Now, Jenkins, who has so far made 2017’s ‘Wonder Woman’ (which was a big success) and 2020’s ‘Wonder Woman 1984’, (which suffered from less positive reviews and same-day streaming/pandemic box office problems), is setting the record straight on twitter.
“When there started being backlash about ‘WW3’ not happening, the attractive clickbait false story that it was me that killed it or walked away started to spread. I never walked away,” Jenkins wrote. “I was open to considering anything asked of me. It was my understanding there was nothing I could do to move anything forward at this time. DC is obviously buried in changes they are having to make, so I understand these decisions are difficult right now. I do not want what has been a beautiful journey with WW to land on [a] negative note. I have loved and been so honored to be the person who got to make these last two ‘Wonder Woman’ films. She is an incredible character.”
Jenkins goes on to praise “legend” Lynda Carter, who became famous for portraying the character on TV and had a role set up in ‘1984’ that pointed to more participation down the road that is now unlikely, and Gal Gadot, who has played the title character across several films.
It all certainly appears to put an end to speculation that Jenkins might be back to continue her work (though never say never).
Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in ‘Wonder Woman 1984.’
Still, she does also offer hope to those who were disappointed that her planned ‘Star Wars’ movie entry, ‘Rogue Squadron’ had been long delayed because of the director’s focus on ‘Wonder Woman’.
“I originally left ‘Rogue Squadron’ after a long and productive development process when it became clear it couldn’t happen soon enough and I did not want to delay ‘WW3’ any further. When I did, Lucasfilm asked me to consider coming back to ‘RS’ after ‘WW3’, which I was honored to do, so I agreed. They made a new deal with me. In fact, I am still on it and that project has been in active development ever since. I don’t know if it will happen or not. We never do until the development process is complete, but I look forward to its potential ahead.”
What this means for Gal Gadot in the title role of the potential ‘Wonder Woman’ franchise going forward is anyone’s guess. We’ll have to wait and see what James Gunn and Peter Safran have in mind.
According to the Reporter’s sources, Jenkins had handed in her latest treatment for ‘Wonder Woman 3,’ co-written with Geoff Johns, only to be told by the new duo that her vision for the future of the character doesn’t fit with their grand scheme for DC on film. There’s no word yet on what the next step might be.
Someone who probably won’t be best pleased about the new development either? Wonder Woman herself, Gal Gadot, who enthusiastically tweeted on Tuesday about her own hopes about showing fans what she and Jenkins have been working on.
A few years ago it was announced that I was going to play Wonder Woman.I’ve been so grateful for the opportunity to play such an incredible, iconic character and more than anything I’m grateful for YOU.The fans.Can’t wait to share her next chapter with you🙅🏻♀️🙌🏼💃🏻♥️ pic.twitter.com/XlzhrMx4xe
Gunn and Safran had apparently recently been on a retreat hashing out their plans and have now returned to Los Angeles to fill in the Warner Bros. Discovery executives and, as this development shows, talk to affected filmmakers.
They have yet to reveal anything concrete for what will happen, but it may very well mean the end of the road for the “Snyderverse” of characters overseen by Zack Snyder. Despite apparently recent positive signs for Henry Cavill as Superman (including––spoiler alert––a cameo in the end credits of ‘Black Adam’), his tenure as the last son of Krypton may also be curtailed. Ditto Jason Momoa as Aquaman after the next movie (though he’s already apparently eyeing intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo as a potential new character to play).
Of course, all of this is speculation right now, with Gunn and Safran unlikely to publicly confirm everything they’re considering, especially since they’ve yet to talk to everyone whose work might be impacted.
And there was always going to be a tricky transition period for the new regime, with the hopes of Warner Bros. resting on them after years of different regimes finding success with some movies and not with others, but never seemingly locking on to a plan that works consistently.
Walt Disney Studios kicked off the first day of D23 Expo 2022 in style today with tons of advance looks at what the House of Mouse has in store for fans in the coming days, months, and years. You can watch Moviefone‘s exclusive backstage interviews by clicking on the video player above.
The first D23 Expo in three years began with the president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, Sean Bailey, revealing the first-ever footage from ‘Hocus Pocus 2’.
Bailey was joined by the wacky Sanderson Sisters themselves – stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy – who appeared via video to show how their characters are back for the first time since 1993 for more soul-stealing Halloween action.
Battling them this time around are aspiring witch Becca (Whitney Peak) and magic shop owner Gilbert (Sam Richardson).
But the audience’s biggest applause went to the original film’s Billy Butcherson (‘The Shape of Water’s Doug Jones) upon his return from the grave. ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ hits Disney+ on September 30th. The trailer is in the video player above.
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Next up on the panel was another eagerly anticipated sequel, ‘Disenchanted’. Returning stars Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Idina Menzel, and James Marsden took the stage, alongside Maya Rudolph, the film’s new villain. ‘Disenchanted’ finds Adams’ Giselle and hubby Dempsey moving to the suburbs with their infant and teenage children.
“I was a huge fan of the original,” said Rudolph. “I can’t believe I got to be part of this… It’s not easy being mean to Amy Adams.” The new teaser trailer for the sequel is in the video player above.
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As far as live-action remakes of Disney animated classics go, ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ was the first on deck today: with star Jude Law (Captain Hook) flanked by newcomers Alexander Molony (Peter Pan), Ever Gabo Anderson (Wendy), and Alyssa Wapanatâhk (Tiger Lily).
Expect more empowered female characters this time around, including at least one Lost Girl among Peter’s Lost Boys.
“Disney has worked very hard to give her more depth and a lot more character,” said Anderson of Wendy. “She and Peter are equals in this film.”
Law added that Hook and Pan’s prior relationship is also fleshed out. “We got to mine their back story a little bit more. You get to understand their past,” he said, hinting that the two were once friends.
“I got to make sure all the little details, all the Easter eggs are there. Because I’m a nerd,” confessed Simien. He then joined another of the film’s stars – scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis – in a Doom Buggy rolling across the D23 Expo stage.
Few Disney films are so beloved as 1994’s ‘The Lion King’. And fans will get more of the film’s animal kingdom in the 2024 prequel ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’.
Director Barry Jenkins appeared to explain how “Mufasa is the origin story of one of the greatest kings of the Pride Land… It’s the real story of how Mufasa found his place in the circle of life. What you learn is that Mufasa is great because of the family and the friends he has with him.”
Of course Disney Studios wouldn’t exist without its very first animated classic, 1937’s ‘Snow White’.
Director Marc Webb is tackling the live-action 2024 remake, featuring Gal Gadot as the Wicked Queen and Rachel Zegler as its eponymous heroine. The two were touched by the warm response they received as they presented a first look at their characters.
“Just your reaction means the world to us,” said Gadot.
A visibly moved Zegler explained that, “Snow White is the girl you remember, but she’s definitely made for the modern age,” stating the film redefines what it means to be the fairest of them all.
Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot at Disney D23 Expo 2022 Getty Images
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While ‘Snow White’ is Disney’s first animated feature, 1989’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ is responsible for the studio’s renaissance. As well as its renewed dedication to musicals, as Rob Marshall, director of May 2023’s live-action adaptation, reminded fans today.
“It was very important for us to honor the original. We went to Alan Menken, who was divine to work with, and also our dear friend Lin-Manuel Miranda. They had never worked together before… There are four new songs. We still retain the beauty of the original score, written by the late great Howard Ashman as well.”
Fans were treated to the film’s entire “Part of Your World” number, featuring a note-perfect Halle Bailey, who appeared on stage with Marshall.
“Three days of filming ‘Part of Your World,’” said Bailey, “that was the most beautiful experience of my life. Just getting to sing a song I’ve loved since I was a child was so exciting.”
“The camera loves you,” Marshall told Bailey. “But it’s more than that. [It] loves what’s inside. [It] loves what you bring.”
The two then unveiled a teaser that recalled ‘Finding Nemo’ in the color and detail of its underwater world. You can find a teaser version of the clip in the video player at the top of the page.
It was then time for Pixar Animation Studios’ turn in the spotlight, with chief creative officer Pete Docter introducing next summer’s ‘Elemental’.
Director Peter Sohn spoke of how the film’s Element City was inspired by the culturally mixed New York of his childhood. Footage shown depicted the star-crossed romance of its fire-based heroine Ember (Leah Lewis) and her watery boyfriend Wade (Mamoudou Athie).
Pixar also unveiled its first original long-form series in the form of ‘Win or Lose’, each episode of which follows the perspective of a different character connected to a co-ed softball team, the Pickles.
With this year’s ‘Lightyear’, Pixar returned to the science fiction of ‘Wall-E’. Expect more in this vein soon, starting with ‘Elio’.
Announced today at D23 with star America Ferrera on stage, the film’s title character is an 11-year-old boy who doesn’t feel like he fits in his world. His mom (Ferrera) runs a top-secret military project, which inadvertently results in Elio making first contact with alien life and becoming our planet’s ambassador to the rest of the universe. It’s due out in spring 2024.
Last but by no means least on the Pixar slate – ‘Inside Out’ star Amy Poehler made a surprise appearance alongside Docter to announce ‘Inside Out 2’.
“Joy and the emotions are back for an all new adventure inside Riley’s head,” said a fittingly ebullient Poehler. “Only this time she’s a teenager!”
New emotions will also appear in the film, as Kelsey Mann takes over the directing chores from Docter, with Meg LeFauve returning to write the summer 2024 release.
To cap off the panel, Disney Animation’s chief creative officer (and Oscar-winning ‘Frozen’ director) Jennifer Lee greeted the D23 Expo audience to show what’s in store for the studio’s 100th anniversary next year.
But first, Disney’s fan-favorite 2016 ‘Zootopia’ will get a spin-off series this November on Disney+. And attendees got an advance look at the aptly titled ‘Zootopia+’, consisting of six short ‘Zootopia’-style spoofs of everything from ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ to ‘The Godfather Part II’.
Perhaps Disney’s most unique offering at the Expo was ‘Iwaju’. Coming this year to Disney+, it finds the animation studio partnering for the first time in its long history with an overseas animation studio – Africa’s Kugali. Its three founders appeared today, describing their Afrofuturism fable and its characters as a love letter to their hometown of Lagos, Nigeria.
More sci-fi arrived with a new look at ‘Strange World’, described by Lee as “a film about family, legacy, and what we leave behind for the generations that follow.” Director Don Hall explained how the film chronicles three generations coming together on an alien planet in order to save their world.
Stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, and Lucy Liu introduced a rip-snorting clip of an exciting chase through ‘Strange World’s creature-packed planet.
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The Disney Animation segment, and indeed entire panel, concluded with the revelation of the studio’s 100th anniversary feature film – ‘Wish’. The tale of the star upon which so many Disney characters have wished throughout the past century, ‘Wish’ is co-directed by the attending team of Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn.
Buck, who co-wrote the film with Lee, explained how ‘Wish’ explores a kingdom of wishes, in which wishes can literally come true. Offering a lush, animated watercolor style coupled with CG animation, it stars newly minted Oscar winner Ariana DeBose as 17-year-old Asha, who pleas to the heavens for help, and gets an actual star from the sky, named Star, who communicates through pantomime.
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Disney “good luck charm,” actor Alan Tudyk appeared with footage of his character, a goat named Valentino who wishes to communicate with people. Finally, DeBose saw fans off with a sizzling live performance of “More for Us,” one of the film’s songs by Grammy winner Julia Michaels.
The movie begins with the origin story of Hercule Poirot (Branagh), which explains why he sports such a large mustache. We then see him years later at a jazz club, where he witnesses a romance between Jacqueline (Mackey) and Simon (Hammer), and Simon’s first meeting with Jacqueline’s friend, heiress Linnet Ridgeway- Doyle (Gadot).
We next find the detective, sometime after the events of ‘Orient Express,’ vacationing alone in Egypt. He quickly bumps into his old friend Bouc (Bateman), and his mother (Bening), who are there for the wedding of a friend. Poirot’s friend invites him to the celebration, and the detective is surprised to find that the newlyweds are Simon and Linnet, who he observed from a far when they first met.
Trouble begins when Linnet’s old friend and Simon’s jilted lover, Jacqueline arrives on the scene. Linnet and Simon ask Poirot to intervene, but since she has committed no crime, there is nothing he can do. In order to get away from Jacqueline, Linnet hires a ship to take her and her guests down the Nile. Poirot joins the party, but when a murder takes place, and everyone is a suspect, the detective will have no choice but to do what he does best … solve the crime!
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After a decade of directing studio blockbusters like ‘Thor,’ ‘Cinderella,’ ‘Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,’ and ‘Murder on the Orient Express,’ Branagh was finally able to make his passion project, ‘Belfast.’ The film was critically acclaimed and has recently gone on to be nominated for several Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Branagh. ‘Death on the Nile’ was shot in 2019, before ‘Belfast,’ and was delayed because of the pandemic. While his new film can’t compare to the brilliance of ‘Belfast,’ it is a serviceable murder mystery and an enjoyable movie, with a very entertaining cast and a really great performance from Branagh himself.
Hercule Poirot is a classic literary character and a difficult role to play, as it is easy for an actor to get lost behind that mustache, as Branagh did a bit in ‘Orient Express.’ But by showing the character’s origin story, while also explaining why he lives a solitary life, it makes the character more relatable to the audience. Branagh is also more comfortable in his role this time around, and really commands the screen every scene he’s in. It was also really smart to bring back Tom Bateman as Bouc, which not only bridges Branagh’s two Agatha Christie movies, but also gives Poirot a confidant and someone to care about.
The supporting cast are all very good in their roles, especially Annette Bening as Bouc’s overbearing mother. English comedians Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French are very funny as a socialite and her nurse, while Russell Brand gives a very against-type performance as the quiet and vulnerable Linus, Linnet’s former fiancé. Actress Emma Mackay gives an outstanding breakout performance as Jaqueline, and based on her work, I think we’ll be seeing a lot of great things from the ‘Sex Education’ actress in the future.
But outside of Branagh’s performance as Poirot, the film really belongs to Gal Gadot. She is absolutely stunning in the film and commands her scenes with grace and power. She plays Linnet as a kind soul with too much money at her disposal, forcing her to trust no one. This can make the character a bit cold at times, but Gadot’s performance is never unlikable. In one of her best scenes, Gadot does not say a word, just simply walks the length of the ship while sailing on the Nile. Beautifully shot by Branagh, this scene tells us everything we need to know about the character.
While it may be a better movie pound-for-pound than ‘Orient Express,’ ‘Nile’ is not without its faults. The film allows more time for character development, especially with Poirot, which is great, but it also means that the “mystery” really doesn’t begin until halfway through the movie. There is a lot of set up. Necessary of course, but perhaps it could have been streamlined a bit.
Unfortunately, even if you’ve never read an Agatha Christie book or seen an adaption before, her work is so baked into our culture now, her mysteries can be very predictable. Without reading the novel or seeing the 1978 movie, I knew who the killer was almost as soon as the murder took place. I just know how Agatha Christie mysteries work, which is the biggest problem with the film. But in the end, thanks to Branagh’s performance, as well as Gadot and the supporting cast, ultimately ‘Death on the Nile’ is still an entertaining movie.
Tom Harper, who last made ‘The Aeronauts’ for Amazon, is in the director’s chair for the espionage thriller, which is filming now. The script comes from ‘The Old Guard’s Greg Rucker and Allison Schroeder, who wrote films including ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Frozen II’.
Fittingly, given that it’s a spy movie, the plot hasn’t been announced, so feel free to guess what happens or how something called heart of stone factors in. Could they mean a jewel? Some lethal item that people are searching for? Perhaps Gadot’s character is a steely agent with little time for feelings.
Whatever it turns out to be, the movie is looking to be a female-led take on films such as ‘Mission: Impossible’, which could be fun.
Gadot needs little introduction thanks to her role as the DC superhero, but she’s also been widely seen recently in Netflix‘s ‘Red Notice’, which has two sequels already in the works.
Dornan has long since shrugged off the, er, chains of the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ franchise and has been working steadily on a variety of movies and TV shows.
In addition to Kenneth Branagh’s awards-buzzed coming-of-age story, he’s been seen in ‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar’ and as a voice in ‘Trolls World Tour’. He’ll next be seen on TV screens in upcoming drama ‘The Tourist’, arriving on HBO Max on March 3rd.
Gal Gadot in ‘Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice’
Groucho, of course, was the leading light of iconic comedy trio the Marx Brothers, who brought their trademark blend of zingers and slapstick to stages and screens between 1905 and 1949. They made some classic comedy movies, including ‘Duck Soup’ and ‘A Night at the Opera’.
‘Raised Eyebrows’, though, won’t chronicle that heyday. Instead, it’s set between 1973-1977 and follows Steve (Plummer) as he enters Groucho Marx’s house for his dream job of working for the aging, frail comedian, under the watchful eye of Erin Fleming (Miller), who had taken over the Marx brother’s personal and professional life.
Marx and Fleming had a controversial relationship in his twilight years, and she was his devoted girlfriend-turned-manager. The power struggles result in a comedy of horrors in which obsession, love, celebrity, mental illness, family, and Hollywood are taken to task and brought to a boil in an anarchic way that could only be described as “Grouchian.”
Oren Moverman, who has made movies including ‘The Messenger’ and HBO’s ‘Bad Education’ will direct from a script he co-wrote with Steve Stoliar, whose memoir ‘Raised Eyebrows: My Years Inside Groucho’s House’ is the basis for the film.
“It’s a pleasure and an honor and a responsibility and probably something else to work with this amazing cast on a story I hope will reintroduce the genius of Groucho Marx in a new, provocative, entertaining way all these years later,” Moverman tells Deadline. “Steve Stoliar has given the world incredible insight into a bygone era. Done right, we will screw it up royally.”
Rush, of course, is no stranger to playing real people – he won an Oscar for his role as troubled, genius pianist David Helfgott in 1996’s ‘Shine’ and was nominated as Best Supporting actor for 2010’s ‘The King’s Speech’. With luck, he could be back on nomination lists for Groucho.
Geoffrey Rush in 1996’s ‘Shine’
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There have been a slew of big-time casting announcements over the last week, from ‘Wicked’ to ‘Snow White,’ and Leonardo DiCaprio taking on one of the world’s most notorious murderers.
We’ve also seen production updates for highly awaited films like ‘Black Adam,’ ‘John Wick 4,’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 3.’ As well as a delay for the Star Wars spinoff ‘Rogue Squadron,’ and the release of the final ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ trailer.
If you missed anything this week, Moviefone has you covered!
CASTING NEWS:
WICKED
The Hollywood production of the fan-favorite Broadway musical ‘Wicked‘ kicked things into high gear this week when director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) announced on Twitter that he had found his Elphaba and Glinda in Oscar-nominee Cynthia Erivo and Grammy-winning musician Ariana Grande.
Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel originated the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, on Broadway, and the big screencasting has drawn some critique from fans, especially for Grande’s casting. However, Chenoweth answered Grande’s critics on Instagram by saying, “You were destined for this role. The best Glinda you will be.”
Disney released the original animated version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1938, which was based on the fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. Gadot will next be seen in Netflix’s ‘Red Notice,’ which also stars Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds, before appearing next year in the Kenneth Branagh-directed sequel, ‘Death on the Nile.’
JIM JONES
Yesterday, Deadline reported that MGM has made a seven-figure deal with Leonardo DiCaprio to produce and star in ‘Jim Jones,’ which is about the notorious murderer and what led to 1978’s tragic Jonestown Massacre. DiCaprio will produce through his company, Appian Way Productions, with a script written by Scott Rosenberg (Jumanji: The Next Level).
In November 1978, under Jim Jones’ leadership, 900 members of the People’s Temple in Guyana, including children, were killed in a mass suicide or gunned down by Jones himself. The events were chronicled in the 2018 CNN documentary, ‘Escaping Jonestown.’ DiCaprio’s casting follows a string of Oscar-nominated performances including ‘The Wolf of Wall Street,’ ‘The Revenant,’ for which he won, and ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’ The actor will next be seen in Adam McKay’s ‘Don’t Look Up,’ which opens in theaters on December 10th.
PRODUCTION NEWS:
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3
Production on Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3‘ began this week, with director James Gunn announcing it on Twitter. Posting a photo of the cast assembling on set, the director said, “It’s been a strange and long and at times challenging journey to get here, but the obstacles along the way have only made this moment more blissful. Back on set with my Guardians family for the first day of shooting.”
Gunn also took the moment to reveal that he has cast ‘Peacemaker’ actor Chukwudi Iwuji in Guardians 3. “Chuk has indeed joined the cast,” the director confirmed. “After working with him on ‘Peacemaker’ I wasn’t about to let go of one of the best actors I’ve ever worked with. So, I gave him the role most every big-name actor in Hollywood wanted.”
BLACK ADAM
While promoting the upcoming ‘Red Notice’ last week, Comicbook.com had a chance to speak with President of Production at Seven Bucks Productions Hiram Garcia about the upcoming DC film, ‘Black Adam.’ The producer talked about the recent ‘Black Adam’ presentation at DC Fandome, and why it was so important to him and Dwayne Johnson to have an opportunity to show the fans what they plan to do with the upcoming film.
“It was really important for us to set the table and make sure that all the fans knew that we weren’t messing around, and that we weren’t making a soft ‘Black Adam.’ It was important for us to show that the first guy who approaches him is no longer on the planet. I think that sets the tone that this isn’t a broad movie, this isn’t Shazam!, or anything like that. We take it very serious. The edge that Black Adam has, if you are a threat, there’s probably not a chance you’re going to get to breathe another breath around this guy. And I think that, that was really important for us to just make a statement and make sure everyone understood. Look, we know what you guys want. We know what this character is supposed to be. We’re going to do our best to make sure that we honor that and turn him into a monster.”
JOHN WICK 4
Production recently wrapped on ‘John Wick 4,’ and thanks to a photo Tweeted by actor Shamier Anderson (Stowaway), we may finally know the full title of the upcoming film in the Keanu Reeves franchise. While the actor posted several photos from the shoot, one of the pictures is of a drawstring bag, probably a wrap gift, with the title ‘John Wick 4: Hagakure’ printed on it.
The new Star Wars spinoff, ‘Rogue Squadron,’ from Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins has been delayed. The Hollywood Reporter announced earlier this week that the film, which was scheduled to begin production early next year for a December 22, 2023 release date, will be taken off of Disney’s production schedule.
The reason given had to do with scheduling conflicts for Jenkins, who is attached to direct a Cleopatra movie for Paramount starring Gal Gadot, as well as the recently announced ‘Wonder Woman 3.’ ‘Rogue Squadron’ was scheduled to be the Star Wars franchise’s return to the big screen after 2019’s divisive ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.’
The new movie focuses on the grandchildren of the late Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), who discover paranormal activity in their small Oklahoma town. The trailer features many references to the original series, including the Terror Dogs, Slimer, and voice-overs from both Aykroyd and Murray.
Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.
Video game bad guy Ralph and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz must risk it all by traveling to the World Wide Web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope’s video game, Sugar Rush. In way over their heads, Ralph and Vanellope rely on the citizens of the internet — the netizens — to help navigate their way, including an entrepreneur named Yesss, who is the head algorithm and the heart and soul of trend-making site BuzzzTube.
When a crime brings them back to L.A., fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto reignites his feud with agent Brian O’Conner. But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, Dom and Brian must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmaneuver him. And the two men will find the best way to get revenge: push the limits of what’s possible behind the wheel.
Fuelled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince assemble a team of metahumans consisting of Barry Allen, Arthur Curry and Victor Stone to face the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and the Parademons who are on the hunt for three Mother Boxes on Earth.
Former cop Brian O’Conner partners with ex-con Dom Toretto on the opposite side of the law. Since Brian and Mia Toretto broke Dom out of custody, they’ve blown across many borders to elude authorities. Now backed into a corner in Rio de Janeiro, they must pull one last job in order to gain their freedom.
Hobbs has Dominic and Brian reassemble their crew to take down a team of mercenaries: Dominic unexpectedly gets convoluted also facing his presumed deceased girlfriend, Letty.
Determined to ensure Superman’s (Henry Cavill) ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aligns forces with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions.
The task proves more difficult than Bruce imagined, as each of the recruits must face the demons of their own pasts to transcend that which has held them back, allowing them to come together, finally forming an unprecedented league of heroes. Now united, Batman (Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), and The Flash (Ezra Miller) may be too late to save the planet from Steppenwolf, DeSaad, and Darkseid and their dreadful intentions.
If you’re curious as to what new movie this week might be best for you, Moviefone is here to help you find it and watch it. This week’s recommended films include a superhero do-over, a couple of deep dives into real-life scandals, a couple of stories about strained friendships, a gory anthology, and killer pants. Here are the movies we’re suggesting this week:
Zack Snyder’s Justice League (HBO Max)
Henry Cavill as Superman in ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’
Back in 2017, ‘Justice League’ was one of the most highly anticipated superhero movies of the year. Featuring most of DC Comic’s heavy-hitters, it landed with more of a thud than a bang. While fans were supportive overall, their knowledge over the troubled production that Zack Snyder had to leave due to family tragedy left them feeling like there had to be a better movie in there somewhere. Over the years, fans grumbled about #ReleaseTheSnyderCut, and Warner Bros studios listened. In a move rare for the entertainment industry, fans got their way, and Snyder got more cash to shoot more material the way he originally intended. The result is 242 minutes of superheroic goodness, with more complete backstories for the characters and entirely new scenes never before enjoyed by the hardworking fans.
Watch It If: You want to know more about The Flash and Cyborg, you’re excited to enjoy all the talk about “boxes” like it’s for the first time, and you’re trying to make up for lost time watching the smash-smash-boom-boom that we haven’t gotten over the past year with all these film delays. Oh, AND you love f-bombs. There are WAY more in this version.
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The Courier (In Theaters)
Benedict Cumberbatch in ‘The Courier’
One day, British businessman Greville Wynne (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a regular guy, and the next, he’s a Cold War spy who has no idea what he’s gotten himself into. Based on a true story, Wynne finds himself working with the CIA (Rachel Brosnahan), MI-6, and a Soviet Officer (Merab Ninidze) to potentially avoid the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Watch It If: Your day-to-day video conferences and “putting a pin in it” conversations are making you long for a higher purpose. Also recommended for fans of Benedict Cumberbatch who disappointed he didn’t show up in ‘WandaVision’ like we all expected.
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Happily (In Theaters and On Demand)
Joel McHale and Kerry Bishé in ‘Happily’
Tom (Joel McHale) and Janet (Kerry Bishé) are the kind of couple that makes everyone’s eye muscles ache from rolling skyward so much. They’re so in love and totally attracted to each other, and it doesn’t even seem to have cooled off in the years they’ve been married. Naturally their friends hate them. And when a mysterious stranger (Stephen Root) shows up, their love and loyalty is put to the test–not just for each other but to their friends. They end up with dark secrets at a retreat, surrounded by people who might want to put a stop to the lovey-dovey nonsense forever.
Watch It If: You want to discourage your spouse to ever accept social invitations ever again, and for deep cut indie comedy fans of Charlyne Yi (‘Knocked Up’, ’30 Rock’).
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Last Call (In Theaters and On Demand)
Jeremy Piven in ‘Last Call’
Jeremy Piven plays a man who has lost his zest for real estate and life in general. When he gets called back to his old neighborhood in Philly, he faces a tough decision as he reconnects with the faces from his past: does he find the energy to breathe new life into his family owned bar, or does he sell out to a land developer who wants to plop a casino there instead?
Watch It If: You’ve wondered where Piven and Jamie Kennedy have been the last couple years, and if you also struggle with reconciling the reality of the present with the memories of the past.
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Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal (Netflix)
Rick Singer, the subject of ‘Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal’
It was only a matter of time before this film was released, showing the tangled web of deceit woven by numerous parents of varying privilege to get their kids into college. Part documentary, part reenactment using actual FBI wiretaps, the film stars Matthew Modine as Rick Singer, the man who orchestrated admissions for numerous kids at Ivy league schools in exchange for payments adding up to $25 million over seven years. His method was to lie about the sports they were involved in and fake their SAT tests, and it was highly effective. It was also highly illegal, and most famously sent actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin to prison for approximately seventeen minutes.
Watch It If: You miss gossiping with the neighbors about people in the neighborhood you know are up to something, and if you want to feel smug satisfaction about your kid getting into college the old fashioned way–by putting off their essays until last minute and asking you for the application fee.
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Slaxx (Shudder)
The demonic denim in ‘Slaxx’
This is a movie about a pair of jeans that murder sales associates at a trendy jeans store. There’s nothing else you need to know.
Watch It If: You’ve spent the entire last year in comfy pajama pants and want to feel completely justified in keeping that energy going, you love tongue-in-cheek comments about capitalism veiled in bonkers premises, or at any time you’ve said “these pants are killing me.”
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Phobias (In Theaters and On Demand)
Martina García in ‘Phobias’
Produced by Radio Silence, the producers behind ‘Ready or Not,’ this film features a crazed doctor looking to weaponize fear using unethical methods (just what we need, right?). Leonardo Nam (‘Westworld’) plays one of five patients suffering from extreme phobias (his is technology) who is a caregiver for his ailing father. When he gets a shot at taking on the doctor, he and the other patients have to figure out how to manage their fear and focus on the real enemy.
Watch It If: You’re in the mood for gory horror, and you want a taste of what we might be in for with the next entry in the ‘Scream’ franchise also produced by Radio Silence.
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Still wondering what to watch? We’ve put together this playlist of all the trailers for this week’s new movies:
This fall, Kenneth Branagh returns as the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot in the latest adaptation of Agatha Christie’s iconic mystery ‘Death on the Nile.’ And in case you were wondering, yes, Branagh has also returned to direct this film after havign directed 2017’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express.’
And like Branagh’s first outing as Poirot, this new film has no shortage of stars in various roles, including Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, and Letitia Wright, just to name a few.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. Set against an epic landscape of sweeping desert vistas and the majestic Giza pyramids, this tale of unbridled passion and incapacitating jealousy features a cosmopolitan group of impeccably dressed travelers, and enough wicked twists and turns to leave audiences guessing until the final, shocking denouement. “Death on the Nile” reunites the filmmaking team behind 2017’s global hit “Murder on the Orient Express,” and stars five-time Academy Award® nominee Kenneth Branagh as the iconic detective Hercule Poirot. He is joined by an all-star cast of suspects, including: Tom Bateman, four-time Oscar® nominee Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Ali Fazal, Dawn French, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders and Letitia Wright.
‘Death on the Nile’ will open in theaters on October 23.
Gal Gadot will star as Golden Era movie star Hedy Lamarr in a new limited series for Showtime. The cable network announced the news today at the Television Critics Association summer press tour.
What was little known in her lifetime was that she also co-invented the wireless technology that formed the basis for Bluetooth and similar advancements.
“The life of Hedy Lamarr was a truly fascinating one. She stood at the forefront of many issues that challenge women and our society today,” Jana Winograde, Showtime’s Co-President of Entertainment, said in a statement. “In Gal Gadot, we have found the transcendent actress to portray the deeply complex Lamarr.”
The as-yet-untitled series is from “The Affair” creator Sarah Treem, who will executive-produce alongside Gadot, Warren Littlefield (“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Fargo:), Katie Robbins (“The Last Tycoon”) and Jaron Varsano (“My Dearest Fidel.”)
Gadot reprises her role as Diana Prince in “Wonder Woman 1984,” which is out June 5, 2020.
