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Exclusive: Cameroonian viral basketball star Nkwain Kennedy is about to swap social media for a slightly larger screen.

Former NBA Mvp Joel Embiid’s Miniature Géant is working with full service studio Bark Bark and Deon Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group to create a documentary about Kennedy’s dream to play professional basketball. Embiid will executive produce and Taylor will direct.

Kennedy comes from the war-torn northwest region of Cameroon, where militias rule and life isn’t guaranteed. However, his TikTok and Instagram videos showcasing his skills on the court and magnetic dream-chasing personality have attracted attention from the likes of Embiid, Steph Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The doc will see Kennedy travelling to the U.S. to train alongside current and former NBA players, where he will be offered the chance to earn a professional contract in the G League.

In a teaser video, Embiid calls Kennedy and...

Deon Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group and Tommy Oliver’s Confluential Films are teaming up to produce the new horror film “Don’t Open the Door,” aligning the powers of two Black-owned studios known for making high-quality, culturally-rich films on lean budgets.

Taylor will write and direct the film with his Hidden Empire partner Roxanne Avent Taylor producing. Confluential Films is producing and co-financing the project under the company’s recently launched horror label, “New Fear Unlocked.”

“Returning to the director’s chair with a story this bold is a moment I’ve been waiting for,” said Taylor. “This partnership with Tommy Oliver and Confluential Films isn’t just timely — it’s a powerful move rooted in vision, ownership, and the evolution of horror through a Black creative lens.”

Added Oliver: “The combination of Confluential and Hidden Empire is going to be straight fire. Deon is an artist,...

Bernard Rose's 1992 horror classic "Candyman," an American reimagining of Clive Barker's short story "The Forbidden," was about an ambitious graduate student named Helen (Virginia Madsen) who trekked into Chicago's infamous building project at Cabrini Green to investigate an urban legend that had persisted there. It seems that the denizens believed in a ghostly killer called Candyman who would appear behind you if you said his name five times into a mirror. Helen finds, quite shockingly, that the Candyman (Tony Todd) is very real. He is the vengeful spirit of a murdered Black man, a son of a slave, killed by a white mob after the end of the Civil War. His body was burned on the site of the Cabrini Green projects, and he now haunts those who summon him. 

"Candyman" is utterly terrifying, and the late Tony Todd is excellent in the role. He is menacing and sympathetic in turns.

Skydance Sports is teaming up with the NFL and Hidden Empire Film Group (Hefg) for the third annual NFL Career Tour, designed to give players insight into the entertainment industry.

Created by the NFL’s Player Engagement team, the program is a professional development experience offering current players and NFL legends access industry exposure and networking opportunities with top executives.

The NFL x Hidden Empire Career Tour will take place at the Hidden Empire Studio in Santa Monica, Calif. This unique three-day program offers a comprehensive exploration of the entertainment industry, with attendees participating in educational sessions, hands-on workshops and in-depth camera training. The session culminated in the production of a short film, with attendees putting their knowledge into practice by shooting, producing, directing and acting in the project.

Last year’s summit included celebrity panelists such as Tyrese Gibson, Master P. and NFL Legends Vernon Davis, Rocket Ismail and Ephraim Salaam,...

Quick Links The Blacula Reboot Latest News The Blacula Reboot Is Confirmed Blacula Reboot Cast Blacula Reboot Story Details Blacula Reboot: Further News & Info

The upcoming Blacula reboot from MGM and director Deon Taylor will bring 1970s blaxploitation horror icon Prince Mamuwalde into the 21st century. 1972s Blacula and the 1973 sequel Scream Blacula Scream were two of the most influential movies of the blaxploitation era of cinema. Despite having a complex history, the movies have left an incredible legacy, and are still celebrated as an important milestone in representation (even if theyre less-than-appropriate by modern standards).

MGM and director Deon Taylor are rebooting Blacula, and development on the first movie in fifty years about Prince Mamuwalde has already begun. The third movie in the franchise will be set several decades after the first two and will take place in a modern city, retelling the story of Blacula as he takes...

Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Love Lies Bleeding, Girls5Eva, Kung Fu Panda 4 and Damsel.

Only Murders in the Building FYC screening

Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez and Meryl Streep took part in an Emmy FYC screening and Q&a on the Paramount lot on March 1, alongside showrunner John Hoffman and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

Martin Short, Meryl Streep, Benj Pasek, John Hoffman, Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, Jane Lynch and Justin Paul

Damsel premiere

Millie Bobby Brown and Robin Wright walked the carpet on March 1 at the NYC premiere of their new Netflix film. Brown was also supported by fiancé Jake Bongiovi and his parents, Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley.

Millie Bobby Brown and Robin Wright Jake Bongiovi, Millie Bobby Brown, Dorothea Hurley and Jon Bon Jovi

Kung Fu Panda 4 premiere

Jack Black,...

Jamie Foxx is almost ready to reveal the truth behind his recent health scare on his own terms.

A few months after his first major public appearance since his mystery illness, at the at the Critics Choice Association‘s Celebration of Cinema & Television Honoring Black, Latino & Aapi Achievements in December, “The Burial” actor was back on stage on Sunday, March 3 to accept the Producers Award from the African American Film Critics Association alongside his Foxxhole Productions partner Datari Turner.

“Everybody wants to know what happened, and I’m going to tell you what happened, but I gotta do it my way. I’m going to do it in a funny way. I’m going to be on stage. We’re going back to the stand-up sort of roots,” said Foxx from the podium at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. Having implied that both a tour and stand-up special are in the works,...

Whenever Jamie Foxx steps up to a microphone, one can expect to be entertained.

And that’s precisely what the Oscar and Grammy-winning superstar plans to do when he hits the road to discuss the circumstances around his sudden hospitalization nearly a year ago.

On Sunday afternoon, Foxx offered attendees of the African American Film Critics Association’s (Aafca) Special Achievement Awards luncheon a sneak peek at the tone of that material — a mix of heartfelt reflection with some top-notch zingers — while accepting Aafca’s Producers Award alongside his Foxxhole Productions partner Datari Turner.

2023 was a big year for the company thanks to the back-to-back successes of Netflix’s “They Cloned Tyrone” and Amazon’s “The Burial.” But while Foxxhole’s movies were shooting to the top of the streaming charts, Foxx was fighting for his life after suffering a medical emergency — the nature of which has not been disclosed.

The African American Film Critics Association held its annual luncheon honoring cinematic black excellence at the 7th Annual Aafca Special Achievement Awards, on Sunday, March 3rd at the Los Angeles Athletic Club in downtown Los Angeles.

Guests at the event included Skye P. Marshall, Boris Kodjoe, Roxanne Avent, Jonathan Majors, Meagan Good and Isaac G. Bryan.

Courtney B. Vance, Nia Long, and Jurnee Smollett took the stage to present Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner with the Aafca’s Producers Award. The duo, known for their outstanding work through Foxxhole Productions, was recognized for their exceptional contributions to three prominent films of 2023: They Cloned Tyrone, Story Ave, and The Burial. The award acknowledged Foxxhole’s dedication to showcasing inclusive narratives.

Black List founder Franklin Leonard presented choreographer Fatima Robinson with Aafca’s Salute to Excellence Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to choreography, including her work on The Color Purple.

The founder of Lead With Love,...

Jonathan Majors was all smiles at his first film industry event following his guilty verdict.

At this time last year, Jonathan Majors was on a career high with starring roles in big-budget films like Creed 3 and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. However, in March 2023, Majors was arrested for allegedly attacking his then-girlfriend, and he subsequently went on trial on charges of assault and harassment. Majors was ultimately found guilty, and he was fired from his role as Kang in the MCU as a result. The actor was also dropped from several other projects as well. However, as reported by Deadline, it would seem he hasn't been completely blacklisted in Hollywood.

Related 'There Are Conversations': Colman Domingo Addresses Kang Casting Rumors There have been ongoing rumors that Colman Domingo might be the next Kang in the MCU. Close

Reportedly, Jonathan Majors attended the 7th Annual African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) Special Achievement Awards luncheon.

Jonathan Majors has made his first public appearance at an industry event after being found guilty of reckless assault and harassment. The Lovecraft Country alum attended the 7th Annual Aafca Special Achievement Awards luncheon with Meagan Good.

The couple walked the red carpet of the event held at the Centennial Room at the Los Angeles Athletic Club in downtown Los Angeles.

Majors’ sentencing for his domestic violence convictions is scheduled for April when he will find out if he’ll have to serve time in jail.

At the invitation-only luncheon, bestowed honors upon the feature film Killers of the Flower Moon, which received the Stanley & Karen Kramer Social Justice Award for shining a light on the true story of the infamous Osage Nation murders.

Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner, the producing duo behind Foxxhole Productions, were honored with Aafca’s Producers Award for their work on films like They Cloned Tyrone,...

Dennis Quaid, seen above channeling his inner Randy Quaid in Deon Taylor’s The Intruder, will play a madman once more in the upcoming Paramount+ series “Happy Face.”

Variety reports this morning that Quaid will play the real-life serial killer known as “Happy Face” in the upcoming series, which also stars Annaleigh Ashford (“American Crime Story”).

The website details, “The series is inspired by the podcast of the same name from iHeartMedia and Melissa Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Moore’s true-life story.”

Here’s the official plot synopsis for the show: “Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is...

Stars: Joseph Sikora, Annie Ilonzeh, Iddo Goldberg, Ruby Modine, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Andrew Bachelor, Tyler Abron, Terrence Jenkins, Jessica Allain, Michele McCormick | Written by John Ferry, Deon Taylor | Directed by Deon Taylor

Fear begins with the sound of a tape being placed in a Vcr followed by extremely glitchy footage of author Rom Jennings being interviewed about his upcoming book, a non-fiction work on the mythology surrounding fear. Among other things, he mentions needing to take a research trip to a particular area in Northern California.

That location is the Strawberry Lodge and Rom is bringing his girlfriend Bianca on the trip with plans to propose to her. He’s also invited his agent, Michael and some friends including Serena, Lou, Benny, Kim and married couple Russ and Meg to join them.

Director Deon Taylor and co-writer John Ferry set this reunion against the backdrop of an unnamed pandemic. While...

The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) announced the winners of its upcoming 15th annual Aafca Awards, which honor outstanding achievement in film. In a departure from last year, in which the organization gave Best Picture to “The Woman King,” this year’s top category was split into three, with “American Fiction” winning Best Comedy, “Origin” winning Best Drama, and “The Color Purple” winning Best Musical.

The trio of films also respectively sit atop Aafca’s Top 10 Films of the Year. Winners were voted on by all of Aafca’s 100+ members. The 15th Annual Aafca Awards will take place on February 21 at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

“It’s become a tradition to announce our winners on MLK Day,” said Aafca president and co-founder Gil Robertson said in an official statement. “And what a great year for cinema showcasing the vibrant tapestry of Black storytelling,...

The Cinema Eye Honors announced the winners for its documentary films and series competition Friday in Manhattan, with “32 Sounds” taking the honor for outstanding nonfiction feature. Maite Alberdi won outstanding direction for “The Eternal Memory” together with Kaouther Ben Hania for “Four Daughters,” while “Paul T. Goldman” won outstanding nonfiction series.

See all the winners below:

—Outstanding Nonfiction Feature

32 Sounds

Directed by Sam Green

Produced by Josh Penn and Thomas O. Kriegsmann

—Outstanding Direction

Maite Alberdi

The Eternal Memory

Kaouther Ben Hania

Four Daughters

—Outstanding Editing

Michael Harte

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie

—Outstanding Production

Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner, Raney Aronson Rath, Derl McCrudden and Vasilisa Stepanenko

20 Days in Mariupol

—Outstanding Cinematography

Ants Tammik

Smoke Sauna Sisterhood

—Outstanding Original Score

Jd Samson

32 Sounds

—Outstanding Sound Design

Mark Mangini

32 Sounds

—Outstanding Visual Design

Thomas Curtis and Sean Pierce

Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project

—Outstanding Debut

Kokomo...

Every year, the African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) recognizes stand-out achievements in TV and film, with a special emphasis in entertainment representing the Black experience. Aafca has announced its esteemed list of 2024 honorees, which will be celebrated at the group’s 7th Annual Aafca Special Achievement Awards luncheon, taking place on Sunday, March 3 at the Los Angeles Athletic Club in Los Angeles.

The intimate event will bestow special statues on individuals like Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, Fatima Robinson, Michael Latt and Deon Taylor, plus groups from “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Delta Airlines.

“Our list this year includes titans and trailblazers whose work has transformed the cinematic arts,” states Aafca President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson. “Their work leaves us in awe of their incredible achievements and inspires us to move forward in all our endeavors with passion, creativity and determination. Aafca looks forward to celebrating them.”

SEE5th...

The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) has revealed its 2024 Special Achievement honorees, who will be celebrated at the organization’s 7th annual Aafca Special Achievement Award luncheon on March 3 at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

Killers of the Flower Moon will receive the Stanley & Karen Kramer Social Justice Award for “shining a light on the true story of the infamous Osage Nation murders,” according to the organization.

Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner, the producing team behind Foxxhole Productions, will receive the Aafca’s Producers Award for their films They Cloned Tyrone, Story Ave and The Burial, as well as Foxxhole’s continued commitment of telling inclusive stories on screen.

Choreographer Fatima Robinson will be honored with Aafca’s Salute to Excellence Award, which celebrates her contribution to choreography, including her recent work on The Color Purple.

The late Michael Latt will receive the inaugural Freedom Award, which was established in his honor,...

The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) reveals its list of 2024 Special Achievement Honorees which includes Killers of the Flower Moon, Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner at Foxxhole productions, Fatima Robinson, head choreographer on The Color Purple 2024, and others were chosen for their contributions to the entertainment industry. These honorees will be celebrated at the organization’s 7th Annual Aafca Special Achievement Awards luncheon, taking place on Sunday, March 3rd in the Centennial Room at the Los Angeles Athletic Club in downtown Los Angeles.

Recipients of the Aafca Special Achievement Awards are carefully selected by a committee and chosen based on their contributions throughout their careers. These honorees represent talent both behind and in front of the camera, including executives, journalists, actors, crafts artists, and filmmakers.

The invitation-only luncheon will bestow honors upon the feature film Killers of the Flower Moon, which will receive the Stanley & Karen Kramer Social Justice...

Awards season kicks into overdrive on the first weekend of the year with the return of the Golden Globes. The 81st telecast has a new broadcast partner (CBS), a new host (Jo Koy), new catering (Nobu) and a new social calendar accompanying it. For years, the Golden Globes were followed by a crush of studio and network bashes inside the show’s headquarters at the Beverly Hilton, making it a favorite of countless party-hopping revelers. But pandemic era cutbacks and studio consolidation upended the festivities — gone is the Warner Bros. and InStyle soiree while HBO scaled back under new corporate parent Warner Bros. Discovery and will be hosting something on Emmy weekend — though all is not lost. This year’s parties are spread across the weekend and at various venues across the city.

Below is a roundup of what’s to come in the days ahead from hosts like Amazon...

Quick Links Most Recent Blacula Reboot News The Blacula Reboot Is Confirmed Blacula Reboot Release Date Blacula Reboot Cast Blacula Reboot Story Details MGM and director Deon Taylor are rebooting Blacula, a blaxploitation horror icon, with a modern twist set in the 21st century. The release window for the Blacula reboot has been revealed to be Halloween 2024, marking the 50th anniversary of the original film. The new Blacula movie will explore political undertones and act as a social commentary, reflecting on issues of exploitation and cultural appropriation in the history of African-Americans.

The upcoming Blacula reboot from MGM and director Deon Taylor will bring 1970s blaxploitation horror icon Prince Mamuwalde into the 21st century. 1972’s Blacula and the 1973 sequel Scream Blacula Scream were two of the most influential movies of the blaxploitation era of cinema. Despite having a complex history the movies have left an incredible legacy, and 50 years after...

The highly anticipated Blacula reboot, based on the 1972 blaxploitation horror movie, is scheduled to release around Halloween 2024. Deon Taylor, known for his work on Fear and Meet the Blacks, will be directing the reboot from a screenplay he co-wrote. This will be the third entry in the Blacula franchise, following the original movie and its 1973 sequel Scream Blacula Scream, starring Pam Grier.

The Blacula reboot has reportedly set a release window. The movie is an update of the iconic 1972 blaxploitation horror movie, which starred William Marshall as Mamuwalde, an African prince who was transformed into a vampire by Count Dracula himself in 1780 and trapped in a coffin until he was released in modern-day America. The reboot was originally announced in 2021 with Fear and Meet the Blacks' Deon Taylor attached to direct from a screenplay he co-wrote with Micah Ranum.

Variety recently ran a piece on an upcoming 50th anniversary screening of Blacula.

More than two years have passed since it was announced that MGM, Bron, and Hidden Empire Film Group were teaming with director Deon Taylor to conjure up a reboot of the 1972 blaxploitation classic Blacula (watch it Here). Last night (and one year late), a 50th anniversary screening of Blacula was held at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills – and while promoting that event, Variety happened to include a long-awaited update on the Blacula reboot, saying the new film is slated for a Halloween 2024 release.

The new Blacula has been described as a “modern reimagining” of the original film, but Variety has also made it sound like it’s going to be a follow-up to Blacula and its sequel Scream Blacula Scream (watch that one Here). According to Variety, “the reboot picks up where the original saga left off, after the 1973 sequel Scream Blacula Scream, and will be set in...

Blacula will rise from the grave to menace moviegoers once more next year. The remake of the 1972 classic will hit theaters next Halloween. Variety reports that the film has set its release window for next October, on the occasion of a Hollywood screening of the 1972 original hosted by Deon Taylor, who will direct and co-write the remake, and Roxanne Avent Taylor, who will produce it.

Originally announced in 2021, a new take on 1972’s Blacula is on the way from MGM, Bron and Hidden Empire Film Group, with Deon Taylor (The Intruder) on board to direct.

In a new piece on Variety today, reporting on a 50th anniversary screening of the original classic taking place at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills on October 24, the site notes that the upcoming Blacula reboot movie is “slated for release next Halloween.”

Variety details, “The new film is a modern reimagining of the 1972 movie, directed by William Crain and starring William Marshall as Blacula.

“The reboot picks up where the original saga left off, after the 1973 sequel Scream Blacula Scream, and will be set in a metropolitan city post-coronavirus pandemic.”

Here’s the full logline for next year’s movie: “Blacula is an ancient African prince who is cursed by Dracula after he fails to agree to end the slave trade.

The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) has teamed with independent film producers Roxanne and Deon Taylor to host a special Halloween screening of “Blacula,” commemorating the 1970s Blaxploitation classic’s 50th anniversary.

The screening will be held on Oct. 24 at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills, with the vampire classic shown in its original 35mm format.

The special event also comes ahead of the Taylors’ upcoming “Blacula” reboot, which is slated for release next Halloween. In 2021, Variety exclusively revealed that that film was in the works with Deon Taylor directing from a script he co-wrote with Micah Ranum. Roxanne Avent Taylor produced the new movie on behalf of Hidden Empire Film Group.

“We are creating an evening that transcends time as we bring together prestigious filmmakers and trailblazers to pay homage to this iconic classic,” said Deon Taylor. “‘Blacula’ was a celebration of storytelling that influenced Blaxploitation filmmaking.

Where to Watch Powered by The 2020 movie Fatale has become Netflix's top trending movie after struggling at the box office. The movie follows a familiar storyline of adultery, stalking, and poor decision-making that mirrors the plot of Fatal Attraction. Fatale's popularity on Netflix can be attributed to a combination of Covid-19-related delays, genre interest, and the streaming service's lack of hit new movies in summer 2023.

Fatale might be Netflix's top trending movie, but the film's sudden surge in popularity doesn't change the fact that it's a rip-off of a classic 1987 thriller. Directed by Deon Taylor and written by David Loughery, who also collaborated on the 2019 thriller The Intruder, Lionsgate's Fatale has a less-than-stellar track record. After bombing at the box office upon its 2020 theatrical release, the Netflix-streaming psychological thriller seems like fare that would fade into obscurity — or at least off of the platform's homepage. Somehow,...

Director Deon Taylor and lead actor Joseph Sikora discussed filming their movie Fear during the height of Covid-19 as well as what scares them the most – on set and in their personal lives – in their new uInterview.

When asked about the most memorable behind-the-scenes moment, Taylor explained that it was “the overall agenda of why we made the movie,” he told uInterview exclusively.

“I think a lot of people are just now finding out that this was the first movie that was up and running during the global pandemic,” Taylor explained. “It started with me and Jo making phone calls and asking people to just come to this abandoned cabin and make this film.”

“We shot this film in 16 days, 18 days,” Sikora later added. Taylor believes that it was after people realized how they made the movie that they began to understand the story and how hard it was to...

Pandemic-themed horror movies have started coming out three years after Covid-19 made the earth stand still as millions died from a horrible virus. Now, Deon Taylor’s horror film Fear uses the panic in people’s minds during 2020 as the backdrop for his film, where a group of friends arrives at a lodge only to realize there’s something severely wrong here. Starring an ensemble cast including Joseph Sikora, King Back, T.I., Annie Ilonzeh, and Terrence J., among others, the movie tries to exploit people’s worst fears against them. To be honest, though, the movie is bad. It’s choppy, replete with poor editing and bad direction, and the story goes every which way, making for a bad and unsatisfactory watch. By the end of the 100-odd minutes, you’ll be wishing you didn’t sit down for this.

Spoilers Ahead

Plot Synopsis: What Happens In ‘Fear’?

Horror writer...

*Now Available To Rent or Purchase Digitally* Directed by Deon Taylor (Fatale, Black and Blue) Starring Joseph Sikora, Andrew Bachelor, Annie Ilonzeh, Ruby Modine, Iddo Goldberg, Terrence Jenkins, and Tip “T.I.” Harris In this psychological horror film, a group of friends gather for a much-needed weekend getaway at a remote and historic hotel. Celebration turns into terror as one by one, each guest …

The post Official Poster Premiere* Fear | Directed by Deon Taylor | Available On Demand Today appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.

For much of the back half of 2022, a large percentage of people who love movies or work in the business were wondering — could "Avatar: The Way of Water" actually be the hit it needed to be, 13 years after the original became the highest-grossing movie of all time? Any doubters (myself included) have been good and truly silenced. Case in point, this past weekend, James Cameron's underwater space epic topped the charts for the seventh time in a row, marking the first time that has happened since the original "Avatar" came out. It's now the fourth biggest movie ever, recently passing "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," and should pass "Titanic" for the #3 spot any day now. Never. Doubt. James. Cameron.

As for the particulars, "Way of Water" took in 15.7 million domestically, dropping just 22 in its seventh weekend, per Box Office Mojo. The only other time a movie topped the U.

Even on a specialty level, horror just works post-pandemic with the latest pop from a strong showing by a trio of films, Fear and Infinity Pool, released this weekend, and Skinamarink in week three.

Fear hails from Deon and Roxanne Avent Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group, the all-Black production company behind cult hit Meet The Blacks (2016) and The House Next Door: Meet The Blacks 2, released into a shaky theatrical marketplace in June of 2021 that made nearly 3 million U.S. Fear, directed by Deon Taylor, was self-distributed by Hidden Empire Releasing on 974 screens, opening to an estimated 1.28 million for a per-screen average of 1,315. The breakdown: Fri: 466.9k (includes 132k in Thursday sneaks); Sat: 504k; Sun: estimated 310k.

Shows were sold out in key markets across the country including LA, New York, Sacramento, Atlanta, Miami, DC, and Chicago. The 50 increase from Friday to Saturday, not including Thursday previews, shows strong...

January came to a close with two movies that have dominated the box office since before Christmas continuing their runs for a final weekend, which also brought in all sorts of new and re-released odds and ends.

The big story of the weekend is that James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” won its seventh weekend in a row at the box office after crossing the 600 million mark earlier in the week. It remained in first place with an estimated 15.7 million this weekend, down just 22, helped by a lack of stronger new releases, bringing its domestic total to 620.6 million. This weekend, it surpassed the North American grosses for Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Last Jedi,” as it slowly inches closer to the 623.3 million made by “Marvel’s the Avengers” in 2012, which would make it the 10th highest-grossing movie of all time, domestically.

Overseas, “The Way of Water” added 42.4 million,...

Neon and Topic Studios present writer/director Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool at 1,835 theaters in a lively specialty weekend sandwiched between a new crop of Sundance films and noteworthy expansions in the glow of Oscar nominations.

Infinity Pool, staring Alexander Skarsgard, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman and Jalil Lespert, had a splashy debut last weekend in the Midnight section of just wrapped Sundance Film Festival. Skarsgard and Coleman are enjoying a perfect vacation at a beach getaway in the fictional state of Li Tolqa — until another tourist couple convinces them to venture outside the resort grounds, where they find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism and horror. Deadline review here.

A24 presents Belgian director Lukas Dhont’s Close, just nominated for Best International Feature and winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The drama follows Leo (Eden Dambrine) and Remi (Gustav De Waele), two thirteen-year-old...

Fear continues the tradition of January horror and follows a group of friends heading out to a remote lodge. They’re faced with their greatest fears as the lodge appears to be a portal of evil. I had a really fun time with it (read my review here) and think others will too. There’s some cheese, but the film has such a cool look that it’s easy to ignore some of the more hamfisted moments. The cast is great, and the director can provide some fast-paced sequences filled with dread. While I really wish the deaths had been a little more imaginative, I think this will find a nice audience amongst the teen crowd.

I was fortunate enough to sit down with the director, and members of the cast, to all about the complicated production. This film ended up being one of the first in 2020 and therefore faced...

The horror genre today has largely tried to keep the current reality off the screen, but some filmmakers would rather comment on what’s going on in the real world. For instance, Deon Taylor’s Fear — originally titled Don’t Fear and shot back in 2020 — is the latest movie to not only be set during the Pandemic, it’s also about the anxieties incurred from living in these trying times. In this punctual tale, Bianca (Annie Ilonzeh) jumps at the chance to get away from everything when her longtime boyfriend, Rom (Joseph Sikora), whisks her away to Strawberry Lodge. And after taking all the proper Covid related precautions, their closest friends join them at this foreboding getaway.

What should have been a belated celebration of Bianca’s birthday — and maybe an engagement if Rom can work up the nerve — quickly turns into a life-or-death situation. Rom picked this historic venue for a certain reason,...

The great horror kickoff of 2023 started with the movies M3GAN and Skinamarink and continues to rile up fans with promises of unbound terror in the release of films like Infinity Pool, Knock at the Cabin, Scream VI, Evil Dead Rise, an Exorcist legacy sequel, and so many more. It looks like a perfect year for horror, but one movie that hasn't gotten a lot of heat is the new Deon Taylor film set to hit theaters this Friday. Fear exposes audiences to the things buried deep that frighten them the most and take them on a blood-curdling ride through things they'd wish they'd never seen. For a smaller-budget film, it's got blockbuster energy and will surely give horror fans everything they've been begging for in a scary movie. For those who just need to know now, here's how to watch Deon Taylor's Fear.

With Fear coming out in the United States this weekend, we marked the occasion by speaking to the film’s director Deon Taylor, alongside one of his leading stars, the comedian Andrew Bachelor – otherwise known as King Bach. We discuss the themes of the movie, and the pair discuss their real life fears – while we move onto something a little lighter, as look on the rising career of Bachelor, who of course is nothing short of a superstar on social media, as he explains how he would define himself – if at all – as an artist.

Watch the full interview with Andrew Bachelor and Deon Taylor here:

Synopsis

In this psychological horror film, a group of friends gather for a much-needed weekend getaway at a remote and historic hotel. Celebration turns into terror as one by one, each guest faces their own worst fear.

Fear is released in the United States...

It may not be particularly fair to say that this is a bit of a duff weekend, because there are indeed new wide and moderate releases. It’s just that very few of them are screening in advance for critics and therefore might be seen as less than. Can any of them topple Week 7 of “Avatar: The Way of Water”?

The one possibility is “Infinity Pool,” Brandon Cronenberg’s follow-up to his 2020 thriller, “Possessor,” which was stymied by the shutdown of movie theaters due to Covid. This one is equally enigmatic, though it has more of a name cast, including Alexander Skarsgård (“Big Little Lies”) and Mia Goth. Skarsgård plays a writer on a luxury vacation with his wife Em (Cleopatra Coleman from “Dopesick”) who becomes involved in a fatal accident that throws him into the locale’s world of horror and violence.

Plot: A much-needed getaway and celebration weekend becomes a nightmare due to a contagious airborne threat.

Review: Fear is universal, and it’s prevalent in nearly every horror movie since the dawn of cinema. Whether it’s a monster feeding off a victim’s fear to grow stronger or to make their meal tastier, it’s an element that’s been the center of many stories. So it’s great to see a film take so many everyday fears like drowning and claustrophobia and see them amplified by the supernatural. Because if there’s one thing the viewer can understand quickly, it’s fear.

Fear is one of the first movies filmed in 2020 after Covid upended the world. And this is in every bit of the film’s DNA. There’s an airborne contagion; the world seems to end, and they’re paranoid of each other. Sound familiar? While it...

From Deon Taylor, the director of 2019’s The Intruder, comes this year’s brand new horror movie Fear, and the official trailer takes you inside a hotel of horrors this afternoon.

Fear comes to theaters nationwide on January 27, 2023.

“A group of friends gather for a much-needed weekend getaway at a remote and historic hotel. Celebration turns into terror as one by one, each guest faces their own worst fear.”

Joseph Sikora, Andrew Bachelor, Annie Ilonzeh, Ruby Modine, Iddo Goldberg, Terrence Jenkins, and Jessica Allain star in the psychological movie alongside Tip “T.I.” Harris.

Deon Taylor wrote the script with John Ferry.

The post ‘Fear’ Trailer – ‘The Intruder’ Director Deon Taylor Faces Fears Inside a Hotel of Horrors appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

"It's playing backwards…" What does it mean when a record plays backwards, oh no?! Hidden Empire has revealed a second official trailer for Fear, releasing in theaters in just a few more weeks. This one looks like it's worth skipping. A new film made by director Deon Taylor, best known for his films The Intruder, Fatale, and Black and Blue. A year into living through a worldwide pandemic, a small group of friends gather in the remote Tahoe Mountains to stay at the "Historic Strawberry Lodge". But celebration turns to terror as one by one each guest faces their own worst fear. The horror movie stars Joseph Sikora, T.I., King Bach, Terrence J, Ruby Modine, Annie Ilonzeh, Iddo Goldberg, and Jessica Allain. This looks instantly forgettable and annoyingly derivative. They even had to stuff the trailer with a bunch of boring "evil" quotes. ›››

View the Post: Second Trailer for January...

Fear is an American psychological horror movie directed by Deon Taylor, starring Joseph Sikora, Andrew Bachelor, Annie Ilonzeh, Ruby Modine, Iddo Goldberg, Terrence Jenkins, Jessica Allain, and Tip “T.I.” Harris.

Premise

A much needed getaway and a celebration weekend turns into a nightmare due to the contagious airborne threat.

Release Date

January 27, 2023

Where to Watch ‘Fear’

Tba

Cast

Joseph Sikora / Rom

Ruby Modine / Serena

Iddo Goldberg / Michael

Andrew Bachelor / Benny

Annie Ilonzeh / Bianca

T.I. / Lou

Terrence Jenkins / Russ

Jessica Allain / Meg

See full credits >>...

In Theaters Nationwide On Friday, January 27Th A Hidden Empire Films Production presents A Film by Deon Taylor In association with Bach Enterprises Directed by Deon Taylor Written by Deon Taylor and John Ferry Produced by Roxanne Avent Taylor Starring Joseph Sikora Andrew Bachelor, Annie Ilonzeh, Ruby Modine, Iddo Goldberg, Terrence Jenkins, Jessica Allain and …

The post **New Trailer & Poster** Hidden Empire Releasing’s Fear (d. Deon Taylor) — In theaters nationwide on Friday, Jan. 27 appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.

"Believing what you fear will bring to the victim what they are afraid of." Hidden Empire has debuted an official trailer for Fear, yet another January horror film releasing at the end of the first month in the New Year. From director Deon Taylor, best known for his films The Intruder, Fatale, and Black and Blue. A year into living through a worldwide pandemic, a group of friends gather in the remote Tahoe Mountains to stay at the "Historic Strawberry Lodge". But celebration turns to terror as one by one each guest faces their own worst fear. Plenty of other films have had this "confront your fears" concept, so what's the hook in this one?? The horror movie stars Joseph Sikora, T.I., King Bach, Terrence J, Ruby Modine, Annie Ilonzeh, Iddo Goldberg, and Jessica Allain. Not a very good trailer, with erratic editing making it extra confusing to know what...

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is set to chronicle his life and career as a champion boxer through a new docuseries, titled “The Goat,” after inking a life-rights deal with Hidden Empire Films’ Deon Taylor and Roxanne Avent Taylor.

“Now is the perfect time to share my story with the world and let viewers in on my journey from early days of hardships to overcoming adversity to become the athlete and entrepreneur I am today,” Mayweather said in a statement announcing the deal. “As someone who owns his own brand, I can’t think of better partners than Deon, Roxanne, Robert F. Smith — the wealthiest African American in the world — and Hidden Empire Films, a prolific Black-owned production company. This is going to be incredibly special!”

Under the new pact, Hidden Empire Films gains exclusive access to Mayweather’s personal library of never-before-seen footage, including hundreds of hours of video and audio...

We’re getting closer to what some lovingly (and some not so lovingly) call the “dog days of summer” at movie theaters. There can still be a few breakout hits, and even a few early Oscar contenders, but the studios know schools are starting back up, people are going on vacation, etc. It has never been the best time to release a movie, especially as it gets later in the month. Read on for Gold Derby’s August 2022 box office preview.

With that in mind, we have about eight or nine wide releases of various sizes that will get some sort of nationwide release, and maybe, there will be a few hidden gems in there.

“Bullet Train” (Sony) – August 5

The first wide release of August is also likely to be the biggest of the month, as Brad Pitt leads the new action movie from David Leitch (“Deadpool 2”), which co-stars the likes of Bad Bunny,...

Exclusive: The Hideaway Entertainment has promoted Kristy Grisham to SVP of Development and Production, upping Ryan Cassells to Director of Development and Production, and tapping Jennifer Cox as Creative Executive. The company’s expansion reflects a recent initiative to ramp up their slate by buying and optioning books, screenplays, life rights and other IP in all stages of development.

In her role, Grisham will be responsible for overseeing development and production on The Hideaway’s current slate of film and television projects, including its adaptation of Dan Schilling’s book Combat Control with Thruline Entertainment Partner Ron West (The Great) and screenwriter Michael Russell Gunn (Billions). Grisham was integral in bringing the book proposal to the company and packaging the movie, which is being directed by Sam Hargrave (Extraction), with The Hideaway and MGM co-financing.

Grisham is also overseeing Otherwise Illegal Activity from The Wolf of Wall Street scribe Terence Winter...

Warning: This post contains spoilers from Power Book IV: Force‘s Season 1 finale.

If Tommy Egan’s on-screen ride-or-die back in the day was Ghost, his off-screen equivalent was Power executive producer Gary Lennon.

More from TVLinePower Book IV: Force Finale Recap: Who's Really Got Tommy's Back? And Who Winds Up Dead? -- Plus, Grade It!Outlander Recap: [Spoiler] Almost Dies, and Then Things Get DramaticOutlander Recap: Bros Before Colonials? Plus, Has One of Claire's Kidnappers Returned?

“Courtney Kemp deserves and gets credit for creation of the character I’m grateful to play every episode,” says Joseph Sikora, who originated the...

Exclusive: Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby) and Reacher breakout Alan Ritchson have signed on to star in the film Ordinary Angels from Kingdom Story Company, which Lionsgate will distribute.

Set against the backdrop of the worst snowstorm in Kentucky history, pic is inspired by the incredible true story of a struggling hairdresser (Swank) who single-handedly rallies an entire community to help a widowed father (Ritchson) save the life of his critically ill young daughter.

Jon Gunn (The Unbreakable Boy) is directing, having written the most recent draft of the script with Jon Erwin. Meg Tilly and Kelly Fremon Craig penned an earlier draft. Kingdom Story Company’s Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin are producing alongside Stampede Ventures’ Jon Berg, Vertigo Entertainment’s Roy Lee, Stolen Sky Productions’ Dave Matthews and Johnathan Dorfman, and Green Hummingbird Entertainment’s David Beal and Sarah Johnson. Chelsea Kujawa...

Exclusive: Deon Taylor and Roxanne Avent Taylor’s Hidden Empire Film Group is partnering with actor, comedian and digital content creator Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor to develop a scripted series chronicling his rise to fame on social media amid mainstream entertainment aspirations.

The new series is just the latest to center on the multi-hyphenate, who first garnered international recognition as the biggest star on the now-defunct video sharing service, Vine. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele had looked to develop a Fox comedy loosely based on a King Bach Vine all the way back in 2015, as a follow-up to their beloved sketch show Key & Peele, with Bachelor set to star, though that series never made it to air.

Deon Taylor will direct the untitled project and exec produce with Roxanne Avent Taylor, alongside Andrew Bachelor, Christina Bachelor and Gary Glushon of Bach Enterprises, and Caleeb Pinkett via his Twentyfive8 Entertainment. It...