection at the New York Film Festival. The outdoor event, taking place in the newly opened NYFF venue of Damrosch Park, served as a timely reminder of the movie’s massive cultural impact as well as its value in proving that movies with Black protagonists had commercial appeal.
“This film was made at a time when you didn’t really see Black people onscreen with facial hair,” Mario told the crowd, “let alone some of the crazy shit my dad does in this movie.”
In addition to pursuing his own career as an actor and filmmaker, the younger Van Peebles has been the caretaker of his father’s legacy for decades,...
“This film was made at a time when you didn’t really see Black people onscreen with facial hair,” Mario told the crowd, “let alone some of the crazy shit my dad does in this movie.”
In addition to pursuing his own career as an actor and filmmaker, the younger Van Peebles has been the caretaker of his father’s legacy for decades,...
- 9/27/2021
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Melvin Van Peebles, the influential indie filmmaker who helped spawn the Blaxploitation genre with his 1971 film Sweet Sweetback’s Baadassss Song, has died at the age of 89.
The director/actor/composer/novelist/playwright — among many other talents — died Wednesday night at his home with his family. The Criterion Collection, which will release a retrospective box set of Van Peebles’ work next week, announced his death in a statement. “Van Peebles made an indelible mark on the international cultural landscape. He will be deeply missed,” Criterion added. No cause of death was revealed.
The director/actor/composer/novelist/playwright — among many other talents — died Wednesday night at his home with his family. The Criterion Collection, which will release a retrospective box set of Van Peebles’ work next week, announced his death in a statement. “Van Peebles made an indelible mark on the international cultural landscape. He will be deeply missed,” Criterion added. No cause of death was revealed.
- 9/22/2021
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Melvin Van Peebles, the influential filmmaker behind “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadassss Song,” and father of director and actor Mario Van Peebles, has died. He was 89.
“Dad knew that Black images matter,” Mario Van Peebles said in a statement from the Criterion Collection. “If a picture is worth a thousand words, what was a movie worth? We want to be the success we see, thus we need to see ourselves being free. True liberation did not mean imitating the colonizer’s mentality. It meant appreciating the power, beauty and interconnectivity of all people.”
“Sweet Sweetback” will be screened at the New York Film Festival this week for a 50th anniversary tribute. “In an unparalleled career distinguished by relentless innovation, boundless curiosity and spiritual empathy, Melvin Van Peebles made an indelible mark on the international cultural landscape through his films, novels, plays and music,” the Criterion Collection said.
Melvin and Mario Van...
“Dad knew that Black images matter,” Mario Van Peebles said in a statement from the Criterion Collection. “If a picture is worth a thousand words, what was a movie worth? We want to be the success we see, thus we need to see ourselves being free. True liberation did not mean imitating the colonizer’s mentality. It meant appreciating the power, beauty and interconnectivity of all people.”
“Sweet Sweetback” will be screened at the New York Film Festival this week for a 50th anniversary tribute. “In an unparalleled career distinguished by relentless innovation, boundless curiosity and spiritual empathy, Melvin Van Peebles made an indelible mark on the international cultural landscape through his films, novels, plays and music,” the Criterion Collection said.
Melvin and Mario Van...
- 9/22/2021
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures and Joel Silver are teaming up for the feature film “The Dryline,” from screenwriter David Rothley.
The spec, an action thriller, follows a kidnapping and ransom negotiator tasked with finding a nine-year-old boy who went missing on an Indian Reservation in South Dakota. After finding the boy, she must fight to keep them both alive when they come under attack by the very people who hired her — corrupt FBI agents and cold-blooded police officials who want the boy dead because of what he knows.
Rothley developed the script with indie producer Patrick Brennan, a founding member of Nine Dot Entertainment. Silver brought the script to Columbia Pictures president Sanford Panitch via his agents at WME, taking it off the table before it was shopped to the town, sources said. In early development stages, the project is still seeking star talent and a director.
Rothley earned an Mfa in screenwriting from USC,...
The spec, an action thriller, follows a kidnapping and ransom negotiator tasked with finding a nine-year-old boy who went missing on an Indian Reservation in South Dakota. After finding the boy, she must fight to keep them both alive when they come under attack by the very people who hired her — corrupt FBI agents and cold-blooded police officials who want the boy dead because of what he knows.
Rothley developed the script with indie producer Patrick Brennan, a founding member of Nine Dot Entertainment. Silver brought the script to Columbia Pictures president Sanford Panitch via his agents at WME, taking it off the table before it was shopped to the town, sources said. In early development stages, the project is still seeking star talent and a director.
Rothley earned an Mfa in screenwriting from USC,...
- 8/30/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sony has preemptively bought the spec The Dryline written by David Rothley, with Joel Silver attached to produce. Patrick Brennan will serve as exec producer. Sources add development is still early on the project and no director or talent are attached at this time. Plot details are being kept under wraps.
The spec marks the first major sale for Rothley, who is repped by WME, Bellevue Productions and attorney Matt Jacobs at Bruns, Brennan & Berry, PC. Silver, the veteran producer of such hits as The Lethal Weapon series and Sherlock Holmes films, most recently produced Superfly for Sony.
More to come.
The spec marks the first major sale for Rothley, who is repped by WME, Bellevue Productions and attorney Matt Jacobs at Bruns, Brennan & Berry, PC. Silver, the veteran producer of such hits as The Lethal Weapon series and Sherlock Holmes films, most recently produced Superfly for Sony.
More to come.
- 8/30/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix is rounding out cast for Florida Man, its eight-episode series starring Edgar Ramírez. Anthony Lapaglia (Without A Trace), Abbey Lee (Mad Max: Fury Road), Otmara Marrero (StartUp), Lex Scott Davis (Superfly) and Emory Cohen (The Oa) are set as series regulars and Clark Gregg (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) will recur in the hourlong series from veteran TV writer producer Donald Todd and Jason Bateman & Michael Costigan’s Aggregate Films. Additionally, Netflix has tapped Miguel Arteta to direct the pilot and second episode and executive produce. This reunites him with Ramírez with whom he worked on the Netflix feature Yes Day. Rounding out directors for the season are Julian Farino (Entourage) (eps 3/4), Haifaa Al Mansour (Wadjda) (eps 5/6) and Kevin Bray (The Game) (eps 7/8).
In Florida Man, created by Todd, when a struggling ex-cop (Ramírez) is...
In Florida Man, created by Todd, when a struggling ex-cop (Ramírez) is...
- 8/13/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The writer/director returns to talk about his favorite Blaxploitation movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Man Bites Dog (1992)
Trick Baby (1972)
The Exorcist (1973) – Oren Pelli’s trailer commentary
The Untouchables (1987)
Predator (1987)
Purple Rain (1984) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Loved One (1965) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Live And Let Die (1973)
Enter The Dragon (1973) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Green Hornet (1974)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – Darren Bousman’s trailer commentary
The Last Dragon (1985) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Dead Presidents (1995)
Hell Up In Harlem (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Black Caesar (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Shaft (1971) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971)
Coffy (1973) – Jack Hill’s trailer commentary
Midnight Cowboy (1969) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Taxi Driver (1976) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary
Boxcar Bertha (1972) – Julie Corman...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Man Bites Dog (1992)
Trick Baby (1972)
The Exorcist (1973) – Oren Pelli’s trailer commentary
The Untouchables (1987)
Predator (1987)
Purple Rain (1984) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Loved One (1965) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Live And Let Die (1973)
Enter The Dragon (1973) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Green Hornet (1974)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – Darren Bousman’s trailer commentary
The Last Dragon (1985) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Dead Presidents (1995)
Hell Up In Harlem (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Black Caesar (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Shaft (1971) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971)
Coffy (1973) – Jack Hill’s trailer commentary
Midnight Cowboy (1969) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Taxi Driver (1976) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary
Boxcar Bertha (1972) – Julie Corman...
- 8/3/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Exclusive: Brandon Thomas Lee (The Hills: New Beginnings), Jackson Rathbone (Twilight) & Diane Gaeta (Adopt a Highway) will co-star opposite Chance Sanchez in his debut feature, Zero Road, which recently wrapped production.
The dramatic feature examines a preternaturally intelligent young man’s (Sanchez) descent into an underbelly of drug running and violence. It’s based on the writer-director’s experience growing up in poverty in the American Midwest, with a mother who suffered from meth addiction.
In the film, produced by Sanchez, Colin Floom and Mark David, Lee plays Russ, a small-time drug dealer with magnetic charm, who guides Sanchez’s protagonist into the criminal underworld he’s made his home.
Rathbone plays Gene, a mysterious auto mechanic masterminding a drug operation out of his shop, with an inexplicable intellect that reveals a calamitous past.
Then, there’s Gaeta, who plays Sanchez’s tortured mother, Laura.
Lee has appeared, on the film side,...
The dramatic feature examines a preternaturally intelligent young man’s (Sanchez) descent into an underbelly of drug running and violence. It’s based on the writer-director’s experience growing up in poverty in the American Midwest, with a mother who suffered from meth addiction.
In the film, produced by Sanchez, Colin Floom and Mark David, Lee plays Russ, a small-time drug dealer with magnetic charm, who guides Sanchez’s protagonist into the criminal underworld he’s made his home.
Rathbone plays Gene, a mysterious auto mechanic masterminding a drug operation out of his shop, with an inexplicable intellect that reveals a calamitous past.
Then, there’s Gaeta, who plays Sanchez’s tortured mother, Laura.
Lee has appeared, on the film side,...
- 6/29/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
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