Orion Pictures has just released a new one-minute clip from the horror film, The Prodigy. In the new clip, a mom watches over her sleeping child. He jerks awake, obviously terrified of some unseen presence. It turns out he believes the presence isn’t an unknown outside force lurking around his dark bedroom, hiding in his closet or under his bed. Instead, the boy claims the presence is inside him.
Taylor Schilling leads the cast which includes Jackson Robert Scott (It, Fear the Walking Dead), Peter Mooney (Burden of Truth, Rookie Blue), and Colm Feore (The Umbrella Academy, House of Cards). Nicholas McCarthy (The Pact, At Devil’s Door) directed from a script by Jeff Buhler (The Midnight Meat Train). Buhler also recently adapted Stephen King’s bestselling Pet Sematary for the 2019 film starring Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, and John Lithgow and directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose‘s Tripp Vinson produced the 2019 horror film. Nicholas McCarthy’s behind the scenes team includes director of photography Bridger Nielson, editors Tom Elkins and Brian Ufberg, and costume designer Catherine Ashton.
Orion Pictures has set a February 8, 2019 release date for The Prodigy.
The Plot:
“In her much-anticipated foray into the horror-thriller genre, Taylor Schilling stars in The Prodigy as Sarah, a mother whose young son Miles’ disturbing behavior signals that an evil, possibly supernatural force has overtaken him. Fearing for her family’s safety, Sarah must grapple with her maternal instinct to love and protect Miles in favor of investigating what – or who – is causing his dark turn. She is forced to look for answers in the past, taking the audience on a wild ride; one where the line between perception and reality remains blurry.”
Taylor Schilling and Jackson Robert Scott star in ‘The Prodigy’ (Photo Credit: Orion Pictures)
Gotham season five episode four began with Haven in flames from an explosion which led to 311 innocent citizens losing their lives and an additional 49 people injured. The episode also found Selina moving closer to full on Catwoman mode by disguising herself as Harley Quinn and repeatedly stabbing Jerome. Jim Gordon was forced to team up with The Penguin to find the person responsible for the explosion, with The Penguin wrongly assuming Victor Zsasz. (Welcome back Anthony Carrigan, however briefly!) The episode ended with the reveal that The Riddler was behind the bombing and with Jim and Barbara back in each other’s arms.
Up next, season five episode five titled “Pena Dura.” Episode five will air on Fox on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 8pm ET/PT and features guest stars Shane West and BD Wong.
The cast of the comic book-inspired series’ final season is led by Ben McKenzie as Detective James Gordon. Donal Logue is Detective Harvey Bullock, Sean Pertwee is Alfred Pennyworth, Robin Lord Taylor is Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin, and Erin Richards is Barbara Kean. David Mazouz plays Bruce Wayne, Camren Bicondova is Selina Kyle/the future Catwoman, Cory Michael Smith is Edward Nygma/The Riddler, and Chris Chalk plays Lucius Fox.
The “Pena Dura” Plot: A military task force, led by Eduardo Dorrance (guest star Shane West) is called in to provide relief to Gotham. Meanwhile, Nygma looks for answers from Penguin, who leads him back to Hugo Strange (guest star BD Wong). Then, Bruce is concerned about Selina’s recent behavior in the all-new “Pena Dura” episode of Gotham.
ABC’s cop drama The Rookie takes a two week break and then returns on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 10pm with season one episode 12. Episode 12 titled “Caught Stealing” was directed by Omar Madha from a script by David Radcliff. (Note: This episode was rescheduled to February 19, 2019.)
Season one episode 12 features guest stars Valeri Ross as Dr. Rogers, Sarah Oh as heather, Heather McComb as Marilyn, and Myndy Crist as Abby.
The season one cast is led by Nathan Fillion as John Nolan and includes Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, and Richard T. Jones as Sergeant Wade Grey. Titus Makin plays Jackson West, Mercedes Mason is Captain Zoe Andersen, Melissa O’Neil is Lucy Chen, Afton Williamson plays Talia Bishop, and Eric Winter is Tim Bradford.
Series star Nathan Fillion executive produces along with Mark Gordon, Michelle Chapman, and Jon Steinberg.
The “Caught Stealing” Plot – The rookies become the prime suspects after it is discovered a large sum of money used in a drug bust has gone missing.
The Season One Plot:
Starting over isn’t easy, especially for small-town guy John Nolan (Fillion) who, after a life-altering incident, is pursuing his dream of being a Los Angeles police officer. As the force’s oldest rookie, he’s met with skepticism from some higher-ups who see him as just a walking midlife crisis. If he can’t keep up with the young cops and the criminals, he’ll be risking lives including his own. But if he can use his life experience, determination and sense of humor to give him an edge, he may just become a success in this new chapter of his life.
Nathan Fillion, Melissa O’Neil, and Titus Makin Jr in ‘The Rookie’ season 1 episode 12 (ABC/Eric McCandless)Alyssa Diaz, Eric Winter, and Afton Williamson in season 1 episode 12 (ABC/Eric McCandless)Richard T Jones, Antonio Jaramillo, and Mercedes Mason in season 1 episode 12 (ABC/Eric McCandless)Nathan Fillion, Melissa O’Neil, Titus Makin Jr, and Richard T Jones in season 1 episode 12 (ABC/Eric McCandless)Titus Makin Jr, Melissa O’Neil, Richard T Jones and Nathan Fillion in ‘The Rookie’ (ABC/Eric McCandless)
Fox’s medical drama The Resident season two continues with episode 12 airing Monday, January 28, 2019 at 8pm ET/PT. The network’s just released photos, guest cast info, and a brief plot description for the upcoming episode titled “Fear Finds a Way.”
Season two episode 12 will feature guest stars Dot-Marie Jones (Glee), Miles Gaston Villanueva (Law & Order True Crime), and Michael Rady (Jane the Virgin).
Season two stars Matt Czuchry as Conrad Hawkins, Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Randolph Bell, Emily VanCamp as Nicolette, Manish Dayal as Devon Pravesh, Shaunette Renée Wilson as Mina Okafor, Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Dr. AJ Austin, Jane Leeves as Dr. Kit Voss, and Glenn Morshower as Marshall Winthrop.
The “Fear Finds a Way” Plot: When a nasty flu season turns out to be masking a terribly infectious disease, Chastain must race to quarantine and diagnose infected patients. While Conrad, Nic and Alec work tirelessly on Meg (guest star Dot-Marie Jones), who was Nic’s favorite guard from her stint in prison, Devon and the others treat Sam (guest star Michael Rady), a love-sick patient with flu-like symptoms.
Mina finds herself testing Quovadis medical devices in an effort to defend Dr. AJ Austin, who, feeling responsible for the death of a patient, is serving penance by staying away from the OR. Meanwhile, Conrad is prepared to take the next step with Nic, but finds that she may not be as ready.
The Season 2 Plot:
Season two finds star resident Dr. Conrad Hawkins continuing to make difficult calls in the best interests of his patients. But, having rekindled a romantic relationship with nurse Nicolette “Nic” Nevins, the two now must face unresolved issues from their past. Conrad’s father, Marshall Winthrop, has taken over as head of Chastain, and comes into direct conflict with the hospital’s newly minted CEO, Dr. Randolph Bell.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mina Okafor continues to work with her larger-than-life mentor, Dr. AJ Austin. However, the skills of new ortho surgeon Dr. Kitt Voss could lead Mina on a different path. First-year resident Dr. Devon Pravesh becomes intrigued by new medical device rep Julian Booth, whose presence at the hospital will upend business as usual for everyone there.
Gordon Ramsay, Christina Tosi and Aarón Sánchez judge season 7 of ‘MassterChef Junior’ (Photo Credit: Fox)
Season seven of Fox’s MasterChef Junior will premiere on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 8pm ET/PT. The new season of the cooking competition series will debut with 24 young contestants (12 girls and 12 boys) between the ages of 8 and 13 showing off their culinary skills in hopes of winning the title of America’s MasterChef Junior.
According to Fox, season seven’s first episode will feature a mystery box challenge that will require the young chefs to create an outstanding breakfast dish. They’ll follow that by creating restaurant-quality dishes based on three classic school lunch meals.
Other challenges the young competitors will take on include preparing dishes for circus performers, rolling out a perfect sheet of pasta to 24 feet, and participating in the restaurant takeover challenge. Chef Gordon Ramsay, pastry chef Christina Tosi, and restaurateur Aarón Sánchez make up the season seven judges panel.
The winner of MasterChef Junior will collect $100,000 and the MasterChef Junior trophy.
MasterChef Junior Season 7 Top 24:
Aaron
Age: 10
Hometown: Powder Springs, GA
Signature Dish: Baked Salmon with Sautéed Green Beans & Lemon Couscous
Ashley
Age: 9
Hometown: Queens, NY
Signature Dish: Spicy Steamed Salmon with Carrots & Okra
Netflix just released a new official trailer for the much-anticipated series, The Umbrella Academy. The 2019 series is based on the comics created by former My Chemical Romance lead vocalist Gerard Way, illustrated by Gabriel Bá, and published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest two-minute trailer features new footage along with a cover of “Hazy Shade of Winter” by Way.
Season one was shot in Toronto, Canada and consists of 10 one-hour episodes.
The cast features Ellen Page (Into the Forest), Tom Hopper (Black Sails), Emmy Raver-Lampman (Hamilton), Robert Sheehan (Genius), David Castañeda (Switched at Birth), Aidan Gallagher (Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn), Cameron Britton (Stitchers), Mary J. Blige (Mudbound), Colm Feore (House of Cards), Adam Godley (Lodge 49), John Magaro (Orange is the New Black), Ashley Madekwe (Salem), and Kate Walsh (13 Reasons Why). Steve Blackman (Fargo, Altered Carbon) is the first season showrunner and executive produces. Jeff F. King (Hand of God) as well as Bluegrass Television and Dark Horse Entertainment’s Mike Richardson and Keith Goldberg also serve as executive producers.
Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy is set to debut globally on February 15, 2019.
The Umbrella Academy Plot:
On the same day in 1989, forty-three infants are inexplicably born to random, unconnected women who showed no signs of pregnancy the day before. Seven are adopted by a billionaire who creates The Umbrella Academy and prepares his “children” to save the world. Now, the six surviving members reunite upon the news of their father’s passing and must work together to solve a mystery surrounding his death. But the estranged family begins to come apart due to their divergent personalities and abilities, not to mention the imminent threat of a global apocalypse.
The cast of Netflix’s comic book inspired series, ‘The Umbrella Academy.’
With production just about to get underway in New Orleans, Netflix announced they’ve signed up actor/dancer/model Ava Michelle to handle the Tall Girl lead role. They’ve also filled out the cast of supporting players for the comedy directed by Nzingha Stewart (Grey’s Anatomy, A Million Little Things). Sam Wolfson (Andi Mack, Finding Carter) wrote the action comedy’s script.
“It was essential for us to find an actor to portray our lead who can speak to the challenges and lessons that Jodi experiences from a very personal place of authenticity,” stated director Nzingha Stewart. “Ava’s ability to beautifully and uniquely showcase those attributes stood out to us in a way that we believe audiences will connect with. Tall Girl showcases that embracing the very qualities that make you different is what allows you to overcome anything.”
Wonderland’s McG, Corey Marsh, and Mary Viola (The Duff) are producing.
Cast and Character Details, Courtesy of Netflix:
Ava Michelle, who is 6 feet and 1 inch tall, will play Jodi, a 16-year-old who must embrace what makes her different and be proud to stand out, not fit in.
Griffin Gluck (Netflix’s American Vandal, who also stars in the coming of age drama Big Time Adolescence) will star in Tall Girl as Jack Dunkleman, Jodi’s best friend.
Actor, musician, and model Luke Eisner (The Goldbergs), who is making his feature film debut, will star as Stig, a handsome – and equally tall – Swedish foreign exchange student.
Sabrina Carpenter (The Hate U Give, forthcoming The Short History of The Long Road) stars as Harper, Jodi’s beautiful and extremely melodramatic pageant-winning older sister.
Paris Berelc (Netflix’s Alexa & Katie) stars as Liz, the unconventional best friend of Jodi’s tormentor.
Rounding out Jodi’s family is Steve Zahn (Valley of the Boom) as Richie Kreyman, Jodi’s manic and anxious dad with a big heart and Angela Kinsey (The Office) as Helaine Kreyman, Jodi’s former pageant-queen mom who struggles to connect with her daughter.
Anjelika Washington (DC Universe’s Stargirl) as Fareeda, Jodi’s best friend who seems to have it all figured out.
Clara Wilsey as Kimmy, the most popular girl at school and Jodi’s nemesis.
Rico Paris as Schnipper, a popular jerk and one of Jodi’s regular tormentors.
The Tall Girl Plot:
Tall Girl is the 2019 Netflix original comedy about Jodi, the tallest girl in her school, who has never quite felt comfortable in her own statuesque skin. All of that changes when she falls for the handsome (and equally tall) foreign exchange student Stig who, of course, gets Jodi’s quirky best male friend Dunkleman and his hippie mom as a host family. As a result, Jodi gets embroiled in a surprising love triangle, which helps her realize she’s far more than her insecurities about her height have led her to believe.
The list of performers set to take the stage during the 61st Annual Grammy Awards has expanded to include Miley Cyrus and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Also confirmed to perform are Post Malone, H.E.R., and Brandi Carlile. The 2019 Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 10th at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. The show will be broadcast live on both coasts beginning at 5pm PT and 8pm ET on CBS.
The new batch of performers joins previously announced musical acts Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Dan + Shay, Post Malone, Shawn Mendes, Janelle Monáe, and Kacey Musgraves. Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys will be making her hosting debut with this year’s ceremony.
CBS and the Recording Academy confirmed Grammy winners Red Hot Chili Peppers will perform with Post Malone in what they describe as a “sure to be unforgettable Grammy moment.”
This year’s awards show will mark the first time Brandi Carlile will perform on stage at the annual celebration of the best in music. Carlile’s nominated this year for six awards – Record Of The Year (“The Joke”), Album Of The Year (By The Way, I Forgive You), Song Of The Year (“The Joke”), Best American Roots Performance (“The Joke”), Best American Roots Song (“The Joke”), and Best Americana Album (By The Way, I Forgive You).
Grammy Awards performer H.E.R. is nominated for Album Of The Year (H.E.R.), Best New Artist, Best R&B Performance (“Best Part”), Best R&B Song (“Focus”), and Best R&B Album (H.E.R.).
The 2019 Grammy Awards will be directed by Louis J. Horvitz. Horvitz is a Grammy Awards veteran who has also helmed People’s Choice, Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and Billboard Music Awards shows.
David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are writing the 61st Annual Grammy Awards with Ehrlich and Ben Winston executive producing. Chantel Sausedo is producing this year’s broadcast.
Sarah Dugdale stars in ‘Death of a Cheerleader’ (Photographer: David Dolsen / Lifetime)
A Friend to Die For was one of the quintessential TV movies, airing on NBC in 1994. Based on the true story of a high school cheerleading hopeful who murdered the star cheerleader, Lifetime is telling the story for 2019 audiences in their production of Death of a Cheerleader.
Aubrey Peeples (Nashville) stars as Bridget, the socially awkward teen who ends up murdering star cheerleader Kelly (Sarah Dugdale). A Friend to Die For star Kellie Martin even has a role as an FBI agent. Showbiz Junkies spoke with Peeples and Dudgdale in L.A. about the 2019 film.
Death of a Cheerleader premieres Saturday, February 2 at 8pm ET/PT on Lifetime.
Was learning cheerleading different for each of you, since Kelly had to be good at it and Bridget was not?
Sarah Dugdale: “We both kind of went into it blind, but we had an amazing choreographer. Morgan Tanner, he really gave us the confidence and let us shine. We were both a little nervous. We’ve never cheerleaded before. I grew up dancing so I feel like I was at a little more of an (advantage), but it’s definitely different. It’s very peppy, lots of strong arms.”
Aubrey Peeples: “Yeah, I did dance when I was younger but I was the bad kid in class, like the awkward one. And I didn’t continue like Sarah did so I was very nervous. But, yeah, Morgan was amazing.”
Sarah Dugdale: “I’m glad that we were in it together though. We survived it together.”
Like most teenagers, Bridget doesn’t understand how friends connect and she gets it wrong. Hopefully most people learn that as they mature, but did you understand how that social awkwardness could turn deadly?
Aubrey Peeples: “Yeah, it was really interesting studying the source material from all the reporting that came out in the ‘80s, there was such a lack of awareness about mental health and they were in such a small, affluent community. There was a lot of pressure on them and I think hopefully people can take away that we all experience insecurity and pressure, and hopefully going forward we can create more of an awareness for mental health and what might be going on underneath the surface so we can create a dialogue and try to prevent these things from happening or going to that extreme.”
Sarah Dugdale: “Yeah, I feel like we’re definitely moving in the right direction, having more of an open dialogue so you don’t have to suffer alone.”
What were your favorite pieces of ‘80s wardrobe?
Aubrey Peeples: “I got some good Levis out of it. I got to keep them.”
Sarah Dugdale: “Yeah, I guess for me, I have this – I took it home – it’s this really cool, brightly colored windbreaker.”
Aubrey Peeples: “Oh, it’s so good. I love it.”
Sarah Dugdale: “It’s so awesome. It’s vintage and I’m just obsessed with it. I wear a lot of black so it was a nice injection of color into my wardrobe. We’ll see if I’m confident enough to wear it, but one day.”
Did either of you grow up watching Lifetime movies and dream of being in them?
Sarah Dugdale: “I definitely have seen them on at my house. My mom will have them recorded.”
Aubrey Peeples: “Yeah, my mom loves them so I’ve seen them by proxy.”
Was it like my parents will be so proud of me?
Aubrey Peeples: “There’s definitely that element to it.”
Sarah Dugdale: “Definitely, yeah, but my mom is always scared whenever I’m in something where I’m harmed. I’ve done a few Lifetime movies so I’ve been kidnapped and now I’ve been stabbed. I’ve been burned to death. My mom is like, ‘When will it stop?'”
Does it also help bring attention to subjects that maybe Hollywood movies won’t tackle?
Aubrey Peeples: “Yeah, I would definitely agree with you.”
Sarah Dugdale: “I feel like there’s such a market for it. People are always looking for entertainment and an escape. I feel like true crime is such a big part of people’s lives now and everyone’s so interested in it.”
What was your relationship with the other girls?
Aubrey Peeples: “So we only had a couple days to work with the background cheerleaders. They were so wonderful and very helpful, especially to me because I’m not a dancer. But as far as the cast of women, we all are best friends now. We’re really close.”
Sarah Dugdale: “We got along so well and it’s kind of beautiful that something so tragic could bring together such wonderful woman.”
And the actors playing the parents?
Aubrey Peeples: “I loved the woman who played my mom. She was super awesome. I really appreciated her and great to work with.”
Sarah Dugdale: “Yeah, I totally agree. I felt very safe and felt like we had a good connection and it did feel very maternal like instantly with her.”
What are you doing next?
Sarah Dugdale: “I have a Hallmark mystery movie coming out called Mystery 101. And fingers crossed, they want to make it into a little bit of a limited series which would be cool. I got to play someone a bit older than myself and a detective for the first time. So solving crimes instead of being murdered, and that’s coming out January 27th. Then I have a Netflix feature coming out called In the Shadow of the Moon that Boyd Holbrook is starring in. I’m playing his daughter. That was an amazing experience. I got to film that in Toronto and Jim Mickle, the director, is such an incredible man so I’m very excited to see it.”
What’s it about?
Sarah Dugdale: “It’s like a mystery crime thriller and there’s time travel involved. I can’t say too much. I don’t want to give it away, but it’ll be exciting.”
Aubrey Peeples: “A little while ago I shot a film called Locating Silverlake with Josh Peck and Finn Wittrock. We recently got distribution so hopefully I’ll have more answers soon about where it might be coming out. And then I also recently wrote, directed, starred in and produced a short film and I’m waiting to hear back from festivals right now, so we’ll see.”
What is Locating Silverlake about?
Aubrey Peeples: “I don’t want to give too much away. My character kinda comes in after maybe the first 30 minutes and I don’t want to say what my character is too much because it would give away a big part of the plot, but it’s basically about Josh Peck’s character moving to L.A. to become a writer. He moves to an area right near Silverlake and sort of meets this crowd in Silverlake that is very strange and unusual and becomes friends with them. I don’t want to say anything else.”
What’s your short about?
Aubrey Peeples: “My short is just kind of spending 10 minutes with four teenagers sort of being aimless and hanging out. It’s very day in the life.”
Who are the four teenagers?
Aubrey Peeples: “One is myself and one is my friend Christina Scherer. My roommate Austin Abrams is in it and my friend Cooper Koch is in it.”
Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon and Sam Rockwell as Bob Fosse in ‘Fosse/Verdon’ (Photo by Pari Dukovic / FX)
FX has set an April 9, 2019 premiere date for the limited series Fosse/Verdon. The series’ eight episodes will air on Tuesdays at 10pm ET/PT, according to the announcement from FX.
Fosse/Verdon is led by Oscar winner Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) as Bob Fosse and four-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon. In addition to Williams and Rockwell, the cast includes Norbert Leo Butz as Paddy Chayefsky and Margaret Qualley as Ann Reinking. Recurring cast members include Aya Cash as Joan Simon, Nate Corddry as Neil Simon, Susan Misner as Joan McCracken, Bianca Marroquin as Chita Rivera, Kelli Barrett as Liza Minnelli, Evan Handler as Hal Prince, and Rick Holmes as Fred Weaver. Paul Reiser is Cy Feuer, Ethan Slater is Joel Grey, Bryon Jennings is George Abbott, and Laura Osnes plays Shirley Maclaine.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Joel Fields, Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, Sam Rockwell, Michelle Williams, and Erica Kay are executive producing. The first episode was written by Levenson and directed by Kail.
Andy Blankenbuehler and Susan Misner are the series’ choreographers. Nicole Fosse, the daughter of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, is co-executive producing and oversees the limited series on behalf of The Verdon Fosse Legacy. Composer/arranger Alex Lacamoire is the show’s Supervising Music Producer.
The Fosse/Verdon Plot:
“Based on Fosse, the biography written by Sam Wasson, Fosse/Verdon tells the story of the singular romantic and creative partnership between Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. He was a visionary filmmaker and one of theater’s most influential choreographers and directors. She was the greatest Broadway dancer of all time. Together, they changed the face of American entertainment – at a perilous cost. Featuring Fosse’s choreography, the series explores the hidden corners of show business, the price of pursuing greatness, and the suffering inflicted in the name of art.”
