Moviefone Editorial

Tag: Freeform

  • ‘Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’ Special Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris Headed to Freeform

    ‘Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’ Special Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris Headed to Freeform

    Neil Patrick Harris and Keegan-Michael-Key in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
    Richard Harbaugh/Freeform

    Star Wars fans can’t all make it to the new planet of Batuu, so Disney is bringing Batuu to them.

    Freeform announced Wednesday that it will air a two-hour special on Sept. 29 called “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Adventure Awaits.” Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, it will take viewers to Batuu, the location seen in the new themed area that opened at Disneyland in May and the one due to open at Disney World later this month.

    A slew of celebrity guests will join Harris in the special, including Keegan-Michael Key, Kaley Cuoco, Jay Leno, Sarah Hyland, and Miles Brown, among others. Together, they’ll show off the new lands and share information about how the planet came to life. The expansion has already been drawing huge crowds in Southern California, so it’ll be a great chance to explore Batuu without waiting in lines.

    “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Adventure Awaits” is part of Freeform’s 30 Days of Disney programming and it premieres Sunday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. ET. The special is executive produced by Brad Lachman.

    [h/t: Deadline]

  • ‘Marvel’s Runaways’ Season 3 to Feature Crossover With ‘Cloak and Dagger’

    ‘Marvel’s Runaways’ Season 3 to Feature Crossover With ‘Cloak and Dagger’

    Hulu

    Worlds will collide in the Marvel television universe.

    Hulu’s “Marvel’s Runaways” Season 3 will feature a crossover episode with the Freeform series “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger.” Both Hulu and Freeform are owned by Disney.

    Hulu recently set a premiere date for the 10-episode season: December 13. Meanwhile, Season 2 of “Cloak & Dagger” wrapped up its second season earlier this year.

    “Runaways” centers on a group of six superpowered teens who unite against their parents. “Cloak & Dagger” revolves around two superpowered teens who start a romance and realize their abilities work better together.

    Marvel did not give out any details of the crossover. Jeph Loeb, executive producer and head of Marvel Television, said in a statement, “It’s so fun being able to do something that revels in the Mighty Marvel Manner! Having these young heroes crossover allows fans of both shows to see the adventure everyone has been waiting for and we’ve only hinted at.”

    Watch the crossover announcement video below:

  • Freeform Blasts Critics of Halle Bailey’s ‘Little Mermaid’ Casting

    Freeform Blasts Critics of Halle Bailey’s ‘Little Mermaid’ Casting

    Halle Bailey in Grown-ish
    Kelsey McNeal/Freeform

    Freeform has a message for “the Poor, Unfortunate Souls” out there.

    The network spoke out on Sunday in defense of Disney’s newly-minted “Little Mermaid” star Halle Bailey after a wave of online criticism infiltrated the celebration of the news that she had been cast as Ariel. In an Instagram post, Freeform had strong words for the #NotMyAriel types and made it clear that there’s no reason the upcoming live-action remake’s titular mermaid has to “look like the cartoon one.”

    Freeform’s statement in defense of Bailey smacks down the logic holes in the complaints and describes the “Grown-ish” actress as “incredible, sensational, highly talented, [and] gorgeous.” It reminds everyone that “The Little Mermaid” is fictional, so its characters don’t have to look any particular way. Finally, it ends with something for the people who are still stuck on how Bailey looks to reflect on — namely, what their opposition to her casting says about them.

    Here’s the full letter directed to “the Poor, Unfortunate Souls”:

    Yes. The original author of ‘The Little Mermaid’ was Danish. Ariel…is a mermaid. She lives in an underwater kingdom in international waters and can legit swim wherever she wants (even though that often upsets King Triton, absolute zaddy). But for the sake of argument, let’s say that Ariel, too, is Danish. Danish mermaids can be black because Danish *people* can be black. Ariel can sneak up to the surface at any time with her pals Scuttle and the *ahem* Jamaican crab Sebastian (sorry, Flounder!) and keep that bronze base tight. Back Danish people, and thus mer-folk, can also *genetically* (!!!) have red hair. But spoiler alert – bring it back to the top – the character of Ariel is a work of fiction. So after all this is said and done, and you still cannot get past the idea that choosing the increidble, sensational, highly-talented, gorgeous Halle Bailey is anything other than the INSPIRED casting that it is because she “doesn’t look like the cartoon one”, oh boy, do I have some news for you…about you.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    An open letter to the Poor, Unfortunate Souls: ______ #TheLittleMermaid #Ariel #MyAriel

    A post shared by Freeform (@freeform) on

    Freeform has been joined by plenty of others who are here for our new Ariel. They’re using hashtags like #MyAriel and #MyArielIsBlack on social media.

    [via: Freeform/Instagram; h/t: THR]

  • Freeform Renews ‘Siren’ for Season 3

    Freeform Renews ‘Siren’ for Season 3

    Freeform

    Hit Freeform series “Siren” will continue its song: The thriller about a mermaid who wreaks havoc on a small coastal fishing town has been renewed for an additional season.

    “Siren” has been a hit for the cable network, pulling in enough mesmerized viewers during the first half of its second season to make it Freeform’s number one show — not only among female viewers ages 18-49, but among all adult viewers ages 18-49. That’s likely why Freeform handed out the renewal even before season two’s midseason premiere, which is set to air next month.

    The series debuted back in March of 2018, and centers araound Ryn (Eline Powell), a mysterious young woman who pops up in Bristol Cove, a town that local legend says was once the home of mermaids. Turns out that Ryn is one of them, and when she meets two local marine biologists, they get drawn into her world.

    Here’s the breakdown of what’s in store for the rest of season two, according to the network:

    In season 2, Ben (Alex Roe) and Maddie (Fola Evings-Akingbola) are uncertain about the mermaids’ future after the deadly consequences of the attack on the oil rig and, with the mermaids returning to sea, are left feeling lost without Ryn. Once Helen (Rena Owen) learns she’s not the only one of her kind, she discovers there is a dark side to her people’s past.

    The midseason premiere of “Siren” is set for June 13 on Freeform.

    [via: Deadline]

  • Freeform Is Developing 2 Female-Focused Animated Series

    Freeform Is Developing 2 Female-Focused Animated Series

    Freeform
    Freeform

    Freeform’s Second Annual Summit brought news of two female-focused projects that are currently in the works. The network announced that it is developing the animated series “Betches” and “Woman World.”

    The first, “Betches,” is inspired by the digital brand of the same name launched by millennials Samantha Fishbein, Jordana Abraham, and Aleen Kuperman. The cartoon, which is described as “irreverent,” will follow three friends and roommates living in New York. Freeform’s synopsis says, “The three women loudly try to figure out who they are in their careers and in love. They make almost every mistake in the book along the way, but they’re doing their best to make sure they have an anything-but-basic life.”

    The pilot for “Betches” will be written by Rachel Koller. Fishbein, Abraham, and Kuperman are all set to executive produce, alongside Emma Roberts, Carli Haney, Kesila Childers, and Gil Goldschein of Bunim-Murra Productions.

    The second project, “Woman World,” is a half-hour comedic cartoon based on the graphic novel by Aminder Dhaliwal. Per Freeform, “The pilot playfully answers the question ‘what would our world look like if men became extinct?’ This community of women leans on each other for survival as they search for love and their identity in this ladies-only existence.”

    Dhaliwal is writing the pilot herself, and Felicia Day is executive producing.

    It looks like Freeform has a lot in the pipeline for us!

  • ‘Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists’ Promo Teases Somebody Is Watching

    ‘Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists’ Promo Teases Somebody Is Watching

    Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists promo
    Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists/YouTube

    The “Pretty Little Liars” sequel series looks like it may be as creepy as the original.

    Freeform has dropped a new promo for “The Perfectionists,” and it makes it clear that “somebody is watching.” Not only is that the title of the video, we hear it in the soundtrack’s lyrics. Additionally, there is a lot of interesting imagery that becomes pretty eerie in that context, including a camera, glasses, and windows.

    The series picks up after the events of “Pretty Little Liars,” with Alison DiLaurentis (Sasha Pieterse) and Mona Vanderwaal (Janel Parrish) having moved to the seemingly perfect town of Beacon Heights. Both appear in the promo, alongside co-stars Sofia Carson (Ava Jalali), Sydney Park (Caitlin Park-Lewis), and Eli Brown (Dylan Walker). The characters will become embroiled in a new mystery after a murder shakes the town.

    Watch below.

    “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists” premieres Wednesday, March 20 at on Freeform.

  • ‘Party of Five’ Reboot Is a Go on Freeform

    ‘Party of Five’ Reboot Is a Go on Freeform

    Freeform

    The immigration-themed reboot of “Party of Five” was just greenlit for 10 episodes at Freeform. (Hey, it’s a great day to talk about rebooting all the Matthew Fox TV shows.)

    Instead of having five siblings whose parents have died, like the ’90s show starring Fox, Scott Wolf, Neve Campbell and Lacey Chabert, the new version will feature the Acosta family trying to cope in Los Angeles after their parents are deported to  Mexico.

    The reboot stars Brandon Larracuente as Emilio, Emily Tosta as Lucia, Niko Guardado as Beto and Elle Paris Legaspi as Valentina.

    The first cast photo has a definite nod to the ’90s show, including some Charlie Salinger-esque floppy bangs and, of course, one of the kids rocking a plaid flannel shirt.

    Campbell likes the idea so much, she said she’d be happy to reprise her role of Julia Salinger. “I love the idea of the new reboot because it’s very timely,” Campbell said. “They’re doing it with a Mexican family whose parents have been sent across the border, and they have to figure out how to stay together and be a family and raise each other. I think that’s really poignant and important, and I’m really impressed. So if they want me to come… and do a scene in it, I probably would.”

    Freeform president Tom Ascheim said in a statement about the new series,  “‘Party of Five’ embodies the heart and soul of what it means to be a family in the most trying of times. We’re so lucky that Freeform gets to be the home for this reimagined story, as we continue to represent the resilience of young adults and the importance of fighting for your voice in times of doubt,”

    “We couldn’t be more excited to bring ‘Party of Five’ to another generation of fans,”  Jeff Frost, president of Sony Pictures Television and co-presidents Chris Parnell and Jason Clodfelter, added.

    [Via The Wrap]

  • ‘Life-Size 2’ Trailer: Tyra Banks Is Doll Come to Life Again

    ‘Life-Size 2’ Trailer: Tyra Banks Is Doll Come to Life Again

    Life Size 2 trailer still
    Freeform/YouTube

    If you’ve been lacking a special friend, never fear: The “Life-Size 2” trailer is here.

    Freeform released the trailer on Wednesday, Nov. 7, reintroducing Eve (Tyra Banks), a doll with an apparent knack for coming to life and helping girls and women who have lost their mothers.  This time, she’s come to be the special friend to a young woman named Grace (Francia Raisa). The trailer shows their initial meeting and Eve inserting herself into a reluctant Grace’s life. Some of Eve’s more endearing traits appear to be persistence and taste for liquid butter.

    Watch below.

    If you watched the original 2000 film, you’re probably wondering where Lindsay Lohan’s character, Casey, is. Although Banks wanted her to join in the fun, Lohan did not opt to star in the film. We will “see something” of her in the flick, though, Banks told EW in early October.

    “Life-Size 2” debuts Sunday, Dec. 2 on Freeform.

  • Freeform’s ‘Party of Five’ Reboot Has Cast its Leads

    Freeform’s ‘Party of Five’ Reboot Has Cast its Leads

    FX

    Meet the Buendia family.

    Freeform has officially cast four of the leads on its upcoming immigration-themed reboot of ’90s drama “Party of Five,” as well as revealed lots of information about the new characters. Brandon Larracuente (“13 Reasons Why”), Emily Tosta (“Mayans M.C.”), Niko Guardado (“The Goldbergs”), and newcomer Elle Paris Legaspi will play the Buendia siblings, who must navigate life alone in the U.S. after their parents are deported back to Mexico.

    Here’s a character breakdown for each sibling, per TheWrap:

    • Larracuente will play Emilio, an aspiring musician and the oldest son of Gloria and Javier Buendia. Emilio is the reason his parents crossed the Mexican border into the U.S. nearly 25 years ago in hopes of a better life. Although the oldest, he’s the least responsible of the siblings, and had been enjoying living away from home and the freedom that came with it until his parents’ status was threatened.
    • Tosta will play Lucia, a straight-A student with lofty college ambitions until her parents run into trouble with immigration. Their circumstances force her to re-evaluate her disposition to play by the rules. She quickly becomes resistant to authority, politically radicalized and rebellious to her presumed duties as the oldest sister.
    • Guardado will play Beto, the second oldest brother of the family who steps up in the midst of turmoil. While struggling with sports, girls and school, he soon discovers that being the head of his family comes easily to him and gives him the self-respect and sense of purpose he has never had before.
    • Legaspi will play Valentina, the precocious and resourceful youngest sister. Forced to face adolescence without her mother, she’s desperately afraid of what the future holds, and her vulnerability will require her older siblings to step up and offer the structure and support that they may not be wholly equipped to provide.

    We’re assuming a baby Buendia brother or sister will also be in the mix, too.

    The original “Party of Five” ran on Fox for six seasons, from 1994 to 2000, and made stars out of its young cast, which included Matthew Fox, Scott Wolf, Neve Campbell, and Lacey Chabert as the Salinger kids, and also featured Jennifer Love Hewitt.

    This project is still in the pilot stage. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

    [via: TheWrap]

  • Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween Kicks off a Month of Spooky Movies

    Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween Kicks off a Month of Spooky Movies

    Hocus Pocus
    Buena Vista Pictures

    There’s no excuse for not getting into the Halloween spirit this year.

    Freeform is bringing some of the holiday’s highlights to us all, all month long. The network decided to expand its 13 Nights of Halloween event to 31, so we’ve got an entire month’s worth of spooky entertainment ahead. We’ve reached peak fall.

    The 31 Nights of Halloween lineup is an eclectic mix of movies. Some of them are staples of the holiday such as “Hocus Pocus” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” On the other hand, there are some decidedly tame family movies as well, like “The Parent Trap” and Disney’s “Frozen.” However, every night, there will be at least one creepy movie on.

    Freeform’s event makes sure to give people a lot of opportunities to watch and re-watch some of the classics. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” will air no less than eight times, while “Hocus Pocus” appears on the schedule more than 20 times leading up to Halloween. On the day of the holiday itself, there will be a “Hocus Pocus” marathon.

    It’s going to be a special holiday. The full 31 Nights of Halloween schedule is available here.

    [h/t: EW]