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Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Adds Derek Luke To Play Johnnie Cochran

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derek luke

The high-profile biopic Michael, based on the life of the king of pop, just added Derek Luke to play a big name in that of the late iconic lawyer Johnnie Cochran.

Deadline reports that the film, which is in production and being directed by Antoine Fuqua, first broke the story, reporting, “Cochran represented Jackson in 1993 child molestation case that was settled out of court.”

The film, starring Jafaar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, includes a remarkable ensemble cast led by Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, Kat Graham, Kendrick Sampson, Joseph-David Jones, and more.

Here’s a quick reminded of the official description: 

Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became known worldwide as the King of Pop.  This epic, cinematic film will examine Jackson’s triumphs and tragedies — from his human side, to his public and private struggles, to the accusations and the 24/7 media microscope Jackson lived under, even at his artistic apex.  The all-star filmmaking team will also capture Michael’s undeniable creative genius, recreating his most memorable, iconic performances.  As never before, audiences will experience an inside look at one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.

Veteran actor Courtney B. Vance last played Cochran’s likeness in the limited series The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Vance won an Emmy for his work, so it will be interesting to see how Luke portrays the famed lawyer who was pivotal to Michael Jackson’s life regarding some of his controversies. 

The film is from Lionsgate and is set for release about a year from now on April 18, 2025.

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Bumble/Tinder Film at 20th Century Studios Adds ‘Industry’ Star Myha’la

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Bumble/Tinder Film at 20th Century Studios Adds ‘Industry’ Star Myha’la

Rising star Myha’la, who is best known for her lead role in HBO’s Industry and the recent pre-apocalyptic Leave the World Behind from Obama’s production company Higher Ground, joined the cast of a new film inspired by the story of Bumble and co-founder of Tinder, Whitney Wolfe Herd, from 20th Century Studios.

First reported by Deadline, the film is being produced by 20th Century Studios alongside Ethea Entertainment. Lily James will play the lead role. 

Myha’la is set to play the Wolfe Herd-inspired character’s friend and colleague. Rachel Lee Goldenberg is directing from a script she co-wrote with Bill Parker and Kim Caramele.

Details of the plot are under wraps, but the story is said to be an inspiration and not wholly based on Wolfe Herd’s life. Wolfe Herd co-founded Tinder and then left the company to go found one of its primary competitors, Bumble. Talk about big moves. She exited in 2023 and is considered one of the youngest self-made billionaires in the world.

James is producing the film alongside Jennifer Gibgot and Andrew Panay. Gala Gordon is executive producing. Sarah Shepard is overseeing the project for 20th Century Studios.

Filming will occur in Los Angeles next month, so they’re well underway.

Fans can see Myha’la as Harper Stern in “Industry” in its third season for HBO/BBC, later this year.

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‘Freaknik’ Doc Director P. Frank Williams To Be Honored At San Diego State University

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P. Frank Williams has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 School of Journalism and Media Studies Alumni Impact Award by his alma mater San Diego State University. The award will be presented to Williams on May 10, 2024 at JMS Next, the school’s annual graduation celebration.

Williams, an Emmy and 8-time NAACP Image winner, will be celebrated for his outstanding contributions to the field of media and storytelling producing and directing several acclaimed projects centered around Black culture and music including TV One’s renowned documentary series “Unsung” and “Unsung Hollywood,” BET’s award-winning series “American Gangster,” “Hip Hop Homicides” executive produced by 50 Cent and Mona Scott-Young and films such as “Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan,” and his latest top-trending Hulu documentary “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told.” 

“The journalism school was a place that I called home and it was a place where I discovered a lot about myself as a journalist, as a writer and as a reporter,” said Williams. “A lot of the lessons that I learned, stuff that I got from San Diego State, has propelled my career from newspapers to magazines to television and documentary filmmaking. Professionally, it means a lot to receive this award because JMS is the foundation of all that I’ve achieved.”

A native of Oakland, California, Williams has had a career spanning three decades in Film/TV and journalism, during which he has made a significant impact as a writer, speaker, teacher, and producer. The award honor comes on the heels of the recent announcement of his multimedia production company, For The Culture By The Culture (@FXCXC). Williams is actively addressing the underrepresentation of people of color in the media by prioritizing authentic representation both in front of and behind the camera.

“Williams personifies what the Alumni Impact Award is all about. We are celebrating him not only for his professional achievements but also for his commitment to social change and justice,” said director of JMS, Dr. Temple Northup.

“It’s just an amazing and beautiful feeling to be able to come full circle back to JMS. I just want to make sure that all of the students at the school know that it doesn’t matter your background or where you start,” said Williams. “It’s about putting the work in, staying focused and trying to get to that next level. So whatever it is that you can dream of, you can achieve it. You just got to go toward the goal and go toward the light.”

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Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Rumored Vampire Film Casts Hailee Steinfeld

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Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Next Film Project Set for Warner Bros After Bidding War

Hailee Steinfeld is the latest addition to Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s mysterious vampire film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project has been nothing short of under wraps, but every step they take seems to reveal more about the film. 

Steinfeld who starred in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is joining previously announced cast of Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Delroy Lindo, Jack O’Connell and Omar Benson Miller. ICYMI, Jordan is starring and is rumored to play a dual role as twin brothers.

With all the closely guarded information about the film except what has been trickling through the trades, all that is confirmed outside of cast is the film is set to start production this month in New Orleans, which by no mistake is the home of fictional southern vampire culture.

As previously reported Coogler wrote the film and will direct as well as produce through his company Proximity Media. Proximity Media’s Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian are also producing.

The film is scheduled to hit theaters on March 7, 2025.

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Jayme Lawson and Wunmi Mosaku Join Cast of Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Mysterious Supernatural Film

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Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Next Film Project Set for Warner Bros After Bidding War

When it comes to that top-secret supernatural, which may be a period vampire film that Ryan Coogler is directing, producing, and starring Michael B. Jordan, well, they just added Wunmi Mosaku and Jayme Lawson to the cast, joining Delroy Lindo and Jack O’Connell, who were both recently announced. The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline reported that both actresses are confirmed to star in the mysterious film. 

This massive project is still under wraps, so both new announcements indicate who they will play. Still, Mosaku has starred in roles in the ballpark of supernatural, sci-fi, and fantasy series to Lovecraft Country and Loki. Now get this: more from the rumor mill. She is said, again, it’s just a rumor to be the female lead and possibly a romantic interest of one of the twin brothers Jordan is expected to play. Yes, that part – Jordan is rumored to be playing twin brothers, while O’Connell might be playing the antagonist.

More rumors say the film is set in the Jim Crow South and might revolve around vampires and Southern supernatural lore and culture, as reported by Shadow and Act. 

Check this part. New Orleans is accustomed to vampire lore, and that is where this film is kick-starting production this month.

Coogler wrote the film and is directing and producing under his Proximity Media banner. Proximity Media’s Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian will also be producing.

Except this blockbuster to hit theaters in March 2025. 

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‘Maxxxine’: Trailer With Giancarlo Esposito, Singer Halsey and Moses Sumney

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‘Maxxxine’: Trailer With Giancarlo Esposito, Singer Halsey and Moses Sumney

Pop star Halsey, Moses Sumney, and veteran actor Giancarlo Esposito are all caught up in the crazy, murder-filled world of A24’s MAXXXINE. This is the newest film from the X universe, written and directed by Ti West. In case you’re not up on this world, MAXXXINE wraps up a trilogy that also includes X and Pearl, a 2022 film.

According to the synopsis:

“In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.”

Not much else is known about the film as it’s being kept under wraps, but the gist of the trailer gives a first look at the type of wild going-on for the characters in this film.

MAXXXINE includes Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Lily Collins and Kevin Bacon. The film hits theaters July 5.

Esposito is very busy these days. He has many other projects lined up for him this year, including Netflix’s The Gentlemen from Guy Ritchie and The Residence, with the latter taking over a role originally played by the late Andre Braugher. He will also star in AMC’s upcoming series The Driver.

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Tyler Perry’s New Series at Netflix ‘Beauty in Black’ Announces Debbi Morgan, Richard Lawson and More

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Tyler Perry Puts $800M Studio Expansion on Hold After Seeing Possibilities of OpenAI

Tyler Perry’s going all out with his deal at Netflix. He just announced the cast of his new series Beauty in the Black, which includes Debbi Morgan, Richard Lawson, Taylor Polidore Williams, Crystle Stewart, and, let his, 14 others!

Naturally, Perry is out front for this project. He will write, direct, and produce the 16-episode, hour-long series, which is expected under his creative partnership with Netflix.

Here’s the casting breakdown for Beauty in Black. The series will star Taylor Polidore Williams, Amber Reign Smith, Crystle Stewart, Ricco Ross, Debbi Morgan, Richard Lawson, Steven G. Norfleet, Julian Horton, Terrell Carter, and Shann on Wallace. Also starring are Bryan Tanaka, Joy Rovaris, Xavier Smalls, Charles Malik Whitfield, Tamera “Tee” Kissen, Ursula O. Robinson, Ashley Versher and George Middlebrook.

As Shadow and Act reports, Perry’s new series follows Kimmie (Williams) and Mallory (Stewart) two Black women whose lives become intertwined. According to the logline, “While Kimmie is struggling to make a living after her mother kicked her out, and Mallory is running a successful business, they find themselves entangled in each other’s lives.”

Here’s a recap of other projects Perry has rolled out under his Netflix deal, including A Fall From Grace, A Jazzman’s Blues, and Mea Culpa, the latter of which was a top-watched movie on the streamer. 

Perry’s upcoming film, Six Triple Eight, tells the story of the only all-Black Women’s Army Corps or WACs during World War II. It’s set to star Kerry Washington. Perry is serving as a writer, director, and producer and is on track to hit Netflix sometime this year.

Perry is flexible and has a lucrative deal with Amazon MGM Studios. His upcoming film Joy Ride will star Shannon Thornton and Tosin Morohunfola. Keep em’ coming, Tyler!

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Octavia Spencer and Ariana Debose Join Demi Lovato for Drama Film ‘Tow’

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Octavia Spencer and Ariana Debose Join Demi Lovato for Drama Film 'Tow'

Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer and Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) are starring alongside Demi Lovato and Rose Byrne in Tow, an upcoming drama feature film currently in production. 

As reported in Deadline, the film also stars Dominic Sessa. Tow dramatizes a true story based on the experiences of Amanda Ogle, who was homeless in Seattle while living in her car and was forced to reclaim her livelihood after being handed an impossible tow bill for $21,634. It sounds like some foul stuff that happens often, and it most certainly went down in real life for Ogle. Her story was profiled around the who’s who of news outlets, and Tow takes the story head on every step of the way.

Tow is being directed by Stephanie Laing from a script by Jonathan Keasey, Brant Boivin, and Annie Weisman, with Ogle herself executive producing with DeBose, Keasey, Jonathan Tropper, Josh Ricks, Danny Gusman, The Exchange’s Nat McCormick and Giovanna Trischitta and Kevin Eggers. Liang also makes cakes and death pictures through her newly formed company. Byrne also produces with Votiv Films’ Justin Lothrop, Brent Stiefel, The Exchange’s Danyelle Foord, and Brian O’Shea.

DeBose is known for starring as Anita in the Oscar-nominated West Side Story. She recently starred in Disney’s latest animated film, Wish, and Apple Original Films’ action/adventure Argylle. DeBose is also starring in Sony’s upcoming R-rated anti-hero film Kraven the Hunter.

Spencer recently starred in Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker and Truth Be Told, among other projects. She is also set to star in the new Prime Video action series with Hannah Waddingham.

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[WATCH] Faizon Love Questions Taraji P. Henson’s $80M Demand Amidst Pay Controversy

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Comedian Faizon Love recently stirred controversy with his remarks questioning the merit of Taraji P. Henson’s demand for an $80 million payday in Hollywood. Love’s comments came during a conversation with VladTV, where they discussed Henson’s dissatisfaction with pay discrepancies in the film industry.

The discussion was sparked by Henson’s interview during the press tour for ‘The Color Purple,’ where she openly expressed her frustration over the unequal payment and recognition she receives compared to her white counterparts in Hollywood. However, Love seemed skeptical about Henson’s demand, asking, “What Taraji P. Henson movie have you seen where she deserves $80M?”

During the conversation with Vlad, Love expressed his discomfort with certain depictions in Henson’s film, suggesting that the quality of her work might not justify such a hefty paycheck. Vlad, on the other hand, speculated that the controversy surrounding ‘The Color Purple’ might have overshadowed Henson’s comments on pay inequality.

As the discussion progressed, Vlad proposed that after decades in the industry, Henson should consider transitioning into producing or creating her own films to have more control over her career and earnings. This suggestion opened up a broader conversation about the complexities of success in Hollywood, especially concerning overseas markets and different genres of films.

Love challenged the notion that action films are inherently more successful internationally, citing examples of his own comedic films that have performed well overseas. This led to a deeper exploration of the global appeal of various genres and the potential for actors like Henson to leverage their talents in different ways to achieve financial and creative success.

The conversation between Love and Vlad highlights the ongoing debate surrounding pay equity and recognition for actors of color in Hollywood.

Thoughts?

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Sony Pictures Releases Trailer for ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence

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Trailer for 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence

Sony Pictures has released the first trailer for Bad Boys 4, officially titled Bad Boys: Ride or Die. This is the fourth installment of the classic franchise starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

The film’s synopsis reads:

This Summer, the world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run.

Joining the stars in the film are Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paolo Nunez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, with Tiffany Haddish and Joe Pantoliano.

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