Moviefone Editorial

Author: Katie Roberts

  • Reba McEntire, Rachel Brosnahan Join ‘Spies in Disguise’ With Will Smith, Tom Holland

    Reba McEntire, Rachel Brosnahan Join ‘Spies in Disguise’ With Will Smith, Tom Holland

    ABC

    The voice cast of Will Smith and Tom Holland‘s upcoming odd couple action flick “Spies in Disguise” just added even more star power, with two more actresses joining the eclectic ensemble.

    The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that country superstar Reba McEntire and Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) have just signed on to lend their voices to the film. Details about their characters have not yet been provided.

    In addition to McEntire and Brosnahan, “Spies in Disguise” features an intriguing supporting lineup, including the previously announced Ben Mendelsohn, Karen Gillan, Rashida Jones, DJ Khaled, and Masi Oka. Oscar-winning composer Mark Ronson (“A Star Is Born”) is handling the music for the film.

    “Spies in Disguise” follows suave super spy Lance Sterling (Smith), who relies on introverted scientist Walter Beckett (Holland) to create the gadgets he uses on his missions. But a sudden turn of events thrusts the unlikely duo into new roles, with the pair needing to rely on each other in an entirely different way — and save the world while they’re at it.

    Based on the film’s first trailer, “Spies in Disguise” looks like the kind of fun animated film that will appeal to the entire family. It’s due in theaters on December 25.

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter]

  • Janelle Monáe to Star on ‘Homecoming’ Season 2, Replacing Julia Roberts

    Janelle Monáe to Star on ‘Homecoming’ Season 2, Replacing Julia Roberts

    20th Century Fox

    Singer-actress Janelle Monáe has been scoring some juicy roles in recent years, and her latest gig has her taking over TV headlining duties from an Oscar-winning actress.

    Monáe has been tapped as the new lead on “Homecoming,” Amazon’s acclaimed psychological thriller from “Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail. Season one starred Julia Roberts as a caseworker who helps soldiers transition back to civilian life, though there’s much more happening at her facility than meets the eye.

    Roberts only had a one-year deal to appear in front of the camera, but will remain with “Homecoming” as an executive producer on its second season. The storyline will now shift to an entirely new thread, focusing on Monáe’s character, who’s described as “a tenacious woman who finds herself floating in a canoe, with no memory of how she got there — or even who she is.”

    No other details about season two have been revealed so far, though Esmail previously told TVLine that the mysterious post-credits sequence from the season one finale, featuring Hong Chau‘s character, Audrey, was “a sign of things to come.” According to Deadline, Chau is one of several season one stars who are expected to return in some capacity, along with Bobby Cannavale, Stephan James, and Shea Whigham.

    Season two of “Homecoming” is slated to begin production later this summer, with a 2020 premiere date in mind.

    [via: Deadline, TVLine]

  • Wesley Snipes Is ‘All Good’ With New ‘Blade’ Star Mahershala Ali

    Wesley Snipes Is ‘All Good’ With New ‘Blade’ Star Mahershala Ali

    New Line Cinema

    Marvel made some serious waves at Comic-Con over the weekend, announcing a huge slate of new projects that will take the MCU through Phase Four and into Phase Five. Among the buzziest was “Blade,” which will be rebooted with Oscar winner Mahershala Ali in the title role. But what does the former Daywalker, Wesley Snipes, think of being replaced?

    It turns out that Snipes is actually “all good” with the news, revealing in a new statement that he was “surprised” by Marvel’s decision, but is happy to have the “beautiful and talented” Ali follow in his footsteps. The actor also saved a special shout-out for his fans, saying that their “incredible outpouring of love is overwhelming.”

    Snipes’s full statement said:

    “To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaaxx,” he said in a statement provided to EW by his rep. “Although the news comes as a surprise, it’s ALL GOOD. Such is the ‘business’ of ‘entertainment!’ Much peace to the MCU crew – always a fan. Honor and respect to the grandmaster Stan. Congratulations and Salaam to Mahershala Ali, a beautiful and talented artist whose expressions I look forward to experiencing for many years to come. Inshallah, we will someday work together. Most importantly to my loyal fans, the incredible outpouring of love is overwhelming. I am grateful for the never-ending support. So, ‘nah fret nah worry, it’s not de end of de story.’ Welcome to the Daywalker Klique.”

    Ali’s casting comes nearly 15 years after the release of the last “Blade” flick, 2004’s “Blade: Trinity,” which co-starred Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel. As recently as 2016, Snipes had been hopeful that a fourth “Blade” feature would be made, though that project never materialized.

    In an interview with Fandango, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige revealed that Ali himself approached the studio to pitch himself as the new Blade. The acclaimed actor received an immediate yes, according to the exec.

    It’s not entirely clear yet when “Blade” is expected to hit theaters, though Feige told Collider that the flick will be part of Phase Five, not Phase Four, pegging it for release sometime in 2022. Stay tuned to see if it sticks to that schedule.

    [via: Entertainment Weekly]

  • ‘Friends’ Fans Can Toast its 25th Anniversary With Real Central Perk Coffee

    ‘Friends’ Fans Can Toast its 25th Anniversary With Real Central Perk Coffee

    Warner Bros.

    “The One Where ‘Friends’ Turns 25” is almost upon us, with the hit NBC sitcom set to hit that milestone later this year. To celebrate, its parent company, Warner Bros., is partnering with a coffee company to bring Central Perk’s finest beverage directly into fans’ homes.

    Warner Bros. Consumer Products and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf announced this week that they have joined forces to produce a signature collection inspired by the iconic “Friends” hangout spot, and all the cups of joe the characters tossed back over 10 seasons. The line includes coffees Central Perk Dark Roast and Central Perk Medium Roast, and a black tea called Central Perk Tea.

    And if you want to hit pause on your umpteenth Netflix (for now) rewatch of the series and head into an actual Coffee Bean location, an assortment of specialty drinks tied to each “Friends” character awaits. They are:

    • The Joey (Mango Cold Brew Tea) – The sweet, juicy flavor of mango pairs with a fruity cold brew tea for an enticing and seductive treat that is sure to turn heads just like Joey Tribbiani’s and ask, “How you doin’?”
    • The Monica (Midnight Mocha Cold Brew) – Cold brew perfection is here. Rich, dark chocolate syrup combined with our bold, 20-hour steeped cold brew creates precisely balanced flavors of coffee and chocolate for perfectionists like Monica Geller.
    • The Rachel (Matcha Latte) – Indulge yourself like Rachel Green, with the lightly sweetened blend of ceremonial grade matcha with our silky vanilla powder and milk. Perfect for the trendsetters and matcha enthusiasts alike.
    • The Ross (Classic Flat White) – No awkwardness here, this beverage is sophisticated and sleek, just how Ross Geller wants to be. Freshly pulled espresso shots finished with lightly aerated milk, makes for a sweet, velvety refreshment. Get ready to be taken seriously.
    • The Chandler (Caramel Coconut Latte) – It won’t be hard to commit to this drink. A blend of creamy coconut and toasted caramel infused with our extroverted espresso that not even Chandler Bing can say no to.
    • The Phoebe (Cookies and Cream Ice Blended) – The combination of sweet, creamy vanilla, a splash of espresso and chocolate cookie pieces that is guaranteed to put a pep in your step and have you singing just like Phoebe Buffay.

    It may not be a real Central Perk location, but this promotion is the next best thing. We’ll be there for brew. (Sorry.)

    [via: Entertainment Weekly]

  • James Cameron Congratulates ‘Avengers: Endgame’ After it Beats ‘Avatar’ Box Office Record

    James Cameron Congratulates ‘Avengers: Endgame’ After it Beats ‘Avatar’ Box Office Record

    Marvel Studios

    After close to a decade of untouchable box office dominance, “Avatar” has finally given up its crown as the biggest box office earner of all time. And now, its director is heaping praise on the film’s successor.

    After a re-release that helped it squeak past “Avatar”‘s previous world record of $2.789 billion, “Avengers: Endgame” officially became the biggest movie ever over the weekend, earning a staggering $2.791 billion. As he did with other records of his that “Endgame” had previously broken, “Avatar” mastermind James Cameron acknowledged the feat in a social media post.

    Addressing the folks at Marvel Studios with a Na’vi greeting, Cameron shared an image of Iron Man covered in wood sprites from Pandora.

    “I see you Marvel,” the director wrote. “Congratulations to Avengers Endgame on becoming the new box-office king.”

    “Endgame” directors Joe Russo and Anthony Russo took to Instagram to praise Cameron right back, sharing several images of themselves in silhouette, marveling over Cameron’s previous films.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ON0AOlD1b/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Addressing Cameron directly, the Russo brothers called him “a monumental reason why we fell in love with film in the first place,” and thanked the filmmaker for “inspiring us and opening the world’s eyes to what’s possible.” The duo closed out their message by saying, “We can’t wait to see where you take us next…”

    That would be back to Pandora, with Cameron currently working on four planned “Avatar” sequels, which have been in various stages of development — but finally seem to be moving along — for ages. If all goes according to plan, the first follow-up will hit theaters at the end of 2021.

    With so much additional content to come from both Marvel and Cameron, we have a feeling that the filmmakers may be trading records for the foreseeable future.

  • Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ Series Has Cast its First Star: Report

    Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ Series Has Cast its First Star: Report

    BBC One

    Many details about Amazon’s upcoming TV adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic “Lord of the Rings” series still remain a mystery, but now, audiences know at least one name who will be starring in the series.

    Variety has the scoop that Australian actress Markella Kavenagh is in talks to take a role in the sprawling fantasy epic. Not much is known yet about who she will be playing, though Variety’s sources say her character’s name is Tyra.

    Kavenagh is relatively unknown outside of the U.K. and her native homeland, where she was named a Rising Star by the Casting Guild of Australia in November of 2018. She recently starred in the BBC One series “The Cry,” and has also appeared in the sequel series to the Australian film “Romper Stomper,” as well as the TV show “Picnic at Hanging Rock.”

    Amazon’s adaptation is said to be a prequel of sorts, and is set in the years before the events in the first novel of the “LOTR” series, “The Fellowship of the Ring.” Though details about the series are scant at this point, the show’s official Twitter account previously teased two big clues for fans: a map depicting lands that are assumed to be the show’s setting, as well as a reference to the Second Age, a.k.a. the timeframe when the Rings of Power were created.

    The as-yet-untitled series has a crack creative team behind the lens, including writers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, consultant Bryan Cogman (“Game of Thrones”), and director J.A. Bayona (“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”). Amazon had previously aimed to get the series to air by 2021; stay tuned to see if it makes that deadline.

    [via: Variety]

  • ‘Fast and Furious 9’ Production Halted After ‘Serious’ Stuntman Injury

    ‘Fast and Furious 9’ Production Halted After ‘Serious’ Stuntman Injury

    Universal

    Production on the upcoming ninth entry in the “Fast and Furious” franchise was temporarily halted this week, after a stuntman was injured in a “serious” on-set accident.

    A spokesperson for Universal, the studio behind the behemoth series, released a statement confirming that an accident occurred during production at Leavesden Studios in London on Monday.

    “We had an injury on the set of ‘Fast 9‘ today in Leavesden with one of our stuntmen,” the studio’s statement said. “We have halted production for the day to focus on this situation.”

    No additional details about the accident, or the condition of the injured stunt performer, were released by the studio. An additional statement from the East of England Ambulance Service revealed a few more clues about the incident, with the service saying through a spokesperson that multiple ambulance vehicles, including an air ambulance, were dispatched to Leavesden, “following reports of a man injured in a fall. One patient with a serious head injury was transported to the Royal London Hospital by air ambulance.”

    This is the second major accident at Leavesden in recent weeks. Earlier this month, a large fire broke out on the set of “Avenue 5,” a new HBO sci-fi comedy from “Veep” creator Armando Iannucci. No on was injured in that incident.

    Production on “Fast 9” began less than a month ago. The flick is due in theaters on May 22, 2020.

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter]

  • ‘Space Jam 2’ Replaces Director With ‘Girls Trip’ Helmer Malcolm D. Lee

    ‘Space Jam 2’ Replaces Director With ‘Girls Trip’ Helmer Malcolm D. Lee

    Warner Bros.

    There’s been a last-minute change in the “Space Jam 2” locker room, with the long-awaited sequel subbing out its director.

    Deadline reports that the flick has replaced original helmer Terence Nance (“Random Acts of Flyness,” “The Oversimplification of Her Beauty”) with Malcolm D. Lee (“Girls Trip,” “Night School”), apparently over creative differences. According to the trade, the split was “amicable,” with Nance not seeing eye to eye on the film’s vision with studio Warner Bros. and producer SpringHill Entertainment (which is run by NBA superstar LeBron James, who spearheaded the sequel, and who’s also starring).

    With Lee now on board, it seems that “Space Jam 2” is very much leaning into a comedic vibe, which makes sense, since the animated Looney Tunes characters will be co-starring, just as they did in the original 1996 flick. Though not much is known about the plot just yet, the follow-up reportedly revolves heavily around a family, made up of James, Sonequa Martin-Green (playing his wife), and a teen character; Don Cheadle was also recently cast in a mystery role.

    Other NBA and WNBA players who have reportedly signed on to appear include: Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis, Portland Trailblazers’ Damian Lillard, Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson, Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi, and Los Angeles Sparks’ siblings Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike.

    “Black Panther” writer-director Ryan Coogler is producing, and co-wrote the screenplay with Sev Ohanian (“Searching”). “Space Jam 2” is currently slated to tip off in theaters on July 16, 2021.

    [via: Deadline]

  • Harry Styles in Talks to Play Prince Eric in ‘The Little Mermaid’

    Harry Styles in Talks to Play Prince Eric in ‘The Little Mermaid’

    Warner Bros.

    Disney’s latest live-action remake, “The Little Mermaid,” has been shoring up its cast in recent weeks, including finding its titular star. And now, it’s reportedly poised to cast a onetime singing superstar.

    Collider broke the news that none other than Harry Styles, the former One Directioner, is in talks to play Prince Eric, the hot human love interest to Ariel (Halle Bailey), a mermaid who falls head over tail for him at first sight, and trades away her voice for a chance to be part of his world. According to Collider, the talks are early, so this casting isn’t set in stone just yet — though it would make perfect sense.

    Styles definitely has the heartthrob part down pat, thanks to his boy band days, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, his built-in One Direction fan base should easily score some additional eyeballs for the flick. THR also points out that Eric doesn’t do any singing in the original 1989 film, though the 2000 Broadway musical changed that; if Styles is indeed cast, it seems likely that this new live-action version will be giving Eric some tunes to belt out, too.

    The singer has been attempting to carve out an acting career for himself after going solo from One Direction, including making his feature debut in Christopher Nolan‘s lauded 2017 WWII epic, “Dunkirk.” Styles also earned a spot on the shortlist for Baz Luhrmann‘s upcoming Elvis biopic, though the title role ultimately went to Austin Butler.

    “The Little Mermaid,” which is also negotiating roles for Melissa McCarthy, Awkwafina, and Jacob Tremblay, is planning to start production sometime early next year.

    [Collider, The Hollywood Reporter]

  • ‘Thor 4’ Is Happening, With Taika Waititi Returning to Write and Direct

    ‘Thor 4’ Is Happening, With Taika Waititi Returning to Write and Direct

    Jasin Boland/Marvel Studios

    As the MCU moves into its next phase, the “Thor” franchise will continue: “Thor 4” is officially in the works, with “Thor: Ragnarok” director Taika Waititi once again at the helm.

    The scoop comes from The Hollywood Reporter, which says that Waititi has just signed on to both write and direct the latest flick following the God of Thunder. As is typical with Marvel projects, no details about the potential plot were revealed, though there are a number of different directions in which Waititi and co. can take the franchise moving forward, considering where Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) ended up at the conclusion of “Avengers: Endgame.”

    When we last saw our heroes, Thor was jetting off to join the Guardians of the Galaxy gang (perhaps setting up a cameo in “Guardians vol. 3”), while Valkyrie had taken over as the ruler of the Asgardians. Hemsworth is expected to return for “Thor 4,” according to THR, though there’s no word yet on Thompson’s involvement.

    What is more clear, however, is how “Thor 4” will affect Waititi’s upcoming flick “Akira,” the live-action remake of the anime classic. That Warner Bros. project, which had been languishing in development for quite some time, was delayed by scripting changes that pushed back its production start date, which in turn put it in conflict with “Thor 4.” Now that Waititi has committed to the latter film, Warner Bros. is putting “Akira” on indefinite hold; while it’s not a done deal yet, THR says that the studio may simply wait for the director to wrap “Thor 4,” and save the project for him to tackle after he finishes the Marvel movie.

    Stay tuned to see when “Thor 4” is expected to hit theaters.

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter]