Moviefone Editorial

Author: Katie Roberts

  • Leslie Jones Is Leaving ‘SNL,’ Kate McKinnon Confirmed to Return

    Leslie Jones Is Leaving ‘SNL,’ Kate McKinnon Confirmed to Return

    Collider

    Yesterday, “Saturday Night Live” revealed an exciting lineup for the beginning of its upcoming 45th season. But now, we have news that one of the show’s stars will not be there to participate in the fun.

    Multiple outlets have confirmed that Leslie Jones will be leaving “SNL,” after five years with the long-running sketch comedy series. According to Deadline, Jones made the decision to depart herself, opting out of her seven-year contract to focus on a number of upcoming film projects (including a role in the “Coming to America” sequel) and a new stand-up special for Netflix.

    The comedian earned two Supporting Actress Emmy nominations for her work on “SNL” (and is a current Emmy nominee for co-writing an original song for a digital short) which she joined in 2014 initially as a writer, before several buzzy appearances on Weekend Update bumped her up to cast member status. She went on to star in several films, including “The Angry Birds Movie 2,” “Top Five” with Chris Rock, and the 2016 “Ghostbusters” reboot, throughout her “SNL” tenure.

    Jones’s costar in that latter flick, Kate McKinnon, is also one of her “SNL” cast mates, and was also on the bubble to return for next season, thanks to her bustling film career. But thankfully, the two-time Emmy winner has officially signed on to come back for season 45, though Deadline says that it remains to be seen whether she will be a full-time cast member or only appear sporadically. (Our fingers are crossed for lots of McKinnon in the coming months.)

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, it’s not clear yet whether “SNL” will hire a replacement for Jones, though its cast is already quite large. The stars that will be returning this season are Beck Bennett, Aidy Bryant (whose future was uncertain after her Hulu series, “Shrill,” was renewed), Michael Che, Pete Davidson, Mikey Day, Colin Jost, McKinnon, Alex Moffat, Kyle Mooney, Cecily Strong, Kenan Thompson (who is seemingly always rumored to be leaving), and Melissa Villasenor; featured players Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, and Chris Redd will also be back.

    Season 45 of “Saturday Night Live” premieres on NBC on September 28.

    [via: Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter]

  • Michael Bay to Direct Sci-Fi Action Flick ‘Black Five’

    Michael Bay to Direct Sci-Fi Action Flick ‘Black Five’

    Paramount Pictures

    Michael Bay is continuing to do what Michael Bay does best: Make big, loud action flicks. And after recently wrapping one such movie, the filmmaker has reportedly already set up his next project.

    Bay is currently negotiating with Sony Pictures to direct a new film called “Black Five,” Deadline reports, featuring an ensemble cast headed by “a big male lead.” The film is scripted by Ehren Kruger (“Dumbo,” “Transformers: Age of Extinction”).

    “Plot is being kept under wraps, but it’s big Michael Bay movie, with a gritty sci-fi element to it,” the trade noted.

    Sounds about right.

    Without much to go on, it’s hard to figure out just who Bay would have in his sights to star, though a “big male lead” in an action film could be one of many contenders these days. Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson are the first stars that come to mind, though Bay also just wrapped working on the similar-sounding action ensemble “6 Underground” with Ryan Reynolds. Maybe the Merc With the Mouth could be Bay’s new muse?

    Bay is producing “Black Five” alongside Erwin Stoff, with whom he last collaborated on the 2016 Benghazi raid film “13 Hours.” Perhaps the duo are circling John Krasinski instead.

    According to Deadline, “Black Five” is reportedly eyeing an early 2020 production start. Stay tuned to see who Bay selects as his leading man.

    [via: Deadline]

  • A ‘Midsommar’ Director’s Cut Is Coming to Theaters to Scare You Even More

    A ‘Midsommar’ Director’s Cut Is Coming to Theaters to Scare You Even More

    A24

    One of the year’s scariest movies is getting even spookier, with a new director’s cut version of “Midsommar” set to hit theaters soon.

    Writer-director Ari Aster‘s longer version of the horror hit will include both extended scenes and entirely new footage. The unrated feature will debut this weekend, beginning on August 30, in select theaters nationwide.

    Here’s a sneak peek teaser of the extended edition, from indie studio A24:

    Yep, still as insanely creepy as ever. We’d expect nothing less from Aster, the twisted mind behind 2018’s Toni Collette-starring “Hereditary.”

    Here’s the official “Midsommar” synopsis, in case you haven’t already seen the movie (and been thoroughly freaked out):

    Dani and Christian are a young American couple with a relationship on the brink of falling apart. But after a family tragedy keeps them together, a grieving Dani invites herself to join Christian and his friends on a trip to a once-in-a-lifetime midsummer festival in a remote Swedish village. The carefree summer holiday in a land of eternal sunlight takes a sinister turn when the insular villagers invite their guests to partake in festivities that are increasingly disturbing.

    The film stars Florence Pugh (“Little Women”), Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper (“The Good Place”), Will Poulter, Vilhelm Blomgren, Isabelle Grill, Gunnel Fred, and Archie Madekwe.

  • Taika Waititi May Join James Gunn’s ‘Suicide Squad’: Report

    Taika Waititi May Join James Gunn’s ‘Suicide Squad’: Report

    Marvel Studios

    Just when you think Taika Waititi has done it all, the eccentric “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Jojo Rabbit” filmmaker surprises us yet again: He’s reportedly in talks to play a role in James Gunn‘s “The Suicide Squad.”

    That’s the scoop from Deadline, which says that Waititi may be joining the already-stacked cast of the upcoming DC supervillain team-up flick. As with most comic book movie casting news, the trade reports that there’s “No word on what part, or how big” just yet.

    Filmmakers are going to have to make a decision soon, since Deadline says that there’s reportedly going to be a table read for “The Suicide Squad” on September 11, and production is set to begin on September 23. Since Waititi is already prepping work on the upcoming “Thor: Love and Thunder,” we imagine he’s pretty busy, and thus probably only negotiating for a small roll in the flick.

    Since both Gunn and Waititi got their start at DC rival Marvel, we’re not-so-secretly hoping that Waititi’s casting will have some sort of winking nod to their connection to the MCU. But multi-talented Waititi — who’s also an actor, writer, and producer in addition to director — can truly do anything, so whatever role he’s playing, we’ll be on board.

    “The Suicide Squad” — a sequel-reboot of sorts — is bringing back 2016 “Suicide Squad” stars Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), Viola Davis (Amanda Waller), Jai Courtney (Captain Boomerang), and Joel Kinnaman (Rick Flag). New additions to the cast include Idris Elba, David Dastmalchian (Polka-Dot Man), Daniela Melchior (Ratcatcher), Flula Borg, Steve Agee (King Shark), and Nathan Fillion.

    The feature is due in theaters on August 6, 2021.

    [via: Deadline]

  • Netflix Reveals Theatrical, Streaming Release Dates for ‘Dolemite,’ ‘Marriage Story,’ More Awards Contenders

    Netflix Reveals Theatrical, Streaming Release Dates for ‘Dolemite,’ ‘Marriage Story,’ More Awards Contenders

    Eddie Murphy, Mike Epps, and Wesley Snipes in Netflix's 'Dolemite Is My Name.'
    (L to R) Eddie Murphy, Mike Epps, and Wesley Snipes in Netflix’s ‘Dolemite Is My Name.’

    Netflix is making a big play for awards season glory this year, with a huge slate of features set to make theatrical runs before premiering on the streaming service, in accordance with Academy Awards eligibility rules. Now, the company has revealed its entire release date schedule for those films.

    Coming on the heels of the announcement for theatrical and streaming release dates for the Martin Scorsese-Robert De Niro Oscar contender “The Irishman,” Netflix also announced its plans for other high profile pics, including the Eddie Murphy-starring Blaxploitation biopic “Dolemite Is My Name,” Noah Baumbach’s Adam Driver-Scarlett Johansson drama “Marriage Story,” Steven Soderbergh’s Meryl Streep-starring “The Laundromat,” and the Timothee Chalamet-Robert Pattinson flick “The King.”

    Here’s the full release slate, with theatrical premiere dates first, followed by streaming premiere dates:

    • The Laundromat: September 27, October 18
    • Dolemite Is My Name: October 4, October 25 (watch the trailer here)
    • The King: October 11, November 1 (watch the trailer here)
    • The Irishman: November 1 (New York City and Los Angeles limited release) and November 8 (U.S. and U.K. wide release), November 27 (watch the trailer here)
    • Earthquake Bird: November 1, November 15
    • Marriage Story: November 6, December 6 (watch the trailer here)
    • Klaus: November 8, November 15
    • I Lost My Body: November 15, November 29
    • Atlantics: November 15, November 29
    • The Two Popes: November 27, December 20

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences bylaws stipulate that any film submitted for Oscars consideration must first run in a commercial theater in Los Angeles County for seven days. According to Deadline, Netflix is giving itself plenty of cushion on that rule, with many of these movies playing exclusively in theaters for up to several weeks; the films will also continue screening in theaters while being available to stream on Netflix, pending audience demand.

    Not everyone is happy with Netflix’s new sway in Hollywood, though. While the streamer is now a member of the Motion Picture Association of America, many large theater chains — including Regal, AMC, and Cinemark — continue to turn their noses up at the company’s distribution plans, declining to show their films (most famously during “Roma”‘s awards season run earlier this year, when it was shut out of Best Picture nominee screening events).

    Regardless of the chains’ views, though, this slate in particular suggests that Netflix’s film output will only continue to increase. We’ll see if the company’s continued bid for Oscars glory is a successful one.

    [via: Deadline]

  • Lauren Graham Joins NBC Dramedy ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’

    Lauren Graham Joins NBC Dramedy ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’

    Netflix

    Following stints on beloved dramas “Gilmore Girls” and “Parenthood,” Lauren Graham will finally be returning to series regular TV.

    TVLine has the scoop that Graham has joined the cast of NBC midseason dramedy “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.” The site reports that the actress will be playing a character named Joan, who is the boss of Zoey (Jane Levy), a computer coder. Graham will be replacing Carmen Cusack, who played the part in the show’s original pilot.

    Here’s the scoop on the unique, music-based series, per TVLine:

    ‘Playlist’ follows San Francisco-based Zoey who, after an unusual event, begins hearing the innermost wants and desires of the people around her through songs. She initially questions her own sanity, but soon realizes this unwanted curse may just be an incredibly wonderful gift. The cast also includes Skylar Astin (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Ground Floor), Alex Newell (Glee), Mary Steenburgen (The Last Man on Earth), Peter Gallagher (The O.C., Covert Affairs), John Clarence Stewart (Luke Cage) and Andrew Leeds (Bones, Barry).

    Graham has been keeping busy in recent years with roles on series including “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” as well as reprising her most iconic character, Lorelai Gilmore, on Netflix’s “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.” But she’s been absent from series regular television since “Parenthood” wrapped in 2015, and we can’t wait to watch her on a weekly basis again soon.

    There’s no premiere date for “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” yet, but it’s set to debut on NBC sometime during the 2020 midseason.

    [via: TVLine]

  • Mark Wahlberg Reunites With ‘2 Guns’ Director for Rescue Dog Flick ‘Arthur the King’

    Mark Wahlberg Reunites With ‘2 Guns’ Director for Rescue Dog Flick ‘Arthur the King’

    Paramount Pictures

    Mark Wahlberg is going to the dogs: The star is re-teaming with his “2 Guns” director for a flick about an adventurer who rescues a stray pooch while embarking on a grueling outdoor competition — and makes a loyal friend in the process.

    Variety was first to report the news that director Baltasar Kormakur has signed on for the flick, tentatively titled “Arthur the King,” based on the 2017 book “Arthur: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home.” This is the third time that Koramakur and Wahlberg have collaborated, following 2013’s “2 Guns” and 2012’s “Contraband.”

    Here’s the scoop on the true story told in “Arthur,” according to Variety:

    The book was written by Mikael Lindnord, the captain of a Swedish adventure racing team, and follows Lindnord and the wounded stray dog he met during a 400-mile race through the Ecuadoran jungle. After Lindnord threw him a meatball, the dog followed the team through some of the toughest terrain on the planet. Lindnord decided to adopt the dog and brought him back to Sweden.

    Wahlberg is set to play Lindnord, as well as produce the project. Lindnord is also serving as a producer, with the flick set up at Paramount Players.

    Before cameras roll on “Arthur the King,” Wahlberg is shooting another Paramount feature, “Infinite,” with director Antoine Fuqua. Variety reports that production on “Arthur” will begin sometime in early 2020, after “Infinite” wraps.

    [via: Variety]

  • Viola Davis to Play Michelle Obama in Showtime Drama ‘First Ladies’

    Viola Davis to Play Michelle Obama in Showtime Drama ‘First Ladies’

    Eric McCandless/ABC

    When an Oscar-winning actress and a beloved former First Lady come together, the result can only be television gold — and that’s exactly what we’re expecting from a new Showtime drama set in the White House.

    Viola Davis will be playing Michelle Obama in “First Ladies,” a series that chronicles the women who helped shape their husbands’ presidencies from behind the scenes, and left enduring legacies of their own. Here’s the scoop on the project, according to Deadline:

    ‘First Ladies’ is set in the East Wing of the White House, where many of history’s most impactful and world changing decisions have been hidden from view, made by America’s charismatic, complex and dynamic First Ladies. The series will peel back the curtain on the personal and political lives of our most enigmatic heroes, with season one focusing on Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford and Michelle Obama.

    Davis will serve as an executive producer on the project, alongside her husband Julius Tennon and their JuVee Productions banner. Author Aaron Cooley (novels “Four Seats: A Thriller of the Supreme Court,” “The Guns of Ridgewood”) is penning the series, which has already received a three-script order from Showtime.

    It’s unclear how many episodes will focus on each First Lady, and who will be playing Roosevelt and Ford. But Davis as Obama is all the knowledge we need to know that we’ll be tuning in for “First Ladies” no matter what.

    The series has been fast-tracked into development by Showtime. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

    [via: Deadline]

  • Astronaut Natalie Portman Unravels on Earth in New ‘Lucy in the Sky’ Trailer

    Astronaut Natalie Portman Unravels on Earth in New ‘Lucy in the Sky’ Trailer

    Fox Searchlight

    Famous Beatles tune “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” gets a literal interpretation in the new trailer for “Lucy in the Sky,” a film following an astronaut who has a transcendent experience in space, and is desperate to go on another mission — at any cost.

    A haunting piano rendition of the title song plays as we see Lucy Cola (Natalie Portman) float among the stars, gazing out in awe at the Earth beneath her. She’s haunted by thoughts of her life below, and the disconnection she feels from it (including her husband, played by Dan Stevens); when she’s back on the ground, she immediately throws herself into training to return to space again.

    But there are plenty of obstacles in her way, including an affair with a fellow astronaut (Jon Hamm), competition from new NASA recruits (Zazie Beetz), and skepticism from her superiors (Nick Offerman, Ellen Burstyn). As Lucy explains it, though, space is the “only place where anything makes sense,” and she becomes obsessed with making her way back, as her world — and her grasp on reality — begins to unravel.

    The thriller marks the feature directorial debut of Noah Hawley (FX series “Legion”), and his surreal stamp is all over the chilling trailer. Lucy may be descending into madness, but it’s sure to be an entertaining — and unexpected — ride.

    “Lucy in the Sky” will make its world debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

  • ‘SNL’ Reveals Early Season 45 Lineup, Featuring Eddie Murphy, David Harbour, Taylor Swift

    ‘SNL’ Reveals Early Season 45 Lineup, Featuring Eddie Murphy, David Harbour, Taylor Swift

    NBC

    Season 45 of “Saturday Night Live” is starting with a bang, featuring a star-studded lineup of hosts and musical guests, led by the unexpected — and sure to be triumphant — return of one of the show’s most famous alums.

    On Monday, “SNL” revealed a partial lineup for the first half of the upcoming season, which will kick off on September 28 with Woody Harrelson hosting, alongside musical guest Billie Eilish.

    That duo will be followed by “Bond 25” screenwriter (and Emmy-nominated “Fleabag” star) Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Taylor Swift on October 5; David Harbour and Camila Cabello on October 12; and Kristen Stewart (musical guest TBA) on November 2.

    But it’s the final emcee of 2019 that had fans buzzing those most on Monday: None other than Eddie Murphy is set to headline the December 21 episode, marking his first time hosting in more than 35 years. No musical guest has been announced yet.

    Murphy shot to superstardom on “SNL,” where he was a cast member from 1980 until 1984. The comedian is credited with revitalizing the series during that time period, and remains one of the show’s most beloved former stars.

    But since his departure from the series, Murphy has been almost entirely absent from Studio 8H, returning only for a brief, awkward appearance at the SNL 40 celebration in 2015. He was also slated to pop up in a sketch that evening, but ultimately bailed; if Murphy keeps his date with “SNL” in December, the episode will mark his first time actually performing on the show in more than three decades.

    Our fingers are crossed for an epic evening. We can’t wait for season 45 to start.