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Exclusive: Sony Music is chasing an unpaid debt from the producer of Creation Stories, the Danny Boyle executive-produced UK indie movie about record label founder Alan McGee.

Sony Music has issued Creation Stories Ltd with a “winding-up petition,” which in the UK is often the last resort taken by a creditor when attempting to recover debt. Sony is essentially seeking a court order to put Creation Stories into liquidation.

Creation Stories Ltd was a special-purpose vehicle through which Creation Stories was made. Its directors are Shelley Hammond and Hollie Richmond, who ran Burning Wheel Productions, which was ultimately credited with producing Creation Stories. Hammond and Richmond now run Herd International.

Creation Stories Ltd’s most recently filed accounts, for the year to April 30, 2021, showed that it owed creditors £502,408 and had debts of £79,813.

A Creation Stories spokesperson said: “The production was completed several years ago. Now that this issue has been brought to our attention,...

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Max is ready with an entertainment-packed June this year. The upcoming month will see the return of some of HBO’s brilliant period drama series, The Gilded Age, as well as the streaming release of Paolo Sorrentino‘s latest film, Parthenope. Just like every month, HBO Max is ready to overload you with great content. So, we’re here to tell you about the seven new movies and TV shows coming to Max in June 2025.

Parasite (June 1) Credit – Cj Entertainment

Parasite is a South Korean dark comedy thriller film directed by Bong Joon-ho, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Han Jin-won. The 2019 film revolves around the financially struggling Kim family, who see an opportunity to lead a parasitic life when their son gets a job working for a wealthy family. Parasite stars Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-Jeong,...

Stars: Jackie Chan, Pierce Brosnan, Rufus Jones, Mark Tandy, Niall McNamee, Charlie Murphy, Orla Brady, Michael McElhatton | Written by David Marconi, Stephen Leather | Directed by Martin Campbell

Going into The Foreigner, I expected a standard action thriller, perhaps a predictable revenge plot padded with familiar tropes and over-the-top set pieces. But what I got was something far more grounded, surprisingly tense, and emotionally resonant. Director Martin Campbell, known for revitalizing James Bond not once but twice, manages to deliver a taut, politically-tinged thriller that’s equal parts espionage drama and personal vendetta, anchored by two compelling performances from Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan.

Jackie Chan, in a stark departure from his typically light-hearted action fare, plays Quan Ngoc Minh, a quiet, almost ghostlike London restaurateur whose teenage daughter is killed in a politically motivated bombing. Chan’s performance is subdued, even haunted. There’s a depth of sorrow in his...

Hulu has announced that filming begins this month on Rivals season two, which will continue the adaptation of the best-selling novel by Dame Jilly Cooper. The drama returns with an extended season of twelve episodes – and even more wit, desire, and dramatic twists.

Set against the backdrop of the stunning Cotswolds countryside and the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, Rivals season two will see the return of the all-star cast that won the hearts of fans and critics alike, as well as introduce brand new faces.

Careers, marriages, and reputations hang in the balance as personal and professional lives collide in a world where secrets can’t stay hidden for long.

Bold, emotionally charged, and filled with unforgettable moments, Rivals is a thrilling ride through a landscape of breathtaking beauty, fierce competition, and life-changing decisions, where the cost of success could be everything.

Reprising their iconic roles are...

Stars: Daisy Ridley, Matthew Tuck, Clive Owen, Lee Boardman, Rufus Jones, Taz Skylar, Ruth Gemmell | Written by Matthew Orton, Simon Uttley, Paul Andrew Williams | Directed by Martin Campbell

Alright, let’s dive into Cleaner, an action-packed thriller that’s got everyone buzzing this year! Directed by the maestro of high-stakes cinema, Martin Campbell, and starring Daisy Ridley in a career-defining role, this movie is a rollercoaster of tension, stunts, and sheer entertainment that demands, no… commands your attention. Buckle up, because I’m about to get into this skyscraper action thriller showdown!

Cleaner kicks off with Joey Locke (Daisy Ridley), a former soldier now scraping by as a window cleaner in London. She’s tough, she’s haunted, and she’s just trying to keep her head down while supporting her autistic younger brother, Michael (Matthew Tuck in a supporting role that’s equal parts tender and heartbreaking). But fate has other plans.

One of Disney+’s most enjoyable and binge-worthy period dramas will return for another season, and, of course, fans just can’t wait! Rivals was renewed for a second season last December after a successful debut in October. Now, months later, we have a promising filming update about the new chapter thanks to series star Danny Dyer, who portrays self-made businessman Freddie Jones, also residing in Rutshire. Keep in mind that Season 2 of Rivals still has no premiere date yet.

Earlier this week, precisely on Tuesday, March 25, the Royal Television Society Programme Awards took to TikTok with a video of Dyer and co-star Katherine Parkinson sharing exciting news about the production of Rivals Season 2. Dyer said:

“We’re on the eve of starting the second series, so the old ‘tache is on its way back. I’ve got a better wig which I’m excited about. [The first season wig] was a wig out of a bag,...

“Cleaner” (2025) is an action thriller that explores the moral and ethical quandaries of today’s world. It shows a group of radical activists infiltrating a lavish gala to send their message across. While doing so, they trap people inside the building and leave their futures at risk. So, a window cleaner decides to rescue those who are stuck inside. Daisy Ridley plays the cleaner, who puts her life at risk. Taz Skylar, Flavia Watson, Ruth Gemmell, Ray Fearon, and Matthew Tuck make up its key supporting cast. The film was theatrically released in February 2025 and is now available to rent online.

Spoilers Ahead

Cleaner (2025) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis:

“Cleaner” is directed by Martin Campbell, known widely for his work on James Bond films like “Casino Royale,” “Goldeneye,” and “The Mask of Zorro.” Simon Uttley, Matthew Orton, and Paul Andrew Williams have written its screenplay.

What happens in Cleaner, starring Daisy Ridley?...

Stars: Daisy Ridley, Matthew Tuck, Clive Owen, Lee Boardman, Rufus Jones, Taz Skylar, Ruth Gemmell | Written by Matthew Orton, Simon Uttley, Paul Andrew Williams | Directed by Martin Campbell

Since the original Die Hard took the world by storm in 1988, it has inspired countless sequels and knock-offs. Often built around the same basic premise, these films have become a sub-genre in their own right. From Die Hard 2: Die Harder set in an airport, to Under Siege on a naval vessel, Passenger 57 on a plane, and even Olympus Has Fallen and White House Down in the White House, the formula has been repeated in various locations, with a lone hero taking on the bad guys and saving the hostages.

Now, Cleaner, directed by Martin Campbell and written by Matthew Orton, Simon Uttley (James Hyde – The Very Thought of You), and Paul Andrew Williams, brings the formula back to where it all started,...

Daisy Ridley channels Die Hard's John McClane in Cleaner, an uneven action-thriller that has the Star Wars heroine hanging off a London skyscraper while battling ruthless eco-terrorists. She trades in her lightsaber for savage beatdowns in a bone-crushing medley of fists, guns, and pretty much any sharp weapon in the immediate vicinity. The film's straightforward premise has its share of unexpected twists but fails the logic test by a country mile. Head-scratching developments critical to the plot challenges willing suspension of disbelief. One in particular is so pervasive, it almost derails Cleaner's positive action elements.

We first meet Joey Locke (Poppy Townsend White) as a scrappy girl sitting dangerously on her towering apartment's window sill. She hides while her brother Michael takes the blunt of a wretched father's abuse. In the present, adult Joey (Ridley) runs late for work while still dealing with the fallout from her childhood.

Martin Campbell’s Cleaner sets out to recapture the magic of the director’s two James Bond films, 1995’s GoldenEye and 2006’s Casino Royale, by engaging with ripped-from-the-headlines issues while also basking in the ostensibly reassuring warmth of a Cold War-era franchise blockbuster formula. Here the issues are climate change and radical activism, and the formula is a distinctly Die Hard-grade concoction.

John McClane facsimile Joey Locke (Daisy Ridley) is an ex-military window cleaner who ends up dangling from the London headquarters of the ethically dubious Agnian Energy corporation while an investors gala is taken over by eco-terrorists. Trapped inside the skyscraper is her autistic adult brother, Michael (Matthew Tuck), who is, of course, a brilliant computer hacker annoyingly obsessed with the MCU (he carries a rubber Thor hammer in public and namedrops Kevin Feige in casual conversation). We also get two Hans Grubers: terrorist leader Marcus (Clive Owen), an...

This article is part of ScreenRant's Exclusive 2025 Movie Preview. Keep an eye out for the full feature next week!

ScreenRant can exclusively reveal a new image for Cleaner. This action-thriller is arriving in just two months, with a theatrical release set for February 21. The plot focuses on what happens when a group of criminal activists hijack a massive gala and take in 300 hostages. As one of the criminals threatens to kill these people, the gala building's window cleaner must work to rescue the hostages. Cleaner features Star Wars' Daisy Ridley in the lead role, with a supporting cast that includes Clive Owen, Taz Skylar, Flavia Watson, Ray Fearon, Rufus Jones, and Lee Boardman.

Now, ScreenRant exclusively reveals a new image for Cleaner. The image is a behind-the-scenes look from the action movie's set, as elements such as the boom microphone are seen. Ridley's character has her toes pressed...

If you thought Daisy Ridley’s stunts in Star Wars were thrilling, wait until you see her in ‘Cleaner.’

In this Sky Original movie directed by Martin Campbell, known for ‘Goldeneye’ and ‘Casino Royale,’ Ridley stars as Joey Locke, an ex-soldier turned window cleaner.

She finds herself in a perilous situation, dangling from a London skyscraper while trying to save hundreds from a group of criminal activists led by Clive Owen.

In ‘Cleaner,’ Ridley’s character is not just fighting dirt on windows but also tackling a cell of extremists at an energy firm’s gala.

The extremists aim to expose corporate corruption but their efforts take a dangerous turn under their radical leader.

With her younger brother’s life also hanging in the balance, Joey must use her military skills and a whole lot of guts to thwart their plans.

The action-packed trailer shows Ridley in full combat mode—punching,...

As anyone who's watched any of the Star Wars sequel trilogy will already know, Daisy Ridley is no stranger to a spot of badass action. Fighting Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base in The Force Awakens, taking down the Praetorian Guards in The Last Jedi, *that* flip over the Tie Silencer in The Rise Of Skywalker — all in a day's work for our Daisy. But all of that pales in comparison to what the Magpie star has in store with her latest movie, Sky Original action joint Cleaner. Directed by none other than Goldeneye and Casino Royale helmsman Martin Campbell, this one is set to see Ridley get her John McClane on as an ex-soldier-turned-window-cleaner tasked with saving hundreds of people from a Clive Owen led cell of criminal activists — all while suspended at great height from a London skyscraper. Check out the vertiginous first trailer below:

Sporting a fresh trim...

Daisy Ridley joins forces with GoldenEye and Casino Royale director Martin Campbell for the upcoming thriller, Cleaner. Here’s a trailer.

While Lucasfilm dithers over whether or not its umpteenth script is good enough to get another Star Wars movie up and running, sequel trilogy star Daisy Ridley is taking on another genre entirely. Bruce Willis and all of the other Hollywood stars who’ve tried to emulate the success of Die Hard are squarely in her sights and she’s coming for them.

Ridley will next appear in Cleaner, an upcoming thriller in which her ex-army skills become vital in saving innocent lives. Here’s the synopsis:

Radical activists take over an energy company’s annual gala taking place within Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper – The Shard in London. The group takes 300 hostages to expose the corruption of the hosts, but a zealous extremist within their ranks hijacks their...

Rivals will return for a second season. Hulu has renewed the British drama series after leaving viewers with a cliffhanger season finale. The show premiered on the streaming service on October 18th.

Inspired by the Dame Jilly Cooper novel, the Rivals series stars Alex Hassell, David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Nafessa Williams, Katherine Parkinson, Bella Maclean, Emily Atack, Catriona Chandler, Oliver Chris, Danny Dyer, Rufus Jones, Lisa McGrillis, Luke Pasqualino, Claire Rushbrook, and Victoria Smurfit. It is set in the world of independent television in 1980s England.

Read More…...

“Rivals,” Hulu and Disney+’s acclaimed drama about the ruthless British independent television industry of the 1980s, will return for Season 2, Hulu announced Wednesday.

The series is based on a 1988 novel by Dame Jilly Cooper, and tells the story of wealthy and ambitious entrepreneurs Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Tony, Lord Baddingham (David Tennant) as they build a network to compete with the BBC during the era of deregulation. It’s a witty and sexy show that has found an audience on both sides of the pond since its release in October.

“Nearly 40 years after my novel Rivals was published, I’ve adored seeing the world fall in love with my beloved characters — Rutshire’s Finest,” Cooper said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, referencing the series her novel is part of, the “Rutshire Chronicles. “And it has been a fairytale come true working with Happy Prince [part of co0269801 autoITV Studios...

Hulu announced today that the drama Rivals, based on the novel by Dame Jilly Cooper, will return for a second season. Following a dramatic, cliff-hanger ending, Emea Disney+ with Happy Prince (part of ITV Studios) has officially renewed the hit UK Original series for a second run.

Rivals Season 2 will debut on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ in the UK and internationally.

Rivals is part of Cooper’s bestselling “Rutshire Chronicles,” and is packed full of wit, romantic entanglements, sex and unforgettable characters. The story is set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England in the ruthless world of independent television.

The series is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb, Felicity Blunt, Elliot Hegarty, Olivier Award-winning playwright Laura Wade (The Riot Club), Rivals author Dame Jilly Cooper and for Disney+ Emea Scripted Content, Jonny Richards.

Daisy Ridley won her breakout role as Rey in the Star Wars franchise, leading the new trilogy. Since then, she has branched out in different genres and has many exciting roles on the way, including a brand-new action thriller.

Per Variety, Ridley will team up with Martin Campbell for the action thriller Dedication. The actress will star in the lead role as Major Billie Jean Parker. The James Bond director, known for helming 1995's GoldenEye and 2006's Casino Royale, has already worked with Ridley on a different action film, Cleaner, which also stars Clive Owen, and Rufus Jones, and is set to premiere in 2025.

Related Johnny Depp & Penelope Cruz Reunite for Action Thriller From John Wick Producers

Johnny Depp is setting up his Hollywood comeback by landing a role in an action thriller from the producers of John Wick.

Campbell is set to direct Dedication, with Dan Gordon writing the script.

A new drama led by David Tennant has a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and it looks to be a streaming success. Tennant will forever be known for his role as the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who, a portrayal that has made the actor an absolute favorite among fans of the seminal sci-fi series. But in recent years, the veteran performer has added several other popular credits to his filmography.

He showed a more villainous side as Kilgrave in the Marvel show Jessica Jones, toggling the line between loathsome and compelling, while starring opposite Krysten Ritter. He's also a co-lead on Good Omens, which will wrap up with a 90-minute farewell, ending his run on Prime Video's popular supernatural series alongside Michael Sheen. But the BAFTA-nominated actor recently debuted a new starring role.

Rivals Is Tennant's Latest Hit It Streams On Hulu

Reelgood confirms that Rivals is already making an impression on the streaming charts.

Hulu has unveiled the full trailer for the eight-part series, ‘Rivals’, based on the celebrated novel by Dame Jilly Cooper and produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios.

Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, the show delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986. Part of Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles series it is packed full of romantic entanglements, dastardly deals, sex and wit.

The ’80s set saga stars Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, David Tennant, Aidan Turner and Nafessa Williams, Emily Attack, Danny Dyer, Rufus Jones, Luke Pasqualino, Claire Rushbrook.

Written by Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Laura Wade, the lead director is BAFTA-nominated Elliot Hegarty, who also serves as executive producer on episodes 1-4. Eliza Mellor serves as Series Producer. Dee Koppang O’Leary (“The Crown”) and Alexandra Brodski (“Somewhere Boy”) also direct episodes.

Also...

Hulu has revealed the new trailer for the eight-part Rivals series, which is based on the celebrated novel by Dame Jilly Cooper and produced by ITV Studios’ Happy Prince. The series will debut on Hulu in the U.S. on October 18, 2024.

Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, Rivals delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986.

The series stars Alex Hassell as the dashing ex-Olympian, Member of Parliament, and dangerously charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black, David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham, and Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara.

Nafessa Williams plays Cameron Cook, Katherine Parkinson portrays Lizzie Vereker, and Bella Maclean plays Taggie O’Hara.

The Rivals series also stars Emily Atack, Catriona Chandler, Oliver Chris, Danny Dyer, Rufus Jones, Lisa McGrillis, Luke Pasqualino, Claire Rushbrook, and Victoria Smurfit.

Rivals is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb,...

Hulu’s finally released the full trailer for Rivals, the eight-episode series based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s novel. David Tennant (Good Omens) and Alex Hassell (The Tragedy of Macbeth) star in the adaptation, premiering on October 18, 2024.

“Set against the backdrop of power-grabbing social elites, Rivals dives headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986, where hair-dos are big and ambitions are even bigger,” reads Hulu’s synopsis. “Deals are brokered in boardrooms, as well as bedrooms. Nobody can be sure who will come out on top. With every man and woman out only for themselves, can true love really blossom?”

David Tennant stars in ‘Rivals’ (Courtesy of Robert Viglasky/Disney)

Hassell plays dashing ex-Olympian, Member of Parliament, and dangerously charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black. David Tennant stars as Lord Tony Baddingham. The cast also includes Aidan Turner (Poldark) as Declan O’Hara, Nafessa Williams (Black Lighting) as Cameron Cook, Katherine Parkinson (Humans) as Lizzie Vereker,...

"Having an opponent–" "Makes life much more exciting." Hulu has revealed the full official trailer for their series titled Rivals, adapted from the book of the same name written by Dame Jilly Cooper. Set within the social elite of 1980s England, Rivals stars Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, ex-Olympian & Member of Parliament who is described as "an incorrigible rake, and dangerously charismatic." David Tennant in turn plays Lord Tony Baddingham, controller of Corinium Television — Rupert's single-mindedly ambitious and egotistical foe. Against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, Rivals delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television...

The ‘80s were a special time. It was an era of excess, both in money and pleasure. And that’s where we find ourselves in the new series, “Rivals.”

Read More: Fall 2024 TV Preview: 40 Must-See Series To Watch

As seen in the trailer, “Rivals” tells the story of feuding socialites in 1980s England. They compete against each other for everything, including sex, money, and power. And as the trailer shows, the series doesn’t hold back in giving a look into what it takes to be powerful in the mid-1980s.

The cast includes Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Nafessa Williams, Emily Atack, Catriona Chandler, Oliver Chris, Danny Dyer, Rufus Jones, Lisa McGrillis, Luke Pasqualino, Claire Rushbrook and Victoria Smurfit.

Continue reading ‘Rivals’ Trailer: Aidan Turner, David Tennant & More Star In This 1980s-Set Series About Excess & Power at The Playlist.

David Tennant (Good Omens) and Alex Hassell (Cowboy Bebop) are bitter Rivals in the new trailer for an eight-part TV adaptation of the 1988 Dame Jilly Cooper novel, which is set for release Friday, Oct. 18 on Hulu.

Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess and shocking antics of the social elite of 1980s England, Rivals stars Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, an ex-Olympian and Member of Parliament who is described as “an incorrigible rake, and dangerously charismatic.”

More from TVLineDoctor Odyssey: 5 Things to Know About the ABC Medical DramaChicago Med's New Boss Talks His ER Connection, Previews Season 10's New Docs,...

The world lost an icon on both the small and big screen on Monday. James Earl Jones passed away at the age of 93. Star Wars fans remember him as the voice of the evil Darth Vader, but he was also fondly remembered for many other roles throughout his storied career.

Here are his top five that did not take place in the Star Wars galaxy.

5. Norman Royster - Frasier Season 4 "Roz's Krantz & Gouldenstein Are Dead"

Although only on screen for a short time in the Season 4 episode of Frasier, Jones's portrayal of a blind man who keeps a mask of his wife to remember her by leaves an impact on anyone who sees it. His humor and chemistry with Kelsey Kramer are also remarkable.

4. Mr. Mertle - The Sandlot

Jones's turn as a blind man who befriends the kids on the baseball field in the 1993 film The Sandlot is as humorous as it is touching.

Rivals is headed to Hulu this fall. The streaming service announced a premiere date for the new series based on Dame Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles novels. Eight episodes have been filmed for the series.

Alex Hassell, David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Nafessa Williams, Katherine Parkinson, and Bella Maclean star in this series set in 1986 in England, in the world of independent television. Emily Atack, Catriona Chandler, Oliver Chris, Danny Dyer, Rufus Jones, Lisa McGrillis, Luke Pasqualino, Claire Rushbrook, and Victoria Smurfit also appear in the series.

Read More…...

We finally know when we can watch the next project for one of the biggest Doctor Who stars in the world. Rivals, the Jilly Cooper adaptation starring David Tennant, has officially been set for an October 18 release date on Hulu in the United States. Rivals is based on Cooper's bestselling novel Rutshire Chronicles and follows the shenanigans of the power-grabbing social elite in London during the 1980s. In addition to Tennant, Rivals also stars Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, and Danny Dyer. The series will also stream on Disney+ in the U.K. and other territories and will feature smaller roles from Sex Education, The Crown, and Bloodlands stars Bella Maclean, Oliver Chris, and Victoria Smurfit, as well as Nafessa Williams, Claire Rushbrook, Lisa McGrillis, Emily Atack, Rufus Jones, Luke Pasqualino, and Catriona Chandler.

Disney+ has set a premiere date for Rivals, the Jilly Cooper adaptation starring David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, and Danny Dyer.

Lee Mason, Disney’s director of scripted content in Europe, announced at the Edinburgh TV Festival that the eight-part series will drop on October 18 in the UK. Rivals will stream on Hulu in the U.S.

It is part of Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles and is set against the backdrop of the excess and antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England.

The series chronicles the cutthroat world of independent television in 1986 and the long-standing rivalry of ex-Olympian, MP, and notorious womanizer Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and his neighbor Tony Baddingham (Tennant), controller of Corinium Television.

Poldark star Turner is TV presenter Declan O’Hara, a fierce intellectual with an even fiercer temper who is wooed to Corinium from the BBC. Other cast includes EastEnders actor Dyer as Freddie Jones,...

"It' quite innocent." Get ready for some debaucherous 80s fun! Hulu has unveiled a quick teaser trailer for an upcoming series titled Rivals, adapted from the book of the same name written by Dame Jilly Cooper. Set within the social elite of 1980s England, Rivals stars Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, an ex-Olympian & Member of Parliament who is described as "an incorrigible rake, and dangerously charismatic." David Tennant in turn plays Lord Tony Baddingham, controller of Corinium Television — and Rupert's single-mindedly ambitious and egotistical foe. Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, Rivals delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986 – where it's every man and woman for themselves. This TV series also stars Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara, Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie, Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook, Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton, Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O'Hara,...

Hulu has revealed a new teaser trailer and more photos for the eight-part series Rivals, based on the celebrated novel by Dame Jilly Cooper and produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios. The series is set to debut on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ in other countries later this year.

Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, Rivals delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986.

This second wave of images (view the first wave of images here) introduces nine more iconic characters from the drama: Sarah Stratton, Caitlin O’Hara, James Vereker, and Freddie Jones.

There’s also Paul Stratton, Valerie Jones, Bas Baddingham, Lady Monica Baddingham, and Maud O’Hara.

The first looks are accompanied by a teaser trailer showcasing the ’80s set saga, which also stars Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean,...

David Tennant (Good Omens) and Alex Hassell (Cowboy Bebop) are bitter Rivals in the first teaser trailer for an eight-part TV adaptation of the 1988 Dame Jilly Cooper novel, which is set to drop later this year on Hulu in the U.S. (and on Disney+ internationally).

Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess and shocking antics of the social elite of 1980s England, Rivals stars Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, an ex-Olympian and Member of Parliament who is described as “an incorrigible rake, and dangerously charismatic.”

More from TVLineHow to Watch The Bear Season 3 OnlineThe Bear Cast Teases a 'Challenging'...

Horses, helicopters and hanky-panky are what fans of Jilly Cooper’s iconic novel “Rivals” can expect from Disney’s screen adaptation.

Starring Emily Atack (“The Inbetweeners”), David Tennant (“Doctor Who”) and Aidan Turner (“Poldark”), “Rivals” follows the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England as they break up and couple up.

In the first teaser trailer, which dropped today, Tennant can be seen dressed as an upper crust gentleman farmer, Turner dons a smart suit and Tom Selleck-inspired bushy moustache while Atack adjusts herself in front of a full-length mirror clad in a period-inspired bodycon dress.

Rounding out the cast are Catriona Chandler (“Enola Holmes 2”) as Caitlin O’Hara, Oliver Chris (“The Crown”) as James Vereker, Danny Dyer (“Eastenders”) as Freddie Jones, Rufus Jones (“W1A”) as Paul Stratton, Lisa McGrillis (“Maternal”) as Valerie Jones, Luke Pasqualino (“Skins”) as Bas Baddingham, Claire Rushbrook (“Sherwood”) as Lady Monica Baddingham and Victoria Smurfit...

Disney+ has unveiled a teaser trailer alongside more first-look images of the eight-part series, ‘Rivals’, based on the celebrated novel by Dame Jilly Cooper and produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios.

Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, the show delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986. Part of Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles series it is packed full of romantic entanglements, dastardly deals, sex and wit.

The first-looks feature alongside a teaser trailer showcasing the ’80s set saga which also stars Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, David Tennant, Aidan Turner and Nafessa Williams.

Nine more iconic characters from the drama have been unveiled in this second wave of images, introducing Sarah Stratton, Caitlin O’Hara (Catriona Chandler – ‘Pistol’, ‘Enola Holmes 2’), James Vereker (Oliver Chris – ‘The Crown’, ‘Trying’), Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer – ‘EastEnders,...

Jilly Cooper’s Rivals have nearly entered the building. Disney+ has unveiled a trailer and first looks for the adaptation that will launch later this year starring David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson and Danny Dyer. Scroll down for some more pics

Set in the fictional upper-class county of Rutshire, Rivals dives headfirst into the cutthroat world of independent television in 1986 when a long-standing rivalry between two powerful men is about to boil over: Ex-Olympian, Member of Parliament and notorious womanizer Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and his neighbor Tony Baddingham (Tennant), controller of the independent TV franchise Corinium Television. The series is set to debut on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ in other countries later this year.

Nine characters are introduced via the wave of images including Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack), Caitlin O’Hara (Catriona Chandler), James Vereker (Oliver Chris), Freddie Jones (Dyer), Paul Stratton (Rufus Jones), Valerie Jones...

Hulu today gave a first glimpse of the avidly awaited eight-part series Rivals, based on the celebrated novel by Dame Jilly Cooper and produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios. The series is set to debut on Disney+ in other countries later this year.

Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, Rivals delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986.

This first wave of images unveiled six iconic characters from the drama. Alex Hassell plays the dashing ex-Olympian, Member of Parliament, incorrigible rake, and dangerously charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black.

David Tennant features as Lord Tony Baddingham, controller of Corinium Television and Rupert’s single-mindedly ambitious and egotistical adversary. Aidan Turner is journalist and TV presenter Declan O’Hara, who becomes caught in the crossfire of the long-simmering feud between Rupert and Tony.

Nafessa Williams is pictured as Cameron Cook,...

Disney+ thas revealed a set of first-look images of the eight-part series, ‘Rivals’, based on the celebrated novel by Dame Jilly Cooper and produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios.

Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, the show delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986. Part of Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles series it is packed full of romantic entanglements, dastardly deals, sex and wit.

Also in news – Exclusive: New Poster for Freud’s Last Session starring Anthony Hopkins & Matthew Goode

Six of the iconic characters from the drama have been unveiled in this first wave of images. Alex Hassell features as the dashing ex-Olympian, Member of Parliament, incorrigible rake, and dangerously charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black.

David Tennant features as Lord Tony Baddingham, controller of Corinium Television and Rupert’s single-mindedly ambitious and egotistical adversary.

Disney+ is building buzz for its Jilly Cooper adaptation Rivals by teasing first-look images of the eight-part series. The series will stream on Hulu in the U.S.

Rivals is part of Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles and is set against the backdrop of the excess and antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England. Scroll on for more images.

Rivals chronicles the cutthroat world of independent television in 1986 and the long-standing rivalry of ex-Olympian, MP, and notorious womanizer Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and his neighbor Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), controller of Corinium Television.

Poldark star Aidan Turner is TV presenter Declan O’Hara, a fierce intellectual with an even fiercer temper who is wooed to Corinium from the BBC. Other cast includes EastEnders actor Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones, a self-made electrics millionaire.

Among the wider ensemble is Nafessa Williams (Black Lighting), Bella Maclean (Sex Education), Katherine Parkinson...

‘The Big Bang Theory’ star Kunal Nayyar has joined the cast of Gurnder Chadha’s festive offering ‘Christmas Karma’ from True Brit Entertainment, Bend It Films, Maven Screen Media and Civic Studios.

Inspired by Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol, Nayyar will lead the cast as Scrooge with a further cast including Eva Longoria, Boy George, Billy Porter, Hugh Bonneville, Leo Suter, Charithra Chandran, Pixie Lott, Danny Dyer, Bilal Hasna, Allan Corduner, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rufus Jones, Eve, Nitin Ganatra.

On his casting Nayyar stated; “To explore a beloved holiday tale through the eyes of an immigrant story (much like my own) is exactly the kind of movie that I believe will resonate with so many of us who are searching for the meaning of home. It takes a visionary like Gurinder to take a chance on a story like this, and I am humbled to be a part of it.”

Also in...

‘Bend It Like Beckham’ helmer Gurinder Chadha is all set to start shooting for her next production, ‘Christmas Karma’, a Bollywood musical set in contemporary London and inspired by Charles Dickens’s ‘A Christmas Carol’.

Kunal Nayyar, who is best known for his role in the popular sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’, is the lead actor in a star-studded global cast, which includes Eva Longoria, Boy George, Billy Porter, Hugh Bonneville, Leo Suter, Charithra Chandran, Pixie Lott, Danny Dyer, Allan Corduner, Bilal Hasna, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rufus Jones, Eve and Nitin Ganatra.

Chadha, a BAFTA-nominated director, is also the producer and writer, and the music is by the six-time Ivor Novello award-winning singer and songwriter Gary Barlow, apart from Shaznay Lewis and Nitin Sawhney. Shooting for the film will start on April 22.

‘Christmas Karma’ sees Chadha’s return to the big screen following her time working on the Indian historical television...

BAFTA Circles Calendar

The British Academy has confirmed the date of the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, which will now be held on Sunday February. 16.

As per recent scheduling arrangements, the awards — arguably the biggest film awards outside the U.S. — takes place two weeks before the Oscars on March 2, 2025. Regular film festival attendees may note that the BAFTA awards will, once again, be held during the Berlinale, set to run February 13-23, with there likely to be a spike in industry professionals flying back to London on the morning of Feb. 16.

The full timeline and eligibility details for the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards will be announced in due course. Voting will take place over three rounds: longlisting, nominations and winners, by the academy’s global voting film membership which comprises more than 7,800 industry creatives.

The 2024 BAFTA Film Awards, which saw “Oppenheimer” dominate with wins for best film, director and actor, were watched...

Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham) is pushing forward with Christmas Karma, a contemporary Bollywood musical set in London and inspired by Charles Dickens’ seminal A Christmas Carol, with Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) signed on to lead an ensemble cast.

Nayyar will star as Scrooge in pic alongside an expansive cast, including Eva Longoria, Boy George, Billy Porter, Hugh Bonneville, Leo Suter, Charithra Chandran, Pixie Lott, Danny Dyer, Bilal Hasna, Allan Corduner, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rufus Jones, Eve, and Nitin Ganatra.

Chadha wrote the pic and is producing alongside directing, with music by Take That alum Gary Barlow alongside Shaznay Lewis and Nitin Sawhney. Financing for Christmas Karma is from Civic Studios. Gurinder Chadha, Celine Rattray, Trudie Styler, and Amory Leader will produce. Zygi Kamasa, Anushka Shah, Paul Mayeda Berges, Sophia Pedlow, and Hannah Leader will serve as executive producers.

Christmas Karma is the fifth scripted project from British distributor True Brit Entertainment,...

Kunal Nayyar, Eva Longoria, Hugh Bonneville and Danny Dyer head the ensemble cast of Gurinder Chadha’s Christmas Karma for which Zygi Kamasa’s True Brit Entertainment has UK and Ireland rights.

Filming is set to start on April 22. It is being produced by Chadha’s Bend It Films, Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler for Maven Screen Media and Amory Leader. Executive producers are Kamasa, Paul Mayeda Berges, Sophia Pedlow and Hannah Leader.

Further financing is coming from Anushka Shah’s Mumbai and London-based Civic Studios.

The Bollywood musical retelling of A Christmas Carol will also star musicians Boy George,...

The Big Bang Theory’s Kunal Nayyar will star in Gurinder Chadha’s next film, Christmas Karma. It’s due out this December.

News has emerged about Gurinder Chadha’s next project, confirmed to be an adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

Titled Christmas Karma, the film will star Kunal Nayyar as Scrooge. He’ll be joined by an ensemble cast that includes Eva Longoria, Boy George, Billy Porter, Hugh Bonneville, Leo Suter, Charithra Chandran, Pixie Lott, Danny Dyer, Bilal Hasna, Allan Corduner, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rufus Jones, Eve, and Nitin Ganatra.

We can’t say we expected to see Danny Dyer, Boy George and Billy Porter in the same film, but there we are. We also reported earlier this year that the film’s Scrooge would be an “Indian Tory who hates refugees”.

Christmas Karma will also be a Bollywood-style musical; Gary Barlow is in charge of music alongside Shaznay Lewis and Nitin Sawhney.

Actor, comedian and activist Emily Atack has signed with Curtis Brown for representation, Variety has learned exclusively. She will be repped by the agency in all areas.

Atack shot to public attention as the break-out star of award-winning sitcom “The Inbetweeners” and has since appeared in projects including “Dad’s Army” with Catherine Zeta Jones and Bill Nighy, “Lies We Tell” alongside Gabriel Byrne and Harvey Keitel and “Alright Now” starring Cobie Smulders.

She wrote and starred in her own sketch/comedy series “The Emily Atack Show” for ITV, which has run for three seasons, and has also appeared on other comedy and panel shows including “The Keith Lemon Sketch Show,” “Tracey Ullman’s Show” and “Celebrity Juice.”

Atack will next be seen in Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s best-selling novel “Rivals,” which drops this fall. She plays ambitious politician’s wife Sarah Stratton opposite “W1A’s” Rufus Jones as deputy Prime Minister Paul Stratton.

Exclusive: Sky Studios has denied that it is piloting a Hugh Bonneville comedy about slavery amid a backlash from Black creatives on social media.

The Comcast-owned European studio said Forty Acres depicts Bonneville’s character reflecting on the genesis of his “generational wealth” and is “categorically not a comedy about slavery.”

The working title is, however, a play on a failed Civil War reparations program known as “40 acres and a mule.” Forty acres happens to be the size of the estate owned by Bonneville’s character.

Sky has not formally announced the project, but it was reported on by the British Comedy Guide. The publication initially said the pilot, penned by Wonka and Hijack star Rufus Jones, was about “historic slavery.” The story has since been updated to say Forty Acres is about “Britain’s murky colonial legacy.”

British Comedy Guide‘s original piece sparked criticism on Twitter (now X). London Hughes,...

Horror movies set during holidays add an extra bit of fun and suspense to the genre, making them perfect for fans of both horror films and the holiday season. From black comedy to intense suspense, these holiday-themed horror films offer a variety of experiences for different audiences. Whether you're looking for a thought-provoking comedy-drama/horror film or a terrifying tale set against the backdrop of Christmas, these movies will leave you entertained and filled with dread.

While Halloween is the holiday people immediately associate with the horror genre, there are plenty of horror movies set during other festive times of the year. Hollywood's certainly capitalized on that, with horror movies being set on Christmas, Valentine's Day, and other holidays. Horror is a successful genre year-round, but something about the holidays adds an extra bit of fun to the horror genre.

This transitional time of the year is the perfect time...

AMC and AMC+ have more than 650 hours of holiday programming planned for this year’s “Best Christmas Ever” lineup kicking off on November 26 and running through December 26, 2023. The lineup includes classic Christmas films, including Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, Elf, and Christmas Vacation. For those who like to celebrate their winter holidays with a serving of horror, Shudder’s offering a new Joe Bob’s Creepy Christmas Special and the original film The Sacrifice Game.

This year’s “Best Christmas Ever” schedule also features Christmas with the Campbells, The Apology, and marathons of John Candy, Reese Witherspoon, and Bill Murray films.

Best Christmas Ever 2023:

The Sacrifice Game – Debuts December 8 on Shudder and AMC+

It’s bad enough that boarding school students Samantha and Clara can’t go home for the holidays, but things take a deadly turn when a murderous gang arrives at their doorstep – just in time for Christmas.

Timothée Chalamet makes his big-screen musical debut with Warner Bros.’ “Wonka.”

Serving as an origin story for the famed fictional chocolatier, “Wonka” is produced in part by the Roald Dahl Company, based on the novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” “Paddington” franchise director Paul King helms the musical film, which also stars Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key, Sally Hawkins, Matt Lucas, Rowan Atkinson, Natasha Rothwell, Rufus Jones, and Simon Farnaby.

“Paddington 2” writer/actor Farnaby penned the “Wonka” script with director King. The film centers on an optimistic young Willy Wonka before he opens his elusive chocolate factory.

The 1971 original “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” starred Gene Wilder. Tim Burton previously adapted Roald Dahl’s book in 2005 with Johnny Depp starring as Wonka.

Director King told Entertainment Weekly that he did not want to “reinvent” the story of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” saying that instead “Wonka” would be...

Director Paul King, who will be directing the upcoming fantasy-drama film ‘Wonka’ starring Timothee Chalamet, has praised the actor’s singing voice, though he said that despite some musical sequences, the film is not a musical. “He’s got a beautiful singing voice. The person it reminded me of was Bing Crosby. There’s quite a range because it does go from a couple of bigger, showstopper-y sort of things, to moments of real, pure emotion, and he can do it all… I’m going to sound like a crazed fan (sic),” Paul told Total Film in an interview, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Nonetheless, the ‘Paddington’ director also made it his purpose to establish that while the film has songs in it, he doesn’t exactly consider it a musical.

“The Oompa Loompas sing a lot in the book, and Dahl always uses poetry,” Paulexplained.

“But I didn’t...