‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 32 Announces “Disney100 Night”

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October 11, 2023

Dancing with the Stars Season 32 Xochitl Gomez — Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovsky on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 32 (Disney/Eric McCandless)

ABC’s Dancing with the Stars season 32 will host a special “Disney100 Night” in celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary. Episode four, airing on October 17, 2023 at 8pm ET/PT, will find the 11 couples remaining in the competition dancing to songs from Disney films.

The special Disney-themed episode will kick off with the professional dancers performing to Encanto‘s “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” The opening number will be choreographed by Christopher Scott.

Episode four will feature the following performances:

TV and film star Alyson Hannigan and pro Sasha Farber will perform a Jazz to “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast.
Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino and pro Gleb Savchenko will perform a Waltz to “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella.
Marvel star Xochitl Gomez and pro Val Chmerkovskiy will perform a Paso Doble to “Un Poco Loco” from Coco.
Ariana Madix (Vanderpump Rules) and pro Pasha Pashkov will perform a Contemporary to “Into the Unknown” from Frozen II.
Singer and social media star Lele Pons and pro Brandon Armstrong will perform a Rumba to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King.
Former Bachelorette Charity Lawson and pro Artem Chigvintsev will perform a Viennese Waltz to “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid.
GRAMMY-winning singer Jason Mraz and pro Daniella Karagach will perform a Foxtrot to “A Whole New World” from Aladdin.
NFL All-Star Adrian Peterson and pro Britt Stewart will perform a Viennese Waltz to “Baby Mine” from Dumbo.
Social media and reality TV star Harry Jowsey and pro Rylee Arnold will perform a Quickstep to “You’ve Got a Friend In Me” from Toy Story.
The Brady Bunch actor Barry Williams and pro Peta Murgatroyd will perform a Jazz to “He’s a Tramp” from Lady and the Tramp.
Real estate mogul and TV star Mauricio Umansky and pro Emma Slater will perform a Paso Doble to “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” from Fantasia.

Dancing with the Stars is also teaming up with the upcoming Disney animated film Wish for the “Wishes Come True Sweepstakes!” Details are available via WishTheMovie.com/DWTS, with the winner receiving a trip for four to the Dancing with the Stars season 32 finale.

‘Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murder’ Details – Trailer, Poster, and Air Date

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Rebecca Murray

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October 11, 2023

Peacock’s set an October 24, 2023 premiere date for the true crime Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murder. documentary series. The three-part docuseries is a deep dive into Keith Ham’s involvement with the Hare Krishna religion and features interviews with people who were directly impacted by the “guru.”

Joseph Freed, Allison Berkley, Tara Long, David Holthouse, and Tim Clancy serve as executive producers. Krishnas is produced by Entertainment One Reality Productions, LLC. and Marwar Junction Productions.

Krishnas Gurus Karma Murder Poster — Poster for ‘Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murder.’ (Photo Credit: Peacock)

Peacock released this description of the documentary series:

“When an Indian Swami gives a lost generation of Americans a new message of love, the Hare Krishna religion is born. But when the Swami dies without finishing his mission, an American Guru tries to seize control of the movement, leading to accusations of racketeering and murder, and investigations by a West Virginia Sheriff’s Detective, the LAPD, and the FBI.

Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murder. gives a glimpse into the epic American tale about charismatic personalities that offer divine light, and Krishna devotees who discover their movement has been corrupted by greed, lust for power and vengeance.”

‘The Iron Claw’ Trailer Starring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White

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Rebecca Murray

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October 11, 2023

A24’s trailer for the wrestling drama The Iron Claw opens with Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich describing his family. “Ever since I was a child, people said my family was cursed. Mom tried to protect us with God. Pop tried to protect us with wrestling. He said if we were the toughest, strongest, nothing would ever hurt us. I believed it. We all did,” explains Efron as Kevin.

The Iron Claw lays out the true story of the Von Erich brothers, siblings who found success in the wrestling ring. In addition to a buffed-up Zac Efron, the cast includes Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, Maura Tierney as Doris, Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich, and Lily James as Pam.

Sean Durkin (Dead Ringers, The Nest) wrote the screenplay and directs.

The Iron Claw Poster — ‘The Iron Claw’ Poster (Photo Credit: A24)

The Iron Claw opens in theaters on December 22, 2023.

“The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s,” states A24’s synopsis. “Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.”

Review of The Iron Claw

‘Trolls Band Together’ Featurette Provides a Look Behind the Scenes

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Rebecca Murray

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October 10, 2023

The two-minute featurette for DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls Band Together shows off new scenes from the animated comedy, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the voice cast. Anna Kendrick – the voice of Poppy – describes the voice cast of the third Trolls film as “an embarrassment of riches.”

In addition to returning star Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake’s back as Branch, Zooey Deschanel is Bridget, Christopher Mintz-Plasse is Gristle, Grammy winner Anderson .Paak is Prince D, Ron Funches is Cooper, and Kunal Nayyar is Guy Diamond. Kenan Thompson voices Tiny Diamond, and the Icona Pop duo Aino Jawo and Caroline Hjelt return as Satin and Chenille.

Walt Dohrn returns to direct the new chapter of the Trolls story, with Tim Heitz co-directing.

Trolls Band Together opens in theaters on November 17, 2023.

The Plot, Courtesy of Dreamworks Animation:

After two films of true friendship and relentless flirting, Poppy (Kendrick) and Branch (Timberlake) are now officially, finally, a couple (#broppy)! As they grow closer, Poppy discovers that Branch has a secret past. He was once part of her favorite boyband phenomenon, BroZone, with his four brothers: Floyd (Golden Globe nominated electropop sensation Troye Sivan), John Dory (Eric André;), Spruce (Grammy winner Daveed Diggs) and Clay (Grammy winner Kid Cudi). BroZone disbanded when Branch was still a baby, as did the family, and Branch hasn’t seen his brothers since.

But when Branch’s bro Floyd is kidnapped for his musical talents by a pair of nefarious pop-star villains — Velvet (Emmy winner Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Grammy winner and Tony nominee Andrew Rannells) — Branch and Poppy embark on a harrowing and emotional journey to reunite the other brothers and rescue Floyd from a fate even worse than pop-culture obscurity.

Featuring Trolls’ signature psychedelic joy-bomb of new and classic pop hits, Trolls Band Together stars a dazzling cast of musical superstars and comedic powerhouses as new franchise characters, including four-time Grammy nominee and Latin Grammy winner Camila Cabello as Viva; Zosia Mamet as Crimp; and 12-time Emmy winning drag icon RuPaul Charles as Miss Maxine.

‘The Irrational’ Episode 4 Photos, Cast, and “Zero Sum” Trailer

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 10, 2023

A desperate dad asks Professor Mercer for help on NBC’s The Irrational season one episode four. “Zero Sum” is set to air on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 10pm ET/PT.

Jesse L. Martin stars as Professor Alec Mercer, Maahra Hill is Marisa, Travina Springer is Kylie, Molly Kunz is Phoebe, and Arash DeMaxi plays Rizwan. Executive producers include Arika Lisanne Mittman, Mark Goffman, Sam Baum, and David Frankel.

“Zero Sum” Plot: Alec and the team take on a kidnapping case at the request of a desperate father. Their investigation is hampered by a complicated family dynamic that slowly reveals everyone’s hidden motivations.

The Irrational Season 1 Episode 4 — Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer and Jerod Haynes as Keith Moore in ‘The Irrational’ season 1 episode 4 (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)

Season 1 Description, Courtesy of NBC:

A new spin on the procedural genre, The Irrational follows world-renowned professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer (Martin) as he lends his unique expertise on an array of high-stakes cases involving governments, law enforcement, and corporations. His insight and unconventional approach to understanding psychology and human behavior lead him and the team on a series of intense, unexpected journeys to solve illogical puzzles and perplexing mysteries.

The Irrational Episode 4 — Maahra Hill as Marisa and Alec Carlos as Corey Gibson in episode 4 (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)

‘The Marvels’ Unveils New Videos as Ticket Sales Begin

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 10, 2023

Marvel Studios celebrated the opening of advance ticket sales with the release of two short videos from The Marvels. Brie Larson stars as Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris is Captain Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani plays Kamala Khan/Ms in the superhero action film set to open in theaters on November 10, 2023.

The cast also includes Samuel L. Jackson, Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Seo-Jun Park, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, and Saagar Shaikh.

Marvel Studios also released new posters promoting the film’s screenings in IMAX, Dolby, ScreenX, and RealD 3D.

Nia DaCosta (2021’s critically acclaimed Candyman) directs and co-wrote the screenplay with Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik. Kevin Feige produces, and Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Mary Livanos, and Matthew Jenkins executive produce.

Marvel Studios released this description of the comic book-inspired film:

“Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau.

Together, this unlikely trio must team up and learn to work in concert to save the universe as The Marvels.”

The Marvels IMAX Poster — ‘The Marvels’ IMAX Poster (Photo © 2023 MARVEL)

The Marvels ScreenX Poster — ‘The Marvels’ ScreenX Poster (Photo © 2023 MARVEL)

Real D 3D Poster — ‘The Marvels’ RealD 3D Poster (Photo © 2023 MARVEL)

Brie Larson Poster — ‘The Marvels’ Dolby Poster (Photo © 2023 MARVEL)

‘Pain Hustlers’ Trailer Starring Emily Blunt and Chris Evans

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 10, 2023

If the trailer for Netflix’s Pain Hustlers has a familiar-ish ring, it’s because we’ve seen the topic – a big pharma company making billions off the [hurt] backs of patients – done multiple times before. This outing benefits from a big-name cast and narrowing the focus to one particular employee, played by Emily Blunt.

“I feel like it’s been bucket list name after bucket list name,” stated producer Lawrence Grey. “It is such an incredible cast.”

In addition to Emily Blunt, Chris Evans, Catherine O’Hara, Chloe Coleman, Jay Duplass, and Brian d’Arcy James star in the pharmaceutical drama. The cast also includes Amit Shah, Aubrey Dollar, Willie Raysor, and Andy Garcia .

David Yates (the Fantastic Beasts films) directs from a screenplay by Wells Tower. Yates and Lawrence Grey produce, with Emily Blunt, Mark Moran, Yvonne Walcott-Yates, Lewis Taylor, and Ben Everard executive producing.

Pain Hustlers opens in select theaters on October 20, 2023 followed by a release on Netflix on October 27.

Pain Hustlers Poster — Poster for Netflix’s ‘Pain Hustlers’

The Plot, Courtesy of Netflix:

Liza Drake (Blunt) is a blue-collar single mom who has just lost her job and is at the end of her rope. A chance meeting with pharmaceutical sales rep Pete Brenner (Evans) puts her on an upward trajectory economically but dubious path ethically as she becomes entangled in a dangerous racketeering scheme.

Dealing with her increasingly unhinged boss (Garcia), the worsening medical condition of her daughter (Coleman), and a growing awareness of the devastation the company is causing forces Liza to examine her choices.

‘The Spiderwick Chronicles’ Series Resurrected by Roku

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 10, 2023

‘The Spiderwick Chronicles’ (Photo Credit: Roku)

Roku has moved in and saved The Spiderwick Chronicles starring Christian Slater and Joy Bryant and based on Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s popular book series. In August 2023, Disney+ dropped The Spiderwick Chronicles after the eight-episode season had wrapped filming.

The cancellation prompted Paramount Television Studios and 20th Television to shop the series elsewhere, with Roku snatching up the U.S. rights. Fans of the bestselling books can now expect an early 2024 premiere on The Roku Channel.

“It is an honor to bring The Spiderwick Chronicles, a spectacular adventure-filled story led by the incredible Christian Slater and Joy Bryant, exclusively to The Roku Channel,” stated Brian Tannenbaum, Head of Originals, Roku Media. “We cannot wait to introduce this exquisitely crafted series, imagined by a world-class creative team, to millions of streamers.”

Joy Bryant stars as Helen Grace, Christian Slater plays Mulgarath, Noah Cottrell is Simon Grace, Lyon Daniels is Jared Grace, and Mychala Lee plays Mallory Grace. Jack Dylan Grazer provides the voice of Thimbletack.

“We are elated that The Spiderwick Chronicles has found a new home and want to thank The Roku Channel for their passionate partnership,” said Nicole Clemens, President of Paramount Television Studios and Paramount+ Original Scripted Series. “Our showrunner Aron Eli Coleite has crafted a beautiful series full of all the enchantment that made the books so beloved, and we can’t wait for audiences to meet these wonderful characters.”

Executive producers include Aron Eli Coleite, Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell, D.J. Goldberg, Julie Kane-Ritsch, and Grace Gilroy. Executive producer Kat Coiro directed episodes one and two.

The Roku Channel offers this description of the series:

“The Spiderwick Chronicles follows the coming-of-age story of the Grace Family, as they move from New York to Michigan and into their family’s ancestral home. Upon arrival, the family not only uncovers mysteries hidden inside their great grandfather’s Spiderwick Estate, but also discovers a secret, fantastical world around them.”

The Spiderwick Chronicles Releases a Teaser Trailer and New Poster

‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ Official Trailer Starring David Oyelowo

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 10, 2023

Bass Reeves (played by David Oyelowo) describes himself as a bit of a lawman and an outlaw in the official trailer for Paramount+’s Lawmen: Bass Reeves. The minute-and-a-half trailer highlights Reeves’ dedication to keeping the peace and protecting the innocent. The trailer ends with Reeves warning outlaws that their wicked days are over.

Joining Emmy nominee David Oyelowo in the first season of the anthology series are Lauren E. Banks as Jennie Reeves, Demi Singleton as Sally Reeves, Forrest Goodluck as Billy Crow, Barry Pepper as Esau Pierce, Dennis Quaid as Sherrill Lynn, and Donald Sutherland as Judge Parker. Shea Whigham and Garrett Hedlund guest star, with Joaquina Kalukango, Lonnie Chavis, Grantham Coleman, Tosin Morohunfola, Dale Dickey, Rob Morgan, Ryan O’Nan, Margot Bingham, Mo Brings Plenty, Justin Hurtt-Dunkley and Bill Dawes on board in recurring roles.

Chad Feehan created the series and serves as executive producer and showrunner. Additional executive producers include Taylor Sheridan, series star David Oyelowo, David C. Glasser, Jessica Oyelowo, David Permut, Christina Alexandra Voros, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, and David Hutkin. The anthology is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios, Taylor Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch Productions, and David Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is the latest production from Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan. Sheridan’s roster of Paramount+ and Paramount Network dramas includes Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, and Special Ops: Lioness.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves will premiere on November 5, 2023 with the release of the first two episodes. New episodes will stream on Sundays.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves Poster — ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ poster featuring David Oyelowo (Photo Credit: Paramount+)

The Plot, Courtesy of Paramount+:

Revealing the untold story of the most legendary lawman in the Old West, Lawmen: Bass Reeves follows the journey of Reeves (Oyelowo) and his rise from enslavement to law enforcement as the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi. Despite arresting over 3,000 outlaws during the course of his career, the weight of the badge was heavy, and he wrestled with its moral and spiritual cost to his beloved family.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is an all-new, standalone anthology series, and future iterations will follow other iconic lawmen and outlaws who have impacted history.

‘Lessons in Chemistry’ Preview: Cast, Photos, Plot, and Trailer

By

Rebecca Murray

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October 9, 2023

Oscar winner Brie Larson (Room) whips up tasty meals on TV after being forced out of work as a scientist in Apple TV+’s Lessons in Chemistry. Set in the 1960s, Larson stars as Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant scientist who was born in the wrong era. The male-dominated lab where she’s employed stifles Elizabeth’s talent, holding firm to the belief women are only capable of handling subservient positions and are far too fragile and delicate to undertake any actual scientific endeavors.

A chance encounter leads to Elizabeth putting her chemistry skills to use in front of the camera and teaching women not just how to be brave in the kitchen but also in all aspects of their lives.

Lessons in Chemistry is based on Bonnie Garmus’ bestselling novel, published in April 2022. In a March 2022 interview with Penguin Books, Garmus discussed the book’s setting.

“I could remember these housewives having to do so much work and take care of so many kids, and it was never recognized as work,” said Garmus. “It occurred to me that my daughters weren’t going to have the same job opportunities or be paid the same as men. And they would always, always have to walk home looking over their shoulder. And that’s still true in every corner of the world today.”

Apple TV+’s limited series premieres on October 13, 2023 with the release of the first two episodes. New episodes of the eight-episode season follow on Fridays, leading up to the November 24 finale.

Lessons in Chemistry Limited Series — Lewis Pullman and Brie Larson in ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)

The Lessons in Chemistry Cast and Plot:

Brie Larson is front and center as Elizabeth Zott, and Lewis Pullman (Top Gun: Maverick) plays introverted scientist Calvin. Aja Naomi King (How to Get Away with Murder) stars as Harriet Sloane, Stephanie Koenig (The Flight Attendant) is Fran Frask, Kevin Sussman (The Dropout) is Walter, Patrick Walker (The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey) is Wakely, and Thomas Mann (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) is Boryweitz.

The limited series is executive produced by showrunner Lee Eisenberg, a seven-time Emmy nominee for The Office and Jury Duty. Susannah Grant, Louise Shore, Piece of Work Entertainment’s Natalie Sandy, and Aggregate Films’ Michael Costigan and Jason Bateman also serve as executive producers. Executive producer Sarah Adina Smith directs episodes one and two.

“Set in the early 1950s, Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott, whose dream of being a scientist is put on hold in a patriarchal society,” reads Apple TV+’s official synopsis. “When Elizabeth finds herself fired from her lab, she accepts a job as a host on a TV cooking show, and sets out to teach a nation of overlooked housewives — and the men who are suddenly listening — a lot more than recipes.”