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When Sylvester Stallone was tricked by his longtime rival Arnold Schwarzenegger into starring in 1992's "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot," he likely thought that was the lowest he would ever fall. But by the end of that decade, things were looking pretty dire, and Sly found himself in an ill-fated remake that helped hammer another nail in the actor's coffin (before he rose from the dead with 2006's excellent "Rocky Balboa").

In an era in which Disney can't stop making live-action remakes laden with uncanny valley-cgi monstrosities, there are, believe it or not, many remakes that are actually better than the original movies on which they're based. "The Bourne Identity," for example, was a TV movie before it became the seminal Matt Damon-starring actioner that maintains a lasting influence on the genre even today. From the new "Planet of the Apes" series to "The Maltese Falcon," Hollywood has...

Sylvester Stallone is one of today's biggest television stars as the titular lead in the hit Paramount+ series, Tulsa King. Looking back, the actor is giving credit to a 25-year-old film of his for helping to prepare him for his Tulsa King role.

On Instagram, Stallone shared a post to acknowledge the 25th anniversary of his 2000 film Get Carter. A remake of Michael Caine's 1971 movie of the same name, Get Carter featured Stallone in the role of a mob enforcer. While the movie flopped at the time of its release, Stallone noted that he considers Get Carter to be one of the best movies he's ever made. He also felt that the film reminds him so much of his new role on Tulsa King that it wouldn't be a stretch to refer to Get Carter as a prequel to the show.

Related Sylvester Stallone's New Action Film Debuts With...

When we discuss Hollywood flops, it's important to stress that the term "flop" has nothing to do with the quality of the film. It's strictly about the movie's extreme financial failure. Francis Ford Coppola's "One from the Heart" was a massive flop, but, over 40 years later, it's now considered by many to be an artistic triumph (something to keep in mind as we move further away from the wipeout of 2024's "Megalopolis"). Brian De Palma's "Casualties of War" was a costly bomb for the legendary filmmaker, but the movie received rave reviews at the time and still stands as one of the greatest Vietnam War films ever made. And while Michael Lehmann's "Hudson Hawk" might've thrown a dent into Bruce Willis' commercial reputation, people with exquisite taste have come to recognize its anarchic genius.

When a non-franchise movie flops, my initial instinct is to find a way to stick up for it,...

The critically acclaimed and hotly debated classic American History X is slated to move to a new streaming home.

1998's American History X is officially making the move to Tubi beginning October 1. The film, which stars Edward Norton and Edward Furlong as brothers Derek and Danny Vinyard, garnered both stars several major award nominations, including Best Actor at the 71st Academy Awards, which was ultimately won by Roberto Benigni for his leading role in his self-written and directed film, Life is Beautiful.

Related HBO Boss Addresses True Detective: Night Country Characters Appearing in Season 5

HBO's Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content discusses the future of True Detective and whether Season 5 will include any returning stars.

Written by David McKenna and directed by Tony Kaye, American History X follows Norton's Derek as he reels from the death of his father by embracing overt hatred and Nazi ideologies, eventually...

An adaptation of the classic novel, Lord of the Flies, has officially begun filming. The BBC production recently revealed the cast for the upcoming series, as well as the first set photo of the iconic island the youngsters find themselves trapped on.

Per Deadline, filming on Jack Thorne's Lord of the Flies series is currently underway in Malaysia. The upcoming series is an adaptation of the iconic William Golding novel of the same name, which centers around a group of young boys who are stranded on a remote island and their struggles to create a sustainable society for themselves. The BBC reportedly cast many unknown actors to play the many memorable characters from the novel, some without any prior acting experience. The series stars David McKenna as Piggy, Winston Sawyers as Ralph, Lox Pratt as Jack, Isaac Talbut as Simon, Thomas Connor as Roger, Cornelius Brandreth as Maurice, Tom Page-Turner as Bill,...

The BBC's Lord of the Flies series receives a major filming and cast update, along with a famous composer signing on to provide the score.

The BBC's Lord of the Flies series has started filming in Malaysia with a cast that includes David McKenna as Piggy, Winston Sawyers as Ralph, Lox Pratt as Jack, Isaac Talbut as Simonl, Thomas Connor as Roger, Noah and Cassius Flemyng as twins Sam and Eric, Cornelius Brandreth as Maurice, and Tom Page-Turner as Bill. Most importantly, Hans Zimmer will compose the score alongside Kara Talve.

More to come...

Source: BBC...

With Lost back in the air for its 20th anniversary, and the wait for Yellowjackets Season 3 stretching on, you might be looking for your next desert island TV fix. And the BBC has picked up your message in a bottle: the broadcaster (along with Australian streamer Stan) is preparing to strand a cast of kids on a faraway shore in a new four-part series take on Lord Of The Flies. William Golding’s novel is being adapted by none other than the perpetually-busy Jack Thorne, with director Marc Munden behind the camera. While the series was announced last year, new details are emerging now that it's started filming in Malaysia.

Most notably, Hans Zimmer has signed on to provide a score – along with Kara Talve – meaning this take on the castaway tale should sound suitably epic. “Hans has already shared his first sketches for the score, which are hugely inspiring.

BBC is producing a new TV adaptation of Lord Of The Flies from Jack Thorne and Hans Zimmer is set to provide the score. More on the series and its cast below.

Word has reached the Film Stories newsdesk that the BBC is working on a new TV adaptation of Lord Of The Flies. The series will consist of four episodes, each an hour long, and Jack Thorne is scripting the whole thing.

Deadline has revealed the series’ cast, all young actors with no previous experience. David McKenna will play Piggy while Winston Sawyers is on board as Ralph, Lox Pratt as Jack, Isaac Talbut as Simon, and Thomas Connor as Roger. Noah and Cassius Flemyng will play twins Sam and Eric, Cornelius Brandreth as Maurice, and Tom Page-Turner will appear as Bill. There will also be roughly 20 other actors playing the rest of the stranded boys.

Marc Munden is...

The BBC and Stan have unveiled a cast of up-and-comers for Jack Thorne’s Lord of the Flies adaptation, with Hans Zimmer set to do the score.

The networks said they cast following an open call with many actors who don’t have previous experience. David McKenna will play Piggy alongside Winston Sawyers as Ralph, Lox Pratt as Jack, Isaac Talbut as Simon, and Thomas Connor as Roger. Noah and Cassius Flemyng have been cast as the twins Sam and Eric, with Cornelius Brandreth as Maurice, and Tom Page-Turner as Bill, alongside an ensemble of more than 20 other boys playing the desert island camp’s “big ‘uns” and “little ‘uns”.

Zimmer, who has also scored upcoming BBC drama Virdee, will do the music with Kara Talve (Tattooist of Auschwitz, Prehistoric Planet) for Bleeding Fingers Music.

Lord of the Flies is an iconic 1950s story from William Golding of a group...

Johnny Depp responded to allegations of bad behavior from Blow actress Lola Glaudini, denying her claims. Glaudini recalls Depp yelling at her on the first day of filming, set did not give her a good experience. Depp's representative and sound technician on set contradicted Glaudini's version of events.

Johnny Depp has responded to new allegations of bad on-set behavior, this time from Blow actress Lola Glaudini. Despite originally appearing in an episode of the Powerful Truth Angels podcast earlier this year, the video has been gaining a lot of attention on social media in the last few days, leading to the actor responding to the claims through his representative.

Blow RBiographyCrimeDocumentaryDrama Release DateApril 4, 2001DirectorTed DemmeCastJohnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Franka Potente, Rachel Griffiths, Paul Reubens, Jordi MollaRuntime124Main GenreBiographyWritersBruce Porter, David McKenna, Nick CassavetesTaglineBased on a true story.

Since his legal battle with Amber Heard, Depp has been the subject of...

Sofia Vergara and Netflix are at the center of a new lawsuit filed by late Griselda Blanco’s children over upcoming limited true crime series “Griselda.”

Lead star and executive producer Vergara is named in the suit that alleges the series uses Blanco’s family’s images and likenesses without proper authorization. TMZ first reported the legal filing. IndieWire has reached out to Vergara’s representatives and Netflix for comment.

Vergara responded to the pending legal claim in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, saying of playing Blanco, “I’m trying to understand her from the beginning. I started from being fascinated by her, because she achieved many things that it was impossible for a woman to achieve, even though they were horrific.”

“Griselda” creator Eric Newman added, “It’s not my first rodeo. The Escobar family made similar claims [for the TV series ‘Narcos’]. We had a very specific story we wanted to tell. I believe we told it,...

Sofia Vergara is leading a different type of modern family.

The sitcom alum transforms into Colombian cocaine queenpin Griselda Blanco, who was deemed the “Godmother” of the drug trade, for Netflix limited series “Griselda.” The show is created by “Narcos” showrunners Eric Newman and Andrés Baiz, with Baiz directing all eight episodes. The series is written by Ingrid Escajeda and Doug Miro.

Per the official series description, “Griselda” is “inspired by the savvy and ambitious Colombian businesswoman, Griselda Blanco, who created one of the most profitable cartels in history. A devoted mother, Blanco’s lethal blend of charm and unsuspected savagery helped her expertly navigate between family and business leading her to become widely known as the ‘Godmother.'”

Carolina Giraldo aka Karol G portrays Griselda’s confidante Carla, who is a close friend from Medellín that arrives in Miami alongside several other sex workers to help smuggle in product.

American History X portrays the dark reality of racism and the consequences of generational hatred. The use of black-and-white footage in the movie highlights Derek's black-and-white perspective of the world as a neo-Nazi leader. Danny's death, though not explicitly racially motivated, is a significant part of the larger conflict in the movie, emphasizing the generational baggage of racial tension.

Warning: Contains Spoilers for American History X.The ending of American History X shows the dark reality of racism and the consequences of generational hatred. American History X is the 1998 feature film debut of director Tony Kaye (who also served as his own director of photography) with a script by David McKenna, and features performances from Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Ethan Suplee, Avery Brooks, and more. Edward Norton was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor.

After spending three years in prison for killing multiple black men during an attempted theft,...

“S.W.A.T.” has been canceled after seven seasons at CBS.

The procedural drama starred Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, a S.W.A.T. sargeant tasked to run a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, he strives to bridge the divide between his two worlds. The cast also included Rochelle Aytes as Hondo’s girlfriend Nichelle, Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay, Kenny Johnson as Dominique Luca, David Lim as Victor Tan, and Alex Russell as Jim Street.

Season 6, which is currently on the air, is averaging 6.8 million total viewers and a 0.7 rating among adults 18-49 according to Nielsen’s Live + 7 data from late April.

The Season 6 finale, titled “Legacy,” will air on May 19. Per the logline, the team works with the DEA and their iron-jawed leader, Mack Boyle (Timothy Hutton...

To coincide with the release of the new drama Embattled, which is available on digital download, we sat down with the film’s star Stephen Dorff to find out more about the hard-hitting drama.

Dorff has made a name for himself in high-profile films like Blade and Public Enemies, the actor has said he is more at home in smaller films, and with Embattled, he finds himself once again diving into a complex character. Here, he plays Cash, an aggressive man who has channeled his long-gestating aggression into becoming an Mma fighting champion who has become a superstar.

But while it might seem like this is another fighter story in the tone of Rocky or Warrior, Embattled goes much deeper, telling a story of anger, resentment, and retaliation, as well as one of fathers and sons, boyhood and manhood, and how far we go to protect those we love. Dorff...

Surprisingly insightful film explores relationship between martial arts champion and his two sons, one of whom has a genetic disorder

Part classic montage-showdown sports movie, part southern gothic Oedipal family drama, this decidedly peculiar but oddly compelling film is the proverbial curate’s egg. The plot revolves around the fraught relationship between a mixed martial arts cage fighting champion named Cash Boykins and his semi-estranged 18-year-old son Jett. In possession of a much finer soul than his old man, high-school senior Jett lives in a modest suburban house with his waitress mother Susan (Elizabeth Reaser) who divorced Cash a while back, and younger brother Quinn, a sweet, cheeky kid who happens to have Williams syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects physical and mental development.

Jett has a weird, semi-professional relationship with Cash, having been groomed to be the next Mma in the family by the domineering patriarch, but there’s...

Stephen Dorff only had a few weeks to transform himself into a mixed martial arts superstar in order to play the lead role in “Embattled.”

The actor was booked tight and had no choice but to hit the gym hard after wrapping work playing an Arkansas police officer in the third season of “True Detective.” For Dorff, the chance to play Cash Boykins was worth the punishment. It was a role he fought long and hard to land, having to elbow aside other, bigger and more bankable actors. And it’s a performance that Dorff thinks ranks among his best.

“Embattled” opens this week in theaters and on-demand. Dorff spoke to Variety about the emotional toll of channeling the abusive and egomaniacal Boykins, and shared his unvarnished thoughts about how the movie business has changed in the three decades he’s worked in and around Hollywood. Like the blunt-talking Boykins,...

You’re either a sucker for films like director Nick Sarkisov and screenwriter David McKenna’s Embattled or you’re not. I’m the former—a fact that’s proven especially true when the filmmakers are willing to use the fighting drama genre as a means to provide something more than just an adversarial winner-takes-all approach. So I was hooked pretty much from the first scene as Cash Boykin (Stephen Dorff) runs his mouth on the way to the Octagon, pumping himself up with the crowd as his son Jett (Darren Mann) gives a few verbal jabs to keep him loose and also stoke the killer edge that’s vaulted him to two championship belts in Mma. It wasn’t that camaraderie, but what came next that earned my investment.

Namely, it was the look in Jett’s eyes as the elation and pride conjured by his father’s objective...

“Over the top” is a relative concept in the bludgeoning, unabashedly theatrical sport of mixed martial arts, which makes cartoon hero-villains of stars like Conor McGregor, even as their fighting gets grimily down-and-dirty. So it perhaps goes against the spirit of things to describe “Embattled,” a sports drama animated by a clear McGregor proxy, as a bit overblown. Yet at several points in Georgian director Nick Sarkisov’s roaring, blood-and-guts film, it’s hard not to wish it would take things down a notch: A hokey, old-fashioned father-son meller clothed in a younger man’s bling-encrusted robes, it increasingly sacrifices emotional credibility for the violent, amped-up bravado of Mma itself. By the time it pivots into outright revenge fantasy territory, the script’s earlier attempts at intimate character work are largely undone, though committed performances by Stephen Dorff and Darren Mann remain.

“Embattled” is primarily fashioned as a showcase for Dorff,...

Embattled Trailer — Nick Sarkisov‘s Embattled (2020) movie trailer has been released by IFC Films and stars Stephen Dorff, Darren Mann, Colin McKeenna, Donald Faison, Elizabeth Reaser, Said Taghmaoui, Mimi Davila, Karrueche Tran, Charles Green, Jay Galloway, Adam Karst, Michael Wayne Foster, and Ava Capri. Crew David McKenna wrote the screenplay for Embattled. Michael [...]

Continue reading: Embattled (2020) Movie Trailer: Egomaniacal Mma Champion Stephen Dorff fights His Estranged Son in the Octagon...

"You've been offered another fight?" "Unfortunately... it's against me." IFC Films has unveiled the official trailer for an indie Mma drama titled Embattled, from director Nick Sarkisov (Krasny) and screenwriter David McKenna. A high school judo prodigy steps into the Mma cage to face the ultimate rival in a battle for recognition and retribution – his father. A son aspires to follow in his famous Mma father's footsteps, but along his challenging journey must figure out how to break the abusive cycle, if possible, that his father has continued. Stephen Dorff stars as the father, and Darren Mann as the son, with a cast including Elizabeth Reaser, Donald Faison, Saïd Taghmaoui, Karrueche Tran, and Colin McKenna. This looks brutal in a seriously impressive way, a cinematic story about abusive fathers and stopping abusiveness by literally fighting your father. Intense. Fire it up below. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Nick Sarkisov's Embattled,...

Exclusive: APA has signed writer-producer and creator David McKenna.

McKenna’s feature writing credits include such notable pics as New Line’s Oscar-nominated American History X and Blow, the Warner Bros. Sylvester Stallone movie Get Carter, Sony’s 2003 reboot of Swat starring Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Farrell, Michelle Rodriguez and LL Cool J.

In television, McKenna’s credits also include writing and executive producing the biopic Cocaine Godmother starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, and creating the NBC series E-Ring starring Benjamin Bratt and the late Dennis Hopper.

IFC recently acquired McKenna’s new indie feature, the mixed martial arts drama Embattled starring Stephen Dorf, which is slated for release this November. In Embattled, a son aspires to follow in his famous Mma father’s footsteps, but along his journey must figure out how to break the abusive cycle that his father has continued.

Formerly with UTA, McKenna continues to be repped by Heroes & Villains Entertainment,...

Filmmaker and American History X director Tony Kaye has found a lead star for his next project, as Djimon Hounsou has signed on to appear in Kaye's upcoming movie African History Y. Not much is known about the story at this time as plot details are still under wraps, but the movie has been described as "a story of tragedy and redemption." Kaye is writing the script alongside Charles Chanchori and Jason Corder, and Kaye will also produce with DeForrest Taylor, Marc Le Chat, and Raymond J. Markovich.

"Djimon and I met just after I did American History X," Tony Kaye said in a statement. "It was a cathartic meeting, and I knew immediately that he was an actor that I had to work with. The material had to be right, and thank God, now we have a project to work together on. The color cameras inside my head are...

IFC Films nabbed North American rights to Stephen Dorff’s mixed martial arts drama “Embattled” and plans to release the film in November.

The Blitz Films production marks Georgian-born director Nick Sarkisov’s English-language film debut. David McKenna, whose credits include “Blow” and “American History X,” wrote the script.

Dorff plays a man who channels his aggression into becoming a major champion in the cage-fighting sport but when his second son is born with Williams Syndrome, an incurable developmental disorder, he runs away from his family. McKenna’s own 15-year-old son Colin, who was born with Williams Syndrome, portrays the boy. When his elder son, played by Darren Mann, decides to follow his father’s footsteps into the fight game, a media firestorm results in the father and son facing each other in a battle that neither can truly win.

The cast also includes Karrueche Tran, Elizabeth Reaser, Donald Faison,...

Exclusive: Actor Stephen Dorff has signed with ICM Partners, returning to the agency he has had a long association with.

Dorff is coming off starring turns on the most recent installment of HBO’s True Detective opposite Mahershala Ali and as the title character in the drama series Deputy, which aired on Fox for one season, with Dorff cast in one of the biggest talent deals of the 2019 pilot season.

Dorff’s feature credits include Blade, Public Enemies, World Trade Center, Cold Creek Manor, The Power Of One, Cecil B. Demented, I Shot Andy Warhol and Somewhere. He will next star as Mma fighter Cash Boykins in the David McKenna-penned Embattled, which is finalizing a distribution deal.

Multiple projects are in various stages of development through his La Costa Productions including a Twa Flight 800 miniseries in the works at eOne TV from David McKenna, with Dorff executive producing.

Dorff,...

Nikolay “Nick” Sarkisov is the co-founder and head of Blitz Films, a production and financing company he founded in 2018 with his father, Sergey. With headquarters in Los Angeles and Moscow, Blitz Films focuses on pursuing unique storie.

Blitz has partnered with first-time filmmakers such as cinematographer Svetlana Cvetko’s “Show Me What You Got” and Jud Cremata’s one-take film “Let’s Scare Julie to Death.” He’s in post-production on “Embattled,” which he directed from a script written by David McKenna and starring Stephen Dorff; and in development on television series “Sultana,” set during the Ottoman Empire.

After completing medical school in Russia, Sarkisov decided to pursue his passion for entertainment and began working with independent television producer Evan Charnov (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”) Following the success of his feature directorial debut “Krasny,” Sarkisov directed 30 episodes of the Russian TV series “The Moon.” He discussed Blitz at the American Film Market.

Eryl Cochran heads production & development at production and financing shingle Blitz Films, where she works alongside company founders, filmmakers Nikolay and Sergey Sarkisov. Blitz, launched in 2018, is carving out a niche in the indie world with an eye for emerging talent. Blitz’s slate includes “Show Me What You Got,” directed by cinematographer Svetlana Cvetko; “Let’s Scare Julie to Death,” a one-take film directed by first-time helmer Jud Cremata; and “Embattled,” written by David McKenna (“American History X”), directed by Nikolay Sarkisov and starring Stephen Dorff. It’s also in development in TV series “Sultana,” set during the Ottoman Empire.

Why start a company now, when the indie marketplace is so challenging?

There was the sense that there were a lot of stories that weren’t being told. It was wanting to address these topics and open these worlds and make them accessible. And we were not afraid of...

Exclusive: Show Me What You Got, the directorial debut of Inside Job cinematographer Svetlana Cvetko, has wrapped production. The under-the-radar pic is backed by Blitz Films and counts award-winning filmmaker Phillip Noyce among its executive producers. Billed as a modern-day Jules & Jim, Show Me What You Got stars Cristina Rambaldi, Neyssan Falahi and Mattia Minasi.

A coming-of-age (at 30) tale, it explores the profound effect strangers can have on the trajectory of each other’s lives. The story follows three people from La to Italy as they navigate their way through intimacy, sexuality and proving their worth to their families and to the world around them.

Blitz Films financed and produced the movie which is in line with the company’s vision to back up-and-coming directors. Blitz’s Nikolay Sarkisov and Double Take Pictures’ David Scott Smith are producers with Noyce and Sergey Sarkisov exec producing.

Sarkisov says, “As directors, we...

In today’s film news roundup, a quartet of Ufc fighters have joined Stephen Dorff’s “Embattled,” firefighting documentary “Wildland” is bought, and Timothée Chalamet and Rachel Weisz are honored.

Castings

Ufc fighters Tyron Woodley, Cowboy Cerrone, Eryk Anders, and former Ufc fighter Kenny Florian have joined Stephen Dorff and Darren Mann in director Nick Sarkisov’s Mma drama “Embattled.”

Written by David McKenna, the film will be produced by Sergey Sarkisov for Blitz Films, alongside Kate Cohen for Straight Up Films, and Scott Lastaiti, with Blitz’s Nick Sarkisov and Dorff serving as executive producers. Eryl Cochran from Blitz Films will oversee production. The film is currently shooting in Alabama.

Mann plays a high school judo prodigy who steps into the Mma cage for a vicious battle of retribution against his father, played by Dorff.

“It’s been really important to me that the film feels as authentic as...

Exclusive: Darren Mann is set to star opposite Stephen Dorff in Embattled, an indie film that follows a high school judo prodigy (Mann) who steps into the Mma cage for a vicious battle of retribution against the ultimate rival – his father (Dorff). Elizabeth Reaser, Karrueche Tran, and Saïd Taghmaoui are also attached to co-star in the pic, which is being directed by Nick Sarkisov.

The pic marks the English-language debut feature for the Georgia-born director. David McKenna penned the screenplay. The producers are Sergey Sarkisov of Blitz Films, alongside Kate Cohen of Straight Up Films, and Scott Lastaiti, with Nick Sarkisov and Dorff serving as executive producers. Eryl Cochran will oversee production for Blitz.

Shooting will take place in Alabama this fall.

Mann, who most recently appeared in the Tiff premiere of Giant Little Ones, can next be seen in Netflix’s highly anticipated Chilling Adventures of Sabrina series.

Twilight...

Don’t let this casting roundup go without applying for the great gigs available today! The Broadway musical “Frozen” based on the hit Disney movie of the same name is seeking singers and dancers for replacement roles. Plus, a sci-fi thriller play that will be presented at FringeNYC and a comedy-horror short are casting leads, and a short dramatic film is seeking its main cast. “Frozen,” Singers & DANCERSThe current Broadway production of “Frozen” is now casting possible replacements. Singers and dancers, aged 18 and older, are wanted to join the ensemble. Talent may also play or cover featured roles, such as Queen Iduna, Bulda, and more. There will be Equity Chorus Calls on Aug. 20 and 21 in New York City. Pay is $2,034 per week. Apply here! “Turing Test”Join the cast of “Turing Test,” a sci-fi thriller play to be presented at FringeNYC in October. A male actor, aged 35–45, is wanted to...

Stephen Dorff, best known for starring opposite Wesley Snipes in Blade, has signed on to star in Embattled, an indie pic which will mark Georgia-born director Nick Sarkisov’s English-language debut. Written by David McKenna, the film holds sentimental value as McKenna’s son, Colin, who was born with Williams Syndrome, will be featured in a supporting role.

The story follows a high school judo prodigy who steps into the Mma cage to face the ultimate rival in a battle for recognition and retribution – his father.

Dorff, who will next co-star in the third season of HBO’s True Detective, is set to play the father in the film which is slated to go before cameras this September in Alabama.

Sarkisov will produce for Blitz Films, alongside Kate Cohen for Straight Up Films, and Scott Lastaiti, with Blitz co-founder Sergey Sarkisov and Dorff serving as executive producers.

Independent filmmakers Sergey Sarkisov and Nick Sarkisov have launched Blitz Films as a finance and production company, Variety has learned exclusively.

The first project the company is producing and financing is “Heart of a Champion,” a martial arts story written by David McKenna (“American History X”). Produced in association with Straight Up Films, the film follows a high school judo prodigy who steps into the Ultimate Fighting Championship cage to face the ultimate rival in a battle for recognition and retribution –- his father.

Blitz, which made the announcement Wednesday, will specialize in “responsibly-budgeted” indie fare along with a wide variety of genre projects. Producer Eryl Cochran has signed on as head of production and development for Blitz and will work out of the company’s Los Angeles office.

Nick Sarkisov will make his American feature directorial debut with “Heart of a Champion.” He began his career working with independent...

Al Pacino looks weathered and downtrodden as disgraced college football coach Joe Paterno in the teaser trailer for the upcoming HBO film, Paterno. He stares off morosely as between scenes of players on the gridiron, child molester Jerry Sandusky being arrested and guiding a boy into an elevator, men crying and journalists attempting to question Paterno – all as voices chant "Joe Pat-ern-o" and clap along excitedly. When one of his sons asks, "Dad, did you know about Jerry?" the reason why Pacino is staring off comes into focus.

The film,...

American History X, the moody drama about a pair of troubled brothers caught up in the Neo-Nazi skinhead movement, took an honest look at the underbelly of white supremacist counterculture in America, in many ways, presaging the state of the country 20 years after its release. Released in 1998, a year before Fight Club, American History X earned Edward Norton an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Here we look at 10 things you never knew about American History X.

American History X was partially inspired by a true story.

American History X marked the debut of screenwriter David McKenna, who went on to write another movie partly based on a true story, Blow, starring Johnny Depp. Real life former white supremacist skinhead Frank Meeink was arrested at age 17 and spent three years in prison, where he befriended several inmates of various ethnicities and grew to reject his former beliefs. He is now a writer and lecturer.

Vinyl alumna Annie Parisse is back at HBO with a key role opposite Al Pacino in HBO Films' untitled movie about the Penn State sexual abuse scandal, directed and executive produced by Barry Levinson. Written by Debora Cahn, John C. Richards and David McKenna, the film centers on legendary Joe Paterno (Pacino), who, after becoming the winningest coach in college football history, is embroiled in Penn State's Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal, challenging his legacy and…...

Kathy Baker (The Ranch) and Heroes alum Greg Grunberg have been cast in lead roles opposite Al Pacino in HBO Films' untitled movie about the Penn State sexual abuse scandal, directed and executive produced by Barry Levinson. Written by Debora Cahn, John C. Richards and David McKenna, the film centers on legendary coach Joe Paterno (Pacino), who, after becoming the winningest coach in college football history, is embroiled in Penn State's Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse…...

Welcome back to our guide for what’s casting in New York City! As usual, we’ve scoured the landscape to bring you information on all the best projects in film, theater, and television, sourced with information from the most reliable sources. This is show business we’re talking about, though, and as quickly as a play can bring down its curtain, a project can end before it’s even begun; that said, here’s what you can currently look out for! You know a project is juicy when it doesn’t even have a name yet. HBO’s forthcoming feature, that will star Al Pacino as the embroiled Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, is casting background actors. Here’s everything we know. The team, helmed by Grant Wilfley Casting, seeks male and female actors ages 18–27 to portray college students. Talent can be either nonunion or SAG-aftra. The film is currently being billed as the “Untitled Levinson Project,” referring to Oscar winner Barry Levinson, who will both direct and executive produce. Shooting is slated for July–September in New York City. The script is a triple-hander courtesy of Debora Cahn, John C. Richards, and David McKenna. Apart from Pacino, no...

The Girlfriend Experience alumna Riley Keough has been tapped for a key role opposite Al Pacino in HBO Films’ untitled movie about the Penn State sexual abuse scandal, directed and executive produced by Barry Levinson. Written by Debora Cahn, John C. Richards and David McKenna, the film centers on legendary coach Joe Paterno (Pacino), who, after becoming the winningest coach in college football history, is embroiled in Penn State's Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal…...

The Girlfriend Experience alumna Riley Keough has been tapped for a key role opposite Al Pacino in HBO Films’ untitled movie about the Penn State sexual abuse scandal, directed and executive produced by Barry Levinson. Written by Debora Cahn, John C. Richards and David McKenna, the film centers on legendary coach Joe Paterno (Pacino), who, after becoming the winningest coach in college football history, is embroiled in Penn State's Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal…...

Barry Levinson attached to direct and executive produce.

Al Pacino will star as former Penn State American football coach c in a new HBO film set to be directed by Barry Levinson.

The currently untitled project is being produced in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Pacino will play Paterno, the most successful coach in college American football history who became embroiled in Penn State’s Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal.

Debora Cahn, John C. Richards and David McKenna will write the script. Levinson will also serve as an executive producer alongside partners Jason Sosnoff and Tom Fontana.

Ed Pressman, Rick Nicita, and Lindsay Sloane will also serve as executive producers.

The project marks Pacino’s fourth at HBO following You Don’t Know Jack, Phil Spector and the mini-series Angels In America.

Levinson directed and served as executive producer on You Don’t Know Jack and was an executive producer on Phil Spector. He collaborated...

Almost two years after HBO hit pause on its film about the Penn State football scandal starring Al Pacino, the project is moving forward with a green light and a new director. Barry Levinson is set to direct and executive produce the movie, reuniting with Pacino and HBO.

Originally, HBO Films had the Scarface duo of director Brian De Palma and Pacino who had paired up for the project, then titled Happy Valley, in 2012. The film was in pre-production in fall 2014 when it was put on hold over budget issues, with De Palma leaving soon thereafter.

The movie — now untitled — chronicles the fall of Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno, whose legend was undone by revelations he and others in the football program were aware that former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky was molesting children, and did little to stop it.

The delay also allowed for more work on the script,...

Al Pacino is tackling the Penn State sex abuse scandal head-on.

The Oscar winner is set to play late college football legend Joe Paterno in a currently untitled HBO movie that chronicles the coach’s downfall in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal.

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The project — directed by Barry Levinson, who teamed with Pacino on the recent HBO pic Wizard of Lies — will delve into how the darkest chapter in Penn State history challenged Paterno’s legacy as the winningest coach in college football history,...

Just days after signing a lucrative first-look deal with Universal Pictures, Jordan Peele has become the first African-American writer-director to gross $200 million worldwide with his debut film, “Get Out.” Released back in late February, “Get Out” crossed the milestone on Sunday with $173.8 million of its $204.3 million worldwide gross coming from domestic screens. The film is approximately $3 million away from passing the record for highest grossing debut for a black director, which was set by Clark Johnson’s “S.W.A.T.” in 2003. Unlike “Get Out,” “S.W.A.T.” had different directing and writing credits, with David Ayer and David McKenna penning...

When "The Roosevelts: An Intimate History," from director Ken Burns and writer Geoffrey C. Ward, debuted on PBS last fall, a familiar political dynasty seemed suddenly fresh. Tracing the lives of Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor over the course of nearly a century, the 14-hour epic breathed new life into its subjects by switching deftly between world-historical events and and the peculiarities of the Roosevelts' personalities—and Teddy, advocate of "the strenuous life," was the documentary's surprising star. More than a century after he became the 26th President of the United States, it turned out to be Tr's breakout role. With the news that Showtime is developing a limited series about the man behind the "Square Deal," the Progressive Party, and "Big Stick" diplomacy, written by David McKenna ("American History X"), Roosevelt is in the midst of what you might call a post-career resurgence. Along with the Showtime project...

Bloodline

Acclaimed film actress Andrea Riseborough is making the jump to television as she has signed on for a recurring role in the second season of Netflix's Florida-set dark family drama "Bloodline". The show returns to Netflix during the first half of next year.

Rise borough plays Evangeline, a streetwise and unpredictable character from the past of Danny Rayburn (Ben Mendelssohn). The actress joins a cast that includes John Leguiazamo as the violent Ozzy Delvecchio who also has connections with Danny. "Bloodline" will return to Netflix during the first half of next year. [Source: TV Line]

House of Cards

Colm Feore has scored a recurring role in the upcoming fourth season of Netflix's "House Of Cards". Feore will play a high-profile new character in the White House drama, but specifics have not been revealed. The new season is currently filming in Baltimore ahead of an early 2016 release. [Source: Deadline]

The Watcher

"Homeland" executive producer Alex Cary,...

Showtime is developing a limited series based on the life of President Theodore Roosevelt, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap. The project is in the early stages of development. “American History X” screenwriter David McKenna will write the series in addition to serving as executive producer. The series comes from Electus and Authentic Talent and Literary Management. Electus’ Ben Silverman and Sean Canino will produce along with Authentic’s Jon Rubinstein and Jason Egenberg. Also Read: Patti LuPone Returns to 'Penny Dreadful' as Series Regular The 26th President of the United States was previously played...

Showtime has put in development The Life And Times Of Teddy Roosevelt as a limited series. David McKenna (S.W.A.T., Blow) is writing the script, and Electus and Authentic Entertainment is producing. The project centers on the 26th President of the United States, who served two terms from 1901-09. Taking office at age 42 after the assassination of President McKinley, Roosevelt remains the country’s youngest Potus. His progressive agenda included trust-busting, conservation…...

Teddy Roosevelt is headed back to the small screen.  The former president, who played a large role in PBS's acclaimed 2014 Ken Burns documentary The Roosevelts, is the subject of a new limited series in development at Showtime, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The project, which hails from Electus and Authentic, is in the early stages of development. David McKenna (American History X) is writing the script. Ben Silverman and Sean Canino from Electus will produce with Jon Rubinstein and Jason Egenberg from Authentic. { "nid": 814567, "type": "blog", "title": "Showtime Chief Teases 'Homeland's' Isis Season, Talks TV's 'Stupid Money'", "path": "http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/showtime-chief-teases-homelands-isis-814567", "relative-path": "/live-

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40. Night of the Hunter (1955)

Scene: The Preacher on the Horizon

Video: http://youtu.be/9PyNL2ahKwc?list=PLZbXA4lyCtqolaQOAXly96de5FYQlPzqK Just like a few others in this section of the list, Charles Laughton’s brilliant Night of the Hunter isn’t really a horror film, but still sets out to keep the audience on edge. Starring a diabolical Robert Mitchum as a preacher/serial killer Reverend Harry Powell, it follows him as he tries to woo his former cellmate’s widow Willa (Shelly Winters), hoping to learn where he has hidden his bank loot. Powell devises that his children John and Pearl must know, but he struggles to gain young John’s trust. When Willa learns of his plan, Powell is forced to kill her and hide the body, leaving him as sole caretaker of the children, who flee down the river. And then the scene. Having believed they have escaped Powell,...