Moviefone Editorial

Tag: awkwafina

What to Watch this Week: ‘Coming 2 America,’ ‘Raya and the Last Dragon,’ ‘Moxie,’ & more

If you’re curious as to what new movie this week might be best for you, Moviefone is here to help you find it and watch it. This week’s films feature adorable pets who save the day, royalty, and guys who have really noisy thoughts. Here are the movies we’re suggesting this week:

Coming 2 America (Amazon Prime)

Arsenio Hall and Eddie Murphy in ‘Coming 2 America’

In the 33 years since we first met Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and Semmi (Arsenio Hall), life in Zamunda has been mostly peaceful and prosperous. He has three wonderful, talented, strong daughters, but sadly the eldest (KiKi Layne) doesn’t seem to be in contention for the throne as King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones) appears to be shuffling off this mortal coil. “Lucky” for Akeem, he discovers that a one-night stand in New York City all those years ago yielded a son (Jermaine Fowler). But does he have what it takes to take the throne?

Watch It If: Repeatedly watching the first film just isn’t doing it for you anymore, and you’d like an eye full of gorgeous costumes and an ear full of fantastic, recognizable music specially fit for Zamunda.
7jjhPjK68idVT7cE6j56x3

Raya and the Last Dragon (Disney+)

Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina lend their voices to ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’

Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) is a warrior princess who is also the guardian of the dragon gem, the last piece of dragon magic existing in the fictional world of Kumandra. In order to reunite the world, she has to track down broken pieces of the gem and the only one she can trust is a wisecracking dragon named Sisu (Awkwafina). So, this should be easy.

Watch It If: You’re prepared to spend a night with a dragon who is way funnier than the memes you’ve been sending to people on your group text chain, and if you have a thing for giant pangolins rollin’ around and being really cute (shout out to Tuk Tuk, aka Alan Tudyk).
z1S1QooWpYS3DP9sqgRwz2

Moxie (Netflix)

Hadley Robinson and Alycia Pascual-Peña in ‘Moxie’

If, when faced with a difficult situation, you say things like “that’s just how the cookie crumbles,” then you are a decrepit, ancient, aged person and you need to let the youth take over in the quest to make the world a better place. Vivian (Hadley Robinson) is such a kid, who finds herself tasked with motivating the students at her high school to make change in favor of equality. She finds her mom’s (Amy Poehler) old zines championing feminism and forward-thinking, and she sets out to make her own and speak up for change.

Watch It If: You’re a fan of Amy Poehler as a director, and if you want to see commonplace events of high school life through a new, more progressive lens. Also, a must see for teens who feel like no one understands.
FvcPBDWBeZEzVWQMw8N6r1

Chaos Walking (In Theaters and IMAX)

Daisy Ridley and Tom Holland in ‘Chaos Walking’

Women no longer exist where Todd (Tom Holland) lives in Prentisstown. So when Daisy Ridley as Viola, a survivor of a crashed spaceship, crosses his path, he’s noticeably perplexed. Viola happens to know that’s the case, since in this sci-fi world, men’s thoughts broadcast as telepathy to everyone in the general vicinity. They call it “noise,” and each manifestation of it is different. But with bad guys lingering around every corner, some whose minds suspiciously don’t broadcast their thoughts, Viola finds herself on the run with Todd, whose thoughts are so big they serve as a beacon for said bad guys. Great.

Watch It If: You want to see a little more out of these stars outside their superhero or space odyssey realms, and if you enjoyed the sci-fi world of Annihilation and want to add a little dash of Western flavor in there.
tIV4EWGETzqcQscXJGDBL7

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (Paramount+)

Patrick and SpongeBob in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run’

Gary has been snail-napped. THIS IS NOT A DRILL, PEOPLE. SpongeBob’s faithful companion has disappeared, and the only way to solve the mystery and bring that slimy little guy home is to go back to where it all began. Consider this SpongeBob’s origin story, complete with the usual offbeat humor and cameos plentiful in these films.

Watch It If: Your only contact with a sponge has been continually washing and re-washing your own dishes this past year, and you need a dose of sweetness from Bikini Bottom.
9jhtfou12fAkrB1XmTGv2

The Truffle Hunters (In Theaters in NY & LA)

A scene from ‘The Truffle Hunters’

If you’ve ever passed a truffle and went into cardiac arrest at the cost, this documentary unlocks a smidgeon of the economic mystery but more importantly, the magical world that exists around them. Nestled in the forests of Piedmont, Italy, the film features a handful of men who have dedicated their days AND nights to searching out Alba truffles with their truffle-sniffing dogs. The result is a beautifully shot fly-on-the-wall glimpse into lives you’ve likely never known existed.

Watch It If: You need a change of pace from the more typical frenzied energy of most releases. This cast of wacky characters is so intimate, it’s almost like you’ve been invited to stay in their homes and drink wine, watch them type letters, and discuss the awesomeness of their dogs (that have names like Birba, which means “mischievous”).
d8oKgeAS2CnAmMO2XQjv87

March 5, 2021
Walt Disney Animation’s Next Feature, ‘Raya and the Last Dragon,’ Announced

Disney

There wasn’t much in the way of “news” coming out of the big Disney Studios panel on Saturday morning at the D23 Expo in sunny Anaheim, California. But one of the biggest bits of information dropped during the two hour plus panel was the title and details of the next Walt Disney Animation Studios feature, set to debut next November. It’s called “Raya and the Last Dragon,” and it’s an epic set in a fantasy world inspired by the culture of southeast Asia. Also: it looks fantastic.

Disney

The movie stars Cassie Steele as Raya, a lone warrior who sets to unique the kingdoms following the invasion of a dark evil. And how does she plan to do that, you ask? By finding the last dragon, Sisu, voiced by Awkwafina. Not only is she a playful water spirit but she also takes the form of an old woman, so that should be super fun. There was a brief teaser moment that established the movie’s tone and mood and it was gorgeous. This is one of the more beautiful-looking movies to come out of Walt Disney Animation Studios, which is saying something considering their recent output, and the storyline, which has Raya joining a group of warriors from the other kingdoms as they team up with Sisu to defeat the evil, seems like cracking entertainment that is both entertaining and heartfelt.

“Raya and the Last Dragon” is directed by longtime Disney story artists Dean Wellins and Paul Briggs and features a script by Adele Lim (“Crazy Rich Asians”). It is scheduled for release on November 25, 2020.

August 24, 2019
Awkwafina to Star in Fantasy Film ‘The Last Adventure of Constance Verity’

Warner Bros.

Awkwafina will somehow make time in her busy, busy schedule to star in the fantasy-adventure feature film “The Last Adventure of Constance Verity” for Legendary.

The actress, currently starring in “The Farewell,” will play Constance Verity, who’s been fighting the supernatural from the moment she was born. She’s exhausted and just wants a normal life with a boyfriend and best friends. But it’s not easy to walk away from a life of adventure when you are the chosen one.

John Raffo (“The Relic,” “Dragon: the Bruce Lee Story“) has written the script based on the first book A. Lee Martinez. A second book, “Constance Verity Saves the World,” was published in 2018. Martinez is currently writing the third book in the series.

Awkwafina, who broke out last year in “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Ocean’s Eight,” is currently attached to Marvel’s “Shang-Chi”; “Jumanji: The Next Level, Ryan Murpy’s “The Prom,” and Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” remake.

Whew, that’s a lot.

[Via Variety]

August 13, 2019
‘The Little Mermaid’ Remake Adds Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay

Warner Bros. Pictures; Focus Features

Disney’s live-action remakes keep coming, and now “The Little Mermaid” has made some big moves. The upcoming adaptation has added Awkwafina and Jacob Tremblay to the cast, Variety reports. The actors will star as two of Ariel’s friends, with Awkafina voicing Flounder and Tremblay voicing Scuttle.

So far, the lead role of Ariel hasn’t been cast, but the villain Ursula may be played by Melissa McCarthy. She is reportedly in talks in spite of earlier rumors that Lady Gaga was being eyed for the role. Regardless, we’d say the cast is coming together nicely.

The film is a remake of the 1989 animated classic with Rob Marshall directing. David Magee wrote the script after Jane Goldman penned an earlier draft. The movie will feature a mix of old and new songs, with Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda working on the new ones.

Awkafina and Jacob Tremblay have both starred in high-profile films recently and have still others on the way. She had a big year last year with roles in “Ocean’s 8” and “Crazy Rich Asians.” Meanwhile, some of his films include “Wonder,” “The Book of Henry,” and “Room.” Coming up for Awkwafina are “The Farewell” and “Jumanji: The Next Level,” and Tremblay stars in the soon-to-be-released “Good Boys.”

“The Little Mermaid” live-action adaptation is being produced by Marshall, Miranda, Marc Platt, and John DeLuca.

[via: Variety]

July 1, 2019
Ryan Murphy’s ‘Prom’ Adaptation for Netflix to Star Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, More

HBO

Ryan Murphy is inviting many Hollywood A-listers to “Prom.”

Murphy, who is directing a film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical for Netflix, has assemble a colossal list of major stars for the cast.

They include: Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, James Corden, Ariana Grande, Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key and Andrew Rannells.

Murphy will reportedly start production in December, for a fall 2020 awards season release before it begins streaming on Netflix.

“The Prom” tells the story of an Indiana teen who wants to bring her girlfriend to the school’s big dance. When they’re banned from attending, a cast of Broadway eccentrics band together to help fight the injustice.

Streep will play two-time Tony winner Dee Dee Allen, who starred opposite Corden’s Barry Glickman in a flop of a musical about Eleanor Roosevelt. They rally fellow Broadway vets Angie Dickinson (Kidman) and Trent Oliver (Rannells) to their cause. Awkwafina will play the group’s publicist; Key is the school principal who falls for Streep’s character; and Grande will play the closeted love interest to the as-yet-uncast lead Emma.

“Prom” is just the kind of star-studded project that Netflix is hoping will earn awards notice. Last year, it made the Best Picture line-up for the first time with “Roma.”

As for Murphy, “Prom” is just one of several projects he’s got cooking under his new megadeal with the streamer. In the pipeline are “Hollywood,” “The Politician,” “Ratched,” and another stage musical adaptation, “The Boys in the Band.”

June 25, 2019
Allison Janney, Regina Hall, Mila Kunis, Awkafina to Star in ‘Breaking News In Yuba County’

Amazon Studios; Magnolia Pictures; Lionsgate; Warner Bros. Pictures

The upcoming comedy-drama “Breaking News in Yuba County” has no lack of starpower.

Many of the film’s stars have been revealed, and among them are Allison Janney, Regina Hall, Mila Kunis, Awkwafina, and Samira Wiley, Deadline reports. They’ve boarded the project from “The Help” director Tate Taylor, and still more big names are likely to join. Wanda Sykes, Juliette Lewis, Keong Sim, Bridget Everett, and Jimmi Simpson are all reportedly in advanced talks.

Taylor is directing from a script by Amanda Idoko. The story centers on a pencil pusher played by Janney who catches her cheating husband in the act. When the shock of it causes him to go into cardiac arrest and die, she hides the body. Having a “missing” husband apparently has its perks at first, but she finds it increasingly difficult to keep up the lie as her news anchor half-sister (Kunis) and a local detective (Hall) try to find the truth.

Janney won an Academy Award for her role “I, Tonya” and recently starred in “Troop Zero,” and Hall’s recent films include “Little,” “The Hate U Give,” and “Support the Girls.” Kunis comes off of “The Spy Who Dumped Me,” while Awkwafina recently starred in “Crazy Rich Asians.” Meanwhile, Wiley is an Emmy winner for her role in Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

“Breaking News in Yuba County” is slated to start shooting in Mississippi in June. AGC Studios is fully financing the film and will handle overseas sales. Producers include Wyolah Films, Nine Stories, John Norris, and The Black List.

[via: Deadline]

May 20, 2019
‘The Farewell’ Trailer Ensnares Awkwafina in a Big, Loving Family Lie

Warner Bros.

After breakout supporting roles in “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Ocean’s 8,” Awkwafina is moving into the spotlight as a lead.

In the trailer for “The Farewell,” she stars as Billi, a Chinese-born, U.S.-raised writer who finds out her grandmother is dying from cancer — only the grandmother doesn’t know. Instead, the entire family creates an elaborate ruse (a big wedding) to secretly say their goodbyes to the matriarch.

The story is based on the life of writer-director Lulu Wang (the tagline is “Based on an Actual Lie”). The film was received very warmly earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, with Awkwafina receiving particular praise for her lead performance.

“The Farewell” opens in theaters July 12.

May 7, 2019
2019 Oscars Reveal First Round of Presenters

Warner Bros.

This year’s Oscars will mark the first time in three decades that the ceremony has gone without a host. But the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is making sure that the event will still feature plenty of stars on stage.

Earlier this week, Oscars producer Donna Gigliotti and co-producer and director Glenn Weiss revealed the first round of presenters who will be announcing categories and handing out statuettes at the Academy Awards later this month. That group is:

Awkwafina, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg, Brie Larson, Jennifer Lopez, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Amandla Stenberg, Charlize Theron, Tessa Thompson, and Constance Wu.

We have to hand it to producers: That’s a pretty solid list of people. We’re especially excited to see what kind of witty banter Fey, Poehler, and Rudolph deliver. (Perhaps a preview of their upcoming Netflix film, “Wine Country”?)

According to the producers, the show’s aim is to put the focus squarely on the honored films, and the diversity that they represent in the industry at large.

“The Oscar nominees have generated tremendous worldwide attention through their captivating stories, achievements and performances,” Gigliotti and Weiss said in a joint statement. “We want to give the public an opportunity to once again experience the moments that have moved us all. It is a celebration of our universal love of movies.”

The 91st annual Oscars will air on Sunday, February 24 on ABC.

[via: Oscars.org]

February 5, 2019
Awkwafina in Talks for ‘Jumanji’ Sequel: Report

Warner Bros. Pictures

Could there be even more laughs in the “Jumanji 2”?

Following 2017’s “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan, another comedian is reportedly poised to join the cast. Rapper-slash-actress Awkwafina is in talks for a role, Variety reports. She has made a splash in films lately, including “Ocean’s 8” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” both of which opened in 2018.

There is no word yet on what her role would be, but she would presumably be along for another adventure involving the game Jumanji. In “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” four high school students were transported into the game’s dangerous world and turned into their adult avatars. It was a sequel to 1995’s “Jumanji,” which was based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1981 book of the same name. One big difference was that the game went from being a board game to a video game.

“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” co-writer and director Jake Kasdan is back for the film, and he gave what Johnson called a “dynamite pitch” in June. Apparently, they “couldn’t stop laughing,” so we can see Awkwafina being a good fit.

Kasdan co-wrote the “Jumanji 2” script with Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinkner, both of whom worked on “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.” They’ll have a chance to equal or even surpass their recent success. The 2017 film was a huge hit a year ago, earning more than $962 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo data.

Seven Bucks Productions’ Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia are producing, along with Matt Tolmach of Matt Tolmach Productions and Kasdan.

“Jumanji 2” is set to open Dec. 13.

[via: Variety]

January 3, 2019
‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Star Awkwafina Lands Comedy Central Series

Warner Bros.

After having a breakout 2018 at the box office, rapper-comedian Awkwafina is taking her talents to the small screen.

The “Crazy Rich Asians” star is set to headline her own Comedy Central series — appropriately dubbed “Awkwafina” — which is loosely based on her own life. The half-hour show chronicles the exploits of “a twenty-something living in Queens, striving for a larger than life existence while living with her father and grandmother.”

Awkwafina co-wrote the 10-episode season alongside TV comedy vets Karey Dornetto (“SMILF,” “Portlandia”) and Teresa Hsiao (“Family Guy,” “American Dad”). Lucia Aniello, who’s helmed fellow Comedy Central series “Broad City,” as well as the 2017 flick “Rough Night,” will be directing.

“I’ve been watching Comedy Central since I was old enough to hold a remote, and so many of their shows have defined who I am today,” Awkwafina said in a statement. “I am so honored to be given their platform to tell the story of an Asian American girl against the backdrop of the city I was raised.”

We’re excited to see Awkwafina finally step into a starring role, after her scene-stealing supporting performances in “CRA” and “Ocean’s 8.” Now we just have to wait for a premiere date.

[via: Vulture]

November 29, 2018