Film

See It: New Trailer For ‘Gladiator II’ Reveals More Details to Epic Sequel

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Paramount just dropped a hot new trailer for “Gladiator II.” The highly anticipated sequel to the 2001 Oscar-winning “Gladiator” is set to hit theaters on November 22.

The new film stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal.

Here’s the official synopsis:

“Gladiator II” continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.”

Let’s get to the trailer. It looks like Lucius is the son of Maximus, the lead character from the first film, portrayed by Russell Crowe.

Get this, seems like Lucius’ mother is Lucilla, played by Connie Nielsen in both the original “Gladiator” and the sequel, who had a romantic relationship with Maximus.

Behind the camera, “Gladiator II” is directed by Ridley Scott, the screenplay is penned by David Scarpa, and based on a story developed by Scarpa and Peter Craig. “Gladiator II” is executive produced by Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Raymond Kirk, and Aidan Elliott, with producers including Douglas Wick, Ridley Scott, Lucy Fisher, Michael Pruss, and David Franzoni.

What’s more, in addition to Mescal, Washington, and Pascal, the film features performances from Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, and Derek Jacobi.

As earlier reported, this epic film marks the first collaboration between Washington and Scott in over 15 years. Their last project together was the 2007 box office success “American Gangster”. Washington also had a close working relationship with Scott’s late brother, Tony Scott, appearing in several of his films.

Here’s the new trailer:

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Questlove Directing Documentary on Earth, Wind & Fire

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Questlove, has become quite the documentarian. The Grammy- and Oscar-winning filmmaker, is set to direct an upcoming documentary on the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire.

Here’s the rundown.

The upcoming film will explore the group’s lasting legacy, their cultural influence, and their enduring catalog of music.

Get this, the doc will have exclusive access to the band’s extensive archives, including visual, audio, and written materials, and is being made with the support of Maurice White’s estate and the band itself.

In a statement, here’s what Questlove expressed saying, “Having been baptized in the Afrocentric joy river of this powerhouse unit, I’ve learned about them, I’ve learned about us & more importantly, I’ve learned and rediscovered myself in the process. I’m so excited to be part of the process of preserving their positive but VERY vulnerable and real story of Soul, Self & Struggle.”

What’s more, Earth, Wind & Fire band members Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson also shared their enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We look forward to this in-depth journey of our band, and are so excited to have Questlove directing the documentary.”

Check this, in addition to directing, Questlove will produce the film alongside RadicalMedia’s Dave Sirulnick and Samantha Grogin; KB White of Broken Halo Entertainment, the son of Maurice White; and Arron Saxe of Kinfolk Management + Media. FIFTH SEASON will finance and handle sales for the film, with WME also involved in the distribution.

As far as legends go, with a career spanning decades, Earth, Wind & Fire is one of the most successful and influential pop bands in history. They have sold over 90 million records, had 11 consecutive gold or platinum albums, and won six Grammys. Their iconic songs include classics like “September,” “Reasons,” and “Shining Star.”

Behind the camera, Zarah Zohlman and Shawn Gee of Two One Five Entertainment, founded by Questlove and Black Thought, will serve as executive producers alongside Jon Kamen of RadicalMedia, Cheo Hodari Coker, and Amos Newman.

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Keke Palmer And SZA’s R-Rated Buddy Comedy Slated For Winter Release From Sony & TriStar

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Winter cometh with laughs. Sony Pictures has set the release date for the upcoming untitled R-rated buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA, scheduled for January 24, 2025.

Deadline Hollywood was the first to report the film project, which comes from TriStar Pictures, is directed by Lawrence Lamont with a screenplay penned by Syreeta Singleton. Feels like a winning combination.

Get this, the film is the product of Sony’s CoCre lab, a collaboration with ColorCreative aimed at finding and nurturing new, diverse screenwriters. This is what the industry needs, so we’re here for it.

Now diving in, this initiative is designed to help these emerging talents develop and write their first feature films based on original concepts.

Okay, so addition to its lead stars Palmer and SZA, the film has a dope supporting cast, including Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, Patrick Cage, and Amin Joseph. Feels like the talent is stellar all around so has to be a goodie, right?

What’s more is the production is backed by some major industry players, including Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi from Hoorae, Deniese Davis from ColorCreative, and Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks. Singleton serves as co-producer, while Keke Palmer and Sharon Palmer take on executive producer roles. Macro Film Studios is also co-financing the project. A lot of heavy hitters here. That’s key to nurturing a great project from development to release.

Interestingly, the film’s release will coincide with several other anticipated titles, such as Flight Risk from Lionsgate, directed by Mel Gibson and starring Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Dockery, Angel Studios’ Brave the Dark, and IFC’s Inheritance, directed by Neil Burger and starring Phoebe Dynevor.

With its star studded cast and backing from prominent producers, the untitled comedy is generating excitement as it promises to bring a fresh, bold take to the big screen in 2025.

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Gabrielle Union Starring And Producing Upcoming Horror Film ‘The Casket Girls’

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Horror films are happening more frequently in Hollywood these days. The relatively inexpensive to produce, and they tend to work everywhere in the world. Gabrielle Union is no stranger to the genre, and has reportedly signed on to star in and produce the upcoming horror film The Casket Girls, according to Deadline.

The project, produced by Get Out‘s QC Entertainment, will be directed by Justin Dyck. The film’s script is a revised version by Dyck and Keith Cooper, based on an original screenplay by Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant.

Here’s the reported synopsis:

Set in the 1700s, the film is on a true story about young women who are sent to New Orleans from France to become brides to French colonists.
Their belongings are sent with them in caskets (aka chests), and that after the women arrived, New Orleans’ homicide rate skyrocketed. The townspeople labeled the girls as vampires and imprisoned them in the Ursuline Convent.

Get this, Union will portray a modern-day detective who, along with her partner and a group of tourists, gets trapped in the convent when the Casket Girls finally escape centuries later.

When it comes to behind the camera, QC Entertainment’s Sean McKittrick and Raymond Mansfield will produce the film, with Edward H. Hamm Jr. and Lighthouse Pictures’ Jameson Parker serving as executive producers. Filming is set to begin on October 15 in Victoria, British Columbia.

The post Gabrielle Union Starring And Producing Upcoming Horror Film ‘The Casket Girls’ first appeared on The Source.

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Biopic Based on Life of Queen Latifah in Development

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U.N.I.T.Y, you gotta let em know. Remember that hook? Classic. And to memorialize the legacy of Queen Latifah a biopic film is reportedly, officially in development. This was confirmed by our friends at Shadow and Act.

Get this, this marks the first project of a new collaboration between Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit Entertainment, Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios, and Jesse Collins Entertainment.

What’s more, they are launching a series of biopics focusing on iconic hip-hop stars. The projects will be independently financed by HarborView Equity Partners, under the leadership of Sherrese Clarke Soares.

Now, it’s not clear on specifics surrounding the Queen Latifah film and other upcoming biopics but that’s set to be revealed in the coming months.

What’s interesting, alongside financing, HarborView is also offering “access to its extensive portfolio of over 70+ music catalogs that feature thousands of titles spanning numerous genres, eras, and artists for potential development opportunities.”

Behind the camera, Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere are producing the biopic on behalf of Flavor Unit Entertainment, while Will Smith and Miguel Melendez will produce for Westbrook Studios. Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon are producing on behalf of Jesse Collins Entertainment, with Charlie Mack also serving as a producer.

Shadow and Act fielded a rack of great quotes on the project and partnership …

Here’s what Queen Latifah and Compere shared in a joint statement: “We all came into this industry together, and Hip Hop has shaped each and every one of us. Hip Hop’s impact has expanded beyond just music and has created a lasting impression on culture and society overall. It is a dream to be able to collaborate with friends and colleagues that have not only a shared understanding but are able to tell these stories that were the backdrop of our lives.”

Will Smith said: “When you bring talented people and teams together, you can create something truly special. I’m thrilled to work alongside Flavor Unit, Jesse Collins Entertainment, and HarbourView to highlight the incredible stories of some of our favorite artists and icons. There’s no better story to start with than the one of Queen Latifah, an undisputed legend who has both entertained and inspired us for so many years.”

Jesse Collins contributed by stating, “We cannot be more excited to stand alongside our friends at HarbourView, Flavor Unit, and Westbrook. Queen Latifah’s story is one of triumph that needs to be shared with the world. Joining forces with such amazing people to educate and inspire through storytelling is just the beginning of the impact this partnership will have.”

Sherrese Clarke Soares, CEO of HarborView, said “As a girl from Queens, Hip-Hop fundamentally shaped who I am. Music and storytelling was my passport to destinations both familiar and untraveled. It is an honor to partner with Flavor Unit, Jesse Collins Entertainment, and Westbrook to tell these stories and document Queen Latifah’s journey and her undeniable impact on the world.”

Denise Bailey-Castro, CFO of Westbrook Inc., added, “On behalf of Westbrook, we are thrilled to have brought together such incredible partners in Jesse Collins Entertainment and Flavor Unit Entertainment to produce some truly exciting hip-hop biopics. This unique partnership, with support from HarbourView, will allow us to combine our resources and best-in-class production capabilities to tell the culture-defining stories of these hip hop legends in a premium way.”

Sounds like everyone is all in on this first of many projects celebrating Hip Hop’s most influential artists starting with the Queen Latifah.

The post Biopic Based on Life of Queen Latifah in Development first appeared on The Source.

The post Biopic Based on Life of Queen Latifah in Development appeared first on The Source.

Colman Domingo Reportedly Circling New High Profile Film Project From Director Steven Spielberg

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Colman Domingo has been busy lately. The “Rustin” star is reportedly in early talks to join iconic director Steven Spielberg’s next project. While details about the film are scarce, as things tend to be in Hollywood, the project reportedly already has a cast that includes Colin Firth, Emily Blunt, and Eve Hewson. Deadline Hollywood has was first to report Domingo’s talks and early attachments.

What we do know is the film is based on an original story by Spielberg, with frequent collaborator David Koepp serving as the screenwriter. Spielberg’s Amblin and Universal are set to produce, along with Kristie Macosko Krieger. The project is currently slated for a May 15, 2026 release, hinting at its potential to be a summer blockbuster.

Get this, Deadline notes that the film is “in the summer tentpole zone Spielberg practically created decades ago with such films as Jaws and Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Given Koepp’s history of writing major summer films like Spider-Man, War of the Worlds, and Jurassic Park, this project may follow in the footsteps of these high-profile blockbusters. Additionally, Koepp’s work on the cult classic Death Becomes Her suggests there could be some comedic elements in Spielberg’s new film.

Though Domingo has not previously worked with Spielberg directly, he did star in the musical adaptation of The Color Purple, which Spielberg produced. This past collaboration might have influenced Spielberg’s decision to consider Domingo for his new film.

Looks like big things all around for Domingo and Spielberg.

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Official Poster Released for ‘The Fire Inside,’ the Inspirational Story of Boxing Champion Claressa Shields

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Official Poster Released for 'The Fire Inside,' the Inspirational Story of Boxing Champion Claressa Shields

The official poster for The Fire Inside, the upcoming film based on the life of two-time Olympic Boxing Gold Medalist Claressa Shields, has been unveiled. Starring Ryan Destiny as Shields and Academy Award® nominee Brian Tyree Henry, the film is directed by Academy Award® nominee Rachel Morrison and written by Academy Award® winner Barry Jenkins.

The Fire Inside tells the powerful, true story of Shields’ rise from adversity to become a world-renowned athlete, inspiring millions with her determination and resilience. Fans eagerly await this cinematic portrayal of Shields’ journey, which highlights her indomitable spirit both inside and outside the ring.

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Amazon MGM Studios has officially announced the highly anticipated release of The Fire Inside, a biopic based on the inspirational true story of two-time Olympic Boxing Gold Medalist Claressa Shields.

Directed by Academy Award® nominee Rachel Morrison and written by Academy Award® winner Barry Jenkins, the film stars Ryan Destiny as Shields and Academy Award® nominee Brian Tyree Henry.

The film recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), earning a standing ovation and debuting on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive 100% critics rating.

The film’s logline reads: THE FIRE INSIDE is the inspirational true story of Claressa Shields, arguably the greatest female boxer of all time. Claressa, a high school Junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.

The official trailer showcases the incredible journey of Shields, who overcame immense odds to become one of the greatest boxers in history. The Fire Inside promises to inspire audiences with its powerful portrayal of resilience and triumph.

The film is set to release this Christmas.

The post Official Poster Released for ‘The Fire Inside,’ the Inspirational Story of Boxing Champion Claressa Shields first appeared on The Source.

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Halle Berry Stuns at World Premiere of Never Let Go in New York City

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New York City lit up tonight as Lionsgate hosted the world premiere of Never Let Go at Regal Times Square. Academy Award® winner and executive producer Halle Berry, along with co-stars Anthony B. Jenkins, Percy Daggs IV, and William Catlett, dazzled on the red carpet. Directed by Alexandre Aja, the film marks a significant milestone for Berry as her first feature under her production company, HalleHolly.

During a heartfelt introduction, Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson set the stage for an emotional Berry, who said, “My heart and soul is all over this film.” Director Aja and castmates followed, with Percy Daggs IV celebrating his feature film debut. The evening was filled with excitement, marking a night of many firsts.

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Lionsgate has unveiled “Never Let Go,” a highly anticipated psychological thriller/horror film starring Academy Award® winner Halle Berry, directed by genre maestro Alexandre Aja and produced by 21 Laps. Known for his work on “The Hills Have Eyes” and “Crawl,” Aja brings his unique storytelling flair to this intense and chilling tale.

In “Never Let Go,” Halle Berry delivers a gripping performance as a mother navigating a world overtaken by an evil force lurking just outside her home. Her only protection lies in the strong bond with her twin sons, played by Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins. To survive, the family stays connected at all times, tethered together and urging each other to never let go. But as doubt creeps in and one son questions the nature of the evil, their unity unravels, igniting a desperate battle for survival.

Produced by Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, Dan Levine, and Alexandre Aja, and written by KC Coughlin and Ryan Grassby, “Never Let Go” promises a harrowing journey filled with suspense and fear. The film’s production team, including executive producers Halle Berry, Holly Jeter, Daniel Clarke, Emily Morris, Christopher Woodrow, and Connor DiGregorio, adds to the formidable lineup behind this thrilling project.

“Never Let Go” is set to challenge the boundaries of fear and courage, with Berry’s mesmerizing performance at its heart, making it a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and horror alike.

The post Halle Berry Stuns at World Premiere of Never Let Go in New York City first appeared on The Source.

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Amazon MGM Studios Releases Trailer for ‘The Fire Inside’ Starring Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry

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Amazon MGM Studios Releases Trailer for 'The Fire Inside' Starring Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry

Amazon MGM Studios has officially announced the highly anticipated release of The Fire Inside, a biopic based on the inspirational true story of two-time Olympic Boxing Gold Medalist Claressa Shields.

Directed by Academy Award® nominee Rachel Morrison and written by Academy Award® winner Barry Jenkins, the film stars Ryan Destiny as Shields and Academy Award® nominee Brian Tyree Henry.

The film recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), earning a standing ovation and debuting on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive 100% critics rating.

The film’s logline reads: THE FIRE INSIDE is the inspirational true story of Claressa Shields, arguably the greatest female boxer of all time. Claressa, a high school Junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.

The official trailer showcases the incredible journey of Shields, who overcame immense odds to become one of the greatest boxers in history. The Fire Inside promises to inspire audiences with its powerful portrayal of resilience and triumph.

The film is set to release this Christmas.

The post Amazon MGM Studios Releases Trailer for ‘The Fire Inside’ Starring Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry first appeared on The Source.

The post Amazon MGM Studios Releases Trailer for ‘The Fire Inside’ Starring Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry appeared first on The Source.

Michael B. Jordan Directing, Producing And Starring in Remake Of ‘Thomas Crown Affair’

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Hollywood star Michael B. Jordan is set to both direct and star in the upcoming remake of The Thomas Crown Affair for Amazon MGM Studios. This is a big deal and another notch on the belt for Jordan as a director.

In addition to leading the project, Jordan will produce the film alongside Elizabeth Raposo through his production company, Outlier Society.

Get this, although Jordan has been linked to a Thomas Crown Affair remake for several years (with the most recent significant update surfacing in 2021), this marks the first confirmation that he will also be directing the film.

Okay if you’re not up on your movie history, the story has seen two major cinematic versions: the 1999 film starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo, and the original 1968 version featuring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. The plot follows a wealthy man who pulls off an elaborate heist, only to face a clever and seductive investigator determined to bring him down. In the 1968 version, McQueen played a charismatic bank executive who engaged in a mental and emotional duel with Dunaway’s insurance investigator. The 1999 adaptation saw Brosnan as a “rich and successful playboy” who steals art for fun, with Russo taking on the role of the detective tasked with investigating his illicit activities.

What’s more is specifics of the new remake remain under wraps. Deadline reports that the script—initially penned by Wes Tooke and Justin Britt-Gibson, later revised by Drew Pearce—is based on the 1968 film.

Even still, Jordan is staying busy with multiple projects. According to Deadline, he has wrapped up production on a secretive vampire movie with Ryan Coogler. Additionally, he will star in I Am Legend 2 under the direction of Steven Caple Jr., and serve as an executive producer for The Greatest, a biographical series about Muhammad Ali.

Good for him. Another win and we’re here for it.

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