Netflix Wins Bidding War For 50 Cent’s Diddy Documentary ‘Diddy Do It’

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In the age of streaming platforms vying for content, Netflix has emerged triumphant in securing a highly anticipated docuseries delving into the tumultuous allegations surrounding rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Months of speculation and social media buzz have finally resulted in the revelation that Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s production company, G-Unit Film & Television, will spearhead this riveting exposé, set to unravel the intricate web of accusations against Combs.
The genesis of this project traces back to December when Jackson first hinted at the possibility of shedding light on the dark shadows clouding Combs’ legacy.

Fueling the anticipation, faux posters teasing a documentary began circulating on social media, igniting fervent discussions among netizens. Amidst the buzz, Jackson confirmed in a tweet that Netflix had emerged victorious in the heated “bidding war,” securing the rights to the series. However, with a poignant caveat, Jackson acknowledged that should more victims come forward, the narrative might necessitate additional episodes—a testament to the gravity of the allegations at hand.
Central to the documentary’s focus are the distressing accounts of sexual abuse, rape, and sex trafficking leveled against Combs by multiple women over the past six months.

Combs, vehemently denying these claims, finds himself ensnared in a storm of accusations, with the latest lawsuit surfacing on the very day of Netflix’s announcement. The documentary promises an unflinching examination of these allegations, juxtaposed against Combs’ staunch denials.
Testimonies of individuals once entrenched within Combs’ inner circle, including former rapper Mark Curry, who divulged unsettling anecdotes from their time under Combs’ tutelage. Notably, lyrics from a Rick Ross song, eerily echoing themes of drugging and sexual assault, underscore the chilling allegations permeating the documentary’s discourse.

A pivotal moment occurred with the release of surveillance footage depicting Combs’ altercation with his former girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra Ventura—a visual testament to the dynamics overshadowing their relationship. Combs’ subsequent apology video signifies a recognition of past transgressions, yet leaves lingering questions regarding accountability. Netflix’s decision to greenlight this docuseries reflects a commitment to amplifying voices long silenced by power dynamics within the industry.

Thoughts?

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‘Back in Action’ First Look Starring Jamie Foxx With Cameron Diaz in Her Return to Hollywood

‘Back in Action’ First Look Starring Jamie Foxx With Cameron Diaz in Her Return to Hollywood

Netflix has unveiled the first photos from “Back in Action,” an upcoming film starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz, marking her return to acting. The cast also includes Kyle Chandler, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, McKenna Roberts, and Rylan Jackson.

Here’s the official logline:

Years after giving up life as CIA spies to start a family, Emily and Matt find themselves dragged back into the world of espionage when their cover is blown.

During Netflix’s Upfronts presentation in New York, Foxx spoke about reuniting with Diaz, saying, “A lot of people don’t know this, but after Cameron and I did ‘Any Given Sunday’ and ‘Annie’ together, we became friends in real life — and I’ve been begging her to come play with me again. We all know there’s just something about her…” Diaz added, “I couldn’t have asked for a better partner, on-screen and off.”

Directed by Seth Gordon, who co-wrote the script with Brendan O’Brien, the film is produced by Jenno Topping, Peter Chernin, and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett for Chernin Entertainment; Beau Bauman for Good One Productions; and Seth Gordon for Exhibit A. Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, Brendan O’Brien, and Tim Lewis serve as executive producers.

“Back in Action” premieres on Netflix on November 15. 

Check out the first look photos below.

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See It: See It: ’The Young Wife’ Trailer Starring Kiersey Clemons and Leon Bridges

See It: See It: ’The Young Wife’ Trailer Starring Kiersey Clemons and Leon Bridges

Paramount’s Republic Pictures unveils the first trailer for “The Young Wife,” the newest picture from acclaimed director Tayarisha Poe, known for her work on “Selah and the Spades.” 

Kiersey Clemons (The Flash) and singer-songwriter-turned-actor Leon Bridges, alongside Sheryl Lee Ralph, round out the promising cast.

Written by Poe herself, the film also features Kelly Marie Tran, Michaela Watkins, Brandon Micheal Hall, and Judith Light, each contributing their unique talents to the narrative. 

“The Young Wife” debuted earlier this year at the prestigious SXSW Film Festival, generating considerable buzz and anticipation among audiences and critics alike.

Here’s the synopsis: 

On her wedding day, all that stands between a young woman (Clemons) and marital bliss with her soon-to-be husband (singer/songwriter Leon Bridges) is surviving the chaos and expectations of family and friends, each intensifying her spiraling panic.

Let’s get more familiar with Poe. Since “Selah and the Spades,” Poe directed a bunch of television episodes, including “Dave,” the new “The Twilight Zone” series to name a couple.

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P-Valley Star Brandee Evans Joins Sheryl Lee Ralph in ‘The Fabulous Four’ an Upcoming Comedy Film

P-Valley Star Brandee Evans Joins Sheryl Lee Ralph in ‘The Fabulous Four’ an Upcoming Comedy Film

Star of P-Valley, Brandee Evans, just joined Sheryl Lee Ralph for a new film, The Fabulous Four.

Evans, best known for playing Mercedes Woodbine, is boarded into a cast that tapped Ralph to star alongside acting icons Susan Sarandon and Bette Midler with Megan Mullally, which is being billed as a comedy being released on July 26, 2024.

Here’s the drop as reported by Black Film and TV: the film “follows three longtime friends (Ralph, Sarandon and Mullally) who go to Key West to be bridesmaids in a surprise wedding of their college friend Marilyn (Midler).” Now, with all four friends back together, “sisterhoods are rekindled, the past rises up again in all its glory, and there are enough sparks, drinks and romance to change all their lives in ways they never expected,” based on the logline. Evans will play Ralph’s daughter.

Evans will be reprising her role as Mercedes in the new season of P-Valley, which is one of Starz’s hit series alongside the Power franchise. Back in 2021, Evans was quoted by Shadow and Act in an interview:

“I don’t think on TV you’ve really seen what happens truly at home on any show that you try to compare us to, and we’re going to continue to break that barrier. This isn’t anything you’ve ever seen before, P-Valley stands alone in that sense,” she said.”And it’s shot from a woman’s gaze, which I think is so beautiful and Katori [Hall] is going to continue on with those female directors this season as well. It’s a beautiful moment when you’re able to see it through a woman’s eyes and mostly with a woman’s perspective on the show.”

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New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ Arrives in 2026

New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ Arrives in 2026

Well, here’s some good news for fans of the massive Lord of the Rings franchise. Warner Bros. announces plans to release the first of its new live-action The Lord of the Rings films in 2026, with a focus on Andy Serkis’ character Gollum, revealed during an earnings call by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. 

Produced by Peter Jackson, the original director of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, along with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, the project will delve into unexplored storylines and involve script development by Walsh, Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou. 

Warner Bros. unveiled the film’s working title, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, to be directed by and starring Serkis, with executive production by Ken Kamins and Jonathan Cavendish of The Imaginarium. The initiative stems from a deal brokered in February 2023 by then-Warner Bros. studio heads Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, aimed at creating multiple films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved books through New Line Cinema, with Freemode securing adaptive rights under Middle-earth Enterprises.

Get this if this isn’t enough: a separate animated Middle-earth movie, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, is slated for release on Dec. 13, directed by Kenji Kamiyama and set 200 years before The Hobbit. De Luca and Abdy lauded Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens’ dedication to Tolkien’s legacy, expressing gratitude for their involvement in the new projects. Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens echoed the sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for collaborating again with Serkis and the Warner Bros. team.

Reflecting on the venture, Serkis expressed excitement about revisiting Middle-earth alongside Jackson, Walsh, and Boyens, as well as the Warner Bros. team and their filmmaking family in New Zealand. The original The Lord of the Rings trilogy, directed by Jackson, amassed nearly $3 billion worldwide and garnered numerous accolades, including 17 Academy Awards, with Jackson’s subsequent The Hobbit trilogy achieving similar success.

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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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Janelle Monáe Joins Pharrell-Produced Musical at Universal

Janelle Monáe Joins Pharrell-Produced Musical at Universal

Actress, singer, and songwriter Janelle Monáe is the latest star added to the high-profile cast of Universal Pictures’ musical film project from Pharrell and Michael Gondry.

As reported in Variety, Monáe joins previously announced cast members Kelvin Harrison Jr., Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Brian Tyree Henry, and Missy Elliott. 

This makes perfect sense from a casting standpoint. The project is described as a musical and Monáe, is a star on all fronts – especially musically where she first made a name for herself. So adding A-list artists like Monáe, Bailey and Elliott only solidifies the authenticity of the crux of this art imitating life project inspired by Pharrell William’s real life experiences coming up in Virginia Beach’s humble Atlantis Apartments in 1977. 

Gondry is directing from a script penned by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson. Pharrell and Mimi Valdés will produce through his production company i am OTHER. Gil Netter produces through his company, Gil Netter Productions. Ryan Jones, Universal’s senior VP of production development Ryan Jones and Universal’s director of production development, Christine Sun, will handle the studio, as reported by Variety. 

This project clearly shows that Pharrell is in a biopic/life storytelling stage of his journey. He is also collaborating with The LEGO Group to produce Piece by Piece, a film about Pharrell’s life experienced through LEGO animation. Well, on that note, insert the ‘Neptunes’ sound. IYKYK

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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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