Hulu’s just released the trailer for Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers, the docuseries from executive producer Jeanie Buss. Buss is the NBA franchise’s CEO and controlling owner and was actively involved in telling the story of her father’s transformation of the struggling club into one of the league’s most popular NBA teams.
Antoine Fuqua (Southpaw, The Guilty) directs and executive produces along with Lakers senior executive Linda Rambis and Haven Entertainment’s Kevin Mann, Michael Mann, and Brendan Bragg. Additional executive producers include Los Angeles Media Fund’s (LAMF) Jeffrey Soros and Simon Horsman.
Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers will premiere on Hulu on August 15, 2022 with the release of the first two episodes. New episodes arrive on Mondays.
Hulu released the following lengthy description of the docuseries:
“Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers captures the remarkable rise and unprecedented success of one of the most dominant and iconic franchises in professional sports. Featuring exclusive access to the Buss Family and probing, revealing interviews with players, coaches, and front-office execs, this 10-part documentary series chronicles this extraordinary story from the inside – told only by the people who lived it.
When charismatic real estate tycoon Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the Los Angeles Lakers in a wildly risky and complex business deal, nobody could’ve predicted just how much success was to come. Kicking off the ‘Showtime’ era in 1979, the notorious L.A.-playboy pioneered the business of basketball. He raised the price of floor seats, introduced dancers and a live band, opened an exclusive private club inside the arena, and cultivated famous fans in Hollywood. Over the last 40 years, the team captured 11 titles and retired the jerseys of some of the NBA’s most legendary players.
Today, Dr. Buss’s empire is now worth more than $5 billion. But all of that success did not come easy. Along with notorious feuds, career-ending illnesses, and a bevy of insurmountable on-court obstacles, the Lakers have also weathered intense drama off the court – within Dr. Buss’s own family. Running the franchise as a ‘mom and pop’ operation, Dr. Buss gave his children front office jobs with the understanding they would, someday, inherit his kingdom. But sibling rivalry, interpersonal conflict, and corporate unrest threatened to destroy everything Dr. Buss worked so hard to build.
Ultimately, Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers is about family, business, and power – and how all three must be harnessed to achieve greatness.”
Grant Gustin as The Flash and Danielle Panabaker as Caitlin Frost in ‘The Flash’ season 8 (Photo by Bettina Strauss (C) 2022 The CW Network, LLC)
The Flash, the last remaining series in The CW’s Arrowverse, will wrap up with season nine. The network’s sending off the comic book-inspired superhero series with a short 13-episode final season.
“Nine seasons! Nine years of saving Central City while taking audiences on an emotional journey full of heart, humor and spectacle,” stated executive producer Eric Wallace. “And now Barry Allen has reached the starting gate for his last race. So many amazing people have given their talents, time, and love to bring this wonderful show to life each week. So, as we get ready to honor the show’s incredible legacy with our exciting final chapter, I want to say thank you to our phenomenal cast, writers, producers and crew over the years who helped make The Flash such an unforgettable experience for audiences around the world.”
A ninth season means The Flash will be the longest-running series of the Arrowverse. Arrow starring Stephen Amell ran for eight seasons while Supergirl lasted seven. Legends of Tomorrow concluded with season seven, Black Lightning made it through season four, and Batwoman stuck around for just three seasons.
In addition to Grant Gustin as the titular character, season nine is expected to star original cast members Danielle Panabaker and Candice Patton. The CW’s targeting a 2023 final season premiere.
The Flash kicked off in October 2014, and season eight finished up on June 29, 2022. Although the series used to be one of The CW’s biggest draws, season eight’s ratings tumbled to just a little over half a million viewers for the season finale.
Luke Bryan’s returning to host the 2022 CMA Awards and he’ll be joined by NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. The 56th Annual CMA Awards will mark Bryan’s second consecutive year as host while retired quarterback Manning is making his hosting debut.
“Being a part of such a historical night that honors my peers and Country Music is such a privilege,” said two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan. “When I was asked if Peyton Manning is someone I would consider co-hosting with, I didn’t hesitate. We have become great friends through the years, and what he brings to the table is gonna make it even more of a blast. I know he’s been to the CMA Awards before, but he’s never been with me. Hey Peyton, I hope you’re ready for the night of your life!”
“I cannot wait to head to Nashville and take the CMA Awards stage alongside my friend Luke Bryan,” said five-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning. “I am such a huge fan of Country Music, so to have the chance to stand among so many incredibly talented artists is an absolute honor.”
This year’s awards show will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 8th at 8pm ET/PT (tape-delayed on the West Coast) on ABC.
Alan Carter is the director, Jon Macks is the head writer, and Robert Deaton is executive producing. Nominees will be announced soon.
“Country Music’s Biggest Night will without a doubt live up to its expectation this year,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA chief executive officer. “During an evening when we celebrate the best of the best in Country Music, we are thrilled to have two award-winning hosts at the helm! I cannot wait to see what Luke and Peyton have up their sleeves, which I’m sure will be hilariously unpredictable and playfully energetic, just like the two of them.”
“Just when we thought we couldn’t top Luke’s explosive energy and signature charm as host of last year’s CMA Awards, we’re bringing him back alongside sports legend Peyton Manning for Country Music’s biggest night,” said Rob Mills, executive vice president, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television. “Their dynamic chemistry and magnetic friendship are the perfect anchors for this year’s star-studded show.”
Eric Church and Chris Stapleton topped the list of the 2021 CMA Awards nominees, with Stapleton ultimately emerging as the event’s big winner. Luke Bryan was named Entertainer of the Year.
Joe Walsh announces VetsAid 2022 (Photo Credit: Ross Halfin / Courtesy of Beautiful Day Media / VetsAid)
Joe Walsh’s VetsAid 2022 will take place on November 13th in Columbus, Ohio at the Nationwide Arena. Walsh confirmed the date for the sixth annual event, and announced the newly reunited James Gang (Joe Walsh, Jimmy Fox, and Dale Peters) will make the VetsAid concert their final performance, with a special guest appearance by Dave Grohl. Nine Inch Nails, The Black Keys, and The Breeders are also on board to hit the stage to help raise money for veterans.
Comedian and game show host Drew Carey will return as host for the third time. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, August 5, 2022 at 10am ET via Ticketmaster.
VetsAid 2022 will feature an all-Ohio lineup and all net proceeds will help Ohio veterans. Walsh calls Columbus his hometown and Nine Inch Nails and James Gang come from Cleveland. Dave Grohl was born in Warren, Ohio, and The Breeders are from Dayton. The Black Keys come from Akron.
“It all started in Ohio,” stated Walsh. “Picking up my first guitar as a kid in Columbus set me on a musical journey to Kent State, Cleveland and then the world. Now it is a great privilege and humbling opportunity for me to share the stage once again with my original James Gang buddies and with this absolutely incredible group of Ohio rock legends like Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails, The Black Keys, The Breeders and Dave Grohl. I believe in Ohio and look forward to celebrating our musical legacy while honoring our veterans with VetsAid 2022.”
Details on VetsAid, Courtesy of the 501(c) Non-Profit:
Now in its sixth year, VetsAid hosted its inaugural show on September 20, 2017 with a concert at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA featuring performances by Walsh, Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban and Gary Clark Jr. In 2018, VetsAid traveled to Tacoma, WA with a sell-out event featuring Walsh, Don Henley, James Taylor, Chris Stapleton, Haim and special guest Ringo Starr. In 2019, Houston, TX welcomed VetsAid for a blockbuster show with Walsh, ZZ Top, The Doobie Brothers, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Sheryl Crow and Brad Paisley.
The pandemic moved the festival online in 2020 and 2021 with intimate performances from Eddie Vedder, James Hetfield, Gwen Stefani and nearly 40 other artists from across the United States as well as the debut of new music from Walsh in his studio available via live stream.
As every year, all net proceeds from the concert will go directly to the veterans’ services charities selected through a vetting process coordinated in tandem with the Combined Arms Institute. To date, VetsAid has disbursed $2,000,000 in grants. In 2022 VetsAid plans to disburse grants exclusively to organizations based in Ohio or with operations on the ground in Ohio; grant applications are open now via the VetsAid website (www.vetsaid.org/grants).
Veterans and their wellbeing have always been important to Walsh, a Gold Star son himself. His father was a flight instructor for the first US operational jet powered aircraft, the Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star, and died while stationed and on active duty on Okinawa when Walsh was 20 months old.
Walsh aims to use this platform to raise funds and awareness for the still urgent and significant needs of our returning soldiers and their families. Through the establishment of VetsAid and this annual benefit concert, he aims to give back to those who have given so much in sacrifice for this country.
The new trailer for Disney+’s Andor perfectly captures the tone and visuals of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The series is set before Rogue One and stars Diego Luna reprising his role as Cassian Andor.
The new trailer was accompanied by a gorgeous poster and new photos from the latest addition to the Star Wars franchise.
Joining Diego Luna are Genevieve O’Reilly, Stellan Skarsgård, and Adria Arjona. Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, and Fiona Shaw also star. Tony Gilroy created the series and serves as showrunner and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Kathleen Kennedy, Sanne Wohlenberg, Diego Luna, and Michelle Rejwan.
The season consists of 12 episodes and will premiere on September 21, 2022 with the launch of the first three episodes. New episodes will arrive on Disney+ on subsequent Wednesdays.
The Plot: The Andor series explores a new perspective from the Star Wars galaxy, focusing on Cassian Andor’s journey to discover the difference he can make. The series brings forward the tale of the burgeoning rebellion against the Empire and how people and planets became involved. It’s an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue where Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero.
Elvis Presley in ‘Elvis the Searcher’ (Photo Courtesy of HBO)
Baz Luhrmann’s stylish and exuberant movie Elvis, starring Austin Butler, is held in high regard by Priscilla Presley, his daughter Lisa Marie, and Elvis’s good friend for 23 years, Jerry Schilling. In a June 2022 interview in the Memphis Flyer, Schilling (played in the film by Luke Bracey) stated that “I think the movie, overall, is the best piece of work in a project done on Elvis.” Their appreciation of the film suggests that it captured the essence of Elvis and his career.
The 2018 two-part HBO documentary Elvis Presley: The Searcher complements the film by providing information and insights from family, friends, musicians, historians, and Elvis himself. Priscilla Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Emmylou Harris, Robbie Robertson, Jerry Schilling, Sam Phillips of Sun Records, and historians provide voice-over commentary while photos and videos of Elvis are shown. There are also interviews of Elvis and concert footage.
Luhrmann’s film largely corresponds to the facts presented in the documentary with a couple of cases of artistic license. For example, Elvis was drafted and that’s why he went into the Army and not to avoid jail.
Both Elvis and The Searcher highlight the influence of Black musicians and gospel music on Elvis’s music. What the documentary makes clear is how unique he was in the era of segregation. Petty states that he was interested in Black music when most whites were not. In addition, his music and movement on stage created a lot of controversy because of concern about race mixing.
Elvis incorporated rhythm and blues, country, and gospel in his music and made a new genre, rock, popular. After his TV appearances, Robbie Robertson notes, “That’s when we saw somebody who can sing better than other people, could move better than other people, had style better than other people. In the pop world, when he came along, it broke glass.”
In addition to types of music, Elvis absorbed everything. Schilling notes that “Elvis picked up everything. He was the most eclectic human being I have ever been around. He would pick up something from another singer or he would pick up something from a guy walking down the street and he’d say, ‘Jerry, look at that walk. I’m going to use that walk.’”
When he was in the Army in Germany, he listened to Italian crooners and used the sound on “It’s Now or Never.”
Colonel Tom Parker was painted in a very negative light in Elvis, while the documentary is somewhat more balanced in this regard. Elvis knew that Parker could help his career more than his first producer, Sam Phillips, could. The Colonel was a promoter with no real knowledge of producing music, and he got RCA to buy his Sun contract and got Elvis appearances on TV shows and in movies. Parker also made sure that he and Presley had a financial interest in what Elvis sang through a contract with a music publishing company. Priscilla called him a father figure for Elvis.
The documentary does show the dark side of the relationship. For example, Luhrmann’s film treats the Colonel’s role in the 1968 Comeback Special as a comic episode with the Colonel wanting Presley to wear a Christmas sweater and sing Christmas songs. Steve Binder, the director of the TV show, recounts a conversation in which the Colonel said that Elvis wanted a Christmas song, “Don’t you Elvis?” Elvis had his head down and replied, “Yes, sir.” Binder continued, “I watched Elvis cower to Parker.” “The Colonel says, ‘Okay, then, we’re in agreement.’” According to Binder, Elvis walked out with his head high and said, “(expletive) him.” Ultimately, there was no Christmas song in the special.
Both the film and the documentary also hold the Colonel responsible for hurting Elvis’s career and his health.
Elvis, the film, doesn’t focus much on his movie career but all the years when he did two films a year for a total of 31 movies kept him away from the music scene and hurt his music career. It was depressing for him at the end. He wanted to be a serious actor, but he had no script or song approval and was required to sing in the movies. After the first few, the quality of the films and music wasn’t good.
According to Priscilla, “The humdrum movies he was given, boy chases girl, boy gets girl, they get married and it’s happily ever after, that’s not Elvis Presley. He was not that man. He was much deeper than that. After a movie, he felt trapped. He dreaded the next script because he knew it would be the same thing over and over again.”
Luhrmann’s choice of “Suspicious Minds” with the phrase “caught in a trap” repeated over and over again underlined how Elvis felt about the years of shows that the Colonel negotiated with the International Hotel in Las Vegas. He was worn out physically and his addiction to prescription medicine became worse. He starred in 31 movies, recorded 784 songs, and appeared in 1,684 concerts, according to the documentary.
Both the film and the documentary end, appropriately, with Elvis himself singing. His performance of “Unchained Melody” in the movie showed his enormous talent as did his performance of “If I Can Dream” from the 1968 Comeback Special in the documentary.
Alicia von Rittberg (center) in ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ season 1 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Starz’s Becoming Elizabeth episode seven finds John Dudley (Jamie Parker), the newly appointed Lord Protector, and King Edward (Oliver Zetterström) discussing if it’s possible to get a Catholic priest to convert moments before he’s due to die a fiery death. John doesn’t believe it’s possible, no matter who makes the request.
King Edward could show mercy, but instead, he’s of the opinion this heathen has condemned his own soul – as well as those of his followers – to burn in hell.
King Edward, Princess Elizabeth (Alicia von Rittberg), John Dudley, Robert Dudley (Jamie Blackley), and members of the council are seated watching the man scream as he burns. King Edward apologizes to his sister that she has to witness this but believes it’s necessary to teach his people this harsh lesson.
Edward Seymour (John Heffernan) looks through his executed brother’s possessions in the Tower. Edward was, like his brother, also taken to the Tower but unlike his brother, he’s been granted release.
Upon his release, Edward rejoins the council which irritates Henry Gold. Henry suggests Edward should be thankful he didn’t lose his head.
John Dudley declares their new objectives are to end the war in Scotland, reform the Church, and end dissent. “We are to make England great again,” says John, speaking on behalf of King Edward. He also mentions they need to reform alliances and then turns the meeting over to King Edward to explain.
King Edward believes women, in particular his sister, Mary, have been given too much autonomy. He wants to break her connection to Spain and make new ones in their place.
After the meeting, John Dudley and Edward Seymour argue over the position of Lord Protector. John claims he stepped in to keep Henry Grey or Princess Mary from becoming Lord Protector. John also reminds Edward he’s unpopular among the council – and with King Edward.
Edward refuses to admit he’d do just as John Dudley did. “I let you out because you’re my oldest friend. Don’t make me regret it,” warns John Dudley.
Bishop Gardiner (Alex Macqueen) and Spanish Ambassador Guzman de Silva (Olivier Huband) discuss what King Edward wants of Princess Mary. Gardiner explains the king believes she should be married to a Protestant – something Spain doesn’t want. Guzman says Spain wants Princess Mary safe but won’t go to war for her. Instead, Spain requests Princess Mary leave her home and move to Spain immediately.
King Edward’s guards have been replaced, and he’s in a happy mood as he plays cards with these newbies along with the Dudley brothers. Princess Elizabeth joins him and her brother brings up an upcoming visit from the Danish court. A Danish prince is about Elizabeth’s age and John Dudley thinks he’d be a good match. In fact, they’ve already written to arrange introductions.
Elizabeth’s shocked, and King Edward admits they’re also arranging a marriage for Princess Mary.
King Edward points out that at least she’ll get to meet the prince before she marries him. He never had the opportunity to meet Mary, Queen of Scots. Elizabeth begs her brother not to make her do this, and he reminds her he’s the king. He will not change his mind.
Princess Elizabeth marches out of the room and Robert Dudley follows. He promises to talk to King Edward, even though he doesn’t have any power to change his mind. Elizabeth suggests he talk to his father instead, and Robert reluctantly gives in.
They argue a bit, and then Robert gently says, “The Danes can’t have you. England’s not done with you yet.”
Bishop Gardiner’s also breaking the news of an arranged marriage to Princess Mary at Framlingham Castle. They’re proposing a Protestant zealot and Mary reacts in anger, believing this is a punishment for practicing her faith. Gardiner assures her Catholic resisters would support her, as would Spain. Bishop Gardiner says one option is to pray in quiet, send Ambassador Guzman back to Spain, and attempt to show she’s not a threat.
Bishop Gardiner admits he doesn’t have a handle on the new Lord Protector and the world is not what it was. As if to prove that point, Mary’s informed John Dudley and his soldiers are once again raiding Catholic churches.
Bishop Gardiner’s tossed to the ground and taken into custody, bound for the Tower.
John Dudley isn’t in a negotiating mood and reminds Princess Mary she will wed whoever her brother chooses. It will be up to her husband, whoever he is, to decide if she can continue to practice her faith. As Mary continues to argue, Dudley’s had enough. He personally sets fire to the church’s possessions.
Princess Mary screams at his retreating back, “You will burn for this!”
Ambassador Guzman watches all this take place, and after Dudley leaves, he suggests Mary speak to the Spanish King (her cousin). She declares she’s not a possession of Spain; she is her brother’s heir and a Princess of England.
Princess Elizabeth attempts to speak with Edward Seymour while watching King Edward and the Dudleys joist. Elizabeth asks Edward to speak with Princess Mary who’s upset over the prospect of an arranged marriage. Edward wipes his hands of Elizabeth’s entire family, reminding her his sister died giving birth to King Edward and his brother died after bringing her into his house. He’s sacrificed enough for the Tudors. (He has a valid argument.)
Romola Garai in ‘Becoming Elizabeth’ season 1 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Princess Elizabeth has a secret meeting with her sister, and the idea of marrying a Protestant is weighing heavily on Mary’s mind. Mary (Romola Garai) begs her sister to speak with their brother, but Elizabeth’s quick to point out Edward doesn’t listen to her and is also arranging her marriage.
Mary’s bitter that Elizabeth won’t speak on her behalf and snidely remarks how Elizabeth was okay with accepting Thomas Seymour’s proposal, adding that led to Thomas committing treason. Elizabeth reminds her she didn’t control Thomas’ actions.
After a short argument, Elizabeth concedes she should have listened to Mary all along. Mary grabs her up in a hug, kisses her cheek, and admits Ambassador Guzman said she should go to Spain. Elizabeth thinks that would be a safe decision, and that leads to yet another argument. Mary thinks Elizabeth wants her to flee the country and abandon everything so that she can be next in line for the throne.
Princess Elizabeth meets with her brother while Robert Dudley is in attendance. She’s changed her mind and wants to know more about the Danish prince who may become her husband. Elizabeth even smiles as she’s talking, and King Edward’s obviously surprised by her change in attitude.
King Edward describes him as a 16-year-old who likes to ride. Robert chimes in that he’s illiterate and Elizabeth’s fine with that since she doesn’t read or write Danish.
Ambassador Guzman has made plans to sneak Princess Mary out of the country, insisting that no one can know Spain is assisting with her departure. Pedro’s shocked she’s considering fleeing, and Mary admits to being torn about the decision.
A messenger arrives at the Danish Ambassador’s residence, delivers a note, and rides away. Meanwhile, John Dudley warns Robert to hide his feelings and support King Edward’s decision to marry Elizabeth to the Danish prince. Robert doesn’t obey his father and instead suggests he should marry Elizabeth. John Dudley smacks his son’s face in response.
Princess Elizabeth looks gorgeous as she prepares to meet the Danish prince. Robert Dudley accompanies her up the stairs into the castle, and both admit they don’t want this marriage. Robert thinks they can leave together, but Elizabeth points out she’d be risking everything if she just takes off. Elizabeth takes offense when Robert says Thomas Seymour died for her. He then declares his love, saying the words out loud for the very first time.
Thomas begs her not to go through with this arrangement. He demands to know if she loves him, and she claims she does not. Robert thinks that’s a lie and Elizabeth replies, “Robert, the woman who loved you would never do this,” as she opens the door, leaving him on the stairs.
King Edward’s angry when Elizabeth finally enters the banquet room. Edward Seymour reads a letter from Denmark’s king turning down King Edward’s offer of his sister’s hand. They’ve heard of Anne Boleyn’s daughter and insinuate she’s a whore, just like her mother. Elizabeth blames Henry Grey for spreading rumors about her relationship with Thomas Seymour, rumors that have made their way abroad.
She reminds all those in attendance she was proved innocent. Elizabeth shames all the men who are gathered, asking if they all live in fear a girl of 14 will woo them away from their wives.
King Edward finally speaks up and reveals Princess Mary wrote to the Danes and told them Elizabeth’s mother was a whore and Elizabeth is a bastard – not King Henry VIII’s child. King Edward stifles a cough as Elizabeth glances around the room in silence before leaving.
Later that evening, King Edward has another coughing fit and blood splatters his handkerchief. He’s feeling cold and asks to keep his coat on seconds before passing out on his bed.
At the last minute, Princess Mary decides not to flee to Spain.
Robert Dudley rides to Norfolk and pays a visit to Amy Robsart. He confesses he thinks of her at the strangest times, and she jokes that he’s deeply in love with her. He also confesses he just realized he’s been sad and miserable, but he isn’t at this moment.
Dylan Smith as Largo Brandyfoot, Markella Kavenagh as Elanor ‘Nori’ Brandyfoot, and Megan Richards as Poppy Proudfellow in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (Credit: Ben Rothstein/Prime Video)
Prime Video’s set to launch the first season of the epic The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power series on September 2, 2022, and the streaming service made sure everyone who attended the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con knew it’s about to launch. Prime Video hosted a packed panel – 6,000+ in the audience in the San Diego Convention Center’s biggest hall and 21 cast members on stage – to reveal more of what’s in store with this journey into J.R.R. Tolkien’s Second Age of Middle-earth, populated by elves, dwarves, men, orcs, and harfoots.
Wait, harfoots? While hobbits didn’t exist before the Third Age, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power features their evolutionary predecessors known as harfoots.
Markella Kavenagh plays a harfoot named “Nori Brandyfoot,” and the Brandyfoot family will be key characters in The Rings of Power. Kavenagh was one of the 21 cast members who made the trek to San Diego for the sold-out Comic-Con, and we grabbed a short interview with her to talk about the series. Nazanin Boniadi also took part in the panel, and the red carpet that followed it, and discussed her character – a human mother and healer named “Bronwyn.”
Markella Kavenagh Interview – “Nori Brandyfoot”
What did they tell you about Nori during the audition process?
Markella Kavenagh: “I didn’t know anything. I had the code name – the alias when I first heard about the character – so I really didn’t know much about her. And then I had a meeting with the showrunners and then they told me, ‘Oh yes, this is who you are going to be playing.’ And so that was great, and we did get kind of like a one-pager, just some context about who you’re related to, who you’re connected to, or who you will be interacting with in this season. And that was really helpful. But then it was kind of building upon that and creating another foundation.”
Was there something that you learned in that one-pager that stood out about Nori?
Markella Kavenagh: “I think what stood out to me was her balance between adventure and responsibility and curiosity and responsibility and the burden that both of them carry. And I hope that people can actually relate to that in their real life and kind of see how we can grapple with both and hope that the two can coexist, but it isn’t always the case.”
Is that something you grapple with?
Markella Kavenagh: “I think so. I think to an extent, depending on the situation.”
What was it like stepping onto the sets and being immersed in this world?
Markella Kavenagh: “I mean, for us, I genuinely feel like the environment was a character. We shot so much on location – super fortunate – and the crew were just so incredible, and everything was very detailed down to the dressing of the carts that are like our homes. We carry our homes on our backs. Yeah, it’s very detailed. So, yeah, it was such an immersive experience and invaluable to be a part of and I’m truly…I’m so grateful.”
Why is she going to be a fan favorite?
Markella Kavenagh: “Oh my goodness, I’m not sure if she’s going to be the fan favorite. I just hope people relate to her and that her curiosity and her vulnerability resonates with people.”
Did you like The Lord of the Rings? Are you into fantasy?
Markella Kavenagh: “Yeah, I love Lord of the Rings. It’s a big kind of family favorite. The books were massive for me growing up. Really opened it up and really kind of added a bit of…they’re set in a fantastical context but the themes we can all relate to in our real lives.”
Is this a standalone series in that it isn’t necessary to watch The Lord of the Rings to understand this?
Markella Kavenagh: “Yeah, I think so. I would hope so because it’s set thousands of years before the Third Age. It’s a nice actual kind of introduction to some of Tolkien’s lure. And hopefully, it inspires people to go back to the books. Or this new generation to go back to the books.”
Nazanin Boniadi Interview – “Bronwyn”
What was your reaction to being cast in The Rings of Power?
Nazanin Boniadi: “Never in a million years did I think I would be cast in a project like this when I watched the films 20 years ago. [As] an Iranian, it was never something [I expected]. I started acting in the post-911 climate where everything that I was getting was sort of a human shield or, you know, very stereotypically Middle Eastern characters, which fortunately I didn’t do a lot of – or any that I could remember. But my point is when I got this, I’m pinching myself because the first comedy I did was How I Met Your Mother – one of the biggest comedies on US TV. Then the first drama I did was Homeland – one of the biggest dramas. And now my first foray into fantasy is Rings of Power.
I don’t know how this keeps happening, but I seem to find like sort of the top tier of the genre that I’m doing. And I’m pinching myself because it’s a real dream come true.”
There are so many characters and it’s such an expansive world, do we get to know much of your backstory? Is it divulged in little bits over time?
Nazanin Boniadi: “It’s a bit at a time and you’ll see it unfold. But I think that what I can tell you is that she’s a healer. She’s from the Southlands. Her ancestors chose evil over good, and they are being forced to redeem themselves and prove themselves that they can be trusted. And her journey, that journey for her comes through finding her inner lioness and strength and resilience.
And also, she’s a single mother of a rebellious teenage son in a forbidden romance with an elf. So, lots going on for this character.”
She could have her own show.
Nazanin Boniadi: [Laughing] “She could; she might. I just might ask for a spinoff.”
Did they provide you with lots of information on her backstory so that you’d know going in what to latch onto?
Nazanin Boniadi: “Yes, that – and also J.D. (Payne) and Patrick (McKay’s) brains are like encyclopedias. You have a couple of conversations with them and basically it’s like, ‘Okay, I know what I’m doing.’”
Is there someone in particular who we should look for Bronwyn to be interacting with?
Nazanin Boniadi: “Well, she’s got that sort of…she’s in that trio, isn’t she? Her son, played by Tyroe (Muhafidin), and Ismael Cordova plays the love interest. We’re in this forbidden romance together. So, that’s the trio that my world really is in.”
You’re playing a healer so did you do your own research into that world?
Nazanin Boniadi: “So, I was premed – believe it or not. I was going to be a doctor so, yeah, my degree is in biology. I started acting in my mid-20s, so I was going to go be a doctor. I call Bronwyn the fantastical version of myself because she’s an activist; I’m an activist. She’s a healer, I was premed. We have so much in common, so yeah.”
Why is she going to become a fan favorite?
Nazanin Boniadi: “Well, from your lips to people’s ears. I mean, yes, that would be phenomenal, but I think because everybody can relate to someone overcoming and against all odds. Particularly in this day and age, to have a woman with no superpowers. She has no superpowers, keep in mind…
Wait, healing is a superpower.
Nazanin Boniadi: “That’s true and motherhood is a superpower, too. People don’t really think about that.”
Nazanin Boniadi in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (Credit: Ben Rothstein/Prime Video)
Prime Video’s released the following description of season one:
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and one of the greatest villains that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness.
Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared reemergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the farthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.
By her own admission, Alice Krige (pronounced “Kree-guh”) leads a very sheltered life.
“I’m either on a film set or I’m home – I love that,” said Krige, of England, perhaps best known for 1981’s Chariots of Fire and 1996’s Star Trek: First Contact.
She continued: “When I’m not working, I tend to lead a quiet life by choice. I come home and I’m very happy to be home – it’s restorative and grounding.”
So, to attend conventions is quite an eye-opening experience.
“I meet an astonishing range of people – people I’d never meet in the ordinary course of my life,” said Krige, who’s making her debut at Motor City Nightmares in Metro Detroit over the weekend of July 29-31.
Born in South Africa, Krige is the youngest of three and the only female. She grew up without television since South Africa didn’t get television until 1976. An alumna of Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa, Krige later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in England.
Acting Alongside Hollywood Legends
She made her film debut in 1976’s Vergeet My Nie. Her second film was 1981’s Ghost Story, based on horror author Peter Straub’s 1979 novel of the same name. It was the last film to feature classic Hollywood actors Fred Astaire (Shall We Dance), Melvyn Douglas (Hud), and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. (Gunga Din). Krige played the ghost of a woman killed by four elderly businessmen.
“It was fascinating to play magical incarnations of the same character,” she said. “You meet her as Eva Galli, then you meet her as Alma Mobley, then she appears as an apparition… I found that very, very fascinating when I read the script.”
Krige has fond memories of working with the aforementioned actors, as well as John Houseman (The Paper Chase) and Patricia Neal (Breakfast at Tiffany’s).
“They were extraordinary, all of them. There was a gallantry I rarely encountered since. They were consummate professionals. They had a lightness and a humor that was absolutely beguiling. They were polite to everyone. They were totally prepared,” she recalled. “I knew I was in the presence of something absolutely unique and quite remarkable. They were quite exceptional, extraordinary role models to aspire to.”
They stayed at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs, NY while filming.
“Every night, we ate (dinner) in the hotel together,” said Krige. “I enjoyed listening to the banter between them and all the stories they told about their Hollywood exploits. It was extraordinary – an experience never to be repeated. I felt extraordinarily privileged and blessed to have it.”
Krige next appeared in the aforementioned Oscar-winning Chariots, which chronicled the story of two British athletes in the 1924 Olympics: Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson, Gandhi) and Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross, A Bridge Too Far). Krige played opera singer Sybil Gordon, Abrahams’ fiancée.
“It was a lovely, wonderful script. Very inspirational script. Sybil was a real person, which I felt was a huge responsibility. The researchers were in touch with Abrahams’ children. I asked to meet the son (who) gave me a little box with her possessions and said, ‘You can keep this for the duration of the shoot.’ That made it very, very personal and special. Whenever I went to set, I took Sybil’s box with me… I met my husband (director/writer Paul Schoolman, Jail Caesar) on (Chariots). I was floating around on a cloud of love,” Krige said, laughing. “It was a rather wonderful experience in every possible way.”
“I Bring Order to Chaos”
With the exception of “Beam me up, Scotty,” Krige confessed to not knowing anything about the Star Trek franchise when she auditioned for the Borg Queen – for which she won a Saturn Award – in First Contact. The Borg, best known for its ominous catchphrase “Resistance is futile,” is a race of cyborgs linked to a hive mind called the Collective. They assimilate entire races and transform them into drones – something they did to Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) on Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s “The Best of Both Worlds” episodes. The Borg Queen is the focal point within the Borg’s collective consciousness, personifying their overall intelligence, bringing “order to chaos.”
“What interested me is the enigma of just who she is. It’s really hard to fathom exactly who and what she is. She was very interesting to play… a character who’s so utterly convinced of her correctness,” explained Krige. “She assimilates people against their will and makes them her drones. She steamrolls over people. Anything she wants, she takes – that’s disturbing. Yet there’s something about her that was very empowering. Oddly enough, I think people experience enormous ambivalence in relation towards the character because in some ways she was very attractive to people. People found her attractive and, in equal measure, repulsive and frightening. There’s this dissonance the character created in viewers.”
Krige reprised her role on the series finale of Star Trek: Voyager, the 2004 short film Star Trek: The Experience – Borg Invasion 4D, and last year on the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks (although it was “very light-hearted and tongue-in-cheek”). Krige’s fascinated by the Borg Queen’s popularity.
“I had no idea if (the creators) realized what an archetype they were creating,” said Krige. “She’s a receptacle for people’s disquiet – whatever disturbs someone or whatever they find difficult to cope with – she seems to embody that in one way or another, whether it’s A.I. or mechanization or sexuality – she seems to mean something quite distinctive to each individual who encounters her. I don’t know if anyone thought she’d become so resonant.”
Krige had an “enormous amount” of fun working with Stewart, Brent Spiner (Data), and director Jonathan Frakes (Cmdr. William Riker).
“Everyone was so keen for the film to work because it was Jonathan’s first big feature,” she said. “Everyone went above and beyond. It was very special because everyone so badly wanted it to succeed – and it did. It does stand alone as a piece of science-fiction; you don’t have to know (Trek) to appreciate it.”
Where There’s a Will…
Other notable roles include 2000’s The Little Vampire, 2002’s Reign of Fire, 2005’s Dynasty: The Making of a Guilty Pleasure (as actress Joan Collins), 2006’s Silent Hill, 2009’s Solomon Kane, 2010’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, 2013’s Thor: The Dark World, and Netflix’s The Christmas Prince movies.
She spoke about playing Collins.
“It was a feat of engineering to attempt to get me to look anything like her at all. My waist was cinched in; I was wearing a pushup bra, a wonderful wig, and a great deal of makeup. It was great – it was lighthearted and a good experience and a social observation of the Reagan era.”
Krige never met Collins.
“I have no idea whether she was mortified or amused,” she said.
With Schoolman and producer/writer Dimitrios Katsantonis (Echoes of the Past), she’ll star in the upcoming films The Arcade, Three Widows, and Naked Abuse. This marks Krige’s first time producing.
“It’s an enormous challenge I greatly enjoy,” she said.
Alongside fellow Trek villain Malcolm McDowell (who killed William Shatner’s Capt. James T. Kirk in 1994’s Star Trek: Generations), Krige will star in She Will. Krige plays a woman who goes to a healing retreat in Scotland after a double mastectomy. It turns out the retreat is the site where women believed to be witches were burned at the stake.
“It’s actually more of a psychological thriller – more drama, more supernatural than straight horror,” she explained. “(Director) Charlotte Colbert (The Silent Man) brings a very unique artist’s sensibility to the look and feel of the film. Visually, it’s very striking and has an amazing score that becomes a character in the piece – it has a very powerful presence. It’s an unusual film that weaves together a multitude of strands that somehow weave the tapestry and tell a story.”
One of the major draws at the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con was the first-ever panel for Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. 21 members of the cast took the stage, along with showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, to discuss bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s Second Age of Middle-earth’s history to life in the epic fantasy series premiering on September 2, 2022.
In addition to the packed Hall H panel hosted by Tolkien fan Stephen Colbert, cast members hit the red carpet to briefly talk about their roles in the much-anticipated series. Here’s what Benjamin Walker (“High King Gil-galad”) had to say about delving into this fantasy world during our interview at the San Diego Comic-Con. (High King Gil-galad is the ruler of the Elven, a keen military commander who formed the last alliance of Elves and Men, and a sworn enemy of Sauron.)
Benjamin Walker as High King Gil-galad in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Courtesy of Prime Video)
This is a massive cast and it’s going to be an epic tale, but how much backstory do we get to know about High King Gil-galad?
Benjamin Walker: “Quite a bit. Yeah, there’s some good material about Gil-galad in the text. Most people know him from the song that Sam sings in the movies. And also, because he’s been alive so long even if it’s not specifically about him, you know he lived through this time, through these wars, through destruction, [and] through death, there’s a lot you can glean about him. But that’s part of the fun is the research.”
Did they give you basically a bible that tells you everything about the character? How much did they fill you in?
Benjamin Walker: “There was someone to help you in whatever capacity you needed. I had some context and I like doing that kind of work, but they’ve got Tolkien experts on language, calligraphy, history, and clothes. They’ve found the two people on the planet that are the best at it and brought them all together, so we have tons of support from Amazon.”
Was there something about him in particular that you really latched onto and you thought, “Okay, this is who I’m playing. This is what I need to get across?”
Benjamin Walker: “Gil-galad in the books has this prescient sense of he’s always a bit ahead of curve on anticipating the rise of evil and that kind of ultra-vigilance. And he understands that the price of peace is vigilance and that gives him a kind of melancholy, but I like it about him. He’s constantly on the lookout. He’s the guy at the party when everyone’s having a good time who’s going, ‘Something doesn’t feel right.’”
Interesting. Can you relate to that at all?
Benjamin Walker: “Yeah, oh absolutely! I’m always like, ‘Turn the music down, guys. The cops are going to come!’”
What was your first reaction when found out that they were doing a Lord of the Rings series, and did you immediately say yes?
Benjamin Walker: “Yeah. I mean, especially when I understood what they were going to try to do. I told this story earlier but it’s a true story. J.D. called me to pitch the job and I couldn’t hear him on the phone. He was talking about the character – and he’s a very fast talker on the phone – and the trajectory and, ‘Here’s where it’s going to go. It’s going to be incredible!’ I kept hearing like a PA in the background. I said, ‘J.D., I can’t hear you. Where are you?’ He said, ‘I’m in the hospital.’”
Oh, god.
Benjamin Walker: [Laughing] “Yeah, that’s what I said. ‘What are you doing? Are you bleeding? What’s going on?’ He said, ‘No, my wife, she just had a baby.’ And I’m like, ‘And you’re talking to me? Yeah, I’ll do the job. Go! She’s going to kill you.’”
You can’t say no at that point. You’d feel really guilty.
Benjamin Walker: “No! But also, the fear of taking on a job like this is the level of commitment that it will require. But when the showrunner is living that life, it puts you right at ease and you’re like, ‘Okay, great.’”
Do you think the people who watch this are going to need to know anything about the universe?
Benjamin Walker: “No. I mean, you can learn as much as you want to learn, and I think this show will inspire an entire new generation of viewers to go read the books. But no. Come in, let it wash over you, put on your seatbelt, and go for the ride. You don’t need to know anything. We’re going to give it to you.”
Prime Video’s released the following description of season one:
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and one of the greatest villains that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness.
Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared reemergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the farthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.
