Indie News
Does Walton Goggins smell an Emmy approaching? Probably not, but only because his character in Amazon Prime Video’s hit “Fallout” TV series doesn’t have a nose. But nevertheless, his performance is earning rave reviews and awards voters are known to love a transformation. Goggins spent hours in the makeup chair before almost every shoot to turn into The Ghoul, a lone-wolf wastelander who’s been around for hundreds of years. In an interview with Deadline Studio at Prime Experience, Goggins acknowledged the difficulties of taking on this character physically and emotionally.
“The very first time we did the application [of his mask],” Goggins said, “I asked to be left alone for an hour and a half outside and Jonah [Nolan] came by. I just sat outside by myself and just photographed it like in the sun and in the shade. I was extremely intimidated but excited to see how this Ferrari would work.
“The very first time we did the application [of his mask],” Goggins said, “I asked to be left alone for an hour and a half outside and Jonah [Nolan] came by. I just sat outside by myself and just photographed it like in the sun and in the shade. I was extremely intimidated but excited to see how this Ferrari would work.
- 5/13/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
It’s a cardinal rule of entertainment obsession that if any movie, TV show, or special explicitly offers you contact information — be it a phone number, a social media account, or an email address — you try to use it.
Following that lead out of “Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda,” which debuted March 5 on Netflix, DeAnne Smith discovered a bouncy and bold new reason for sneaking just that sort of bonus content into stand-up comedy. Commemorating their specific experience as a nonbinary person through a secret inbox for fans (something Smith is still managing in their spare time offstage months later), the agender comedian found a means of connecting to both cis and trans people through a shared interest: boobs.
“I wanted to talk about top surgery because I know that’s not relatable to everyone, but I wanted to reach people that it was relatable to,” Smith told IndieWire. For the...
Following that lead out of “Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda,” which debuted March 5 on Netflix, DeAnne Smith discovered a bouncy and bold new reason for sneaking just that sort of bonus content into stand-up comedy. Commemorating their specific experience as a nonbinary person through a secret inbox for fans (something Smith is still managing in their spare time offstage months later), the agender comedian found a means of connecting to both cis and trans people through a shared interest: boobs.
“I wanted to talk about top surgery because I know that’s not relatable to everyone, but I wanted to reach people that it was relatable to,” Smith told IndieWire. For the...
- 5/12/2024
- by Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” may not feature the words of screenwriting power couple Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, but their imprint is all over the reboot franchise and because of the producer credit they fought for when they wrote “Rise,” their names will be too. Having been an agent before he transitioned into screenwriting, Jaffa was well acquainted with the benefits of obtaining producer status and it has since allowed him and wife Amanda Silver to maintain ownership over a reboot franchise many consider to be better than its predecessor. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jaffa said his creative shift away from agency work wasn’t much of a surprise, but that Silver helped him along.
“I loved movies and saw a ton of films,”Jaffa said of how he spent his youth. “I would drive from the small town I grew up in...
“I loved movies and saw a ton of films,”Jaffa said of how he spent his youth. “I would drive from the small town I grew up in...
- 5/12/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Is Disney about to have its own “Before” series? Just as Richard Linklater’s day-in-the-life romances touch in on the lives of Celine and Jesse at different points in their lives, Amy Poehler would like to see the “Inside Out” sequels explore main character Riley’s emotions at different stages in her aging.
“I just think that they should make these films like ‘Seven Up,’ every couple of years in Riley’s life,” she said in an interview with Empire. “A young adult, and a young mother, and I think a middle-aged person — everyone’s having these very distinct new emotions that are showing up all the time.”
Speaking to IndieWire last month for a sneak peek of “Inside Out 2,” the film’s director Kelsey Mann echoed that idea of “new emotions showing up” being central to how he looked at this new chapter.
“I hated everyone looking at me,...
“I just think that they should make these films like ‘Seven Up,’ every couple of years in Riley’s life,” she said in an interview with Empire. “A young adult, and a young mother, and I think a middle-aged person — everyone’s having these very distinct new emotions that are showing up all the time.”
Speaking to IndieWire last month for a sneak peek of “Inside Out 2,” the film’s director Kelsey Mann echoed that idea of “new emotions showing up” being central to how he looked at this new chapter.
“I hated everyone looking at me,...
- 5/12/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Nowadays, when people hear the name Justin Lin, they think big-time Hollywood director with installments in both the “Star Trek” reboot film series and the “Fast & Furious” franchise. But back in 2002, he was just an indie filmmaker with one little-known feature under his belt and not much credit to his name. That all changed with one film, his 2002 Sundance breakout, “Better Luck Tomorrow,” which he also edited, co-wrote, and co-produced with the help of Mr. “Can’t Touch This” himself, Mc Hammer. The film chronicles a group of young Asians in America who start as overachievers but quickly turn to a life of crime and violence. Though not based on a real story, Lin was influenced by the violence he saw in his 20s, such as the Columbine shootings and more directly the murder of Stuart Tay.
Speaking in a retrospective interview on the film with IGN, Lin said of the film’s success,...
Speaking in a retrospective interview on the film with IGN, Lin said of the film’s success,...
- 5/12/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (Disney) opened to $56.5 million, slightly above pre-opening projections, which is encouraging after “The Fall Guy” (Universal) last week. That’s a relief to theaters that hope summer releases meet their potential and buffer what is expected to be a major drop in revenues versus last year.
20th Century Fox released “Planet of the Apes” in 1968. For an old franchise, this is one that still has plenty of life: The “Kingdom” opening matched the last “Apes” installment in 2017 (albeit when tickets cost 15 percent less). Speaking of old franchises, it also beat the $55 million opening of the 2021 Bond entry “No Time to Die.” Disappointing B Cinemascore aside, “Kingdom” seems poised for a solid run.
The opening for “Kingdom” doubled that of “The Fall Guy;” that differential happens to reflect the difference in the films’ production budgets. “Apes” took in an initial $129 million worldwide. “The Fall Guy...
20th Century Fox released “Planet of the Apes” in 1968. For an old franchise, this is one that still has plenty of life: The “Kingdom” opening matched the last “Apes” installment in 2017 (albeit when tickets cost 15 percent less). Speaking of old franchises, it also beat the $55 million opening of the 2021 Bond entry “No Time to Die.” Disappointing B Cinemascore aside, “Kingdom” seems poised for a solid run.
The opening for “Kingdom” doubled that of “The Fall Guy;” that differential happens to reflect the difference in the films’ production budgets. “Apes” took in an initial $129 million worldwide. “The Fall Guy...
- 5/12/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
The summer TV series is here, and some of it has already commenced. Yes, some of these shows have aired already, but given most of them will be playing throughout the next few months—given the binge model seems to be going away on most channels, networks, and streamers other than Netflix—it looks more than ok to join them mid-airing.
It should be said that summer previews are weird in that many streamers, networks, and cable channels do not reveal their entire lineups until maybe a month or two before release.
Continue reading Summer TV Preview: Over 35 Series Must-See Series To Watch at The Playlist.
It should be said that summer previews are weird in that many streamers, networks, and cable channels do not reveal their entire lineups until maybe a month or two before release.
Continue reading Summer TV Preview: Over 35 Series Must-See Series To Watch at The Playlist.
- 5/12/2024
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
The wasteland can be a brutal place. Diegetically within the world of George Miller’s “Mad Max” film series and physically for the actors who have to inhabit it. Speaking with Variety for an interview on her upcoming role in “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” star of the much-hyped prequel Anya Taylor-Joy discussed the challenges of taking on this role and how leaning into it was the only way through it.
“I had the earliest call time of my life: 1:45 a.m.,” Taylor-Joy said. “I’d be like, ‘I just wrapped! What do you mean?! It’s a mistake!’”
Part of that early call time involved Taylor-Joy getting into makeup, a process that required she be covered head-to-toe in the sand and sweat of Miller’s world.
“You will not believe how dirty I had to be for it to read on camera,” she said to Variety. “The first...
“I had the earliest call time of my life: 1:45 a.m.,” Taylor-Joy said. “I’d be like, ‘I just wrapped! What do you mean?! It’s a mistake!’”
Part of that early call time involved Taylor-Joy getting into makeup, a process that required she be covered head-to-toe in the sand and sweat of Miller’s world.
“You will not believe how dirty I had to be for it to read on camera,” she said to Variety. “The first...
- 5/12/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
For her third round of hosting duties on “Saturday Night Live,” “Mother” Maya Rudolph did not disappoint. Having been a cast member from 2000 to 2007, Rudolph is well acquainted with that 30 Rock stage, and has played a litany of memorable characters. In honor of Mother’s Day, current “SNL” cast-mates Sarah Sherman and Bowen Yang joined Rudolph onstage to honor her legacy and declare her a true “Moth-errr”.
“You’re a 30 Rock legend,” Sherman said. “You’ve had your foot on our necks since Y2K.”
Rudolph was disbelieving of this praise at first, but Yang quickly interjected to second Sherman’s claim.
“You were the first to slay the house down boots queen!” he exclaimed to Rudolph.
“You have achieved extra-terrestrial mother status!” said Sherman.
“Me? Mother?” questioned Rudolph. “You’re right.”
Cue a pumpin’ beat and Kenan Thompson in a Law Roach-inspired wig, holding a tiny purse in one...
“You’re a 30 Rock legend,” Sherman said. “You’ve had your foot on our necks since Y2K.”
Rudolph was disbelieving of this praise at first, but Yang quickly interjected to second Sherman’s claim.
“You were the first to slay the house down boots queen!” he exclaimed to Rudolph.
“You have achieved extra-terrestrial mother status!” said Sherman.
“Me? Mother?” questioned Rudolph. “You’re right.”
Cue a pumpin’ beat and Kenan Thompson in a Law Roach-inspired wig, holding a tiny purse in one...
- 5/12/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
There’s a story Alfred Hitchcock always liked to tell about how, when he was five years old, his father dropped him off at the local police station near his home in East London. William Hitchcock left a note for the coppers explaining that his son had been misbehaving. A policeman locked young Alfred in a cell for a few minutes and explained, “This is what we do to naughty boys.”
When Hitchcock recounted that story to Dick Cavett he was in his 70s, but the incident continued to leave a profound mark on the director. He said he was still “terrified of the police” because of that and drew a connection from that to the feelings of guilt and wrong-men-on-the-run paranoia that seeps into so many of his films.
The funny thing is, though, father characters are almost entirely absent from Hitchcock’s work. There are a few: Cedric Hardwicke...
When Hitchcock recounted that story to Dick Cavett he was in his 70s, but the incident continued to leave a profound mark on the director. He said he was still “terrified of the police” because of that and drew a connection from that to the feelings of guilt and wrong-men-on-the-run paranoia that seeps into so many of his films.
The funny thing is, though, father characters are almost entirely absent from Hitchcock’s work. There are a few: Cedric Hardwicke...
- 5/12/2024
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
From cancelled celebrity frogs to heartbroken shrimp, the vast “Smiling Friends” universe is home to a lot of strange side characters. But co-creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel took things to another level for the Season 2 premiere of their Adult Swim series. The episode, which sports the concise title “Gwimbly: Definitive Remastered Enhanced Extended Edition Dx 4K (Anniversary Director’s Cut),” follows the eponymous Smiling Friends as they attempt to cheer up Gwimbly, a beloved ’90s video game character who is unable to star in new games because the evil corporation known as Insane Groundbreaking Games refuses to grant him access to his own I.P.
The episode, which was previewed for fans last month after the network’s puppet-filled April Fool’s prank, is a classic “Smiling Friends” adventure that sees the gang rescue Gwimbly from his sad life of making undignified Cameo videos and help him produce his own independent game.
The episode, which was previewed for fans last month after the network’s puppet-filled April Fool’s prank, is a classic “Smiling Friends” adventure that sees the gang rescue Gwimbly from his sad life of making undignified Cameo videos and help him produce his own independent game.
- 5/12/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Roger Corman, the maverick producer of B-movies and iconoclastic subjects whose innovative low-budget enterprises launched the careers of numerous major filmmakers, died on Thursday at his home in Santa Monica. He was 98.
Corman’s career encompassed seven decades and more than 500 producing credits, including early work that launched the careers of major Hollywood figures such as Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern, Peter Fonda, Frances Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Peter Bogdanovich, Gale Anne Hurd, John Sayles, Ron Howard and Jonathan Demme. Yet Corman resented the commercial studio system, and as both producer and as a director himself, he pursued his cheap, no-frills filmmaking style at all costs, while using lowbrow genre tropes as a Trojan horse for socially conscious themes.
Over the years, Corman’s name has been most closely associated with the zany escapist enterprises often referred to as exploitation films, a term he abhorred. With producing credits such...
Corman’s career encompassed seven decades and more than 500 producing credits, including early work that launched the careers of major Hollywood figures such as Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern, Peter Fonda, Frances Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Peter Bogdanovich, Gale Anne Hurd, John Sayles, Ron Howard and Jonathan Demme. Yet Corman resented the commercial studio system, and as both producer and as a director himself, he pursued his cheap, no-frills filmmaking style at all costs, while using lowbrow genre tropes as a Trojan horse for socially conscious themes.
Over the years, Corman’s name has been most closely associated with the zany escapist enterprises often referred to as exploitation films, a term he abhorred. With producing credits such...
- 5/12/2024
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
[Editor’s note: this list was originally published in May 2023. It has since been updated with new entries in honor of Mother’s Day 2024.]
Movies offer an excellent excuse to ruminate on your deepest fears, and they’re certainly cheaper than therapy. So if you’re struggling with some deep mommy issues, why not cue up a matriarchal tale of terror and sort through some of that trauma in style?
Auteurs have been hashing out their issues with their mothers on the big screen for decades, to varying degrees of success. Consider mother-centric horror as its own subgenre, and you’ll notice there’s a tendency among filmmakers to take more than one stab at the thorny subject matter. Alfred Hitchcock used the real crimes of serial killer Ed Gein and added a profoundly morbid murder of a mother at a motel to brilliantly realize Norma and Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) for his exquisite “Psycho” in 1960, of course. But he’d whipped up something just as insidiously spectacular with Leopoldine Konstantin for his earlier...
Movies offer an excellent excuse to ruminate on your deepest fears, and they’re certainly cheaper than therapy. So if you’re struggling with some deep mommy issues, why not cue up a matriarchal tale of terror and sort through some of that trauma in style?
Auteurs have been hashing out their issues with their mothers on the big screen for decades, to varying degrees of success. Consider mother-centric horror as its own subgenre, and you’ll notice there’s a tendency among filmmakers to take more than one stab at the thorny subject matter. Alfred Hitchcock used the real crimes of serial killer Ed Gein and added a profoundly morbid murder of a mother at a motel to brilliantly realize Norma and Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) for his exquisite “Psycho” in 1960, of course. But he’d whipped up something just as insidiously spectacular with Leopoldine Konstantin for his earlier...
- 5/11/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
In April, the Sundance Institute announced its intentions to consider alternative locations for its film festival outside of Park City, Utah starting the year 2027 and beyond. Since then, multiple bids have been entered by cities hoping to take over hosting duties including huge metropolises like Atlanta, San Francisco, and Chicago, and even smaller cities like Buffalo and Santa Fe. However, Utah isn’t going down without a fight. This week it was reiterated that the Sundance Institute is allowing the state of Utah to go forward as a viable option for the festival, though a specific city has not been selected yet.
Plans to keep the festival in Utah were spearheaded by state leaders Gov. Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Park City Mayor Nann Worel, Utah Film Commission Director Virginia Pearce and Park City Chamber of Commerce CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff, all operating under the banner of the...
Plans to keep the festival in Utah were spearheaded by state leaders Gov. Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Park City Mayor Nann Worel, Utah Film Commission Director Virginia Pearce and Park City Chamber of Commerce CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff, all operating under the banner of the...
- 5/11/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
An iconic sci-fi star is joining a legendary science-fiction fantasy series. Sigourney Weaver, known for her turn as Ellen Ripley in the “Alien” series, has been cast in the upcoming “Star Wars” film, “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” according to THR.
There’s no word on who Weaver might play, and there are almost no plot details about the ‘Mando & Grogu’ film available.
Continue reading ‘Star Wars’: Sigourney Weaver Joins ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ Film at The Playlist.
There’s no word on who Weaver might play, and there are almost no plot details about the ‘Mando & Grogu’ film available.
Continue reading ‘Star Wars’: Sigourney Weaver Joins ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ Film at The Playlist.
- 5/11/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
“Mad Max” superfan and creator of the “Metal Gear” and “Death Stranding” video game series Hideo Kojima has seen the new film “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” and his reaction does not disappoint. Posting to X, formerly known as Twitter, Kojima released pictures of himself from the theater — his eyes misty from the experience.
“Witnessed ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga!’ Kojima said in his post. “This movie, which easily surpasses ‘Mad’ and even past ‘Fury’, is at its ‘Max’ (masterpiece)! Ever since I saw the first film when I was 16 years old, George Miller has saved me, encouraged me, and changed my way of life countless times. He is my God, and the Saga that he tells is my Bible.”
This is not the first time Kojima has expressed his adulation for maestro George Miller. Back when they met in 2015, he said, “My games were made with a lot of genes inherited from George Miller.
“Witnessed ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga!’ Kojima said in his post. “This movie, which easily surpasses ‘Mad’ and even past ‘Fury’, is at its ‘Max’ (masterpiece)! Ever since I saw the first film when I was 16 years old, George Miller has saved me, encouraged me, and changed my way of life countless times. He is my God, and the Saga that he tells is my Bible.”
This is not the first time Kojima has expressed his adulation for maestro George Miller. Back when they met in 2015, he said, “My games were made with a lot of genes inherited from George Miller.
- 5/11/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
[Editor’s Note: The following piece contains spoilers for the film “The Fall Guy”]
Master yarn-spinner and twist-lover Drew Pearce is setting the story straight on his film, “The Fall Guy”. The big screen adaptation of the ‘80 TV series was directed by former stuntman David Leitchb and stars the mega-watt talents of Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Pearce wrote the screenplay and despite a huge marketing push, the film didn’t land its box office punch opening weekend. However, in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Pearce expressed his belief that the film will fight on and that — looking past the grand scale — it holds up as an accurate depiction of Hollywood messiness.
“I’m from England — well, Scotland, actually,” said Pearce. “But I never knew anyone in the business. So when I came here, everyone was like, ‘Oh no, that’s an apocryphal story. That stuff doesn’t happen.’ But my experience is that literally anything that is supposedly apocryphal is absolutely commonplace.
Master yarn-spinner and twist-lover Drew Pearce is setting the story straight on his film, “The Fall Guy”. The big screen adaptation of the ‘80 TV series was directed by former stuntman David Leitchb and stars the mega-watt talents of Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Pearce wrote the screenplay and despite a huge marketing push, the film didn’t land its box office punch opening weekend. However, in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Pearce expressed his belief that the film will fight on and that — looking past the grand scale — it holds up as an accurate depiction of Hollywood messiness.
“I’m from England — well, Scotland, actually,” said Pearce. “But I never knew anyone in the business. So when I came here, everyone was like, ‘Oh no, that’s an apocryphal story. That stuff doesn’t happen.’ But my experience is that literally anything that is supposedly apocryphal is absolutely commonplace.
- 5/11/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Jonny Greenwood is laughing at your luxury vacation TikToks. In a recent profile in The Guardian, the Radiohead guitarist and film score composer dug into some of his current influences, his most important collaborations, and why setting images of beautiful resorts and moments of wistfulness against his “Phantom Thread” score feels kind of funny.
“That’s hilarious!” said Greenwood when told by The Guardian about a recent trend featuring his glorious “House of Woodcock” piece being used for TikTok videos and Instagram memes. “It was written without guile. It’s not supposed to be a pastiche – those soaring strings are unashamedly beautiful, and one can’t help but find the music very affecting. Although even saying this makes me feel terribly pink and stiff and English.”
That traditional perception of English stiffness is something Greenwood has worked a great deal to avoid in his work despite having incredibly formal musical training.
“That’s hilarious!” said Greenwood when told by The Guardian about a recent trend featuring his glorious “House of Woodcock” piece being used for TikTok videos and Instagram memes. “It was written without guile. It’s not supposed to be a pastiche – those soaring strings are unashamedly beautiful, and one can’t help but find the music very affecting. Although even saying this makes me feel terribly pink and stiff and English.”
That traditional perception of English stiffness is something Greenwood has worked a great deal to avoid in his work despite having incredibly formal musical training.
- 5/11/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
The hit Max series “Hacks” is back for its third season after an extended hiatus, once again mining the struggles of an aging comedienne and a young, developing writer for chuckles and heart. Winning multiple awards for its previous seasons, the show can claim a strong degree of authority on what is and isn’t funny and that extends to the series’ two leads, Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. With the state of comedy and what is permissible remaining an evergreen conversation, Einbinder reiterated her previously stated opinion in a recirculated red carpet interview with Refinery29.
“You can say anything,” Einbinder said, then added, “you just have to be a good joke writer. And you have to be smart. You can’t just be a bigot and racist and homophobic and transphobic. Or actually, you can and you’ll have a wonderful career. ‘Cause a lot of people will come out and support that.
“You can say anything,” Einbinder said, then added, “you just have to be a good joke writer. And you have to be smart. You can’t just be a bigot and racist and homophobic and transphobic. Or actually, you can and you’ll have a wonderful career. ‘Cause a lot of people will come out and support that.
- 5/11/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Has another sci-fi series ever explored the folly of intelligent thought as thoroughly, devastatingly, and colorfully as “The Planet of the Apes”? We here at IndieWire think not. With a now whopping 10 installments within the franchise and countless derivative work adding to the lore, “Planet of the Apes” stands in a league all its own and prides itself on an ability to constantly evolve (see what we did there?).
The concept for the series was first conceived in 1963 in French author Pierre Boulle’s novel “La Planète des singes,” which translates to “Planet of the Apes” or “Monkey Planet.” Sadly, American producer Arthur P. Jacobs chose to go with the former translation when making his film adaptation. Despite this, the 1968 Charlton Heston- starring original “Planet of the Apes” was a huge success, launching multiple sequels that deftly dive into moral and ethical conversations surrounding modern day issues of the...
The concept for the series was first conceived in 1963 in French author Pierre Boulle’s novel “La Planète des singes,” which translates to “Planet of the Apes” or “Monkey Planet.” Sadly, American producer Arthur P. Jacobs chose to go with the former translation when making his film adaptation. Despite this, the 1968 Charlton Heston- starring original “Planet of the Apes” was a huge success, launching multiple sequels that deftly dive into moral and ethical conversations surrounding modern day issues of the...
- 5/11/2024
- by Wilson Chapman and Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
[Editor’s note: Spoilers for “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” below.]
Wes Ball had two things going for him in directing “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”: His love of the original franchise, which he first watched on TV as a kid in the ’80s, and his admiration for “Avatar,” whose virtual production and performance capture prowess he leveraged with the help of Wētā FX.
“Something I’ve always wanted to do is go play in that ‘Avatar’ style and do it here, where there is no camera, there’s no lights, there’s no set really,” Ball told IndieWire. “And you have to create that in the computer with really talented artists. And I had a great time doing it.”
Ball got a taste of the tech working with Wētā on the shuttered “Mouse Guard” adaptation of David Petersen’s graphic novel (a casualty of the Disney/Fox merger). “That...
Wes Ball had two things going for him in directing “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”: His love of the original franchise, which he first watched on TV as a kid in the ’80s, and his admiration for “Avatar,” whose virtual production and performance capture prowess he leveraged with the help of Wētā FX.
“Something I’ve always wanted to do is go play in that ‘Avatar’ style and do it here, where there is no camera, there’s no lights, there’s no set really,” Ball told IndieWire. “And you have to create that in the computer with really talented artists. And I had a great time doing it.”
Ball got a taste of the tech working with Wētā on the shuttered “Mouse Guard” adaptation of David Petersen’s graphic novel (a casualty of the Disney/Fox merger). “That...
- 5/11/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Chris Pine hopes he just found Luca Guadagnino’s next project: Disney’s “Princess Diaries 3.”
The actor and “Poolman” director proposed collaborating with the “Challengers” director for the third franchise installment during Entertainment Weekly’s Role Call Youtube series.
“‘Princess Diaries 3,’ where is it?’ Have you been reading my diary?” Pine quipped when revisiting his past roles. “I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything about it.”
However, Pine did have his own pitch for the film.
“You know, like, what it would be? It would be like a Luca Guadagnino film,” Pine said. “[If he] directs ‘Princess Diaries 3,’ now that is fucking fire.”
Of course, “Princess Diaries 3” would have to come after Guadagnino’s “Separate Rooms” with Lea Séydoux and Josh O’Connor. Guadagnino is also debuting “Queer” at Cannes 2024.
Pine hasn’t been publicly linked to the next “Princess Diaries” film, but his role in the 2004 sequel proved to be...
The actor and “Poolman” director proposed collaborating with the “Challengers” director for the third franchise installment during Entertainment Weekly’s Role Call Youtube series.
“‘Princess Diaries 3,’ where is it?’ Have you been reading my diary?” Pine quipped when revisiting his past roles. “I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything about it.”
However, Pine did have his own pitch for the film.
“You know, like, what it would be? It would be like a Luca Guadagnino film,” Pine said. “[If he] directs ‘Princess Diaries 3,’ now that is fucking fire.”
Of course, “Princess Diaries 3” would have to come after Guadagnino’s “Separate Rooms” with Lea Séydoux and Josh O’Connor. Guadagnino is also debuting “Queer” at Cannes 2024.
Pine hasn’t been publicly linked to the next “Princess Diaries” film, but his role in the 2004 sequel proved to be...
- 5/11/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
‘Dare’ (2009): Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, and Ashley Springer Star in ‘Challengers’ for Theater Kids
On Friday nights, IndieWire After Dark takes a feature-length beat to honor fringe cinema in the streaming age.
First, the spoiler-free pitch for one editor’s midnight movie pick — something weird and wonderful from any age of film that deserves our memorializing.
Then, the spoiler-filled aftermath as experienced by the unwitting editor attacked by this week’s recommendation.
The Pitch: Discovering the Power of a Dick… Ahead of Its Time
Non-monogamy became a common topic of conversation this spring as Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” made any mention of pro tennis the conversational equivalent of a three-way sex invite.
On dating apps, searches for “open relationships” continued to rise in popularity just as reality television embraced multi-partnered dynamics through shows like Peacock’s “Couple to Throuple.” Even in 2024, polyamory isn’t outright “mainstream” by any stretch of the imagination(s). But as far as contemporary relationships are concerned, the “three’s...
First, the spoiler-free pitch for one editor’s midnight movie pick — something weird and wonderful from any age of film that deserves our memorializing.
Then, the spoiler-filled aftermath as experienced by the unwitting editor attacked by this week’s recommendation.
The Pitch: Discovering the Power of a Dick… Ahead of Its Time
Non-monogamy became a common topic of conversation this spring as Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” made any mention of pro tennis the conversational equivalent of a three-way sex invite.
On dating apps, searches for “open relationships” continued to rise in popularity just as reality television embraced multi-partnered dynamics through shows like Peacock’s “Couple to Throuple.” Even in 2024, polyamory isn’t outright “mainstream” by any stretch of the imagination(s). But as far as contemporary relationships are concerned, the “three’s...
- 5/11/2024
- by Alison Foreman and Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Nicholas Galitzine is quickly turning into one of Hollywood’s rising stars with steamy roles in last year’s British rom-com “Red, White, and Royal Blue” (now with a sequel on approach) and this year’s age-gap romance “The Idea of You.” However, in an interview with British GQ recently, Galitzine admitted that having the opportunity to take on quality roles is a relatively new phenomenon for him.
“I’ve had to cut my teeth on a lot of projects, which, I find the result of them, admittedly, maybe not great,” Galitzine said. “But for me, it was always, ‘Ok, this job won’t take me from point A to Z, but it is at least pushing me in the right direction?’”
Galitzine’s early roles include his performance as a moody violinist in the film “High Strung,” as well as playing Prince Robert in the critically panned jukebox musical...
“I’ve had to cut my teeth on a lot of projects, which, I find the result of them, admittedly, maybe not great,” Galitzine said. “But for me, it was always, ‘Ok, this job won’t take me from point A to Z, but it is at least pushing me in the right direction?’”
Galitzine’s early roles include his performance as a moody violinist in the film “High Strung,” as well as playing Prince Robert in the critically panned jukebox musical...
- 5/11/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
“The Strangers” marketing campaign got a little too strange.
Around 11:30 p.m. Pt Tuesday night, TikTok shut down Lionsgate’s page after a promotional livestream for the studio’s upcoming horror-franchise prequel “The Strangers – Chapter 1” was found to have violated the social media platform’s terms of service.
The video was removed. In its place, a TikTok alert read: “We do not allow showing or promoting dangerous activities and challenges. This includes dares, games, tricks, inappropriate use of dangerous tools, eating substances that are harmful to one’s health, or similar activities that may lead to significant physical harm.”
A Lionsgate spokesperson did not respond to IndieWire’s request for comment on the stream being taken down.
The Lionsgate TikTok page has been restored. On it are five videos promoting the film, but no livestream.
“The Strangers – Chapter 1” livestream showed a masked person — the Scarecrow from the film — with...
Around 11:30 p.m. Pt Tuesday night, TikTok shut down Lionsgate’s page after a promotional livestream for the studio’s upcoming horror-franchise prequel “The Strangers – Chapter 1” was found to have violated the social media platform’s terms of service.
The video was removed. In its place, a TikTok alert read: “We do not allow showing or promoting dangerous activities and challenges. This includes dares, games, tricks, inappropriate use of dangerous tools, eating substances that are harmful to one’s health, or similar activities that may lead to significant physical harm.”
A Lionsgate spokesperson did not respond to IndieWire’s request for comment on the stream being taken down.
The Lionsgate TikTok page has been restored. On it are five videos promoting the film, but no livestream.
“The Strangers – Chapter 1” livestream showed a masked person — the Scarecrow from the film — with...
- 5/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is a more typical summer movie season-starter than last week’s disappointing “The Fall Guy” (Universal). It’s a franchise film and it’s from Disney (which usually starts things off with a Marvel film).
It’s expected to open to over $50 million this weekend and become the first to gross over $100 million domestic. Industry sources suggest that over the summer, at least eight other releases (extending to early September) will reach this mark. A week ago, that guess would gave been 10.
The same sources pegged “The Fall Guy” as likely to gross over $125 million in the U.S./Canada. This weekend will clarify its fate, but the current trajectory suggests around $80 million. That’s a disappointment for theaters as well as Universal, which spent around $140 million to make the film before marketing.
“Apes” is one of several titles now projected in the $125-$150 million range.
It’s expected to open to over $50 million this weekend and become the first to gross over $100 million domestic. Industry sources suggest that over the summer, at least eight other releases (extending to early September) will reach this mark. A week ago, that guess would gave been 10.
The same sources pegged “The Fall Guy” as likely to gross over $125 million in the U.S./Canada. This weekend will clarify its fate, but the current trajectory suggests around $80 million. That’s a disappointment for theaters as well as Universal, which spent around $140 million to make the film before marketing.
“Apes” is one of several titles now projected in the $125-$150 million range.
- 5/10/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Joel Edgerton is glad he’s not part of the MCU, especially when it came to his possible casting for Star Lord in “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
Appearing on The Playlist’s “Bingeworthy” podcast, Edgerton revealed that he “didn’t quite sort of understand the tone” of the comedy-action film that spurred a trilogy, despite auditioning for the lead role. Chris Pratt was later cast.
“Star-Lord’s a good one, actually, because I, unlike Chris [Pratt], didn’t quite sort of understand the tone of it the way he did and the way that those guys did,” Edgerton said. “And I wasn’t really sure how I could be a part of that tone. And I truly think that the world is a much better place that I’m not Star-Lord, even if I had the opportunity or I did a good enough audition because it is the way it’s meant to be.
Appearing on The Playlist’s “Bingeworthy” podcast, Edgerton revealed that he “didn’t quite sort of understand the tone” of the comedy-action film that spurred a trilogy, despite auditioning for the lead role. Chris Pratt was later cast.
“Star-Lord’s a good one, actually, because I, unlike Chris [Pratt], didn’t quite sort of understand the tone of it the way he did and the way that those guys did,” Edgerton said. “And I wasn’t really sure how I could be a part of that tone. And I truly think that the world is a much better place that I’m not Star-Lord, even if I had the opportunity or I did a good enough audition because it is the way it’s meant to be.
- 5/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Memory, the L.A.-based production and now distribution company featured in Filmmaker‘s 2016 25 New Faces list announced today the release plans for New Strains, a microbudget, camcorder-shot pandemic comedy from a pair of filmmakers, Artemis Shaw and Prashanth Kamalakanthan, also featured on our list. The film will screen at the Roxy Cinema in New York (June 13), Nitehawk Cinema Williamsburg (June 15 & 16), and Los Angeles’ Now Instant Image Hall (June 21 & 22), with a North American digital release to follow on Friday, July 19. In New Strains, a pandemic — not necessarily Covid-19 — strands a couple, Kallia […]
The post Memory Announces Summer Theatrical and Digital Release Dates for Microbudget Pandemic Comedy New Strains first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Memory Announces Summer Theatrical and Digital Release Dates for Microbudget Pandemic Comedy New Strains first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/10/2024
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Memory, the L.A.-based production and now distribution company featured in Filmmaker‘s 2016 25 New Faces list announced today the release plans for New Strains, a microbudget, camcorder-shot pandemic comedy from a pair of filmmakers, Artemis Shaw and Prashanth Kamalakanthan, also featured on our list. The film will screen at the Roxy Cinema in New York (June 13), Nitehawk Cinema Williamsburg (June 15 & 16), and Los Angeles’ Now Instant Image Hall (June 21 & 22), with a North American digital release to follow on Friday, July 19. In New Strains, a pandemic — not necessarily Covid-19 — strands a couple, Kallia […]
The post Memory Announces Summer Theatrical and Digital Release Dates for Microbudget Pandemic Comedy New Strains first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Memory Announces Summer Theatrical and Digital Release Dates for Microbudget Pandemic Comedy New Strains first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/10/2024
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Ewan McGregor and Ellen Burstyn are a toxic son-mother duo just in time for Mother’s Day.
The aptly titled indie film “Mother, Couch” marks first time filmmaker Niclas Larsson’s directorial debut. Larsson penned the script based on Jerker Virdborg’s novel “Mamma I Soffa” that centers on a dysfunctional family trying to convince their mother (Burstyn) to leave a department store.
A trio of estranged children — David (McGregor), Gruffudd (Rhys Ifans), and Linda (Lara Flynn Boyle) — must figure out how to escape the eerie store that is owned by identical twins Marco and Marcus (F. Murray Abraham) and daughter Bella (Taylor Russell). The film becomes a descent into madness and mayhem as the store melts into a surreal purgatory where the two families must purge their long-withheld resentments.
“Mother, Couch” is produced by Ella Bishop and Pau Suris for Suris/Bishop Films, Alex Black for Lyrical Media, and Sara Murphy for Fat City.
The aptly titled indie film “Mother, Couch” marks first time filmmaker Niclas Larsson’s directorial debut. Larsson penned the script based on Jerker Virdborg’s novel “Mamma I Soffa” that centers on a dysfunctional family trying to convince their mother (Burstyn) to leave a department store.
A trio of estranged children — David (McGregor), Gruffudd (Rhys Ifans), and Linda (Lara Flynn Boyle) — must figure out how to escape the eerie store that is owned by identical twins Marco and Marcus (F. Murray Abraham) and daughter Bella (Taylor Russell). The film becomes a descent into madness and mayhem as the store melts into a surreal purgatory where the two families must purge their long-withheld resentments.
“Mother, Couch” is produced by Ella Bishop and Pau Suris for Suris/Bishop Films, Alex Black for Lyrical Media, and Sara Murphy for Fat City.
- 5/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
[Editor’s note: Massive spoilers for “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” below.]
Apes rule in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” kicking off director Wes Ball’s post-Caesar saga 300 years later. Wētā FX leveraged its tech from the previous “Apes” trilogy and the Oscar-winning “Avatar: The Way of Water” for greater photorealism in their performance capture animation and VFX. This is important because the apes are chattier, and there are more CG action set pieces (33 minutes are entirely digital — a franchise first). It adds up to possibly earning the franchise the VFX Oscar that it’s been denied.
After achieving great on-set facial capture in the rain and snow for director Matt Reeves’ “Dawn” and “War” films, Wētā embraced more expansive environments for “Kingdom” along with more active and expressive apes. In the film, simians have begun developing their own civilization in villages spread throughout the overgrown Pacific Northwest, with decrepit skyscrapers in the distance.
Apes rule in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” kicking off director Wes Ball’s post-Caesar saga 300 years later. Wētā FX leveraged its tech from the previous “Apes” trilogy and the Oscar-winning “Avatar: The Way of Water” for greater photorealism in their performance capture animation and VFX. This is important because the apes are chattier, and there are more CG action set pieces (33 minutes are entirely digital — a franchise first). It adds up to possibly earning the franchise the VFX Oscar that it’s been denied.
After achieving great on-set facial capture in the rain and snow for director Matt Reeves’ “Dawn” and “War” films, Wētā embraced more expansive environments for “Kingdom” along with more active and expressive apes. In the film, simians have begun developing their own civilization in villages spread throughout the overgrown Pacific Northwest, with decrepit skyscrapers in the distance.
- 5/10/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
“X-Men” is back in the cultural zeitgeist thanks to Marvel Animation’s hit animated series “X-Men ’97,” and while it’s a different beast, it is paving the way for some of the first significant mutants to join the MCU this summer in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” We already know that star/producer Ryan Reynolds offered filmmaker Shawn Levy the “Deadpool 3” gig during the filming of “The Adam Project” (they also worked together on “Free Guy”).
Continue reading Shawn Levy Admits He Turned Down ‘The Wolverine’ When Hugh Jackman Asked Him During ‘Real Steel’ at The Playlist.
Continue reading Shawn Levy Admits He Turned Down ‘The Wolverine’ When Hugh Jackman Asked Him During ‘Real Steel’ at The Playlist.
- 5/10/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
‘I Saw the TV Glow’ Director Jane Schoenbrun Shares a Theory for Why We’re So Nostalgic for the ’90s
There’s a moment late in “I Saw the TV Glow” when Owen (Justice Smith), now an adult, watches an episode of “The Pink Opaque,” the ’90s TV series that obsessed him in high school. The supernatural teen genre series now looks and feels completely different to him: Gone is the supernatural mystery, the seductive production values, that magical glow of a vicarious world.
In the cinematic world of Jane Schoenbrun’s film, Owen and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) are cosmically linked to “The Pink Opaque” lead characters Tara (Lindsey Jordan) and Isabel (Helena Howard), so it’s possible the series has actually altered, but this scene of Owen re-watching it as an adult also speaks to something Schoenbrun experienced.
“There was always this idea of the way that a field that you played in as a kid looked and felt giant, but when you go back, it’s just this...
In the cinematic world of Jane Schoenbrun’s film, Owen and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) are cosmically linked to “The Pink Opaque” lead characters Tara (Lindsey Jordan) and Isabel (Helena Howard), so it’s possible the series has actually altered, but this scene of Owen re-watching it as an adult also speaks to something Schoenbrun experienced.
“There was always this idea of the way that a field that you played in as a kid looked and felt giant, but when you go back, it’s just this...
- 5/10/2024
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Jeff Bridges is turning to the world of practical puppeteering for an upcoming monster film from the Jim Henson Company called “Grendel.”
Bridges will executive produce and be the lead of the latest feature from The Jim Henson Company, the company announced Friday, May 10. “Grendel” will follow the legendary monster at the heart of the epic poem Beowulf, and it will allow the monster to tell his side of the story.
In addition to Bridges as Grendel, the ensemble cast includes Dave Bautista as Beowulf, Bryan Cranston as King Hrothgar, Sam Elliott as The Dragon, Thomasin McKenzie as Queen Wealhtheow, and Aidan Turner as Unferth.
Composer, producer, and songwriter T Bone Burnett will also star in a rare acting role as The Shaper, and he’ll also provide original songs for the film.
Robert D. Krzykowski is set to direct from a screenplay he adapted from John Gardner’s critically...
Bridges will executive produce and be the lead of the latest feature from The Jim Henson Company, the company announced Friday, May 10. “Grendel” will follow the legendary monster at the heart of the epic poem Beowulf, and it will allow the monster to tell his side of the story.
In addition to Bridges as Grendel, the ensemble cast includes Dave Bautista as Beowulf, Bryan Cranston as King Hrothgar, Sam Elliott as The Dragon, Thomasin McKenzie as Queen Wealhtheow, and Aidan Turner as Unferth.
Composer, producer, and songwriter T Bone Burnett will also star in a rare acting role as The Shaper, and he’ll also provide original songs for the film.
Robert D. Krzykowski is set to direct from a screenplay he adapted from John Gardner’s critically...
- 5/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Netflix may get most of the attention, but it’s hardly a one-stop shop for cinephiles looking to stream essential classic and contemporary films. Each of the prominent streaming platforms caters to its own niche of film obsessives.
From the boundless wonders of the Criterion Channel to the new frontiers of streaming offered by the likes of Ovid and Paramount Plus, IndieWire’s monthly guide highlights the best of what’s coming to every major streamer, with an eye toward exclusive titles that may help readers decide which of these services is right for them.
Here is your guide for May 2024.
From the boundless wonders of the Criterion Channel to the new frontiers of streaming offered by the likes of Ovid and Paramount Plus, IndieWire’s monthly guide highlights the best of what’s coming to every major streamer, with an eye toward exclusive titles that may help readers decide which of these services is right for them.
Here is your guide for May 2024.
- 5/10/2024
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
It was reported last month that Kathryn Bigelow had dropped out of directing an adaptation of the apocalyptic David Koepp novel “Aurora” for Netflix as new film chief Dan Lin was starting his role. But one of Lin’s first green lights will reportedly be a different Bigelow film with a similarly apocalyptic bent.
According to a report in Puck, “The Hurt Locker” director Bigelow has been tapped to direct a thriller about the White House’s real-time response efforts to an incoming ballistic missile attack on American soil. The script for the film is written by Noah Oppenheim, and the project is expected to be formally announced when Netflix hosts its Upfronts presentation to advertisers next week.
Puck also reported that despite the green light, Bigelow was “visibly annoyed” in regards to notes from Lin asking for the film to cut its budget and length. The report adds that...
According to a report in Puck, “The Hurt Locker” director Bigelow has been tapped to direct a thriller about the White House’s real-time response efforts to an incoming ballistic missile attack on American soil. The script for the film is written by Noah Oppenheim, and the project is expected to be formally announced when Netflix hosts its Upfronts presentation to advertisers next week.
Puck also reported that despite the green light, Bigelow was “visibly annoyed” in regards to notes from Lin asking for the film to cut its budget and length. The report adds that...
- 5/10/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Director Jeff Nichols’ (“Midnight Special”) period biker gang movie “The Bikeriders” is finally making its theatrical debut next month. The New Regency drama faced a little drama last year when Disney’s 20th Century Studios dropped the movie, and Focus Features/Universal Pictures came to the rescue, picking it up for North American release. A new U.K. trailer for the upcoming film has arrived from Universal, giving us another glimpse of what to expect from the latest crime drama loosely based on some true events with some brief new footage.
Continue reading ‘The Bikeriders’ Trailer: New U.K. Teaser Shows Off More Of Jeff Nichols’ Biker Crime Drama Coming In June at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Bikeriders’ Trailer: New U.K. Teaser Shows Off More Of Jeff Nichols’ Biker Crime Drama Coming In June at The Playlist.
- 5/10/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
‘Peacemaker’: Frank Grillo To Reprise His Animated ‘Creature Commandos’ Role In Live-Action Season 2
James Gunn’s series “Peacemaker,” starring John Cena, will be one of the rare DC properties that will carry over into the newly rebooted and reset DC Universe. While Gunn’s new DC Studios basically scrapped much of the past Dceu a new casting announcement for the second “Peacemaker” season is highlighting some of the connective tissue he intends to bring to the new DC.
Continue reading ‘Peacemaker’: Frank Grillo To Reprise His Animated ‘Creature Commandos’ Role In Live-Action Season 2 at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Peacemaker’: Frank Grillo To Reprise His Animated ‘Creature Commandos’ Role In Live-Action Season 2 at The Playlist.
- 5/10/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Orlando Bloom is willing his memory of starring in “Troy” to wilt.
Bloom, who portrayed Paris, the Prince of Troy, whose affair with Queen Helen (Diane Kruger) ignited the Trojan War, revealed that he “didn’t want to do the movie” at all, despite the 2004 historical feature being a box office success.
During a career retrospective interview with Variety, Bloom admitted he “blanked out” the film from his own career and mind.
“Oh my god, ‘Troy.’ Wow. I think I just blanked that movie out of my brain by the way,” Bloom said. “So many people love that movie, but for me playing that character was just like [slits throat]. Am I allowed to say all of these things? I didn’t want to do the movie. I didn’t want to play this character.”
“Troy” was directed by the late “Das Boot” filmmaker Wolfgang Petersen and co-starred Brad Pitt, Eric Bana,...
Bloom, who portrayed Paris, the Prince of Troy, whose affair with Queen Helen (Diane Kruger) ignited the Trojan War, revealed that he “didn’t want to do the movie” at all, despite the 2004 historical feature being a box office success.
During a career retrospective interview with Variety, Bloom admitted he “blanked out” the film from his own career and mind.
“Oh my god, ‘Troy.’ Wow. I think I just blanked that movie out of my brain by the way,” Bloom said. “So many people love that movie, but for me playing that character was just like [slits throat]. Am I allowed to say all of these things? I didn’t want to do the movie. I didn’t want to play this character.”
“Troy” was directed by the late “Das Boot” filmmaker Wolfgang Petersen and co-starred Brad Pitt, Eric Bana,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
If “The Bear” became FX’s biggest hit for 2022 and 2023, then 2024 has undoubtedly been owned thus far, but the TV network’s hit series “Shōgun” (read our review). Created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, “Shōgun” has exploded as FX’s biggest streaming hit on Hulu/Disney+ and is heading toward becoming a serious Emmy contender—actress Anna Sawai’s performance is already expected to end up landing an acting nomination, and there could be much more.
Continue reading ‘Shōgun’: Hiroyuki Sanada Signs On For Season 2 Return Of FX’s Massive Hit Samurai Series at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Shōgun’: Hiroyuki Sanada Signs On For Season 2 Return Of FX’s Massive Hit Samurai Series at The Playlist.
- 5/10/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
The Cannes Film Festival is quickly approaching and begins on Tuesday, May 15, next week. With that comes lots of first-look images, new trailers, new clips, and more promotional aspects of some of the most highly anticipated films of the year (see our Cannes 2024 preview here). Three clips from David Cronenberg’s “The Shrouds” recently appeared on the Cannes Film Festival website, and more promotional elements are also surfacing.
Continue reading Cannes Trailer & Clips: ‘Marcello Mio,’ Nicolas Cage’s ‘The Surfer,’ & Miguel Gomes’ ‘Grand Tour’ at The Playlist.
Continue reading Cannes Trailer & Clips: ‘Marcello Mio,’ Nicolas Cage’s ‘The Surfer,’ & Miguel Gomes’ ‘Grand Tour’ at The Playlist.
- 5/10/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
What to expect from Cannes 2024? The global selection offers critics plenty to write about — after all, this is the festival d’auteurs. But this year’s edition may be light on the red carpet glitz that lures celebrities to the Côte d’Azur for eye-popping photo memes and offshore yacht revels. Remember Madonna’s 1991 pointy Gaultier bustier? Elizabeth Taylor holding her white dog as “Cliffhanger” star Sylvester Stallone climbed the steps to meet her at the top? Such viral moments are what Cannes director Thierry Fremaux dreams of.
High-octane stars expected to hit the Palais photo gauntlet include two-time Oscar-winner Emma Stone, who stars in all three stories in competition title “Kinds of Kindness” (Searchlight), Yorgos Lanthimos’ edgy follow-up to $100-million grosser “Poor Things.” Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth will add some sizzle for out-of-competition prequel “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (Warner Bros.), George Miller’s rollercoaster return after 2015’s Oscar-winning “Mad Max: Fury Road.
High-octane stars expected to hit the Palais photo gauntlet include two-time Oscar-winner Emma Stone, who stars in all three stories in competition title “Kinds of Kindness” (Searchlight), Yorgos Lanthimos’ edgy follow-up to $100-million grosser “Poor Things.” Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth will add some sizzle for out-of-competition prequel “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (Warner Bros.), George Miller’s rollercoaster return after 2015’s Oscar-winning “Mad Max: Fury Road.
- 5/10/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
“There’s one important thing to know about ‘Smiling Friends,’” the show’s co-creator Zach Hadel said during a recent Zoom interview with IndieWire. “It’s not smart.”
It was a reoccurring sentiment. Over the course of our conversation, Hadel and co-creator Michael Cusack repeatedly called their show “dumb,” “stupid,” “not smart,” and, in one colorful tangent, suggested that society would be better off if they were barred from producing television and sent to work in underground mines. But their humility masks a deep commitment to silliness that might be the secret to making “Smiling Friends” feel so damn refreshing.
The animated series, which follows an eclectic group of nonprofit employees who are tasked with making sad people smile (and are legally obligated to do anything a sad customer asks until they smile), was a massive hit in alternative comedy circles when it premiered on Adult Swim in 2022. The show...
It was a reoccurring sentiment. Over the course of our conversation, Hadel and co-creator Michael Cusack repeatedly called their show “dumb,” “stupid,” “not smart,” and, in one colorful tangent, suggested that society would be better off if they were barred from producing television and sent to work in underground mines. But their humility masks a deep commitment to silliness that might be the secret to making “Smiling Friends” feel so damn refreshing.
The animated series, which follows an eclectic group of nonprofit employees who are tasked with making sad people smile (and are legally obligated to do anything a sad customer asks until they smile), was a massive hit in alternative comedy circles when it premiered on Adult Swim in 2022. The show...
- 5/10/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Slamdance announced last week that the Slamdance Film Festival will move from Park City, Utah, where it’s been since its founding in 1995, to Los Angeles beginning with next year’s edition. The dates will shift slightly to February 20-26, and the move will afford the festival bigger and more professional screening facilities, including at Landmark Theatres and the DGA Theater complex. As Slamdance co-founder and President Peter Baxter notes in our interview below, Slamdance has long had a Los Angeles presence, through both its year-round office but also through its summer Agbo+Slamdance Summer Showcase. About the move, filmmakers and Agbo […]
The post “When We First Started It Was a Variation of the Salon des Refusés…”: Slamdance President Peter Baxter on Accessibility, Community and Moving to L.A. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “When We First Started It Was a Variation of the Salon des Refusés…”: Slamdance President Peter Baxter on Accessibility, Community and Moving to L.A. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/10/2024
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Slamdance announced last week that the Slamdance Film Festival will move from Park City, Utah, where it’s been since its founding in 1995, to Los Angeles beginning with next year’s edition. The dates will shift slightly to February 20-26, and the move will afford the festival bigger and more professional screening facilities, including at Landmark Theatres and the DGA Theater complex. As Slamdance co-founder and President Peter Baxter notes in our interview below, Slamdance has long had a Los Angeles presence, through both its year-round office but also through its summer Agbo+Slamdance Summer Showcase. About the move, filmmakers and Agbo […]
The post “When We First Started It Was a Variation of the Salon des Refusés…”: Slamdance President Peter Baxter on Accessibility, Community and Moving to L.A. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “When We First Started It Was a Variation of the Salon des Refusés…”: Slamdance President Peter Baxter on Accessibility, Community and Moving to L.A. first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/10/2024
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
With many starring roles, including the “Star Trek” and “Wonder Woman” franchises, Chris Pine is obviously leading man material. But the actor recently went behind the camera for his directorial debut, “Poolman,” a comedy-mystery that he co-wrote and stars in alongside Annette Bening, DeWanda Wise, Ariana DeBose, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Danny DeVito, and more.
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, it’s a film that Pine is exceptionally proud of, but it was savaged with negative reviews at the time (it currently sits at 19% on Rotten Tomatoes).
Continue reading Chris Pine Talks Negative Reviews Of ‘Poolman’ & Says He Knows Nothing About ‘Star Trek’ That Isn’t Public at The Playlist.
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, it’s a film that Pine is exceptionally proud of, but it was savaged with negative reviews at the time (it currently sits at 19% on Rotten Tomatoes).
Continue reading Chris Pine Talks Negative Reviews Of ‘Poolman’ & Says He Knows Nothing About ‘Star Trek’ That Isn’t Public at The Playlist.
- 5/10/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
With his debut feature, “The Last Stop in Yuma County,” hitting theaters this week, Francis Galluppi is riding high. The Western-tinged neo-noir stars Jim Cummings as a nameless traveling knife salesman who finds himself in a unique position after witnessing a diner robbery while carrying a case of his sharp wares. The film charmed audiences on the genre festival circuit last fall and established Galluppi as a director worth watching. But as he nears the end of a five-year journey, the director hasn’t lost sight of how difficult it was to get his first project off the ground.
“I had two children in the time it took me to make this movie,” Galluppi said during a recent Zoom conversation with IndieWire. “My daughter’s first words were ‘The Last Stop in Yuma County.'”
Originally a musician by trade, Galluppi says that he originally felt compelled to pursue filmmaking...
“I had two children in the time it took me to make this movie,” Galluppi said during a recent Zoom conversation with IndieWire. “My daughter’s first words were ‘The Last Stop in Yuma County.'”
Originally a musician by trade, Galluppi says that he originally felt compelled to pursue filmmaking...
- 5/10/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Chris Pine is done wading through the bad reviews for his directorial debut “Poolman.” Pine co-wrote, directed, and starred in the comedy noir film that debuted at TIFF 2023. In Pine’s words, the feature was “fucking panned” by critics there, which led to a “real come-to-Jesus moment” for the actor.
“I watched my film. After the reviews in Toronto I was like maybe I did make a pile of shit,” Pine said during the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast (which you can watch below). “I went back and watched it. I fucking love this film. I love this film so much.”
Pine pointed to how the criticisms of his feature directly contradicted the “joyful” quality of the film itself. “When the film came out at Toronto and just got fucking panned … I tried to make a joyful film,” Pine continued. “With so much joy behind it, to then be met with...
“I watched my film. After the reviews in Toronto I was like maybe I did make a pile of shit,” Pine said during the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast (which you can watch below). “I went back and watched it. I fucking love this film. I love this film so much.”
Pine pointed to how the criticisms of his feature directly contradicted the “joyful” quality of the film itself. “When the film came out at Toronto and just got fucking panned … I tried to make a joyful film,” Pine continued. “With so much joy behind it, to then be met with...
- 5/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Comedian turned filmmaker Jerry Seinfeld has been courting controversy of late with some of his seemingly glib opinions and comments in the run-up to the promotion of his Netflix Pop-Tarts movie, “Unfrosted” (read our review). Seinfeld already rattled some with some seemingly flippant comments, proclaiming “the movie business being over” and how the “extreme left” was ruining the state of TV and comedy. A major element of his new movie “Unfrosted”—about creating the Pop-Tart and the cereal brand company war and race to get to market first—was an avalanche of famous comedian cameos populating the streaming comedy.
Continue reading ‘Unfrosted’: Jerry Seinfeld Says Chris Rock Turned Down Oscar Slap Parody In His Pop-Tarts Movie at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Unfrosted’: Jerry Seinfeld Says Chris Rock Turned Down Oscar Slap Parody In His Pop-Tarts Movie at The Playlist.
- 5/10/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Though the centennial Oscars is not until 2028, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is already planning for its next 100 years.
On Friday, May 10 during an in-person press conference hosted by Cinecittà in Rome, Italy, the organization launched Academy100, described as a $500 million global revenue diversification and outreach campaign designed to expand the Academy’s worldwide scope, ensure its success for decades to come, and connect audiences through their shared love of cinema.
Funded in part by Rolex, the Academy100 campaign plans to endow and fund programs that recognize excellence in cinematic artistry and innovation, preserve film history, enable the creation of world-class film exhibitions, screenings, and publications, train and educate the next generation of diverse global film artists, and produce powerful digital content.
“The future of the Academy is global, and Academy100 will deepen our worldwide reach and impact,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer via statement. “The Academy...
On Friday, May 10 during an in-person press conference hosted by Cinecittà in Rome, Italy, the organization launched Academy100, described as a $500 million global revenue diversification and outreach campaign designed to expand the Academy’s worldwide scope, ensure its success for decades to come, and connect audiences through their shared love of cinema.
Funded in part by Rolex, the Academy100 campaign plans to endow and fund programs that recognize excellence in cinematic artistry and innovation, preserve film history, enable the creation of world-class film exhibitions, screenings, and publications, train and educate the next generation of diverse global film artists, and produce powerful digital content.
“The future of the Academy is global, and Academy100 will deepen our worldwide reach and impact,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer via statement. “The Academy...
- 5/10/2024
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
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