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Your favorite small-screen monster mash is one step closer to being back in your eyeballs.

Filming on Season 2 of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters wrapped on Tuesday, Apple TV+ announced by sharing a BTS photo of cast members Takehiro Hira, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Anna Sawai on-set with the “Titan bait” capsule that played a key role in the Season 1 finale.

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Amber Midthunder has joined Season 2 of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” at Apple TV+ in a heavily recurring role, Variety has learned exclusively.

The cast of Season 1 of the series included Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell as well as Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, John Goodman, Joe Tippett, and Elisa Lasowski.

Midthunder will appear as Isabel, described as “an intelligent and powerful businesswoman.”

Midthunder is best known for her starring role in the “Predator” film “Prey.” Released in 2022, “Prey” was the fifth film in the “Predator” franchise and earned strong reviews from critics upon its release. She was named one of Variety‘s 10 Actors to Watch that same year. Her other film credits include “The Ice Road,” “Rez Ball,” and the upcoming features “Novocaine” and “Opus.” In television, she previously starred in “Legion” at FX, “Roswell, New Mexico” at The CW, and “Avatar: The Last Airbender” at Netflix.

The second season of Apple TV+ and Legendary Entertainment’s “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” will shoot in Queensland, Australia. That represents a relocation after the first season of the action-adventure series was largely filmed in Canada’s British Columbia.

Location attraction agency, Screen Queensland said that the show will be able to access state subsidies from provided through the Queensland government’s Production Attraction Strategy. It will be largest ever series to film in the state and generate more than A$115 million ($76 million), the agency said.

The series follows other Legendary Entertainment feature films made in Queensland, “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire,” “Godzilla vs. Kong”; and Kong: Skull Island.”

“Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection...

Apple TV+ today announced that its acclaimed, global hit Monsterverse series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, from Legendary Entertainment, has been renewed for a second season.

On the heels of the monstrous success of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Apple TV+ has also struck a new multi-series deal with Legendary Entertainment. The deal includes a second season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and multiple spinoff series based on the franchise.

“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has left an indelible imprint on the hearts, minds, and imaginations of audiences around the world, led by the brilliance of Chris, Matt, Kurt, Wyatt, and the incredibly gifted talented cast and creative team,” said Morgan Wandell, head of international development for Apple TV+.

“We couldn’t be more excited for viewers to not only have the chance to experience even more thrills in season two but to embark on epic, new journeys in the franchise as we expand Legendary’s Monsterverse.

Mari Yamamoto and Kurt Russell in the ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ season 1 finale (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)

Not only will sci-fi/Monsterverse fans get another season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Apple TV+ has announced multiple Monarch spinoffs are in the works. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has officially been renewed for season two, but doesn’t yet have a targeted premiere date.

Apple TV+’s announcement did not provide details on the number of spinoffs or plots.

“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has left an indelible imprint on the hearts, minds, and imaginations of audiences around the world, led by the brilliance of Chris, Matt, Kurt, Wyatt and the incredibly gifted talented cast and creative team,” stated Morgan Wandell, head of international development for Apple TV+. “We couldn’t be more excited for viewers to not only have the chance to experience even more thrills in season two, but to embark on epic,...

It's official: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is getting a second season on Apple TV+. The news was officially announced on Thursday, and what's even sweeter is that the show will also be given multiple spinoffs, further expanding the Monsterverse.

Per Apple TV+, a new deal has been struck to develop additional spinoffs along with a second season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters for the streaming platform. The news follows the success of the first season on Apple TV+, which wrapped up in January. Of course, fans were hoping that a second season would be announced, but it hadn't been made official up to this point, leaving the show's fate unclear.

Related Godzilla x Kong Director Addresses Possible Crossover With Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Godzilla x Kong director Adam Wingard discusses the crossover possibilities between Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and the MonsterVerse movies.

The upcoming season will be executive produced by Chris Black,...

In the wake of the box office success of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and the small screen success of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” Legendary is leaning even harder into the Monsterverse that kicked off back in 2014. We’ve learned this afternoon that “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” Season 2 has been officially ordered up for Apple TV+!

Additionally, “Apple TV+ has also struck a new multi-series deal with Legendary Entertainment, which includes multiple spinoff series based on the franchise.”

“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” premiered late last year, the first small screen project from the big screen Monsterverse that includes Godzilla, King Kong, and other monsters.

Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch.

Apple TV+ has confirmed the renewal of its Monsterverse series, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, for a second season, following a positive reception globally. Alongside this announcement, Apple TV+ revealed a new agreement with Legendary Entertainment that not only includes the series' second season but also plans for multiple spinoff series within the franchise. The upcoming season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is executive produced by showrunners Chris Black and Matt Fraction, Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell from Safehouse Pictures, Matt Shakman, Andrew Colville and Jen Roskind. Hiro Matsuoka and Takemasa Arita executive produce on behalf of Toho Co., Ltd., the owner of the Godzilla character.

“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” has been renewed for Season 2 at Apple TV+, Variety has learned.

In addition, Apple has struck a deal with Legendary Entertainment to develop multiple spinoff series set in the so-called Monsterverse. Exact plot details for the spinoffs are being kept under wraps.

“‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ has left an indelible imprint on the hearts, minds and imaginations of audiences around the world, led by the brilliance of Chris, Matt, Kurt, Wyatt and the incredibly gifted talented cast and creative team,” said Morgan Wandell, head of international development for Apple TV+. “We couldn’t be more excited for viewers to not only have the chance to experience even more thrills in season two, but to embark on epic, new journeys in the franchise, as we expand Legendary’s Monsterverse.”

The first season of “Monarchy: Legacy of Monsters” starred Kurt and Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe,...

Apple is betting bigger on the Godzilla business.

The Apple TV+ series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has been renewed for a second season.

But that’s only the beginning of the company’s monster-verse plans. Apple TV+ has also struck a new multi-series deal with Legendary Entertainment, which includes multiple spinoffs based on the franchise.

“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has left an indelible imprint on the hearts, minds and imaginations of audiences around the world,” said Morgan Wandell, head of international development for Apple TV+. “We couldn’t be more excited for viewers to not only have the chance to experience even more thrills in season two, but to embark on epic, new journeys in the franchise, as we expand Legendary’s Monsterverse.”

The past six months have seen a surprising amount of Godzilla content. In addition to Monarch launching in November, Takashi Yamazaki’s acclaimed film Godzilla Minus One debuted in October.

Apple TV+ has renewed Monarch: Legacy of Monsters from Legendary Entertainment for a second season.

The streamer has also struck a new multi-series deal with Legendary, which includes the second season of Monarch and multiple spinoff series based on the franchise.

“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has left an indelible imprint on the hearts, minds and imaginations of audiences around the world, led by the brilliance of Chris, Matt, Kurt, Wyatt and the incredibly gifted talented cast and creative team,” said Morgan Wandell, head of international development for Apple TV+. “We couldn’t be more excited for viewers to not only have the chance to experience even more thrills in season two, but to embark on epic, new journeys in the franchise, as we expand Legendary’s Monsterverse.”

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch.

Apple TV+ is supersizing its already titanic Monsterverse.

The streamer announced on Thursday that it has renewed Monarch: Legacy of Monsters for a second season; the news comes three months after the Season 1 finale dropped on Jan. 12.

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What’s more, Apple TV+’s new deal with Legendary Entertainment includes multiple spinoff series based on the Monsterverse franchise.

Set in...

Legendary Television has hired Jen Roskind to serve as executive vice president of production, Variety has learned exclusively.

In her new role, Roskind will manage all aspects of the studio’s operations, including physical production, post-production, safety & risk management and production labor. She will report to Carmi Zlotnik, president of Legendary TV.

“We are fortunate and excited to have Jen join our team at such a pivotal time in the TV marketplace,” said Zlotnik. “Her experience and credibility have already led her to make remarkable contributions, and her arrival adds to the focus on expanding and growing our production capabilities. It’s fantastic to have such a wonderful teammate.”

Roskind joins Legendary TV from Netflix, where she was director of original series, drama. She also previously served as vice president of production at FX. While there, she oversaw shows such as “Fosse/Verdon,” “Mrs. America,” “A Teacher,” “Fargo” Season 4, and “Dave...

HBO has canceled the animated series “Animals” after three seasons, Variety has confirmed.

The series was created by executive producers Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano, with Duplass Brothers Productions producing. The animated comedy series focused on the downtrodden creatures native New York City, including rats, pigeons, and bedbugs. Matarese and Luciano also wrote and directed all the episodes, and voiced many of the characters.

The series also featured a number of guest stars lending their voices. Season 3’s guest lineup included stars like Awkwafina, Marcia Clark, Edie Falco, David Harbour, Lucy Liu, Carol Kane, Johnny Knoxville, John Leguizamo, Natasha Lyonne, Anthony Mackie, Tatiana Maslany, Demi Moore, Moby, Tracy Morgan, John Mulaney, and many more.

Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass also executive produce the series, with producers James Fino, Joe Russo II, Kenny Micka, and co-executive producer Jen Roskind. The animation for “Animals” was created with Dan Harmon’s Starburns Industries,...

Orion Classics has acquired North American and Latin American rights for Suzi Yoonessi’s dramedy “Unlovable,” which won the SXSW’s Gamechanger Special Jury Recognition Award.

“Unlovable” is based on co-writer and lead actress Charlene deGuzman’s real-life experiences with sex and love addiction. Yoonessi directed from a script penned by deGuzman, Sarah Adina Smith, and Mark Duplass.

Orion Classics will release the film in U.S. theaters on Nov. 1 and on VOD and Digital HD on Nov. 2.

DeGuzman portrays a recovering sex and love addict who discovers the true nature of intimacy when she forms a garage band with her sponsor’s quirky and reclusive brother, played by John Hawkes. All of the original songs in the film were produced by Hawkes which he wrote alongside Smith and performed with deGuzman. Melissa Leo co-stars as the sponsor of deGuzman’s character.

Yoonessi said, “I remember as a child gazing into the Orion logo,...

Orion Classics has acquired North American and Latin American rights to Unlovable, the musical dramatic comedy that had its world premiere this year at SXSW. The pic, directed by Suzi Yoonessi based on co-writer and star Charlene deGuzman’s real-life experiences with sex and love addiction, will hit U.S. theaters November 1 and digitally November 2.

In the script from deGuzman, Sarah Adina Smith and Mark Duplass, deGuzman stars as a recovering sex and love addict who discovers the true nature of intimacy when she forms a garage band with her sponsor’s quirky and reclusive brother (John Hawkes). The original songs were produced by Hawkes, which he wrote with Smith and performed with deGuzman. Melissa Leo co-stars.

The pic, a Duplass Brothers production, is produced by Jen Roskind and executive produced by Duplass. ICM Partners, which reps Duplass, negotiated the deal.

In August, Orion Classics acquired another SXSW pic, Jinn,...

Mark Duplass serves as executive producer on SXSW award winner.

Orion Classics has acquired all North American and Latin American rights to Suzi Yoonessi’s SXSW award-winner Unlovable starring Charlene deGuzman, John Hawkes and Melissa Leo.

The film won the Gamechanger Special Jury Recognition Award after it premiered in Austin, Texas, and will open theatrically on November 1, followed a day later by the VOD and digital launches.

deGuzman, Sarah Adina Smith, and Mark Duplass wrote the screenplay about a recovering sex and love addict who starts a garage band and learns the true meaning of intimacy.

Jen Roskind produced the Duplass Brothers Production,...

Keep up with the always-hopping film festival world with our weekly Film Festival Roundup column. Check out last week’s Roundup right here.

Lineup Announcements

– The 2017 HollyWeb Festival, sponsored by AMC Independent and running March 30 – April 2, has announced the full schedule of digital series, filmmaker panels, and events for this year’s edition of the festival, celebrating the world’s premiere digital content. 97 digital series will have episodes screened at AMC Universal CityWalk 19 (100 Universal City Plaza), the Universal Hilton (555 Universal Hollywood Drive), and the Fonda Theatre (6126 Hollywood Blvd.).

HollyWeb Festival Co-Director Daniel Doherty said, “From the beginning, the HollyWeb Festival has sought to shine a light on web series creators, honor their collective vision and work, as well as create a yearly event where they can gather and meet, exchange notes, and possibly form partnerships that will lead to even more outstanding and entertaining web series.” HollyWeb Co-Director Jennifer Doherty,...

In just a few short years, Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano have gone from working at an ad agency in New York to writing about the animals that live in New York on HBO’s “Animals.” At their panel at SXSW this year, moderated by IndieWire’s Eric Kohn and accompanied by producer Jen Roskind, the three of them detailed how a small independent pilot managed to get picked up by HBO. They also offered some sneak peeks into what the unpredictable series has to offer, going into Season 2.

When the first episode was created, with only Matarese and Luciano on board hoping to turn it into a full-fledged web series, screenings of “Animals” was kept exclusively to small crowds in and around their native New York. After being featured at a festival though, they were found by the Duplass brothers, who decided to go ahead and fund the show independently.

Back at the end of July, Web star Charlene deGuzman launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund her first feature film, “Unlovable.” With the help of Mark Duplass, who assisted by developing the story about a woman’s struggle with sex and love addiction, deGuzman’s project has raised over $48,600 of its $50,000 goal.

Now, Patton Oswalt has signed on as associate producer of the film and Academy Award winner Melissa Leo has jumped onboard to be one of the film’s stars.

Leo will be playing Joy’s (deGuzman’s) sponsor, Maddie, a “strong, grounded, powerful woman that Joy meets at a 12-step meeting for sex and love addiction.”

Read More: Mark Duplass’ Pet Project ‘Unlovable,’ from Web Star Charlene deGuzman, Launches Kickstarter Campaign

“Unlovable” follows a Joy, who experiences true intimacy through playing music with a reclusive man. The story is based on deGuzman’s own experience with love and sex addiction,...

“Unlovable,” the debut feature from Charlene deGuzman about her struggle with sex and love addiction, launched its Kickstarter campaign today. Mark Duplass developed the story with deGuzman after she reached out to the filmmaker via Twitter.

“I sent him a direct message on Twitter, and asked if I could send a pilot I had just written,” deGuzman — whose Twitter handle is @charstarlene — told IndieWire. Once she sent it over, “he immediately emailed back that he loved it, and that we should make a movie about it.”

The two developed the comedy about a sex- and love-addicted woman, Joy, who experiences true intimacy through playing music with a reclusive man. Originally slated to star opposite deGuzman, Duplass’s shooting schedule became too busy and he had to bow out. He set deGuzman up with producer Jen Roskind (HBO’s “Animals”), writer Sarah Adina Smith, and director Suzi Yoonessi.

Read More: Mark Duplass...

Magnolia Pictures announced today that they have acquired the comedy Best Man Down, with a summer 2013 release slated through their Ultra VOD program. The studio has debuted three photos from this wedding comedy, focusing on a couple (Justin Long and Jess Weixler) forced to cancel their honeymoon when the best man (Tyler Labine) dies at their destination wedding. Take a look at these photos featuring Justin Long, Jess Weixler, and Tyler Labine, then read the press release for more information.

The Wagner/Cuban Company's Magnolia Pictures announced today that they've acquired North American rights to Best Man Down, a warmly funny new comedy from writer/director Ted Koland, starring Justin Long, Jess Weixler, Tyler Labine, Addison Timlin and Frances O'Connor. The film was produced by David Abbitt, Jen Roskind and Sharyn Steele.

When their obnoxious and over-served best man, Lumpy (Tyler Labine) unexpectedly dies at their destination wedding in Phoenix,...

The Wagner/Cuban Company's Magnolia Pictures announced today that they've acquired North American rights to Best Man Down , a warmly funny new comedy from writer/director Ted Koland, starring Justin Long, Jess Weixler, Tyler Labine, Addison Timlin and Frances O'Connor. The film was produced by David Abbitt, Jen Roskind and Sharyn Steele. In the film, when their obnoxious and over-served best man, Lumpy (Labine) unexpectedly dies at their destination wedding in Phoenix, bride and groom Kristin (Weixler) and Scott (Long) are forced to cancel their honeymoon and fly home to the snowy Midwest to arrange for his funeral. But when they arrive they realize that there was a lot more to their friend than met the eye. "We are pleased to be handling 'Best Man Down,' a charming film...

#38. Lumpy - Ted Koland First-time helmer Ted Koland's Minnesota-shot dramedy (featured on IndieWIRE - see the production pic above) happens to feature a good grab-bag of acting names (Justin Long, Tyler Labine, Addison Timlin, Frances O'Connor and Park City favorite Jess Weixler) and the logline sounds somewhat savoury - canceled wedding, followed by shock and surprise might come across as sincere, slightly dark and poignant. Depending on the film's tone, Lumpy might find itself in the Midnight section or Premieres category. Gist: The best man at Scott (Long) and Kristin's (Weixler) Arizona destination wedding, Lumpy (Labine) is the life of the party, until a long, indulgent night leads to his untimely death. Forced to cancel their honeymoon and fly back to Minneapolis to arrange for his funeral, Scott and Kristin meet Ramsey (Timlin) and learn that Lumpy isn't quite who they thought he was. Producers: David Abbitt, Jen Roskind (Stephanie Daley), Sharyn Steele(Ioncinema.

Well I’m not sure if you’re familiar with Minnesota, but if so, I hear that there are filming over there. Surely you’ve heard of irresistible Justin Long. Ok then, he and his good-looking society including Teeth’s Jess Weixler, Apes primatologist, Tyler Labine (oops!) and Californication’s Addison Timlin, are teaming up for the movie titled Lumpy, and somewhere in Minnesota they’re circling with principal photography.

Evan Jones (Book of Eli), Michael Landes (Just Wright) and Shelley Long, who has been criminally absent from feature films for years, costar in the directorial debut of Ted Koland, who also wrote the screenplay.

I do not know but I feel the film begins with opening sequence of wedding in Arizona, (not just near Minnesota): a young bride (Weixler) and a groom (Long) have their dream wedding and best man Lumpy (Labine) performed brilliantly and they were so...

Justin Long, Jess Weixler, Tyler Labine, Addison Timlin, Michael Landes, Evan Jones and Shelley Long have all signed on to star in indie-comedy Lumpy.

Lumpy tells the story of a bride (Weixler) and groom (Long) who find out their best man Lumpy may not be who they thought after he dies at the end of the evening and the couple must put their plans on hold to arrange his funeral.

Ted Koland, who also penned the script, will make his directorial debut on the film.

David Abbitt, Jen Roskind and Sharyn Steel will produce.

Source: Deadline...

Justin Long, Jess Weixler, Tyler Labine and Californication's Addison Timlin head the cast of Lumpy, an indie film just getting underway in Minnesota. Michael Landes, Evan Jones and Shelley Long costar in the directorial debut of Ted Koland, who wrote the script. The film begins with a wedding in Arizona, where the groom (Long) and bride (Weixler) find their nuptials heightened by their life of the party best man, Lumpy (Labine). That's until he dies at the end of the evening. As the couple cancels their honeymoon and heads back to Minneapolis to arrange a funeral, they slowly learn that Lumpy wasn't who they thought he was. The film's being produced by David Abbitt, Jen Roskind and Sharyn Steel. Koland has done extensive work writing and producing TV before taking his feature shot with Lumpy.

NEW YORK -- Mos Def and Sophie Okonedo are in final negotiations to co-star in the indie period drama Stringbean and Marcus, which was written and will be directed by first-time feature helmer Tanya Hamilton. The film takes place in 1978 and focuses on the broken love affair between two former Black Panther members (Mos Def and Okonedo) and is told through the eyes of an adolescent girl. "It's not so much about the idea of race," Hamilton said. "I just wanted to show this world of ordinary people living under extraordinary circumstances, trying to outrun this past they all have." Sean Costello, Jen Roskind and Samara Koffler will produce for RedBone Films. Shooting is scheduled to begin in July in Philadelphia. Mos Def and Okonedo, Costello said, have not yet signed, but "they've committed to the project." Contracts are not likely to be finalized until June, he added. Stringbean was developed through the Sundance Writers and Directors Labs in 1999 and received a Pew Fellowship. It was the first screenplay to receive such a grant. Hamilton was honored at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1996 for her short film The Killers, for which she also received a DGA Women's Award. "Mos is one of my favorite actors; he's fantastic," Costello said. "Sophie has to play this character who's both closed off and being open to helping people yet not being an angry woman. That's what she did in 'Hotel Rwanda' as this maternal, yet emotionally conflicted woman." Okonedo, who received a best supporting actress Oscar nomination for Rwanda last year, is repped by ICM and Julian House at Markham and Froggatt Ltd. Mos Def is repped by Emily Gerson-Saines of Brookside Artists Management.

Tilda Swinton and Amber Tamblyn are starring in Stephanie Daley, an indie feature being directed by Hilary Brougher. Producing are Jen Roskind, Samara Koffler and Sean Costello of RedBone Films and Lynette Howell and Doug Dey of Silverwood Films. Daley, a Sundance Filmmaker Lab project written by Brougher, follows a forensic psychologist (Swinton) investigating a 17-year-old (Tamblyn) accused of infanticide. The film is in production in upstate New York's Catskill Mountains.

Rebone Films has acquired the psychological thriller spec script Silent Scream from writer Michael Wood. The project centers on the disappearance of a woman's family and her attempts to piece together their whereabouts. Rebone Films' Jen Roskind, Samara Koffler and Sean Costello Will Shepherd. Wood was repped in the deal by Brooklyn Weaver at Energy and Rob Szymansky of Eclipse Law Corp.