Tag: the-penguin

  • 77th Primetime Emmy Awards 2025 Winners

    The 77th Emmys hosted by Nate Bargatze will air on CBS and Paramount+ September 14th.
    The 77th Emmys hosted by Nate Bargatze will air on CBS and Paramount+ September 14th.

    Preview:

    • ‘The Studio’, ‘Hacks’ and more won at the Emmy Awards.
    • Noah Wyle and Britt Lower were named lead actors in a drama for their shows.
    • Nate Bargatze hosted the show.

    This year’s Emmy Awards were held on Sunday night, and there were a lot of expected winners, including repeat appearances from Team ‘Hacks‘ (Jean Smart scored fourth award) and ‘The Traitors’.

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    Nate Bargatze hosted –– but beyond a relatively fun opening monologue taking expected swipes at TV such as ‘The Bear’ qualifying as comedy rather than drama, he wasn’t all that impressive as emcee for the night. The only element that worked was a running total donation to the Boys & Girls Club of America he promised, which went up and down according to how well winners kept to a 45-second speech limit.

    Stephen Colbert was the first presenter of the night, and in a nod to his show being cancelled by CBS (the channel that ran the ceremony this year), asked nominee Harrison Ford to get his resume to Steven Spielberg.

    Nate Bargatze hots at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Nate Bargatze hots at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    There was some surprises –– while ‘Severance’ was always expected to do well, it didn’t take as much as expected, though Britt Lower‘s win over ‘Matlock’ veteran Kathy Bates was a minor upset, while ‘The Studio’s Seth Rogen triumphed over ‘The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White for Lead Actor in a Comedy series.

    Elsewhere, ‘Somebody Somewhere’s Jeff Hiller was also somewhat of a surprise winner over nominees from ‘The Studio’ and ‘Shrinking’.

    The directing for a Limited Series category featured five women to one man. Of course the man won it! ‘Adolescence’ overseer Philip Barantini took the trophy — the limited series itself won a clutch of awards.

    Related Article: ‘Severance’, ‘The Penguin’ & ‘The White Lotus’ Among 2025 Emmy Nominees

    List of Winners and Nominees:

    Drama Series

    Outstanding Drama Series winners 'The Pitt' at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Outstanding Drama Series winners ‘The Pitt’ at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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    Lead Actor in a Drama Series

    Noah Wyle wins Outstanding Lead Male in a Drama Series at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Noah Wyle wins Outstanding Lead Male in a Drama Series at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Lead Actress in a Drama Series

    Britt Lower at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Britt Lower at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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    Comedy Series

    Comedy Series winners 'The Studio' at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, E PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Comedy Series winners ‘The Studio’ at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, E PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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    Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

    Seth Rogen wins the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Seth Rogen wins the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

    Jean Smart at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Jean Smart at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

    Stephen Graham at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Stephen Graham at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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    Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

    Crstin Milloti at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Crstin Milloti at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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    Limited Series or Anthology Series

    Limited or Anthology Series winner 'Adolescence' at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Limited or Anthology Series winner ‘Adolescence’ at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Outstanding Talk Series

    Stephen Colbert, Talk Series at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* Photo: Stewart Cook/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Stephen Colbert, Talk Series at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* Photo: Stewart Cook/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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    Reality Competition Program

    Alan Cumming and the team from 'The Traitors' at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Alan Cumming and the team from ‘The Traitors’ at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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    Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

    Katherine LaNasa at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Katherine LaNasa at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

    Tramell Tillman at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Tramell Tillman at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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    Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

    Jeff Hiller, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Stewart Cook/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Jeff Hiller, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Stewart Cook/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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    Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

    Hannah Einbinder at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* -- Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Hannah Einbinder at the 77TH EMMY® AWARDS, broadcasting live to both coasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, Sunday, Sept. 14, (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.* — Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    CBS Presents 77th Emmy® Awards ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    CBS Presents 77th Emmy® Awards ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    For the complete list of categories and winners, head to the Television Academy’s site.

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  • ‘Severance’ and ‘The Penguin’ Lead the 2025 Emmy Nominees

    CBS Presents 77th Emmy® Awards ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    CBS Presents 77th Emmy® Awards ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview:

    • The 2025 Emmy nominees were announced this morning.
    • ‘Severance’, ‘The Penguin’ and ‘The Studio’ scored the most nominations.
    • ‘Paradise’ and Netflix limited series ‘Adolescence’ were among the new arrivals.

    The 2025 Emmy Award nominees were announced this morning by ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ actor Harvey Guillen and ‘Running Point’s Brenda Song, though the Television Academy spurred some grumbling by choosing to have two categories –– Outstanding Talk Series and Reality Competition Series –– four hours early on ‘CBS Mornings.’

    This year, from a critical and awards standpoint, it was clear that the second season of Apple TV+ sci-fi drama ‘Severance’ was worth waiting for –– it nabbed 27 nominations, including Drama Series and a shot at a clutch of acting awards.

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    Hot on the show’s heels were the likes of ‘The Penguin’ (24 nods) and then ‘The Studio’ and ‘The White Lotus’ with 23 apiece.

    While there were the usual batch of returning series such as ‘The Bear’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and ‘Abbott Elementary’, there were some welcome newcomers including ‘Paradise’ (the thriller series starring Sterling K. Brown) HBO Max medical drama ‘The Pitt’.

    Related Article: ‘Shogun,’ ‘Baby Reindeer’ and ‘The Bear’ Score Big at the 2024 Emmys

    Notable Nominees

    Harrison Ford in 'Shrinking,' now streaming on Apple TV+.
    Harrison Ford in ‘Shrinking,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

    It was also a good day for aging actors in terms of awards: Harrison Ford landed his first career Emmy nomination for his role in ‘Shrinking’, making him the second oldest actor to earn one, while Kathy Bates became the oldest woman nominated in the Drama Lead Actress category thanks to her work on ‘Matlock.’

    Not having such a great time of it? Elisabeth Moss, who failed to land a nomination for the final season of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, while ‘Yellowjackets’ was notably absent from the list and despite the show and its stars repeating, ‘The Bear’s creator Christopher Storer didn’t make the cut this time around.

    Full List of Nominees:

    Drama Series

    Sterling K. Brown in 'Paradise'. Photo: Hulu.
    Sterling K. Brown in ‘Paradise’. Photo: Hulu.

    Lead Actor in a Drama Series

    Noah Wyle in 'The Pitt'. Photo: Warrick Page/Max.
    Noah Wyle in ‘The Pitt’. Photo: Warrick Page/Max.

    Lead Actress in a Drama Series

    Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock in 'Matlock'. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock in ‘Matlock’. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Comedy Series

    (L to R) Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart in Season 4 of 'Hacks'. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart in Season 4 of ‘Hacks’. Photograph by Courtesy of Max.
    • ‘Abbott Elementary’
    • ‘The Bear’
    • ‘Hacks’
    • ‘Nobody Wants This’
    • ‘Only Murders in the Building’
    • ‘Shrinking’
    • ‘The Studio’
    • ‘What We Do in the Shadows’

    Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

    Jeremy Allen White as Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto in 'The Bear' Season 4. Photo: FX.
    Jeremy Allen White as Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto in ‘The Bear’ Season 4. Photo: FX.

    Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

    Nobody Wants This. Kristen Bell as Joanne in episode 101 of 'Nobody Wants This'. Photo: Stefania Rosini/Netflix © 2024.
    Kristen Bell as Joanne in episode 101 of ‘Nobody Wants This’. Photo: Stefania Rosini/Netflix © 2024.

    Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

    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.

    Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

    Michelle Williams as Molly in 'Dying for Sex'. Photo: Sarah Shatz/FX.
    Michelle Williams as Molly in ‘Dying for Sex’. Photo: Sarah Shatz/FX.

    Limited Series or Anthology Series

    (L to R) Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller in 'Adolescence'. Ph: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller in ‘Adolescence’. Ph: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.
    • ‘Adolescence’
    • ‘Black Mirror’
    • ‘Dying for Sex’
    • ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’
    • ‘The Penguin’

    Outstanding Talk Series

    Jon Stewart on 'The Daily Show'. Photo: Matt Wilson.
    Jon Stewart on ‘The Daily Show’. Photo: Matt Wilson.

    Reality Competition Program

    (L to R) Sandra Diaz-Twine, Trishelle Cannatella, Chris 'C.T.' Tamburello, Alan Cumming, Kate Chastain, Mercedes “MJ” Javid in 'The Traitors'. Photo by: Euan Cherry/Peacock.
    (L to R) Sandra Diaz-Twine, Trishelle Cannatella, Chris ‘C.T.’ Tamburello, Alan Cumming, Kate Chastain, Mercedes “MJ” Javid in ‘The Traitors’. Photo by: Euan Cherry/Peacock.

    Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

    Patricia Arquette in 'Severance', now streaming on Apple TV+.
    Patricia Arquette in ‘Severance’, now streaming on Apple TV+.

    Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

    Walton Goggins in 'The White Lotus'. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.
    Walton Goggins in ‘The White Lotus’. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

    Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

    Ike Barinholtz in 'The Studio', now streaming on Apple TV+.
    Ike Barinholtz in ‘The Studio’, now streaming on Apple TV+.

    Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

    Liza Colon-Zayas in 'The Bear.'
    Liza Colon-Zayas in ‘The Bear.’ Photo: Courtesy of FX.
    CBS Presents 77th Emmy® Awards ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    CBS Presents 77th Emmy® Awards ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    For the complete list of categories and nominees, head to the Television Academy’s site.

  • Colin Farrell Considering Starring in ‘Sgt. Rock’

    (Left) Colin Farrell accepts the award for Male Actor - Limited Series, Anthology Series, Made for TV Movie at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Sgt. Rock from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
    (Left) Colin Farrell accepts the award for Male Actor – Limited Series, Anthology Series, Made for TV Movie at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Sgt. Rock from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.

    Preview:

    • Colin Farrell is circling the lead in ‘Sgt. Rock.’
    • Luca Guadagnino is attached to direct the movie for DC Studios.
    • Daniel Craig was previously considering the idea.

    It looks like it’s all change in the ranks for ‘Sgt. Rock,’ though depending on who you believe, not such a big change.

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    While word arrived back in November that Daniel Craig was looking to reunite with his ‘Queer’ director Luca Guadagnino for a very different project –– the adaptation of the militaristic DC Comics title –– there have been conflicting reports of how far Craig got in the process.

    DC Studios co-chief James Gunn, for example, shot down the idea that the actor was actively in consideration, merely that he was floated as a potential lead.

    Here’s what Gunn and co-president Peter Safran said recently:

    “You know, we never met with Daniel. We never really even announced ‘Sgt. Rock.’ ”

    Still, it would appear that the process of finding a main man for the ‘Rock’ role has been ongoing no matter what the DC bosses say, and Deadline reports that Colin Farrell is now circling the part.

    Farrell, of course, is fresh off of winning a clutch of awards for another DC-related project, the TV spin-off of ‘The Batman’ called ‘The Penguin,’ focused on the criminal character.

    According to Deadline’s sources, he’s looking to board ‘Sgt. Rock’ but will first have to figure out his busy schedule (more on that below).

    Related Article: Daniel Craig in Talks to Star in DC’s ‘Sgt. Rock’ for Director Luca Guadagnino

    What’s the story of ‘Sgt. Rock’?

    Sgt. Rock from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
    Sgt. Rock from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.

    Created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, the character first debuted in the 1959 DC issue ‘Our Army at War’ as a WWII soldier who served in the infantry. The character gained steam in 1977 when he received his own comic book series; it ran until July 1988.

    Rock’s talent includes shooting down German fighter planes with a single submachine gun and tossing grenades with great accuracy. When he’s without a gun, he’s a great street fighter, and can survive gunshots. He’s a calm guy with heart, but also has a “combat antenna” able to detect an incoming enemy siege. There was also a toy series in the 1980s for Sgt. Rock around the time G.I. Joe was soaring in comic books and on TV.

    Who else is working on ‘Sgt. Rock’?

    Director Luca Guadagnino attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Amazon MGM Studios’ 'Challengers' at Regency Village Theatre on April 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios.
    Director Luca Guadagnino attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Amazon MGM Studios’ ‘Challengers’ at Regency Village Theatre on April 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios.

    Though Craig is not reuniting with Guadagnino for this new project, the director has recruited someone he’s worked with before: screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes. Which, given that he collaborated with the director on both tennis love triangle drama ‘Challengers’ and the Craig-starring William S. Boroughs ‘Queer’ suggests this is coming together quickly.

    There’s also the mention that Guadagnino might (if he signs on) push this ahead of his plan for a new ‘American Psycho’ adaptation, as we brought word about last year.

    And the prolific director has been busy –– he already has Amazon MGM Studios’ Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield thriller ‘After the Hunt’ making its way through post-production release later this year on October 10th.

    What else is Colin Farrell working on?

    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.

    Farrell, is, of course, an actor in demand, and he has a few projects lined up in the coming months.

    He’ll be filming the second season of twisty Apple TV+ drama ‘Sugar’ this year.

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    Plus, assuming he’s ready to put himself back into the prosthetics for the character –– something he’s said he definitely needs time away from –– Farrell may well be preparing for a new season of ‘The Penguin.’ There’s also the chance he’ll be back in for ‘The Batman’ sequel.

    And Farrell is also on board for ‘Belly of the Beast,’ which reportedly explores the unlikely friendship between notorious literary titan Norman Mailer (Ben Stiller) and his protégé, Jack Henry Abbott (Farrell). ‘All of Us StrangersAndrew Haigh co-wrote and will direct that one.

    Before any of that, at least release-wise, he has ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,’ in which he co-stars with Margot Robbie, and is due on September 19th.

    There’s also ‘Conclave’ and ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ director Edward Berger’s movie ‘The Ballad of a Small Player,’ which co-stars Tilda Swinton.

    The story for that one follows a high-stakes gambler who decides to lay low in Macau after his past and debts catch up with him. Along the way he encounters a kindred spirit who might just hold the key to his salvation.

    Production Asia occurred last summer, with Rowan Joffe adapting the script based on the novel by Lawrence Osborne.

    What else is happening with DC?

    David Corenswet as Superman in 'Superman,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.
    David Corenswet as Superman in ‘Superman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    DC Studios is gearing for its big cinematic relaunch, with hopes tied to Gunn’s ‘Superman,’ which lands on July 11th.

    That’ll be followed by ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,’ which has Craig Gillespie directing and will soar into theaters on June 26th next year.

    Beyond that, the picture is murkier despite a big confident announcement from Gunn and Safran. A movie based on Batman villain Clayface is in development and recently landedSpeak No Evil’ director James Watkins to call the shots.

    Batman himself is likely to return in ‘The Brave and the Bold,’ but that has experienced some scripting and director delay issues.

    On the small screen, things are healthier, with the likes of the animated ‘Creature Commandos’ already out and a new season of ‘Peacemaker’ on the way. We also know that ‘Green Lantern’-based series ‘Lanterns’ is now filming.

    When will ‘Sgt. Rock’ be on screens?

    With no official commitment to the movie yet, there is zero information about a release date for the movie at this time.

    Director Luca Guadagnino on the set of 'Challengers', a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film. Credit: Niko Tavernise / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures. © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Director Luca Guadagnino on the set of ‘Challengers’, a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film. Credit: Niko Tavernise / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures. © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    List of Luca Guadagnino Movies:

    Buy Luca Guadagnino Movies on Amazon

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  • Warner Bros. and DC Studios Developing Bane/Deathstroke Movie

    (Left) Bane from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics. (Right) Deathstroke from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
    (Left) Bane from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics. (Right) Deathstroke from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.

    Preview:

    • Warner Bros.’ based DC Studios is developing a script about Bane and Deathstroke.
    • The DC villains have both been seen on screen before.
    • Matthew Orton is writing the screenplay.

    Even with ‘Superman‘ flying his way back to screens next year, Warner Bros. and DC Studios are staying focused on its bad guys right now.

    The companies have ‘The Penguin’ on screen right now via HBO and Max (to solid reviews and healthy viewing figures), while fellow Batman wrongdoer The Joker will return to theaters –– albeit in altered, Joaquin Phoenix form –– via ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ on October 4th.

    And it would seem they’re not done putting the rogue’s gallery front and center, as The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Bane and Deathstroke appear likely to get their own movie.

    Related Article: Kyle Chandler is Now in Talks for the Role of Hal Jordan in ‘Lanterns’

    Who are Bane and Deathstroke?

    (Left) Bane from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics. (Right) Deathstroke from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
    (Left) Bane from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics. (Right) Deathstroke from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.

    Bane, who was created by writer Chuck Dixon and artist Graham Nolan in the 1990s, is a hulking masked villain who was raised in a Caribbean prison and who (in a later storyline) was the subject of a terrible steroid test, leaving his strength boosted but with a lingering serum addiction –– hence his trademark mask.

    The character on the page might be best known for the ‘Knightfall’ storyline where he broke Batman’s back and saw his profile rise among fans. He has been all over video games and TV series (including a funny take in the animated ‘Harley Quinn’ show) and made his biggest impact on the big screen as part of Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ where he was played by Tom Hardy.

    As for Deathstroke, he was introduced in 1980, created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist George Perez, and originally was an antagonist for the Teen Titans. His notoriety and popularity has skyrocketed since then, and he’s faced off against Batman and the Justice League.

    Esai Morales played the character in the recent live-action ‘Titans‘ series, while Joe Manganiello cameoed as the one-eyed killer during an end-credits tag in ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League,’ though it didn’t lead to future appearances.

    And that has been his fate of late –– he was going to be the villain of ‘The Batman’, back when Ben Affleck was directing and starring. At another point, he was attached to star in an eponymous movie from ‘The Raid’ director Gareth Evans.

    Who is working on the Bane/Deathstroke movie?

    'Captain America: Brave New World'.
    ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. © 2024 Marvel.

    Matthew Orton, who was one of the writers that worked on ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ due in theaters on February 14th next year.

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    His credits also include ‘Operation Finale,’ and an episode of ‘Moon Knight.’

    When would the new Bane/Deathstroke movie be in theaters?

    With the movie still at the script stage, it’s much too early to be considering release dates just yet.

    Tom Hardy as Bane in 'The Dark Knight Rises'. Photo: Warner Bros.
    Tom Hardy as Bane in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. Photo: Warner Bros.

    Live-Action Appearances of Bane and Deathstroke:

    Buy Batman Movies On Amazon

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  • 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

     

  • Full Teaser Trailer for ‘The Batman’ Spin-Off ‘The Penguin’

    Preview:

    • The full teaser trailer for ‘The Penguin’ has landed.
    • Colin Farrell reprises his role in the TV spin-off of ‘The Batman’.
    • This show is due on Warner Bros.’ Max service later in 2024.

    Though it was originally aiming to debut in the middle of this year, the strikes of 2023 have somewhat put the brakes on ‘The Penguin’s plans.

    Yet the series, which spins off from Matt Reeves’ well-received 2022 outing ‘The Batman’ and sees Colin Farrell once more slapping on prosthetics to play ambitious criminal type Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, is now back on track for later in 2024 and has a first teaser trailer online.

    In it, we see Oz waxing poetic about an old gangster he knew of growing up who was garlanded when he died, clearly intending to be remembered the same way –– all intercut with flashes of Oz doing dark deeds.

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    What’s the story of ‘The Penguin’?

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    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.

    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’).

    Cristin Milioti is also set to star as Carmine’s daughter Sofia Falcone, with Shohreh Aghdashloo, Michael Kelly, Dierdre O’Connell, Michael Zegen, Rhenzy Feliz and Theo Rossi rounding out the main cast.

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

    Who is working on ‘The Penguin’?

    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and director Matt Reeves on the set in Warner Bros. Pictures' 'The Batman.' Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics.
    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and director Matt Reeves on the set in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘The Batman.’ Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics.

    Matt Reeves, who co-wrote and directed ‘The Batman’ is an executive producer here, but while he’s certainly had input (alongside the movie’s fellow producer, Dylan Clark), he won’t be overseeing the day-to-day work of the show, what with being busy writing the big screen sequel.

    That job instead falls to Lauren LeFranc, a veteran of shows including ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’, ‘Chuck’ and ‘Hemlock Grove’. Craig Zobel, director of movies such as ‘The Hunt’ who has also worked in TV on the likes of ‘Mare of Easttown’ and ‘Westworld’, shot the first three episodes of a planned eight.

    Here’s what LeFranc said when the show was announced:

    “I have long been a fan of the world of ‘The Batman’, and Matt’s film is such a powerful and bold entry into the canon. I am excited and humbled to continue telling stories in the grimy world of Gotham City –– and what better excuse to channel my inner villain than to tell the story of Oswald Cobblepot? I am thrilled to work with Colin, Matt, Dylan, 6th & Idaho, Warners, and Max as we work to bring this story to the screen.”

    When will ‘The Penguin’ be on our screens?

    As of right now, the show doesn’t have a formal date, but it’s expected later this year.

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Penguin’:

    Buy Batman Movies On Amazon

     

  • ‘The Batman Part II’ Delayed to 2026

    Batman alone
    Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview:

    • The sequel to ‘The Batman’ will now be released in 2026.
    • Matt Reeves is once again directing.
    • Beyond Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne, the cast has yet to be confirmed.

    Those who have been eagerly awaiting director Matt Reeves’ sequel to his darkly gritty take on the Caped Crusader, ‘The Batman’, will have to be more patient.

    Warner Bros. has announced that the new movie will not now be released on October 3rd, 2025, but instead heads back a year to October 2nd, 2026.

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    What’s the status of ‘The Batman Part II’?

    Robert Pattinson as Batman
    Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Part of the reason for the delay is that the ‘Batman’ sequel has reportedly just begun filming, and that Reeves has been at work on the script with Peter Craig and Mattson Tomlin. The shift from a potential shoot last year means that the production has had to wait for soundstages to be available.

    Robert Pattinson is returning as Bruce Wayne, AKA Batman, though there has been little confirmation of any other casting –– Jeffrey Wright has said he’ll be back as Commissioner Jim Gordon, while we’d predict Andy Serkis once more playing loyal Wayne family butler Alfred.

    The plot, however, is a mystery, and the villain for the new movie has yet to be revealed.

    Also, while the film is considered an “Elseworlds” title and not directly connected to the new DC movie universe, the delay means that James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ will get a clear shot at launching the fresh DCU on the big screen with its July 11th, 2025, release date.

    What of ‘The Penguin’?

    Farrell as Penguin
    Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot/the Penguin in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    This delay for ‘The Batman Part II’ hasn’t yet impacted TV spin-off ‘The Penguin’, which sees Colin Farrell playing crime boss Oswald Cobblepot. That show is still due to arrive later this year on streaming service Max.

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

    What other Warner Bros. movies are scheduled?

    With the new ‘Batman’ movie on the move, there is a hole in Warner Bros.’ schedule. The studio has now given that October 3rd, 2025, slot to ‘The Bride!’ (yes, it apparently does have an exclamation mark at the end of its total), the take on ‘Frankenstein’ to be directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Christian Bale, Jessie Buckley and Peter Sarsgaard.

    Alto Knights’, Barry Levinson’s mob movie with Robert De Niro playing two different crime bosses, has set a March 21st, 2025, release.

    And Paul Thomas Anderson fans will be happy to know that his new, still-to-be-titled film, which boasts Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor and Alana Haim among its cast, will be in theaters on August 8th, 2025.

    Bat and Cat
    (L-R) Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle and Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Batman Part II’:

    Buy Batman Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘Sugar’ Trailer Finds Its Way to Screens

    Preview:

    • Colin Farrell is a private eye in new series ‘Sugar’.
    • Mark Protosevich created the new show.
    • The series launches on Apple TV+ on April 5th.

    A perennial go-to genre across pop culture, the detective drama is as healthy as ever. We’ve had Clive Owen playing one of the most famous examples for ‘Monsieur Spade’, Jodie Foster digging through a chilled cold case in ‘True Detective: Night Country’ and Mandy Patinkin investigating murder at sea on ‘Death and Other Details’.

    But Apple TV+ being Apple TV+, the company naturally wanted to raise the stakes. In ‘Sugar’, Oscar nominee Colin Farrell is John Sugar, the latest in a long line of private eyes whose own life is just as complicated as the cases they tackle.

    What’s the story of ‘Sugar’?

    Colin Farrell in 'Sugar,' premiering April 5, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    Colin Farrell in ‘Sugar,’ premiering April 5, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    Farrell here is a slightly tarnished private investigator on the heels of the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel (Sydney Chandler ), the beloved granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel (James Cromwell).

    As Sugar tries to determine what happened to Olivia, he will also unearth Siegel family secrets; some very recent, others long-buried.

    And from the looks of the trailer, Sugar’s own life is almost as knotty and filled with mystery. He’s certainly handy with his fists (and the odd weapon), but he also has his own obsessions.

    It also boasts the sheen you expect from an Apple series, which usually hands out a hefty budget –– so of course things look good when they need to and grubby in the right places. Plus, you can expect plenty of the detective standby: the voice-over, with Farrell intoning that if you tipped the world on its side, everything loose lands in Los Angeles.

    This also marks the first of Farrell’s leading roles in TV to arrive –– we’re also still waiting to see his turn as Oswald Cobblepot in ‘The Batman’ spin-off ‘The Penguin’, which should be on Max later this year.

    Who else is in ‘Sugar’?

    Amy Ryan and Colin Farrell in 'Sugar,' premiering April 5, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Amy Ryan and Colin Farrell in ‘Sugar,’ premiering April 5, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    Around Farrell and the others, the new show has a superb supporting cast. Kirby, most recently seen as ‘Sandman’s Death, appears alongside Anna Gunn, Amy Ryan, Dennis Boutsikaris, Nate Corddry, Sydney Chandler and Alex Hernandez.

    Who has made ‘Sugar’?

    Smith and dog 2
    Will Smith in 2007’s ‘I Am Legend.’

    ‘Sugar’ was created by Mark Protosevich, who wrote ‘I Am Legend’, ‘The Cell’, and the 2013 remake of ‘Oldboy’.

    Actual showrunning duties, though, fell to Sam Catlin, a veteran of ‘Preacher’ and ‘Breaking Bad’.

    On the directing front, the episodes are split between ‘City of God’s Fernando Meirelles and TV expert Adam Arkin.

    When will ‘Sugar’ land on Apple TV+?

    ‘Sugar’ debuts with the first two of its eight-episode season on April 5th, followed by one episode weekly on Fridays.

    Kirby and Colin Farrell in 'Sugar,' premiering April 5, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Kirby and Colin Farrell in ‘Sugar,’ premiering April 5, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    Colin Farrell Movies:

    Buy Colin Farrell Movies on Amazon

     

  • ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Game of Thrones’ and More Updates

    President & CEO of Discovery Streaming & International JB Perrette.
    President & CEO of Discovery Streaming & International JB Perrette. Photograph by Jeff Kravitz/Warner Bros. Discovery.

    HBO Max is (nearly) dead! Long live… Max? Yes, the Warner Bros. Discovery streaming service will be evolving into a shared app known simply as Max in May, and as part of today’s big announcement, the company has released a raft of news about shows that heretofore had existed more as rumor and speculation.

    Here, then, is your handy breakdown of the most exciting titles heading our way…

    Harry Potter: The Series

    Long rumored, but the subject of busy negotiations between HBO and controversial Potter creator J.K. Rowling, we now know that the ‘Harry Potter’ series is officially a go.

    According to the official announcement, the Potter books will become a decade-long series featuring a new cast. Each season will be authentic to the original books

    “We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” says Casey Bloys, Chairman of Max content. “‘Harry Potter’ is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World. In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”

    “Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series,” adds J.K. Rowling, who will be an executive producer but not directly involved in running it.

    While the prospect of adaptations able to include all the details the movies couldn’t is certainly one to anticipate, HBO is at lengths to point out that the movies will still be available to stream and a key focal point for fandom.

    Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy adventure 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (L to R) Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy adventure ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

    ‘Game of Thrones’ Prequel ordered

    With ‘House of the Dragon’ already a big success for HBO, the company has naturally been busy looking to expand the chronicles of Westeros yet further. In the years since ‘Game of Thrones’ finished, there has been talk of spin-offs that flamed out (before ‘Dragon’, one concept made it to pilot but no further’) and chatter about various other options, including one put forward by Kit “Jon Snow” Harington.

    As it turns out, the next show given the official nod is another prequel, ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight’, which will see novelist George R.R. Martin adapting his “Dunc and Egg” novellas alongside fellow executive producer Ira Parker.

    Set a century before the events of ‘Thrones,’, the show will follow two unlikely heroes who wandered Westeros… A young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.

    Given that the series is still at an early stage, there’s no word on casting or when we might see it hit screens –– and fans are already facing a wait for Season 2 of ‘House of the Dragon’, which is back shooting, but won’t be airing until 2024.

    Matt Smith in 'House of the Dragon.'
    Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen in HBO Max’s ‘House of the Dragon.’

    ‘The Penguin’

    Also shooting right now is the first commissioned spin-off from Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ featuring Colin Farrell as scheming, ambitious criminal Oz Cobblepot, better known as The Penguin.

    Though he had relatively brief screen time in the movie, the new show, run by writer Lauren LeFranc (with Reeves among the executive producers) will span eight episodes and chart the rise of Farrell’s character as he looks to become the new crime kingpin of Gotham City.

    The cast for this one also includes Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Michael Kelly, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Deirdre O’Connell and Clancy Brown, and the show should arrive on Max next year.

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’

    Related Article: Cristin Milioti will Co-Star Alongside Colin Farrell in ‘The Batman’ Penguin TV Spin-Off

    ‘True Detective: Night Country’

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    ‘True Detective’ will also return for Max, with the fourth season –– subtitled ‘Night Country’ –– starring Jodie Foster and Kali Reis.

    The show is set in Ennis, Alaska, where the eight men who operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station have vanished without a trace just as the long winter looms. To solve the case, Detectives Liz Danvers (Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Reis) will have to confront the darkness they carry in themselves and dig into the haunted truths that lie buried under the eternal ice…

    The show, run this time by Issa López as opposed to creator Nic Pizzolatto, will hit Max this year.

    Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren and Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren in 'The Conjuring.'
    (L to R) Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren and Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren in ‘The Conjuring.’

    ‘The Conjuring’ TV spin-off

    We know very little about the company’s plans for a ‘Conjuring’ TV spin-off but given that James Wan’s original has so far spawned two main sequels, three movies about supernatural doll Annabelle and two (the second is due in September) featuring the demonic nun from ‘The Conjuring 2’, this was, we suppose a safe bet as the next step.

    Producer Peter Safran will be involved (when he’s not busy running DC Studios with James Gunn) and Wan is in talks to join him. What can say for sure? It promises to be spooky.

    ‘The Regime’

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    Originally titled ‘The Palace’, this new series stars Kate Winslet and, according to the limited synopsis, chronicles one year within the walls of the palace of a modern European regime as it begins to unravel.

    It hails from ‘Succession’ writing veteran Will Tracy, and certainly looks to share some sweary, satirical DNA with that show, even if it’s more about politics than business. Stephen Frears directs, and it’ll be on Max next year.

    ‘The Sympathizer’

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    Of interest to Park Chan Wook fans is ‘The Sympathizer’, a show he created with Canadian filmmaker Don McKellar.

    Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the show is an espionage thriller and cross-culture satire about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and his resulting exile in the United States.

    It features the likes of Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Vy Le, Alan Trong, Ky Duyen and Sandra Oh in its cast and –– both producing and playing several roles –– Robert Downey Jr.

    The series, like many of the titles announced today, will be on Max next year.

    Robert Downey Jr. in Max's 'The Sympathizer.'
    Robert Downey Jr. in Max’s ‘The Sympathizer.’ Photograph by Courtesy of HBO.

    Among other offerings announced or hinted at today? A ‘Rick and Morty’ anime series, a ‘Peter and the Wolf’ short film overseen by U2’s Bono, another spin-off from ‘The Big Bang’ theory and the official launch of prequel series ‘Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai’.

    Max will go live on May 23rd with three pricing plans: $9.99 a month/$99 a year for ad-supported tier Max Ad Light; $15.99/$149.99 for Max Ad Free, which offers two concurrent streams; and $19.99/$199.99 for Max Ultimate Ad Free, up to four concurrent streams.

    Chief Executive Officer and President of Warner Bros. Discovery David Zaslav.
    Chief Executive Officer and President of Warner Bros. Discovery David Zaslav. Photograph by Jeff Kravitz/Warner Bros. Discovery.

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