Abdul-Mateen II, an Emmy-winning actor Yahya, will star in and executive produce Netflix’s new series, Man on Fire. The eight-episode drama is slated to be based on A.J. Quinnell’s novels “Man on Fire” and “The Perfect Kill.” This adaptation follows previous film versions from 2004, starring Denzel Washington, and a 1987 Italian film.
It should be a fun ride with Steven Caple Jr., known for “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” and “Creed II,” who will direct the first two episodes and serve as an executive producer. Abdul-Mateen II will play John Creasy, a former Special Forces mercenary struggling with PTSD who embarks on a quest for redemption but is drawn back into intense conflict.
Kyle Killen (Fear Street) will lead the production as the showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Other executive producers include Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan, and Natalie Lehmann for New Regency Productions; Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and Tracey Cook for Chernin Entertainment; and Killen and Scott Pennington for Chapter Eleven. Caple, Ed McDonnell, Michael Polaire, Abdul-Mateen II, and Stacy Perskie for RedRum will also be executive producers.
Get this: Abdul-Mateen II recently reprised his role as Black Manta in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” and will soon star in Marvel’s “Wonder Man” for Disney+. His notable credits include “Ambulance” (2022), “The Matrix Resurrections” (2021), “Candyman” (2021), and “Aquaman” (2018). On TV, he won an Emmy for his role in HBO’s “Watchmen” and starred in Netflix’s “The Get Down.” He is represented by M88, WME, and Johnson, Shapiro, Slewett, and Kole.
Caple’s directorial debut was “The Land” (2016), followed by “Creed II” and the recent “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.” Untitled Entertainment, CAA, and Hansen, Jacobson firm represent him.
The 2024 BET Awards are recognizing some of the most outstanding movies of the past year. The nominations for Best Movie are definitely well-deserved. From action films to drama, comedy, and even animation, there’s a healthy lineup of films up for the prize this year. Last year, Black Panther: Wakanda Forevertook home the award, and eight movies will stand the chance to do so this year.
Undeniably, one of the best movies released so far this decade is American Fiction. The comedy-drama playfully pokes at the topic of stereotypes surrounding “Black” books. Jeffrey Wright, in a leading role, plays a brilliant writer who reluctantly writes a book filled with Black literary stereotypes. Shockingly, the book becomes a major hit.
American Fiction is smart, witty, and handles important subjects with care. Supporting roles from Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, and Erika Alexander boost the overall enjoyability of the movie. Wright is also nominated for Best Actor at the 2024 BET Awards.
Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé
It’s common knowledge that Beyoncé is a hard-working performer. While the Renaissance album was an instant classic, the tour took things up a notch. As if she couldn’t blow our minds anymore, she released the mesmerizing Renaissance film. Altogether, this project encapsulates Beyoncé’s talent, perseverance, and impressive leadership qualities. Beyoncé herself is up for a total of five awards at the upcoming 2024 BET Awards.
The Spider-Man multiverse, or the Spider-Verse has produced back-to-back hits. The second film, Across, became a huge hit across the globe. One could argue that it was the best animated movie of 2023. The continued journey of Miles Morales was boosted by the appearance of numerous other Spider-people. The film also featured a star-studded cast, including Shameik Moore, Brian Tyree Henry, Issa Rae, Mahershala Ali, and Daniel Kaluuya, among others.
The Little Mermaid
When Halle Bailey was announced to take on the role of Ariel in Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, the internet was split down the middle. Racism reared its ugly head, which caused plenty of controversy at the time. Thankfully, Disney did not budge, and Bailey nailed the role out of the park, which has resulted in a nomination at the upcoming 2024 BET Awards. With an angelic voice able to stop you in your tracks, she carried the soundtrack effortlessly. The movie also fared well critically, with Bailey’s performance receiving great praise.
The Book Of Clarence
The Book Of Clarence is a hilarious story about a man named Clarence looking to gain fame by pretending to be a new Messiah. The film is set in the Bible days following the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Several A-list actors make up the cast movie and provide an entertaining watch. These include LaKeith Stanfield, Anna Diop, David Oyelowo, Omar Sy, Alfre Woodard, Caleb McLaughlin, and many more. At the 2024 BET Awards, LaKeith is also up for the Best Actor award.
Bob Marley: One Love
The biographical film about the legendary Bob Marley might have received mixed critical reviews, but it resonated well with audiences. Kingsley Ben-Adir starred as the icon, bringing his charm and charisma to the role. Lashana Lynch and James Norton also stole the show as Rita Marley and Chris Blackwell, respectively. Altogether, the cast delivered exceptionally, and the music was also excellently handled.
The Color Purple
The Color Purple is enough to make you emotional. Now add the voices of Fantasia and Taraji P. Henson, and the tears are guaranteed to fall. The 2024 BET Awards are recognizing this exceptional musical for its amazing script, cast, and also the soundtrack. Notably, Danielle Brooks was a major standout in the movie, earning her another nomination in the Best Actress category. Directed by Blitz Bawaule, The Color Purple is indeed worth the hype. If anything, it amplifies the legacy of the iconic franchise.
The Equalizer 3
News of the reunion of Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning was met with a great reception. After starring in 2004’s Man On Fire, the pair joined forces two decades later on The Equalizer 3. This action-packed film is the third in the franchise and packed a lot more punch than previous installments. As always, Washington shined in his role as the no-nonsense Robert McCall. Beyond the critical praise, The Equalizer 3 was also a box office hit, earning over $190 million at the box office.
John David Washington, an American actor and former professional football player. He has amassed a net worth of $8 million as of 2024, as reported by CelebrityNetWorth. Washington’s transition from the sports field to the silver screen has been marked by notable performances, particularly in films directed by acclaimed filmmakers like Spike Lee and Christopher Nolan. His ability to engage diverse audiences through various roles has established him as a formidable talent in Hollywood.
The son of esteemed actor Denzel Washington, John David initially pursued a career in sports, playing football at Morehouse College before going professional in the United Football League. His shift to acting was a significant turn, leveraging his athletic discipline and dedication to hone his craft in the entertainment industry. His breakout role in the HBO series Ballers showcased his charismatic screen presence and acting skills, setting the stage for a promising cinematic career.
Early Life & Transition from Sports To Screen
US director Spike Lee (L) and US actor John David Washington pose on May 15, 2018 during a photocall for the film “BlacKkKlansman” at the 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
John David Washington’s early life was steeped in the arts and sports, influenced heavily by his father’s cinematic legacy. However, Washington chose to carve his own path initially through sports, playing football at a high level. His decision to switch to acting was not taken lightly, and upon making the shift, he quickly demonstrated his natural talent for the craft. His starring role in Ballers as Ricky Jerret became a turning point, earning him recognition as a versatile and charismatic actor.
This role not only solidified his entry into acting but also allowed him to transition smoothly into film. His performance in Ballers drew attention from several high-profile directors, leading to significant roles in both independent films and major Hollywood productions. His commitment to developing his acting skills is evident in his diverse choice of roles and projects.
Breakthrough In Film
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 18: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) John David Washington and father Denzel Washington pose backstage at the play “The Piano Lesson” on. Broadway at The Barrymore Theater on November 18, 2022, also in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
John David Washington’s film career took a significant leap forward with his role in Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman. This film, which earned several Oscar nominations, showcased Washington’s ability to handle complex characters and sensitive themes. His portrayal of Ron Stallworth, a Black police officer who infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan, was both compelling and critically acclaimed, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
Following this, Washington starred in Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, a high-concept science fiction thriller that further proved his ability to lead in blockbuster films. His role required a combination of physical prowess and nuanced acting, highlighting his versatility and dedication to challenging roles.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 06: (L-R) Malcolm Washington, Katia Washington, Pauletta Washington, and honoree Denzel Washington attend the. 47th AFI Life Achievement Award Honoring Denzel Washington at Dolby Theatre on June 06, 2019, also in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for WarnerMedia) 610461
Beyond mainstream cinema, John David Washington continues to explore roles that challenge industry norms and showcase his range. His participation in projects like Malcolm & Marie reflects his interest in exploring complex relationships and dramatic storytelling, contributing to his artistic growth and appeal as a leading man. Washington’s commitment to his craft and his choice of roles that push cinematic boundaries are paving the way for a long-lasting career in the film industry. His ability to transcend his initial identity as an athlete to become a respected actor speaks volumes about his versatility and determination.
John David Washington’s successful career transition and choice of diverse and impactful roles have not only built his reputation as a skilled actor but have also culminated in a substantial net worth, making him a prominent figure in contemporary cinema. His ongoing projects and potential future roles suggest that his influence and presence in Hollywood will only continue to grow.
Ethan Hawke is one of Hollywood’s greatest actors, and there are tons of movies to prove this. Yet, despite starring performances in many movies, Ethan has yet to win an Oscar. Ethan has been nominated for the prestigious awards four times. His first nomination came in 2002. He was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor category for his role as Jake Hoyt in the 2001 movie Training Day. Ethan starred alongside legendary actor Denzel Washington in the classic. Denzel won the Best Actor Award for his role as Alonzo Harris in Training Day and gave his costar Ethan some words of wisdom after he lost the Best Supporting Actor award to Jim Broadbent.
Ethan discussed Denzel’s advice during a chat with CNN’s Chris Wallace onMax’s Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace. During the interview, Ethan revealed what Denzel whispered in his during the Oscars, saying, “You don’t want an award to improve your status. You want to improve the award’s status.” When asked if he would have preferred winning the Oscar in 2002, Ethan replied, “No… I mean, yeah, I guess. I was at the Oscars sitting next to Denzel Washington and nominated against Ian McKellen.” He added, “I had already won. It was impossible for me not to see it any other way.”
As Denzel rightly said, Ethan doesn’t need an award to improve his status. Despite never winning an Oscar, he remains one of the best in his profession. Throughout his career, Ethan has adapted to the times and ensured he is good enough to play any role. Unsurprisingly, he has a rich movie list and has excelled in most of them. However, some stand out among the rest. Here are seven of Ethan Hawke’s best movie roles.
Ethan Hawke always gives memorable performances in his movies, and his performance in the 1989 film Dead Poets Society didn’t disappoint. He portrayed schoolboy Todd Anderson, starring alongside the late Robin Williams, who played the inspirational English teacher John Keating. Despite being one of Ethan’s earliest Hollywood roles, he portrayed the creative and anxious Todd to perfection. Through Ethan’s portrayal of Todd, viewers understood the schoolboy’s need for caring and motivational people in his life. Dead Poets Society also gave movie lovers a glimpse of how well Ethan could handle such roles.
6. Gattaca (1997)
Ethan Hawke played Vincent Freeman in the 1997 sci-fi thriller. Gattaca was Andrew Niccol’s feature directorial debut, and he didn’t think of a better person to play his lead character than Ethan. The movie also starred Jude Law, Loren Dean, Ernest Borgnine, and others. Ethan’s character, Vincent, was born naturally but has to deal with surviving in a society with genetically engineered people whose best traits are enhanced. Vincent faces discrimination and struggles, which he must overcome if he wants to achieve his dream of going to space. Thanks to Ethan’s excellent portrayal of the movie’s main character, viewers can feel Vincent’s pain and understand his struggles as he deals with his challenges.
Ethan Hawke starred alongside Julie Delpy in this romantic trilogy directed by Richard Linklater. The first installment, Before Sunrise, premiered in 1995, followed by Before Sunset in 2004 and Before Midnight in 2013. In the trilogy, Ethan played an American student, Jesse, who fell in love with Céline, a French girl he met on a train. The trilogy follows the lovers as they grow older and navigate different phases of their lives separately and together. Ethan and Julie displayed great onscreen chemistry in the movie, which showcased his dynamism as an actor. Hence, it wasn’t surprising that Before Sunset and Before Midnight earned Academy Awards nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay.
4. Reality Bites (1994)
This Ben Stiller-directed romantic comedy told the story of a friend group who just finished college. It starred Winona Ryder as Lelaina Pierce, Ben Stiller as Michael Grates, and Ethan Hawke as Troy Dyer. As usual, Ethan excelled in his portrayal of the annoying yet charming Troy. Reality Bites is widely regarded as a Generation X movie, with many members of that generation considering it as Ethan’s definitive film.
3. First Reformed (2017)
Ethan Hawke showed his incredible ability to excel in just about any movie role with his five-star performance in First Reformed. In the film, he played Pastor Ernst Toller, a struggling local church leader dealing with a personal crisis. Ethan gave arguably one of his best acting performances in this role. Although the film focused on sensitive topics, it did so expertly, telling a powerful story backed by Ethan’s impressive acting.
2. Boyhood (2014)
Richard Linklater had every detail well-thought-out in directing this classic coming-of-age drama. The film starred Ethan Hawke alongside Patricia Arquette, Lorelei Linklater, and Ellar Coltrane. It told the story of Ella’s character Mason Evans Jr.’s childhood and adolescence while growing up in Texas. Ethan and Patricia play Mason’s divorced parents, while Lorelei portrays his sister, Samantha.
Incredibly, the movie’s filming began in 2002 and concluded in 2013. The lengthy production span was due to Richard’s quest for the film to be about growing up. Thus, the director developed the movie’s script year by year, incorporating each actor every step of the way. Also, the movie’s cast participated in writing its script and were allowed to include their life experiences in their character’s stories.
Ethan Hawke remained committed to his role in the movie and produced a strong and inspiring performance. The actor earned a second Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance. Additionally, Boyhood is also among Ethan’s most successful Box Office movies.
1. Training Day (2001)
This crime thriller is arguably the movie that really shot Ethan into the limelight. Starring alongside the iconic Denzel Washington is no mean feat, but Ethan held his own and delivered a memorable performance in the film. Ethan played police officer Jake Hoyt, who seeks promotion and has to pair Denzel’s cop, Detective Alonzo Harris, on a training mission. The police officers encounter life-threatening scenarios as they navigate the crime-ridden neighborhoods. Ethan delivered a flawless portrayal of his character, with Denzel’s superb acting ensuring Training Day remains a classic crime thriller to this day.
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington‘s first four movies together are: Mo’ Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game, and Inside Man. Pretty good track record! They will soon start working on their fifth collaboration with help from one of the most in-demand rappers out there: Ice Spice.
Variety reports that Ice Spice has joined the cast of High and Low, Lee’s English-language reinterpretation of the Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller of the same name. This will be the “Munch (Feelin’ U)” rapper’s acting debut, unless you count her recent appearance on Hot Ones, which you should. She suffered for her art.
“I didn’t ever really like see myself being a rapper,” Spice said on Hot97’s Ebro in the Morning in 2023. “I always wanted to be an actress. That was like, my first passion.”
Apple Original Films, which partnered with A24 on the “Spike Lee joint,” shared a photo of the filmmaker and Washington on X to announce that production has begun on the project. “No. 5 now in production,” it reads.
Lee’s High and Low does not currently have a release date, but it will be released theatrically by A24 before a global launch on AppleTV+. You can watch the original film on Max.
Ice Spice will be joining Denzel Washington in the cast for Spike Lee’s highly-anticipated reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s legendary thriller, High and Low. While it marks the Bronx rapper’s first time working with Lee, it will also be her feature film debut. It will be the fifth time Lee and Washington have collaborated over the years and their first time doing so since 2006’s Inside Man. The news comes after Spice and Lee previously posed for a photo together in Brooklyn, earlier this year.
Kurosawa released High and Low back in 1963 and it remains one of the Japanese filmmaker’s most iconic movies, along with Yojimbo, Ikiru, Seven Samurai, Ran, and more. The story follows a businessman torn between gaining executive control and helping an employee by lending him the money to free his child from kidnappers.
Ice Spice at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 10, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)
Spice previously suggested she wanted to pursue a career in acting during an interview with Ebro Darden, Laura Stylez, and Peter Rosenburg on HOT 97 in January 2023. “I didn’t ever really like see myself being a rapper,” she admitted. “I always wanted to be an actress. That was my first passion.” A year later, she appeared in a Super Bowl ad for PepsiCo’s lemon-lime soda, Starry. Speaking on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, she described it as her acting debut. “For me, that will act as an introduction to acting,” she said. “Which is crazy, because that’s not a lot of people’s introduction. It’s a lot of pressure because it’s such a big platform. But regardless, I’m grateful I got to have that experience. It was definitely a challenge delivering the lines and stuff like that.”
As for the music side of her career, Spice is hard at work on her debut studio album, Y2K. The project is set to release at some point this year. Be on the lookout for further updates on Ice Spice on HotNewHipHop.
The stars keep adding on for Spike Lee’s newest film from A24 and Apple Studios. Award nominees Jeffrey Wright and Ilfenesh Hadera from Godfather of Harlem are set to star in High and Low alongside icon Denzel Washington. I mean, Wright and Washington, on-screen together, already seems like an amazing one-two punch. Hadera’s addition makes the top-line cast even more enjoyable.
Lee’s High and Low is being developed and produced by A24, best known for its slate of thought-provoking and award-worthy films. Escape Artists and Mandalay Pictures are also producing. Alan Fox and Lee wrote the film. Billed as a thriller and described as the “English-language reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller,” it begins production this month.
Thankfully, A24 is releasing the film in theaters before launching at a later date on Apple TV+.
Todd Black for Escape Artists and Jason Michael Berman for Mandalay Pictures are producers.
Lee is serving as executive producer through his long-standing 40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks. Mandalay’s Peter Guber is serving as executive producer, along with Juniper Productions’ Matthew Lindner, Chris Brigham, and Katia Washington. Mandalay’s Jordan Moldo is in as co-producer.
High and Low marks Washington’s second Apple Original Films project after his performance in The Tragedy of Macbeth. But get this: it’s the fifth Lee-Washington collaboration as director and actor following Mo’ Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game, and Inside Man. I don’t know about you, but we’re excited for what’s to come with this one.
One of the best moments from the past weekend was a link-up between Moneybagg Yo and Denzel Washington.
Moneybagg shared images from lunch with the iconic actor, revealing he let the Hollywood star wear his diamond flood Audemars Piguet watch. He says of the link up:
You s Aint Having Lunch Wit Denzel , Stop It !! Psa : I Let Em Rock Da AP He Said Its Time To Feed Da Streets . #SPEAK
Moneybagg Yo recently revealed that he entered another echelon of rapper/actor crossover in the A-list celebrity world. “You [ninja emoji]s Aint Having Lunch Wit Denzel , Stop It !!” he captioned an Instagram post that pictures him with none other than Denzel Washington. In fact, the Memphis MC even flexed how he lent the legendary actor his Audemars Piguet watch and included a wild pic of him wearing two watches on his wrist, one of them being the AP. “Psa : I Let Em Rock Da AP He Said Its Time To Feed Da Streets. #SPEAK,” he added. We can’t help but wonder what on Earth prompted this crossover.
Regardless of its origin, we’re glad it happened, as these are two titanic champions of focused and hard work in their respective fields. For example, Denzel Washington and Moneybagg Yo probably spoke on their business endeavors, their art, the former’s upcoming or recent roles, or the latter’s record label. On that note, actually, maybe Denzel had something to weigh in on regarding DeJ Loaf recently calling Moneybagg out for allegedly stealing her name for his Loaf Boyz label. It was a bizarre attack online, but we can’t deny that folks typically don’t appreciate the MC like they should.
As for The Equalizer star, his relationship with hip-hop is relatively well-known. He actually spoke on what it was like to meet a much younger Drake, and it would be interesting to hear what he’d have to say about Moneybagg Yo. “I met a kid in Toronto who came up and was fascinated with me because I was, like, this star,” Denzel Washington told Good Morning America almost a year ago. “He wanted to talk to me and he couldn’t believe that he met me. Well, 10 or 15 years later, he came up and he said, ‘You don’t remember when you met me?’ I said no. His name is Drake.”
Meanwhile, the CMG affiliate is also dealing with some drama outside of the musical realm thanks to cheating accusations. However, he said that he and Ari Fletcher are just fine, and things seem quite chill on that front at press time. We wonder if any or all of these topics came up in this duo’s conversation, or if that connection is beyond our comprehension. Nevertheless, for more news and updates on Moneybagg Yo and Denzel Washington, check back in with HNHH.
Acting icon Denzel Washington is heading back to Broadway, and he is poised to play Othello, William Shakespeare’s tragic African general. The new production will be opposite Jake Gyllenhaal. Talk about two Hollywood heavyweights sharing the stage for one of Shakespeare’s greatest stories.
Kenny Leon is directing the production of Othello by producer Brian Anthony Moreland. Washington plays Othello, and Gyllenhaal stars as Lago, his nemesis who ruins his life and marriage.
Most of the upcoming Broadway rendition of Othello is being kept under wraps, but the production will kick off in the spring of 2025.
The last time Washington dipped his toe into Shakespeare was in Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 film Much Ado About Nothing. The film also starred Branagh, Emma Thompson, Keanu Reeves and Michael Keaton. Washington also starred in The Tragedy of Macbeth, an Apple TV+ film directed by Joel Coen, and co-starred Frances McDonald and Alex Hassell.
Washington is also starring as another iconic historic African general, Hannibal, in a film by Antoine Fuqua.
s Aint Having Lunch Wit Denzel , Stop It !!
