Moviefone Editorial

Tag: nathan-fillion

  • ‘Modern Family’ Season 8: Producer Steven Levitan Teases Guest Stars, Storylines

    “Modern Family’s” long been a sitcom that’s created some hilarious roles that allow visiting guest actors to deliver big laughs, and as it heads into its eighth season, executive producer Steven Levitan (right) revealed that two major TV icons will be crossing paths with the Dunphys.

    “Martin Short is going to do an episode,” said Levitan. “Martin is playing a guy who does promotional items and works with Phil to do all of his calendars, and pencils, and water bottles, and mugs, and all that. He’s sort of the local king of promotional merchandise.”

    “Nathan Fillion is going to do an arc for us this year,” Levitan added, “playing a local TV weatherman who gets involved with the Dunphy family.”

    With production on the sitcom’s forthcoming season underway in anticipation of its Sept. 21 premiere date, Levitan also revealed more behind the scenes scoop to Moviefone.

    Moviefone: Can you tease some of the early plot lines that we’re going to see?

    Steven Levitan: Oh, we’re going to start, the premiere will be in New York, or some of the premiere takes place in New York and we’ll be shooting some of that in New York. And we’re doing a Halloween episode this year.

    How easily were stories coming, eight seasons in? Did you have a little backlog of ideas?

    There’s never a backlog! And you sit down and you are absolutely positive that you’ll never get another story, and then somehow you get them. It’s sort of crazy. Where there’s a need, there’s a way to get to those stories. Yeah, we just started shooting this week, and we have 12 episodes broken — the ideas for those broken in various stages of production or of being written. But yeah, I’m feeling good about the stories.

    Any relationships going to have certain lights shined on them, or will we see characters put in new contexts?

    Yeah, for example, Mitch and Cam are taking in one of Cam’s [football] players for a while, who has to stay with them for a while. So we’re throwing another person into their little world.

    You had some great success with some experimental techniques in your storytelling, like Season 6’s Facetiming episode “Connection Lost” and last season’s “Crazy Train.” Anything on the radar to try out this time around?

    I don’t think we have anything too crazy yet. We’re always looking and we’re always searching, and if we come across something then we’ll dig into it. We’re not afraid to try. We like to try new things. It keeps us interested. That’s always our goal.

    You’re most likely closer to the end than the beginning in the series. Are you saving some ideas and some storylines, character resolutions, for when you get to the end? Do you have some things you know you want to tackle when you’re ready to move toward the final episode?

    No. [Laughs] To tell you the truth, I haven’t really thought too hard about the ending of this show yet, because I don’t even know where we’ll be at that point. So I think that that’ll just come very organically at the time. I imagine it’ll be some sort of an event, but I don’t know what yet. There’s a lot of people that will be thinking about that, and it’ll be a big, big discussion on that year when we’re finally wrapping things up.

    Ariel Winter‘s become a huge social media star all of a sudden. Are there ways that you want to play with that newfound high profile she has?

    I don’t know — maybe. I’m open to it. I don’t want to ever confuse the actor with the character.

    One of your writer/producers, Danny Zuker, managed to be one of the first to push Donald Trump’s buttons in public via their Twitter feud. What was it like to see that unfold?

    That was fun to watch. I thought Danny Zuker killed it. It was great. He was great. And it clearly shows how much smarter he is than Donald Trump. I’m consistently amazed at the lack of intellect on that man, and it shows every time he opens his mouth.

    Were you surprised at the level of engagement that Trump took it to?

    Yeah, yeah I was.

    Like, “Don’t you have companies to run?”

    Yeah, yeah, but I don’t think he does. I think this is what he lives for. So I think it’s all a big façade, and he’s sort of like the Wizard of Oz — or like a dumb Wizard of Oz.

    “Modern Family” Season 8 premieres Wednesday, September 21st on ABC.

  • ABC Cancels ‘Castle,’ ‘Nashville,’ ‘Agent Carter,’ Three More

    There was a bloodbath over at ABC on Thursday, with Castle,” “Nashville,” “Agent Carter,” “The Muppets,” “Galavant,” and “The Family.”

    “Castle”‘s cancellation seems especially shocking in light of recent dramatic events — behind the scenes, that is. The series infamously booted co-lead Stana Katic last month, telling her she would not be coming back should the show receive a season nine renewal. Fellow original cast member Tamala Jones was also given her walking papers; the moves were seen as a cost-cutting measure, in the hopes that saving some money (and gearing up for a shorter, 13-episode season nine) would ensure renewal.

    But apparently new ABC head honcho Channing Dungey is opting for a fresh start in her recently-assumed role, and that means making some big changes at the network. According to Deadline, “Castle” shot an alternate season eight ending that could also serve as a series finale, and should hopefully leave Beckett (Katic) alive alongside Castle (Nathan Fillion, who had worked out a deal to return for a potential season nine). It airs on May 16.

    Dungey’s strong hand didn’t stop there. Veteran country music drama “Nashville” also got the axe, with its upcoming season four finale (which airs on May 25) set to be its swan song. Deadline reports that studio Lionsgate TV is shopping it around to other networks, but it seems unlikely that the costly show — which didn’t do great in live ratings, but received a nice bump on DVR viewings — will get a pickup elsewhere.

    “Nashville” was another ABC series that did lots of behind-the-scenes maneuvering to ensure an additional season, with Emmy-winning producing team Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick (“My So-Called Life,” “thirtysomething,” “Once and Again”) set to swoop in and serve as showrunners on a potential season five (and already working with writers to break stories for said season, according to Deadline). Alas, it wasn’t meant to be.

    As for the other cancellations, it came down to what’s been plaguing so many shows these days: Low ratings. And while previous ABC president Paul Lee was a fan and champion of sophomore Marvel show “Agent Carter,” freshman Disney comedy “The Muppets,” quirky two-season musical “Galavant,” and midseason drama “The Family,” Dungey apparently wasn’t willing to be patient with those shows anymore.

    There’s at least a silver lining for “Agent Carter” star Hayley Atwell: She’s already shot another pilot for the network, called “Conviction,” and ABC has picked it up, so she won’t be leaving television screens entirely.

    And in other good news, renewals came in for a handful of other series that were on the bubble, including the latest Shondaland show “The Catch,” freshman comedies “The Real O’Neals” and “Dr. Ken,” and acclaimed anthology series “American Crime.” (Long-running sitcom “Last Man Standing” is still awaiting renewal, pending negotiations with studio 20th Century Fox.)

    Here’s hoping fans of the cancelled series can get through this difficult time. We’re sending you lots of virtual hugs.

    [via: Deadline, Deadline, Deadline, Variety]

    Photo credit: ABC/Bob D’Amico

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  • See ‘Castle’ Series Finale Photos With Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion

    CASTLE - "Crossfire" - With their best lead in hand, Castle and Beckett are ready to take on LokSat. But an unforeseen twist puts their case - and their lives - in jeopardy, on the season finale of "Castle," MONDAY, MAY 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on the ABC Television Network. "Crossfire" (ABC/Byron Cohen)STANA KATICUPDATE: These photos were posted when it was thought that ABC might still renew “Castle” for Season 9. But ABC decided to cancel the show. So instead of just being Season 8 finale photos, they are series finale photos.

    Original post:

    As of now, there is still no word from ABC on the fate of “Castle.” It may or may not return for Season 9. Even if it does, it will be without Stana Katic, who was not asked to return. So the Season 8 finale, which airs May 16, will be the end for Kate Beckett.

    Here’s ABC’s official synopsis for Season 8, Episode 22, “Crossfire”: “With their best lead in hand, Castle and Beckett are ready to take on LokSat. But an unforeseen twist puts their case – and their lives – in jeopardy, on the season finale of ‘Castle.’”

    TVLine just shared some photos from the finale, giving us clues on how Beckett’s story may end. A lot of the photos are versions of the same set-up, with Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Beckett hiding and spying on crates, or with the couple outside by a tree. But that one romantic shot … sigh … we’re going to miss these two together, even if the actors (reportedly) won’t miss each other.

    CASTLE - "Crossfire" - With their best lead in hand, Castle and Beckett are ready to take on LokSat. But an unforeseen twist puts their case - and their lives - in jeopardy, on the season finale of "Castle," MONDAY, MAY 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on the ABC Television Network. "Crossfire" (ABC/Byron Cohen)NATHAN FILLION, STANA KATICCASTLE - "Crossfire" - With their best lead in hand, Castle and Beckett are ready to take on LokSat. But an unforeseen twist puts their case - and their lives - in jeopardy, on the season finale of "Castle," MONDAY, MAY 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on the ABC Television Network. "Crossfire" (ABC/Byron Cohen)STANA KATICCASTLE - "Crossfire" - With their best lead in hand, Castle and Beckett are ready to take on LokSat. But an unforeseen twist puts their case - and their lives - in jeopardy, on the season finale of "Castle," MONDAY, MAY 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Byron Cohen)NATHAN FILLIONCASTLE - "Crossfire" - With their best lead in hand, Castle and Beckett are ready to take on LokSat. But an unforeseen twist puts their case - and their lives - in jeopardy, on the season finale of "Castle," MONDAY, MAY 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on the ABC Television Network. "Crossfire" (ABC/Byron Cohen)STANA KATIC, NATHAN FILLIONCASTLE - "Crossfire" - With their best lead in hand, Castle and Beckett are ready to take on LokSat. But an unforeseen twist puts their case - and their lives - in jeopardy, on the season finale of "Castle," MONDAY, MAY 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on the ABC Television Network. "Crossfire" (ABC/Byron Cohen)STANA KATIC, NATHAN FILLIONCASTLE - "Crossfire" - With their best lead in hand, Castle and Beckett are ready to take on LokSat. But an unforeseen twist puts their case - and their lives - in jeopardy, on the season finale of "Castle," MONDAY, MAY 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on the ABC Television Network. "Crossfire" (ABC/Byron Cohen)STANA KATIC
    Farewell, Castle and Beckett…

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  • Here’s Who Nathan Fillion Is Playing in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 2’

    US-ENTERTAINMENT-DISNEYIt was just a matter of time until Nathan Fillion popped up in a “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie. He and director James Gunn are friends who have collaborated numerous times. And while he had a voice cameo in the first film, he’s set to make a bigger appearance in the sequel. Thanks to an eagle-eyed fan in Atlanta, speculation is pointing to Fillion playing Wonder Man.

    Photos from the set show movie posters from a Simon Williams Film Festival. Simon Williams is also Wonder Man, a former superhero who gives up the game to become a Hollywood star. The posters feature Fillion in fictional movies like “Haxan 2,” Oh, Rebecca!” and a Tony Stark biopic. A Tony Stark biopic indicates these scenes take place on present-day Earth (or slightly in the future), and not as a flashback to Peter Quill’s (Chris Pratt) childhood. A local video shows that filming from the film festival includes some kind of spacecraft wreck, which could mean that some of the action in “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” returns to Earth.

    The question remains: Will Fillion himself appear in the movie? Or are these posters the extent of his cameo?

    “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” opens May 5, 2017.

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  • Molly Quinn Is ‘Heartbroken’ at Stana Katic Exit, But ‘Nathan Fillion IS Castle’

    Sadly, the behind-the-scenes drama with “Castle” is more interesting than any storyline the show has aired this season.

    Two days ago, it was randomly announced that both Stana Katic (Kate Beckett) and Tamala Jones (Lanie Parish) were leaving the ABC show, which hasn’t even been officially picked up for a new season. Nathan Fillion (Richard Castle) is reportedly negotiating for his return in Season 9, and he eventually issued a carefully worded statement on Katic’s departure.

    Molly C. Quinn also weighed in on the drama. She plays Castle’s daughter, Alexis, who is expected to return if/when the show is renewed. Quinn actually tweeted just before Fillion posted his note. She said she was “heartbroken,” but also optimistic that “Castle” can go on with just Castle:


    Sounds like she was pressured to say anything at all. She also replied to a fan who said “it’s not castle without Becket.”


    Not everyone agrees with her on that, but that’s her opinion and she has a right to express it. For her part, Stana Katic returned to Twitter to share more thanks for her supporters:

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  • Nathan Fillion Responds to Stana Katic Leaving ‘Castle’: ‘She Will Be Missed’

    This week has not been a good one for “Castle” fans, with news breaking that ABC had let go co-lead Stana Katic, as well as fellow original cast member Tamala Jones, reportedly over budgetary reasons. Now, titular star Nathan Fillion has responded to Katic’s exit.

    In a statement posted to his Twitter account, Fillion called Katic his “partner,” and noted that he considers her character, detective Kate Beckett, “one of the greatest police officers on television.”

    “I wish her well, and have no doubt she will succeed in everything she pursues,” the actor’s statement continued. “She will be missed.”


    Fillion’s statement also indicated that the actor was optimistic about “Castle”‘s future moving forward. Both Katic and Jones were let go ahead of a season nine renewal; should the show get the renewal, ABC is reportedly cutting costs with a shorter episode order.

    Deadline has some additional scoop about ABC’s curious decision to dismiss Katic, especially if the show will indeed continue (which seems likely, given that Fillion’s mention of multiple additional seasons). According to the trade, Fillion and Katic apparently had an acrimonious on-set relationship, which deteriorated to the point where Fillion allegedly requested to work with Katic only two days per week. In a statement to Deadline on Monday, Katic declined to comment on the specific circumstances surrounding her departure.

    Season eight of “Castle” — the last with Katic and Jones — wraps sometime in May.

    [via: Nathan Fillion, Deadline]

    Photo credit: ABC/Bob D’Amico

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  • Best of Late Night TV: Selena Gomez’s Dubsmash, Nathan Fillion’s Prank, Vin Diesel’s Sweet Texts


    If you’re like us and value your sleep, you probably nodded off into your Ambien dreamland before the party started on post-prime time TV. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here’s the best of what happened last night on late night.

    “The Tonight Show,” and it turns out she does a MEAN Liam Neeson from “Taken.” That cute face can get scary fast. Oh, and Selena also kindly checked the studio for ghosts using her funky ghost app.
    Vin Diesel is such a softie. He was also on “Tonight” and showed off the most adorable photo of his baby daughter. He said his 7-year-old daughter sends him adorable texts on set. Everything is adorable!

    Still on “Tonight,” Fallon broke out his perfect Trump impression to watch the “huuuuuuuuuugely boring” Democratic debate with Ben Carson (David Alan Grier). This is genuinely hilarious:
    Nathan Fillion insists he’s not much of a prankster, but while having work done on his house recently, he had some contractors around and one of them kept whistling “Pop Goes the Weasel.” Nathan decided this was too good to resist so, when the guys were at lunch, he hid in his own closet and waited. when the guy returned, Nathan popped out and yelled “Pop goes the weasel!” But it turns out the guy had some kind of nervous condition and the next time Nathan saw him he was missing most of the hair off of his left eyebrow, apparently from stress. (!) Poor guy. But good prank!
    Jimmy Kimmel also noted that Nathan’s “Halo 5” character is slightly more handsome than Nathan is in real life. You’re still pretty, man!

    Stephen Colbert noticed the problem many candidates have had in that they want to use famous songs to promote their campaigns, but then the musicians blast the candidates for using those songs without permission or endorsement. So Colbert and Jack Black teamed up to sing a new political anthem free for any candidate to pick up. It’s appropriately generic and catchy. That’s “My Kind of America”! Kate Winslet keeps her Oscar statue in her bathroom and she explained to Seth Meyers exactly why it’s in there and what she expects people do with it. She times people so she can tell how long their fake speech might be. Better finish quick before the music rushes you off, Leo!
    Colin Hanks, Juliette Lewis, and Matthew Fox shared the couch on “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” and when they weren’t discussing their first albums, they were listening to Juliette explain her underpants problems — as highlighted in a paparazzi photo that caught her adjusting herself.
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  • ‘Firefly’ Stars Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk Reunite For Crowdfunded Series

    Comic-Con International 2012 - If anyone knows the crazy world of sci-fi conventions, it’s Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk.

    The two actors starred together on Joss Whedon’s short-lived, but cult-beloved “Firefly” (which went on to spawn the movie “Serenity”). The show and its stars are insanely popular on the sci-fi convention circuit, and it’s an experience that Fillion and Tudyk plan to mine in a proposed web series titled “Con Man.”

    They just launched an Indiegogo campaign to finance the series. The plot is described thusly:

    Wray Nerely (Alan Tudyk-Me!) was a co-star on Spectrum, a sci-fi series which was canceled -Too Soon- yet became a cult classic. Wray’s good friend, Jack Moore (Nathan Fillion) starred in the series and has gone on to become a major movie star. While Jack enjoys the life of an A-lister, Wray tours the sci-fi circuit as a guest of conventions, comic book stores, and lots of pop culture events. The show will feature all the weird and crazy things that happen to Wray along the way to these events.

    Their “Firefly” co-stars Gina Torres and Sean Maher are signed up to make appearances, as are other Whedonverse actors including Amy Acker, Seth Green, and Felicia Day.

    Fillion and Tudyk hope to raise $425,000 to produce three 10-minute episodes, though Tudyk has scripts for 10 episodes. And to entice fans to fork over cash, Tudyk has teased that one installment is a “lost episode” of “Spectrum,” and would feature both actors on a spaceship.

    Maybe “Firefly” can’t be resurrected, but this is pretty darn close!

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