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‘Five to Survive’: Ricky Gervais Sets Up a Game Show at ABC

By
Rebecca Murray
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Ricky Gervais
Ricky Gervais (Photographer: Rich Hardcastle)

Ricky Gervais will be starring and executive producing Five to Survive which has just been given a series order by ABC. The Banijay Studios North America production is a one-hour game show featuring Gervais and kids, with a host still to be announced. Commenting on his involvement in the game show, Gervais said, “I’ve never understood the saying ‘never work with animals or children.’ As a producer and director, I prefer either to Hollywood actors. They’re cheaper, they do as they’re told, and the filming hours are better.”


“When Ricky presented his idea for Five to Survive, we immediately knew this was a project that needed to land here at ABC,” stated Robert Mills, senior vice president, Alternative Series, Specials, & Late Night Programming, ABC Entertainment. “It has spirit, it’s fun and it will have the unforgettable comedic moniker that is Ricky Gervais.”

Banijay Group president and CEO David Goldberg added, “At its core, Five to Survive is a high-stakes Q&A game show with the unpredictable twist of contestants putting their earning potential in the hands of children. You never know what’s going to come out of a kid’s mouth, and with Ricky Gervais, one of the funniest comedians in the world wrangling and asking the questions, it’s certain to be a rollercoaster ride. This should be the type of show that appeals to audiences all over the world.”

The Plot: The one-hour game show will feature priceless interactions between funnyman Ricky Gervais and kids who will assist grown-up contestants with answering questions for a chance to win a large cash prize. Five to Survive is an original studio-based game show that features one adult contestant who must answer 10 questions correctly to earn the top prize. If they answer incorrectly, the contestant has a chance to be saved by a group of five kids who have been asked the same question.





           

‘The Crown’ Behind the Scenes Video with Claire Foy and Matt Smith

By
Rebecca Murray
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The Crown stars Claire Foy and Matt Smith
Matt Smith and Claire Foy star in ‘The Crown.’ (Photo by Alex Bailey/Netflix)

Netflix’s new behind the scenes video from The Crown features series creator Peter Morgan and Claire Foy (‘Queen Elizabeth II’) discussing the series and the Queen. Director Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours) and actors Matt Smith (‘Prince Philip’), John Lithgow (‘Winston Churchill’), and Vanessa Kirby (‘Princess Margaret’) also talk about the true events that inspired The Crown, the costumes, and the scope of the production. Victoria Hamilton, Jared Harris, and Dame Eileen Atkins co-star in the Netflix original series set to debut on November 4, 2016.


The Plot: The Crown focuses on Queen Elizabeth II as a 25-year-old newlywed faced with the daunting prospect of leading the world’s most famous monarchy while forging a relationship with legendary Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. The British Empire is in decline, the political world is in disarray, and a young woman takes the throne….a new era is dawning. Peter Morgan’s masterfully researched scripts reveal the Queen’s private journey behind the public facade with daring frankness. Prepare to be welcomed into the coveted world of power and privilege and behind locked doors in Westminster and Buckingham Palace….the leaders of an empire await.

The Crown reunites acclaimed writer Peter Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon) with director Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours) and producer Andy Harries (The Queen). Based on the award-winning play, The Audience, The Crown tells the inside story of Queen Elizabeth II’s early reign, revealing the personal intrigues, romances, and political rivalries behind the great events that shaped the second half of the 20th Century.

Watch The Crown featurette:





Ruth Connell Interview: ‘Supernatural’ Season 12, the Fans, and Rowena

By
Rebecca Murray
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Supernatural Cast Photo Season 12
Ruth Connell, Mark Sheppard, Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, and Samantha Smith from ‘Supernatural’ at Comic Con 2016 (Photo © Richard Chavez / Showbiz Junkies)

The CW’s Supernatural returns for its 12th season on October 13, 2016 with Sam and Dean’s mom back from the dead and Rick Springfield playing Lucifer. The series has a passionate fan base and Ruth Connell (‘Rowena’) loves being part of the show, her character, and getting the opportunity to interact with fans. At the San Diego Comic Con, Connell joined Supernatural‘s Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Mark Sheppard, Misha Collins, and Samantha Smith to talk about being on the long-running series and what we can expect from the upcoming 12th season. During our roundtable interview, Connell discussed Rowena, fan encounters, and Rowena as a grandmother.

Ruth Connell Interview:

What’s Rowena’s next move?

Ruth Connell: “I hoped that the end of last season had affected her in some way and when I got the first script I see that it has. That’s really nice. There’s a change, a different flavor, a different objective that will change throughout the season. I know what I’d like to happen. But, you know, it’s fun. We pick her up with a different mindset and I think it’s kind of fun. I hope you enjoy it.”

When you were originally cast did you have any idea it was going to be such an extensive role?

Ruth Connell: “I got booked for an episode and then for two. After I shot the first couple a few more popped in. I think Jeremy (Carver) said last year at Comic Con, at the panel, that the biggest surprise to him was how much that relationship developed between Crowley and Rowena and how much they enjoyed it. I’m like, ‘Thank goodness! I have a job because of that.’ I love doing it so much. They’ve killed me so I’ve come back – maybe I’m okay for a couple more episodes. I’m so proud I’m the longest running woman on the show. I can’t believe that. I’m so grateful for it. It’s the best thing that’s happened to me.”

What do you love the most about playing Rowena?

Ruth Connell: “I love her unapologetic-ness. I love that, and that she can go toe-to-toe with anyone which I don’t feel I can, but as Rowena you’re given permission. That’s a lot of fun to play.”

With Gavin back in the picture, how do you think Rowena will feel about being a grandmother?

Ruth Connell: “Well, that’s it. I don’t think she’s ready for the granny look. We’ll see. Usually Rowena’s first thought is how can I use this to my advantage? He’s a nice boy and I like Theo (Devaney) so it’ll be fun to play. Maybe he’ll change Rowena. Maybe he’ll change her. Maybe it’s easier to be a loving grandmother than it is to be a put-upon mom.”

How does it feel to be one of the few powerful female characters to stick around?

Ruth Connell: “It feels amazing. It feels like if there is any supernatural magic, this is my bit of it – to be involved with this. Because with this show it’s not just turn up and do a job; it’s the people that you meet and then the convention circuit – the whole thing. It’s completely taken over my life and changed my life, 100%. It’s amazing. I love it so much.”

Have you had any really weird fan encounters?

Ruth Connell: “I had one scary one, just one. There was a knife involved at a photo op, but that was just somebody who was just a little bit… It was just a misguided choice. I thought, ‘Oh my god, am I going to be Monica Seles?’ It was a Monica Seles moment. But it’s like 99.9% love and I’ve tried to embrace the fandom because I’m so grateful for the fandom. I enjoy it and I’ve learned a thing or two. I try and copy Misha (Collins).”

Watch the full Ruth Connell interview:





‘Designated Survivor’ Season 1 Episode 4 Recap and Review: The Enemy

By
Kevin Finnerty
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Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 4 star Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland stars in ‘Designated Survivor’ (Photo by Ben Mark Holzberg / ABC)

“I never thought I would be in the position to decide who lives and who dies,” says Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) to his wife as he realizes he may have to order a military strike that’s certain to kill a U.S. agent in ABC’s new political thriller series, Designated Survivor.

It’s a busy day at the White House with President Kirkman getting the news that Michigan’s governor is at it again, abusing Muslim citizens in his state, and once again ignoring the President. Emily Rhodes (Italia Ricci) volunteers to travel to Michigan to try to reason with the governor. Kirkman is hesitant but agrees and tells her to be careful. Aaron Shore (Adan Canto) does as well when he learns about her going, calling her three times just to wish her luck and to remind her it could be dangerous there. (Okay, so the real question is how long before these two get together?!) As soon as Emily’s plane lands, however, Governor John Royce (Michael Gaston) meets her with a handful of cops and tells her she has no business being there. He holds a press conference and calls President Kirkman a fraud. He also says the current government in place is illegitimate.

Meanwhile, Kimble Hookstraten (Virginia Madsen) wants to know from the President when he intends to act on the tape that was leaked last week. Kirkman assures her that his people are all over trying to locate the terrorist leader’s whereabouts. Later, Kimble – who is not pleased on how the new President is handling the leaking of the tape – pulls Aaron aside and lets him know that she’s wise to him being the one leaking the tape. Kimble also tells Aaron that he has “hitched his wagon to a footnote” and makes it rather obvious she’s interested in stealing him away, but Aaron just excuses himself and goes back to work.

The First Lady (Natascha McElhone) is having problems of her own with a former client set to be deported soon, and it seems that there are no real legal strings she can pull to keep her in the country. Alex approaches her husband, but instead of dragging him into it, she actually helps him with his problems in Michigan, reminding him he has the authority to activate the National Guard to get the Michigan situation under control. Deciding it’s a good idea and within his power, Kirkman does it. It doesn’t work because the military officer in charge tells Emily when they arrive they are backing the governor. Emily reaches out to Kirkman and tells him to let her try to convince the governor that POTUS will have a one-on-one with him in D.C. At first, Kirkman is hesitant but finally gives Emily the go-ahead.

President Kirkman’s new press secretary is awful at his job and doesn’t know how to handle the tough, hard-hitting questions. He literally runs away from the podium, with Seth Wright (Kal Penn) going after him and trying to calm him down as well as give him a pep talk. In his next appearance, the new press secretary, Carter, seems to be doing okay, but it’s not long before he’s stammering and admits to the press that President Kirkman wants to remove Governor Royce from office. Once again, he hightails it out of there and Seth quickly steps up and handles the hungry for details press smoothly. This intrigues Aaron who offers Seth the job of press secretary. When Seth pushes as to why he, Aaron admits that A) he did a great job and knows how to handle the press and B) Having his face as the press secretary – meaning his heritage – is good PR for the White House. Seth understandably turns it down.

In the situation room, General Cochrane (Kevin McNally) is ready to send the bombers in to get Al-Siqar and keeps insisting that they only have so much time to do so. Kirkman seems to be warming up to the idea of striking, but then he learns that an undercover American agent would most likely be killed during the attack. The General says that the agent knew the risks when he went in, but Kirkman wants to try to find another alternative to the strike, not wanting to lose another American life.

Agent Wells finally gets a chance to interview Congressman MacLeish (Lara Jean Chorostecki) about the inconsistent videos showing him disappear less than 30 seconds from when the bomb went off. His wife supplies him with an alibi, saying she lost one of their children and was frantically looking for her and called her husband in a panic to tell him. He took the call and left his seat, which was responsible for saving his life. Feeling guilty about suspecting the Congressman of being part of the attack and still mourning the loss of her lover, Wells asks to be reassigned to another case. Her boss tells her to sleep on it and to let him know in the morning.

On the plane ride to D.C., Governor Royce and Emily get into a deep conversation about oppressing people based on their religion and ethnic background. It becomes very clear there is no way the governor is going to back down on how to run his state.

When the plane lands, Kirkman is there to meet it. He tells the Governor he’s under arrest for treason, and the governor is taken away by the police. Emily is upset, not knowing what Kirkman had planned and believing he used her. Kirkman tells Emily that he’s very proud of her for all her hard work in this situation and that sometimes doing what’s right doesn’t always mean it’s going to feel good.

Back in the situation room, Kirkman discovers that the General is moving ahead with the plan to strike without the President’s okay. After arguing about the need to strike and some dumb metaphor about snakes in your kitchen, Kirkman – finally fed up with the General’s insubordination – once again acts like the Commander in Chief and says, “General, you are fired.” (About time, Mr. President!)

Alex approaches Kimble to see what she can do to stop her client from being deported. At first, Kimble isn’t going to help but decides to tell Alex that she’ll owe her one and she’ll expect her support when she needs it.

Kirkman somehow finds time to go talk to Seth and tells him he’s disappointed that he turned down the job of press secretary. “That job offer came from me,” says the President. Seth looks surprised, and Kirkman goes on to say that Aaron made it about playing politics but that Kirkman just wanted someone who could do the job and that he could trust. He asks Seth to reconsider, and Seth tells the President it would be an honor.

At her home, Agent Wells is still grieving the loss of her lover when she gets a call. She answers the phone, and a voice on the other end says, “Find Room 105 if you want to find out about MacLeish.”

Back in the situation room, President Kirkman promotes Admiral Chernow (Mykelti Williamson) to General in charge of the military and orders him to gear up for an attack on Algeria, saying, “General, prepare for war.”

Review of Designated Survivor Episode 4:

Fast-paced, intense, and cluttered with too many storylines, episode four titled “The Enemy” sees Kirkman growing stronger and being more direct as the new Commander in Chief while everyone around him still seems to be trying to position themselves better and stronger politically. Once again, the stand-out performance goes to Kiefer Sutherland for showing in this episode a strong, determined, and no-nonsense President Kirkman who’s not above having a governor arrested and firing a general to show them, and the country, who is in command. He also had those wonderful quieter moments with his wife and Seth, showing his very human and personal side. This just might be the best role of Sutherland’s career.

With the country about to go to war and a deepening mystery about MacLeish, the next few episodes should be jam-packed with surprises. Can’t wait.

GRADE: B




‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Trailer #2 – More Action, More Characters

By
Rebecca Murray
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Felicity Jones and Diego Luna Rogue One
Felicity Jones and Diego Luna star in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.’

The final trailer’s arrived for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story featuring Felicity Jones as Jyn Erso, the leader of a small group of rebels. The cast also includes Diego Luna as Captain Cassian Andor, Ben Mendelsohn as Orson Krennic, Donnie Yen as Chirrut Imwe, Mads Mikkelsen as Galen Erso, Alan Tudyk as K-2SO, Riz Ahmed as Bodhi Rook, and Forest Whitaker as Saw Gerrera. Directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla), the new Star Wars film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur, and Simon Emanuel. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in theaters on December 16, 2016.


The Plot: From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

Watch the Rogue One final trailer:





First Photo: ‘Meg’ Begins Shooting with Jason Statham and Li Bingbing

By
Rebecca Murray
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Jason Statham and Li Bingbing star in Meg
Jason Statham and Li Bingbing star in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Gravity Pictures’ ‘Meg’ (Photo by Daniel Smith)

Shooting is officially underway on Warner Bros Pictures’ Meg, the sci-fi thriller starring Jason Statham (Spy) and Li Bingbing (Transformers: Age of Extinction). The Meg cast also includes Winston Chao, Cliff Curtis (Fear the Walking Dead), Rainn Wilson (The Office), Ruby Rose (Orange is the New Black), Page Kennedy (Rush Hour), Jessica McNamee (Sirens), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (The Missing), Robert Taylor (Longmire), Sophia Shuya Cai (Somewhere Only We Know), and Masi Oka (Hawaii Five-0).

National Treasure‘s Jon Turteltaub is directing and Dean Georgaris, Jon Hoeber, and Erich Hoeber adapted Steve Alten’s bestselling book for the screen. Wayne Wei Jiang, Randy Greenberg, Barrie M. Osborne, and Gerald R. Molen are executive producing.

Filming will take place in New Zealand and on location in China. Meg is scheduled to open in theaters on March 2, 2018.

The Plot: A deep-sea submersible—part of an international undersea observation program—has been attacked by a massive creature, previously thought to be extinct, and now lies disabled at the bottom of the deepest trench in the Pacific…with its crew trapped inside. With time running out, expert deep sea rescue diver Jonas Taylor (Statham) is recruited by a visionary Chinese oceanographer (Chao), against the wishes of his daughter Suyin (Bingbing), to save the crew—and the ocean itself—from this unstoppable threat: a pre-historic 75-foot-long shark known as the Megalodon. What no one could have imagined is that, years before, Taylor had encountered this same terrifying creature. Now, teamed with Suyin, he must confront his fears and risk his own life to save everyone trapped below…bringing him face to face once more with the greatest and largest predator of all time.




‘American Horror Story’ Season 6 Episode 5 Recap: Chapter 5

By
Rebecca Murray
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American Horror Story Season 6 Episode 5

FX’s American Horror Story season six episode five is one of the most disturbing episodes of the entire series. Airing on October 12, 2016 and titled ‘Chapter 5,’ the fifth episode finally revealed Evan Peters’ character who, it turns out, was the original owner of the house. Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin kicks off the episode by saying there aren’t many homes with a history as interesting as that of the Big Shaker Mansion on Sappony Road built in 1792.

Next comes a reenactment of an auction in which the mansion’s owner, Edward Philippe Mott (Evan Peters…it’s about time!), buys the whole lot. He takes the collection back to the mansion which is still being built and will include an underground tunnel system so that the artwork can be smuggled out if anything should happen. Even back in the 1790s there were creepy happenings in and around the house.

Edward left his family behind and moved to North Carolina with his lover, a slave named Guinness. But even though he gave up his wife and kids to be with Guinness, he confessed to loving his artwork more than he loved his partner.

Just two days into owning this North Carolina mansion, Edward’s awakened by loud noises and finds his paintings have been destroyed. He thinks one of the people working for him did it, but they swear there were strangers hanging out in the woods. He locks his employees in the cellar, naked, telling them they have to confess in order to be released. He looks up and sees the blood moon above the trees.

Later that same night, Edward’s attacked in bed and brought outside to stand before The Butcher and her people. They shove a large stake through his chest and then hold him over a fire, as you would a marshmallow. When the authorities find him dead, they charge Guinness with murder. The house ultimately passed down through generations of Motts before being sold in 1952. Goodwin says no one ever stayed there for long and she would never spend a night there, especially not when there’s a blood moon.

And now we’re ready to catch up with Flashback Matt (Andre Holland) in the process of calling 911 to report a mob outside his home. Matt (Cuba Gooding Jr) and Shelby (Sarah Paulson) watch the mob gathered outside, standing by a fire and calling for their blood. The blood moon hangs in the sky over the scene, and because they didn’t leave when asked they will now have to die. Matt wants Shelby to take Flora and leave in the truck and not stop for anything. Before they can leave, a terrifying creature makes Shelby drop Flora. Outside, the mob lights the truck on fire. Matt and Shelby finally find Flora but the Pig Man appears as do some of the people with missing parts of their heads.

Matt, Shelby, and Flora are herded toward the cellar and seem to be trapped until dead Edward tells them he can help. They’re afraid but really don’t have any other choice. He shows them the tunnel under the house.

Current Shelby (Lily Rabe) explains Edward told them he was the original owner and they didn’t have time to question him.

Flashback Shelby and Matt follow Edward into the tunnels and learn that he was killed by The Butcher. They walk a mile in the dark, smelly underground and emerge in the woods. Edward leaves them there, saying he can’t take them any further.

Current Shelby says in the forest they were “nothing more than prey.”

Flashback Shelby, Flora, and Matt are barely out of the tunnel when they’re attacked and taken to the farmhouse where they found the feral boys. The hillbilly Polk family are there, as is a badly injured Elias (Denis O’Hare). The Polks found him full of holes and their mom has been keeping him alive. He’s missing body parts and crying, “Momma took my leg!” begging Matt to kill him. Just then Momma Polk (Frances Conroy) appears and offers Matt, Shelby, and Flora some jerky (Elias warns them not to eat it). None of them do, and Momma Polk is insulted. She tastes the jerky herself and throws down the tray, upset that it’s spoiled. Because Elias is “spoiled meat,” there’s no reason to keep him around and Momma Polk has one of her boys smash his head in.

Momma Polk doesn’t like Shelby and Matt because they bought the house, and they readily agree to give it to her and tell her she can move in tomorrow. Momma Polk says she wants to keep it empty because her kin made a deal with The Butcher years ago and her family is not bothered by her because of it. The Butcher needs fresh blood once a year and Momma Polk and her boys help supply the people who will be sacrificed.

Matt and Shelby beg to be let go but the Polks are going to take them back to The Butcher.

Current Shelby says the only place worse than being with the Polks was being at their own house.


Current Lee (Adina Porter) recalls being questioned over and over again by the cops who were holding her after Shelby turned her in.

Flashback Lee (Angela Bassett) repeats the same story to the sheriff in the interrogation room. She demands to be charged or let go, knowing they only have 48 hours to do something with her.

Current Lee says sticking to the truth got her released because they weren’t able to trip her up. Outside the station she turned on her phone and found out Matt and Shelby had found Flora.

The Polks take Flashback Matt, Shelby, and Flora back to their house but Matt is able to grab the gun from one of the Polks and escape from the back of the pickup truck before they reach the house.

Current Matt says he thought they would be safer in the woods than facing The Butcher.

Flashback Matt, Shelby, and Flora are spotted by one of the Polks after Matt’s phone buzzes. Lee figures out something’s wrong because Matt ignored her call and asks the sheriff who was just interrogating her to take her back to her house.

Caught by the Polks once again, Momma Polk screams at them for killing her son. She can’t kill them but she cripples Shelby so she can’t run. Once again in the back of the truck, Shelby’s only concerned that Matt saves Flora.

Current Matt says he actually gave up and just tried to be there with Shelby. He thought they would both die as soon as the truck stopped. Shelby cries thinking about all the things she wanted to do with her life, including becoming a mother.

Flashback Matt, Flora, and Shelby are taken to The Butcher and her people. The Butcher says Flora is going first and poor Flora screams bloody murder.

Current Shelby calls what happened next inhumane.

Flashback Lee and the sheriff pull up and see The Butcher’s group with their torches in front of the house ready to kill Matt, Flora, and Shelby. Lee tells him to call for backup but instead he literally backs up and flees the scene, leaving Lee alone to try to save her family. The Butcher announces the land belongs to the colony and just then her son takes action. He pulls his mother into the fire as Edward sets Shelby and Matt free. The Pig Man is just about to kill Flora when Lee runs him over with a car. The Butcher emerges from the fire completely immersed in flames as Lee speeds away with her family.

Current Matt says he still can’t explain everything that they saw. Shelby says those months were a terrifying nightmare and she’s grateful she’ll never have to go back.

Flashback Matt, Shelby, and Flora check into a super cheap motel, not having any money left to their names. But, at least they’re alive and together. Shelby, on crutches, is heading to the shower after Matt finishes his up and as she opens the door, The Butcher slices her head open with a cleaver.

Current Shelby says to this day she still has that particular nightmare. Nothing has helped, not even therapy. She’s not sure she’ll ever heal.

And that’s apparently the end of Shelby and Matt’s ‘Roanoke Nightmare’. The teaser shows the subtitle’s been changed to just ‘Roanoke’ and it appears Cheyenne Jackson will have an important role in episode six.




‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ New Poster with a Lurking Darth Vader

By
Rebecca Murray
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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Poster

Director Gareth Edwards unveiled the new Rogue One: A Star Wars Story poster which features all the new key Star Wars players plus one very familiar face lurking in the background. The poster arrives one day before what will be the release of the final trailer for the Star Wars standalone film starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, Jiang Wen, and Forest Whitaker. The upcoming Star Wars movie is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur, and Simon Emanuel, and executive produced by John Knoll and Jason McGatlin.


Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will open in theaters on December 16, 2016.

The Plot: From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.




‘Lethal Weapon’ Gets a Full Season One Order

By
Rebecca Murray
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Lethal Weapon Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans
Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans in ‘Lethal Weapon’ (Photo by Darren Michaels © 2016 Fox Broadcasting Co)

There’s now one less new series to worry about as Fox has confirmed Lethal Weapon will stick around for a full first season. The network’s ordered five additional episodes for the show’s first season, upping the number of one-hour episodes to 18. Season one is currently airing on Wednesday nights at 8pm ET/PT and stars Clayne Crawford, Damon Wayans, Dante Brown, Kevin Rahm, Jordana Brewster, Keesha Sharp, Chandler Kinney, and Jonathan Fernandez.


“Lethal Weapon delivers an explosive and wildly entertaining core relationship between two cops, with dynamic performances by Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford, surrounded by cinematic action, endearing humor and true heart,” said David Madden, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “Matt Miller, McG, Dan Lin and Jennifer Gwartz have done a tremendous job on this show, which has proven to be a self-starter and solid companion for EMPIRE. We are thrilled to add these episodes to Lethal Weapon’s first season.”

According to Fox, Lethal Weapon pulled in the network’s highest fall premiere ratings of the past two years. Its premiere was watched by 12.4 million viewers and the show’s been averaging 11.5 million viewers, making it the #3 new dramatic series of the 2016-2017 season. The series is executive produced by Matt Miller, Dan Lin, Jennifer Gwartz, and McG.

The Plot: Combining action and drama with ride-or-die friendship and humor, Lethal Weapon reimagines the hit movie franchise, as it follows classic cop duo Riggs (Crawford) and Murtaugh (Wayans), who work a crime-ridden beat in modern-day Los Angeles. Grief-stricken after the loss of his young wife and unborn child, ex-Navy SEAL-turned-detective Martin Riggs moves to California to “start over” at the LAPD. He’s paired up with Roger Murtaugh, who’s just coming back to the job after a near-fatal heart attack. Riggs’ penchant for diving headfirst into the line of fire immediately clashes with Murtaugh’s prudent, by-the-book technique. One has everything to live for, the other has nothing to lose.




Game of Thrones’ Rose Leslie Joins ‘The Good Wife’ Spinoff

By
Rebecca Murray
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Rose Leslie Joins The Good Wife
Rose Leslie joins ‘The Good Wife’ spinoff (Photo Courtesy of CBS)

Rose Leslie has signed on to the cast of CBS’ new The Good Wife spinoff series, joining The Good Wife veterans Christine Baranski, Sarah Steele, and Cush Jumbo in the upcoming show. Baranski will reprise her role as Diane Lockhart, Steele’s back as Marissa Gold, and Jumbo will once again play Lucca Quinn. Announcing Rose Leslie’s casting, CBS revealed she’ll be playing Maia, “Diane’s goddaughter who joins her firm just after passing the bar, and is a key part of Diane’s plan for the future.”

Leslie’s best known to millions of Game of Thrones fans for playing wildling Ygritte and delivering the line, “You know nothing, Jon Snow.” Her credits also include Downton Abbey, Honeymoon, Luther, and Morgan.


CBS’s The Good Wife spinoff will air on CBS All Access, the network’s subscription video on-demand service. The series is expected to premiere in February 2017 and will kick off with a special broadcast on CBS before moving to CBS All Access. The new The Good Wife comes from the original series’ creators Robert and Michelle King. The Kings are the showrunners and executive produce the upcoming new show, with Phil Alden, Ridley Scott, David Zucker, Liz Glotzer, Brooke Kennedy and Alison Cross also on board as executive producers.

“We’re thrilled to have Rose on board,” stated executive producers Robert and Michelle King. “We needed a young actress who could hold her own with Christine Baranski and Cush Jumbo, and Rose is perfect. She’s real, she’s strong and she can play comedy. If we designed an actress from the ground up, we couldn’t have done better.”

The Plot: As previously announced, the new series will pick up one year after the events of the final broadcast episode of The Good Wife. In the series, an enormous financial scam has destroyed the reputation of a young lawyer, Maia (Leslie), while simultaneously wiping out her mentor Diane Lockhart’s savings. Forced out of Lockhart & Lee, they join Lucca Quinn at one of Chicago’s pre-eminent law firms.




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