On Thursday, Hulu officially announced they have picked up an eight-episode revival of “Veronica Mars,” with series star Kristen Bell and creator Rob Thomas set to return in 2019. As of now, Bell and Thomas are the only two people involved with the original series who confirmed to return. The original cast included Ryan Hansen, Percy Daggs, Jason Dohring, Francis Capra and Enrico Colantoni. Hulu has also struck an agreement with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution for streaming rights to all past episodes of the original “Veronica Mars,” including the 2014 feature film. All will be available in 2019. Bell starred as the titular spy character on the series, which followed a California teen sleuth and student who led a second life as a private investigator under the guidance of her detective father (played by Colantoni). “Veronica Mars” debuted in 2004 and ran for two seasons on UPN, then jumping to The CW for one season before getting canceled. A feature film was made in 2014.... [Read Full Story]
On Wednesday, Focus Features announced the film continuation of the award-winning series “Downton Abbey.” The movie will hit North American theaters on September 19, 2019, and internationally, the film will debut on September 13, 2019, via Universal Pictures International. “Downton Abbey” ran for six seasons from 2010-2015, and in that time the series earned three Golden Globes and 15 Emmy Awards. The series, set at the turn of the 20th Century, focused on the wealthy Crawley family and the servants who work for and live with them. The film was officially announced back in July and will be about “the Crawley family’s next chapter.” The original cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, and Maggie Smith, are expected to return. Julian Fellowes, who created “Downton Abbey” and wrote the film’s screenplay, is producing alongside Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge. Filming commenced earlier this month.... [Read Full Story]
NBCUniversal announced Wednesday that Kelly Clarkson has landed a talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” which has been sold to the NBC Owned Television Station group for its fall 2019 debut. Clarkson said in a statement, “I love connecting with people, playing games, music and finding ways to help or give back to communities/organizations. Having my own talk show where I get to do all of these things is pretty much a dream job!” “The Kelly Clarkson Show” has been sold to 11 NBC-owned affiliates, where it will air as a lead-in to “Ellen.” The show is being described by NBC Universal as “a weekday brunch party” will be a mix of interviews with celebrity guests, interesting stories and musical performances. ... [Read Full Story]
Julie Chen announced she was leaving “The Talk” on Tuesday, just over a week after her husband and former CBS Chairman Les Moonves left the network amid new allegations of sexual misconduct and assault. Chen shared the news via a taped message at the end of “The Talk’s” Tuesday’s show, where she thanked the viewers and fellow ladies on the panel. Chen said, “I have been at ‘The Talk’ since the day it started. The cast, crew and staff have become family … but right now I need to spend more time at home.” She continued, “I’ve decided to leave ‘The Talk’ … I will always cherish the memories we’ve shared.” She then thanked all of the ladies on the panel. Chen’s announcement comes just nine days after CBS confirmed Moonves’ departure. Chen had been with “The Talk” since 2010.... [Read Full Story]
The first trailer for Marvel’s first female led superhero film has arrived. The trailer for “Captain Marvel,” starring Brie Larson in the title role, premiered on “Good Morning America” Tuesday morning, and the Oscar winning actress herself debuted the two-minute sneak peek from The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. In the preview, Captain Marvel uses her mighty powers, works with Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury and takes on intergalactic foes. “Captain Marvel” is the first solo film from the studio to be led by a woman and the title character is considered one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel universe. Fans are hoping the film will answer some questions that remain from “Avengers: Infinity War.” “Captain Marvel” is directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. The film will arrive in theaters on March 8.... [Read Full Story]
HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” won top honors at the 70th Emmy Awards on Monday night. “Thrones” took top honors over such popular shows as Netflix’s “The Crown,” and Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which won the best drama prize last year. The biggest winner of the night was “Mrs. Maisel,” a comedy that follows a 1950s housewife who breaks into stand-up comedy. “Mrs. Maisel” also took top honors for its lead actress (Rachel Brosnahan), supporting actress (Alex Borstein), directing (Amy Sherman-Palladino, who co-created the series) and writing (Sherman-Palladino). Many of the night’s big winners came from Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, two leading streaming services that have challenged the long-standing dominance of traditional broadcast and cable networks. In the supporting categories, Thandie Newton won for her role on HBO’s “Westworld” and Peter Dinklage nabbed a third Emmy for his role as Tyrion Lannister on “Game of Thrones.”... [Read Full Story]
HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” won top honors at the 70th Emmy Awards on Monday night. “Thrones” took top honors over such popular shows as Netflix’s “The Crown,” and Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which won the best drama prize last year. The biggest winner of the night was “Mrs. Maisel,” a comedy that follows a 1950s housewife who breaks into stand-up comedy. “Mrs. Maisel” also took top honors for its lead actress (Rachel Brosnahan), supporting actress (Alex Borstein), directing (Amy Sherman-Palladino, who co-created the series) and writing (Sherman-Palladino). Many of the night’s big winners came from Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, two leading streaming services that have challenged the long-standing dominance of traditional broadcast and cable networks. In the supporting categories, Thandie Newton won for her role on HBO’s “Westworld” and Peter Dinklage nabbed a third Emmy for his role as Tyrion Lannister on “Game of Thrones.”... [Read Full Story]
Dylan Farrow and Ronan Farrow publicly responded to a profile published by New York Magazine with Soon-Yi Previn that featured Previn’s version of how their mother, Mia Farrow, treated them as children. In the interview, Previn, the adopted daughter of actress Mia Farrow and wife of Woody Allen, disputed allegations that Allen sexually abused Dylan Farrow, another of Mia Farrow’s adopted children, and called them “so unjust.” Previn also said Mia Farrow took “advantage of the #MeToo movement” and was “never kind” to her. In response, Dylan Farrow in a statement posted to Twitter on Sunday night said “Shame on New York Magazine.” Allegations thatAllen had molested Dylan Farrow, his adopted daughter, when she was 7 first surfaced in the ’90s. Dylan Farrow wrote again of the alleged abuse in 2014. Allen has denied these claims.Ronan Farrow also shared a statement on Twitter about the profile, defending both his sister and mother. You can see both Dylan and Ronan Farrow’s full statements in the link below.... [Read Full Story]
The Joker is currently filming in New York City and director Todd Phillips gave us the first official look at Joaquin Phoenix in character. While the picture doesn’t show Phoenix in full makeup, we get a sense of the direction Phillips is taking with the character, and we get a name. According to Phillips’ post, the character will be called Arthur. Additionally, leaded videos from the film show “Arthur” having an animated discussion with a large man dressed up like a clown, taking them to the streets — and we can see Arthur laughing and smoking a cigarette. The film is the first solo movie that will center around the popular Batman villain, and is being executive produced by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese. ... [Read Full Story]
“The Predator” took the top spot at the box office this weekend, beating “The Nun” at the domestic box office. Shane Black’s “The Predator” launched with mediocre $24 million from 4,037 North American locations. That was enough to top the weekend box office, but not enough to land a franchise-best debut, which 2010’s “Predator” still holds with $24.7 million (not including the two “Alien vs. Predator” crossover films). Overseas, “The Predator” earned $30.7 million for a global start of $54.7 million. “The Nun” dropped to second place, picking up $18 million in its second weekend for a domestic total of $85 million, and “A Simple Favor” debuted at No. 3 with $16 million on 3,102 screens. Matthew McConaughey’s “White Boy Rick,” along with “Crazy Rich Asians” rounded out the top five.... [Read Full Story]
Warner Bros. is addressing recent reports that Henry Cavill will no longer be playing Superman. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. had been hoping Cavill would make a cameo in “Shazam!” but those negotiations fell apart due to scheduling conflicts. Now WB studio released a statement following multiple reports citing that the actor is leaving the role following a dispute with his contract negotiations. The statement read as follows: “While no decisions have been made regarding any upcoming Superman films, we’ve always had great respect for and a great relationship with Henry Cavill, and that remains unchanged.” Cavill’s manager, Dany Garcia, gave a slightly more hopeful message via Twitter: “Be peaceful, the cape is still in his closet. @wbpictures has been and continues to be our partners as they evolve the DC Universe. Cavill debuted as the iconic character in 2013’s “Man of Steel” and he also reprised his role in last year’s “Justice League.” ... [Read Full Story]
John Legend has been named the newest coach of NBC’s The Voice for Season 16 coming in the spring. “I’m thrilled to join the coaches of The Voice” Legend said in a statement. He continued, “I’ve been a guest and mentor on the show multiple times and I’m so excited to discover talented singers and help them make the most of their gift. I hope the world is ready for #TeamJL.”‘ Legend appeared on The Voice in 2016 as a guest performer and as mentioned in his statement, he has also mentored contestants in the past. This time, the musician will take a seat in one of the spinning red chairs alongside returning coaches Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton, and Adam Levine. The Voice returns for its 15th season Sept. 24; the coaches are Clarkson, Levine, Shelton and Jennifer Hudson.... [Read Full Story]
Norm Macdonald is apologizing for the controversial #MeToo comments he made during an interview. In his chat with The Hollywood Reporter the comedian weighed in on the #MeToo movement and the resulting fallout of sexual misconduct accusations. “I’m happy the #MeToo movement has slowed down a little bit,” Macdonald said. “It used to be, “One hundred women can’t be lying.” And then it became, “One woman can’t lie.” And that became, “I believe all women.” Macdonald also talked about the controversy surrounding his friends Roseanne Barr and Louis C.K. Macdonald saying “there are very few people that have gone through what they have, losing everything in a day. Of course, people will go, ‘What about the victims?’ But you know what? The victims didn’t have to go through that.” Macdonald tweeted an apology Tuesday, saying “Roseanne and Louis have both been very good friends of mine for many years,” Macdonald tweeted. “They both made terrible mistakes and I would never defend their actions. If my words sounded like I was minimizing the pain that their victims feel to this day, I am deeply sorry.”... [Read Full Story]
ABC network is looking to produce a “Crazy Rich Asians”-inspired comedy with writer Jessica Gao on board. Gao recently took home the best animated program Emmy for writing the “Pickle Rick” episode of Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty. The project will revolve around Janet Zhao, a first-generation Chinese-American woman who struggles to set boundaries with her crazy family. When her wealthy grandmother dies and names Janet the sole inheritor, she suddenly finds herself the unwilling new matriarch of the family she’s spent her life trying to keep at arm’s length. Crazy Rich Asians has grossed more than $164.3 million worldwide (with $135.8 million of that domestically) on a budget of $30 million. The film’s success has opened the door for other Asian-American-fronted TV and movie projects, and is also said to have helped revive the rom-com genre.... [Read Full Story]
David Henrie was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, September 10. The former Wizards of Waverly Place actor was taken into police custody after he was found with a weapon while walking through airport security. LAX’s Airport Police Public Information Officer said in a statement, “David Henrie was arrested at 9:05 a.m. for possession of a loaded firearm at an airport screening at LAX. He has been booked into the LAPD Pacific Division Jail and will be released on his own recognizance.” The actor later posted a statement on Instagram, writing, “I take responsibility for the situation at LAX today. I unintentionally brought my legally owned gun which is registered in my name to the airport. I am so sorry for any trouble it caused, but I am appreciative of TSA’s efforts in implementing the safety laws that are in place to protect our beautiful country. More than anything I am humiliated and embarrassed that this even happened. But I am thankful to the TSA, LAPD and all involved today for their kindness and their professionalism during this process.” Henrie starred alongsideSelena Gomezon the popular Disney Channel sitcomWizards of Waverly Placefor four seasons from 2007 to 2012. The two have remained close friends.... [Read Full Story]
The Television Academy honored late host Anthony Bourdain with multiple wins at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Bourdain and his series, “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” which airs on CNN, won six awards. They included two individual awards for Bourdain, one for outstanding writing for a nonfiction program and another for his role as executive producer of the series, which won for outstanding informational series. “Parts Unknown” also won in the picture editing, sound editing and sound mixing categories. “Parts Unknown” executive producer Lydia Tenaglia accepted one of Bourdain’s awards on his behalf, nothing that Bourdain had been nominated for the nonfiction writing category “many times, but it had always eluded him.” “So it is with tremendous bittersweetness that I accept it on his behalf.” she said.... [Read Full Story]
Olivia Newton-John has been diagnosed with cancer for the third time in three decades. Olivia revealed in an interview that doctors found a tumor at the base of her back in 2017, and she has been using modern medicines and natural remedies, including cannabis oil, to treat the cancer and reduce pain. She’s also stopped eating sugar and started radiation treatment. In the interview, Newton-John expressed gratitude for having the support of her husband, John Easterling, saying, “A lot of cannabis, my husband grows for me. In California, it’s legal to grow a certain amount of plants for your own medicinal purposes.” She went on to say that John is “always there to support me, and I believe I will win over it and that’s my goal.” Newton-John was first diagnosed with cancer in 1992 and became an advocate for cancer research and breast cancer screenings. She even has a cancer center named after her in Melbourne, Australia: the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness Research Center. Newton-John underwent a partial mastectomy and reconstruction, however in 2013, she was diagnosed with breast cancer that had spread to her shoulders. ... [Read Full Story]
Netflix hit drug cartel drama Narcos is set to debut Season 4, which will be titiled “Narcos: Mexico.” Actor Matt Letscher will get involved in the war on drugs in Narcos Season 4, joining new stars Michael Peña and Diego Luna. Letscher is set to portray James Kuykendal, a member of a new team of DEA agents and Colombian police who look to take down the Cali Cartel. A teaser trailer has arrived for Narcos: Mexico, showcasing some of the action in store for viewers and this time focusing on a new set of characters: Diego Luna’s “Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo” and Michael Peña’s “Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena.” Narcos: Mexico (or Narcos Season 4,) is set to premiere on Netflix on November 16.... [Read Full Story]
CBS CEO and chairman Les Moonves has resigned, following a new report from Ronan Farrow in The New Yorker, which brought new allegations of sexual misconduct. This past weekend, The New Yorker published a new report that outlines additional accusations against Moonves. Six additional women came forward alleging “sexual harassment or assault.” CBS’s board made the announcement of Moonves’s resignation on Sunday evening. CBS says that its board of directors and its parent company, National Amusements, announced that they reached a settlement this evening that would see Moonves step down immediately. CBS will also donate $20 million to organizations that support the #MeToo movement, the amount of which will be “deducted from any severance benefits that may be due Moonves following the Board’s ongoing independent investigation.” At the end of July, The New Yorker detailed allegations that Moonves forcibly kissed and propositioned 6 women and threatened to retaliate when they resisted. At the time, Moonves said that had made “some women uncomfortable,” but denied allegations of deliberately harming careers.... [Read Full Story]
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, the longtime “Project Runway” duo, will not be on board for the show’s return to Bravo and are heading up a new reality fashion series at Amazon Prime Video. “After 16 incredible seasons, I am saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to ‘Project Runway,’ a show that I was honored to host and help create,” Klum said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of the show, and it will always have a special place in my heart!” Amazon provided few details except to say the series will be available globally, in 200 countries and territories, and promises a “fresh take” that will “continue the stars’ commitment to making fashion accessible to a wide audience.” “Project Runway” has aired on Lifetime since 2009, but is returning to its original network, Bravo next year. ... [Read Full Story]
Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds, known for starring in hit films such as Smokey and the Bandit, Deliverance, The Longest Yard, Semi-Tough, and more recently,Boogie Nights, has died at the age of 82. Reynolds died Thursday at Jupiter Medical Center in Florida his manager Erik Kritzer confirmed to multiple publications. Born Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. in Waycross, Ga., Reynolds attended Florida State U. for two years on a football scholarship; however his promising career as a running back was cut short by a knee injury suffered in a car accident. It was at that time that Reynolds turned his attention to acting. After marrying television actress Loni Anderson, Reynolds decided to produce and star in the sitcom “Evening Shade” on CBS from 1990-94, which earned him an Emmy as best actor in a comedy series. Reynolds also received critical acclaim for his performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Boogie Nights,” which brought him an Oscar nomination for supporting actor. Reynolds was married and divorced twice, first in the 1960s to “Laugh-In” comedienne Judy Carne and then to Loni Anderson. He is survived by his son Quinton from his marriage to Anderson.... [Read Full Story]
“Blackish” star Tracee Ellis Ross will once again be taking the stage, returning as host and executive producer of the 2018 American Music Awards. Tracee took to Instagram on Wednesday to share her own celebration post, saying: “SO NICE, I’M DOING IT TWICE // I’m hosting the @amas again! airing LIVE Tuesday, october 9th on @abcnetwork.” The Instagram video included a montage of all of Tracee’s best moments during last year’s show — including her wardrobe throughout the broadcast. Last year the actress’ mother, Diana Ross, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award with her entire family by her side. The 2018 American Music Awards will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Oct. 9.... [Read Full Story]
The first official image of Brie Larson as Captain Marvel has been revealed. Revealed on Entertainment Weekly’s new issue cover, the superhero’s suit is familiar, but has been changed a bit from the comics for its movie debut. EW’s cover story also confirmed that this is not a traditional origin story. It will begin after Carol Danvers already has her powers, and has joined a Kree military team called Starforce. The film will take place in the ’90s, and Samuel L. Jackson will play a younger Nick Fury with a desk job at S.H.I.E.L.D. The report also confirms that Jude Law (as a Kree military commander) and Ben Mendelsohn (as Talos, the head of a Skrull invasion of Earth) will appear in the film. Captain Marvel is due to be released on March 8, 2019.... [Read Full Story]
The next installment of the Law & Order franchise will focus on hate crimes. NBC announced a 13-episode order for “Law & Order: Hate Crimes,” from executive producer Dick Wolf. The latest incarnation of the crime series will be introduced in the upcoming season of “Law & Order: SVU,” according to NBC’s co-president of scripted programming, Lisa Katz. Katz called the series “extremely timely.” She added: “considering that last year there was a double-digit rise in hate crimes in our 10 largest cities — the highest total in over a decade — it seemed like this topic is begging to be explored.” “Law & Order: Hate Crimes” will be set in New York City, which is home to the second oldest bias-based task force in the US, NBC said. Co-creator Warren Leight added that the series will spotlight the men and women “on the front lines in a battle for the soul of our city and nation.” Series stars have not yet been announced.... [Read Full Story]
Henry Cavill will play the lead role in the upcoming Netflix series The Witcher. “Witchers” are monster hunters who develop supernatural abilities at a young age to fight deadly beasts. The series adaptation is based on the best-selling fantasy short stories and novels by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski. Cavill has been cast as the monster hunter Geralt of Rivia. The books by Sapkowski have also been adapted into video games, which have sold millions of copies worldwide. This will be the first TV role for Cavill, since The Tudors ended in 2010. The start date for the eight-part series has yet to be confirmed.... [Read Full Story]
Actor Geoffrey Owens, who was a former regular on The Cosby Show, says he’s thankful for the support he has received since photos of him working a regular job at a supermarket were widely circulated. Speaking on Good Morning America and wearing his “Geoffrey” supermarket name tag, Owens said that he was “devastated” when the photos were made public, because he felt people were trying to job shame him. Owens said that he had been working at the New Jersey Trader Joe’s supermarket for 15 months “out of necessity” in between acting gigs and teaching, but that he has now quit because of the unwanted attention he has received. “It hurt, but it’s amazing,” Owens said. “There is no job that’s better than another. It may pay better, it may have better benefits, it may look better on paper. But it’s not better. Every job is worthwhile.” Owens said he had received “hints” of acting work since the story broke but that he would feel uncomfortable taking any jobs because of “this event”.... [Read Full Story]
“Crazy Rich Asians” isn’t showing signs of slowing down at the box office in its third weekend in theaters. The romantic comedy has topped the domestic charts again, with Warner Bros. estimating that the film added an additional $22.2 million this weekend, down only 10 percent from last weekend. To date, the film has grossed nearly $111 million from North American theaters. “Crazy Rich Asians” may have one of the biggest Labor Day weekends ever by the time final numbers are reported on Tuesday. The current four-day Labor Day record sits with 2007’s “Halloween” which opened with $30.6 million, and some are projecting that “Crazy Rich Asians” could hit $30 million. The movie easily won out over their competition at the box office, including the the Nazi war crime film “Operation Finale” and the sci-fi thriller “Kin.” Warner Bros.’ shark pic “The Meg” which took second place with an additional $10.5 million, bringing its global total to $462.8 million. “Mission: Impossible — Fallout,” in its fifth weekend, added $7 million for a third place finish. “Operation Finale” landed in fourth place with $6 million.... [Read Full Story]
CNN is pulling footage of actress Asia Argento from her late boyfriend’s travel show, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, following allegations she sexually assaulted a former 17-year-old co-star. The outspoken #MeToo activist was dating Bourdain at the time of his suicide earlier this year, and had appeared in two episodes of the show in Rome and Southern Italy; she also directed another episode in Hong Kong. All three shows have been removed from CNN’s streaming service, CNN Go. “In light of the recent news reports about Asia Argento, CNN will discontinue airing past episodes of Parts Unknown that included her, until further notice,” a CNN spokesperson said on Saturday, September 1st. Argento has been accused of paying former child star Jimmy Bennett hundreds of thousands in hush money after he accused her of sexually assaulting him in a hotel room five years ago, when he was 17. CNN aired the remaining Parts Unknown episodes Bourdain had filmed following his death. The former chef was working on a show in Strasbourg, France when he passed away in June.... [Read Full Story]
33-year-old plus-sized model Tess Holliday, who appears on the cover of Cosmopolitan U.K. magazine’s October 2018 issue, is responding to comments by Piers Morgan in which he seems to be body-shaming Holliday. Morgan wrote on his Instagram page on Thursday morning: “As Britain battles an ever-worsening obesity crisis, this is the new cover of Cosmo. Apparently we’re supposed to view it as a ‘huge step forward for body positivity.’ What a load of old baloney. This cover is just as dangerous & misguided as celebrating size zero models.” Tess fired back, tweeting, “to everyone saying I’m a burden to the British health care system, I’m American so you don’t have to worry about my fat ass. Worry about what horrible people you are by whining about how me being on the cover of a glossy magazine impacts your small minded life.” Holliday says she is currently a size 22. She was a U.S. size 16 to 18 before she gave birth to her first son Rylee, and also shares son Bowie Juniper Holliday, 2, with husband Nick Holliday. “I look back on those photos now and I don’t wish I was that size, but what I wish is that I loved myself 120 pounds ago,” she said. “I’m at the heaviest I’ve ever been in my life now and it took me being the heaviest to finally love myself.” ‘The October 2018 issue of Cosmopolitan U.K., featuring Holliday on the cover, will be on sale today.... [Read Full Story]
A woman has accused French actor Gerard Depardieu of rape and sexual assault, a judicial official told one of the nation’s national news networks on Thursday. The actor’s lawyer denied the accusations in several interviews. According to the French official, a woman filed a complaint on Monday near Aix-en-Provence in southern France; on Wednesday, the case was handed over to prosecutors in Paris. Reports said the incidents occurred on August 7 and 13 at Depardieu’s home, and that his accuser was a dancer and actress seeking professional advice. Known for roles in “Cyrano de Bergerac,” “The Man in the Iron Mask” and recently the Netflix global original series “Marseille,” the actor’s attorney said he “absolutely denies any rape, any sexual assault, any crime.”... [Read Full Story]
