News

MGM+'s latest political crime drama, Emperor of Ocean Park, adapted from Stephen L. Carter's 2002 novel of the same name by creator Sherman Payne, plunged audiences into the world of the Garland family. Here, eldest son Addison (Henry Simmons), middle surviving daughter Mariah (Tiffany Garland), and youngest son Talcott (Grantham Coleman) deal with the sudden and suspicious death of their father: the powerful conservative DC judge, Oliver Garland (Forest Whitaker). Mariah believes their father, a former supreme court nominee with ties to the more dubious figures of the FBI, was a victim foul play. Her suspicions prove to be correct as coded messages, threats and murders begin to rear their heads around the surviving Garlands. Soon, all three Garland children are entangled in a web that leads back to an old family tragedy, opening wounds both old and new.

In this exclusive novel, Henry Simmons (Addison) shares his perspective on Emperor of Ocean Park,...

It took over 20 years for Emperor of Ocean Park to make it to television. Stephen L. Carter's novel was published in 2002, but it wasn't until 2024 that Sherman Payne adapted it into the MGM+ TV series. Naturally, the world had changed quite a bit since Carter originally wrote about the power struggles and political drama of the Garland family -- and it was up to Payne to bring their story into the present day.

In this interview ahead of the Sept. 15 season finale, Payne discusses his approach to adapting a book for the screen. He also spoke about why he updated Emperor of Ocean Park to take place in current day. The executive producer -- who also wrote or co-wrote half the season -- further revealed how he tackled the characters' polarizing political standpoints.

Emperor of Ocean Park covers a number of important and hotly discussed issues, such as race,...

MovieWeb recently spoke to television writer Sherman Payne during the lead-up to the release of Emperor of Ocean Park, a new conspiracy thriller series he created that is now streaming on MGM+. Payne was previously a writer and story editor on Legacies, which fans know is part of The Vampire Diaries universe. Since creator Julie Plec recently said she wants to further expand the universe, we were curious if Payne would ever want to return to the franchise and play a part in said expansion.

"I love Julie and I think she is a fantastic writer, and I think that she is a fantastic producer," Payne told MovieWeb. "I mean, how lucky am I that I got to work with Julie Plec and then also go work with John Wells [on Shameless]. Those are the people who taught me how to showrun."

He went on to add:

"But [Julie] has created a...

When Yale law school professor Stephen L. Carter received a $4.2M advance from publisher Knopf for his 2002 novel The Emperor of Ocean Park, journalist David Gates scoffed at the large figure, writing in an article for Newsweek: “So why did anyone pay more than $4 million for this book? Well, there might be a way to make, say, a Denzel Washington movie out of it and get some synergy going.”

Fast-forward 22 years and Gates’ prediction is almost on the nose. Except Carter’s murder mystery has been adapted for an MGM+ TV series and, instead of Washington, it’s Forest Whitaker who is at the helm. In the thriller, he stars as Judge Oliver Garland, a failed Black conservative nominee to the Supreme Court whose death from an apparent heart attack is probed as part of a larger conspiracy by his daughter Mariah (Tiffany Mack), a former journalist, and her reluctant...

We spoke to actor Bryan Greenberg as his new conspiracy thriller Emperor of Ocean Park debuts on MGM+. It's a juicy legal series set in modern-day America, which sees the former star of HBO's How to Make It in America brushing shoulders with Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, who headlines their new show as fictional Judge Oliver Garland. Greenberg has kept busy with another hot-topic project: a Suits spinoff that will also star Stephen Amell, who we interviewed earlier this year.

"I'm definitely not ready to talk about that until we officially get greenlit, but [making the pilot that NBC ordered] was an amazing experience," Greenberg told MovieWeb about Suits: LA. "I love to work with Stephen, I love the whole cast, the crew, and I think the script's great, and I'm hearing good things. But there's still a long time, and I don't want to go there before if there's nowhere to go to.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Actors Torrey Hanson and Jasmine Batchelor spoke with MovieWeb's Will Sayre about their new series, Emperor of Ocean Park. The political conspiracy thriller about a Black family caught up in judicial intrigue after their patriarch (Forest Whitaker) dies is now streaming on MGM+.

Emperor of Ocean Park is set in the worlds of politics, elite academia, and the beaches of Marthas Vineyard. It follows Talcott Garland (Grantham Coleman), an esteemed law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland, dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judges death is questioned by Tals sister, Mariah, a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.

Based on author and law professor Stephen L. Carters best-selling novel, Emperor of Ocean Park is produced...

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Damian Marcano and Sherman Payne spoke with MovieWeb's Will Sayre about their new series, Emperor of Ocean Park. The political conspiracy thriller about a Black family caught up in judicial intrigue after their patriarch (Forest Whitaker) dies is now streaming on MGM+.

Emperor of Ocean Park is set in the worlds of politics, elite academia, and the beaches of Marthas Vineyard. It follows Talcott Garland (Grantham Coleman), an esteemed law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland, dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judges death is questioned by Tals sister, Mariah, a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.

Based on author and law professor Stephen L. Carters best-selling novel, Emperor of Ocean Park is produced by...

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Bryan Greenberg and Tiffany Mack star in a new MGM+ political thriller series alongside Forest Whitaker, Emperor of Ocean Park. They spoke with MovieWeb's Will Sayre about the new show, its conspiracy theories, and Greenberg's upcoming role in Suits: LA.

Emperor of Ocean Park follows Talcott Garland (Grantham Coleman), an esteemed law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland, dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judges death is questioned by Tals sister, Mariah (Tiffany Mack), a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.

Based on author and law professor Stephen L. Carters best-selling novel, Emperor of Ocean Park is produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, where John Wells Productions is under an overall deal.

You can’t hurry love, but you can hurry to catch the world premiere of “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat” at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. The Searchlight Pictures movie, starring Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Sanaa Lathan, will debut on Aug. 7 as the Centrepiece selection for the 22nd annual film fest.

The Mvaaff, an Oscar-qualifying film festival in the short film category, was established in 2002 by Run & Shoot Filmworks principals Floyd and Stephanie Rance and runs from Aug. 2-10 with an impressive slate of films, documentaries, panel discussions and exclusive events focused on amplifying Black voices, storytelling and culture. The special presentation of “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat” will be followed by one of the festival’s signature “Color of Conversation” discussions, featuring Aduba, Ellis-Taylor, Lathan, Mekhi Phifer and director Tina Mabry, moderated by journalist Cori Murray.

Based on Edward Kelsey Moore’s 2013 bestselling novel,...

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Stars Grantham Coleman and Paulina Lule discuss headlining the new MGM+ political thriller series alongside Forest Whitaker, Emperor of Ocean Park. They spoke with MovieWeb's Will Sayre about the new show that is set in the worlds of politics, elite academia, and the beaches of Marthas Vineyard.

Emperor of Ocean Park follows Talcott Garland (Grantham Coleman), an esteemed law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland, dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judges death is questioned by Tals sister, Mariah (Tiffany Mack), a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.

Based on author and law professor Stephen L. Carters best-selling novel, Emperor of Ocean Park is produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television,...

From the pages of Stephen L. Carter’s bestselling Elm Harbor series, “Emperor of Ocean Park” gets a long-in-the-works adaptation. Grantham Coleman leads the cast as a respectable lawyer whose quiet life gets thrown to the wind after his father, a judge and failed Supreme Court nominee, dies of an apparent heart attack. However, Tal’s sister, a former journalist and current confirmed conspiracy theorist, believes their father’s death is a sign of foul play.

Co-starring Forest Whitaker and Tiffany Mack, the 10-episode “Emperor of Ocean Park” will debut on Sunday, July 14 on MGM+ with new episodes airing on Sundays until Sept. 15. You can watch with 7-Day Free Trial of MGM+ App.

How to Watch “Emperor of Ocean Park” When: Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 10 p.m. Et Where: MGM+ Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of MGM+ App. About “Emperor of Ocean Park”

“Emperor of Ocean Park” adapts the...

Emperor of the Ocean Park is based on a novel written by Stephen Carter and developed for television by Sherman Payne. It introduces us to a judge nicknamed the Titan of the Tea Party due to his controversial stance on state and national policies. But then, one day, Judge Oliver was found dead in his apartment, and there were a lot of people who didn’t believe that he died of natural causes. So, let’s find out what kind of man Oliver was and if there was any truth to the fact that he was murdered by someone.

Spoiler Alert

What happened during Judge Oliver’s nomination?

At the beginning of Emperor of the Ocean Park episode 1, we were made privy to a man who stood by his ideals and who was ready to fight for what he thought was right. There was a protest taking place against Judge...

When law professor Tal (Grantham Coleman) enters his childhood home ahead of his father’s funeral, his young son Bentley (Dyllan Yelverton) turns to him with curiosity. “Is Grandpa going to be a ghost?” he asks. No, Tal responds. “So he won’t haunt us?” Tal patiently replies that he doesn’t think so.

As it turns out, Tal will be right on the first count and wrong on the second. MGM+’s Emperor of Ocean Park is not the sort of story in which spirits return to wreak supernatural havoc. It is, however, entirely about the ways in which Tal and his siblings are haunted by the memory of their dad, conservative judge Oliver Garland (Forest Whitaker), in ways that lend themselves to both Grishamesque thrills and Succession-lite angst. But even Whitaker’s innate gravitas can only do so much to fight gravity. Eventually, the drama sags under the weight of its messy ambition.

"Is there something on your conscience you want to talk about?" MGM+ has revealed an official trailer for a new streaming series titled Emperor of Ocean Park, arriving to watch starting in July this summer. It's adapted from the bestselling novel "The Emperor of Ocean Park" written by Stephen L. Carter. It follows Talcott Garland, whose tranquil existence is upended by the death of his father. Mariah Denton, a former journalist and ardent conspiracy theorist, questions the manner of his death and thinks he might have been the victim of foul play. Created by Sherman Payne, the series is based on the book of the same name, and is set in two privileged worlds: "the upper crust African American society of the Eastern seabord — families who summer at Martha's Vineyard — and the inner circle of an Ivy League law school." Starring Forest Whitaker, Grantham Coleman, Henry Simmons, and Tiffany Mack,...

Exclusive: One Tree Hill alum Bryan Greenberg rounds out the series regular cast for NBC drama pilot Suits L.A., a new extension of the Suits universe from Aaron Korsh, creator and writer of the original series. Production is scheduled to start in late March in Vancouver.

He joins previously announced lead Stephen Amell as Ted Black, along with Josh McDermitt as Stuart Lane, Lex Scott Davis as Erica Rollins, Troy Winbush as Kevin and Alice Lee as Leah.

Suits L.A. centers on Ted Black (Amell), a former federal prosecutor from New York, who has reinvented himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles. His firm is at a crisis point, and in order to survive he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career. Ted is surrounded by a group of characters who test their loyalties to both Ted and each other while they...

Exclusive: Henry Simmons, Bryan Greenberg, Torrey Hanson, Ora Jones and Jasmine Batchelor are set to recur in the new MGM+ series Emperor of Ocean Park, a suspense thriller inspired by the best-selling novel of the same name from Stephen L. Carter. They join previously announced series regulars Forest Whitaker, Grantham Coleman, Tiffany Mack and Paulina Lule.

From John Wells and Sherman Payne, Emperor of Ocean Park is set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard. It follows Talcott Garland (Coleman), an Ivy League law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland (Whitaker), dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judge’s death is questioned by Tal’s sister, Mariah (Tiffany Mack), a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.

Today, premium linear channel and streaming service MGM+ announced that Forest Whitaker (Godfather of Harlem) will star in Emperor of Ocean Park, a thrilling, suspenseful take on author and law professor Stephen L. Carter’s best-selling novel, from executive producer/writer Sherman Payne, John Wells Productions (Jwp), and Warner Bros. Television. The series begins production in Chicago this month and is scheduled to premiere on MGM+ this summer. Set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia, and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, the series centers on Talcott Garland (Grantham Coleman), an Ivy League law professor whose quiet life is ... Read more...

Forest Whitaker has signed on to star in John Wells’ “Emperor of Ocean Park” series set at MGM+. He joins previously announced cast members Grantham Coleman (“Lawman: Bass Reeves”), Tiffany Mack (“Jessica Jones”), and Paulina Lule (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”).

He’ll play Judge Oliver Garland, a notable name in national politics and the judicial system as well as the leader of his family. “He is stern, intelligent, calculating, and proud. As a Black man in America, navigating unwelcoming and often hostile environments, he has formed a hard exterior—that he’s come to rely on as a shield. He is a devoted father whose commitment to his family simultaneously bolsters and undercuts his deeply and rigidly held conservative principles,” reads the description.

“I’m excited to be playing Judge Oliver Garland, and thank John Wells, Sherman Payne, and Michael Wright for this opportunity to join the cast and crew of Emperor of Ocean Park,...

Forest Whitaker (Godfather of Harlem) has joined the cast of Emperor of Ocean Park, the new MGM+ suspense thriller inspired by the best-selling novel of the same name from Stephen L. Carter.

From John Wells and Sherman Payne, Emperor of Ocean Park is set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia, and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard. It follows Talcott Garland (Grantham Coleman), an Ivy League law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland, dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judge’s death is questioned by Tal’s sister, Mariah (Tiffany Mack), a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.

Whitaker will portray Judge Oliver Garland, the patriarch of his family and a formidable figure in national politics and the judicial system. He is stern,...

Exclusive: Emperor of Ocean Park, MGM+’s series adaptation of Stephen L. Carter’s best-selling novel, has found its lead.

The series, which comes from John Wells and Sherman Payne, has cast Grantham Coleman as Talcott Garland.

Set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia, and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, the series centers on Talcott Garland, an Ivy League law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland, dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judge’s death is questioned by Tal’s sister, Mariah, a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.

Tiffany Mack & Paulina Lule (Courtesy of Di Harvell / Molly Pan)

Tiffany Mack plays Mariah Denton and Paulina Lule plays Kimmer Madison Garland, Tal’s wife, a high-powered lawyer on the verge...

Coming off a number one debut this weekend for “Blue Beetle,” director Ángel Manuel Soto has found his next studio project and will direct “The Wrecking Crew” at MGM, TheWrap has exclusively learned.

“The Wrecking Crew” was written by Jonathan Topper prior to the WGA strike. Additionally, Topper’s deal was negotiated and closed prior to the WGA strike.

Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the project is being described as a buddy action movie.

Dave Bautista, Jason Momoa are being eyed to headline “The Wrecking Crew” and both were in talks to star prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike. The duo initially set up the project in 2021, and after a bidding war, the project landed at MGM.

Ángel Manuel Soto is a director, producer, and screenwriter known for bold telling stories that highlight diverse characters from a variety of backgrounds. Most recently, Soto directed “Blue Beetle,” a...

Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

Lara Jean's journey is over, and it's time for Kitty to enter the spotlight.

Netflix has unveiled the official trailer for the To All the Boys... franchise's spinoff series, Xo, Kitty, and it looks like a lot of fun.

"Teen matchmaker Kitty Song Covey thinks she knows everything there is to know about love," the logline reads.

"But when she moves halfway across the world to reunite with her long-distance boyfriend, she'll soon realize that relationships are a lot more complicated when it's your own heart on the line."

Xo, Kitty stars Anna Cathcart (Kitty Song Covey), Minyeong Choi (Dae), Gia Kim (Yuri), Sang Heon Lee (Min Ho), Anthony Keyvan (Q), Peter Thurnwald (Alex) with Yunjin Kim (Jina), and Sarayu Blue (Trina).

The cast is rounded out by John Corbett (Dan Covey), Michael K Lee...

A television adaptation of Stephen L. Carter’s best-selling novel “Emperor of Ocean Park” has been granted a 10-episode series order at MGM+.

The suspense thriller, which is set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia, and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, centers on Talcott Garland, an Ivy League law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland, dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judge’s death is questioned by Tal’s sister, Mariah, a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.

“Emperor of Ocean Park is much more than a murder mystery,” MGM+ head Michael Wright said in a statement. “While it is an engrossing whodunit in its own right, it also explores important themes of middle-and-upper-class Black identity, making it an outstanding...

MGM+ is moving forward with its series adaptation of suspense thriller Emperor of Ocean Park.

The network has handed the adaptation of Stephen L. Carter’s best-selling novel a 10-episode series order. It comes from Shameless writer Sherman Payne, John Wells Productions and Warner Bros. Television.

It comes after the project was unveiled in development at the start of the year as the Amazon-owned company rebranded from Epix to MGM+.

Damian Marcano (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) is set to direct multiple episodes.

Related: 2023 MGM+ Pilots & Series Orders

Set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia, and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, the series centers on Talcott Garland, an Ivy League law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland, dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judge’s death is questioned by Tal’s sister, Mariah, a...

“Emperor of Ocean Park,” the best-selling novel by Stephen L. Carter, is being adapted into a TV series at MGM+.

MGM+ (formerly Epix) has ordered 10 episodes of the show. The order brings the book’s long road to the screen to near completion. It was originally optioned back in 2001 ahead of the book publishing. Multiple attempts have since been made to adapt the book into a film and later a television series, though none of those projects have moved forward until now.

“Emperor of Ocean Park is much more than a murder mystery,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “While it is an engrossing whodunit in its own right, it also explores important themes of middle-and-upper-class Black identity, making it an outstanding addition to MGM+’s slate of engaging and thought-provoking original series.”

Per the official logline, the series is “set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia, and...

As part of the Television Critics Association’s 2023 Winter Press Tour, MGM+ (still known as Epix until Jan. 15) chief Michael Wright unveiled a programming lineup and development slate that includes premiere dates for several shows including “A Spy Among Friends,” Season 2 of “From,” and “Murf the Surf.”

“It’s a new beginning for our service, as we introduce MGM+ and its distinctive brand promise to viewers on January 15. MGM+ will deliver on its iconic and beloved studio legacy, with cinematic, sophisticated, and transportive storytelling that audiences love,” said Wright in a statement. “We are growing our rich library of content, comprised of original television series and blockbuster films that celebrate the MGM brand.”

The newly rebranded premium linear channel and streaming service will launch on Jan. 15 with the Season 3 premiere of “Godfather of Harlem.” Created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, the drama series stars and is executive produced by Forest Whitaker.

A half-hour comedy about a Broadway has-been starring Kevin Kline is among MGM+’s new slate of series. “American Classic” is one of several other scripted shows and docuseries to be developed at the premium linear channel and streaming service, including one documenting the rise of underground disco.

Formerly known as Epix and rebranding to MGM+ on Jan. 15 (coinciding with the “Godfather of Harlem” Season 3 premiere), the platform unveiled a slew of upcoming programming, joining already announced series like limited show “A Spy Among Friends” with Guy Pearce (March 12), the second season of sci-fi “From” (April 23) and true-crime docuseries “Murf the Surf” (Feb. 5). There were also sophomore renewals for “Rogue Heroes” and “Billy the Kid.”

Below is a full lineup of the newly announced slate:

Also Read:

AMC Studios Head Says Network Is ‘Optimally Positioned’ Following Layoffs, Scrapped Shows “The Emperor of Ocean Park” (scripted)

From John Wells Productions and Warner Bros. Television,...

MGM+, formerly Epix, unveiled its programming lineup and development slate that includes a new John Wells drama based on a Stephen L. Carter novel, a period drama about Harlem crime boss Stephanie St. Clair, based on an MGM movie, and a docuseries about the disco era.

The newly rebranded premium linear channel and streaming service will launch on January 15 in conjunction with the season three premiere of Godfather of Harlem starring and executive produced by Forest Whitaker and created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein.

The development slate includes scripted series The Emperor of Ocean Park, Hoodlum, based on the 1997 movie starring Laurence Fishburne, Tim Roth and Andy Garcia, Earth Abides, based on a George R. Stewart book, Ark, based on Stephen Baxter’s books and Kevin Kline comedy American Classic, which was previously announced. See full details below.

These series will join previously greenlit series Hotel Cocaine and San...

The “Welcome to the Blumhouse” series of horror features has done well so far in showcasing diverse emerging talent, if not in hitching relevant social themes to stories that are actually scary. Another case in point is “Black As Night,” which joins “Bingo Hell” in a second annual quartet of Halloween releases rolling out on Amazon Prime.

Maritte Lee Go’s solo feature directorial debut is a sort of female African-American spin on “The Lost Boys,” chronicling what its heroine pegs as “The summer I got breasts and fought vampires.” It works well enough as a teen supernatural melodrama, reasonably slick if a tad silly — less well as straight-up horror, let alone as a commentary on race-centric historical and political issues that never feel more than pasted-on here.

Fifteen-year-old Shawna was born in the immediate wake of Hurricane Katrina. That disaster destroyed her family’s former house, as well as...

A scene from Amazon’s Dark As Night. Courtesy of Amazon Studios

Ever since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and the woefully inadequate efforts to rebuild many residential areas, New Orleans has served as glaring example of income inequality, racism and government stasis. Black As Night is a darkly comic film that piles one more problem onto the shoulders of a blighted, mostly minority neighborhood – vampires who feed on junkies and the homeless. From the bloodsuckers’ point of view, it’s a way to fly under the radar, since they’re feeding on those least likely to be missed by the authorities. Locals understandably feel otherwise, once they’re aware of the situation.

When a teenager (Asjha Cooper) happens to see a group feeding on one poor soul, she tries to intervene, getting bitten in the process. Fortunately a passing car causes the vamps to pull out – suckus interruptus – before...

Chicago – At the red-carpet premiere of “Black as Night” on Sept. 21, 2021 at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre, HollywoodChicago.com interviews director Maritte Lee Go (who admits she’s a Jason Blum fangirl) and writer Sherman Payne.

We also speak with stars Fabrizio Guido (who reveals his longtime passion for vampires; he used to go to school with vampire teeth while popping his collar), Craig Tate and Mason Beauchamp.

Watch now in our video above! The new vampire horror/comedy will be released on Oct. 1, 2021 on Amazon Prime Video as part of the Welcome to the Blumhouse series from Jason Blum. The 2021 series also features “Bingo Hell,” “Madres” and “The Manor”.

Video and editing by: Jeff Doles

Interviews by: Adam Fendelman

By Adam FENDELMANPublisherHollywoodChicago.comadam@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2021 Adam Fendelman, HollywoodChicago.com LLC...

Amazon Prime Video recently announced the latest installment of Welcome to the Blumhouse. Featuring films directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero, Maritte Lee Go, Ryan Zaragoza, and Axelle Carolyn, we now have individual trailers for reach film, ahead of their premiere this October!

"Amazon Prime Video is excited to announce this year's installment of "Welcome To The Blumhouse," featuring an all new set of unique, unsettling thrillers developed with an eye towards original, diverse storytelling. Produced by Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios, Bingo Hell, Black As Night, Madres and The Manor premiere worldwide this October exclusively on Prime Video.

The “Welcome to the Blumhouse” slate once again showcases both well-established and breakout actors collaborating with emerging, predominantly female, directors.

Bingo Hell and Black As Night premiere on October 1, followed by Madres and The Manor on October 8."

Bingo Hell

October 1, 2021

Logline

A feisty senior citizen fights to protect her beloved neighborhood from...

Amazon Prime Video recently announced the latest installment of Welcome to the Blumhouse. Featuring films directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero, Maritte Lee Go, Ryan Zaragoza, and Axelle Carolyn, we now have the trailer for you to watch ahead of the films premiering this October!

"Amazon Prime Video is excited to announce this year's installment of "Welcome To The Blumhouse," featuring an all new set of unique, unsettling thrillers developed with an eye towards original, diverse storytelling. Produced by Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios, Bingo Hell, Black As Night, Madres and The Manor premiere worldwide this October exclusively on Prime Video.

The “Welcome to the Blumhouse” slate once again showcases both well-established and breakout actors collaborating with emerging, predominantly female, directors.

Bingo Hell and Black As Night premiere on October 1, followed by Madres and The Manor on October 8.

Bingo Hell

October 1, 2021

Logline

A feisty senior citizen fights to protect her beloved...

Amazon Prime Video Announces Latest Installment of “Welcome To The Blumhouse”: "Amazon Prime Video is excited to announce this year's installment of "Welcome To The Blumhouse," featuring an all new set of unique, unsettling thrillers developed with an eye towards original, diverse storytelling. Produced by Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios, Bingo Hell, Black As Night, Madres and The Manor premiere worldwide this October exclusively on Prime Video.

The “Welcome to the Blumhouse” slate once again showcases both well-established and breakout actors collaborating with emerging, predominantly female, directors.

Bingo Hell and Black As Night premiere on October 1, followed by Madres and The Manor on October 8.

Bingo Hell

October 1, 2021

Logline

A feisty senior citizen fights to protect her beloved neighborhood from an evil force that’s taken over the local bingo hall and is killing the residents in gruesome ways.

Short Synopsis

When a sinister figure threatens the residents of a low-income community,...

Paramount Players’ upcoming adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel “Razorblade Tears” has found its screenwriter in Sherman Payne.

Payne, best known for the HBO Max original “Charm City Kings,” will adapt S.A. Cosby’s acclaimed novel for the studio division. The book is described as a Southern noir about two men who team up to seek vengeance for their murdered sons in the face of intolerance and prejudice in the rural South, finding redemption along the way.

Payne’s credits include “Shameless” and MTV’s series adaptation of the iconic “Scream” franchise. Amazon Studios is in post-production on his original script “Black as Night,” about a young woman who becomes an unwitting vampire slayer in modern day New Orleans. Payne is repped by APA, Management 360, and McKuin Frankel Whitehead, Llp.

“Razorblade Tears” was published last month by Flatiron Books. Paramount Players won the rights in a competitive situation,...

Warning: The following contains major spoilers for Sunday’s Shameless. Proceed at your own risk!

After 11 seasons of committed love, Shameless‘ Kevin and Veronica have finally made their relationship legally binding. In Sunday’s episode, Kev surprised his other half by decking out the Alibi in decorations and announcing that the courts were, once again, performing weddings, virtually. So wearing her mother’s wedding dress, a beaming V and Kev got hitched in front of a computer, her mom and their daughters. The monumental moment was made even sweeter by the fact that star Shanola Hampton, who plays V, directed the episode.

The producers of Shameless did not go easy on star Shanola Hampton for her directing debut. As the Showtime comedy nears its series finale, Sunday’s episode (airing at 9/8c) features pivotal moments for several characters, as well as an unexpected action sequence.

“I thought it was quite amazing that they trusted me with a jam-packed script,” the actress tells TVLine. “As a first-time director, sometimes they will give you the more diluted version of something, but they gave me this script that was jam-packed, in the middle of a pandemic. I felt trusted, and I wanted to do that justice.

Amazon & Blumhouse's partnership on "Welcome to the Blumhouse" has proven to be a big hit and they've just announced the next four movies that will be released on Amazon Prime Video in 2021, including The Manor from Axelle Carolyn, Black as Night from Maritte Lee Go, Madres from Ryan Zaragoza, and Bingo from Gigi Saul Guerrero:

"Following the highly-anticipated global launch of “Welcome to the Blumhouse”, Prime Video announced today the next chapter of four films in this collection of eight genre-movies produced by Amazon Studios and Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Television. The slate of titles are: The Manor written and directed by Axelle Carolyn, Black as Night from director Maritte Lee Go, Madres directed by Ryan Zaragoza and Bingo from director Gigi Saul Guerrero. The suspenseful thrillers will launch in 2021 on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.

The “Welcome to the Blumhouse” program continues the legacy of original,...

The first annual BlumFest kicked off today with several stars of upcoming Blumhouse films and TV shows sharing news about their projects. The event was hosted and moderated by Jacqueline Coley, editor at Rotten Tomatoes and kicked off with an introduction by Jason Blum.

Check it out below – its was super fun to watch and there was such exciting news for Horror fans!!

Check out Blumhouse’s YouTube channel (http://youtube.com/blumhouseproductions) and Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/blumhouse), and shop for BlumFest merchandise at https://shop.blumhouse.com/. #BlumFest2020

Here’s a rundown of everything announced today:

A new Insidious film – The fifth installment of Insidious, from Blumhouse, is moving forward. The film will be distributed globally by Sony Pictures. Patrick Wilson will make his directorial debut with the feature film. Scott Teems wrote the script based on a story by franchise co-creator Leigh Whannell. Ty Simpkins...

The next chapter of Welcome to the Blumhouse is ready to deliver thrills while highlighting some of today’s emerging and inclusive talent in front of and behind the camera. Amazon Prime Video has unveiled The Manor, Black as Night, Madres and Bingo as the final four films in the eight-film genre anthology. The quartet will debut on the streaming platform in 2021.

Welcome to the Blumhouse kicked off at the beginning of October with its first slate of films including The Lie from Veena Sud, Black Box from up-and-coming writer-director Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr., Evil Eye from emerging filmmakers Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani, and Nocturne from filmmaker Zu Quirke.

“Coming off the successful launch of the first four films of the program, which has surpassed our expectations, we are excited to reveal the next chapter coming in 2021,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. “The spine-tingling, edge-of-your-seat thrills continues in...

Amazon on Thursday revealed the next four films to be released next year as part of its “Welcome to the Blumhouse” series. The first four genre movies in the collection launched on Prime Video this month.

Just like the first four films of the program, the next group represents four unique stories that are connected by common themes, including institutional horrors and personal phobias. The “social thrillers,” as Amazon terms them, are helmed by up-and-coming directors.

“Coming off the successful launch of the first four films of the program, which has surpassed our expectations, we are excited to reveal the next chapter coming in 2021,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. “The spine-tingling, edge of your seat thrills continues in this next collection of titles that will surely entertain, surprise and shock our global customers.”

The first four in the Blumhouse series are a mixed bag, with IndieWire’s best review going to “Black Box.

“Charm City Kings” may be set in Baltimore, but the writers, director and stars of the film say it’s a universal coming of age story that they hope can provide guidance to kids from marginalized communities around the world.

“This story in Baltimore is not just a Baltimore story,” Puerto Rican director Angel Manuel Soto told TheWrap at the Sundance Film Festival, where the film premiered in January. “There is a Baltimore in every state. Puerto Rico is its own Baltimore in the middle of the Caribbean. This is the life that a lot of people face in marginalized communities.”

“Charm City Kings” is the story of Mouse (Jahi Di’Allo Winston), who desperately wants to join Baltimore’s infamous Midnight Clique, a fearless group of dirt bike riders who rule the summertime streets. When Midnight’s leader, Blax (Meek Mill), takes the 14-year-old Mouse under his wing, Mouse soon...

“Charm City Kings” may be set in Baltimore, but the writers, director and stars of the film say it’s a universal coming of age story that they hope can provide guidance to kids from marginalized communities around the world. “This story in Baltimore is not just a Baltimore story,” Puerto Rican director Angel Manuel Soto told TheWrap at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. “There is a Baltimore in every state. Puerto Rico is its own Baltimore in the middle of the Caribbean. This is the life that a lot of people face in marginalized communities.” “Charm City Kings” is the story of Mouse (Jahi Di’Allo Winston), who desperately wants to join Baltimore’s infamous Midnight Clique, a fearless group of dirt bike riders who rule the summertime streets. When Midnight’s leader, Blax (Meek Mill), takes the 14-year-old Mouse under his wing, Mouse soon finds himself torn between...

Ride on Time: Soto Stunts in Summer Streets Lorded by Baltimore Bike Gangs

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, but often real life plays out as formula or fate. Such is the case with Charm City Kings, the sophomore film from Angel Manuel Soto, based on the 2013 documentary 12 O’Clock Boys. Boasting a significant ensemble cast, which features rapper Meek Mill, Barry Jenkins credited on story, and Sherman Payne (“Shameless”) adapting the screenplay, expectations are significantly raised.

Despite some commendable character work and a couple of stand-out performances, however, much of Soto’s film oscillates between routine and formula before it segues into violent tragedy, the transition of which doesn’t always seem rightly calibrated.…...

Sundance Film Festival alums that receive a ton of acclaim usually have one of two paths. They either end up as Oscar players, taking that strong buzz and carving out a path in the awards season, or they crumble under the weight of added expectations. For every one of the former, there’s multiple each year of the latter. Charm City Kings, while not firmly stuck as a disappointment, certainly is a step down from what Sundance crowds seemed to suggest. This is not an Academy Award player in the slightest, and frankly, isn’t a particularly satisfying experience. Headed this week to HBO Max, it’s likely to wind up forgotten about before too long, despite some promising aspects to it. The movie is a drama, mixed with a bit of a coming of age tale. For as long as he can remember, Mouse (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) has wanted...

The New York Latino Film Festival (Nylff) has set their lineup for their forthcoming hybrid edition of its fest which will take place September 14-20.

In the wake of the pandemic, many festivals have either canceled or pivoted to an entirely virtual program. Nylff is one of the Latinx-based film fests that have continued with plans for their annual fest — with the appropriate changes. The 21st edition will be a combination of virtual events and in-person, drive-in screenings that celebrates Latinx creators. The fest will also host the first Latino drive-in experience to take place both in New York and in The Bronx.

This year’s festival features nearly 75 films representing more than 10 countries, spanning all genres including features, shorts, documentaries, web series and experimental films.

“Inspired by the resilience of the Latino community, Nylff is proud to return with a fresh format featuring our first-ever drive-in experiences,” said Calixto Chinchilla,...

HBO Max has acquired the worldwide rights to “Charm City Kings” from distributor Sony Pictures Entertainment and will release it on the new streaming service at some point this year, HBO Max announced Tuesday. The streaming service launches on May 27.

“Charm City Kings,” from director Angel Manuel Soto, won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Prize for Ensemble Acting when it made its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival this year.

Sony Pictures Classics was originally set to release “Charm City Kings” for Sony Pictures Entertainment in theaters on April 10, 2020, and this actually makes the second Sony film to head over to HBO Max in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The new streamer previously picked up Seth Rogen’s “An American Pickle” from Sony’s Columbia Pictures.

Also Read: 'Charm City Kings' Crew Hope Coming of Age Story Brings 'Mentorship' to Marginalized Kids (Video)

“Charm City Kings” stars “Queen & Slim...

Angel Manuel Soto’s “Charm City Kings” is inspired by a story from Oscar winner Barry Jenkins, Kirk Sullivan, and Christopher M. Boyd — though the tale was largely reworked in the screenplay by Sherman Payne, who helped turn Lofty Nathan’s well-regarded documentary “12 O’Clock Boys” into a fresh feature film. The film made its world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast, and was generally well-received by critics, scoring a current 86 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The Baltimore-set drama, which is produced by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment, will hit theaters in April.

Starring an ensemble cast that includes Jahi Di’Allo Winston, Meek Mill, Will Catlett, and Teyonah Parris, the film’s official synopsis reads: “Growing up in West Baltimore, teenage Mouse (Winston) feels the fierce pull of different forces: Between notorious ex-con Blax (Mill) and concerned...

You’ve never heard of The Ride? In the first trailer for “Charm City Kings,” the drama that premiered at Sundance, The Ride is when everyone in Baltimore brings out their dirt bikes for a massive display, one that provides some hope and a dream for kids in marginalized communities.

Angel Manuel Soto’s film “Charm City Kings” is a drama about a teenage kid named Mouse who looks to dirt bike riding as a way to feel like a king.

“You’re new to Baltimore. You gotta go to The Ride,” Mouse says to a new girl in town. “You don’t know nothing, do you? Every Sunday in the summer, everybody with a bike show out. There’s bikes as far as you can see.”

Also Read: 'Charm City Kings' Crew Hope Coming of Age Story Brings 'Mentorship' to Marginalized Kids (Video)

“Queen & Slim” up-and-coming actor Jahi Di’Allo Winston...

In today’s film news roundup, Sabrina Carpenter’s “The Short History of the Long Road” gets a home, comedian Jo Koy’s life will become a movie, “True to the Game” is getting a sequel and Apa promotes Chris Ridenhour.

Acquisition

FilmRise has acquired Sabrina Carpenter’s coming-of-age drama “The Short History of the Long Road” and is planning a May 15 theatrical release.

The film, written and directed by Ani Simon-Kennedy, won a special jury mention for screenplay at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival. “The Short History of the Long Road” also stars Maggie Siff, Steven Ogg and Danny Trejo.

Carpenter portrays a teenager who grew up living out of a van with her beloved father. When tragedy strikes, she is confronted by the reality that life as an outsider may not be her only choice.

The film is produced by Darren Dean, Bettina Kadoorie, Kishori Rajan, Eddie Rubin, Ani Simon-Kennedy,...