While appearing on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Martin Lawrence revealed he is writing Blue Streak 2. “We’re gonna do a sequel to Blue Streak—we’re writing it right now,” he said on the show.
A signed script from the 1994 film Above the Rim, featuring Tupac Shakur’s autograph, is hitting the auction block on November 21, 2024, through Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Tupac, who portrayed Birdie Sheppard, signed the script with his iconic “2 PAC” signature in black ballpoint on the cover, alongside signatures from the rest of the cast.
The script, originally owned by actor David Bailey (Coach Mike Rollins in the film), includes multi-colored pages representing various drafts, adding to its rarity. Measuring 8.5” x 11”, it shows light wear with a missing middle brad but remains in excellent condition.
Collectors will also receive a candid photograph taken during filming and a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from Bailey’s son, enhancing its historical and personal significance.
The auction offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of cinematic and hip-hop history tied to Tupac’s legendary career and Above the Rim, a film celebrated for its impact on 1990s pop culture.
Premiering on Netflix on November 22, 2024, and currently in select theaters, The Piano Lesson brings August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play with a star-studded cast to the screen. Directed by Malcolm Washington in his feature debut, the film features a compelling story about family, legacy, and the ghosts of the past.
At the story’s heart is a battle over a prized heirloom piano, a symbol of the Charles family’s history. John David Washington plays Boy Willie, a man eager to sell the piano to build his fortune. His sister, Berniece, portrayed by Danielle Deadwyler, refuses to part with the piano, as it represents the family’s heritage. Samuel L. Jackson stars as their uncle, Doaker, who tries to mediate the escalating conflict but finds himself confronting long-buried family secrets.
Adapted from Wilson’s iconic play, The Piano Lesson explores themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of intergenerational trauma. With a screenplay by Virgil Williams and Malcolm Washington, the film features an all-star ensemble cast including Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, and Corey Hawkins.
Produced by Oscar-nominated Denzel Washington and Todd Black, The Piano Lesson brings to life Wilson’s powerful examination of family and legacy. The film’s score is composed by Alexandre Desplat, adding another layer to the gripping narrative. As the Charles family contemplates their past, the movie reveals startling truths about how history is shaped, and who ultimately gets to decide its meaning.
Denzel Washington is putting the brakes on his retirement talk. After he spoke on his forthcoming roles, fans believed Washington was calling it a career. It turns out that’s not the case.
“I didn’t say I was going to go into retirement,” Washington said. “I said it has to be a level of interest for me. I’m more interested in getting behind the camera and that’s about five years out.
“I look at life in three different sections: you learn, you earn, and you return. I’m in the return section.”
You can hear it all below.
Speaking with Australia’s Today Show, Washington revealed his upcoming roles, including Black Panther 3.
“I’m only interested in working with the best,” Washington said. “I don’t know how many more films I’m gonna make, probably not that many. I wanna do things I haven’t done.”
He then ran down a list of his forthcoming roles: “I’ve played Othello at 22. I’m about to play Othello at 70. After that, I’m playing Hannibal. After that, I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther.’ After that, I’m gonna do the film Othello. After that, I’m gonna do King Lear. After that, I’m gonna retire.”
Record scratch.
All those roles sound amazing, but Washington and Coogler? Black Panther 3? Is Denzel Washington entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Sign us up.
Legendary R&B group Boyz II Men are taking their 30-year story to the big screen. The four-time Grammy-winning trio, consisting of Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris, is partnering with Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave to develop a narrative feature film chronicling their journey.
The group, known for chart-topping hits like End of the Road and I’ll Make Love to You, will serve as executive producers on the project. “We’ve been waiting to find the right partners who understand our story and are willing to tell it all,” Nathan Morris said in a statement. “Denis and Jeff at Compelling Pictures understood us from day one.”
According to Variety, Compelling Pictures, led by Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri (I Wanna Dance With Somebody), is also producing a long-form documentary about Boyz II Men’s dominance in the 1990s and 2000s and their enduring success. The team is in early talks with writers and directors to fast-track the biopic, featuring the group’s iconic music catalog.
“Having grown up as huge fans of Boyz II Men, and having spent the past couple of years getting to know the guys and become friends with them, it’s a tremendous honor to help bring their unique and untold story to the big screen,” said O’Sullivan and Kalligheri. “We’re excited to show the brotherhood and comradery, as well as the challenges and strife, humor and heartbreak, that has accompanied the unparalleled success that Nate, Shawn, Wanya, and Mike have worked so hard to achieve. And we think the global audience will want to sing along to a sexy, funny, aspirational, uplifting celebration of friendships and artistic partnerships that have stood the test of time. Doom-doom-doom-da-da….”
Larry Metsel is in the production for Primary Wave, Joe Mulvihill is in for the Mulvi Group, and Jeremy M. Rosen is in on behalf of Roxwell Films.
The DGA Theater hosted the New York premiere of The Honorable Shyne, Andscape’s new documentary exploring the inspiring journey of Grammy-winning musician turned Belizean politician, Moses “Shyne” Barrow. Directed by Marcus A. Clarke, the film delves into Shyne’s rise, his imprisonment following a high-profile nightclub shooting with Sean “Puffy” Combs, and his political comeback as Belize’s Leader of the Opposition.
Notable attendees included Amar’e Stoudemire, Ari Melber, Dave East, and DeRay Mckesson. The Honorable Shyne premieres on Hulu on Nov. 18.
Netflix has announced Back in Action, an action-comedy directed by Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses), set for release on Jan. 17, 2025. The film marks Cameron Diaz’s highly anticipated return to the screen, teaming up with Jamie Foxx for a thrilling new adventure.
Written by Seth Gordon and Brendan O’Brien (Neighbors), Back in Action follows former CIA spies Emily and Matt, played by Diaz and Foxx, who left espionage behind to start a family. However, their quiet life is upended when their past is exposed, forcing them back into the high-stakes world of international intrigue.
Produced by Chernin Entertainment and Good One Productions, Back in Action also features a star-studded cast that includes Kyle Chandler, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, McKenna Roberts, Rylan Jackson, and Glenn Close.
With executive producers Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner on board, Back in Action promises explosive action, humor, and a nostalgic return for Diaz fans.
Plans for 50 Cent’s new G-Unit Film & TV Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana, have hit a snag due to potential changes in the state’s tax credit policies. Louisiana lawmakers are considering ending a tax credit program that offers a 40% rebate on in-state film and TV production expenditures. On Wednesday (November 13), the Louisiana House of Representatives voted to phase out this program by June 2025 as part of a broader tax system overhaul.
The proposed bill will now advance to the Senate, where it awaits a vote. Louisiana’s film and TV production tax credits played a significant role in 50 Cent’s decision to establish his base in Shreveport, a move he announced earlier this year with plans to boost local industry and community.
Reacting to the news on Instagram, 50 Cent expressed mixed emotions. “This doesn’t feel good, but it could be great for Louisiana. Patience—let’s see how it plays out.” He followed up with another post, acknowledging the challenges. “I know people in Shreveport are sick right now. Stay positive; everything happens for a reason. I want to thank you all for supporting me. Humor Harmony recorded zero violent crimes for 16 days, which turned it into one of my biggest accomplishments.”
Beyond the film studio, 50 Cent had ambitious plans to invest in Shreveport’s housing. He has already initiated efforts to revitalize several properties in the downtown area. Gerod Durden, a real estate broker involved with G-Unit’s projects, stated that 50 Cent intends to purchase and renovate approximately two dozen commercial properties as part of a three-phase initiative. According to local NBC affiliate KTAL, this project aims to bring significant investments to Shreveport’s economy and uplift the community.
“He is very passionate about the city,” Durden said. “I would say 10 or more properties that we’ve already closed a few of this week. It’ll be an additional 10 or so. These are all-cash offers. You know, there, there’s quite a few entertainment spots for not only adults and kids.”
Denzel Washington is reaching the end of his historic career. Speaking with Australia’s Today Show, Washington revealed he is eyeing retirement but will be in Black Panther 3 before he does.
“I’m only interested in working with the best,” Washington said. “I don’t know how many more films I’m gonna make, probably not that many. I wanna do things I haven’t done.”
He then ran down a list of his forthcoming roles: “I’ve played Othello at 22. I’m about to play Othello at 70. After that, I’m playing Hannibal. After that, I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther.’ After that, I’m gonna do the film Othello. After that, I’m gonna do King Lear. After that, I’m gonna retire.”
Record scratch.
All those roles sound amazing, but Washington and Coogler? Black Panther 3? Is Denzel Washington entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Sign us up.
Marvel Studios brought excitement to the first-ever Brazil D23 fan event with the debut of a new trailer and poster for Captain America: Brave New World, which will be released in theaters on February 14, 2025. Anthony Mackie, reprising his role as Sam Wilson/Captain America, joined Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres/Falcon) to greet enthusiastic fans before unveiling the much-anticipated trailer.
The film follows Sam Wilson, facing an international crisis after meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross. Tasked with uncovering the truth behind a dark global plot, Wilson must stop a hidden mastermind from pushing the world into chaos.
Directed by Julius Onah and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore, Captain America: Brave New World features a star-studded cast that includes Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. Executive producers Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth lend their expertise to bring this next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to life.
Fans across the globe are already gearing up to see Mackie wield the shield in this thrilling new journey.