Author: Moviefone

  • Sydney Sweeney and Michael Bay Driven to ‘OutRun’

    (Left) Sydney Sweeney at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Lionsgate. (Right) Michael Bay attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Columbia Pictures' 'Bad Boys: Ride Or Die' at the TCL Chinese Theater on May 30, 2024 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures.
    (Left) Sydney Sweeney at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Lionsgate. (Right) Michael Bay attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Columbia Pictures’ ‘Bad Boys: Ride Or Die’ at the TCL Chinese Theater on May 30, 2024 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Sydney Sweeney and Michael Bay are teaming up for an ‘OutRun’ adaptation.
    • It’ll be drawn from the popular 1980s arcade/video game franchise.
    • Jayson Rothwell will write the script.

    Here’s what we’d describe as both a surprising and yet understandable combo of talent and subject.

    While we’re not certain we had Sydney Sweeney and Michael Bay teaming up on our 2025 bingo card, the idea that they’d be coming together to work on a video game adaptation might top that for its unlikely quality.

    Still, given that Sweeney has been increasingly getting into the producing side of movie-making and Bay has a little bit of experience with action, maybe we should all have seen their collaboration on an adaptation of classic 1980s Sega title ‘OutRun’ heading our way –– at least, potentially.

    According to Deadline, Bay will direct the new movie for Universal, with Sweeney –– at least so far –– only aboard to produce rather than making a deal to star. Of course, if the script takes a shape she’s interested in, expect her to take a role, even if it’s supporting part, to get this one made.

    Toru Nakahara (who worked on the likes of ‘Sonic the Hedgehog) will also produce for Sega, while the company’s president and COO Shuji Utsumi will oversee development.

    Related Article: Sydney Sweeney in Negotiations to Star in Legendary’s ‘Gundam’ Movie

    What’s the story of ‘OutRun’?

    'OutRun' video game. Photo: Youtube.
    ‘OutRun’ video game. Photo: Youtube.

    With video games enjoying a huge moment on screens big and small (‘Minecraft’ continues to build at the box office, while ‘The Last of Us’ returned to HBO and Max with a bang a couple of weeks ago, and just released its most impactful episode so far), it’s hardly surprising that other companies would be rooting through titles to find possibilities.

    Universal itself has already seen success in the sphere with ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ and ‘Five Nights at Freddie’s both launching film franchises.

    The initial struggle with ‘OutRun’ is that it features no traditional narrative: this is a pseudo-3D driving video game in which the player controls a Ferrari Testarossa convertible from a third-person rear perspective. The object of the game is to reach the finish line against a timer.

    Still ‘OutRun,’ which Sega debuted in arcade cabinet form back in 1986 and saw become its most successful arcade title of the decade, has enjoyed a long-running embrace by game fans since being ported to variety of consoles and systems, spawning a franchise.

    Jayson Rothwell, whose credits include Netflix thriller ‘Polar,’ comedy horror mystery ‘Silent Night’ [2012] and 2004 horror thriller ‘Blessed’ is the scriptwriter who will be figuring out how it works as a movie.

    I4uiCgfrVm9v0V1Pk8VlB5

    There have been different approaches to titles such as this in the past –– the more recent ‘Gran Turismo’ took the novel idea of focusing on a real-life player of the game becoming a driver, while the less successful (in every sense) 2014 effort ‘Need for Speed’ looked to put a crime thriller coat on the racing action.

    And let’s not forget that “Bayhem” isn’t a term by accident (except for the many spectacular vehicular collisions he’s brought to screens on purpose); the director knows how to stage a set piece with real momentum.

    What else is Sydney Sweeney working on?

    (L to R) Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney in 'Anyone But You. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
    (L to R) Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney in ‘Anyone But You. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

    Sweeney’s current schedule is as packed as anyone’s in Hollywood.

    Last year included the continued success of hit rom-com ‘Anyone But You’ opposite fellow rising star Glen Powell and Neon horror thriller ‘Immaculate.’

    She followed those up with one that she might wish to vanish from her resume, misfiring Spider-Man spin-off ‘Madame Web.’

    The actor also filmed the Ron Howard-directed thriller ‘Eden’ about a society of people who opt to start a new life in the Galapagos islands, only for things to wrong. That one should be in theaters this year.

    (L to R) Brandon Sklenar, Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney and director Paul Feig at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Brandon Sklenar, Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney and director Paul Feig at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Lionsgate.

    She has shot the Lionsgate adaptation of the novel ‘The Housemaid,’ which has Paul Feige in the director’s chair, and has worked on two other movies, ‘Echo Valley’ about a woman (played by Julianne Moore) whose life is turned upside down when her daughter (Sweeney) shows up covered in someone else’s blood, and a biopic of real-life boxer Christy Martin, with Sweeney in the lead role (not to mention it’s another movie she produced).

    Still to come is a starring role in Colman Domingo’s film ‘Scandalous!,’ which will see her playing Kim Novak in the story of the actor’s controversial relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. (played by ‘Alien: RomulusDavid Jonsson).

    And that list doesn’t even include the potential movies to which she is attached: that list includes a remake of sci-fi comedy ‘Barbarella,’ thriller ‘The Caretaker’ and a drama called ‘The Registration.’

    More recently, she was linked to the attempt to make a live-action ‘Gundam’ movie.

    Finally, we have HBO series ‘Euphoria,’ whose much-delayed third season which is finally filming now for a 2026 release.

    What else is Michael Bay working on?

    Producer Brad Fischer, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Director/Producer Michael Bay, Eiza González and Jake Gyllenhaal attend Universal Pictures 'Ambulance' Premiere at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, CA on Monday, April 4, 2022.
    (L to R) Producer Brad Fischer, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Director/Producer Michael Bay, Eiza González and Jake Gyllenhaal attend Universal Pictures ‘Ambulance’ Premiere at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, CA on Monday, April 4, 2022. Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages.

    Bay, who has been working as a filmmaker longer than his new collaborator has been alive, is busy as both a director and a producer.

    While his most recent feature directorial gig was 2022 action thriller ‘Ambulance,’ he’s got parkour documentary ‘We Are Storror,’ which follows the daring and successful Parkour team, who have amassed a huge following on YouTube. The doc premiered at SXSW on March 8th.

    As a producer, his Platinum Dunes company has backed a number of recent movies, including ‘Drop,’ ‘Transformers One’ and ‘A Quiet Place: Day One.’

    And as usual, he has a vast array of projects in development under both sides of his output, including the long-gestating ‘Robopocalypse,’ a crossover between the ‘Transformers’ and ‘G.I. Joe’ properties and a third main ‘A Quiet Place’ outing.

    When will ‘OutRun’ be in theaters?

    Universal has yet to announce anything close to a release date for this one, so we’ll have to be patient for now. Cool your engines, people!

    Sydney Sweeney in 'Euphoria.'
    Sydney Sweeney in ‘Euphoria.’ Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO.

    Sydney Sweeney Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Sydney Sweeney Movies on Amazon

    iqtL7kRI
  • Jennifer Lopez Starring in ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’

    (Left) Jennifer Lopez attends the Tribeca Festival Opening Night & World Premiere of Netflix's 'Halftime' on June 08, 2022 in New York City. Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images. (Right) 'Here' director Robert Zemeckis attends AFI Fest Director's Spotlight. Photo by Stewart Cook/Sony Pictures via Getty Images.
    (Left) Jennifer Lopez attends the Tribeca Festival Opening Night & World Premiere of Netflix’s ‘Halftime’ on June 08, 2022 in New York City. Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images. (Right) ‘Here’ director Robert Zemeckis attends AFI Fest Director’s Spotlight. Photo by Stewart Cook/Sony Pictures via Getty Images

    Preview:

    • Jennifer Lopez will star in ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish.’
    • Robert Zemeckis is aboard to direct.
    • Netflix is behind the new novel adaptation.

    Both Jennifer Lopez and director Robert Zemeckis have had some hard times of late –– especially professionally.

    Zemeckis’ most recent movie didn’t exactly perform (more on that below) and Lopez has been beset by issues, including cancelling her most recent tour and less than positive reactions to her self-produced concept movie ‘This Is Me… Now,’ which tied into an album.

    6EiyQPfi0iknjMsVl6VNf4

    They’ll both be hoping for brighter prospects with a new project, which will be based at Netflix, where Lopez has enjoyed some better reviews for her work.

    The pair is teaming up for a movie that Lopez will co-produce and star in called ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish,’ with Zemeckis aboard to direct.

    Related Article: Tom Hanks Features in First Pictures of Robert Zemeckis’ ‘Here’

    What’s the story of ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’?

    Jennifer Lopez at 2015 American Music Awards. Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images.
    Jennifer Lopez at 2015 American Music Awards. Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images.

    The new movie will adapt the 2018 Liv Constantine novel, which follows a con artist (to be played by Lopez) who targets a wealthy couple — the Parrishes — as her next victims.

    She infiltrates the pair by befriending the wife and seducing the husband, with the master plan of becoming the next Mrs. Parrish, only to discover that the wife’s life is far more complicated than she could have imagined.

    Constantine’s book was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick, has sold more than 1 million copies and been published in about three dozen countries.

    Oscar nominees Andrea Berloff and John Gatins are at work on the script, and it marks a reunion for Zemeckis and Gatins, who worked together on the Oscar-nominated Denzel Washington drama ‘Flight.’

    Liza Chasin is producing for 3dot Productions along with Molly Sims for Something Happy Productions, while Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina for Nuyorican Productions. Margaret Chernin of 3dot will be executive producers.

    Where else can we see Jennifer Lopez?

    (L to R) William Goldenberg (Director) and Jennifer Lopez (Judy Robles) in 'Unstoppable'. Photo Credit: Ana Carballosa/Prime Video.
    (L to R) William Goldenberg (Director) and Jennifer Lopez (Judy Robles) in ‘Unstoppable’. Photo Credit: Ana Carballosa/Prime Video.

    Aside from the aforementioned ‘This Is Me… Now,’ Lopez has had better luck with movies including Netflix sci-fi thriller ‘Atlas’ and based-on-truth wrestling tale ‘Unstoppable,’ which arrived via Amazon MGM Studios.

    Coming up, she has musical drama ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman,’ directed by Bill Condon, which garnered good notices at Sundance and is headed to theaters in an awards-consideration run via Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate and LD Entertainment this fall.

    This is what Condon said of the move:

    “All of us who made this film believe it needs to be experienced in a theatre, so we’re grateful and excited to be partnering with the very talented folks at Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate Studios, and LD Entertainment to make that happen. On a personal note, this feels like a homecoming –– Lionsgate picked up ‘Gods and Monsters’ out of Sundance in 1998, and I’ve worked with them and Roadside on three other films since then.”

    Currently, she’s shooting Netflix’s ‘Office Romance’ opposite Brett Goldstein, Betty Gilpin, and Jodie Whittaker.

    It’s the story of Jackie, President and CEO of Air Cruz, who runs a tight ship in her business, including a rigid anti-fraternization policy for all her employees.

    When a new sexy lawyer begins working for her, that policy becomes very tested. That one doesn’t have a release date on the books yet.

    Lopez also has ‘The Godmother,’ a crime drama about the rise and fall of the late drug lord Griselda Blanco, at the scripting stage.

    What else is Robert Zemeckis working on?

    Robert Zemeckis, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright on the set of 'Here'.
    (L to R) Robert Zemeckis, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright on the set of ‘Here’. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Zemeckis, a respected filmmaker who has crafted some of the most memorable movies including ‘Forrest Gump,’ the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy, ‘Contact’ and ‘Cast Away,’ hasn’t had the best of luck with more recent releases.

    Welcome to Marwen’ didn’t do great business, and his remake of ‘The Witches’ was widely panned. More recently, experimental drama ‘Here,’ despite boasting a ‘Forrest Gump’ reunion with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright leading the cast and a compelling visual hook of being set in one room that changes over time, also flopped at the box office.

    He has a new animated series called ‘Tooned Out’ at the Max streaming service and a variety of projects in development as either director or producer, including action biopic ‘The King’ and sci-fi drama ‘Ares.’

    When will ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ arrive on screens?

    Netflix has not yet announced a release date for the movie –– which, if it follows the pattern of other recent Lopez projects for the company, will debut on its servers rather than in theaters.

    'Here' director Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks attend the AFI Fest Director's Spotlight. Photo by Stewart Cook/Sony Pictures via Getty Images.
    ‘Here’ director Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks attend the AFI Fest Director’s Spotlight. Photo by Stewart Cook/Sony Pictures via Getty Images.

    List Robert Zemeckis Movies:

    Buy Robert Zemeckis Movies on Amazon

    nzpzVaQ3
  • ‘Ghostbusters’ Ernie Hudson joins ‘Toy Story 5’

    Ernie Hudson Jr. at the London photocall of Columbia Pictures' 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' on March 21, 2024 in London, England. Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Columbia Pictures.
    Ernie Hudson Jr. at the London photocall of Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ on March 21, 2024 in London, England. Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Columbia Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Ernie Hudson will be the voice of Combat Carl in ‘Toy Story 5.’
    • Carl Weathers previously played the role.
    • The new ‘Toy Story’ is due out next year.

    While ‘Elio’ is the next Pixar project to hit the big screen (June 20th, in case you were wondering), there is naturally a lot of attention on the company’s next dive into franchise territory, and one of its biggest hitters returning to theaters with ‘Toy Story 5’ due next year.

    6soIJRSMSLuWxYKRw3gHY5

    With Woody, Buzz and the gang back for more adventure, word arrives via TMZ of all places that there has been some necessary recasting among the voice ranks for the new movie.

    Carl Weathers is Greef Karga in 'The Mandalorian,' season two, exclusively on Disney+
    Carl Weathers is Greef Karga in ‘The Mandalorian,’ season two, exclusively on Disney+

    Following the sad death last year of Carl Weathers, the role of Combat Carl –– which Weathers performed in the 2013 TV special ‘Toy Story of Terror!’ and the most recent big screen outing, ‘Toy Story 4,’ genre stalwart Ernie Hudson will instead report for duty to provide the voice for the military man.

    It’s not the first piece of re-casting in the ‘Toy Story’ world, since Blake Clark took over the role of Slinky Dog from the late Jim Varney a few years ago.

    Related Article: Ernie Hudson Talks ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ and the Franchise’s Legacy

    What’s the story of ‘Toy Story 5’?

    (L to R) Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) in Pixar Animation Studios' 'Toy Story.'
    (L to R) Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) in Pixar Animation Studios’ ‘Toy Story.’

    In case you forgot (since it was released back in 2019), ‘Toy Story 4’ ended with Woody and Buzz parting ways when the former joined Bo Peep (Annie Potts) to live a life as a “lost toy,” free from the constraints of being owned by a child.

    Throughout the film, Woody struggled to find his place with Bonnie, as she no longer needed him as much as Andy did. Buzz, understanding Woody’s choice, assured him that Bonnie would be okay without him and supported Woody’s decision to start a new chapter.

    Meanwhile, Buzz stayed with Bonnie, continuing to live with Jessie, Rex (Wallace Shawn), Hamm (John Ratzenberger) and other toys, including the new addition of Forky (Tony Hale).

    Director Andrew Stanton, returning to the franchise for the first time in years, revealed at the last D23 that the central conflict of the latest film will involve the toys grappling with staying relevant in the age of technology.

    The concept art revealed at the same event shows the toys looking sadly at their owner engrossed in a tablet, hinting at the emotional and humorous struggles they will face as they try to reclaim the child’s attention.

    And Tim Allen has also been talking about the new movie.

    This is what he told Collider:

    “It’s a very, very clever story. I don’t really believe it’s about the money. I’m sure they want it to be a success, but that’s not why they did it. Had they not come up with a brilliant script, they wouldn’t have done it. It’s really clever. It was really a struggle to get, and then maybe two hours in, I was doing Buzz. I’m so blessed to be Buzz Lightyear, to be honest. It’s gonna be fun. I think we’re a year out. I’ve gotten up to the third act. We’ll do the third act. And then, we’ll go back and clean it. And then, I’ll do it about five more times. It’s a really good story, guys. It’s really good.”

    Here’s what he told news channel WIVB 4:

    “I can tell you that it’s a lot about Jessie,” he said. “Tom [Hanks] and I do — Woody and I — do realign. And there’s an unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyears. I can give you that, but I can’t give you much more.”

    Who else is working on ‘Toy Story 5’?

    (L-R) Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody from 'Toy Story 3.' ©Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
    (L-R) Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody from ‘Toy Story 3.’ ©Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    Few other details have been revealed about the new movie for either side of the camera.

    We do know that McKenna Harris, who has worked on several other Pixar titles in various capabilities, is co-directing the movie with Stanton, and the latter worked on the script.

    Beyond Allen and now Hudson, there has been no confirmation on the cast, but Hanks will return and word on Jessie surely points to Joan Cusack already having recorded some material.

    We’d be shocked if most of the main voice cast –– at least those whose characters feature prominently –– wouldn’t be back.

    Where else have we seen Ernie Hudson?

    (L to R) Winston (Ernie Hudson) and Peter (Bill Murray) in Columbia Pictures’ 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.' Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Winston (Ernie Hudson) and Peter (Bill Murray) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Hudson needs little introduction, though among his more famous genre credits are the likes of ‘Ghostbusters’ [1984], ‘The Crow’ [1994], ‘Miss Congeniality,’ ‘Congo,’ ‘The Hand that Rocks the Cradle,’ and ‘The Jazz Singer.’

    On the small screen, he’s been seen in shows including the more recent take on ‘Quantum Leap,’ ‘Grace and Frankie’ and voiced a character in ‘Transformers Prime.’

    When will ‘Toy Story 5’ be in theaters?

    Disney and Pixar’s latest entry in the ‘Toy Story’ franchise will be on screens on June 19th, 2026.

    'Toy Story 5'. Photo: Disney.
    ‘Toy Story 5’. Photo: Disney.

    List of Movies in the ‘Toy Story’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Toy Story’ Movies On Amazon

    H9RwLc50
  • Kathryn Hahn, John Mulaney and Sienna Miller join ‘Madden’

    (Left) Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) in Marvel Television's 'Agatha All Along', exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2024 Marvel. (Center) John Mulaney at Netflix's Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix. (Right) Sienna Miller as Frances Kittredge in New Line Cinema's Western drama 'Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1', a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Richard Foreman. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    (Left) Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) in Marvel Television’s ‘Agatha All Along’, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2024 Marvel. (Center) John Mulaney at Netflix’s Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix. (Right) Sienna Miller as Frances Kittredge in New Line Cinema’s Western drama ‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1’, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Richard Foreman. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview:

    • Kathryn Hahn, John Mulaney and Sienna Miller are the latest recruits for ‘Madden.’
    • David O. Russell wrote the script and will direct.
    • Nicolas Cage is playing the football icon.

    We learned in August last year that Nicolas Cage would be making an unusual move for him, and stepping up to play NFL coaching (and TV/video game) legend John Madden for a new movie from ‘American Hustle’s David O. Russell.

    And, as seems typical with Russell’s projects, he’s now gathered a starry ensemble to support Cage in the film.

    Per Deadline, Kathryn Hahn, John Mulaney and Sienna Miller are the latest additions to the movie.

    And the site’s story confirms word from reporter Jeff Sneider that Christian Bale, a perennial Russell performer, is also aboard the movie.

    Related Article: Nicolas Cage Playing Football and Broadcasting Icon John Madden in ‘Madden’

    What’s the story of ‘Madden’?

    John Madden. Photo: NFL.com.
    John Madden. Photo: NFL.com.

    With a script by Russell (based on earlier work from Cambron Clark), the exact details of what ‘Madden’ will cover remain a little indistinct at the moment.

    But there is certainly a lot to choose from. Madden was a star player in high school, and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1958, only for injury to curtail his rookie season.

    Instead, he went on to earn a degree in teaching and put his skills/experience to good use as a coach, going on to lead the Oakland Raiders to the Super Bowl and a win in 1977.

    Madden became known as one of the best coaches in the sport’s history, but his all-consuming passion and commitment wore on him, and he retired for health reasons.

    Still, a hugely successful second chapter dawned as courted by the fledgling gaming company Electronic Arts to be the front man for its Madden NFL multi-player video game. Madden had never played a video game, but it turned into an outlet where he could lend his knowledge and help the masses better understand the gridiron.

    The game has long been a sensation –– even with its inspiration dying in 2021, it continues to this day as a favorite of players and fans.

    And beyond even that, Madden also became famous as a beloved commentator on the game he loved so much, his enthusiasm pouring from the screen, and his habit of scribbling on the screen making him a firm favorite among viewers.

    Who are the new recruits playing?

    John Mulaney in 'John Mulaney: Baby J' Photo: Netflix.
    John Mulaney in ‘John Mulaney: Baby J’ Photo: Netflix.

    Bale is playing late Raiders owner Al Davis, while Mulaney has the role of Trip Hawkins, who founded EA Sports and was a driving force in behind the Madden NFL video games.

    Hahn will be Madden’s wife, Virginia; and Miller is on board to be Davis’ wife, Carol.

    With the casting process in full swing, Russell is preparing to start shooting next month in Atlanta.

    ‘Madden’: David O. Russell talks Nicolas Cage

    David O. Russell on the set of 'American Hustle'. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing/Francois Duhamel
    David O. Russell on the set of ‘American Hustle’. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing/Francois Duhamel. Copyright: © 2013 Annapurna Productions LLC All Rights Reserved.

    Here’s what Russell said about the casting news in a statement:

    “Nicolas Cage, one of our greatest and most original actors, will portray the best of the American spirit of originality, fun, and determination in which anything is possible as beloved national legend John Madden. Together with the ferocious style, focus, and inspired individualism of Al Davis, owner of the underdog Oakland Raiders, the feature will be about the joy, humanity and genius that was John Madden in a wildly inventive, cool world of the 1970s.”

    Russell himself is something of a controversial figure, his successful directing career also marked by criticisms of his attitude to women and other groups. He’s also been known for his mercurial behavior on set, infamously clashing with George Clooney on ‘Three Kings’ and Lily Tomlin on ‘I Heart Huckabees‘.

    19072

    Bale, of course, clearly has no such issues, since he has worked with the director several times before, on ‘Amsterdam,’ ‘American Hustle’ and ‘The Fighter,’ which won him his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

    Where else have we seen Kathryn Hahn, John Mulaney and Sienna Miller?

    (L to R) Kathryn Hahn and Chase Sui Wonders in 'The Studio,' premiering March 26, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Kathryn Hahn and Chase Sui Wonders in ‘The Studio,’ premiering March 26, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    Hahn has been busy lately with Disney+ and Marvel series ‘Agatha All Along,’ which has played well since it premiered in the fall. She can also be seen in the Apple TV+ series ‘The Studio,’ which has been a success for that streaming service.

    On the movie front, she lent her voice to animated canine comedy ‘Fixed,’ directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, which has been in limbo until it was picked up by Netflix for release in August.

    Mulaney, meanwhile, has been spending his time on Netflix talk show ‘Everyone’s Live with John Mulaney,’ and he’ll be back as Spider-Ham for ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,’ though that won’t be on screens until 2027.

    He’s also a voice (and a producer) on animated coming-of-age comedy series ‘Big Mouth‘, which launches its final season on Netflix on May 23rd. ‘Madden’ marks one of his rare forays into bigger movie roles.

    As for Miller, she was most recently seen in Kevin Costner’s Western ‘Horizon: An American Saga’ and assuming the second part moseys its way to theaters after the box office stumble of the first, she’ll be back in her role as Frances Kittredge.

    Coming up, she’s back as Cathy Ryan for the ‘Jack Ryan’ movie, based on the John Krasinski-starring series that has been shooting and will likely be in theaters next year.

    When will the new David O. Russell/Nicolas Cage movie ‘Madden’ be in theaters?

    Amazon/MGM Studios is backing the drama, but it has yet to schedule a release date.

    Nicolas Cage presents a nominee for Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the live ABC telecast of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Trae Patton ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Nicolas Cage presents a nominee for Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the live ABC telecast of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Trae Patton ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    List of Football Movies:

    Buy Nicolas Cage Movies On Amazon

    xTllOiCE

     

  • TV Review: ‘Andor’ Season 2

    Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in Lucasfilm's 'Andor', exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Andor’, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘Andor’ Season 2 receives 9 out of 10 stars.

    Returning to Disney+ with the first three episodes of Season 2, ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Andor’ once more follows the struggle of the Rebel Alliance as it ramps up its conflict with the Galactic Empire as seen through the lens of rebel agent Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and an assortment of characters of both sides of the battle.

    Season 2 has an interesting release pattern –– the 12 episodes are split across four batches of three, and there is a time jump between batches, covering the four years leading up to the events of ‘Rogue One,’ moving from 4 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin, as seen in ‘Star Wars’) to the immediate events of the movie.

    Related Article: Diego Luna Talks Reprising ‘Rogue One’ Character in Disney+’s ‘Andor’

    Will ‘Andor’ Season 2 Spark Your Interest?

    (L to R, on bridge): Weapons Spec (Harry McEntire), Executive Officer (Gethin Alderman) and Captain Elk (Roger Barclay) in Lucasfilm's 'Andor', exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R, on bridge): Weapons Spec (Harry McEntire), Executive Officer (Gethin Alderman) and Captain Elk (Roger Barclay) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Andor’, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    With the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the first season of ‘Andor,’ the pressure on Season 2 is naturally huge, the expectation built further by the delay between seasons (the first run of episodes was all the way back in 2022).

    But by any real metric, the new season handily maintains the quality level of the first, bringing real stakes, incredibly layered shades of gray and genuine humanity to the galaxy far, far away.

    Still a much more mature take on the world of ‘Star Wars’ (which is to take nothing away from the entertainment value of shows such as ‘The Mandalorian’), ‘Andor’ represents top quality television.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R) Tony Gilroy and Diego Luna on the set of Lucasfilm's 'Andor', exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Tony Gilroy and Diego Luna on the set of Lucasfilm’s ‘Andor’, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Tony Gilroy leads a writing team that also includes Beau Willimon and Dan Gilroy, and the assembled staff has crafted a thrilling, politically astute, emotional and superb second season.

    While it has to handle various time jumps to accommodate the sheer breadth of its storytelling, the series does so with aplomb, managing to say a lot about the personal cost of rebellion and the banal efficiency of pure evil.

    This is very far from a basic battle of good vs. bad, and if the action quotient is lower than other shows, when it does feature set pieces, they’re of similar quality.

    On the directorial front, Ariel Kleiman, Janus Metz and Alonso Ruizpalacios bring the same high quality in terms of scope, scale and style to the new episodes. Largely eschewing shooting on a volume stage and bringing many locations to life practically, ‘Andor’s visuals are entirely supportive of its high quality scripts.

    Confidently recreating looks and locations we all know and love from the original ‘Star Wars’ while also introducing us to more new worlds, the lived-in feel of the galaxy is entirely present and correct.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Partisan (Leonardo Taiwo) and Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard) in Lucasfilm's 'Andor', exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Partisan (Leonardo Taiwo) and Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Andor’, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Diego Luna is once more the heart and soul of the show, whether he’s on a mission, fighting for his life or spending time with Adria Arjona’s Bix Caleen, figuring out how to make a relationship work with such pressure upon them both.

    Arjona is similarly great, handed an impressive PTSD storyline as Bix, still recovering from her treatment at the hands of Imperial torturers, reckons with her place in the resistance.

    Also excellent? Stellan Skarsgård, who can turn any speech into a must-watch moment and remains superb as the morally slippery Luthen Rael. And Genevieve O’Reilly, while largely siloed in her own storyline, walks the line of political glad-handing and rebellious plotting without missing a beat.

    (L to R) Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly), Leida Mothma (Bronte Carmichael) and Perrin Fertha (Alastair Mackenzie) in Lucasfilm's 'Andor', exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), Leida Mothma (Bronte Carmichael) and Perrin Fertha (Alastair Mackenzie) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Andor’, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    And we’d be remiss if we didn’t praise the contributions of Alan Tudyk, who once more brings the world’s snarkiest droid to life with a combination of performance capture and the most endlessly frustrated attitude this side of ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide’s Marvin the Paranoid Android.

    His buddy comedy chemistry with Luna is as great as ever, and he’s got a great line in putdowns.

    Also? Ben Mendelsohn sweeps in and steal scenes as Orson Krennic, the hissable, cape-happy villain of ‘Rogue One,’ here an even more petty bureaucrat dedicated to getting the Death Star finished.

    Final Thoughts

    (L to R) Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker) and Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard) in Lucasfilm's 'Andor', exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker) and Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Andor’, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Some sequels feel unearned, but ‘Andor’s new run absolutely matches the sterling quality of the first and, even, in a few places, surpassing it. There might not be anything quite as memorable as the prison storyline from the original season, but it’s all still truly impressive.

    Our only other gripe? Not enough of sarcastic reprogrammed Imperial Droid K-2SO, but that’s just a personal bugbear.

    LcZEKvoeYEFJ4GSC1Kxol2

    What’s the plot of ‘Andor’ Season 2?

    The second season takes place as the horizon of war draws near and Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) becomes a key player in the Rebel Alliance.

    Everyone will be tested and, as the stakes rise, the betrayals, sacrifices and conflicting agendas will become profound.

    ‘Andor’ sets the clock back five years from the events of 2016’s ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ to tell the story of the film’s hero and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a rebel hero on his way to an epic destiny.

    Who stars in ‘Andor’ Season 2?

    (L to R) Corv (Noof Ousellam), Lieutenant Keysax (Nick Moss), Supervisor Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and Captain Vanis Tigo (Wilf Scolding) in Lucasfilm's 'Andor', exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Corv (Noof Ousellam), Lieutenant Keysax (Nick Moss), Supervisor Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and Captain Vanis Tigo (Wilf Scolding) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Andor’, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    List of ‘Star Wars’ Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

    qsrUBXW8

     

  • TV Review: ‘MobLand’

    (L to R) Anson Boon as Eddie Harrigan, Joanne Froggatt as Jan Da Souza, Mandeep Dhillon as Seraphina Harrigan, Lara Pulver as Bella Harrigan, Paddy Considine as Kevin Harrigan, Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan, Helen Mirren as Maeve Harrigan, Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza, and Daniel Betts as Brendan Harrigan in 'MobLand'.Streaming on PLaramount+ 2025. Photo: Jason Bell/PLaramount+.
    (L to R) Anson Boon as Eddie Harrigan, Joanne Froggatt as Jan Da Souza, Mandeep Dhillon as Seraphina Harrigan, Lara Pulver as Bella Harrigan, Paddy Considine as Kevin Harrigan, Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan, Helen Mirren as Maeve Harrigan, Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza, and Daniel Betts as Brendan Harrigan in ‘MobLand’.Streaming on PLaramount+ 2025. Photo: Jason Bell/PLaramount+.

    ‘MobLand’ receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.

    Arriving on Paramount+ on March 30th with its first episode, ‘MobLand’ is a new limited series set within the spiky world of intergenerational gangster empires in London.

    Birthed by prolific filmmaker (and no stranger to British screen criminals) Guy Ritchie alongside Ronan Bennett, the creator of Netflix hit ‘Top Boy’, it’s the latest in a long legacy of violent, talky meditations on family within the gangland dynamic, and bolstered by a starry cast.

    Related Article: Pierce Brosnan Talks Director Terry Loane’s Drama ‘The Last Rifleman’

    Is ‘‘MobLand’ worth visiting?

    (L to R) Helen Mirren as Maeve Harrigan and Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan in 'MobLand'. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Jason Bell/Paramount+.
    (L to R) Helen Mirren as Maeve Harrigan and Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan in ‘MobLand’. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Jason Bell/Paramount+.

    ‘MobLand’ has an odd history, since it began life as a spin-off of Showtime’s long-running family/crime drama ‘Ray Donovan’; you know, the one where Liev Schreiber played a “fixer” to celebrities and other powerful types whose one big failing was that he couldn’t mend his own dysfunctional family.

    Yet somewhere along the line, for reasons that have yet to be revealed, what was going to be a look at the origins of the Donovan family focused on similar character types working in London has morphed into an original –– though that is stretching the term very broadly, as we’ll discuss –– story of conflicting crime families and the tough-nut type who sorts out issues for one of them.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R) Paddy Considine as Kevin Harrigan and Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza in 'MobLand'. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Luke Varley/Paramount+.
    (L to R) Paddy Considine as Kevin Harrigan and Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza in ‘MobLand’. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Luke Varley/Paramount+.

    With creator/writer Ronan Bennett here working alongside Jez Butterworth (better known for the likes of ‘Ford v Ferrari,’ and ‘Edge of Tomorrow,’ but who tackled crime themes with 2015’s ‘Black Mass’), there is a lot about ‘MobLand’ that would lead to the description “Generic Gangster Drama #746”.

    So much of what is on display here, the deep bones of the series, are tropes and ideas that have been explored many, many times before. You have, for example, the aging patriarch of the crime dynasty who is no longer sure who he can trust, even among his oldest friends. And his calculating wife, forever whispering in his ear about potential issues, proves to be one of the true powers in the family.

    The less effective children are also used here, along with the primary focus of the show, the loyal fixer whose job it is the sort out the messes caused, mostly by those annoying younger clan members.

    (L to R) Paddy Considine as Kevin Harrigan and Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza in 'MobLand'. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Luke Varley/Paramount+.
    (L to R) Paddy Considine as Kevin Harrigan and Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza in ‘MobLand’. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Luke Varley/Paramount+.

    Between them, Bennett and Butterworth do manage to find some new ideas sprinkled between the established narrative, hewing away from some of the cliches (the fixer’s wife, for one, isn’t a naïve person who has no knowledge of her husband’s job) while leaning into others (the couple are still on the verge of divorce because of the pressures that come with it.)

    Yet if you’ve watched particularly Bennett’s past work, it’s hard not to wonder why this is quite so generic at times.

    Guy Ritchie, meanwhile, leads the directing team (which also includes Anthony Byrne –– who actually handles the lion’s share of the episodes –– Lawrence Gough and Daniel Syrkin) and tones down the visual zippiness from his other gangster TV series (Netflix’s ‘The Gentlemen’), here choosing a more somber palate and tone.

    The series benefits from some impressive UK locations (especially the characters’ homes, which reinforce the idea that crime pays) and is shot well, dark and moody when needed, which is often, but rarely so murky that you can’t tell what is going on.

    Cast and Performances

    Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza in 'MobLand'. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Luke Varley/Paramount+.
    Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza in ‘MobLand’. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Luke Varley/Paramount+.

    Tom Hardy’s Harry De Souza is the focal point here –– he’s our eyes, ears and guide to this world. And the role takes full advantage of Hardy’s gruff strengths. He’s at his best when he’s using his stoic charm to threaten people –– usually more with his words than fists or weapons, but he’s not above that –– and get his way in the service of his bosses.

    Harry also gives Hardy the chance to play the more subtle sides of the character, the family man who struggles to do right by his wife and daughter in anything other than providing them a great place to live and the money to do well.

    As crime boss Conrad Hannigan, Pierce Brosnan sports an outrageous Irish accent (odd, since he was born in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland) and generally gives the character a vulnerability under the tough gangster side of things.

    Helen Mirren, meanwhile, utilizing her own often impenetrable stab at the accent (similar to how she does in ‘Yellowstone’ prequel series ‘1923’), is the power behind the throne but, so far, at least, mostly resigned to wafting in and out of rooms and offering the occasional snide bit of advice.

    (L to R) Emmett J Scanlan as Paul and Helen Mirren as Maeve Harrigan in 'MobLand'. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Luke Varley/Paramount+.
    (L to R) Emmett J Scanlan as Paul and Helen Mirren as Maeve Harrigan in ‘MobLand’. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Luke Varley/Paramount+.

    House of the Dragon’ veteran Paddy Considine is good as Kevin Hannigan, Conrad’s son and Harry’s old friend (they met in prison, which is how the latter came to work for the family). Unlike some of his siblings, he comes across as capable, though not always comfortable with the criminal life.

    Among the supporting ensemble, Joanne Froggatt shines as Harry’s increasingly frustrated wife, Jan, while Lara Pulver is good as Bella Harrigan, Kevin’s wife and a woman with whom Harry also clearly shares a history.

    The likes of Jasmine Jobson and Antonio González Guerrero, both veterans of Bennett’s ‘Top Boy,’ make an impact as Zosia and Kiko, Harry’s top aides.

    Final Thoughts

    Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza in 'MobLand'. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Luke Varley/Paramount+.
    Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza in ‘MobLand’. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Luke Varley/Paramount+.

    It won’t win many points for originality, but ‘MobLand’ has enough going for it that it’s still a worthy entry to the gangster genre.

    Solid work on both sides of the camera, and enough wit to stave off blandness are key to what makes it work.

    KbV1p4Z3PWfY3rYLBPiOC3

    What’s the plot of ‘MobLand’?

    Power is up for grabs as two warring crime families clash in a battle that threatens to topple empires. In the crossfire stands Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy), a street-smart ‘fixer’ who knows too well where loyalties lie when opposing forces collide.

    Who stars in ‘MobLand’?

    • Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza
    • Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan
    • Helen Mirren as Maeve Harrigan
    • Paddy Considine as Kevin Harrigan
    • Daniel Betts as Brendan
    • Mandeep Dhillon as Seraphina
    • Joanne Froggatt as Jan Da Souza
    • Lara Pulver as Isabella “Bella” Harrigan
    • Anson Boon as Eddie Harrigan
    • Jasmine Jobson as Zosia
    • Antonio González Guerrero as Kiko
    Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan in 'MobLand'. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Luke Varley/Paramount+.
    Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan in ‘MobLand’. Streaming on Paramount+ 2025. Photo: Luke Varley/Paramount+.

    List of Pierce Brosnan Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Pierce Brosnan Movies On Amazon

    XtrKmlfF
  • ‘Star Wars’: Darth Maul to Return for New Animated Series

    Sam Witwer as Darth Maul in 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars'. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    Sam Witwer as Darth Maul in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    Preview:

    • Darth Maul is getting his own ‘Star Wars’ animated series.
    • Sam Witwer is back to voice the character.
    • ‘Maul: Shadow Lord’ will be on Disney+ next year.

    Despite being sliced in half and falling down a shaft following his defeat at the hands of Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi, the spiky-headed, devil-faced Darth Maul has enjoyed a long post-movie life, resurrected more than once (and dying again a few times, including a comic book rematch with Obi-Wan that ends with Maul’s horns cut off and a blaster bolt to the head from Owen Lars).

    But the character, who made such an impact in ‘Star Wars: Episode I –– The Phantom Menace‘ (where he was played physically by Ray Park and voiced by Peter Serafinowicz), just keeps popping back up.

    He was seen in 2018’s ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story,’ played once more by Park and voiced this time by Sam Witwer.

    uIv4AtOo8b9KZwtAZ3dU11

    Indeed, Witwer has made quire the career of providing the growly tones for the character, voicing him in animated series ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ and ‘Star Wars Rebels.’

    So we should perhaps not be too surprised that he’s now scored his own series, set to be a variety show format where he introduces musical acts from across the galaxy far, far away. All right no, it’s not that. But we would watch that.

    Instead, Witwer took the take at Star Wars Celebration 2025 Japan to announce the new series, which will be called ‘Maul: Shadow Lord’ and follows the further adventures of the character’s dodgy dealings in the criminal underworld.

    U2CRLO9ZkDEDsFBzwhetN

    What’s the story of ‘Maul: Shadow Lord’?

    Sam Witwer as Darth Maul in 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars'. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    Sam Witwer as Darth Maul in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    The new show is set in the wake of the events of the final season of ‘The Clone Wars.’ Maul tries to rebuild his defunct Shadow Collective criminal syndicate into what will eventually become ‘Solo’s Crimson Dawn on a planet unknown to the Empire, while taking an apprentice, Talon.

    A somewhat deep pull from the wider ‘Star Wars’ mythology, George Lucas featured the Twi’lek Darth Talon in his unused treatments of the sequel trilogy that were put aside when Disney went in its own direction for the new movies.

    She was to have been the apprentice of Darth Maul, the two serving as the new trilogy’s primary two villains.

    As reported in a ‘Star Wars’ Archives tome, Lucas reportedly commented:

    “She was the new Darth Vader and most of the action was with her. In early versions, she would have corrupted the character who became Kylo Ren, and in later versions they were combined into the same character.”

    And that wasn’t the only Lucas idea for the character –– he briefly considered revealing that wheezing ‘Revenge of the Sith’ cyborg General Grievous was secretly a resurrected Darth Maul in disguise.

    What else is happening with small-screen ‘Star Wars’?

    Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) in Lucasfilm's 'Star Wars: Ahsoka,' exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    While mainstay ‘The Mandalorian’ is on pause as creator Jon Favreau concentrates on finishing movie spin-off ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ (due out on May 22nd next year), there is still activity on the TV front for ‘Star Wars.’

    On stage at Celebration, Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni confirmed that production on ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’s second season is gearing up, with Carrie Beck, Lucasfilm’s Vice President of Animation and Live-Action Development, currently in the UK preparing for filming to begin.

    That show will see the return of Rosario Dawson’s title character, alongside the likes of Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) and the villainous Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen).

    And following the death of Season 1 actor Ray Stevenson, the role of former Jedi Baylan Skoll will be played by ‘Game of Thrones’ veteran Rory McCann.

    Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in Lucasfilm's 'Andor', exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Andor’, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Elsewhere, ‘Star Wars: Andor’ returns next week for its second season, following the story of rebel agent Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) up to the events of 2016’s ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.’

    We can expect a third season of animated series ‘Star Wars: Visions’ this year (word on a release date might be coming soon at Celebration) and we’re still hoping for a second run of ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,’ though nothing has been announced about that yet.

    Related Article: Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling’s ‘Star Wars’ Movie is Titled ‘Starfighter’

    Where else have we seen (and heard) Sam Witwer?

    'Maul: Shadow Lord's Sam Witwer at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    ‘Maul: Shadow Lord’s Sam Witwer at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    In addition to his duties with the ‘Star Wars’ galaxy, including supplying additional voices to several of the main ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy movies, the aforementioned ‘Skeleton Crew’ and ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka,’ and a host of other animated ‘Wars’ work, Witwer has forged quite the career in front of the camera and as a voiceover artist.

    Other voice work includes ‘Robot Chicken,’ ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ and a variety of video games.

    You might also have seen him physically in the likes of ‘Leverage: Redemption,’ ‘The Mist,’ ‘Mythic Quest,’ ‘Supergirl,’ ‘Once Upon a Time,’ ‘Grimm,’ ‘Smallville’ and ‘Being Human.’

    When will ‘Maul: Shadow Lord’ launch on Disney+?

    While an exact date has yet to be confirmed, Witwer mentioned on stage that the show is due to arrive on the streaming service next year.

    At last, he will reveal himself to the Jedi. At last he will have rev… no, wait, sorry. He’s done that already.

    Ray Park as Darth Maul in 'Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace'. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    Ray Park as Darth Maul in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    List of ‘Star Wars’ Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

    csEQclV4
  • Lucasfilm Announces ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ for 2027

    (L to R) 'Star Wars: Starfighter's Ryan Gosling and director Shawn Levy at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    (L to R) ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’s Ryan Gosling and director Shawn Levy at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    Preview:

    • Lucasfilm has officially announced director Shawn Levy’s ‘Star Wars’ movie.
    • Ryan Gosling will star in the film, titled ‘Star Wars: Starfighter.’
    • It’ll be out on May 28th, 2027.

    And just like that, Shawn Levy’s ‘Star Wars’ movie has made the leap from the rumor space to confirmed at hyper speed.

    H4k0cD5v5fLz86903OrDu

    Following reports this past January of Ryan Gosling in talks to star in the film, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni took the stage at Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Japan to announce that not only does the movie have a title –– ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ –– but it’ll be out in a couple of years’ time.

    It’s certainly a bold move for the company, which has not released a movie since December 2019’s ‘The Rise of Skywalker,’ and has ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ in theaters on May 22nd, 2026.

    Here’s the tweet that Lucasfilm put out at the same time as Kennedy and Filoni were on stage:


    What’s the story of Shawn Levy’s ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’?

    'Star Wars: Starfighter's director Shawn Levy at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’s director Shawn Levy at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    With the official news out there, we now have a proper, if basic bit of detail for the movie. It’s described as “a standalone adventure taking place approximately five years after the events of 2019’s ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.’ It is an entirely new adventure featuring all-new characters set in a period of time that has not been explored on screen yet.”

    We do know that Levy, despite being seemingly busy with 500 different projects at once has been developing his untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie since at least 2022.

    (L to R) 'Star Wars: Starfighter's director Shawn Levy, Ryan Gosling, Dave Filoni and Kathleen Kennedy at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    (L to R) ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’s director Shawn Levy, Ryan Gosling, Dave Filoni and Kathleen Kennedy at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    Jonathan Tropper, who collaborated with Levy on films such as ‘This is Where I Leave You’ and ‘The Adam Project,’ has been working on a script for over a year. Levy is also producing the feature via his 21 Laps banner, joining ‘Star Wars’ steward Kennedy.

    Gosling’s deal has closed and production on the new movie will kick off in the fall, which means Levy will likely press pause on working on the planned boyband comedy that his usual Ryan –– that would be Reynolds –– has been developing. Still, given Levy’s work ethic, we wouldn’t be surprised if he knocked that out this summer before diving into ‘Star Wars.’

    Related Article: ‘Barbie’s Ryan Gosling in Negotiations to Star in ‘Deadpool’ Director Shawn Levy’s ‘Star Wars’ Movie

    What else does Ryan Gosling have going on?

    'Star Wars: Starfighter's Ryan Gosling at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’s Ryan Gosling at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    Gosling, who was one of the key elements in 2023’s monster hit ‘Barbie’ had a slightly less successful 2023, as romantic action comedy ‘The Fall Guy’ –– which was perfectly entertaining in our opinion –– failed to land at the box office and only earned $181 million from a $125 budget.

    He’ll be back on our screens next year in another space-based project, as he’s in the lead in ‘Project Hail Mary,’ the latest film adapted from the work of ‘The Martian’s Andy Weir, with Phil Lord and Chris Miller directing from a script by ‘Martian’ man Drew Goddard.

    That one errs more towards the sci-fi than space opera, featuring an astronaut who has to try and save the planet. It’ll arrive on May 20th, 2026, and a first look was teased by Amazon MGM Studios at the company’s CinemaCon presentation this month.

    Behind the camera, Gosling is an executive producer on a Donald E. Westlake adaptation called ‘The Actor,’ though that movie has yet to land a release date.

    And oddly, Gosling’s name has been linked with ‘Star Wars’ in the past, when rumors spread online in 2013 that he and Zac Efron were being eyed by ‘The Force Awakens’ filmmaker J.J. Abrams for a part that may have eventually become Kylo Ren (as played in the sequel trilogy by Adam Driver).

    Who else has been rumored for ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’?

    Mikey Madison accepts the Oscar® for Actress in a Leading Role during the live ABC Telecast of the 97th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Credit/Provider: Trae Patton / The Academy. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Mikey Madison accepts the Oscar® for Actress in a Leading Role during the live ABC Telecast of the 97th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Credit/Provider: Trae Patton / The Academy. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    From the sounds of recent reports, Disney and Lucasfilm nearly had something else to announce about the movie.

    Reporter Jeff Sneider broke word that ‘AnoraAcademy Award winner Mikey Madison was in talks for a role in the movie a day or so ago.

    But the same day, Variety reported that Madison had decided to pass on the role. While it seems as though she’s passing up a big opportunity, it’s not like the actor is exactly short of offers at the moment –– she is very much in demand, including by Zach Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil’ reboot.

    What else is in development for big screen ‘Star Wars’?

    (L to R) 'The Mandalorian & Grogu's Pedro Pascal, director Jon Favreau and Grogu at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    (L to R) ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’s Pedro Pascal, director Jon Favreau and Grogu at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    Jon Favreau’s ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ is first among ‘Star Wars’ equals right now, having shot last year and now speeding through post-production.

    eaZX2E5uDRUrzMZDbzwwV4

    Favreau and Filoni introduced a new clip from the movie and a sizzle reel at the Celebration event.

    The main scene was action packed, with Snowtroopers inside an AT-AT preparing to engage in battle. Pedro Pascal’s Mandalorian cuts open into the hull of the AT-AT, then, in one continuous take, blasts, stabs, pyros, and fights his way through the Snowtroopers, making his way through the hull and then hallway, ending at the door of the cockpit, which quickly closes.

    The sizzle reel, meanwhile, offered a glimpse at Sigourney Weaver’s character –– for whom Mando apparently works –– plus battle scenes (including an AT-AT tumbling off a snowy cliff), Grogu using his powers and swimming. It ended with Jeremy Allen White-voiced Rotta the Hutt, the son of the crime lord Jabba the Hutt, raising his hands in triumph in some sort of fighting arena, and then cut to Grogu in the stands and eating what passes for the Star Wars version of popcorn.

    (L to R) 'The Mandalorian & Grogu's Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    (L to R) ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’s Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    ‘Mandalorian’ co-creator and fellow steward Filoni is still putting the pieces together for his own film, while one that continues the story of Rey (Daisy Ridley) is in development from director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy but appears to keep hitting stumbling blocks and has been removed from the schedule for now.

    And then there’s James Mangold’s film, which explores the origins of the Jedi and early force users and is awaiting a release date.

    We’d guess that while Filoni (who promoted earlier this year to Chief Creative Officer at Lucasfilm) is still going full speed ahead on his movie, he’s also been busy figuring out a second season of ‘Ahsoka.’

    Here’s what he said about that:

    “I’m so well into that as well… I’ve been writing it, and I’m still the single writer on it, and so I’ve been enjoying doing that, but it’s a challenge, of course, and working some of these arcs through has been a challenge and making sure it’s all going to come out in a way that I think is exciting for fans. I know that they’re interested in where some of the things I developed in Season One. I’m pretty happy with it… Love working with Rosario [Dawson], so I can’t wait to get back to that.”

    Beyond those, there are several movies (and potential trilogies) which don’t seem to be moving forward and may have been scrapped altogether, including new potential movies from ‘The Last Jedi’s Rian Johnson (who is busy with his ‘Knives Out’ movies and may not wish to dip back into the toxic stew of ‘Star Wars’ fandom after the divisive reaction to his first effort) and ‘Wonder Woman’s Patty Jenkins, who had a much-touted ‘Rogue Squadron’ story of rebel pilots that appears to have had trouble leaving the development hanger.

    When will ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ be in theaters?

    (L to R) 'Star Wars: Starfighter's director Shawn Levy, Ryan Gosling, Dave Filoni and Kathleen Kennedy at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    (L to R) ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’s director Shawn Levy, Ryan Gosling, Dave Filoni and Kathleen Kennedy at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    With ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ boasting a confirmed release date of May 22nd, 2026, we now have a second ‘Star Wars’ movie on the calendar.

    ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ is now due to arrive on May 28th, 2027. Looks like Lucasfilm is finally ready to ramp back up to one movie a year from the galaxy far, far away.

    (L to R) 'The Mandalorian & Grogu's Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    (L to R) ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’s Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    List of ‘Star Wars’ Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

    csEQclV4
  • Movie Review: ‘The Wedding Banquet’

    (L to R) Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, Han Gi-Chan and Bowen Yang in Bleecker Street's 'The Wedding Banquet'. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.
    (L to R) Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, Han Gi-Chan and Bowen Yang in Bleecker Street’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.

    ‘The Wedding Banquet’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

    Opening in theaters on April 18th, ‘The Wedding Banquet’ presents a new take on the story brought to screens by Ang Lee’s 1993 romantic comedy of culture and confusion.

    This brand new version, which moves the story forward to the present day and features two couples instead of one, is directed by ‘Fire Island’s Andrew Ahn.

    Related Article: ‘Fire Island’ Exclusive Interviews

    Is ‘The Wedding Banquet’ Worth Celebrating?

    Joan Chen in Bleecker Street's 'The Wedding Banquet'. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.
    Joan Chen in Bleecker Street’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.

    It’s exceedingly rare for the writer of the original movie to be involved with a re-imagining, but here we have James Schamus, who worked on the Lee movie, back collaborating this time with director Andrew Ahn.

    And the results speak for themselves –– the pair has come up with a sensitive, funny and warm new take on the story, expanding the world of the situation and exploring it through the lens of today’s LGBTQ+ attitudes and society.

    Script and Direction

    'The Wedding Banquet' writer and director Andrew Ahn. Photo: Janice Chung.
    ‘The Wedding Banquet’ writer and director Andrew Ahn. Photo: Janice Chung.

    The script keeps the characters feeling grounded, even as the situation becomes more comical and, indeed, emotional and heartfelt.

    Carefully charting the evolving dynamics of the various friendships –– not to mention their parents and other characters, this new ‘Wedding Banquet’ is a feast of entertaining moments, real drama and laugh-out loud scenes (including the titular ritual, which devolves into comic chaos).

    Also, Ahn and Shamus smartly undercut expectations ––– when you think a character, particularly the older, more traditional types, are going to react one way, the script finds surprising, joyful and funny ways to go in a different direction.

    Ahn infuses the movie with visual heart as well as the script’s existing power, guiding his cast to fully bring the characters to life.

    Working with his team, he also brings the world to the screen with charm and effectiveness, the house that Angela, Lee, Min and Chris share feeling lived in and authentic. If it doesn’t always feel authentically set in Seattle (the movie was shot in Vancouver), that’s a minor issue.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran in Bleecker Street's 'The Wedding Banquet'. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.
    (L to R) Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran in Bleecker Street’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.

    Perhaps the biggest advantage that ‘The Wedding Banquet’ has is a leading ensemble with the chance to offer more than they’re often given to do on screen.

    Kelly Marie Tran’s role as Angela might be closer to some other characters she’s played, but it also offers the chance to play someone more complicated –– far from perfect but doing her best to navigate the world.

    Lily Gladstone has been playing dramatic roles primarily for a while, and though Lee certainly has those shades, it’s also a welcome opportunity for her to return to her comedic routes. And she grabs it with both hands, giving the role an accomplished, relatable side.

    Bowen Yang is more normally found in smaller comic relief roles, and while Chris has some very funny moments, it likewise lets him expand out into all sides of the character, from his commitment phobia to his struggles over his relationship when it starts to evolve before his eyes.

    (L to R) Bowen Yang and Han Gi-Chan in Bleecker Street's 'The Wedding Banquet'. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.
    (L to R) Bowen Yang and Han Gi-Chan in Bleecker Street’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.

    Han Gi-Chan has mostly worked in Korea, but he’s great as the conflicted Min, trying to balance family expectation with what is in his heart.

    Around the main leads there are some equally excellent supporting turns, not the least of which are from Joan Chen and ‘MinariOscar winner Youn Yuh-Jung.

    Chen, playing Angela’s exuberant, supportive mother May, gets to have more fun than she has in some other roles and that spills out into the rest of the movie. She’s also a real mother, struggling with past choices and coming across as a rounded character despite more limited screentime.

    Likewise Youn’s character Ja-Young (Min’s imposing grandmother), who initially comes across stoic and locked into her worldview, is revealed to be far more layered than that first impression.

    Final Thoughts

    (L to R) Han Gi-Chan, Youn Yuh-Jung and Kelly Marie Tran in Bleecker Street's 'The Wedding Banquet'. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.
    (L to R) Han Gi-Chan, Youn Yuh-Jung and Kelly Marie Tran in Bleecker Street’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’. Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures.

    ‘The Wedding Banquet’ represents a truly successful update of a much-loved movie that both infuses new life into the story and honors the original.

    It’s the latest impressive piece of work from director Andrew Ahn and deserves to find a place in the heart of audiences beyond LGBTQ+ and Asian cinemagoers who will see themselves represented well here.

    fR815yWnIhbyxuraN7rJH4

    What’s the plot of ‘The Wedding Banquet’?

    Frustrated with his commitment-phobic boyfriend Chris (Bowen Yang) and running out of time, Min (Han Gi-chan) makes a proposal: a green-card marriage with their friend Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) in exchange for her partner Lee’s (Lily Gladstone) expensive IVF. Elopement plans are upended, however, when Min’s grandmother (Youn Yuh-jung) surprises them with an extravagant Korean wedding banquet.

    Who stars in ‘The Wedding Banquet’?

    • Bowen Yang as Chris
    • Lily Gladstone as Lee
    • Kelly Marie Tran as Angela
    • Han Gi-chan as Min
    • Joan Chen as May Chen
    • Youn Yuh-jung as Ja-Young
    Bowen Yang stars in 'The Wedding Banquet'. Photo: Mary Ellen Matthews.
    Bowen Yang stars in ‘The Wedding Banquet’. Photo: Mary Ellen Matthews.

    List of Bowen Yang Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Wedding Banquet’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Bowen Yang Movies on Amazon

    E4ehVAKL
  • Nicholas Galitzine and Bill Skarsgård Starring in ‘Mosquito Bowl’

    (Left) Nicholas Galitzine stars in 'The Idea of You'. Credit: Alisha Wetherill/Prime. Copyright: © 2022 Amazon Content Services LLC. (Right) Bill Skarsgård in the Horror/Thriller film 'Locked', a The Avenue release. Photo courtesy of The Avenue.
    (Left) Nicholas Galitzine stars in ‘The Idea of You’. Credit: Alisha Wetherill/Prime. Copyright: © 2022 Amazon Content Services LLC. (Right) Bill Skarsgård in the Horror/Thriller film ‘Locked’, a The Avenue release. Photo courtesy of The Avenue.

    Preview:

    • Nicholas Galitzine and Bill Skarsgård are aboard ‘Mosquito Bowl.’
    • Director Peter Berg wrote the movie with Mark L. Smith.
    • It adapts a based-on-truth tome by Buzz Bissinger.

    Director Peter Berg seems to be on something of a winning streak in his deal with Netflix of late.

    He directed limited series ‘Painkiller,’ which spent five weeks in the Global Top 10 TV List (English), garnering 29.1 million views. And more recently, ‘American Primeval’ was on the same list for four weeks, racking up 35.1 million views following its debut in January.

    KJywBYStLt9vhZPlau0D72

    Now, via Deadline, the first project from the renewed contract is in the works, with Nicholas Galitzine and Bill Skarsgård attached to star in ‘Mosquito Bowl,’ which finds him in true-story territory (and sports, something which he’s done well with in the past).

    Related Article: ‘Masters of the Universe’: Nicholas Galitzine to Play He-Man in the New Movie

    What’s the story of ‘Mosquito Bowl’?

    Bill Skarsgård in the Horror/Thriller film 'Locked', a The Avenue release. Photo courtesy of The Avenue.
    Bill Skarsgård in the Horror/Thriller film ‘Locked’, a The Avenue release. Photo courtesy of The Avenue.

    The new movie is based on Buzz Bissinger’s New York Times bestseller ‘The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II.’

    The film is set after the attack on Pearl Harbor, when four of America’s top college football stars set their fame aside to enlist in the Marines.

    As they prepare for the brutal invasion of Okinawa, they take part in a legendary game featuring some of the greatest players in history –– a game that, for many, will be the last they ever play.

    We don’t yet know what roles Galitzine and Skarsgård are playing, but we can see them as two of the gridiron stars.

    Berg is working once again with ‘The Revenant’ writer Mark L. Smith on the movie, continuing their partnership after collaborating on ‘American Primeval.’ We predict this one, while it doesn’t exactly have a happy ending (see: World War II and survival rates), should at least be slightly more positive than the hard-bitten frontier series.

    And that’s not the only reunion here –– ‘Mosquito Bowl’ sees Berg back partnering with Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer, who backed on the hit football movie ‘Friday Night Lights’ (which perhaps not-so-coincidentally was also based on a Bissinger tome) and the series take that followed. The pair are developing a reboot of the latter.

    Where else can we see Nicholas Galitzine?

    Nicholas Galitzine and Anne Hathaway star in 'The Idea of You'.
    (L to R) Nicholas Galitzine and Anne Hathaway star in ‘The Idea of You’. Credit: Courtesy of Prime. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.

    The rising star, who broke out with movies including ‘Purple Hearts’ and ‘The Idea of You’ (the latter opposite Anne Hathaway), has also been seen in historical TV drama ‘Mary & George’ with Julianne Moore, and ‘Red White and Royal Blue.’

    His big new role is leading Amazon’s new take on ‘Masters of the Universe,’ which is in production now and will be on screens on June 5th, 2026.

    In addition to that, he’s part of the cast for mystery drama ‘Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie,’ which was also touted at Amazon’s recent CinemaCon presentation, the indie movie ‘100 Nights of Hero’ and has lent his voice to animated pic ‘Wings of Freedom.’

    What else has Bill Skarsgård worked on?

    Bill Skarsgård in 'The Crow.' Photo Credit: Larry Horricks for Lionsgate.
    Bill Skarsgård in ‘The Crow.’ Photo Credit: Larry Horricks for Lionsgate.

    Skarsgård, who has become something of a chameleon when it comes to roles, most recently put his skills on display in Robert EggersOscar-nominated ‘Nosferatu,’ which became Focus Features’ second highest-grossing film ever at the domestic box office following its Christmas Day debut.

    Right now, the actor is starring opposite Anthony Hopkins in ‘Locked,’ the new thriller from director David Yarovesky.

    And upcoming? He has ‘Dead Man’s Wire’ from Gus Van Sant, Michael Sarnoski’s ‘The Death of Robin Hood’ (which stars Hugh Jackman), and TV prequel ‘It: Welcome to Derry,’ for HBO/Max, where he reprises his breakout role as Pennywise the Clown.

    There’s also historical drama ‘Emperor,’ Lee Tamahori’s movie about young Johanna “Of Ghent”, who seeks revenge on the holy Roman Emperor Charles V for the death of her father.

    With Sophie Cookson as Johanna and Adrien Brody as the emperor, Skarsgård plays Philip II of Spain.

    What else is Peter Berg developing?

    Director Peter Berg. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Netflix.
    Director Peter Berg. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Netflix.

    Berg has recently worked on a documentary about music superstar Rihanna.

    In addition to his own directorial gigs, Berg is a consistently busy producer, supporting other people’s work. He’s behind new TV series ‘Green Beret’s Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse’ and two movies.

    ‘The Beast’ stars Samuel L. Jackson and Joel Kinnaman in the story of the US President needing to rely on the defensive capabilities of his titular, tricked-out, secure main transport car when a militia of unidentified hostiles coordinates a coup against the U.S. That one has Renny Harlin in the director’s driving seat.

    There’s also the in-development ‘Olympus,’ about a decorated soldier turned spy who finds out he is descended from the Greek Gods and could actually be humanity’s last hope. The movie appears to be in development limbo, but does feature a script from prolific TV creator Taylor Sheridan.

    When will ‘Mosquito Bowl’ be on screens?

    Netflix has yet to announce when the movie might hit its servers, but given that it has reached the casting stage, we’d be shocked if it wasn’t ready for release next year.

    (L to R) Linda Fiorentino and Peter Berg in 'The Last Seduction'. Photo: October Films.
    (L to R) Linda Fiorentino and Peter Berg in ‘The Last Seduction’. Photo: October Films.

    List of Peter Berg Movies:

    Buy Peter Berg Movies on Amazon

    YPsF2K2l