Michael Jackson wasn’t just one of the music industry’s most successful artists. He was also interested in pursuing an acting career as well. He was especially intrigued by playing the character Peter Pan, so much so that he begged for the role at one point.
Michael Jackson cried when asking to play Peter Pan michael jackson hits
Jackson had an unfulfilled dream of being an actor. But his acting ability wasn’t completely untested. He featured in projects like The Wiz and Ghosts to help showcase his skills in front of the camera. But there was one character he always had his eye on, and that was the mythical hero who never grew up Peter Pan.
Theater director Sir Trevor Nunn reflected on Jackson approaching him for the role. Since Nunn had a lot of experience with stage-directing, Jackson went to Nunn for advice for a stage tour...
Michael Jackson cried when asking to play Peter Pan michael jackson hits
Jackson had an unfulfilled dream of being an actor. But his acting ability wasn’t completely untested. He featured in projects like The Wiz and Ghosts to help showcase his skills in front of the camera. But there was one character he always had his eye on, and that was the mythical hero who never grew up Peter Pan.
Theater director Sir Trevor Nunn reflected on Jackson approaching him for the role. Since Nunn had a lot of experience with stage-directing, Jackson went to Nunn for advice for a stage tour...
- 5/15/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
One of the most legendary pieces of an iconic role almost going to a different actor is when Tom Selleck was initially offered the lead as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark. He famously nailed his audition (which you can watch here) and was offered the part. However, he had just shot the pilot for Magnum P.I. and when that show was picked up, his opportunity to play the whip-wielding archeologist slipped through his fingers. He eventually got to star in his own period adventure movie in 1983, High Road to China, which is a bit of an unseen gem.
Selleck, who’s never had particularly sour grapes over the casting, writes about his shot at playing Indy in detail in his new memoir, “You Never Know:, lavishing praise on Spielberg, Lucas, Ford, and overall proving to be a good sport about the whole affair. Yet, one thing...
Selleck, who’s never had particularly sour grapes over the casting, writes about his shot at playing Indy in detail in his new memoir, “You Never Know:, lavishing praise on Spielberg, Lucas, Ford, and overall proving to be a good sport about the whole affair. Yet, one thing...
- 5/14/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Will Smith is one of the biggest stars in the world and gained worldwide fame as he starred in multiple blockbusters in the late ‘90s. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star had his breakthrough with the films Six Degrees of Separation and Independence Day. However, he became a worldwide star when he starred as Agent J in the Men in Black franchise.
Smith starred along with Tommy Lee Jones in the films which were produced by Steven Spielberg and were based on the popular comic book series. Despite the original comic books showing Smith’s Agent J as a White, blonde man, filmmaker Barry Sonnenfeld was convinced by his wife to race-swap and cast Will Smith in the film.
Will Smith Was Director Barry Sonnenfeld’s Wife’s Choice For Men in Black Will Smith in Men in Black
When actor Will Smith was tapped to play Agent J in...
Smith starred along with Tommy Lee Jones in the films which were produced by Steven Spielberg and were based on the popular comic book series. Despite the original comic books showing Smith’s Agent J as a White, blonde man, filmmaker Barry Sonnenfeld was convinced by his wife to race-swap and cast Will Smith in the film.
Will Smith Was Director Barry Sonnenfeld’s Wife’s Choice For Men in Black Will Smith in Men in Black
When actor Will Smith was tapped to play Agent J in...
- 5/14/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
The arrival of George Lucas’ Star Wars in theaters was a major turning point in Hollywood cinema as it not only changed the game in pop culture, but also created a whole jargon of concepts that would later become synonymous with the franchise.
George Lucas’ Star Wars
Take, for example, the word “force” – an ordinary term that has changed its meaning since the release of the Star Wars movies. Lucas thought this was a cool term to incorporate into the films; however, one of his colleagues thought otherwise.
Brian De Palma Mocked ‘The Force’ In George Lucas’ Star Wars
During a podcast interview via Light the Fuse, filmmaker Brian de Palma revealed he used to mock George Lucas for concocting the term “force” to denote the spiritual power in the Star Wars saga.
“I just thought the idea of The Force, you know – ‘The Force’, I would say, and I kept repeating it,...
George Lucas’ Star Wars
Take, for example, the word “force” – an ordinary term that has changed its meaning since the release of the Star Wars movies. Lucas thought this was a cool term to incorporate into the films; however, one of his colleagues thought otherwise.
Brian De Palma Mocked ‘The Force’ In George Lucas’ Star Wars
During a podcast interview via Light the Fuse, filmmaker Brian de Palma revealed he used to mock George Lucas for concocting the term “force” to denote the spiritual power in the Star Wars saga.
“I just thought the idea of The Force, you know – ‘The Force’, I would say, and I kept repeating it,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
In the opening image of “I Saw the TV Glow” the camera moves slowly down the middle of a suburban street. Dusk, it’s dark, but the sky has a hint of electric blue, as the camera passes over children’s chalk drawings that pop from the pavement like incandescent lights toward a neon-lit ice cream truck playing a slowed down children’s tune. This establishing shot embodies the magical, but slightly eery tone of the first half of the film and the childhood world of Owen, who we cut to watching television in the dark.
While on the Toolkit podcast, writer/director Jane Schoenbrun told IndieWire they drew inspiration from the sense of “controlled chaos” they felt watching ‘90s Nickelodeon programming geared to older kids — remember Snick? That line between feeling “scared, but not in danger” watching teen genre shows when you are a touch too young. While Schoenbrun...
While on the Toolkit podcast, writer/director Jane Schoenbrun told IndieWire they drew inspiration from the sense of “controlled chaos” they felt watching ‘90s Nickelodeon programming geared to older kids — remember Snick? That line between feeling “scared, but not in danger” watching teen genre shows when you are a touch too young. While Schoenbrun...
- 5/14/2024
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
In anticipation of director Steven Spielberg providing a vibrant 'Leni Riefenstahl’ -type cinematic vision to August’s ‘Democrat National Convention’ in Chicago, take a look at some amusing ‘Deep Fake’ movie parodies, now available on YouTube, that underscore Spielberg’s involvement:
“…Spielberg has attended multiple strategy sessions, offering his insights on how best to tell the president’s story and highlight his vision at this summer’s convention.
“The Spielberg campaign will rely on film streamed online, although Spielberg will not confirm whether or not he will create a film portion for this summer’s events…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…Spielberg has attended multiple strategy sessions, offering his insights on how best to tell the president’s story and highlight his vision at this summer’s convention.
“The Spielberg campaign will rely on film streamed online, although Spielberg will not confirm whether or not he will create a film portion for this summer’s events…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 5/14/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
George Lucas’ Star Wars became a cultural phenomenon in no time. There might only be a handful who do know something or the other about the franchise. Star Wars has a vast and loyal fanbase that somehow remembers all the minute details shown in the films and the television series. This is how much the fans love Star Wars and why wouldn’t they? After all, George Lucas poured his heart and soul into it.
George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977)
However, before Star Wars (1977) made waves in the film industry, the director met a roadblock on his way when he decided to screen the film for some of the most renowned personalities in Hollywood. This included Brian De Palma, Alan Ladd, and Steven Spielberg. Unfortunately, his film was not met with applause but luckily, his friends were there to help him out of the mess.
George Lucas’ Initial Screening Was Met...
George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977)
However, before Star Wars (1977) made waves in the film industry, the director met a roadblock on his way when he decided to screen the film for some of the most renowned personalities in Hollywood. This included Brian De Palma, Alan Ladd, and Steven Spielberg. Unfortunately, his film was not met with applause but luckily, his friends were there to help him out of the mess.
George Lucas’ Initial Screening Was Met...
- 5/14/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
If you’re a fan of the Mission: Impossible franchise, you owe a debt of gratitude to none other than Steven Spielberg. That’s right, the legendary filmmaker, 77, not only inspired Tom Cruise to offer the directing gig to Brian De Palma for the first film in the series, but he also played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Cruise’s career.
Mission: Impossible, which was released in 1996, is one of Cruise’s most notable films. This marked not only his first work as a producer, but also his first serious attempt at a major franchise. But above all, it is an exceptional flick that set the standard for the greatest franchise that continues to this day.
Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible (1996) Image via Paramount Pictures
Back in 2021, during a chat with Collider, Cruise revealed that his close relationship with Spielberg had a profound impact on his decision...
Mission: Impossible, which was released in 1996, is one of Cruise’s most notable films. This marked not only his first work as a producer, but also his first serious attempt at a major franchise. But above all, it is an exceptional flick that set the standard for the greatest franchise that continues to this day.
Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible (1996) Image via Paramount Pictures
Back in 2021, during a chat with Collider, Cruise revealed that his close relationship with Spielberg had a profound impact on his decision...
- 5/14/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Hideo Kojima, the mastermind Japanese video game designer who also has a never-fulfilling appetite for entertainment through movies and television series, has landed his verdict on another piece of masterwork. And, this time, the project that has received his honest reviews is a 2023-released incredibly in-depth critically commended Holocaust war drama.
Hideo Kojima. | Credit: Lau Anime X/Wikimedia Commons.
The film in the talk is none other than Jonathan Glazer’s masterpiece, The Zone of Interest. In fact, this film has even earned tremendous acclaim from the mastermind Steven Spielberg, who even went on so far as to claim that this was the “best Holocaust movie” created ever since his own 1993 massively popular film of the same genre, Schindler’s List!
Hideo Kojima Lands His Verdict on The Zone of Interest
Although he is a video game designer famous for creating pieces like the Metal Gear Solid series, Hideo Kojima is...
Hideo Kojima. | Credit: Lau Anime X/Wikimedia Commons.
The film in the talk is none other than Jonathan Glazer’s masterpiece, The Zone of Interest. In fact, this film has even earned tremendous acclaim from the mastermind Steven Spielberg, who even went on so far as to claim that this was the “best Holocaust movie” created ever since his own 1993 massively popular film of the same genre, Schindler’s List!
Hideo Kojima Lands His Verdict on The Zone of Interest
Although he is a video game designer famous for creating pieces like the Metal Gear Solid series, Hideo Kojima is...
- 5/14/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Quentin Tarantino‘s movies have a lot in common with Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, as they are all violent, funny, and intelligently crafted. Tarantino may have gone too far by saying Jaws was once the greatest movie ever made. He contrasted Jaws with films from an earlier generation.
Quentin Tarantino said ‘Jaws’ was so much better than every previous movie
In his 2022 book Cinema Speculation, the Kill Bill director had a lot to say about a certain movie about a giant shark. “When Jaws came out in 1975 it might not have been the best film ever made,” he wrote. “But it was easily the best movie ever made. Nothing ever made before it even came close.”
Tarantino’s take is provocative. Spielberg released Jaws in 1975. By that point, many of the most widely beloved films of all time had come out, including The Wizard of Oz, The Ten Commandments, and The Sound of Music.
Quentin Tarantino said ‘Jaws’ was so much better than every previous movie
In his 2022 book Cinema Speculation, the Kill Bill director had a lot to say about a certain movie about a giant shark. “When Jaws came out in 1975 it might not have been the best film ever made,” he wrote. “But it was easily the best movie ever made. Nothing ever made before it even came close.”
Tarantino’s take is provocative. Spielberg released Jaws in 1975. By that point, many of the most widely beloved films of all time had come out, including The Wizard of Oz, The Ten Commandments, and The Sound of Music.
- 5/14/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The most notorious unmade Stanley Kubrick project is probably his "Napoleon," a massive biopic that the director infamously researched for years. In 2012, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art hosted a Kubrick exhibit, and guests were permitted to see Kubrick's filing cabinet where he stored thousands of hand-written notecards, each one detailing a single day in Napoleon Bonaparte's life. Kubrick worked on "Napoleon" in the 1970s, and claimed he wanted Jack Nicholson to play the part. Kubrick wrote a screenplay, secured filming locations in Romania, and was all ready to go. The 1970 film "Waterloo" bombed, however, and the then-recent film version of "War and Peace" threatened to flood the market with too much Napoleon. A lot of Kubrick's "Napoleon" research went into the production of 1975's "Barry Lyndon."
Kubrick's unrealized projects are plentiful. Audiences may also know all about Kubrick's plans to make "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence" near the end of his life,...
Kubrick's unrealized projects are plentiful. Audiences may also know all about Kubrick's plans to make "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence" near the end of his life,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Steven Spielberg’s visionary approach to bringing the prehistoric era of roaring allosaurus and menacing tyrannosaurus alive met a disappointing end with Chris Pratt’s Jurassic World Dominion. The film’s billion-dollar potential led Colin Trevorrow to follow through with the threequel and almost tanked the entire franchise if not for Spielberg’s reputation that still remains attached to the IP.
The original cast reunites in Jurassic World Dominion [Credit: Amblin/Universal Studios]
As such, the fourth and definitive film of the Jurassic World franchise is intent on setting itself apart from its predecessor by reigning in the 2-time Academy Award-nominated powerhouse actor, Scarlett Johansson. But the film still needs a catalyst to its plot alongside the Marvel star who can confirm the franchise’s success.
Jurassic World 4 Needs Some Timely Third-Party Intervention
Despite Gareth Edwards leading his powerfully stacked cast toward a natural glory, Jurassic World 4 still strikes terror...
The original cast reunites in Jurassic World Dominion [Credit: Amblin/Universal Studios]
As such, the fourth and definitive film of the Jurassic World franchise is intent on setting itself apart from its predecessor by reigning in the 2-time Academy Award-nominated powerhouse actor, Scarlett Johansson. But the film still needs a catalyst to its plot alongside the Marvel star who can confirm the franchise’s success.
Jurassic World 4 Needs Some Timely Third-Party Intervention
Despite Gareth Edwards leading his powerfully stacked cast toward a natural glory, Jurassic World 4 still strikes terror...
- 5/13/2024
- by Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire
This article was originally published in Empire in October 2020
There’s never been a filmmaker like Roger Corman – putting some of the wildest premises in Hollywood history onto the screen, igniting the careers of countless fellow cinematic legends, and continuing to create against all the odds. Following his death at the age of 98, Empire presents our 2020 interview with the man himself – looking back on his wildest career moves, sharing his vital rules for making movies, and detailing the projects he still had in the works. Because even in his 90s, Corman was giving his all to cinema.
No force on Earth has ever been able to stop Roger Corman. From the moment he bankrolled his first film, Monster From The Ocean Floor, back in 1954, he has worked at a velocity that makes even Ben Wheatley look like Stanley Kubrick. Churning out one low-budget genre flick after another, he’s given...
There’s never been a filmmaker like Roger Corman – putting some of the wildest premises in Hollywood history onto the screen, igniting the careers of countless fellow cinematic legends, and continuing to create against all the odds. Following his death at the age of 98, Empire presents our 2020 interview with the man himself – looking back on his wildest career moves, sharing his vital rules for making movies, and detailing the projects he still had in the works. Because even in his 90s, Corman was giving his all to cinema.
No force on Earth has ever been able to stop Roger Corman. From the moment he bankrolled his first film, Monster From The Ocean Floor, back in 1954, he has worked at a velocity that makes even Ben Wheatley look like Stanley Kubrick. Churning out one low-budget genre flick after another, he’s given...
- 5/13/2024
- by Nick de Semlyen
- Empire - Movies
Steven Spielberg stands as one of the most accomplished and influential filmmakers in cinematic history, inspiring countless others over the years. Among those profoundly impacted by Spielberg’s work is Genndy Tartakovsky, the mastermind behind animated series such as Dexter’s Laboratory and Samurai Jack.
Steven Spielberg | Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Gage Skidmore
In a previous interview, the animator revealed the profound influence Spielberg’s filmmaking expertise has on his creative journey and continues to serve as a guiding light in his quest to infuse his projects with palpable action and emotion.
Genndy Tartakovsky Revealed Steven Spielberg’s Influence on His Work
While promoting his 2019 animated action TV series Primal, Genndy Tartakovsky discussed the concept of rhythm in storytelling, particularly in the context of action sequences. Drawing parallels between comedic timing and the pacing of action scenes, he emphasized how both rely on rhythm to engage the audience.
Genndy Tartakovsky | Credit: YouTube...
Steven Spielberg | Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Gage Skidmore
In a previous interview, the animator revealed the profound influence Spielberg’s filmmaking expertise has on his creative journey and continues to serve as a guiding light in his quest to infuse his projects with palpable action and emotion.
Genndy Tartakovsky Revealed Steven Spielberg’s Influence on His Work
While promoting his 2019 animated action TV series Primal, Genndy Tartakovsky discussed the concept of rhythm in storytelling, particularly in the context of action sequences. Drawing parallels between comedic timing and the pacing of action scenes, he emphasized how both rely on rhythm to engage the audience.
Genndy Tartakovsky | Credit: YouTube...
- 5/13/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Exclusive: Natalie Portman has joined the voice cast for French director Ugo Bienvenu’s upcoming animated feature Arco about a boy who uses rainbows to travel through time and his adventures as he gets stuck in the wrong era.
Portman is also producing with Sophie Mas under their joint Paris and New York banner MountainA with Félix de Givry at Paris-based Remembers.
Taking its cue from the fantasy premise that rainbows are time machines, the movie revolves around 10 year old rainbow-child Arco, who lives in the distant future, 2932.
His maiden journey in his multi-colored suit does not go to plan. He loses control and veers off course to land in a near future, 2075, where Iris, a girl the same age as Arco, witnesses his fall and then makes it her mission to get him home.
Arco
Arco is the first feature for Bienvenu after short films Maman and L’entretien and comic books.
Portman is also producing with Sophie Mas under their joint Paris and New York banner MountainA with Félix de Givry at Paris-based Remembers.
Taking its cue from the fantasy premise that rainbows are time machines, the movie revolves around 10 year old rainbow-child Arco, who lives in the distant future, 2932.
His maiden journey in his multi-colored suit does not go to plan. He loses control and veers off course to land in a near future, 2075, where Iris, a girl the same age as Arco, witnesses his fall and then makes it her mission to get him home.
Arco
Arco is the first feature for Bienvenu after short films Maman and L’entretien and comic books.
- 5/13/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Anthony Ramos was thrilled when Steven Spielberg asked him to use his real accent in 'Twisters'.The actor is among the actors cast in the sequel to 1996 disaster movie 'Twisters' which starred Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt as storm chasers caught up in a tornado which wreaks havoc across Oklahoma - and he has now revealed he was "surprised" when executive producer Spielberg asked him to use his real voice instead of trying a Southern drawl because he has never heard someone with the same dialect on screen.He told Entertainment Weekly: "I heard Steven [Spielberg] was like, ‘No, I want him to do it in his dialect'. It was a little surprising to me, but it was really cool, to me, because I’ve never heard someone who speaks in my vernacular - especially this New York, Northeast, Latino dialect that I have - in a movie of this size,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Louise Mary Randell
- Bang Showbiz
Susan Backlinie, who played the first shark attack victim in Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws,” has died. She was 77.
Backlinie died Saturday morning at her California home due to a heart attack, Convention All Stars owner Sean Clark confirmed to Variety. The former actor and stuntwoman was one of the company’s clients.
Backlinie was best known for her role as Chrissie Watkins in “Jaws,” who is dragged to her death by a killer shark in the 1975 film’s iconic opening scene. Backlinie specialized in swimming work as a stunt performer.
Contrary to widespread belief, Backlinie’s screams of anguish in the “Jaws” opening scene were not due to her being injured by the harness that jerked her back and forth. However, no one warned Backlinie when she would be pulled underwater in order to get a genuine reaction from her.
Variety‘s “Jaws” review said of the shark attack sequences:...
Backlinie died Saturday morning at her California home due to a heart attack, Convention All Stars owner Sean Clark confirmed to Variety. The former actor and stuntwoman was one of the company’s clients.
Backlinie was best known for her role as Chrissie Watkins in “Jaws,” who is dragged to her death by a killer shark in the 1975 film’s iconic opening scene. Backlinie specialized in swimming work as a stunt performer.
Contrary to widespread belief, Backlinie’s screams of anguish in the “Jaws” opening scene were not due to her being injured by the harness that jerked her back and forth. However, no one warned Backlinie when she would be pulled underwater in order to get a genuine reaction from her.
Variety‘s “Jaws” review said of the shark attack sequences:...
- 5/12/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov and Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Steven Spielberg's filmmaking techniques took a large bound forward in 2001 with the release of "A.I. Artificial Intelligence." The sci-fi film, set in a near future populated by conscious androids, was a project Spielberg took over from an ailing Stanley Kubrick, who passed on it when he felt Spielberg could do it better. In "A.I.," Spielberg's photography and editing were very different from the slick, adventure films and glossy prestige pictures he had become popular making. Now everything was hazy, staid, more deliberate.
Although he had already won three Oscars (two for "Schindler's List" and one for "Saving Private Ryan") and was widely considered to be a reigning master of Hollywood's blockbuster class, Spielberg evolved. After 2001, Spielberg's career bifurcated into dispassionate effects-based thrillers wherein the filmmaker was merely experimenting, and deeply passionate political thrillers that used the politics of the past to reflect on issues of the day.
The official...
Although he had already won three Oscars (two for "Schindler's List" and one for "Saving Private Ryan") and was widely considered to be a reigning master of Hollywood's blockbuster class, Spielberg evolved. After 2001, Spielberg's career bifurcated into dispassionate effects-based thrillers wherein the filmmaker was merely experimenting, and deeply passionate political thrillers that used the politics of the past to reflect on issues of the day.
The official...
- 5/12/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Roger Corman, the pioneering producer and director, known affectionately as “the king of B movies,” passed away on May 9 at his home in Santa Monica, California. Corman had as much influence over modern Hollywood as Steven Spielberg or Martin Scorsese. And for good reason: Without him there likely wouldn’t even have been a Spielberg or Scorsese.
This maker of hundreds of low-budget horror, sci-fi, and exploitation films is to this day remembered by many, and rather unfairly, as a B-movie hack, but Corman’s aesthetic sensibilities have come to dominate the franchises we now call tent poles, and his protégés number among the most influential people in cinema. And he enjoyed every minute of it.
Corman came off as very humble, resembling no one so much as Mr. Rogers. He laughed at himself and his experiences frequently. Many of the movies that he made were ridiculous but they were knowingly so.
This maker of hundreds of low-budget horror, sci-fi, and exploitation films is to this day remembered by many, and rather unfairly, as a B-movie hack, but Corman’s aesthetic sensibilities have come to dominate the franchises we now call tent poles, and his protégés number among the most influential people in cinema. And he enjoyed every minute of it.
Corman came off as very humble, resembling no one so much as Mr. Rogers. He laughed at himself and his experiences frequently. Many of the movies that he made were ridiculous but they were knowingly so.
- 5/12/2024
- by Tom Elrod
- Slant Magazine
Susan Backlinie, whose gruesome death in Jaws scared millions from swimming in the ocean, died Saturday at 77 in her home in Ventura, CA.
Her death was confirmed by Matthew Templeton, the agent who handled her convention bookings. No cause has been determined.
Backlinie’s first film role arrived in 1975. She played Chrissie Watkins in Steven Spielberg’s film, going skinny dipping in the ocean in the opening scene.
She is attacked and is buffeted by the great white shark before a screaming disappearance under the waves.
Backlinie partnered with Spielberg to spoof the scene a few years later in his 1941 film.
Backlinie’s career channeled into stunt work in films and TV. Some of her credits include The Great Muppet Caper, Day of the Animals, and the TV show The Fall Guy.
Survivors include her husband, Harvey.
Deadline Related Video:...
Her death was confirmed by Matthew Templeton, the agent who handled her convention bookings. No cause has been determined.
Backlinie’s first film role arrived in 1975. She played Chrissie Watkins in Steven Spielberg’s film, going skinny dipping in the ocean in the opening scene.
She is attacked and is buffeted by the great white shark before a screaming disappearance under the waves.
Backlinie partnered with Spielberg to spoof the scene a few years later in his 1941 film.
Backlinie’s career channeled into stunt work in films and TV. Some of her credits include The Great Muppet Caper, Day of the Animals, and the TV show The Fall Guy.
Survivors include her husband, Harvey.
Deadline Related Video:...
- 5/12/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Steven Spielberg’s production company Amblin Entertainment was one of the production companies that backed up the 1996 film Twister. The hit disaster thriller starring Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Jami Gertz, and Cary Elwes introduced storm chasers trying to contain a tornado outbreak in Oklahoma. Spielberg also served as an executive producer (EP) on the film.
Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton in 1996’s Twister
Many years later, Spielberg is also an EP on the standalone sequel Twisters which is coming soon to theatres. The film stars Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos. For Ramos’ character Javi, the actor envisioned him having a Southern accent. However, Spielberg told him to keep his natural accent for the film, which surprised Ramos.
Anthony Ramos Kept His Natural Dialect for Twisters, Thanks to Steven Spielberg
Anthony Ramos plays a skilled meteorologist named Javi in Twisters
After 2023’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Anthony Ramos...
Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton in 1996’s Twister
Many years later, Spielberg is also an EP on the standalone sequel Twisters which is coming soon to theatres. The film stars Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos. For Ramos’ character Javi, the actor envisioned him having a Southern accent. However, Spielberg told him to keep his natural accent for the film, which surprised Ramos.
Anthony Ramos Kept His Natural Dialect for Twisters, Thanks to Steven Spielberg
Anthony Ramos plays a skilled meteorologist named Javi in Twisters
After 2023’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Anthony Ramos...
- 5/12/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Susan Backlinie, whose onscreen demise at the beginning of Jaws made countless moviegoers scared to go in the water, has died at age 77. Backlinie’s convention agent told The Daily Jaws website that the former actor and stunt performer died Saturday at her home in Ventura, California. “It is with heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved Susan passed away this morning,” agent Matthew Templeton said. “We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.” In Jaws, the 1975 summer blockbuster that put director Steven Spielbergon the map, Backlinie played Chrissie, the skinny-dipper killed by the shark in the first scene. When she got the part at age 28, Backlinie was already a nationally ranked swimmer and professional diver, according to The Hollywood Reporter. In the 2023 book Spielberg: The First Ten Years, Spielberg recalled seeking a stunt performer to play Chrissy.
- 5/12/2024
- TV Insider
Susan Backlinie, the stuntperson and actress who as a young skinny-dipper out for a nighttime swim off the coast of Amity Island became the shark’s first victim in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, has died. She was 77.
Backlinie died Saturday at her home in Ventura, California, her convention agent, Matthew Templeton, told The Daily Jaws website.
Backlinie was a nationally ranked swimmer and professional diver who had performed as a mermaid and worked as an animal trainer when she was hired at age 28 to play the skinny-dipping Chrissie in Universal’s Jaws (1975).
“I didn’t want an actor to do it. I wanted a stuntperson because I needed somebody who was great in the water, who knew water ballet and knew how to endure what I imagined was going to be a whole lot of violent shaking,” Spielberg said in Laurent Bouzereau’s 2023 book, Spielberg: The First Ten Years. “So,...
Backlinie died Saturday at her home in Ventura, California, her convention agent, Matthew Templeton, told The Daily Jaws website.
Backlinie was a nationally ranked swimmer and professional diver who had performed as a mermaid and worked as an animal trainer when she was hired at age 28 to play the skinny-dipping Chrissie in Universal’s Jaws (1975).
“I didn’t want an actor to do it. I wanted a stuntperson because I needed somebody who was great in the water, who knew water ballet and knew how to endure what I imagined was going to be a whole lot of violent shaking,” Spielberg said in Laurent Bouzereau’s 2023 book, Spielberg: The First Ten Years. “So,...
- 5/12/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Twisters” executive producer Steven Spielberg didn’t want Anthony Ramos to use a Southern accent for his role, according to the actor.
Ramos, who plays storm chaser Javi in “Twisters,” said in an Entertainment Weekly interview that he thought his character would have a Southern accent.
“Then I heard Steven [Spielberg] was like, ‘No, I want him to do it in his dialect,'” Ramos recalled. “It was a little surprising to me, but it was really cool, to me, because I’ve never heard someone who speaks in my vernacular — especially this New York, Northeast, Latino dialect that I have — in a movie of this size, in a place like Oklahoma. It makes me feel it’s possible for a kid from the hood to go to a school like Ou, study meteorology, be this brilliant meteorologist and storm chaser. This is something that a kid like me could do.
Ramos, who plays storm chaser Javi in “Twisters,” said in an Entertainment Weekly interview that he thought his character would have a Southern accent.
“Then I heard Steven [Spielberg] was like, ‘No, I want him to do it in his dialect,'” Ramos recalled. “It was a little surprising to me, but it was really cool, to me, because I’ve never heard someone who speaks in my vernacular — especially this New York, Northeast, Latino dialect that I have — in a movie of this size, in a place like Oklahoma. It makes me feel it’s possible for a kid from the hood to go to a school like Ou, study meteorology, be this brilliant meteorologist and storm chaser. This is something that a kid like me could do.
- 5/11/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety Film + TV
Before his Stranger Things fame, David Harbour did many small and significant character roles in several films and TV series. Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds was one project he could never forget due to a major disappointment. If you don’t remember seeing him in the sci-fi flick starring Tom Cruise, that’s because he was cut from the film. While Harbour accepted his fate, he was probably hurt by the fact that Spielberg had no memory of working with him in the film.
Black Widow star David Harbour revealed his unfortunate encounter with director Steven Spielberg
Harbour has two major projects in his current slate. He will reprise his Red Guardian role from Marvel’s Black Widow in the upcoming film Thunderbolts*. Harbour has also started filming his fan-favorite role as Jim Hopper for the fifth and final season of Stranger Things.
David Harbour’s Scene With...
Black Widow star David Harbour revealed his unfortunate encounter with director Steven Spielberg
Harbour has two major projects in his current slate. He will reprise his Red Guardian role from Marvel’s Black Widow in the upcoming film Thunderbolts*. Harbour has also started filming his fan-favorite role as Jim Hopper for the fifth and final season of Stranger Things.
David Harbour’s Scene With...
- 5/11/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Oscar-winning director Robert Zemeckis developed an interest in film and television at an early age and first worked in his native Chicago as an editor for TV commercials and news programs. This work led him to apply as a transfer student to the University of Southern California film school where his application material included a music video, set to a song by The Beatles. (Not surprisingly his first film would be “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” about a bunch of high school students obsessed with Beatlemania.)
He was initially rejected by USC but he begged an official to reconsider and promised to bring his low grade point average up by attending summer school. This brashness would also play a big part in his initial success as a director when he barged into Steven Spielberg’s office with a copy of his student film and asked Spielberg to employ him. The...
He was initially rejected by USC but he begged an official to reconsider and promised to bring his low grade point average up by attending summer school. This brashness would also play a big part in his initial success as a director when he barged into Steven Spielberg’s office with a copy of his student film and asked Spielberg to employ him. The...
- 5/10/2024
- by Robert Pius, Misty Holland and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Following his breakout role in Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo is looking to go from defending clients to evading dinosaurs. He is in negotiations to join Universal and Amblin Entertainment’s new Jurassic World movie. Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey are also set to star. Gareth Edwards will direct.
The studio recently dated the pic to bow on July 2, 2025 and moved fast to find a director in Edwards. The new movie will be a fresh take, with Jurassic World cast members Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard not expected to return, and neither will original trilogy’s stars Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern and Sam Neill. David Koepp penned the new script.
The film will be will be executive produced by Steven Spielberg through Amblin, and Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley through Kennedy-Marshall. EVP Production Development Sara Scott and Creative Executive of Production Development Jacqueline Garell will oversee for the studio.
The studio recently dated the pic to bow on July 2, 2025 and moved fast to find a director in Edwards. The new movie will be a fresh take, with Jurassic World cast members Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard not expected to return, and neither will original trilogy’s stars Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern and Sam Neill. David Koepp penned the new script.
The film will be will be executive produced by Steven Spielberg through Amblin, and Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley through Kennedy-Marshall. EVP Production Development Sara Scott and Creative Executive of Production Development Jacqueline Garell will oversee for the studio.
- 5/10/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has been vocal about his preferences when it comes to movies and he’s not afraid to criticize or slam those that did not hit the mark for him. One of his filmmaking idols is Steven Spielberg, and while he loves some of the director’s projects, there’s one he hates the most.
Harrison Ford and Sean Connery in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
It became controversial because the movie in question is Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The film has been celebrated by many fans, so it’s a huge mystery why Tarantino did not like it.
Quentin Tarantino Isn’t A Huge Fan Of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Quentin Tarantino on the set of Pulp Fiction
During an interview via ReelBlend podcast, Pulp Fiction director Quentin Tarantino shared that he is not a fan of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,...
Harrison Ford and Sean Connery in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
It became controversial because the movie in question is Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The film has been celebrated by many fans, so it’s a huge mystery why Tarantino did not like it.
Quentin Tarantino Isn’t A Huge Fan Of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Quentin Tarantino on the set of Pulp Fiction
During an interview via ReelBlend podcast, Pulp Fiction director Quentin Tarantino shared that he is not a fan of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered if any film could capture the awe-inspiring vastness of the cosmos? Many directors have soared through the stars in science fiction, but one visionary’s belief is as enduring as the galaxy itself. George Lucas, the renowned creator of the epic Star Wars, has a deep appreciation for a cinematic masterpiece that even his own galactic saga cannot match: Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.
George Lucas [Photo: Joey Gannon/Wikimedia Commons]Lucas made cinematic history in 1977 with Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, an instant classic that catapulted science fiction to the forefront of popular culture. Despite his phenomenal success, he remains convinced that Kubrick’s 1968 magnum opus is an unmatched masterpiece, a celestial pinnacle that no filmmaker in the near future can hope to surpass.
The film starred Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood in the leading roles.
George Lucas [Photo: Joey Gannon/Wikimedia Commons]Lucas made cinematic history in 1977 with Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, an instant classic that catapulted science fiction to the forefront of popular culture. Despite his phenomenal success, he remains convinced that Kubrick’s 1968 magnum opus is an unmatched masterpiece, a celestial pinnacle that no filmmaker in the near future can hope to surpass.
The film starred Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood in the leading roles.
- 5/10/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
There’s news. And there’s huge news. And there’s planet-sized news. And then there’s news that’s big enough to eat a planet as a delicious breakfast snack. And the latest bit of Marvel casting news is firmly in the final category – a much-anticipated role that finally puts a face to a gigantic name. Yes, the MCU is finally preparing to introduce legendary cosmic world-chomper Galactus in next year’s The Fantastic Four, and the powers that be have found their man: British actor Ralph Ineson.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ineson will be donning the funky purple headgear and going head-to-head with the new Fantastic Four line-up – that’s Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm. Ineson is still beloved as ‘Finchy’ from the original UK version of The Office – but he...
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ineson will be donning the funky purple headgear and going head-to-head with the new Fantastic Four line-up – that’s Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm. Ineson is still beloved as ‘Finchy’ from the original UK version of The Office – but he...
- 5/10/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Director Brian Levant reveals in a new interview that John Goodman did not want to reprise his role of Fred Flintstone in a sequel to the 1994 film, The Flintstones.
In an interview with Total Film, Levant said Goodman went so far as to go to film producer Steven Spielberg, begging for a way out. Goodman starred as Fred alongside Rick Moranis, Elizabeth Perkins, Rosie O’Donnell, Kyle MacLachlan, and Halle Berry in the live action film of the modern Stone Age family.
After having a rough experience throughout filming, Goodman spoke with Spielberg, asking to escape the production of a sequel that was being discussed.
Levant said the plan was to do the same thing with The Flintstones that they did with Back to the Future and shoot back-to-back. But Goodman made an appointment with Spielberg and said, “Please don’t make me do any more of these.”
Goodman didn’t...
In an interview with Total Film, Levant said Goodman went so far as to go to film producer Steven Spielberg, begging for a way out. Goodman starred as Fred alongside Rick Moranis, Elizabeth Perkins, Rosie O’Donnell, Kyle MacLachlan, and Halle Berry in the live action film of the modern Stone Age family.
After having a rough experience throughout filming, Goodman spoke with Spielberg, asking to escape the production of a sequel that was being discussed.
Levant said the plan was to do the same thing with The Flintstones that they did with Back to the Future and shoot back-to-back. But Goodman made an appointment with Spielberg and said, “Please don’t make me do any more of these.”
Goodman didn’t...
- 5/10/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
"It's the end of days. No more people. No more New York. No more nothing." Paramount has unveiled the second thrilling trailer for the sci-fi prequel A Quiet Place: Day One, arriving in theaters this June. After the first two A Quiet Place movies (from 2018 & 2020), they've decided to go big and make the prequel - set it in New York City when the alien creatures first arrive and wreak havoc on all the people there. (There's also a A Quiet Place III sequel in the works). Lupita Nyong'o stars as a woman named Sam in NYC caught up in the mayhem. "As everything quickly goes to hell, she’s thrown together with a man named Eric. With some reluctance, the pair agree to navigate and survive the city together." And yes, she has a cat she brings along named Frodo. The cast also includes Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Steven Spielberg and Denis Villeneuve are both incredible filmmakers who have shown the world that they are the best in what they do, but like many other directors out there, they have their own techniques and strategies when it comes to helming movies.
Steven Spielberg on the set of Bfg via Disney
Both are massively known for their works on science fiction projects, but they do not share the same love and fascination for storyboarding. It’s part of the process of making movies, and sometimes, Spielberg likes to skip it.
Steven Spielberg Prefers Spontaneous Filmmaking Decisions
Steven Spielberg via CBS News
During an interview posted by All The Right Movies, director Steven Spielberg revealed his process while filming movies. Surprisingly, he likes to come up with decisions in the middle of production. He does not have any storyboards and he just relies on his own discernment.
Suggested“The choice I had to make…...
Steven Spielberg on the set of Bfg via Disney
Both are massively known for their works on science fiction projects, but they do not share the same love and fascination for storyboarding. It’s part of the process of making movies, and sometimes, Spielberg likes to skip it.
Steven Spielberg Prefers Spontaneous Filmmaking Decisions
Steven Spielberg via CBS News
During an interview posted by All The Right Movies, director Steven Spielberg revealed his process while filming movies. Surprisingly, he likes to come up with decisions in the middle of production. He does not have any storyboards and he just relies on his own discernment.
Suggested“The choice I had to make…...
- 5/8/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
There are a lot of great moments in Steven Spielberg's 1981 action-adventure film "Raiders of the Lost Ark," but nothing quite comes close to the film's intense climax. After following archaeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and feisty bar owner Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) on their journey to try and stop the Nazis from stealing a biblical artifact, said Nazis actually manage to open the artifact — the Ark of the Covenant, the holy box that once held the Tablets of the Law, which contained the ten commandments passed down to Moses by God in the old testament. They open the box to try and get a peek at what's inside, only to have their Nazi faces melted right off like a bunch of action figures hit with a blowtorch. It's one of the most satisfying moments in cinema history, but according to Spielberg, it was also pretty much done by the seat of his pants.
- 5/8/2024
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
When it comes to horror films, there are various categories; there are supernatural horror films, ones that involve cults, psychological horror films, and even slasher films. Some movies also use certain animals as antagonists. The ‘Shark film’ category has always been surprisingly active in the world of cinema, with very big-name actors taking part in it.
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975)
While Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is the most well-known for this sub-division, it would seem that Jamie Foxx’s daughter has a more successful series. The 47 Meters Down duology has recently received quite a promising update.
Jamie Foxx’s Daughter Has One Up On Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is quite a misfit in his filmography. While it perfectly lives up to his reputation as an excellent filmmaker, it still finds it difficult to compete with the rest of his work. Despite this, the movie kicked off an...
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975)
While Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is the most well-known for this sub-division, it would seem that Jamie Foxx’s daughter has a more successful series. The 47 Meters Down duology has recently received quite a promising update.
Jamie Foxx’s Daughter Has One Up On Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is quite a misfit in his filmography. While it perfectly lives up to his reputation as an excellent filmmaker, it still finds it difficult to compete with the rest of his work. Despite this, the movie kicked off an...
- 5/7/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
A24 And Steven Spielberg Developing Adaptation Of James McBride’s ‘The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store’
A24 and Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment are teaming to develop an adaptation of James McBride’s acclaimed novel The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. Insiders say it is still in very early development and that Spielberg would only be producing not directing.
A24 had no comment.
McBride’s novel tells the story of Black and Jewish residents of the Chicken Hill neighborhood of Pottstown, Pennsylvania in the 1920s and ‘30s, though the book opens in 1972 with the discovery of a skeleton at the bottom of a well.
The novel received a number accolades and various lists including being one of the best books of 2023 by NPR and also making President Obama’s list of his favorite books of 2023.
The news was first reported by The InSneider newsletter.
A24 had no comment.
McBride’s novel tells the story of Black and Jewish residents of the Chicken Hill neighborhood of Pottstown, Pennsylvania in the 1920s and ‘30s, though the book opens in 1972 with the discovery of a skeleton at the bottom of a well.
The novel received a number accolades and various lists including being one of the best books of 2023 by NPR and also making President Obama’s list of his favorite books of 2023.
The news was first reported by The InSneider newsletter.
- 5/7/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Spike Lee credits Steven Spielberg for having a “crystal ball” when it comes to the dangers of artificial intelligence.
During an interview alongside actor Giancarlo Esposito for The Hollywood Reporter, Lee pointed to Spielberg’s 2001 film “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.” Stanley Kubrick had been developing the sci-fi feature for two decades before Spielberg took over writing and directing after Kubrick’s death.
According to Lee, Spielberg’s film was one of the first mainstream portrayals of artificial intelligence, and served as an early warning for what the world is facing now in 2024.
“The danger that A.I. could do to cinemas is nothing compared to what it could do to the world,” Lee said when asked about the effects of A.I. on filmmaking. “It’s bigger than cinema. It’s bigger than music. I got to give it to my brother, Steven Spielberg, who peeped this many years ago when...
During an interview alongside actor Giancarlo Esposito for The Hollywood Reporter, Lee pointed to Spielberg’s 2001 film “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.” Stanley Kubrick had been developing the sci-fi feature for two decades before Spielberg took over writing and directing after Kubrick’s death.
According to Lee, Spielberg’s film was one of the first mainstream portrayals of artificial intelligence, and served as an early warning for what the world is facing now in 2024.
“The danger that A.I. could do to cinemas is nothing compared to what it could do to the world,” Lee said when asked about the effects of A.I. on filmmaking. “It’s bigger than cinema. It’s bigger than music. I got to give it to my brother, Steven Spielberg, who peeped this many years ago when...
- 5/6/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Steven Spielberg is undoubtedly one of the greatest voices in filmmaking today. Since the ’70s, he has proven himself to be a very competent director who can dabble in any filmmaking genre with ease. Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raiders of The Lost Ark, Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park, The Color Purple, etc. are examples of his complete mastery over varied genres.
Melinda Dillon and Cary Guffey in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Spielberg tasted success early in his career with Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. When he decided to put a comedic spin on the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, many, including John Wayne, warned him that it would backfire on him. The underwhelming reception of the film led to a big realization of the mistakes that he made.
John Wayne’s Warning About 1941 Was The First Sign of the Film...
Melinda Dillon and Cary Guffey in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Spielberg tasted success early in his career with Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. When he decided to put a comedic spin on the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, many, including John Wayne, warned him that it would backfire on him. The underwhelming reception of the film led to a big realization of the mistakes that he made.
John Wayne’s Warning About 1941 Was The First Sign of the Film...
- 5/6/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
This holiday season is one where the offspring of iconic Hollywood families come together, apparently.
“Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point,” which is set to debut in the Director’s Fortnight at Cannes, stars Francesca Scorsese and Sawyer Spielberg, two film stars in their own rite who hail from respective auteurs Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
Decade-plus indie staple Michael Cera leads the latest feature directed by Tyler Taormina; Cera also produces the ensemble family dramedy that marks Taormina’s follow-up to his 2019 coming-of-age comedy “Ham on Rye.”
Set during one Christmas Eve, a family gathers for what could be the last holiday in their ancestral home. As the night wears on and generational tensions arise, one of the teenagers sneaks out with her friends to claim the wintry suburb for her own, per the official synopsis. Cera is seen donning a cop uniform in one of the first look images,...
“Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point,” which is set to debut in the Director’s Fortnight at Cannes, stars Francesca Scorsese and Sawyer Spielberg, two film stars in their own rite who hail from respective auteurs Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
Decade-plus indie staple Michael Cera leads the latest feature directed by Tyler Taormina; Cera also produces the ensemble family dramedy that marks Taormina’s follow-up to his 2019 coming-of-age comedy “Ham on Rye.”
Set during one Christmas Eve, a family gathers for what could be the last holiday in their ancestral home. As the night wears on and generational tensions arise, one of the teenagers sneaks out with her friends to claim the wintry suburb for her own, per the official synopsis. Cera is seen donning a cop uniform in one of the first look images,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Have you ever given thought, to which of Steven Spielberg’s works could unite the creative minds behind X-Men ’97 and the very creator of Deadpool? Not to give away too much of the suspense, but it is none other than the dark and cerebral science fiction drama Minority Report.
The film, starring Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell, was so brilliantly shot and inventive that even Deadpool’s Rob Liefeld, who ranked it among his three best Spielberg experiences, tweeted his admiration for it. Liefeld empathized with those who found the film “too dark”, a sentiment shared in his circles at the time of its release.
Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report (2002) Image via DreamWorks Pictures
Yet, in a harmonious agreement tagged with insights and nostalgia, X-Men ’97 writer Beau DeMayo chimes in with a solid “hands down agree”.
This similar perspective between comic book visionaries on such a polarizing Spielberg...
The film, starring Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell, was so brilliantly shot and inventive that even Deadpool’s Rob Liefeld, who ranked it among his three best Spielberg experiences, tweeted his admiration for it. Liefeld empathized with those who found the film “too dark”, a sentiment shared in his circles at the time of its release.
Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report (2002) Image via DreamWorks Pictures
Yet, in a harmonious agreement tagged with insights and nostalgia, X-Men ’97 writer Beau DeMayo chimes in with a solid “hands down agree”.
This similar perspective between comic book visionaries on such a polarizing Spielberg...
- 5/6/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
If there's any Marvel Cinematic Universe movie that can stand on its own two legs as a complete story, it's "Captain America: The First Avenger." Well, excluding the prologue and the epilogue, which show the frozen Steve Rogers being discovered in the Arctic and then waking up in modern-day New York City, respectively. The prologue lets you know ahead of time that Cap's sacrifice in the third act won't be fatal, while the ending is pure sequel bait.
"Captain America" is definitely not the most monumental MCU movie, but it's one of the most enjoyable. The MCU clearly takes its cues from the blockbusters of Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige's youth — from "Star Wars" to "Raiders of the Lost Ark." "Captain America" is one of the few that feels like a pulpy, earnest Spielberg adventure movie. It makes sense since director Joe Johnston is budget Spielberg; he directed "Jurassic Park 3...
"Captain America" is definitely not the most monumental MCU movie, but it's one of the most enjoyable. The MCU clearly takes its cues from the blockbusters of Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige's youth — from "Star Wars" to "Raiders of the Lost Ark." "Captain America" is one of the few that feels like a pulpy, earnest Spielberg adventure movie. It makes sense since director Joe Johnston is budget Spielberg; he directed "Jurassic Park 3...
- 5/6/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
When Steven Spielberg set out to helm "1941" (a film John Wayne tried to stop him from making), he was seemingly unbeatable. Here was the man who invented the summer blockbuster with "Jaws," then followed it up with the big hit "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." He was on top of the world, and it felt like anything he put his name on was going to be a success. Then "1941" crashed and burned.
Sort of.
Here's the thing: in the grand scheme of things, "1941" was not relly a flop. However, because critics were mixed on the flick and it wasn't as big of a hit as Spielberg's previous two movies, it was seen as a failure. Spielberg the wunderkind was showing signs of fatigue. And to be fair, "1941" is definitely one of Spielberg's weaker efforts. Based very loosely on true events, the film follows several...
Sort of.
Here's the thing: in the grand scheme of things, "1941" was not relly a flop. However, because critics were mixed on the flick and it wasn't as big of a hit as Spielberg's previous two movies, it was seen as a failure. Spielberg the wunderkind was showing signs of fatigue. And to be fair, "1941" is definitely one of Spielberg's weaker efforts. Based very loosely on true events, the film follows several...
- 5/5/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
David Lynch hasn’t taken on a feature film or TV project since releasing his groundbreaking “Twin Peaks: The Return” in 2017, but it hasn’t been for lack of trying. First, it was reported back in April that Netflix rejected his pitch for an animated film called “Snootworld.” And now his longtime producer Sabrina Sutherland has shed some light on “Unrecorded Night,” his planned Netflix series that was scrapped during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Loyal Lynch fans will recall that rumors began to circulate in 2020 that the auteur was planning to direct a new series that was developed under the working titles “Wisteria” and “Unrecorded Night.” Many regular Lynch collaborators, including Kyle MacLachlan and Mark Frost, went on to cryptically post images of wisteria flowers on their social media accounts, fueling speculation that Lynch was getting the band back together. Some even speculated that the show would be a Texas-set series...
Loyal Lynch fans will recall that rumors began to circulate in 2020 that the auteur was planning to direct a new series that was developed under the working titles “Wisteria” and “Unrecorded Night.” Many regular Lynch collaborators, including Kyle MacLachlan and Mark Frost, went on to cryptically post images of wisteria flowers on their social media accounts, fueling speculation that Lynch was getting the band back together. Some even speculated that the show would be a Texas-set series...
- 5/4/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Even though Sandra Bullock has nailed it classically in multiple other roles, one of her most real dramas was in none other than Speed. Not only was the masterpiece widely commended by critics and general viewers alike, but it is also regarded among some of the best performances to date from the film’s three prominent leads, i.e., Keanu Reeves, Bullock, and Jeff Daniels.
Speed (1994).
Surprisingly enough, even though the action-thriller later granted them such impeccable fame in their respective careers, there was a time when Daniels almost turned down his iconic role. However, thanks to a series of fortunate turn of events, not only did he end up starring in the film, but he also took an unlikely inspiration from the late Roy Scheider in one Steven Spielberg movie!
Jeff Daniels Took Inspiration From Roy Scheider in Jaws for Speed
The late Roy Scheider truly gave an immaculate...
Speed (1994).
Surprisingly enough, even though the action-thriller later granted them such impeccable fame in their respective careers, there was a time when Daniels almost turned down his iconic role. However, thanks to a series of fortunate turn of events, not only did he end up starring in the film, but he also took an unlikely inspiration from the late Roy Scheider in one Steven Spielberg movie!
Jeff Daniels Took Inspiration From Roy Scheider in Jaws for Speed
The late Roy Scheider truly gave an immaculate...
- 5/4/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Luca Guadagnino believes filmgoers will endorse his Zendaya movie Challengers because it delivers “a canon of Hollywood golden age comedy – seductive fun with queerness.” The movie’s “big sell” is a shot of Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor kissing one another in various configurations.
Challengers is establishing itself as a Gen Z “date movie,” with a 75% female audience, mostly under the age of 24. Its high-powered social media campaign triggered a $25 million opening weekend globally, defying the pre-summer box office torpor.
The movie has also been well received by Gen Z reviewers who are faithful to their lexicon of film criticism – male characters are approvingly deemed “heteroflexible,” females “polyamorous,” etc.
It was a surprise to his fans that Guadagnino, an Italian filmmaker, set out to make an American-set sports movie (he is not a sports fan) about a tennis world to which he was alien. As with his other films,...
Challengers is establishing itself as a Gen Z “date movie,” with a 75% female audience, mostly under the age of 24. Its high-powered social media campaign triggered a $25 million opening weekend globally, defying the pre-summer box office torpor.
The movie has also been well received by Gen Z reviewers who are faithful to their lexicon of film criticism – male characters are approvingly deemed “heteroflexible,” females “polyamorous,” etc.
It was a surprise to his fans that Guadagnino, an Italian filmmaker, set out to make an American-set sports movie (he is not a sports fan) about a tennis world to which he was alien. As with his other films,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s no secret that the most famous character of Steven Spielberg movies is, undoubtedly, Dr. Henry Walton Jones, more known as Indiana Jones. The witty and inventive nature of the fictional professor of archaeology was well-demonstrated by Harrison Ford, who portrayed the iconic hero in all of the franchise's movies.
However, almost nobody knows that this character, written by the Star Wars father and Spielberg’s close friend, George Lucas, took a lot from a little-known action hero from the 1964 French-Italian movie, giving a lot of inspiration to filmmakers.
It starts by presenting the determined Adrien (played by Jean-Paul Belmondo), who embarks on a trip with his fiancée Agnès (Françoise Dorléac), the archaeologist’s daughter, who knows the location of the stolen Amazonian statuette of great value.
This knowledge becomes the reason why Agnès gets kidnapped, and it forces Adrien to do his best not only to save her,...
However, almost nobody knows that this character, written by the Star Wars father and Spielberg’s close friend, George Lucas, took a lot from a little-known action hero from the 1964 French-Italian movie, giving a lot of inspiration to filmmakers.
It starts by presenting the determined Adrien (played by Jean-Paul Belmondo), who embarks on a trip with his fiancée Agnès (Françoise Dorléac), the archaeologist’s daughter, who knows the location of the stolen Amazonian statuette of great value.
This knowledge becomes the reason why Agnès gets kidnapped, and it forces Adrien to do his best not only to save her,...
- 5/2/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
John Travolta returned to television in a full-length role after nearly four decades in Ryan Murphy’s The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. His last TV role was Vinnie Barbarino in Welcome Back, Kotter which lasted from 1975 to 1979. It was not an easy decision to take on the role but Travolta had a personal Hollywood ‘consulting’ team to advise him. This esteemed group of people included Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Rita Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, and Michael Eisner.
John Travolta with David Schwimmer in The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
The Saturday Night Fever actor played the real-life character Robert Shapiro, the famous American attorney who was part of O.J. Simpson’s dream defense team. The series received critical acclaim, however, Travolta’s performance had more polarized reactions.
John Travolta’s Decision To Return To TV Was Influenced By Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Others
Five...
John Travolta with David Schwimmer in The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
The Saturday Night Fever actor played the real-life character Robert Shapiro, the famous American attorney who was part of O.J. Simpson’s dream defense team. The series received critical acclaim, however, Travolta’s performance had more polarized reactions.
John Travolta’s Decision To Return To TV Was Influenced By Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Others
Five...
- 5/2/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Steven Spielberg and John Williams have collaborated on multiple projects over the years, where the filmmaker’s compelling narratives are enhanced by Williams’ musical compositions. Among their cherished collaborations, one that has become particularly special to the Oscar-winning filmmaker has been the soundtrack for the 1993 war drama Schindler’s List.
Schindler’s List | Credit: Universal Pictures
Spielberg has described it as the greatest piece of composition Williams has done for him. However, settling on one soundtrack proved challenging, especially after the composer presented him with two choices, leading to conflict over which theme music best captured the sorrow of the Holocaust.
Steven Spielberg and John Williams Clashed Over Schindler’s List Theme Music
Based on Thomas Keneally’s novel Schindler’s Ark, the 1993 epic historical drama follows the German industrialist Oskar Schindler, who saved thousands of Polish Jews from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories during World War II.
Schindler’s List | Credit: Universal Pictures
Spielberg has described it as the greatest piece of composition Williams has done for him. However, settling on one soundtrack proved challenging, especially after the composer presented him with two choices, leading to conflict over which theme music best captured the sorrow of the Holocaust.
Steven Spielberg and John Williams Clashed Over Schindler’s List Theme Music
Based on Thomas Keneally’s novel Schindler’s Ark, the 1993 epic historical drama follows the German industrialist Oskar Schindler, who saved thousands of Polish Jews from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories during World War II.
- 5/2/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Set in a dystopian tomorrow Kevin Reynolds helmed Waterworld (1995) washed ashore in theaters nearly 30 years ago, as one of the most infamous summer sci-fi films, starring Kevin Costner. Despite the iconic amalgamation of Aquatic Western with a science-fiction twist, the movie became famous for its outrageous budget and behind-the-scenes creative battles.
Kevin Costner in Kevin Reynolds’ movie Waterworld. (Photo: Ben Glass/Universal Pictures/Courtesy: Everett Collection)
Years later looking back at Kevin Reynolds’ Waterworld, it seems a lot of those issues could have been avoided with quick thinking and foresight. Or maybe, Kevin Costner could have simply listened to Steven Spielberg’s advice, especially after he reached out to the director for suggestions, ahead of shooting.
Kevin Costner Sought Steven Spielberg’s Advice Ahead of Waterworld
Playing the role of a mysterious wanderer in a post-apocalyptic world, Kevin Costner catered to the character of Mariner in Kevin Reynolds’ renowned 1995 action sci-fi Waterworld.
Kevin Costner in Kevin Reynolds’ movie Waterworld. (Photo: Ben Glass/Universal Pictures/Courtesy: Everett Collection)
Years later looking back at Kevin Reynolds’ Waterworld, it seems a lot of those issues could have been avoided with quick thinking and foresight. Or maybe, Kevin Costner could have simply listened to Steven Spielberg’s advice, especially after he reached out to the director for suggestions, ahead of shooting.
Kevin Costner Sought Steven Spielberg’s Advice Ahead of Waterworld
Playing the role of a mysterious wanderer in a post-apocalyptic world, Kevin Costner catered to the character of Mariner in Kevin Reynolds’ renowned 1995 action sci-fi Waterworld.
- 5/2/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
Steven Spielberg’s name is pretty much synonymous with almost every iconic film there is in the history of cinema. The director has crafted some of the most unforgettable experiences for audiences throughout the years, but now he feels a pull to focus on more grounded narratives. He believes he has fulfilled his duty in the realm of outworldly spectacle and wishes to shed light on Earth-bound stories that resonate with him deeply.
Steven Spielberg on the set of Jaws
As a result, he may choose to step away from big franchises like Jurassic World, as its success doesn’t bring him the same level of happiness as working on projects that hold personal significance to him.
Why Steven Spielberg Might Never Return to Big Franchises Like Jurassic World
Throughout his illustrious career, Steven Spielberg has crafted cinematic universes that have later been expanded into vast worlds of their own.
Steven Spielberg on the set of Jaws
As a result, he may choose to step away from big franchises like Jurassic World, as its success doesn’t bring him the same level of happiness as working on projects that hold personal significance to him.
Why Steven Spielberg Might Never Return to Big Franchises Like Jurassic World
Throughout his illustrious career, Steven Spielberg has crafted cinematic universes that have later been expanded into vast worlds of their own.
- 5/2/2024
- by Sampurna Banerjee
- FandomWire
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