North West Set To Join Cast Of Disney’s ‘The Lion King At The Hollywood Bowl’

Kim Kardashian Proclaims Her Daughter North West, 10, Stylist of the Year

Several reports have confirmed that the elder daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, North West, has joined the cast of Disney’s The Lion King 30th Anniversary – A Live-to-Film Concert Event, a two-day live concert event held at the namesake venue that will also have a special set streamed to Disney+ named The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl.

West will be in good company for the special live Lion King show, as franchise originals Billy Eichner, Bradley Gibson, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane and special guest Jennifer Hudson will all be taking the stage alongside her.

The press release announced that Heather Headley and Lebo M. would be joining the cast as well.

It is currently unclear what role West will take in the production. According to a press release, the show will “celebrate the 30-year evolution of The Lion King,” paying homage to everything from the original 1994 animated film, to the 1998 Tony award-winning musical and even the 2019 live-action remake.

The live performances will take place at the Hollywood Bowl on May 24 and May 25 with tickets available now. The streaming version of the performance, The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl, will hit Disney+ at an unspecified later date.

West’s inclusion in the special Lion King cast is her latest creative foray, coming on the heels of her hit song “Talking,” released as a collaboration with her father and Ty Dolla $ign for the latters’ joint “Vultures” album.

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African Superstar Tiwa Savage Lights Up NYC At ‘Water & Garri ‘Film Premiere

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Last night, the city that never sleeps witnessed the glitz and glamor of the highly anticipated premiere screening and after party for Water and Garri, the debut starring role from multi-talented artist Tiwa Savage. Hosted at the prestigious membership club Neuehouse, the event brought together a diverse array of media representatives, celebrities, and industry insiders to celebrate Tiwa Savage’s latest creative endeavor.

The evening was a testament to the universal appeal of Tiwa Savage’s work, as attendees from every genre of media turned out in droves to show their love and support for the project, set to be released on Prime Video on May 10th. From music moguls to film critics, the event was a melting pot of talent and creativity, united in their anticipation for what promises to be a groundbreaking cinematic experience.

With drinks flowing and spirits high, guests were treated to an exclusive screening of “Water and Garri,” followed by an electrifying after party that kept the energy levels soaring late into the night. The magic of the film was palpable in the air as attendees mingled and shared their excitement for its upcoming release.

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In the midst of Tiwa Savage’s radiant brilliance on screen, the magnetic presence of her male leading counterpart, Andrew Yaw Bunting, added an extra layer of sizzle to “Water and Garri.” Andrew’s performance was nothing short of captivating, igniting sparks of chemistry that leapt off the screen and left audiences craving more. With his charisma and undeniable talent, Andrew brought depth and intensity to his character, creating a dynamic partnership that elevated the film to new heights. As the countdown to the release on Prime Video intensifies, viewers can anticipate being spellbound by the dynamic between Tiwa and her dashing co-star.

The highlight of the evening was a riveting Q&A session moderated by Asia Ware of New York Magazine’s, The Cut. The panel featured Tiwa Savage, Andrew Yaw Bunting, film director Meji Alabi, and executive producers Jimi Adesanya and Vanessa Amadi. Their insights into the creative process behind “Water and Garri” provided a fascinating glimpse into the making of the film and the collaborative effort that brought it to life.

Next up on the itinerary is the Lagos premiere of “Water and Garri,” scheduled for the day of its release on May 10th. As the film continues to generate buzz and anticipation on a global scale, Tiwa Savage and her team are gearing up for another unforgettable celebration in her hometown, where the film’s roots run deep. As the countdown to its release on Prime Video continues, audiences around the world eagerly await the opportunity to experience the magic.

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Samuel L. Jackson To Lead Alongside ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Star Henry Golding in ‘Head Games’

Samuel L. Jackson To Lead Alongside ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Star Henry Golding in ‘Head Games'

Samuel L. Jackson will star alongside Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding in Head Games, a new psychological sci-fi thriller.

Deadline reports that Anthony Mandler, best known for music videos, will direct the script written by Colin Liddle. Executive production is from A Higher Standard’s Jeffrey Greenstein, Range Media Partners’ Casey Durant, Brillstein Entertainment Partners’ Zac Frognowski, and Kesh Keswani.

Head Games is a story about Jacob, a corporate spy who poses as a personal chef to infiltrate the villa of a former neuroprosthetics firm founder to steal his seismic-shifting new invention. Golding will portray Jacob, while Jackson will portray Graham, the former founder of the neuroprosthetics firm.

“Head Games is the right mix of everything A Higher Standard advocates for — a high-quality, talent driven film that truly stands out as exceptional. Samuel is so believably and deceptively brilliant, making the pairing of him with Henry, who possesses the effortless charm to induce his way into Graham’s inner circle, an incredible canvass for Anthony to adeptly carry audiences on an intensely suspenseful ride,” in a statement from Greenstein.

Producers include Range Media Partners’ Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger, Brillstein Entertainment Partners’ Josh Glick, and Everlast Pictures’ Adonis Tountas.

“I couldn’t be more excited to bring this brilliant script to life,” from Mandler. “Head Games is a propulsive story that pushes the boundaries of what we know as reality and what could ultimately become fiction before our eyes. The buildup and ultimate unraveling of these characters is both a metaphor for our culture today as well as a foreshadowing to what’s to come.”

Filming for Head Games will kick off this October.

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[WATCH] HBO Documentary Series ‘Stax: Soulville U.S.A.’ Debuts May 20

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The HBO Original four-part documentary series STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A., an official selection of the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival and winner of the TV Premiere Audience Award, is produced and directed by filmmaker Jamila Wignot. The series, a production of Laylow Pictures and White Horse Pictures in association with Concord Originals, Polygram Entertainment, and Warner Music Entertainment, debuts MONDAY, MAY 20 on HBO with two episodes airing back-to-back, followed by the final two episodes airing back-to-back on Tuesday, May 21 at the same time. All four episodes of the series will be available to stream on Max on May 20.

By 1973, Stax Records was one of the recording industry’s most influential producers of soul music, breaking acts such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Sam & Dave, and many more. In just under two decades, the scrappy outsider had grown from a modest family-owned record store and studio in Memphis, TN to a trailblazing global music label. STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. chronicles the audacious group of individuals who dared to make music on their own terms, smashing racial barriers and defining an era and leaving an enduring musical legacy in their wake. 

Driven by a striking collection of restored and remastered archival performance footage and intimate interviews with key players in the label’s remarkable history, STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. details the unlikely origin story of Stax Records and pays tribute to its complex music library and the legendary artists that emerged from the iconic studio.

Founded in 1957 by Jim Stewart and co-owned with his sister, Estelle Axton, the company drew upon a mix of young, local talent – musicians, songwriters, and producers – who would create the unforgettable Stax sound.

Against the backdrop of the American south of the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, white and Black artists worked together, defying segregation, and producing hits such as “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay,” “Soul Man,” “Green Onions,” and the Oscar®-winning “Theme from Shaft.” At the peak of its success, Stax artists commemorated the Watts Rebellion by playing to over 100,000 African Americans at the 1972 benefit concert Wattstax. During an era of major social turbulence, systemic inequity, and racial tensions, Stax, an integrated company, saw stunning artistic and cultural success, and managed to rebound from repeated business setbacks and tragic losses before the studio ultimately dissolved after fifteen pioneering years.

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Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter and Donald Glover Set for ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Prequel Film

Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter and Donald Glover Set for 'Mufasa: The Lion King' Prequel Film

As the iconic Lion King franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary, Disney unveils plans for Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel exploring the beloved character’s origin story.

Set before Mufasa’s tragic demise orchestrated by his brother Scar, the film delves into Mufasa’s upbringing in the Pride Lands, focusing on his childhood and relationship with Scar. Director Barry Jenkins, known for “Moonlight,” helms this anticipated project, which serves as a prequel to the original animated classic and a follow-up to Jon Favreau’s 2019 photorealistic remake.

The narrative unfolds as Rafiki recounts Mufasa’s legacy to Simba and Nala’s daughter, Kiara, offering insight into her grandfather’s past. The film reunites much of the 2019 voice cast, including John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, and Donald Glover as Simba, with Beyoncé reprising her role as Nala and introducing her daughter Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara.

Lin-Manuel Miranda collaborates with Mark Mancina to compose and write the movie’s soundtrack. As anticipation builds, fans can mark their calendars for the theatrical release on December 20. Watch the official trailer for a glimpse into the majestic world of Mufasa: The Lion King.

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[WATCH] Tubi Premieres ‘TMZ Presents: Downfall Of Diddy’ Documentary

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In what some may call “jumping the gun” regarding his guilt or innocence, television streaming app Tubi premiered the TMZ Presents: Downfall Of Diddy last night(April 28), a documentary that details the allegations of sexual abuse against the Bad Boy music mogul, the March raid and even his beef with incarcerated nemesis and former Death Row CEO Suge Knight.

See the entire documentary HERE

Diddy is on the ropes after a series of lawsuits, mainly involving sexual misconduct and even a federal sex trafficking lawsuit. TMZ has the inside story on what was really going down in the rap mogul’s world before and during his legal woes that have seemingly taken the troubled mogul from thriving billionaire to a potentially crumbed empire.

Diddy’s legal troubles began in November of last year when singer and former girlfriend Cassie filed a $30 million lawsuit against Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, accusing him of sexual assault, sex trafficking and coercion, detailing a decade-long pattern of abuse. Just one day after Cassie filed the lawsuit, she settled with Diddy out of court.

As the dust cleared, multiple accusers stepped forward, detailing their own sexual-assault allegations against Diddy in the months following Cassie’s explosive lawsuit. Federal agents got involved on March 25, with Homeland Security Investigations raiding Diddy’s Los Angeles and Miami properties in connection to an alleged sex-trafficking case involving him.

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Apple TV+ Releases The Trailer For ‘The Big Cigar’, Series About Black Panther Party Leader Huey P. Newton

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Apple TV+ has released the first trailer for The Big Cigar, the highly anticipated limited drama series that chronicles the story of Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton’s escape to Cuba. Premiering globally on May 17, the six-episode drama is executive produced by NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois, Jim Hecht, and Joshuah Bearman.

Legendary award-winning actor, producer, and director Don Cheadle will direct and executive produce the first two episodes with new episodes available to stream every Friday until June 14. André Holland portrays Huey P. Newton and leads the renowned ensemble cast including Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, P. J. Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Moses Ingram, Rebecca Dalton, Olli Haaskivi, Jordane Christie, and Glynn Turman.

“The Big Cigar” is a mostly true story based on a monumental, eponymous Playboy Magazine article penned by executive producer, Joshuah Bearman (“Argo”). In the series, Black Panther Party founder Newton escapes from the FBI to Cuba with the assistance of famed Hollywood producer Bert Schneider. The impossibly elaborate plan turns into a wild caper and involves a fake movie production gone wrong in every way possible!

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

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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

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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