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  • ‘Lorne’ Exclusive Interview: Director Morgan Neville

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    Opening in theaters on April 17th is the new documentary from Oscar winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (‘Man on the Run’) called ‘Lorne’, which chronicles the life and career of ‘Saturday Night Live’ creator Lorne Michaels.

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    'Lorne' director Morgan Neville.
    ‘Lorne’ director Morgan Neville.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with director Morgan Neville about his work on ‘Lorne’, the style of the documentary, making it funny, his unprecedented access to ‘Saturday Night Live’, the show’s darkest period, conducting the interviews, what he learned about Lorne from making the movie, and the future of the long running show.

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

    Related Article: Morgan Neville Talks Paul McCartney Documentary ‘Man on the Run’

    Lorne Michaels stars in director Morgan Neville's documentary 'Lorne', a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
    Lorne Michaels stars in director Morgan Neville’s documentary ‘Lorne’, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

    Moviefone: To begin with, the film plays almost like an ‘SNL’ parody of a celebrity biopic with animated sequences and Chris Parnell’s narration. Was that what you set out to do from the beginning or did you have to pivot when you realized you might not get what you need from Lorne Michaels himself?

    Morgan Neville: I think my intent in the beginning was, I want this to be funny. I didn’t know how exactly. But beyond that, I don’t entirely have a plan about what the film is going to be. I know it had all these great ingredients. I know Lorne’s story is interesting. He’s a fascinating character who rarely does interviews or shows people into his life. I know the show is fascinating. I knew there were lots of interesting things, but I didn’t know how it would fit together. When we started shooting, what you see in the beginning of the film is my first day of shooting, where the cameras come out, and then Lorne vanishes. I felt like one of the themes of the film is basically the theme of me making the film. You go from somebody who really doesn’t seem like he wants a film made about him to somebody who has made his peace with it and is willing to give us a glimpse inside. That was my experience of making the film. So, the idea of bringing Chris Parnell in is a way of channeling ‘SNL’, but also the ‘TV Funhouse’. I mean, it’s also something that I’ve done with a lot of my films. I want the subject of the film to help me decide how to tell the story, so it feels like the telling of it is related to the subject. So, I just kept thinking, well, what is the ‘SNL’ version of a documentary about Lorne? Not to say that because it’s funny that there’s no substance there. Because one thing I’m also proud of is how the emotion sneaks into the film quietly, in a way you’re not expecting. Lorne, in the beginning, is like, “Why is this guy even here? Why is he torturing this poor crew?” But then you understand a lot more about what makes him tick and he opens in that way.

    MF: The movie is very funny. Can you set out to make a funny documentary, or is that a result of the subject you are focusing on?

    MN: I think humor is one of the great under discussed things in documentary film. I think some of my favorite documentaries are funny in different ways. That could be anything from the films that inspired me to make documentaries, like ‘Sherman’s March’, ‘Roger & Me’, and ‘The Atomic Cafe’. I mean, all the documentaries that got me excited, that are funny in different ways. Even in films I’ve made, like, ‘Best of Enemies’ or ‘Won’t you be my Neighbor?’ There are some big laughs in those films, too. But I think humor is such a great way of letting the audience exhale and open themselves up in a way if they’re laughing. They’re way more receptive to what you might want to share with them. So, I love that, and why can’t documentaries be comedies sometimes? So, this was me intentionally in the beginning saying, “I do want this to be a funny film.” Because it’s a film, most people who are going to watch it are comedy fans. I’ve seen a lot of documentaries about comedy that are really depressing. There are a lot of dark stories in comedy. But I always wanted to remember the comedy part of it, too. ‘Steve! (Martin) A Documentary in 2 Pieces’ was the first comedy documentary I did that was purely comedy, and this is the second. With both, I tried to balance the funny with some weight or gravitas at the same time.

    (L to R) Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins and Lorne Michaels in director Morgan Neville's documentary 'Lorne', a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2026 All rights reserved.
    (L to R) Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins and Lorne Michaels in director Morgan Neville’s documentary ‘Lorne’, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2026 All rights reserved.

    MF: Can you talk about the unprecedented access that you had to Lorne and ‘Saturday Night Live’ and what did you learn about him as a person from your access?

    MN: I think people think of Lorne as sitting on a throne, deciding who makes it in comedy and who doesn’t make it, and that he is just sitting there, flipping his finger, and deciding the fate of people. I think Lorne sees himself as beleaguered, in the trenches, and worrying about next week’s show and making 100 phone calls to sponsors, network people, affiliates, agents, studios, and cast members to just keep all the plates in the air. So, it’s funny that everybody thinks Lorne is just sitting pretty. I think Lorne feels like he’s just barely making it, because I asked everybody in the film, “At what point do you think Saturday Night Live became a show that was not going to disappear?” Some people said, “Well, when the show reinvented itself after 1995 with Will Ferrell and that amazing cast, or maybe after 9/11, when it became a place where people came together and mourned and laughed together for the first time.” I asked Lorne that question, and he said, “Maybe this year.” You know, fifty years in! So, I think Lorne’s the last person to pat himself on the back and feel like, job well done, we don’t have to worry anymore. I think Lorne is thinking about, “When this cast gels, where’s it going to be in two years?” He’s thinking about things like that. “Oh, this writer I have who might want to leave, maybe I can get him to work on a TV show, and I can get him a development deal.” He’s constantly pulling levers to keep everything kind of bubbling along and that’s something, People don’t see him sweat, but I think he feels like he’s in the thick of it. I think it’s maybe part of why he made the film, is for people to understand that producing is a real job. It’s not just sitting back and collecting checks. It’s a lot of invisible things that people just don’t understand.

    MF: You mention in the film that the closest Lorne came to losing control of the show was in the mid- ‘90s, which culminated in the firing of Norm MacDonald. In discussing it with Lorne, did he express any regret in how that went down and being unable to protect Norm in the same way he has protected so many ‘SNL’ performers before and after?

    MN: I don’t think so. I love Norm’s comedy. But, let’s face it, Norm was asking for it and in the funniest way possible. Norm was warned again and again and again. So, I think Norm enjoyed poking the bear, and I don’t think Norm felt like Lorne was to blame for any of that. I think the other person in that equation was Jim Downey, the legendary writer who started in season two, and was on and off the show for decades, who I interviewed in the documentary. Jim, at that time, was running ‘Weekend Update’ with Norm, and the two of them were thick as thieves, and they were the ones who were enjoying poking the bear. When Norm got fired, Jim got fired too, but Lorne quietly got Jim back the next year. I think Lorne both felt a loyalty to Jim, and really wanted to protect Jim. Norm was going to be fine. Lorne told the bosses, “Okay, I’ll let them go,” and then quietly rehired Jim, and helped Norm land his next thing. Again, it’s something that made Lorne incredibly unhappy to have to go through, but he is the king of the long game. You may lose the battles, but he always wins the war.

    John Mulaney in 'John Mulaney: Baby J' Photo: Netflix.
    John Mulaney in ‘John Mulaney: Baby J’ Photo: Netflix.

    MF: Of all the interviews you conducted, who had the most insight into Lorne and was there anyone you wanted to interview but were unable to?

    MN: I mean, the only person I really wanted to interview who said no was Dan Aykroyd, and he had said he was just talked out from doing documentary interviews, which is fine. I get it. But at the same time, for a film like this, you could interview so many people, and I interviewed even more than I normally like to. I normally don’t like to interview a ton of people for a film because I want there to be a smaller chorus of voices. But even here, I could have interviewed another fifty people for this film easily. So, I wanted people from different chapters of his life, people like Howard Shore, who he met at camp as a 14-year-old to Rosie Shuster, his first wife he met in high school who became one of the original writers on ‘Saturday Night Live’. But one of my favorites was John Mulaney because he is both, such a great talker, but also a real student of Lorne’s. They’re friends, but I think John has studied Lorne, and I think when they’re together, John constantly peppers Lorne with questions, and he’s collecting as much information about Lorne as he can. So, I think he was ready to talk. I think he loved talking about Lorne. I think we did, like, a two-hour interview, and I said, “Well, I think that’s good,” and he was like, “Well, let’s keep going.” So we went for another hour, and then when we did the round table, he said, “Oh, I want to do that.” So, I got him together with Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, and Fred Armisen. But I think Mulaney was probably the MVP of talking about Lorne.

    MF: Finally, I get the sense from the film that Lorne Michaels is ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘Saturday Night Live’ is Lorne Michaels, and that there is no retiring for him. He’ll leave the show when he must and it may go on for a while, but that will be the end of the show as we currently know it. What is your sense of the future of the series and how long do you think it will go on without Lorne Michaels at the helm?

    MN: I think Lorne is not going to run the show for another fifty years, but he wants it to continue, and I think it will continue, just because, for no other reason, the IP of ‘SNL’ is very valuable, and people still watch and will continue to watch. It’s one of the last places where we come together to watch things. You know, it’s like sports and ‘Saturday Night Live’. There aren’t a lot of places where we all come together to watch things. So, I think there are a lot of reasons why it will continue. I just don’t think it’ll be the same, because, in part, Lorne’s not doing it, but also because I can’t imagine it continuing to be as wasteful as it is. I mean, Lorne says that in the film. It’s made wastefully, but that’s because by being wasteful, you get to discover more things. He’s producing way more than he needs for a week. So, if you’re able to throw out a third of all your work every week and just pick the best two thirds, it makes it better. But it’s also kind of crazy to know you’re going to throw out a third of all your work every week. I also don’t think there’s one person to fill Lorne’s shoes, which are impossible to fill. But I think the thing about Lorne is he’s managing two different ways. He’s managing down, which is him with the writers and the cast, and all of that, which he’s great at. You hear all those stories of how he works with cast members. But the other part of his job is he’s managing up. So, dealing with the network people, and the sponsors, and affiliates, and studios, and all of that, in a way that is invisible, and is a very different skill than dealing with writers. So, you know, part of me feels like it would take at least two people to do his job.

    Lorne Michaels stars in director Morgan Neville's documentary 'Lorne', a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
    Lorne Michaels stars in director Morgan Neville’s documentary ‘Lorne’, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

    What is the story of ‘Lorne’?

    ‘Lorne’ is an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes glimpse at the man who built the inimitable empire of comedy, shaping television and culture for generations. The documentary features exclusive footage, archival treasures, and candid interviews with the show’s most iconic cast members and writers.

    Who appears in ‘Lorne’?

    'Lorne' opens in theaters on April 17th.
    ‘Lorne’ opens in theaters on April 17th.

    List of Morgan Neville Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Lorne’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Morgan Neville Movies on Amazon

     

  • Movie Review: ‘Lorne’

    Lorne Michaels stars in director Morgan Neville's documentary 'Lorne', a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
    Lorne Michaels stars in director Morgan Neville’s documentary ‘Lorne’, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

    Opening in theaters on April 17th is the new documentary ‘Lorne’, which was directed by Morgan Neville (‘Man on the Run’) and chronicles the life and career of ‘Saturday Night Live’ creator Lorne Michaels.

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    Related Article: Morgan Neville Talks Paul McCartney Documentary ‘Man on the Run’

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins and Lorne Michaels in director Morgan Neville's documentary 'Lorne', a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2026 All rights reserved.
    (L to R) Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins and Lorne Michaels in director Morgan Neville’s documentary ‘Lorne’, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2026 All rights reserved.

    Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Morgan Neville accomplishes the near impossible by capturing the illusive Lorne Michaels in the new film ‘Lorne’. The documentary, which is very funny, is almost an ‘SNL’ parody of celebrity biopics with pitch perfect narration from alum Chris Parnell and TV Funhouse style animation.

    Neville was given unprecedented behind the scenes access to Michaels and ‘Saturday Night Live’ and lifts the curtain to show how the sausage is really made. With interviews from ‘SNL’ alum like Tina Fey, John Mulaney, Kristen Wiig and Mike Myers, the movie explores Michaels’ career, the history of the show, and how ‘SNL’ is really made.

    Story and Direction

    'Saturday Night Live's Studio 8H.
    ‘Saturday Night Live’s Studio 8H. Photo: NBC.

    Director Morgan Neville is no stranger to documenting famous people, as his last film, ‘Man on the Run’ was centered on Paul McCartney. But the opening scene of ‘Lorne’ makes one think that Neville has finally met his match in Lorne Michaels. The ‘SNL’ creator seems surprised and annoyed that he even agreed to having a documentary crew follow him around, and virtually disappears once the movie begins.

    This forces Neville to pivot quickly and results in a movie that is closer to an ‘SNL’ parody of a documentary, which makes for a very funny movie. Some of the techniques that Neville uses to offset the loss of his subject include focusing on interviews with ‘SNL’ cast and alum instead and incorporating cartoons and narration. Those choices, whether out of desperation or not, transform the film from a standard celebrity documentary to a truly funny and entertaining experience on its own terms.

    But despite his best efforts, the film eventually does breakdown Michaels’ defenses and gives an honest and in-depth look behind the curtain at the man that created a comedic industry. In fact, Neville’s access to ‘Saturday Night Live’ was astounding and gives a rare never-before-seen look at exactly how the show is really made with glimpses into the writer’s room, pitch meetings, guest meetings, rehearsals, and finally choosing the sketches for that episode.

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    In addition to chronicling how the show is made week to week, the film also goes through Michaels’ personal history, the beginnings of his career, how he created the show, ‘SNL’s ups and downs including his exit in 1980, his return in 1985, almost losing the show in the 90s, and the various cast changes, as well as his film career, which includes writing ‘Three Amigos’ and producing ‘Wayne’s World’.

    Morgan Neville is the best documentarian working today and has made some of the finest documentaries in recent years including the Oscar winning ‘20 Feet from Stardom’, ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’, and ‘Man on the Run’. But ‘Lorne’ might be his best work yet, cracking the code on one of the most important figures in entertainment history.

    Celebrity Interviews

    John Mulaney and Tina Fey at Netflix's Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.
    John Mulaney and Tina Fey at Netflix’s Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.

    While reluctant at first, Lorne Michaels does eventually sit down for several interviews and is surprisingly open, despite his reputation for being guarded. However, his insight into his past and the inner workings of the show are delivered cryptically and in a very Lorne Michaels way. But we do get a rare look at his lakeside hideaway retreat in an undisclosed area of Maine, as well as his rigorous late-night schedule.

    You really come to understand that Michaels is a creature of habit, basically living the same schedule for fifty years, even eating at the same handful of New York restaurants and ordering the same meals for decades. People often wonder why ‘SNL’ has such a strange schedule, working late into the night and into the early morning most days. It’s because of Lorne, that’s his schedule, the show just adopted it.

    Neville assembles a fantastic group of Lorne’s friends and former ‘SNL’ cast members including Steve Martin, Paul Simon, John Mulaney, Tina Fey, Conan O’Brien, Seth Meyers, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, and Mike Myers.

    John Mulaney had the most insight about Lorne, while Tina Fey acted like she didn’t really know him at all. But the most fascinating exchange was watching an intimate dinner between Michaels and friend Steve Martin.

    My one critique is I do wish Neville had interviewed more of the earlier cast members, as there seemed to be a focus on only cast members from the last 25 years. Where was Chevy Chase and Bill Murray? Where was Dana Carvey and Adam Sandler? What about Will Ferrell? But this may just be a result of who was available and not by design.

    Final Thoughts

    Lorne Michaels stars in director Morgan Neville's documentary 'Lorne', a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
    Lorne Michaels stars in director Morgan Neville’s documentary ‘Lorne’, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

    ‘Lorne’ is a brilliant documentary that delivers a rare look at an almost mythic figure in popular culture and gives true insight without damaging the myth. At the same time, for fans of ‘Saturday Night Live’ or comedy in general, the movie is a must see that really dissects how the series became an institution and why it is still going strong after fifty years.

    ‘Lorne’ receives a score of 90 out of 100.

    'Lorne' opens in theaters on April 17th.
    ‘Lorne’ opens in theaters on April 17th.

    What is the story of ‘Lorne’?

    ‘Lorne’ is an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes glimpse at the man who built the inimitable empire of comedy, shaping television and culture for generations. The documentary features exclusive footage, archival treasures, and candid interviews with the show’s most iconic cast members and writers.

    Who appears in ‘Lorne’?

    • Lorne Michaels as Himself
    • Tina Fey as Herself
    • Maya Rudolph as Herself
    • John Mulaney as Himself
    • Andy Samberg as Himself
    • Bill Hader as Himself
    • Fred Armisen as Himself
    • Conan O’Brien as Himself
    • Chris Rock as Himself
    • Jimmy Fallon as Himself
    • Seth Meyers as Himself
    • Kristen Wiig as Herself
    • Mike Myers as Himself
    • Steve Martin as Himself
    • Paul Simon as Himself
    'Lorne' director Morgan Neville.
    ‘Lorne’ director Morgan Neville.

    List of Morgan Neville Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Lorne’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Morgan Neville Movies on Amazon

     

  • Next on Netflix 2025 Live-Action Film and TV Presentation

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    Preview:

    • Moviefone attends Netflix’s 2025 film and TV preview.
    • Appearing in-person were Ben Affleck, Tina Fey, John Mulaney, and The Duffer Brothers.
    • Guillermo del Toro sent a video message and a first look at ‘Frankenstein’.
    • Netflix announced several new movies and TV shows, as well as their release dates.
    (L to R) Ben Affleck, CM Punk, Tina Fey, Netflix's Bela Bajaria, Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Rhea Ripley and John Mulaney at Netflix's Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.
    (L to R) Ben Affleck, CM Punk, Tina Fey, Netflix’s Bela Bajaria, Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Rhea Ripley and John Mulaney at Netflix’s Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.

    On Wednesday January 29th, in Hollywood, Netflix held their 2025 Next on Netflix film and TV Preview where they presented many of their upcoming movies and TV series.

    The event included in-person presentations from Ben Affleck (‘RIP‘), Tina Fey (‘The Four Seasons‘), John Mulaney (‘Everybody’s Live in L.A. with John Mulaney’), The Duffer Brothers (‘Stranger Things‘), and director Guillermo del Toro, who sent a video message and a sneak peak of ‘Frankenstein‘, as well as many other announcements and first look photos and footage from movies like ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ and ‘Happy Gilmore 2‘.

    Adam Sandler in 'Happy Gilmore 2'. Photo: Netflix.
    Adam Sandler in ‘Happy Gilmore 2’. Photo: Netflix.

    Moviefone had the pleasure of attending the event, along with other members of the press.

    Related Article: Next on Netflix Animation Preview Announces Upcoming Movies and TV Shows

    What did Netflix Announce?

    Eddie Murphy in the documentary 'Eddie'. Photo: Netflix.
    Eddie Murphy in the documentary ‘Eddie’. Photo: Netflix.

    There were several announcements made including a creative partnership with Lena Dunham, the previously untiled Noah Baumbach film and Eddie Murphy documentary now have titles, ‘Jay Kelly‘ and ‘Eddie’, respectively, and several first look photos and footage.

    You can read the full list below:

    Announcements:

    • Creative partnership forged with Lena Dunham
    • TUDUM the global fan event will live stream on Netflix on May 31 from the Kia Forum, in LA

    New Title Announcements:

    • Tyler Perry’s ‘Madea’s Destination Wedding’ (Film) and ‘Tyler Perry’s She The People’ (Series)
    • ‘Eddie’ (Documentary Film)

    Previously Untitled Film:

    Additional Date/Timing Announcements:

    • ‘Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney’ (Live Series) – Weekly on Netflix starting March 12th
    • ‘Adolescence’ (Series) – On Netflix March 13
    • ‘Nonnas’ (Film) – On Netflix May 9
    • ‘Ginny & Georgia’ S3 (Series) – On Netflix June 5
    • ‘The Old Guard 2’ (Film) – On Netflix July 2
    • ‘Havoc’ (Film) – On Netflix Spring 2025
    • ‘Fear Street: Prom Queen’ (Film) – On Netflix Summer 2025
    • ‘Frankenstein’ (Film) – On Netflix November 2025
    • ‘A Merry Little Ex-Christmas’ (Film) – On Netflix Fall 2025
    • ‘Jay Kelly’ (Film) – On Netflix Fall 2025
    • ‘RIP’ (Film) – On Netflix Fall 2025
    • ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ (Film) – On Netflix Fall 2025
    • ‘Untitled Kathryn Bigelow Movie’ (Film) – On Netflix Fall 2025
    • ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ (Film) – On Netflix Fall 2025
    Daniel Craig in ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’. Photo: Netflix.
    Daniel Craig in ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’. Photo: Netflix.

    Netflix Movies:

    ‘RIP’

    Ben Affleck at Netflix's Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.
    Ben Affleck at Netflix’s Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.

    After a sizzle reel of upcoming movies, which included The Russo Brothers‘ ‘The Electric State‘, Adam Sandler’s ‘Happy Gilmore 2’, and Rian Johnson‘s ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’, Oscar winner Ben Affleck took the stage to discuss his new crime thriller ‘RIP’.

    Set in Miami and based on true events, the film re-teams Affleck with his ‘Air‘ co-star Matt Damon, and his ‘Smokin’ Aces‘ director Joe Carnahan. Affleck explained that a “RIP” is when cops keep the money that they find at a crime scene and the movie looks at what people will do for money.

    (L to R) Matt Damon as Lieutenant Dane Dumars and Ben Affleck as Det Sergeant JD Byrne in 'RIP'. Cr. Claire Folger/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Matt Damon as Lieutenant Dane Dumars and Ben Affleck as Det Sergeant JD Byrne in ‘RIP’. Cr. Claire Folger/Netflix © 2024.

    “When I talked to Joe Carnahan, who directed it, he said this is going to be like ‘Heat’ meets ‘Training Day’. So, I said, “Kind of like ‘The Town‘?” But he really outdid himself and it’s spectacular. He co-wrote it; he directed it and he really wanted to make this a genre classic like ‘Se7en’ or ‘The French Connection’. A fun, engaging ride that keeps you guessing. It’s a compelling, complicated human drama that also hues to these elements of cinema that people have loved forever.”

    Affleck also discussed his continued collaborations with Damon.

    “It’s the seventh movie that Matt Damon and my company, Artists Equity, has made and it really is, in a lot of ways, the most important for us because we’ve found some really exciting partners who are really interested in not just what has been but what could be at Netflix.”

    Affleck concluded by showing a brief scene from the movie that involved Affleck and Damon’s cop characters discovering millions of dollars’ worth of hidden cash during a bust and must decide how to proceed.

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    ‘Frankenstein’

    Oscar Isaacs in 'Frankenstein'. Photo: Netflix.
    Oscar Isaacs in ‘Frankenstein’. Photo: Netflix.

    While Oscar winning director Guillermo del Toro was unable to attend, he did send a video message shot at his “mancave” in Los Angeles called Bleak House. The director introduced footage from his upcoming film ‘Frankenstein’ and was fittingly surrounded by his vast collection of Frankenstein memorabilia.

    Guillermo Del Toro had this to say before screening the footage:

    “I wanted to introduce a small taste, a teaser, for my film ‘Frankenstein’. This film has been on my mind since I was a child, for fifty years. I’ve been trying to make it for 20-25 years. In fact, some people may even think I am a little bit obsessed with Frankenstein. They probably would be right. You see, over the decades, the character has fused with my soul in a way that it has become an autobiography. It doesn’t get more personal than this. I hope you enjoy this small look at ‘Frankenstein’.”

    The footage included several scenes, and we were given our first look at Oscar Isaac as Dr. Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the monster.

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    New Netflix TV Series:

    ‘The Four Seasons’

    Tina Fey at Netflix's Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.
    Tina Fey at Netflix’s Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.

    Tina Fey was on hand to present a short scene from her new series ‘The Four Seasons’, which is an adaption of the 1981 film starring Alan Alda and the actress confessed her love for the original.

    “In 1981, when I was eleven years old, I saw a movie that really shaped my idea of what my future, grown-up life could be like. It was written and directed by the great Alan Alda, and it’s called ‘The Four Seasons’. If you’ve never seen the original movie, it has a very simple premise. It follows a group of old friends, three couples, over four vacations. We never see them at home. We never see them at work, we just see how their lives change over a year by hanging out with them on vacation.”

    Fey explained that she had received Alda’s permission to adapt the film and then talked about the cast that she assembled for the new series.

    “All that was left to do was to assemble a cast of beloved comedy actors that could create the same warm, human vibe of the original. I’m proud to say our cast is very cozy. They’re not just my old friends, they’re yours as well. Steve Carell, Will Forte, me, Kerri Kinney-Silver, the beautiful Italian actor Marco Calvani, Broadway’s Erika Henningsen and Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo.”

    We then screened a short scene from the series featuring Fey, Will Forte and Steve Carrell.

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    ‘Everybody’s Live in L.A. with John Mulaney’

    John Mulaney at Netflix's Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.
    John Mulaney at Netflix’s Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.

    During last year’s Netflix is a Joke Festival, comedian John Mulaney hosted a weeklong talk show titled ‘Everybody’s in L.A. with John Mulaney‘. The series was so popular that Netflix is bringing it back starting March 12th with a new episode dropping once a week for 12 consecutive weeks.

    Mulaney explained how the new series came together.

    “So, Netflix and I discussed this summer not being done with the show and I was thrilled to do that. It was a total blast, and it was one of those shows that neither Netflix nor I really needed to do. I never wanted to host a talk show and they were getting out of the talk show game. So, it was the perfect moment to do this.”

    Mulaney’s sidekick on the series is veteran character actor Richard Kind, and the host explained how that came to be.

    “Richard Kind will be joining me again for this series. Richard and I met through a real-life ‘Baby Reindeer’ scenario. He kept showing up where I worked, and I decided to incorporate him into my life.”

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    Other New Shows

    (L to R) McKinley Belcher III as Carl Otieno, Mozhan Navabi as Melissa Kornblau, Robert De Niro as George Mullen, Jesse Plemons as Roger Carlson and Connie Britton as Valerie Whitesell in 'Zero Day'. Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) McKinley Belcher III as Carl Otieno, Mozhan Navabi as Melissa Kornblau, Robert De Niro as George Mullen, Jesse Plemons as Roger Carlson and Connie Britton as Valerie Whitesell in ‘Zero Day’. Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.

    ‘Zero Day’ stars Robert De Niro as a former US President, alongside Angela Bassett, Joan Allen and Jesse Plemons.

    The audience screened a brief scene from the new series that saw De Niro’s character brutally interrogating a suspected terrorist. We were also given a glimpse of Angela Bassett, who appears to play the current President.

    Also coming in 2025 is ‘Black Rabbit’, which stars Jason Bateman and Jude Law as estranged brothers. The audience screened footage from the series, which sees Law’s character thriving as a bar owner, only to have his brother’s (Bateman) return send his perfect life spinning out of control.

    Returning Netflix TV Series

    ‘Squid Game’ Season 3

    Netflix's Bela Bajaria at Netflix's Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.
    Netflix’s Bela Bajaria at Netflix’s Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.

    Netflix announced the long-awaited season 3 of ‘Squid Games’ will premiere June 27th. In addition to new photos, the audience also screened a scene from the upcoming season that involved a game where contestants pick a ball out of a machine that is either blue or red. Once you have collected your ball, the contestants are separated into two different groups, but they don’t know why.

    Lee Byung-hun as Front man in 'Squid Game' season 3. Photo: Netflix.
    Lee Byung-hun as Front man in ‘Squid Game’ season 3. Photo: Netflix.

    ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5

    (L to R) Directors Ross Duffer and Matt Duffer at Netflix's Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.
    (L to R) Directors Ross Duffer and Matt Duffer at Netflix’s Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.

    Finally, after screening some behind-the-scenes footage from the making of season 5 of ‘Stranger Things’, creators Matt and Ross Duffer took to the stage to discuss the upcoming final season of the groundbreaking series.

    Ross Duffer: “That was the world’s very first behind-the-scenes look at the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. We spent a full year filming this season. By the end, we’d captured over 650 hours of footage. So, this is our biggest and most ambitious season yet. It’s like eight blockbuster movies. It’s insane.”

    Matt Duffer: “At the same time, we think it’s our most personal story. It was super intense and emotional to film for us and for our actors. We’ve been making this show together for almost ten years. There was a lot of crying. There was so much crying. The show means so much to all of us, and everyone put their hearts and souls into it. We hope and believe that passion will translate to the screen.”

    But ‘Stranger Things’ fans should not be too sad that the series is ending, as Matt Duffer did hint at a possible future for the franchise.

    “But while this might be the end of the story for Mike, Hopper, Dustin, Lucas, Eleven, and the others, it’s not goodbye for ‘Stranger Things’. There are many more stories to tell.”

    (L to R) Ross Duffer, Ben Affleck and Matt Duffer at Netflix's Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.
    (L to R) Ross Duffer, Ben Affleck and Matt Duffer at Netflix’s Next on Netflix event. Photo: Netflix.

  • Will Forte Joins Tina Fey’s ‘The Four Season’ Series

    Will Forte in 'MacGruber.'
    Will Forte in ‘MacGruber.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Will Forte is the latest addition to Tina Fey’s ‘The Four Seasons’.
    • The new show adapts the 1981 Alan Alda comedy movie.
    • Steve Carell and Colman Domingo are also in the cast.

    Having just appeared on a Netflix series (mystery comedy thriller ‘Bodkin’ about podcasters digging into a suspicious death), ‘Saturday Night Live’ veteran Will Forte is sticking with the streaming service for an upcoming project.

    He’s the latest addition to former ‘SNL’ castmate Tina Fey’s latest comedy series, ‘The Four Seasons’ which will be based on a 1980s movie.

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    What was the story of ‘The Four Seasons’?

    Carol Burnett and Alan Alda in 'The Four Seasons'.
    (L to R) Carol Burnett and Alan Alda in ‘The Four Seasons’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Written and directed by Alan Alda (who starred alongside Carol Burnett), the 1981 comedy also starred Rita Moreno, Sandy Dennis, and Len Cariou. It followed three married couples who take vacations together each season, but things are thrown for a loop when one of the husbands leaves his wife and begins bringing a younger woman with him.

    Who is starring in ‘The Four Seasons’?

    Steve Carell in 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin'.
    Steve Carell in ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Fey will star in the show alongside Forte (who also had a recurring role in her NBC show ’30 Rock’, Steve Carell (who co-starred with Fey in comedy thriller ‘Date Night’), ‘Rustin’s Colman Domingo, ‘Reno 911!’s Kerri Kenney-Silver, and Erika Henningsen, who has her own Fey connection, having appeared in ‘Girls5Eva’, which she produces.

    Related Article: Will Forte Says fans ‘Probably Never will See’ ‘Coyote Vs. Acme’

    Who is making ‘The Four Seasons’?

    Tina Fey plays Ms. Norbury in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    Tina Fey plays Ms. Norbury in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Fey wrote the series alongside ‘Never Have I Ever’s Lang Fisher (who also wrote episodes of ’30 Rock’) and fellow ‘Rock’ veteran Tracey Wigfield.

    While it might have expected to end up at somewhere like Peacock (given that it’ll be produced by Universal Television), the project became the subject of a bidding war that Netflix won. The company is also not that much of a surprise, since it also carried Fey’s ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ when NBC turned it down and rescued ‘Girls5Eva’ from cancellation at Peacock for its third season, which launched recently.

    And because he made the movie, Alda gets an executive producer credit alongside Marissa Bregman, daughter of the film’s producer, Martin Bregman.

    Netflix has ordered eight episodes of the series, and the cameras should be rolling later this year.

    Where else is Will Forte showing up?

    'Thelma the Unicorn'.
    ‘Thelma the Unicorn’. Photo: Netflix.

    Forte is the voice of Otis in yet another Netflix project, ‘Thelma The Unicorn,’ and also has a vocal role in upcoming Pixar Disney+ series ‘Win or Lose’ and Prime Video’s ‘Sausage Party: Foodtopia’.

    When will ‘The Four Seasons’ be on screens?

    Netflix has yet to confirm a launch date for the series, but we could conceivably see it land next year.

    Will Forte in 'A Futile and Stupid Gesture.'
    Will Forte in ‘A Futile and Stupid Gesture.’ Photo: Netflix.

    Will Forte Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Will Forte Movies on Amazon

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  • Where To Watch 2024’s ‘Mean Girls’

    Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron, Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners and Avantika plays Karen Shetty in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron, Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners and Avantika plays Karen Shetty in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Meet the new Plastics in the latest adaptation of the 2004 cult classic ‘Mean Girls.’ The updated version incorporates 13 songs from the Broadway show, a brand new cast, and the return of some fan favorites.

    Based on Tina Fey’s adaptation screenplay of ‘Queen Bees and Wannabees,’ the 2004 film was later adapted for Broadway in 2018, earning 12 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography, and more.

    This film marks the directorial debut for Samantha Jayne and Arthuro Perez Jr. and stars Angourie Rice (‘Senior Year’) as Cady Heron, Reneé Rapp as Regina George, Auli’i Cravalho (‘Moana’) as Janis, Jaquel Spivey as Damien, Bebe Wood (‘Crushed’) as Gretchen Wieners, Avantika (‘Tarot’) as Karen Shetty, Christopher Briney as Aaron Samuels, Tina Fey (‘A Haunting In Venice’) as Ms. Norbury, Tim Meadows (‘Dream Scenario’) as Mr. Duvall, Jenna Fischer as Ms. Heron, and Busy Philipps (‘Girls5eva’) as Mrs. George.

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    Where Can I Watch ‘Mean Girls’?

    Avantika, Renee Rapp, Angourie Rice and Bebe Wood on the set of 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Avantika, Renee Rapp, Angourie Rice and Bebe Wood on the set of ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo Credit: Jojo Whilden/Paramount ©2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Originally slated for a streaming release on Paramount+, the studio decided on a theatrical release for the film following positive test screenings. ‘Mean Girls’ held its premiere in New York City on January 8, 2024.

    Buy Tickets: ‘Mean Girls’ Movie Showtimes

    ‘Mean Girls’ has a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. Didn’t get to experience the musical movie in theaters? Don’t worry. As of February 20, 2024, the movie was available to rent for $19.99 or purchase for $26.99 on VOD platforms such as Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu. Currently, various streaming platforms have the movie on sale for $5.99 to rent and $12.99, so if you’ve been wanting to see the movie, take advantage of this deal before it’s gone.

    Where to Watch and Stream: ‘Mean Girls’ Online

    Digital purchase of ‘Mean Girls’ will include bonus features:

    • ‘A New Age of Mean Girls’ – a look into how Tina Fey updated the story for the musical movie
    • ‘Song and Dance’ – a behind-the-scenes look at the musical numbers
    • ‘The New Plastics’ – interviews with the cast
    • Gag Reel
    • Extended Scenes
    • “Not My Fault” music video featuring Reneé Rapp and Megan Thee Stallion.
    • For subscribers of Paramount+, the movie is now available to stream as of March 7, 2024.

    Cameos From The Original Film and the Broadway Show

    Tina Fey plays Ms. Norbury in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    Tina Fey plays Ms. Norbury in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    While ‘Mean Girls’ features a (mostly) brand new cast, there are a few return fan favorites and cameos. Tina Fey and Tim Meadows return to reprise their roles as Ms. Norbury and Mr. Duvall, respectively. Ashley Park (‘Joy Ride’) cameos as French teacher Madame Park in the film. Park originated the role of Gretchen Wieners on Broadway and earned a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

    It is also worth mentioning that Reneé Rapp also played the role of Regina George on Broadway. In fact, the role marks the actress’ Broadway debut, who played Regina from 2019 to 2020 before it was shut down due to the pandemic.

    Lindsay Lohan, the star of the original ‘Mean Girls’, also appears in the film as the Mathletes Moderator.

    Related Article: Movie Review: 2024’s ‘Mean Girls’

    When Can I Get ‘Mean Girls’ On Blu-Ray?

    Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron and Christopher Briney plays Aaron Samuels in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron and Christopher Briney plays Aaron Samuels in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    ‘Mean Girls’ will be released on DVD, Blu-Ray, and 4K UHD on April 30th. A two-movie collection set will be available, with both the 2024 version and the original 2004 version. April 30th also marks the first time the original film will be released in 4K.

    Buy ‘Mean Girls’ On Amazon

    Watch the official trailers for ‘Mean Girls’ below:

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    The official synopsis for ‘Mean Girls’ is below:

    From the comedic mind of Tina Fey comes a new twist on the modern classic, MEAN GIRLS. New student Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called “The Plastics,” ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George (Reneé Rapp) and her minions Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika). However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney), she finds herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. As Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school.

    Bebe Wood plays Gretchen, Renee Rapp plays Regina and Avantika plays Karen in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Bebe Wood plays Gretchen, Renee Rapp plays Regina and Avantika plays Karen in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Mean Girls:’

    You can watch our interviews with the cast of 2024’s ‘Mean Girls’ by clicking on the video player below.

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  • Best Tina Fey Movies

    Tina Fey plays Ms. Norbury in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    Tina Fey plays Ms. Norbury in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Tina Fey is one of the most successful performers to ever come out of ‘Saturday Night Live.’

    Since leaving ‘SNL,’ the actress and writer has appeared in such popular films as ‘Date Night,’ ‘Muppets Most Wanted,’ ‘Soul,’ ‘A Haunting in Venice,’ ‘Baby Mama‘ and ‘Sisters,’ the latter two of which she co-starred with fellow ‘SNL’ alum Amy Poehler.

    But Fey’s most beloved movie is probably 2004’s ‘Mean Girls,’ which she wrote and co-starred in as Ms. Norbury. The popular movie spawned a Broadway musical and the big screen adaption of said musical, 2024’s ‘Mean Girls,’ which was also written by Fey and features her return as Ms. Norbury, opens in theaters on January 12th.

    In honor of the new musical remake, Moviefone is counting down the 15 best movies of Tina Fey’s career, including her latest.

    Let’s begin!

    15. ‘A Haunting in Venice‘ (2023)

    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Celebrated sleuth Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), now retired and living in self-imposed exile in Venice, reluctantly attends a Halloween séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.

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    14. ‘The Invention of Lying‘ (2009)

    Set in a world where the concept of lying doesn’t exist, a loser (Ricky Gervais) changes his lot when he invents lying and uses it to get ahead.

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    13. ‘Maggie Moore(s)‘ (2023)

    The chief of police (John Hamm) in a quiet Arizona town is suddenly faced with the back-to-back murders of two women with the same name.

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    12. ‘Megamind‘ (2010)

    Bumbling supervillain Megamind (Will Ferrell) finally defeats his nemesis, the superhero Metro Man (Brad Pitt). But without a hero, he loses all purpose and must find new meaning to his life.

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    11. ‘Wine Country‘ (2019)

    A group of friends head to the land of oaky Chardonnays and big, bold Cabernet Sauvignons for one member of the squad’s 50th birthday party.

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    10. ‘Muppets Most Wanted‘ (2014)

    The Muppets in 2014's 'Muppets Most Wanted.'
    The Muppets in 2014’s ‘Muppets Most Wanted.’ Photo courtesy of Disney.

    While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick.

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    9. ‘Admission‘ (2013)

    Straitlaced Princeton University admissions officer, Portia Nathan (Fey) is caught off-guard when she makes a recruiting visit to an alternative high school overseen by her former college classmate, the freewheeling John Pressman (Paul Rudd). Pressman has surmised that Jeremiah (Nat Wolff), his gifted yet very unconventional student, might well be the son that Portia secretly gave up for adoption many years ago.

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    8. ‘Date Night‘ (2010)

    Phil (Steve Carrell) and Claire Foster (Fey) fear that their mild-mannered relationship may be falling into a stale rut. During their weekly date night, their dinner reservation leads to their being mistaken for a couple of thieves—and now a number of unsavoury characters want Phil and Claire killed.

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    7. ‘Baby Mama‘ (2008)

    A successful, single businesswoman (Fey) who dreams of having a baby discovers she is infertile and hires a working class woman (Amy Poehler) to be her unlikely surrogate.

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    6. ‘This Is Where I Leave You‘ (2014)

    When their father passes away, four grown (Fey, Jason Bateman, Corey Stoll and Adam Driver), world-weary siblings return to their childhood home and are requested — with an admonition — to stay there together for a week, along with their free-speaking mother (Jane Fonda) and a collection of spouses, exes and might-have-beens. As the brothers and sisters re-examine their shared history and the status of each tattered relationship among those who know and love them best, they reconnect in hysterically funny and emotionally significant ways.

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    5.’Mean Girls‘ (2024)

    Tina Fey plays Ms. Norbury in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    Tina Fey plays Ms. Norbury in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    New student Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called ‘The Plastics,’ ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George (Reneé Rapp) and her minions Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika). However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels, she finds herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. As Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis and Damian, she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school.

    BH4lmtTIF8CiAvF78tZCl7 Is1Z0S5h

    4. ‘Soul‘ (2020)

    Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) is a middle school teacher with a love for jazz music. After a successful audition at the Half Note Club, he suddenly gets into an accident that separates his soul from his body and is transported to the You Seminar, a center in which souls develop and gain passions before being transported to a newborn child. Joe must enlist help from the other souls-in-training, like 22 (Fey), a soul who has spent eons in the You Seminar, in order to get back to Earth.

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    3. ‘Whiskey Tango Foxtrot‘ (2016)

    In 2002, cable news producer Kim Barker (Fey) decides to shake up her routine by taking a daring new assignment in Kabul, Afghanistan. Dislodged from her comfortable American lifestyle, Barker finds herself in the middle of an out-of-control war zone. Luckily, she meets Tanya Vanderpoel (Margot Robbie), a fellow journalist who takes the shell-shocked reporter under her wing. Amid the militants, warlords and nighttime partying, Barker discovers the key to becoming a successful correspondent.

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    2. ‘Sisters‘ (2015)

    Two disconnected sisters (Fey and Amy Poehler) are summoned to clean out their childhood bedrooms before their parents sell their family home.

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    1. ‘Mean Girls‘ (2004)

    Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Seyfried, Rachel McAdams and Lacey Chabert in 2004's 'Mean Girls.'
    (L to R) Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Seyfried, Rachel McAdams and Lacey Chabert in 2004’s ‘Mean Girls.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels (Jonathan Bennett), the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George (Rachel McAdams).

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  • Movie Review: ‘Mean Girls

    Avantika, Renee Rapp, Angourie Rice and Bebe Wood on the set of 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Avantika, Renee Rapp, Angourie Rice and Bebe Wood on the set of ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo Credit: Jojo Whilden/Paramount ©2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Opening in theaters on January 12th, ‘Mean Girls’ is just the latest example of a movie that represents the latest evolution for a story that started as a novel, became a movie, transitioned to the Broadway stage for a musical and is now back on screens as a musical movie.

    But as with every movie of this type –– see also the recent ‘The Color Purple’ –– the latest take has to make a convincing argument for it to exist in the first place. Why should audiences shell out more money to see a story they’ve previously experienced (and, in the case of ‘Mean Girls’ loved to endlessly quotable and meme-able levels) with the addition of different actors and a few songs?

    The answer, at least in this case, is “mostly”.

    Does ‘Mean Girls’ make fetch happen?

    Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners, Renee Rapp plays Regina George and Avantika plays Karen Shetty in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners, Renee Rapp plays Regina George and Avantika plays Karen Shetty in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    ‘Mean Girls’ exists in the shadow of the original, and it’s no easy job to follow what has long become known as a classic in the genre. Given the pressure to be a version of both the first film and the musical, you can understand why the new movie sometimes crumbles under that workload.

    But fans will be relieved to know that if it doesn’t quite make the grade in every way, it at least serves as a successful comedy musical in its own right.

    ‘Mean Girls’: Script and Direction

    Producers Lorne Michaels and Tina Fey on the set of 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Producers Lorne Michaels and Tina Fey on the set of ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo Credit: Jojo Whilden/Paramount ©2023 Paramount Pictures.

    The new movie, on the writing front at least, represents the return of very experienced hands with Tina Fey –– who adapted Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 book ‘Queen Bees and Wannabes’, which documented female social cliques in high schools into 2004’s ‘Mean Girls’. It’s story of a young woman swapping far-flung homeschooling with her scientist parents for the wilds of an Illinois high school and ends up falling in with the most popular/vindictive girls at campus.

    Fey’s original script is beloved, a classic high school comedy with more than one line that has entered the pop cultural consciousness. She was also behind the book for the stage musical version, while her husband and regular creative collaborator Jeff Richmond created the lyrics.

    They’re both back for the new movie, which means that the tone and dialogue is certainly up to scratch. The one issue might be that the musical numbers, on purely a written front, can be hit and miss. And if you know the movie inside and out, that’s the only thing that will feel new besides one or two moments and ideas (Cady, for example, only has one parent in this version, played by Jenna Fischer).

    Directors Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne on the set of 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Directors Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne on the set of ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo Credit: Jojo Whilden/Paramount ©2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. make their shared directorial debut with the movie, taking over for the original film’s Mark Walters. They do an adequate job of staging the musical numbers and having the songs replace elements such as Cady’s voice-over.

    One or two of the songs here –– ‘Revenge Party’, ‘Stupid with Love’ –– work really well, while the others are fine but nothing to get people dancing in the aisles.

    ‘Mean Girls’: Performances

    Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron, Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners and Avantika plays Karen Shetty in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron, Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners and Avantika plays Karen Shetty in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    With Lindsay Lohan playing the original Cady, Angourie Rice has famous shoes to fill. And she does so well, giving this new version of a life of her own, while not going too far away from what fans expect from the character.

    But that’s nothing compared to Reneé Rapp, who has to embody queen bee Regina George, as brought to life by Rachel McAdams in the original. Rapp is a fantastic Regina, having the benefit of playing the role on stage for several months. Which means she has a fully-formed take on the preening, scheming character. And when Regina suffers her downfall, she’s just as able to land those comedy turns.

    Avantika plays Karen Shetty, Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron, Renee Rapp plays Regina George and Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Avantika plays Karen Shetty, Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron, Renee Rapp plays Regina George and Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Less effective are Bebe Wood, and Avantika Vandanapu as Gretchen and Karen, Regina’s sidekicks, though it’s no fault of the actors –– they’re mostly saddled with characters who feel like barely-tweaked versions of the original, and you have to wonder whether Fey and co. could have done more to make them stand out.

    But if there’s one true MVP here, it’s Auliʻi Cravalho as the character of Janis, one of the “weird” kids that Cady initially befriends and who helps her get revenge on the “Plastics” led by Regina. Cravalho, best known previously as the voice of Moana in Disney’s animated movie, is superb here, breathing truly fresh life into the character and proving that she’s more than just a great voice performer.

    ‘Mean Girls’: Final Thoughts

    Tina Fey plays Ms. Norbury in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    Tina Fey plays Ms. Norbury in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    ‘Mean Girls’ certainly offers a solid level of entertainment, though that’s partly because the original is such a success. Fans of the film will find something new to enjoy, but for the most part, the pleasures come from revisiting what worked before, either on screen or stage.

    And while the new movie isn’t a patch on the original, it does at least prove to be worthwhile.

    ‘Mean Girls receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the story of ‘Mean Girls?

    Adapting the plot of the 2004 movie into musical form, ‘Mean Girls’ narrative feels familiar.

    New student Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) gets welcomed into the top of the social food chain by an elite group of popular girls called the Plastics, ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George (Reneé Rapp). However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend, she soon finds herself caught in their crosshairs.

    Who else is in ‘Mean Girls?

    The cast also includes Auli’i Cravalho, Christopher Briney, Jenna Fischer, Jon Hamm, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, Busy Philipps, Bebe Wood, Ashley Park and Avantika Vandanapu.

    Jon Hamm plays Coach Carr in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    Jon Hamm plays Coach Carr in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Mean Girls:’

    Buy Tickets: ‘Mean Girls’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘Mean Girls’ On Amazon

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  • Where To Watch Kenneth Branagh’s ‘A Haunting In Venice’

    Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver and Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver and Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    The third installment in the Agatha Christie movies takes a chilling turn in ‘A Haunting in Venice’. Actor and director Kenneth Branagh returns to helm the film and reprise his role of the famed mustache detective, Hercule Poirot.

    A Murder Mystery Fit For Halloween

    Michelle Yeoh as Mrs. Reynolds in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting in Venice.'
    Michelle Yeoh as Mrs. Reynolds in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting in Venice.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    The movie is based on Christie’s novel ‘Hallowe’en Party’ and will be available on streaming and digital just in time for Halloween. While these murder mystery novels are often accompanied by a sense of suspense and horror, ‘A Haunting In Venice’ leans straight into the horror theme by placing the murder inside a haunted palazzo.

    Releasing on Halloween means the film will just make the Huluween line-up at the end of its celebration. Additionally, ‘A Haunting In Venice’ will also be available to rent or purchase on digital on the same day.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘A Haunting In Venice’

    The Film Switched From Shooting In 70 Millimeter To Digital

    Director Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and crew on the set of 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Director Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and crew on the set of 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Branagh teams up once again with cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos (‘Death on the Nile’, ‘The Orient Express’). In an interview with Collider, the British cinematographer expands on why they made the switch from filming on 70 millimeter to digital, “There were a lot of photographic characteristics that we wanted to maintain in the Poirot films. One was a certain kind of clarity, the other is a sense of depth of field.” he explains.

    “One of the things that I think makes the intimacy of the portraiture that we have used on previous Poirot films is that we work at a slightly higher depth of field than most films, T4. Not ‘Citizen Kane‘ levels, but just enough that a face and its features are all in focus. So, we wanted to shoot with a large format lens camera system that was in the highest sensitivity to light, and that was the Sony Venice 2. Those photographic elements were more important than the analog versus digital – that we were able to shoot at low-light levels but with our preferred depth of field. Those were the choices behind shooting this with a digital camera.”

    Where Can I Watch ‘A Haunting In Venice’?

    Kelly Reilly as Rowena Drake in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    Kelly Reilly as Rowena Drake in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘A Haunting In Venice’ held its world premiere at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square at the West End London on September 11th. It was released domestically on September 15, 2023, and is still available in theaters if you want to experiment it in standard format or in IMAX. ‘A Haunting In Venice’ has a total runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes.

    Buy Tickets: ‘A Haunting in Venice’ Movie Showtimes

    Watch the official trailers for ‘A Haunting In Venice’ below:

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    The movie will be available on digital on October 31 on major platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube, and Google Play for rent or purchase.

    Where to Watch: ‘A Haunting In Venice’ Online

    Fans of physical media can also look forward to 4K UHD, Blu-Ray, and DVD release of the film on November 28.

    Buy ‘A Haunting In Venice’ Movie On Amazon

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    The official synopsis for ‘A Haunting In Venice’ is below:

    Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) has retired from detective work and has moved to Italy to live a quiet life. His peace is interrupted when old friend and novelist Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey) stops by and insists he attends a séance on Halloween in order to expose a psychic named Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh). However, when a murder occurs, Poirot vows to catch the killer within the haunted palazzo.

    Who Is In The Cast of ‘A Haunting In’?

    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting in Venice.'
    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting in Venice.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

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  • Movie Review: ‘A Haunting in Venice’

    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Opening in theaters on September 15th is ‘A Haunting in Venice,’ which is the third film in actor and director Kenneth Branagh’s Agatha Christie trilogy following 2017’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and 2022’s ‘Death on the Nile.’

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    What is the plot of ‘A Haunting in Venice’?

    Following the events of ‘Death on the Nile,’ the world’s greatest detective, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), has retired and is now living a quiet life in Italy. One day he is visited by his old friend and mystery novelist Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey), who invites him to a séance on Halloween to expose a fraudulent psychic named Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh). But when someone if murdered, Poirot vows to catch the killer.

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    Who is in the cast of ‘A Haunting in Venice’?

    Initial Thoughts

    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘A Haunting in Venice’ feels more like an epilogue than an actual third installment but is still a fairly entertaining yet predictable mystery movie. Kenneth Branagh gives another good performance as Hercule Poirot but the film never really seems to come together as a whole. The new supporting cast create interesting foils for Poirot, but ultimately, the mystery is not that hard for the audience to solve.

    Story and Direction

    Director Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and crew on the set of 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Director Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and crew on the set of 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    The movie begins by introducing us to an older and weathered Hercule Poirot (Branagh), who is now retired from detective work and living a quiet life in Italy. One day he is visited by his old friend, an American mystery novelist named Ariadne Oliver (Fey), who’s most popular literary character is based on Poirot himself. Oliver invites Poirot to a séance on Halloween night at the house of the wealthy Rowena Drake (Reilly), who recently lost her daughter in a tragic accident. The séance is being conducted by a medium named Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh). Oliver believes she is the real deal and wants to base her next novel on her, but needs Poirot, ever the skeptic, to witness her work and confirm she’s for real.

    Poirot is not impressed by Reynolds, and confirms his suspicions but is then attacked by an unknown assailant. Not long after, one of the guests is murdered and with a storm closing the canals, the remaining guests are trapped in Drake’s house, presumably with the killer, and with nowhere else to go. While waiting for the weather to clear, Poirot begins to investigate and questions everyone, including Oliver, Drake, her doctor, Dr. Leslie Ferrier (Jamie Dornan), and his young son, Leopold Ferrier (Jude Hill).

    I enjoyed both of Branagh’s other Agatha Christie movies, ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and ‘Death on the Nile,’ but ‘A Haunting in Venice’ lacks the scope or style of its predecessors. It feels rushed, truncated and lacking of any real purpose. In fact, Branagh’s performance is really the only bright spot in the movie, which is otherwise tedious. But as a director, Branagh adds no style or freshness to the movie. It’s pretty much a paint-by-numbers mystery, and nothing is added to make that more sophisticated or cinematic. The first two movies benefited from the exotic locations which Branagh shot in an epic manner, but the director does not utilize his backdrop here, as most scenes take place at night, in the rain, or inside.

    A scene from 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting in Venice.'
    A scene from 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting in Venice.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Kenneth Branagh’s performance as Hercule Poirot

    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting in Venice.'
    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting in Venice.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    The only saving grace ‘Haunting’ offers is Branagh’s solid performance as Poirot. After three movies the actor really has the character down, and it helps that we as an audience have embraced him in this role. In this outing, Branagh explores Poirot’s age and his passion for life after spending so much of it surrounded by death. This Poirot is older, weathered, and questioning himself, maybe for the first time in his life, and it’s an interesting juxtaposition for the character. Also this time around, Branagh wisely chose to cut back Poirot’s signature mustache just a bit, which doesn’t affect the character or the performance, but is a little less distracting than in the previous films.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Death on the Nile’ 

    Supporting Cast

    Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver, Michelle Yeoh as Mrs. Reynolds, and Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver, Michelle Yeoh as Mrs. Reynolds, and Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    This is where the movie starts to fall apart, and it’s not the fault of the actors, who are all very good, but their characters are either poorly written or not fleshed out enough. Now some may not care for Tina Fey’s performance as Ariadne Oliver, as she is basically doing a Katherine Hepburn impression, but I actually thought the characterization fit well considering the movie’s 1940’s setting. Oliver is feisty and smart, and a good companion to Poirot, and Fey has nice chemistry with Branagh. However, without giving anything away, a twist in the third act renders the character unreliable.

    Jude Hill, who was last seen in Branagh’s Oscar-winning ‘Belfast,’ gives a good performance as the precocious Leopold Ferrier and has strong chemistry with Jamie Dornan, who once again plays his father as he did in ‘Belfast.’ As Dr. Leslie Ferrier, Dornan is solid and plays a man with PTSD well, but the character is not given enough to do and is basically used as a red herring to the mystery.

    Recent Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh has a few fun scenes as the psychic Joyce Reynolds, but again, is really not given a lot to do. You don’t really get a chance to know the character or understand her motivations in her limited screentime, and again, it’s a shame the character was used as a bit of a red herring. It was nice to see ‘Yellowstone’ actress Kelly Reilly return to the big screen, and while the actress plays the role to the best of her abilities, the character was terribly written and weakens the mystery at the core of the story.

    Predictable Mystery

    Kelly Reilly as Rowena Drake in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    Kelly Reilly as Rowena Drake in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    The real problem with ‘A Haunting in Venice’ is that the mystery is too predictable and easy to solve. While there was a bit of a twist in the third act, I knew who the killer was from the beginning and it just seemed too obvious. While the previous movies had third act twists as well, they seemed fresh and original at the time and this one just feels like we’ve seen it before.

    Final Thoughts

    Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver and Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver and Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    While ‘A Haunting in Venice’ is a serviceable and entertaining enough movie that includes another fine performance by Branagh as Poirot, it lacks the fun and urgency of the previous films and features an extremely predictable mystery at its core.

    ‘A Haunting in Venice’ receives 5 out of 10 stars.

    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

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    Buy Tickets: ‘A Haunting in Venice’ Movie Showtimes

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    ‘A Haunting in Venice’ is produced by 20th Century Studios, Scott Free Productions, The Mark Gordon Company, and Genre Films. It is set to release in theaters on September 15th, 2023.

     

     

  • ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Interview: John Hoffman

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    Premiering August 8th on Hulu is the third season of the popular series ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ which was co-created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, and nominated for 12 Emmys including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series at the upcoming ceremony that is scheduled to take place on January 15th, 2024.

    Selena Gomez, Shirley MacLaine, Director John Hoffman, Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Amy Schumer on the set of 'Only Murders in the Building' season 2.
    (L to R) Selena Gomez, Shirley MacLaine, Director John Hoffman, Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Amy Schumer on the set of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ season 2. Photo: Barbara Nitke/Hulu.

    SOME SPOILERS FOR ‘ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING’ SEASON 1 AND 2 BELOW!

    ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 1 and 2 Recap

    Charles (Steve Martin), Mabel (Selena Gomez) and Oliver (Martin Short) on Hulu's 'Only Murders In The Building'.
    (L to R) Charles (Steve Martin), Mabel (Selena Gomez) and Oliver (Martin Short) on Hulu’s ‘Only Murders In The Building’. Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu.

    The series follows three amateur sleuths –– actor Charles-Haden Savage (Martin), who spent years on a low-rent police show and still dines out on his minor fame, down-on-his-luck, flamboyant theatre director Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), a young artist whose life suddenly becomes intertwined with Charles and Oliver’s when a former friend and fellow resident of grand New York apartment building the Arconia is found murdered.

    The three also bond over their shared love of a true crime podcast called ‘All is not OK in Oklahoma’, and quickly decide to launch their own as they dig into the truth behind Tim’s death. As they work their way through the suspects (including the variety of quirky occupants of the building), they learn that the real killer is Jan (Amy Ryan), a musician who Charles has been dating.

    Season 1 ends with cranky building head chief Bunny Folger (Jayne Houdyshell) dead in Mabel’s apartment, with Mabel framed for her murder. The second season is dedicated to Charles, Oliver and Mabel figuring out what really happened with Bunny, and how a mysterious painting factors in.

    It also features more from Cinda Canning (Tina Fey), the driven, arrogant creator of ‘All Is Not OK in Oklahoma’ as she seeks to find a compelling follow-up to her hit series. Our heroes initially think that Cinda, and then artist Alice Banks (Cara Delevingne), whom Mabel briefly dated, might be the killer, but it is revealed to be Cinda’s overworked assistant Poppy White (Adina Version), who was actually the not-so-dead subject matter of ‘All is not OK’ and yearns to have a podcast of her own.

    What is the plot of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 3?

    Paul Rudd as Ben in season 3 of 'Only Murders in the Building.'
    (L to R) Paul Rudd as Ben in season 3 of ‘Only Murders in the Building.’ Photo by: Patrick Harbron/Hulu.

    At the end of Season 2, we jump a year forward, to the opening night of Oliver’s new play, ‘Death Rattle’. Its leading man, the annoying, smug Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd), who clearly has no love for Charles, also starring in the production, collapses dead on stage.

    It’s revealed later in the initial episode that Ben is not actually dead but had a medical condition, and he promises to be a changed man, ready to make amends for his bad behavior during the play’s initial stages. He doesn’t get long to do that, though, as he’s pushed into an elevator shaft at the Arconia, landing on the car containing Charles, Oliver and Mabel. And so, another murder mystery is set in motion. Season 3 will also feature Oscar-winner Meryl Streep as Loretta Durkin, a struggling actress and Oliver’s love interest, who plays a small role in his Broadway show.

    Meryl Streep as Loretta in Hulu's 'Only Murders in the Building.'
    Meryl Streep as Loretta in Hulu’s ‘Only Murders in the Building.’ Photo by: Patrick Harbron/Hulu.

    Who stars in ‘Only Murders in the Building’?

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with director, executive producer and series co-creator John Hoffman about his Emmy nominated work on season 2 of ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ creating the series with Steve Martin, setting up the mysteries, lessons he’s learned between seasons, improvisation on set, the lead actors’ chemistry, the show’s attraction to big name guest stars, and a little tease of season 3.

    Tina Fey and Director John Hoffman on the set of 'Only Murders in the Building' season 2.
    (L to R) Tina Fey and Director John Hoffman on the set of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ season 2. Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu.

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

    Moviefone: To begin with, congratulations on the show’s 12 Emmy nominations for season 2. How does it feel to get so much Emmy love?

    John Hoffman: I’m feeling very good, honored, relieved, all of the above. It’s been quite a ride with this show and the fact that for season two, dropping a year after our first season aired, to be recognized in this group of incredible shows, it’s rare air. So I am thrilled.

    MF: Season 3 begins on August 8th, are you excited for fans to see the next chapter?

    JH: I’m very excited for people to see what’s coming. We’ve got a good back half too. I promise you.

    Related Article: TV Review: ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 3

    Steve Martin as Charles in season 3 of 'Only Murders in the Building.'
    Steve Martin as Charles in season 3 of ‘Only Murders in the Building.’ Photo: Patrick Harbron/Hulu.

    MF: Can you talk about creating the series with Steve Martin? Was it always designed to be a comedic murder mystery?

    JH: It began from the plucky mind of Steve Martin, and it was very much his notion. He’s a real fan and has a real interest in the world of crime and mystery, unfolding and getting underneath it and watching the reveals that happen around a case. So he’s a fan of that work. Then on top of it, he is a comedic genius. So that person held it all and very sweetly along with Dan Fogelman and Jess Rosenthal’s introduction, brought me into the fold of that. I was looking at it in a way of, once Steve said, “I would love Marty to be in this with me,” then I was hoping we could do something that felt like classic meets modern. You’ve got these two classic comedians with this very modern young woman in New York where that constantly feels like a theme and then it let the comedic and the mystery unfold in a fresh way. I think we got very fortunate and we worked really hard, but the goal is always to make it look as effortless as possible but behind the scenes it’s quite a challenge to pull this sucker off.

    MF: The end of the first season sets up the mystery for season 2. How much of the second season’s mystery was set in place when you introduced it at the end of the first season?

    JH: Great question. They’re very tied in. As you’ve seen from the beginning of season three, we take a bit of a leap away, but those first and second seasons are more tied in than maybe evident from the beginning of season two, for sure. Going to the very notion that by episodes 9 and 10, you’re realizing, “Oh my God, the central person responsible ultimately in season 2 was present and was the actual person involved in the podcast and in the case of the podcast that first drew our trio together in episode one of season 1. So, that developed along the way, but it was also kind of in the back of my mind, at least as far as those ties that could happen that felt very exciting. But it was very challenging to thread that and not give it away and not let it be revealed. So that all was very exciting to do, but very in its own classic mystery way, a dance of mini balls in the air with character arcs and the personal relationship of this trio and the discoveries that have to happen. The comedic premises, you then have to create all in the while keeping a thrust of this mystery story that everyone’s hooked into.

    Selena Gomez, Martin Short and Steve Martin in Hulu's 'Only Murders In The Building' season 2.
    (L to R) Selena Gomez, Martin Short and Steve Martin in Hulu’s ‘Only Murders In The Building’ season 2. Photo: Patrick Harbron/Hulu.

    MF: As a director and executive producer, what were the biggest lessons you learned between seasons working on this show?

    JH: How valuable everyone else is. I have to say that in this moment too, as I speak to you as a producer of this marvelous experience and show, that I am in great solidarity and recognizing every minute of the value of the collaboration between actors and writers specifically that make everything about this show and make me stand in full solidarity with fairness for all of them right now in this very challenging moment in our business. But that is really it. To be the person who has to answer all the questions along the way for story, for actors, for everyone else, is very comforting oddly for me. I like being that person. But you have to be very careful with everything. But then to be able to feel the luxury of opening up to brilliant artists around you who have much better ideas than you do, and to be able to say, “Oh, wait a minute. Stop the train. We’re going here because of this fantastic idea.” There’s nothing like it. This show is just a magnet for talent. So, who’s coming in next door? Everyone feels this urgency behind the scenes to step it up for this incredible collection of actors that are on the show. But it’s also the great opportunity to work with people who make everything better.

    MF: Obviously, the first season was a huge success. What were the big challenges going into season two to repeat that success?

    JH: That sits in your head in a way that I wasn’t as much expecting or thinking about because I get very deep down in a story that I would like to tell. So I try and push aside everything else that way, but there’s no way for it not to emanate through. Certainly within our writer’s room, it was one of those moments of like, “Wait, they’re saying what over there? Who said what? Who wrote what?” That does inform, it can’t help it. It is part of the collaboration with the audience we have too. When you’re doing a mystery, you want to feel what they’re thinking a little bit and maybe undercut that, swerve away from it or lean right into it. So, that’s very nice to have that inclusivity for both audience and creators on this one.

    Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez in Hulu's 'Only Murders In The Building' season 2.
    (L to R) Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez in Hulu’s ‘Only Murders In The Building’ season 2. Photo: Patrick Harbron/Hulu.

    MF: Steve Martin and Martin Short are comedy legends, but what is surprising about the series is how organically Selena Gomez fits with their chemistry. Was that a pleasant surprise for you and is there room for improvisation on set? Do they come in with their own ideas, or stick to the scripts?

    JH: All three of them, I want to leave them completely unbridled to say and do whatever they want to say. Yet, I’ve recognized also that they have great comfort in these wonderful scripts that our writers work very hard on. There’s great trust and generosity from them. As I say, there’s great comfort too in knowing and recognizing the good fortune of having two geniuses and a very specific modern young woman, is that you hear their voices very distinctly and the way in which they can play is built into these characters that they are perfect for, comedically and dramatically. The fact that they’re so facile, it can go so many different ways, and gives us great leeway to really hone scenes, episodes and seasons that favor what they do best. So when they are with the material, they really stick to it in a larger way. I think they would say the same thing. More than that, it’s just about elevating all of it in the way that only they can do.

    MF: Finally, the show has become a magnet for very famous performers who want to guest star, Meryl Streep appears in season 3, for example. Season 2 featured Shirley MacLaine, Cara Delevingne, Tina Fey, Andrea Martin, and Paul Rudd, some of who carry over to season 3. Has there been an effort to get the biggest names possible to guest star, or has that just happened organically?

    JH: Yes. The simple answer is yes. To have Shirley MacLaine in the middle of a pandemic come out of her home in New Mexico to say, “I want to come play in the landscape of New York City with this great cast of characters,” was an honor to everyone. The minute she stepped on set, the whole temperature changed. She just was absolutely brilliant. You realize the air you’re in, but also it makes you step up to live up to these people. Cara was fantastic and a friend of Selena’s for a long time and was so sharp, witty, intuitive and also a lovely person. She fit perfectly into the world, and that went on and on. Andrea Martin is a comedic genius as well, and knows Marty and knows Steve and seamlessly fits in as well. So, it’s about being strong with what the show is and hoping that people recognize the tone and how they might work in it, and then watching them just create magic is incredible. Then that leaps off into the opportunities that come from a season 3 cast, which is, I don’t know, the greatest of any half hour comedy in history? I’m going to put it up there. I’m not going to lie, I can’t believe it.

    Director John Hoffman and Shirley MacLaine on the set of 'Only Murders in the Building' season 2.
    (L to R) Director John Hoffman and Shirley MacLaine on the set of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ season 2. Photo: Barbara Nitke/Hulu.

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