Joe Manganiello and Lera Abova join ‘One Piece’ (Photo Credit: Netflix)
Netflix’s hit pirate adventure One Piece has found its Mr. O and Miss All Sunday. Joe Manganiello and Lera Abova have joined the season two cast of the popular series, currently in production in South Africa.
The additional cast members for the new season include Charithra Chandran as Miss Wednesday, Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha, Mark Harelik as Dr. Hiriluk, Sendhil Ramamurthy as Nefertari Cobra, Brendan Sean Murray as Brogy, and Callum Kerr as Smoker. Camrus Johnson joined as Mr. 5, Clive Russell plays Crocus, Daniel Lasker is Mr. 9, David Dastmalchian is Mr. 3, Jazzara Jaslyn is Miss Valentine, Julia Rehwald is Tashigi, Rob Colletti is Wapol, Ty Keogh is Dalton, and Werner Coetser is Dorry.
Returning series stars include Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, Taz Skylar as Sanji, Ilia Isorelys Paulino as Alvida, Jeff Ward as Buggy, and Michael Dorman as Gold Roger.
“Based on Japan’s highest-selling manga series in history by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece is a legendary high-seas adventure unlike any other,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “Monkey D. Luffy is a young adventurer who has longed for a life of freedom since he can remember. Luffy sets off from his small village on a perilous journey to find the legendary fabled treasure, ONE PIECE, to become King of the Pirates! But in order to find the ultimate prize, Luffy will need to assemble the crew he’s always wanted before finding a ship to sail, searching every inch of the vast seas, outpacing the Marines, and outwitting dangerous rivals at every turn.”
Matt Owens and Joe Tracz guide the series as showrunners, writers, and executive producers. Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes, Steven Maeda, and Tomorrow Studios’ Eiichiro Oda, Marty Adelstein, and Becky Clements also executive produce.
Brian Tyree Henry (D-16), Keegan-Michael Key (B-127), Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1) and Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax) in ‘Transformers One’ – Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
First appearing in stores in 1984, the Transformers toyline soon morphed into a cartoon series as well as a comic book. In 2007, the Hasbro toyline was brought to the big screen with the use of CGI and live actors. Now comes the origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron in Paramount Pictures’ animated film Transformers One.
The film opens with Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) sneaking around unauthorized areas, trying to dig up hidden secrets about his planet, Cybertron. After setting off the alarm and instigating an exhilarating chase scene, he and his best friend D-16 (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry) return to working in the mines of the planet for the power source, Energon. The planet is divided between two social classes: those who can transform and those missing power sources who cannot; they are the miners and working class of the planet.
Determined to learn about his planet and what the surface of it is like, Orion Pax uses “borrowed” jet packs and tricks his pal D-16 into going with him to the surface. Also along for the trip to the surface is a new friend they made in waste management named B-127 (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key), and Elita – 1 (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), the ex-Autobot foreman of the mines.
Once on the surface, Orion Pax and his friends meet Alpha Trion (voiced by Laurence Fishburne), an Autobot from the old days who reveals the shocking truth about their planet and its tyrannical leader. Alpha Trion also gives them power sources so they can transform.
Now, determined to free their fellow Autobot miners and take back their planet, Orion Pax and D-16 set out on a path that will eventually lead to them becoming sworn enemies Optimus Prime and Megatron and to the birth of the Civil War of Cybertron.
Visually stunning and action-packed, Transformers One is an engaging and exciting adventure that doesn’t just do justice to the franchise; it’s the best film of the franchise. This animated prequel’s a fun, creative, and entertaining science fiction fantasy with a fantastic voice cast.
Chris Hemsworth is nothing short of perfect as the young and daring Orion Pax who only wants to learn the truth about his planet and rise to be all he can be. Hemsworth brings both humor and a moral compass to the role of the future leader of the Autobots, as well as some humor and likeability. He also stays true to the classic character in the third act of the film when Pax becomes Prime and displays great leadership and strength.
Brian Tyree Henry does a wonderful job of bringing D-16 to life. D-16 is a dedicated worker and best friend to Orion Pax, always defending him and getting into trouble by being tricked into joining him on his crazy quests. Henry also slowly shows the building rage in D-16 as he begins to learn the truth about the past of Cybertron and how he and all the miners have been manipulated and lied to.
Without a doubt Keegan-Michael Key steals every scene as the voice of B-127, who eventually becomes Bumblebee. Key is hilarious as B-127, the comic relief of the film, first as an Autobot who’s been cut off a little too long from other Autobots and is more than just quirky. And then in the second half as he learns to transform and becomes a powerful fighting presence.
The script is smartly written with solid dialogue and plenty of humor. It also holds true to the characters and is even emotionally intense when the devastating break-up of the friendship happens between Pax and D-16.
Full of action and brought to life with lavish animation, Transformers One is an exhilarating thrill ride for the entire family and sure to please all Transformers fans of any age. It’s also one of the best animated films of the year. Don’t miss it.
GRADE: B+
MPAA Rating: PG for language, animated action throughout, and sci-fi violence
A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter (Photo Credit: Netflix)
Sabrina Carpenter’s ready to spread some holiday cheer. The singer/songwriter is starring in her first Netflix Christmas special, A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter, premiering on December 6, 2024.
“It’s a nonsense holiday and we’re so here for it. In this special with musical guests, pop icon Sabrina Carpenter will perform songs from her holiday EP fruitcake and other iconic chart-topping holiday covers,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “This special will also feature show-stopping music performances, comedic guests, unexpected duets, plus many more surprises and fun cameos.”
Carpenter executive produced the special along with Bill Perlman, Janelle Lopez Genzink, and Michael D. Ratner, Scott Ratner, Simone Spira, and Kfir Goldberg for OBB. Sam Wrench is the director and Nikki Boella serves as showrunner.
“The holidays have always been so special to me,” stated Sabrina Carpenter. “I am excited to bring my take to a classic holiday variety show – infusing my love of music and comedy to make something that is uniquely me.”
Carpenter recently released her sixth album, Short n’ Sweet, which took the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200.
“Sabrina’s vision to subvert the classic holiday special has been clear since day one,” said Michael D. Ratner, executive producer and founder/CEO of OBB Media. “At OBB, we partner with the world’s most captivating artists to reimagine the expected, and we’re proud of the work by our entire team and want to highlight Simone Spira, the Volara team, Sam Wrench, Nikki Boella, and all involved that brought Sabrina’s vision to life on Netflix.”
Sabrina Carpenter’s been keeping busy as the opening act for Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour. Carpenter wrapped up her part of Swift’s tour in March 2024, and in April she made her first appearance at Coachella. Her single “Espresso” was streamed over 200 million times on Spotify, and “Please Please Please” went straight to the top spot on Spotify’s Global and US charts, as well as the top spot on Apple Music. Her sixth album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and became the third biggest first-week debut of 2024 in the US.
Filming is expected to get underway this fall on CBS’s first Black one-hour daytime drama Beyond the Gates. With the series about to head into production, the network announced the first three cast members: Tamara Tunie (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), Daphnee Duplaix (One Life to Live), and Karla Mosley (The Bold and the Beautiful).
CBS Studios/NAACP Venture developed and produce the series in partnership with P&G Studios. Michele Val Jean created the new daytime drama and serves an executive producer and showrunner. Additional executive producers include Sheila Ducksworth, Robert Guza Jr., Julie Carruthers, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner, and Anna Saalfeld.
CBS is targeting an early 2025 premiere.
CBS offered this description of the series and key characters:
“Beyond the Gates is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those that live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work, and play. Those who have ‘made it’ and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.”
Tamara Tunie stars as Anita Dupree, matriarch of the family. A famous singer back in the day, Anita worked hard for her success, and raised two daughters with her now-retired senator husband. But underneath her glamorous and refined exterior is a fierceness she gained from her humble beginnings in Chicago.
Daphnee Duplaix stars as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson, daughter of Anita, and Dani’s sister, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson is a high-achieving and competitive philanthropist and psychiatrist, and exudes warmth, empathy, and compassion. Nicole’s success in life extends to her marriage to her surgeon husband. She has the perfect life … from the outside.
Karla Mosley stars as Dani Dupree, Anita’s other daughter, and a former model turned momager who gave up her career for love. Dani was the Dupree family wild child. Free-spirited, headstrong and uninhibited, she dropped out of school to pursue a high-flying modeling career and she has always marched to the beat of her own drum.
The cast of ‘Black Mirror’ season 7 (Photo Courtesy of Netflix)
Netflix released the lengthy lead cast list for the upcoming seventh season of Black Mirror. The critically acclaimed anthology series is currently in production on the six-episode seventh season, with the following taking on roles in the new season:
• Awkwafina (Jackpot)
• Milanka Brooks (Mum And I Don’t Talk Anymore)
• Peter Capaldi (Criminal Record)
• Emma Corrin (Deadpool and Wolverine)
• Patsy Ferran (Firebrand)
• Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers)
• Lewis Gribben (Blade Runner 2099)
• Osy Ikhile (Citadel)
• Rashida Jones (Sunny)
• Siena Kelly (Domino Day)
• Billy Magnussen (Road House)
• Rosy McEwen (Blue Jean)
• Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
• Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids)
• Issa Rae (Barbie)
• Paul G. Raymond (Horrible Histories)
• Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish)
• Jimmi Simpson (Westworld)
• Harriet Walter (Succession)
Netflix is keeping all details on the six new episodes secret. However, the streamer did confirm they are targeting a 2025 premiere and the new season will include a sequel to USS Callister.
“The high-profile episode stars Jesse Plemons as Robert Daly, a brilliant but troubled programmer who co-created a popular online video game,” reads Netflix’s USS Callister episode description. “Unhappy with a perceived lack of recognition at his gaming company, Robert then creates a simulated reality within the game, giving himself the role of a Captain Kirk–like figure aboard a starship and leading an adoring crew — based on his real-life co-workers — on zany sci-fi adventures. Of course, because this is Black Mirror, things take an unexpected and sinister turn.
Charlie Brooker created the series and serves as an executive producer along with Jessica Rhoades and Annabel Jones.
Chicago P.D.‘s Jesse Lee Soffer makes his debut as a new series regular on CBS’s FBI: International season four episode one. Soffer’s subbing in as the leader of the team following the departure of Luke Kleintank who played Special Agent Scott Forrester. But while Kleintank’s Forrester is gone, the team’s Giant Schnauzer, Tank, is sticking around for the new season.
Season four episode one, “A Leader, Not a Tourist” was directed by Michael Katleman from a script by Matt Olmstead. “A Leader, Not a Tourist” airs on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT.
Jesse Lee Soffer stars as Supervisory Special Agent Wesley “Wes” Mitchell, Carter Redwood plays Special Agent Andre Raines, Vinessa Vidotto is Special Agent Cameron Vo, Eva-Jane Willis is Europol Agent Megan “Smitty” Garretson, and Christina Wolfe plays Special Agent Amanda Tate.
“A Leader, Not a Tourist” Plot: The Fly Team is introduced to Supervisory Special Agent Wesley “Wes” Mitchell (Soffer) when his partner is shot in Los Angeles and the suspects flee to Budapest, sending Mitchell overseas, on the fourth season premiere.
FBI: International is the third iteration of the successful FBI brand that follows the elite operatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s International Fly Team. Headquartered in Budapest, they travel throughout Europe with the mission of tracking and neutralizing threats against American citizens wherever they may be, putting their lives on the line to protect the U.S. and its people. Newly embedded to the Fly Team is charming and rakish Supervisory Special Agent Wesley “Wes” Mitchell, whose impeccable instincts and unconventional tactics deepen his drive to stop at nothing to achieve justice.
Special Agent Andre Raines shines in the field and makes good use of his accounting background in tracking criminal enterprises’ moving money. Special Agent Cameron Vo, a competitive West Point grad, excels at interrogation and strategy and Megan “Smitty” Garretson, a streetwise Europol agent with an extensive undercover background, uses her expertise to liaise with each host country they inhabit. Special Agent Amanda Tate, a confident and tech-savvy intel analyst, stays quick on her feet and remains calm in the midst of chaos. Always at the scene where American interests are at risk, FBI: International is a globe-trotting depiction of law enforcement overseas.
Jean Smart and Jelly Roll set for the ‘SNL’ season 50 premiere
NBC’s Saturday Night Live returns for season 50…just let that sink in a minute…on September 28, 2024. The new season of SNL will kick off with Jean Smart, hot off her third Emmy win for HBO’s Hacks, as host. The September 28th episode will mark Smart’s first time handling the hosting gig.
It’ll be a night of newbies as Jelly Roll’s been tapped to make his SNL debut as musical guest. The episode will air just two weeks prior to the release of his new album, Beautifully Broken.
Comedian Nate Bargatze is scheduled to host the October 5th episode, with Coldplay joining him as musical guest. The October 5th spot will allow Bargatze to redeem himself after absolutely bombing his monologue when he hosted the October 23, 2023 episode.
Coldplay is used to the Studio 8H stage and will be making their eighth appearance ahead of dropping their 10th studio album, Moon Music.
Grammy winner Ariana Grande is handling the October 12th episode as host, but not as musical guest. That honor falls to two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Nicks, who’s returning to SNL for the second time. (Her first appearance was way back in 1983.) Grande has the big-screen musical adaptation of Wicked hitting theaters on November 22nd.
Oscar nominee Michael Keaton (Birdman) is making his fourth appearance as host on October 19th. Keaton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice opened in theaters on September 6th and has already grossed more than $270 million worldwide. He has Goodrich from writer/director Hallie Meyers-Shyer opening in theaters on October 18th.
Grammy winner Billie Eilish will join Michael Keaton on the October 19th episode, marking her fourth time as musical guest.
The November 2nd episode has John Mulaney on board as host and Chappell Roan as the musical guest. Mulaney’s an SNL fan favorite who’ll be making his sixth appearance as host. Chappell Roan will make her debut as musical guest. Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess has been in Billboard 200’s Top 5 for nine weeks.
Discovery Channel’s set an October 9, 2024 premiere for season 14 of Expedition Unknown. The new season, once again hosted by Josh Gates, debuts with a special two-part premiere airing at 9pm ET/PT.
“Within these walls lies one of the Wonders of the World. For the first time ever we’re being given exclusive access to excavate beneath it. Get ready to explore the city and the secrets of Petra,” says Gates in the season 14 trailer.
Discovery Channel offers this description of the series and season 14’s premiere:
“Intrigued by legendary mysteries and driven by insatiable curiosity, seasoned explorer Josh Gates investigates the world’s most iconic unsolved events, and hunts for lost cities, buried treasures, and sacred artifacts. Leaving no stone unturned, Josh’s adventures take him around the globe and into dangerous situations as he uncovers the truth behind enduring mysteries. Using his background in archaeology and unique sense of humor, Josh brings a new understanding of age-old stories.
In the two-part season premiere, Josh Gates travels to the ancient city of Petra, Jordan to learn how a mysterious desert civilization created one of the Seven Wonders of the World. With unprecedented permission to dig in front of the iconic Treasury building, he hunts for clues about the enigmatic Nabatean kingdom and helps rewrite history books with the discovery of an ancient tomb.”
Poster for ‘Expedition Unknown’ season 14 (Photo Credit: Discovery Channel)
Dorothy Farinelli (Jamie Lee Curtis), Kay Scarpetta (Nicole Kidman), and Benton Wesley (Simon Baker) in ‘Scarpetta’ – Photo Credit: Connie Chornuk / Amazon MGM Studios
Oscar and Emmy winners Nicole Kidman (Big Little Lies) and Jamie Lee Curtis (The Bear) have committed to starring in Prime Video’s Scarpetta, based on Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling novels. Both Kidman and Curtis will also be involved as executive producers. Prime Video’s banking on the series being a hit, ordering two seasons before shooting even gets underway.
Emmy nominee Liz Sarnoff (Barry) is on board to write, executive producer, and serve as showrunner. David Gordon Green (Halloween) will direct the first two episodes.
“I have wanted to bring Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta to a screen, with my company, Comet Pictures, for a while. I’m particularly excited that Nicole Kidman will finally bring her to life. I’m also looking forward to playing Nicole’s sister as we tell the story with Liz Sarnoff’s expert care, leadership, skill, and talent, and I am excited to work again with David as our director,” stated Jamie Lee Curtis. “I know the ardent fans of the books will be very happy, and the new audience will be compelled by the characters, crimes, and mysteries that are the trifecta of Patricia’s masterful storytelling. Blumhouse, Blossom, and Prime Video are the perfect partners to bring Scarpetta to you, and a warning……..there WILL be BLOOD.”
Commenting on the announcement, Nicole Kidman said, “I’ve been pursuing Scarpetta for nearly twenty years going back to when it was intended to be a feature, so to unite with the formidable Jamie Lee Curtis, Prime Video, Jason Blum, and David Gordon Green on the Liz Sarnoff series version of Patricia Cornwell’s epic and thrilling books feels like it was meant to be. I cannot wait to inhabit Kay Scarpetta and am so thankful to Patricia Cornwell for entrusting me with her.”
Additional cast includes Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, Ariana DeBose, Rosy McEwen, and Jake Cannavale as series regulars.
“I’m beyond excited that this is finally happening. This will be great fun for all, and I’m grateful for the immense talent that the show is drawing. I’ve always been a huge fan of Jamie Lee Curtis and Nicole Kidman. Their wanting to do this is humbling and simply awesome. Working with the brilliant Liz Sarnoff is amazing. Blumhouse and Prime Video are a dream. This has been worth waiting for, and I’m so looking forward to the show,” said Cornwell.
Cornwell will executive produce for P & S Projects along with Amy Sayres, David Gordon Green, Blossom Films’ Per Saari, and Blumhouse Television’s Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Chris Dickie, and Chris McCumber. The series is produced by Blumhouse Television and Amazon MGM Studios in association with Blossom Films and Comet Pictures.
“Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta has enraptured fans for decades and I am honored that Prime Video is entrusted to bring the series to screen for our global customers,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. “The most exemplary group has been assembled for the series with Liz Sarnoff at the helm with an extraordinary vision; the immensely talented Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, and the fantastic cast; and the top-notch team at Blumhouse.”
Prime Video offered this description of the new series:
“The mystery thriller, based on the hit book series, follows Kay Scarpetta (Kidman), the Chief Medical Examiner, as she returns to Virginia and resumes her former position with complex relationships, both personal and professional – including her sister Dorothy (Curtis), with plenty of grudges and secrets to uncover. Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale plays former detective Pete Marino; Emmy nominee Simon Baker joins as FBI profiler Benton Wesley; Oscar winner Ariana DeBose will play Lucy Farinelli-Watson, Dorothy’s daughter; BIFA winner Rosy McEwen joins as Past Kay Scarpetta, and Jake Cannavale as Past Pete Marino.”
Poster for ‘Family Secrets The Disappearance of Alissa Turney’
Activist Sarah Turney would not allow her sister’s disappearance to be forgotten. Oxygen True Crime’s Family Secrets: The Disappearance of Alissa Turney dives into the murder case and Sarah’s unwavering commitment to obtain justice.
Jesse Sweet and Ricki Stern direct and serve as executive producers along with Sarah Turney, Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Jon Bardin, Kate Barry, and Mala Chapple.
“As filmmakers, we wanted to explore the shifting nature of truth and how someone who had been groomed to believe one version of reality could relearn her own memories,” stated directors Ricki Stern and Jesse Sweet. “We crafted the film to embody Sarah’s journey of excavating the truth about herself, her family and what happened to her sister. We are grateful to Sarah for welcoming us into her life and opening up her family archive in support of this vision.”
The documentary premieres on Oxygen True Crime on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 8pm ET/PT. Peacock will stream an extended version on October 22nd.
“The Voices for Justice Media founder Sarah Turney became a viral sensation when she posted suspicions on social media that her dad killed her sister, Alissa. Now Sarah gives unprecedented access to the continuation of her story, including a recently unearthed trove of home videos, as she re-examines her and Alissa’s childhood,” reads Oxygen’s synopsis. “Sarah makes chilling discoveries, breaking through years of manipulation to reconstruct the truth of the past and be free of her father’s influence. Sarah’s final conversation with her father is haunting and a testament to her tenacity and unending search for Alissa.”
