Netflix has announced Back in Action, an action-comedy directed by Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses), set for release on Jan. 17, 2025. The film marks Cameron Diaz’s highly anticipated return to the screen, teaming up with Jamie Foxx for a thrilling new adventure.
Written by Seth Gordon and Brendan O’Brien (Neighbors), Back in Action follows former CIA spies Emily and Matt, played by Diaz and Foxx, who left espionage behind to start a family. However, their quiet life is upended when their past is exposed, forcing them back into the high-stakes world of international intrigue.
Produced by Chernin Entertainment and Good One Productions, Back in Action also features a star-studded cast that includes Kyle Chandler, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, McKenna Roberts, Rylan Jackson, and Glenn Close.
With executive producers Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner on board, Back in Action promises explosive action, humor, and a nostalgic return for Diaz fans.
When it comes to adapting true stories into films and shows, it feels like there isn’t anything that is truly off limits. Michael Jackson’s story is getting treatment we’ve all been waiting for in ‘Michael.’ Wu-Tang Clan had a strong series on Hulu in Wu-Tang: An American Saga and there have been countless documentaries over the years.
We put together five true hip-hop stories from the last 10-20 years that could be adapted into compelling feature films, documentaries, or TV series. We have more to add to the list but we don’t want to overwhelm ya’ll, ha!
When it comes down to it, these stories and wish list projects cover a broad spectrum of hip-hop culture, from rivalries and legal battles to personal growth and industry-shifting moments. Each offers an opportunity to explore the highs, lows, and the deeper human experiences behind some of the biggest names and events in hip-hop over the last two decades. Let’s get to it.
1. Drake vs. Meek Mill
Type: Documentary Feature Film
Proposed Synopsis: The highly publicized rap battle between Drake and Meek Mill, created one of the biggest rap feuds of the decade before the great Drizzy, Kendrick battle of course. A documentary film would explore the rise of their rivalry, its effect on their careers, and their eventual reconciliation, collaborations and impact on the culture at large.
2. Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Legal Trouble and Snitching Scandal
Type: Feature Film Narrative
Proposed Synopsis: The rise and meteoric fall of Tekashi 6ix9ine, from his jarring and highly controversial social media persona to his legal troubles, and his not so shocking decision to cooperate with the government and ultimately testify against his former business partners, cohorts and gang members. This project would create a gripping narrative about fame, betrayal, and the consequences of playing a game he probably was never built for. There’s already a good Tekashi doc, so a feature film narrative that captures that moment may be the way to go.
3. Mac Miller
Type: Documentary or Feature Film Narrative
Story: The celebrated life and untimely tragic death of Mac Miller that explores his influence on hip-hop and pop culture. A documentary or biopic could examine his struggles with addiction, his evolution as an artist and the impact of his musical legacy and the timeline of his unfortunate passing. A feature film documentary may be fitting but a narrative snapshot would be something to see in our opinions.
4. Jay-Z and “Tidal”
Type: Documentary Feature Film
Story: Jay-Z’s acquisition of Tidal and his efforts to challenge Spotify and Apple Music in the streaming wars could be a compelling business and cultural story. The series could examine the rise of streaming platforms and Jay-Z’s vision to empower artists and reshape the music industry. This one may be important with how not how we consume content, specifically music but how one mogul took on the heavyweights and exited bigger and better than he arrived.
5. Cardi B’s Rise to Success
Type: Limited Scripted Series
Story: Cardi B’s journey from a polarizing reality TV and social media star to Grammy-winning rap sensation who redefined the landscape for female rappers. This should be a limited scripted series that tells a story of perseverance, hustle, and authenticity. The narrative should explore her rise from the Bronx, how she shaped her public persona, and the challenges she faced in breaking into the male-dominated hip-hop world all the way to “Bodak Yellow.” We’d probably stop it there tbh. Nice way to end of a super high note.
So what ya’ll think about the first five stories? They cover a broad spectrum of hip-hop culture, from rivalries and legal battles to personal growth and industry-shifting moments. Each offers an opportunity to explore the highs, lows, and the deeper human experiences behind some of the biggest names and events in hip-hop over the last two decades. Now all we have to do is see who wants to produce them. Maybe we should look into that … Hmm.
Christopher Nolan knows how to line up the stars and his next film just added Lupita Nyong’o for the highly anticipated but secretive project from the Dark Knight director.
As you can imagine, the project, which has been generating considerable buzz, continues to expand its star-studded lineup, now featuring Nyong’o alongside previously announced cast members Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway. Sheesh, talk about A-list.
Get this, The Hollywood Reporter first revealed that details about the film are shrouded in mystery.
There is no official plot or logline available at this time, and while various rumors have circulated—such as the film being a period vampire thriller or a helicopter action movie—insiders caution that none of these ideas have been confirmed. As THR reports, “Nothing has come close to nailing Nolan’s real idea.”
Good, let’s keep it that way for as long they can. Mystery is better these days in our opinion.
When it comes to behind the camera, as expected the film is being produced by Nolan and his longtime collaborator and wife, Emma Thomas, under their Syncopy banner, is currently slated for a release on July 17, 2026. Production is expected to begin sometime in the first half of next year, though specifics have yet to be confirmed.
Another Mission Impossible movie is upon us. Paramount Pictures has officially unveiled the first teaser trailer for Mission: Impossible 8, revealing its official title, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. In addition to the title announcement, it has been confirmed that Angela Bassett will reprise her role from 2018’s Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
As you may expect, the studio has remained tight-lipped about the film’s plot, leaving fans in suspense. So far, the only glimpse into the story comes from a brief tagline: “Our lives are the sum of our choices.” Tom Cruise returns as the iconic Ethan Hunt in this highly anticipated installment.
Get this, alongside Cruise and Bassett, The Final Reckoning features a star-studded cast, including Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, and Frederick Schmidt.
The newest installment is directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who also produces alongside Cruise. Executive producers include David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, and Chris Brock.
Denzel Washington is reaching the end of his historic career. Speaking with Australia’s Today Show, Washington revealed he is eyeing retirement but will be in Black Panther 3 before he does.
“I’m only interested in working with the best,” Washington said. “I don’t know how many more films I’m gonna make, probably not that many. I wanna do things I haven’t done.”
He then ran down a list of his forthcoming roles: “I’ve played Othello at 22. I’m about to play Othello at 70. After that, I’m playing Hannibal. After that, I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther.’ After that, I’m gonna do the film Othello. After that, I’m gonna do King Lear. After that, I’m gonna retire.”
Record scratch.
All those roles sound amazing, but Washington and Coogler? Black Panther 3? Is Denzel Washington entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Sign us up.
Marvel Studios brought excitement to the first-ever Brazil D23 fan event with the debut of a new trailer and poster for Captain America: Brave New World, which will be released in theaters on February 14, 2025. Anthony Mackie, reprising his role as Sam Wilson/Captain America, joined Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres/Falcon) to greet enthusiastic fans before unveiling the much-anticipated trailer.
The film follows Sam Wilson, facing an international crisis after meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross. Tasked with uncovering the truth behind a dark global plot, Wilson must stop a hidden mastermind from pushing the world into chaos.
Directed by Julius Onah and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore, Captain America: Brave New World features a star-studded cast that includes Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. Executive producers Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth lend their expertise to bring this next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to life.
Fans across the globe are already gearing up to see Mackie wield the shield in this thrilling new journey.
Antoine Fuqua’s highly anticipated biopic Michael, which chronicles the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, is now slated for a later release. Originally set to debut on April 18, 2025, the film’s premiere has been postponed until October 3, 2025. This delay means fans will need to wait a bit longer to see Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, step into the legendary performer’s role.
Lionsgate, the studio behind Michael, has rescheduled the film as one of its major fall releases, alongside Good Fortune, a new comedy by Aziz Ansari. In his big comeback, Ansari will not only star but also write and direct, with a cast featuring Keke Palmer, Seth Rogen, Sandra Oh, and Keanu Reeves.
The cast of Michael also includes notable talents portraying Jackson’s family and mentors. Nia Long and Colman Domingo will play Jackson’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, while Laura Harrier takes on the role of Suzanne de Passe, one of Jackson’s early mentors. Derek Luke will portray Jonnie Cochran, with Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Liv Simone as Gladys Knight, Kendrick Sampson as music producer Quincy Jones, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, Jackson’s trusted security manager and friend.
The film’s ensemble also features Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson and Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael. Additional casting includes Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson as the younger and older Jermaine Jackson, Laylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton as Marlon Jackson at different ages, Judah Edwards and Rhyan Hill as the younger and older versions of Tito Jackson, and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones as the younger and older Jackie Jackson.
Today, Netflix announced that the legendary Ice T will narrate COUNTDOWN: PAUL VS. TYSON, a three-part follow-doc leading up to the Netflix and MVP’s heavyweight boxing mega-event.
In addition, Netflix released a sneak peek of the follow-doc on Tudum.com. In this exclusive first look, viewers hear from Paul’s coaches at his training camp in Dorado, Puerto Rico, including head coach Theo “Third” Chambers and assistant coach J’Leon Love. Then, the stage shifts to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Tyson is deep in training, gleaning insight from coaches Billy White, Rafael Cordeiro, Andy Velcich, and strength conditioning coach Tony Brady.
COUNTDOWN will also follow the lead up to one of the most anticipated women’s fights in history, the rematch between undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs) and unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (47-2-1, 31 KOs), as the two train to face off for the undisputed super lightweight championship title in the co-main event. Fans will gain a fresh perspective to the unprecedented match-up through interviews with those closest to the fighters and raw, unfiltered moments with family and friends.
The heavyweight boxing mega-event will be airing live on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) has announced it will distribute Hurry Up Tomorrow, a suspense thriller and the first feature film by Grammy-winning, Oscar- and Emmy-nominated artist The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye. The film, linked to an album of the same name, features a score by Tesfaye and collaborator Daniel Lopatin.
Directed by Trey Edward Shults (Waves), Hurry Up Tomorrow stars The Weeknd, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan, with Tesfaye producing alongside Reza Fahim, the late Kevin Turen, and Harrison Kreiss. Executive producers include Ortega, Shults, and Michael Rapino, among others. The creative team boasts cinematography by Chayse Irvin and costumes by Erin Benach and Hannah Jacobs.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson called Tesfaye “a visionary whose art transcends mediums.” He emphasized that Hurry Up Tomorrow offers fans a new, musically driven psychological thriller experience.
This film and album also conclude Tesfaye’s trilogy, following After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022), capping a narrative arc rich with existential and self-reflective themes.
With anticipation building, fans worldwide can look forward to a release date soon for this eagerly awaited cinematic and musical experience.
Exhibiting his creative versatility, 21-year-old NLE Choppa has released a 45-minute short film, NLE Choppa Presents: The Wash, co-directed with Ben Marc. The short is a modern tribute to the 2001 cult classic The Wash, starring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Released through NLE Entertainment/Warner Records, it follows the recent success of Choppa’s hit single “Or What” featuring 41 and his new project, SLUT SZN.
NLE Choppa Presents: The Wash follows Choppa as he scrambles to save his struggling car wash business. In a comedic twist, he hires a bold team of female staff and revamps the service list with risqué names like “Sloppy Toppy” and “Rim Job,” adding humor to the plot. The story, driven by the cast’s natural chemistry, delivers laughs with a heartfelt message about perseverance and faith.
The film features appearances from Lil Wayne, Lou Ratchet, Sukihana, TraRags, and more, adding to the charisma and chaotic fun of Choppa’s cinematic debut.
