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Showtime Renews ‘Penny Dreadful’ for Season 3

Penny Dreadful Renewed for Season Three

Penny Dreadful will be sticking around for a third season as just announced by Showtime President David Nevins. The series featuring iconic horror characters will film season three in Dublin, Ireland this fall with Showtime aiming for a 2016 premiere of its nine episode third season.

Penny Dreadful was created by John Logan and stars Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton, Eva Green, Harry Treadaway, and Reeve Carney. Logan writes and executive produces the series which will finish up season two on July 5, 2015 at 10pm ET/PT.

“John Logan’s brilliant writing and this amazingly talented ensemble continue to draw a passionate, global fan base into the meticulously crafted world of Penny Dreadful,” stated Nevins, announcing the renewal. “Together with our wonderful partners at Sky Atlantic, we’re excited to see what new haunts John and his team have in store for season three.”

Penny Dreadful is the perfect fit for Sky Atlantic; truly international in scale and ambition but with a raft of British talent at its core, and filmed in the Republic of Ireland.” said Zai Bennett, Director of Sky Atlantic. “I’m thrilled to have the series returning to the channel, and to once again be partnering with John Logan and continuing to work with our good friends at Showtime.”

The Penny Dreadful Season Two Plot:

Penny Dreadful’s second season has found Vanessa Ives (Eva Green) and Ethan Chandler (Josh Hartnett) forming a deeper bond as the group, including Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton), Dr. Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway), and Sembene (Danny Sapani), unite to banish the evil forces that threaten to destroy them. Meanwhile, Dorian Gray (Reeve Carney) and the Creature (Rory Kinnear) are all waging battles of their own. Two-time Tony® Award winner Patti LuPone appeared as a special guest star, a mysterious character of great importance in Vanessa’s past. Helen McCrory returned as Evelyn Poole, the seductive spiritualist who poses a unique threat to our protagonists, along with Simon Russell Beale, who is back as eccentric Egyptologist Ferdinand Lyle. Additional guest stars include Douglas Hodge as a Scotland Yard investigator and Sarah Greene as Poole’s powerful daughter, Hecate.

Penny Dreadful Interviews:


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Neil Gaiman’s ‘American Gods’ Gets a Series Order at Starz

Neil Gaiman's American Gods Greenlit by Starz

Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novel American Gods is the source material for a new series just greenlit by Starz and produced by FremantleMedia North America. Gaiman will be involved as an executive producer, with Hannibal‘s Bryan Fuller and Heroes‘ Michael Green writing the series and serving as showrunners. Fuller, Green, Craig Cegielski, and Stefanie Berk are also executive producers.

According to Starz’ official announcement, American Gods is currently looking for the actor to play lead role of Shadow Moon.

“STARZ is committed to bring American Gods to its legions of fans. With our partners at FremantleMedia and with Bryan, Michael and Neil guiding the project, we hope to create a series that honors the book and does right by the fans, who have been casting it in their minds for years,” stated Starz CEO Chris Albrecht. “The search for Shadow begins today!”

“I am thrilled, ‎scared, delighted, nervous and a ball of glorious anticipation. The team that is going to bring the world of American Gods to the screen has been assembled like the master criminals in a caper movie: I’m relieved and confident that my baby is in good hands,” commented Gaiman. “Now we finally move to the exciting business that fans have been doing for the last dozen years: casting our Shadow, our Wednesday, our Laura…”

And Bryan Fuller and Michael Green added, “Almost 15 years ago, Neil Gaiman filled a toy box with gods and magic and we are thrilled to finally crack it open and play. We’re grateful to have STARZ above us and FremantleMedia at our backs as we appease the gods, American or otherwise.”

The Plot:

The plot posits a war brewing between old and new gods: the traditional gods of biblical and mythological roots from around the world steadily losing believers to an upstart pantheon of gods reflecting society’s modern love of money, technology, media, celebrity and drugs. Its protagonist, Shadow Moon, is an ex-con who becomes bodyguard and traveling partner to Mr. Wednesday, a conman but in reality one of the older gods, on a cross-country mission to gather his forces in preparation to battle the new deities.

American Gods – Available at Amazon.com


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New ‘The Peanuts Movie’ Trailer – Charlie Brown, Snoopy and a New Kid in Town

The Peanuts Movie Trailer #2
Snoopy and Charlies Brown in ‘Peanuts’ (Photo © 20th Century Fox/Blue Sky Studios – Courtesy of USA Today)

20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios have released a new trailer for the family-friendly animated film The Peanuts Movie featuring the beloved characters created by Charles Schulz. The new trailer has Charlie Brown ready to take charge of his destiny with the help of his canine BFF, Snoopy. Directed by Steve Martino, the voice cast of The Peanuts Movie includes Noah Schnapp, Hadley Belle Miller, AJ Tecce, Noah Johnston, and Venus Schulthe.

The Peanuts Movie arrives in 2D and 3D on November 6, 2015.

The Plot:

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” gang make their big-screen debut, like they’ve never been seen before, in state of the art 3D animation. Charlie Brown, the world’s most beloved underdog, embarks upon an epic and heroic quest, while his best pal, the lovable beagle Snoopy, takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron. From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the Ice Age films, The Peanuts Movie will prove that every underdog has his day.

Peanuts Movie Trailer Moments

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First Photo: Kerry Washington as Anita Hill in ‘Confirmation’

Confirmation First Photo - Kerry Washington as Anita Hill

Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Kerry Washington used her time off from Scandal to star in HBO’s dramatic movie Confirmation. Confirmation is the story of Anita Hill, the law professor at the center of Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas’ confirmation hearings who testified that while her supervisor at the Department of Education and the EEOC Thomas repeatedly sexually harassed her. Washington plays Hill and today she shared the first photo from the upcoming film.

Washington posted the photo on Facebook:

“Dear HBO
Thank you for the profound opportunity of getting to inhabit Anita Hill and help tell this story!
Yours Truly,
K-Dub (aka super excited Exec Producer)
#Confirmation”

In addition to Washington, the Confirmation cast includes Wendell Pierce as Clarence Thomas, Greg Kinnear as Joe Biden, Jennifer Hudson as Angela Wright, Jeffrey Wright as Charles Ogletree, Cobie Smulders as Harriet Grant, and Alison Wright as Virginia Thomas.

The Soloist screenwriter Susannah Grant wrote the script and Rick Famuyiwa (Dope) directed.


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‘Stanford Prison Experiment’ Trailer: Based on a True Story

The Stanford Prison Experiement Trailer
Michael Angarano, Jesse Carere, Brett Davern, Tye Sheridan, Johnny Simmons, Ezra Miller, and Chris Sheffield in Kyle Alvarez’s THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT (Photo Courtesy of Steve Dietl. Copyright STANFORD PRISON, LLC. An IFC Films Release)

It seems like we’ve been hearing about The Stanford Prison Experiment for years, but the official trailer proves the wait has been worth it. The trailer’s compelling, disturbing, and incredibly intense, and hopefully, the feature film is just as riveting. Directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez, The Stanford Prison Experiment stars Billy Crudup, Ezra Miller, Olivia Thirlby, Tye Sheridan, Keir Gilchrist, Michael Angarano, and Thomas Mann.

The Stanford Prison Experiment opens in theaters on July 24, 2015.

The Plot:

What happens when a college psych study goes shockingly wrong? In this tense, psychological thriller based on the notorious true story, Billy Crudup stars as Stanford University professor Dr. Philip Zimbardo, who, in 1971, cast 24 student volunteers as prisoners and guards in a simulated jail to examine the source of abusive behavior in the prison system. The results astonished the world, as participants went from middle-class undergrads to drunk-with-power sadists and submissive victims in just a few days. Winner of two awards at the Sundance Film Festival, including Best Screenplay, and created with the close participation of Dr. Zimbardo himself, The Stanford Prison Experiment is a chilling, edge-of-your-seat thriller about the dark side of power and the effects of imprisonment.

Watch the trailer:

‘Steampunk’d’ Competition Series Coming to GSN

Steampunk'd Series Coming to GSN

Steampunk fan Jeannie Mai is set to host GSN’s new competition series Steampunk’d premiering later this summer. Season one will consist of eight episodes featuring 10 talented Steampunk designers competing for a $100,000 prize. Filming is underway in Los Angeles with Kimberly Ehrhard, John Ehrhard, and Jennifer J. Duncan executive producing.

“Exemplified by the designs of films like Mad Max and Sherlock Holmes, the incredibly rich and creative subculture of Steampunk is increasingly filtering into pop culture,” said Amy Introcaso-Davis, Executive Vice President of Programming and Development for GSN. “Like the amazing painters in Skin Wars, these makers will astonish audiences with their talent and creativity and this show reinforces GSN’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge skill-based competition to our air.”

The Plot:

Inspired by the Victorian era, Steampunk is a retro-futuristic design movement seen in everything from fashion to technology to design. In Steampunk’d, 10 contestants (also known as “Makers”) will be challenged to marry objects from the past and present in order to create impressive futuristic designs. Dramatic reveals each week will build to a grand finale of a fully realized Steampunk’d manor and the winner will take home a $100,000 grand prize.

Check Out the ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip’ Poster

Alvin and the Chipmunks The Road Chip Poster

Alvin and his chipmunk buddies return to the big screen in the animated film Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip and 20th Century Fox/New Regency just released a new poster for the comedy movie. Directed by Walt Becker (Wild Hogs), Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip will open in theaters on December 23, 2015 with a voice cast that includes Jesse McCartney, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Justin Long.

Jason Lee reprises his role as the Chipmunks’ adopted dad, Dave.

The Plot: Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in New York City…and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only from losing Dave but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother.

‘Pitch Perfect 3’ Gets a 2017 Release Date – Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson Will Return

Pitch Perfect Premiere Date and Cast News

Universal Pictures took to Twitter to officially announce the release date for Pitch Perfect 3. The third – and maybe not final – film of the aca-awesome franchise will open in theaters on July 21, 2017. Yes, that’s too long to wait for another Pitch Perfect movie, but it’s actually slightly shorter than the wait between films one and two. The original Pitch Perfect arrived in theaters on October 5, 2012, grossing $20 million-ish between its first weekend in limited release and its first wide release weekend, domestically. Pitch Perfect 2, currently playing in theaters, opened to a $70+ million first weekend.

Moving forward on a third film was a no-brainer, based on the box office performance as well as audience and critical reaction to the sequel. And two of the films main characters – Beca and Fat Amy – will be back, with Anna Kendrick sharing a photo on Instagram and Twitter holding up three fingers with the caption: “Happening #3.”

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news last week that screenwriter Kay Cannon is currently working on a deal for the third film.

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Kelly Clarkson, Brad Paisley Among Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular Performers

Macy's 4th of July 2015 Celebration Talent Announced

Dierks Bentley, Kelly Clarkson, Brad Paisley, Flo Rida and Meghan Trainor have been confirmed as performers on this year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular airing on NBC. The annual event features musical performances as well as 50,000+ pyrotechnic shells and effects set to a 25 minute synchronized display. NBC plans to air the 4th of July celebration at 8pm ET/PT with an encore airing at 10pm.


“NBC is excited to join Macy’s once again in celebrating the 4th of July,” said Doug Vaughan, Executive Vice President, Special Programs and Late Night, NBC Entertainment. “We have an amazing line up of artists to complement the fireworks spectacle that will dazzle from two locations along the East River.”

“This year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will be an amazing spectacle featuring more than 50,000 effects in the nation’s largest Independence Day celebration,” stated Amy Kule, Executive Producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “Setting the patriotic tone for the high flying explosions will be a magnificent score featuring the U.S. Air Force Band and renowned artists Emilio and Gloria Estefan, debuting their inspiring original song, ‘America’ with VH1 Save the Music’s Park Place Community Middle School Choir, as well as music stars CeCe Winans and Rodney Atkins performing new versions of classic patriotic tunes.”

This year’s fireworks displays will be shot off from two locations: the East River in midtown and the South Street Seaport district. Willie Geist and Tamron Hall from Today will host the show and will lead the chorus of ooohs and aaahhs at the display of fireworks in 22 different colors and featuring stars, hearts, dragons, spiderwebs, and octopi.

‘The Royals’ Shares the First Photo from Season Two

Royals Season 2 William Moseley Elizabeth Hurtley Mark Schwahn Photo
William Moseley, Creator Mark Schwahn and Elizabeth Hurley (Photo by: Kevin Plunkett / E! Entertainment)

Filming is officially underway on E!’s The Royals and they’re showing off the first photo to prove it. The network’s just released a photo from the set showing series creator Mark Schwahn posing with stars Elizabeth Hurley and William Moseley on the set on day one of season two.

Although she’s not pictured in this first photo, Alexandra Park is also back in a starring role as Princess Eleanor.

Production is currently taking place in London with E! aiming for a November 2015 season two premiere. Episode one is written and directed by Schwahn who, along with showing off the new picture, released this tidbit on season two: “Mystery, drama, scandal, sex, mayhem, murder, and ridiculously pretty people. And also me. The Royals. Fully committed. Season Two begins today.”

“The storylines for Season 2 of The Royals are mind-blowing. So excited to be back on set,” added Hurley.

Season one’s finale was watched by 1.1 million viewers (in the 18-49 age group) and E! reports the show was the “top new scripted series in cable for the year (excluding spin-offs).”

The Synopsis: Behind the luxurious gates of the Royal family lies more scandal than one can imagine. Helena, the polished, poised, and fierce Queen, poses to the public that her family is one of class and grace. Her sole daughter, Eleanor, however, tries her best to keep the Queen on her toes as her rebellious nature puts the family’s reputation on the brink of crumbling as the tabloids document her un princess-like behavior which includes sex, drugs, and hung-over helicopter rides.

While secretly longing for a more meaningful existence in her limitless world, the heiress still parties like only a princess can. King Simon, at the helm of the monarchy, works to keep his family afloat, but when tainted politics and dangerous relationships are involved, chaos and turmoil threaten to uproot the family tree. Meanwhile, Eleanor’s twin brother, Prince Liam, is a playboy prince with the keys to the kingdom. Literally. He takes full advantage of being one of the most sought-after bachelors on the planet without the scrutiny his older brother Robert, the beloved heir to the throne, endures.

All of that changes, however when Robert tragically passes away and Liam, the spare, becomes heir. As a member of the Royal family, destiny chooses you. You do not choose your destiny.

Keeping the family out of the limelight is in the hands of the Royals’ entrusted security team. Liam’s hunger for a different life keeps his bodyguard and confidant Marcus hard at work especially when he runs off with his best mate Ashok. Jasper is Princess Eleanor’s new bodyguard who is delegated to protect her not only from harm outside the castle walls but also from the unruly Princess herself.

Jasper’s charming and demure nature juxtaposed against his brooding good looks hint that there is something far more calculating going on behind his baby blue eyes. As head of the security for the Royals, Ted is committed to keeping his own personal life discrete, but when Prince Liam falls for his daughter Ophelia his private and professional life starts to merge.

To make matters more complicated, Liam’s socialite ex-girlfriend Gemma returns upon news of Prince Robert’s untimely death and is relentless in her attempt to win Liam back from Ophelia. As the heiress of a diamond cartel, Gemma is refined, manipulative, and very clear about her desire to be on Liam’s arm when he is crowned King. Elsewhere in the palace, Cyrus, brother of King Simon, is lurking for a chance to steal the throne by doing anything in his limited power to take down the heirs one by one.

While his power is restricted, his lack of a moral compass is not, even when it comes to his sexuality, jealousy, and enlisting his dimwitted daughters Maribel and Penelope to do his bidding. Although born into fame, money, and power, only one can be King.

All is fair in love and royalty.




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