20th Century Fox will be working with the Jane Goodall Institute to help save chimpanzees in support of the upcoming release of War for the Planet of the Apes. A new video featuring clips from recent Planet of the Apes films accompanied by narration by Jane Goodall debuted to announce the partnership between the studio and the non-profit agency. According to Fox, the partnership will help 150 chimpanzees housed at the Institute’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in Republic of Congo.
“I think that the Planet of the Apes series makes people think about the apes and perhaps our relationship to them,” stated Dr. Jane Goodall. “And anything that makes us think about our own humanity in relation to the rest of the animal kingdom is important. So I think the series has helped.”
“It is an honor and a privilege to partner with the Jane Goodall Institute in providing needed care for our closest living animal relatives,” said War for the Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves. “Over the course of filming Caesar’s cinematic journey, it’s fascinated me to learn so much about apes and chimpanzees, these amazing sentient animals who organize, strategize and even socialize in much the same way as humans. Our hope is this reimagined Apes franchise will spark a fresh awareness, compassion and respect for these majestic species for generations to come.”
The Jane Goodall Institute is recognizing the important partnership by naming the Tchindzoulou Island housing facility after Planet of the Apes‘ lead chimpanzee star, Caesar (played by Andy Serkis).
“One of the main threats to great apes is hunting and wildlife trafficking. Many of the chimpanzees rescued by JGI were orphaned to be taken as pets or for ‘roadside attractions,’” said Dr. Carlos Drews, the Institute’s executive director. “While use of great apes in entertainment may be diminishing in some regions, it is increasing in others. Not only is there no need to use chimpanzees and other great apes in entertainment, but it is a moral imperative to find alternatives. With films like War for the Planet of the Apes using effective and magnificent human actor performance capture and computer generated imagery, it demonstrates to the world a better way forward for chimps and all animals.”
War for the Planet of the Apes stars Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Amiah Miller, Karin Konoval, Judy Greer, and Terry Notary. Fox will launch the new Apes movie in theaters on July 14, 2017.
The Plot: In War for the Planet of the Apes, the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.
Tom Cruise stars in Universal Pictures’ American Made, an upcoming thriller based on a true story. Universal’s just released the first trailer and poster from the dramatic movie directed by Doug Liman from a script by Gary Spinelli (Stash House). In addition to Tom Cruise, the American Made cast includes Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright, E. Roger Mitchell, Jesse Plemons, Lola Kirke, Alejandro Edda, Benito Martinez, Caleb Landry Jones, and Jayma Mays. Universal’s targeting a September 29, 2017 theatrical release date.
Brian Grazer, Brian Oliver, Tyler Thompson, Doug Davison, and Kim Roth produced the Universal Pictures film, with Ray Angelic executive producing.
The Plot: In Universal Pictures’ American Made, Tom Cruise reunites with his Edge of Tomorrow director, Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Mr. and Mrs. Smith), in this international escapade based on the outrageous (and real) exploits of a hustler and pilot unexpectedly recruited by the CIA to run one of the biggest covert operations in U.S. history.
Eve Copeland (Alyssa Sutherland) will stop at nothing to protect her daughter from the mist and anyone who stands in her way in ‘The Mist’ (Photo Credit: Spike)
Spike’s unveiled another lengthy trailer for the upcoming horror series, The Mist. Based on a story by Stephen King, The Mist is set to premiere on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT. The series stars Morgan Spector (Person of Interest), Alyssa Sutherland (Vikings), Gus Birney, Danica Curcic, Okezie Morro, Dan Butler, Darren Pettie, Isiah Whitlock, Jr, Russell Posner, Luke Cosgrove, and Frances Conroy (American Horror Story).
Spike’s new series is produced by TWC-Dimension Television and is written/executive produced by Christian Torpe.
The Plot: The story centers around a small town family that is torn apart by a brutal crime. As they deal with the fallout an eerie mist rolls in, suddenly cutting them off from the rest of the world, and in some cases, each other. Family, friends and adversaries become strange bedfellows, battling the mysterious mist and its threats, fighting to maintain morality and sanity as the rules of society break down.
Kate Mara stars in ‘Megan Leavey’ (Photo Credit: Jacob Yakob / Bleecker Street)
Bleecker Street’s released a new clip from Megan Leavey based on a true story and directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite (Blackfish). The just-released clip features Bradley Whitford’s character talking to his daughter, played by Kate Mara, and encouraging her not to give up. The cast of the PG-13 drama also includes Ramón Rodríguez, Tom Felton, Will Patton, Sam Keeley, Common, and Edie Falco.
Megan Leavey opens in theaters on June 9, 2017.
The Plot:Megan Leavey is based on the true life story of a young marine corporal (Mara) whose unique discipline and bond with her military combat dog saved many lives during their deployment in Iraq. When she is assigned to clean up the K9 unit after a disciplinary hearing, Leavey identifies with a particularly aggressive dog, Rex, and is given the chance to train him. Over the course of their service, Megan and Rex completed more than 100 missions until an IED explosion injures them, putting their fate in jeopardy.
Christina Ochoa as Grace in ‘Blood Drive’ (Photo by: Syfy)
Syfy’s set to premiere the new horror series Blood Drive on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT. The summer series is styled after classic grindhouse movies, and the tagline asserts it will offer “the maximum amount of carnage allowed on cable television. Contains violence, profanity and graphic milkening.” Leading the cast of Syfy’s new 2017 summer offering are Alan Ritchson (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), Christina Ochoa (Animal Kingdom), Colin Cunningham (Falling Skies), Thomas Dominique (Undercover), and Marama Corlett (The Devil’s Double). Blood Drive was created by James Roland with John Hlavin, David Straiton, and Frederik Malmberg executive producing.
With the series just about to make its debut, here’s the scoop on what viewers can expect when they check out Blood Drive‘s first season:
The Blood Drive Plot – Los Angeles 1999 – The Future: where water is a scarce as oil, and climate change keeps the temperature at a cool 115 in the shade. It’s a place where crime is so rampant that only the worst violence is punished, and where Arthur Bailey — the city’s last good cop — runs afoul of the dirtiest and meanest underground car rally in the world, Blood Drive. The master of ceremonies is a vaudevillian nightmare, The drivers are homicidal deviants, and the cars run on human blood. Buckle Up, Lube Up and prepare for everything you know about Cable Television to Blow up!
Character Descriptions, Courtesy of Syfy:
With good looks, a can-do attitude and actual morals, Arthur Bailey (Alan Ritchson) might be the last good officer on a corrupt L.A police force. In a city whose currency is bribery and brutality, Arthur sticks out like a virgin in a whorehouse. When he’s thrown into the Blood Drive and forced to partner with Grace – who will kill (literally) to win – Arthur will need to embrace the brutal, warrior lurking deep inside. And hopefully he’ll get Grace to stop calling him Ken doll.
Beauty AND beast. Grace (Christina Ochoa) could be sucking a lollipop and looking sweet as cherry-pie one moment and feeding you into her blood engine the next. Driven to save her sister, Grace enters the Blood Drive for the big cash prize that will change both their lives. But after grinding up bad men for a few months, her once sweet heart is now buried in the chest of a stone-cold killer.
The twisted vaudevillian ringleader and frontman for the Blood Drive, Julian Slink (Colin Cunningham) is an enema of mischief and sin. Like any good showman, Slink lives for the spotlight, and he would do anything for the sake of entertainment, especially if it means killing off the competition. He also loves a good show-tune.
With Arthur as his partner, Christopher “Chris” (Thomas Dominique) was able to avoid the underbelly of the L.A. police force. But when his partner gets pulled into the Blood Drive, Christopher’s investigation into Arthur’s whereabouts will lead him on the most deranged, bat-sh*t crazy case of his life. Will one of L.A.’s last upstanding cops finally turn to the dark side?
Aki (Marama Corlett) is a model of pleasure and pain. As a synthetic creation of Heart Industries, she has learned to murder with calm, binary efficiency. Don’t look upon Aki with moral judgement, though – she’s not bad. She’s just programmed that way.
Thomas Dominique as Christopher (Photo by David Bloomer/Syfy)Alan Ritchson as Arthur (Photo by Syfy)Christina Ochoa as Grace (Photo by Syfy)Colin Cunningham as Slink (Photo by David Bloomer/Syfy)
Pablo Schreiber and Emily Browning in ‘American Gods’ episode 6 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Starz’ sixth episode of American Gods season one begins with a prayer being said as Hispanic men, women, and children prepare to illegally cross into the United States at night. They’re warned the river’s current is strong and they proceed with caution. As they emerge from the river, the first to make the crossing thanks the Lord for guiding them to safety. However, one man who isn’t a strong swimmer lags behind and begins to sink. A stranger pulls him up and once onshore, the group of immigrants watch as this stranger walks on water to join them on the sand. They believe he’s Jesus Christ, however before they can react men in trucks with shotguns arrive and begin firing into the crowd.
Many of the immigrants are shot by a man whose shotgun is engraved with the words “Thy Kingdom Come.” Jesus holds out his hand asking for the killers to stop firing, and he’s shot through his palms. Another bullet pierces his heart and he falls to the ground on his back with his arms splayed out to his sides. As the camera pulls back, a crown of thorns appears on his head and his position resembles Christ on the Cross.
Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) and Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane) have escaped the police station and are walking down the middle of the road. Shadow demands to know how someone floated into the interrogation room and why they massacred the cops at the station. Plus, Shadow would like to know why Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree stabbed him. Mr. Wednesday asks what he believed he saw and then explains in truth it was a sacrifice to the New Gods. They then engage in a discussion about what came first, gods or people who believed in them. Mr. Wednesday won’t explain who he is because he thinks Shadow wouldn’t believe him.
Shadow seizes this opportunity to confess he saw Laura in his motel room and that she’s back from the dead. They return to the motel but Laura’s no longer there. Mr. Wednesday suggests they leave and wonders if maybe Laura was just a ghost. Crows watch from the motel’s sign as Mr. Wednesday and Shadow debate their next course of action. Shadow continues to swear Laura was solid and she kissed him, and Mr. Wednesday advises him the dead don’t usually return without a purpose.
As Mr. Wednesday pulls out of the motel parking lot with Shadow in the passenger seat, he notices Laura (Emily Browning) chasing the car. He cranks up the radio so Shadow doesn’t hear her call out for them to stop.
Laura storms into the motel lobby because she can’t find her car. The clerk tells her the cops towed the dead woman’s car and she asks why the police aren’t still at the motel investigating the crime scene. Before the clerk can answer, Mad Sweeney (Pablo Schreiber) arrives and matter-of-factly reveals the cops are dead.
Laura asks Mad Sweeney for a ride and in exchange she breaks the handcuffs that are still in place behind his back. He steals a taxi while Laura moans and complains about his choice of getaway vehicle. He keeps calling her “dead wife” and explains he’ll only be able to get his coin back from her if she’s resurrected, like his friend Jesus. If she doesn’t want to turn into soup, she’ll do as he says. When he sarcastically suggests she put that on her scales and weigh it, Laura desperately wants to know what exactly he is. He admits he’s a leprechaun but any further explanation is halted by the appearance of the taxi driver who has a gun and demands Mad Sweeney stop trying to steal his cab. The driver is Salim (Omid Abtahi) who’s had the cab since his encounter with a Jinn.
Salim asks if Mad Sweeney’s seen the Jinn, and Mad Sweeney says he’ll take him to the Jinn if Salim drives them to Kentucky. Mad Sweeney knows where there’s a murder of gods, demi and otherwise, and he’ll tell Salim their location as soon as they’re in Kentucky.
Mr. Wednesday and Shadow discuss Laura while on the road, with Mr. Wednesday claiming he knows a charm that can remove grief. Shadow asks Mr. Wednesday if he knows a charm that can stop bleeding and only then does Mr. Wednesday notice the horrible wound in Shadow’s stomach made by the tree branch. Something inside the wound moves and Shadow freaks out. They step outside the car and up to the headlights so Mr. Wednesday can see what’s going on. Mr. Wednesday cradles Shadow from behind as he places his left hand directly on the wound. Shadow screams and Mr. Wednesday removes the pain as he works on removing the living branch from inside of Shadow.
Salim drives and talks about what scares him, but Laura barely pays attention. Mad Sweeney, however, is getting annoyed. From the backseat he says, “I’m scared you’re never going to shut the flapping hole of yours. I’m sitting back here having a f*cking anxiety attack because I am genuinely terrified that you are never going to shut the f*ck up.”
After his mini-rant, Mad Sweeney looks at the taxi driver’s ID that’s on display, and Salim confesses he never met the real driver of the cap. He also explains he’s not sure his name is even Salim anymore after encountering the Jinn.
Laura gets a bit nostalgic for all the things she’ll never do anymore and when she lights up, Salim tells her either she or the cigarette smell dead. She confirms she’s dead and this is her afterlife. Salim reveals he prays he finds the Jinn because they “knew” each other, the Jinn’s his afterlife, and he wants to know more about him.
When Mad Sweeney settles back in his seat to sleep, Laura pulls on the steering wheel, urging Salim to alter their destination and head toward Indiana.
In Vulcan, Virginia, factory worker Richard Miller clocks in to start his day at work. He’s in a happy mood; we know this from his huge smile and from the song “Come On, Get Happy” playing as we’re introduced to this new character. He waves at his co-workers and even gives a high five to one man as he passes him by. Richard’s happy day comes to a quick and grisly end when he falls from a scaffolding into a boiling vat. The Vulcan plant makes bullets, and in fact, their bullets were used to shoot the illegal immigrants and Jesus at the beginning of the episode.
Ricky Whittle and Ian McShane in ‘American Gods’ episode 6 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Mr. Wednesday and Shadow drive into Vulcan, cruising down the surprisingly empty main street with its American flags hanging off every lamppost. Mr. Wednesday explains this place is dedicated to its own America as they drive past well-armed citizens in uniforms with Vulcan armbands. Mr. Wednesday says, “People will defend the warm, safe feeling their America gives them. They will defend it with bullets.”
They drive toward what looks like a parade but is actually a funeral (or a “celebration of sacrifice.”) Apparently, a couple of times a year an employee falls into the volcano (the vat) and the citizens gather to honor that person’s sacrifice.
After the crowd salutes Richard Miller by firing their guns into the sky, Vulcan (the town’s leader, not the town itself) dismisses them. The bullets rain down but come nowhere near hitting either Mr. Wednesday or Vulcan (Corbin Bernsen). They do, however, ding up Mr. Wednesday’s car.
Mr. Wednesday’s stopped in this town to recruit Vulcan for the upcoming war.
Laura and Salim arrive at Jack’s Crocodile Bar, and Mad Sweeney finally wakes up and realizes they’re not in Kentucky. They order drinks and Mad Sweeney makes fun of Laura’s rotting smell and her deathly pallor. When she reveals her heart beat one time when she kissed Shadow, Mad Sweeney makes her realize she must have tasted like cigarettes and vomit. For good measure, he adds that Shadow would have known for sure that she was dead after that kiss and that Shadow’s now Mr. Wednesday’s man, not hers. He’s moved on and so should she, says Mad Sweeney.
Night falls and Shadow walks up to a tree and a noose pops down. Shadow wants to get going, but Vulcan – God of the Fire and the Forge – and Mr. Wednesday see no need to leave so soon.
Inside Vulcan’s home, they discuss sacrifices while Shadow looks out the window at the hanging tree. Vulcan talks about how he’s franchised his faith. “You are what you worship. God of the Volcano – those who worship hold the volcano in the palm of their hand,” says Vulcan, while holding a gun. “It’s filled with prayers in my name. The power of fire is fire power, not god but god-like. They believe. It fills their spirits every time they pull the trigger.”
Mr. Wednesday asks Vulcan to come with him to Wisconsin, and Vulcan’s actually surprisingly anxious to accompany him on his journey. Before they leave, Mr. Wednesday needs Vulcan to forge him a blade and Vulcan promises him one worthy of a god.
Shadow seems distracted and admits he’s thinking about Laura. Mr. Wednesday asks him to close his eyes and passes his hand in front of Shadow’s face, telling him to look for Laura. A light glows inside Shadow’s closed lid as he pictures Laura in Indiana outside of her mother’s house. No one can see her as she watches from the window. Mr. Wednesday asks if Shadow can let her fade away and Shadow doesn’t reply.
Laura returns to the cab and tells Salim to drive. They head off with Mad Sweeney still in the backseat.
Once more back to Virginia we go as Vulcan forges a sword for Mr. Wednesday. It’s gorgeous and has engravings on the handle, but Mr. Wednesday is more concerned about Vulcan’s desire for blood sacrifices than the blade. He’s figured out Vulcan has sold them out and that he’s not going with them to Wisconsin.
Vulcan’s been told it’s best to appear neutral and not fight the New Gods who he claims have put power back in his hands by giving him a gun. Whenever anyone fires a gun, it’s a prayer in his name. Vulcan adds that he doesn’t need his religion to be moral, and Mr. Wednesday says religions need martyrs. He takes Vulcan by surprise, saying, “You pledged allegiance to me and forged a blade and they killed you for it,” and then quickly slices Vulcan’s head off with his new blade. He kicks Vulcan into the fiery pit as Shadow is nearly sick to his stomach.
Mr. Wednesday whips out his penis and pisses on the vat, proclaiming he’s cursing “the whole f*cking thing.”
Meanwhile, the traveling threesome of Laura, Mad Sweeney, and Salim take a break from driving so that Salim can pray on the side of the road. Laura lights up again and flies are drawn to her as she watches Salim. Mad Sweeney heads back into the car as Salim and Laura agree life is great.
Jodie Comer (Queen Elizabeth) and Jacob Collins-Levy (King Henry VII) in ‘The White Princess’ episode 8 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Starz’s The White Princess wraps up its first season much too soon with episode eight titled ‘Old Curses.’ The season one finale begins with Lizzie (Jodie Comer) dreaming she’s walking the palace hallways, stepping into flowing blood as she approaches King Richard (Patrick Gibson) on the throne. Next to him are the mounted heads of her sons and King Henry. She falls to her knees and screams. Lizzie’s jarred awake by the dream, confirming it was just a nightmare by looking at her clean feet.
Lady Margaret (Michelle Fairley) checks on Prince Richard whose imprisonment has not stripped him of his determination to be King. He stares at Lady Margaret defiantly as she looks in on him through the locked door.
Maggie (Rebecca Benson) and Lady Catherine (Amy Manson) make their way on foot to the Duchess of Burgundy’s safe house, and the Duchess (Joanne Whalley) immediately instructs Catherine to write to Scotland’s King James for help. Catherine begs her to find her baby but after she’s sent out of the room, one of the Duchess’ men says what everyone is thinking. The baby is dead and Richard will soon be, too. Maggie disagrees, certain Lizzie will save Richard because she believes he is her brother. Maggie thinks they need to strike the castle now, and the Duchess is proud Maggie has spoken up.
Back at the castle, Lizzie enters King Henry’s council chamber as they’re discussing killing Richard and Teddy in order for Spain to grant the marriage between Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon. Lizzie confirms she was already told this by Spain’s Queen, and she confesses she set the fire in King Henry’s closet.
King Henry (Jacob Collins-Levy) commands the room be cleared as he wants to speak to Lizzie alone. Lizzie explains she wanted Richard to escape so Henry couldn’t kill him. She reveals details of her mother’s curse and that if Richard is killed, their son will die. Henry understands this means Richard is in fact Lizzie’s brother, and she cries as she tells him to think about their sons. She wants Henry to find another way, but Henry doesn’t think there is one.
Henry charges out of the room, leaving Lizzie without an answer.
Outside, a slightly more controlled Lizzie watches her sons practice archery. She informs Sir Richard Pole (Andrew Whipp) that the boys can do whatever they want today as long as they’re kept busy. When Maggie joins them, Lizzie asks where she was earlier in the morning. Maggie lies and says she went for a walk, claiming she was sickened by the fire and needed fresh air. When Lizzie asks after Catherine Gordon, Maggie says she hasn’t seen her.
The Spanish ambassador asks Lizzie if she understood his Queen’s instructions, and Lizzie claims she’s taking care of the matter.
King Henry looks in on Prince Richard and then commands his guards move him in with Teddy, the Earl of Warwick.
Bishop Morton informs Lizzie Scotland is readying their army for battle.
Lizzie travels to Newgate Prison and selects a prisoner who looks like Prince Richard. She instructs the guard to tutor the man and he agrees.
Tension is increasing at the palace as the King’s advisors resent Lady Margaret’s influence. He should be preparing for the upcoming war, but instead he’s called for his mother. She finds him deep in prayer and questions his motivation for moving Richard in with Teddy. She thinks that will send out the message that he believes Richard is not an imposter. Henry explains there’s a symmetry to it, saying, “Two York boys with a claim in the one room. The boy is who he says he is.”
Lady Margaret reacts by blaming the fact he’s not dead on King Richard being careless when he didn’t actually kill Prince Richard. She tells Henry to finish the job King Richard started, but Henry admits he thinks she’s the one who killed the boys in the Tower. When he asks point-blank, Lady Margaret replies, “There are things that are necessary for the greater good, things that must be done.”
Her confession absolves Henry of his responsibility, and Lady Margaret says they’ll move forward on this issue together. However, Henry then explains there’s a curse on the killer of Lizzie’s brothers. Lady Margaret isn’t concerned when Henry says the male heirs of the killer will sicken and die. However, Henry believes Dowager Queen Elizabeth was able to use the craft and suddenly he grabs his mother by her neck, forcing her against the wall and holding her feet off the ground. Furious, he tells Lady Margaret she has damned his sons, that she put the mark of death on them. “You are a butcher of innocents! You are a killer of children!” He finally lets her neck go and calls her a monster.
Henry drags her out of the room and tosses her roughly in front of his men gathered in the hallway. “She does not come near me! She does not speak to me; she does not speak for me. Nobody listens to her!” Henry roars, warning them he’ll take their heads if they defy him.
Maggie pays a visit to the Tower, giving her brother a supply basket while quietly assuring Richard the Duchess is close by. She also tells him an army is gathering and he will take the throne. Richard asks Teddy what he wants when they’re freed and he’s King, and Teddy simply wants a friendly dog which causes Maggie and Richard to share a laugh. However, when Richard looks at Teddy and away from Maggie, his look changes to more calculating than happy.
Lizzie rushes to be with King Henry and he confesses King Richard was innocent and it was his mother who killed her brothers. He wants to know how the curse works and if it will affect both boys. Henry understands one boy will die but wants to know which one. Lizzie, looking alarmed, says she doesn’t know which boy. King Henry has come to understand the rightful King was murdered by his mother and his life is now just a series of lies. “My beautiful boys are damned,” says Henry, nearly overcome with emotion.
In response to Henry’s revelation, Lizzie takes her husband to Newgate Prison and shows him the prisoner she selected. The prisoner was already sentenced to death, but he’s made a deal for a quick death and money for his wife. In exchange, he will say he is Perkin Werbeck and will confess to impersonating Prince Richard. Lizzie’s plan involves this man confessing in public followed quickly by a hanging. That will rid them of Prince Richard, break the rebellion’s back, and negate the curse. Her brother can remain alive but nameless in the Tower.
Henry refuses to go along with Lizzie’s plan, even when she warns him the York lords are bringing war. He tells her he loves her, calling her the “grace of his life,” but then he adds he doesn’t deserve her. He just wants her to be safe and tells her to go speak to her brother in the Tower.
Lizzie and Richard have a talk in the Tower and Richard tells his sister she looks like their mother. Lizzie admits she didn’t always like their ambitious mother and would like to be able to ask her if it was worth her maneuverings. Richard declares he and Teddy will walk free and what’s wrong will be set right. He assures her he will not harm her children and she would be held in high esteem as the King’s sister. As for Henry, Richard’s aware he will fight to the death because he’s a soldier. But, there would be peace if he ruled. Of course, that means she would be widowed and her children fatherless.
Michelle Fairley (Lady Margaret Beaufort) and Jacob Collins-Levy (King Henry VII) in ‘The White Princess’ episode 8 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Elsewhere in the castle, Lady Margaret begs Henry to grant her an audience. He ignores her while he’s seated on the floor surrounded by papers and maps. Retreating inward, he remembers the battlefield, the killing of King Richard III, and the burial of his naked body.
Maggie continues to work against King Henry, delivering news from inside the castle to the Duchess of Burgundy and her supporters. She explains King Henry has isolated himself, leaving his men to plan for war. Catherine arrives with a letter from King James informing the Duchess that 2,000 men are waiting to join them. The Duchess’ men cheer while Maggie says she must get back before she’s missed. After she leaves, it’s evident the Duchess counts Maggie’s husband among the men who will have to die because of their loyalty to King Henry.
Lady Margaret rushes up to Lizzie who’s walking outside the castle. She wants Lizzie to tell King Henry there is no such thing as a curse. Lizzie responds by asking her how she can live with herself after murdering children, including Catherine and Richard’s baby boy. “How do you sleep? How are you not bowed down with shame? How do you not howl with the grief of what you have done?” asks Lizzie.
Lady Margaret accuses Lizzie of getting close to the King to steal the throne back for her family. As Lizzie walks away, Lady Margaret tells her if she’s not shocked at what she would do for her children, then she is not a “woman worthy of the name.”
That evening, Lizzie visits her sons in their bedroom. She assures Arthur no harm will come to him or his brother.
King Henry finally confesses to Lizzie how her uncle, King Richard, died. Henry reveals Richard was repeatedly beaten but he wouldn’t die. He was still breathing when the men “violated his body” again, and Henry encouraged his men to continue. Richard was still alive when he was rolled into a pit and covered with dirt. Lizzie listens to this confession with tears glistening in her eyes. Henry admits he thought about how a man rises in the morning a King and ruler, but then it changes in just the span of a day. “By nightfall, he is an obscenity of flesh and splintered bone choking on the mud that stuffs his mouth. Is this what happens to a King?” asks Henry.
Lizzie doesn’t break eye contact during this, but she is devastated yet strong.
Henry recalls he forgot about Richard after he was crowned the new King. He honestly thought God wanted him to rule, but now he realizes that is not true. Lizzie reminds him the current peace was hard-won, and she tells him her brother assured her her children would be safe if he’s King. Henry actually trusts Richard, but Lizzie’s concerned the Tudor lords will wage war. Lizzie says he needs to declare he killed Richard/Perkin/The Boy, but Henry continues to argue he’s a King in name only because it was not rightfully his crown. Lizzie passionately insists God has nothing to do with it, that the crown is taken by blood and murder. “The King’s divinity is a tale men tell. It is taken by force and held by force, so take the right, Henry. Take it!” urges Lizzie.
A large, rowdy crowd is gathered around scaffolding. A noose hangs empty as in the castle Maggie can’t grasp how Lizzie could allow King Henry to hang her brother. She wants to rush outside to be with Richard, but her husband forbids her, saying she would be identified as a sympathizer. Sir Richard asks her if she’s been taking messages to the Duchess, and Maggie admits it’s true. She wants her brother back and will do what it takes. If Richard lives, Teddy won’t be the heir to the throne and can just be her brother. Sir Richard asks her to promise him she won’t go and won’t carry letters, but she doesn’t reply.
Lady Margaret is in the crowd as Richard is brought up on the scaffolding to be executed. The Duchess of Burgundy’s supporters are also in the audience, ready to take action. As “Richard” speaks, the Duchess realizes he’s not Richard and tells her men to fall back.
A hood is put over the fake Richard’s head and he hangs by the neck as townspeople pull at his legs and cheer.
At a feast that evening, the Spanish ambassador acknowledges that Henry’s taken care of Richard.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Burgundy gives Maggie a letter and tells her to find a way to deliver it to the Spanish ambassador. As she enters the ballroom, Lady Margaret demands to know where she’s been. Sir Richard Pole also asks Maggie what she’s up to. She excuses herself to greet the Spanish ambassador and hands him the note from the Duchess.
Lizzie briefly exchanges nods with the man who has been following Maggie. She exits the ballroom to discuss what he’s found. He informs her the Duchess and the York lords are being helped from inside the palace. Their conversation is interrupted by the Spanish ambassador who confronts her over the hanging of a fake Richard. He’s angry and tells her she must do as the Spanish Queen demanded or there will not be a wedding. She has one night to follow instructions.
In bed, Lizzie tells Henry she’s certain Richard will kill him along with their sons. Henry reminds her Richard promised the boys will live, but Lizzie doesn’t believe he’ll stick to that. Henry is equally certain if they kill Richard, both of their sons will die. Lizzie then suggests her mother thought the craft was just luck or good timing. Lizzie’s not sure about that, but she is positive men with swords will kill their children. She knows her aunt, the Duchess, won’t end this campaign until a York is seated on the throne. That means all Tudors with a claim will have to be killed.
The Duchess of Burgundy’s safe house is raided by King Henry’s men.
Maggie is caught attempting to meet with the Duchess and thrown into a cell.
Lizzie continues to explain to Henry they must kill both Richard and Teddy to take away the Yorks’ power.
The following morning, Teddy is taken from his cell and sees Lizzie, giving her a hug. He thinks he can go home now, but Bishop Morton wants to know what he and Richard talked about in the Tower. Teddy replies that Richard told him he could have as many dogs as he wanted, when he’s asked about plotting to overthrow King Henry. Teddy’s asked to write his name and he complies willingly, signing a blank sheet of paper.
A confession is written out on the paper following Teddy’s signing, and it details the plot against King Henry. Lizzie tells the Bishop to lock the confession away.
Teddy, Richard, and Maggie hear a bell continuously ringing, and then soldiers arrive with the Bishop to take Teddy and Richard away. Maggie doesn’t know what’s happening while outside both Teddy and Richard are marched to the executioner’s block. Teddy cries and begins to panic when Richard tries to get him to kneel. Richard holds Teddy’s hand as Teddy’s head’s placed on the block. Richard continues to talk to him up until the blade slices Teddy’s head from his body.
Richard kisses Teddy’s limp hand.
Lizzie is in attendance but isn’t looking at Richard, so he asks if she closed her eyes while Teddy was killed. Richard makes note there is only one coffin and there is no one in attendance other than a few guards. Richard demands Lizzie keep her eyes open and watch as the executioner’s blade takes off his head. “You know what you do, so witness it,” commands Richard. Lizzie obeys, and cries out when Richard’s decapitated.
Maggie is taken from her cell and Lizzie delivers the news Teddy was executed for treason. The Duchess of Burgundy has left to return home, and Cathy Gordon will remain in the palace as a permanent part of Lizzie’s household. Lizzie also acknowledges Prince Richard is no longer a problem.
Because Sir Richard begged for her life, Lizzie and King Henry will be kind to Maggie. Maggie reminds her of the curse, but Lizzie quotes Lady Margaret and acts unaffected by the possibility of the curse coming true. After Lizzie leaves, Maggie wails over the death of her beloved younger brother.
Henry kneels before Lizzie as the crown’s placed on his head. She says, “And now we will rule, King Henry.” He tells her she will always be by his side. Together they enter the throne room and Lizzie instructs her husband to greet his mother because they are now all one. He does as Lizzie says and then speaks to Thomas Wolsey, thanking him for his help in quelling the insurrection. He appoints Wolsey Prince Arthur’s tutor.
King Henry and Queen Elizabeth, surrounded by their court which once again includes Lady Margaret, greet the ambassadors from Spain. Those in attendance applaud the alliance between Prince Arthur and Princess Catherine of Aragon. Lady Margaret whispers to Lizzie that this is a triumphant day and that they understand each other. Lizzie, staring out at Maggie from her throne, quietly demands Lady Margaret step back from her throne.
The first Wonder Woman standalone feature film posted a spectacular opening weekend, ringing up $223 million worldwide and setting new box office records. Warner Bros. Pictures’ Wonder Woman starring Gal Gadot earned rave reviews from critics (Rotten Tomatoes has it at 93% fresh) and audiences alike, with CinemaScore reporting ticket buyers have awarded it an average score of “A.” The PG-13 action adventure film’s box office take reflects the film’s positive word-of-mouth over its first weekend, with Wonder Woman snagging the title of the highest June opening for a superhero movie. According to Warner Bros, Wonder Woman is now the highest earning female-lead superhero movie and the biggest June release in history for a Warner Bros feature film.
Directed by Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman grossed $100.5 million domestically which moved it into 1st place among films from female directors, pushing Fifty Shades of Grey into second. In addition to Gadot in the title role, the cast includes Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Connie Nielsen, Elena Anaya, Ewen Bremner, Lucy Davis, Lisa Loven Kongsli, Said Taghmaoui, and Eugene Brave Rock.
“We’re incredibly proud of Wonder Woman and thrilled that it has resonated with critics and moviegoers everywhere. This is a film that’s perfect for our time; hopeful and inspiring, as well as a hugely entertaining adventure—it transcends the genre. Patty Jenkins and her exceptional cast and crew—led by the incomparable Gal Gadot—delivered a Wonder Woman that is true to the aspirational hero. We congratulate everyone involved in bringing it to the screen on this tremendous success,” stated Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
A scene from ‘Room 104’ (Photo by Jordan Althaus / HBO)
HBO’s just released the official teaser trailer for Room 104, a new series created by Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass (Animals, Togetherness). The network’s set a July 28, 2017 at 11:30pm ET/PT premiere date for the series which is executive produced by the Duplass brothers and Xan Aranda, and produced by Sydney Fleischmann.
Season one consists of 12 episodes and features an ensemble cast that includes Hugo Armstrong, Davie-Blue, Melonie Diaz, Jay Duplass, Veronica Falcon, Adam Foster, Ellen Geer, Keir Gilchrist, and Philip Baker Hall. Sarah Hay, Poorna Jagannathan, Orlando Jones, Ethan & Gavin Kent, Amy Landecker, Konstantin Lavysh, Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris, Keta Meggett, Natalie Morgan, Ross Partridge, Karan Soni, Dendrie Taylor, Tony Todd, Will Tranfo, James Van Der Beek, and Mae Whitman also star.
Room 104‘s season one writers include Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, Xan Aranda, Ross Partridge, Dayna Hanson, and Carson Mell. Patrick Brice, Marta Cunningham, Doug Emmett, Megan Griffiths, Dayna Hanson, Chad Hartigan, Ross Partridge, Sarah Adina Smith, and So Yong Kim directed episodes of the first season.
The Plot: Set in a single room of an average American motel, Room 104 is a half-hour anthology series that tells a different story of the assorted characters who pass through it in each episode.
Paul Dano at the New York premiere of ‘Into the Woods’ ( (Photo by Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Showtime just announced they’re moving forward on the limited series Escape at Dannemora with Ben Stiller directing and executive producing. Brett Johnson (Mad Men) and Michael Tolkin (Ray Donovan) are writing the eight episode limited series as well as executive producing along with Bryan Zuriff, Michael De Luca, and Nicky Weinstock. Oscar winner Benicio del Toro (Traffic), Oscar winner Patricia Arquette (Boyhood), and Paul Dano (Love & Mercy) are on board to star.
Filming is expected to begin later this year in New York.
“We are all very intent on trying to tell this singular story in a way that shows the reality and humanity of the people involved,” said Stiller. “While the genre is a prison escape story, at its core it is a story about real people, some criminals and some not, who make some bad choices that have huge consequences. I think that’s what’s so compelling about this.”
“I’m very excited about Escape at Dannemora and about working with Ben, Benicio, Michael, Brett and Showtime on this fascinating and dark American love story rooted in real and self-deceptive incarceration,” said Arquette.
The Plot: In 2008, Richard Matt received a 25-years-to-life sentence at Clinton Correctional Facility without possibility of parole for the 1997 murder and dismemberment of his boss, William Rickerson. After that killing, Matt fled to Mexico, where he killed a man outside a bar and served nine years in jail before being extradited to the U.S. in 2007. In prison, he met Sweat, who was sentenced to life without parole in 2003 for the murder of a sheriff’s deputy. In June 2015, abetted by Mitchell and corrections officer Gene Palmer, the pair became the first escapees in the 170-year history of Clinton Correctional, the state of New York’s third-oldest prison and largest maximum security facility. They were at large for 20 days, until Matt was killed in a confrontation after being spotted by law enforcement, 50 miles from Clinton and less than 20 miles south of Canada. Two days later, Sweat was wounded and then apprehended, less than two miles from the Canadian border.
Mitchell and Sweat pled guilty to multiple charges related to the prison break. Mitchell received a sentence of 28 months to seven years in prison, serving her sentence at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women in Westchester County, New York, approximately 300 miles from Clinton. Sweat was officially sentenced to an additional 3½ to 7 years. In June 2016, a report from the Office of the Inspector General in New York declared that a total of 20 uniformed and civilian employees enabled the escape in some fashion.
Del Toro will play convicted murderer Richard Matt, an artistic yet intimidating force within the prison, who masterminds the escape. Arquette will play Tilly Mitchell, a working class, married woman who supervises the prison tailor shop and becomes sexually involved with both convicts, inducing her to assist them with their escape. Dano will play David Sweat, a convicted cop-killer who uses his good looks to seduce Tilly and becomes a reluctant partner in Richard Matt’s plot.
