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  • ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 Interview: Ayelet Zurer

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    SPOILERS BELOW!!!

    Streaming on Disney+ is ‘Daredevil: Born Again‘ Season 2, which stars Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock / Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk / Kingpin.

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    Episode 5, ‘The Grand Design’, which began streaming on April 14th saw the tragic death of Fisk’s beloved wife Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer) at the hands of Benjamin “Dex” Poindexter / Bullseye (Wilson Bethel).

    Ayelet Zurer stars in Marvel Television's 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2.
    Ayelet Zurer stars in Marvel Television’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2.

    Moviefone recently had a chance to speak with actress Ayelet Zurer about her work on ‘Daredevil: Born Again’, Vanessa’s death, leaving the show, what playing the character has meant to her, Vanessa’s relationship with Wilson, what will happen to him now that she is gone, working with Vincent D’Onofrio and the rest of the cast, the reaction from the fans, and if we might see the actress appear in a flashback in the future.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews.

    Related Article: Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio Talk Disney+’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer) in Marvel Television's 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jojo Whilden. © 2026 MARVEL.
    Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer) in Marvel Television’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jojo Whilden. © 2026 MARVEL.

    Moviefone: To begin with, when did you learn of Vanessa’s death and what was it like filming her final scenes?

    Ayelet Zurer: I got some calls. I was parking my car, and I got a call from Dario (Scardapane) first and then Vincent. We discussed and they wanted me to know where the season is going and how they’re going to take it. It was brutal at first, but at the same time, I really understood why they needed it to really pull all the guns and make this season explosive, and they succeeded. Then, through the season, we had a lot of emotions because we knew every single scene will be maybe the last scene doing that, and we’ll never have that again. So, it was emotional in some ways, and I think it gave another layer to the whole thing. Then obviously, the last two episodes were brutal. It was fun but I was so emotional.

    MF: What has it meant to you personally to be a part of this series and to play this character and what are you going to miss most about playing Vanessa?

    AZ: I really love her journey, I have to say. I love the journey from ‘Daredevil’ the Netflix show where she’s just a person who’s meeting this man and falling in love with that extremist and saying to him that she’s intrigued by his brutality. Moving away from it, but then moving back into it, and then committing to it, and them having that deal of loyalty for truth, which keeps them together. Then lending that into season 1 of ‘Born Again’, where she’s the boss, she’s matured into that part, and she is now that seasoned woman who’s running the show. Also, the emotional complication between them because he left and what does that mean, loyalty for truth? Because that’s always been the theme for them. Then into this season where she’s realizing that she might not be enough and nothing will be enough for him, really. Power is never enough. Control is not going to be enough. So, I think something breaks inside of her, but at the same time, she’s staying loyal and very protective of him all the way until coming to where she’s not invited to be, to take aim, and to possibly take the bullet. She’s not taking a bullet, but she’s taking something else and going down. So, I think the arc of it all really plays so well and it’s just such a beautiful character, I think. It’s very poetic in my perspective and I’m happy for completion. It’s completed with a bow on top.

    (L to R) Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer) and Wilson Fisk / Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) in Marvel Television's 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jojo Whilden. © 2026 MARVEL.
    (L to R) Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer) and Wilson Fisk / Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) in Marvel Television’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jojo Whilden. © 2026 MARVEL.

    MF: Can you talk about Wilson and Vanessa’s relationship, and now that there is no one to hold him back, what do you think the future of New York City will look like with Fisk as Mayor without Vanessa by his side?

    AZ: Brutal. He’s going to explode, for sure. I think the audience will be expecting that to happen. I think in a way, subconsciously, because Vincent is playing big, and is large, and he’s also energetically big, and Vanessa is constrained. Her energy is very centered, and that together was balancing each other. So now, one power without the other to balance it is going to be explosive.

    MF: What has it been like working with Vincent D’Onofrio to create their relationship on screen?

    AZ: I mean, I love him to death. He is a friend. I think we created a relationship/friendship that is similar in some ways to the relationship of our characters in the sense that we have this loyalty and he’s always very protective of me. No matter what was going on. If there was a need for protection, he was always there. So, I will always remember that when thinking of him. I also think he’s a phenomenal actor. We worked well together. I think our chemistry together was profound and became easier with the years. It was so smooth, the listening and the reaction. It was great. I’m going to miss that.

    (L to R) Governor Marge McCaffrey (Lili Taylor), Wilson Fisk / Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), and Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer) in Marvel Television's 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jojo Whilden. © 2026 MARVEL.
    (L to R) Governor Marge McCaffrey (Lili Taylor), Wilson Fisk / Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), and Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer) in Marvel Television’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jojo Whilden. © 2026 MARVEL.

    MF: In addition to Vincent and of course Charlie, you also got to work with new cast members Lili Taylor and Matthew Lillard this season. What was it like for you to have scenes with them?

    AZ: It was amazing. Lily is amazing. First, she’s brilliant. She’s funny, she’s smart, and she’s everything you would expect her to be. I think she’s a great casting in that specific role. Of course, Charlie has been doing an amazing job on this show, making it so real, down to earth, and so connected. Both Charlie and Vincent were always on top of the writing as well. They were always contributing, so I think that’s also something that’s really elevated the show in a way. I mean, everything is elevating the show. You have an amazing cast on that show, you really do.

    MF: While being very entertaining, the show also deals with some serious subject matter. What has it been like for you to have a chance to explore some of those themes in this series?

    AZ: Yes, the themes are interesting. The themes of what is good and what is bad? The mask you wear in life, and when you take off the mask, who are you? Faith, and love, I mean, it’s endless. I think it’s a beautifully poetic show in that sense.

    (L to R) Wilson Fisk / Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer), and Mr. Charles (Matthew Lillard) in Marvel Television's 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jojo Whilden. © 2026 MARVEL.
    (L to R) Wilson Fisk / Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio), Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer), and Mr. Charles (Matthew Lillard) in Marvel Television’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jojo Whilden. © 2026 MARVEL.

    MF: What has your experience been like starring on a Marvel series and were you surprised by the fan’s reaction to the show?

    AZ: Wow, the fan reaction is amazing. I’ve never seen something so intensely loyal from the fans. It’s so interesting to see. I’ve never done this thing where you watch people watch the show. It’s kind of mind boggling, but I sort of became addicted to that because I am so intrigued by how they perceive certain things. So, I watch that sometimes and it’s so interesting. To be honest, the fans brought the show back in a way. They did. I mean, I will never forget the massive posters in New York saying, “Bring back ‘Daredevil’.” I think that loyalty is an outcome of a good show that really deals with some intriguing themes regarding humanity. But also knows how to have fun at the same time. It’s like the action is entertaining. It’s beautifully shot. The cinematographers and the directors on that shows are so talented. I’m going to miss this whole thing.

    MF: Finally, now that Vanessa is gone, does that mean you will never appear on the show again or is there a chance you could return in a flashback some day?

    AZ: I think the fans must ask for that. It comes down to that, really. But you never know.

    (L to R) Wilson Fisk / Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) and Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer) in Marvel Television's 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jojo Whilden. © 2026 MARVEL.
    (L to R) Wilson Fisk / Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) and Vanessa Fisk (Ayelet Zurer) in Marvel Television’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jojo Whilden. © 2026 MARVEL.

    What is the plot of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2?

    The second season sees Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) hunting Daredevil (Charlie Cox). Murdock goes underground and gathers allies to resist Fisk’s corruption and his Anti-Vigilante Task Force (AVTF).

    What is in the cast of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2?

    'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2 is available on Disney+.
    ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 is available on Disney+.

    Movies and TV Shows Featuring Characters in ‘Daredevil: Born Again:’

    Buy Ayelet Zurer Movies On Amazon

     

  • Eighth ‘Scream’ Movie in Development at Spyglass

    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream 7.' © 2025 Paramount Pictures. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.”.
    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream 7.’ © 2025 Paramount Pictures. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.”.

    Preview:

    • ‘Scream 8’ is in development.
    • Lilla and Nora Zuckerman are writing the script.
    • Production company Spyglass is backing the project.

    While the reviews were decidedly mixed, the most recent ‘Scream’ outing –– this past February’s ‘Scream 7’, which saw original writer Kevin Williamson direct for the first time –– has defied expectations and surged to more than $200 million at the global box office, a record for the venerable horror thriller franchise.

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    It’s perhaps not surprising to learn, then, via a report on Deadline, that writing siblings Lilla and Nora Zuckerman, who worked ‘Poker Face’ are aboard to crank out the first draft.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Scream 7’

    What’s the story of ‘Scream 8’?

    Neve Campbell stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream 7.'
    Neve Campbell stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream 7.’

    Nothing is known about the new ‘Scream’ just yet. ‘Scream 7’ saw the return of Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott, who had to battle against more terror from a Ghost Face killer while also struggling to protect her family.

    There’s a strong chance Sidney might return for the eighth film, and let’s not forget that Courteney Cox has played journalist Gale Weathers in every entry of the franchise.

    When will ‘Scream 8’ be on screens?

    Neither Spyglass nor regular studio Paramount has said anything about a release date for the new movie –– but we’d presume it’ll take a couple of years.

    (L to R) Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream 7.'
    (L to R) Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream 7.’

    Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Scream’ franchise:

    Buy ‘Scream’ Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Scream 7’

    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream 7'. © 2025 Paramount Pictures. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved..
    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream 7’. © 2025 Paramount Pictures. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved..

    Opening in theaters on February 27 is ‘Scream 7,’ directed by Kevin Williamson and starring Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Isabel May, Joel McHale, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Anna Camp, Timothy Simons, Mason Gooding, Mckenna Grace, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard, and Roger L. Jackson.

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    Related Article: ‘Scream 7’ to Bring David Arquette Back as Dewey Riley for the Latest Installment

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream 7.'
    (L to R) Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream 7.’

    Following the divisive ‘Scream VI’ and the controversy that erupted after the firing of star Melissa Barrera from the series, the 30-year-old franchise has gone for the nostalgia gold with ‘Scream 7,’ which sees the return of original star Neve Campbell and original writer Kevin Williamson, who now also directs.

    But any spark from their return to the franchise is not evident in this tired, often dull, and borderline nonsensical entry. If anything, ‘Scream 7’ proves that the franchise has become what it once poked fun at, a horror brand running on fumes and a convoluted legacy that it forgets when necessary. It’s time for Ghostface to hang up the mask and robe.

    Story and Direction

    (L to R) Neve Campbell, and Director Kevin Williamson on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream 7.'
    (L to R) Neve Campbell, and Director Kevin Williamson on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream 7.’

    ‘Scream 7’ begins with the now-standard opening set piece, in which a young couple (Jimmy Tatro and Michelle Randolph) who come to spend the night at a ‘Macher Murder House Experience’ end up sliced, diced, and roasted by the new Ghostface. The sequence is well-staged and the ‘Murder House’ idea clever – but it’s dropped immediately thereafter.

    We then move on to the town of Pine Grove, where founding ‘Scream’ heroine Sidney Prescott, now Evans (Campbell), is living a quiet life with her police chief husband (Joel McHale) and her teenage daughter Tatum (Isabel May), the latter of which she has a strained relationship with. It isn’t very long, however, before Sidney gets a call from the new Ghostface – and alarmingly, a video call as well, in which the killer appears to be the allegedly dead Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard), one of the original Ghostface murderers from the first ‘Scream.’

    Sidney, her family, and some of her daughter’s friends are attacked, but the initial assault ends up being something of a diversionary tactic before the real games begin. Pine Grove goes into lockdown and a few old friends return as Ghostface begins mowing down everyone around Sidney and targeting both her and Tatum for death.

    (L to R) Isabel May, and Director Kevin Williamson, on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream 7.'
    (L to R) Isabel May, and Director Kevin Williamson, on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream 7.’

    From this rather thin narrative, ‘Scream 7’ spins out a few ideas about AI and Hollywood’s endless thirst for nostalgia, only to do little with them. The same goes for the cast: while Campbell is a welcome presence of course, the rest of the ensemble is a bland cluster of actors who stand around waiting to get killed or looking suspicious. Speaking of which, we guessed who was behind the Ghostface killings pretty early on, but that doesn’t stop the finale – including the revelation of the killers – from being perhaps the weakest of the entire franchise, with motivations that don’t even make much sense capping a third act that tosses away almost all story logic.

    References to earlier entries abound, including ‘Scream VI,’ and two characters from that film show up just to let us know that the franchise is not going to pretend that that NYC-based adventure never happened. But regardless, everything here has a detectable lack of energy, and both cast and filmmakers seem to largely go through the motions. Some of the kills are gleefully sadistic and creatively staged, but those and, again, Campbell’s return are about the only bright spots we can find.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) McKenna Grace, Celeste O'Connor and Isabel May star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream 7.'
    (L to R) McKenna Grace, Celeste O’Connor and Isabel May star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream 7.’

    As we said, Neve Campbell’s return is a welcome one; she has an earthy, no-nonsense attitude that grounds her performance. But even she has trouble keeping her energy up, especially during some of the film’s tedious dialogue sequences, with most of her real fire coming in the confrontations with Ghostface. It doesn’t help that the younger, newer cast members around her don’t really get the chance to display much personality.

    As for Courteney Cox, the franchise’s other longstanding charter member shows up during the second act and mostly disappears for the third – while we appreciate that this is a Sidney-centric story, it’s too bad Gale doesn’t have more to do. Other legacy cast members in the film – most of which have been made public, like David Arquette and Scott Foley – are really just rolled out in service of the nostalgia that the film ostensibly wants to satirize.

    Final Thoughts

    Neve Campbell stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream 7.'
    Neve Campbell stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream 7.’

    Kevin Williamson returns to the ‘Scream’ saga for the first time since 2011’s well-regarded ‘Scream 4,’ but he and co-writer Guy Busick don’t seem to have anything new to deploy this time (it would have been interesting to see what ‘Happy Death Day’ writer/director Christopher Landon, who left the first version of ‘Scream 7’ after Barrera was fired and Jenna Ortega departed, might have done with the mythos). As a visualist he’s not that savvy here either: much of the film is shrouded in darkness that makes it hard to see the strikingly plentiful gore.

    Those gruesome effects, the flashy murders, and Campbell may all be enough to draw both ‘Scream’ diehards and casual fans back to the theater, but it’s not enough to creatively sustain a franchise that has all but abandoned the rules and underlying premise that once made it seem revolutionary. After seven films, it’s time for ‘Scream’ to let silence reign.

    ‘Scream 7’ receives a score of 40 out of 100.

    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream 7.' Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.
    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream 7.’ Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.

    What is the plot of ‘Scream 7’?

    Sidney Prescott has built a new life for herself in the quiet town of Pine Grove, Indiana, until a new Ghostface killer begins to target her daughter Tatum, forcing her to face her past and end the killings once and for all.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Scream 7’?

    • Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott
    • Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers
    • Isabel May as Tatum Evans
    • Joel McHale as Mark Evans
    • Jasmin Savoy Brown as Mindy Meeks-Martin
    • Mason Gooding as Chad Meeks-Martin
    • Anna Camp as Jessica Bowden
    • Asa Germann as Lucas Bowden
    • Sam Rechner as Ben Brown
    • Mckenna Grace as Hannah Turman
    • Celeste O’Connor as Chloe Parker
    • Timothy Simons as Mr. Willis
    • Jimmy Tatro as Scott
    • Michelle Randolph as Madison
    • Matthew Lillard as Stu Macher
    • David Arquette as Dewey Riley
    • Roger L. Jackson as the voice of Ghostface
    'Scream 7' opens in theaters on February 27th.
    ‘Scream 7’ opens in theaters on February 27th.

    Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Scream’ franchise:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Scream 7’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘Scream’ Movies on Amazon

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  • Will Arnett Replacing David Harbour in ‘Behemoth!’

    (Left) Will Arnett at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes®, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Francis Specker/CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Right) David Harbour from 'Thunderbolts' at D23 Expo 2022.
    (Left) Will Arnett at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes®, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Francis Specker/CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Right) David Harbour from ‘Thunderbolts’ at D23 Expo 2022.

    Preview:

    • Will Arnett is joining Tony Gilroy’s drama ‘Behemoth!’
    • He replaces David Harbour, who left the film for personal reasons.
    • Olivia Wilde, Eva Victor and Matthew Lillard are also in the movie.

    ‘Andor’ creator Tony Gilroy has had to make a change to his new dramatic movie.

    Following word that David Harbour has departed the cast of ‘Behemoth!’ for unknown reasons (though part of it might have been exhaustion following the mammoth ‘Stranger Things’ press tour), Deadline reports that Will Arnett (‘Is This Thing On?’) has quickly been brought in to replace him.

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    We don’t know what role Arnett will be playing in the film, though apparently the amount to be reshot is minimal and the movie is still expected to wrap its production in the coming weeks.

    Related Article: Pedro Pascal in Talks to Star in ‘Behemoth!’ for ‘Andor’s Tony Gilroy

    What’s the story of ‘Behemoth!’?

    (L to R) Tony Gilroy and Diego Luna on the set of Lucasfilm's 'Andor', exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Tony Gilroy and Diego Luna on the set of Lucasfilm’s ‘Andor’, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    The cast of ‘Behemoth!’ is already full of names, including Pedro Pascal, Olivia Wilde, Eva Victor, Matthew Lillard, Margarita Levieva and Alexa Swinton.

    While both Pascal and Gilroy –– thanks to their work in the ‘Star Wars’ galaxy –– are used to secrecy, this one is wrapped in even further layers of mystery. But a few details have emerged.

    Gilroy has said in the past that it’ll focus on a cellist who moves back to Los Angeles and decides to make music for movies. The film explores why he came back and why he went away, delivered in a nonlinear, music-driven structure.

    The whole movie is told through music cues, which trigger flashbacks spanning the last 20 years.

    Oscar Isaac had been attached to the main role, but his busy schedule meant that he recently had to drop out. Ironically, Pascal, who might be one of the other busiest actors on the planet, had free time.

    What else is Will Arnett working on?

    Will Arnett stars in 'Is This Thing On?' Photo by Searchlight Pictures/Jason McDonald/ Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.
    Will Arnett stars in ‘Is This Thing On?’ Photo by Searchlight Pictures/Jason McDonald/ Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

    Arnett has been drawing some awards buzz for his role in Bradley Cooper’s ‘Is This Thing On?’ though has so far not scored any trophies.

    He has a small recurring role on ‘The Morning Show’ and variety of projects in development, including TV series ‘Fish Out of Water’ and ‘Temporary Humans.’

    When will ‘Behemoth!’ be in theaters?

    Searchlight hasn’t yet said when ‘Behemoth!’ will arrive on its release schedule; the switch between actors is not expected to impact the timing since what needed to be re-shot was relatively small.

    Will Arnett stars in 'Is This Thing On?' Photo by Searchlight Pictures/Jason McDonald/ Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.
    Will Arnett stars in ‘Is This Thing On?’ Photo by Searchlight Pictures/Jason McDonald/ Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

    Selected Movies Featuring Will Arnett:

    Buy Will Arnett Movies and TV on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Five Nights At Freddy’s 2’

    Toy Freddy in 'Five Nights at Freddy’s 2', directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Toy Freddy in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Opening in theaters on December 5, ‘Five Nights At Freddy’s 2‘ is the second film in the franchise based on the popular video games which stars Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Mckenna Grace, and Matthew Lillard.

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    Related Article: San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Full Panel Report

    Initial Thoughts

    Withered Chica in 'Five Nights at Freddy’s 2', directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Withered Chica in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    One of the biggest issues with ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s‘ was that it had a hard time delivering on the scares while giving the long-time fans the lore drops and Easter eggs that they wanted. Many newcomers to the franchise ended up feeling alienated and like they needed to research in order to fully understand what was happening. This time around, Blumhouse was sure to make a movie that everyone could enjoy, no matter how much they know about the Freddy’s games, books, and comics. They also did not hold back when it comes to the scares, offering up a truly terrifying film at times.

    Story and Direction

    (L to R) Josh Hutcherson and Director Emma Tammi on the set of 'Five Nights at Freddy’s 2'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    (L to R) Josh Hutcherson and Director Emma Tammi on the set of ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ is a tall order for director Emma Tammi and writer/creator Scott Cawthon, especially when you consider what a massive fan base this franchise has. There are many things that need to be done right, but it is a delicate balance to make sure that newcomers are able to understand the story without leaving feeling confused and frustrated. This movie pulls that off tenfold.

    'Five Nights at Freddy’s 2', directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Now that the groundwork has been laid with the previous film, ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ is able to hit the ground running from the start – and it never lets up. The story moves at a fast, but digestible, pace. It never wastes its time and it crams in a lot of Easter Eggs from the games that will have long-time fans jumping up and down in their seats. At the same time, it goes harder in terms of scares. There are multiple, perfectly timed, jump scares and the new villain is downright creepy.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Abby (Piper Rubio), Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) in' Five Nights at Freddy’s 2', directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    (L to R) Abby (Piper Rubio), Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) in’ Five Nights at Freddy’s 2′, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    While the animatronics are not only cool to look at, but extremely impressive, if the human aspect of these films doesn’t work, the movie falls apart. Josh Hutcherson once again proves why he is a great lead actor. He is a very important part of the story, essentially being the eyes and ears for the audience, and portraying the character that everyone plays in the video games. His chemistry with Piper Rubio, who plays Abby, is not only believable, it is unmatched.

    Piper Rubio has a lot of ground to cover in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’. She plays a very important role and does so brilliantly. Abby’s is Mike’s younger sister and both Hutcherson and Rubio do a wonderful job of showcasing that, rather than making it feel like a father-daughter relationship.

    Elizabeth Lail in 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Elizabeth Lail in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Without giving too much away, this script gives Elizabeth Lail a lot to chew on, right from the first moment we see her. Considering that she is William Afton’s (Matthew Lillard) daughter, it should come as no surprise that she has a lot of trauma to deal with. She delivers a stellar performance, especially in that final scene.

    Mckenna Grace doesn’t have a lot of screentime, but when she is on screen, she steals the show.

    Final Thoughts

    Matthew Lillard in 'Five Nights at Freddy’s 2', directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Matthew Lillard in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ gives fans exactly what they want, without making newcomers feel like they have no idea what is going on. This movie is equal parts scary and entertaining. The animatronics are nothing less than impressive and while certain characters could have used more time on screen (looking at you Skeet Ulrich) it was all for a good reason.

    There is a massive cliffhanger at the end of the movie that will have viewers begging for more. Of course, there is also a tease at the mid-credit point and at the end of the credits. While Blumhouse has not announced a third film, it would be pretty shocking if a ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 3’ isn’t greenlit.

    ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ receives 80 out of 100.

    (L to R) Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio and Josh Hutcherson in 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    (L to R) Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio and Josh Hutcherson in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    What is the plot of ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’?

    One year since the supernatural nightmare at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, the stories about what transpired there have been twisted into a campy local legend, inspiring the town’s first ever Fazfest. With the truth about what transpired kept from her, Abby sneaks out to reconnect with Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy, setting into motion a terrifying series of events that will reveal dark secrets about the true origin of Freddy’s, and unleash a long-forgotten horror hidden away for decades.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’?

    • Josh Hutcherson as Mike
    • Elizabeth Lail as Vanessa
    • Piper Rubio as Abby
    • Matthew Lillard as William Afton
    • Mckenna Grace as Lisa
    • Teo Briones as Alex
    • Theodus Crane as Jeremiah
    • Freddy Carter as Michael
    • Skeet Ulrich as Henry Emily
    Elizabeth Lail in 'Five Nights at Freddy’s 2', directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Elizabeth Lail in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Selected Blumhouse Movies:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Blumhouse Movies On Amazon

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  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Panel

    Toy Freddy in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. © Universal Pictures.
    Toy Freddy in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. © Universal Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Blumhouse brought ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ to San Diego Comic-Con.
    • Stars Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail and Matthew Lillard were in attendance.
    • Footage was screened for fans.

    The first adaptation of cult horror video game ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ was a big hit for Universal and Blumhouse (and became the highest-grossing horror title of 2023), so naturally, a sequel is on the way.

    And Team Blumhouse brought actors Josh Hutcherson, Teo Briones, Piper Rubio, and Theodus Crane alongside director Emma Tammi and producer/Blumhouse boss Jason Blum to this year’s San Diego Comic-Con to talk up the new movie.

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    ‘Five Night’s at Freddy’s 2’ faces plenty of pressure to deliver, especially in light of recent disappointments such as ‘M3GAN 2.0’. But the enthusiasm for this one certainly appears high.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s

    What’s the story of ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’?

    (L to R)Abby (Piper Rubio), Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Studios.
    (L to R)Abby (Piper Rubio), Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Studios.

    One year has passed since the supernatural nightmare at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. The stories about what transpired there have been twisted into a campy local legend, inspiring the town’s first ever Fazfest.

    Former security guard Mike (Hutcherson) and police officer Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) have kept the truth from Mike’s 11-year-old sister, Abby (Piper Rubio), concerning the fate of her animatronic friends.

    But when Abby sneaks out to reconnect with Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy, it will set into motion a terrifying series of events, revealing dark secrets about the true origin of Freddy’s, and unleashing a long–forgotten horror hidden away for decades.

    What happened at the ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Comic-Con panel?

    (L to R) Josh Hutcherson and Director Emma Tammi on the set of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. Photo: Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Studios.
    (L to R) Josh Hutcherson and Director Emma Tammi on the set of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. Photo: Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Studios.

    With Tammi and Blum taking the stage first, Tammi offered up word that we can expect more than three times the amount of animatronics this time around.

    Briones plays a new character, named Alex, who is a videographer with web show about paranormal activity. He’ll get more than he bargains for!

    Rubio’s Abby has developed an interest in robotics since her encounters with Freddy and co. last time. She’s lonely, and has no friends to talk to… So she makes some.

    As for Hutcherson’s Mike, he’s still trying to live something close to a normal life. This is what the actor had to say:

    “Mike and Abby went through a lot… Mike is just wanting to get back to somewhat of a normal life, but that just can’t happen in the ‘Freddy’s’ world. Mike is in a way, trying to fake it till you make it without fully working through all that stuff that happened, and then it happens to him again! Poor Mike.”

    Skeet Ulrich is also in the cast for the new movie, and he arrived on stage. He had this to say about his character:

    “I play somebody with a very particular and specific past and somebody with a very deep emotional tie to what’s going on.”

    Blum, for his part, promises that if audiences embrace the new movie as much as the first, he and his team are excited to make a third.

    When will ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ be in theaters?

    The sequel will be scaring up more animatronic horror on December 5th.

    Withered Chica in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. © Universal Pictures.
    Withered Chica in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. © Universal Pictures.

    Selected Blumhouse Movies:

    Buy Blumhouse Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘The Life of Chuck’ Interview: Tom Hiddleston

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    List of Mike Flanagan Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Mike Flanagan Movies on Amazon

     

  • David Arquette Returning for ‘Scream 7’

    David Arquette in Paramount Pictures "Scream." Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    David Arquette in Paramount Pictures “Scream.” Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Preview:

    • David Arquette will be back as Dewey Riley ‘Scream 7.’
    • He is returning in a “surprise” way.
    • Original writer Kevin Williamson is directing.

    From the sounds of it, legacy will be a heavy theme in ‘Scream 7.’ Not that the more recent outings of the franchise haven’t carried that, featuring younger relatives of some of the classic characters.

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    But the new entry in the franchise, currently being shot by original writer Kevin Williamson in Georgia, has yet another link to the past, with Deadline reporting that David Arquette is back.

    Arquette, of course starred as fan-favorite Deputy Dewey Riley, who first appears in the franchise’s original ‘Scream’ film as the older brother of Tatum Riley (Rose McGowan) and the clumsy police deputy trying to help solve the murders in their town of Woodsboro focused on Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell).

    Tatum was the fifth victim of the Woodsboro Murders serial killers, which affected Dewey immensely.

    Dewey, who also appeared in the other three original ‘Scream’ movies, eventually got his happy ever after, marrying Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers, though the pair were revealed to have divorced in the years leading up to 2022’s ‘Scream’ reboot, which continued the story.

    Related Article: ‘Scream 7’: Matthew Lillard and Scott Foley to Return for New Movie

    (L to R) David Arquette and Courteney Cox in Paramount Pictures "Scream."
    (L to R) David Arquette and Courteney Cox in Paramount Pictures “Scream.”

    And to add insult to injury (actually, more like fatal stabbing injury to insult), Dewey is slaughtered by Ghostface (in this case, with Amber Freeman, played by Mikey Madison, in the disguise) in that film.

    Yet we can now add him to the list of characters who will return in some reportedly “surprise” way following word of Matthew Lillard (Stu) and Scott Foley (Roman Bridger) coming back.

    Both Stu and Roman were revealed in their respective films to be lurking under the Ghostface disguise (Stu working with Skeet Ulrich’s Billy Loomis) and trying to off Sidney. And both –– spoiler alert in case this is your introduction to the ‘Scream’ movie series –– are dead, Stu at the hands (and a handy TV to the head) of Sid and Roman shot by Dewey in ‘Scream 3.’

    Still, we’ve seen ‘Scream’ characters return before; Billy himself shows up as a ghostly presence advising Melissa Barrera’s Sam Carpenter in ‘Scream VI.’

    Campbell is back as Sid alongside fellow stalwart Cox, plus Mason Gooding as Chad Meeks-Martin and Jasmin Savoy Brown as Mindy Meeks-Martin, as well as newcomers Isabel May, Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, Mckenna Grace, Sam Rechner and Anna Camp.

    What’s the story of ‘Scream 7’?

    Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's "Scream."
    Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.”

    There are no details yet on what the latest film will feature, though given that Campbell is back as Prescott and May is playing her daughter, you know it’ll factor into their family.

    One other element of that? The fact that Sidney is now married to a man named Mark Evans, who it was recently revealed, will be played by Joel McHale.

    What has happened with ‘Scream 7’ so far?

    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    To this point, the development of the next ‘Scream’ installment has been more trouble than a scorned lover throwing on a cloak and a Ghostface mask to hunt their friends.

    Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett effectively rebooted the ‘Scream’ franchise with 2002’s ‘Scream’ and followed it up with this year’s ‘Scream VI’, opted to move on after their second effort, choosing instead to make vampire movie ‘Abigail’, which arrived this year.

    Production company Spyglass Media Group found a suitable replacement in Christopher Landon, who previously directed the ‘Happy Death Day’ movies and ‘Freaky’, but then things started to go wrong.

    Melissa Barrera fired from ‘Scream VII’

    (L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    (L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    Melissa Barrera was dropped from the franchise for social media posts supporting Palestine in the tragic, ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

    While calling for a cease fire in the conflict might not seem all that controversial, some of the reposts on Barrera’s Instagram account have edged over into potentially troubling opinions.

    ‘Scream’ production company Spyglass issued a statement on the situation:

    “Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”

    That was followed by word that her co-star, Jenna Ortega, would not then be returning fir the new movie. Ortega’s departure was chalked up to schedule clashes with Season 2 of Netflix hit series ‘Wednesday’, and indeed the decision was reportedly made months before Barrera’s statement and subsequent firing. The timing, though, remains somewhat suspicious.

    With his main stars absent, Landon also quit the movie, citing that it had become a nightmare in development.

    Neve Campbell talks ‘Scream’ return

    Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's "Scream."
    Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.”

    Here’s what Campbell had to say on the news of her return:

    “I’m very happy and proud to say I’ve been asked, in the most respectful way, to bring Sidney back to the screen and I couldn’t be more thrilled!!! Well actually I could. While I’ve been so incredibly lucky to make these films with both the master of horror Wes Craven and the wonderfully talented Matt and Tyler team, I’ve dreamt for many years of how amazing it would be to make one of these movies with Kevin Williamson at the helm. And now it’s happening, Kevin Williamson is going to direct ‘Scream 7’! This was his baby and it’s his brilliant mind that dreamt up this world. Kevin is not just an inspiration as an artist but has been a dear friend for many years.”

    You can read her full Instagram post here:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Neve Campbell (@nevecampbell)

    Where else have we seen David Arquette?

    David Arquette in Paramount Pictures "Scream." Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    David Arquette in Paramount Pictures “Scream.” Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Arquette has been appearing mostly in indie movies since 2022’s ‘Scream’ outing, including the likes of ‘The Good Half,’ and ‘The Unholy Trinity.’ He has a couple of films awaiting release days, such as ‘Mob Cops’ and ‘Chuck Hank and the San Diego Twins.’

    When will ‘Scream 7’ be in theaters?

    ‘Scream 7’ will release in theaters worldwide via Paramount Pictures on February 27th, 2026.

    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.' © 2022 Paramount Pictures. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.
    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’ © 2022 Paramount Pictures. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.

    Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Scream’ franchise:

    Buy ‘Scream’ Movies on Amazon

    0z9EbEVy

  • Matthew Lillard Joins ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    Matthew Lillard on Prime Video's 'Bosch' season 2. Credit: Aaron Epstein. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Matthew Lillard on Prime Video’s ‘Bosch’ season 2. Credit: Aaron Epstein. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    Preview:

    • Matthew Lillard is joining ‘Daredevil: Born Again.’
    • His unknown character will first appear in Season 2.
    • Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio star in the show.

    The first season of the latest Disney/Marvel offering for Disney+, ‘Daredevil: Born Again,’ is only just about to launch on the streaming service, yet plans are already in place for Season Two.

    In actual fact, a two-season order has been the idea for some time now (more on that below).

    And according to Deadline, we now know at least one person who will join the cast when the second season kicks off shooting this week, as Matthew Lillard is aboard the show.

    Quite what he’ll be doing in the ‘Daredevil’ universe is a mystery for now –– in keeping with usual behavior, neither Marvel nor Disney would be drawn on who he is playing.

    Current speculation is leaning towards some comic book villains, though as ever with the MCU series, there’s a world of possibilities, and chances are even if he plays someone who has popped up in the Marvel pages, the screen version could be quite different.

    Related Article: Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio Talk Disney+’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    What’s the story of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’?

    (L to R) Daredevil/Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) and Kingpin/Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio) in Marvel Television's 'Daredevil: Born Again', exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Giovanni Rufino. © 2024 Marvel.
    (L to R) Daredevil/Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) and Kingpin/Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) in Marvel Television’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Giovanni Rufino. © 2024 Marvel.

    A continuation of the ‘Daredevil’ series that aired on Netflix from 2015 to 2018, ‘Born Again’ picks up with our hero Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), a blind lawyer with heightened abilities, amid a continued fight for justice through his bustling law firm.

    At the same time, former mob boss Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) pursues his own political endeavors in New York. When their past identities begin to emerge, both men find themselves on an inevitable collision course.

    Who else is in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’?

    (L to R) Daredevil/Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), and Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) in Marvel Television's 'Daredevil: Born Again', exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Giovanni Rufino. © 2024 Marvel.
    (L to R) Daredevil/Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), and Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) in Marvel Television’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Giovanni Rufino. © 2024 Marvel.

    The series also stars Margarita Levieva, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Zabryna Guevara, Nikki James, Genneya Walton, Arty Froushan, Clark Johnson, Michael Gandolfini, with Ayelet Zurer and Jon Bernthal.

    Woll, Henson, Zurer and Bernthal, are, of course, veterans of the original series, with Woll and Henson playing Matt’s colleagues Karen Page and Foggy Nelson, Zurer as Fisk’s wife Vanessa and Bernthal as Frank Castle, AKA the violent veteran vigilante known as The Punisher.

    It was recently revealed that Bernthal has co-written and will star in a Marvel TV special focused on his character, with ‘King Richard’ director Reinaldo Marcus Green co-writing and directing.

    Here’s what Brad Winderbaum, head of Marvel Television, told EW:

    “It’s like a shotgun blast of a story, but also has all the pathos and emotion that you want out of a Frank Castle story. It’s so exciting.”

    What has happened to ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ so far?

    Daredevil/Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) in Marvel Television's 'Daredevil: Born Again', exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Giovanni Rufino. © 2024 Marvel.
    Daredevil/Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) in Marvel Television’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Giovanni Rufino. © 2024 Marvel.

    After seeding the previously Netflix-based characters of Murdock and Fisk into the MCU via the likes of ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, ‘Hawkeye’ and ‘She-Hulk’, Marvel was riding high on the reaction to news that the two would be the focus of their own Disney+ series.

    ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ was supposed to be Marvel triumphantly proving it can take a character that has been brought to TV screens elsewhere and merge them into the wider, more directly canonical comic book-based universe.

    Commissioned from writers Chris Ord and Matt Corman, it was set for a mammoth 18-episode shoot and cameras started rolling back in March of 2023.

    Yet less than half the episodes had been filmed when the writers’ strike closed down production, and when executives got a look at the footage, they were unimpressed. Ord, Corman and the directors were let go and a new creative team, including Netflix ‘Punisher’ Dario Scardapane as showrunner and ‘Loki’ Season 2 directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, was hired.

    We’re finally about to see the fruits of their labors…

    Where else can we see Matthew Lillard?

    Matthew Lillard in 1996's 'Scream'. Photo: Dimension Films.
    Matthew Lillard in 1996’s ‘Scream’. Photo: Dimension Films.

    Even with a healthy and prolific career, Lillard is probably best known for playing two main roles –– that of Stu in ‘Scream’ and Shaggy in various versions of ‘Scooby Doo,’ but most notably the live-action movies.

    He’s returning to both roles in the future; he and Scott Foley were announced at the end of January as joining ‘Scream 7’ (though Lillard’s exact capacity is unknown, since Stu has been dead for years at this point, but that hasn’t been a hurdle for other characters). That movie is set for February 27th next year.

    Lillard will be heard as Shaggy in a new Scooby TV series which has yet to confirm a date. Also on the small screen, he’s appearing in the second season of Prime Video’s ‘Cross,’ the adaptation of the James Patterson novels.

    Besides any of those, he’s reprising the role of William Afton in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, the sequel to 2023’s successful Blumhouse adaptation of the video game franchise. It’ll be out on December 5th.

    Next up, he’ll be seen in Mike Flanagan’s Stephen King adaptation ‘The Life of Chuck,’ due out on May 30th.

    When will ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ be on our screens?

    Season One of the show –– AKA the first nine episodes –– kicks off with its first two installments on Disney+ on March 4th.

    Season Two, which as mentioned is only now setting its cameras in motion, and consists of the second batch of nine episodes, will likely debut a year from now if Disney keeps to any sort of annual schedule.

    Marvel Studios' 'Daredevil: Born Again.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Daredevil: Born Again.’

    Movies and TV Shows Featuring Characters in ‘Daredevil: Born Again:’

    Buy Matthew Lillard Movies On Amazon

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  • Matthew Lillard and Scott Foley Join ‘Scream 7’

    (Left) Matthew Lillard in 1996's 'Scream'. Photo: Dimension Films. (Right) Scott Foley in 'Scream 3'. Photo: Dimension Films.
    (Left) Matthew Lillard in 1996’s ‘Scream’. Photo: Dimension Films. (Right) Scott Foley in ‘Scream 3’. Photo: Dimension Films.

    Preview:

    • Matthew Lillard and Scott Foley will both appear in ‘Scream 7.’
    • Details on their return are a mystery for now.
    • Original writer Kevin Williamson is on board to direct.

    Looks like Kevin Williamson is ready to invoke some ghost(face)s of ‘Scream’ past for the new movie.

    With production having ramped up in Atlanta, Williamson, who of course wrote the first two original ‘Scream’ movies (and ‘Scream 4’) is stepping up to direct this time.

    And ‘Scream 7’s script –– from Guy Busick, who wrote the last couple of outings contains return appearances for a franchise stalwart and an actor from the third movie.

    Yes, veteran ‘Scream’ fans will no doubt be excited to learn that Matthew Lillard, who played horror movie obsessive Stuart ‘Stu’ Macher in the first film, is back, per Deadline.

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    And he’s not the only one, as the trade site also reports that Scott Foley, who played Roman Bridger, the antagonist half-brother of Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) in ‘Scream 3’, is also returning.

    Which brings us to our next question… how? Both Stu and Roman were revealed in their respective films to be lurking under the Ghostface disguise (Stu working with Skeet Ulrich’s Billy Loomis) and trying to off Sidney. And both –– spoiler alert in case this is your introduction to the ‘Scream’ movie series –– are dead, Stu at the hands (and a handy TV to the head) of Sid and Roman was shot by Deputy Dewey Riley (David Arquette).

    Still, we’ve seen ‘Scream’ characters return before; Billy himself shows up as a ghostly presence advising Melissa Barrera’s Sam Carpenter in ‘Scream VI.’

    Plus, Lillard’s Instagram post teasing his return doesn’t hint at some twin twist…

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Matthew Lillard (@matthewlillard)

    However they make their return, it’s going to be bad news for Sidney.

    Campbell is back as Sid alongside the likes of Courteney Cox (her co-star and fellow ‘Scream’ co-star, who is back as reporter/author Gale Weathers), plus Mason Gooding as Chad Meeks-Martin and Jasmin Savoy Brown as Mindy Meeks-Martin, as reported by Variety, as well as newcomers Isabel May, Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, Mckenna Grace, Sam Rechner and Anna Camp.

    What’s the story of ‘Scream 7’?

    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.' © 2022 Paramount Pictures. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.
    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’ © 2022 Paramount Pictures. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.

    There are no details yet on what the latest film will feature, though given that Campbell is back as Prescott and May is playing her daughter, you know it’ll factor into the Prescott family.

    One other element of that? The fact that Sidney is now married to a man named Mark Evans, who it was recently revealed, will be played by Joel McHale.

    Related Article: ‘Scream 7’: Joel McHale to Play Sidney Prescott’s Husband in the New Movie

    What has happened with ‘Scream 7’ so far?

    Director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, left, and Director Tyler Gillett on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    Director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, left, and Director Tyler Gillett on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    To this point, the development of the next ‘Scream’ installment has been more trouble than a scorned lover throwing on a cloak and a Ghostface mask to hunt their friends.

    Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett effectively rebooted the ‘Scream’ franchise with 2002’s ‘Scream’ and followed it up with this year’s ‘Scream VI’, opted to move on after their second effort, choosing instead to make vampire movie ‘Abigail’, which arrived this year.

    Production company Spyglass Media Group found a suitable replacement in Christopher Landon, who previously directed the ‘Happy Death Day’ movies and ‘Freaky’, but then things started to go wrong.

    Melissa Barrera fired from ‘Scream VII’

    (L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    (L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    Melissa Barrera was dropped from the franchise for social media posts supporting Palestine in the tragic, ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

    While calling for a cease fire in the conflict might not seem all that controversial, some of the reposts on Barrera’s Instagram account have edged over into potentially troubling opinions.

    ‘Scream’ production company Spyglass issued a statement on the situation:

    “Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”

    That was followed by word that her co-star, Jenna Ortega, would not then be returning fir the new movie. Ortega’s departure was chalked up to schedule clashes with Season 2 of Netflix hit series ‘Wednesday’, and indeed the decision was reportedly made months before Barrera’s statement and subsequent firing. The timing, though, remains somewhat suspicious.

    With his main stars absent, Landon also quit the movie, citing that it had become a nightmare in development.

    Neve Campbell talks ‘Scream’ return

    Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's "Scream."
    Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.”

    Here’s what Campbell had to say on the news of her return:

    “I’m very happy and proud to say I’ve been asked, in the most respectful way, to bring Sidney back to the screen and I couldn’t be more thrilled!!! Well actually I could. While I’ve been so incredibly lucky to make these films with both the master of horror Wes Craven and the wonderfully talented Matt and Tyler team, I’ve dreamt for many years of how amazing it would be to make one of these movies with Kevin Williamson at the helm. And now it’s happening, Kevin Williamson is going to direct ‘Scream 7’! This was his baby and it’s his brilliant mind that dreamt up this world. Kevin is not just an inspiration as an artist but has been a dear friend for many years.”

    You can read her full Instagram post here:

     

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    A post shared by Neve Campbell (@nevecampbell)


    What else have Matthew Lillard and Scott Foley been up to?

    Matthew Lillard as Norville "Shaggy" Rogers in 2002's 'Scooby-Doo'. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
    Matthew Lillard as Norville “Shaggy” Rogers in 2002’s ‘Scooby-Doo’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

    In the years since their respective ‘Scream’ outings, both actors have seen successful careers.

    Lillard’s star rose considerably on the back of his turn as Stu and he went on to the likes of the ‘Scooby Doo’ franchise, ‘She’s All That,’ Alexander Payne‘s ‘The Descendants’ and, more recently on the big screen horror font, a key role in the Blumhouse/Universal movie ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s.’

    As for Foley, his career has varied between movies and TV, favoring the latter, with appearances in such shows as ‘Felicity,’ ‘Scrubs,’ ‘True Blood’ and ‘Scandal.’

    When will ‘Scream 7’ be in theaters?

    ‘Scream 7’ will release in theaters worldwide via Paramount Pictures on February 27th, 2026.

    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Scream’ franchise:

    Buy ‘Scream’ Movies on Amazon

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