It appears work on Wonder Man is almost finished, a strong indication it will be released on Disney+ in 2025 alongside Daredevil: Born Again and Ironheart.
While there was no mention of the series at Comic-Con or D23, showrunner Andrew Guest has shared a picture of himself and director/executive producer Destin Daniel Cretton working on "our final mix playback in person at Skywalker Ranch."
No additional details were shared but it's clear Marvel Studios is no longer going to announce or release small screen projects before they're ready. Ironheart, for example, wrapped filming all the way back in 2022.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will play Wonder Man, while Demetrius Grosse (Fear the Walking Dead) has been cast as his brother, classic Avengers villain, The Grim Reaper.
Last month, we sat down with Grosse to discuss his role in Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot...
While there was no mention of the series at Comic-Con or D23, showrunner Andrew Guest has shared a picture of himself and director/executive producer Destin Daniel Cretton working on "our final mix playback in person at Skywalker Ranch."
No additional details were shared but it's clear Marvel Studios is no longer going to announce or release small screen projects before they're ready. Ironheart, for example, wrapped filming all the way back in 2022.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will play Wonder Man, while Demetrius Grosse (Fear the Walking Dead) has been cast as his brother, classic Avengers villain, The Grim Reaper.
Last month, we sat down with Grosse to discuss his role in Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot...
- 8/26/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Despite rumors that the show had been scrapped, Marvel Studios' Wonder Man is still very much alive, and is continuing to round out its supporting cast.
According to Deadline, the latest actor to join the series is Byron Bowers, who is set to appear in the Alma Har’el-directed limited series Lady In The Lake alongside Natalie Portman. His other credits include Showtime’s The Chi, Honey Boy, Concrete Cowboy, No Sudden Move, and Kimi.
Bowers' character has not been disclosed - though that doesn't necessarily mean his role is being kept under wraps for any interesting reason.
As some predicted, it seems "Wonder Man" is going to be its own film franchise within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as recent set photos gave us a look at the movie's logo. Though the silhouette didn't feature Simon Williams' (Yahya Abdul-Mateen) likeness, it did give us a glimpse of the character's superhero chest emblem.
According to Deadline, the latest actor to join the series is Byron Bowers, who is set to appear in the Alma Har’el-directed limited series Lady In The Lake alongside Natalie Portman. His other credits include Showtime’s The Chi, Honey Boy, Concrete Cowboy, No Sudden Move, and Kimi.
Bowers' character has not been disclosed - though that doesn't necessarily mean his role is being kept under wraps for any interesting reason.
As some predicted, it seems "Wonder Man" is going to be its own film franchise within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as recent set photos gave us a look at the movie's logo. Though the silhouette didn't feature Simon Williams' (Yahya Abdul-Mateen) likeness, it did give us a glimpse of the character's superhero chest emblem.
- 7/16/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Netflix‘s Man on Fire is ready to turn up the heat with Yahya Abdul-Matten II as its lead. In addition to his starring role, Abdul-Mateen II is an executive producer of the project, with Steven Caple Jr. directing the first two episodes. A.J. Quinnell’s first two novels, “Man on Fire” and “The Perfect Kill,” inspired the episodic adaptation focusing on French Foreign Legion soldier John Creasy.
Denzel Washington played John W. Creasy in the Tony Scott-directed feature adaptation Man on Fire. Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell, and Marc Anthony round out the primary cast. The plot focuses on a former CIA operative who swears vengeance on those who committed an unspeakable act against the family he was hired to protect.
Netflix’s official description for Man on Fire reads as follows:
“Once a high functioning and skilled Special Forces Mercenary, known for surviving even the most desolate of situations,...
Denzel Washington played John W. Creasy in the Tony Scott-directed feature adaptation Man on Fire. Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell, and Marc Anthony round out the primary cast. The plot focuses on a former CIA operative who swears vengeance on those who committed an unspeakable act against the family he was hired to protect.
Netflix’s official description for Man on Fire reads as follows:
“Once a high functioning and skilled Special Forces Mercenary, known for surviving even the most desolate of situations,...
- 6/10/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
One of the highly anticipated projects in the MCU that has been generating buzz among fans is ‘Wonder Man.’ This Hollywood satire features Williams as an actor-turned-superhero in Tinseltown.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is set to portray Simon Williams (Wonder Man), alongside Ben Kingsley, Demetrius Grosse, and Ed Harris. Recently, amidst speculation surrounding the fate of ‘Wonder Man,’ which had endured a prolonged period in development with minimal updates, rumors circulated about its potential cancellation, particularly before the historic SAG-AFTRA project concluded.
Nexus Point News has uncovered new details about the production team. A crew member’s resume lists director Tiffany Johnson, recognized for her work on ‘Poker Face’ and ‘Dear White People,’ alongside Destin Daniel Cretton and Stella Meghie, hinting at Johnson potentially directing an episode of ‘Wonder Man.’
Additionally, Cindy Chao and Michele Yu, previously Emmy-nominated, are credited as production designers, as per another crew member’s resume. They...
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is set to portray Simon Williams (Wonder Man), alongside Ben Kingsley, Demetrius Grosse, and Ed Harris. Recently, amidst speculation surrounding the fate of ‘Wonder Man,’ which had endured a prolonged period in development with minimal updates, rumors circulated about its potential cancellation, particularly before the historic SAG-AFTRA project concluded.
Nexus Point News has uncovered new details about the production team. A crew member’s resume lists director Tiffany Johnson, recognized for her work on ‘Poker Face’ and ‘Dear White People,’ alongside Destin Daniel Cretton and Stella Meghie, hinting at Johnson potentially directing an episode of ‘Wonder Man.’
Additionally, Cindy Chao and Michele Yu, previously Emmy-nominated, are credited as production designers, as per another crew member’s resume. They...
- 5/6/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
One of the upcoming projects in the MCU that fans were often buzzing about was ‘Wonder Man.’ ‘Wonder Man’ is a Hollywood satire featuring Williams as an actor-turned-superhero in Tinseltown.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will star as Simon Williams alongside Ben Kingsley, Demetrius Grosse, and Ed Harris. Just recently, before the historic SAG-AFTRA project was over, ‘Wonder Man’ was heavily rumored to be canceled, which at the time made sense considering that the show spent a lot of time in development hell, with little to no news regarding it.
Now Nexus Point News uncovered some information regarding production members. A crew member has listed director Tiffany Johnson, known for her work on ‘Poker Face’ and ‘Dear White People,’ alongside Destin Daniel Cretton and Stella Meghie. It suggests Johnson may direct at least one episode of ‘Wonder Man.’
Cindy Chao and Michele Yu, previously Emmy-nominated, are credited as production designers, according to a crew member’s resume.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will star as Simon Williams alongside Ben Kingsley, Demetrius Grosse, and Ed Harris. Just recently, before the historic SAG-AFTRA project was over, ‘Wonder Man’ was heavily rumored to be canceled, which at the time made sense considering that the show spent a lot of time in development hell, with little to no news regarding it.
Now Nexus Point News uncovered some information regarding production members. A crew member has listed director Tiffany Johnson, known for her work on ‘Poker Face’ and ‘Dear White People,’ alongside Destin Daniel Cretton and Stella Meghie. It suggests Johnson may direct at least one episode of ‘Wonder Man.’
Cindy Chao and Michele Yu, previously Emmy-nominated, are credited as production designers, according to a crew member’s resume.
- 5/6/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
An awful accident resulting in the death of a crew member has hit the production of the Marvel Studios series Wonder Man. According to Deadline, a rigger working at CBS Redford Studios fell off the rafters this morning and sadly passed away. The individual was not filming then, and an investigation is forthcoming.
A Marvel spokesperson for the Wonder Man production shared a statement on the studio’s behalf: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends, and our support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this accident.”
Wonder Man stars Yahya Abdul Mateen II as Simon Williams, aka Wonder Man. Lauren Glazier, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Stella Meghie also star.
Wonder Man is one of Marvel’s oldest characters, dating back to 1964 in the pages of Avengers #9. He began his comic book career as a villain but got reintroduced as a hero in the late 1970s.
A Marvel spokesperson for the Wonder Man production shared a statement on the studio’s behalf: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends, and our support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this accident.”
Wonder Man stars Yahya Abdul Mateen II as Simon Williams, aka Wonder Man. Lauren Glazier, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Stella Meghie also star.
Wonder Man is one of Marvel’s oldest characters, dating back to 1964 in the pages of Avengers #9. He began his comic book career as a villain but got reintroduced as a hero in the late 1970s.
- 2/6/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Margaret Riley, the respected agent, manager and Lighthouse Management & Media partner who served as a producer on the Fox News drama Bombshell, has died. She was 58.
Riley died Tuesday at her home in Brentwood after a private battle with ovarian cancer, her friends Lainie Becky and Matthew Weinberg told The Hollywood Reporter.
Riley was a talent/literary manager at Brillstein Entertainment Partners from October 2006 through March 2016, when she joined Lighthouse Management & Media, which had just been launched by founder and CEO Aleen Keshishian.
“We are devastated by the loss of our colleague and friend Margaret Riley, who was a passionate advocate and champion for artists,” Keshishian said. “We share our deepest condolences and love with her family, friends and clients.”
Riley’s current and former clients over the years have included actors Mark Ruffalo and Bridget Moynahan; CSI creator Anthony Zuiker; directors Susanna Fogel, Stella Meghie and Rj Cutler...
Riley died Tuesday at her home in Brentwood after a private battle with ovarian cancer, her friends Lainie Becky and Matthew Weinberg told The Hollywood Reporter.
Riley was a talent/literary manager at Brillstein Entertainment Partners from October 2006 through March 2016, when she joined Lighthouse Management & Media, which had just been launched by founder and CEO Aleen Keshishian.
“We are devastated by the loss of our colleague and friend Margaret Riley, who was a passionate advocate and champion for artists,” Keshishian said. “We share our deepest condolences and love with her family, friends and clients.”
Riley’s current and former clients over the years have included actors Mark Ruffalo and Bridget Moynahan; CSI creator Anthony Zuiker; directors Susanna Fogel, Stella Meghie and Rj Cutler...
- 1/24/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The long-awaited animated series Tiana is still in the works at Disney+, but now we finally have an update.
The show — which was originally announced in 2020 and is now set to hit the streamer some time next year — has announced Joyce Sherri as its lead writer and director, our sister site Variety first reported. Sherri was a staff writer on Mike Flanagan’s Netflix horror miniseries Midnight Mass, and has also written and directed short films such as Beauty, Forever, Down, Down, Baby and The Family Romance.
More from TVLineThe Spiderwick Chronicles Series Relocates From Disney+ to RokuTVLine Items: Snow White's 4K Makeover,...
The show — which was originally announced in 2020 and is now set to hit the streamer some time next year — has announced Joyce Sherri as its lead writer and director, our sister site Variety first reported. Sherri was a staff writer on Mike Flanagan’s Netflix horror miniseries Midnight Mass, and has also written and directed short films such as Beauty, Forever, Down, Down, Baby and The Family Romance.
More from TVLineThe Spiderwick Chronicles Series Relocates From Disney+ to RokuTVLine Items: Snow White's 4K Makeover,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
The “Tiana” animated series in the works at Disney+ has enlisted Joyce Sherri as the show’s lead writer and director, Variety has learned exclusively.
The musical project was originally announced in 2020 during a Disney investor day. The series has previously been described as a followup to the 2009 animated film “The Princess and the Frog,” which introduced the character of Tiana. Anika Noni Rose will once again provide the voice of Tiana. The series was originally expected to debut in 2023 but is now said to be launching in 2024.
Sherri’s most recent TV writing credit was on the Netflix horror miniseries “Midnight Mass” from Mike Flanagan. She has also written and directed short films like “Beauty,” “Forever,” “Down, Down, Baby” and “The Family Romance.” She also won the 2020 Slamdance screenplay competition for her feature, “Sweet Sixteen,” and was selected for the 2021 Sundance Institute Screenwriters Intensive.
She is repped by Gersh,...
The musical project was originally announced in 2020 during a Disney investor day. The series has previously been described as a followup to the 2009 animated film “The Princess and the Frog,” which introduced the character of Tiana. Anika Noni Rose will once again provide the voice of Tiana. The series was originally expected to debut in 2023 but is now said to be launching in 2024.
Sherri’s most recent TV writing credit was on the Netflix horror miniseries “Midnight Mass” from Mike Flanagan. She has also written and directed short films like “Beauty,” “Forever,” “Down, Down, Baby” and “The Family Romance.” She also won the 2020 Slamdance screenplay competition for her feature, “Sweet Sixteen,” and was selected for the 2021 Sundance Institute Screenwriters Intensive.
She is repped by Gersh,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Image Source: Getty / Steve Jennings
After rumors about a potential live-action remake of Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" emerged on social media over the weekend, fans quickly began to dream cast potential leads for the iconic Disney princess. And now, even Ari Lennox is getting in on the fun, as she submitted her unofficial-official audition tape to Disney online on March 20. "Hi @Disney I'm Ari Lennox and I would love an opportunity to audition for Princess and The Frog in person ❤️," the singer wrote alongside a video of her singing a song from the film. "Here's #AlmostThere by Anika Noni Rose."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ari Lennox (@arilennox)
Lennox, who's still on her Age/Sex/Location tour, isn't the only musically-gifted star who's been tossed into the live-action "Princess and the Frog" conversation. Social media users also suggested folks like Coco Jones for the role of Princess Tiana,...
After rumors about a potential live-action remake of Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" emerged on social media over the weekend, fans quickly began to dream cast potential leads for the iconic Disney princess. And now, even Ari Lennox is getting in on the fun, as she submitted her unofficial-official audition tape to Disney online on March 20. "Hi @Disney I'm Ari Lennox and I would love an opportunity to audition for Princess and The Frog in person ❤️," the singer wrote alongside a video of her singing a song from the film. "Here's #AlmostThere by Anika Noni Rose."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ari Lennox (@arilennox)
Lennox, who's still on her Age/Sex/Location tour, isn't the only musically-gifted star who's been tossed into the live-action "Princess and the Frog" conversation. Social media users also suggested folks like Coco Jones for the role of Princess Tiana,...
- 3/21/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Marvel’s Wonder Man series will bring The Photograph director Stella Meghie into the fold. Meghie is directing multiple upcoming series episodes starring Yahya Abdul Mateen II, with Destin Daniel Creton and Andrew Guest helming several episodes as well. Guest also acts as the head writer of Wonder Man, with Cretton executive producing.
Meghie is busy developing Disney’s live-action Tiana series for Disney+. The story revolves around the classic Disney character from the studio’s animated film The Princess and the Frog. Meghie is an executive producer on Tiana, making her available to get behind the camera for Wonder Man.
Wonder Man is one of Marvel‘s oldest characters, dating back to 1964 in the pages of Avengers #9. He began his comic book career as a villain but got reintroduced as a hero in the late 1970s. Wonder Man’s civilian name is Simon Williams, and he was a founding...
Meghie is busy developing Disney’s live-action Tiana series for Disney+. The story revolves around the classic Disney character from the studio’s animated film The Princess and the Frog. Meghie is an executive producer on Tiana, making her available to get behind the camera for Wonder Man.
Wonder Man is one of Marvel‘s oldest characters, dating back to 1964 in the pages of Avengers #9. He began his comic book career as a villain but got reintroduced as a hero in the late 1970s. Wonder Man’s civilian name is Simon Williams, and he was a founding...
- 2/22/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: The Photograph helmer Stella Meghie has been set to direct episodes of the Marvel Studios/Disney+ series Wonder Man, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
It is believed she will helm multiple episodes for the series. Daniel Destin Cretton also will direct multiple episodes, with Andrew Guest serving as head writer. Cretton also exec produces along with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.
Related Story Ben Kingsley To Return As Trevor Slattery In Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’ Series Related Story 'Wednesday' Outpaces 'House Of The Dragon' To Become Most-Watched Premiere Of 2022; Widespread Streaming Content Fuels Subscription Cycling — Report Related Story 'Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' Bosses Discuss Bringing The First Black Female Superhero Animated Series To Life: "It's Black Girl Magic"
Marvel had no comment.
Created by writer Stan Lee and artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, Wonder Man was introduced to Marvel Comics in 1964 via The Avengers #9. The...
It is believed she will helm multiple episodes for the series. Daniel Destin Cretton also will direct multiple episodes, with Andrew Guest serving as head writer. Cretton also exec produces along with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.
Related Story Ben Kingsley To Return As Trevor Slattery In Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’ Series Related Story 'Wednesday' Outpaces 'House Of The Dragon' To Become Most-Watched Premiere Of 2022; Widespread Streaming Content Fuels Subscription Cycling — Report Related Story 'Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' Bosses Discuss Bringing The First Black Female Superhero Animated Series To Life: "It's Black Girl Magic"
Marvel had no comment.
Created by writer Stan Lee and artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, Wonder Man was introduced to Marvel Comics in 1964 via The Avengers #9. The...
- 2/22/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Kasi Lemmons said she “fought” for the inclusion of Whitney Houston’s early relationship with childhood friend and former creative director Robyn Crawford to be featured in the late singer’s biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
Whether the film — produced with the backing of Houston’s family and estate as well as music producer Clive Davis — would feature the romance between the duo was a subject of near-continuous speculation leading up to its release. During its premiere, Davis confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that it would “tell you about her sexuality,” later sharing with Extra that the movie would set the record straight and depict that “they did have a teenage, one-year affair.”
“There have been so many articles that have…attempted to trace her addiction to being a frustrated lesbian or never dated a man before Bobby, all of which was totally inaccurate,...
Kasi Lemmons said she “fought” for the inclusion of Whitney Houston’s early relationship with childhood friend and former creative director Robyn Crawford to be featured in the late singer’s biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
Whether the film — produced with the backing of Houston’s family and estate as well as music producer Clive Davis — would feature the romance between the duo was a subject of near-continuous speculation leading up to its release. During its premiere, Davis confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that it would “tell you about her sexuality,” later sharing with Extra that the movie would set the record straight and depict that “they did have a teenage, one-year affair.”
“There have been so many articles that have…attempted to trace her addiction to being a frustrated lesbian or never dated a man before Bobby, all of which was totally inaccurate,...
- 12/25/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kasi Lemmons had quite a few reservations prior to boarding the biopic Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody. For starters, she’d run in similar circles to the iconic musician in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, back when Lemmons was acting in films like School Daze and The Silence of the Lambs. After transitioning to filmmaking with her remarkable debut Eve’s Bayou, she met with Whitney to pitch a screenplay she’d written for her about the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, a trailblazing all-women swing and jazz group in the ‘30s and ‘40s,...
- 12/22/2022
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: Actress DeWanda Wise (Jurassic World: Dominion) has signed with M88 for representation.
Wise most recently starred alongside Chris Pratt, Bryce Hallas Howard, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill and more in the blockbuster Jurassic World: Dominion from Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures, which grossed over 1 billion at the worldwide box office upon its June release.
The actress is otherwise best known for starring as Nola Darling in Spike Lee’s series She’s Gotta Have It, based on his classic 1986 film of the same name, which aired for two seasons on Netflix. Additional TV credits include Invasion, The Twilight Zone, Shots Fired, Underground, The Mentalist, Boardwalk Empire and The Good Wife.
Wise has also previously appeared in films including Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s Someone Great, Paul Weitz’s Kevin Hart starrer Fatherhood and Jeymes Samuel’s The Harder They Fall for Netflix, and Stella Meghie’s The Weekend.
Anticipated...
Wise most recently starred alongside Chris Pratt, Bryce Hallas Howard, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill and more in the blockbuster Jurassic World: Dominion from Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures, which grossed over 1 billion at the worldwide box office upon its June release.
The actress is otherwise best known for starring as Nola Darling in Spike Lee’s series She’s Gotta Have It, based on his classic 1986 film of the same name, which aired for two seasons on Netflix. Additional TV credits include Invasion, The Twilight Zone, Shots Fired, Underground, The Mentalist, Boardwalk Empire and The Good Wife.
Wise has also previously appeared in films including Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s Someone Great, Paul Weitz’s Kevin Hart starrer Fatherhood and Jeymes Samuel’s The Harder They Fall for Netflix, and Stella Meghie’s The Weekend.
Anticipated...
- 12/8/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Back in 2020 Disney announced that its popular (but highly controversial) attraction Splash Mountain would get an overlay, this time themed to “Princess and the Frog,” its 2009 animated feature that starred the studio’s first African American Princess, Tiana (voiced memorably by Anika Noni Rose).
Now the company has finally announced some details, chiefly that the attraction’s new name will be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and that it will open at Walt Disney World and Disneyland in late 2024. If you want to take one last trip to the Laughin’ Place, you might want to do it soon …
Announced today during Essence Fest in New Orleans (where the film and new attraction will be set), Disney also announced the first concrete details of the attraction’s storyline: “Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as...
Now the company has finally announced some details, chiefly that the attraction’s new name will be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and that it will open at Walt Disney World and Disneyland in late 2024. If you want to take one last trip to the Laughin’ Place, you might want to do it soon …
Announced today during Essence Fest in New Orleans (where the film and new attraction will be set), Disney also announced the first concrete details of the attraction’s storyline: “Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as...
- 7/1/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
On June 10, Jurassic World Dominion, the final film in the Jurassic World trilogy, opened in theaters nationwide. In a recent piece for The Hollywood Reporter, writer Richard Newby called the movie “a clear testament to the strengths and weaknesses of the blockbuster film business.” This installment in the franchise sees DeWanda Wise (airplane pilot Kayla Watts) emerge as an essential and unlikely hero whose deftness in the cockpit reroutes the film’s unfolding.
Recently, Wise has stepped into the universe of a classic American Western in Jeymes Samuel’s The Harder They Fall, a comedy in director Stella Meghie’s The Weekend and the reimagined Brooklyn of the series update for Spike Lee’s cult classic She’s Gotta Have It on Netflix. Each genre has its own demands and creative freedoms, and Wise’s approach to all of them is equal parts strategy...
On June 10, Jurassic World Dominion, the final film in the Jurassic World trilogy, opened in theaters nationwide. In a recent piece for The Hollywood Reporter, writer Richard Newby called the movie “a clear testament to the strengths and weaknesses of the blockbuster film business.” This installment in the franchise sees DeWanda Wise (airplane pilot Kayla Watts) emerge as an essential and unlikely hero whose deftness in the cockpit reroutes the film’s unfolding.
Recently, Wise has stepped into the universe of a classic American Western in Jeymes Samuel’s The Harder They Fall, a comedy in director Stella Meghie’s The Weekend and the reimagined Brooklyn of the series update for Spike Lee’s cult classic She’s Gotta Have It on Netflix. Each genre has its own demands and creative freedoms, and Wise’s approach to all of them is equal parts strategy...
- 6/12/2022
- by Evan Nicole Brown
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Y’lan Noel (The First Purge), Mikey Madison (Better Things) and Brett Gelman (Stranger Things) are set as leads opposite Natalie Portman and Lupita Nyong’o in Lady In The Lake, Apple TV+’s limited series adaptation of Laura Lippman’s book, created and directed by Alma Har’el (Honey Boy) and produced by Endeavor Content.
The limited series, which has started production, takes place in 60s Baltimore, where an unsolved murder pushes housewife and mother, Maddie Schwartz, played by Portman, to reinvent her life as an investigative journalist and sets her on a collision course with Cleo Sherwood, played by Nyong’o, a hard-working woman juggling motherhood, many jobs and a passionate commitment to advancing Baltimore’s Black progressive agenda.
Lady in the Lake is produced by Crazyrose and Bad Wolf America, and is executive produced by Har’el alongside producing partner Christopher Leggett through her new production company, Zusa. In addition to starring,...
The limited series, which has started production, takes place in 60s Baltimore, where an unsolved murder pushes housewife and mother, Maddie Schwartz, played by Portman, to reinvent her life as an investigative journalist and sets her on a collision course with Cleo Sherwood, played by Nyong’o, a hard-working woman juggling motherhood, many jobs and a passionate commitment to advancing Baltimore’s Black progressive agenda.
Lady in the Lake is produced by Crazyrose and Bad Wolf America, and is executive produced by Har’el alongside producing partner Christopher Leggett through her new production company, Zusa. In addition to starring,...
- 4/26/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Taylour Paige (Zola) has signed on to star alongside Vito Schnabel, Julia Fox and Steven Van Zandt in The Trainer, the upcoming dark comedy, which Tony Kaye (American History X) is directing from a script by Schnabel and Jeff Solomon.
The film, which has been in development for nearly a decade, is based on an original story by Schnabel. It unfolds over eight days of sleep-deprived chaos and follows Jack (Schnabel), a down-on-his-luck fitness expert living with his mother in Los Angeles, who takes a maniacal swing at fame and fortune, trying to realize his version of the American dream.
Schnabel, Kaye and Jeremy Steckler are producing, with George Paaswell serving as exec producer. Production will kick off in Los Angeles early next month.
Paige is perhaps best known for her turn as the title character...
The film, which has been in development for nearly a decade, is based on an original story by Schnabel. It unfolds over eight days of sleep-deprived chaos and follows Jack (Schnabel), a down-on-his-luck fitness expert living with his mother in Los Angeles, who takes a maniacal swing at fame and fortune, trying to realize his version of the American dream.
Schnabel, Kaye and Jeremy Steckler are producing, with George Paaswell serving as exec producer. Production will kick off in Los Angeles early next month.
Paige is perhaps best known for her turn as the title character...
- 3/29/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Writer, director and producer Stella Meghie has signed with Lighthouse Management & Media for representation.
The filmmaker is currently co-writing and will direct the musical series Tiana, centered on Disney’s first African American princess of The Princess and the Frog fame, for Disney+.
She previously wrote, directed and executive produced the romantic drama The Photograph, starring Lakeith Stanfield and Issa Rae, for Universal Pictures—also writing, directing and producing the dramedy The Weekend, starring Sasheer Zamata, Tone Bell and DeWanda Wise, which premiered at the 2018 Toronto Film Festival and was an official selection of both the Tribeca Film Festival and SXSW.
Prior to The Weekend, Meghie directed and produced the Amandla Stenberg-led romantic drama Everything, Everything, based on the bestselling novel by Nicola Yoon. The film from MGM and Warner Bros. grossed over $60 million worldwide and garnered Meghie an NAACP Image Award nomination for Best Director.
The filmmaker is currently co-writing and will direct the musical series Tiana, centered on Disney’s first African American princess of The Princess and the Frog fame, for Disney+.
She previously wrote, directed and executive produced the romantic drama The Photograph, starring Lakeith Stanfield and Issa Rae, for Universal Pictures—also writing, directing and producing the dramedy The Weekend, starring Sasheer Zamata, Tone Bell and DeWanda Wise, which premiered at the 2018 Toronto Film Festival and was an official selection of both the Tribeca Film Festival and SXSW.
Prior to The Weekend, Meghie directed and produced the Amandla Stenberg-led romantic drama Everything, Everything, based on the bestselling novel by Nicola Yoon. The film from MGM and Warner Bros. grossed over $60 million worldwide and garnered Meghie an NAACP Image Award nomination for Best Director.
- 3/14/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
On Tuesday, “The Power of the Dog” director Jane Campion made Oscar history as the first woman to receive two best director nominations.
Campion is nominated in the 2022 directing category opposite Steven Spielberg for “West Side Story,” Kenneth Branagh for “Belfast,” Paul Thomas Anderson for “Licorice Pizza” and Ryusuke Hamaguchi for “Drive My Car.” Her first Oscar nod for directing came in 1994 when she was nominated for “The Piano” at the 66th Academy Awards. She won the Oscar for original screenplay that year.
“It’s both sad but it’s also great that women are punching that glass ceiling out of the way. I really feel things are changing,” Campion told Variety of her directing nomination.
Exactly how much things are changing behind the camera with regard to gender and racial equity has been analyzed by Dr. Stacy Smith and the team at the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative as they release their annual study.
Campion is nominated in the 2022 directing category opposite Steven Spielberg for “West Side Story,” Kenneth Branagh for “Belfast,” Paul Thomas Anderson for “Licorice Pizza” and Ryusuke Hamaguchi for “Drive My Car.” Her first Oscar nod for directing came in 1994 when she was nominated for “The Piano” at the 66th Academy Awards. She won the Oscar for original screenplay that year.
“It’s both sad but it’s also great that women are punching that glass ceiling out of the way. I really feel things are changing,” Campion told Variety of her directing nomination.
Exactly how much things are changing behind the camera with regard to gender and racial equity has been analyzed by Dr. Stacy Smith and the team at the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative as they release their annual study.
- 2/9/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Chelsea Peretti, the comedian, actress and writer best known for her role as Gina Linetti on the hit comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, has signed with CAA for representation.
Peretti is otherwise known for her acclaimed 2014 stand-up special Chelsea Peretti: One of the Greats, which currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
She’s appeared on the film side in Stella Meghie’s 2020 romantic drama The Photograph, Andrea Dorfman’s 2019 comedy Spinster, John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein’s comedic thriller Game Night, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone’s comedy Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping and Garth Jennings’ animated sequel Sing 2 for Illumination and Universal Pictures, among other titles. She’s featured on the TV side in such series as Girls, New Girl, Kroll Show, Drunk History, Search Party, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Another Period, Parks and Recreation and The Sarah Silverman Program, lending her vocal talents to animated series including Big Mouth,...
Peretti is otherwise known for her acclaimed 2014 stand-up special Chelsea Peretti: One of the Greats, which currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
She’s appeared on the film side in Stella Meghie’s 2020 romantic drama The Photograph, Andrea Dorfman’s 2019 comedy Spinster, John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein’s comedic thriller Game Night, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone’s comedy Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping and Garth Jennings’ animated sequel Sing 2 for Illumination and Universal Pictures, among other titles. She’s featured on the TV side in such series as Girls, New Girl, Kroll Show, Drunk History, Search Party, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Another Period, Parks and Recreation and The Sarah Silverman Program, lending her vocal talents to animated series including Big Mouth,...
- 2/2/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Black Box actor Mamoudou Athie is reteaming with Amazon Studios for their feature The Burial, based on the New Yorker article by Jonathan Harr.
Athie will star alongside Jamie Foxx, Tommy Lee Jones, and Jurnee Smollett, with Maggie Betts directing from a script written by Doug Wright.
Based on a true story, The Burial follows a bankrupt funeral home owner, who decides to sue a rival businessman over a handshake deal gone wrong. The owner hires a flamboyant attorney to handle the case.
Producers include Bobby Shriver via his Bobby Shriver Inc. label, Double Nickel Entertainment’s Adam Richman and Jenette Kahn, Foxx and producing partner Datari Turner, and Maven Pictures’ Trudie Styler and Celine Rattray.
Athie was nominated for an Emmy last year in the Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series category for Fxx’s Oh Jerome, No, which he also executive produced. He...
Athie will star alongside Jamie Foxx, Tommy Lee Jones, and Jurnee Smollett, with Maggie Betts directing from a script written by Doug Wright.
Based on a true story, The Burial follows a bankrupt funeral home owner, who decides to sue a rival businessman over a handshake deal gone wrong. The owner hires a flamboyant attorney to handle the case.
Producers include Bobby Shriver via his Bobby Shriver Inc. label, Double Nickel Entertainment’s Adam Richman and Jenette Kahn, Foxx and producing partner Datari Turner, and Maven Pictures’ Trudie Styler and Celine Rattray.
Athie was nominated for an Emmy last year in the Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series category for Fxx’s Oh Jerome, No, which he also executive produced. He...
- 2/1/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Chanté Adams is ready for the world to see her breakout role in A Journal For Jordan. The romantic-drama, coproduced by Michael B. Jordan and directed by Denzel Washington, is based on a heartbreaking true story from the memoir, A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor, by journalist Dana Canedy. Just like the book, the upcoming film recalls how Canedy and the late Sergeant Charles Monroe King first fell in love, as well as the journal King kept for his son, Jordan, before he died in Iraq.
"I'm not going to read the book unless I get the part."
Adams may look like a familiar face to those who saw Stella Meghie's The Photograph, but her portrayal of Dana marks her first lead role in a major feature film - which was an uphill battle in itself. For Adams, snagging her role in A Journal For Jordan...
"I'm not going to read the book unless I get the part."
Adams may look like a familiar face to those who saw Stella Meghie's The Photograph, but her portrayal of Dana marks her first lead role in a major feature film - which was an uphill battle in itself. For Adams, snagging her role in A Journal For Jordan...
- 12/21/2021
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Princess Tiana, Disney’s first African American princess, is back for a new musical adventure, along with the animal citizens of Zootopia and Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars.”
As part of the Disney Plus Day celebration, the streamer debuted concept art for the upcoming shows, which were announced last year, as part of Disney’s plan to create original series based on its popular animated films.
#Tiana First Look Concept Art: The new long-form musical series, directed and written by Stella Meghie (@stellamink), comes to #DisneyPlus in 2023. The series follows newly crowned Princess of Maldonia on a new adventure, but her New Orleans past isn’t far behind...
As part of the Disney Plus Day celebration, the streamer debuted concept art for the upcoming shows, which were announced last year, as part of Disney’s plan to create original series based on its popular animated films.
#Tiana First Look Concept Art: The new long-form musical series, directed and written by Stella Meghie (@stellamink), comes to #DisneyPlus in 2023. The series follows newly crowned Princess of Maldonia on a new adventure, but her New Orleans past isn’t far behind...
- 11/12/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Disney+ Day brought about news about the streaming platform’s upcoming slate of new programming. Among the slew of announcements were updates on the upcoming Cars series and The Princess and the Frog offshoot Tiana.
Disney+, with the help of Larry the Cable Guy, unveiled the title for its previously untiled Pixar series inspired by the world of Cars. Now titled Cars on the Road, it will will feature Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) and Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) on family-friendly cross-country road trip. The series is set to begin streaming in 2022. See the newly unveiled concept art and logo below.
Rev your engines: Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy return to voice Lightning McQueen and Mater in the #DisneyPlus Original Series: Cars on the Road, streaming in 2022! #DisneyPlusDay pic.twitter.com/NQCu5tW4we
— Disney+ (@disneyplus) November 12, 2021
Walt Disney Animation Studios announced that Stella Meghie (The...
Disney+, with the help of Larry the Cable Guy, unveiled the title for its previously untiled Pixar series inspired by the world of Cars. Now titled Cars on the Road, it will will feature Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) and Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) on family-friendly cross-country road trip. The series is set to begin streaming in 2022. See the newly unveiled concept art and logo below.
Rev your engines: Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy return to voice Lightning McQueen and Mater in the #DisneyPlus Original Series: Cars on the Road, streaming in 2022! #DisneyPlusDay pic.twitter.com/NQCu5tW4we
— Disney+ (@disneyplus) November 12, 2021
Walt Disney Animation Studios announced that Stella Meghie (The...
- 11/12/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ashton Sanders has joined the cast of the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, the upcoming feature about the late musical icon Whitney Houston. Sanders will play Bobby Brown, and sources also tell Deadline that Black Label Media is coming on board to co-finance the film with Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave Music.
Naomi Ackie is set to play Houston in the Kasi Lemmons-directed film. The screenplay is written by Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten, and will take audiences on an emotional, energetic journey through Houston’s career and music.
Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate, Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis, Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music, Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri of Compelling Pictures, and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures. Molly Smith, Trent and Thad Luckinbill will produce for Black Label Media,...
Naomi Ackie is set to play Houston in the Kasi Lemmons-directed film. The screenplay is written by Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten, and will take audiences on an emotional, energetic journey through Houston’s career and music.
Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate, Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis, Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music, Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri of Compelling Pictures, and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures. Molly Smith, Trent and Thad Luckinbill will produce for Black Label Media,...
- 9/20/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Kasi Lemmons, the director of the Harriet Tubman biopic “Harriet,” has come aboard as the director on the Whitney Houston biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
Lemmons replaces “The Photograph” director Stella Meghie on the project, who sources say exited the film over creative differences.
Naomi Ackie is set to star as the famed singer Whitney Houston in the film, which is being made with the support of Houston’s estate and will include a look at her full life and career as well as a journey through her music. Anthony McCarten of “Bohemian Rhapsody” wrote the screenplay.
Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston (“Whitney”) on behalf of the Houston Estate, Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis, Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music and Denis O’Sullivan (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and Jeff Kalligheri (“Submergence:), who are also financing via Compelling Pictures.
Lemmons replaces “The Photograph” director Stella Meghie on the project, who sources say exited the film over creative differences.
Naomi Ackie is set to star as the famed singer Whitney Houston in the film, which is being made with the support of Houston’s estate and will include a look at her full life and career as well as a journey through her music. Anthony McCarten of “Bohemian Rhapsody” wrote the screenplay.
Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston (“Whitney”) on behalf of the Houston Estate, Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis, Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music and Denis O’Sullivan (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and Jeff Kalligheri (“Submergence:), who are also financing via Compelling Pictures.
- 9/1/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Harriet helmer Kasi Lemmons has come on to direct the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, the upcoming feature about the late Whitney Houston from TriStar Pictures. Lemmons will replace Stella Meghie, who insiders say parted ways with the project due to creative differences. “Early in my writing career I developed two projects for Whitney and I had the opportunity to meet her. She was a tremendous, incomparable artist and her story is as awe-inspiring as it is tragic. I feel privileged to be part of bringing her life story and music to the audience,” Lemmons said. Naomi Ackie is on board to play Houston, a role she landed following a spirited auditioning process that saw a number of actresses vying for the role of the iconic singer. “Preparing to play Whitney Houston has been an incredible experience. I’ve learnt so much more about her and myself than I could have imagined.
- 9/1/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Journalists call it “burying the lede.” Universal’s “Candyman” opened at #1 to $22.3 million, beating its $15 million opening-weekend expectations by nearly 50 percent. Headlines trumpeted the impressive achievement, especially in a time when the box office is still struggling to right itself in a pandemic.
However, the biggest news belongs to its history-making director, Nia DaCosta. She is the first Black female director to have a #1 film at the box office. It’s unlikely to be her last; she’s in preproduction on “The Marvels,” the first sequel to “Captain Marvel” — another couple of firsts, as a Black woman hired as a Marvel Studios director and as the highest-budgeted film directed by a Black woman.
Ava DuVernay was the first Black woman to helm a $100-million picture when she directed Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time” in 2016, but she remains an outlier: Even as industry inclusion initiatives abound, Black women are still...
However, the biggest news belongs to its history-making director, Nia DaCosta. She is the first Black female director to have a #1 film at the box office. It’s unlikely to be her last; she’s in preproduction on “The Marvels,” the first sequel to “Captain Marvel” — another couple of firsts, as a Black woman hired as a Marvel Studios director and as the highest-budgeted film directed by a Black woman.
Ava DuVernay was the first Black woman to helm a $100-million picture when she directed Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time” in 2016, but she remains an outlier: Even as industry inclusion initiatives abound, Black women are still...
- 8/30/2021
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
MGM landed global distribution rights to “Pussy Island,” Zoë Kravitz’s feature directorial debut, which has also tapped BAFTA winner Naomi Ackie as its lead.
Ackie will join Channing Tatum, who was previously announced to star in the project, written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum.
Bruce Cohen, Kravitz, Tiffany Persons and Tatum’s Free Association will produce the movie, with Garret Levitz overseeing for Free Association.
“I am honored to be partnering with an iconic studio such as MGM for this project,” Kravitz said. “Their commitment to the art of storytelling is something that I truly admire and respect. Naomi Ackie is an extraordinary talent and we can’t wait to see her bring this role to life.”
Ackie will play Frida, a young, clever, Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King (Tatum). When she skillfully maneuvers her way...
Ackie will join Channing Tatum, who was previously announced to star in the project, written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum.
Bruce Cohen, Kravitz, Tiffany Persons and Tatum’s Free Association will produce the movie, with Garret Levitz overseeing for Free Association.
“I am honored to be partnering with an iconic studio such as MGM for this project,” Kravitz said. “Their commitment to the art of storytelling is something that I truly admire and respect. Naomi Ackie is an extraordinary talent and we can’t wait to see her bring this role to life.”
Ackie will play Frida, a young, clever, Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King (Tatum). When she skillfully maneuvers her way...
- 6/25/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
In a highly competitive situation and the first major deal of the Cannes Virtual market, MGM has landed global distribution rights to Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut Pussy Island. The original film, written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum, will star Naomi Ackie alongside Channing Tatum. Bruce Cohen, Kravitz, Tiffany Persons and Tatum’s Free Association will produce, with Garret Levitz overseeing for Free Association.
Deadline revealed the project last week, and Kravitz described to Deadline the role she’d written for the lead actress, she said it was one that she would have loved to be playing, if she wasn’t directing. In Ackie, she has landed up a BAFTA winner who will play Whitney Houston in the Sony biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody from director Stella Meghie. Ackie currently stars in season three of Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang’s Master of None, on which she also serves as an Executive Producer.
Deadline revealed the project last week, and Kravitz described to Deadline the role she’d written for the lead actress, she said it was one that she would have loved to be playing, if she wasn’t directing. In Ackie, she has landed up a BAFTA winner who will play Whitney Houston in the Sony biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody from director Stella Meghie. Ackie currently stars in season three of Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang’s Master of None, on which she also serves as an Executive Producer.
- 6/25/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Moses Ingram is set play Whitney Houston’s longtime assistant Robyn Crawford opposite BAFTA-winning actress Naomi Ackie in Sony Pictures and TriStar Pictures’ musical biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, based on the epic life and music of iconic singer. Oscar nominee Anthony McCarten is writing the script and Stella Meghie is directing.
Crawford later become Houston’s creative director while also remaining one of her closest friends.
Besides McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate; Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis; Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music; and Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri, who are also financing via Compelling Pictures.
Primary Wave is a partner of the Houston estate. Nicole Brown, Shary Shirazi and Brittany Morrissey will oversee the project for TriStar. The film will be released at Thanksgiving 2022.
Houston is the most awarded...
Crawford later become Houston’s creative director while also remaining one of her closest friends.
Besides McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate; Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis; Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music; and Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri, who are also financing via Compelling Pictures.
Primary Wave is a partner of the Houston estate. Nicole Brown, Shary Shirazi and Brittany Morrissey will oversee the project for TriStar. The film will be released at Thanksgiving 2022.
Houston is the most awarded...
- 6/14/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Screenwriter Anthony McCarten and his Muse Of Fire Productions has teamed with Scooter Braun’s Sb Projects and producer/financier Compelling Pictures’ Denis O’Sullivan & Jeff Kalligheri for Phantom. That is the working title of a music-filled big scale contemporary psychological thriller film loosely inspired by the 1910 novel Le Fantome de L’Opera by Gaston Leroux.
Pic will be a psychological thriller in the vein of Black Swan and Misery, set in London’s contemporary music scene. Leroux’s depiction of a destructive relationship remains, as will a dark love story, but the movie intends to upend the romanticism associated with previous interpretations, and instead lean into the suspense and horror that was a big part of the book.
Scooter Braun and James Shin will produce for Sb Projects, McCarten for Muse of Fire and O’Sullivan and Kalligheri for Compelling Pictures, which will also finance. Sbp’s Scott Manson will be exec producer.
Pic will be a psychological thriller in the vein of Black Swan and Misery, set in London’s contemporary music scene. Leroux’s depiction of a destructive relationship remains, as will a dark love story, but the movie intends to upend the romanticism associated with previous interpretations, and instead lean into the suspense and horror that was a big part of the book.
Scooter Braun and James Shin will produce for Sb Projects, McCarten for Muse of Fire and O’Sullivan and Kalligheri for Compelling Pictures, which will also finance. Sbp’s Scott Manson will be exec producer.
- 5/20/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The new season of Master of None drops on Netflix on May 23 and it may not be the comedy that you are used to seeing — and that’s a good thing.
Ccreated by Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang, the season goes beyond expectations with five episodes titled “Moments in Love” directed by Ansari, who co-wrote it with Lena Waithe. It follows Denise (Waithe), who is living a quiet life in the country as a successful writer. We are also introduced to a new character, her wife Alicia, played by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker actress and The End of the F***ing World BAFTA winner Naomi Ackie. Ackie stopped by Deadline’s New Hollywood Podcast to talk about her role on the show.
Throughout the new season, we see a fully fleshed-out story of an LGBTQ couple — and a queer couple of color at that — and the ups and downs of their marriage.
Ccreated by Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang, the season goes beyond expectations with five episodes titled “Moments in Love” directed by Ansari, who co-wrote it with Lena Waithe. It follows Denise (Waithe), who is living a quiet life in the country as a successful writer. We are also introduced to a new character, her wife Alicia, played by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker actress and The End of the F***ing World BAFTA winner Naomi Ackie. Ackie stopped by Deadline’s New Hollywood Podcast to talk about her role on the show.
Throughout the new season, we see a fully fleshed-out story of an LGBTQ couple — and a queer couple of color at that — and the ups and downs of their marriage.
- 5/18/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The new season of Master of None drops on Netflix on May 23 and it may not be the comedy that you are used to seeing — and that’s a good thing.
Ccreated by Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang, the season goes beyond expectations with five episodes titled “Moments in Love” directed by Ansari, who co-wrote it with Lena Waithe. It follows Denise (Waithe), who is living a quiet life in the country as a successful writer. We are also introduced to a new character, her wife Alicia, played by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker actress and The End Of The F***Ing World BAFTA winner Naomi Ackie. Ackie stopped by Deadline’s New Hollywood Podcast to talk about her role on the show.
Throughout the new season, we see a fully fleshed-out story of an LGBTQ couple — and a queer couple of color at that — and the ups and downs of their marriage.
Ccreated by Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang, the season goes beyond expectations with five episodes titled “Moments in Love” directed by Ansari, who co-wrote it with Lena Waithe. It follows Denise (Waithe), who is living a quiet life in the country as a successful writer. We are also introduced to a new character, her wife Alicia, played by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker actress and The End Of The F***Ing World BAFTA winner Naomi Ackie. Ackie stopped by Deadline’s New Hollywood Podcast to talk about her role on the show.
Throughout the new season, we see a fully fleshed-out story of an LGBTQ couple — and a queer couple of color at that — and the ups and downs of their marriage.
- 5/18/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Insecure alum Y’lan Noel has been tapped as the lead in The Spook Who Sat by the Door, FX’s drama pilot based on Sam Greenlee’s spy novel, which is executive produced by Lee Daniels.
Written by Leigh Dana Jackson and to be directed by Gerard McMurray, The Spook Who Sat by the Door tells at the fictional story of Dan Freeman (Noel), who has just been hired as the only Black operative in the CIA. He is a patriot, a Vietnam vet, and secretly, a Black Revolutionary.
The project reunites Noel and McMurray after Noel headlined the 2018 Universal feature The First Purge, the prequel to the Purge franchise, which McMurray directed.
Greenlee’s book was published in 1969 and turned into a feature film in 1973, in which Lawrence Cook starred as Dan Freeman.
2020-21 FX Pilots & Series Orders
The Spook Who Sat by the Door is produced by 20th Television.
Written by Leigh Dana Jackson and to be directed by Gerard McMurray, The Spook Who Sat by the Door tells at the fictional story of Dan Freeman (Noel), who has just been hired as the only Black operative in the CIA. He is a patriot, a Vietnam vet, and secretly, a Black Revolutionary.
The project reunites Noel and McMurray after Noel headlined the 2018 Universal feature The First Purge, the prequel to the Purge franchise, which McMurray directed.
Greenlee’s book was published in 1969 and turned into a feature film in 1973, in which Lawrence Cook starred as Dan Freeman.
2020-21 FX Pilots & Series Orders
The Spook Who Sat by the Door is produced by 20th Television.
- 3/22/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The Nantucket Film Festival will go ahead with its 2021 edition amid the coronavirus pandemic, from June 17 to 28, with a first-time hybrid event that combines virtual streamings online with physical screenings in drive-in theaters and small garden settings.
On Monday, the annual summer festival’s partnering Screenwriters Colony also unveiled plans for an online series for emerging film scribes titled Screenwriter Sessions Live: Craft and Conversation. The online course, continuing a traditional focus at Nantucket on excellence in screenwriting, will feature Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give), Stella Meghie (The Photograph) and ...
On Monday, the annual summer festival’s partnering Screenwriters Colony also unveiled plans for an online series for emerging film scribes titled Screenwriter Sessions Live: Craft and Conversation. The online course, continuing a traditional focus at Nantucket on excellence in screenwriting, will feature Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give), Stella Meghie (The Photograph) and ...
The Nantucket Film Festival will go ahead with its 2021 edition amid the coronavirus pandemic, from June 17 to 28, with a first-time hybrid event that combines virtual streamings online with physical screenings in drive-in theaters and small garden settings.
On Monday, the annual summer festival’s partnering Screenwriters Colony also unveiled plans for an online series for emerging film scribes titled Screenwriter Sessions Live: Craft and Conversation. The online course, continuing a traditional focus at Nantucket on excellence in screenwriting, will feature Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give), Stella Meghie (The Photograph) and ...
On Monday, the annual summer festival’s partnering Screenwriters Colony also unveiled plans for an online series for emerging film scribes titled Screenwriter Sessions Live: Craft and Conversation. The online course, continuing a traditional focus at Nantucket on excellence in screenwriting, will feature Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give), Stella Meghie (The Photograph) and ...
Exclusive: Bohemian Rhapsody and The Theory Of Everything scribe Anthony McCarten has made a deal for his Muse of Fire Productions banner to reteam with financier/producer Compelling Pictures for a feature adaptation of McCarten’s upcoming play The Collaboration. McCarten has already begun writing the script for a film that focuses on the extraordinary creative relationship between artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol in the 1980s, and how contrasting beliefs became the propulsion for their work together.
Compelling Pictures is headed by Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri (Submergence). They’ve made a pre-emptive deal for the film rights with Muse of Fire, with a plan to fast-track development so that the film can go into production shortly after the play completes its initial run in London in 2022.
Basquiat first emerged on the New York art scene as a homeless street artist, and the techniques and ideas he...
Compelling Pictures is headed by Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri (Submergence). They’ve made a pre-emptive deal for the film rights with Muse of Fire, with a plan to fast-track development so that the film can go into production shortly after the play completes its initial run in London in 2022.
Basquiat first emerged on the New York art scene as a homeless street artist, and the techniques and ideas he...
- 2/19/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Ever since the very first episode of Deadline’s New Hollywood Podcast with actor Sinqua Walls, the New Hollywood Podcast celebrates Black culture and talent 12 months out of the year. February is Black History Month so we like to put extra shine on Black Hollywood and recognize the achievements of the community and how they have paved the way and pushed the needle further when it comes to diversity and representation in film & TV.
From trailblazers like Ava DuVernay, RuPaul Charles, Janet Mock, Lena Waithe and Issa Rae to talent like Michael B.Jordan, Robin Thede, Daveed Diggs, Yahya Abdul Mateen II and Renee Elise Goldsberry that has taken the industry by storm, New Hollywood has always championed Black actors, filmmakers, producers and writers and will continue to do so after February.
That said, we have compiled a list of our Black guests that have appeared on New Hollywood out of our 134 episodes.
From trailblazers like Ava DuVernay, RuPaul Charles, Janet Mock, Lena Waithe and Issa Rae to talent like Michael B.Jordan, Robin Thede, Daveed Diggs, Yahya Abdul Mateen II and Renee Elise Goldsberry that has taken the industry by storm, New Hollywood has always championed Black actors, filmmakers, producers and writers and will continue to do so after February.
That said, we have compiled a list of our Black guests that have appeared on New Hollywood out of our 134 episodes.
- 2/16/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Naomi Ackie is about to take on the role of a lifetime. The British actress has been cast to play Whitney Houston in the upcoming biopic, titled I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Ackie is best-known for her roles in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker as well as on the Netflix series The End of the F***ing World, which earned her a BAFTA.
"We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston," director Stella Meghie said in a statement. "Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life."
Not only does Ackie come with high praises from the film's creators, but she also has the seal of approval from Houston's family. "All...
"We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston," director Stella Meghie said in a statement. "Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life."
Not only does Ackie come with high praises from the film's creators, but she also has the seal of approval from Houston's family. "All...
- 12/16/2020
- by Kelsie Gibson
- Popsugar.com
Naomi Ackie has some huge shoes to fill as the British actress has been cast as Whitney Houston in the biopic ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’.
Instead of finding an actress who can hit those vocal highs on a par with Whitney, TriStar Pictures and Sony Pictures has opted to use Houston’s iconic voice.
‘The Photograph’s Stella Meghie is on board to direct, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ scribe Anthony McCarten penned the screenplay.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston,” said Meghie. “Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life.”
The film has the backing from the Whitney Houston estate and music producer Clive Davis.
Also in news – Chris Pine set for...
Instead of finding an actress who can hit those vocal highs on a par with Whitney, TriStar Pictures and Sony Pictures has opted to use Houston’s iconic voice.
‘The Photograph’s Stella Meghie is on board to direct, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ scribe Anthony McCarten penned the screenplay.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston,” said Meghie. “Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life.”
The film has the backing from the Whitney Houston estate and music producer Clive Davis.
Also in news – Chris Pine set for...
- 12/16/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Sony Pictures and TriStar have been developing a biopic feature film with director Stella Meghie based on singer and sometimes-actress Whitney Houston titled “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and have now selected an actress to play the lead role.
Deadline now reveals that “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” actress Naomi Ackie has landed the part of Whitney Houston.
Continue reading Naomi Ackie To Play Iconic Singer Whitney Houston In Biopic ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ at The Playlist.
Deadline now reveals that “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” actress Naomi Ackie has landed the part of Whitney Houston.
Continue reading Naomi Ackie To Play Iconic Singer Whitney Houston In Biopic ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ at The Playlist.
- 12/15/2020
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
After being featured as Jannah in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, THR has reported that Naomi Ackie will play Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance With Somebody, a biopic about the life of the iconic singer. [Seemore] The biopic will be directed by Stella Meghie (The Photograph) from a screenplay by Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody). "We spent the better part of the last year in…...
- 12/15/2020
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Naomi Ackie is in negotiations to play Whitney Houston in the musical biopic about the singer’s life, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” that is set up at Sony’s TriStar Pictures.
“The Photograph” filmmaker Stella Meghie is directing the film about Houston’s life that comes from a screenplay by “Bohemian Rhapsody” writer Anthony McCarten.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is set for release on Thanksgiving 2022. The film is being made with the support of Houston’s estate and will include a look at her full life and career as well as a journey through her music.
Ackie is a British actress who broke out in “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker” and in the film “Lady Macbeth.” She recently won a BAFTA for her work in the second season of Netflix’s “The End of the F***ing World,” and she can be seen in “Education,” the...
“The Photograph” filmmaker Stella Meghie is directing the film about Houston’s life that comes from a screenplay by “Bohemian Rhapsody” writer Anthony McCarten.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is set for release on Thanksgiving 2022. The film is being made with the support of Houston’s estate and will include a look at her full life and career as well as a journey through her music.
Ackie is a British actress who broke out in “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker” and in the film “Lady Macbeth.” She recently won a BAFTA for her work in the second season of Netflix’s “The End of the F***ing World,” and she can be seen in “Education,” the...
- 12/15/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Naomi Ackie is in final negotiations to portray Whitney Houston in Sony’s upcoming musical biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
Stella Meghie (“The Photograph”) is directing the film from a screenplay by “Bohemian Rhapsody” writer Anthony McCarten. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is slated to release at Thanksgiving of 2022.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston. Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life,” Meghie said.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” follows the life and times of Houston, the iconic artist behind timeless hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “How Will I Know.” Houston, who died in 2012, made her acting debut in the 1992 romantic thriller “The Bodyguard.”
“Naomi Ackie...
Stella Meghie (“The Photograph”) is directing the film from a screenplay by “Bohemian Rhapsody” writer Anthony McCarten. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is slated to release at Thanksgiving of 2022.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston. Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life,” Meghie said.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” follows the life and times of Houston, the iconic artist behind timeless hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “How Will I Know.” Houston, who died in 2012, made her acting debut in the 1992 romantic thriller “The Bodyguard.”
“Naomi Ackie...
- 12/15/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
BAFTA winner and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker actress Naomi Ackie has notched the role of Whitney Houston in Sony/TriStar’s biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, which will be directed by Stella Meghie.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston,” Meghie said in a statement. “Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life.”
The pic, which is being made with the blessing of the Houston estate, is being written by Oscar nominee Anthony McCarten.
Deadline first broke news about the project which is being produced by McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions; Pat Houston (the 2018 Kevin Macdonald documentary Whitney) on behalf of the Houston estate; legendary music producer Clive Davis...
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston,” Meghie said in a statement. “Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life.”
The pic, which is being made with the blessing of the Houston estate, is being written by Oscar nominee Anthony McCarten.
Deadline first broke news about the project which is being produced by McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions; Pat Houston (the 2018 Kevin Macdonald documentary Whitney) on behalf of the Houston estate; legendary music producer Clive Davis...
- 12/15/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
After a worldwide search, Naomi Ackie has been chosen to play iconic performer Whitney Houston in the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
The British actress, who had a pivotal role in Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, is in negotiations for the feature from Sony and its TriStar division, which has set the movie for a Thanksgiving 2022 release.
Anthony McCarten, who wrote Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, penned the screenplay, while Stella Meghie, who was behind the Issa Rae romance The Photograph, is set to direct.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston,...
The British actress, who had a pivotal role in Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, is in negotiations for the feature from Sony and its TriStar division, which has set the movie for a Thanksgiving 2022 release.
Anthony McCarten, who wrote Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, penned the screenplay, while Stella Meghie, who was behind the Issa Rae romance The Photograph, is set to direct.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston,...
- 12/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After a worldwide search, Naomi Ackie has been chosen to play iconic performer Whitney Houston in the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
The British actress, who had a pivotal role in Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, is in negotiations for the feature from Sony and its TriStar division, which has set the movie for a Thanksgiving 2022 release.
Anthony McCarten, who wrote Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, penned the screenplay, while Stella Meghie, who was behind the Issa Rae romance The Photograph, is set to direct.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston,...
The British actress, who had a pivotal role in Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, is in negotiations for the feature from Sony and its TriStar division, which has set the movie for a Thanksgiving 2022 release.
Anthony McCarten, who wrote Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, penned the screenplay, while Stella Meghie, who was behind the Issa Rae romance The Photograph, is set to direct.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston,...
- 12/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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