Film

Martin Lawrence Says That Will Smith’s Oscars Incident Won’t Stop Bad Boys 4, “We Got One More At Least.”

by
martin lawrence will smith

After Will Smith’s infamous slap at the Academy Awards this year, the King Richard actor was heavily scrutinized for his actions. He was banned from the awards show for 10 years even after leaving the Academy, and it was reported that many of his projects were put on hold as well.

However, it seems the slap won’t get in the way of one of the projects, according to legendary comedian and Bad Boys co-star Martin Lawrence.

In a new interview with Ebony magazine, Martin talked about the franchise saying how having an action movie with two Black leads was a big deal in Hollywood.

“It was big,” Martin said about the movie. “For us to come together and prove that we can deliver, and we can pull people into the box office—that two Black stars, two sitcom stars, could make money at the box office [was huge].” It also was an important pivot for him personally and professionally. “I didn’t go to college, so I felt TV was my college years,” explains Lawrence. “I felt with movies, I had graduated; it was just different.”

When asked if Will Smith’s Oscars incident will impact the creation of a 4th film, Lawrence said “We got one more at least.”

The post Martin Lawrence Says That Will Smith’s Oscars Incident Won’t Stop Bad Boys 4, “We Got One More At Least.” appeared first on The Source.

Hollywood Legend James Caan Dies at 82

by
James Caan

“When it comes to the action, I’m as good as anybody, and don’t forget it,” James Caan’s famous Godfather character, Sonny Corleone said in what is one of the franchise’s many iconic lines. Caan, who passed away on Wednesday, made a living being part of Hollywood action for decades, usually playing a “tough guy,” but also showing a great deal of versatility and range throughout his long career.

Caan got his start in television in the early 1960s before moving into television in the early 1970s, where he received great critical acclaim for his roles as a dying football player in Brian’s Song and the iconic mob man The Godfather in 1971 and 1972 respectively, receiving Oscar and Emmy nominations for Brian’s Song and being part of the ensemble Godfather cast and crew that was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning three, including the award for best picture. Caan reprised his role in The Godfather II as well as the TV miniseries “The Godfather Saga.”

A former athlete, he also played Coach Sam Winters in 1993’s The Program, a film that grossed over $20 million at the box office and is widely regarded as one of football’s most iconic fictitious films. Caan played a famous author in Misery, a film by famous real-life author Stephen King. He continued to play a “tough guy” in Gardens of Stone, a film about a Vietnam vet guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. However, he also showed his comedic side in the Christmas holiday classic Elf, where played Will Ferrel’s reluctant father. He also voiced himself in animated appearances on Family Guy and The Simpsons.

Many celebrities took to social media to memorialize the late actor and express support for his family including Francis Ford Coppola, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Rob Reiner, Billy Dee Williams, Ethan Embry, Kathy Bates, Piers Morgan, Gary Sinise, and more.

No cause of death was immediately available.

The post Hollywood Legend James Caan Dies at 82 appeared first on The Source.

Vince Staples to Star in ‘The Wood’ Pilot for Showtime

by
Vince Staples001

The 1999 classic film The Wood will be developed into a pilot for Showtime. Variety reports Vince Staples is set to star in the series.

Joining Staples in the cast are Xavier Mills, Karen Obilom, Melvin Gregg, and Essence Renae. The series will bring back Richard T. Jones and Tamala Jones for their roles of Slim and Tanya.

The pilot will be directed and executive produced by Rick Famuyiwa, who also wrote and directed the film. According to Showtime, The Wood will be an honest look at the friendship and dating from the perspective of three young Black males born and raised in the gentrifying L.A. suburb of Inglewood. The trio’s struggles to balance fatherhood, ambition, and loyalty force them to question if they are growing apart, or closer together.

In the show, Staples will be Jamal, an aspiring photographer from Ladera Heights who opts to skip out on college at Morehouse, leading to him being cut off by his upper-class family.

You can learn more about the pilot here.

The post Vince Staples to Star in ‘The Wood’ Pilot for Showtime appeared first on The Source.

Sanaa Lathan Releases Trailer For Directorial Debut “On The Come Up”

by
on the come up

Actress Sanaa Lathan revealed the first trailer for her directorial debut Paramount’s adaptation “On The Come Up,” an adaptation of Angie Thomas’s New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, on Sunday (June 26) during the 2022 BET Awards. Coming soon to Paramount Plus, the network describes the coming-of-age film as “a love letter to hip hop.” The 30-second teaser follows the journey of film protagonist Bri — played by Jamila C Gray — as she pursues her aspirations in battle rap. Watch the teaser trailer below.

MORE: ICYMI: Sanaa Lathan To Co-Star & Direct “On the Come Up” With Method Man and Mike Epps

The film will see the 16-year-old phenom explore the world of battle rap and eclipse her in controversy as she chases her destiny of living up to her famous father. The film’s full synopsis from Paramount+ reads:

“Bri (Jamila C. Gray), a young Black girl, attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to do right by the legacy of her father—a rapper whose career was cut short by gang violence—and to help her family climb out of poverty. But when her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, she finds herself torn between the authenticity that got her this far and the false gangsta role that the industry wants to impose upon her. Based on the New York Times #1 best-selling YA novel by Angie Thomas (who also penned ‘The Hate U Give’), ‘On The Come Up’ is punctuated by the comedic talents of Mike Epps, hip hop heroes like Method Man and Lil Yachty, and the lyrical prowess of Rapsody.”

MORE: ‘The Best Man’ Original Cast Returns for Limited TV Series Ordered By Peacock

Joining Lathan’s directorial debut is a stacked cast of buzzing actors and rap stars, including Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lil Yachty, Method Man, Mike Epps, GaTa (a.k.a. Davionte Ganter), Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Titus Makin Jr., and Michael Anthony Cooper Jr. Set to stream exclusively on Paramount+, the film’s release date is yet-to-be-announced.

In other news, Sanaa Lathan is set to star alongside returning cast members Taye Diggs, Morris Chestnutt, Terrence Howard and Regina Hall in the Peacock-ordered limited-series The Best Man: The Final Chapters, written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee.

The post Sanaa Lathan Releases Trailer For Directorial Debut “On The Come Up” appeared first on The Source.

Highly-Anticipated ‘Texas Kill City’ Trailer Is All-Out War

by
texas kill city

The streets are on fire as it’s up for grabs in a winner-takes-all situation in the highly-anticipated crime-thriller coming out of the Lone Star state, titled Texas Kill City. A film about Texas’ most dangerous gangs shared an unbreakable bond before a betrayal fired up revenge. Allies become rivals and members realized the enemy was in plain sight. Starring Lioness Telaine (The Devil’s Ring), Christi Lux (Vid Chronicles) and Lucretia Johnson (One Night In Miami), check out the new trailer below.

MORE: DJ Hawk Taps Trae Tha Truth & OMB Bloodbath for New Song “Sunny Daze” With NFT

Texas Kill City is written and directed by Romario Facey. Facey, 28, is an actor, writer and director known for creating films since 15-years-old. As a producer, he has released a wide variety of films, like 2015’s action Texas Trap, 2016’s drama One More Chance At Love, and this year’s romance drama The Love I Regret. Texas Kill City follows Facey’s 40-episode series Vid Chronicles (2020-2021).

Here’s the film’s synopsis:

The story of Texas Kill City paints an intriguing picture of lust, drugs and violence.  This movie takes viewers through an adrenaline rush as a crime-thriller film based in Dallas, during a time when gangs ruled Texas. Director and producer, Romario Facey, lifts the veil on the reality of criminal lifestyles.

MORE: Spotify’s ‘Mogul’ Podcast Homages the Legacy of DJ Screw

The Romario Facey feature will bring together the entertainment industry’s rising stars, influencers, and public figures to celebrate the buzzing director’s new film. For Facey, the upcoming film is a dream come true and a long-time coming for the creator.

“It has always been a dream of mine to create art through film,” said Facey in the film’s press release. “As an artist, I am able to tell stories about life challenges I’ve seen and experienced. Growing up in Jamacia my dreams of becoming a filmmaker seemed impossible, says Facey.

The film will host a red-carpet premiere, hosted by 97.9 The Beat’s Jazze, K104’s Cat Daddy and K104/CW Network’s J-Kruz, this Saturday (June 25) at the LOOK cinema in Dallas, Texas.

Watch the trailer for Texas Kill City, directed by Romario Facey above.

The post Highly-Anticipated ‘Texas Kill City’ Trailer Is All-Out War appeared first on The Source.

Denzel Washington & Dakota Fanning Will Reunite In ‘Equalizer 3’

by
the equalizer 3 release date 2 900x476 1

Announced the third installment in The Equalizer franchise, starring award-winning actor Denzel Washington, was in the works in January. Joining the trilogy is former Washington co-star and well-known actress Dakota Fanning, Deadline reports.

MORE: Denzel Washington & Antonie Fuqua Set To Return For The Equalizer III

Washington and Fanning will reunite after nearly 20 years of starring opposite each other in the 2004 action thriller Man on Fire. In 2004, Man on Fire debuted at #1 in the box office and grossed $22,751,490. Fanning joins the cast following her recent role in the Michelle Pfeiffer-starring Showtime’s The First Lady.

The concept for The Equalizer 3 is currently unknown. The film is written by Richard Wenk and produced by Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch and Washington-himself. Longtime Washington collaborator and director Antoine Fuqua returns for the third installment.

MORE: Denzel Washington Speaks Out on Oscars Slap: ‘The Only Solution Was Prayer’

The Equalizer 2 grossed $190 million worldwide and spawned a television series, starring Queen Latifah on CBS. The Equalizer 3 marks Washington and Fuqua fifth collaboration.

Both Washington and Fanning have yet to comment on the reunion at press time. Equalizer 3 is slated for September 2023 for Sony Pictures.

The post Denzel Washington & Dakota Fanning Will Reunite In ‘Equalizer 3’ appeared first on The Source.

‘The Last Days of Black Rob’ Documentary to Premiere July 9

by
885F8E49 2800 4270 89AD 3EE6960199E7

‘The Last Days of Black Rob’ is set to document the finals days leading up to the untimely death of former Bad Boy rapper, Black Rob. The East Harlem native died in April 2021 after suffering from kidney failure.

The documentary is executive produced by GE Films, Goldmouf Famgoon, Kal Dawson and Rey “G-Child” Mullen. Each EP played a vital role in helping to keep the spirit of Black Rob alive.

“The uniqueness of our connection to Rob is how we were all brought together,” says GE regarding Black Rob’s last days. “We all worked together to give Rob a helping hand when he came to Atlanta.”

In October of 2020, Kal Dawson booked Black Rob for some of his final shows as an artist, where one happened to be in Detroit with Beanie Sigel.

Famgoon regards the film as a wake up call.

“To see Black Rob’s situation, it was both sad but also gave me a spark,” said Famgoon. When you’re making money, strive to make the best investments, so you are prepared for what’s to come.”

One of the major elements of the film is the introduction and birth of MusicalArtistsUnion.org, which is led by Rey Mullen. As the world watched Black Rob’s untimely death unfold, many questions were raised on how to prevent this reoccurrence for other artists.

Therefore, the Musical Artists Union is a union formed to create a responsible United Voice to establish Fair Pay, Benefits, Healthcare Insurance, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Counseling for all artists in the musical industry.

‘The Last Days of Black Rob’ is set to premiere in both his hometown of Harlem on July 9 as well as Atlanta on July 16.

The post ‘The Last Days of Black Rob’ Documentary to Premiere July 9 appeared first on The Source.

Shonda Rhimes Launches Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs at Netflix

by
Shonda Rhimes Ended 15-Year Relationship With ABC Over Disneyland Pass

After extending their partnership last summer, Netflix and accomplished producer Shonda Rhimes broaden their commitment with the launch of new inclusive programs for diversity, equity, inclusion, access initiatives and opportunities. The new programs are called The Producers Inclusion Initiative and The Ladder, which both will be supported by Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity.

MORE: Shonda Rhimes and Netflix Extend Their Partnership Into New Ventures

The programs will allow graduates to be considered for job consideration on Shondaland and other Netflix productions. The Producers Inclusion Initiative is specifically designed as a nine-week virtual program to train indie producers, unit production managers, supervisors and first assistant directors, who come from those historically underrepresented communities. The program’s participants will learn from executives and key production department heads from Netflix, Shondaland and elsewhere in the industry with the express goal of minting qualified line producers for the studio system. In addition to monthly stipends while in the program, graduates will connect with folks at the two companies and others about potential gigs or other career development opportunities.

MORE: Shonda Rhimes Ended 15-Year Relationship With ABC Over Disneyland Pass

The Ladder, for its part, is set up to provide opportunities for people from marginalized groups who are looking to gain the kind of on-set experience and training that’s key to success in the film and TV business. Like the Inclusion Initiative, the Ladder participants will be paid during their time in the program, which will also transport those taking part from central points around London.

Shondaland’s Head of Production Sara Fischer had this to say on the new programs and opportunities: “At our core, Shondaland is a company dedicated to championing opportunities for underrepresented communities both on and off the screen. We have made incredible strides with ensuring women are represented in our productions and I’m excited to expand our efforts and see real results with all marginalized groups. Our partnership with Netflix has allowed us to create these two new incredible programs that have already led to palpable changes in our industry. I am extremely proud to be a part of history as we look forward to greater representation on set.”

Shonda Rhimes is one of the most high-profile and commercially successful showrunners in the business.

The post Shonda Rhimes Launches Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs at Netflix appeared first on The Source.

E.W. Brooks Scores Victory Over Damon Dash and Poppington As ‘Mafietta Photo Case’ Is Dismissed

by
Screen Shot 2022 06 17 at 9.16.12 AM

United States Federal Judge, the Honorable Jed Rakoff has dismissed the revenge lawsuit filed by Damon Dash’s girlfriend, Raquel Horn and Dash’s company, Poppingtion LLC. Dash and Horn were pursuing copyright infringement against author E.W. Brooks in the Southern District of New York.  

EWBrooksbrownr

After the victory Brooks stated, ““The frivolous attempt of Dash’s company and Ms. Horn’s  to hold Ms. Brooks liable for copyright infringement has been summarily rejected” said Christopher Brown of Brown & Rosen LLC. “To sue Ms. Brooks for using her own Mafietta movie imagery as her Mafietta book cover, was rather foolish.”

Dash is also accused of trying to edge Brooks out of her own project by doing what he wants with “Mafietta” without her input. The film is available for viewing on DameDashStudios.com without any credit to Brooks, and she says he didn’t get her permission to put the film on the site. He’s also cut off all communication with her, including blocking her on social media.

“Despite the actions of Damon Dash, I am proud to announce that “Mafietta 2” will be filming in Atlanta, Ga  from June 28-July 6, 2022. Claudia Jordan (Cocktails with Queens/Fox Soul, star of the film “Dear Frank”) and Willie Taylor  of Day 26 (and the “Chocolate City” movie franchise) will star in “Mafietta 2” and play the lead roles.  I will continue to make my dreams come.”

The post E.W. Brooks Scores Victory Over Damon Dash and Poppington As ‘Mafietta Photo Case’ Is Dismissed appeared first on The Source.