Movies

Anthony Mackie, Chloe Bailey, and Martin Lawrence Join “Sneaks”

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The cast of the upcoming animated feature Sneaks is becoming even more star-studded. Added to the lineup is Anthony Mackie (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) Martin Lawrence (Bad Boys for Life), and Chloe Bailey (Grown-ish). According to Variety, they will be joining the previously announced cast of Roddy Rich, Ella Mai, Swae Lee, Macy Gray, and NBA star Chris Paul. Rapper Quavo (Migos), Sam Jay (Pause with Sam Jay), Keith David (Princess and the Frog), Donovan Louis Bazemore (The Lion King), Coi Leray (Players), Kiana Ledé (Scream: The TV Series), Jonathan Kite (Two Broke Girls), Amari McCoy (We Baby Bears) and Olympic skateboarders Rayssa Leal and Sky Brown are also being added to the film’s cast.

Rob Edwards (The Princess and the Frog, Treasure Planet) has written and is directing Sneaks. This is Edwards’ directorial debut. Laurence Fishburne is producing the film under Cinema Gypsy Productions. He stars opposite Grammy award-winning artist, Mustard, who is also the film’s executive music producer. The film tells the story of Ty, a designer sneaker who “doesn’t know life outside the comforts of his velvet-lined shoe box.” After a collector (Fishburne) steals his sister, Ty has to venture into NYC to rescue her. This leads to some new shoe friends, as well as a “sole-mate.”

“Sneaks” Casts Strong Actors

Chlöe attends MusiCares Persons of the Year Honoring Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

The cast of Sneaks has varied representation and management. Mackie and Lawrence are represented by UTA. Mackie is also represented by Inspire Entertainment and Lawrence by Artists First. Bailey, Quavo, Brown and Ledé are all represented by CAA. Additionally, Quavo is represented by Motown Records. Ledé is represented by 10 Summers. Leray is represented by Republic Records. Brown is represented by Stoked Management. Jay is represented by WME and Avalon Management. David is managed by Silver J Management and represented by Buchwald. Bazemore is represented by David Doan at CESD, who also represents McCoy, alongside Stagecoach. Buchwald also represents Kite with More / Medavoy and DPN. Edwards is represented by David Fox at Myman Greenspan Fineman Fox Rosenberg & Light.

Pre-production for the film is currently in the works at House of Cool, as well has design and storyboarding. Assemblage Entertainment is doing the animation for the film. Sneaks is set to be completed in 2024. Additionally, let us know what you think of this cast, in the comments below.

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Owen Wilson Emulates Bob Ross in New Trailer For “Paint”

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IFC has officially released the trailer for the new comedy Paint. Owen Wilson stars and portrays a Bob Ross-esque character of comedic proportions. In the film, Wilson plays Carl Nargle. He is Vermont’s top TV painter with anything he could ever ask for. He prides himself on his strong fanbase of fawning women and his even stronger perm. What more could he need? However, a younger artist steps into the world of TV painting, giving him competition and derailing his perfect life. Wilson’s character, Nargle, is a clear nod to Bob Ross, who led the PBS instructional painting program, The Joy of Painting, for 11 years from 1983-1994. He passed away in 1995 at age 52.

Wilson leads the film, Paint. He’s known for his previous roles in iconic comedies like Zoolander and Wedding Crashers. Also, fans know Wilson from The Royal Tenenbaums, Bottle Rocket, Marley & Me, The French Dispatch, the Cars franchise, Marry Me, and Loki. Additionally, he has an upcoming film, Haunted Mansion, set to release in April 2023. He will be co-starring with the likes of Jamie Lee Curtis, Jared Leto, Tiffany Haddish, Danny DeVito, and Winona Ryder.

Watch the ‘Paint’ Trailer

Joining Wilson in the film, Paint, is Michaela Watkins (Wanderlust), Wendi McLendon-Covey (The Goldbergs), Ciara Renée (The Flash), Lusia Strus (50 First Dates), Stephen Root (Barry), and Lucy Freyer. In addition, the cast includes Denny Dillon (Saturday Night Fever), Evander Duck Jr. (Orange Is the New Black), Will Blagrove (Inside Amy Schumer), and Ryan Czerwonko (Chicago Med).

Brit McAdams wrote and directed the film. His impressive work also includes Katt Williams: American Hustle, Triviatown, Tosh.0, Atom TV, and #IMomSoHard. Sam Maydew and Peter Brant produced the film with associate producer Aaaa Myers. Wilson, Joel David Moore, Amy Jarvela, and Richard J. Bosner are executive producers for the comedy. Given the talented team surrounding the film and the clear nod to the beloved Bob Ross, there are high expectations for this film. Paint premieres in theaters on April 7, 2023. The film will stream exclusively on AMC+ later in the year. Comment below with your thoughts on the trailer, and tell us if you’re planning on seeing this comedy.

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The Rock Went To ‘Great Lengths’ To Keep His Surprise Appearance At The Grammys For Adele A Secret

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It’s not often that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson isn’t the most famous person in the room, but that was the case on Sunday during the 2023 Grammys. Attendees includes Beyoncé, Taylor Swift (who worked with the wrestler-turned-actor for her “The Man” music video), Bad Bunny, and Adele. “Someone that I’ve never met that I think I would actually cry is The Rock,” the “Easy on Me” singer once admitted. Her wish came true at the Grammys, providing one of the night’s more delightful moments.

Johnson told Variety how he pulled off the surprise.

“We wanted to do something special for Adele,” he said. “I know that she is a very big fan of mine and has made that clear publicly many times. But I’ve got to tell you, I am a huge fan of hers, as well — her music, her journey, her openness and directness in how she speaks. I’ve always admired that about her.” The Rock went to “great lengths to make sure that Adele was authentically surprised in the moment, and she was.” He also called Adele “a special iconic brilliant inspiring artist who has inspired a generation and who will continue to inspire generations to come. I love that woman.”

If she slips a bottle of Teremana into her next music video, he’ll love her even more.

(Via Variety)

Lauren London Jonah Hill’s “You People” Kiss Was CGI, Says Andrew Schultz

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The hype surrounding You People has dissipated, but Andrew Schultz reignited conversations about the film. The comedy stars Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Eddie Murphy, and Nia Long, and audiences have well-received the star-studded flick. Schultz also makes an appearance in the movie as Hill’s character’s cousin. According to him, post-production added a CGI kiss.

At the conclusion of the film, Hill and London are at the altar seal their romance with a kiss. Schultz was there when the scene was being filmed, and he claims the smooch never happened. He explained things while on the Brilliant Idiots podcast that he co-hosts with Charlamagne Tha God. “There’s a hilarious thing, I don’t even know if I should share this sh*t, but the final scene, they don’t even kiss,” he said.

Read More: Lauren London Laughs About Awkward Way She Met Jonah Hill

“It’s CGI. Swear to god,” he added. “I’m there, I’m watching the wedding, and I see them go in for the kiss, and their faces stop like this far. And I’m like, ‘I wonder how they’re going to play that in the movie. Oh, they’re probably just gonna cut right there.’ But the movie, you can see their faces come close, and then you can see their faces morph a little bit into a fake kiss.”

There hasn’t been confirmation from Barris or the actors about the allegations. When the trailer for You People first surfaced, production came under social media fire from people who questioned if Hill and London would ever be together in real life. Fans weren’t sure they would make a convincing couple on screen when many couldn’t see them as a match. Those discussions have reignited since Schultz’s revelation.

Read More: Lauren London Shares How She Found “Courage” To Act Again After Nipsey’s Death

Additionally, the public has also speculated about why a CGI kiss would be necessary. Some brought up the passing of Nipsey Hussle and London possibly not wanting to cross any lines with her co-star. However, others pointed out that she did have romantic scenes with Michael B. Jordan in their 2021 film, Without Remorse.

Janelle Monáe Threatened To Withhold New Music After A Fan Joked She Doesn’t Dress ‘Like The Monopoly Man’ Anymore

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Janelle Monáe may have gotten their foot in the door as a musician, but these days, newer fans tend to forget that little fact due to their blossoming acting career. So despite Monáe’s schedule filling up with more on-screen opportunities partly due to the success of Glass Onion, they’ve promised to give day-one fans new music to hold them over.

Last month, the triple threat shared a video of them working on new material in the studio. Then finally, a few weeks ago, Monáe released an extended teaser video for their upcoming single, “Float.” But thanks to a viral tweet, the whole track may never see the light of day.

A user on Twitter garnered a lot of attention by tweeting, “Janelle Monáe finally showing off how fine she is instead of dressing like the monopoly man.”

Monáe’s signature monochromatic black-and-white fashions, oftentimes suits, were a way to pay homage to their mother and grandmother every time they took the stage. The singer told the Huffington Post, “It’s a dedication to uniformity, and I’m a minimalist by heart, but a lot of it had to do with me wanting to have a uniform like the working class, like my mom and my grandmother.”

Well, once the tweet crossed the desk of the singer, she came back with a playful response: “35.7k likes?? No new tour. hope it was worth it beloved,” closing with the winky kissy face emoji.

Fans rushed to let the singer know not all of them felt that way and that they shouldn’t suffer without new music because of the original user.

The original users’ mentions were riddled with angry fans, but they stood firm in their comments, saying that although it was a joke, they meant what they wrote and also respect Monáe’s artistry. Monáe jumped back in to say, “Monopoly man?? [crying emoji] You’re pretty and funny. [kissy face emoji].”

It looks like everything worked out, and Monáe will return to music soon.

A Bob Dylan-Inspired Musical Film Starring Chlöe, Woody Harrelson, and Oliva Colman Is On The Way

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Halle isn’t the only Bailey sister heading to the big screen. Shortly, “Pray It Away” singer Chlöe will also put her acting chops on full display yet again. Although these days, many music lovers have come to know the duo by their countless musical bops; the pair have quite the star in feature films well before her role on ABC’s Black-ish or Grown-ish.

While her beloved younger sister will lend her vocals to Disney’s underwater princess Ariel in the live adaptation of The Little Mermaid, Chlöe will take a different route. According to The Wrap, the producer will star in Blueprint Pictures’ film Girl from the North Country, an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway show.

Known for public displays of admiration for music pioneers like Missy Elliott, maybe that influenced her decision to be a part of the film as the music of legendary songwriter Bob Dylan directly inspired it.

In addition to Chlöe, actors Woody Harrelson, Olivia Colman (The Crown), and Tosin Cole (House Party and Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks) have also signed onto the film. Conor McPherson, the author of the book used as an anchor for the Broadway musical, will serve as the film’s writer and director, whereas Blueprint Pictures’ Graham Broadbent and Pete Czernin will serve as producers.

The story will be set in Duluth, Minnesota, during the Great Depression. However, the film will remain faithful to the musical’s plot line is described as “a group of wayward travelers’ lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life, and hope.”

If the film follows in the theater production’s footsteps, the Dylan songs that may be included or worked into the film include “Slow Train,” “True Love Tends to Forget,” and “Girl from the North Country.” So far, the film does not have a release date. However, it has been revealed that CAA Media Finance will represent the film in the domestic market. While Rocket Science will handle the international market, starting with the Berlin Film Festival.

Michael Jackson Biopic “Will Glorify A Man Who Raped Children,” “Leaving Neverland” Director Says

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A biopic on Michael Jackson is officially on the way. However, it appears that a film surrounding the life and times of the King Of Pop is already facing backlash. Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed published an op-ed in The Guardian where he slammed Lionsgate for moving forward with the film. The title of his op-ed reads, “This new Michael Jackson biopic will glorify a man who abused children.”

Reed’s op-ed not only criticized Lionsgate but also, the press for the “gentle raising of eyebrows” surrounding the film. The comment was made in response to The Hollywood Reporter which reported that the film will “address all aspects of Jackson’s life, though it is unclear how the film will address the many controversies involving” the singer.  “No one is talking about ‘cancelling’ this movie, which will glorify a man who raped children,” he wrote. From there, he directed a question to the filmmakers involved, including director Antoine Fuqua.

“How will you represent the moment when Jackson, a grown man in his 30s, takes a child by the hand and leads him into that bedroom? How will you depict what happens next? By sidestepping the question of Jackson’s predilection for sleeping with young boys, you are broadcasting a message to millions of survivors of child sexual abuse. That message is: if a pedophile is rich and popular enough, society will forgive him.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Director Dan Reed poses in the press room with the award for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special for Leaving Neverland’ during the 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 14, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/WireImage)

At this point, there aren’t many details surrounding the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. However, Lionsgate confirmed it was in the works. Shortly after, Fuqua confirmed Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, would take on the role of the late pop star. 

Reed left people devastated when Leaving Neverland debuted in 2019. The four-hour documentary explored the stories of Wade Robson and James Safechuck and their relationship with Jackson. Though Robson previously testified on Jackson’s behalf, leading to his 2008 acquittal, he later said that he lied to protect his mentor and abuser. 

Leaving Neverland ultimately went on to win a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. The documentary marked the first time when Jackson’s accusers spoke publicly about the alleged abuse they experienced. We’ll keep you posted on any more updates surrounding the biopic. 

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Questlove Explained Why Will Smith Had To Back Out Of The 2023 Grammys’ All-Star Hip-Hop Tribute

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We’re approaching the one-year anniversary of “The Slap.” Last March, Will Smith waltzed on stage during the 2022 Oscars and slapped Chris Rock after Rock made a distasteful joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. And though Rock declined to file charges, Smith is banned from attending the Oscars for the next decade.

Smith is not banned from attending the Grammys, though, and people noticed his absence on Sunday night, February 5. The 2023 Grammys featured a medley performance celebrating hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. The segment was directed and produced by Questlove, introduced by LL Cool J, and narrated by Black Thought.

DJ Jazzy Jeff was one of many legendary artists to perform, but where was Smith, aka/fka The Fresh Prince?

Questlove told Entertainment Tonight that Smith was “99.4 percent” committed to performing, “but they started shooting Bad Boys 4 this week, so he couldn’t make rehearsals.” Questlove added, “He wanted to do it.”

For those keeping score at home, Questlove apparently doesn’t hold grudges. Smith’s slap occurred as Rock was presenting the Oscar for Best Documentary. The award went to Questlove for Summer Of Soul, and Smith later apologized to Questlove for overshadowing his first Academy Award.

Smith posted a video last July apologizing not only to Questlove but to Rock, Rock’s mother, Rock’s entire family, his own family, and more.

“It really breaks my heart to have stolen and tarnished your moment,” Smith said to his “fellow nominees” in the video. “I can still see Questlove’s eyes. It happened on Questlove’s award, and you know, it’s like, ‘I’m sorry’ really isn’t sufficient.”

Watch the 50-year hip-hop anniversary tribute below.

Viola Davis Is Officially An EGOT Winner

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Viola Davis has joined an exclusive club. Tonight during the 65th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony, the access was awarded the Grammy for Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for her Finding Me memoir, earning her EGOT status. Only 17 other entertainers have earned the coveted designation, and Davis makes history by being the 18th.

The acronym, which stands for the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards, is a significant designation given to people who have won all four major entertainment awards. Past EGOT winners include Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Whoopi Goldberg, and more.

This year, Davis found herself going up against four other previous Grammy winners, including Jamie Foxx (“Act Like You Got Some Sense”), Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World”), Questlove (“Music is History”) and fellow EGOT recipient Mel Brooks (“All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business”).

Davis will be able to add her new title alongside her two Tony Awards (“King Hedley II,” “Fences”), her Oscar (the film adaptation of “Fences”), and her Emmy (“How to Get Away with Murder”), for which she became the first black actress to win.

Despite Davis being snubbed by the Academy Awards this year, the Woman King actress still made history. With a career spanning over three decades, the actress has undoubtedly earned her flowers.

Watch Davis’ acceptance speech below.

Jack Harlow’s Acting Debut In ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ Is Nearly Here As Hulu Released First-Look Trailer

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Jack Harlow’s aspirations to become a beloved industry baby is underway. As the “First Class” prepares for tonight’s Grammy Awards, where hopes to win big, Hulu just released the first look at its upcoming film White Men Can’t Jump remake starring the musician.

Despite appearing in several commercials and documentaries, this film marks Harlow’s acting debut. He has big shoes to fill stepping into the role of quirky street basketball player Billy Hoyle. While Harlow certainly has the charisma of the character nailed, he still needs to showcase another side playing off his co-star actor Sinqua Walls (Teen Wolf, Power, The Breaks), who plays his athletic partner in crime, Sidney Deane.

The original beloved 1992 film starred actors Woody Harrelson (who originally played Billy Hoyle) and Wesley Snipes (who originally played Sidney Deane) quickly became a cultural fixture. But, even though this is Harlow’s first significant role, director Charles Kidd II, professionally known as Calmatic, who has worked with Harlow in the past, isn’t worried.

In an interview with Esquire, Calmatic confidently said, “Man, listen, after this film, I don’t think Jack Harlow is going to be a rapper.”

Calmatic later clarified his statement to say, “I mean, I’m sure he is not going to give up rap, but he’s definitely going to be a Mark Wahlberg—where I think people are going to know him more for acting than his music,” adding, “And so I’m happy that he got his feet wet with White Men Can’t Jump so I can take a little responsibility for that. I’m excited for the world to see him and get the full scope of him as an artist.”

The original film, written and directed by Ron Shelton, came out in 1992. The film starred Woody Harrelson as basketball player Billy Hoyle, who teams up with Wesley Snipes’ Sidney Deane to make money by hustling people on the court. The first-look trailer immerses viewers into the world of recreational basketful and is filled with professional references.

Watch the full teaser clip above.

Jack Harlow is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

starring Sinqua Walls and Jack Harlow, streaming May 19 on Hulu.