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Sharon Stone is looking back on her time filming the classic 1995 movie Casino, and she had a lot to say about her co-stars Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. In a conversation with Business Insider, she shared stories from the set and revealed one moment with De Niro that really got under her skin.

Stone said her friendship with Joe Pesci goes way back. “Joey really, really fought for me to be seen and get the job. So I have a serious loyalty to Joey because he’s always backed me,” she said. She also mentioned James Caan as someone who had her back early in her career. “It was always Joey and Jimmy Caan. They backed me since I was 19.”

As for De Niro, Stone said she had been hoping to work with him for years but didn’t get the chance until Casino. “I had auditioned with him many times before Casino.

Sharon Stone recently opened up about what it was like working with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci while filming the 1995 movie Casino. In a new interview with Business Insider, she looked back on the experience and shared a surprising story about a moment on set that made her upset.

Stone said she had a long history with Joe Pesci before Casino. “Joey really, really fought for me to be seen and get the job. So I have a serious loyalty to Joey because he’s always backed me,” she explained.

She also mentioned that James Caan had been a big supporter of hers since she was 19. “It was always Joey and Jimmy Caan. They backed me since I was 19.”

When it came to De Niro, Stone admitted she had wanted to work with him for years. She said she had auditioned with him many times before but never landed a role alongside him.

Subhash K Jha has turned his focus to revisit Anurag Kashyap Gangs Of Wasseypur Part 2, which released in 2012 and we hear from star Manoj Bajpayee an out the making of the film.

Released two weeks after Part 1, Part 2 was even more violent. If you try to count the numbers of bullets that are fired at unsuspecting victims in the ferociously violent world inhabited by Anurag Kashyap’s trigger-happy goons, you might end up cross-eyed. Caught in the crossfire of vendetta and redemption the characters of Gangs of Wasseypur 2 are so on-the-edge they don’t fear the abyss that awaits them at the end of their vengeful voyage.

In any case, no one in Kashyap’s God-forsaken kingdom takes cops seriously, not even the cops themselves. There’s a typically wry Kashyap joke just before interval when the raging protagonist Faizal(or ‘Faijal’, as everyone including his sexy wife calls him...

Everything in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" is perfect, even when it isn't. In a script that often reads like poetry, it's well documented that some of the most beloved moments in one of the greatest crime movies ever made were simply happy accidents. James Caan's Sonny tossing money to photographers for a broken camera was a snapshot of spontaneity, and even Don Corleone's opening conversation was made all the more unsettling thanks to Marlon Brando bringing a stray cat to the scene and creating one of the most memorable character introductions in cinema history.

Among the essential improvisations that make "The Godfather" a masterpiece is the darkly humorous and incredibly heartless death of a traitor -- and the retrieval of a pastry that would be recited for decades. In the tense and tightly orchestrated assassination of Pauli Gatto (John Martino), a respected capo and dedicated member of the Corleone family,...

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Who would have wondered that Liam Neeson would be the perfect son to Leslie Nielsen‘s hilariously chaotic cop, Frank Drebin, in an all-new The Naked Gun? The 2025 film follows Lieutenant Frank Drebin Jr, who must solve a hilariously convoluted case to stop his police department from shutting down. The Naked Gun also stars Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Danny Huston, Cch Pounder, and Kevin Durand. So, if you loved the hilarious comedy, never-ending jokes, and entertaining characters in The Naked Gun, here are some similar movies you should check out next.

The Other Guys (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Sony Pictures

The Other Guys is a buddy cop action comedy film directed by Adam McKay, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Henchy. The 2010 film follows Terry and Allen, two overlooked cops who must work together...

Michael Mann’s “Thief” (1981) reminded me of something that Danny Boyle said during his time in the Criterion Collection’s closet. He picked up the Coen brothers‘ debut feature while speaking about his father, who still compares all his films to his feature debut, “Shallow Grave.” That’s because he thinks it’s his son’s finest work, even if it’s his first. There might be some truth to Mr. Boyle’s theory, which is why “Thief” feels like a blueprint for everything Mann has worked on. Not that he hasn’t made anything great otherwise, but there’s something to his first film that you can’t help but fall in love with, especially if you can’t get enough of his cinematic style.

It’s here when you first hear the synth-heavy electronic music in the fuzzy, neon-lit streets. You also hear the endless city noise in almost every frame,...

On Thursday 31 July 2025, BBC One broadcasts Dragons’ Den!

Season 22 Episode 9 Episode Summary

This week’s episode of “Dragons’ Den” on BBC One promises to be an exciting showcase of innovative business ideas. The episode features four unique pitches, each aiming to win over the Dragons and secure investment.

First up is a concept that introduces reusable tins inspired by traditional Indian designs. This eco-friendly product aims to combine sustainability with cultural aesthetics, appealing to those who appreciate both functionality and style. The Dragons will likely be interested in the market potential and the environmental impact of this idea.

Next, a pitch for neurodivergent T-shirts takes the stage. This clothing line aims to raise awareness and promote inclusivity for individuals with neurodivergent conditions. The Dragons may be intrigued by the social message behind the brand and its potential to resonate with a wider audience.

The episode also features a luxury skincare...

This post contains spoilers for "Rollerball" and its 2002 remake.

50 years have passed since "Rollerball" was released in theaters in 1975, but this sci-fi cult classic still hits hard. If anything, it only feels more prescient with its near-future setting where corporations rule the world, and where every citizen is considered a customer. This might feel confusing at first, as "Rollerball" is technically a sports movie, where its titular futuristic sport lends the story a certain amount of action-first kineticism. While this is true, Norman Jewison's 1975 classic mounts a flawed social commentary that is scathing in its own way, even though some aspects of the story haven't aged too well and can be deemed exploitative.

The dangerous, corporate-mandated sport of Rollerball is more than just vapid entertainment. It is a tool used to control vastly scattered social classes, disguised as a necessary spectacle that can end conflict and eradicate bigotry at its root.

Rob Reiner is an unabashed Stephen King fan. He third movie was Stand by Me, based on the King story "The Body." Shortly after the release of that film, he formed his own production company, Castle Rock Entertainment, named after a fictional Maine town that serves as the setting for many a King tale. Over the years, Castle Rock has churned out several adaptations of the horror master's works, including The Shawshank Redemption, Misery, The Green Mile, Needful Things, Dolores Claiborne, Hearts in Atlantis, and Dreamcatcher — but, ironically, not the King-adjacent series Castle Rock, which was produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot.

During a weekend appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, Reiner shared some behind-the-scenes anecdotes of his two acclaimed King features, Stand by Me (1986) and Misery (1990), which earned a Best Actress Oscar for Kathy Bates — the only film based on the novelist's work to win an Academy Award.

"For Misery,...

In the new romantic comedy, “Oh, Hi!,” Logan Lerman finds himself speechless – in one of the kinkiest ways possible.

Lerman and Molly Gordon star as a couple, Isaac and Iris, who embark on their first weekend together. However, things take a wild turn when Isaac, still chained to a bed after a kinky sex romp, tells Iris he’s not interested in a serious monogamous relationship.

Iris decides to keep a barely dressed Isaac shackled to see if she could convince him to be her boyfriend.

At one point, he tries to yell for help but can’t because he’s muzzled by a ball gag.

“There’s nothing better than having a ball gag in your mouth when you’re trying to say words and string sentences together,” Lerman told me at the recent special screening of the movie at AMC at the Grove in Los Angeles. “I would...

Molly Gordon isn't exactly an Annie Wilkes truther... but she does think that there's more to the villain of Stephen King's 1987 horror novel Misery — and Rob Reiner's 1990 film adaptation — than meets the eye.

"Annie's a psychopath, but you kind of understand her a little bit," Gordon tells Gold Derby about one of the most famous characters in King's menagerie of monsters. Of course, the actress stops short of exonerating the character completely. "What if I was like, 'Annie Wilkes did nothing wrong?'" she jokes. "Stephen King's films are so inspiring in that they are really funny even when they're scary."

@gold_derby

#OhHi star Molly Gordon was inspired by #KathyBates and her ‘Misery’ performance. #thebear #film #filmtok #stephenking

♬ original sound - Gold Derby

Gordon feels that Kathy Bates captured Annie's complexities particularly well in her Oscar-winning performance in Reiner's movie, which she calls one of her...

The upcoming episode of “Dragons’ Den” promises an exciting mix of innovative business ideas that could capture the attention of the Dragons. Season 22, Episode 9 will air on BBC One at 8:00 Pm on Thursday, July 31, 2025. In this episode, entrepreneurs will present their unique concepts, each aiming for investment to help take their ventures to the next level.

One standout idea is a line of reusable tins inspired by India. These tins not only reflect cultural artistry but also promote sustainability, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. Another pitch focuses on neurodivergent T-shirts, which aim to raise awareness and provide comfort for individuals with different sensory needs. This idea highlights the importance of inclusivity in fashion.

Additionally, viewers will see a luxury skincare brand that promises high-quality products without the hefty price tag. This venture seeks to make premium skincare accessible to a wider audience. Lastly, a virtual gifting app will be introduced,...

The Godfather was a 1972 film that literally changed how people perceived gangsters. Following the story of Vito Corleone and his eventual giving up of power, The Godfather was a power struggle where unwilling people had to step in to take control of the family to keep it safe.

Featuring a ton of characters throughout the trilogy, The Godfather trilogy was Francis Ford Coppola at his finest. Robert Duvall, who portrayed the role of Tom Hagen (the consigliere and head lawyer of the Corleone family), talked about an iconic star who gave it all for one of the best performances of all time.

Robert Duvall Credits Sonny Corleone Actor for Making The Godfather More Fun

James Caan portrayed the role of Sonny Corleone, the eldest son of Vito Corleone, and was the acting don of the family while Vito Corleone slowly moved towards retirement.

James Caan (left) as Sonny Corleone in...

Will Smith, the Fresh Prince himself, is now at the center of a Hollywood conspiracy unlike any other. A secret underground bunker hidden beneath Los Angeles, purportedly designed to shield him from a potential zombie apocalypse or societal collapse. This jaw-dropping claim comes not from tabloid scribbles but from none other than Tish Cyrus, mother of Miley Cyrus, who shared her conviction on Harry Jowsey’s podcast Boyfriend Material (via Daily Mail).

During a candid chat with her daughter Brandi, Tish dropped the bombshell that she believes Smith possesses a fortified refuge underground in LA, a vault of safety against dark times looming on the horizon.

I’ve heard the LA tunnels are real. I heard Will Smith has a whole underground bunker in LA.

Brandi initially greeted the notion with skepticism but quickly shifted gears, affirming:

I believe it.

Tish insisted that what many label as “conspiracy theories” are...

Ari Aster is expanding the fictional town of Eddington into Queens, NY. The auteur is partnering with the Museum of the Moving Image to host the new film series “Eddington City Limits,” highlighting the features that inspired his acclaimed Covid-set Western.

Aster will be in attendance for two out of the five films that will screen; the program ranges from Robert Altman’s iconic “Nashville” to Lars von Trier’s beloved “Dogville.” The series is co-programmed by Aster and MoMI Senior Curator of Film Michael Koresky, and will take place from August 15 to 31. “Eddington” opens in theaters today, July 18.

As the description for the film series states, “Eddington City Limits” will include “movies that both directly inspired or echo the escalating madness of ‘Eddington,’ depicting powder-keg communities ready to spill over into violence or enclosed worlds so given to conspiracy and obsession that there’s no longer any sense of coherent reality.

In 2025, there is no excuse for a film set to be anything other than fully safe and secure. Obviously, accidents will happen. Just as sure as you might take a stumble while out for a walk, or put a foot wrong while walking up the stairs, people will get hurt performing stunts. What should never, ever occur, however, is a miscue that leaves someone seriously injured or, god forbid, dead. When there is a fatal accident on set, it is almost certainly due to gross negligence, as was the case when Alec Baldwin shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins with a live round from a prop gun during the filming of "Rust."

Fortunately, there have been relatively few instances of such incompetence over the last couple of decades, but during the silent and early talkies eras, fatal accidents were much more frequent. Airplane stunts went awry, fires got wildly out of control,...

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It's one thing to tell a story that captivates, and it's another to build a universe that could last longer than its creators dared to dream. In science fiction, fantasy, and the world of superheroes, the struggle for immortality comes with the territory. The universe your characters struggle to thrive within has its own rules, history, and myths. If you're J. R. R. Tolkien writing "The Lord of the Rings," it'll be that and more. It's a sprawling challenge for creators, but the results can be fantastic.

In science fiction, reality offers a kickstart; stories like "The Matrix" and, to a subtler extent, "The X-Files" start with the world we think we know. Then they veer wildly. It becomes speculation, asking what people will be like when the world evolves. These fictional universes become aspirational, or they can serve as warnings.

Arrow Video’s August line-up turns up the heat with six distinct genre restorations landing on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. The month kicks off with the brutal origins of a horror icon in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning before moving through the dusty final stand of a Hollywood legend in The Shootist, high-octane gang warfare in Enemy Territory, James Caan’s debut triumph Thief, Jennifer Reeder’s twisted coming-of-age shocker Perpetrator, and Wolfgang Petersen’s epic disaster thriller Poseidon.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning arrives on 25 August in Limited Edition 4K Uhd, unearthing the Hewitt clan’s backstory in both its theatrical cut and an extended Uncut Version for the first time on 4K disc. Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes prequel recreates the grotesque birth of Leatherface and his kin in lurid fashion. A reversible sleeve, poster and collector’s booklet complete this collector’s package.

Fans...

Michael Mann is set to receive the Lumiere Award at the 17th edition of the Lumière Festival in Lyon this fall. The festival, headed by Cannes chief Thierry Fremaux, celebrates classic films and honors iconic filmmakers and actors every year.

Previous Lumiere honorees include some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese, Jane Fonda, Francis Ford Coppola, Quentin Tarantino, and Tim Burton, alongside European stars, such as Isabelle Huppert and Catherine Deneuve. The Lumière Award honors a figure for their entire body of work and their connection to the history of cinema.

Throughout his career, which spans forty years so far, Mann has delivered cult films such as “Heat,” “The Last of the Mohicans,” “The Insider” and “Collateral,” and has worked with Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis, Tom Cruise, James Caan, Natalie Portman or Gong Li.

“He is both rooted in a strong Hollywood...

Michael Mann will be honored with the Lumière Award at the 17th edition of the classic film-focused Lumière Festival in Lyon this fall.

The Institut Lumière, which oversees the festival, praised Mann’s 40-year career marked by enduring hits such as Heat, The Last of the Mohicans, The Insider, and Collateral as well as his direction of “screen legends” including Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis, Tom Cruise, James Caan, Natalie Portman and Gong Li.

“He is both rooted in a strong Hollywood tradition and embodies a personal and innovative cinema through his choice of subjects, his approach to directing, storytelling, and aesthetics. With true independence—and at times a certain solitude—he is one of the most important filmmakers in the history of cinema,” it continued in its release.

Mann follows in the wake of past Lumière honorees such as Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese, Jane Fonda, Francis Ford Coppola,...

After debuting Oh, Hi! at Sundance earlier this year, Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman brought their dark romantic comedy to Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The film — which Gordon produced and helped develop the story for alongside writer-director Sophie Brooks — follows a couple on their first romantic getaway, when upon arrival Lerman’s character Isaac says he’s not ready for a serious relationship and Gordon’s character Iris goes to great lengths to convince him otherwise.

“Honestly, some men were a little mean to Sophie and I and then we just wanted to write a story about it,” Gordon joked at the L.A. premiere of the film’s origins. The project has drawn frequent comparisons to 1990’s Misery, starring Kathy Bates and James Caan, for its similarities in women holding a man they are obsessed with hostage.

Of those comparisons, Gordon explains, “We bow down to Stephen King; this is totally its own thing,...

Jason Statham may be the face of modern action cinema — all grit, gravitas, and bone-snapping intensity — but when it comes to his personal viewing habits, the man behind The Beekeeper and Wrath of Man prefers something a little more... classic. Enter The Godfather. Long hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 mafia masterpiece is enjoying a new wave of popularity — thanks in part to a growing cult of admiration online, and yes, because it’s now streaming for free on Pluto TV. But what’s giving it that extra punch in the algorithm? Well, maybe the fact that Jason Statham himself called it a “masterpiece” in a now-resurfaced interview.

“It’s just quality at its best,” Statham told Rotten Tomatoes back in 2008. “Fantastic writing, an amazing caliber of acting; just beautiful, everything about it. The details of the clothes, the sets — just a masterpiece.

Virtually any film fan worth his salt at this point will know what the label “a Wes Anderson film” means. It means distinctive color pallets, symmetrical framing, children acting like adults, and adults acting like children. It means consistently fantastic casts littered with indie cinema legends and, underneath all the style, deeply moving family dramas populated with touching universal truths.

His style is everywhere, not just in every frame, shot, and edit of his nine meticulously crafted feature films but also in the work of his imitators, such as Taika Waititi or Noah Baumbach. Love him or hate him, Anderson fills a void in modern Hollywood for unique, mercilessly singular artists crafting films with irreplicable passion and attention to detail. We decided to delve into Wes Anderson’s complete catalog, ranking his films from worst to best.

*Disclaimer: In my opinion, each one of these films can at least be considered “good,...

Hell of a Role Al Pacino recently took on the role of a Catholic priest confronting the Devil himself. The (for lack of a congruent term of what he brings to any role) gravitas of Pacino anchors Father Theophilus Riesinger, the German-born Capuchin priest who famously endured a grueling four-month battle to reclaim Schmidt’s soul from demonic control. Set in 1928 Iowa and steeped in the scorched bones of American demonology, ‘The Ritual’ follows two priests- one devout but fractured, the other wavering in faith- tasked with exorcising a woman gripped by violent possession. This isn’t just another fictional horror tale. The film is based directly on Begone Satan!, the 1935 pamphlet detailing the real-life exorcism of Emma Schmidt, a documented case so harrowing it has long haunted the fringe between folklore and faith. The same material inspired William Peter Blatty’s ‘The Exorcist’ and, eventually, William Friedkin’s landmark 1973 film.

Matlock star Kathy Bates is 77. And the inaugural “CBS Birthday Salute” is celebrating the Academy Award winner’s June 28 birthday with everybody. The historic broadcast network began teasing the multiple Emmy winner’s birthday as early as June 13. Its social media platforms even dubbed themselves “Kathy Bates Stan Account.” Two days before her birthday, Jason Ritter, Bates’s Matlock co-star, appeared in a reminder on CBS social platforms.

Lovebombing of the legend officially kicked off at 7 a.m. Et/4 a.m. Pt in a series of commercial breaks during live programming and across multiple CBS platforms, including Paramount+, Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook. Tributes from Bates’s many costars, including Bad Santa 2’s Billy Bob Thornton, A Family Affair castmate Brooke Shields, and Tammy co-star Melissa McCarthy, as well as CBS Mornings personalities Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Vladimir Duthiers, are among the many highlights from the celebration ending at 11 p.

Although not the first actor to play Superman in a live-action film project, and certainly not the last, Christopher Reeve is still held up by many as the Platonic ideal of the character. Reeve first portrayed Superman in Richard Donner's 1978 feature film "Superman," and that film bothered to present the Man of Steel as an epic folk hero, worthy of a gigantic budget, a sacred tone, and the type of outsize storytelling Hollywood typically reserved for Biblical epics. At the heart of it all was Reeve, an actor who managed to communicate the humility and nobility of the character, even as he flew around the sly in Superman's cartoon-friendly blue costume.

Reeve played Superman in three additional sequels, although it was diminishing returns with each progressive outing, both dramatically and financially. By the time "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" came out, audiences no longer cared. Despite this, though,...

The '80s were full of some of the most beloved movies of a generation, including everything from franchise blockbusters to one-off masterpieces. But for every movie throughout the decade that regularly gets widely celebrated, there are countless others of solid quality yet often outside of the spotlight. This can be from the movies not being commercial successes upon their initial release or just being overshadowed by more popular genre contemporaries. Whatever the reason for their oversight, these films are well-crafted and, above all, make for an entertaining time at the movies.

Fortunately, the test of time has proven kind to many movies that were initially overlooked, with many of them finding their adoring audiences years later. Whether they're cult classics or movies that just never quite hit the level of attention they deserved, these flicks are cinematic diamonds in the rough.

Here are the 15 most underrated movies of the 1980s,...

Heist movies hook us with sharp plans, high stakes, and twists that keep us guessing. From raw crime dramas to slick capers, these classics turn theft into an art form, blending tension and style into unforgettable thrills.

We’ve ranked 15 iconic heist films, from gripping to legendary, that define the genre with clever schemes and bold execution. Here’s why these movies are must-sees for any aspiring mastermind.

15. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) Palomar Pictures International

A crew hijacks a New York subway train, demanding a ransom under pressure. Joseph Sargent’s lean thriller, led by Walter Matthau, crackles with 70s grit and wit.

The urban stakes and tight pacing pull us in. We love its no-frills, suspenseful ride.

14. Point Break (1991) 20th Century Fox

Keanu Reeves’ FBI agent infiltrates Patrick Swayze’s surfing bank robbers. Kathryn Bigelow’s high-octane heist blends adrenaline-pumping action with a surprising bromance.

The...

The film industry features millions and millions of projects, and there is a genre and subgenre for everyone. However, few films have received the status of "one of the greatest" of all time.

The Godfather series is among them. The trilogy won major awards, winning nine out of its 28 Academy Award nominations, and generally earned high praise not just from moviegoers but from other filmmakers, as well. Now, the first installment, which also received high praise from Steven Spielberg, has just experienced a major surge on streaming, per FlixPatrol.

The 1972 crime film just debuted on Paramount+, and it almost went all the way to the top. Francis Ford Coppola's Oscar-winning film debuted in second place in the U.S., becoming a streaming hit, too.

Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather trilogy received praise for the first two entries. Spielberg, who helmed some of the greatest films ever made, like Jaws,...

There are many Stephen King adaptations out there, but "Misery" holds the distinction of being based on a story that echoes the author's real-life traumatic experiences with toxic fans. The film follows Paul Sheldon (James Caan), a novelist who is nursed back to life by his biggest admirer, Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), following a car accident, only to realize that she might not be as caring as she claims. The psychological horror movie captures the terror of its original source material with aplomb, and King regards it as one of the best adaptations of his work. But would he have liked it more with Billy Bob Thornton involved, given that King is a big fan of Taylor Sheridan's "Landman?"

That remains unknown, but it is true that Thornton was almost cast in "Misery." While speaking to Bates in a conversation for Variety's "Actors on Actors," the "Landman" star revealed...

Billy Bob Thornton reveals that he almost had a role in Misery. The psychological thriller, based on Stephen King’s 1987 novel, is largely considered a genre favorite and earned Kathy Bates an Academy Award for Best Actress. Directed by Rob Reiner, of Stand by Me and When Harry Met Sally…, the movie follows a dangerous encounter between author Paul Sheldon and devoted fan Annie Wilkes, who holds him captive after a car crash. Along with Bates, the cast of Misery includes James Caan, Lauren Bacall, Richard Farnsworth, and Frances Sternhagen.

During an Actors on Actors conversation for Variety, Thornton revealed to Bates how he was almost cast in Misery. As Thornton explained, he auditioned to play a deputy to Sheriff Buster and, despite landing the role, he was later informed by Reiner that his part would not actually make the movie. However, Thornton noted that Reiner still gave him an opportunity to film his scenes,...

Billy Bob Thornton, the actor best-known for films like Armageddon and Bad Santa, and shows like Fargo and Taylor Sheridan's Landman, has made a stunning reveal about the early part of his career. Before he wrote, directed and starred in Sling Blade, the film that would catapult him to stardom, and earn him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, Thornton was set to appear in one of the best Stephen Kingadaptations. However, per Rob Reiner's decision as director, Thornton's scene was cut from the script of the horror classic.

Thornton spoke to colleague Kathy Bates during a retrospective on each other's careers for Variety. The duo revisited their collaborations on films like Primary Colors and Bad Santa, but per Thornton's claims, there could have been another. He could have starred in Reiner's adaptation of Misery, the film that earned Bates the Academy Award for Best Actress...

Hollywood stars Billy Bob Thornton and Kathy Bates have been friends for decades after first appearing together in the 1998 film Primary Colors. However, the two nearly met much earlier, as Thornton was initially set to appear in the movie that won Bates an Academy Award.

Based on the Stephen King story, 1990's Misery starred Bates as Annie Wilkes, an obsessive fan who takes her favorite author (James Caan) captive, forcing him to rewrite the finale of his popular novel series. With Bates' win for Best Actress, the film remains the only King adaptation to have won an Oscar. Per Variety, Thornton recently revealed to Bates that he'd been cast for a role in Misery, something she hadn't even known until now. Unfortunately for Thornton, however, creative changes led to his character getting dropped.

"There was a time I went in and read for Rob Reiner for Misery," Thornton explained. "I swear to God.

Hell of a Role Al Pacino recently took on the role of a Catholic priest confronting the Devil himself. The (for lack of a congruent term of what he brings to any role) gravitas of Pacino anchors Father Theophilus Riesinger, the German-born Capuchin priest who famously endured a grueling four-month battle to reclaim Schmidt’s soul from demonic control. Set in 1928 Iowa and steeped in the scorched bones of American demonology, ‘The Ritual’ follows two priests- one devout but fractured, the other wavering in faith- tasked with exorcising a woman gripped by violent possession. This isn’t just another fictional horror tale. The film is based directly on Begone Satan!, the 1935 pamphlet detailing the real-life exorcism of Emma Schmidt, a documented case so harrowing it has long haunted the fringe between folklore and faith. The same material inspired William Peter Blatty’s ‘The Exorcist’ and, eventually, William Friedkin’s landmark 1973 film.

Stephen King’s books are some of Hollywood’s most reliable sources of material to turn into movies and TV shows, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years for adaptations of his work to date. There are four movies based on thing he’s written out this year — The Monkey came out in February, The Life of Chuck opens nationwide this week, and The Long Walk and The Running Man are slated for the fall — and two TV shows, The Institute and It: Welcome to Derry.

The Life of Chuck is particularly notable, because it stands a chance of doing something no King adaptation has done since 1999: earn an Academy Award nomination. The sci-fi fantasy based on King’s 2020 novella won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024, and every People’s Choice Award winner since 2012 has been nominated for...

Ryan Coogler is thanking fellow filmmaker Christopher Nolan for not only inspiring him, but also making the world a better place thanks to Nolan’s art. “Sinners” director Coogler selected Nolan’s directorial debut “Following” while visiting the Criterion Closet in the below video, and couldn’t help but praise Nolan for changing cinema.

“This is my guy. I’ve come to know him. I’ve come to know his wife [producer Emma Thomas]. Amazing people,” Coogler said. “First and foremost, they’re just lovers of cinema, and lovers of family. The world is richer because they’re making movies.”

Coogler added that Nolan is a “mentor of mine,” no doubt since they both share indie filmmaking roots, have gone on to helm large IP installments (the “Black Panther” and “Dark Knight” respective trilogies), and also direct original blockbusters. The duo also champion IMAX technology.

Nolan’s directorial debut “Following” premiered...

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Deep Cover is a British action comedy film directed by Tom Kingsley from a screenplay co-written by Colin Trevorrow, Derek Connolly, Ben Ashenden, and Alexander Owen. The Prime Video film is set in London, and it follows three improv actors who are recruited by the police to infiltrate the criminal underworld of London. Deep Cover stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, Nick Mohammed, Paddy Considine, Ian McShane, and Sean Bean. So, if you loved the hilarious comedy, entertaining characters, and compelling story in Deep Cover, here are some similar movies you should check out next.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Lionsgate

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is an action comedy film directed by Tom Gormican, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Kevin Etten. The 2022 film follows a fictionalized Nicolas Cage who...

Sam Rockwell is singing the praises of “Sinners.” The “White Lotus” actor told Variety that “Sinners” succeeding at the box office is a beacon of hope for Hollywood.

“It was encouraging because it was rated R, you know? The sexuality felt palpable,” Rockwell said. “And the fact that it made a bunch of money while mixing all these genres — ‘From Dusk Till Dawn,’ ‘Sounder,’ ‘Devil in a Blue Dress’ — I thought that was encouraging. It’s a big swing. And it made a lot of money, just like ‘Wonder Woman.’ That was a big swing, too. Made by a woman [Patty Jenkins]. Did very well.”

Rockwell compared “Sinners” to Academy Award-winning films that also transcended genre. “‘Birdman’ is another one. On paper, you’d think, ‘That movie’s not going to do anything.’ But it was amazing,” he said. “Same with ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.’ Everybody turned it down — Gene Hackman,...

It can be surreal to learn about the casting decisions that almost happened. "A Clockwork Orange" star Malcolm McDowell almost played Pennywise the dancing clown. Val Kilmer was almost Morpheus in "The Matrix." For every movie or TV show, there are a whole bunch of "almost" casting stories that would have completely changed the way things turned out. Usually, things seem to work out for the best, but there are always those circumstances where fans wonder what might have been. There's even one to ponder about actor Jonah Hill. 

Brothers and directors Josh and Benny Safdie had a long road to making their 2019 thriller "Uncut Gems," which eventually starred Adam Sandler as Howard Ratner, a jeweler and gambling addict who gets in way over his head. It's a harrowing anxiety attack of a movie in the best possible way, and Sandler's performance is a career best, surpassing even his work...

We’ve discussed three of Michael Crichton’s biggest adaptations with Congo, Sphere, and of course Jurassic Park but we also covered a bit more of the man and his career in the sections about the stories themselves. While the wunderkind could write novels and screenplays, create TV shows, and even program his video game releases, he wasn’t given the chance to direct often. While he has some fun ones like Runaway and Coma, he also has some genuinely great ones like The Great Train Robbery and Looker. While I enjoy all of those, I think one that is fun, good, and actually really important to pop culture is Westworld. It would invariably lead to Jurassic Park and be more of a precursor to The Terminator franchise than it gets credit for as well as a TV series that I think we can all agree ran on for too long.

Kathy Bates Academy Winning Nail-Biting Thriller Misery (Photo Credit – Prime Video)

Veteran American actress Kathy Bates has captivated audiences for decades with versatile performances in films like Titanic, Richard Jewell, Primary Colors, and Dolores Claiborne, to name a few. But her spine-chilling portrayal in a psychological horror film earned her the coveted Best Actress Oscar.

Can you guess which one? We’re talking about Rob Reiner’s 1990 classic, Misery, which was based on Stephen King’s 1987 novel of the same name. Read on to find out why this gripping psychological thriller is a must-watch — and where you can stream it on Ott.

Misery – Plot & Cast

Directed by Rob Reiner (A Few Good Men), the film’s plot follows the story of Paul Sheldon (played by James Caan), a famous author best known for writing romance novels featuring a character named Misery Chastain. After a car accident, Paul is rescued by a nurse,...

A sequel to Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is moving forward at Netflix. While David Fincher will be taking the helm, the follow-up film will bring back Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth, the former stuntman from the original. Now, some of his co-stars are being revealed.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, newcomers to the cast of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's sequel include Scott Caan and Elizabeth Debicki. Details about their characters have not yet been revealed, as the plot of the movie remains mostly shrouded in mystery. All that's known is that the film is expected to be set in a later time period, and it's also unclear if any material from Tarantino's 2021 tie-in novel, which divulged some of Cliff's backstory, will be utilized.

According to THR, Tarantino was initially considering having the film serve as his final movie as director before shelving that idea.

Netflix's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel has added two prominent stars to its cast. Brad Pitt is already confirmed to be reprising his role of Cliff Booth in the David Fincher-directed film, which will serve as a follow-up to the adventures of the fan-favorite Quentin Tarantino character. The movie is based on a script that Tarantino previously wrote and production is expected to begin in July.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Elizabeth Debicki and Scott Caan have now joined the cast as well. Both Debicki and Caan's roles remain under wraps. There are reportedly two key female roles, with one character running a bar and mud wrestling establishment and the other being a trophy wife, but it is unconfirmed if Debicki will be playing either of these characters. Caan's involvement marks a reunion with Pitt, as the two of them starred in the Ocean's Eleven movie trilogy together.

David Fincher’s sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is casting up as it prepares for a summer start of production.

Scott Caan and Elizabeth Debicki are joining Brad Pitt in the feature that is being made by Netflix.

Much of the project is shrouded in secrecy, but it is known to center on Cliff Booth, the former stuntman and body double to TV actor Rick Dalton, as seen in Tarantino’s 2019 film. It is set in a later time period than that movie. It is unclear how much of the material, if any, is based on Tarantino’s 2021 novel by the same name and which revealed more of Cliff’s backstory, including the death of his wife.

The story’s origins lie in a script that Tarantino wrote for himself to direct, but eventually put it aside. Pitt convinced the filmmaker to let Fincher...

Loretta Swit, who played Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the hit comedy series M*A*S*H, died today at her home in New York City. She was 87.

Her death was announced by her representative Harlan Boll, who said a New York City police report indicates Swit died just after noon today of suspected natural causes.

Swit was a mainstay on the classic and beloved comedy series for its entire 11-year run, nominated for Emmy Awards every year from 1974-83, winning in 1980 and 1982.

Born Loretta Jane Szwed on November 4, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, studied drama in New York City with Gene Frankel, the noted theater director and acting teacher. Swit appeared in Off Broadway productions throughout the 1960s, and in 1967 toured with the national company of the comedy Any Wednesday.

Swit made her TV debut in 1969 on Hawaii Five-o, with subsequent credits including Mannix, Mission: Impossible, Gunsmoke, Bonanza and The Bold Ones,...

Loretta Swit, M*A*S*H's Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan, has died at the age of 87. In addition to her acting career, which earned her two Emmy Awards, Swit was also a noted animal activist. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Swit died at home of natural causes on Friday morning.

Swit was born Loretta Jane Szwed in Passaic, New Jersey, on November 4, 1937. She studied drama in New York and made her stage debut in the 1960s, appearing in a number of Broadway and off-Broadway productions. She relocated to Hollywood in 1969, and made her on-screen debut in a 1969 episode of Hawaii Five-o as the ill-fated bride of a soldier. She made guest appearances on a number of contemporary series, including Mission: Impossible, Mannix, and Gunsmoke, before landing the role that would make her a TV legend.

Who Is Margaret Houlihan?

M*A*S*H was a TV adaptation of the popular...

Who Inspired The Voice Of Marlon Brando’s Vito Corleone In The Godfather? (Photo Credit – Netflix)

Vito Corleone appears in The Godfather with a voice that barely rises above a whisper, yet no one dares ignore him. Marlon Brando made sure of that. His performance in the role elevated the film and became one of the main reasons the gangster genre found new life and lasting respect.

Brando, despite being surrounded by an already legendary cast, including the likes of Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, still managed to leave the deepest mark in the movie. He didn’t need much screen time to do it, either. He brought gravity and an unforgettable presence to a man who never had to shout to be heard.

The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Marlon Brando’s Vito Corleone Voice In The Godfather

Long before the cameras rolled, Brando had been digging deep.

Ena Hartman, a pioneering Black actress who had a regular role opposite Burt Reynolds on the 1970-71 ABC cop show Dan August, has died. She was 93.

Hartman died April 16 of natural causes at her home in Van Nuys, her goddaughter Lorraine Foxworth told The Hollywood Reporter.

Hartman also is known for her starring turn as the tough girl Carmen Simms alongside Tom Selleck, Don Marshall, Roger E. Mosley, Phyllis Davis and Marta Kristen in the cult prison-set film Terminal Island (1973), written and directed by Stephanie Rothman.

She assisted Lee J. Cobb’s character in the spy spoof Our Man Flint (1966), starring James Coburn; played a party guest in Games (1967), starring James Caan, Simone Signoret and Katharine Ross; and was a flight attendant in Airport (1970).

And in firsts for NBC in 1968, she appeared on the inaugural episode of Adam-12 and in the telefilm Prescription Murder, which starred Peter Falk in his initial outing as Columbo.

Francis Ford Coppola has been at the helm of quite a few masterpieces throughout his brilliantly star-studded career, and Apocalypse Now serves as yet another outstanding addition to the list. A critically acclaimed piece with a stunning 90% score on the Tomatometer, the war-action flick has earned tremendous cult acclaim over the years.

But while it continues to be regarded among the most visually and thematically ambitious movies on the Vietnam War, the filmmaker also seems to have been candid while ostensibly quietly exposing the CIA’s darkest wartime operations. This was brought to light by connecting the dots between Colonel Kurtz and CIA op Tony Poe.

Did Francis Ford Coppola expose the CIA’s darkest operations through Apocalypse Now? Marlon Brando as Colonel Kurtz. | Credits: Apocalypse Now / Paramount Pictures.

Apocalypse Now presents us a fazing reality with its surreal cinematography by director Francis Ford Coppola amidst the brooding atmosphere of the movie.

Michael Cimino’s The Deer Hunter will headline Legend’s June 2025 slate, as the classic war film makes its debut on the free-to-air genre channel. Scheduled for its first airing on Saturday 28 June, the five-time Academy Award winner will anchor a month of premieres that spans decades and genres, from prestige Hollywood dramas to high-concept science fiction and British cult films.

Originally released in 1978, The Deer Hunter stars Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep, and is widely regarded as one of the most significant American films of the 20th century. Set before, during and after the Vietnam War, the film traces the psychological and emotional impact of conflict on a group of steelworkers from Pennsylvania. Cimino’s ambitious and often divisive work won Best Picture and Best Director at the Oscars and remains a key title in any examination of American post-war cinema.

Legend’s line-up throughout June...