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  • ‘The Life of Chuck’ Interview: Tom Hiddleston

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    Opening in select theaters on June 6th before opening nationwide on June 13th is ‘The Life of Chuck’, which was written and directed by Mike Flanagan (‘Doctor Sleep‘) and based on author Stephen King’s 2020 novella of the same name.

    The film stars Tom Hiddleston (‘Loki’) in the title role, and features Chiwetel Ejiofor (‘Doctor Strange’), Karen Gillan (‘Guardians of the Galaxy’), Jacob Tremblay (‘Room’), Annalise Basso (‘Captain Fantastic’), Carl Lumbly (‘Captain America: Brave New World’), Mia Sara (‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’), and Mark Hamill (‘Star Wars’).

    Related Article: 20 Best Stephen King Movie Adaptations in Honor of ‘The Life of Chuck’

    Tom Hiddleston stars in 'The Life of Chuck'.
    Tom Hiddleston stars in ‘The Life of Chuck’.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Tom Hiddleston about his work on ‘The Life of Chuck’, his first reaction to the screenplay by Mike Flanagan and the way he adapted Stephen King’s source material, and the challenges of preparing for and shooting the massive dance sequence.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillan.

    Tom Hiddleston stars in 'The Life of Chuck'. Photo: Neon.
    Tom Hiddleston stars in ‘The Life of Chuck’. Photo: Neon.

    Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about your first reaction to the screenplay and the way Mike Flanagan was able to adapt Stephen King’s source material?

    Tom Hiddleston: I remember it so clearly. It was Easter of 2023 and I read it in a single sitting. In the UK, the Monday after Easter is a public holiday, so it’s a day off. Bank Holiday Monday, we call it. I was so moved and inspired by what I read because initially I felt like, I was so intrigued by the first act. It felt like a film about the end of the world, but with such tenderness and such truthfulness about the uncertainty of that experience through Marty and Felicia, the characters played by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillan. Also, because I had the letter from Mike, I knew he’d asked me to play Chuck and just like everybody else, I was like, well, who’s Chuck? Who is this guy? Then when it was revealed, what was happening, in terms of the narrative, and I don’t want to spoil too much. But when the stars started to be extinguished and I understood what that meant for Chuck’s life and how it turned into a meditation on joy and an exploration of the magic of the ordinary life of every human being, that none of us are one thing. We all contain multitudes, which is to say that inside the soul of every ordinary human being is an internal world of infinite possibility. That infinite possibility can create a universe in every life, a universe of connections, of people, of experiences, of memories. That when that life comes to an end, so does that universe. It sums up the way I think about life and that sometimes the small moments aren’t small at all, and they end up, in your mind becoming the big moments, in your memory. Really, in the last hours of our lives, all we will carry in our hearts and our minds are the people we loved, the memories we shared with them, the connections we made. That is all that matters. I was so struck by it and so moved by it and so inspired by how Mike had put the film together, and I just immediately wanted to get on the phone with him and say, please, can I do this with you? It was a very special experience and a film that’s very close to my heart.

    (L to R) Annalise Basso and Tom Hiddleston in 'The Life of Chuck'. Photo: Neon.
    (L to R) Annalise Basso and Tom Hiddleston in ‘The Life of Chuck’. Photo: Neon.

    MF: Finally, can you talk about rehearsing for the dance sequence and how many times did you have to shoot it to get it right?

    TH: Well, I had, in my own life, less formal dance training than Charles Krantz had. I’ve always loved dancing, but I’ve never danced like this. I had about five weeks and the brilliant, extraordinary Mandy Moore, our choreographer and her assistant, Stephanie Powell, who was working with me in London, we worked every day, and we did salsa, swing, Charleston, Bossa Nova, polka, samba, and jazz. I mean (we did) every dance under the sun, you name it. We put the thing together. It was so thrilling to do it, but by the time we got to set, I think the first four days of principal photography on the entire picture, we shot the sequence in the mall when Chuck starts dancing to the beat of those drums. It was me and Taylor Gordon on the drums and Annalise Basso. We shot it consistently across the same stretch of time so that the light matched, essentially. So, it was between about 11am and 3pm across four days. We just did it from every angle. Every camera was wide, it was high, it was dancing with us, it was Steadicam, and it was on a crane. But I will say, the very last take we did, because we’d do the whole sequence from start to finish every time, was on the fourth day, the Thursday. We went back to a setup we’d done before. It was almost an homage to the great musicals, which contained the entire thing. It wasn’t close-up; it wasn’t a mid-shot. It was both Annalise and me and the drum kit and Taylor and the crowd. We played it from start to finish. It was a moment I will never forget. It was a kind of magical take, and a lot of the sequence is from that take. Mike knew it. I knew it. Annalise knew it. The crowd knew it. Mandy knew it. It was like a perfect thing. That’s where we stopped.

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    What is the plot of ‘The Life of Chuck’?

    Charles ‘Chuck’ Krantz (Tom Hiddleston) experiences the wonder of love, the heartbreak of loss, and the multitudes contained in all of us.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Life of Chuck’?

    (L to R) Director Mike Flanagan and Tom Hiddleston on the set of 'The Life of Chuck'. Photo: Neon.
    (L to R) Director Mike Flanagan and Tom Hiddleston on the set of ‘The Life of Chuck’. Photo: Neon.

    List of Mike Flanagan Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Mike Flanagan Movies on Amazon

     

  • Movie Review: ‘Captain America: Brave New World’

    Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' 'Captain America: Brave New World'. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.
    Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.

    ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.

    Opening in theaters February 14 is ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ directed by Julius Onah and starring Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Tim Blake Nelson, Carl Lumbly, Xosha Roquemore, and Giancarlo Esposito.

    Initial Thoughts

    Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' 'Captain America: Brave New World.'
    Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ ‘Captain America: Brave New World.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.

    “You’re not Steve Rogers,” growls President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford) at Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) during one especially tense moment in ‘Captain America: Brave New World.’ And while Chris Evans’ portrayal of the original Cap remains an iconic element of the first 10 years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mackie’s Sam Wilson certainly holds his own as the current owner of the shield and – according to this film – last Avenger standing.

    Mackie is terrific in the film, as is Ford – who’s awake and engaged, unlike in ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ – and the movie itself, directed by Julius Onah, is neither a game-changer like ‘Captain America: Civil War’ nor an outright embarrassment like ‘Thor: Love and Thunder.’ With much of Phases 4 and 5 set in space, the quantum realm, or another universe, it’s also refreshing to watch an earthbound Marvel adventure for a change. While it still requires some homework – watching ‘The Incredible Hulk’ or ‘Eternals’ would be a good start – it’s an entertaining, engrossing action thriller carried by its leads’ charisma and flashes of that old Marvel allure.

    Related Article: Anthony Mackie and Morena Baccarin Talk Action Thriller ‘Elevation’

    Story and Direction

    (L to R) President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) and Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' 'Captain America: Brave New World'. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.
    (L to R) President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) and Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.

    ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ opens with the election of former Hulk hunter and Avengers hater Ross to the presidency, but it’s clear from the start that not all is well with him. He’s estranged from his daughter and haunted by his past, to the point where he summons Sam Wilson to his office and asks him to rebuild Earth’s Mightiest Heroes after loathing them for years (as usual, where the members who aren’t dead or retired are currently hanging out is not really discussed).

    Sam is understandably suspicious, since it was just a few years ago that Ross (back when he was Secretary of State) had Wilson and other superheroes thrown in the maximum-security prison known as the Raft. And Sam himself is still coming to terms with the enormous responsibility and pressure of wielding the shield, although his confidence is boosted by original super soldier Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), who’s still getting over his bitterness regarding the way he was treated by his own government (uh, yeah, watch ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ too).

    Ross has other things on his mind as well: the giant Celestial that fell into the ocean in ‘Eternals’ a few years back turns out to be made out of an incredible, previously unknown element which Ross calls “adamantium,” a word which should set off five-alarm sirens in fanboys’ brains. Wary of what could happen should adamantium get out in the world, Ross is trying to nail down a groundbreaking treaty with Japan – in whose territory the Celestial landed – to explore the element’s uses peacefully, a sign that he’s desperate to change his formerly bellicose ways.

    No sooner does Ross announce the finalization of the treaty, however, then there is a terrorist attack on his life. How that attack takes place and who does it throws everything – including the cautious rapprochement between Sam and the president – into chaos, but Sam, with the help of the newly minted Falcon, Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), is determined to find out exactly what happened, who is behind it all, and what their ultimate agenda is.

    (L to R) Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), Joaquin Torres/The Falcon (Danny Ramirez) and Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) in Marvel Studios' Captain America: Brave New World'. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.
    (L to R) Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), Joaquin Torres/The Falcon (Danny Ramirez) and Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) in Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World’. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.

    The rest of the story involves clashes with Serpent terrorist organization leader Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito), presidential security chief Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas), and various other players, with Sam unsure of who he can trust and who might turn at a moment’s notice. At the heart of it all is a ghostly apparition from the early days of the MCU in the form of Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), who’s pulling the strings for purposes unknown.

    ‘Brave New World’ deliberately channels the paranoid thriller bona fides of what is still one of the MCU’s finest films, ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier,’ although in this case Julius Onah’s direction doesn’t have nearly the style of Anthony and Joe Russo’s work (although if this film went through massive reshoots as reported, it still mostly holds together). And there is a lot of clunky exposition in the script (which bears five writers in the credits) to either recap what’s happening or bring us up to speed on some of the plot points from other movies.

    But even if ‘Brave New World’ chugs along instead of truly soaring, it’s still a tight two hours of superhero entertainment. Marvel’s biggest successes have led to outsized expectations and an eventual critical backlash, but it’s almost unfair to expect each entry to be a ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ or an ‘Avengers: Endgame.’ ‘Brave New World’ is a solid double, a fun, action-packed adventure that occasionally channels the vibe of older, finer MCU movies. It may rattle or stall out here and there, but it gets where it’s going with efficiency and energy.

    The Cast

    (L to R) Joaquin Torres/The Falcon (Danny Ramirez), and Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' Captain America: Brave New World'. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.
    (L to R) Joaquin Torres/The Falcon (Danny Ramirez), and Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World’. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.

    As mentioned earlier, Anthony Mackie handles the lead role with aplomb and grace, differentiating himself from the Evans version of Cap simply by virtue of the fact that he’s not a superhuman; he can get hurt, sometimes badly, he doesn’t have super strength, and he has to depend a bit more on the accoutrements of his tricked-out uniform (courtesy of Wakanda) than his predecessor did. This is a vulnerable Cap whose confidence occasionally wavers: at one point he confesses to an old friend, “[Steve] stopped two alien invasions. What made me think I could follow that?” Yet he also throws himself unconditionally into battle in the best tradition of his title, while also deploying empathy as a tool in his arsenal.

    It might be enticing to wonder what the late William Hurt would have done with “Thunderbolt” Ross’ biggest MCU appearance to date, but Harrison Ford steps smoothly into the role and embraces Ross’s steely demeanor and the character’s seemingly earnest yearning to atone for his past. But that past still catches up to him, making the character both flawed and tragic, and Ford chomps down on it in a livelier performance that we’ve seen from him in a while. Of course, it’s no spoiler to mention his transformation into Red Hulk, and the climactic fight between him, Cap, and a good chunk of the armed forces mostly lives up to its billing, some rough visuals aside.

    Giancarlo Esposito and Carl Lumbly are reliably excellent with less to do, with the latter especially bringing an emotional center to the movie. Shira Haas is striking as Ruth, the president’s security chief with a past of her own, while Danny Ramirez delivers enthusiasm but not a ton of personality as the new Falcon. Our favorite? Tim Blake Nelson, returning after 17 years to the character known as The Leader in the comics, who’s sinister, snarky, and – in his cheesily macabre prosthetics and glowing eyes – rather eerie.

    Final Thoughts

    Red Hulk/President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) in Marvel Studios' Captain America: Brave New World'. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.
    Red Hulk/President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) in Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World’. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.

    It’s a bit jarring to see the U.S. and Japan, of all countries, almost get into a shooting war, but fear not, the politics of ‘Brave New World’ are not nearly as topical as those of ‘The Winter Soldier’ or, hell, even the original ‘Iron Man.’ In fact, the geopolitical ramifications here are, while perhaps important for the MCU, generally an inch deep.

    And that’s probably the biggest criticism of ‘Brave New World’: it echoes the MCU’s past, sometimes literally, but doesn’t quite channel the surprising emotional depth that the first decade managed to convey (one scene near the end, a heart-to-heart between Sam and someone else, recaptures some of the chemistry of the characters in that first round of films). The script and visuals, while stronger than other recent outings, still fall down from time to time. But ‘Brave New World’ also manages to get back up and keep punching, delivering superhero antics without a whole lot of pretension. It may not be especially brave or new, but it’s fun.

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    What is the plot of ‘Captain America: Brave New World’?

    Now operating as Captain America, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) uncovers a deadly conspiracy centered around President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) and fights to discover who is behind it before an international war breaks out.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Captain America: Brave New World’?

    • Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America
    • Harrison Ford as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross/Red Hulk
    • Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres/Falcon
    • Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph
    • Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns
    • Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley
    • Xosha Roquemore as Leila Taylor
    • Giancarlo Esposito as Seth Voelker/Sidewinder
    'Captain America: Brave New World'.
    ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. © 2024 Marvel.

    Movies and TV Shows Connected to ‘Captain America: Brave New World’: 

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  • TV Review: ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’

    Carla Gugino as Verna in 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
    Carla Gugino as Verna in ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Cr. Eike Schroter/Netflix © 2023.

    Landing on Netflix on October 12th, ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ has Mike Flanagan –– who knows a thing or two about scary stories –– remixing Edgar Allan Poe (ditto) for a truly fun new horror limited series.

    Combining a committed cast and some memorably nasty surprises, ‘Usher’ represents Flanagan working in a different style from some of his previous work, and the results are a superb blend of Poe imagery and ‘Succession’ style rich family shenanigans.

    What’s the story of ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’?

    Bruce Greenwood as Roderick Usher in Netflix's 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
    Bruce Greenwood as Roderick Usher in Netflix’s ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Photo: Eike Schroter/Netflix.

    Ruthless siblings Roderick (Bruce Greenwood) and Madeline (Mary McDonnell) Usher have built Fortunato Pharmaceuticals into an empire of wealth, privilege and power.

    But past secrets come to light when the heirs to the Usher dynasty start dying at the hands of a mysterious woman (Carla Gugino) from their youth.

    The plot for this one takes its inspiration from various Poe stories and poems, including ‘The Pit and the Pendulum,’ ‘The Masque of the Red Death’, ‘Annabel Lee’ and more, weaved in either as narrative elements, settings or character names.

    Who else stars in ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’?

    Carl Lumbly as C. Auguste Dupin, Nicholas Lea as Judge John Neal, and Mark Hamill as Arthur Pym in Netflix's 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
    (L to R) Carl Lumbly as C. Auguste Dupin, Nicholas Lea as Judge John Neal, and Mark Hamill as Arthur Pym in Netflix’s ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    The sprawling ensemble for Flanagan’s latest also includes Carl Lumbly, Mark Hamill, Michael Trucco, T’Nia Miller, Paola Nuñez, Henry Thomas, Kyleigh Curran, Samantha Sloyan, Rahul Kohli, Kate Siegel, Sauriyan Sapkota, Zach Gilford, Willa Fitzgerald, Katie Parker, Malcolm Goodwin, Crystal Balint, Aya Furukawa, Daniel Jun, Matt Biedel, Ruth Codd, Annabeth Gish.

    Some of them, such as Siegel (who happens to be Flanagan’s wife), Codd, Thomas and Gilford are Flanagan regulars who have popped in various shows.

    Flanagan directed half of the series’ eight episodes, while Michael Fimognari handled the others.

    Related Article: New Trailer for Mike Flanagan’s Edgar Allan Poe-Inspired Series ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’

    Is ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ a good scare?

    Ruth Codd as Juno Usher in Netflix's 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
    Ruth Codd as Juno Usher in Netflix’s ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Photo: Eike Schroter/Netflix.

    Mike Flanagan has been making horror series (and the occasional movie) for Netflix for a few years now, but he and creative producer creative partner Trevor Macy are upping sticks and heading for a new deal at Prime Video.

    Based on the quality of ‘House of Usher’, Netflix should be kicking themselves that they let this talented filmmaker slip from their grasp. The latest limited series from Flanagan finds him leaning almost into Ryan Murphy mode with its tale of spoiled siblings and the supernatural comeuppance that hunts them down.

    ‘Usher’ is Flanagan in a wilder, campier mindset than the mostly moody ‘Midnight Mass’, but that’s not to say that this new series doesn’t work. In fact, a blend of ‘Succession’ and the spooky justice that befalls people in Poe’s stories offers up truly entertaining snark and gore.

    It’s even more impressive when you think that Frank Langella was cast as Roderick, only to be fired partway through shooting for inappropriate behavior. Flanagan called on one of his regulars in Greenwood, and he fitted in perfectly.

    Bruce Greenwood as Roderick Usher in 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
    Bruce Greenwood as Roderick Usher in ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Cr. Eike Schroter/Netflix © 2023.

    Not only that, but the clever use of different Poe tales for both the overarching theme and the separate stories is also effective –– it doesn’t come across as a splintered anthology series but functions as a whole.

    Flanagan has also rounded up some of his regular cast and recruited some new faces (even if some of the “newcomers” are genre veterans such as Mark Hamill, who fits in perfectly as gruff, dangerous lawyer/fixer Arthur Pym).

    Anchored by Greenwood, McDonnell and Lumbly, there are few weak links in the ensemble, who bring the various Usher children (plus spouses, offspring, victims and more) to life. Carla Gugino, meanwhile, is pure smoldering brilliance as Verna, the architect of all their pain.

    Smartly, Flanagan never pushes the weird style to excess except in certain moments where it actually serves the story; he’s careful to keep the characters largely believable.

    Credit also to his team, who bring all manner of locales to life, from the crumbling home that Roderick finds himself in, to the glossy skyscraper that houses Fortunato.

    Are there any problems with ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’?

    Mark Hamill as Arthur Pym in 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
    Mark Hamill as Arthur Pym in ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Cr. Eike Schroter/Netflix © 2023.

    Did the world, which has already seen a number of stories such as ‘Dopesick’ and Netflix’s own recent ‘Painkiller’ really need Mike Flanagan to come along and craft a meditation on the terrible harm caused by those (the Sackler family is the clear model here) who push addictive pharmaceuticals with little to no warning? Probably not, but that angle is just one facet of ‘Usher’.

    And yes, given that ‘Succession’ has already brought a near-perfect story of spoiled rich spawn squabbling over control of a family company to screens, there’s the slight feeling of familiarity. Yet Flanagan predicted that, and thanks to the Poe connection, ‘Usher’ heads off in interesting directions.

    You could be disappointed that Flanagan has chosen to re-mix and meld the Poe stories into this tale, so if you’re looking for more straightforward adaptations, it’s best to look elsewhere.

    And if you’re a fan of Flanagan’s spookier offerings, such as his chilling ghost stories, this might not exactly be what you’re hoping for from him. But give it time; it’ll start to win your over with its audacious mix of classic horror and modern sensibilities.

    Mary McDonnell as Madeline Usher in 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
    Mary McDonnell as Madeline Usher in ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Cr. Eike Schroter/Netflix © 2023.

    Is every performance up to the level of, say, Greenwood, McDonnell and Gugino? Perhaps not, but it’s never enough to ruin the fun.

    ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ won’t be for everyone. But it stands as one of the best shows (especially in the wake of the slightly less-than-thrilling ‘The Midnight Club’) that Mike Flanagan and his repertory company have produced.

    This feels like a show that could become an annual Halloween treat, assuming Netflix doesn’t vanish it from the servers after a few months in retribution for Flanagan daring to head elsewhere.

    ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ receives 9 out of 10 stars.

    Paola Nuñez as Dr. Alessandra Ruiz, T'Nia Miller as Victorine LaFourcade, Kyliegh Curran as Lenore Usher, Crystal Balint as Morella Usher, Henry Thomas as Frederick Usher, Bruce Greenwood as Roderick Usher, Samantha Sloyan as Tamerlane Usher, Matt Biedel as Bill-T Wilson in 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
    (L to R) Paola Nuñez as Dr. Alessandra Ruiz, T’Nia Miller as Victorine LaFourcade, Kyliegh Curran as Lenore Usher, Crystal Balint as Morella Usher, Henry Thomas as Frederick Usher, Bruce Greenwood as Roderick Usher, Samantha Sloyan as Tamerlane Usher, Matt Biedel as Bill-T Wilson in ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Cr. Eike Schroter/Netflix © 2023.

    Movies Similar to ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’:

    Buy Mike Flanagan Movies On Amazon

     

  • Trailer for Netflix’s ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’

    Mike Flanagan has developed a reputation as a great horror filmmaker (and TV creator) via movies such as ‘Oculus’, ‘Gerald’s Game’ and ‘Doctor Sleep’ and shows including ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and ‘Midnight Mass’.

    Until recently, he’s been under a big deal with Netflix, where his TV output has been based. But last December, he and producing partner Trevor Macy made a move to Amazon Studios.

    Yet the Netflix deal still covers his most recent limited series, ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’, which finds Flanagan –– who has adapted Steven King a few times –– here drawing from Edgar Allan Poe’s work.

    What’s the story of ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’?

    Carla Gugino as Verna in 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
    Carla Gugino as Verna in ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Photo: Eike Schroter/Netflix © 2023.

    Ruthless siblings Roderick (Bruce Greenwood) and Madeline (Mary McDonnell) Usher have built Fortunato Pharmaceuticals into an empire of wealth, privilege and power.

    But past secrets come to light when the heirs to the Usher dynasty start dying at the hands of a mysterious woman (Carla Gugino) from their youth.

    The plot for this one takes its inspiration from various Poe stories and poems, including ‘The Pit and the Pendulum,’ ‘The Masque of the Red Death’, ‘Annabel Lee’ and more, weaved in either as narrative elements, settings or character names.

    Related Article: ‘Doctor Sleep’ Director Mike Flanagan Confirms Movie’s R Rating

    Who else stars in ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’?

    Carl Lumbly as C. Auguste Dupin, Nicholas Lea as Judge John Neal, and Mark Hamill as Arthur Pym in Netflix's 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
    (L to R) Carl Lumbly as C. Auguste Dupin, Nicholas Lea as Judge John Neal, and Mark Hamill as Arthur Pym in Netflix’s ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    The cast for Flanagan’s latest also includes Carl Lumbly, Mark Hamill, Michael Trucco, T’Nia Miller, Paola Nuñez, Henry Thomas, Kyleigh Curran, Samantha Sloyan, Rahul Kohli, Kate Siegel, Sauriyan Sapkota, Zach Gilford, Willa Fitzgerald, Katie Parker, Malcolm Goodwin, Crystal Balint, Aya Furukawa, Daniel Jun, Matt Biedel, Ruth Codd, Annabeth Gish.

    Some of them, such as Siegel (who happens to be Flanagan’s wife), Codd, Thomas and Gilford are Flanagan regulars who have popped in various shows.

    Flanagan is directing half of the series’ eight episodes, while Michael Fimognari handles the others.

    Here’s what Gugino told Netflix about the series and her character:

    “It’s bats**t crazy in the best possible way. It has quite a lot of very dark humor, but also really touches the soul. There is a fantastical supernatural element to the story, and she is the manifestation of that. You could say she’s the executor of fate or the executor of karma.”

    The Frank Langella issue

    Bruce Greenwood as Roderick Usher in Netflix's 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
    Bruce Greenwood as Roderick Usher in Netflix’s ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Photo: Eike Schroter/Netflix.

    ‘Usher’ became somewhat more notable last year when, approximately halfway through filming, Frank Langella was fired from the role of the older Roderick for inappropriate behavior and comments.

    Greenwood, who had worked with Flanagan on ‘Doctor Sleep’ and ‘Gerald’s Game’ (and makes a cameo as a ghost in the background of ‘The Haunting of Hill House’) took over the role.

    ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ will land on Netflix on October 12th.

    Mary McDonnell as Madeline Usher in Netflix's 'The Fall of the House of Usher.'
    Mary McDonnell as Madeline Usher in Netflix’s ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’ Photo: Eike Schroter/Netflix.

    Movies Similar to ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’:

    Buy Mike Flanagan Movies On Amazon

     

  • New Captain America Movie Now Called ‘Brave New World’

    Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' exclusively on Disney+.
    Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

    For reasons known only to its creators and executives at Marvel for now, the latest ‘Captain America’ movie is undergoing a name change.

    As seen in a new Instagram post from star Anthony Mackie, seen chilling behind the scenes with co-star Harrison Ford, the film has switched titles from ‘Captain America: New World Order’ to ‘Captain America: Brave New World’.

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

    What’s the story of Sam Wilson as Captain America so far?

    We’ve known for a while that Mackie’s Sam “Falcon” Wilson will be back on the big screen, this time in the guise of Captain America.

    The handover, of course, first occurred at the end of ‘Avengers Endgame’, where Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers arrived back from his trip to return the Infinity Stones to their rightful place in time, having decided to live a full life instead of using the quantum time-jumping system.

    An elderly Steve hands a version of his iconic shield off to Sam, who is unsure whether he’s worthy. Asked how it feels, he replies, “Like it’s someone else’s”. “It isn’t,” says Rogers.

    Yet it would take a lot more wrangling for Sam to finally feel ready to wield the shield and assume the mantle of Cap, an internal – and external – debate chronicled in Marvel’s Disney+ series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’.

    Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L-R): Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

    Related Article: Liv Tyler Joins ‘Captain America: New World Order’

    That show saw Sam and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) dealing with a variety of threats (including an out-of-control US Agent, played by Wyatt Russell, who was initially crowned Cap’s replacement by the American government) but ultimately ended with Sam suiting up as the new Captain America.

    And the connective tissue between the show and the new movie doesn’t end there, as Malcolm Spellman, head writer for the series, is at work on the film’s script alongside Dalan Musson, who was on his writing staff.

    Julius Onah, who made ‘The Cloverfield Paradox’, is currently directing the new movie, which is continuing seemingly unaffected by the writers’ strike (which has delayed other Marvel movies and shows).

    38PIIqJ72BWyVUfWZQqug4

    Who else is in the new ‘Captain America’?

    Besides Mackie and Ford (who is playing General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, taking over the role from the late William Hurt, with the character reportedly now President of the United States), the cast list for the new movie includes Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, Rosa Salazar, Tim Blake Nelson, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, plus Danny Ramirez and Carl Lumbly reprising their ‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ roles as Joaquin Torres and Isaiah Bradley respectively.

    The movie is currently on track to hit theaters on May 3, 2024.

    Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' 'The Falson and the Winter Soldier' exclusively on Disney+.
    Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Falson and the Winter Soldier’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

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    Directed by Julius Onah, and produced by Marvel Studios, and Kevin Feige Productions, ‘Captain America: New World Order’ is scheduled for release from Marvel Studios on May 3rd 2024.

  • Liv Tyler Joins ‘Captain America: New World Order’

    Liv Tyler in director Bryan Bertino's 'The Strangers.'
    Liv Tyler in director Bryan Bertino’s ‘The Strangers.’

    Given that we already know that ‘Captain America: New World Order’ will have some connections to ‘The Incredible Hulk’ –– most notably “Thunderbolt” Ross (now played by Harrison Ford following William Hurt’s death) and Samuel Sterns, AKA The Leader, played by Tim Blake Nelson, whose villainous future was only hinted at in the 2008 movie, we suppose it was only a matter of time before Betty Ross returned.

    And so she has, with Liv Tyler joining ‘New World Order’ as the character who in her first appearance (and often in the comics) was the great love of Bruce Banner (though there’s no word yet on whether Mark Ruffalo will show up as Bruce).

    The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Tyler is returning, which of course will make for a more emotional storyline for Ford’s first appearance as Ross (who at this point has become President of the United States).

    And while a tricky rights issue means Marvel can’t make a solo Hulk movie, that hasn’t stopped them placing Betty in at least one other project –– she was seen (albeit briefly) in an episode of animated series ‘What If…?’, though there the character was voiced by Stephanie Panisello.

    38PIIqJ72BWyVUfWZQqug4

    What’s the story of ‘Captain America: New World Order’?

    It remains to be seen how all these Hulk hangovers affect the plot of ‘New World Order’, but the focus will be on Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) who was chosen to carry on as the new Captain America by Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers at the end of ‘Avengers: Endgame’.

    Sam spent the duration of the Disney+ ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ debating whether he should take on the mantle but embraced the role towards the end. Now he’ll be facing fresh threats as the new Cap makes his big screen debut.

    Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' exclusively on Disney+.
    Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

    Who else is in the new movie?

    While we’ve yet to learn whether The Winter Soldier –– AKA Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes ––will return for the film, Danny Ramirez’ Joaquin Torres, the US Air Force lieutenant and intelligence officer to whom Sam passed the Falcon mantle (and wing suit) once he became Captain America, is back.

    And Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) a former super soldier who was ill-treated by the American government will also appear.

    New to the cast are Shira Haas, playing comic book character Sabra and Xosha Roquemore in an unknown role.

    Behind the scenes, ‘The Cloverfield Paradox’s Julius Onah is calling the shots on the movie, which has is now in production. He’s working from a script by ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s Malcolm Spellman and Dalan Musson.

    Whether this all means that we can expect to see more of Betty in future MCU entries remains to be seen, but it’s good to have her back.

    ‘Captain America: New World Order’, is scheduled for release in theaters on May 3rd, 2024.

    Marvel Studios' 'Captain America: New World Order.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Captain America: New World Order.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Captain America: New World Order:’

    Buy MCU Movies On Amazon

    Directed by Julius Onah, and produced by Marvel Studios, and Kevin Feige Productions, ‘Captain America: New World Order’ is scheduled for release from Marvel Studios on May 3rd 2024.

  • ‘Doctor Sleep’ Adds 3 More, Including Wendy Torrance and Dick Halloran From ‘The Shining’

    ‘Doctor Sleep’ Adds 3 More, Including Wendy Torrance and Dick Halloran From ‘The Shining’

    The Shining
    Warner Bros.

    Heeeeere’s “The Shining” sequel!

    “Doctor Sleep,” follow-up to Stephen King’s “The Shining,” just cast three more actors to join Ewan McGregor as adult Danny Torrance.

    It was already revealed that Rebecca Ferguson was signing on as cult leader Rose the Hat.

    Variety reports that Zahn McClarnon (“Fargo,” “Westworld”) is in talks to play Crow Daddy, right-hand-man and lover of Rose the Hat.

    Deadline added two more names, which will be familiar to “The Shining” fans:

    Carl Lumbly (“Supergirl,” “Alias”) will play Dick Halloran, with Alex Essoe (“Starry Eyes,” “Midnighters”) as Wendy Torrance. In Stanley Kubrick‘s 1980 film, Scatman Crothers played Dick and Shelley Duvall played Danny’s mother Wendy.

    Here’s a “Doctor Sleep” synopsis, via Deadline:

    “‘Doctor Sleep’ begins as Torrance carries the trauma of the Overlook Hotel into adulthood. He’s become a reflection of his murderous father, with lingering rage and a drinking problem that dulls his pain as well as his ‘shining’ powers. Those powers return when he embraces sobriety and uses his gift to help the dying at a hospice. He establishes a psychic connection with a young girl who shares his extreme abilities and is being targeted by a scary group with similar abilities. They’ve found that their powers grow if they inhale the ‘steam’ that comes off others with the power to shine, when they are suffering painful deaths.”

    “Doctor Sleep” is scheduled for release in theaters on January 24th, 2020.

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