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Back in 2000, I made the eight-hour journey to Red Bank, New Jersey to attend Kevin Smith‘s Vulgarthon film festival – and one of the movies I got to see at that festival was writer/director Brian Lynch’s sketch comedy Big Helium Dog, which Smith executive produced alongside his longtime producing partner Scott Mosier. I came out of that screening feeling that Big Helium Dog was one of the funniest movies I had ever seen, and I was looking forward to being able to add a copy of the film to my DVD collection… but the DVD release we were told was forthcoming never happened. Now, decades later, the movie is finally set to make its way out into the world on September 16th, when Big Choice Video brings it not just to DVD, but also to Blu-ray! Copies are available for pre-order at This Link.

Here’s the synopsis:...

Lauren Holt and Moses Ingram are set to recur on HBO’s upcoming comedy series created, executive produced and headlined by Rachel Sennott. Additionally, Elijah Wood (Yellowjackets) and Silicon Valley alumJosh Brener have joined as guest stars.

The yet-untitled comedy revolves around a codependent friend group that reunites, navigating how the time apart, ambition, and new relationships have changed them.

Elijah Wood and Josh Brener Getty Images

Holt will play a co-worker of Sennott’s character.

In addition to Sennott, the lead cast includes Odessa A’zion, Jordan Firstman, True Whitaker and Josh Hutcherson. Wood and Brener join previously announced guest stars Leighton Meester and Quenlin Blackwell They are expected to appear in multiple episodes whose count is Tbd.

Sennott executive produces the series alongside Emma Barrie, Aida Rodgers and Lorene Scafaria, who directed the pilot.

Holt, who will next...

Rachel Sennott’s upcoming, and still untitled, HBO comedy series has added four new cast members.

Variety has learned that Moses Ingram and Lauren Holt are both set to appear in recurring roles, while Elijah Wood and Josh Brener will make guest star appearances. Exact character details are being kept under wraps.

As previously announced, Sennott will star in the series along with Odessa A’zion, Jordan Firstman, True Whitaker, and Josh Hutcherson. Leighton Meester and Quenlin Blackwell will also guest star.

Ingram received an Emmy nomination for her supporting role in the hit Netflix limited “The Queen’s Gambit.” She has since gone on to star in the shows “Obi-Wan Kenobi” at Disney+ and both “The Big Cigar” and “Lady in the Lake” at Apple TV+. She is also set to appear in Kathryn Bigelow’s upcoming thriller film at Netflix.

She is repped by Innovative Artists, Linden Entertainment, The Lede Company,...

Kirsten Dunst has signed to star in Self Help as a woman, lost in L.A. and life, who gets sucked into a far-reaching conspiracy theory after she witnesses a hit and run.

With L.A. in flames, tensions mount and bodies pile up as she plays detective, she finds herself caught between a shady real estate tycoon and a dubious wannabe actor.

Self Help marks the feature directorial debut of Flora Birnbaum, a 2017 Sundance New Voices Fellow. She recently served as a writer and co-executive producer on Hulu’s Tell Me Lies, with additional writing credits on FX’s American Crime Story: Impeachment and Netflix’s Russian Doll, which earned her two WGA award nominations.

Birnbaum previously created, wrote, and directed the digital series Cleansed, which premiered at SXSW.

Jessica Elbaum and Will Ferrell’s Gloria Sanchez Productions is producing. Founded in 2014, its film credits include Josh Greenbaum’s Will & Harper,...

The world of entertainment is a story-making machine. From fascinating tales set in unrealistic fictional worlds to tales grounded in reality offering eye-opening commentary on the world we live in, to everything above and beyond and between.

The same tales have a unique power to transport us into worlds of imagination, drama, and emotion, often leaving us questioning the blurred lines between reality and the fictional world. All these stories are born out of the incredible minds of their storytellers, aka the screenwriters. But sometimes, even storytellers need inspiration, and this inspiration comes from true stories.

While some movies like Oppenheimer, Into the Wild, Schindler’s List, and more wear their ‘based on a true story‘ badge with honor, others often end up slipping under the radar, weaving real-life inspirations into narratives that feel like pure Hollywood invention. These hidden gems often end up surprising us with their storytelling and the remarkable truths behind them.

Josh Hutcherson has joined Rachel Sennott’s upcoming HBO comedy series in a recasting, Variety has learned.

Hutcherson will take over one of the lead roles, which was played by Miles Robbins in the series’ pilot, as the role underwent changes after the pilot was shot and the show was greenlit. Sennott also stars in the untitled series along with Odessa A’zion, Jordan Firstman, and True Whitaker. Leighton Meester and Quenlin Blackwell guest star.

Hutcherson is best known for his starring role in the original “Hunger Games” films, and will reprise his role from “Five Nights at Freddy’s” in the sequel due out this fall. His other films roles include “The Disaster Artist,” “The Kids Are All Right,” and “Zathura.” Hutcherson also previously starred in the Hulu series “Future Man,” which ran for three seasons.

He is repped by Gersh, Tfc Management, and Hansen Jacobson.

Sennott’s series was picked...

Josh Hutcherson has been tapped as a lead in Rachel Sennott’s upcoming HBO comedy series.

Hutcherson joins the untitled show in a recasting, replacing Miles Robbins, who appeared in the pilot, after the character was altered during the writing process after the show was picked up to series by HBO, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.

Hutcherson, who is best known for starring as Peeta Mellark in “The Hunger Games” series, joins previously announced stars Sennott, who also writes and executive produces the show, as well as Odessa A’zion, Jordan Firstman (“Rotting in the Sun,” “Dave”) and True Whitaker (“Godfather of Harlem”). Leighton Meester and Quenlin Blackwell will also appear as guest stars.

The official logline for the series is as follows: “A codependent friend group reunites, navigating how the time apart, ambition, and new relationships have changed them.”

Sennott executive produces the series alongsider Emma Barrie, Aida Rodgers and Lorene Scafaria,...

Exclusive: Josh Hutcherson has been tapped as a lead in HBO’s upcoming comedy series created, executive produced and headlined by Rachel Sennott.

He replaces Miles Robbins who played the role in the pilot as the character underwent changes during the writing process after the pilot had been picked up to series.

The yet-untitled comedy revolves around a codependent friend group that reunites, navigating how the time apart, ambition, and new relationships have changed them.

In addition to Sennott, Hutcherson joins in the lead cast Odessa A’zion, Jordan Firstman and True Whitaker. Leighton Meester and Quenlin Blackwell guest star.

Sennott executive produces the series alongside Emma Barrie, Aida Rodgers and Lorene Scafaria, who directed the pilot.

Probably best known for his role as Peeta Mallark in the Hunger Games movies, Hutcherson will next be seen reprising his role as Mike Schmidt in...

Lizzo has been cast in a new biopic from Amazon MGM Studios exploring the life of legendary rock pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The film, currently titled Rosetta, is in development with Lizzo co-producing alongside Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker, and Kevin Beisler, the last of whom led 2022’s Lizzo: Live In Concert.

Tharpe is known as the first great icon of gospel music, and her work on electric guitar notably laid the foundation for what would become rock n’ roll. Her influence was noted by artists like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Chuck Berry. According to Deadline, the film zeroes in on a specific period in Tharpe’s life and will explore the ways she defied expectations and forged her own path, both in her music and in her personal life.

The movie is moving forward under Significant Productions, a company known for championing emerging talent and yielding films like...

Lizzo has been cast in a new biopic from Amazon MGM Studios exploring the life of legendary rock pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The film, currently titled Rosetta, is in development with Lizzo co-producing alongside Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker, and Kevin Beisler, the last of whom led 2022’s Lizzo: Live In Concert.

Tharpe is known as the first great icon of gospel music, and her work on electric guitar notably laid the foundation for what would become rock n’ roll. Her influence was noted by artists like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Chuck Berry. According to Deadline, the film zeroes in on a specific period in Tharpe’s life and will explore the ways she defied expectations and forged her own path, both in her music and in her personal life.

The movie is moving forward under Significant Productions, a company known for championing emerging talent and yielding films like...

Keke Palmer's new comedy One of Them Days has broken a Rotten Tomatoes record. The movie, which was produced by Insecure's Issa Rae, was directed by Lawrence Lamont (who previously collaborated with Rae on Max's Rap Sh!t) from the debut screenplay by Syreeta Singleton (who was the showrunner of Rap Sh!t). It co-stars Palmer and singer-songwriter Sza as best friends Dreux and Alyssa alongside an ensemble cast that includes Vanessa Bell Calloway, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Dewayne Perkins, Lil Rel Howery, and Janelle James.

The new Keke Palmer movie is the latest in a string of prominent projects for the actor, who kicked off her career in the mid 2000s and first rose to prominence when she starred opposite Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett in 2006's Akeelah and the Bee. She parlayed this success as a child actor into roles in projects such as Disney's Jump In! and Nickelodeon's True Jackson,...

As Hollywood’s one of the most versatile actors recently turned 70, it is time to consider more than the roles J.K. Simmons is best known for, like J. Jonah Jameson in Spider-Man or the terrifying music teacher in Whiplash. Simmons now has more than 200 films and TV appearances to his credit, building a career of supporting character work combined with memorable scenes.

J.K. Simmons in Whiplash | Credit: Sony Pictures/Universal Pictures International

Not only with his big win at the Oscars but also over the years, he has shown how he can steal any scene with his screen presence. However, under the familiar top hits, there are a number of underappreciated films that need to be appreciated more.

10. The Front Runner (2018)

In this political drama, J.K. Simmons left a strong impact portraying Bill Dixon, Gary Hart’s campaign manager. His performance brought layers to a story of media,...

Did Jennifer Lopez reject Unfaithful? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

J.Lo spilled the tea in Vanity Fair’s Hollywood issue, saying, “There was a movie called Unfaithful. And it was offered to me, and the script wasn’t all the way there.” While Diane Lane ultimately got the role opposite Richard Gere and earned critical acclaim, J.Lo still can’t help but replay the missed opportunity in her head. She joked, “I want to, like, shoot my toe off.” Ouch.

J.Lo’s not just about missed chances. She’s always been about reshaping her career and breaking boundaries. After Unfaithful, she didn’t let setbacks stop her. She became a powerhouse in the entertainment world, most notably leading the Hustlers cast. In that role, she commanded the screen as a badass leader of a girl gang of strippers. Critics loved her performance, but still, no Oscar love.

Despite the snub,...

In 2013, writer/director James Ward Byrkit debuted his mind-bending science fiction thriller Coherence, the ultra low-budget film that was shot over the course of five days, and has since gone on to become a beloved cult favorite. Dealing with themes of reality, regret, and free will, its one of those movies that you can watch over and over again, and find something new with each viewing. After more than a decade, a sequel was finally announced back in May, and we caught up with Byrkit to discuss what thats going to look like for the fans who have been eagerly anticipating what comes next.

In an interview with MovieWeb earlier this week, we spoke at length with Byrkit about his phenomenal new series, Shatter Belt, before the conversation turned to Coherence, and the unique way it was filmed. While traditional movies have a script to go off of, such wasnt the case with the 2013 classic,...

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Hulu is one of the best places to find the best movies and TV shows you can watch on any streaming service. Every month, it adds hundreds of new titles to its content library, but with that, there are also some titles that have got to go. So, today, we are here to tell you about the best film you should watch before it leaves Hulu in November 2024.

American Murderer (November 4)

American Murderer is a true crime thriller drama film written and directed by Matthew Gentile. Based on the story of Jason Derek Brown, the 2022 film follows Jason Derek Brown, a charismatic con man who becomes a fugitive and wanted by the FBI after he commits his biggest crime yet. American Murderer stars Tom Pelphrey, Idina Menzel, Ryan Phillippe, Jacki Weaver, Shantel VanSanten, Paul Schneider, Kevin Corrigan, and Moisés Arias.

Jennifer Lopez Did Not Get Paid For Her Role In Hustlers Movie ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

When Hustlers happened in 2019, Jennifer Lopez was front and center as Ramona—the legit ringleader with a plan to turn the tables on Wall Street big shots. But the actual plot twist? The actress didn’t pocket an upfront paycheck for the role. Yep, the pop icon worked for free. “I didn’t get paid a whole bunch of money for Hustlers,” she told GQ in 2019 with the signature J.Lo confidence. “I did it for free and produced it. Like Jenny From the Block—I do what I love,” she added.

For Lopez, Hustlers was much more than the money—it was a statement, a bit of cinematic rebellion. The film, directed by Lorene Scafaria, was a rare beast in Hollywood: women-led, women-written, women-directed. Lopez and her all-female team flipped the script on the usual boys’ club,...

Sean Baker sees the world differently. He found a magic kingdom in the pastel purple of The Florida Project’s multi-storey inn. Made a washed-up porn star an avatar for the American Dream in Red Rocket. Set Tangerine’s frenzied tale of a transgender woman’s revenge against the glittering backdrop of Christmas Eve. And now in Anora, his Palme d’Or-winning odyssey, turns Take That’s ‘Greatest Day’ — a song largely adored by a mum demographic — into a sex-worker anthem.

It makes for one hell of an opening sequence: Gary Barlow and co’s hopeful lyrics about shared vitality (remixed to a club beat) scoring a line-up of athletic strippers, their customers barely visible beneath them. “Watch the world come alive tonight… Stay close to me.” At the end of the undulating chorus line twirls Mikey Madison’s Ani (short for Anora), smiling serenely, long, dark hair cascading around her,...

The Platform 2's storyline is unique in more ways than one, but viewers looking for something similar still have a wide range of thrillers to choose from. Serving as a prequel to Netflix's The Platform, The Platform 2 unfolds in a vertical prison system like its predecessor. The primary driving force behind the movie's narrative is a floating platform that lowers down from one level of the prison to another, carrying food for the inmates. However, when some prisoners from the upper levels act selfishly and eat way more than they deserve, an intense power struggle ensues in the system.

In many ways, The Platform 2 serves as a solid allegory for both trickle-down economics and the downsides of communism. At the same time, with its character beats, the movie also dabbles with other relatable themes surrounding grief, identity, morality, and acceptance of one's past. While both The Platform...

Gen Z social media star Quenlin Blackwell has signed with CAA.

Also known as Quen Blackwell, she has 16 million followers across platforms, including 2.4 million followers on Instagram and another 10.6 million on TikTok. CAA will focus on boosting strategic brand partnerships and strategy around new intellectual property and business ventures for Blackwell, especially as an online influencer.

Having got her start with comedy skits on Vine, Blackwell was recently cast to guest star in Shiva Baby star Rachel Sennott’s upcoming HBO comedy pilot. The untitled series follows a group of codependent friends who reunite after some time apart, navigating how the separation, ambition, and new relationships have changed them.

Sennott wrote the show’s pilot and executive produced it with Emma Barrie, Aida Rodgers (both alums of Barry) and director Lorene Scafaria (Succession).

Blackwell also appeared in Charli Xcx’ music video “360” and others like “90s Baby” by Jt and...

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It’s What’s Inside is a sci-fi comedy horror film written and directed by Greg Jardin. The Netflix film revolves around a group of college friends who reunite before one of them gets married but the arrival of an uninvited guest with a mysterious suitcase starts to tear the group apart. It’s What’s Inside stars Alycia Debnam-Carey, Gavin Leatherwood, James Morosini, Reina Hardesty, David W. Thompson, Madison Davenport, Nina Bloomgarden, Hailee Keanna Lautenbach, and Brittany O’Grady. So, if you loved the thrilling suspense, compelling characters, and an intensely dramatic story with a tinge of comedy in It’s What’s Inside here are some similar movies you should check out next.

Talk To Me (Paramount+ & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – A24

Talk To Me is a supernatural horror thriller film directed by Danny and Michael Philippou from a screenplay...

Exclusive: Boots Riley looks to have found his next project and has landed quite the ensemble, as sources tell Deadline he is partnering with Neon on his film I Love Boosters. Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Lakeith Stanfield and Demi Moore are set to star, with additional casting underway. Principal photography set to begin this fall.

Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett are producing on behalf of Ryder Picture Company along with Savage Rose Films’ Allison Rose Carter and Jon Read. Mike Jackman, Gus Deardoff, Ken Kao, Josh Rosenbaum, Annapurna and Neon will serve as executive producers. Neon is financing the film with Waypoint Entertainment and will handle the worldwide rights.

The film centers on a ring of enterprising boosters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Additional plot details are under wraps.

Riley is a multihyphenate working across film and music as a director, producer and screenwriter.

Gloria Gloria, now streaming on Mubi

The camera barely leaves star Paulina Garcia's Gloria as she puts in a magnetic performance at the heart of Sebastián Lelio's drama. With divorce a decade behind her, at 58, she's looking for a fresh start in romance and wonders if the more recently single Rodolfo (Sergio Hernandez) might provide it. Though this might sound like a familiar tale, the Chilean writer/director avoids sentimentality and cliche to serve up a slice of feminist drama that acknowledges the challenges faced by its protagonist and celebrates her strengths, without resorting to cheap gimmicks or easy resolutions.

Hustlers, Film4, 11.30pm, Thursday, September 19

Although she did receive a Golden Globe nomination, Jennifer Lopez should easily have snagged an Oscar nod for her role in Lorene Scafaria's well-written adaptation of a New Yorker story charting a complex scam orchestrated by a group of strippers. Lopez plays the brassy Ramona,...

HBO has ordered a new comedy series starring, written, and executive produced by Rachel Sennott, the breakout star of the critically acclaimed “Shiva Baby”. Sennott also received praise for her work in the summer hit “Bottoms”, which she co-wrote and executive produced. The pilot episode was directed by Lorene Scafaria (HBO’s “Succession”) and executive produced […]

HBO Orders Rachel Sennott Comedy Series...

HBO has reportedly given the green light to an untitled comedy series written by Rachel Sennott. Seeing Sennotts comedic talents, the premium cable channel ordered the pilot to film back in March, and it featured her as both creator and star. Directed by Lorene Scafaria, the series also boasts a talented cast including Odessa Azion, Miles Robbins, Jordan Firstman, and True Whitaker.

Sennott and Scafaria also executive produce alongside Emma Barrie and Aida Rodgers. As per Variety, Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO and Max comedy programming, is more than thrilled about moving forward with the project and has expressed her excitement by stating:

Rachel is as hilarious as she is charming. With Lorene and Emma, she has captured the comedy and the beauty that happens when friendships collide with our best laid plans. Were thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with this talented team and this exquisite cast.

HBO is moving ahead with a comedy series from Bottoms and Shiva Baby star Rachel Sennott.

The premium cabler has picked up the untitled show, which Sennott created and will star in. The series follows a group of codependent friends who reunite after some time apart, navigating how the separation, ambition, and new relationships have changed them.

Sennott wrote the show’s pilot and executive produced it with Emma Barrie, Aida Rodgers (both alums of Barry) and director Lorene Scafaria (Succession).

“Rachel is as hilarious as she is charming. With Lorene and Emma, she has captured the comedy and the beauty that happens when friendships collide with our best laid plans,” said Amy Gravitt, executive vp HBO and Max comedy programming. “We’re thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with this talented team and this exquisite cast.”

Said Sennott, “I’m so grateful to Amy and HBO for the opportunity...

Rachel Sennott’s untitled comedy has been picked up to series at HBO, Variety has learned.

The show was ordered to pilot at the premium cabler back in March. Sennott created and stars in the series and also serves as an executive producer. Emma Barrie, Aida Rodgers, and Lorene Scafaria also executive produce, with Scafaria having directed the pilot.

“Rachel is as hilarious as she is charming,” said Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO and Max comedy programming. “With Lorene and Emma, she has captured the comedy and the beauty that happens when friendships collide with our best laid plans. We’re thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with this talented team and this exquisite cast.”

The official logline for the series states, “A codependent friend group reunites, navigating how the time apart, ambition, and new relationships have changed them.” Along with Sennott, the cast includes Odessa A’zion, Jordan Firstman,...

HBO has given a series order to a new untitled comedy from Rachel Sennott.

The project, which stars and is written and executive produced by the “Shiva Baby” actress, follows a codependent friend group that reunites, navigating how the time apart, ambition, and new relationships have changed them.

In addition to Sennott, the show’s cast includes Odessa A’zion, Jordan Firstman, Miles Robbins and True Whitaker (“Godfather of Harlem”).

The half-hour pilot, which received an order from the network back in March, is executive produced by Sennott, Emma Barrie (“Barry”), Aida Rodgers (“Barry”), and Lorene Scafaria (“Succession”), who directed.

“Rachel is as hilarious as she is charming,” HBO and Max Comedy programming executive vice president Amy Gravitt said in a statement. “With Lorene and Emma, she has captured the comedy and the beauty that happens when friendships collide with our best laid plans. We’re thrilled to be continuing our...

HBO has ordered an ensemble comedy series starring, written and executive produced by Rachel Sennott.

The project, about a codependent friend group that reunites, navigating how the time apart, ambition, and new relationships have changed them, originated as a pilot, which Sennott executive produced with Emma Barrie (HBO’s Barry), Aida Rodgers (HBO’s Barry), and Lorene Scafaria (HBO’s Succession), who directed it.

“Rachel is as hilarious as she is charming,” said Amy Gravitt, EVP HBO and Max Comedy Programming. “With Lorene and Emma, she has captured the comedy and the beauty that happens when friendships collide with our best laid plans. We’re thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with this talented team and this exquisite cast.”

Sennott stars alongside Odessa A’zion (Sitting in Bars with Cake), Jordan Firstman (Rotting in the Sun), Miles Robbins (Blockers) and True Whitaker (Godfather of Harlem). Just like it was at the pilot stage,...

2013's Coherence ranks as the most popular movie on AVOD following the announcement that a follow-up movie is coming. The sci-fi film was made on a budget of $50,000 and was well-reviewed by critics. It went on to develop a cult following in the years after its release. No plot details have been released about Coherence 2, but it will feature the return of original director James Ward Byrkit.

Coherence tops a new AVOD chart for the month of May. Released in 2013, Coherence marks director James Ward Byrkit's feature film debut and follows a group of friends at a dinner party who start to experience various strange phenomena as a comet passes overhead. The sci-fi mystery film, which earned mostly positive reviews from critics, was made on an estimated budget of $50,000 and went on to earn just under $140,000 at the box office. After developing a cult following, it was recently announced that...

Exclusive: Screen Gems and PlayStation Productions’ feature adaptation of the PlayStation game Until Dawn has set an ensemble of rising stars as Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino, Ji-young Yoo and Odessa A’zion have been cast in the upcoming pic. David F. Sandberg is set to direct.

“At PlayStation Productions, we are always looking to find creative and authentic ways to adapt our beloved games that our fans will enjoy,” said Asad Qizilbash, Head of PlayStation Productions, Head of Product for PlayStation Studios, Sony Interactive Entertainment. “Alongside Screen Gems, we’ve assembled a fantastic cast of new characters that builds upon our already stellar filmmaking team and their vision for the adaptation. We’re excited to reveal more about the movie soon.”

The logline is under wraps but the pic is being described as an R-rated and terrifying love letter to the horror genre, centering on an ensemble cast.

Gary Dauberman wrote...

Rachel Sennott’s upcoming HBO comedy pilot has added four cast members, Variety has learned.

Odessa A’zion, Jordan Firstman, Miles Robbins, and True Whitaker (“Godfather of Harlem”) are all set to star in project, which was picked up to pilot at HBO in March. Sennot will also star in the series.

The official logline states, “A codependent friend group reunites, navigating how the time apart, ambition, and new relationships have changed them.”

A’zion has also appeared in multiple episodes of the CBS comedy “Ghosts” as well as shows like “Fam” and features such as 2022’s “Hellraiser.” Firstman recently appeared in the Marvel series “Ms. Marvel” at Disney+. Robbins appeared in multiple episodes of the award-winning Amazon series “Mozart in the Jungle.” Whitaker appeared alongside her father, Academy Award winner Forrest Whitaker, in “Godfather of Harlem.”

A’zion is repped by UTA, Luber Roklin, Granderson Des Rochers. Firstman is repped by UTA and Frankfurt Kurnit.

Odessa A’zion (Sitting in Bars with Cake), Jordan Firstman (Rotting in the Sun), Miles Robbins (Blockers) and True Whitaker (Godfather of Harlem) have joined HBO’s Untitled Rachel Sennott Comedy Pilot.

In the untitled project, a codependent friend group reunites, navigating how the time apart, ambition and new relationships have changed them.

HBO ordered the pilot in March to star and be written and executive produced by Sennott. She executive produces alongside Emma Barrie, Aida Rodgers and Lorene Scafaria, who will also direct the pilot.

A’zion can most recently be seen in Netflix’s Grand Army in the role of Joey Del Marco and Prime Video’s Sitting In Bars With Cake as Corinne. She is represented by UTA, Luber Roklin, Granderson Des Rochers.

Firstman can most recently be seen in FX’s Dave and the Disney+/Marvel series Ms. Marvel. He is represented by UTA and Frankfurt Kurnit.

A decade ago, director James Ward Byrkit brought us a surreal, Twilight Zone-ish sci-fi thriller called Coherence (watch it Here), which JoBlo’s own Eric Walkuski gave an 8/10 review you can read at This Link. Now Deadline has revealed that Byrkit and It’s What’s Inside producer Kate Andrews are teaming up to develop a follow-up of some sort to Coherence! As Deadline notes, “Plot details are being kept under lock and key — including whether the new film will be a prequel, sequel, or a different story entirely.”

Byrkit crafted the story for the first film with Alex Manugian, coming up with the following set-up: Eight friends at a dinner party experience a troubling chain of events due to the malevolent influence of a passing comet.

Coherence starred Emily Foxler, who now goes by Emily Baldoni (Five Feet Apart), Maury Sterling (Smokin’ Aces), Nicholas Brendon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Seeking a Friend for the End of the World...

10 Best Women-Led Heist Movies To Watch, If You Enjoyed Kareena Kapoor, Kriti Sanon And Tabu’s Crew On Netflix(Photo Credit –IMDb)

Who says women cannot pull off a masterfully planned heist? Rajesh A Krishnan’s directed comedy-drama Crew is proof of that. The film, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon, and Tabu as Jasmine, Divya Rana, and Geeta Sethi, was recently released on Netflix after its successful run in theatres. The story revolves around the crew of the bankrupt Kohinoor Airlines, who struggle to make ends meet. The three crewmates Geeta, Jasmine, and Divya are fed up with their endless hustle and decide to get down to the business of gold smuggling to end their misery.

While the three got richer, their other colleagues suffered as their months of salaries were unpaid. Finally, Geeta, Jasmine, and Divya hatch a plan to rob their boss, chairman of Kohinoor Airlines, Vijay Walia...

The other night, I had a hankering to watch a good high-concept movie I'd never seen before. I saw 2014's "Coherence" on a few lists, and being almost wholly unfamiliar with it, I decided to fire it up and give it a shot. Thankfully, this film gave me exactly what I was looking for.

Emily Baldoni, Maury Sterling, Nicholas Brendon, Elizabeth Gracen, Alex Manugian, Lauren Maher, Hugo Armstrong, and eventual "Hustlers" director Lorene Scafaria star in this ultra-low budget brain melter about a group of friends gathering for a dinner party while a comet passes by overhead. When the power goes out, a couple of them trek up the street to a neighboring house with the lights on -- only to discover something that shakes them to their core. I won't get into the specifics here, but the film has an incredible conceit, and director James Ward Byrkit, who shot...

Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas will headline Power Ballad, a musical comedy from Once director John Carney. It’s in production now.

Once director John Carney’s next film is Power Ballad, a musical comedy which will follow “the story of a wedding singer (Paul Rudd), a rock star (Nick Jonas), and the song that comes between them.”

Carney will direct from a screenplay he wrote with Peter McDonald.

Carney said, in a statement to Deadline, “I’m delighted to be working with so many great people. I’ve been working on this script with my buddy Peter for years, and now Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas are in my kitchen.”

The film is set to be one of the main attractions at the market at this year’s Cannes film festival. Carney was attached to direct a biopic of The Bee Gees, he stepped back and was replaced by Lorene Scafaria.

Exclusive: Emmy-nominated Succession director Lorene Scafaria is back at HBO to direct and executive produce the network’s half-hour comedy pilot starring, written and executive produced by Rachel Sennott.

In the untitled project, a codependent friend group reunites, navigating how the time apart, ambition and new relationships have changed them.

Scafaria directed the Succession episodes “Too Much Birthday”, “Living+”, and “Honeymoon States,” the first two of which earned her Emmy nominations in the Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series category.

This marks Scafaria’s return to comedy; she previously directed multiple episodes of Fox’s New Girl. Additionally, she wrote and directed the 2019 feature Hustlers. Scafaria is repped by UTA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.

Exclusive: Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy), Billy Campbell (Troll), and Rhys Coiro (Hustlers) have joined Sophie Turner in the psychological thriller Trust for Twisted Pictures and Republic Pictures.

Details as to their roles are under wraps. Other new additions set to round out the cast include Peter Mensah (Gladiator 2), Forrest Goodluck (The Revenant), and Gianni Paolo (Power).

In Trust, Turner plays a Hollywood starlet who seeks refuge in a secluded Airbnb following a high-profile scandal, only to find herself at the mercy of hardened criminals on the hunt for a score.

Carlson Young (The Blazing World) is directing from a script by Gigi Levangie (Stepmom), with Twisted Pictures’ Oren Koules producing alongside Miles Koules of Koulest Productions. The film stems from a new multi-picture distribution deal between Twisted Pictures, producer of the Saw franchise, and Republic Pictures. Production commences in Mexico later this month.

Currently starring on ABC’s The Conners,...

Los Angeles, Feb 17 (Ians) Filmmaker Ridley Scott is in talks to direct a film on the music group Bee Gees.

The Bee Gees were a band formed in 1958 by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. Barry Gibb, the last surviving brother, will executive produce. Siblings Maurice and Robin died in 2003 and 2012, respectively.

Scott will produce the currently-untitled film alongside Graham King for Gk Films, Stacey Snider, and Michael Pruss for Scott Free. John Logan, who wrote Scott’s 2000 epic ‘Gladiator’, will pen the script.

It’s been a long road to tell the Bee Gees’ story on the big screen – Kenneth Branagh was previously tapped to direct a biopic film for Paramount in 2021. John Carney stepped in as director in March 2022, but departed due to scheduling conflicts, reports variety.com.

He was replaced by ‘Hustlers’ director Lorene Scafaria in December 2022.

The story of the Gibb brothers’ legendary trio was most...

Ridley Scott is in talks to direct Paramount’s Bee Gees film.

Scott will produce the currently-untitled film alongside Graham King for Gk Films, Stacey Snider, and Michael Pruss for Scott Free. John Logan, who wrote Scott’s 2000 epic “Gladiator,” will pen the script.

Paramount Pictures is distributing the film worldwide with Amblin and Sister having the right to co-finance. Barry Gibb, the last surviving brother, will executive produce. Siblings Maurice and Robin died in 2003 and 2012, respectively.

It’s been a long road to tell the Bee Gees’ story on the big screen – Kenneth Branagh was previously tapped to direct a biopic film for Paramount in 2021. John Carney stepped in as director in March 2022, but departed due to scheduling conflicts. He was replaced by “Hustlers” director Lorene Scafaria in December 2022.

The story of the Gibb brothers’ legendary trio was most recently depicted in 2020 documentary series “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.

The 75th Primetime Emmys offer the biggest night in television, as the stars and creators of entertainment on the small screen gather to celebrate each other. Anthony Anderson hosted the 2024 Emmys broadcast, which honored the finest in drama and comedy on television, as well as some love for limited series, variety shows, and even reality television.

"Succession" came away as the big winner with the trophy for Drama Series, as well as a couple of major acting awards for Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook. On the comedy side, "The Bear" won the top Comedy Series prize, while stars Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach all won acting awards too. Finally, in the limited series category, "Beef" walked away with the major award for Limited Series, with Steven Yeun and Ali Wong taking home acting awards. Plus, the directors and writers for all of those shows took home trophies too.

Because the Primetime Emmys and the DGA Awards are operating on two different schedules, nominations often have little overlap. However, with the Director Guild of America (DGA) coincidentally releasing the TV nominations for its DGA Awards the same week as the postponed 75th Primetime Emmys, it’s become even more noticeable the ways in which the two awards bodies aligned and differed on shows from 2023.

For instance, DGA Awards favorite “Succession” once again dominates the Drama Series category, receiving four nominations (one less than the last time the show was eligible). While the guild was on the same page about honoring directors Andrij Parekh and Mark Mylod (a past winner) for their work on the fourth and final season of the HBO awards juggernaut, DGA voters opted to recognize Becky Martin and duo Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman for their “Succession” Season 4 episodes over Lorene Scafaria, the show’s...

When “Monica” premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2022, the response was immediate: The movie received a standing ovation that clocked in at 11-and-a-half minutes. Andrea Pallaoro’s powerful tale of a woman returning home to care for her ailing mother who hasn’t seen her since before her gender transition had already made history by being the first film to feature a trans lead to play the fest. Praise was heaped on star Trace Lysette in the title role and Patricia Clarkson, who portrays her mother, Eugenia.

Still, it wasn’t until November when IFC Films, whose parent company is AMC Networks, picked up North American distribution rights. “‘Monica’ is a terrifically textured film anchored by multiple riveting performances,” says Scott Shooman, head of AMC Networks Film Group. “We really responded to Andrea’s vision and felt that it is the type of boundary-pushing, auteur filmmaking we always seek to be associated with.

Jennifer Lopez will be playing Aurora, the titular Spider Woman, in Bill Condon’s Broadway adaptation.

Musicals seem to be having a bit of a moment, despite studios trying to hide the songs in their trailers for films like Wonka and Mean Girls. Jon M Chu is busy working on his adaptation of Wicked and Blitz Bazawule’s The Color Purple is garnering rave reviews ahead of the awards season. And more are on the way, it seems…

Variety reports that Jennifer Lopez has signed on for Bill Condon’s film adaptation of Kiss Of The Spider Woman, which premiered on Broadway in 1993. It’s based on a novel by Manuel Puig and 1985 independent film adaptation of the novel. John Kander and Fred Ebb were in charge of the music.

Lopez is reportedly playing the role of Aurora, the titular Spider Woman. The story is set in an Argentinian prison in 1981. A man,...

If You Were the Last is a sci-fi romantic comedy film directed by Kristian Mercado, from a screenplay by Angela Bourassa. The Peacock original film revolves around two best friends adrift in a broken down space shuttle with no chance of rescue as they argue over whether they should stay friends or become something more in their remaining days. The film stars Anthony Mackie and Zoe Chao in leading roles with Natalie Morales and Geoff Stults starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the sci-fi rom-com film here are some similar movies you could watch next.

Passengers (Starz & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – Sony Pictures

Synopsis: Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt star in a high-stakes adventure about two passengers, Aurora and Jim, onboard a spaceship transporting them to a new life on another planet. The trip takes a deadly turn when their hibernation pods mysteriously wake them 90 years before they reach their destination.

Films can be interesting time capsules of historical moments or can at least represent what movie studios think an audience is interested in. Right now, there seems to be a belief that we really want to know how the opioid crisis, which kill 136 Americans a day, came to be. Netflix, most recently, came out with the series “Painkiller,” looking at the topic and, in October, will release “Pain Hustlers,” a fictionalized exploration of a drug company that foisted opioids on doctors for personal gain.

“Pain Hustlers” is a weird look into the topic, with long-time “Harry Potter” director David Yates at the helm to tell a story with heavy shades of Martin Scorsese’s “Wolf of Wall Street” and Craig Gillespie’s “I, Tonya.” Those are certainly great movies to lift tones from but in the case of “Pain Hustlers” its never gels and, coupled with Wells Tower’s simplistic script,...

Pop a bottle of Prosecco and get ready to shake your money-maker because Lionsgate is partnering with STX to develop scripted TV series inspired by Jennifer Lopez’s Hustlers and the raunchy 2016 comedy Bad Moms. The plan to put both projects into development is part of a new distribution deal between STXfilms and Lionsgate, the companies announced on Wednesday.

The Hustlers and Bad Moms TV series projects are in the early stages of development, and there is no word if the original cast or crew members will return for the episodic versions of either property.

Released in 2016, Bad Moms stars Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn as three overworked and under-appreciated moms pushed beyond their limits. After succumbing to exhaustion, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long-overdue freedom, fun, and comedic self-indulgence. A sequel, A Bad Moms Christmas, was released in 2017. Both movies were received well by audiences,...

This story about “Succession” first appeared in the Down to the Wire: Drama and Limited Series issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.

Well, “Succession” picked the right time to end its four-year run on HBO. As final Emmy voting draws nigh, Hollywood is rife with drama and backbiting, raucous picket lines and dark rumors of back-channel negotiations. Rich CEOs trade insults with writers and actors as an entire industry wonders when and if it can get back to work. In that climate, the entertainment industry itself is generating juicy headlines at a pace to rival anything the Roy family managed to manufacture during their illustrious if imaginary tenure on the Emmy juggernaut “Succession,” which leads all programs this year with 27 nominations.

Given the hubris, spite and chaos that has consumed the industry, do we even need creator Jesse Armstrong’s indelible fictional characters providing riveting but uncomfortable entertainment? Sure we do.

Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.

Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:

Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys

2023 Emmy Predictions:

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

Weekly Commentary: Official commentary coming soon.

The final Emmy voting rounds open on Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. Pt and close on Aug. 28 at 10 p.m. Pst.

Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Creative Arts predictions in all categories.

2022 category...

The nominations for the 2023 Emmy Awards have been announced. While the industry is being severely impacted by the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards will look back and honor the best in television from June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023. Emmy favorites like Succession and Ted Lasso should continue to reign supreme with their final seasons. HBO's House of the Dragon and The Last of Us, which are coming off their debut seasons, are expected to get involved in the Emmy action as well.

The nominees for the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced in a virtual broadcast hosted by Emmy-nominated actress Yvette Nicole Brown and Television Academy chair Frank Scherma. See the full list of the nominees or watch as they were announced live below:

Drama Series

Andor

Better Call Saul

The Crown

House of the Dragon

The Last of Us

Succession

The White Lotus

Yellowjackets

Actor...