Carla Gugino is the latest to join the ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ follow-up.
‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth’ will star Brad Pitt.
David Fincher is the director.
As David Fincher continues the preparation work to shoot the follow-up to Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood’ (yes, take a moment to keep convincing yourself that this surprising project exists), he’s added another cast member to the ensemble.
The movie, which we now know is called ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth’ will find Brad Pitt reprising his role as the stuntman character from Tarantino’s 2019 film, and will also boast Carla Gugino in its cast.
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Deadline brings word of Gugino’s casting, but there are zero details about who she’ll be playing. We’re honestly just happy to see her added to the movie.
What do we know about the ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ follow-up?
Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’ Photo: Sony Pictures.
We know that this riff on ‘Once’s Booth character –– the movie isn’t strictly a sequel, more a spin-off ––is something that Tarantino was noodling with and could potentially have been born from his scrapped script ‘The Movie Critic,’ which supposedly included Pitt.
Now QT has turned it into a new script, and with both Fincher and Pitt aboard, Netflix has put together the deal, which will probably end up being around a $200 million budget (the streamer reportedly paid a cool $20 million for the script) to shoot in California this July. We’re talking real fast track here.
But what of Sony, which released ‘Once?’ A couple of things… it has a deal to send much of its output to Netflix and ‘Once’ was a special case anyway; Tarantino’s deal for the original included him hanging on to certain rights. Presumably, he could take Cliff where he wanted.
Handing it to Fincher is no bad compromise if we’re not to get another slice of that character from his creator alone.
There’s more! Reporter Jeff Sneider is adding to the story, bringing word that Leonardo DiCaprio has been trying to hash out a deal to also appear in the movie. It’s not yet closed and he may not even end up in the movie, but surely the appeal of A) another Tarantino script, B) working with Fincher and reuniting with Pitt is strong.
What was the story of ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’?
(L to R) Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt star in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’
Tarantino’s original movie is set during the summer of 1969, as Hollywood’s Golden Age is winding down.
Television actor Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) and his stunt double Booth endeavor to achieve lasting success in Hollywood while meeting several colorful characters along the way.
Not the least is Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), who in this alternate version of history ends up saved from death by the members of the Manson family.
When will ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth’ be in theaters?
Fincher is looking to shoot this one later in the year, so it seems this will likely arrive next year.
But will it be on a big or small screen? While Fincher and Pitt are certainly big names, the director didn’t warrant a theatrical release for his previous movie, ‘The Killer,’ despite his established professional relationship with the streaming service.
Still… a follow-up to a Tarantino movie? Starring Brad Pitt and potentially Leonardo DiCaprio? Surely a candidate for at least a limited theatrical push.
(Left) Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in 2021’s ‘Candyman.’ Photo: Universal Pictures. (Right) Brad Pitt in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’ Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
Preview:
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is the latest cast member for the ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ follow-up.
‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth’ will star Brad Pitt.
While Tarantino wrote and directed the 2019 original, this will be a collaboration between Brad Pitt –– who played stuntman Cliff Booth –– and director David Fincher.
The other latest development on the movie is that it’ll be titled ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth’, which makes sense, since Pitt’s character will be at the core of the new movie.
What do we know about the ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ follow-up?
Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’ Photo: Sony Pictures.
We know that this riff on ‘Once’s Booth character –– the movie isn’t strictly a sequel, more a spin-off ––is something that Tarantino was noodling with and could potentially have been born from his scrapped script ‘The Movie Critic,’ which supposedly included Pitt.
Now QT has turned it into a new script, and with both Fincher and Pitt aboard, Netflix has put together the deal, which will probably end up being around a $200 million budget (the streamer reportedly paid a cool $20 million for the script) to shoot in California this July. We’re talking real fast track here.
But what of Sony, which released ‘Once?’ A couple of things… it has a deal to send much of its output to Netflix and ‘Once’ was a special case anyway; Tarantino’s deal for the original included him hanging on to certain rights. Presumably, he could take Cliff where he wanted.
Handing it to Fincher is no bad compromise if we’re not to get another slice of that character from his creator alone.
There’s more! Reporter Jeff Sneider is adding to the story, bringing word that Leonardo DiCaprio is in the middle of hashing out a deal to also appear in the movie. It’s not yet closed and he may not even end up in the movie, but surely the appeal of A) another Tarantino script, B) working with Fincher and reuniting with Pitt is strong.
Deadline’s report mentions that Mateen, while not confirmed, is playing a character in the vein of Jim Brown, who famously ended his Hall of Fame football career early to focus on acting starring in such hits as ‘The Dirty Dozen.’
What was the story of ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’?
(L to R) Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt star in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’
Tarantino’s original movie is set during the summer of 1969, as Hollywood’s Golden Age is winding down.
Television actor Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) and his stunt double Booth endeavor to achieve lasting success in Hollywood while meeting several colorful characters along the way.
Not the least is Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), who in this alternate version of history ends up saved from death by the members of the Manson family.
As for the follow-up, it certainly shoves everything else on Fincher’s To Do list down a notch or two. Apologies to ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’, you just got pushed deeper down.
We could potentially see this on screens as early as next year –– an exciting prospect for sure.
But will it be on a big or small screen? While Fincher and Pitt are certainly big names, the director didn’t warrant a theatrical release for his previous movie, ‘The Killer,’ despite his established professional relationship with the streaming service.
Still… a follow-up to a Tarantino movie? Starring Brad Pitt and potentially Leonardo DiCaprio? Surely a candidate for at least a limited theatrical push.
(Left) Scott Caan as Jackie Powers in the action/thriller, ‘One Day as a Lion,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate. (Right) Mia Goth and Elizabeth Debicki in ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.
Preview:
Scott Caan and Elizabeth Debicki have joined the ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ follow-up.
Brad Pitt’s confirmed to return.
David Fincher is directing.
We’re still trying to pick our jaws up off the floor at the news back in April that not only was a new movie following Brad Pitt’s stuntman character Cliff Booth from Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ in the works, but A) David Fincher was directing it (with QT’s approval and at the behest of old friend Pitt) and B) Tarantino had written the script for it.
No confirmed details have emerged about who they might play, though a source for the Reporter does mention that the story called for two key female roles, one who runs a bar and mud wrestling establishment and one a trophy wife. It is unknown yet if Debicki will play one of those or another role altogether.
And as for Caan? We know nothing at this point. Security at this point is right around the level of your average ‘Star Wars’ movie.
What do we know about the ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ follow-up?
Brad Pitt in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’ Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
We know that this riff on ‘Once’s Booth character –– the movie isn’t strictly a sequel, more of a Booth spin-off ––is something that Tarantino was noodling with and could potentially have been born from his scrapped script ‘The Movie Critic,’ which supposedly included Pitt.
Now QT has turned it into a new script, and with both Fincher and Pitt aboard, Netflix has put together the deal, which will probably end up being around a $200 million budget (the streamer reportedly paid a cool $20 million for the script) to shoot in California this July. We’re talking real fast track here.
But what of Sony, which released ‘Once?’ A couple of things… it has a deal to send much of its output to Netflix and ‘Once’ was a special case anyway; Tarantino’s deal for the original included him hanging on to certain rights. Presumably, he could take Cliff where he wanted.
Handing it to Fincher is no bad compromise if we’re not to get another slice of that character from his creator alone.
There’s more! Reporter Jeff Sneider is adding to the story, bringing word that Leonardo DiCaprio is in the middle of hashing out a deal to also appear in the movie. It’s not yet closed and he may not even end up in the movie, but surely the appeal of A) another Tarantino script, B) working with Fincher and reuniting with Pitt is strong.
What was the story of ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’?
(L to R) Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt star in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’
Tarantino’s original movie is set during the summer of 1969, as Hollywood’s Golden Age is winding down.
Television actor Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) and his stunt double Booth endeavor to achieve lasting success in Hollywood while meeting several colorful characters along the way.
Not the least is Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), who in this alternate version of history ends up saved from death by the members of the Manson family.
As for the follow-up, it certainly shoves everything else on Fincher’s To Do list down a notch or two. Apologies to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, you just got pushed deeper down.
Where else have we seen Scott Caan?
Scott Caan as Jackie Powers in the action/thriller, ‘One Day as a Lion,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.
Caan, son of the late, great James Caan, has forged his own path in the acting world.
The ‘Once’ casting would mark a reunion for Pitt and the actor since Caan appeared in all three of the Steven Soderbergh-directed ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ trilogy of movies.
Yet Caan has been spending much of the last decade or so starring in TV, heading up the long-running present-day take on ‘Hawaii Five-O’ and another procedural, ‘Alert: Missing Persons Unit.’
What has Elizabeth Debicki worked on?
Elizabeth Debicki in ‘The Crown’ season 6. Copyright: Netflix / LeftBank.
The Australian actor might be best known for portraying Princess Diana on Netflix series ‘The Crown,’ but she also appeared in spy thriller series ‘The Night Manager.’
When will the ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ follow-up be out?
Since The Playlist’s story indicates a fast track, we could potentially see this on screens as early as next year –– an exciting prospect for sure.
But will it be on a big or small screen? While Fincher and Pitt are certainly big names, the director didn’t warrant a theatrical release for his previous movie, ‘The Killer,’ despite his established professional relationship with the streaming service.
Still… a follow-up to a Tarantino movie? Starring Brad Pitt and potentially Leonardo DiCaprio? Surely a candidate for at least a limited theatrical push.
Mia Goth in ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.
Ti West is nothing if not ambitious. The indie horror auteur has followed up 2022’s ‘X’ (set in the ‘70s) and ‘Pearl’ (set in 1918) with ‘MaXXXine,’ the conclusion to what has turned into a wide-ranging horror trilogy spanning three seminal decades in American history and popular culture. Now ‘MaXXXine’ fast-forwards to the 1980s, when the indie horror of the ‘70s was seeping into Hollywood and changing the way the genre was portrayed and films were made, while at the same time the porn industry was migrating to home video.
The epicenter of it all is Hollywood, the connection point between sleaze and cinema, and at the very center of West’s movie is Maxine Minx (Mia Goth), the sole survivor of ‘X’ and now an established adult film star looking to make it big in mainstream movies. Goth, who also played an elderly Pearl in ‘X’ and a younger version in ‘Pearl,’ plays Maxine to the hilt this time around, her drive for success just as relentless as her determination to let nothing stand in her way.
‘MaXXXine’ is largely driven by Goth’s magnetic performance, which is just as much the centerpiece here as it was in the previous films. And this time she and West are working on a bigger canvas, with a larger, star-studded cast, and an expansive narrative. But while the first two-thirds of the movie are fun, the last act strangely lets down both Maxine herself and the world West is building.
Story and Direction
Director Ti West on the set of ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.
Several years after the farmhouse massacre that ended ‘X,’ sole survivor and top porn star Maxine Minx yearns to make the leap to mainstream movies. She gets the chance via ‘The Puritan II,’ a sequel to a slasher hit that’s being directed by Elizabeth Bender (Elizabeth Debicki), who sees tremendous potential in Maxine but perhaps overestimates that of her own movie. Just as filming begins, people around Maxine – including her porn actor friend Tabby (Halsey) and others – begin to die, killed gruesomely in a series of attacks (shot Dario Argento-style) that resemble those being perpetrated by the Night Stalker (a real-life serial killer who terrorized L.A. in 1984 and 1985).
Maxine also gets a visit from a seedy private detective named John Labat (Kevin Bacon), who’s up from New Orleans to find Maxine on behalf of a mysterious client. The client may have knowledge of Maxine’s involvement in the farmhouse murders – and may also have a connection to the killings that are closing in around her now as well.
‘MaXXXine’ both pays homage to and satirizes the Hollywood culture of the time, the slasher genre that was prevalent that decade, and the efforts to which women have to go to make it in the business (particularly in the ‘80s). West, cinematographer Eliot Rockett, and production designer Jason Kisvardy get the aesthetic of the period almost absolutely perfect: scenes are either brightly lit or awash in inky darkness, while the buildings, interiors, cars, and props immediately immerse the viewer in both the gaudiness and tackiness of the decade (they’re equally matched by the wardrobe, makeup, and hair, courtesy of Mari-An Ceo, Sarah Rubano, and Jaime Leigh McIntosh, respectively).
(L to R) Mia Goth and Sophie Thatcher in ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.
All this is in service of a story that is wildly offbeat and a bit unstructured for its first two-thirds, as Maxine pursues her dream even as the grisly killings continue around her (and they are gruesome, in that delightfully bloody ‘80s way). In addition to Labat, she’s also under the scrutiny of two cops played by Michelle Monaghan and Bobby Cannavale, the latter out to nail Maxine for the crimes while the former responds to her as a fellow woman struggling in a male-dominated business.
When it all comes to a head in the final third, however, ‘MaXXXine’ loses both steam and coherence. There are simply too many plot strands and characters for West to juggle effectively, and a few crucial points get lost in the shuffle. Curiously, Maxine also loses a great deal of her agency in the latter half of the film, acting almost as a passive bystander as events happen to and around her. While she reasserts herself at the very end, Maxine doesn’t quite push the confluence of events forward, robbing her arc of some of its potency.
The Cast
(L to R) Mia Goth and Elizabeth Debicki in ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.
While ‘X’ had the benefit of including an always watchable Brittany Snow and a pre-‘Wednesday’ Jenna Ortega in its cast, and ‘Pearl’ gave us a look at David Corenswet before he donned Superman’s cape, ‘MaXXXine’ clearly has the most stacked ensemble of the three films.
Of course, it all revolves around Goth, whose mix of hard-bitten cynicism, sultriness, self-confidence, and arrogance are just as bracing here as her work in the previous two films (although her astounding performance in ‘Pearl’ may be hard to top). Between the ‘X’ trilogy and last year’s ‘Infinity Pool,’ Goth may very well have positioned herself as the reigning queen of indie horror, capable of fearless, nuanced work in roles that seem tailor-made for her slightly otherworldly presence.
This time out, however, she’s more than ably supported by the chewy antics of Kevin Bacon (doing a sweaty, Cajun-flavored Hank Quinlan in the clothes of Jake Gittes), and the magnificent Giancarlo Esposito, who plays Maxine’s agent with a mix of fatherly protectiveness and ‘done it all’ world-weariness. Halsey and Lily Collins’ appearances are too brief to really register (although Collins has a funny bit), and the detectives essayed by Cannavale and Monaghan are instantly fun to watch even if they don’t get a lot of time to develop. Elizabeth Debicki is always a welcome presence as well, although her scenes as the ambitious ‘Puritan II’ director are somewhat repetitive as she constantly reminds Maxine how important their movie is.
Final Thoughts
Mia Goth in ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.
Overall, the ‘X’ trilogy (which could apparently expand to a fourth film, according to recent comments from West) has been a blast to watch, with the writer-director paying tribute to several different movie genres at once and getting the look and style right in all three films (while populating all three with some good old-fashioned gore and sex as well). And in Maxine herself, West and Goth have created an indelible new combination of genre femme fatale and scream queen.
But ‘X’ and ‘Pearl’ were far more focused that ‘MaXXXine,’ which tries to tie together so many elements – the rise of the slasher film genre, the moral panic over said movies by cultural watchdogs, the real-life panic over the Night Stalker and other “Satanic” murders, the battle of women to get recognition and respect in an exploitative industry – that it never quite achieves the grand finale it’s clearly aiming for. But in a funny way, that’s almost how it should be as well – we all know that the third movie in a trilogy never quite sticks the landing.
‘MaXXXine’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.
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What is the plot of ‘MaXXXine’?
As adult film star Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) reaches for stardom in 1980s Hollywood with a role in a slasher film, a series of mysterious killings with possible connections to her past threaten her life and the lives of those around her. Maxine must confront the ghosts of her past and the forces conspiring against her if she wants to finally grasp what she’s desired for so long.
The full new trailer for ‘The Crown’ Season 6 has arrived.
This new season will deal with the death of Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki).
‘The Crown’ returns for its sixth and final season on Thursday, November 16th for a four-episode Part 1 followed by the six episodes of Part 2 on Thursday, December 14th.
Following on from the teaser that arrived a couple of weeks ago, we now have a longer, proper trailer for the sixth and final season of ‘The Crown’.
While that initial look at the season was more focused on Queen Elizabeth II (Imelda Staunton) contemplating her legacy, this latest footage instead revolves around Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki), who is trying to find some happiness outside the Royal family.
As history records, it does not end well at all for her, and the tragedy is one of the most impactful to hit the modern Royal Family, with fallout affecting both her sons, William and Harry, and how the public perceives the monarchy.
And this is certainly meaty but tricky material for the series to cover, given the emotional weight it carries. But as one of Netflix’s premium series, it has shown sensitivity and weight in the past.
What’s the story of ‘The Crown’ Season 6?
Elizabeth Debicki in ‘The Crown’ season 6. Copyright: Netflix / LeftBank.
Diana (Debicki) is being courted by the Fayeds in the South of France, giving the young Princes a taste of luxury yachts, video games and movie nights. Charles (Dominic West) is sticking to tradition in Balmoral. The comparisons play out in the press, fueled by a fervent paparazzi, and some of the Royal press team.
As yacht life and the constant media scrutiny lose their appeal, Diana longs to return to see her boys, who are back in Balmoral. A diversion to Paris sees matters come to a head –– against the backdrop of an intensified and aggressive media pursuit.
After the news breaks of Diana and Dodi’s fatal car accident, a vast outpouring of public grief catches the Queen (Staunton) off-guard. With shockwaves resonating through the Palace, Mohamed Al Fayed (Salim Daw) is also processing the loss of his cherished son. Hoping that the news will bring him and the Royal Family together in shared grief; he instead finds himself increasingly shunned.
Who appears in ‘The Crown’ Season 6?
Jonathan Pryce in ‘The Crown’ season 6. Photo: Netflix.
The growing Windsor children will see more re-casting, as Rufus Kampa plays Prince William and Fflyn Edwards is Prince Harry in Part 1. For Part 2, Ed McVey takes over as William, joined by Luther Ford as Harry, while Meg Bellamy is Kate Middleton.
The Crown returns for its sixth and final season on Thursday, November 16th for a four-episode Part 1 followed by the six episodes of Part 2 on Thursday, December 14th.
Princes William and Harry will be played by different actors across the two parts.
This new season will deal with the death of Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki).
If it feels like we’ve been waiting a long time for the return of ‘The Crown’, it’s not like we’ve had to be patient for two years like the break between casts –– Season 4 arrived in 2020 and we had to wait two years for the fifth.
Now, though Season 6 will be with us a little over a year after Season 5, but there is an extra twist –– it’s being split into two parts, which means a wait of roughly a month to get the whole season.
But yes, the Royal Family –– or at least Netflix’s version of them, as created by Peter Morgan ––will be back next month: November 16th, to be exact. And the new teaser for the season finds Imelda Staunton’s Queen Elizabeth II looking back almost as much as she confronts the future.
What’s the story of ‘The Crown’ Season 6?
(L to R) Meg Bellamy as Kate Middleton and Ed McVey as Prince William in Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ season 6. Photo: Justin Downing.
The sixth and final season covers events from 1997 through 2005. The first four episodes (Part 1) depict a relationship blossoming between Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) and Dodi Fayed (Khalid Abdalla) before a fateful car journey has devastating consequences.
The final chapter (Part 2) is told across six episodes. Prince William (Ed McVey) tries to integrate back into life at Eton in the wake of his mother’s death as the monarchy has to ride the wave of public opinion. As she reaches her Golden Jubilee, the Queen reflects on the future of the monarchy with the marriage of Charles and Camilla and the beginnings of a new Royal fairytale in William and Kate.
The growing Windsor children will see more re-casting, as Rufus Kampa plays Prince William and Fflyn Edwards is Prince Harry in Part 1. For Part 2, McVey takes over as William, joined by Luther Ford as Harry, while Meg Bellamy is Kate Middleton.
The teaser certainly continues the feeling of the Queen reflecting on her reign, as Claire Foy’s young Queen pops up on the TV in her chambers and we hear voiceover from the previous holder of the role, Olivia Colman.
‘The Crown’s final season is also tasked with portraying possibly the trickiest and most tragic topics of the Royals’ recent history –– the death of Diana and its emotional fallout for not just the family, but the U.K. at large.
And no, we don’t predict a flash-forward to 2011, with the family gathered around the TV, intrigued by the pilot episode of new TV drama ‘Suits’…
When can I watch ‘The Crown’ Season 6?
Meg Bellamy as Kate Middleton in Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ season 6. Photo: Netflix/TheCrown.
Part 1 will debut on November 16th, while Part 2 follows on December 14th.
Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ season 6. Photo: Netflix/TheCrown.
The film is set after the events of ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’, where we find the band of misfits in their new home on Knowhere. Unexpectedly, a new powerful enemy crashes in and injures Rocket, and if the Guardians don’t act fast enough, it could mean life or death for their teammate.
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The official synopsis for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ is below:
“In Marvel Studios ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.”
‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ opened in theaters on May 5th, 2023, to $118.4 million domestically and has grossed over $348.5 million since its opening. Worldwide box office earnings have grossed over $825.3 million since its release. This was a highly anticipated film among Marvel fans and is certified Fresh on aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, with an 82% score from critics and a 94% score from the audience.
The team faces brand new threats in this movie, with the stakes being higher than ever when it involves one of the members of the team. Still recovering from his heartbreak and loss of Gamora, Peter Quill and his band of misfits are settled in on Knowhere when Adam Warlock crashes in.
Adam Warlock has long been teased to appear in the MCU since ‘Thor: Dark World’ and the first ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ However, it was in the post-credit scene in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2’ that confirmed his appearance. Played by Will Poulter, the MCU’s Adam Warlock origin differs from the comics. Instead of being created by scientists, Adam Warlock in the film is a Sovereign warrior created by the high priestess Ayesha and The High Evolutionary.
The film also introduces The High Evolutionary (played by Chukwudi Iwuji) to the MCU. A geneticist whose personal mission is to create the perfect species, he abducted various creatures for his experiment, with Rocket Raccoon (then named 89P13) being one of his test subjects. When Rocket points out the flaws in The High Evolutionary’s project, it confuses and angers him to the point where he orders Rocket’s brain to be removed so that he can study him.
Rocket manages to escape. Years later, when The High Evolutionary learns of his involvement with the Guardians of the Galaxy, he orders Adam Warlock to retrieve him at all costs.
When it comes to the Guardians of the Galaxy, we know we’re in for a grand space adventure, with hilarious banter between the Guardians. However, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ takes on a more somber and emotional tone. With director James Gunn being the co-chairman of DC Studios, this is likely the final film he’ll direct for Marvel. This movie not only wraps up the adventures of the current team of the Guardians, but it also dives into the origin story of Rocket.
Previously named 89P13, Rocket Raccoon is subjected to tests and experiments by The High Evolutionary. In flashback scenes, we meet Rocket’s fellow cagemates Floor, Teefs, and Lylla. The four friends found comfort in each other, often playing games and daydreaming about the “forever and beautiful sky.” The message of animal cruelty is not missed in the film, and what The High Evolutionary does to Rocket and his friends will send a shock through your system and gives you an insight into some of Rocket’s hardened personality.
Though the Guardians tend to bicker with each other, the group has become quite close-knit. Once Rocket’s life is on the line, his friends will stop at nothing to save him, even if it means sacrificing themselves. Rocket is definitely the heart of this story and we suggest you have some tissues on standby when you watch.
Where Can I Watch ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’?
(L to R) Karen Gillan as Nebula, Chris Pratt as Peter Quill / Star-Lord, and Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.
The film premiered at Disneyland Paris on April 22nd, 2023. Later, the US premiere was held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California, on April 27th, 2023. The movie is still showing in theaters, so be sure to check with Moviefone below for showtimes in your area. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ has a total runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it the longest film in the Guardians franchise.
Watch the official trailers for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3’ below:
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Can’t make it out to the theater? You will soon have the option to rent or purchase the movie on VOD. Services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Movies Anywhere will have the movie available digitally on July 7th, 2023.
As for as streaming goes, an official date hasn’t been confirmed. The movie is released by Disney so it is likely to end up on Disney+ once it is ready to go to streaming.
For those who prefer physical copies, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ will be available on DVD/Blu-Ray on August 1st, 2023, complete with special features such as featurettes, deleted scenes, director’s commentary, and gag reel.
To watch our exclusive interview with writer/director James Gunn and Chris Pratt about ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3,’ please click on the video player below.
After an attack from Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) injures Rocket, the Guardians learn of his origins and confront his creator, the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji). Meanwhile, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is still coming to terms with the “new” Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), who is now a Ravager. In order to save their friend, the Guardians must go on a dangerous mission that could lead to the team dissolving if they fail.
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Who is in the cast of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3?’
Joining the cast are actors Chukwudi Iwuji (‘Peacemaker‘) as the High Evolutionary, and Will Poulter (‘We’re the Millers‘) as Adam Warlock.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with writer and director James Gunn and Chris Pratt about their work on ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3,’ telling Rocket’s story, what the franchise has meant to Pratt, and what fans can expect from the new film.
(L to R) James Gunn and Chris Pratt attend the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood CA on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview with Gunn and Pratt.
Moviefone: To begin with, James, what would you tell fans sitting down to watch this movie now to prepare them for the theater experience they are about to have?
James Gunn: I know so many of you have grown up with ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ So many of you have seen and supported us over the years. We’re so grateful to you for that and we really put our hearts and souls in this movie. We put in every ounce of everything we could, and I hope you guys enjoy it from the bottom of my heart.
Marvel Studio’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.
MF: Chris, what would you say to the fans to get them ready for this movie?
Chris Pratt: First of all, I’d say thank you. Thank you. You sitting down in these seats right now are the reason the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ are the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ We’ve been able to full on live our dreams because of the support of the greatest fans in the world. Thank you so much. We really owe it all to you. James is extraordinary. He’s led me on this journey and he’s created what I think is the best of the three films. Buckle up and I hope you have some tissues nearby.
MF: James, can you talk about the decision to tell Rocket’s origin story in this movie and how his journey is the heart of the franchise?
JG: I’ve always thought of Rocket as sort of the heart of the ‘Guardian’s story. In a lot of ways he’s the least mature of the characters, he’s just been a very angry guy. I think that throughout the series we see characters do heroic things. Rocket does heroic things, but it’s only been for himself or for his friends. He doesn’t really have a sense of empathy for anyone beyond that, and this is a movie about how he became that way. We go back to where he was born, how he came about, how he was created by the High Evolutionary, and we learn everything about him and his tragic past.
(L to R) Karen Gillan as Nebula, Chris Pratt as Peter Quill / Star-Lord, and Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.
MF: Finally, Chris, can you talk about your ‘Guardians’ experience, what playing Star-Lord, working on this franchise, and creating friendships with the cast and James has meant to you?
CP: It’s just now starting to hit me how grateful I am to have had a friend in James. It’s been amazing. He’s made my life. He’s changed my life. He’s changed the life of me and my family, my children, and probably their children. He took me by the hand. He found a working actor who had already at that point done way better than most people who come out to town. I wasn’t a waiter any longer, I was a series regular on a show. I was getting recognition. He brought me to a whole new level that ultimately changed the entire way the industry saw me. I no longer was auditioning. That was the last audition I ever had. So he changed my life.
(L to R) Writer and director James Gunn and Chris Pratt from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.’
Other Movies Similar to ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3:’
Witten and directed by James Gunn, the Sci-Fi action adventure comedy ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ is scheduled for release from Marvel Studios on May 5th 2023.
(L to R) Karen Gillan as Nebula, Chris Pratt as Peter Quill / Star-Lord, and Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.
After an attack from Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) injures Rocket, the Guardians learn of his origins and confront his creator, the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji). Meanwhile, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is still coming to terms with the “new” Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), who is now a Ravager. In order to save their friend, the Guardians must go on a dangerous mission that could lead to the team dissolving if they fail.
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Who is in the cast of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?’
While it’s not a perfect movie, James Gunn finishes his trilogy off with a heartfelt love letter to the franchise, in a character-driven movie that ties up loose ends and brings many arcs to a close. The actors are given room to explore their characters, and the villain is strong, but make no mistakes … this is Rocket’s movie!
Writer and director James Gunn at Los Angeles premiere of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.’
Story, Direction and Visual Effects
Full disclosure: I love the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ movies, in fact, they’re both in my top ten of MCU movies. But ‘Guardians 3’ is different than the previous films, its somber, character-driven, and darker, while still having James Gunn’s signature weirdness, humor, and music. The story ties up all the loose ends of the trilogy, including Quill and Gamora’s relationship, but really takes time to explore all the core characters, especially Rocket.
Obviously a lot of time is spent on Quill, Gamora, and Rocket, but Drax, Mantis, Nebula, Groot, and even Kraglin are all given their time to shine. The movie starts off slow and somber, and drags a bit in the middle, but has a very touching and action-packed third act. James Gunn clearly has an affection for this trilogy and these actors, and it shows in the film which is really a love letter to them.
For the most part, the visual effects work, and the colorful costumes and creatures are interesting and fun. But I do question the odd flesh-colored uniforms that the guards (including Nathan Fillion) wear at the High Evolutionary’s headquarters. They were just a little too weird and goofy for me, and distracted from the story.
Make no mistakes … this is Rocket’s movie! The film actually takes place in two timelines, flashing back throughout the movie to tell Rocket’s origin story. Over the course of the previous ‘Guardian’ movies and his appearances in ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame,’ Rocket’s become my favorite Marvel character and his story arc here is extremely touching. He’s the heart of the movie, and exploring his past while saying something about animal cruelty was both smart and affective. Some of the creatures we meet in his past are very creepy, but again, the message is not lost. While it’s only a voice role, Bradley Cooper’s “Gilbert Gottfried meets Bill the Butcher” performance has brought the character to life and his work here is touching, emotional, funny and makes Rocket a stronger character.
Marvel Studio’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.
Chris Pratt is given a lot more emotional work to do with Quill this time around, and handles it well, especially his scenes with Gamora. Zoe Saldaña returns as the ‘Avengers: Endgame’ version of Gamora, allowing the actress to play a new character, in a sense. When the original Gamora died in ‘Infinity War,’ I was really sad to see her go because she had grown so much since the original film and I loved her relationship with Quill, but the new Gamora had really grown on me by the end of this film, thanks to Saldaña’s layered performance.
In a movie with so many characters, it’s easy for some to get lost in the shuffle and not get the screen time they deserve, but the movie balances the characters well and gives them all a moment to shine. Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, and even Sean Gunn, are all given time to explore their characters and grow through the course of the movie. As for Groot, he’s not a kid anymore and like Rocket, also has a great arc over the course of the trilogy, and surprisingly, Vin Diesel gets to do a little more in this movie than just say: “I Am Groot.”
Chukwudi Iwuji plays the High Evolutionary and is actually a pretty good Marvel villain. I found the performance menacing and effective, even though his ultimate evil plan is confusing at times. But his motivations and hubris made the character believable, and Iwuji gives a fun, if not over-the-top at times, performance.
Chukwudi Iwuji as the High Evolutionary in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.
Is Adam Warlock a Good Guy?
Yes and no. He’s an unwilling villain in the beginning, but has a change of heart over the course of the film, which I must say is paced well and is ultimately effective. But to be honest, I didn’t like the way the character was depicted, and didn’t care for Will Poulter’s performance, although it’s through no fault of his own. In the film, the character is the son of ‘Guardians Vol. 2’ baddie Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), and is depicted as a brainless, bratty mama’s boy, and while the characterization gets a few laughs, it didn’t work for me knowing the character’s importance in the comics. Poulter physically transformed to play the role, and looks great, but for me, the character and performance just didn’t work.
(L to R) Will Poulter as Adam Warlock and Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.
Are There End-Credit Scenes in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?’
Yes. There are two in fact. The first sets up a possible future for the franchise, beyond the current lineup, and the second would set up a spinoff of sorts for one of the main characters. Both scenes are ‘Guardians’ centric and do not hint to any other upcoming MCU projects.
Will There Be a ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4?’
That’s hard to say at this time. James Gunn certainly is saying goodbye to the franchise, as he’ll be busy in the near future working on ‘Superman: Legacy’ and running DC Studios. As previously mentioned, the first end-credit scene does hint at a possible future installment, and the team teased for that is incredibly intriguing. As is the possibility of the spinoff teased in the other end-credit scene, with a character that is strong enough to carry their own film franchise, or at least a Disney+ series. Whether or not we will see any of the other Guardians in future Marvel projects, is anyone’s guess.
Vin Diesel as Groot in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.
Final Thoughts
In the end, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3’ is not a perfect film, and in some ways is not quite as fun as the previous two movies, but is a very loving sendoff to the current team and a dark and emotional look at these beloved characters.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.
Marvel Studio’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel.com.
Other Movies Similar to ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3:’
Witten and directed by James Gunn, the Sci-Fi action adventure comedy ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ is scheduled for release from Marvel Studios on May 5th 2023.
Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine in ‘The Night Manager.’
Way back in 2016, long before he brought ‘Loki’ to the small screen, Tom Hiddleston was the star of limited spy series ‘The Night Manager’.
Shown on the BBC in the UK and AMC in the States, ‘The Night Manager’ saw Hiddleston as soldier-turned-hotel night boss Jonathan Pine who was recruited for a specific mission.
David Farr, who had previously worked on spy series ‘MI-5’ adapted John le Carré’s story for the screen, while Susanne Bier directed the series.
Now, Prime Video and the BBC are working together to develop a second season, also written by Farr. Deadline reports that there is no official greenlight yet, but things are moving swiftly –– to the point where a third season is also in the mix, presumably to secure Hiddleston’s services and to avoid his busy schedule.
What was the story of ‘The Night Manager’?
The limited series focused on British former soldier Jonathan Pine, who, after leaving the military, had found work as the night manager of a swanky hotel in Cairo.
A smooth, handsome type Pine becomes involved with a woman (Elizabeth Debicki’s Jed Marshall), who happens to already be the lover of an international arms smuggler called Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie).
Through her relationship with him, Jed has discovered information about Roper’s dodgy dealings. But when Jed ends up murdered, Pine, fearing for his life, flees, and starts working at a Swiss hotel. Four years later, Roper shows up at the venue, and Pine’s thirst for revenge over Jed’s death rises.
That, in turn, leads Pine to be recruited by British intelligence (with Olivia Colman’s Angela Burr among his handlers) so he can help take Roper down. But what follows is a dangerous game of deceit and intrigue.
Tom Hollander and David Harewood were also in the cast of the series, which won two Emmys and several Golden Globes. It was successful enough to spawn a Hindi adaptation that starred Aditya Roy Kapur as Pine and Anil Kapoor as Roper and aired this year in India.
What can we expect from Season 2 of ‘The Night Manager’?
The new series, also written by Farr, is set in the present day. Following Roper being taken away by the Syrians at the end of Season 1, Hiddleston’s Pine is informed he is dead two years later, and he has to face up to a new, even more deadly challenge.
Season 2 should shoot in London and South Africa later this year, but we have yet to learn who else might be in the cast around Hiddleston.
Tom Hiddleston fans, meanwhile, will be able to see him back on TV this summer with ‘Loki’ Season 2.
Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine in ‘The Night Manager.’
