It would be a stretch to describe BET+’s Diarra From Detroit, about a schoolteacher getting sucked into the criminal underground via a decades-old missing persons case, as “relatable.” But the sly punchline is that it starts in a familiar place. You see, Diarra (Diarra Kilpatrick) only gets caught up in the mess because she’s looking for Chris (Shannon Wallace), the Tinder date who ghosted her after a single magical evening. Who could blame her for wondering why, and for seeking out literally any explanation besides coldhearted rejection?
In this case, Diarra’s seemingly unhinged conspiracy theory turns out to be true, thus pulling her down a path that’s part noir-infused mystery and part midlife-crisis comedy. If the marriage between the two isn’t always as smooth as it could be, Diarra From Detroit still shines as a fun and funny showcase for Kilpatrick, its creator as well as its star.
In this case, Diarra’s seemingly unhinged conspiracy theory turns out to be true, thus pulling her down a path that’s part noir-infused mystery and part midlife-crisis comedy. If the marriage between the two isn’t always as smooth as it could be, Diarra From Detroit still shines as a fun and funny showcase for Kilpatrick, its creator as well as its star.
- 3/20/2024
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The trailer for "Wicked" just premiered during the Super Bowl and it features recognizable stars like Bowen Yang and Ariana Grande. But playing the future Wicked Witch Elphaba is someone who might be hard to recognize under all that green make-up: Cynthia Erivo. She's not a household name, but there's a decent chance you've seen (or heard) her somewhere without realizing it.
Erivo is an English actress who rose to prominence with one of her first major theater roles: Celie Harris in the musical stage adaptation of "The Color Purple." She went on to feature in the musical film "Beyond the Lights," then took on the role of Chenice in the West End musical "I Can't Sing!" The name of that show was misleading: Erivo very much could sing, and would continue receiving bigger and better roles as a result. She soon made her Broadway debut in the 2015 revival of "The Color Purple,...
Erivo is an English actress who rose to prominence with one of her first major theater roles: Celie Harris in the musical stage adaptation of "The Color Purple." She went on to feature in the musical film "Beyond the Lights," then took on the role of Chenice in the West End musical "I Can't Sing!" The name of that show was misleading: Erivo very much could sing, and would continue receiving bigger and better roles as a result. She soon made her Broadway debut in the 2015 revival of "The Color Purple,...
- 2/12/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Jennifer Nettles has been cast in The Bondsman, the genre action series from creator Grainger David and starring Kevin Bacon, that was ordered straight to series in June. The project hails from Blumhouse TV for Prime Video.
She will portray Maryanne, whose ex-husband Hub Halloran (Bacon), is a backwoods bounty hunter who comes back from the dead with an unexpected second chance at life, and love, and a nearly-forgotten musical career — only to find that his old job now has a demonic new twist.
Erik Oleson, who was showrunner for the second season of Amazon’s Carnival Row, will serve as showrunner on the half-hour, eight-episode series, via his CrimeThink production company, which has a deal at the streamer.
David executive produces alongside Bacon, Jason Blum, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold and Chris Dickie for Blumhouse Television and Paul Shapiro for CrimeThink.
Nettles is a Grammy-winning, Emmy-winning entertainer on multiple platforms.
She will portray Maryanne, whose ex-husband Hub Halloran (Bacon), is a backwoods bounty hunter who comes back from the dead with an unexpected second chance at life, and love, and a nearly-forgotten musical career — only to find that his old job now has a demonic new twist.
Erik Oleson, who was showrunner for the second season of Amazon’s Carnival Row, will serve as showrunner on the half-hour, eight-episode series, via his CrimeThink production company, which has a deal at the streamer.
David executive produces alongside Bacon, Jason Blum, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold and Chris Dickie for Blumhouse Television and Paul Shapiro for CrimeThink.
Nettles is a Grammy-winning, Emmy-winning entertainer on multiple platforms.
- 1/29/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Shortly after her portrait was unveiled on Wednesday at the National Portrait Gallery, Oprah Winfrey told the 100 or so guests, to laughter, “I chose the color purple not just because I knew the movie was coming out.”
In her portrait, from artist Shawn Michael Warren, Winfrey is in a striking purple dress, standing near a tree at her Montecito property, and beaming. The portrait will join others on display at the gallery, including those of presidents, civil rights figures and entertainers.
Winfrey said that she chose the color purple because it has had special meaning in her life, most recently the musical version of the movie The Color Purple debuting this month. Winfrey is a producer along with Quincy Jones, and she was nominated for an supporting actress Oscar in 1986 for her role in the original.
Winfrey fought back some tears as she talked about being included in the gallery...
In her portrait, from artist Shawn Michael Warren, Winfrey is in a striking purple dress, standing near a tree at her Montecito property, and beaming. The portrait will join others on display at the gallery, including those of presidents, civil rights figures and entertainers.
Winfrey said that she chose the color purple because it has had special meaning in her life, most recently the musical version of the movie The Color Purple debuting this month. Winfrey is a producer along with Quincy Jones, and she was nominated for an supporting actress Oscar in 1986 for her role in the original.
Winfrey fought back some tears as she talked about being included in the gallery...
- 12/13/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Image Source: Photography by Brights
Valerie June's work can feel like it's being beamed in from somewhere both far off and strangely familiar. That might be because from a young age, she's been channeling wisdom from the world around her, using it to inform her music, then her poetry, and now an innovative new kind of guided journal.
The artist, who is known for her spirituality-infused roots- and blues-tinted folk, has now turned many of the steps on her own decades-long healing journey into a new book called "Light Beams: A Workbook For Being Your Badass Self" ($20), which was released on Sept. 19. It's an interactive book filled with spells, prompts, reflections, and tips on finding peace and connection in a world that can seem dead set on fostering conflict and disconnection.
For June, the book was a natural response to the world's strife, of which, as we all know,...
Valerie June's work can feel like it's being beamed in from somewhere both far off and strangely familiar. That might be because from a young age, she's been channeling wisdom from the world around her, using it to inform her music, then her poetry, and now an innovative new kind of guided journal.
The artist, who is known for her spirituality-infused roots- and blues-tinted folk, has now turned many of the steps on her own decades-long healing journey into a new book called "Light Beams: A Workbook For Being Your Badass Self" ($20), which was released on Sept. 19. It's an interactive book filled with spells, prompts, reflections, and tips on finding peace and connection in a world that can seem dead set on fostering conflict and disconnection.
For June, the book was a natural response to the world's strife, of which, as we all know,...
- 11/8/2023
- by Eden Arielle Gordon
- Popsugar.com
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is currently in its Multiversal phase, and the upcoming projects promise a plethora of exciting content. A noteworthy aspect of these upcoming endeavors is the increased emphasis on various superhero teams. While fans have predominantly followed the Avengers’ adventures, a shift is imminent with the inclusion of X-Men, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, and Midnight Sons, all either confirmed or rumored in the MCU.
Leaked information from sources like MyTimeToShine and previously DanielPRK suggests that Marvel Studios initially intended to introduce another superhero team called the Daughters of Liberty. A project dedicated to an all-female superhero team was in the works, but strikes disrupted the development schedule, casting uncertainty over several projects.
They're coming to the MCU #DaughtersOfLiberty pic.twitter.com/3pdlbgOeES
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) October 20, 2023
The origins of the Daughters of Liberty can be traced back to the American colonies, where they received training in combat magic...
Leaked information from sources like MyTimeToShine and previously DanielPRK suggests that Marvel Studios initially intended to introduce another superhero team called the Daughters of Liberty. A project dedicated to an all-female superhero team was in the works, but strikes disrupted the development schedule, casting uncertainty over several projects.
They're coming to the MCU #DaughtersOfLiberty pic.twitter.com/3pdlbgOeES
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) October 20, 2023
The origins of the Daughters of Liberty can be traced back to the American colonies, where they received training in combat magic...
- 10/21/2023
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
MCU is currently in its Multiversal phase, and judging by the slate of upcoming projects, there is a lot of content to be excited about. One peculiar thing about upcoming projects is the fact that a great emphasis will be put on various teams. So far, fans have primarily been following the adventures of Avengers, but this is about to change since X-Men, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, and Midnight Sons are all either confirmed or rumored to be included in the MCU.
According to the MyTimeToShine leaker, and previously DanielPRK, Marvel Studios planned to include one more superhero team into the MCU under the name Daughters of Liberty. A project focusing on an all-female superhero team was planned before the strikes uprooted the entire development schedule and put many other projects under question.
They're coming to the MCU #DaughtersOfLiberty pic.twitter.com/3pdlbgOeES
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) October 20, 2023
The Daughters of Liberty track...
According to the MyTimeToShine leaker, and previously DanielPRK, Marvel Studios planned to include one more superhero team into the MCU under the name Daughters of Liberty. A project focusing on an all-female superhero team was planned before the strikes uprooted the entire development schedule and put many other projects under question.
They're coming to the MCU #DaughtersOfLiberty pic.twitter.com/3pdlbgOeES
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) October 20, 2023
The Daughters of Liberty track...
- 10/21/2023
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
Exclusive: Amber Ruffin has another scripted project in the works with NBCUniversal.
The comedian, who writes for Late Night with Seth Meyers and hosts The Amber Ruffin Show, has been developing an adaptation of You’ll Never Believe What Happened To Lacey, the book she wrote with her sister Lacey Lamar, for Peacock.
It comes after her last scripted project, her Non-Evil Twin pilot, did not move forward at NBC.
However, NBCUniversal remains keen to work with Ruffin, once the writers and actors strikes have ended. Ruffin and her writing partner Jenny Hagel signed an overall deal with Universal Television last year, through their new production company Straight To Cards.
It also comes as the future of her Peacock variety series The Amber Ruffin Show is unclear.
The show has run for three seasons on the streamer after launching in September 2020. The first two seasons were weekly, airing every Friday,...
The comedian, who writes for Late Night with Seth Meyers and hosts The Amber Ruffin Show, has been developing an adaptation of You’ll Never Believe What Happened To Lacey, the book she wrote with her sister Lacey Lamar, for Peacock.
It comes after her last scripted project, her Non-Evil Twin pilot, did not move forward at NBC.
However, NBCUniversal remains keen to work with Ruffin, once the writers and actors strikes have ended. Ruffin and her writing partner Jenny Hagel signed an overall deal with Universal Television last year, through their new production company Straight To Cards.
It also comes as the future of her Peacock variety series The Amber Ruffin Show is unclear.
The show has run for three seasons on the streamer after launching in September 2020. The first two seasons were weekly, airing every Friday,...
- 8/31/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Production designers had their hands full the past year, recreating everything from an 18th century palace large enough for indoor badminton games to retro kitchens that looked like they were straight out of the 1970s. To achieve their period-accurate sets, they consulted books, photos and guild archives.
For the third season of “The Great,” production designer Francesca Di Mottola a built a “gigantic games room where anything could happen and served many different purposes,” horse breeding among them. The production designer began scouting locations in the U.K., where the black comedy about Catherine the Great is filmed, but none quite fit what she was looking for, so she built the room on a soundstage.
The room, which first appeared in episode 3 of the Hulu series, had high ceilings and paneled walls with timber all around. It needed to be large enough for parties in addition to badminton games and horse breeding.
For the third season of “The Great,” production designer Francesca Di Mottola a built a “gigantic games room where anything could happen and served many different purposes,” horse breeding among them. The production designer began scouting locations in the U.K., where the black comedy about Catherine the Great is filmed, but none quite fit what she was looking for, so she built the room on a soundstage.
The room, which first appeared in episode 3 of the Hulu series, had high ceilings and paneled walls with timber all around. It needed to be large enough for parties in addition to badminton games and horse breeding.
- 6/5/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Travis Knight's joyful 2018 children's fantasy by way of sci-fi adventure film, "Bumblebee," was a breath of fresh air for the live-action "Transformers" movies. It also marked a triumphant return to the Spielbergian formula of Michael Bay's original 2007 film (i.e. a human befriends the lovable puppy dog in Autobot form known as Bumblebee), minus the, well, Bay-isms that make it difficult to give that first movie a full-throated recommendation.
Sadly, nearly a decade of Bay-directed "Transformers" sequels ranging from okay-ish ("Dark of the Moon") to actively terrible (basically the rest of them) had taken its toll on audience interest by that point, resulting in "Bumblebee" becoming the lowest-grossing live-action entry in the franchise to date. As such, the movie's incoming sequel, "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts," is tasked with having to further rejuvenate the property while at the same time finding a way to progress its overarching narrative...
Sadly, nearly a decade of Bay-directed "Transformers" sequels ranging from okay-ish ("Dark of the Moon") to actively terrible (basically the rest of them) had taken its toll on audience interest by that point, resulting in "Bumblebee" becoming the lowest-grossing live-action entry in the franchise to date. As such, the movie's incoming sequel, "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts," is tasked with having to further rejuvenate the property while at the same time finding a way to progress its overarching narrative...
- 6/1/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
“Clone High,” the animated MTV cult classic about a high school devoted to teenage clones of historical figures from creators Phil Lord and Chris Miller (the “Spider-Verse” franchise) and Bill Lawrence (“Ted Lasso”), returns with new episodes on Max 20 years after the cancellation of its sole season. The core group has thawed to confront a more complicated world of social media and new cultural norms, where “Riverdale” has replaced “Dawson’s Creek” as the coming-of-age template, complete with slightly more adult humor and even sillier situations — and fewer executive notes since the creators now wield greater power.
Back are Abe Lincoln (Will Forte), Cleopatra (Mitra Jouhari replacing Christa Miller), JFK (Chris Miller), and Joan of Arc (Nicole Sullivan). They are joined by new clone classmates Harriet Tubman (Ayo Edebiri), Frida Kahlo (Vicci Martinez), Confucius (Kelvin Yu), Topher Bus (Neil Casey as a canceled Christopher Columbus), and Sacagawea (Jana Schmieding). However, party...
Back are Abe Lincoln (Will Forte), Cleopatra (Mitra Jouhari replacing Christa Miller), JFK (Chris Miller), and Joan of Arc (Nicole Sullivan). They are joined by new clone classmates Harriet Tubman (Ayo Edebiri), Frida Kahlo (Vicci Martinez), Confucius (Kelvin Yu), Topher Bus (Neil Casey as a canceled Christopher Columbus), and Sacagawea (Jana Schmieding). However, party...
- 5/24/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
There’s a funny little irony to the very existence of Max’s Clone High. Originally created for MTV in the early aughts, the animated comedy centers around a bunch of teenagers who are genetic copies of notable historical figures, reborn for a new era. Now the series itself has been resurrected with much the same DNA (creators Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Bill Lawrence all return, as do most of the voice cast), but in a whole new environment. But just as characters like Abe Lincoln (Will Forte), Joan of Arc (Nicole Sullivan) and JFK (Miller) adjust to their new normal, so too does Clone High, serving up a new season that feels every bit as silly and sharp as the show did the first time around.
Clone High couldn’t have known it at the time, but its first-season finale offered the perfect setup for a revival. In the 2003 episode,...
Clone High couldn’t have known it at the time, but its first-season finale offered the perfect setup for a revival. In the 2003 episode,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"Clone High" was a clever, silly animated show about genetic clones of famous historical figures — like Abe Lincoln, George Washington, and Marie Curie — getting sent to high school for an experiment. It served as a parody of high school dramas of the early 2000s like "Dawson's Creek" and "The O.C." And yet, the show quickly built an entertaining high school story of its own that was just as compelling, with the high concept shenanigans also letting the interpersonal romances breathe and shine.
The show was unceremoniously canceled by MTV due to both low ratings and protests about the portrayal of Gandhi in the series. Since then, creators Bill Lawrence, Phil Lord, and Chris Miller have all gone on to do rather impressive things. Lawrence co-created "Ted Lasso," and Lord and Miller helped revolutionize American animation with "Into the Spider-Verse."
But now, the clones are finally thawed, and "Clone High" is back,...
The show was unceremoniously canceled by MTV due to both low ratings and protests about the portrayal of Gandhi in the series. Since then, creators Bill Lawrence, Phil Lord, and Chris Miller have all gone on to do rather impressive things. Lawrence co-created "Ted Lasso," and Lord and Miller helped revolutionize American animation with "Into the Spider-Verse."
But now, the clones are finally thawed, and "Clone High" is back,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Max’s reboot of Clone High is set to premiere on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 with the release of the first two episodes. The adult animated series, which just released an official trailer, features many of the original voice cast members from the original 2002 series created by Phil Lord and Chris Miller and Bill Lawrence.
The huge voice cast includes returning Clone High stars Will Forte as Abe, Nicole Sullivan as Joan, Phil Lord as Scudworth, and Chris Miller as JFK and Mr. B. Christa Miller returns as Candide Sampson, Donald Faison is back as George Washington Carver, and Judah Miller returns as Scangrade.
Newcomers to the world of animated clones include Ayo Edebiri as Harriet, Mitra Jouhari as Cleo, Vicci Martinez as Frida, Kelvin Yu as Confucius, Neil Casey as Topher Bus, and Jana Schmieding as Sacagawea. Sam Richardson voices Wesley, Mo Gaffney is Ms. Grumbles, Al Madrigal is Frederico, Danny Pudi is Dr.
The huge voice cast includes returning Clone High stars Will Forte as Abe, Nicole Sullivan as Joan, Phil Lord as Scudworth, and Chris Miller as JFK and Mr. B. Christa Miller returns as Candide Sampson, Donald Faison is back as George Washington Carver, and Judah Miller returns as Scangrade.
Newcomers to the world of animated clones include Ayo Edebiri as Harriet, Mitra Jouhari as Cleo, Vicci Martinez as Frida, Kelvin Yu as Confucius, Neil Casey as Topher Bus, and Jana Schmieding as Sacagawea. Sam Richardson voices Wesley, Mo Gaffney is Ms. Grumbles, Al Madrigal is Frederico, Danny Pudi is Dr.
- 5/8/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
On May 23, 2023, the streaming service Max will debut a reboot of "Clone High," the Canadian animated series created by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Bill Lawrence that initially ran in 2002 and 2003.
For those unfamiliar with the series, it had something of an odd premise. A shadowy governmental organization called the Secrey Board of Shadowy Figures has found a way to clone notable leaders from throughout human history. Hundreds of them were cloned about 16 years ago, and the teenage versions of the historical figures are now all attending the same all-American high school. The series lead was Abraham Lincoln (Will Forte), who would encounter the usual trials of adolescence. Abe would have an on-again-off-again relationship with Cleopatra (Christa Miller), and was best friends with Joan of Arc (Nicole Sullivan) and Gandhi (Michael McDonald). Abe's primary rival was the womanizing JFK (Chris Miller). Other attendees of Clone High included Martin Luther King, Jr.,...
For those unfamiliar with the series, it had something of an odd premise. A shadowy governmental organization called the Secrey Board of Shadowy Figures has found a way to clone notable leaders from throughout human history. Hundreds of them were cloned about 16 years ago, and the teenage versions of the historical figures are now all attending the same all-American high school. The series lead was Abraham Lincoln (Will Forte), who would encounter the usual trials of adolescence. Abe would have an on-again-off-again relationship with Cleopatra (Christa Miller), and was best friends with Joan of Arc (Nicole Sullivan) and Gandhi (Michael McDonald). Abe's primary rival was the womanizing JFK (Chris Miller). Other attendees of Clone High included Martin Luther King, Jr.,...
- 5/8/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Clone High stars Will Forte (Abe) and Nicole Sullivan (Joan) took the stage at WonderCon today alongside executive producers Chris Miller, Erica Rivinoja, and Erik Durbin to debut an exclusive first look at the new series followed by a moderated Q&a panel, as well as to reveal the new cast.
From left to right: Frida Kahlo, Abe Lincoln, JFK, Joan of Arc, Harriet Tubman, Cleopatra, and Confucius stand in front of the Grassy Knoll as it burns. Photograph by Courtesy of HBO Max
Logline: This modern refresh of the Phil Lord (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “The Afterparty,” and “21 Jump Street”), Chris Miller, and Bill Lawrence hit series Clone High is set at a high school for clones of historical figures. After a high school that was secretly being run as an elaborate military experiment to clone the greatest minds in history was put on ice, the clones have...
From left to right: Frida Kahlo, Abe Lincoln, JFK, Joan of Arc, Harriet Tubman, Cleopatra, and Confucius stand in front of the Grassy Knoll as it burns. Photograph by Courtesy of HBO Max
Logline: This modern refresh of the Phil Lord (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “The Afterparty,” and “21 Jump Street”), Chris Miller, and Bill Lawrence hit series Clone High is set at a high school for clones of historical figures. After a high school that was secretly being run as an elaborate military experiment to clone the greatest minds in history was put on ice, the clones have...
- 3/25/2023
- by TV Shows Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid - TV
HBO Max had us laughing, shivering and crying all over again on Friday with a special first look at the return of Clone High.
The batch of photos was unveiled during the animated comedy’s WonderCon panel, where several executive producers and cast members were on hand to preview the cult series’ revival, which will premiere this spring.
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For the uninitiated, Clone High is an animated comedy about a high school populated by teenage clones of significant historical figures.
The batch of photos was unveiled during the animated comedy’s WonderCon panel, where several executive producers and cast members were on hand to preview the cult series’ revival, which will premiere this spring.
More from TVLineBen Affleck: #TheSnyderCut Was 'Genius,' Turned Justice League 'Bomb' Into 'My Highest-Rated Movie'The Other Two Sets Season 3 ReturnHow to Watch Young Sheldon Online
For the uninitiated, Clone High is an animated comedy about a high school populated by teenage clones of significant historical figures.
- 3/25/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Seven years ago, pioneering film and TV producer Debra Martin Chase was thinking about leaving Hollywood.
The first Black woman to ink an overall deal at any studio, she’d produced such genre-defining hits as “The Princess Diaries,” “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” While getting projects about women and people of color off the ground was never easy, suddenly prospects were stagnant.
“It was at a point where Hollywood just wasn’t interested,” she tells Variety, reflecting on the career crossroads from the living room of her apartment in New York, where she lives while her popular CBS series “The Equalizer” is in production. “You’d talk to people — particularly white men — and their eyes would just glaze over.”
As Martin Chase approached 30 years in the business, her passion was slipping away. She thought, “Maybe this is the universe’s way of telling me:...
The first Black woman to ink an overall deal at any studio, she’d produced such genre-defining hits as “The Princess Diaries,” “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” While getting projects about women and people of color off the ground was never easy, suddenly prospects were stagnant.
“It was at a point where Hollywood just wasn’t interested,” she tells Variety, reflecting on the career crossroads from the living room of her apartment in New York, where she lives while her popular CBS series “The Equalizer” is in production. “You’d talk to people — particularly white men — and their eyes would just glaze over.”
As Martin Chase approached 30 years in the business, her passion was slipping away. She thought, “Maybe this is the universe’s way of telling me:...
- 3/14/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Luther’s back. Being banged up at the end of Series 5 didn’t stop that growly genius from taking on a new case and a new villain in Bond-inspired Netflix movie The Fallen Sun. And, since most of his former colleagues were spectacularly killed in the line of duty, the man’s being joined by a fresh cast.
Dermot Crowley returns as John Luther’s former boss Dsu Martin Schenk, who’s joined by Cynthia Erivo as Luther’s replacement on the team, and far from his biggest fan. Going toe-to-toe with Idris Elba’s John will be Andy Serkis as surveillance tech billionaire David Robey, possibly the detective’s darkest foe yet.
And what of Ruth Wilson’s Alice, last seen taking a short drop off a tall tower? She’s not listed among the cast this time, but there’s no saying that wily brainbox won’t find...
Dermot Crowley returns as John Luther’s former boss Dsu Martin Schenk, who’s joined by Cynthia Erivo as Luther’s replacement on the team, and far from his biggest fan. Going toe-to-toe with Idris Elba’s John will be Andy Serkis as surveillance tech billionaire David Robey, possibly the detective’s darkest foe yet.
And what of Ruth Wilson’s Alice, last seen taking a short drop off a tall tower? She’s not listed among the cast this time, but there’s no saying that wily brainbox won’t find...
- 3/10/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
As the American treasure himself says in the opening credits, Mel Brooks is a hero to some, and merely a legend to others. He broke ground in irreverent social commentary with Blazing Saddles, and rewired the knobs in the monster’s brain for Young Frankenstein. Brooks’ Hulu TV-sketch-series-masquerading-as-a-film-sequel throws more jokes at the viewer than almost any comedy in the History of The World, Part II. Not all of them land squarely, though the ricochets inflict sufficient comic collateral damage.
There is a lot we can learn from an anthology sketch series. All of which is graded on a curveball. Like History of the World, Part I, the series is made up of short gags, like Marco Polo’s (Jake Johnson) impromptu gift-exchange on his first trip to China, longer one-off sequences, and a few continuing stories. The eight-episode series is Brooks’ first creative project since composing the score to...
There is a lot we can learn from an anthology sketch series. All of which is graded on a curveball. Like History of the World, Part I, the series is made up of short gags, like Marco Polo’s (Jake Johnson) impromptu gift-exchange on his first trip to China, longer one-off sequences, and a few continuing stories. The eight-episode series is Brooks’ first creative project since composing the score to...
- 3/6/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Benjamin Crump gave a fiery speech while accepting the Social Justice Impact Award at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards Saturday night.
“Tonight’s recipient of the Social Justice Impact Award is a voice for those whose mere existence has been criminalized,” Tracee Ellis Ross said as she introduced the nationally recognized trial lawyer. “A voice for the collective advancement and protection of Black people. Whether bringing international awareness to another senseless death of a Black person at the hands of police or taking to task those who wish to suppress and erase our history, attorney Benjamin Crump is a tireless advocate for justice and equality.”
Following a highlight video, Crump took the stage, where he thanked several people including NAACP National Board of Directors chairman Leon Russell, God, his family and “all of those who have fought with me throughout the years to make liberty and justice for all a reality.
“Tonight’s recipient of the Social Justice Impact Award is a voice for those whose mere existence has been criminalized,” Tracee Ellis Ross said as she introduced the nationally recognized trial lawyer. “A voice for the collective advancement and protection of Black people. Whether bringing international awareness to another senseless death of a Black person at the hands of police or taking to task those who wish to suppress and erase our history, attorney Benjamin Crump is a tireless advocate for justice and equality.”
Following a highlight video, Crump took the stage, where he thanked several people including NAACP National Board of Directors chairman Leon Russell, God, his family and “all of those who have fought with me throughout the years to make liberty and justice for all a reality.
- 2/26/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jennifer Nettles has joined the cast of “The Exorcist,” the first film in the new horror trilogy.
Details of her part haven’t been revealed, but it’s described as a “primary role.” She joins a cast that includes Leslie Odom Jr., Ann Dowd, Lidya Jewett and Ellen Burstyn, who is reprising her role as Chris MacNeil from the 1973 original.
The new take on the possession story is being produced by Blumhouse and Morgan Creek for Universal and Peacock. The first film in the trilogy will be released theatrically on Oct. 13, 2023.
Nettles is known for both her acting and her music. She most recently played Jenna Hunterson in the Broadway musical “Waitress.” Nettles also appears on HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones” and had a supporting role in the Oscar-nominated Harriet Tubman biopic, “Harriet.” She is a judge on TBS’ competition series “Go-Big Show” and will host Fox’s “The Farmer Wants a Wife.
Details of her part haven’t been revealed, but it’s described as a “primary role.” She joins a cast that includes Leslie Odom Jr., Ann Dowd, Lidya Jewett and Ellen Burstyn, who is reprising her role as Chris MacNeil from the 1973 original.
The new take on the possession story is being produced by Blumhouse and Morgan Creek for Universal and Peacock. The first film in the trilogy will be released theatrically on Oct. 13, 2023.
Nettles is known for both her acting and her music. She most recently played Jenna Hunterson in the Broadway musical “Waitress.” Nettles also appears on HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones” and had a supporting role in the Oscar-nominated Harriet Tubman biopic, “Harriet.” She is a judge on TBS’ competition series “Go-Big Show” and will host Fox’s “The Farmer Wants a Wife.
- 2/24/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Tyler Perry remains a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. His achievements and contributions to film, television, theater, history, and philanthropy are highlighted with a specially curated exhibit. The exhitibit is featured at the Tubman African American Museum in Macon, Georgia, just miles from where his Tyler Perry Studios is located. It’s a historical feat for the billionaire.
Tyler Perry | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Tyler Perry exhibits opens at Tubman Museum in Georgia
Perry’s exhibit, which highlights key moments from his life and career, opened on Feb. 18. The exhibit will run for two years, ending in Feb. 2025. Mark E. Swinton, Senior V.P of scripted programming at Tyler Perry Studios, says the exhibit is one of a kind.
“The exhibit will enlighten a lot of people about parts of Mr. Perry’s life that they, most likely, didn’t know,” he said in a statement. “You know, he...
Tyler Perry | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Tyler Perry exhibits opens at Tubman Museum in Georgia
Perry’s exhibit, which highlights key moments from his life and career, opened on Feb. 18. The exhibit will run for two years, ending in Feb. 2025. Mark E. Swinton, Senior V.P of scripted programming at Tyler Perry Studios, says the exhibit is one of a kind.
“The exhibit will enlighten a lot of people about parts of Mr. Perry’s life that they, most likely, didn’t know,” he said in a statement. “You know, he...
- 2/19/2023
- by Brenda Alexander
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
February is Black History Month, and with such a wide array of streaming options, there’s no shortage of options for learning about Black heritage and celebrating Black excellence.
Amazon Prime Video
Among the programming being promoted in Prime Video’s “Celebrating Black History Month” lineup are the new second season of “Harlem,” which follows four female friends from Harlem as they navigate their love lives and careers. There’s also the new original unscripted series “Coach Prime,” which chronicles Deion Sanders in his third year coaching football at Jackson State. Other noteworthy selections include Regina King‘s Oscar-nominated “One Night in Miami,” the acclaimed documentaries “My Name is Pauli Murray” and “I Am Not Your Negro,” the Emmy-nominated romance “Sylvie’s Love,” Spike Lee‘s “Chi-Raq,” the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” starring Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar-winning stage adaptation “Fences” from Denzel Washington, who also stars in Prime offerings “Devil in a Blue Dress...
Amazon Prime Video
Among the programming being promoted in Prime Video’s “Celebrating Black History Month” lineup are the new second season of “Harlem,” which follows four female friends from Harlem as they navigate their love lives and careers. There’s also the new original unscripted series “Coach Prime,” which chronicles Deion Sanders in his third year coaching football at Jackson State. Other noteworthy selections include Regina King‘s Oscar-nominated “One Night in Miami,” the acclaimed documentaries “My Name is Pauli Murray” and “I Am Not Your Negro,” the Emmy-nominated romance “Sylvie’s Love,” Spike Lee‘s “Chi-Raq,” the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” starring Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar-winning stage adaptation “Fences” from Denzel Washington, who also stars in Prime offerings “Devil in a Blue Dress...
- 2/9/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
With just six feature film credits under her belt, Danielle Deadwyler has already hit a major career milestone by earning her first Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. This recognition comes for her harrowing work as Mamie Till-Mobley in “Till,” which, after a long development period, finally exists as an emotionally impactful account of one of the darkest pieces of American history. Although her competition is stiff, the sheer power of her performance in her regrettably timely film may be more than enough to secure her victory.
Along with Ana de Armas (“Blonde”), Deadwyler is one of two total SAG Awards newcomers in this year’s Best Film Actress lineup. Also new to the category is Michelle Yeoh, who, after being recognized as a “Crazy Rich Asians” ensemble member in 2019, has now received solo and cast bids for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Rounding out the group are SAG Awards heavy-hitters...
Along with Ana de Armas (“Blonde”), Deadwyler is one of two total SAG Awards newcomers in this year’s Best Film Actress lineup. Also new to the category is Michelle Yeoh, who, after being recognized as a “Crazy Rich Asians” ensemble member in 2019, has now received solo and cast bids for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Rounding out the group are SAG Awards heavy-hitters...
- 2/7/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
AP U.S. history students who couldn’t wait to tell everyone they were in AP U.S. History have some new material to study up on with the return of Mel Brooks‘ classic 1981 comedy History of the World. In the first official full-length trailer for the eight-episode Hulu series, out March 6, History of the World, Part II takes aim at the origins of “Yo mama” prank calls, restroom hand dryers, and musical theater.
“Some call me Jesus Christ, son of God,” Jay Ellis offers in a very low-rizz flirting situation.
“Some call me Jesus Christ, son of God,” Jay Ellis offers in a very low-rizz flirting situation.
- 2/6/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Mel Brooks’ long-awaited sequel series, History of the World, Part II, is gleefully taking potshots at humankind today by spoofing some of history’s most influential figures and milestones. After waiting 40 years, the History of the World, Part II trailer presents additional chapters highlighting different people and periods of human history. Primary cast members include Mel Brooks, Wanda Sykes, Nick Kroll, and Ike Barinholtz. However, there’s a whole lot more. Hang into your hats, friends, because History of the World, Part II is a who’s who of comedic talent across the entertainment spectrum.
Previously announced cast members include: Pamela Adlon, Tim Baltz, Zazie Beetz, Jillian Bell, Quinta Brunson, Dove Cameron, D’Arcy Carden, Ronny Chieng, Rob Corddry, Danny DeVito, David Duchovny, Hannah Einbinder, Jay Ellis, Josh Gad, Kimiko Glenn, Brandon Kyle Goodman, Jake Johnson, Richard Kind, Johnny Knoxville, Lauren Lapkus, Jenifer Lewis, Poppy Liu, Joe Lo Truglio, Jason Mantzoukas,...
Previously announced cast members include: Pamela Adlon, Tim Baltz, Zazie Beetz, Jillian Bell, Quinta Brunson, Dove Cameron, D’Arcy Carden, Ronny Chieng, Rob Corddry, Danny DeVito, David Duchovny, Hannah Einbinder, Jay Ellis, Josh Gad, Kimiko Glenn, Brandon Kyle Goodman, Jake Johnson, Richard Kind, Johnny Knoxville, Lauren Lapkus, Jenifer Lewis, Poppy Liu, Joe Lo Truglio, Jason Mantzoukas,...
- 2/6/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
The College Board has stripped down its proposed Advanced Placement African American Studies curriculum to remove topics that Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education accused of violating the state’s “Stop Woke” law. Florida blocked testing of the program in the state’s schools earlier this month on grounds that it was “inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.”
In a statement to reporter Mark Caputo on Jan. 20, the Florida Doe identified six topics in the pilot curriculum that ran afoul of the state...
In a statement to reporter Mark Caputo on Jan. 20, the Florida Doe identified six topics in the pilot curriculum that ran afoul of the state...
- 2/1/2023
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
Groundbreaking screenwriter and playwright Gregory Allen Howard passed away today at the age of 70. Howard made waves when his spec script about a real-life Black coach coming into a newly segregated Virginia school and helping lead their football team to victory hit Hollywood and was snapped up by Jerry Bruckheimer. Ultimately, they'd hire Denzel Washington to play the lead coach, Herman Boone, and the rest is history. "Remember the Titans" would go on to break the 100 million mark at the box office in 2000, a surprise hit for Buena Vista and its parent company, Walt Disney Pictures.
This would mark the first-ever accomplishment of a spec sale leading to a 100 million+ hit from a screenwriter of color and set Howard as Hollywood's go-to guy when it came to adapting the stories of historical Black figures.
Like most screenwriters, a good amount of Howard's work would remain unproduced, but he did collaborate...
This would mark the first-ever accomplishment of a spec sale leading to a 100 million+ hit from a screenwriter of color and set Howard as Hollywood's go-to guy when it came to adapting the stories of historical Black figures.
Like most screenwriters, a good amount of Howard's work would remain unproduced, but he did collaborate...
- 1/28/2023
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
Gregory Allen Howard, the award-winning screenwriter of “Remember the Titans,” died Friday in Miami, Fla. following a brief illness, his publicist confirmed to Variety. He was 70.
Howard was best known for penning the screenplay for the 2000 classic sports film “Remember the Titans,” starring Denzel Washington and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
Born in Norfolk, Va., Howard earned a bachelor’s degree in American history from Princeton University. Howard discovered the story of the 1971 Tc Williams High School football team, the Titans, on a trip home to Virginia. Inspired by the story, Howard developed and wrote the screenplay, becoming the first African American screenwriter to script a 100 million drama, and the only African American screenwriter in film history to write a 100 million spec script.
Howard began his writing career at the age of 48, with his first project being the Harriet Tubman biopic “Harriet,” which was originally assigned to him at Disney. However,...
Howard was best known for penning the screenplay for the 2000 classic sports film “Remember the Titans,” starring Denzel Washington and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
Born in Norfolk, Va., Howard earned a bachelor’s degree in American history from Princeton University. Howard discovered the story of the 1971 Tc Williams High School football team, the Titans, on a trip home to Virginia. Inspired by the story, Howard developed and wrote the screenplay, becoming the first African American screenwriter to script a 100 million drama, and the only African American screenwriter in film history to write a 100 million spec script.
Howard began his writing career at the age of 48, with his first project being the Harriet Tubman biopic “Harriet,” which was originally assigned to him at Disney. However,...
- 1/28/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Gregory Allen Howard, who wrote Remember the Titans and was a producer and writer behind Harriet, died Friday. He was 70.
Howard died following a brief illness in Miami, his rep Jeff Sanderson told The Hollywood Reporter.
Howard, born on Jan. 28, 1952, in Norfolk, Virginia, moved to Los Angeles in the ’90s to pursue a career as a screenwriter. He started making a name for himself in the early 2000s, writing Boaz Yakin’s award-winning Remember the Titans, which starred Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris and Donald Faison. Based on a true story, the film follows the story of Herman Boone, a new African American football coach as he trains a high school team during their first season as a racially integrated group.
He later earned a story-writing credit for Michael Mann’s Ali, the 2001 biopic of sports legend Muhammad Ali. The film, which was nominated for two Oscars, starred Will Smith,...
Howard died following a brief illness in Miami, his rep Jeff Sanderson told The Hollywood Reporter.
Howard, born on Jan. 28, 1952, in Norfolk, Virginia, moved to Los Angeles in the ’90s to pursue a career as a screenwriter. He started making a name for himself in the early 2000s, writing Boaz Yakin’s award-winning Remember the Titans, which starred Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris and Donald Faison. Based on a true story, the film follows the story of Herman Boone, a new African American football coach as he trains a high school team during their first season as a racially integrated group.
He later earned a story-writing credit for Michael Mann’s Ali, the 2001 biopic of sports legend Muhammad Ali. The film, which was nominated for two Oscars, starred Will Smith,...
- 1/28/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Over 40 years after Mel Brooks had the presence of mind to title his epic 1981 comedy History of the World, Part I, the film’s sequel is finally set for release with a similarly all-star ensemble and factually loose portrayal of historic events.
As opposed to its predecessor — which crammed centuries into 90 minutes — History of the World, Part II will be a four-night event, kicking of March 6 on Hulu.
Nick Kroll, Ike Barinholtz, Wanda Sykes and Brooks himself lead the cast, which also includes Quinta Brunson, Seth Rogen (as Noah, of “The Ark” fame), Zazie Beatz,...
As opposed to its predecessor — which crammed centuries into 90 minutes — History of the World, Part II will be a four-night event, kicking of March 6 on Hulu.
Nick Kroll, Ike Barinholtz, Wanda Sykes and Brooks himself lead the cast, which also includes Quinta Brunson, Seth Rogen (as Noah, of “The Ark” fame), Zazie Beatz,...
- 1/14/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
The Master of Comedy, Mel Brooks, is back to take another swipe at some of history’s most iconic figures and events with History of the World, Part II. Over 40 years since Brooks’ original film made a mockery of Moses, introduced the first caveman critic, and turned the Spanish Inquisition into a song-and-dance routine, the legendary comedian is ready for another trip through the ages. Times certainly have changed, but Brooks’s knack for making fun of humankind’s victories and losses remains as sharp as ever. Hulu debuted a History of the World Part 2 teaser trailer on Friday, featuring a massive cast of comedy greats in the making.
Here’s the official synopsis:
After waiting over 40 years, there is finally a sequel to the seminal Mel Brooks film, History of the World, Part I, with each episode featuring a variety of sketches that take us through different periods of human history.
Here’s the official synopsis:
After waiting over 40 years, there is finally a sequel to the seminal Mel Brooks film, History of the World, Part I, with each episode featuring a variety of sketches that take us through different periods of human history.
- 1/13/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Four decades after Mel Brooks recounted the History of the World, Part I, a sequel is on its way.
Hulu has released a trailer (watch it below) for History of the World, Part II, an eight-episode sketch series that will take a tour through the past with Brooks’ distinct comic sensibility. The 96-year-old stars in the series along with Nick Kroll, Wanda Sykes and Ike Barinholtz; all four are also writers and executive producers along with David Stassen (The Mindy Project, Central Intelligence).
The series, which will run over four consecutive days beginning March 6, also has a huge and star-studded guest cast. Among those making appearances are (deep breath): Pamela Adlon, Tim Baltz, Zazie Beetz, Jillian Bell, Quinta Brunson, Dove Cameron, D’Arcy Carden , Ronny Chieng, Rob Corddry, Danny DeVito, David Duchovny, Hannah Einbinder, Jay Ellis, Josh Gad, Kimiko Glenn, Brandon Kyle Goodman, Jake Johnson, Richard Kind, Johnny Knoxville, Lauren Lapkus,...
Hulu has released a trailer (watch it below) for History of the World, Part II, an eight-episode sketch series that will take a tour through the past with Brooks’ distinct comic sensibility. The 96-year-old stars in the series along with Nick Kroll, Wanda Sykes and Ike Barinholtz; all four are also writers and executive producers along with David Stassen (The Mindy Project, Central Intelligence).
The series, which will run over four consecutive days beginning March 6, also has a huge and star-studded guest cast. Among those making appearances are (deep breath): Pamela Adlon, Tim Baltz, Zazie Beetz, Jillian Bell, Quinta Brunson, Dove Cameron, D’Arcy Carden , Ronny Chieng, Rob Corddry, Danny DeVito, David Duchovny, Hannah Einbinder, Jay Ellis, Josh Gad, Kimiko Glenn, Brandon Kyle Goodman, Jake Johnson, Richard Kind, Johnny Knoxville, Lauren Lapkus,...
- 1/13/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is a crowd-pleasing, laugh-filled whodunit with a packed ensemble. The Rian Johnson sequel features a returning Daniel Craig as Southern gentleman detective Benoit Blanc, and this time he’s joined by fellow A-listers like Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista, as well as rising stars like Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., and Jessica Henwick. The Netflix film begins streaming just in time for the holidays, but many fans have already watched the mystery unfold during the film’s short theatrical run in November.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback for Glass Onion singled out the heavy-hitting ensemble, but particularly heaped praise upon Janelle Monáe as Cassandra “Andi” Brand, a mysterious character whose presence is crucial to the film’s plot. No spoilers here, but Monáe delivers a finely tuned, layered performance that suggests the musician-turned-actress is continuing to level-up in front of the camera. If...
The overwhelmingly positive feedback for Glass Onion singled out the heavy-hitting ensemble, but particularly heaped praise upon Janelle Monáe as Cassandra “Andi” Brand, a mysterious character whose presence is crucial to the film’s plot. No spoilers here, but Monáe delivers a finely tuned, layered performance that suggests the musician-turned-actress is continuing to level-up in front of the camera. If...
- 12/24/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Following back-to-back box office hits “The Woman King” and “Black Adam,” Viola Davis will command the lead role in political thriller “G20” for Prime Video.
Davis will star as Taylor Sutton, a U.S. president who must channel her extensive state leadership and military experience to defend her country when a terrorist group overtakes the G20 Summit.
Patricia Riggen, the filmmaker behind “The 33” and “Miracles From Heaven” has signed on to direct. Noah and Logan Miller (“White Boy Rick”) wrote the script, with Caitlin Parrish and Erica Weiss (“The Red Lion”) contributing revisions.
Davis and Julius Tennon will produce via their JuVee Productions banner, along with Andrew Lazar on behalf of Mad Chance.
Also Read:
‘The Woman King’ Director Gina Prince-Bythewood Doesn’t Take No for an Answer
Developed with MRC Film, the Amazon Original feature will premiere on Prime Video.
“Viola is truly a one-of-a-kind talent both in front of and behind the camera,...
Davis will star as Taylor Sutton, a U.S. president who must channel her extensive state leadership and military experience to defend her country when a terrorist group overtakes the G20 Summit.
Patricia Riggen, the filmmaker behind “The 33” and “Miracles From Heaven” has signed on to direct. Noah and Logan Miller (“White Boy Rick”) wrote the script, with Caitlin Parrish and Erica Weiss (“The Red Lion”) contributing revisions.
Davis and Julius Tennon will produce via their JuVee Productions banner, along with Andrew Lazar on behalf of Mad Chance.
Also Read:
‘The Woman King’ Director Gina Prince-Bythewood Doesn’t Take No for an Answer
Developed with MRC Film, the Amazon Original feature will premiere on Prime Video.
“Viola is truly a one-of-a-kind talent both in front of and behind the camera,...
- 11/8/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Growing up in Texas toward the tail end of the 20th century, I was not taught about Emmett Till. I’ve learned about him since, of course. Till’s name adorns this year’s overdue federal antilynching act, and his tragic fate has inspired plays and films, including 2018’s Oscar-nominated short, “My Nephew Emmett,” and now a powerful feature from Chinonye Chukwu, who gave Alfre Woodard one of her greatest roles in 2019 Sundance winner “Clemency.”
Till’s story — that of a 14-year-old Black boy from Chicago who, in August 1955, was kidnapped in the middle of the night and lynched while visiting his family in Mississippi — may have been omitted from my Southern schooling for racist reasons, though I suspect it had as much to do with Western culture’s “great man” bias. History, as a field of study, celebrates the achievements of heroic individuals. Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks.
Till’s story — that of a 14-year-old Black boy from Chicago who, in August 1955, was kidnapped in the middle of the night and lynched while visiting his family in Mississippi — may have been omitted from my Southern schooling for racist reasons, though I suspect it had as much to do with Western culture’s “great man” bias. History, as a field of study, celebrates the achievements of heroic individuals. Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks.
- 10/2/2022
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Phantom Power, a podcast that features cutting-edge artists, musicians, and scholars exploring the human nature of sound, launches its fourth season on September 15th.
The show is hosted and produced by Mack Hagood (Hay-good), an author and sound professor who has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, and on podcasts such as Freakonomics Radio and Twenty Thousand Hertz. In the podcast’s new season, Hagood is joined by guests including Twenty Thousand Hertz host Dallas Taylor, renowned cultural critic and podcast host Karen Tongson, and trailblazing acoustic ecologist Hildegard Westerkamp, among others.
Launched in March 2018 with a seed grant from the Miami University Humanities Center and the National Endowment for the Humanities, Phantom Power has gained a growing audience, ranging from scholars and sound professionals to general listeners. With its compelling stories and sound design, Phantom Power is also being used in university...
The show is hosted and produced by Mack Hagood (Hay-good), an author and sound professor who has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, and on podcasts such as Freakonomics Radio and Twenty Thousand Hertz. In the podcast’s new season, Hagood is joined by guests including Twenty Thousand Hertz host Dallas Taylor, renowned cultural critic and podcast host Karen Tongson, and trailblazing acoustic ecologist Hildegard Westerkamp, among others.
Launched in March 2018 with a seed grant from the Miami University Humanities Center and the National Endowment for the Humanities, Phantom Power has gained a growing audience, ranging from scholars and sound professionals to general listeners. With its compelling stories and sound design, Phantom Power is also being used in university...
- 9/12/2022
- Podnews.net
Viewers are voicing their displeasure with Jeopardy! after a recent ruling during the show’s Final Jeopardy! round seemed inconsistent with previous decisions. The latest incident occurred during the Monday, July 18, episode when contestant Erica Weiner-Amachi wrote an answer that some fans found to be illegible. The fourth-grade teacher from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, scribbled her answer, “Waiting for Godot,” and host Ken Jennings accepted it as a correct answer. This led to some backlash online as viewers recalled a similar situation on the June 22 episode when contestant Sadie Goldberger had her answer disqualified after producers deemed her writing to be illegible. One fan on Twitter shared a side-by-side shot of the two responses, writing, “#Jeopardy this didn’t count, but then this one did??” Others felt the same, with one fan also sharing the two images, writing, “Apparently according to #Jeopardy producers, one of theses [sic] says ‘Waiting for Godot’ while the...
- 7/20/2022
- TV Insider
It’s usually the Jeopardy! contestants who are the subject of mockery for their mistakes and wrong answers, but on the Wednesday, June 22 episode of the long-running game show, it was the production staff in the spotlight. The error came during the Final Jeopardy! clue when eagle-eyed viewers spotted a spelling mistake. The category was 19th Century Literature and the clue read: “This author first thought of a parrot before choosing another bird’ equallly [sp] capable of speech.'” As you can see, the word “equally” includes an extra L. Fans on social media were all over this gaffe, especially as it was less than a week after contestant Sadie Goldberger had her win disqualified in controversial fashion after judges deemed her answer illegible. “Someone tell the #Jeopardy clue writers not to lean on the L button next time,” tweeted one viewer. “The extra L should have been penalized just like a less-than-perfect handwritten “Harriet Tubman,...
- 6/23/2022
- TV Insider
Image Source: Getty / John Shearer
The annual Met Gala is always a who's who of stars, all glammed up for the world's biggest costume party. The 2022 Met Gala was, of course, no exception - and even a former secretary of state made an appearance! Hillary Clinton attended the gala this year, and she revealed that it was actually her first attendance in decades.
"I told Anna [Wintour] that I would come every 20 years, and I'm thrilled to be here this year!" Clinton told Vogue on the red carpet. "I think we're all happy to be back together, supporting the museum, and the Costume Institute, and also celebrating America. Not just the fashion of America, but really the spirit of America."
Clinton walked the red carpet in a deep-red Altuzarra dress. The gown was also embroidered with the names of American women who she said inspired her, including Abigail Addams, Sacagawea, Madeline Albright,...
The annual Met Gala is always a who's who of stars, all glammed up for the world's biggest costume party. The 2022 Met Gala was, of course, no exception - and even a former secretary of state made an appearance! Hillary Clinton attended the gala this year, and she revealed that it was actually her first attendance in decades.
"I told Anna [Wintour] that I would come every 20 years, and I'm thrilled to be here this year!" Clinton told Vogue on the red carpet. "I think we're all happy to be back together, supporting the museum, and the Costume Institute, and also celebrating America. Not just the fashion of America, but really the spirit of America."
Clinton walked the red carpet in a deep-red Altuzarra dress. The gown was also embroidered with the names of American women who she said inspired her, including Abigail Addams, Sacagawea, Madeline Albright,...
- 5/3/2022
- by Amanda Prahl
- Popsugar.com
Allow Usher, the central – only? – character of Michael R. Jackson’s scathingly funny and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical A Strange Loop, to introduce himself.
He is, he tells us, “a young overweight-to-obese homosexual and/or gay and/or queer, cisgender male, able-bodied university-and-graduate-school educated, musical theater writing, Disney ushering, broke-ass middle-class politically homeless normie leftist Black American descendant of slaves who thinks he’s probably a vers bottom but not totally certain of that obsessing over the latest draft of his self-referential musical A Strange Loop! And surrounded by his extremely obnoxious Thoughts!”
Portrayed by Broadway newcomer Jaquel Spivey in a performance so comfortably inhabited you’d be forgiven for assuming he wrote it, Strange Loop‘s Usher takes his name from the stop-gap Lion King job that pays (barely) his bills while he writes the autobiographical musical of his dreams. He is, in short (and in his words), “a Black,...
He is, he tells us, “a young overweight-to-obese homosexual and/or gay and/or queer, cisgender male, able-bodied university-and-graduate-school educated, musical theater writing, Disney ushering, broke-ass middle-class politically homeless normie leftist Black American descendant of slaves who thinks he’s probably a vers bottom but not totally certain of that obsessing over the latest draft of his self-referential musical A Strange Loop! And surrounded by his extremely obnoxious Thoughts!”
Portrayed by Broadway newcomer Jaquel Spivey in a performance so comfortably inhabited you’d be forgiven for assuming he wrote it, Strange Loop‘s Usher takes his name from the stop-gap Lion King job that pays (barely) his bills while he writes the autobiographical musical of his dreams. He is, in short (and in his words), “a Black,...
- 4/27/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic appointment as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court was the focus of Saturday Night Live’s cold open.
In the Oval Office, Jackson (played by Ego Nwodim) and President Biden (played by James Austin Jackson) recreated the photos of them watching the Senate’s confirmation vote earlier this week. “I promised to put a Black woman on the court, and that is what I did. So that is one campaign promise down and only 74 to go,” Biden said.
Jackson’s...
In the Oval Office, Jackson (played by Ego Nwodim) and President Biden (played by James Austin Jackson) recreated the photos of them watching the Senate’s confirmation vote earlier this week. “I promised to put a Black woman on the court, and that is what I did. So that is one campaign promise down and only 74 to go,” Biden said.
Jackson’s...
- 4/10/2022
- by Sarah Grant
- Rollingstone.com
A lot of history has been made recently — though fortunately, this week, Saturday Night Live got thrown a softball: the confirmation of the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. Which means that this week’s cold open was able to be both topical and satirical and kind of feel good, which is a sweet spot the show manages really well.
Justice-in-waiting Ketanji Brown Jackson (played by Ego Nwodim) is in the Oval Office with the President. Biden (James Austin Johnson) invites her to imagine talking to the great Americans who came before her, giving the cast a chance to...
Justice-in-waiting Ketanji Brown Jackson (played by Ego Nwodim) is in the Oval Office with the President. Biden (James Austin Johnson) invites her to imagine talking to the great Americans who came before her, giving the cast a chance to...
- 4/10/2022
- by Robert Clarke-Chan
- TVLine.com
“Saturday Night Live” put the spotlight in its cold open on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s appointment to the Supreme Court with a sketch that featured Ego Nwodim as the history-making jurist and Kate McKinnon as the spirit of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The sketch opened with Nwodim as Jackson and James Austin Johnson as President Joe Biden recreating the moment that went viral on social media when the President released a photo of the two watching the Senate’s historic April 7 confirmation vote on C-SPAN2. The barbs, not surprisingly, took aim at the shockingly disrespectful line of questioning that Jackson faced from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and other Republicans.
Nwodim’s Jackson assured the Commander in Chief that as the first Black women to join the nation’s high court, she had to “work twice as had as a white man my entire life and spend an...
The sketch opened with Nwodim as Jackson and James Austin Johnson as President Joe Biden recreating the moment that went viral on social media when the President released a photo of the two watching the Senate’s historic April 7 confirmation vote on C-SPAN2. The barbs, not surprisingly, took aim at the shockingly disrespectful line of questioning that Jackson faced from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and other Republicans.
Nwodim’s Jackson assured the Commander in Chief that as the first Black women to join the nation’s high court, she had to “work twice as had as a white man my entire life and spend an...
- 4/10/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The Saturday Night Live cold open featured Ego Nwodim as Ketanji Brown Jackson, newly confirmed to the Supreme Court, meeting famous women and Black Americans who came before her — along with a few jokes at Ted Cruz’s expense.
In contrast to last week’s Fox & Friends satire, this skit was perhaps less about humor and more about marking her place in history, with Jackson in the Oval Office, awaiting the White House celebration of her historic confirmation, and meeting the ghosts of those who broke the glass ceiling and the color barrier.
When Ruth Bader Ginsburg (played by Kate McKinnon) appeared, Jackson asks her, “I’d love to know what advice you have for me as a woman on the Supreme Court.”
“Okay, here’s my advice. Always label your lunches. So the justices, they got sticky fingers. Second, if you are anything like me, white ladies are...
In contrast to last week’s Fox & Friends satire, this skit was perhaps less about humor and more about marking her place in history, with Jackson in the Oval Office, awaiting the White House celebration of her historic confirmation, and meeting the ghosts of those who broke the glass ceiling and the color barrier.
When Ruth Bader Ginsburg (played by Kate McKinnon) appeared, Jackson asks her, “I’d love to know what advice you have for me as a woman on the Supreme Court.”
“Okay, here’s my advice. Always label your lunches. So the justices, they got sticky fingers. Second, if you are anything like me, white ladies are...
- 4/10/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
This week’s “Saturday Night Live” opened by tackling the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson, with cast member Ego Nwodim playing the recently confirmed first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court.
The setup of the “SNL” sketch had President Joe Biden (played by James Austin Johnson) inviting Jackson to the White House to celebrate her confirmation. Biden congratulated the new justice, to which she responded, “Well, I was happy to do my part. Work twice as hard as a white man my entire life and then spend a week listening to Ted Cruz call me a pedophile.”
Johnson’s Biden expressed optimism in the name of progress, saying, “First Black female justice. It’s just a normal thing now, like wearing crocs in public.”
Biden left the Oval Office and encouraged Jackson to take a beat to digest the history of the moment, which paved the...
The setup of the “SNL” sketch had President Joe Biden (played by James Austin Johnson) inviting Jackson to the White House to celebrate her confirmation. Biden congratulated the new justice, to which she responded, “Well, I was happy to do my part. Work twice as hard as a white man my entire life and then spend a week listening to Ted Cruz call me a pedophile.”
Johnson’s Biden expressed optimism in the name of progress, saying, “First Black female justice. It’s just a normal thing now, like wearing crocs in public.”
Biden left the Oval Office and encouraged Jackson to take a beat to digest the history of the moment, which paved the...
- 4/10/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
In the wake of the not-entirely-unexpected news that Kanye West has been barred from performing at the Grammy Awards due to his “concerning online behavior,” he has not been barred from attending the show, sources tell Variety.
That means West — who is up for five awards around his “Donda” album, including the top prize of Album of the Year — can walk the red carpet, attend and accept awards at both the Premiere ceremony (the livestreamed event before the main show where non-televised awards are given out) and the main show itself.
It’s also possible that he could hold a competing event that would draw viewers away from the Grammys — a spiteful if not out-of-character move that arguably would harm the many fellow artists performing on the show more than the show itself. In fact, unconfirmed rumors state that he is planning just such an event with Drake, another artist with a rocky Grammy history.
That means West — who is up for five awards around his “Donda” album, including the top prize of Album of the Year — can walk the red carpet, attend and accept awards at both the Premiere ceremony (the livestreamed event before the main show where non-televised awards are given out) and the main show itself.
It’s also possible that he could hold a competing event that would draw viewers away from the Grammys — a spiteful if not out-of-character move that arguably would harm the many fellow artists performing on the show more than the show itself. In fact, unconfirmed rumors state that he is planning just such an event with Drake, another artist with a rocky Grammy history.
- 3/22/2022
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Cynthia Erivo is nominated for the second time at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, this time for playing music icon Aretha Franklin in Nat Geo’s anthology series “Genius: Aretha.” Two years ago, the actress earned her first nomination from the guild for her performance as another historical figure, Harriet Tubman, in the film “Harriet.” While Erivo was nominated for an Emmy for her star turn in “Genius: Aretha,” she did not win, but she now has the opportunity to pull off an upset over the actress to whom she lost.
Erivo’s competition in the SAG category of Best Actress in a Television Movie or Limited Series includes Kate Winslet (“Mare of Easttown”), who defeated her at the Emmys. Winslet has long been a favorite of SAG, with three wins from 12 nominations dating back to 1996. Winslet’s “Mare of Easttown” costar Jean Smart is also nominated here, with concurrent...
Erivo’s competition in the SAG category of Best Actress in a Television Movie or Limited Series includes Kate Winslet (“Mare of Easttown”), who defeated her at the Emmys. Winslet has long been a favorite of SAG, with three wins from 12 nominations dating back to 1996. Winslet’s “Mare of Easttown” costar Jean Smart is also nominated here, with concurrent...
- 2/25/2022
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
Where’s the beef? It’s on Kanye West’s Instagram, where the erratic hip-hop star today posted a list of the numerous people with whom he has had issues over the years.
Much like former President Richard Nixon’s famed “Enemies List,” Kanye’s lengthy schedule is apparently a work in progress. The usual suspects are present — Pete Davidson, whom West refers to by the nickname “Skete” in his messages. There’s also Kid Cudi, who was recently banned from Kanye’s inner circle for his friendship with Davidson. Then there’s Taylor Swift, the victim of a Kanye West stage protest, and Drake, with whom he has a long-running animosity.
Surprisingly (or maybe not) estranged wife Kim Kardashian and her entire clan are not all on the list, except for appearances by Kim and mom Kris Jenner, even as they have jointly unfollowed him. The couple’s divorce...
Much like former President Richard Nixon’s famed “Enemies List,” Kanye’s lengthy schedule is apparently a work in progress. The usual suspects are present — Pete Davidson, whom West refers to by the nickname “Skete” in his messages. There’s also Kid Cudi, who was recently banned from Kanye’s inner circle for his friendship with Davidson. Then there’s Taylor Swift, the victim of a Kanye West stage protest, and Drake, with whom he has a long-running animosity.
Surprisingly (or maybe not) estranged wife Kim Kardashian and her entire clan are not all on the list, except for appearances by Kim and mom Kris Jenner, even as they have jointly unfollowed him. The couple’s divorce...
- 2/19/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
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