Jeff Bridges stars as Dan Chase in ‘The Old Man’ (Photo Credit: Kurt Iswarienko/FX)
FX’s The Old Man has been renewed for season two after scoring the highest ratings of any cable series premiere since January 2021. The critically acclaimed drama is based on the bestselling novel by Thomas Perry and stars Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow.
Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine created the series and executive produce along with Warren Littlefield, Dan Shotz, Jeff Bridges, David Schiff, and Jon Watts. The series is produced by 20th Television in association with The Littlefield Company.
“Jonathan E. Steinberg, Dan Shotz and Warren Littlefield have done a fantastic job with The Old Man, which delivers on the powerful intrigue and breathtaking action of Thomas Perry’s book,” stated Eric Schrier, FX Entertainment President. “The stellar cast led by Jeff Bridges, John Lithgow, Amy Brenneman and Alia Shawkat is really connecting with audiences and we are excited to get to work on season two with our colleagues at 20th Television and this fantastic team.”
The seven-episode first season premiered on June 30, 2022. New episodes air on Thursdays at 10pm ET/PT on FX and are available to stream on Hulu the following day.
“This terrific series has had a long journey to the air, which makes the reaction from critics and audiences these past few weeks all the sweeter,” said Karey Burke, President of 20th Television. “But the truth is, no one who has worked on it these past three years is surprised it’s resonating so deeply. From the brilliant creative execution by Jon, Dan, and Warren to the spectacular star turns from Jeff, John, Amy and Alia, this heart-racing series delivers and we thank FX for the incredible support.”
Executive producers Jonathan E. Steinberg, Warren Littlefield, and Dan Shotz issued the following statement regarding the season two renewal:
“We couldn’t be more excited to begin the next chapter of this journey. Our partners at FX and 20th Television showed us such unwavering patience, faith, and support in getting Season 1 completed, we can think of no other way to repay that support than to go deliver a Season 2 that raises the bar yet again. On behalf of the producers, our extraordinary partner Jeff Bridges, and our stellar cast led by Jeff, John Lithgow, Amy Brenneman, and Alia Shawkat, we are incredibly grateful for the response the show has received, and can’t wait to get back to work.”
The Old Man Plot, Courtesy of FX:
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Thomas Perry, The Old Man centers on “Dan Chase” (Bridges), who absconded from the CIA decades ago and has been living off the grid since. When an assassin arrives and tries to take Chase out, the old operative learns that to ensure his future he now must reconcile his past.
With Dan Chase flushed out of hiding, the FBI’s Assistant Director for Counterintelligence “Harold Harper” (Lithgow) is called on to hunt him down because of his complicated past with the rogue fugitive. Working alongside Harper is his protégé “Angela Adams” (Shawkat) and CIA Special Agent “Raymond Waters” (Bonilla). When Chase proves to be more difficult to apprehend than the authorities expected, “Julian Carson” (Akinnagbe), a highly trained special ops contractor, is sent to pursue him as well.
While on the run, Chase rents a room from “Zoe McDonald” (Brenneman) who draws on reserves she never knew she had in order to survive the day when she learns the truth about her new tenant.
HBO’s critically acclaimed drama Succession has begun filming season four. The network announced the start of production and confirmed shooting is now taking place in New York.
Returning cast members include Brian Cox as Logan Roy, Sarah Snook as Siobhan, Alan Ruck as Connor, Jeremy Strong as Kendall, and Kieran Culkin as Roman. Matthew Macfadyen is back as the devious Tom Wambsgans, Nicholas Braun returns as Greg Hirsch, J. Smith-Cameron reprises her role as Gerri Kellman, and Peter Friedman’s back as Frank Vernon.
Additional cast members include David Rasche as Karl Muller, Fisher Stevens as Hugo Baker, Hiam Abbass as Marcia Roy, Justine Lupe as Willa Ferreyra, Scott Nicholson as Colin, Zoë Winters as Kerry, and Jeannie Berlin as Cyd Peach.
The production notice was accompanied by a description of the upcoming fourth season:
“In the ten-episode season four, the sale of media conglomerate Waystar Royco to tech visionary Lukas Matsson moves ever closer. The prospect of this seismic sale provokes existential angst and familial division among the Roys as they anticipate what their lives will look like once the deal is completed. A power struggle ensues as the family weighs up a future where their cultural and political weight is severely curtailed.”
Season one premiered in June 2018 followed by season two in August 2019. Season three debuted in October 2021 and wrapped up in December 2021. HBO hasn’t announced a targeted season four premiere date.
The award-winning Succession was created by executive producer and showrunner Jesse Armstrong. Adam McKay, Frank Rich, Kevin Messick, Jane Tranter, Mark Mylod, Tony Roche, Scott Ferguson, Jon Brown, Lucy Prebble, Will Tracy and Will Ferrell also executive produce.
The popular drama won nine Primetime Emmy Awards as well as multiple Critics Choice, BAFTA, Directors Guild, Producers Guild, and Writers Guild awards.
West Side Story‘s Rachel Zegler and Billy the Kid‘s Tom Blyth lead the cast as Lucy Gray Baird and Coriolanus Snow, respectively. The cast also includes Jerome Lance as Marcus, tribute from District 2; Ashley Liao as Clemensia Dovecote, one of Coriolanus’s closest friends and mentor to a tribute from District 11; Knox Gibson plays Bobbin, tribute from District 8; Mackenzie Lansing is Coral, tribute from District 4; and Aamer Husain plays Felix Ravinstill, mentor to a tribute from District 11.
Lionsgate is targeting a November 17, 2023 theatrical release.
The Hunger Games veteran Francis Lawrence returns to direct this prequel after having helmed Catching Fire (2013), Mockingjay Part 1 (2014), and Mockingjay Part 2 (2015).
The prequel is based on the novel by Suzanne Collins, with The Hunger Games author involved as an executive producer. Director Lawrence, Nina Jacobson, and Brad Simpson produce, and Tim Palen and Jim Miller are involved as executive producers.
The Plot: “Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow (Blyth) is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Zegler), the girl tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor.
Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.”
The legendary Carol Burnett is confirmed as a guest star on the final season of AMC’s Better Call Saul. Burnett will play a character named Marion, however, the network didn’t release any additional information regarding Marion’s connection to Saul.
It was previously announced that Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul will be reprising their Breaking Bad characters Walter White and Jesse Pinkman for the upcoming second half of the sixth and final season.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of my favorite show,” said the six-time Emmy Award-winning Burnett.
The first half of season six premiered on April 18, 2022 and wrapped up on May 23rd. The release of the final six episodes of the series kicks off Monday, July 11th at 9pm ET/PT on AMC and AMC+. The series finale is scheduled for August 15th.
The cast is led by Bob Odenkirk and includes Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn, and Patrick Fabian. Michael Mando, Tony Dalton, and Giancarlo Esposito also star in the final season. Peter Gould, Vince Gilligan, Mark Johnson, Melissa Bernstein, Thomas Schnauz, Gordon Smith, Alison Tatlock, Diane Mercer, and Michael Morris executive produce.
The Plot: “Better Call Saul’s final season concludes the complicated journey and transformation of its compromised hero, Jimmy McGill (Odenkirk), into criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. From the cartel to the courthouse, from Albuquerque to Omaha, season six tracks Jimmy, Saul and Gene as well as Jimmy’s complex relationship with Kim (Seehorn), who is in the midst of her own existential crisis. Meanwhile, Mike (Banks), Gus (Esposito), Nacho (Mando) and Lalo (Dalton) are locked into a game of cat and mouse with mortal stakes.
The final episodes will conclude the complicated journey and transformation of its compromised hero, Jimmy McGill, into criminal lawyer Saul Goodman.”
A scene from ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ episode 3 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Starz’s Becoming Elizabeth episode three finds Princess Elizabeth at odds with Catherine Parr and caught up in a love affair with her stepmom’s husband. Young King Edward proves he’s not ready to lead as his behavior’s more like that of a petulant child than a ruler. Meanwhile, Princess Mary appears to be the only member of the royal family with a solid grasp of the state of the world.
And now, the episode three recap:
“Either Learn Or Be Silent” opens with a man testing Catherine Parr’s urine (he drinks it!) and announces she’s with child. Catherine (Jessica Raine) believes this is a death sentence for her and the child.
Lady Jane Grey (Bella Ramsey) disagrees and thinks the baby is blessed. Jane would be happy if Catherine and Thomas were her parents, and that actually brings a smile to Catherine’s face.
And speaking of Thomas, he’s wormed his way into Elizabeth’s heart and declares she’s his and his alone. Their private chat’s interrupted by the arrival of Catherine, Jane, and assorted servants. Thomas (Tom Cullen) distracts the gathering by pointing out the clouds and then wondering why Elizabeth’s dressed in such somber attire.
Lady in Waiting Kat Ashley (Alexandra Gilbreath) reminds him that Elizabeth (Alicia von Rittberg) is in mourning for her father, but Thomas thinks the rebirth that comes with the spring means Elizabeth should shed her dark attire. He helps her out by cutting the strings on her bodice with his sword.
Elizabeth sharply draws in her breath as Thomas places his sword across her chest. He then moves behind her with Catherine egging him on. Elizabeth moves away from Thomas but now it’s Catherine’s turn to undress the princess.
Kat stops Lady Jane from joining the tussle as Catherine and Elizabeth giggle. Catherine informs her stepdaughter the dead want them free as Thomas rips Elizabeth’s dress from behind and Catherine pulls it down in front. She’s left in her undergarments while both Catherine and Thomas laugh.
Catherine appears ready to announce her pregnancy but is stopped when Thomas gives playful chase to a fleeing Elizabeth, leaving his wife behind.
Over in Framlingham Castle, Princess Mary (Romola Garai) can’t stop herself from re-reading the letter from her sister, Princess Elizabeth. She confesses to Pedro that its meaning pains her. Elizabeth has turned on her, just as her father did. Mary believes that both her father and her sister have chosen Catherine over her. And Elizabeth’s choice makes it clear there will be war.
Pedro sends a messenger to the Lord Protector Edward Seymour requesting a Catholic sit on the council.
Edward Seymour (John Heffernan) receives the note and immediately pays a visit to Bishop Gardiner locked in the Tower of London. Edward notes King Edward has strong opinions about faith and reminds Bishop Stephen Gardiner he attempted to have Catherine Parr executed for heresy.
Princess Elizabeth is brought before King Edward and the council to discuss Princess Mary. Edward Seymour’s fully aware of the letter Elizabeth sent and believes putting the Catholic Bishop on the council will help soothe things over.
Catherine is also in attendance and lays it on the line. Elizabeth wrote to Mary and told her she and King Edward are united against her. Now, as Edward Seymour points out, Mary feels the need to “protect” herself. Mary now poses a threat to the crown, and King Edward demands they tell Mary he never requested Elizabeth send her a letter.
Later at dinner, Thomas and Catherine demand answers as to why Elizabeth felt the need to write to Mary. Elizabeth says she was simply answering a question.
Catherine becomes angry, fully aware Mary could request she be executed. Elizabeth had no idea that when her father was dying, Bishop Gardiner wanted Catholicism to regrip the nation. Catherine explains the Bishop wanted her condemned so that he could be the one whispering in young King Edward’s ear.
Bishop Gardiner tortured Catherine’s friends to get any info they had that he could use against Catherine. He even burned Anne Askew at the stake after destroying her legs. After that, Elizabeth’s father, King Henry VIII, called for Catherine’s death – for the third time.
Fortunately for Catherine, it was Bishop Gardiner and not her who ended up in the Tower.
Thomas Seymour doesn’t think Bishop Gardiner poses a threat, but Catherine remains angry at Elizabeth for what she unleashed.
Bishop Gardiner visits Princess Mary and their discussion about religion gets a little heated. Princess Mary reveals she’s chosen her brother over her religion, and Gardiner warns that a fanatic and his handler actually rule England.
Gardiner reminds Mary she has the backing of all Catholics. Shocked at what he’s implying, Princess Mary can’t believe Bishop Gardiner wants her to tear apart her family and England.
Tom Cullen and Alicia von Rittberg in ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ episode 3 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Back at Chelsea Manor, Elizabeth comes to Thomas late at night and he calls her “the maker of fine messes.” Although he’s angry, he still wants Elizabeth and they discuss how he views her. Elizabeth’s sure he thinks of her as a child, and Thomas assures her he sees her clearly. He thinks she’s definitely not a child. (He’s married and she’s turning 15.)
Their gentle kisses turn increasingly passionate.
Moments later, Thomas joins Catherine in front of a fire. Catherine’s figured out Thomas’s brother isn’t scheming against them; he’s just trying to make them irrelevant by ignoring them. Thomas is sure that if King Edward marries Lady Jane, then their fortune will change.
Thomas winds up in bed with his wife and talk turns to Elizabeth’s 15th birthday. Catherine wants to arrange a celebration here at Chelsea Manor with Thomas in charge and King Edward as an honored guest.
Elizabeth’s birthday arrives and she looks gorgeous. Catherine notes beauty is wasted on the young. Catherine isn’t pleased that Elizabeth is wearing her mother Anne Boleyn’s necklace, and deems the gesture unwise. They compromise by hiding the ornate letter B on the necklace under Elizabeth’s dress.
The evening celebration gets underway, and King Edward’s given the honor of shooting a flaming arrow that spreads fire across the top of the river. That’s followed by a tremendous display of fireworks, much partying, and Elizabeth playing a rousing game of cards with Robert Dudley.
Jessica Raine, Oliver Zetterström, and Bella Ramsey in ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ episode 3 (Photo Credit: Starz)
King Edward (Oliver Zetterström) and Lady Jane carry on a friendly discussion over who is the louder man – King Henry VIII or Thomas Seymour. Catherine, who’s seated with them and looking after her dog who’s had a bit of a scare from the fireworks, joins the conversation. She reminds King Edward that if he wants to do something then he should do it. After all, he’s the King.
Elizabeth and Robert Dudley (Jamie Blackley) watch as Thomas and Catherine toast with Jane Grey and King Edward. Robert wonders what game Thomas is playing and reveals Thomas has asked for King Edward to see Jane, but Lord Protector Edward Seymour doesn’t allow it.
Jealousy rears its ugly head as Elizabeth watches Lady Jane and King Edward laugh over dinner. The straw that breaks the camel’s back is Edward Seymour’s toast to Elizabeth and to her brother, the King. It’s her birthday and she’s no longer the center of attention as the crowd stands and cheers King Edward.
Elizabeth grabs the attention by announcing Lady Jane has a special song she wants to sing. It doesn’t go over well as Lady Jane’s singing voice isn’t pleasant. No one claps as Lady Jane flees the room while King Edward remarks it was a “sh*t” performance.
Elizabeth confesses to Thomas Seymour that she understands he set this whole thing up to force King Edward and Lady Jane together – not because he wanted to do something special on her birthday.
Robert Dudley confronts Elizabeth over her disgusting display of pettiness, and Elizabeth unsuccessfully attempts to justify her behavior. Robert confirms he’s always on her side, but not when she uses her power to hurt innocent people.
Lady Jane receives a beating from her father for embarrassing the family. Elizabeth witnesses it and gets Henry Grey to stop, defending Jane’s participation since she’s the one who prompted it. Elizabeth takes the full blame and after Henry leaves, Elizabeth comforts Lady Jane and offers her a dress since Henry ripped hers.
Elizabeth explains she’s never had the power to affect anyone else’s life until tonight, and she’s just now fully understanding what that power means.
The party’s still going on when Thomas joins Elizabeth in her bedchamber. Thomas reveals he thinks his brother doesn’t trust him, and he hates being like him even for a moment. He claims he’s his brother’s hostage and then lunges at Elizabeth for a kiss. Elizabeth pushes him away; angry he and Catherine hide secrets from her.
Thomas warns Elizabeth not to be jealous because their secrets are bigger than the ones he shares with his wife. Elizabeth admits she loves him – more than is safe. Although he never says he loves her, he hints that she should be assured that’s the case.
Thomas unties her bedclothes and leans in for another kiss and once again Elizabeth pushes him away. However, this time it’s because Catherine has barged into the room and witnesses them together in bed. Catherine leaves but not before stating they’ll talk about this in the morning.
The following morning Chelsea Manor looks like a frat house after a hard night of partying. Catherine finally discovers Thomas asleep, spooning with a dog, and kicks him awake.
Meanwhile, Princess Mary’s upset she was not invited to London to celebrate her sister’s birthday. Pedro admits he wasn’t impressed with the bishop, and Mary pledges to show her brother she’s not a threat. If he views her as one, then all Catholics are at risk.
The council and King Edward are seated at a table in Catherine’s house, and Edward Seymour chides them for being late despite the fact it’s their home. Catherine reveals King Edward invited her to attend the meeting and she prompts her stepson to speak. King Edward declares Edward Seymour’s grown too bold and that the villainous bishop’s seat on the council must “not be seen as a concession to heresy, but as a sign of its end.”
King Edward orders the beginning of a religious reformation for his country. When Edward Seymour attempts to interrupt, King Edward reminds him he’s not the king. King Edward’s angry Edward Seymour won’t allow Lady Jane to visit him, and Edward declares the King of England isn’t about to marry Lady Jane – no matter what Thomas thinks or desires.
King Edward’s stunned. He had no idea that was what Thomas and Catherine had in mind.
The Lord Protector has had enough. He will no longer allow King Edward to play at ruling the country; King Edward’s only job is to learn how to rule in the future.
“Sit and learn, sir. That is all that is required of you,” shouts Edward Seymour.
After the meeting’s over, Catherine calls Elizabeth in for a talk and asks what Thomas has done. Elizabeth attempts to call what Catherine saw “play” and claims they did no wrong. Catherine brings up Anne Boleyn’s reputation up and wonders if Elizabeth’s cast from the same stone. Elizabeth continues to plead innocence, even with Catherine warning her to choose carefully how she acts.
“I have been quite blind to you, and I see you now. I see you clearly now, my love,” says Catherine.
Catherine understands that her lessons on how to play this great game are now complete.
Elizabeth sobs after her stepmother leaves the room.
Next, Catherine turns her attention to Thomas Seymour. She demands he chooses whether he’s an apologetic sinner or a defiant husband. He claims to be neither and Catherine realizes he’s really of two minds about whether to choose his wife or choose Elizabeth.
Catherine points out that if he chooses Elizabeth, he’ll need to tell King Edward that after marrying his stepmother, he now wants to marry his 15-year-old sister.
Catherine decides the best option is to send Elizabeth away. Thomas admits he finds Elizabeth beautiful and this hasn’t been some giant scheme to accumulate more power.
Catherine finally reveals she’s pregnant and suggests if he chooses Elizabeth, it won’t end well for him or Elizabeth. Catherine also believes she’ll wind up being beheaded alongside Thomas.
Thomas wishes they’d married long ago and that she’d never been the wife of King Henry VIII or stepmother of the new king, Princess Elizabeth, and Princess Mary.
Elizabeth’s carriage is packed and Catherine joins her outside, explaining she needs peace in her household because of her pregnancy. Catherine reminds Elizabeth to be careful with her reputation and that what matters is what people think she’s done.
Thomas stands outside Chelsea Manor and Elizabeth finally realizes he chose Catherine over her.
Elizabeth replays intimate moments with Thomas in her head as the carriage leaves Chelsea Manor.
J-Hope announces ‘Jack in the Box’ solo album (Photo Credit: Big Hit Music)
J-Hope of BTS is set to release his solo album Jack in the Box on July 15, 2022. J-Hope’s label, Big Hit Music, made the announcement on Weverse followed by a video posted by J-Hope on his Instagram announcing the upcoming album. The album’s first single will drop on Friday, July 1, however, there’s no official word yet on its title.
Soon after the news broke fans around the world showed their excitement on social media, with J-Hope and Jack in the Box trending worldwide on Twitter.
“Jack in The Box lends a voice to J-Hope’s aspirations to break the mold and grow further. The album represents J-Hope’s own musical personality and vision as an artist,” according to Big Hit.
The release of Jack in the Box will make J-Hope the first BTS member to embark on “BTS chapter 2.” On June 13, BTS held a dinner party to celebrate their nine-year anniversary and it was there they announced to fans the members will be releasing solo albums. BTS made it very clear this is not a breakup of the globally popular group, but instead they’re taking a break to find themselves individually. It was also made clear there will still be group activities as well.
The rap members of the group – RM, SUGA, and J-Hope – have previously released solo work they’ve called mixtapes, but this will be the first time the other members will release solo albums. BTS member and leader of the group, RM, noted these will be albums and different from mixtapes that were released in the past.
While it was announced J-Hope would be the first member to embark on the solo adventure, the group did not reveal which member will release next or what the proposed album release schedule looks like. However, BTS’ Jin did say he will probably be the last to release – but that wasn’t confirmed by their label.
J-Hope is set to make his solo stage debut at one of the world’s biggest music festivals, Lollapalooza, where he’ll be a headliner. His appearance will mark the first time a Korean artist will headline a major US music festival when he takes the stage on Sunday, July 31st. The news about his first solo stage show was announced on June 6, 2022, before the group announced their temporary break.
As reported by Variety, singer-songwriter/frontman for the band Jane’s Addiction and founder of Lollapalooza, Perry Farrell, commented on his excitement at having J-Hope perform at the festival.
“I’m happy to welcome J-Hope and Tomorrow X Together into the Lollapalooza family,” stated Farrell. “These artists have been given great gifts in communication. Their global audience speak different languages but possess an intense passion for their music. Lolla is the place where all music genres live in harmony. These are the superstars of the global phenomenon of K-Pop, and we are so excited to have them at this year’s festival.”
Tomorrow X Together are labelmates with BTS at Big Hit Music and will be performing Saturday, July 30.
Taylor Swift’s haunting original song “Carolina” just unveiled a gorgeous lyric video. The new song’s featured in the dramatic film Where the Crawdads Sing based on the bestselling novel by Delia Owens and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones.
“About a year and half ago I wrote a song about an incredible story, the story of a girl who always lived on the outside, looking in. Figuratively and literally,” explained Swift. “The juxtaposition of her loneliness and independence. Her longing and her stillness. Her curiosity and fear, all tangled up. Her persisting gentleness… and the world’s betrayal of it. I wrote this one alone in the middle of the night and then Aaron Dessner and I meticulously worked on a sound that we felt would be authentic to the moment in time when this story takes place. I made a wish that one day you would hear it.”
Where the Crawdads Sing was adapted by Lucy Alibar and directed by Olivia Newman (First Match). Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter produced, with Rhonda Fehr and Betsy Danbury executive producing.
“Taylor Swift writing a song for the film based on these characters was the greatest gift that we could have received,” said producer Reese Witherspoon. “We got a call from Taylor and her team to tell us she had written a song, ‘Carolina,’ that incorporates so many of the haunting elements of the movie. I’ve gotten to talk with her a couple of times about what inspired the song and how she wrote it. Obviously, she’s a beautiful songwriter who understands so much about folk and country music, and it’s her appreciation of those genres that made the song so perfect for this film. And who doesn’t love a gorgeous, haunting Taylor Swift song?”
In addition to Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People) as “Kya Clark,” the cast includes Taylor John Smith (Sharp Objects) as “Tate Walker,” Harris Dickinson (The King’s Man) as “Chase Andrews,” Michael Hyatt (Snowfall) as “Mabel,” Sterling Macer, Jr. (Double Down) as “Jumpin’,” and David Strathairn (Nomadland) as “Tom Milton.”
Where the Crawdads Sing opens in theaters on July 15, 2022.
The Plot: “From the best-selling novel comes a captivating mystery. Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of Kya, an abandoned girl who raised herself to adulthood in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. For years, rumors of the ‘Marsh Girl’ haunted Barkley Cove, isolating the sharp and resilient Kya from her community. Drawn to two young men from town, Kya opens herself to a new and startling world; but when one of them is found dead, she is immediately cast by the community as the main suspect.
As the case unfolds, the verdict as to what actually happened becomes increasingly unclear, threatening to reveal the many secrets that lay within the marsh.”
Emmy Award nominee Evan Rachel Wood returns for the long-delayed, much-anticipated fourth season of HBO’s award-winning, mind-bending drama Westworld. However, Wood isn’t playing Dolores since that character apparently really, truly died in season three. Instead, Wood is now starring as Christina, a character described as a struggling writer.
And, according to Deadline, Christina will be dating a character played by James Marsden who’s not Teddy this time around. Remember, Teddy bit the dust in season two.
Evan Rachel Wood describes Christina as more human than Dolores was in previous seasons. “I think most people come onto the show and are thinking, ‘Oh I wish I was a host,’ and I think the treat for me was actually getting to be vulnerable and somewhat human in season four,” said Wood during an interview with EW.
Wood’s Christina lives in a big city and has a roommate, played by Westworld newcomer and recent Oscar winner Ariana DeBose (West Side Story). Additional confirmed season four cast members include Jeffrey Wright as Bernard Lowe, Angela Sarafyan as Clementine Pennyfeather, Tessa Thompson as Charlotte Hale, Ed Harris as The Man in Black, and Luke Hemsworth as Ashley Stubbs. Emmy Award winner Thandiwe Newton returns as Maeve Millay and Aaron Paul is back as Caleb Nichols.
Season one premiered on October 2, 2016, followed by season two in April 2018. Season three aired from March through May 2020, and season four premieres on June 26, 2022 with an episode titled “The Auguries.”
New episodes of the eight-episode fourth season will debut on HBO on Sundays at 9pm ET/PT.
Westworld is based on the 1973 film written by Michael Crichton and was created for TV by Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan. Joy, Nolan, Alison Schapker, Denise Thé, J.J. Abrams, Athena Wickham, Richard J. Lewis, and Ben Stephenson executive produce.
HBO describes the series as “a dark odyssey about the fate of sentient life on earth.” Season four is set seven years after the events in season three.
Check out photos from Westworld season four episode one:
Ariana DeBose and Evan Rachel Wood in ‘Westworld’ season 4 episode 1 (Photograph by John Johnson/HBO)Evan Rachel Wood in season 4 episode 1 (Photograph by John Johnson/HBO)Ariana DeBose in season 4 episode 1 (Photograph by John Johnson/HBO)Ariana DeBose in season 4 episode 1 (Photograph by John Johnson/HBO)Jeffrey Wright in season 4 episode 1 (Photograph by John Johnson/HBO)Ed Harris in season 4 episode 1 (Photograph by John Johnson/HBO)Ed Harris in season 4 episode 1 (Photograph by John Johnson/HBO)
Multiplatinum singer-songwriter and producer Charlie Puth teamed up with Jungkook of the global super group BTS for his highly anticipated single “Left and Right,” released at midnight on June 24, 2022. Charlie Puth has been teasing this collaboration for a while now via TikTok where the musician has quite an impressive following.
“Left and Right” marks the first solo collaboration Jungkook has participated in. Jungkook previously teamed up with other BTS members to work on songs with the award-winning DJ Steve Aoki (“Waste It On Me”) and singer-songwriter Lauv (“Who”).
Produced by Puth himself, “Left and Right” is described by Atlantic Records as instantly captivating “with its vibrant, funk-fueled sensibilities that effortlessly fuse the two hitmakers’ signature sounds.” The single’s already hit number one on US iTunes and the video has been viewed more than 10 million times over its first 12 hours in release.
The official “Left and Right” music video was directed by Drew Kirsch. The music video has a playful vibe and follows Puth and Jungkook through a therapeutic fantasy to escape their own minds, which matches the song’s “you take up every corner of my mind” lyrics.
Charlie Puth and Jungkook teamed up in the past at the 2018 MBC Plus X Genie Music Awards in South Korea to perform Charlie’s hit song “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” According to a recent interview with Z100 New York radio station, Charlie says he and Jungkook kept in touch after that collaboration and have sent music back and forth to each other over the years.
“Left and Right” serves as the third single from Puth’s forthcoming third studio album, CHARLIE, due out later this year. After months of fan anticipation, he released his first single from the album, “Light Switch,” in January 2022. That single hit No. 1 on the Apple iTunes Pop Chart and has garnered more than 401 million streams globally and over 83 million views on YouTube. Charlie’s second single, “That’s Hilarious,” has amassed over 99 million streams on Spotify.
Puth hasn’t officially announced his upcoming album’s release date.
Charlie Puth had been making his promotional rounds, recently doing the iHeart Radio Music Awards where he did a special dueling piano performance with John Legend. He’s currently in the midst of radio promotions for “Left and Right” featuring Jungkook.
Could The Black Phone do for black balloons what IT did for red ones? IT’s Pennywise is creepier—it’s tough to beat a demonic clown—but The Black Phone’s The Grabber serves up solid competition among horrifying antagonists in films based on Stephen King or his son Joe Hill’s twisted stories. And as for the balloons, both signal what’s about to go down is going to be terrifying.
The Black Phone’s set in 1978, years before kids could use their cell phones to instantly reach out for help. I’d say it was a more innocent time but truthfully the world was a scary place even back then; we just didn’t talk about it as much because social media didn’t exist and it wasn’t as easy to share gossip.
The story focuses on Finney (Mason Thames), a quiet 13-year-old with a hell of a pitching arm and a feisty kid sister named Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). Finney’s the target of a vicious group of school bullies but, fortunately, one of the most feared/fearsome members of his class has his back. Unfortunately, that kid—Robin (Miguel Cazarez Mora)—soon becomes the latest addition to a lengthy list of kids snagged by The Grabber (Ethan Hawke).
The Grabber has been stalking the streets unseen by authorities for years. There are so few clues as to who’s behind all the abductions that when Gwen talks about black balloons, it draws the attention of the cops. They’ve been keeping key details about the crime scenes a secret – a common investigative tool used by law enforcement—and one of the items they haven’t disclosed is that remnants of black balloons were found at some of the abduction sites.
Gwen wasn’t at the crime scenes and hasn’t read any police reports. Instead, Gwen’s knowledge of black balloons and other details of the kidnappings comes to her in her dreams. Her deceased mom also had the ability to tap into the spiritual realm, something that Gwen’s abusive, alcoholic father Terrence (Jeremy Davies) resents and tries to beat out of her.
Finney’s no longer under the protection of Robin and is worried about becoming The Grabber’s next victim when he encounters a strange character who claims to be a magician. Finney’s spidey sense kicks in too late and he’s knocked out before he can escape.
When Finney comes to, he’s in a soundproof basement with just a toilet, a mattress, and a weird black phone on the wall that The Grabber insists doesn’t work. Of course, the film wouldn’t be titled The Black Phone if said item was just a strange choice for a set decoration.
When it rings, Finney finds himself speaking to the kids who were kidnapped before him. The phone connects Finney to some of the teens who’ve experienced exactly what he’s going through now, and they not only warn him about what’s in store—torture and ultimately death—but also provide clues as to what he should do to avoid sharing their fate.
The Black Phone’s three leads—Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, and Ethan Hawke—are outstanding, with Thames and McGraw perfectly capturing that teen sibling, us against the world vibe. Gwen’s a real force of nature and her personality balances the shyness of her older brother, and the way both Thames and McGraw bring these polar opposites to life makes The Black Phone feel grounded in reality despite the story’s fantastical elements.
Ethan Hawke trades in his normal decent guy sort of role to disappear into the part of a lunatic serial killer. Hawke’s The Grabber’s such a menacing, nightmare-inducing presence that it barely registers his face is hidden under grotesque masks for the entirety of the film.
The Black Phone’s a genuinely frightening film that relies less on jump scares—although there’s a decent amount of those—and more on the truly horrifying, believable threat of a sadistic killer who targets kids. Supernatural elements are smoothly incorporated into the story and the unexpected, gruesome appearances of the dead kids as they speak to Finney ups the creepiness factor which was already at a high level due to the exquisitely disturbing masks (designed by Tom Asvini) sported by The Grabber.
Writer/director Scott Derrickson (Sinister, Doctor Strange) exited Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to helm The Black Phone, based on the short story by Joe Hill. Derrickson, who describes The Black Phone as his most personal film to date, made a wise decision to pass on the disappointing Doctor Strange sequel and delve into this unexpectedly uplifting yet totally twisted tale. Saying no to Marvel couldn’t have been an easy career choice, but opting to reunite with Ethan Hawke for this crowd-pleasing horror thriller was absolutely the right call to make.
GRADE: B
MPAA Rating: R for some drug use, language, bloody images, and violence
