Moviefone Editorial

Author: Katie Roberts

  • Sandra Bullock Making ’80s Amazon Series Inspired by Her College Years

    Sandra Bullock Making ’80s Amazon Series Inspired by Her College Years

    Warner Bros.

    Though she’s best known for her scene-stealing work in front of the camera, Sandra Bullock has had plenty of success behind it, too, producing a string of hit films including her star vehicles “Miss Congeniality,” “The Proposal,” and Netflix’s buzzy “Bird Box.” Now, Bullock is set to produce once again, this time on a new project that’s inspired by her own life.

    According to Deadline, the actress is developing a TV series for Amazon that’s loosely based on her experiences in college in North Carolina in the 1980s. The dramedy, set in the world of music and dance, will be co-executive produced by Bullock, alongside fellow A-list Oscar winners John Legend and Akiva Goldsman.

    Here’s a breakdown of the as-yet-untitled series, per Deadline:

    ” … the show is described as a hilarious, boundary-crossing, and often soul-wrenching trek through the oppressive cultural norms of the deep south in the 1980s, where one darkly off-beat young woman defies expectations and sets out in search of love, community, and most importantly, an identity of her own. It’s a fantastical, dance-filled journey, traversing the worlds of drag-culture, mental health, and the AIDS epidemic, all while following a group of young outcasts who band together and dare to be themselves, despite the very real danger they face in doing so. It’s a vivid, fun, gut-punch of a story about letting go of shame and living out loud… and some of it’s even true.”

    Longtime friends Bullock and Goldsman, who previously collaborated on the films “A Time To Kill” and “Practical Magic,” conceived of the idea for the show together. It was created and written by K.C. Perry (“Constance,” “The Originals”).

    Deadline reports that Goldsman specifically sought out Legend to both help develop the series, and shape its unique soundtrack, which will feature an “ambitious fusion of multiple genres of music from the period, including 80’s pop, timeless Southern gospel, and opera.” Based on that unlikely combination, we’re already intrigued.

    No word yet on how many episodes are expected, or a production or release timeframe. Stay tuned.

    [via: Deadline]

  • ‘Corporate’ Renewed for Third and Final Season on Comedy Central

    ‘Corporate’ Renewed for Third and Final Season on Comedy Central

    Comedy Central

    The office drones of Hampton DeVille are getting ready to clean out their cubicles: “Corporate” has been renewed for a third and final season on Comedy Central.

    The cable network announced the news on Monday in a short video promo, revealing that the satirical series would return to the airwaves next year.

    “Corporate” star and co-creator Jake Weisman also tweeted about the season three pickup.

    https://twitter.com/weismanjake/status/1138131997920915457

    “This is very good news,” Weisman told fans, adding, “Thank you for watching.”

    Though “Corporate” hasn’t exactly made waves in the same way as that other famous series about the sad sack workers at a fictional company, it’s garnered a devoted fanbase throughout its first two seasons. It’s also connected strongly with critics, who’ve labeled it 93 percent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

    The show follows junior-executives-in-training Matt (co-creator Matt Ingebretson) and Jake (Weisman), who toil away under evil CEO Christian DeVille (Lance Reddick) and his mindless minions, John (Adam Lustick) and Kate (Anne Dudek). The duo become allies with exasperated human resources rep Grace (Aparna Nancherla), who now has to juggle both her soul-sucking job and the increasingly-needy Matt and Jake.

    Look for season three of “Corporate” sometime in 2020.

  • ‘Punky Brewster’ Sequel Series With Soleil Moon Frye in the Works

    ‘Punky Brewster’ Sequel Series With Soleil Moon Frye in the Works

    NBC

    Yet another classic ’80s sitcom is set for a relaunch, with a sequel series to “Punky Brewster” in the works.

    According to Deadline, original star Soleil Moon Frye — who played the titular bright foster child, who’s being raised by a single dad (George Gaynes) — is attached to return to her iconic role, which made her a household name when the hit series launched on NBC in 1984. The actress will also produce.

    This new version of “Punky” will pick up with the character as an adult. Deadline reports that the series will explore Punky’s life as “a single mother of three trying to get her life back on track when she meets a young girl who reminds her a lot of her younger self.

    Steve and Jim Armogida (“School of Rock,” “Grounded For Life”) are writing and executive producing the sequel series. Like the original, it will be shot in the multi-cam style.

    “Punky” laded three Emmy nominations throughout its four seasons, two of which aired on NBC and two of which aired in syndication. The series also spawned a Daytime Emmy-nominated animated show called “It’s Punky Brewster,” for which Frye returned to voice the heroine during its two-season run.

    No word yet on where this new version of “Punky” is being shopped. Stay tuned.

    [via: Deadline]

  • A ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Prequel Series Is Headed to Nickelodeon

    A ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Prequel Series Is Headed to Nickelodeon

    Nickelodeon

    Ever wonder what SpongeBob SquarePants was like before he moved into a pineapple in Bikini Bottom? Fans of the beloved Nickelodeon series will find out soon, with a “SpongeBob” prequel series headed to the network.

    Deadline has the scoop on “Kamp Koral,” which is set to follow a 10-year-old SpongeBob as he spends a summer at the titular sleepaway camp. The series has received a 13-episode order, and will be animated with CGI, a departure from the OG show’s signature 2D animated look.

    Here’s the breakdown of the series, according to Deadline:

    In the series, SpongeBob and his pals spend the summer building underwater campfires, catching wild jellyfish, and swimming in Lake Yuckymuck at the craziest camp in the kelp forest, Kamp Koral.

    Sounds pretty delightful to us. And apparently, there’s more where that came from, with Nickelodeon planning additional future “SpongeBob” spinoffs in the coming years. All that extra content is meant to capitalize on the show’s enduring popularity: It’s been the number one kids’ animated program on TV for 17 years and counting, inspiring two feature films (with a third due out next year) and a Tony-nominated Broadway musical.

    There’s no word yet on when audiences can expect to enroll in “Kamp Koral,” though fans of the original series will soon have a big milestone to celebrate: The show’s 20th anniversary. A splashy one-hour special, “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” will mark the occasion. It premieres on July 12.

    [via: Deadline]

  • Elizabeth Banks Joins Cate Blanchett in FX Limited Series ‘Mrs. America’

    Elizabeth Banks Joins Cate Blanchett in FX Limited Series ‘Mrs. America’

    Universal Pictures

    After directing a string of projects, Elizabeth Banks is getting back in front of the camera, this time for a star-studded limited series.

    Variety reports that Banks is set to co-star in the upcoming FX drama “Mrs. America,” which tells the true story behind the attempt — and ultimate failure — to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in 1972. The actress joins a stacked ensemble led by Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, who’s playing Phyllis Schlafly, a conservative woman who launched a crusade against the amendment.

    Banks is set to play a woman named Jill Ruckelshaus, who Variety describes as “a pro-choice, socially progressive Republican who was appointed by President Ford to advance women’s rights and fought to keep the Republican Party from being taken over by Phyllis Schlafly and the Religious Right.” The rest of the starry cast includes Uzo Aduba, Rose Byrne, Kayli Carter, Ari Graynor, Melanie Lynskey, James Marsden, Margo Martindale, Sarah Paulson, John Slattery, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Tracey Ullman.

    Based on that group of talent alone, we’re extremely excited for this series. Add in the bonus of it airing on FX (which has a knack for limited series, including “American Horror Story” and “American Crime Story”), and its behind the scenes creatives (who include “Captain Marvel” directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who are helming the first two episodes and producing the series), and “Mrs. America” sounds like a winner.

    The series is expected to air on FX sometime in 2020.

    [via: Variety]

  • ‘Bond 25’ Set Accident Injures Crew Member, Damages Studio

    ‘Bond 25’ Set Accident Injures Crew Member, Damages Studio

    Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    The production of the upcoming 25th James Bond film has once again been shaken and and stirred, this time by an on-set accident that injured a crew member and damaged London’s legendary Pinewood Studios.

    According to the official “Bond 25” Twitter account, the incident occurred on Tuesday at the studios (which have housed numerous iconic productions, including the “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter” films). The film team’s statement said that the accident happened while shooting “a controlled explosion,” which damaged the exterior of the sound stage.

    “There were no injuries on set, however one crew member outside the stage has sustained a minor injury,” the production’s statement continued.

    No other information from the “Bond 25” team was released, though UK tabloid The Sun reported that the set was rocked by “three huge explosions” that put Pinewood into “total lockdown.”

    Here’s what sources told The Sun about the incident:

    It’s thought one was “seriously hurt” after the explosions, which took part of the roof off and a number of wall panels of the multi-million pound complex.

    The member of staff was left crushed by part of the set which fell on him as he stood on a ramp outside the studios.

    Crew on the film, which has plagued with issues since the beginning of filming, were testing a stunt involving a fireball in a laboratory when the incident took place.

    A Bond source said: “It was utter chaos. … [S]omething has gone horribly wrong.”

    There’s no word on the current condition of the crew member, though producers described his injuries as “minor.” It’s unclear how long the studio will be shut down, or if filming will be delayed further.

    This is just the latest setback for the troubled “Bond 25” production, which had already seen a shooting delay thanks to an injury that Bond himself, Daniel Craig, suffered while filming a scene a few weeks ago. Craig hurt his ankle while running along a beach in Jamaica, and had to be flown to the U.S. for emergency treatment; it was later reported that he needed surgery to repair the damage.

    At the time, Bond producers said that the film was still on track to meet its April 2020 release date. We’ll see if this most recent incident changes things.

    [via: Bond 25/Twitter, The Sun]

  • ‘Jane the Virgin’ Gets Series Finale Date on The CW

    ‘Jane the Virgin’ Gets Series Finale Date on The CW

    The CW

    Fans of CW telenovela send-up “Jane the Virgin” will have some time to prepare to say goodbye to the beloved series: The CW has revealed when the show will be signing off for good.

    The network announced this week the date of the “Jane” series finale, which is set to air on Wednesday, July 31 at 9 p.m. EST. According to The CW, that installment will be preceded by what’s being dubbed a “celebratory episode,” which will air at 8 p.m. EST, directly before the series finale.

    It’s still too early to tell how Jane Gloriana Villanueva (played by the radiant, Golden Globe-winning Gina Rodriguez) will fare when the show’s final episode — which also marks its 100th chapter — wraps, but we hope she’s happy. Girlfriend has been through A LOT. (And frankly, so have viewers.)

    Showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman previously promised fans that many loose ends will finally be tied up once “Jane” ends — including who Jane ends up with — and multiple weddings are scheduled. The union of Alba and Jorge (for real this time) has already taken place; now, we just have to wait and see if Jane and Rafael (Justin Baldoni) will say “I do,” too.

    [via: TVLine]

  • Diane Kruger Joins All-Star Female Spy Thriller ‘355’

    Diane Kruger Joins All-Star Female Spy Thriller ‘355’

    FX

    The female-fronted international spy thriller “355” now has a representative from Germany, with actress Diane Kruger joining the star-studded ensemble.

    Variety has the scoop that Kruger has signed on for the flick, which also features Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong’o, Penelope Cruz, and Fan Bingbing. Simon Kinberg (who directed Chastain in the upcoming “Dark Phoenix”) is helming the project, and co-wrote the script with Theresa Rebeck.

    “I’m so ecstatic to have an actress of her caliber to round out this extraordinary cast,” Kinberg said of Kruger’s casting.

    No details about her character, or any of the others, has been revealed yet, but the film revolves around a group of female spies representing various international espionage agencies from across the globe. Here’s the breakdown of the plot, according to Variety:

    These women must bond together, overcoming their suspicions and conflicts, to use all their talents and training to stop an event from occurring that could thrust our teetering world into chaos. Along the way, these strangers and enemies become comrades and friends, and a new faction is formed – code-named “355” (a name they adopt from the first female spy in the American Revolution).

    The red-hot project was first announced at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, where it was quickly snapped by. Chastain said at the time that she and Kinberg envisioned the film launching a new franchise, and with this latest high-profile casting, it seems that this project is well on its way to some major success.

    No word yet on a production or release schedule. Stay tuned.

    [via: Variety]

  • Hear Beyoncé as Nala in New ‘Lion King’ Teaser

    Hear Beyoncé as Nala in New ‘Lion King’ Teaser

    Disney

    Queen Bey is set to become Queen Nala in the upcoming remake of Disney animated classic “The Lion King,” and now, audiences have their first clear look — and listen — at the superstar in action.

    A new teaser for the flick, released this week, features the first extended footage of Beyoncé (billed as Beyoncé Knowles-Carter) playing the role of Nala, the fierce lioness who was once Simba’s (Donald Glover) childhood BFF. While other clips and trailers have shown snippets of the character, this is the first time we hear her speak — and Bey is, in a word, flawless.

    Beyoncé’s commanding delivery is a natural fit with Nala’s impassioned plea for Simba to return to Pride Rock, and “take [his] place as king.” By the time the clip ends with her imploring Simba to “come home,” you’ll be ready to get in formation with her, too.

    The rest of the teaser offers another look at Billy Eichner‘s Timon and Seth Rogen‘s Pumbaa (who also seem perfectly cast in the roles), as well as a glimpse of Simba’s climactic showdown with Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor). We seriously can’t wait to see this entire movie.

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

  • Harrison Ford Shares Update on ‘Indiana Jones 5’ Production

    Harrison Ford Shares Update on ‘Indiana Jones 5’ Production

    Lucasfilm

    The long-awaited fifth entry in the “Indiana Jones” franchise is still more than two years away from release, but new comments from titular star Harrison Ford have us hopeful that the delayed flick will be worth the wait.

    While chatting with Variety at the “Secret Life of Pets 2” premiere this weekend, Ford offered a brief update on “Indy 5,” including when it’s expected to begin production. According to the trade, the actor said that the film “should be starting to shoot sometime next year.”

    “I’m looking forward to it,” Ford added. “Things are coming along well.”

    The plot of the flick is heavily under wraps, though Variety dubbed it a “reboot.” It definitely won’t feature anyone else as Indy, though, despite previous rumors to the contrary. Steven Spielberg is returning to direct once again.

    “Indiana Jones 5” has been delayed several times since Disney announced the project back in 2016, cycling through two different screenwriters in the process. Here’s hoping that Ford’s enthusiasm remains high and the movie finally begins production as scheduled.

    The film is currently slated for release on July 9, 2021.

    [via: Variety]