Lionsgate’s Imaginary unveiled a special 30-second video in honor of Leap Year Day, which is apparently an “extra day for spirits to play.” It’s also a day when a child’s imagination becomes real, according to Chauncey the possessed stuffed teddy bear.
The cast of the PG-13 rated horror film includes DeWanda Wise (Jurassic World Dominion), Tom Payne (Prodigal Son), Taegen Burns (The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers), and Pyper Braun (Erin & Aaron). Veronica Falcon (A Million Miles Away) and Betty Buckley (Preacher) also star.
“From Blumhouse, the genre-defining masterminds behind Five Nights at Freddy’s and M3GAN, comes an original horror film that taps into the innocence of imaginary friends – and begs the question: Are they really figments of childhood imagination or is something more terrifying lying just beneath?” reads Lionsgate’s synopsis. “When Jessica (Wise) moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter Alice (Braun) develops an eerie attachment to a stuffed bear named Chauncey she finds in the basement. Alice starts playing games with Chauncey that begin playful and become increasingly sinister.
As Alice’s behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be.”
Jeff Wadlow (Fantasy Island), Greg Erb, and Jason Oremland wrote the screenplay, with Wadlow directing. Wadlow also serves as producer along with Jason Blum. Lionsgate’s set a March 8, 2024 theatrical release.
Poster for ‘Alex Rider’ season 3 (Photo Courtesy of Amazon Freevee)
Amazon Freevee has set an April 5, 2024 premiere date for season three of Alex Rider, based on Anthony Horowitz’s fifth novel of the bestselling spy series. All eight episodes will drop on April 5th and will wrap up this chapter in Alex’s life.
“It’s been such a great experience seeing the fan reaction to the first two seasons of Alex Rider,” said author and executive producer Horowitz. “I am thrilled this upcoming season will focus on Scorpia, as the story will lead Alex and viewers to question everything they’ve learned so far.”
Returning cast members include Otto Farrant (Edge of the World) as Alex Rider, Vicky McClure (Line of Duty) as Mrs. Jones, Stephen Dillane (The Outrun) as Alan Blunt, Brenock O’Connor (Game of Thrones) as Tom Harris, Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́ (Rain Dogs) as Jack Starbright, and Marli Siu (Everything I Know About Love) as Kyra Vashenko-Chao. Newcomers to the world of Alex Rider include Sofia Helin (The Bridge) as Julia Rothman, Shelley Conn (Gen V, Bridgerton) as Laura Kellner, Kevin McNally (The Crown) as Max Grendel, and Jason Wong (Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves) as Nile.
“We’re so excited to bring Anthony Horowitz’s fifth Alex Rider novel to life with this upcoming season of the show, a personal favorite of mine and a huge turning point in Alex’s journey,” stated executive producer Eve Gutierrez. “This season throws a spotlight on how all of the characters have grown and evolved over the last few years, and we feel confident that fans will be gripped as Alex finds himself on the cusp of adulthood and torn between two dangerous organizations.”
Additional executive producers include Eleventh Hour’s Jill Green, series writer Guy Burt, director Andreas Prochaska, and series star Otto Farrant.
“Season three sets the teenage spy on the tail of his greatest enemy: the elusive criminal network known as Scorpia,” reads Amazon Freevee’s synopsis. “Under new leadership, the criminal cabal plan to extort the British Government using their catastrophic new super-weapon: ‘Invisible Sword.’ Free of The Department and aided by his closest friends, Tom and Kyra, Alex embarks on a personal mission to destroy Scorpia once and for all. Little does he know, his ties to both organizations run deeper than he ever thought possible.”
Focus Features’ new trailer for The Bikeriders features a lot of smoking, a bit of fighting, and, naturally, motorcycle riding. The second trailer also reveals how tight the relationship is between Austin Butler (Dune: Part Two) and Tom Hardy’s characters and the extent they’ll go to to protect the club.
In addition to Tom Hardy and Austin Butler, the cast includes Michael Shannon (Bullet Train), Mike Faist (West Side Story), Boyd Holbrook (Logan), and Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead). Jeff Nichols (Loving, Midnight Special) wrote and directed the drama which was originally scheduled for a 2023 release. Focus Features is now planning a June 21, 2024 theatrical release.
“The Bikeriders follows the rise of a midwestern motorcycle club, the Vandals,” reads Focus Features’ synopsis. “Seen through the lives of its members, the club evolves over the course of a decade from a gathering place for local outsiders into a more sinister gang, threatening the original group’s unique way of life.”
Sarah Green, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Arnon Milchan produced, with Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Sam Hanson, David Kern, and Fred Berger executive producing.
Of course The Rookie‘s John and Bailey can’t just have a normal, trouble-free honeymoon, can they? The newlyweds’ dream vacation turns into a nightmare on season six episode three, “Trouble in Paradise,” airing on ABC on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT.
Season six stars Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen, Eric Winter as Tim Bradford, and Richard T. Jones as Sergeant Wade Grey. Shawn Ashmore plays Wesley Evers, Alyssa Diaz is Angela Lopez, Lisseth Chavez is Celina Juarez, Jenna Dewan is Bailey Nune, and Tru Valentino is Aaron Thorsen.
“Trouble in Paradise” Plot: Nolan and Bailey’s honeymoon is more of a nightmare than dream when it turns into an active crime scene. Meanwhile, Tim and Celina partner up and must uncover the identity of a John Doe.
Jenna Dewan and Nathan Fillion in ‘The Rookie’ season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)
The Rookie Description, Courtesy of ABC:
John Nolan, once the oldest rookie in the LAPD, has used his life experience, determination and sense of humor to keep up with rookies 20 years his junior. Nolan now faces his biggest challenge as a police officer, when he must come to terms with the choices he has made in pursuit of the truth.
Richard T. Jones, Mekia Cox, Eric Winter, and Lisseth Chavez in season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)Jenna Dewan and Nathan Fillion in season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)Mekia Cox and Alyssa Diaz in season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)Eric Winter and Melissa O’Neil in season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)Richard T. Jones, Mekia Cox, and Eric Winter in season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)Jenna Dewan and Nathan Fillion in season 6 episode 3 (Disney/Raymond Liu)
Ricardo Chavira (Desperate Housewives) guest stars as a politician on ABC’s Will Trent season two episode three. “You Don’t Have to Understand” will air on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 8pm ET/PT.
Ramón Rodríguez leads the cast in the title role, with Erika Christensen returning as Angie Polaski and Iantha Richardson starring as Faith Mitchell. Jake McLaughlin plays Michael Ormewood and Sonja Sohn is Amanda Wagner.
“You Don’t Have to Understand” Plot: With several civilians dead and one woman missing, Will and Faith question a suspicious pastor ahead of the councilman’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Meanwhile, Angie joins Ormewood back in the field to investigate a sauna murder.
The second season premiere of the popular drama has pulled in 7.68 million viewers, marking a new high in viewership on ABC, Hulu, and digital platforms. ABC reports that’s an increase of 5% over the series’ season one debut.
Ramon Rodriguez in ‘Will Trent’ season 2 episode 3 (Disney/Daniel Delgado)
Will Trent Description, Courtesy of ABC:
Based on Karin Slaughter’s New York Times bestselling Will Trent series, Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. Now, Will uses his unique point of view in the pursuit of justice and has the highest clearance rate in the GBI.
Ramon Rodriguez and Jerod Haynes in season 2 episode 3 (Disney/Daniel Delgado)Ricardo Chavira in season 2 episode 3 (Disney/Daniel Delgado)Ramon Rodriguez and Belle in season 2 episode 3 (Disney/Daniel Delgado)Iantha Richardson in season 2 episode 3 (Disney/Daniel Delgado)Erika Christensen in season 2 episode 3 (Disney/Daniel Delgado)
Author William Gibson’s award-winning Neuromancer will be adapted into a series at Apple TV+. The streaming service announced Graham Roland (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan) and JD Dillard (The Outsider) are creating the series, with Roland attached as showrunner and Dillard directing the pilot episode.
“We’re incredibly excited to be bringing this iconic property to Apple TV+,” stated creators and executive producers Roland and Dillard. “Since we became friends nearly 10 years ago, we’ve looked for something to team up on, so this collaboration marks a dream come true. Neuromancer has inspired so much of the science fiction that’s come after it, and we’re looking forward to bringing television audiences into Gibson’s definitive ‘cyberpunk’ world.”
The 10-episode drama will be executive produced by author William Gibson, Zack Hayden, Anonymous Content, and Skydance Television’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Matt Thunell. DreamCrew Entertainment’s Drake, Adel ‘Future’ Nur, and Jason Shrier will also executive produce.
“The series will follow a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high stakes crime with his partner Molly, a razor-girl assassin with mirrored eyes aiming to pull a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets,” reads Apple TV+’s synopsis.
Gibson’s Neuromancer was published in 1984 and won the Philip K. Dick Award, the Nebula Award, and a Hugo Award. Neuromancer‘s the first book of the “Sprawl” trilogy that includes Count Zero (1986) and Mona Lisa Overdrive (1988).
Paramount+ has given a series order to a new spinoff in the popular NCIS franchise. The latest entry in the NCIS franchise doesn’t have a title, but it does have Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo attached to star.
Weatherly will reprise his role as Tony DiNozzo and de Pablo will slip back into her Ziva David character for the 10-episode season. The fan-favorite NCIS characters will reunite for the first time in 10 years.
“We’ve been talking about this story for many years, and now with John McNamara at the helm, we are ready,” said Weatherly and de Pablo. “The world of Tony and Ziva (and daughter Tali) promises to be an action-packed roller coaster fueled by love, danger, tears and laughter. We also want to acknowledge and thank the fans from around the world who supported the ‘TIVA’ movement for years. To this day, they say hello in grocery stores and on the street to tell us how much these characters mean to them and ask what Tony and Ziva are up to now. This is for you!”
John McNamara is on board as showrunner, executive producer, and wrote the first episode. Weatherly, de Pablo, Laurie Lieser, Christina Strain and Shelley Meals are also executive producing.
“I’m incredibly excited to step into the NCIS universe with Cote and Michael and thrilled to explore it from a few new angles,” said showrunner and executive producer John McNamara. “Given that the franchise is such a global sensation, I think it’s phenomenal that CBS Studios and Paramount+ have given us the greenlight to shoot in Europe. As to the title of this series, if I told you what it is, I’d be violating the Espionage Act.”
Filming’s expected to get underway later this year.
Paramount+ released this synopsis of the spinoff:
“After Ziva’s supposed death, Tony left the NCIS team to go raise their daughter. Years later, Ziva was discovered alive, leading her to complete one final mission with NCIS before she was reunited with Tony and their daughter in Paris. Since then – and where we find them in the new Paramount+ original series – Tony and Ziva have been raising their daughter, Tali, together. When Tony’s security company is attacked, they must go on the run across Europe, try to figure out who is after them and maybe even learn to trust each other again so that they can finally have their unconventional happily ever after.”
(UPDATE: The title is confirmed to be NCIS: Tony & Ziva.)
Shaun continues to butt heads with Charlie on ABC’s The Good Doctor season seven episode three. “Critical Support” will air on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 10pm ET/PT. (Originally announced for March 5th.)
The final season stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman, Fiona Gubelmann as Dr. Morgan Reznick, Will Yun Lee as Dr. Alex Park, Christina Chang as Dr. Audrey Lim, and Paige Spara as Lea Dilallo. Bria Samoné Henderson plays Dr. Jordan Allen, Noah Galvin is Dr. Asher Wolke, and Chuku Modu stars as Dr. Jared Kalu.
“Critical Support” Plot: Shaun continues to be tested by Charlie when their newest case prompts her incessant stream of questions – all in pursuit of an answer. Meanwhile, Morgan struggles on who to name as guardian for Baby Eden should anything happen to her.
Kayla Cromer, Freddie Highmore, Noah Galvin and Chuku Modu in ‘The Good Doctor’ season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)
The Good Doctor Description, Courtesy of ABC:
In the farewell season of The Good Doctor, new challenges intermingle with the unresolved past. Following the birth of their son, Steve, Shaun and Lea navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood. Meanwhile, the team continues to deal with the many changes they have faced at the hospital over the past year and must learn to come to terms with them if they want to move forward in their lives and careers.
Paige Spara and Freddie Highmore in season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Noah Galvin and Giacomo Baessato in season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Fiona Gubelmann and Will Yun Lee in season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Kayla Cromer, Freddie Highmore, Ethan Rich, April Cameron and Chuku Modu in season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Noah Galvin, Giacomo Baessato, Oakley Arksey and J.C. Roy in season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)Richard Schiff, Christina Chang and Freddie Highmore in season 7 episode 3 (Disney/Jeff Weddell)
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed audiences will be treated to a live performance of “I’m Just Ken” by Barbie‘s top Ken, Ryan Gosling, during the 2024 Oscars. While Greta Gerwig was snubbed in the Best Director category and the film’s titular Barbie, Margot Robbie, wasn’t recognized with a nomination, Gosling and America Ferrera did earn acting nominations. Altogether, box office superstar Barbie picked up eight nominations, two of which came in the Best Original Song category.
Jon Batiste, Becky G, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, and Scott George and the Osage Singers will also take the stage and perform the 96th Oscars original songs nominees. The Academy released the following list of songs and performers:
“The Fire Inside” from Flamin’ Hot – Performed by Becky G
Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
“I’m Just Ken” from Barbie – Performed by Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson
Music and Lyric by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt
“It Never Went Away” from American Symphony – Performed by Jon Batiste
Music and Lyric by Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson
“Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from Killers of the Flower Moon – Performed by Scott George and the Osage Singers
Music and Lyric by Scott George
“What Was I Made For?” from Barbie – Performed by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell
Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell
Raj Kapoor will guide this year’s live awards show as showrunner and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Molly McNearney and Katy Mullan.
Jimmy Kimmel is on board as host of the 96th Oscars airing live on ABC on Sunday, March 10, 2024 from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The telecast will begin at a new time – 7pm ET/4pm PT.
Jean Smart stars in ‘Hacks’ (Photograph by Karen Ballard/HBO Max)
Helen Hunt (Mad About You) and Christina Hendricks (Good Girls) will take on guest starring roles in the upcoming third season of Max’s award-winning comedy Hacks. The streaming service also announced Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Dan Bucatinsky (Scandal), George Wallace (Clean Slate), and Tony Goldwyn (Oppenheimer) will appear in guest starring roles in season three.
Season three, which is expected to premiere this spring, stars Emmy, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award winner Jean Smart as Deborah Vance and Emmy, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award nominee Hannah Einbinder as Ava. Returning cast members include Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo, and Lorenza Izzo.
“A year after parting, Deborah Vance is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles,” reads Max’s synopsis.
Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky created the series and serve as showrunners. Downs and Aniello executive produce through their Paulilu banner, and Statsky executive produces via First Thought Productions. Morgan Sackett, Fremulon’s Michael Schur via Fremulon, and 3 Arts Entertainment’s David Miner also executive produce.
