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Plot: Following the revelations in the season one finale, John and Quiet find themselves entering the deadly Twisted Metal tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso. As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface.

Review: The adaptation of the old-school PlayStation video game Twisted Metal debuted in 2023 to mixed reviews. Despite the lukewarm reception from critics, fans seemed to delight in the comedy-action series starring Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz, garnering the show a second season. With the promise of finally delivering on the title tournament, Twisted Metal packs all twelve episodes of its second season with the same quirky comedy and brutal bloodshed that painted the first season red. With new cast additions portraying fan...

Peacock has revealed the official trailer and key art for Twisted Metal Season 2, which is set to premiere with three episodes on July 31. New episodes will debut every Thursday through August 28.

Following the revelations in the season one finale, John and Quiet find themselves entering the deadly Twisted Metal tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso.

As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface.

“The stakes couldn’t be higher as John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) risk their lives to compete in a dangerous demolition derby tournament,” said showrunner and executive producer Michael Jonathan Smith. “The prize? A single wish, their greatest heart’s desire, granted. The only problem is [that] sixteen other drivers have wishes of their own.

Concurrent with Anthony Carrigan’s big-screen Dcu debut as Superman‘s Metamorpho, Peacock has let fly with a Twisted Metal Season 2 trailer in which his character, Calypso, baits John Doe (MCU vet Anthony Mackie) and other drivers with a contest in which the winner gets any wish granted.

Press play above to see how John Doe, Quiet (Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Stephanie Beatriz) and their rivals take to this demolition derby invite.

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Twisted Metal Season 2: Release Date, Returning Cast & All You Need To Know About The Wild Ride Ahead (Photo Credit – Sony Liv)

The first season of Twisted Metal saw success and some good viewership which led to its renewal and the post-apocalyptic show is now back with its next edition. Based on the Twisted Metal video game franchise, the series is an action comedy starring Anthony Mackie as well as Stephanie Beatriz.

Samoa Joe and Will Arnett are also seen in the key role of Sweet Tooth, the psycho killer clown. For the second season, new faces are joining the roster and old characters are returning for another trip in the junkyard. The fans are excited for what’s to come and here’s everything we know about it.

Twisted Metal Season 2: Premiere Date

Season 2 of Twisted Metal releases on Peacock on July 31, 2025 with 12 episodes. The first season had a total of 10 episodes.

Exclusive: Object & Animal, the production company behind the Peabody Award-winning Netflix doc Daughters, has signed with Verve for representation.

Since its launch in 2018, Object & Animal has become one of the leading commercial, music video, and creative studios in the world of advertising. With Object & Animal Films, the company continues to scale its ambitions across both scripted and unscripted formats in film and television, aiming to build out a slate of urgent and globally resonant storytelling that shifts culture and elevates underrepresented voices.

Object & Animal team at Sundance Olivia Mascheroni

Object & Animal’s first documentary Daughters premiered at Sundance in 2024, winning both the Audience Award and the Festival Favorite Award before being acquired by Netflix. Winning a Peabody Award earlier this month, the film is currently nominated for two News & Documentary Emmy Awards and has also received BAFTA and DGA Award nominations.

With offices in London, Los Angeles, and New York,...

John Doe and Quiet join Sweet Tooth and other marauders in a deadly demolition derby set to Rob Zombie‘s “Dragula” in the clip from “Twisted Metal” Season 2 below.

Based on the classic PlayStation game series, the high-octane action-comedy series returns to Peacock on July 31.

Following the revelations in the first season finale, John and Quiet find themselves entering the deadly Twisted Metal tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso. As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface.

Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Seanoa, Will Arnett, and Anthony Carrigan star with Mike Mitchell, Saylor Bell Curda, Patty Guggenheim, Tiana Okoye, Richard De Klerk, Michael James Shaw, and Lisa Gilroy as recurring guest stars.

Michael Jonathan Smith,...

Twisted Metal is racing toward its return to Peacock for Season 2, and the streamer has finally revealed when episodes will become available.

Per a release date teaser on Thursday, Season 2 will debut on July 31. The teaser, embedded below, doesn’t give away much more about the season than had already been revealed in previous trailers, but we know that Raven (Neve Campbell) has been grooming Anthony Mackie’s John Doe for the sinister Twisted Metal Tournament — which looks to be about as lovely as it sounds.

The teaser does feature a glimpse at Calypso, the man who hosts the tournament, as well as a signature laugh from Sweet Tooth the terrifying clown.

Also on Thursday, Peacock released some photos of the upcoming season, including the one above of John racing past a car. See the rest of the episodic images below.

Following the revelations in the Season 1 finale, John and...

Peacock has revealed the Twisted Metal season two premiere date with a teaser, and new photos have arrived as well. The second season will premiere on Thursday, July 31, on Peacock.

Twisted Metal star and executive producer Anthony Mackie can currently be seen in Captain America: Brave New World, which is now available to watch on Digital. Michael Jonathan Smith (Cobra Kai) is the showrunner and executive producer of the series.

Following the revelations in the season one finale, John and Quiet find themselves entering the deadly Twisted Metal tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso.

As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface.

“The stakes couldn’t be higher as John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet...

“Twisted Metal” Season 2 is coming to Peacock this summer.

The NBCUniversal streamer has revealed that the second season of the action-comedy series will debut on July 31. Peacock has also released a new teaser for Season 2, which can be seen below. The show is based on the video game franchise of the same name. It originally premiered in July 2023.

The official description for Season 2 states:

“Following the revelations in the season one finale, John (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) find themselves entering the deadly Twisted Metal tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso (Anthony Carrigan). As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface (Tiana Okoye).”

The cast of the series also includes recurring guest stars Saylor Bell Curda,...

Start your engines and grab your bazookas! Season 2 of "Twisted Metal" is finally coming our way later this summer, and the first teaser trailer is giving us everything we've been impatiently waiting to see. The Peacock streaming series is based on the popular vehicular combat video game property of the same name, where players can drive vehicles, blow up their enemies, and unleash total chaos. Anyone who was a pre-teen or teenager in the late '90s and early '00s likely remembers at least one person from their class who was a little too into "Twisted Metal", but little did we know, "Twisted Metal" as a TV show would become one of the most entertaining series of the streaming era.

"Twisted Metail" Season 1 was a surprisingly wild and exciting chase through post-apocalyptic carnage featuring some of the funniest writing on TV. Developed by writing duo Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick with Michael Jonathan Smith,...

Peacock has revealed the official teaser trailer and art for Twisted Metal Season 2, which will premiere on the streaming service this summer.

Twisted Metal star and executive producer Anthony Mackie is currently starring in Captain America: Brave New World, opening in theaters this Friday, February 14. Michael Jonathan Smith (Cobra Kai) is the showrunner and executive producer of the series.

Following the revelations in the season one finale, John and Quiet find themselves entering the deadly Twisted Metal tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso.

As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface.

“The stakes couldn’t be higher as John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) risk their lives to compete in a dangerous demolition derby tournament,...

Just before his latest Marvel Cinematic Universe installment Captain America: Brave New World arrives in theaters, the trailer for Twisted Metal Season 2 teased Anthony Mackie’s return as John Doe this summer.

The second season of Michael Jonathan Smith’s comedy action series returns to Peacock in the summer of 2025 with actress Stephanie Beatriz returning alongside Mackie in her role of Quiet.

Following the revelations in the Season 1 finale, John and Quiet find themselves entering the deadly ‘Twisted Metal’ tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso (Anthony Carrigan). As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth (Will Arnett & Joe Seanoa aka Samoa Joe), things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface.

A note from series writer, showrunner and executive producer Smith: “The stakes couldn...

A pretentious patriarch, a dead child, a mysterious novel, and a stranger in the house, Alice Troughton’s The Lesson is a (very) slow-burn psychological drama film; some may even say a thriller about a young and aspiring author. The film is fairly short and intrigues with its beautiful landscapes and alluring home decor, keeping one on the edge (if that’s your thing). Liam Sommers is invited as a live-in tutor to his favorite author’s home. Overjoyed, Liam takes on the job and finds himself in a gorgeous estate with a lake and a beautiful backyard, where he tutors Bertie, the high schooler that he’s meant to get into Oxford University. The film relies heavily on tropes and ends up being quite predictable by the end.

Spoilers Ahead

Liam And Bertie’s Relationship

A lot of The Lesson goes into building a trustworthy relationship between Liam, our desperate protagonist,...

Quick Links When and Where to Watch Twd: The Ones Who Live Who Will Be in The Ones Who Live? Is There a Trailer? What Are the Story Details?

The Walking Dead's longest-running spinoff, Fear the Walking Dead, has come to an end after eight seasons. But that doesn't mean there aren't more zombie survival stories to tell. Out of all the new spinoffs to premiere after The Walking Dead's finale in 2022, the most anticipated has been The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, starring Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes and Danai Gurira as Michonne.

The upcoming series has been through a whirlwind of changes in development. In 2018, chief content officer of The Walking Dead universe Scott M. Gimple announced that a trilogy of movies starring Lincoln would continue Rick's story. Years of little to no news about the films followed, leaving many to wonder if the...

Netflix cancels many animated shows due to poor ratings and financial concerns, which is problematic for fans who want to see the story continue. The cancelation of animated shows limits creativity and removes the freedom that animation offers as an art form, hindering future storytelling potential. Other successful animated shows, like Steven Universe, demonstrate how Netflix is missing the opportunity to build fandoms and potential franchises by not giving shows enough time to resonate with audiences.

Netflix cancels a lot of shows in general, but the reason why so many of the streamer's animated series get canceled is worth exploring since it's actually a problematic trend. Poor ratings or financially taxing projects can often lead to cancelations, whether it's after one season on Netflix or before the show has even premiered. Animation seems to get the ax more often, though, and there's a specific reason for that.

Although Netflix has a hefty catalog for viewers,...

Lessons in Chemistry takes a surprising time jump in episode 4, introducing a new era through subtle costume and music choices. Directing the dog character, Six-Thirty, was a joy and brought a joyful element to an otherwise grief-laden episode. Brie Larson plays both an immersive actor and an EP, and her collaboration with the directors was seamless, with her understanding the character deeply.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Lessons in Chemistry episode 4.Apple TV+'s latest sensation is Lessons in Chemistry, which introduced Brie Larson in the role of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant scientist in the 1950s whose worth is underestimated by everyone at her lab except for Dr. Calvin Evans. While the show first set the stage for their scientific partnership and bubbling romance, the cliffhanger at the end of episode 2 left both Elizabeth and the audience reeling when he was struck by a car and died. Lessons in Chemistry...

If you’re still feeling very big feelings after Episode 3 of “Lessons in Chemistry,” thanks to some poignant narration from a certain pup, don’t worry — you’re not alone. In fact, directors Bert and Bertie specifically set out to do that. But, they do admit that telling a story of grief through the lens of a dog was “eye-opening,” even for them.

In this particular episode of the Brie Larson-led limited series, now streaming on Apple TV+, the opening minutes tell the origin story of Six Thirty, the dog Elizabeth Zott (Larson) adopted who later tried saving Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman) from running out into the street to his death. Not only is it a heartbreaking origin — he started as a military dog, but ran away — but the narration that follows, courtesy of B.J. Novak, likely left you holding your own dog close, as Six Thirty mourned his running buddy and blamed himself.

For the vast majority of its time on air, :a[The Walking Dead]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/walking-dead-season-1-review/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} was primarily the story of Rick Grimes. Sure, AMC’s sprawling zombie saga had an ensemble cast, and all kinds of characters you fell in love with but at the heart of it all was Andrew Lincoln’s former sheriff, waking from a coma to a world overrun with flesh-chomping ghouls. Bummer. Then, in Season 9, he bowed out of the show, only to briefly to return in the series finale, alluding to his whereabouts. Soon, those who followed Rick’s story will get to see what exactly happened to him – :a[upcoming series The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/walking-dead-end-season-11-carol-daryl-spin-offs/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} will feature Rick and Michonne, with Lincoln...

Golda is a biographical war drama film directed by Guy Nattiv from a script by Nicholas Martin. Starring Helen Mirren in the lead role of Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel, the film follows Golda’s leadership of Israel during the Yom Kippur War. The film also stars Camille Cottin and Liev Schreiber. So, if you loved Golda here are some similar movies you could watch next.

A Woman Called Golda (Not Streaming in the US) Credit – Syndication

Synopsis: The story of the Russian-born, Wisconsin-raised woman who rose to become Israel’s prime minister in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Darkest Hour (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Universal Pictures

Synopsis: Academy Award® winner Gary Oldman gives a “towering performance” in acclaimed director Joe Wright’s soaring drama Darkest Hour. As Hitler’s forces storm across the European landscape and close in on the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill...

There's a moment after one of The Lesson's lessons where a young student talks about the freedom to compare works between genres, to look for parallels. There's another where there's a discussion of a third section, how it doesn't quite fit with tone. These two, perhaps slightly more than anything else, are keys to reading a film that is deliberately literary in its aspirations and inspirations, and all the more powerful for it.

There are five parts. To the story, epilogue, prologue, I, II, that ill-fitting III. To the cast, author Jm Sinclair, wife Helene, son Bertie, butler Ellis, and into them tutor Liam. The intent is for Bertie to earn a place at one of the Oxbridge colleges, competitive enough that graduate Liam is brought on in lieu of boarding school study to get Bertie over the line. It's one of many lines, crossed, crossed out, outed.

Five points interconnected will.

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande star Daryl McCormack shines in this handsomely executed mystery thriller from British director Alice Troughton, best known for her work on the legendary TV series Doctor Who. Written by Alex MacKeith, The Lesson also features exquisite performances from acclaimed French actor Julie Delpy and Oscar-nominated Richard E Grant. Although purely fictional, MacKeith is said to have based the story on real life events that arose after he was hired as a tutor by a writer he admired.

Aspiring young writer Liam (McCormack), accepts a tutoring position at the family home of his writing idol, the acclaimed author J.M. Sinclair (Grant). Liam is immediately seduced by his host’s seemingly perfect existence. But soon, the young man finds himself involved in his new employers’ complicated family life and the secrets they keep. Sinclair, his wife Hélène (Delpy), and their son Bertie (up and coming...

A charismatic young tutor comes to help a tragedy-stuck family in a bookish drama that’s fun and smart, but not entirely convincing

Here is a brittle and contrived but rather elegant Brit thriller about literary paranoia from debut feature screenwriter Alex MacKeith and director Alice Troughton, herself a cinema first-timer having had much acclaim working on TV. The upscale and sophisticated mise-en-scène is rather French; Julie Delpy has a role here and looks quite at home.

Richard E Grant plays Jm Sinclair, a bestselling, sharp-tongued author who gives roguish interviews repeating the old maxim that good artists borrow but great ones steal. He is married to art collector Hélène (Delpy) and they live in a handsome country estate with extensive grounds and a lake. But Sinclair, usually so prolific, has retreated to a haunted creative silence following the tragic death of his elder son; the parents are now concerned...

Indulge in the exciting content offerings on Ott this week, as the weekend thrill awaits with a blend of drama, action, thriller and documentary, promising to transport you to a new world. From Rajinikanth’s blockbuster ‘Jailer’ to the crime thriller ‘Bambai Meri Jaan’, to the documentary ‘Animals Up Close’, the Entertainment site slate will immerse you in a cinematic experience like none other, all from the comfort of your home.

Here’s a list of five titles on various Ott platforms that have caught the attention of Ians this week:‘Jailer’

Superstar Rajinikanth starrer blockbuster film ‘Jailer’ is about a retired jailer Tiger Muthuvel Pandiyan (portrayed by Rajinikanth), who is out to find his son’s killers.

Produced by Sun Pictures and directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the film features Rajinikanth in the lead role alongside Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Vinayakan, Tamannaah Bhatia and Master Ritvik in pivotal roles and special cameos by Mohanlal,...

Universal Pictures has launched a new trailer for the upcoming thriller ‘The Lesson.’

Liam (Daryl McCormack), an aspiring and ambitious young writer, eagerly accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol, renowned author J.M. Sinclair (Academy Award nominee Richard E. Grant). But soon, Liam realizes that he is ensnared in a web of family secrets, resentment, and retribution. Sinclair, his wife Hélène (Academy Award nominee Julie Delpy), and their son Bertie (Stephen McMillan) all guard a dark past, one that threatens Liam’s future as well as their own. As the lines between master and protégé blur, class, ambition, and betrayal become a dangerous combination in this taut noir thriller.

Directed by Alice Troughton, the film stars Richard E. Grant, Julie Delpy, Daryl McCormack, Stephen McMillan, and Crispin Letts.

Also in trailers – Bradley Cooper & Carey Mulligan star in teaser trailer for ‘Maestro’

The movie hits cinemas on September 22nd.

Exclusive: Bert, the buzzy, BAFTA-winning director behind shows like Silo and Hawkeye, has signed with Range Media Partners for management. The filmmaker born Amber Templemore is met there by Bertie (aka Katie Ellwood), the other half of her powerhouse partnership Bert & Bertie, who came over to the company in May.

“Amber has built a beautiful career delivering at the highest level across genres in film and TV. Her leap from independent comedic films to big budget, world building series is a testament to her incredible ability,” said Range Managing Partner, Rich Cook. “We’re so thrilled to help build out this next chapter and beyond in partnership with Verve.”

After directing two Season 1 episodes of Apple TV+’s acclaimed sci-fi thriller series Silo starring Rebecca Ferguson, and seeing it break out as the platform’s #1 drama series, Templemore was asked back to helm four episodes for the forthcoming Season 2, including the finale,...

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live unveils intriguing set photos, hinting at Michonne's involvement with the Crm and her search for Rick. Originally a film trilogy, the project transformed into a six-episode limited series, promising an epic love story between two characters in a changed world. With a seasoned cast, including Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira, and other upcoming series, The Walking Dead universe continues to expand and captivate audiences worldwide.

Far from slowing down, the apocalyptic landscape of the Walking Dead stirs excitement among fans awaiting the newest gripping chapter, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. This anticipated series marks a new chapter for iconic characters Rick Grimes and Michonne. Let's explore the exciting details unveiled and what they may mean for the franchise's future.

Two intriguing set photos from The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live have recently surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), igniting excitement and speculation.

New The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live set photos have revealed how close Michonne is to locating Rick Grimes in the upcoming series.

Shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Twdu Promos, the two set photos show Michonne, portrayed by Danai Gurira, wearing a Civic Republic Military (Crm) jacket, indicating that, like her husband, she has been captured by the militarized organization. Another possibility is that she has infiltrated Crm to rescue Rick (Andrew Lincoln). Within The Walking Dead Universe, the jacket Michonne is wearing designates new recruits or captives of the Crm, who are forced to kill Walkers at Cull Facilities to prove their loyalty. In the series finale of The Walking Dead, Rick -- shown wearing a Crm jacket -- was recaptured by the organization after briefly escaping.

Related: Image Reveals Seven More Walking Dead Anniversary Covers

Danai Gurira as Michonne in #TheWalkingDead: The Ones Who Live pic.

National Geographic’s new six-part series Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory finds the BAFTA Award winner traveling across the globe to capture wildlife on video in ways they’ve never been seen before. Gregory, using drones and state-of-the-art cameras, reveals the secret lives of killer whales, African wild dogs, devil rays, and forest elephants known as the tuskers.

Bertie Gregory hosts and serves as director of photography on his visits to Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Botswana, Patagonia, Indonesia, and the Central African Republicon. Gregory’s joined by directors/producers Will West, Maddie Close, Spencer Millsap, Mark McClean, and James Brickell in this extensive exploration of extraordinary animals. Wildstar’s Anwar Mamon executive produces along with National Geographic’s Drew Jones.

All six episodes will stream on Disney+ on September 13, 2023.

National Geographic offered this description of the new series:

In Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory, viewers will get the...

"Disney is bringing the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction to life once again, this time with an exciting adventure-horror mashup film." "With a star-studded cast including Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, and Tiffany Haddish, the film promises strong performances to keep fans interested." "Fans can look forward to the release of The Haunted Mansion on July 28, 2023, after some changes in the initial release date."

The Walt Disney Company has a lengthy history of making renowned theme park attractions into full-length motion pictures. The Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, which gave us the chance to see Captain Jack Sparrow for the first time, is one of this endeavor's most famous triumphs. Disney has persisted on pursuing this idea throughout time, turning popular attractions into motion pictures. With a brand-new movie, they are now prepared to take on the scary and venerable Haunted Mansion experience.

With movies like The Country Bears, Tomorrowland, and Jungle Cruise,...

Thirty-year-old British wildlife filmmaker and National Geographic explorer Bertie Gregory is set to debut Animals up Close With Bertie Gregory, which features the titular filmmaker during his explorations to witness astonishing wildlife moments around the world, and TV Insider has an exclusive first look at the trailer. The clip of the upcoming series shows the BAFTA award-winner in Antarctica, Africa, South America, and Asia tracking down extraordinary animals to capture their daily lives like never before. In a scuba suit in Antarctica, Gregory quips, “There’s got to be an easier way to earn a living,” as he battles harsh weather conditions and avoids apex predators. Check out the footage above. Each of the six episodes is slated to bring audiences close to nature and highlight animals’ challenges and the resilience they need to survive. Standout moments include a male sea lion defending pups from a huge Galapagos shark and,...

Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on July 5th, reviewing “The Lesson,” a modern film noir featuring Richard E. Grant and Julie Delpy. In theaters since July 7th.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

his is the story of Liam (Daryl McCormack), a writer and tutor who gets a plum assignment at the home of the Sinclairs, whose patriarch J.M.(Richard E. Grant) is LIam’s favorite author … although he’s become a recluse due to the death of his beloved son. Liam is tutoring his nervous younger son Bertie (Stephen McMillan), who is overseen by his mother Helene (Julie Delpy). At first J.M. ignores Liam, until it becomes apparent that the tutor can help get his latest novel to its completion. It’s the secrets revealed in the context of that situation that will change everything.

”The Lesson” is in theaters since July 7th.

In Alice Broughton’s tense literary drama “The Lesson,” Richard E. Grant plays one of Britain’s most noted authors, J.M. Sinclair, who hasn’t put out a book in years. He decides to mentor aspiring novelist Liam (Daryl McCormack) after he’s hired as a tutor for his college-bound son Bertie (Stephen McMillan), but the power dynamic between them soon shifts.

Ahead of the film’s limited theatrical release on Friday, TheWrap chatted about with the Oscar-nominated “Can You Ever Forgive Me” actor about his narcissistic character — who would never watch anything as “squalid” as Grant’s breakout indie “Withnail & I” — and how it’s a little like Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rebecca.”

TheWrap: You play a famous writer who’s quite mercurial and manipulative. How would you describe him?

Richard E. Grant: Self-entitled old literary lion who is facing writer’s block.

Also Read:

‘Based on a True Story...

The Lesson has one of the best opening scenes of the year, and it gets even more exquisite from there. Although the film broadcasts how the story will end, there are still plenty of twists and turns that will surprise and unsettle you. Directed by Alice Troughton from a screenplay by Alex MacKeith, The Lesson is a mystery/thriller that will leave you watching with bated breath. The story unfolds at a steady pace, and the characters, each of whom is manipulative in their own way, are exciting, the mystery lush and introspective. You’ll find you can’t get enough of this tantalizing world, with its incendiary commentary on originality, inspiration, and what makes good writing.

Liam Somers (Daryl McCormack) is a tutor and short story writer whose resume impresses Helene Sinclair (Julie Delpy) enough to hire him for the summer to tutor her son, Bertie (Stephen McMillan). Bertie...

A British tutor and aspiring writer learns dark secrets when hired to teach a renowned author's troubled son. The Lesson simmers with palpable tension and an eerie sense of foreboding. Taut performances from a distinguished cast are accompanied by a fantastic score. Alice Troughton, known primarily for her television work, is brilliant in her feature directorial debut. She crafts an engrossing narrative on the ugliness of human nature that will keep you guessing to a disturbing climax.

The Lesson is told in five parts. The prologue begins with Liam Sommers (Daryl McCormack) sitting for an interview in front of a rapt audience. His first novel has propelled him to stardom. The Interviewer (Tomas Spencer) asks Liam what inspired his riveting story. Liam pauses while carefully gathering his thoughts.

Part One has Liam going through the motions of a struggling writer. His attention strays to a video of the same interviewer on stage with his idol.

Daryl McCormack as Liam in The Lesson. Courtesy of Bleecker Street

They say never meet your heroes, and the literary thriller The Lesson offers a case in point, where a young would-be writer gets what he thinks is a dream assignment, tutoring the son of his literary idol for the boy’s Oxford entry exams. An Oxford grad himself, the tutor and aspiring author, Liam Sommers. Julie Delpy plays the famous writer’s wife Helene, an artist and art curator. The family lives on a large, isolated British estate, surrounded by unruly gardens and a rustic pond, with just a whiff of Shirley Jackson Gothic thriller in the air.

Director Alice Troughton does an excellent job of creating a tense, mysterious mood for The Lesson. Troughton and scriptwriter Alex MacKeith keep a lightly wry touch to the proceedings, as the changeable Sinclairs keep us always a bit off balance. Although on the surface,...

While there are countless memorable lead characters from TV shows, there are also many cases where side characters were actually a lot more likable than the main one. Among the key elements for a successful TV show is having a main character that the audience can connect with in one way or another, but just as important as a show’s lead character are its secondary ones. Side characters either help push the arc of the main character forward, add conflict to the mix, or serve as support for the show’s lead, but more often than not, these side characters end up stealing the spotlight.

In many cases, side characters become so popular that they end up sharing the spotlight with the show’s main character, and many characters originally planned for a couple of episodes end up staying for longer (such as Chris Pratt’s Any Dwyer in...

by Matt St Clair

In his BAFTA-nominated breakthrough performance from last year’s Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Darryl McCormack dazzled viewers with his charm and dramatic depth. The fact that he held his own against Emma Thompson giving one of her finest performances made his work even more applaudable. The new slow-burn thriller The Lesson from director Alice Troughton and screenwriter Alex MacKeith, allows him to follow up that stunning turn by going toe-to-toe with another European acting goddess.

The acting goddess in question is Julie Delpy who plays Hélène, the wife of renowned author J.M. Sinclair (a sublime Richard E. Grant). Looking to provide their son Bertie (Stephen McMillan) with a tutor to prepare him for his entrance exams to Oxford, the Sinclair couple hires Liam (McCormack), an aspiring writer and avid fan of J.M. 's work...

Julie Delpy is magic. She always has been, ever since the great but grumpy Jean-Luc Godard first cast her in his film Detective. She has worked with some of the most important directors in the world on masterpieces like White and the Before Sunrise trilogy, and has directed her own witty romantic comedies, 2 Days in Paris and 2 Days in New York. She's incapable of a bad performance; she's magnetic even in those anomalistically weak films. Maybe it's in the eyes, or hidden in the voice.

Her latest movie is The Lesson, in which she stars opposite the legendary Richard E. Grant and young Daryl McCormack. Delpy and Grant star as Hélène and J.M. Sinclair, respectively, two artists in a lengthy marriage whose son Bertie (Stephen McMillan) is preparing for difficult entrance exams; the Sinclair's hire Irish tutor Liam Sommer (McCormack) to help Bertie in his knowledge of literature and creative writing.

Every moment in The Lesson’s early going seemingly exists to illustrate pulp novelist Jim Thompson’s famous saying: “There is only one plot—things are not what they seem.” We see eminent novelist J.M. Sinclair (Richard E. Grant) languidly remarking to an interviewer that “average writers attempt originality…the great writers steal.” Then up-and-coming writer Liam Sommers (Daryl McCormack) is seen studying videos of J.M. with a mysterious intensity before he then shows up at J.M.’s luxurious home to tutor the man’s son, Bertie (Stephen McMillan). Throughout, the close-ups of the algae-covered pond behind the home make it seem as if a better name for the film would have been What Lies Beneath.

Alex MacKeith’s screenplay unfolds in a confidently unhurried manner—sharp and literary-minded without ever feeling the need to wear any of its influences on its sleeve. Yes, we’re subjected...

In Alice Troughton's The Lesson, Richard E. Grant and Julie Delpy portray J.M. Sinclair, a renowned novelist, and Hélène, his neglected artist wife. The noir thriller follows Liam (Daryl McCormack), a young, aspiring writer who takes a position tutoring the couple's son, Bertie (Stephen McMillan). Liam idolizes Sinclair but quickly realizes that there are some lingering familial issues. In The Lesson, the relationship between Sinclair and Hélène is definitely complicated, but that didn't stop Grant and Delpy from sharing real-life relationship advice with us.

Asked whether she believes artists should date or marry other artists, Julie Delpy provided some insight, saying, "I don't necessarily think artists should date artists. I think artists are better off being with people that understand artists, that could be in the sphere of artists' world, but not necessarily artists themselves." She continued:

I think it's complicated, two artists together. Yeah, I think it...

In Alice Troughton's The Lesson, Richard E. Grant and Julie Delpy portray J.M. Sinclair, a renowned novelist, and Hélène, his wife. The noir thriller follows Liam (Daryl McCormack), a young, aspiring writer that takes a position tutoring the couple's young son, Bertie (Stephen McMillan). Liam idolizes Sinclair but quickly realizes that there are some lingering familial issues. In The Lesson, the relationship between Sinclair and Hélène is definitely complicated, but that didn't stop Grant and Delpy from sharing real-life relationship advice with us.

Asked whether she believes artists should date or marry other artists, Delpy provided some insight:

"I don't necessarily think artists should date artists. I think artists are better off being with people that understand artists, that could be in the sphere of artists' world, but not necessarily artists themselves? I think it's complicated, two artists together. Yeah, I think it gets competitive and, you know,...

Disney’s newest film adaptation of Haunted Mansion receives a brand-new featurette, showing off its all-star ensemble cast.

Shared by Walt Disney Studios, the behind-the-scenes footage features director Justin Simien and the cast discussing how the remarkably detailed set design and pieces of the Haunted Mansion remake helped them bring the legendary theme park ride to life. It also promises to deliver a terrifying but fun story involving the mystery surrounding the titular mansion. The video also spotlights the cast’s chemistry, as they expressed how much they enjoyed filming the supernatural comedy together.

Related: Disney's Haunted Mansion Trailer Turns the Ride Into a Supernatural Murder House

Haunted Mansion is based on the famous theme park attraction, which can be seen at Disneyland California, Magic Kingdom Park in Florida, and Tokyo Disneyland. Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, the ride started operating in August 1969. Dear White People filmmaker Justin...

Films about fictitious great writers often stumble when it comes to the character’s actual writing: Viewers must suspend disbelief that a lofty literary reputation has been built on the purplest of screenwriter-devised prose. A blackly comic melodrama in which writerly ego, ambition and insecurity do increasingly destructive battle, “The Lesson” gets around that trap by folding questions of authorship into its arch country-house mystery: Who is writing what, and to what extent it matters, are the questions that keep director Alice Troughton and screenwriter Alex MacKeith’s mutual debut feature interesting, even as it slides into occasional, overheated cliché.

When the film’s own words don’t quite pass muster, however, a tight, tony ensemble of actors gives them some polish and punch. A big, ripe turn by Richard E. Grant — as a celebrated British novelist looking to emerge from a gloomy hiatus with one more masterwork — represents the...

Alice Troughton’s first feature is a jewel, an exquisitely made chamber piece with Richard E. Grant as J.M. Sinclair, an acclaimed novelist on his way down, Julie Delpy as Helene, his art-curator wife, and Daryl McCormack as Liam, a would-be novelist who idolizes Sinclair. With a clever script that keeps us off guard, the setting of a gracious country estate whose sumptuous visuals mask a dark undercurrent, and a score that entices us into an increasingly unsettling world, The Lesson is a small delight.

The opening scene makes it seem as if we can see the film’s whole trajectory. Liam is being interviewed about his first novel, whose plot about a great patriarchal writer is obviously based on Sinclair. The narrative then flashes back to the beginning of the story, when Liam is hired to tutor the Sinclairs’ son, Bertie (Stephen McMillan), for his entrance exams to Oxford University.

Though it doesn’t exactly have the same warm, melancholic charm, Alice Troughton’s elegant literary thriller The Lesson could give star Richard E. Grant the kind of late-career bump that last year’s Living afforded Bill Nighy. An Oscar nom might be a little fanciful at this stage, but a BAFTA shot is a no-brainer, with Grant on top form as a mercurial, narcissistic British author. Co-star Julie Delpy might also find new offers coming in, showing a stiletto-sharp new side to herself as his enigmatic wife.

Though it doesn’t have the intensity of this year’s Palme d’Or winner Anatomy of a Fall, Troughton’s upper-middle-class gothic is working in similar territory — with the exception of art curator Hélène, three of the four main characters are writers at various stages of their career. The minimalistic opening credits set an intriguing tone — if Sally Potter made a Knives Out movie,...

Exclusive: Range Media Partners has signed Bertie, the highly sought-after writer-director otherwise known as Katie Ellwood, who has been behind such titles as Hawkeye and Troop Zero, and has a top-notch dance card looking ahead.

Known for tonally specific work which is darkly comic, full of humanity and frequently action-packed, Bertie recently teamed with frequent collaborator Bert (aka Amber Templemore-Finlayson) to direct three well-received episodes of Marvel’s Hawkeye starring Jeremy Renner.

Bert & Bertie have also jointly directed on HBO’s Our Flag Means Death, as well as Showtime’s Kidding starring Jim Carrey, Apple TV+’s sci-fi thriller Silo starring Rebecca Ferguson, and Hulu’s Emmy-winning historical satire The Great, starring Elle Fanning. The pair made their feature directorial debut with the Amazon Studios dramedy Troop Zero, starring Academy Award winners Viola Davis and Allison Janney, which world premiered as the closing film of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival before debuting globally on Prime Video.

Right from the get-go, composers Tyler Bates and Timothy Williams both knew that they wanted to be a part of the Netflix show, “Agent Elvis.” In addition to the concept of the show itself, Williams found several other reasons to be involved. “The whole concept of it was really interesting. Plus the era that it’s set in is late ‘60s, early ‘70s, which is one of my favorite periods of music. Just so much incredible stuff came out of that period of time,” he tells Gold Derby during our recent webchat (watch the exclusive video interview above). Bates adds that they had a green light to basically do whatever they wanted. “Everyone involved really prompted Tim and I to enjoy being quite zany with our approach.”

“Agent Elvis,” which can currently be streamed on Netflix, is an animated show that imagines an alternate version of Elvis Presley that moonlights...

Picture Tree Intl. has picked up international sales duties on “Manta Manta: Legacy,” directed by and starring Til Schweiger. The action comedy is a sequel to the first “Manta, Manta” feature film from 1991, with a market premiere for both movies planned at the Cannes Film Market.

Released by Constantin Film Verleih on March 30, “Manta Manta: Legacy” has reached over 800,000 admissions and was the number one movie in Germany in its opening week.

Produced by Bernd Eichinger, Peter Zenk and Martin Moszkowicz, and directed by Wolfgang Büld, the first movie launched the acting career of Schweiger in a newly reunified Germany. Generating more than 1.2 million theatrical admissions, the film went on to be the most successful film on German commercial television.

“Manta Manta: Legacy” reunites the leading cast of the 1991 original: Schweiger, Tina Ruland (“Ants in the Pants”) and Michael Kessler. The ensemble cast also includes Tim Oliver Schultz, Luna Schweiger,...

A League of Their Own has been officially renewed for season 2, but fans of the show don't want it to be the series' last. A remake of the 1992 film of the same name, the Prime Video series takes place in 1943, following the formation of a women's professional baseball team created during World War II. Reports from March indicated that A League of Their Own would be renewed for season 2, but that it would be a shortened final outing for the series.

Now, Deadline confirms that A League of Their Own has been renewed for four final episodes, which will make up season 2 of the series. However, many fans of the series have taken to Twitter, campaigning to have the series continue past its shortened final season. Check out what fans are saying about the renewal news below:

abbi, will, you deserved eleven seasons. #ALeagueOfTheirOwn pic.twitter.com/psXuSVvsQ5 — s’andra...

In the spring of 2019, Lee Sung Jin was driving home through Los Angeles traffic from his job as a writer on the animated series Undone, at the end of a perfectly fine day in his dream profession. Sitting at a red light, he missed the change to green while studying Waze. A driver in a white SUV behind him leaned on his horn. Then, as Lee recalls, the man pulled up alongside Lee’s car, “said a bunch of shit, and zoomed away.”

We’ve all been there, on the...