Tag: rhenzy-feliz

  • CinemaCon 2026: Amazon MGM Studios Presentation

    The cast of 'Spaceballs: The New One' at CinemaCon 2026. Photo Credit: Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios.
    The cast of ‘Spaceballs: The New One’ at CinemaCon 2026. Photo Credit: Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios.

    Preview:

    • Amazon MGM Studios made its presentation to the 2026 CinemaCon crowd.
    • Among the movies promoted were ‘The Sheep Detectives’ and ‘Spaceballs: The New One’.
    • There was also a look at Michael B. Jordan’s ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’.

    After making its first trip to CinemaCon last year, Amazon MGM Studios has certainly been enjoying a good year at the box office so far, largely thanks to the huge success of ‘Project Hail Mary’ (which, as announced at the panel, just crossed $525 million at the global box office, cementing it as the company’s biggest movie to date, and will see its theatrical window extended, Amaze! Amaze! Amaze!).

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    Hoping to keep the momentum rolling, the studio unveiled new looks at this year’s crop of movies and beyond including ‘The Sheep Detectives’ and ‘Masters of the Universe’. But if you were expecting a surprise announcement about casting for the new James Bond movie, there was none –– but VP of Film Courtenay Valenti did promise it’ll be worthy of the venerable franchise’s legacy.

    Related Article: ‘Masters of the Universe’: Nicholas Galitzine Offers New Costume Look

    Here’s what was revealed…

    ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’

    Michael B. Jordan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the 98th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Credit/Provider: Etienne Laurent / The Academy
    Michael B. Jordan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the 98th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Credit/Provider: Etienne Laurent / The Academy
    Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    First out of the gate (even though it isn’t out until next March) was newly minted Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan‘s remake of the 1968 caper movie –– previously re-imagined in 1999, which the actor is directing and starring in.

    After a look at some fun footage, Jordan himself took the stage to talk up the fact that Jon Batiste is crafting the music for the movie. He also brought out co-star Adria Arjona, complimenting her “intensity, wit, and fire” while calling her “an incredible scene partner.” Their cat-and-mouse relationship (as art thief and the insurance investigator tracking him down) is at the core of the movie.

    Kenneth Branagh, meanwhile, plays the antagonist, the person that Jordan’s Crown targets. Jordan says he made the movie for big screens.

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    ‘Masters of the Universe’

    Nicholas Galitzine stars in 'Masters of the Universe'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Nicholas Galitzine stars in ‘Masters of the Universe’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    Hoping for another big hit, Amazon MGM is putting a lot of weight behind ‘Masters of the Universe’, which adapts the 1980s toy line and cartoon series (and was already focus of a notoriously unsuccessful 1987 movie).

    Stars Nicholas GalitzineCamila Mendes and director Travis Knight took the stage to introduce a new look at the film. Galitzine, of course, was hefting He-Man’s classic power sword, which is surely some sort of safety violation.

    Jared Leto stars in 'Masters of the Universe'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Jared Leto stars in ‘Masters of the Universe’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    Some fresh footage from the movie –– which Knight and co. described as tackling how someone is challenged to step up beyond what they think they can do –– was screened after Galitzine had the audience lift the fake swords they received as he recited He-Man’s classic transformation line

    The new scene shows Galitzine’s Prince Adam and Mendes’ Teena reuniting on Earth before they travel to Eternia to battle the evil Skeletor (Jared Leto), which in turn leads into the new trailer.

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    ‘The Beekeeper 2’

    Jason Statham stars as Clay in director David Ayer's 'The Beekeeper.' An Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Jason Statham stars as Clay in director David Ayer’s ‘The Beekeeper.’ An Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Another jump ahead in time for a quick look at footage from Jason Statham action sequel ‘The Beekeeper 2’. It’s pretty much exactly what you’d expect from The Stath, and should keep fans happy. Statham himself appeared via video to exclaim, “some people say less is more. I say more is more.”

    The new movie will see the Beekeeper society looking to overthrow the US government. At this point in time, the jokes write themselves…

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    ‘The Sheep Detectives’

    Hugh Jackman in 'The Sheep Detectives'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Hugh Jackman in ‘The Sheep Detectives’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
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    Back to 2026’s schedule, and the quirky mystery drama about a herd of sheep who must solve the murder of their beloved shepherd (Hugh Jackman).

    Jackman himself arrived on stage (along with co-stars Nicholas Braun, and a returning Galitzine) to tout the film, which also boasts a considerable cast in both live-action (Emma Thompson) and voice (too many to list) form. It’s described as “a warm deeply human story about finding your place in the world.” And we got an extended look at the movie.

    ‘A Colt is My Passport’

    Gareth Evans (‘The Raid’) returns with a new action movie, this one starring
    Sope Dirisu in the story of Colt, a Vietnam veteran turned contract killer, goes on the run after assassinating a gangland boss.

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    ‘How to Rob a Bank’

    David Leitch in Paris for 'Bullet Train.' Credit: Oliver Vigerie/Sony Pictures.
    David Leitch in Paris for ‘Bullet Train.’ Credit: Oliver Vigerie/Sony Pictures.

    With confetti and chaos, the new movie from director David Leitch launched into a first look at a team of social media types who make videos about, well, how to rob banks.

    Leitch came on stage with Pete Davidson, and Davidson revealed that this group of robbers livestreams their crimes and robberies. “They’re putting an end to greed and corruption one heist, and one video, at a time,” he said, before Rhenzy Feliz and Anna Sawai were confirmed to be the other two robbers. Leitch wanted to capture the energy of a manic YouTube video, before a video message from the rest of the cast played.

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    Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother

    Mahershala Ali attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
    Mahershala Ali attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.

    More action, this time a visceral thriller starring Mahershala Ali and following a hitman struggling to balance his job with his faith & fatherhood. Bassam Tariq directs.

    Ali took the stage to enthuse about how the movie checked every box for him, and he introduced some intense footage.

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    After a quick look at ‘Verity’ (which we’re surprised wasn’t spotlighted more given its Colleen Hoover origins) it was time for…

    ‘Spaceballs: The New One’

    'Spaceballs: The New One' logo. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    ‘Spaceballs: The New One’ logo. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    The much-anticipated ‘Spaceballs’ sequel was introduced by originator Mel Brooks (via video), with cast members Bill PullmanJosh Gad, Lewis PullmanDaphne Zuniga and to great response, Rick Moranis actually present to introduce a first look at the movie, which is as funny as you might hope for. Let’s just say the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy is heavily targeted for spoofing.

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    ‘Highlander’

    Henry Cavill in 'Highlander'. Photo: Henry Cavill's Instagram Account.
    Henry Cavill in ‘Highlander’. Photo: Henry Cavill’s Instagram Account.

    It might still be busy shooting, but the re-imagining of the 1980s action movie is one of the bigger titles on the horizon for the studio.

    With Henry Cavill starring as the immortal warrior who must battle others of his kind, it promises plenty of set pieces.

    Cavill and director Chad Stahelski (‘John Wick’) are halfway through filming, but the former took time out to appear via video and offer some early footage.

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    ‘I Play Rocky’

    Peter Farrelly accepts the Oscar® for original screenplay during the live ABC Telecast of The 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Peter Farrelly accepts the Oscar® for original screenplay during the live ABC Telecast of The 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    The chaotic making of the 1976 Sylvester Stallone classic is the subject of this based-on-truth film from director Peter Farrelly.

    He strode on stage with some of his cast to talk about the movie, one he described as “for dreamers” before cueing up a first look.

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    And with a sizzle reel for other projects on the way, the curtain fell on the Amazon MGM presentation!

    'Masters of the Universe' opens in theaters on June 5th.
    ‘Masters of the Universe’ opens in theaters on June 5th.
  • TV Review: ‘The Penguin’

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobb in Max's 'The Penguin.' Photo: Macall Polay/HBO.
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Macall Polay/HBO.

    Launching on HBO and Max with its first episode on September 19th, ‘The Penguin’ marks the first (and so far only) series to continue the story of Matt Reeves’ 2022 superhero movie ‘The Batman.’

    Switching the focus from the suited vigilante played by Robert Pattinson (who the producers have been at length to point out won’t appear in case you were waiting for the hero to flap in and deliver some “kapow” punches to our wannabe kingpin), the story here is told at street level, with the machinations double-crosses of the criminal world at the forefront.

    Does ‘The Penguin’ succeed in its plans?

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobb in Max's 'The Penguin.' Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    With executive producer and showrunner Lauren LeFranc citing ‘The Sopranos’ as a big inspiration for the new show, it’s not hard to see where ‘The Penguin’ takes its endless double-crosses and criminal political maneuvering from.

    Trouble is, a lot of what happens here –– minus the ‘Batman’-flavored trappings including Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti’s characters in particular, doesn’t exactly feel fresh. We’ve seen small-time gangsters looking to make it big in movies and TV for years, and you’ve really got to offer something more special than just Farrell given the chance to speechify about gangsters from whom he takes his own inspiration or wax nostalgic about how his neighborhood and Gotham in general were better back in the day.

    Fortunately, a scattering of truly solid performances do help boost the interest levels higher than it might be, and the show does tend to maintain the style of Reeves’ movie.

    Script and Direction

    Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    (L to R) Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    As we mentioned above, a lot about the show feels quite familiar if you’ve watched any movie or show set within a gangster world. There is jockeying for power, criminal schemes involving drugs and one or two explosions of action, such as an impressive set piece in the second episode where Oz is chased by Sofia Falcone’s forces.

    It’s just that little of it is truly all that revolutionary, and you’ll be able to see a lot of the plot turns coming. And there are some remarkable coincidences that help our main character along the way.

    Main director Craig Zobel, who handles the first three episodes, does make a good stab at convincing us that this is set in the same Gotham of ‘The Batman.’ The only downside is that scenes set in the suburbs, or at the sprawling Falcone compound outside of it look starkly realistic compared to the visual effects-heavy grubbiness of the main cityscape.

    Related Article: ‘The Penguin’ Panel at San Diego Comic Con Had a Virtual Colin Farrell and a New Trailer

    Performances

    The show’s saving graces are mostly in its acting, with Farrell and Milioti in particular standing out –– not shocking since they are the narrative’s twin focus.

    Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobb in Max's 'The Penguin.' Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Reprising his role from the movie, Farrell once more dons the prosthetics and fat suit so as to become almost unrecognizable as the scheming wannabe kingpin. Here in series form, given the scope and breadth to really explore the character, he goes to town, chewing through the scripts and bringing him to vibrant, waddling life.

    He’s helped by some enlightening –– if predictable –– backstory elements, including deceased family members and a doting mother (played by Tony Winner Deirdre O’Connell) sliding into dementia.

    Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone

    Cristin Milioti in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    Cristin Milioti in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Milioti is given a truly different role here, and she embraces it fully –– all wide-eyed psychopathy and chilling ability to order the deaths of her enemies. It helps that she also has a troubled backstory and, in the first few episodes is dealing with not only the death of her father but another personal tragedy.

    She makes for a superb foil to Farrell and the two share excellent chemistry, weaving around one another as they jostle for power.

    Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar

    Rhenzy Feliz in Max's 'The Penguin.' Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Rhenzy Feliz in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Introduced as a street kid interrupted trying to steal the rims from Oz’s car, Feliz’ Victor is the third pillar in the triumvirate of lead roles. He quickly becomes a driver and potential protégé for Oz, who recognizes the same scrappy ambition he possesses in the young man.

    And in his interplay with Farrell, Feliz is able to interject some of the rare flashes of humor into the show.

    Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni

    Clancy Brown in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    Clancy Brown in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    The main rival to the Falcone family, Maroni is currently languishing in jail for his crimes after being set up.

    Brown is typically good in the role, bringing quiet menace mixed with charisma, though the role is naturally smaller and more limited given his location (for now).

    He’s ably supported by Shohreh Aghdashloo as wife Nadia, even if fans of ‘The Expanse’ might bemoan the fact that she has (yet) been given the chance to unleash foul-mouthed rants given the less restrictive environs of an HBO show.

    Other Notable Characters

    While he isn’t introduced until late into episode 2, Theo Rossi’s Dr. Julian Rush shows promise as a fun character to watch. Michael Zegen, meanwhile, has a small yet pivotal role as Alberto Falcone, the crime boss’s drug addict –– and drug pushing –– son.

    Final Thoughts

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobb in Max's 'The Penguin.' Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    ‘The Penguin’ won’t win many awards for originality in its crime story, but it is at least watchable and certainly isn’t a waste of its main cast. It just doesn’t always live up to the movie.

    Eagle-eyed fans of the ‘Batman’ franchise as a whole, meanwhile, will appreciate subtle nods to actors who played the Penguin on TV and in movies –– make note of two particular Gotham storefronts.

    ‘The Penguin’ receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the story of ‘The Penguin’?

    The new series is set a week after the events of ‘The Batman’ left crime boss Carmine Falcone dead and his empire in disarray.

    As seen in the movie, Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell), also known as The Penguin, formerly a lieutenant to Falcone, tries to fill the power vacuum left by his death. He faces off against rival factions as he asserts his authority.

    But he’ll face a big challenge from those who Falcone left in charge of his operation, and particularly from Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), recently released from Arkham Asylum.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Penguin’?

    • Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb/Penguin
    • Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone
    • Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar
    • Michael Kelly as Johnny Viti
    • Shohreh Aghdashloo as Nadia Maroni,
    • Deirdre O’Connell as Francis Cobb
    • Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni
    • James Madio as Milos Grapa
    • Scott Cohen as Luca Falcone
    • Michael Zegen as Alberto Falcone
    • Carmen Ejogo as Eve Karlo
    • Theo Rossi as Dr. Julian Rush
    'The Penguin' premieres on Max beginning September 19th.
    ‘The Penguin’ premieres on Max beginning September 19th.

    Other Movies and TV Shows in the Batman Franchise:

    Buy Batman Movies On Amazon

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  • Comic-Con 2024: ‘The Penguin’ Panel

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    Preview:

    • ‘The Penguin’ had new footage to show at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con event.
    • Star Colin Farrell and executive producer/‘The Batman’ director Matt Reeves were among those attending (Farrell via video).
    • The show is a spin-off of 2022’s ‘The Batman’.

    The Penguin’ might not have had the most promising start at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, making headlines after an immersive “activation” event based on a nightclub from the HBO series for press and the cast was evacuated on Friday night when a fire broke out. No one was hurt, but the big question, of course –– did anyone check to see whether a cowled individual was involved, and were they carrying a Bat Fire Kit?

    Regardless, some of the creative team, including ‘The Batman’ director Matt Reeves (who is a producer on the show), actors Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, showrunner Lauren LeFranc and producer and Dylan Clark –– plus star Colin Farrell, live via video link from Macau, showed up on Saturday afternoon at its panel in Hall H to talk up the show, which continues the story of Farrell’s criminal schemer Oz Cobb from ‘The Batman.’

    Related Article: Colin Farrell Will Reprise his Penguin Role from ‘The Batman’ for a Spinoff Series

    What’s the story of ‘The Penguin’?

    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    The series, which has been described as in the style of classic crime drama ‘Scarface’, will pick up the story of Farrell’s character as he rises to power in Gotham City. Mild spoiler alert in case you’ve yet to see ‘The Batman’, but part of the movie’s plot involves Oz’s bosses either dying or heading to jail, leaving him a path to achieve his aims.

    Yet given that there’s a whole series to fill with this story, we doubt the road will be an easy one. And there’s still that pesky Caped Crusader lurking around (even if Batman likely wouldn’t appear much if at all in the show).

    Farrell’s character will face off against other notorious Gotham crime bosses, including Salvatore Moroni, played by Clancy Brown.

    Clancy Brown in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    Clancy Brown in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    One of Carmine Falcone’s chief rivals, he’ll be back on the streets for the series and ready to make his move now that he’s no longer at the mercy of Falcone (who, again spoiler alert, died in ‘The Batman’).

    The Cast also includes Milioti as Carmine’s daughter Sofia Falcone, with Shohreh Aghdashloo, Michael Kelly, Dierdre O’Connell, Michael Zegen, Feliz and Theo Rossi rounding out the main cast.

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    What did we learn from ‘The Penguin’ panel?

    Cristin Milioti in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    Cristin Milioti in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    According to Reeves, Farrell’s Cobb was going to be a focus of the movie sequel to ‘The Batman’ (which the filmmaker is busy writing), but HBO bosses asked for a marquee character for the first spin-off show, and so the decision was made to use the series to bridge between the two movies and explore more about his rise to power.

    Farrell reveals he was hesitant to take on the role for the first movie but was convinced by Reeves and especially delighted by the look of the character, keying in how to play the role and his background from the first sculpt he was shown.

    For her part, showrunner LeFranc said her take on the character’s story was inspired by a corrupt mayor in Rhode Island, who was nevertheless hailed as a pillar of the community for the help he provided to people. She said there are no heroes in this series –– everyone is operating in shades of gray.

    Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    (L to R) Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    And LeFranc also talked up the idea that Sofia Falcone in the show is very different from how she’s been portrayed previously in the comics, praising what Milioti brought to the role.

    Reeves admitted that ‘The Godfather’s Fredo and Harvey Weinstein were among his inspirations for the character.

    Feliz plays Victor Aguilar, a new character created for the show, and one designed to give us a fresh way into Oz’s story through his connection with the wannabe crime boss.

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    According to the team, Oz and Sophia Falcone mirror each other, but are on two sides of the series and Gotham’s fate is in the balance.

    And if you were wondering whether Oz’s story is wrapped up in the limited series, Reeves confirmed that he will in fact be back on the big screen for ‘The Batman – Part II’, which kicks off filming next year ahead of its planned 2026 release.

    What other Batman news broke at Comic-Con?

    'Batman: Caped Crusader'. Credit: Courtesy of Prime. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.
    ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’. Credit: Courtesy of Prime. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.

    The news for on-screen Batman –– and particularly The Penguin –– wasn’t limited to the ‘Penguin’ panel, as the presentation for animated series ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ (also produced by Reeves, alongside Batman animation legend Bruce Timm) revealed that Minnie Driver is playing Oswalda Cobblepot, a female take on the character, who will sing in the show.

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    When will ‘The Penguin’ be on screens?

    ‘The Penguin’ launches on Max on September 19th.

    And before that, ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ will kick off on Prime Video on August 1st.

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Other Movies and TV Shows in the Batman Franchise:

    Buy Batman Movies On Amazon