Moviefone Editorial

Author: Katie Roberts

  • ‘It’ Director Andy Muschietti May Helm DC’s ‘Flash’ Movie: Report

    ‘It’ Director Andy Muschietti May Helm DC’s ‘Flash’ Movie: Report

    Warner Bros.

    After years in development limbo, DC’s long-gestating standalone “Flash” movie may finally have gotten the charge it so desperately needed.

    According to a scoop from The Hollywood Reporter, Andy Muschietti — who helmed the massively popular “It” remake, and its upcoming sequel, “It: Chapter Two” — is currently in talks to take the director’s chair on the project. Muschietti would also produce, alongside his sister and producing partner, Barbara Muschietti.

    Another big potential behind the scenes change is a new script, which sources tell THR will be written by Christina Hodson. Hodson already has experience spinning off franchises for Warner Bros., having previously penned “Bumblebee” and the upcoming “Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).”

    Despite those significant creative shifts, titular star Ezra Miller remains attached to this new version. Miller has been a staunch protector of “The Flash,” fighting to keep the flick in development by working on a new version of the script himself, alongside comics veteran Grant Morrison. While his desired darker direction for the character was ultimately rejected by Warner Bros., they still want to keep him on board, according to THR.

    The trade reports that deals have not yet been finalized, but Muschietti’s success with fellow Warner Bros. series “It” suggests that he may be the right fit for this feature. “Flash” fans should keep their fingers crossed.

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter]

  • ABC Reveals ‘Modern Family’ Final Season Premiere Date, Fall 2019 Schedule

    ABC Reveals ‘Modern Family’ Final Season Premiere Date, Fall 2019 Schedule

    ABC

    Earlier this year, ABC announced that the upcoming 11th season of groundbreaking sitcom “Modern Family” will be its last. Now, fans can brace themselves for the beginning of the end.

    The Alphabet network revealed on Tuesday its full Fall 2019 schedule of premiere dates, including when the first episode of “Modern Family” season 11 will debut. That event is set for the sitcom’s usual Wednesday airdate, on September 25 at 9 p.m. EST.

    Other notable premieres include new series “Mixed-ish” (the “Black-ish” spinoff centered around a younger version of Tracee Ellis Ross‘s character, Bow) and “Emergence” on Tuesday, September 24, and fellow freshman show “Stumptown” (featuring “Avengers” star Cobie Smulders) on September 25. The Tiffany Haddish-headlined reboot of “Kids Say the Darndest Things” is slated to debut on Sunday, October 6.

    The full ABC Fall 2019 lineup is below.

    MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
    8-10 p.m.: Dancing with the Stars (Season 28 premiere)

    MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
    10-11 p.m.: The Good Doctor (Season 3 premiere)

    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
    8-8:30 p.m.: The Conners (Season 2 premiere)
    8:30-9 p.m.: Bless This Mess (Season 2 premiere; new time)
    9-9:30 p.m.: Mixed-ish (Series premiere)
    9:30-10 p.m.: Black-ish (Season 6 premiere; new time)
    10-11 p.m.: Emergence (Series premiere)

    WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
    8-8:30 p.m.: The Goldbergs (Season 7 premiere)
    8:30-9 p.m.: Schooled (Season 2 premiere)
    9-9:30 p.m.: Modern Family (Season 11 premiere)
    9:30-10 p.m.: Single Parents (Season 2 premiere)
    10-11 p.m.: Stumptown (Series premiere)

    THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
    8-9 p.m.: Grey’s Anatomy (Season 16 premiere)
    9-10 p.m.: A Million Little Things (Season 2 premiere)
    10-11 p.m.: How to Get Away with Murder (Season 6 premiere)

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
    8-8:30 p.m.: American Housewife (Season 4 premiere; new day and time)
    8:30-9 p.m.: Fresh Off the Boat (Season 6 premiere; new time)
    9-11 p.m.: 20/20

    SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
    7-8 p.m.: America’s Funniest Home Videos (Season 30 premiere)
    9-10 p.m.: Shark Tank (Season 11 premiere)
    10-11 p.m.: The Rookie (Season 2 premiere, new day and time)

    SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
    8-9 p.m.: Kids Say the Darndest Things (Series premiere)

    [via: Deadline]

  • David Harbour Finds ‘Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein’ in Netflix Mockumentary

    David Harbour Finds ‘Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein’ in Netflix Mockumentary

    Netflix

    After the grim box office fate of the “Hellboy” reboot, star David Harbour was probably looking to have a little fun for his next project. Enter “Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein,” a quirky mockumentary project that looks every bit as silly as its name implies.

    Once again teaming with Netflix, Harbour — who also stars in the streaming service’s buzzy series “Stranger Things” — plays a fictional version of both himself and his father, who writes and performs in the ridiculous titular made-for-TV play. Initially setting out to learn more about his mysterious dad, Harbour soon uncovers some disturbing secrets, including an intense rivalry with a fellow actor, and a connection to the mob.

    But such shocking discoveries are played for laughs, as is the “footage” from the teleplay, which features Harbour acting as his own father, who in turn is acting as outlandish as possible. It’s a bit confusing, but hilarious nonetheless.

    The official logline notes that audiences can “Expect the unexpected in this over-the-top and often dramatic(ish) reimagined tale of mystery and suspense.” Sounds about right.

    “Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein” also features appearances from Alfred Molina, Kate Berlant, and other special guests. It premieres on Netflix on July 16.

  • Beyonce, Donald Glover, and ‘The Lion King’ Cast Face Their Characters in New Photos

    Beyonce, Donald Glover, and ‘The Lion King’ Cast Face Their Characters in New Photos

    Disney

    Disney fans have already seen the impressive trailers, heard some of the soaring songs, and geeked out over the A-list cast of the upcoming live-action remake of “The Lion King.” And now, audiences can ogle some gorgeous new character portraits from the film, featuring the stars alongside their onscreen animated alter egos.

    Director Jon Favreau shared the images on social media on Tuesday, with the photos serving as yet another reminder of both the flick’s beautiful animation, as well as its insanely famous ensemble.

    Disney
    Disney
    Disney
    Disney
    Disney
    Disney
    Disney

    The featured actors and their characters are: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala; Donald Glover as Simba; Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, and John Oliver as Pumbaa, Timon, and Zazu; Alfre Woodard as Sarabi; Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar; Keegan-Michael Key, Florence Kasumba, and Eric André as Kamari, Shenzi, and Azizi; and JD McCrary and Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Simba and Young Nala. (Curiously, only James Earl Jones, who’s reprising his role as Mufasa, is missing from the lineup.)

    Favreau led off his post with the Beyoncé portrait, and it’s not hard to see why: Queen Bey looks positively regal as the lioness; as her own self, she’s even more resplendent.

    “The Lion King” roars into theaters on July 19.

  • ‘Rick and Morty’ Season 4 Episode to Screen at Adult Swim Festival

    ‘Rick and Morty’ Season 4 Episode to Screen at Adult Swim Festival

    Adult Swim

    The long-awaited return of beloved Adult Swim series “Rick and Morty” is slated for later this fall, but fans who attend the Adult Swim Festival will be able to secure an advance sneak peek of the new season.

    Adult Swim revealed the lineup for its second annual event this week, which will take place in Los Angeles on November 15 and November 16. On the last day of the festivities, Adult Swim will screen a new episode from the upcoming fourth season of “Rick and Morty.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axBpYg_Bz5U

    That sneak peek will be part of what Adult Swim has dubbed a “one-of-a-kind, 360-degree fan experience” that will run throughout the festival, which is also set to include:

    … comedic performances, previews of your favorite shows, limited edition merch, exhilarating games, Robot Chicken Intergalactic Power Summit, Squidbillies 10 Man Bunkhouse Stampede, a discussion w/ [“Samurai Jack” creator] Genndy Tartakovsky, meet & greets, panels, the Meatwad Dome and more!

    As the official festival promo video declares, the weekend is meant to be an “amazing, weird, and fun-filled adventure you can only get from Adult Swim.” More information, including ticketing details, can be found here.

    The full festival lineup (so far) is as follows:

    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15:
    Dethklok
    Captain Murphy
    Geto Boys
    Tim Hecker & The Konoyo Ensemble
    Iron Reagan
    HEALTH
    Inter Arma
    Speedy Ortiz
    Cooly G
    DAWN
    Sarah Squirm
    Conner O’Malley
    Three Busy Debras

    SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16:
    Jamie xx
    Vince Staples
    The Eric Andre Show Live!
    Tierra Whack
    Young Thug
    Lil Nas X
    Freddie Gibbs & Madlib
    CupcakKe
    clipping.
    Negative Gemini
    No Joy
    Joe Pera
    Jena Friedman
    Wham City

    “Rick and Morty,” which was recently renewed for a whopping 70 episodes, will return to the air on Adult Swim sometime in November (presumably after the festival).

    [via: Adult Swim Fest, h/t Deadline]

  • Vin Diesel and ‘Fast and Furious 9’ Stars Celebrate First Day of Filming

    Vin Diesel and ‘Fast and Furious 9’ Stars Celebrate First Day of Filming

    Universal

    Nearly two decades into its run, the engine is still revving on the “Fast and Furious” franchise, with filming beginning this week on the ninth outing in the venerable action series.

    Several stars shared social media posts commemorating the first day of production, including Vin Diesel, who has played lead Dominic Toretto since the first flick back in 2001. In a video message on Instagram, Diesel, alongside fellow returning star Michelle Rodriguez, marveled at the insane achievement of reaching the nine-film mark.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzGh3YqlddW/

    “It feels like a miracle,” Diesel says in the clip. “We’re just so grateful.”

    Diesel went on to thank studio Universal for its support throughout the years, as well as the franchise’s large cast and crew. But the star’s biggest thanks were aimed at the fans.

    “We’re so blessed, and we love you so much,” Diesel said.

    Costar Nathalie Emmanuel (“Game of Thrones”), who joined the franchise in 2015’s “Furious 7,” also marked the occasion, tweeting out a note of excitement that “the team is back together.”

    Entertainment Weekly deciphered the emojis in Emmanuel’s tweet to determine which other actors would also be returning, surmising that the actress was most likely referring to “Diesel’s Dominic Toretto and Rodriguez’s Letty, … Tyrese Gibson’s Roman Pearce, Jordana Brewster’s Mia, Ludacris’ Tej Parker, and Emmanuel’s hacker Ramsey.”

    Fans will have to wait a little less than a year to find out for sure. “Fast and Furious 9” is due in theaters on May 20, 2020. A tenth film in the franchise is also slated for release in April 2021.

    [h/t Entertainment Weekly]

  • Ed Asner, Alan Cumming Join Sam Esmail Series ‘Briarpatch’

    Ed Asner, Alan Cumming Join Sam Esmail Series ‘Briarpatch’

    Netflix

    The newest series from “Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail has already assembled an eclectic cast, and now, it’s added two more intriguing, high-profile stars to the mix.

    TV veterans Ed Asner and Alan Cumming have joined “Briarpatch” in recurring roles. The USA series stars Rosario Dawson as Allegra Dill, a dogged investigator drawn back to her Texas border-town home to search for her sister’s killer, and bring down the town’s corrupt local leaders in the process.

    Asner (the “Mary Tyler Moore Show” star who had a recent supporting role in Netflix’s buzzy dramedy “Dead to Me”) has been cast to play James Staghorne Sr. The character is described by The Hollywood Reporter as the “owner of the town’s newspaper and a longtime power broker at city hall. James never bothers to hide his racism and resentment and only speaks to his son, Jimmy Jr. — unless someone sets off his short fuse.”

    Cumming (“The Good Wife”) will be playing Clyde Brattle, who THR says is “an elegant (and murderous) arms dealer who’s the target of a Senate investigation headed by Allegra. A fugitive, Clyde comes to town to settle old scores.”

    “Briarpatch” was adapted from the Ross Thomas novel, by writer Andy Greenwald (the soon-to-wrap FX series “Legion”), who also serves as executive producer alongside Esmail and Chad Hamilton. Other members of the cast include Kim Dickens, Jay R. Ferguson, Brian Geraghty, and Edi Gathegi.

    Production is currently underway on the show’s first season. A premiere date has not yet been set.

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter]

  • Taika Waititi Working on Animated ‘Flash Gordon’ Film for Fox/Disney

    Taika Waititi Working on Animated ‘Flash Gordon’ Film for Fox/Disney

    Jasin Boland/Marvel Studios

    Filmmaker Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok,” “What We Do in the Shadows“) is one of the most original voices to break into Hollywood in ages, and he’s got the insanely busy schedule to prove it. Now, he’s been tapped to help the newly merged Fox/Disney figure out the best approach to adapting a classic character.

    Deadline has the scoop that the mega studio has enlisted Waititi to help “crack” a new version of “Flash Gordon,” the sci-fi comic series starring the titular hero. According to the trade, this adaptation will be animated, though it’s unclear if Waititi is simply being brought on in a supervisory role to oversee the project’s start, or if he will actually write and direct the adaptation himself.

    While Deadline reports that they’ve heard it’s the latter, additional sources with connections to the filmmaker told the trade that “it’s too early to gauge” the extent of Waititi’s involvement. So fans will have to wait and see before they get too excited just yet.

    But Waititi is certainly a natural fit for the quirky source material, especially if Fox/Disney want to lean into the campier aspects of the character. The last attempt at making a feature film version of the series resulted in 1980’s “Flash Gordon,” and that flick is best remembered for its outrageous cheese factor and over-the-top Queen theme song.

    Stay tuned.

    [via: Deadline]

  • George Clooney to Direct, Star in ‘Good Morning, Midnight’ for Netflix

    George Clooney to Direct, Star in ‘Good Morning, Midnight’ for Netflix

    Netflix

    George Clooney hasn’t been in the spotlight much in recent years, thanks to his leading role as dad to twins. But his next project will put the Oscar winner back in his familiar director-and-star chair.

    Following in the footsteps of his recent acting/directing/producing gig on Hulu miniseries “Catch-22,” Clooney will once again team up with a streaming service. This time, the actor is working with Netflix, for which he will star in and direct a feature adaptation of the 2017 Lily Brooks-Dalton novel “Good Morning, Midnight.”

    Here’s the film’s synopsis, per Variety:

    “The post-apocalyptic tale follows the parallel stories of Augustine (Clooney), a lonely scientist in the Arctic, and an astronaut on board the Aether spacecraft, which is trying to return home to Earth, as Augustine races to make contact with the spaceship.”

    In addition to starring and directing, Clooney will also produce, through his Smokehouse Pictures banner with partner Grant Heslov. The adaptation was penned by Mark L. Smith (“The Revenant”).

    “Grant and I couldn’t be more excited to be involved with this incredible project,” Clooney said in a statement. “Mark is a writer we’ve long admired and his script is haunting. We’re thrilled to be working with our friends at Netflix as well.”

    Production on the film — whose title has not yet been finalized, Variety reports — is expected to begin in October.

    [via: Variety]

  • Samuel L. Jackson Is Not Happy About Nick Fury Eye Patch Mistake on New ‘Spider-Man’ Posters

    Samuel L. Jackson Is Not Happy About Nick Fury Eye Patch Mistake on New ‘Spider-Man’ Posters

    Marvel Studios

    After the triumphant box office run of “Avengers: Endgame” (which isn’t over yet), Marvel fans have yet another MCU entry on the horizon next month, with the release of “Spider-Man: Far From Home.” But someone in the marketing department may have been a bit tired out from that first flick’s run, based on a glaring gaffe on a “Far From Home” poster that caught the eye of one of the film’s stars.

    In a post on Instagram, Samuel L. Jackson shared a photo of two different posters promoting “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” in which his veteran Marvel character, Nick Fury, is featured prominently. At first glance, the images seem almost identical — until you realize that Fury’s signature eye patch appears on both his right and left eyes in the two different posters.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzEzY8mgr1N/

    Jackson summed up his feelings with his favorite NSFW expletive, captioning the post, “Uhhhhhhh, What In The Actual F*CK IS GOING ON HERE???!!!” The actor added the helpful hashtag #lefteyemuthaf*kkah to clear up any  confusion about where the patch actually belongs.

    We assume Jackson’s post was at least slightly in jest, since clearly, the actual film wouldn’t screw up Fury’s patch placement. But whoever flipped this image in Photoshop — and whoever then approved it for release — is no doubt going to get some playful ribbing for the foreseeable future.

    “Spider-Man: Far From Home” swings into theaters on July 2. We assume the offending poster will be pulled/corrected before then.