‘Pandas’ Unveils a New Official Pandalicious Trailer

By

-

February 21, 2018

Take a break from the world, give yourself a moment to de-stress, and watch a new two-minute trailer for Pandas. The documentary adventure film is narrated by Kristen Bell (The Good Place, Frozen) and follows a baby panda as she learns how to take care of herself in the wild.

The filmmaking team behind Born to be Wild and Island of Lemurs: Madagascar – David Douglas and Drew Fellman – directed Pandas. Fellman wrote the documentary and produced the family friendly film. Douglas served as the director of photography. Douglas and Fellman reunited with their Born to be Wild and Island of Lemurs editor Beth Spiegel and composer Mark Mothersbaugh for the new peek into the world of wild creatures. Donald Kushner and Steve Ransohoff served as producers, with LiXiao Dong, David Haring, and Elie Samaha executive producing. Gus Koven handled the sound design.

“I am thrilled to team up with IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures to help tell this incredible story in the larger-than-life IMAX format,” stated Kristen Bell. “Pandas not only spotlights the important work being done to protect these beloved and ridiculously cute animals, but it provides us with inspiration and hope and showcases the great things we can achieve when we work together.”

“I am delighted to continue my longstanding partnership with IMAX and Warner Bros. on Pandas,” said producer/writer Drew Fellman. “Shooting with IMAX cameras helped us deliver a dazzling and intimate experience and we’re thrilled to have Kristen Bell onboard to guide this one-of-a-kind IMAX adventure.”

Pandas is an IMAX Entertainment production along with IMAX Documentary Films Capital, Jin Yi Culture Investment (HK), and Panda Productions. Warner Bros Pictures and IMAX are planning on releasing the film in theaters on April 6, 2018. The G-rated film will be play in IMAX and IMAX 3D theaters.

The Plot: At Chengdu Panda Base in China, scientists are taking the captive breeding program to the next level and preparing captive-born cubs for the wild. This film follows one such researcher whose passion leads her to initiate a new technique inspired by a black bear rehabilitator in rural New Hampshire. What starts as a cross-cultural collaboration becomes a life-changing journey for one special panda named Qian Qian.

The film, captured with IMAX® cameras, follows Qian Qian on an exciting new adventure into the mountains of Sichuan as she experiences nature for the first time and discovers her wild side.

Pandas Poster and Trailer — Poster for the IMAX documentary film, ‘Pandas.’

‘Consider Phlebas’ Series in the Works at Amazon Studios

By

Rebecca Murray

-

February 21, 2018

Amazon Studios has made a deal for the television rights to Consider Phlebas, the first novel in Scottish writer Iain M. Banks’ series on the utopian society, the Culture. Dennis Kelly (Utopia, Matilda) is attached to adapt the novel and the Estate of Iain Banks is involved as executive producer. Plan B Entertainment (World War Z, 12 Years a Slave) is on board to produce.

“The story of the Culture is so rich and captivating that for years Hollywood has been trying to bring this utopian society to life on the screen,” stated Sharon Tal Yguado, Head of Scripted Series at Amazon Studios. “We are honored that we have been chosen, along with Dennis Kelly and Plan B Entertainment, to make Consider Phlebas into a television series we think will be loved by fans for years to come.”

“Iain Banks has long been a hero of mine, and his innate warmth, humor and humanism shines through these novels,” added Dennis Kelly. “Far from being the dystopian nightmares that we are used to, Banks creates a kind of flawed paradise, a society truly worth fighting for—rather than a warning from the future, his books are a beckoning.”

“We revere the work of Iain Banks and continue to be moved by his inimitable spirit and his commitment to imagining a better future even in the darkest of times,” said Plan B. “Consider Phlebas, simultaneously explores the deepest questions concerning humanity and our future. We are so grateful to the Estate of Iain Banks for the opportunity to bring his work to life, and to Amazon for the scope of their ambition to building Iain’s prescient world.”

The Consider Phlebas Plot: A kinetic, action-packed adventure on a huge canvas, Consider Phlebas draws upon the extraordinary world and mythology Banks created in the Culture, in which a highly advanced and progressive society ends up at war with the Idirans, a deeply religious, warlike race intent on dominating the entire galaxy.

The story centers on Horza, a rogue agent tasked by the Idirans with the impossible mission of recovering a missing Culture ‘Mind,’ an artificial intelligence many thousands of times smarter than any human—something that could hold the key to wiping out the Culture altogether. What unfolds, with Banks’ trademark irreverent humor, ultimately asks the poignant question of how we can use technology to preserve our humanity, not surrender it.

‘Shadowhunters’ Season 3 Episode 1 Preview: On Infernal Ground Photos and Plot

By

Rebecca Murray

-

February 21, 2018

Freeform’s popular supernatural series Shadowhunters returns to kick off season three on Tuesday, March 20, 2018. The network’s just released the plot description for episode one, titled “On Infernal Ground,” along with photos from the season three premiere. Matthew Hastings directed season three episode one from a script by Jamie Gorenberg, Todd Slavkin, and Darren Swimmer.

The season three cast includes Katherine McNamara as Clary Fray, Dominic Sherwood as Jace Wayland, Alberto Rosende as Simon Lewis, Emeraude Toubia as Isabelle Lightwood, Matthew Daddario as Alec Lightwood, Isaiah Mustafa as Luke Garroway, and Harry Shum Jr. as Magnus Bane. Guest stars include Alisha Wainwright as Maia Roberts and David Castro as Raphael Santiago.

Shadowhunters is executive produced by Todd Slavkin, Darren Swimmer, McG, Matt Hastings, Mary Viola, Martin Moszkowicz, and Robert Kulzer.

The Plot: In the Season Three premiere of Shadowhunters, secrets abound as the Shadowhunters and Downworlders try to get back to normal after Valentine’s death. Clary struggles with keeping her secret about Raziel’s wish, while Alec pushes Jace to come clean about whatever Jace and Clary are hiding. Luke must use tough love to keep his secret hidden from Ollie who is on a war path for answers. And Magnus hides his true feelings about his new position in the Warlock community from Alec. Meanwhile, Lilith sets a plan in motion in New York City as Simon spends time in the Seelie Court.

Shadowhunters season 3 episode 1 preview — Emeraude Toubia, Katherine McNamara, Isaiah Mustafa, Dominic Sherwood, and Matthew Daddario in ‘Shadowhunters’ season 3 episode 1 (Photo by John Medland / Freeform)

Shadowhunters season 3 episode 1 — Anna Hopkins and Randal Edwards (Freeform/John Medland)

First Look: ‘Lost in Space’ Trailer, Photos and Premiere Date Announcement

By

Rebecca Murray

-

February 21, 2018

Danger, Will Robinson! Netflix just unveiled a teaser trailer for the new take on the classic sci-fi series, Lost in Space. The minute and a half teaser trailer shows the Robinson family heading into space followed by a brief warning the ship’s about to hit an object.

The cast of Lost in Space includes Toby Stephens (Black Sails) as John Robinson, Taylor Russell as Judy Robinson, Molly Parker as Maureen Robinson, Max Jenkins as Will Robinson, Mina Sundwall as Penny Robinson, Ignacio Serricchio as Don West, and Parker Posey as Dr. Smith. Lost in Space will premiere on April 13, 2018.

The Plot: Lost in Space is a Netflix Original dramatic and modern reimagining of the classic 1960’s science fiction series. Set 30 years in the future, colonization in space is now a reality, and the Robinson family is among those tested and selected to make a new life for themselves in a better world. But when the new colonists find themselves abruptly torn off course en route to their new home they must forge new alliances and work together to survive in a dangerous alien environment, light-years from their original destination.

Stranded along with the Robinsons are two outsiders who find themselves thrown together by circumstance and a mutual knack for deception. The unsettlingly charismatic Dr. Smith (Parker Posey) is a master manipulator with an inscrutable end game. And the roguish, but inadvertently charming Don West (Ignacio Serricchio) is a highly-skilled, blue collar contractor, who had no intention of joining the colony, let alone crash landing on a lost planet.

Lost in Space Preview — Toby Stephens and Max Jenkins in ‘Lost in Space.’ (Photo Courtesy of Netflix)

‘The Americans’ Season 6: New Trailers Arrive for the Final Season

By

Rebecca Murray

-

February 21, 2018

FX’s critically acclaimed, award-winning dramatic series The Americans is approaching its sixth and final season and in support of next month’s season premiere, the network has released new trailers. Along with releasing the newest trailer, “The End,” FX teased the die has been cast and only the Centre knows which of the characters will make it out alive.

The cast of season six is led by Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell. Noah Emmerich, Costa Ronin, Holly Taylor, and Keidrich Sellati co-star. The series is written by Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg and directed by Chris Long.

The Americans returns to FX’s primetime lineup on March 28, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT.

The Plot: The Americans is a period drama about the complex marriage of two KGB spies posing as Americans in suburban Washington D.C. during the Reagan administration. The arranged marriage of Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell) grows more passionate and genuine by the day, but as the pressures and demands of the job grow heavier, the personal toll becomes almost too exhausting to bear. Having revealed their true identities to their teenage daughter Paige (Holly Taylor), Philip and Elizabeth’s ability to protect their cover and their family’s safety deteriorates.

After a particularly fraught mission, Philip and Elizabeth decide to end their tour and take their family home to Russia. However, a game-changing development in one of their ongoing cases forces them to abandon those plans for the sake of the motherland. Now, Paige delves deeper into the family business, even as Philip takes a step back from it. The Jennings struggle to maintain a smokescreen of normalcy, especially around their son, Henry (Keidrich Sellati), who remains blissfully ignorant of the spies in his midst. Their neighbor and Philip’s best friend, FBI Agent Stan Beeman (Noah Emmerich), has also yet to discover their true identities. Although he’s transferred divisions, Stan remains their greatest threat since his friend and former partner, Agent Dennis Aderholt (Brandon J. Dirden), leads the force tasked with uncovering the Soviet Illegals hiding in plain sight.

With Gorbachev in power in the Soviet Union, the winds of change are sweeping through both Russia and America, creating new perils. A growing rift within the KGB draws disillusioned former officer Oleg Burov (Costa Ronin) back into the fray, and may set Philip and Elizabeth on opposing sides as the Cold War reaches its boiling point.

‘100 Code’ Debuts an Intense New Trailer

By

Rebecca Murray

-

February 20, 2018

WGN America’s just released a new trailer for the action thriller, 100 Code. The new crime drama comes from Academy Award winner Bobby Moresco (Crash) and stars Dominic Monaghan (the Lord of the Rings films, Lost) and the late Michael Nyqvist (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo).

In addition to Dominic Monaghan and Michael Nyqvist, the cast includes Felice Jankell, Charlotta Jonsson, Danilo Bejarano, Kristoffer Berglund, and Peter Eggers. 100 Code is made up of 12 episodes and is set to premiere on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT.

“100 Code is an exceptional television show that underscores our commitment to high quality original series,” stated Gavin Harvey, President, WGN America. “We are very excited to add this highly anticipated international thriller to our industry-leading lineup of scripted crime dramas.”

WGN America announced the series back in August 2017, confirming it’s part of the network’s “Prime Crime” group – series that are all described as crime-focused. Shoot the Messenger, Pure, and Bellevue are also part of the network’s “Prime Crime” lineup.

The Plot: 100 Code is a tense crime thriller, following the hunt for a serial killer who targets young, blonde and blue-eyed women, found dead in fields of flowers. Through a special arrangement with the NYPD, Detective Tommy Conley (Monaghan) is permitted to observe and advise the Stockholm PD, as he suspects a connection between a series of murders in New York and a death in Sweden.

Upon arrival in Stockholm, he is paired with Mikael Eklund (Nyqvist), a Swedish cop with an aversion to American culture. Both detectives despise each other, but the two are quickly forced to resolve their differences as the mysterious killings continue. With the vicious killer still at large, Conley and Eklund embark on a hunt that leads the duo down a path of no return.

100 Code New Trailer — Dominic Monaghan and Michael Nyqvist star in ‘100 Code’ (Photo Courtesy of WGN America)

‘SNL’ – Sterling K Brown, Bill Hader, Charles Barkley Host March Episodes

By

Rebecca Murray

-

February 20, 2018

NBC’s announced the lineup of hosts and musical guests for the upcoming March 2018 episodes of Saturday Night Live. Season 43 of SNL continues on March 3rd with NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley taking on hosting duties. The March 3rd episode will mark the former NBA superstar’s fourth time as host. Barkley’s currently TNT’s Inside the NBA studio analyst and also acts as a studio analyst during the Turner/CBS NCAA March Madness coverage.

Barkley will be joined on the March 3rd SNL episode by Grammy Award nominees Migos who’ll be making their debut on the SNL stage. Migos just released their Culture II album, debuting in the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart during its first week in release.

First-timer Sterling K. Brown will host the March 10th episode of Saturday Night Live. Brown won a Golden Globe and two Screen Actors Guild awards for his work in NBC’s compelling dramatic series, This Is Us. He also won Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category for This Is Us and in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie category for his performances as Christopher Darden in American Crime Story.

Brown’s currently in theaters playing N’Jobu in Marvel Studios’ Black Panther. He recently wrapped up work on Hotel Artemis with Jodie Foster and on writer/director Shane Black’s The Predator.

The March 10th episode will also mark the first time three-time Grammy nominee James Bay will be the variety show’s musical guest. Bay just released his new single, “Wild Love,” on February 8th.

SNL season 43 tapped Will Ferrell to host the January 27, 2018 episode, bringing back the popular alum for what turned out to be one of the highest rated episodes of the season. (Ferrell appeared in every skit including taking part in the “Weekend Update” segment.) The network’s dipping back into the alumni pool, signing up Bill Hader to host the March 17th episode. The March 17th episode will be Hader’s second time as the show’s host.

Hader’s keeping busy with the upcoming HBO comedy series, Barry. Hader created the series and serves as executive producer, director, and the series’ main star. Barry is set to premiere on March 25th.

Joining Bill Hader on the March 17th episode will be Arcade Fire. The group was the show’s musical guest on three previous occasions.

‘Jessica Jones’ Offers a Look Back at Season 1 and a Brief Glimpse at Season 2

By

Rebecca Murray

-

February 20, 2018

Netflix describes the new franchise trailer for Marvel’s Jessica Jones as flashbacks from the first season and an exploration of her path to season two. The new trailer has Jessica Jones (played by Krysten Ritter) kicking butt in her take-no-prisoners way of handling things while recalling what happened in her past to make her into the woman she is today.

In addition to the new trailer, Netflix has released new photos from the show’s second season. Season two is set to premiere on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2018.

Season two stars Krysten Ritter, Rachael Taylor as Trish Walker, Carrie-Anne Moss as Jeri Hogarth, Eka Darville as Malcolm Ducasse, Janet McTeer, and J.R. Ramirez. Marvel’s Jessica Jones has executive producer Melissa Rosenberg (Dexter, the Twilight films) on board as showrunner. Raelle Tucker (True Blood), Jim Chory (Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel’s Luke Cage, Marvel’s Iron Fist) and Marvel’s Head of Television Jeph Loeb also serve as executive producers.

The Marvel’s Jessica Jones Season 2 Plot: New York City private investigator Jessica Jones (Ritter) is beginning to put her life back together after taking down her tormenter, Kilgrave. Now known throughout the city as a super-powered killer, a new case makes her reluctantly confront who she really is while digging deeper into her past to explore the reasons why.

A Look Back at the Season 1 Plot: Jessica Jones is a suspenseful, edgy look into the life of Jessica Jones, one of the most popular new Marvel characters of the last decade, as she faces demons from within and without.

After a tragic ending to her short-lived Super Hero stint, Jessica Jones is rebuilding her personal life and career as a detective who gets pulled into cases in New York City.

Jessica Jones Season 2 Poster — Poster for ‘Marvel’s Jessica Jones’ season 2.

Jessica Jones Season 2 Preview — Krysten Ritter in ‘Marvel’s Jessica Jones’ season 2 (Photo Courtesy of Netflix)

‘Santa Clarita Diet’ Season 2 Gets a March Premiere Date

By

Rebecca Murray

-

February 20, 2018

Santa Clarita Diet Season 2 — Liv Hewson, Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant in ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ Season 2 (Photo Courtesy of Netflix)

Just days after unveiling a batch of photos from the upcoming season, Netflix has announced Santa Clarita Diet season two will premiere on Friday, March 23, 2018. The announcement was accompanied by a meme featuring the series’ stars Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant as Sheila and Joel Hammond doing their best to act like a normal suburban couple.

In addition to Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, the season two cast includes Liv Hewson as Abby and Skyler Gisondo as Eric. The second season guest stars include Joel McHale and Maggie Lawson as Chris and Christa, married realtors in Santa Clarita and a more successful, more aggressive version of Sheila and Joel. Gerald McRaney plays Ed Thune, a retired army colonel who Joel finds very intimidating. And Zachary Knighton is featured as Paul, the chill descendant of Serbian ancestors who has been tasked with pursuing the truth of the undead, no matter who or what stands in his way.

The Santa Clarita Diet Season 2 Plot: In Santa Clarita Diet, Joel (Timothy Olyphant) and Sheila (Drew Barrymore) are husband and wife realtors leading vaguely discontented lives in the L.A. suburb of Santa Clarita with their teenaged daughter Abby (Liv Hewson), until Sheila goes through a dramatic change sending their lives down a road of death and destruction…but in a good way.

Picking up right where we left off, season two of Santa Clarita Diet finds the Hammonds trying to adapt to Sheila’s now-advanced undead state — even though she’s desperately working to hold on to her suburban lifestyle and not be defined as just another monster. Unfortunately — while the family has become markedly better at murder — the number of missing people in Santa Clarita is starting to pile up and it’s no longer going unnoticed.

Meanwhile, the Hammonds are chasing the source of the virus so they can stop it from spreading and save humanity — which seems important. Through it all, Sheila and Joel are grounded by their unconditional love for one another. Sure, being undead — or loving someone who is — isn’t always easy, but don’t all relationships have their challenges?

‘Riverdale’ Season 2 Episode 14 Preview: The Hills Have Eyes Photos and Plot

By

Rebecca Murray

-

February 20, 2018

After taking a one month break, The CW’s Riverdale returns with season two episode 14. The new episode is set to air on March 7, 2018 and is titled “The Hills Have Eyes.” David Katzenberg directed and Ross Maxwell wrote what appears to be another very twisted and dark episode. Katzenberg previously directed season one’s eighth episode, “The Outsiders.”

The season two cast includes KJ Apa as Archie Andrews, Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper, Camila Mendes as Veronica Lodge, Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones, Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom, Marisol Nichols as Hermione Lodge, Mӓdchen Amick as Alice Cooper, Luke Perry as Fred Andrews, Casey Cott as Kevin Keller, Ashleigh Murray as Josie McCoy, Mark Consuelos as Hiram Lodge, and Skeet Ulrich as FP Jones.

The “Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Hills Have Eyes” Plot: A WEEKEND ESCAPE AT THE LAKE HOUSE – When Hiram (Mark Consuelos) suggests that Veronica (Camila Mendes) and Archie (KJ Apa) head up to their lake house for the weekend, Veronica decides to invite Betty (Lili Reinhart) and Jughead (Cole Sprouse) to join them. Determined to uncover Hiram’s plans for Riverdale, Jughead uses his time at the lake house to press Veronica about what she may know. Back in Riverdale, Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) makes a surprising connection with an unlikely friend, while Josie (Ashleigh Murray) lands in hot water after revealing a secret to Kevin (Casey Cott).

More on Riverdale Season 2:
– KJ Apa and Cole Sprouse Interview
– Camila Mendes and Lili Reinhart Interview
– Madelaine Petsch and Ashleigh Murray Interview
– Casey Cott and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa Interview