Drake is one of the world’s most recognizable entertainers now, but once upon a time, he was just another kid growing up in Toronto. During that time, though, Drake met a global star in Denzel Washington, who recently spoke about the encounter in a new interview with Good Morning America.
“You just never know who you touch.”
Denzel Washington talks about the impact the Boys & Girls Club has had on his life as he celebrates its 5,000th location. @reevewill has more. pic.twitter.com/4zUUNaX1Mi
Towards the end of the segment, Washington told the story:
“You just never know who you touch. I met a kid in Toronto who came up and was fascinated because I was like this star, and he wanted to talk to me, and he couldn’t believe that he met me. Well, 10 or 15 years later, he came up and he said, ‘You don’t remember when you met me.’ I said, ‘No.’ His name is Drake. And he said what I said to him, he never forgot.”
Washington was on the show to discuss the Boys & Girls Clubs opening its 5,000th location, since he’s a spokesperson for the organization who benefited from it as a child. He explained, “I was that 6-year-old kid that was nervous. What am I now? I’m still that 6-year-old, wide-eyed kid who’s curious about life. I was being taught about grace, about winning with grace and losing with grace, and being a leader and all of these things.”
Comic book movies are all the rage now. While some superhero fatigue may be setting in, that hasn’t stopped studios from going all in on the genre. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is more significant than any franchise, and the DC Extended Universe is rebooting and already has an eight to 10-year plan for the franchise. Even beyond that, comic-based movies are here to stay.
As such, many comic book characters have been adapted to the big screen (or the small screen in a few cases). Even ones that no one would expect, such as M.O.D.O.K. or Steppenwolf, have been brought to life in various ways. Nevertheless, with the growing interest in continuing to develop comic-centered features, there are plenty of movies to be made. Which characters should be adapted for these comic book movies? Read through our choices below and let us know your picks.
Comic Book Movies: Nova Project Coming Soon?
After both trailers for Blue Beetle and Across The Spider-Verse, it makes way more sense at this point for Marvel to make a Nova project (preferably movie) about Sam Alexander and a Robbie Reyes Ghost Rider movie. pic.twitter.com/b6WOr7EPKp
Nova is one major character that Marvel Studios has yet to touch. They introduced the Nova Corps inGuardians of the Galaxy, but Richard Rider’s nor Sam Alexander’s Nova has shown up. That being said, a Nova project is allegedly in the works. However, some Marvel projects have gotten scrapped. It’s unclear what the future of Nova is, but he deserves a movie of his own.
A Good Green Lantern Film
The Ryan Reynolds-led Green Lantern film is pretty bad. It barely qualifies as a movie for Green Lantern because of its reputation among comic book lovers. Perhaps it’s not Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern that gets a movie this time. There are plenty of interesting Green Lanterns out there- including Jon Stewart. Making a good Green Lantern movie led by Jon Stewart should be a significant priority for Gunn’s DCEU.
Could The Lobo Rumors Be True?
Jason Momoa talks about James Gunn’s mysterious post about Lobo.
“Well, everyone knows I’m a comic book fan. The comic I collected the most, and I have every comic there is… you can do your research and find out what it is.”
Lobo has been rumored to be coming to the big screen for a while now, but nothing concrete. Jason Momoa is a popular fancast for the role despite already being Aquaman. Nevertheless, one of DC’s most brutal characters needs his time in the limelight. After Deadpool, Logan, and Joker proved that studios could make ultra-violent superhero movies, Lobo should have been next in line. Perhaps he will eventually get a movie because he absolutely deserves it.
Silver Surfer Comic Book Movies Would Be Excellent
Silver Surfer is one of the most interesting comic book characters out there. Despite that, he’s only been featured in one of the countless Marvel movies to date. He’s often seen only as Galactus’ Herald, but there’s much more to him. He has an exciting backstory, extraordinary powers, and much to bring to the table. Comic book movies exploring his life and his origin story would probably be outstanding.
There have been precious few sightings of the Bat Family on-screen. A few members have been seen in movies like Batman & Robin, but that’s not enough attention to some of the most iconic DC characters. Whether as a team movie or several individual comic book movies, the various Robins (Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Jason Todd, Dick Grayson) and their other superhero names (Nightwing, Red Hood, etc.) need to be on-screen.
Additionally, so does Batgirl. The canceled Batgirl film, which DC called “unreleasable,” was almost finished but will never see the light of day. That should be released, or a new one should be made. Batgirl shouldn’t waste away in the archives of DC Studios.
Gambit was almost a film. It reportedly starred Channing Tatum before being canceled. Tatum has been outspoken about how heartbreaking that cancelation was. Despite their already being a vast X-Men universe, Gambit has never even shown up.
There have been numerous X-Men films about different characters, and Gambit hasn’t even been mentioned by anyone. The MCU is adapting X-Men into their universe at some point (Ms. Marvel is confirmed to be a mutant in that universe already, and a variant Professor X showed up), so they need to bring Gambit to life. Tatum may have missed his chance. Nevertheless, someone should play him in live-action.
If Blue Beetle Is Coming, Why Not Booster Gold?
If #BlueBeetle is a part of the plans for James Gunn’s DCU, then where could we see him next after his debut film?
Blue Beetle is coming out in theaters this August. With that happening, there’s no reason a Booster Gold movie can’t come out next. Booster Gold and Blue Beetle have formed one of the most hilarious and iconic duos in DC Comics, so it would be an absolute shame not to adapt that to the big screen. James Gunn’s propensity for comedy and absurdity in his films means that not using Booster Gold would waste his skills. He would fit right in with a Gunn film, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t be considered.
Martian Manhunter Needs To Come To A Real Film
Martian Manhunter Vol 5 was such a good run on his modern origin and highly recommended who want to start reading MM. It mixed with fun, drama, action, sci-fi and horror elements. The art style was brilliant as well. pic.twitter.com/Av9xESwIsa
Whether or not anyone likes Zack Snyder‘s original vision for the DC Universe, no one can deny that he had a lot of ideas. He planted seeds in many of his films, some of which came to fruition in his non-canon Justice League from 2021. One such seed was the appearance of the Martian Manhunter. He was a character in Man of Steel but didn’t appear as his alien self until ZSJL.
One of the most powerful and exciting characters in DC needs to have a movie sooner or later. If Gunn wants to lead up to a Justice League team-up movie, then he needs to include Martian Manhunter. He’s an integral part of any Justice League team. He is also a character many DC fans have been dying to see.
There have been plenty of comic book movies over the years, and they all feature quite a few comic book characters. Still, there are vast universes out there that haven’t been explored and tons of excellent characters just dying to be put in their own major project. These characters would be a perfect place to start.
Kid Cudi is ready to take audiences on a trip among the stars as Disney released the first trailer for Crater. Credited as Scott Mescudi, Cudi will play a small role in the upcoming sci-fi coming-of-age film. It’s the latest role for Cudi, who has also been involved on both sides of the camera in Ti West’s X trilogy. While his role in Crater is not expected to be major, Cudi’s presence dominates the film’s first trailer.
Crater is the latest from Kyle Patrick (Easier with Practice, C.O.G., The Stanford Prison Experiment). It is set to be a breakout role for young star Isaiah Russell-Bailey. After starring in Family Reunion, it serves as a major step away from television for the 17-year-old. The rest of the cast, besides Cudi, is a collection of young stars. With a few exceptions, it is the first major role for a majority of them.
“Crater” Set To Be A Coming Of Age In Space
Crater is set to follow Caleb (Russell-Bailey), a teenager living in a moon colony in 2257. As Caleb’s late father (Kid Cudi) narrates the importance of road trips, we see Caleb and his friends embark across the lunar surface to visit a distant crater. The trailer spends time building the relationship between father and son before reveling in its futuristic setting. The film is also set to star Mckenna Grace (Fuller House, The Haunting of Hill House), Billy Barratt (Responsible Child), Orson Hong (John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch, Only Murders In The Buildings), and Thomas Boyce (Neuroblast).
The ragtag friend group and various perils, along with Cudi’s narration, invoke classics of the coming-of-age genre. Crater evidently draws on the likes of Stand By Me, but with the novel introduction of its off-world setting. In short, it is a far-future homage to the pivotal 80s films that defined the genre. Variations of the coming-of-age genre have become increasingly common. 2019’s Rim Of The World showcased the potential that science fiction had for the genre. But the message of the film’s first trailer is clear. Regardless of what’s in the crater, the real treasure was the friends we made along the way. Crater will release on Disney+ on May 12.
Ice Cube showcased his range as an actor when Friday dropped. The iconic stoner comedy dropped in 1995 and boasted a star cast including Chris Tucker in the supporting role of Smokey, the late John Witherspoon as Willie Jones, and Tiny “Zeus” Lister Jr. as Deebo. Unfortunately, in recent years, both Witherspoon and Lester Jr. have passed away, along with several other members of the cast, such as Bernie Mac, Reynaldo Rey, and Yvette Wilson.
During a recent appearance on GQ, Chris Tucker reflected on his first “co-starring role,” praising director Gary F. Grey and recounting his experience alongside several of his cast mates. “Tiny Zeus Lister, I don’t know if I mentioned him when he passed away. One of my good friends, the legendary Tiny Zeus Lister, who played Deebo. Casting him as like, the big villain coming like the shark from Jaws,” he said. Lister Jr. passed away at 62 in 2020 from hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Chris Tucker Looks Back At “Friday”
Along with Tiny Lister, Tucker also reflected on working alongside the talents such as Witherspoon, Bernie Mac, Rey, and Wilson. “The legendary iconic John Witherspoon,” Tucker continued, “and Bernie Mac. Those guys, comedy legends and gods, man. You had Reynaldo Rey, and Yvette Wilson. So many legends that was in this movie that passed away. I’m so, so honored to have worked with them.”
Chris Tucker only appeared in the first Friday film before Mike Epps took over in the supporting role as Craig’s cousin, Day Day. However, fans have undoubtedly hoped that Smokey would return to the screen. During a recent interview with Audacy’s V-103, he said that he’d be willing to join the cast ofLast Friday as long as the script’s to his liking. “I love that they did two more after the one I did. If it’s possible, if it comes together right, I would try to do it. I’m a perfectionist, I’m sorry. If it ain’t gonna be great – I don’t believe in ‘some movies are good, some are not.’ Nah, I’m going all the way; I want it to be great.”
Kid Cudi has always called himself “The Man on The Moon,” even going as far as using the title for three of his albums (most recently in 2020), but he really lives up to his nickname in the trailer for the upcoming Disney+ original film, Crater.
A throwback to the kids’ adventure films of the ’80s and ’90s, Crater follows a group of five teens as they take a road trip to a mysterious crater at the behest of one kid’s dad, played by Cudi. Oh, by the way, that crater is on the moon, where they live. The classic formula gets a cool sci-fi update, transplanting the usual danger-laden road trip to the future, when mankind has colonized the Earth’s moon via a massive dome on its surface.
Cudi encourages his movie son to visit the crater, far outside the safety of the dome, and his voiceover throughout the trailer seems to suggest that the point is the journey, not necessarily the destination. Along the way, the kids encounter potentially deadly meteor showers, play a game of low-G baseball — that home run hit is definitely out of the park — and experience some young love. It looks very nostalgic and futuristic at the same time and utterly delightful as a way for millennials to bond with their own kids.
Crater is just one of the many, many projects on Cudi’s docket for the year, which include even more movie and television projects, a tour, and a new album. Check out the trailer above.
Crater will stream on Disney+ beginning May 12.fall
Harry Styles, Jennifer Lopez, Eminem, Prince, and Beyoncé are the only artists who had the number one movie and song in the country in the same week. Jack Black won’t quite get there, but he’ll come closer than anyone expected. Even though we probably should have, because there’s nothing the Tenacious D singer can’t do (including playing Batman, hopefully).
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is expected to finish #1 at the box office for a second straight weekend, while “Peaches,” the Oscar-eligible ballad sung by Bowser (voiced by Black), is climbing up the charts. “The song got off to a strong start in streaming and sales, and has only grown in the days since, as the movie has conquered theaters nationwide,” according to Billboard. “It’s risen from 218,000 daily official on-demand U.S. streams and about 500 digital song sales on April 7 in its first full day of release to 961,000 and 1,000 in streams and sales on April 10 – gains of 342 percent and 104 percent.”
“Peaches” could appear on the Billboard Hot 100 “within the next week or two” (it’s rapidly rising on the global Spotify chart), which would be a first for Black as a solo artist. With Tenacious D, he and Kyle Gass reached #78 with “POD” from The Pick of Destiny. (“Tribute,” the second single from the D’s first album, peaked at #4 in Australia, but failed to chart in the United States.)
Come on, TikTok, do your thing, and get “Peaches” on the Hot 100. And while you’re at it, make “Kyle Quit the Band” go viral, too.
Jamie Fox has reportedly been hospitalized after suffering a “medical complication” this week. The actor’s daughter, Corinne Foxx, alerted fans on Wednesday evening, but there wasn’t much in the way of details. Corrine’s statement did note in her Instagram post that the Django Unchained star is on the mend, so that’s good to hear.
“From the Foxx Family:
We wanted to share that, my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced medical complication yesterday. Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery.
We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time.
Much love,
The Foxx Family”
Attempts to learn about Foxx’s condition have gone unanswered. When asked for a statement, a spokesman for Foxx told CNN, “Nothing more, at this time, than what was posted.” PEOPLE had similar luck in getting a response.
However, TMZ was able to provide an update from sources. Foxx reportedly suffered a “medical emergency” on Tuesday morning and taken to the hospital. “His condition was serious enough that Jamie’s family — some of whom were not in town — came to the hospital,” TMZ reports. Fortunately, the actor is “communicating now,” which the source called “good news.”
Ice Cube has one of the most renowned careers around. From his time with N.W.A. to his solo work to his cinematic pursuits, Mr. Cube has done it all. He is a six-time platinum solo artist and many of his films have become pop culture staples. Almost everyone can name at least one Ice Cube performance.
The renaissance man recently sat down with Stephen A. Smith on the podcast Know Mercy to discuss his life and career. The conversation also focused heavily on Cube’s cinematic work. However, Smith was very keen to know how Cube felt about a homage Smith did on First Take to one of Cube’s best-known films.
Ice Cube Loved And Appreciated Smith’s Pinky
Next Friday, written and starring Ice Cube, was the 2000 sequel to Cube’s 1995 film, Friday. After the events of the first film, Cube’s slacker protagonist Craig has relocated to Rancho Cucamonga. Instead of Chris Tucker’s Smokey, Craig is now joined by his cousin, Mike Epps’ Day-Day. An incredibly memorable side character in the film is Pinky, the flamboyant record store owner who Day-Day works for. Pinky, with his iconic hairdo and bright pink suit, was brought to life by legendary character actor Clifton Powell.
Cube spoke at length about how impactful it has been to see the long-standing legacy of his cinematic work. After hearing his reflection, Smith asked him what he thought of his recent impression of Pinky on First Take. “Y’all killed that.” Cube said of Smith’s impression, “You know, when you see that, you want to see full commitment. And y’all gave full commitment. And it’s fun to see that things you’ve done are so iconic that even today, they work and people love to see them and do them and bring those characters back to life.” It’s clear just how passionate Ice Cube is about the work he created, and the impact it still has nearly 30 years later. Everyone can’t help but be concerned about their legacy. However, for Ice Cube, both in music and film, he evidently finds so much joy in that people still enjoy the work he created.
James Wan may not be finished with The Conjuring just yet. The multi-hyphenate has had his hands on some of the most iconic horror franchises of the last two decades. As a director, Wan has given us the original Saw film, the first two Insidious films, and the first two Conjuring films. He is also credited with coming up with the stories for many of those films, as well as The Nun and last year’s M3GAN. Wan has even gotten his fair share of blockbuster films. In 2015, he directed Furious 7. Then, in 2018, he directed his first superhero film, Aquaman. The sequel to that film is due out later this year.
The last we saw of the Conjuring universe was in 2021’s The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. The film follows the main characters Ed and Lorraine as they navigated a complicated trial where the main suspect had been possessed. It garnered mixed reviews but made enough money to warrant a sequel. The fourth film in the series is still in development, but both Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga have been confirmed to return to their roles as Ed and Lorraine. Now, it appears that the Conjuring universe will be expanding to the small screen.
Max, Formerly HBO Max, Rolls Out An Impressive Lineup
Patrick Wilson, Filmmaker James Wan, and Vera Farmiga attend the Los Angeles Film Festival. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images)
HBO Max had quite a bit of news today. First and foremost, the streaming service has dropped “HBO” from its name. Second, they had plenty of new series in the pipeline. From the Harry Potter series to Game of Thrones and more, Max is pushing ahead with quite a few franchises. They added the Conjuring series to that list, as well. It was announced that James Wan is in talks to executive produce the series. Peter Safran, who produced the original 2013 film, has signed on to produce the series as well.
There wasn’t much more information made available about the series. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are confirmed for The Conjuring 4, but it’s not known if they will be involved with the television series. However, with so many different stories to choose from, the new series certainly does not need to rely on Ed and Lorraine. They may be central to the plot of the main films, but plenty of spin-offs have faired very well without them. Only time will tell. What do you think of the announcement? Would you watch a Conjuring TV series? Let us know in the comments!
Just a few days ago, Jamie Foxx posted a video of himself living it up on a superyacht. The actor is currently in the midst of filming a new Netflix movie, Back In Action. The movie has been filming in London, where it has apparently experienced significant weather delays. It co-stars Cameron Diaz, who is making her return to Hollywood after an 8-year hiatus. Foxx himself convinced Diaz to co-star.
Things haven’t exactly been smooth on set, however. Recently, sources revealed that Foxx was the target of a $40,000 scam. Allegedly, an employee on the film crew was the one orchestrating it. Foxx is not the only one who was targeted by the scam, however. Apparently, the person has tried to pull one over on multiple celebrities. Authorities haven’t released the culprit’s name, but reports say that they have been let go and an investigation has been opened. “This film has been a bit of a nightmare,” the source said. It seems like that is probably the least of Jamie Foxx’s worries at this point, though. The actor was hospitalized for a significant health scare.
Foxx’s daughter, Corinne, broke the news in an Instagram post. “We wanted to share that, my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced [a] medical complication yesterday,” she began, “Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery.” This is good news for Foxx, who seemed to be in great health until now. According to a TMZ “source,” the situation was far more grave than the actor’s daughter made it out to be. “We’re told his condition was serious enough that Jamie’s family — some of whom were not in town — came to the hospital,” they said. “He’s communicating now, and that’s good news.”
The exact nature of the complications is unclear. Luckily, it appears that the actor is now in stable condition, at least. It remains to be seen whether we will get any more information on what happened. Hopefully, Foxx makes a very speedy recovery. What do you think about the actor’s hospitalization? Let us know in the comments below!
