Lionsgate Strikes Worldwide Deal For Thriller, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’; The Weeknd’s Feature Debut
Lionsgate has secured global theatrical distribution rights for Hurry Up Tomorrow, a psychological thriller marking The Weeknd’s (Abel Tesfaye) feature-starring debut. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, the film stars The Weeknd alongside Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. Notably, Hurry Up Tomorrow aligns with The Weeknd’s upcoming album of the same title, set to be a powerful soundtrack crafted by The Weeknd and Daniel Lopatin.
Nikyatu Jusu Takes On David Cronenberg's Horror Classic With New Film 'The Fly' For 20th Century Studios
Nikyatu Jusu is diving into The Fly universe with her latest project, a new body horror film for 20th Century Studios and Chernin Entertainment. Inspired by David Cronenberg's 1986 classic, The Fly, Jusu will both write and direct this fresh take, although details about the plot remain under wraps. Insiders reveal that her version will expand on the original world rather than being a direct remake.
Jennifer Lopez And Anthony Ramos To Set ‘Bob The Builder’ In Puerto Rico In New Animated Movie For Amazon MGM Studios
Amazon MGM Studios has secured the rights to produce Mattel’s animated feature Bob the Builder after a competitive bidding process involving Netflix, DreamWorks Animation, and others. Produced by Jennifer Lopez's Nuyorican Productions and ShadowMachine (known for Pinocchio by Guillermo del Toro), the film stars Twisters actor Anthony Ramos as the voice of Bob. Ramos proposed setting the film in Puerto Rico to highlight Latino resilience, with Bob’s catchphrase translated to “Sí se puede” or “Yes we can.” Felipe Vargas is adapting the story, though it’s still undecided if the movie will premiere on Prime Video or in theaters.
Garrett Morris Reflects On Breaking Barriers As SNL’s First Black Cast Member
Fifty years after Saturday Night Live debuted, its legacy continues to evolve, reflecting cultural shifts while spotlighting diverse voices. Original cast member Garrett Morris, the show’s first Black performer, recently shared his experiences on the show's early days and the racism he encountered in the writers' room when it launched in 1975.
Actor Tray Chaney Creates ‘The Wire Reunion’ YouTube Series Bringing Original Cast Members From The Iconic Show Back Together
Actor Tray Chaney, known for his unforgettable portrayal of "Poot" in HBO's iconic series The Wire, recently reunited with fellow cast members to celebrate and reminisce about the groundbreaking show that changed the television landscape. The reunion brought together some of the most notable names from the series, including Slim Charles (Anwan Glover), Michael (Tristan Wilds), Wee-Bey (Hassan Johnson), and DJ Quicksilva, offering fans a rare glimpse into their enduring bond and reflecting on the show’s legacy.
Chris Rock Wrote And Set To Direct, Produce, Star In New Film ‘Misty Green’ For Macro, Confluential, Neon, And CAA
Chris Rock is stepping into the director's chair for Misty Green, a feature film he also stars in. Written by Rock himself, Misty Green centers on a talented actress named Misty whose struggles with addiction have repeatedly hindered her career. Her comeback chance finally arises with a promising role, offered by Jordan (played by Rock), a director from her past with whom she shares a rocky history. Casting for additional roles is currently underway.
Kanye West Doc ’In Whose Name?’ To Be Unveiled At AFM
The newly much-anticipated bio-doc In Whose Name?, offering an in-depth look at Kanye West’s transformation, is set to reveal its first footage at the American Film Market (AFM). The documentary, backed by Goodfellas and Utopia, explores West’s journey, including his decision to officially change his name to Ye in 2021. A first-look image has been shared, stirring interest before the upcoming promo screening for potential buyers in Las Vegas.
Eddie Murphy To Star As Funk Icon George Clinton In Amazon MGM Biopic Directed By Bill Condon
Eddie Murphy is set to portray funk legend George Clinton in Amazon MGM Studios' upcoming biopic, directed by Bill Condon. This reunion between Murphy and Condon follows their successful collaboration on Dreamgirls, where Murphy’s performance earned him an Oscar nomination.
Tressa Azarel Smallwood And Naturi Naughton Bring Holiday Magic to BET+ With ‘Style Me For Christmas’
BET+ is ushering in the holiday season with the upcoming premiere of Style Me For Christmas on November 14. This heartwarming film is produced by Tressa Azarel Smallwood, founder of Megamind Media, a production company celebrated for its commitment to storytelling that uplifts and celebrates Black voices. Starring Naturi Naughton, known for her standout performances in Power and Queens, the movie promises a fresh take on holiday charm and festive vibes.
Ella Balinska Apocalypse Horror Film ‘Monsters’ Acquired By Voltage Pictures
Voltage Pictures has secured global distribution rights for Monsters, a new apocalyptic horror film starring Ella Balinska. The company plans to showcase the project at the American Film Market in Las Vegas from November 5-10.
BET Renews ‘Ms. Pat Show’ For Season 5 And Star Extends Overall Deal With Network
BET+ has confirmed that The Ms. Pat Show will return for its fifth season, and Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams has extended her overall deal with BET Media Group to develop new content across both streaming and linear platforms. This deal solidifies her ongoing relationship with BET, initially formalized in 2022, with her first project being the unscripted courtroom series Ms. Pat Settles It, now in its second season.
Uzo Aduba, LaKeith Stanfield, And More Added To True Crime Film, ‘Roofman’ For Miramax And Paramount
Oscar-nominated director Derek Cianfrance has assembled a stellar cast for Roofman, his first feature since The Light Between Oceans (2016). This true-crime drama stars Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, and Peter Dinklage, joined by Uzo Aduba, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Molly Price, newcomer Lily Collias, Emory Cohen, and Tony Revolori.
NBA Star Anthony Edwards’ Three-Fifths Media Inks Unscripted TV Deal With Wheelhouse
NBA star Anthony Edwards is expanding into unscripted television through his production company, Three-Fifths Media, partnering with Brent Montgomery's Wheelhouse to develop new content. Edwards, currently featured in Netflix’s docuseries Starting 5, co-founded Three-Fifths Media in 2019 with business manager Justin Holland.
Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Sterling K. Brown, Vivica A. Fox And Janelle Monáe Team With Aleshea Harris For ‘Is God Is’
Amazon MGM Orion Pictures has begun production on Is God Is, a film adaptation of Aleshea Harris's Obie-winning play. The story centers on twin sisters Racine and Anaia, portrayed by Kara Young (I’m a Virgo) and Mallori Johnson (Kindred), who bear both physical scars and deep-seated trauma. Living on the fringes of society, their lives shift when they learn their bedridden mother has survived and reveals a haunting truth—their father, who scarred them and left her incapacitated, is still alive. With her final wish for revenge, the sisters must decide whether to confront or forgive the man who destroyed their family.
Omarion Set To Star As Charming Hitman In Drama Series, ‘Wild Rose’ From Allblk
Omarion is set to star as a complex hitman in Wild Rose, a new original series from AMC Networks' Allblk. Created by Deji LaRay (Johnson, Escaping Paradise), Wild Rose centers on Roosevelt, known as "Rose," a professional assassin raised in a family that operates a nonprofit organization as a front for a high-profile hit squad.
Regina Hall Inks First-Look Deal With MGM Alternative, Sets New Celebrity Competition Series, ‘Squad Games’
Regina Hall has inked an exclusive first-look deal with MGM Alternative, a branch of Amazon MGM Studios behind hit series like “The Voice,” “Survivor,” and “Shark Tank.” Through her production company, Rh Negative, Hall will create and produce original unscripted content, focusing on true crime, ensemble docuseries, and game show formats.
KevOnStage Comedy Series, ‘Churchy,’ Gets Greenlight For Season Two On BET+
BET+ has renewed Churchy for a second season following its success as the platform's top scripted comedy during its debut week last February. Created by comedian Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks and LeBron James’ SpringHill Company, Churchy follows Corey, a new pastor navigating small-town church life in Lubbock, Texas, with a comedic twist.
Tony Rock’s Debut Comedy Special ‘Rock The World’ Set To Hit Network Streamers November 5th
Comedy Dynamics has released the trailer for Tony Rock: Rock the World, comedian Tony Rock's debut special, set to premiere on multiple platforms November 5, with an album release on November 8. Filmed at The Long Beach Laugh Factory, the special dives into Rock’s insights on post-pandemic life, Black culture, gender, and relationships. Directed by Jay Chapman, the project was produced by Charleston Rock, Jaden Parrish, and Dana Marshall.
Idris Elba To Star In Upcoming Action-Thriller ‘Hammer Down’ Co-Produced By 22 Summers And Atlas
Idris Elba, Golden Globe winner and star of Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw, is set to lead Hammer Down, a high-stakes action-thriller launching international sales at the American Film Market soon. Elba will co-produce the project through his company, 22 Summers, along with Atlas Entertainment’s Charles Roven, known for Oppenheimer and The Dark Knight trilogy, and Madison Weireter.
Jharrel Jerome And Jennifer Lopez Star In True-Life Underdog Wrestling Story, 'Unstoppable'
Amazon MGM Studios has released the first trailer for Unstoppable, an inspiring true-life sports drama starring Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez. Slated for a limited theatrical release on December 6, the film captures the journey of Anthony Robles, who overcame being born without a right leg and a challenging upbringing to achieve an NCAA Division I wrestling championship.