Film

Jada Pinkett Smith Reflects on Pay Disparity, Says Being Married to Will Smith Caused Lower Offers

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Jada Pinkett Smith

Reflecting on Taraji P. Henson’s messages about pay disparity in Hollywood, Jada Pinkett Smith chimed in stating she was shorted due to being married to Will Smith.

Speaking on NPR’s It’s Been a Minute, Pinkett Smith saluted Henson for speaking out, while revealing her own pay battles.

“What people don’t understand with us as Black entertainers, we carry a lot of people with us,” Pinkett Smith said. “People would literally say, ‘Well, you don’t need it. You’re married to Will.’”

You can hear the full episode below.

Actress Taraji P. Henson went viral in Decemeber after breaking down in tears during an interview with Gayle King about black women’s pay in Hollywood. Taraji talked about the pay disparities for Black female actors and revealed she was considering quitting her acting career. Now Taraji shares she was surprised by the overwhelming support, because she along with other women of color have been talking about this publicly for years to no avail.

ETonline reports:

Taraji P. Henson was not expecting the amount of support, feedback and attention she has received since passionately speaking out about her experiences with pay disparity throughout her career.

The Color Purple actress walked the red carpet at this years’ Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Film Awards at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Thursday, and she spoke with ET’s Denny Directo about her message, and why she wasn’t expecting it to hit so hard with so many people.

“[It’s] because I’ve been saying it for years,” Henson shared. “If you go and do research and look at any women of color in the industry, they said the same thing.”

“I don’t know why people decided to hear the words [this time], maybe it was the emotion attached to it,” she added. “But like I said in the interview, I’m just tired of us having that same conversation. Something’s gotta give.”

Thoughts?

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Stokley Of R&B Group Mint Condition Cast As Rick James In ‘Superfreak: The Rick James Story’

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Je’Caryous Johnson Entertainment, in collaboration with executive producer Ty James, is proud to announce the latest addition to the cast of Super Freak: The Rick James Story – the incomparable R&B sensation, Stokley. Known for his dynamic stage presence and undeniable talent, Stokley will step into the iconic role of Rick James, bringing to life the legendary singer’s electrifying persona and timeless music.

“Super Freak: The Rick James Story” delves deep into the tumultuous life and extraordinary talent of the legendary musician, exploring the highs and lows of his career against the backdrop of his unforgettable hits. Audiences will be transported on a musical journey through James’ groundbreaking music and the compelling narrative of his life, filled with passion, excess, and undeniable talent.

Ty James, executive producer and daughter of the late Rick James, expressed her excitement about the latest casting announcement, stating, “I am so excited that we were able to cast such an amazing talented cast. I know playing my dad is stepping into some big shoes, but I am confident Stokley will kill it. My dad would be so proud.”

Renowned playwright and producer Je’Caryous Johnson added, “It’s an honor to partner with Ty James to create, celebrate and cement the legacy and musical genius of Rick James with the world. We have such an amazing cast. I am so delighted to have Stokley, the voice of Mint Condition, bring the character of Rick James to life. It takes a talent such as Stokley who is a master of many instruments to fill the shoes of a maestro like Rick James. This musical will undoubtedly shock the world and open people’s eyes to just how much of a Super Freakin’ genius Rick James was.”

Stokley, a GRAMMY-nominated vocalist, songwriter, and producer, is best known as the lead singer and drummer for the legendary R&B group Mint Condition. With a career spanning decades, Stokley has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music and continues to captivate audiences with his soulful performances. His latest album, “Sankofa,” has garnered critical acclaim and produced multiple Billboard chart-topping singles.

“Super Freak: The Rick James Story” will embark on a nationwide tour, captivating audiences in cities across the United States. The tour kicks off on March 14th at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston, TX, and will continue through June, culminating in a series of performances at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

The post Stokley Of R&B Group Mint Condition Cast As Rick James In ‘Superfreak: The Rick James Story’ first appeared on The Source.

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Meet the Cast: Jackson 5 Members Announces for Michael Jackson Biopic

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Meet the Cast: Jackson 5 Members Announces for Michael Jackson Biopic

Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biopic Michael, based on the epic life story of Michael Jackson, has just announced who will play MJ’s iconic brothers and members of the Jackson 5.

As reported by Shadow and Act, Jermaine Jackson will be played by Jayden Harville (younger) and Jamal R. Henderson (older), Marlon Jackson will be portrayed by Jaylen Lyndon Hunter (younger) and Tre Horton (older), Tito Jackson will be played by Judah Edwards (younger) and Rhyan Hill (older) and Jackie will be played by Nathaniel Logan McIntyre (younger) and Joseph David-Jones (older).

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“The truly epic nature of this film required a total of ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years,” says producer Graham King. “I’m thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of actors and performers to worldwide audiences in this film.”

Here’s the logline for the biopic:

Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became known worldwide as the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, captured by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known. 

Michael is in production now from Lionsgate and is expected to be released in theaters on April 18, 2025, to worldwide audiences.

ICYMI Jermaine’s son, Jaafar Jackson, plays his real-life uncle, with Juliano Krue Valdi as Michael in his younger years. Earlier reported cast announcements include Nia Long and first-time academy award nominee Colman Domingo. Miles Teller is also starring. 

John Logan is writing and producer of King, along with the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain.

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Teaser & Poster Released for ‘Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead’ Remake

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Teaser & Poster Released for 'Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead' Remake

Looks like there’s another exciting movie remake coming to theaters soon. Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead, a BET+ original film, will see a theatrical run starting April 12 via Iconic Releasing. It will hit the streaming platform after the initial release.

You may or may not know, but the original dark comedy film of the same name came out in 1991 and starred Christina Applegate, Keith Coogan, and Joanna Cassidy. 

The new film star Simone Joy Jones stars in the role initially played by the unforgettable Christina Applegate. The updated DTMTBD has an ensemble cast that includes Nicole Richie, June Squibb, Donielle Tremaine Hansley, Jermaine Fowler, and Ms. Pat. Miles Fowler, Iantha Richardson, Gus Kenworthy, and Tyriq Withers also star. The film is directed by Wade Allain-Marcus and from a script penned by Chuck Hayward. 

Here’s the official description:

Seventeen-year-old Tanya Crandell (Simone Joy Jones) can’t wait to spend the summer living it up with her friends in Spain before heading to Howard University in the fall. But when her mom (Ms. Pat) decides to head to a much-needed wellness retreat in Thailand, Tanya is forced to stay home with her three siblings instead. Following the unexpected death of their elderly babysitter (June Squibb), Tanya gets a job working for the confident and ambitious Rose (Nicole Richie). Juggling work, family, and a complicated romance, Tanya faces the responsibility of adulthood at the cost of her summer of freedom.

Tyra Banks is executive producing through her SMiZE Production company. Juliet Berman, Oren Segal, Justin Nappi, and Juliana Maio serve as producers. Michael Phillips and Tova Laiter serve as senior executive producers, Ryan Huffman as executive producer, and Eric Tosstorff and Kim Coleman, who are co-producing.

The post Teaser & Poster Released for ‘Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead’ Remake first appeared on The Source.

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‘Bad Boys 4’ Set Photo Reveals Will Smith’s Character Mike Lowrey Is Possibly Getting Married?

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'BadBoysForLife'Projectedfor$MillionOpeningBoxOfficeWeekend

Here’s a movie to be excited about … Bad Boys 4 is currently in production, and someone leaked a set photo on the Twitterverse, now officially called “X.”

Even People reported the leak on their official X account, but it’s out there, and Will Smith is apparently on set and in character with This is Us star Melanie Liburd in what appears to be a wedding scene. So check this: Liburd was announced as a part of the cast to play a new character named Christine. 

There’s no official word about who Christine is in the story, but it’s clear she’s some love interest if we’re to believe our eyes, but who knows? Some misdirection could be at play here, but that’s just speculation. But something has been going on since Smith’s Det. Mike Lowrey’s character and Liburd’s Christine are kissing during this scene. So maybe Smith’s character, who’s historically been a lady’s man, is possibly hopping over the broom, but we’ll have to wait and see. 

Bad Boys 4 is aiming for a June 14 release, so it’s safe to say production may be winding down and likely heading into post-production.

What’s cool is Bad Boys 4 is being directed by the creative team Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. Also, in the report from People, the fourth installment will also star Vanessa Hudgens, Eric Dane, and Alexander Ludwig. Let’s not forget Martin Lawrence will co-star alongside Smith, playing Det. Marcus Burnett. But Tasha Smith is replacing Theresa Randle as Marcus’ wife, Theresa. Interesting but that happens.

Wedding or not, we’re excited for Bad Boys 4, and it’s great to see Will Smith back starring in a big franchise again. 

The post ‘Bad Boys 4’ Set Photo Reveals Will Smith’s Character Mike Lowrey Is Possibly Getting Married? first appeared on The Source.

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Tyler Perry is ‘A Little Annoyed’ with How Long it’s Taking to Make ‘Sister Act 3’

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Tyler Perry is 'A Little Annoyed' with How Long it's Taking to Make 'Sister Act 3'

You know Tyler Perry stays busy, and after the release of his newest film, Mea Culpa, he gave an update on one film fans from across the spectrum want to see: Sister Act 3. 

Perry was interviewed by Entertainment Tonight and explained why the second sequel and third installment of the franchise are taking so long to come together. “I’m a little annoyed with how long this has taken me. It’s taking so long, like I’ve done four movies since we started talking about this,” 

Perry also said, “When I’m outside producing with — you know, Disney’s a huge, wonderful company, but I really want to get this movie, and Whoopi really wants to get this movie.” 

Perry is producing the film, and the good news is that Whoopi Goldberg is reprising her memorable leading role as Dolores Van Cartier/Sister Mary Clarence. Get this: Goldberg has been vocal about wanting Keke Palmer, Lizzo, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and more to be involved with the new Sister Act, but there have been no other significant cast confirmations. 

“It’s coming. We gotta shoot it, but it’s happening,” Said Goldberg in her own conversation with Entertainment Tonight a couple years back in 2022. “You’re never fully happy with a script because one of the things you find is you wanna have the space to make an adjustment if you need to. Sometimes what looks right on paper doesn’t come out of your mouth the right way. You have to move it around a little bit but I’m very hopeful people will be happy.” 

Going back even further, the original announcement came out in 2020 as it was set to be released on Disney+. What we do know is Sister Act 3 is most certainly the next film in the successful franchise 30 plus years in the making following 1993’s Sister Act 2: Bad In The Habit. Okay, Tyler, let’s get going … kidding (prayer hands emoji).

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‘Bob Marley: One Love’ Surpasses $100M at the Worldwide Box Office

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‘Bob Marley: One Love’ Surpasses $100M at the Worldwide Box Office

Paramount Pictures biopic Bob Marley: One Love, based on the prolific life of Jamaican musician Bob Marley, has eclipsed $100 million at the box office in only ten days.

The breakdown includes over $60 million in North America and nearly $40 million from foreign box office. Full stop. These days, when theatrical successes are few and far between, as the exhibition industry still works out the kinks post-pandemic, this is a big win.

It is fair to say Bob Marley: One Love has performed better than projections with a modest production budget of $70 million.

The biopic is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley and Lashana Lynch, who plays Marley’s wife, Rita Marley. Despite the strong performance, the film follows other run-of-the-mill biopic blueprints, follows Marley’s life during essential moments, and dives into his music and the storied activism that arose from it.

In a statement from Bob Marley’s son Ziggy Marley, he said: “My family and I are honored with the amazing response to ‘Bob Marley: One Love’. Like my father’s music, this movie is meant for the people and his message of peace, love, and unity is clearly connecting with audiences around the world. We thank the people for embracing this film and in so doing helping to highlight the message of one love.”

The post ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ Surpasses $100M at the Worldwide Box Office first appeared on The Source.

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Black-Owned NextAct Cinema in Baltimore Re-Opens After Renovations

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Black-Owned NextAct Cinema in Baltimore Re-Opens After Renovations

Here’s a bit of Black excellence to celebrate as we wind down Black History Month. As reported in Shadow and Act and CBS News Baltimore, there are two Black entrepreneurs in the great city of Baltimore, Anthony Fykes, and Robert Wright, who own NextAct Cinema, which is one of the few Black-owned movie theaters in America.

Located in Pikesville in Baltimore County, Nextact Cinema recently re-opened after extensive renovations. Fykes and Wright came from the healthcare industry but wanted to provide a different experience for the community. CBS News Baltimore reported further.

“We didn’t want to be an AMC. We don’t want to be a Cine-Bistro. The idea behind NextAct Cinema is that you are coming to a theater that feels like your home,” Fykes told the local CBS. “We wanted it to be original and we knew that we wanted it to be very boutique.”

NextAct Cinema, which used to be called Pikes Theatre, includes two theater rooms with 43 seats. According to the NextAct Cinema website, the location is more of a relaxing dine-in experience similar to upscale and technology sound theaters. Guests can order during the film directly from their seats and enjoy a meal, traditional concessions, and even wine. 

And regarding what films NextAct is showing, they have the same caliber of films as your neighborhood AMC or Regal. “We have had great movies such as The Color Purple. We have had The Beekeeper. We had Beyonce, so it is all different cultures, ages and ranges,” says Lea White Young, in the CBS News interview.

But the challenges of movie theater ownership are just as challenging as other cinemas in the post-pandemic world. But Fykes and Wright have been able to keep NextAct alive and well.

“It was challenging— now because we’ve had so much community support. We’ve made it for five years. We actually can call up a studio, ask them for a movie and we usually don’t have an issue with getting it,”‘ said Fykes. “We are still around five years later, and we were able to celebrate another Black History Month. It is really special to us.”

What the theater means to the local community is significant. “We know that movies are the thing that transforms families together,” White said. “I can’t sing and nor am I an actor, so I can’t accurately be in a movie, but one of the things I could do and provide, and provide as a resource to the community, is potentially open up a theater,” said Fykes.

It’s good to see Black-owned businesses in the media, and it’s even more exciting to see what’s to come for NextAct. Hopefully, they will inspire more folks to build on this entrepreneurial momentum. 

The post Black-Owned NextAct Cinema in Baltimore Re-Opens After Renovations first appeared on The Source.

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Tyler James Williams and Hayden Panettiere Starring in Thriller ‘Amber Alert’

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Tyler James Williams and Hayden Panettiere Starring in Thriller 'Amber Alert'

Abbott Elementary star Tyler James Williams and Scream IV’s Hayden Panettiere are top-lining Lionsgate’s new film thriller, Amber Alert. Well, that sounds like a thriller, if there ever was one. 

So Deadline scooped the exclusive and from the Hollywood media outlet, Amber Alert follows Jaq (Panettiere) on the first day of her new job and Shane (Williams), her ride-share driver for the day. The pair fall into a game of cat and mouse when an Amber Alert for an abducted child goes out, and they find themselves behind the suspected vehicle of the abduction and spring into action so as not to let the suspect escape.

Kerry Bellessa will direct Amber Alert from a script that Joshua Oram and Bellessa penned. Joseph Restaino and Tony Stopperan are producing under Hungry Bull Productions. Also producing are Summer and Kerry Bellessa with Bluefields Entertainment, as well as Leal Naim. Executive producing Amber Alert are Panettiere and Williams.

As we mentioned, Williams stars in the acclaimed comedy Abbott Elementary, which is in its third season on ABC. And get this: he scored a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a TV series musical/comedy or drama. That’s a big deal.

Panettiere came back to the screen after reprising her character in the fan-favorite Scream franchise in Scream IV, which was decent at the box office, earning over $90 million worldwide. Panettiere is a Golden Globe nominee for her role in the series Nashville. Congrats to both, and don’t miss those notifications for Amber Alerts, pun intended. 

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New Trailer For A24’s ‘Civil War’ Shows Interesting Scenario of California, Texas, and the ‘Florida Alliance’ Against America

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New Trailer For A24’s ‘Civil War’ Shows Interesting Scenario of California, Texas, and the ‘Florida Alliance’ Against America

As reported in Variety, A24 has a new trailer for their new action film Civil War, and well, it’s a war! So there’s a President, who’s played by Nick Offerman, a great actor, calling for citizens to arm themselves against “the Florida alliance and the Western forces of Texas and California.” Let’s stop right there. We REALLY need to know how this storyline imagines those three states to secede from the United States of America and engage in a civil war. But I guess we will find out. The new trailer has some pretty intense sequences of battles in the Empire State and our nation’s capital. If you pay attention towards the end, even a rocket is fired at the Lincoln Memorial. Ouch. 

Civil War is frontlined by Kirsten Dunst, who plays a war photographer – that makes sense. Can you imagine how many so-called journalists would be running around a war-turned-USA during a crazy near future civil conflict? This ensemble cast includes Offerman, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jesse Plemons, and Sonoya Mizuno. Producing is A24, Gregory Goodman, and Andrew Macdonald with Allon Reich for DNA.

The A24 war film is directed by Alex Garland, who wrote the script. He has good chemistry with A24 after previous films, Ex Machina and Men. He also directed Annihilation and has script writing credits for the classic 28 Days Later, Sunshine, and a cool remake, Dredd, based on the comic and a reboot of the Sylvester Stallone Judge Dredd.

Most A24 films are not particularly wide theatrical releases if you’re unfamiliar. The quality is top-notch but not often plastered on every screen worldwide.  But Civil War is hitting theaters everywhere on April 12, and you will even receive some Imax theaters for that added-in face experience. 

“I wish you good fortune in the wars to come” … Where’s that from? Spoiler alert. Winter is coming.

The post New Trailer For A24’s ‘Civil War’ Shows Interesting Scenario of California, Texas, and the ‘Florida Alliance’ Against America first appeared on The Source.

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