Moviefone Editorial

Tag: james-remar

  • TV Review: ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’

    Bill Skarsgård in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.
    Bill Skarsgård in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.

    Arriving on HBO Max on October 22 with its first episode is ‘IT: Welcome to Derry,’ which turns the clock back to 1962 so as to explore more of the dark history of the titular town and the equally titular presence, who feeds on fear and terrorizes the locals.

    T562pgNp0DOCtF1uiWIbU1

    Developed for television by ‘IT’ filmmakers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs (‘Wonder Woman’), the show stars Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Blake Cameron James and Chris Chalk, with Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as the fearsome Pennywise.

    Related Article: Bill Skarsgård will Return as Pennywise for the ‘It’ TV Prequel

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R): Mikkal Karim-Fidler, Clara Stack and Jack Molloy Legault in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.
    (L to R): Mikkal Karim-Fidler, Clara Stack and Jack Molloy Legault
    in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.

    While prequels have been around for years, it feels like we’ve been besieged by them in recent years, especially as studios and TV networks seek to find new ways to explore established franchises.

    It’s a tough tightrope to walk –– audiences can tire of learning too much about certain characters (‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ is an example), while lazy storytelling can creep in. But refreshingly, ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ is a worthwhile addition to the canon of a story that began with Stephen King’s 1986 novel and has been most famously adapted into two big screen outings.

    Script and Direction

    Chris Chalk in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.
    Chris Chalk in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.

    ‘Welcome to Derry’, thanks to the presence of some of the filmmaking team, faithfully connects to the movies without too many overt references. The show’s plotline and characters are smartly drawn, offering layered approaches to a variety of stories, not the least of which is Taylour Paige and Jovan Adepo as Charlotte and Leroy Hanlon, the latter of whom links the townsfolk with the nearby army base and the military’s attempts to learn more about its dark secret.

    Andy Muschietti, who directed both the more recent movies, gives the show its own signature blend of everyday life and gory, bone-chilling scares.

    Cast and Performances

    Taylour Paige in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.
    Taylour Paige in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.

    It’s kudos to both the creators and the rest of the cast that the series doesn’t lean on Skarsgård’s creep-tastic Pennywise to generate its scares, at least not in his actual clown form. Paige and Adepo are both great, but the real winners are among the younger cast (including Amanda Christine and Clara Stack, who offer naturalistic work in the face of some truly terrifying set pieces.

    Final Thoughts

    Blake Cameron James in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.
    Blake Cameron James in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.

    ‘Welcome to Derry’ proves to be that rare prequel that works to enhance what has gone before, and finds interesting angles to peek into beyond even Stephen King’s source work.

    Kicking off just before Halloween, it’s ideal creepy viewing for a fall evening.

    ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ receives 82 out of 100.

    Kimberly Guerrero in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.
    Kimberly Guerrero in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.

    What’s the plot of ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’?

    The show is set in 1962, 27 years before the events of ‘IT: Chapter One’ (which updated the book’s 1957 setting to 1988). The show dives into the lore of Pennywise and the town’s horrific history, drawing heavily from the “interludes” in King’s original novel — the eerie flashbacks and historical tragedies Mike Hanlon researched as an adult.

    Who stars in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’?

    • Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon
    • Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon
    • Blake Cameron James as Will Hanlon
    • Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann
    • James Remar as General Shaw
    • Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Clown
    (L to R): Clara Stack, Amanda Christine in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.
    (L to R): Clara Stack, Amanda Christine in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’. Photo: Brooke Palmer/HBO.

    Other Movies and TV Shows in the ‘It’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘It’ Movies On Amazon

    Ws6q8sN3

  • ‘Megalopolis’ Lands U.S. Distribution with Lionsgate

    Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' is scheduled for release on September 27, 2024.
    Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ is scheduled for release on September 27, 2024.

    Preview:

    • Francis Ford Coppola has made a deal with Lionsgate to release ‘Megalopolis’.
    • The filmmaker’s passion project stars Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito and Nathalie Emmanuel.
    • Coppola poured millions of his own money into making the movie.

    Given how much time and money Francis Ford Coppola had poured into making his latest passion project, the epic known as ‘Megalopolis’, things were looking a little grim.

    Coppola, the man behind movies such as ‘The Godfather’ trilogy and ‘Apocalypse Now’ had been looking to bring ‘Megalopolis’ to life for years but hadn’t found anyone to invest fully.

    So the filmmaker went ahead and sold a chunk of his vineyard business to drum up the cash himself, tracking down a cast and getting under way.

    Then came reports of trouble on set, with effects issues and even accusations of inappropriate behavior by the director (an issue which has yet to be settled either way).

    1nuPhukkb8wD2l3hwAa35

    Finally, Coppola finished the film and screened it for potential distributors in Los Angeles, to reportedly zero interest. He scored a slot at Cannes and that has sparked wildly divisive reviews, many calling out its gonzo storytelling and performances.

    Yet after the festival screening, there has been a big turnaround in the movie’s fortunes, Coppola securing a raft of international distribution deals across the world.

    And today brings word that Lionsgate has scored a deal to distribute the movie here in the States, and to handle its home entertainment release.

    What’s the story of ‘Megalopolis’?

    Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel in 'Megalopolis'.
    (L to R) Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    The fate of Rome haunts a modern world (and a city that’s essentially an alternate New York) unable to solve its own social problems in this epic story of political ambition, genius, and conflicting interests.

    ‘Megalopolis’ essential clash is between Cesar (Adam Driver), a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare.

    Caught between the two? Franklyn’s socialite daughter and Cesar’s love interest, Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), who, tired of the influence she inherited, searches for her life’s meaning.

    Who else is in ‘Megalopolis’?

    Jon Voight as Byrne in 'The Painter.'
    Jon Voight as Byrne in ‘The Painter.’ Photo: Republic Pictures.

    Coppola has rounded up quite the ensemble for this one. Surrounding the three leads are Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, Jason Schwartzman, Kathryn Hunter, Grace VanderWaal, Chloe Fineman, James Remar, D. B. Sweeney, Isabelle Kusman, Bailey Ives, Madeleine Gardella and Dustin Hoffman.

    Related Article: Oscar-winner Jon Voight Talks ‘Mercy’ and ‘Megalopolis’

    ‘Megalopolis’ Domestic Release: Coppola Speaks

    Director Frances Ford Coppola at the 50th Anniversary of 'The Godfather' event and historic street naming ceremony the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, CA on February 22nd, 2022. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures.
    Director Frances Ford Coppola at the 50th Anniversary of ‘The Godfather’ event and historic street naming ceremony the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, CA on February 22nd, 2022. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures.

    Here’s the statement the director released about the new deal:

    “One rule of business I’ve always followed and prioritized (to my benefit) is to continue working with companies and teams who over time have proven to be good friends as well as great collaborators. This is why I am thrilled to have Adam Fogelson and Lionsgate Studios release ‘Megalopolis’. I am confident they will apply the same tender love and care given to ‘Apocalypse Now’, which is currently in its 45th year of astounding revenue and appreciation.”

    And here’s Lionsgate boss Adam Fogelson’s comment:

    “Francis is a legend. For many of us, his gifts to cinema were one of the inspirations to devote our own careers to film. It is a true privilege to work with him, and to bring this incredible, audacious, and utterly unique movie to theatrical audiences. At Lionsgate, we strive to be a home for bold and daring artists, and ‘Megalopolis’ proves there is no one more bold or daring than the maestro, Francis Ford Coppola.”

    When will ‘Megalopolis’ be in a theater near me?

    Lionsgate has set a September 27th release date for the movie.

    Al Pacino, Francis Ford Coppola and Robert De Niro
    Al Pacino, Francis Ford Coppola and Robert De Niro onstage during the 50th anniversary tribute of “The Godfather” at the live ABC telecast of the 94th Oscars® at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

    Other Francis Ford Coppola Movies:

    Buy Francis Ford Coppola Movies on Amazon

    RoXHyKq1

     

  • Bill Skarsgård to Play Pennywise for ‘It’ TV Prequel

    Bill Skarsgård in 2017's 'It'.
    Bill Skarsgård in 2017’s ‘It’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Bill Skarsgård is slapping on his Pennywise make-up again.
    • He’ll appear in the ‘It’ prequel series on Max.
    • Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo and Chris Chalk are among the cast.

    Given the success of the two ‘It’ movie adaptations, it was somehow inevitable that the story would continue somehow. And indeed, a TV prequel –– with the working title of ‘Welcome to Derry’, after the town in the movies and Stephen King’s book –– was announced as in the works last year.

    And now a key element of the movie is returning, as Bill Skarsgård is ready to head to clown town again, reprising his role as demonic entity Pennywise.

    T562pgNp0DOCtF1uiWIbU1

    What’s the story of the ‘It’ prequel?

    Bill Skarsgård in 2017's 'It'.
    Bill Skarsgård in 2017’s ‘It’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

    ‘Welcome to Derry’, or whatever it ends up being titled, is also based on King’s ‘It’ book, with the movies’ director Andy Muschietti working with producer/sister Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs (who revised the ‘It: Chapter Two’ script and was a co-producer on that movie) to devise a new story that takes place before the events of the movies. Brad Kane and Fuchs are running the show, and the cameras have been rolling since April.

    Andy Muschietti is directing four episodes of a planned nine-episode season.

    How Pennywise fits into the story remains to be seen, but we predict he’ll be up to his old tricks terrifying (and killing) people.

    Who is in the ‘It’ prequel series?

    Jovan Adepo plays Sidney Palmer in 'Babylon' from Paramount Pictures.
    Jovan Adepo plays Sidney Palmer in ‘Babylon’ from Paramount Pictures.

    The cast for the series already includes Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, and James Remar. And while Skarsgård previously indicated he wasn’t sure if he’d be involved with the series, it sounds like he was just waiting for a deal to be locked in.

    What has Skarsgård been saying about his prior Pennywise experience?

    Bill Skarsgård stars in 'John Wick: Chapter 4.'
    Bill Skarsgård stars in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’

    The actor has been talking recently about an uncomfortable early experience with the role of Pennywise, revealing that he wasn’t sure about Warner Bros.’ idea to showcase his look as the character a year before the first movie itself arrived.

    Here’s what he told Esquire:

    “When you are 26, you don’t feel young at all, but now, looking back at it, I was a kid. [The studio] did a thing that I felt was kind of mean. It was fairly early on in my career to take on something that had so many eyeballs and expectations on it. I was so incredibly nervous to start this job, and then the Internet is having so many hateful opinions on the weird, strange look of the thing.”

    Related Article: Bill Skarsgård Talks ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ and Working with Keanu Reeves

    When will the ‘It’ prequel series be on screens?

    While HBO/Max haven’t confirmed an exact launch date for the series, it should be on TV in 2025 (surely nearer Halloween since that feels like the right time for an ‘It’ project).

    Bill Skarsgård in 2017's 'It'.
    Bill Skarsgård in 2017’s ‘It’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

    Other Movies and TV Shows in the ‘It’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘It’ Movies On Amazon

    fUNE0Oab

  • Shia LaBeouf Joins ‘Megalopolis’

    Shia LaBeouf in 2019's 'Honey Boy.'
    Shia LaBeouf in 2019’s ‘Honey Boy.’

    At lot of recent headlines around Shia LaBeouf have not been positive. There have been the ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ exchanges leaked between LaBeouf and director Olivia Wilde, leading to a she-said, Shia-said story about why he left the movie – she claims she fired him; he argues that he left because there wasn’t enough rehearsal time.

    Then there’s his mea culpa on both his abusive treatment of ex-girlfriend, musician FKA Twigs and his admission that his based-on-truth tale ‘Honey Boy’ about his younger days and his troubled relationship with his father was not based on so much truth as he claimed.

    Still, he’s looking to get his career back on track and scored a big new job. He’ll be one of the leads in Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’, according to Giant Freakin’ Robot.

    The director’s passion project, a hugely ambitious movie he’s been trying to bring to life for 20 years, is crawling towards reality. After a false start or two, he recently locked in Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Forest Whittaker, Jon Voight, and Laurence Fishburne for the cast.

    Alongside LaBeouf, Coppola has also added the likes of Talia Shire (Coppola’s sister) Jason Schwartzman (Shire’s son), Grace Vanderwaal, Kathryn Hunter and James Remar.

    Jason Schwartzman in 1998's 'Rushmore.'
    Jason Schwartzman in 1998’s ‘Rushmore.’

    Strict story details are sketchy, but the logline is equally ambitious: The fate of Rome haunts a modern world unable to solve its own social problems in this epic story of political ambition, genius, and conflicting interests. To be a little clearer on that, it’ll focus on political and social wrangling in a giant city (modeled on, or even actually, New York) looking to rebuild after a disaster.

    The quest to make this one has consumed Coppola in recent years, and he’s pouring a lot of his own money into making the movie. With a budget in the region of $100 million, it’s a project that has seen backers come and go, but he’s finally setting up a shoot for the fall.

    Speaking to Deadline, Coppola outlined why he’s really making this movie. What would make me really happy? It’s not winning a lot of Oscars because I already have a lot and maybe more than I deserve. And it’s not that I make a lot of money, although I think over time it will make a lot of money because anything that the people keep looking at and finding new things, that makes money,” he says.

    Coppola adds: “So somewhere down the line, way after I’m gone, all I want is for them to discuss ‘Megalopolis’ and, is the society we’re living in the only one available to us? How can we make it better? Education, mental health? What the movie really is proposing is that utopia is not a place. It’s how can we make everything better? Every year, come up with two, three or four ideas that make it better. I would be smiling in my grave if I thought something like that happened, because people talk about what movies really mean if you give them something.”

    ‘Megalopolis’ has yet to set a release date. As for LaBeouf, he’ll next be seen in Abel Ferrara’s ‘Padre Pio’, due for its debut at the Venice Film Festival’s Venice Days section.

    Director Frances Ford Coppola at the 50th Anniversary of 'The Godfather' event and historic street naming ceremony the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, CA on February 22nd, 2022. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures.
    Director Frances Ford Coppola at the 50th Anniversary of ‘The Godfather’ event and historic street naming ceremony the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, CA on February 22nd, 2022. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures.
    3oi211UuUE5N7TR5hHvbu1