Moviefone Editorial

Tag: Sam Richardson

‘The Angry Birds Movie 3’ Set for January 2027
2016’s ‘The Angry Birds Movie’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

Preview:
- Paramount has snatched up the ‘Angry Birds’ movie franchise from Sony.
- Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad and Danny McBride are back to lend their voices.
- ‘The Angry Birds Movie 3’ will be out on January 29th, 2027.
After flinging two movies at theaters in 2016 and 2019, it appears that Sony is ready to let go of the ‘Angry Birds’ franchise.

While it has made more than half a billion dollars so far with ‘The Angry Birds Movie’ and ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2,’ the company is no longer in charge of the franchise, which adapts the popular Rovio video game titles.

Paramount Pictures has now announced that it will be distributing the movies going forward, and has set ‘The Angry Birds Movie 3’ for release in a couple of years.
gehGLE36Ka2NrYTJdtQ8R7
It’s an interesting gamble, since ‘Angry Birds’ as a game doesn’t have quite the same cultural cachet as other titles –– its younger audience has moved on to others such as ‘Minecraft’ and ‘Fortnite.’

But as ‘Minecraft’ has just proved, video game movies can still do big business at the box office, and Paramount is clearly hoping that ‘Angry Birds’ will spawn the same sort of success as enjoyed by its own ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ franchise.

Just in case you’re not sure what we’re talking about…

What is the ‘Angry Birds’ franchise?

2016’s ‘The Angry Birds Movie’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

Jaakko Iisalo created the original game for Rovio Entertainment in 2009, which focuses on the titular flock of colorful angry birds who try to save their eggs from green-colored pigs.

Players look to take down the pigs and their structures by flinging the birds –– who have different destructive capabilities –– at the pigs via slingshots. Physics and comedy are intertwined in the games, which have grown into a series.

The original title also spawned a huge multimedia franchise of products and cartoons and SEGA acquired Rovio in 2023 (which might point to why Paramount is now involved, since SEGA also makes the ‘Sonic’ games and co-produces the movies).

‘The Angry Birds Movie’ featured the voices of Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Kate McKinnon, Sean Penn, Tony Hale, Keegan-Michael Key, Bill Hader, and Peter Dinklage.

The film is focused on Red (Sudeikis), an outcast in an island of anthropomorphic flightless birds, as he suspects a newly arrived crew of pigs led by Leonard (Hader) of plotting an evil plan, and attempts to put a stop to them with the help of his newfound friends Chuck (Gad) and Bomb (McBride).

Sequel ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’ saw newcomers Leslie Jones, Rachel Bloom, Awkwafina, Sterling K. Brown and Eugenio Derbez joining the ensemble voice cast.
skcANxPA
In the story, the birds are forced to team up with the pigs to stop Eagle Island’s leader from destroying both of their islands.

Sudeikis, Gad, Bloom and McBride are all back for the third, with newcomers this time including Emma Myers, Keke Palmer, Tim Robinson, Lily James, Marcello Hernandez, Walker Scobell, Sam Richardson, Anna Cathcart, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Nikki Glaser, James Austin Johnson and Psalm West.

Plot details have not been released, but we can guess it’ll feature more conflict between our feathered friends and either the pigs or some new threat.

The new movie will come from director John Rice (who worked on ‘The Angry Birds Movie’) and writer Thurop Van Orman, who contributed to the script for ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2.’

And composer Heitor Pereiram, who scored the last two movies, is also back for the new one.

Related Article: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Exclusive Interviews

‘The Angry Birds Movie 3’: The Backers Talk

2016’s ‘The Angry Birds Movie’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

As with any big release for a franchise film, especially with new owners, there was of course the statements of excitement from the producers and studio.

Here’s producer John Cohen:

“We’re very excited to be partnering with Paramount Pictures and extremely proud of our incredible cast. Not only do we have Jason, Josh, Rachel and Danny returning to voice their fantastic characters, but they’re surrounded by an all-star ensemble of comedic talent. These are some of the funniest people out there today, and we’re so thrilled to have them all on board.”

And this was the statement from Paramount president of worldwide marketing and distribution Marc Weinstock:

“Angry Birds transcends mediums and has been embraced and celebrated the world over. We couldn’t be happier to be partnering with SEGA/Rovio and these other great partners to bring this latest instalment, featuring an incredible voice cast, to big screens everywhere.”

This came from Flywheel Media boss Don McGregor:

“We’re thrilled to announce that our first theatrical distribution partnership is with Paramount Pictures. As a film production company focused on bringing the best family movies to global audiences, we couldn’t have a better start than ‘The Angry Birds Movie 3.’ ”

Finally, here’s Rovio’s Alex Pelletier-Normand:

“The Angry Birds brand has demonstrated remarkable versatility, evolving from a global mobile gaming phenomenon to licensed products, animation, and a thriving cinematic franchise. It has been a deeply collaborative effort to create a film that will resonate with the millions who interact with our catalog of games and products every day. We are confident that with this talented team at the helm, ‘The Angry Birds Movie 3’ will delight longtime fans and create new fans in those discovering our flock for the first time.”

When will ‘The Angry Birds Movie 3’ be in theaters?

Paramount’s announcement includes word that the new movie will be on screens on January 29th, 2027.

2016’s ‘The Angry Birds Movie’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

List of Movies in the ‘Angry Birds’ Franchise:
- ‘The Angry Birds Movie‘ (2016)
- ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2‘ (2019)
Buy ‘The Angry Birds’ Movies On Amazon
April 10, 2025
Movie Review: ‘Star Trek: Section 31’
Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’, streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+.

‘Star Trek: Section 31’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.

Premiering on Paramount+ on January 24th, ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ represents the first ‘Star Trek’ movie produced –– even if it does carry the qualifier of “TV Movie” –– since 2016’s ‘Star Trek: Beyond.’ Which tells you something about the moribund development levels of big screen ‘Trek.’

Instead, it has been left up to the likes of executive producer/overseer Alex Kurtzman to fly the Federation flag on the small screen instead. And ‘Section 31’ marks the first feature-length spin-off from the various series (in this case, ‘Star Trek: Discovery,’ which launched the current televisual incarnation back in 2017 and wrapped up last year). The big question of course is, was it worth taking one of the characters and giving them a showcase?

Related Article: Rebecca Romijn and Anson Mount Talk ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2

Will ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ beam your interest aboard?

(L to R) Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou and Joe Pingue as Dada Noe in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’, streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+.

‘Section 31’ does go some way to answering the question as to whether the current ‘Trek’ TV galaxy can generate solid enough ideas to work as movies, even if this first one does make its debut on the small screen via Paramount’s streaming service. That’s not a knock on the film, and while it might not have the scope and sheen of, say, a Nicholas Meyer movie or something from J.J. Abrams’ lens flare-inflected productions, it’s a burst of knockabout entertainment with solid character work and a tone that veers more towards ‘Mission: Impossible’ than classic ‘Star Trek.’

Indeed, there are ideas and developments here that might have given series creator Gene Roddenberry a conniption fit, even if his show did introduce the concept of the dark mirror universe for ‘Trek,’ playing with the principle years before Marvel and co.’s big-screen multiverses.

And keeping things mostly outside of Federation space means that there’s plenty of latitude for morally ambiguous types to band together for a higher calling. It also doesn’t hurt that it also allows for Michelle Yeoh, who hasn’t had a showcase like this since ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ to show her stuff not just as a dramatic actor but also someone who –– with support from the stunt team –– has the action chops.

Script and Direction

Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

Written by Craig Sweeny from a story originated by Bo Yeon Kim and Erika Lippoldt (all three have experience working on ‘Discovery’), ‘Section 31’ is a darkly humorous chunk of action that also has a few solid ideas at its core, not the least of which is the moral choices of its lead characters.

Not only that, but it lets Yeoh cut loose as Georgiou, fully leaning into the idea of someone who will do anything to achieve her aims (up to and including killing people), but also realizes the weight of her past, particularly when it rudely intrudes on her present gig as an undercover (well, mostly undercover) crime boss.

The script falls into some identifiable traps in places as it has to catch those who didn’t watch much of ‘Discovery’ up on who Georgiou is and how she fits into the mythology, and one or two of the reveals/surprises are signposted in places (if you believe the entire team makes it to the end credits, you’ve clearly never watched anything in this genre). But overall, it works.

Fellow ‘Discovery’ veteran Olatunde Osunsanmi, meanwhile, directs with a light touch, throwing in some visual panache where possible and keeping the tone fun while also delivering on the bigger themes.

‘Star Trek: Section 31’: Performances

With Yeoh the natural focus (and enjoying the spotlight), the movie nevertheless builds some quirky characters around her.

Michelle Yeoh as Phillipa Georgiou

Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’, streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo Credit: Sophy Holland/Paramount+.

It says something that Yeoh, who these days has an Oscar on her mantle (for ‘Everything Everywhere’), opted to return for more from Georgiou, the conniving, crafty and imperious former ruler of the Terran Empire, who these days slums it working for the ethically questionable secret side of Starfleet. Yeoh brings power and spark to the lead role, bouncing well off the others and delivering some lines with just the right level of acid sarcasm.

Omari Hardwick as Alok Sahar

Omari Hardwick as Alok in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’, streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo Credit: Sophy Holland/Paramount+.

Hardwick is sometimes lumbered with playing more of the straight arrow to Yeoh’s character, but he’s also handed enough of a dark past to keep Sahar from feeling stale.

Sam Richardson as Quasi

Sam Richardson as Quasi in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’, streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo Credit: Sophy Holland/Paramount+.

A comedic veteran of the likes of ‘Veep,’ ‘Detroiters’ and ‘Ted Lasso,’ Richardson is the shapeshifting Quasi, and part of the bickering team of operatives dispatched to initially track down Georgiou and convince her to help them stop a major problem.

Richardson’s role is tailored towards his particular brand of nervy, empathetic comedy and he does his usual sterling job as a supporting player.

Robert Kazinsky as Zeph

Robert Kazinsky as Zeph in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’, streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo Credit: Sophy Holland/Paramount+.

A mech-head a little too connected to his own technology, Zeph is the brawn of the team, and ‘Pacific Rim’s Kazinsky was a good choice for the role. He can play blustery but also vulnerable when needed and Zeph is a great blend of the two.

Kacey Rohl as Rachel Garrett

Kacey Rohl as Rachel in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’, streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo Credit: Sophy Holland/Paramount+.

One of the little elements of fan service (though they never get in the way of the narrative), Rohl’s character is the future Starfleet captain ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ fans will know from classic episode ‘Yesterday’s Enterprise.’ Here, she’s younger, but her straight-laced energy (until another side is unleashed) compliments the rest of the team’s wilder ways.

Sven Ruygrok as Fuzz

Sven Ruygrok as Fuzz in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’, streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo Credit: Sophy Holland/Paramount+.

Perhaps the most fascinating character of the bunch, Fuzz is actually something we won’t spoil here. A Vulcan first glimpsed laughing like he’s a Romulan, he’s one of the cleverer inventions for this new movie, and Ruygrok brings a great energy to him.

Final Thoughts

Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’, streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Sophy Holland/Paramount+.

Will ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ prove there is life in the TV side of the galaxy besides the ongoing series (new ones are on the way, but ‘Strange New Worlds’ is the only current ongoing concern)? It certainly has a vitality and an attitude to it, but it remains to be seen if it’s embraced by fans.

If nothing else, we got another chance to see Michelle Yeoh be a snarky badass.
Hb5q6ft7xmX4Wf4LSfkzS1
What’s the plot of ‘Star Trek: Section 31’?

Michelle Yeoh returns as Emperor Philippa Georgiou –– a character she played in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ –– who joins a secret division of Starfleet.

Tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets, she also must face the sins of her past.

Who is in the cast of ‘Star Trek: Section 31’?
- Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou
- Omari Hardwick as Alok
- Kacey Rohl as Rachel Garrett
- Sam Richardson as Quasi
- Sven Ruygrok as Fuzz
- Robert Kazinsky as Zeph
- Humberly Gonzalez as Melle
Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’, streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo Credit: Sophy Holland/Paramount+.

Other ‘Star Trek’ Movies and TV Series:
- ‘Star Trek‘ (1966 – 1969)
- ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture‘ (1979)
- ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan‘ (1982)
- ‘Star Trek III: The Search for Spock‘ (1984)
- ‘Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home‘ (1986)
- ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation‘ (1987 – 1994)
- ‘Star Trek V: The Final Frontier‘ (1989)
- ‘Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country‘ (1991)
- ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine‘ (1993 – 1999)
- ‘Star Trek: Generations‘ (1994)
- ‘Star Trek: Voyager‘ (1995 – 2001)
- ‘Star Trek: First Contact‘ (1996)
- ‘Star Trek: Insurrection‘ (1998)
- ‘Star Trek: Enterprise‘ (2001 – 2005)
- ‘Star Trek: Nemesis‘ (2002)
- ‘Star Trek‘ (2009)
- ‘Star Trek Into Darkness‘ (2013)
- ‘Star Trek Beyond‘ (2016)
- ‘Star Trek: Discovery‘ (2017 – 2024)
- ‘Star Trek: Picard‘ (2020 – 2023)
- ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks‘ (2020 – 2023)
- ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds‘ (2022 – 2023)
Buy ‘Star Trek’ Movies On Amazon
Cfz3brzM
January 23, 2025
Kevin Smith Announces New Comedy ‘The 4:30 Movie’
(L to R) Reed Northrup, Nicholas Cirillo and Austin Zajur in director Kevin Smith’s ‘The 4:30 Movie’. Photo: Saban Films.

Preview:
- Kevin Smith has shot new comedy ‘The 4:30 Movie’.
- A new coming-of-age saga about three teen friends, it’s set in 1986.
- Smith will tour the movie this summer ahead of a theatrical release.
Kevin Smith has made a career riffing on pop culture and channeling nostalgia, along with a steady stream of stoner gags.

With his time in the ‘Clerks’ universe apparently over for a while, Kevin Smith has turned his attention to an original movie. His latest, ‘The 4:30 Movie’, might sound like it’s headed back in a weed direction (but it’s not ‘The 4:20 Movie), but is instead founded upon his own teenage love of cinema.

And now the coming-of-age movie has a distribution deal, with Saban Films.
JYJoYvRnTKNAbpJIzM4GZ3
What’s the story of ‘The 4:30 Movie’?

Set in the summer of 1986, the coming-of-age comedy follows three sixteen-year-old friends (played by Austin Zajur, Nicholas Cirillo and Reed Northrup) who spend their Saturdays sneaking into movies at the local multiplex. But when one of the guys also invites the girl of his dreams (Siena Agudong) to see the latest comedy, each of the teens will learn something serious about life and love before the credits roll.

Who else is in ‘The 4:30 Movie’?

Justin Long as Hap Jackson in the thriller, ‘House of Darkness,’ a Saban Films release. Photo courtesy of Saban Films.

To support the young leads, Smith has recruited several returning veterans of his other movies and some new faces. The other cast includes Ken Jeong, Sam Richardson, Genesis Rodriguez, Justin Long, Jason Lee, Rachel Dratch, Kate Micucci, Adam Pally, Harley Quinn Smith and Method Man.

Related Article: Director Kevin Smith Talks ‘Clerks III’ and the Legacy of the Franchise

What has Kevin Smith said about his new movie?

‘Clerks III’ director and writer Kevin Smith.

As with the original ‘Clerks’, which was famously shot at night in the convenience store where Smith worked in his 20s, ‘The 4:30 Movie’ utilized the Smodcastle Cinema that the director owns. A cinema, in fact, in New Jersey where he used to visit as a teenager himself.

This is what he told Deadline:

“The day we bought Smodcastle Cinemas, I not only reclaimed an integral piece of my childhood, I also suddenly had access to a visually interesting and cost-free movie location! So I started writing a personal paean to the past for us 70’s and 80’s kids –– the pre-information generation who grew up without the Internet, when romance and relationships required much more than a swipe to get started, and the idea of asking out someone you had a crush on was as terrifying as the looming threat of nuclear war.”

When will ‘The 4:30 Movie’ be in theaters?

Smith is returning to a release policy that has worked for him in the past –– he’s taking the new movie out on a roadshow tour this summer. Then, it’ll be released nationwide in theaters, but a date has yet to be announced.

Director/Writer Kevin Smith on the set of the comedy, ‘Clerks III,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of John Bayer/Lionsgate.

Other Kevin Smith Movies:
- ‘Clerks‘ (1994)
- ‘Mallrats‘ (1995)
- ‘Chasing Amy‘ (1997)
- ‘Dogma‘ (1999)
- ‘Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back‘ (2001)
- ‘Jersey Girl‘ (2004)
- ‘Clerks II‘ (2006)
- ‘Zack and Miri Make a Porno‘ (2008)
- ‘Cop Out‘ (2010)
- ‘Red State‘ (2011)
- ‘Tusk‘ (2014)
- ‘Yoga Hosers‘ (2016)
- ‘Jay and Silent Bob Reboot‘ (2019)
- ‘Killroy Was Here‘ (2022)
- ‘Clerks III‘ (2022)
Buy Kevin Smith Movies on Amazon
3WjkxuNn
April 3, 2024
Michelle Yeoh’s ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ Movie Adds New Cast
Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+

Preview:
- The Michelle Yeoh-starring ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ movie has begun shooting.
- Omari Hardwick and Sam Richardson are joining the cast.
- The movie will stream on Paramount+.
For the past few years, the ‘Star Trek’ TV series have been flying the flag for the venerable sci-fi franchise as the big screen adventures have been stymied in cinematic development drydock (yet another example was announced recently).

But, while it won’t be warping into movie theaters, the small screen ‘Trek’ universe has spawned its own movie, based on the further adventures of Emperor Philippa Georgiou, as played to winning effect by Michelle Yeoh in the first season of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’.

And, as the movie kicks off shooting, the likes of Omari Hardwick, Kacey Rohl, Sam Richardson, Sven Ruygrok, Robert Kazinsky, Humberly Gonzalez and James Hiroyuki Liao are joining the cast.

Related Article: Michelle Yeoh to Star in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ Movie For Paramount+

What’s the story for ‘Star Trek: Section 31’?

Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Paramount+’s ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’

Yeoh’s Captain Phillipa Georgiou was a powerful presence… at least (spoiler alert if you’ve somehow not caught up on the first episode of ‘Discovery’, which screened in 2017) until she died at the hands (and blade) of a Klingon warrior.

Yet that was not the end for Yeoh’s story –– a trip to the Mirror Universe (established all the way back in the 1960s original ‘Star Trek’) revealed that there was another Georgiou –– and she was Emperor of the cruel Terran Empire. She eventually ended up helping our heroes, and in a deleted scene, was approached by a member of the stealthy organization Section 31.

Originally developed as a series, the concept was instead announced as a movie last April. The basic synopsis for the movie reads: “Georgiou joins a secret division of Starfleet. Tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets, she also must face the sins of her past.”

What is Section 31?

Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou of the CBS All Access series ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’ Photo: Russ Martin/CBS All Access 2017 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

First introduced in ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’, Section 31 was an organization which claimed to protect the security interests of United Earth and, later, the United Federation of Planets. During the mid-23rd century, they were considered a critical division of Starfleet Intelligence, while by the 24th century, they were believed to be a rogue organization not considered part of the Federation but were in fact still part of Starfleet Intelligence.

Who is making the movie?

Omari Hardwick as Cruise in ‘The Mother.’ Photo: Doane Gregory/Netflix © 2023.

Craig Sweeny is writing the script, with ‘Discovery’ veteran Olatunde Osunsanmi directing.

Here’s what executive producer Alex Kurtzman had to say about the movie kicking off:

“And we’re off to the races! Thrilled to report principal photography has started on ‘Star Trek: Section 31’. We welcome our incredible cast of new characters as they join our beloved Michelle Yeoh on her next wild adventure across the ‘Trek’ universe.”

When will the new ‘Star Trek’ movie be streaming?

While we know the movie will premiere on Paramount+, but there is no confirmed release date yet.

Sam Richardson as Gilbert in Disney’s live-action ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Other ‘Star Trek’ Movies:
- ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture‘ (1979)
- ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan‘ (1982)
- ‘Star Trek III: The Search for Spock‘ (1984)
- ‘Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home‘ (1986)
- ‘Star Trek V: The Final Frontier‘ (1989)
- ‘Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country‘ (1991)
- ‘Star Trek: Generations‘ (1994)
- ‘Star Trek: First Contact‘ (1996)
- ‘Star Trek: Insurrection‘ (1998)
- ‘Star Trek: Nemesis‘ (2002)
- ‘Star Trek‘ (2009)
- ‘Star Trek Into Darkness‘ (2013)
- ‘Star Trek Beyond‘ (2016)
Buy ‘Star Trek’ Movies On Amazon
January 31, 2024
TV Review: ‘The Afterparty’ Season 2
Tiffany Haddish in ‘The Afterparty,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

Launched with the first two episodes on Apple TV+, the second season of ‘The Afterparty’ manages to take the story in interesting new directors while also maintaining what made the first so entertaining.

Created by Chris Miller and produced by Miller alongside regular creative partner Phil Lord, ‘The Afterparty’ has the clever conceit of presenting the events of the story from the different points of view of the various characters, all portrayed in different genres.

And while the new season doesn’t have the frisson of a new idea in quite the same way, there is still plenty of freshness here.

What’s the story of ‘The Afterparty’s second season?

(L to R) Zoë Chao and Sam Richardson in ‘The Afterparty,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

The story picks up with Aniq (Sam Richardson) and Zoë (Zoë Chao), now a couple, having made it through the murder mystery that sprang up during the afterparty of a high school reunion.

It’s a year later and the pair are attending the wedding of Zoë’s sister Grace (Poppy Liu), who is getting married to wealthy tech type Edgar (Zach Woods) at his family’s expansive estate north of San Francisco.

Aniq fails to make a good impression his girlfriend’s family, but that pales in comparison when Edgar is discovered dead the morning after the wedding (along with his pet lizard, Roxana).

Soon, accusations are being thrown around and skeletons from the past on all sides are coming to light. Aniq contacts Detective Danner –– or rather former Detective Danner (Tiffany Haddish) –– who cracked the case in the first season (and is now trying to write a book about the experience) to come and solve the new murder mystery.

Who else appears in ‘The Afterparty’ Season 2?

(L to R) Jack Whitehall and John Cho in ‘The Afterparty,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

Season two boasts a new group of characters including Edgar’s adopted sister Hannah (Anna Konkle), his widowed mother Isabel (Elizabeth Perkins), and business partner Sebastian (Jack Whitehall); Grace and Zoë’s parents Feng (Ken Jeong) and Vivian (Vivian Wu), as well as their long-estranged world-travelling uncle Ulysses (John Cho); and Grace’s ex-boyfriend Travis (Paul Walter Hauser).

Related Article: Producers Phil Lord, Cristopher Miller and Cast Talk ‘The Afterparty’

Is ‘The Afterparty’ Season 2 an event worth attending?

(L to R) Anna Konkle, Elizabeth Perkins, Zach Woods, Poppy Liu, John Cho, Vivian Wu, Ken Jeong and Zoë Chao in ‘The Afterparty,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

As we mentioned, the idea of splitting the episodes between the various characters’ viewpoints and utilizing a different genre for each one is no longer as fresh and new as the first, but the show’s creative team has worked hard to make it feel different and worthwhile rather than a retread.

Part of that is rounding up a superb new ensemble to bring the characters to life, with the highlights including Cho as the worldly, weird uncle that Zoë and Grace idolized as youngsters, but haven’t seen for years after he fell out with their parents. His re-introduction to their lives (organized by Edgar and Sebastian) is a fantastic showcase for Cho, who has rarely gotten to play such a flamboyant, weird character.

Jeong is also great –– a picky shaved ice magnate (he’s quick to point out that it’s Taiwanese rather than Hawaiian) –– gives him a chance to do the sort of shouty, nervy character who works well playing against the others.

Woods’ Edgar has his own set of quirks; a painfully socially awkward genius whose closest companion is his pet reptile, and while it might come across as the character he played or some he interacted with on ‘Silicon Valley’, he brings something new to this role. Kudos also to the effects team bringing Roxana the lizard to life –– she’s almost as much of a character as she is.

Among the genres the season offers are Jane Austen-style period drama (for Grace’s story of how she met and fell for Edgar and her worries that Zoë isn’t on board with their whirlwind romance), and one set within the word of TikTok and other social media trends.

And a breakout hit of the season to come is the episode focused on Danner investigating a different case. We won’t go into any big spoilers but suffice to say that fans of 1980s and 1990s thrillers (and food) will heartily enjoy the craziness on display. You can also expect to see a spoof of heist movies and 1950s melodrama.

Through it all, Haddish and Richardson provide reliable anchors –– he all nervous energy and trying to do what’s right, she the quick-thinking, smack-talking type who knows that everyone lies at some point.

There are the same level of twists and turns this time around, the various viewpoints providing different laughs and the emotional quotient remaining high. These are characters you’ll enjoy getting to know and figuring out who might have dangerous motives and reasons to wish Edgar harm.

It also generates plenty of knowing stories about the tensions both within Asian families and towards them –– at one point Jeong’s Feng points out that white people clustered whispering is never a good thing.

Lord and Miller have long proved to be skilled at taking comedy and genre and twisting them together, and ‘The Afterparty’ continues to be a great example of that.

‘Afterparty’ problems?

(L to R) Poppy Liu and Zach Woods in ‘The Afterparty,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

Not every genre pick is quite as effective, which means you might find yourself going from an episode you truly enjoy to one that only offers minor chuckles.

Yet this is the only real issue with the new show, which has made a successful return to Apple’s streaming service and marks one of the best comedies on TV at the moment. The only other problem you could have is with the weekly drip feed release schedule –– your patience might be taxed waiting for each episode of the remaining eight to drop, but it’s worth it.

And the only guarantee we can’t give is that the show sticks the landing this time and resolves the mystery effectively, as critics were not provided with the crucial final episode. But on the evidence of the season so far and the great quality of the first, we have faith.

‘The Afterparty’ Season 2 receives 8 out of 10 stars.

(L to R) Tiffany Haddish and Elizabeth Perkins in ‘The Afterparty,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

Movies Similar to ‘The Afterparty’ Season 2:
- ‘Office Space‘ (1999)
- ‘The Hangover‘ (2009)
- ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs‘ (2009)
- ‘21 Jump Street‘ (2012)
- ‘22 Jump Street‘ (2014)
- ‘The Lego Movie‘ (2014)
- ‘Office Christmas Party‘ (2016)
- ‘The After Party‘ (2018)
- ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse‘ (2018)
- ‘The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part‘ (2019)
- ‘Not Okay‘ (2022)
- ‘The Estate‘ (2022)
- ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse‘ (2023)
Buy Tiffany Haddish Movies on Amazon
July 13, 2023
Movie Review: ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken’
Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,’ directed by Kirk DeMicco.
© 2023 DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.

Opening in theaters on June 30th, ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken’ has some interesting visuals and a catchy basic concept, but all of that is built on top of a very standard format and lessons that audiences will have heard a hundred times before. This doesn’t necessarily detract from its entertainment value too much, though.
Yczjbm1kPD7aJ78Hetvtg6
What’s the story of ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken’?

Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,’ directed by Kirk DeMicco.
© 2023 DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.

After a quick prologue exploring the unexpected history of giant Krakens –– who in this universe are the staunch protectors of the oceans, doing battle with nasty mermaids –– we’re introduced to teenage Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor), who doing her best to fit in at Oceanside High School.

She’s got a group of loyal friends, a crush (Jaboukie Young-White’s Connor, who she tutors in math), and a desperate desire to attend the prom. But what she also has is a highly protective mother (Toni Collette’s Agatha) who is worried about Ruby going anywhere near the ocean… And the prom happens to be on a boat.

Turns out –– as the title suggests –– Ruby’s family are all krakens, and Agatha brought the family from the ocean to the town before Ruby was born because she’s terrified what might happen should her daughter go into the sea.

Ruby soon learns exactly why –– diving in to save a fellow pupil, she discovers that being under the waves activates her full Kraken self: she grows to kaiju proportions, sports three giant tentacles and has a host of other powers. She also meets her grandmother… sorry, “Grandmamah” (Jane Fonda), who just so happens to be queen of the krakens and encourages Ruby to embrace her destiny.

But our heroine really just wants to enjoy her life as a teenager, which is made even more complicated when she discovers that popular new girl Chelsea Van Der Zee (Annie Murphy) has her own secrets…

Who else is in ‘Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken’?

Jane Fonda voices Grandmamah in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,’ directed by Kirk DeMicco. © 2023 DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.

The voice cast for DreamWorks’ latest also includes Colman Domingo, Sam Richardson, Blue Chapman, Will Forte, Liza Koshy, Ramona Young, Nicole Byer, Echo Kellum, Jordan Matter and Brianna Paige Arsement.

Related Article: 25 Best Jane Fonda Movies of All Time!

What works about ‘Ruby Gillman?’

(from left) Chelsea Van Der Zee (Annie Murphy) and Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,’ directed by Kirk DeMicco.
© 2023 DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.

The movie showcases a fun visual style that, while it won’t challenge animated boundaries the way that the ‘Spider-Verse’ films do, it’s nevertheless an attractive and, at times, electric variant of DreamWorks’ usual style.

One or two sequences, such as Ruby’s impassioned plea to attend prom, delivered via presentation video that calls to mind ‘The Mitchells Vs. the Machines’ do break away from the overall look, and are fun to watch. And whenever the action heads under the sea, the vibrant tones of the krakens and some other ocean life, plus Fonda’s character’s royal palace are realized with impact.

Likewise, the vocal performances are all convincing and emotional, if sometimes leaning towards standard. Collette mostly gets to be the worried mom, though in a nice touch, there’s less of the usual teenager-mother stress than you might expect in a story such as this –– Agatha is given a few layers of her own, even before the movie explores her own parental issues with Fonda.

(from left) Sam Gillman (Blue Chapman), Agatha Gillman (Toni Collette) and Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,’ directed by Kirk DeMicco. © 2023 DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.

And credit to Condor (plus the writing team and directors Kirk DeMicco and Faryn Pearl) for making Ruby feel relatable and grounded despite her fantastical situation.

But the standout voice star here is Sam Richardson of ‘The Afterparty’ and ‘Veep’, as Uncle Brill, Agatha’s brother who Ruby and her younger brother Sam (Chapman) have never even met. He’s a bubbly, silly presence and Richardson totally fills the role. Brill is one of the best characters in the movie and the story is less entertaining when he’s off screen.

Finally, while it isn’t as loaded down with references as, say the ‘Shrek’ franchise, ‘Ruby Gillman’ does manage to offer a few winks. Forte’s Kraken-obsessed Captain Lighthouse has definite Captain Ahab overtones about him. And it’s no coincidence that one of the main mermaids in the film looks suspiciously like a certain Disney character who recently featured in a live-action reimagining of an animated adventure.

What are the movie’s problems?

Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,’ directed by Kirk DeMicco.
© 2023 DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.

‘Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken’ is a fun enough film for families to enjoy, but there is a creeping feeling of familiarity. The whole Kraken storyline is inventive and has some new ideas on its mind, but at its core, it’s full of the sorts of themes about believing in yourself and letting your true light shine.

Don’t get us wrong: those are not bad ideas for a young audience in particular to ingest while enjoying the comedy antics and vocal performances. It’s just that this latest animated offering does very little new with the concepts. We suppose there are only so many ways someone can be advised to embrace who they truly are. Or that you shouldn’t abandon your friends when big things happen in your life. Or that parents and kids really need each other more than they realize. Or… you get the picture.

There are also a few other elements which will have regular viewers of such movies sighing and tutting in recognition as they sit through the 700th version of a character exploring a new world set to a pop hit. For all its story benefit, it’s mostly wasted time.

Final Thoughts

(from left) Chelsea Van Der Zee (Annie Murphy) and Connor (Jaboukie Young-White) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,’ directed by Kirk DeMicco.
© 2023 DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.

Naturally, DreamWorks is hoping this is the launching point for a new franchise, but fortunately there’s only some mild, subtle nods to the idea that the story could continue. For its flaws, ‘Ruby Gillman’ does feel like a full story on its own.

It’s good to report that this is not the 4th installment of a long-established series of movies, because there should always be room for original filmmaking.

‘Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken’ receives 6 out of 10 stars.

(from left) Grandmamah (Jane Fonda) and Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken,’ directed by Kirk DeMicco. © 2023 DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.

Other Movies Similar to ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken:’
- ‘The Little Mermaid‘ (1989)
- ‘Shrek‘ (2001)
- ‘Shrek 2‘ (2004)
- ‘Shrek the Third‘ (2007)
- ‘Shrek Forever After‘ (2010)
- ‘Puss in Boots‘ (2011)
- ‘Aquaman‘ (2018)
- ‘Luca‘ (2021)
- ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish‘ (2022)
- ‘The Little Mermaid‘ (2023)
Buy Tickets: ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken’ Movie Showtimes

Buy Jane Fonda Movies on Amazon

‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken’ is produced by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation. It is set to release in theaters on June 30th, 2023.
QRfVQJRE
July 1, 2023
‘Somebody I Used to Know’ Interview: Director Dave Franco

PkULzUiG
Premiering on Prime Video beginning February 10th is the new romantic comedy ‘Somebody I Used to Know,’ which was written by actors Dave Franco (‘The Disaster Artist’) and Alison Brie (‘Promising Young Woman’), and directed by Franco.

The film stars Brie as Ally, a workaholic who returns home to visit her mother (‘Airplane!’s Julie Hagerty) the same weekend that her ex, Sean (‘Top Gun: Maverick’s Jay Ellis) is getting married to his young fiancé Cassidy (‘The Flash’s Kiersey Clemons). Ally is quickly thrown into the wedding festivities as the videographer, but really plans to ruin the wedding so she can get Sean back.

The movie also features supporting performances from Haley Joel Osment (‘The Sixth Sense’), Danny Pudi (‘Community’), Zoe Chao (‘The Afterparty’), Sam Richardson (‘Hocus Pocus 2’), and Amy Sedaris (‘Puss in Boots’).

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with director Dave Franco about his work on ‘Somebody I Used to Know,’ developing the idea for the screenplay, directing his wife Alison Brie, and putting together his crew and the rest of the cast.

Dave Franco co-writes and directs Prime Video’s ‘Somebody I Used to Know.’

You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Franco, Alison Brie, Jay Ellis, and Kiersey Clemons.

Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about creating the story for the film and writing the screenplay with Alison, and did you to continue to write with her and change dialogue while you were shooting?

Dave Franco: The story came about while we were walking through my hometown of Palo Alto. I think being in that setting, these ideas of going home, and reconnecting with your roots, and thinking about who you used to be compared to who you are now, all of that just became what the script ended up being. Then, in terms of how much the dialogue changed over time, it’s always changing.

One thing I like to do is before we start filming, I meet up with all the actors, and we basically go through each scene, and I ask them, “Are there any lines of dialogue or even any single words that don’t feel natural to you? Let’s change that now, let’s put it in your voice so that by the time we’re on set, we’re hitting the ground running, we’re not figuring all that stuff out.”

It ends up being this thing where, I think on both movies I’ve directed, I go over the script a million times, and then every day before whatever scene is coming, I look at that scene again. You just see it in a new light, and more often than not, I’m like, this is overwritten. We don’t need to say all this. Let’s chop it back. So it’s more about pairing everything back.

(L to R) Alison Brie and director Dave Franco at the premiere of Prime Video’s ‘Somebody I Used to Know.’

MF: Can you talk about the crew you put together for this project, and what was it like for you to work with your cinematographer to compose shots on set and work with your editor in the cutting room to assemble the film?

DF: The best. I surrounded myself with people who I’m a fan of, and just having that collaboration with those people was incredible. My DP, Brian Lannin, shoots that show ‘Dave.’ I don’t know if you’ve seen that, but it’s one of my favorites because they do really hard comedy, but it’s also beautiful. The visuals are stunning, and I thought he’d be the perfect guy for this.

With this one, it was kind of inherent to some romantic comedies. There’s a lot of scenes where it’s just two people talking, and the challenge was how do we make that exciting? How do we make that engaging visually? He’s just got such a beautiful eye, and the setting itself did a lot of the heavy lifting too. We shot in the Pacific Northwest, and any direction you point the camera, it’s stunning.

Then, in the edit, my editor Ernie Gilbert, I love him to death. What can I say? It’s just a healthy back and forth where obviously I have very specific ideas of how I want things to play out, but I trust him so much, and he would come in with ideas, and new things that I would never think of. Anyway, this is a long way of saying I’m so collaborative. It’s my favorite thing to do, especially when I’m surrounded by people who are just so talented.

(L to R) Alison Brie and Danny Pudi in Prime Video’s ‘Somebody I Used to Know,’ which was directed by Dave Franco.

MF: Finally, there are a lot of actors in the movie that you and Alison have worked with in the past, and a few that you have not. Can you talk about putting together the cast and having an opportunity to work with your friends?

DF: It’s the best for many reasons. When you’re surrounded by people that you feel comfortable with, you feel more willing to take risks knowing that no one’s going to judge you. When I am putting together the team, of course, I want people who are talented, but it’s just as important to me that everyone is really nice and hardworking. When you’re surrounded by that type of person, it just makes it easy, man. It’s like, I don’t need to micromanage anyone.

Everyone’s there to work, everyone’s excited, and it’s this nice family environment. As an actor, I’ve been on a couple sets that are not that way. It’s a weird vibe. I made a vow to myself that when I have control on any set that I’m on, I’m going to make sure that obviously, let’s do good work, but let’s also have a good time. We’re away from our friends and family for months at a time, it should be worth it. Let’s look back, and remember the experience itself too.

Alison Brie in Prime Video’s ‘Somebody I Used to Know,’ which was directed by Dave Franco.
sOJ4is89wMz8FLibCWz8Q6

February 7, 2023
‘Hocus Pocus 2’ Interview: Sam Richardson and Doug Jones

cHtrqR15
Premiering on Disney+ beginning September 30th is the sequel to the 1993 hit film ‘Hocus Pocus,’ which is aptly entitled ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ and was directed by Anne Fletcher (‘The Proposal’).

Set twenty-nine years after the original in present day, the Sanderson sisters, including Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) are back and causing havoc in Salem, Massachusetts.

Now, three young girls, Becca (Whitney Peak), Cassie (Lilia Buckingham), and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), must team with Gilbert (Sam Richardson), a magic store owner, and Winnie’s former lover, Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones) in order to stop the Sanderson Sisters from killing the Mayor of Salem (Tony Hale), who is also Cassie’s dad.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Sam Richardson and Doug Jones about their work on ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ Richardson’s love for the original, what it was like for Jones to reprise his role, working with the witches, the challenges of playing a headless character, and how Gilbert betrays his friends’ trust.

(L to R) Sam Richardson and Doug Jones star in Disney+’s ‘Hocus Pocus 2.’

Moviefone: To begin with, Sam, were you a fan of the original movie, and what was it like for you to share the screen with the Sanderson sisters?

Sam Richardson: I wouldn’t say that I was a fan of the original, I would say that I was an uberfan and a true obsessed maniac for this movie. So, to get to work with them as a fan, it was a constant struggle to make sure that I was acting and not just being myself talking to these ladies. But it was such a treat. Luckily, Gilbert is a fan, so to wear that layer, about half the work was done for me over the course of 30 years.

MF: Doug, can you talk about returning to the franchise and reprising your role as Billy Butcherson, and what are the challenges physically of playing a headless character?

Doug Jones: Well, returning to the franchise was something I had hoped for but never thought possible. You never know. But as the fandom grew over the years to a point now where it is a part of everyone’s Halloween, our original fans have kids of their own that are now fans of the movie. So, it’s just grown and grown and grown, and because of that, and petitions online, they’re like, “We need a sequel.” Thank heaven for the fans that made this sequel happen.

And being headless is a part of the deal for Billy Butcherson, unfortunately. He’s strung together with dust, he can’t help himself and he’s been dead for 300 years. I’m surprised he’s even walking. So, you’ll see more things come apart on Billy in the sequel. It won’t let you down.

Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson in ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Matt Kennedy. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

MF: Finally, Sam, can you talk about Gilbert’s friendship with Becca, Cassie, and Izzy, and how he betrays their trust?

SR: Gilbert owns the magic shop, which is the witches’ original home. Gilbert’s magic shop is the place where the girls frequent, and he’s sort of a mentor to them in the magical arts and such. So, he’s a person that they trust, but then Gilbert surreptitiously uses their love of magic to bring these witches back. That betrayal is something he immediately regrets, seeing what he’s wrought upon the world, but also, he’s trying to fix this thing and sort apologize to the girls, and then to apologize to Billy.

DJ: He betrayed me, too. Let’s be honest.

SR: He’s in over his head, no pun intended. He’s just always at the back on his heels from the start of the movie on. It was a fun thing to play with in this movie.

Sam Richardson as Gilbert in Disney’s live-action ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SobUrjjSsYRoz7A0DQ3177

September 30, 2022
D23 Expo 2022: Disney Studios Presentation

hq1Bc6mV
Walt Disney Studios kicked off the first day of D23 Expo 2022 in style today with tons of advance looks at what the House of Mouse has in store for fans in the coming days, months, and years. You can watch Moviefone‘s exclusive backstage interviews by clicking on the video player above.

The first D23 Expo in three years began with the president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, Sean Bailey, revealing the first-ever footage from ‘Hocus Pocus 2’.

Bailey was joined by the wacky Sanderson Sisters themselves – stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy – who appeared via video to show how their characters are back for the first time since 1993 for more soul-stealing Halloween action.

Battling them this time around are aspiring witch Becca (Whitney Peak) and magic shop owner Gilbert (Sam Richardson).

But the audience’s biggest applause went to the original film’s Billy Butcherson (‘The Shape of Water’s Doug Jones) upon his return from the grave. ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ hits Disney+ on September 30th. The trailer is in the video player above.
SobUrjjSsYRoz7A0DQ3177

Next up on the panel was another eagerly anticipated sequel, ‘Disenchanted’. Returning stars Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Idina Menzel, and James Marsden took the stage, alongside Maya Rudolph, the film’s new villain. ‘Disenchanted’ finds Adams’ Giselle and hubby Dempsey moving to the suburbs with their infant and teenage children.

“I was a huge fan of the original,” said Rudolph. “I can’t believe I got to be part of this… It’s not easy being mean to Amy Adams.” The new teaser trailer for the sequel is in the video player above.
odm6ku5Ngp5gE2t9HtPhQ5
As far as live-action remakes of Disney animated classics go, ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ was the first on deck today: with star Jude Law (Captain Hook) flanked by newcomers Alexander Molony (Peter Pan), Ever Gabo Anderson (Wendy), and Alyssa Wapanatâhk (Tiger Lily).

Expect more empowered female characters this time around, including at least one Lost Girl among Peter’s Lost Boys.

“Disney has worked very hard to give her more depth and a lot more character,” said Anderson of Wendy. “She and Peter are equals in this film.”

Law added that Hook and Pan’s prior relationship is also fleshed out. “We got to mine their back story a little bit more. You get to understand their past,” he said, hinting that the two were once friends.

© 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
gzaOhwvuTwRIVZDMXIneS1
Another reworking of a Disney classic comes with March 10th’s ‘Haunted Mansion’, directed by ‘Dear White People’ creator Justin Simien. Today’s first look showcased stars Rosario Dawson and LaKeith Stanfield exploring the titular house with a priest played by Owen Wilson and a historian played by Danny DeVito.

“I got to make sure all the little details, all the Easter eggs are there. Because I’m a nerd,” confessed Simien. He then joined another of the film’s stars – scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis – in a Doom Buggy rolling across the D23 Expo stage.

© 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
g1qSyAlek1cbFEreVbuFn2
Few Disney films are so beloved as 1994’s ‘The Lion King’. And fans will get more of the film’s animal kingdom in the 2024 prequel ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’.

Director Barry Jenkins appeared to explain how “Mufasa is the origin story of one of the greatest kings of the Pride Land… It’s the real story of how Mufasa found his place in the circle of life. What you learn is that Mufasa is great because of the family and the friends he has with him.”

Of course Disney Studios wouldn’t exist without its very first animated classic, 1937’s ‘Snow White’.

Director Marc Webb is tackling the live-action 2024 remake, featuring Gal Gadot as the Wicked Queen and Rachel Zegler as its eponymous heroine. The two were touched by the warm response they received as they presented a first look at their characters.

“Just your reaction means the world to us,” said Gadot.
A visibly moved Zegler explained that, “Snow White is the girl you remember, but she’s definitely made for the modern age,” stating the film redefines what it means to be the fairest of them all.

Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot at Disney D23 Expo 2022 Getty Images
WT2uud2dk1C6xk7ZYnIAy
While ‘Snow White’ is Disney’s first animated feature, 1989’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ is responsible for the studio’s renaissance. As well as its renewed dedication to musicals, as Rob Marshall, director of May 2023’s live-action adaptation, reminded fans today.

“It was very important for us to honor the original. We went to Alan Menken, who was divine to work with, and also our dear friend Lin-Manuel Miranda. They had never worked together before… There are four new songs. We still retain the beauty of the original score, written by the late great Howard Ashman as well.”

Fans were treated to the film’s entire “Part of Your World” number, featuring a note-perfect Halle Bailey, who appeared on stage with Marshall.

“Three days of filming ‘Part of Your World,’” said Bailey, “that was the most beautiful experience of my life. Just getting to sing a song I’ve loved since I was a child was so exciting.”

“The camera loves you,” Marshall told Bailey. “But it’s more than that. [It] loves what’s inside. [It] loves what you bring.”

The two then unveiled a teaser that recalled ‘Finding Nemo’ in the color and detail of its underwater world. You can find a teaser version of the clip in the video player at the top of the page.
2UPucaisvBvg2Y72lPddd5
Pixar’s Elemental © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

It was then time for Pixar Animation Studios’ turn in the spotlight, with chief creative officer Pete Docter introducing next summer’s ‘Elemental’.

Director Peter Sohn spoke of how the film’s Element City was inspired by the culturally mixed New York of his childhood. Footage shown depicted the star-crossed romance of its fire-based heroine Ember (Leah Lewis) and her watery boyfriend Wade (Mamoudou Athie).

Pixar also unveiled its first original long-form series in the form of ‘Win or Lose’, each episode of which follows the perspective of a different character connected to a co-ed softball team, the Pickles.

With this year’s ‘Lightyear’, Pixar returned to the science fiction of ‘Wall-E’. Expect more in this vein soon, starting with ‘Elio’.

Announced today at D23 with star America Ferrera on stage, the film’s title character is an 11-year-old boy who doesn’t feel like he fits in his world. His mom (Ferrera) runs a top-secret military project, which inadvertently results in Elio making first contact with alien life and becoming our planet’s ambassador to the rest of the universe. It’s due out in spring 2024.

Last but by no means least on the Pixar slate – ‘Inside Out’ star Amy Poehler made a surprise appearance alongside Docter to announce ‘Inside Out 2’.

Pixar’s Inside Out 2 logo. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“Joy and the emotions are back for an all new adventure inside Riley’s head,” said a fittingly ebullient Poehler. “Only this time she’s a teenager!”

New emotions will also appear in the film, as Kelsey Mann takes over the directing chores from Docter, with Meg LeFauve returning to write the summer 2024 release.

To cap off the panel, Disney Animation’s chief creative officer (and Oscar-winning ‘Frozen’ director) Jennifer Lee greeted the D23 Expo audience to show what’s in store for the studio’s 100th anniversary next year.

But first, Disney’s fan-favorite 2016 ‘Zootopia’ will get a spin-off series this November on Disney+. And attendees got an advance look at the aptly titled ‘Zootopia+’, consisting of six short ‘Zootopia’-style spoofs of everything from ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ to ‘The Godfather Part II’.

Perhaps Disney’s most unique offering at the Expo was ‘Iwaju’. Coming this year to Disney+, it finds the animation studio partnering for the first time in its long history with an overseas animation studio – Africa’s Kugali. Its three founders appeared today, describing their Afrofuturism fable and its characters as a love letter to their hometown of Lagos, Nigeria.

Disney’s Iwaju. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

More sci-fi arrived with a new look at ‘Strange World’, described by Lee as “a film about family, legacy, and what we leave behind for the generations that follow.” Director Don Hall explained how the film chronicles three generations coming together on an alien planet in order to save their world.

Stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, and Lucy Liu introduced a rip-snorting clip of an exciting chase through ‘Strange World’s creature-packed planet.
d2IDAdF7u26ptvJPhyOrb
The Disney Animation segment, and indeed entire panel, concluded with the revelation of the studio’s 100th anniversary feature film – ‘Wish’. The tale of the star upon which so many Disney characters have wished throughout the past century, ‘Wish’ is co-directed by the attending team of Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn.

Buck, who co-wrote the film with Lee, explained how ‘Wish’ explores a kingdom of wishes, in which wishes can literally come true. Offering a lush, animated watercolor style coupled with CG animation, it stars newly minted Oscar winner Ariana DeBose as 17-year-old Asha, who pleas to the heavens for help, and gets an actual star from the sky, named Star, who communicates through pantomime.
0OBaFTIbKyvccQ25W6MMJ4
Disney “good luck charm,” actor Alan Tudyk appeared with footage of his character, a goat named Valentino who wishes to communicate with people. Finally, DeBose saw fans off with a sizzling live performance of “More for Us,” one of the film’s songs by Grammy winner Julia Michaels.

Disney’s Wish. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

September 9, 2022
It’s a Witchy Return for the ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ Trailer

ziHxqQvx
Lock up your children! The Sanderson sisters are back! Yes, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, who last played the witchy siblings back in 1993’s ‘Hocus Pocus’, have officially returned to cause more mayhem, as the first teaser trailer reveals.

Here’s the story: It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve.

As mentioned, the story focus on the teens who unwittingly bring the sisters back – Whitney Peak’s Becca, Belissa Escobedo’s Izzy and Lilia Buckingham’s Cassie – who discover the candle and light it as part of Becca’s birthday ritual, hoping to activate witchy powers and getting far more than they bargained for. They probably should have just stuck with watching scary movies.

The new ‘Hocus Pocus’ also stars Sam Richardson, Doug Jones (who reprises his role from the original as Billy Butcherson), Hannah Waddingham, Froyan Gutierrez and Tony Hale. Anne Fletcher is in the director’s chair, with the script by Jen D’Angelo.

(L-R): Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, and Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson in Disney’s live-action ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

For Richardson, recently seen in ‘The Tomorrow War’ and ‘The Afterparty’, it was a dream come true to act with the original ‘Hocus’ cast. I’m an absolute super fan of the original,” he told ET Online. “I grew up watching that movie. Being in the sequel is so surreal and incredible. To work with the ladies is so… I don’t want to use the word surreal again but I’m outside of myself when I’m doing these scenes. I’m like, ‘This is them!’ They are the characters. The Sanderson sisters, you know, are like there, doing their spells and I have a grin on my face!”

There has been talk of a sequel for years now, with rumors and speculation flying faster than a witch on a broom. But it only really took a step into reality at Disney’s Investor Day in 2020. Though Midler, Jessica Parker and Najimy did slip back into character for a virtual charity event in October that year.

Adam Shankman was attached at one point, though his duties on another Disney sequel, ‘Disenchanted’, kept him from taking part. “As heartbroken as I am that I won’t be able to direct my friends Bette, Sarah Jessica and Kathy in what is sure to be nothing short of a major event for Disney+ due to scheduling conflicts, I couldn’t be more pleased to be handing over the reins to Anne, who has brought so much laughter and joy into people’s lives with her previous work,” Shankman said in a statement at the time. “I am still grateful and proud to help shepherd this ingenious project as executive producer.

‘Hocus Pocus 2’ will arrive on Disney+ on September 30th, just in time for the prime Halloween viewing period.

‘Hocus Pocus 2’ will arrive on Disney+ on September 30th.
SobUrjjSsYRoz7A0DQ3177

June 28, 2022