Prepare for an intense episode as the 9-1-1 Call Center catches on fire on Fox’s 9-1-1 season five episode 16. “May Day” will air on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 8pm ET/PT.
Executive producers Angela Bassett and Peter Krause return to lead the cast as Athena Grant and Bobby Nash. Jennifer Love Hewitt plays Maddie Kendall, Oliver Stark is Evan “Buck” Buckley, Aisha Hinds is Henrietta “Hen” Wilson, and Kenneth Choi is Howie “Chimney” Han. Ryan Guzman plays Eddie Diaz, Rockmond Dunbar is Michael Grant, Corinne Massiah is May Grant, Marcanthonee Jon Reis is Harry Grant, Gavin McHugh is Christopher Diaz, and John Harlan Kim plays Albert Han.
“May Day” Plot: The 118 races to the rescue when the 9-1-1 Call Center goes up in flames. Then, Bobby risks his life to save a trapped May and Claudette, Buck and Eddie work together to help an injured electrician and Chimney and his brother team up as firefighters for the first time.
Baz Luhrmann, Austin Butler, and Aisha Tyler during Warner Bros. Pictures’ CinemaCon presentation (PHOTO BY ERIC CHARBONNEAU / Provided by Warner Bros Pictures and CinemaCon)
Warner Bros. Pictures did not disappoint at CinemaCon 2022. From Wonka and The Flash footage to lengthy discussions with Elvis‘ Baz Luhrmann and Austin Butler, Don’t Worry Darling’s director Olivia Wilde, the Shazam! Fury of the Gods cast, and Dwayne Johnson, WB’s 2022 CinemaCon panel was loaded with one delicious movie treat after another.
Chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group Toby Emmerich kicked off the presentation by going off-script. “It’s good to be back and believe me when I tell you we’ve missed you so much,” said Emmerich to the National Association of Theatre Owners members in attendance. Covid-19 altered Warner Bros’ release plans and caused friction with theater owners, but now that theaters are open Emmerich reiterated the studio’s desire to screen their lineup in cinemas first.
Emmerich said they have a dynamic mix of powerful stories lined up. “This is one of the most diverse slates we’ve ever had,” said Emmerich, adding they were all made to be experienced on big screens.
Emmerich acknowledged the importance of the collective experience of audiences gathering in a dark theater to take in a filmmaker’s vision. And speaking of gathering in theaters, Emmerich confirmed Matt Reeves and Rob Pattinson are reuniting for The Batman 2.
Reeves joined him briefly on stage but, of course, it’s way too early for any real details. He did share that he’s excited to jump back into the world of Batman.
Denis Villeneuve appeared in a taped message in support of Dune, parts one and two. Villeneuve is already deep into pre-production on Dune Part 2 which is targeting a 2023 theatrical release. Dune was a life-changing experience for the director and he thanked IMAX, in particular, for allowing him to fulfill his vision.
Aisha Tyler took over hosting duties and guided the WB presentation through the studio’s roster of upcoming releases. She greeted the audience with “Welcome back to the before times that are now the after times.”
A highlight reel of Baz Luhrmann’s work screened and then Baz joined Tyler to discuss Elvis. Luhrmann is quite the talker and could have easily taken up the entire two-hour presentation time if Tyler would have let him.
Luhrmann made his first film 30 years ago and actually rarely makes movies; he couldn’t remember whether he’s made five or six. He talked about how his love of the cinema stemmed from growing up in a small country town with five houses and a gas station. His dad could thread a Bell & Howell 16 mm projector so they took over running the movie house. He’ll never forget what it felt like to be nine years old and fall in love with films. The cinema brings everyone together and Luhrmann believes the human condition needs that shared experience.
“I love biopics but this is not really a biopic,” said Luhrmann, discussing Elvis. The film’s really about America in the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, and Elvis was in the middle of all of the societal changes. He describes the film as being about Elvis the rebel, Elvis the highest paid actor, and Elvis in later years trapped by Colonel Tom Parker. Luhrmann really wanted to explore the tension between artistic desire and the “sell,” and what happens when those two desires are in conflict.
Audiences will hear the classics and see the story of Elvis, but this take will also translate the rock and roll icon for a younger generation. New footage was screened, and it confirmed the film’s got a cool, sexual energy to it. I captured my first reaction to the footage in a tweet: “Calling it now – #Elvis will catapult Austin Butler into superstar status. New footage is amazing! #Cinemacon2022”
Luhrmann said if Elvis feels like a superhero film that’s because it is. “Elvis is kind of the original superhero. He rises so high, then finds his kryptonite and falls so low and then a beautiful, powerful tragedy ensues.”
Sticking with the superhero topic for a moment, Luhrmann joked, “Man can not live by Batman alone,” noting we need to bring all audiences back into the theaters. (He also said he loved Reeves’ The Batman.)
The film’s Elvis Presley, Austin Butler, joined his director on stage, with Luhrmann confirming Austin sings all of young Elvis in the film.
“I was over the moon to get to explore the life of Elvis and for as long as we got to do it,” said Butler, describing Luhrmann as one of the greatest filmmakers cinema has ever had.
Butler’s Elvis isn’t an impersonation and he actually broke the performance into periods of time, capturing the different voices from throughout Presley’s life. “I set out to find his humanity,” explained Butler. “He’s one of those individuals who reached up to an iconic status. He seems superhuman.”
Next, WB provided a sneak peek at Wonka directed by Paul King and opening in December 2023. Timothee Chalamet stars in what looks like a more family-friendly adaptation of Roald Dahl’s work than 2005’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp. The footage looked strictly G-rated and the vibe was fantastical. “You’ve never had chocolate like this!” sings Chalamet. I’d describe it as refreshingly enthusiastic, if that makes sense.
The Flash gave CinemaCon attendees a quick sneak peek at the first big-screen foray into the DC multiverse. Although the footage was impressive with brief glimpses of seven Batman costumes, Supergirl, and Zod, it was the appearance of Michael Keaton as Batman that earned the footage a loud cheer. “You wanna get nuts? Let’s get nuts!” said Keaton, a callback to the line from his 1989 Batman.
Olivia Wilde was next up with Don’t Worry Darling, the much-anticipated psychological thriller starring Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, and Harry Styles. Wilde described the film as inspired by The Truman Show, The Matrix, and Inception, and the footage lived up to that description. I tweeted it feels like a film you’ll want to dissect and discuss every frame of, which pretty much sums up my feelings even hours after the footage was screened.
Wilde said the film’s ambitious and she believes they’ve made something really special. “I want you to imagine a life you had everything you could possibly dream of,” said Wilde. “What would it take for you to give up that life, to do what’s right?”
Don’t Worry Darling is a film made for movie theaters, designed that way from the cinematography to the sound design. Wilde aimed for the moon “as long as the moon was at a multiplex near you,” and the twisted thriller’s a product of hundreds of people doing some of the best work of their careers.
Wilde described Florence Pugh as fierce and tough, and she believes Chris Pine gives a career-best performance. And as for Harry Styles, Wilde said he’s “an up-and-coming actor with no other career that I am aware of. And he is nothing short of a revelation in this part.”
Wilde joked she’s also in the film because she’s the only one they could afford at that point in casting.
The color palette’s sumptuous and the cinematography is stunning. Wilde’s passion project looks like it could put her back in the awards season spotlight. Her directorial debut, Booksmart, earned Critics Choice Awards, Alliance of Women Film Journalists, and Writers Guild nominations and won Best First Feature at the Spirit Awards.
Asher Angel, Helen Mirren, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Zachary Levi from ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ at Warner Bros’ CinemaCon presentation (PHOTO BY ERIC CHARBONNEAU / Provided by Warner Bros Pictures and CinemaCon)
Warner Bros brought out not only Zachary Levi, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Asher Angel to CinemaCon, they also brought Dame Helen Mirren to the stage for the upcoming Shazam! sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Levi said he’s grateful to have been able to play Shazam once and “now it’s double the blessing.”
Helen Mirren couldn’t give away too much about her character but did say she’s playing someone who believes she’s right and is convinced of her righteousness.
Angel said adulthood is on the horizon for Billy, and we’ll catch up with him at a time when he’s unsure if he’ll have to leave the foster family. Grazer described Freddie as still pretty “pubic” – before correcting that to say he’s pre-pubescent. Freddy remains super excited about his powers and Grazer said he’s a fun character to play.
“There’s a lot going on in Billy’s mind and heart as he’s growing older,” explained Levi, confirming the sequel won’t veer from the magic they found in the first movie. It will still be a blend of comedy, drama, and action, with a whole lot of heart.
Unfortunately, Aquaman – Jason Momoa – couldn’t make it to Vegas but did send a message from London. He’s happy they got the band back together for 2023’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The sequel’s funny and heartfelt, and he claimed to have had a big hand in the script.
Director James Wan appeared in person and explained they’re trying to take the world they created to the next level with the new Aquaman.
“The visual is a big part of these kinds of films. In the first movie we put the actors through a lot of physical pain,” said Wan. With the sequel, they’re embracing new technology. Each actor had hundreds of cameras on them to capture their performances which were then put on a 3D version of the actor during action sequences. Wan said it’s still the actors’ performances but less hard on their bodies.
For his part, Momoa says there’s nothing he’s ever been a part of that’s like this sequel.
James Wan remained on stage to talk about Salem’s Lot, based on the bestselling Stephen King novel. Wan, a producer on the first feature film adaptation of King’s novel, said they wanted the film to have an old-school Stephen King vibe.
Gary Dauberman wrote both installments of IT and directs Salem’s Lot. Dauberman was present at CinemaCon and said the novel is one of his all-time favorites of any genre. He called it the crown jewel of King’s library and said he’s very honored to be shepherding it onto the silver screen.
Dwayne Johnson during Warner Bros. Pictures’ 2022 CinemaCon presentation (PHOTO BY ERIC CHARBONNEAU / Provided by Warner Bros Pictures and CinemaCon)
The WB presentation finished up with two upcoming releases starring Dwayne Johnson: DC League of Super-Pets and Black Adam. After a teaser video claiming he was in Hawaii, The Rock made his way through the crowd for the final segment of WB’s CinemaCon panel.
Johnson said he feels good about the future of theatrical cinema. Everyone took their hits with Covid but it feels like we’re on the other end of it. “We are reinvesting in bringing the theatrical experience back,” said Johnson.
Discussing Super-Pets, Johnson said, “I think we really have a shot with this one. The conceit of this is almost like what took so long?” The film features the Justice League’s pets and he voices Krypto, Superman’s dog.
“I play Krypto. The cast is great. We lean on the chemistry between myself and Kevin Hart,” explained Johnson, teasing the unique dynamic that he and Kevin have is on display throughout the film.
Moving on to Black Adam, Johnson confirmed bringing this character alive on screen has been a dream of his for a decade. Johnson and Warner Bros. first discussed the film 10+ years ago, and early on the studio said they were going to take their time and do it right. There wasn’t any need to rush it. “It really served us well to wait and hold, and watch these other stories of superheroes unfold,” said Johnson.
Black Adam is one of the things in his life that gets him out of bed. “It makes me a burner,” explained Johnson. He also teased the DC hierarchy is going to change.
“In this movie, we also introduce the JSA. The JSA is the Justice Society of America,” said Johnson who added that Black Adam will also be introducing and creating a world we haven’t seen before.
I’ve been covering CinemaCon for 20+ years, way back when I wrote for About.com – remember that site? – but this year’s panel marked the first time the CinemaCon audience will be part of a film. Johnson led the audience in a short burst of screaming that will be used in a scene in Black Adam. Johnson told the enthusiastic crowd this will give them something to brag about when they see the finished film.
DC League of Super-Pets opens on July 29, 2022 and Black Adam will be released on October 21, 2022.
JD Pardo as EZ Reyes, Sally, and Andrea Cortes as Sofia in ‘Mayans M.C.’ season 4 episode 3 (Photo Credit: Prashant Gupta/FX)
FX’s Mayans M.C. season four episode three answers a few lingering questions, including what happened to Emily’s son and who left the note with Felipe to give to EZ. Plus, episode three touches base with Adelita and finds Miguel confronted with a suggestion to dissolve Santo Padre. And as if their lives aren’t complicated enough, EZ gets a promotion and Angel makes a decision that could affect the future of the club.
“Self Portrait in Blue Bathroom” opens with El Banquero, leader of Lobos Nueva Generación (LNG), questioning two men. One ends up with a bullet to the head; the other ends up with a raise for demonstrating his loyalty to the cartel leader.
We’re let into the inner workings of LNG via a conversation between El Banquero (real name: Ignacio) and his sister. He explains he’s brought in a lot of Galindo’s people and needs to confirm their loyalty. He also explains he’s decided to bring their accountant, Randall, across the border to Mexico since he’s under indictment in the U.S.
El Banquero’s sister thinks Randall’s a liability because he knows every single aspect of their business. And although she told El Banquero to bring in someone under Randall, he never did. That means Randall is the only person who knows all the details on their offshore accounts.
El Banquero will order the Mayans to handle Randall’s move to Mexico. If they fail, he’ll “tear their f**king wings from their bodies.” (It’s a bizarre threat but we get the drift.)
Angel (Clayton Cardenas) continues to adjust to life with Nails while EZ (JD Pardo) discovers adopting a dog has its challenges. He returns to his trailer after working out to find Sally’s redecorated his home – and not in a good way.
EZ loses a few points with dog lovers by attempting to return the poor, confessed dog. He arrives at the shelter just as another family’s surrendering an elderly dog. (I absolutely loathe people who abandon their pets just because they’re getting up in age!) EZ listens as Sofia (Andrea Cortes), the shelter employee he spoke with when he adopted Sally, attempts to talk the family out of leaving their pet at an over-capacity kill shelter.
After her boss asks her to step away from the family, EZ approaches Sofia and says there’s something wrong with Sally. Sofia has the patience of a saint when it comes to animals and explains Sally tore up his trailer because she’s anxious. She needs to adjust after having her previous life ripped out from under her.
Sofia asks EZ to not give up on Sally and to be patient. EZ changes his mind – at least for now – and thanks Sofia for her help. She replies, “Good luck with that one,” and he thanks her again. She corrects EZ; she was talking to the dog, not him.
EZ and Sally return home to find a friend from prison, Jay-Jay, waiting on their doorstep. (Jay-Jay’s the one who wrote the note Felipe delivered in episode two.) They down a few beers as they catch up on life, and Jay-Jay hints that people think EZ must have cut a deal with the Feds in exchange for early parole. Tread carefully, EZ.
EZ asks what people are saying and offers to show Jay-Jay his release paperwork. Jay-Jay backs off a bit and explains he’s just trying to reconnect.
Angel arrives at the clubhouse and offers to lend Coco (Richard Cabral) a hand. Coco doesn’t want his help now but he could have really used it when his life was falling apart. Angel didn’t reach out then and Coco’s holding it against him. “I was hurting but you didn’t give a f**k, right?!” says Coco.
Angel gets defensive and asks what he was supposed to do. Coco’s reply: “Not be a selfish f**k!”
Canche (Jimmy Gonzales) and his Yuma guys ride up as Angel’s still standing alone in the yard recovering from Coco’s – justified – verbal assault.
The charters meet and Canche presents El Banquero’s request for the Mayans to move Randall, suggesting Santo Padre handle it since they complained they’ve been sidelined. Tranq (Frankie Loyal) thinks it’s too risky, but Canche points out it’s a high reward job. However, if Santo Padre can’t handle it, well then…leaving unsaid that they’re a bunch of whiny losers.
Taza (Raoul Max Trujillo), sporting a new haircut, points out that since Randall’s been indicted the Feds will be watching the border.
EZ volunteers to handle the move and shocks Angel by volunteering him, too. EZ thinks they can move Randall via tribal land, and Yuma’s Manny (Manny Montana) throws in with the siblings. Manny knows the perfect place to make the trek across the border.
Angel doesn’t remember volunteering but when Marcus (Emilio Rivera) asks if they can pull it off, Manny and EZ simultaneously answer yes. EZ seems to be on the same page as Manny about how to work the move and Bishop (Michael Irby) laughs in disgust at their partnership.
Bishop calls them the Bobbsey twins and asks if they’ll be sucking each other off in the desert. Canche’s cool and controlled but irritated when he points out to Marcus that Bishop is disruptive. Bishop doesn’t back down and tells them to screw the healing process.
Santo Padre guys get a little squirmy as Marcus and Bishop go at it. Bishop’s pissed Marcus has the charter bowing down to El Banquero and Canche. Bishop calls Marcus a pimp and Marcus is done with his bullsh*t. Marcus demands Bishop’s flash. Taza cuts his own off in an act of solidarity with the man who wants nothing to do with him.
No one else speaks up and Marcus tosses the Vice President flash to EZ. EZ stares at Angel in shock as Marcus declares, “The future of this club starts today.”
Marcus meets with Canche and Stockton’s president out of the presence of the Santo Padre guys. Canche believes it’s time to end the Santo Padre charter. The other charters agree Marcus is damaging his legacy with his continuing attachment to Santo Padre. Marcus believes EZ and Manny are the future of the club, and he has complete faith they can pull off moving Randall safely to Mexico. He appears to bet Santo Padre’s continued existence on it.
Apparently, Taza thinks tossing in his flash was enough to get back on Bishop’s good side. It wasn’t. “I don’t need pity from a f**king faggot,” says Bishop in response to Taza’s gesture.
Let’s step away from the Mayans for a minute and catch up with Adelita, Emily, Erin, and Nestor.
Adelita (Carla Baratta) wakes in the back of a Volvo with New Mexico plates parked under an overpass. She uses a public restroom to wash up and then resumes what is apparently a lengthy stake-out. She has a notebook full of notations about a man’s movements and jots down the time of his exit from a New Mexico law office.
Elsewhere, Emily (Sarah Bolger) is bundled up in a heavy jacket complete with a hood that hides her face. She purchases a bus ticket and heads to Covington, Kentucky. It’s confirmed she’s no longer in Southern California as she’s less than a day’s bus ride away from her sister’s apartment.
Emily performs a secret knock so her sister, Erin (Holland Roden), knows it’s safe to open the door. Emily apologizes for being late, explaining the bus broke down in Cincinnati (which is about 10 miles north of Covington, for those looking for clues as to where Emily’s living.) Cristóbal runs into his mom’s arms and she gathers him up in a big hug.
They sit down for dinner and Erin asks how long this arrangement will continue. Emily needs to keep this up until she’s sure Miguel won’t find them. Erin thinks they’ve been incredibly careful and Miguel will never locate them, but Emily knows first-hand what Miguel’s capable of.
The following morning Emily prepares to leave and confirms she’ll be back in a week. However, she makes Erin run through a list of emergency procedures in case she doesn’t return. Erin has it down pat and knows exactly how to travel, where to pick up their secret stash of money, and where to hole up.
And now for a brief moment of levity in an otherwise intense episode… Nestor (Gino Vento) has taken a new job and it’s quite a few steps down from being Galindo’s right-hand man. Nestor’s now employed as a security guard whose days consist of patrolling parking lots and chasing away skateboarders. Poor dude. Maybe he should have thrown in his lot with Marcus?
Back at the clubhouse, Bishop rides off as Angel, stating the obvious, says he’s taking the demotion hard. EZ’s busy sewing the flash on his jacket and Angel sums everything up, saying, “That was f**ked up how that went down.”
EZ admits he had no idea how to act and is in the middle of trying to figure it out when Angel blurts out, “Do you think I’m selfish?” He’s stuck on the tongue-lashing he received from Coco earlier in the day and doesn’t recognize he’s being selfish at this very minute by not listening to his little bro.
Talk turns to Jay-Jay’s visit and EZ confesses it didn’t feel right. EZ admits he’s not sure if Jay-Jay knows about the deal he cut but knows he needs to find out.
Manny joins them and congratulates EZ on his promotion, saying EZ as VP is what Santo Padre needs. EZ thanks him and Angel claims that’s what he said. We all know that’s not true, but you can’t blame Angel for just being himself.
Clayton Cardenas as Angel Reyes in ‘Mayans M.C.’ season 4 episode 3 (Photo Credit: Prashant Gupta/FX)
Randall arrives in the parking lot but he’s not alone. He’s brought along his son – and lots of luggage. They manage to convince him to leave his luggage behind but can’t talk him out of bringing his son. Randall refuses to leave Noah (Antonio Raul Corbo) behind, even though they’ll be traveling through the desert on foot at night. He threatens to call El Banquero but Canche smoothes things over, ordering the threesome to take Randall and his kid.
Angel leans toward his brother and quietly asks, “What the f**k did you get us into now?” Given the events about to transpire, Angel has every right to question his brother’s judgment.
Creeper (Joseph Raymond Lucero) drives the group out to the desert and it’s obvious Noah doesn’t want to move to Mexico. Manny and EZ try to cheer the kid up by saying they heard Randall was going to buy him a PS-5 and all the games he wants.
While Angel’s on the move, Nails (Justina Adorno) is at home attempting to put together a crib. Felipe (Edward James Olmos) stops by with a blanket Angel’s mom made Angel when he was a boy. Felipe’s doing his best to connect with his sons and sticks around for coffee and to help build the crib.
Tranq’s having a difficult time dealing with former prospect Steve’s suicide. He has tears in his eyes as he holds the dead man’s jacket which is still covered in blood splatter. He pays a visit to Steve’s mom and sister, describing Steve as a good man who understood brotherhood. Tranq becomes emotional, apologizes for his presence and for their loss, and then gives Steve’s mom her son’s jacket.
It’s pitch black as the guys make their way through the desert. Randall’s out of shape and wants to take another break, but EZ, Manny, and Angel want to get through the mountains before the sun comes up. Suddenly the guys hear gunshots and Angel wants to get moving, but Manny thinks they should lay low for a while until whoever it is leaves the area. EZ agrees with Manny and they look for a temporary hiding place.
During their downtime Manny discusses fatherhood with Angel. Manny confesses he didn’t become a man until he became a father and admits that if he lost his daughter, he couldn’t go on. I’m not sure of Manny’s endgame but it’s possible he sort of reveals his hand a little when he talks about how Marcus chose the club over his family. Manny’s heard that Marcus allowed a Reaper to kill his son after a deal went sideways. And it turns out the Reaper that Marcus let kill his son was Happy.
“If anybody put his hands on my family, he wouldn’t be out in the world just walking around,” says Manny.
Manny thinks Angel will be a good dad and suggests the trick to raising a kid is to just f**k them up less than his parents f**ked him up. EZ says giving Angel sage advice is his thing and Manny laughs.
Angel thinks they’re both annoying. “It’s like having boy scout in stereo.” And speaking of boy scouts…both Manny and EZ were in the scouts and even remember the oath which they recite while Angel calls them nerds.
The episode takes a brief break from the non-action in the desert to reveal Marcus riding up to the guard shack where Nestor’s watching soccer. Emily makes it back to her temporary apartment and crashes for the night after cleaning up. Steve’s mom tries to scrub the blood from her son’s jacket. Adelita pulls up to the man she’s been stalking’s house seconds after he goes inside.
And now we’ve come to the final minutes of season four episode three and, unarguably, the pivotal moment of “Self Portrait in Blue Bathroom.” The guys have fallen asleep waiting for it to be safe to continue their trek to safety. Angel wakes and is using a flashlight to make his way around when he hears talking. He walks toward the voices and finds – trigger warning – Randall sexually abusing his son while Noah begs him to stop.
Angel says, “What the fuck?” and then shoots Randall in the chest. Noah cries as Manny and EZ race up to see what happened. Manny rushes to Randall’s side as he chokes on blood and appears seconds from death. EZ screams, “Angel, what the f**k did you do?! What the f**k did you do?!”
Annette Bening as Marge Selbee and Bryan Cranston as Jerry Selbee in ‘Jerry and Marge Go Large’ (Photo credit: Jake Giles Netter/Paramount+)
Oscar nominee and Emmy Award winner Bryan Cranston and four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening hit the jackpot in the comedy film Jerry & Marge Go Large from director Oscar winner David Frankel. Parmount+ just announced a June 17, 2022 U.S. premiere date on the streaming service and released four new photos from the comedy inspired by an incredible true story.
Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening star in the titular roles. The cast also includes Larry Wilmore, Rainn Wilson, Anna Camp, Ann Harada, Jake McDorman, Michael McKean, and Uly Schlesinger.
Brad Copeland (Wild Hogs) wrote the screenplay, based on an article by Jason Fagone in The Huntington Post. Oscar nominee Gil Netter, Levantine Films, and MRC Film’s Landline Pictures’s Amy Baer produced, with Kevin Halloran executive producing.
Paramount+ released the following synopsis:
Jerry & Marge Go Large is inspired by the remarkable true story of retiree Jerry Selbee (Cranston), who discovers a mathematical loophole in the Massachusetts lottery and, with the help of his wife, Marge (Bening), wins millions and uses the money to revive their small Michigan town.
Larry Wilmore as Steve Woods and Bryan Cranston as Jerry Selbee (Photo credit: Jake Giles Netter/Paramount+)Annette Bening as Marge Selbee and Bryan Cranston as Jerry Selbee (Photo credit: Jake Giles Netter/Paramount+)Bryan Cranston as Jerry Selbee, Annette Bening as Marge Selbee, and Rainn Wilson as Bill (Photo credit: Jake Giles Netter/Paramount+)
Romance and the hunt for a mythical sea creature are front and center in the first trailer for Apple TV+’s The Essex Serpent. The limited series is based on Sarah Perry’s bestselling novel and stars Emmy nominee Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager) and three-time Emmy winner Claire Danes (Homeland), with BAFTA Award nominee Clio Barnard directing.
Apple TV+ will release the first two episodes on May 13, 2022. Additional episodes arrive on subsequent Fridays. The limited series wraps up on June 10th.
In addition to Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes, the series stars Frank Dillane, Clémence Poésy, and Hayley Squires. BAFTA Award nominee Anna Symon adapted Perry’s novel for the series and serves as an executive producer along with Barnard, Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, and Patrick Walters.
Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston in ‘The Essex Serpent’ (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
The streaming service released the following description of The Essex Serpent:
The Essex Serpent follows London widow Cora Seaborne (Danes) who moves to Essex to investigate reports of a mythical serpent. She forms a surprising bond of science and skepticism with the local pastor (Hiddleston), but when tragedy strikes, locals accuse her of attracting the creature.
CBS’s Blue Bloods has been picked up for a 13th season, with the network confirming the popular drama will return for the 2022-2023 primetime season. Season 12 currently ranks 4th among all broadcast shows and has been averaging 9.81 million viewers, according to CBS.
“America’s favorite first family of law enforcement is back for season 13,” stated Kelly Kahl, president of CBS Entertainment. “The Reagans possess an incredible bond with audiences literally everywhere and on every platform. And in its 12th season, with over 250 episodes, Blue Bloods not only continues to dominate in the ratings but excels at an exceptionally high creative level. Led by the incomparable Tom Selleck, this amazing cast skillfully brings universal and relatable personal storylines to life week after week, while executive producer Kevin Wade and the skilled writing team craft compelling episodes featuring the show’s trademark mix of family dynamics and police work. We look forward to many more Reagan family dinners next season.”
Season 12 airs Fridays at 10pm ET/PT and stars Tom Selleck as Frank Reagan and Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan. Bridget Moynahan is Erin Reagan, Will Estes plays Jamie Reagan, Len Cariou is Henry Reagan, Sami Gayle is Nicky Reagan-Boyle, Marisa Ramirez plays Det. Maria Baez, and Vanessa Ray stars as Officer Eddie Janko.
Kevin Wade, Ian Biederman, Brian Burns, Siobhan Byrne-O’Connor, Dan Truly, and Tom Selleck executive produce.
Blue Bloods Description, Courtesy of CBS:
Blue Bloods is a drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. Frank Reagan is the New York Police Commissioner, and heads both the police force and the Reagan brood. He runs his department as diplomatically as he runs his family, even when dealing with the politics that plagued his unapologetically bold father, Henry, during his stint as Chief. A source of pride and concern for Frank is his eldest son, Danny, a seasoned detective, family man and Iraq War vet who on occasion uses dubious tactics to solve cases with his partner, Detective Maria Baez. Erin, the middle daughter, is a New York Assistant D.A. who serves as the legal compass for her siblings and father.
Jamie is the youngest Reagan, a Harvard Law graduate and the family’s “golden boy.” Unable to deny the family tradition, Jamie decided to give up a lucrative future in law and follow in the family footsteps as a cop. He’s found a friend and ally in his wife, Eddie, who keeps him on his toes, and has very different reasons than the Reagans for joining the police force.
Netflix has released the first photos from the spy thriller The Gray Man starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. The first batch of film stills was accompanied by news The Gray Man will open in theaters on July 15, 2022 followed by a release on Netflix on July 22nd.
In addition to Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, the action thriller stars Ana de Armas, Jessica Henwick, Wagner Moura, and Dhanush. Billy Bob Thornton, Alfre Woodard, Regé-Jean Page, Julia Butters, Eme Ikwuakor, and Scott Haze also star.
Netflix is hoping the big-budget film, based on Mark Greaney’s book series, launches a new franchise for the streamer.
Anthony and Joe Russo (Avengers: Endgame, Captain America: Civil War) directed, and Joe Russo co-wrote the screenplay with Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. The Russos also serve as producers along with Joe Roth, Jeffrey Kirschenbaum, Mike Larocca, and Chris Castaldi. Patrick Newall, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Jake Aust, Angela Russo-Otstot, Geoff Haley, Zack Roth, and Palak Patel executive produce.
The Gray Man Plot, Courtesy of Netflix:
The Gray Man is CIA operative Court Gentry (Gosling), aka, Sierra Six. Plucked from a federal penitentiary and recruited by his handler, Donald Fitzroy (Thornton), Gentry was once a highly-skilled, Agency-sanctioned merchant of death. But now the tables have turned and Six is the target, hunted across the globe by Lloyd Hansen (Evans), a former cohort at the CIA, who will stop at nothing to take him out. Agent Dani Miranda (de Armas) has his back. He’ll need it.
ABC’s The Rookie season four episode 20, “Enervo,” concludes Niecy Nash’s guest starring arc ahead of her potential spinoff. Episode 20 was directed by Bill Roe from a script by Alexi Hawley and Terrence Paul Winter. “Enervo” airs on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 10pm ET/PT.
Season four stars Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, and Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey. Melissa O’Neil is Lucy Chen and Eric Winter stars as Tim Bradford.
Additional guest stars include Felix Solis as Matthew Garza, Kat Foster as Casey Fox, and Frankie Faison as Christopher “Cutty” Clark.
“Enervo” Plot: The team alongside the LA Division of the FBI are in a race to stop bombs that have been scattered throughout the city by a suspected terrorist. Meanwhile, the joint task force is suspicious of the CIA’s involvement in the situation.
Nathan Fillion and Niecy Nash in ‘The Rookie’ season 4 episode 20 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Frankie Faison, Arjay Smith, and Shawn Ashmore in season 4 episode 20 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Melissa O’Neil and Niecy Nash in season 4 episode 20 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Eric Winter and Nathan Fillion in season 4 episode 20 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Nathan Fillion and Niecy Nash in season 4 episode 20 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Niecy Nash, Nathan Fillion and Jenna Dewan in season 4 episode 20 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Niecy Nash, Nathan Fillion and Jenna Dewan in season 4 episode 20 (ABC/Raymond Liu)
Brad Pitt and Bad Bunny star in ‘Bullet Train’ (Photo By: Scott Garfield)
Sony Pictures kicked off the 2022 CinemaCon at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas with a presentation of their upcoming theatrical releases. The studio unveiled the first footage from The Woman King, unfinished footage from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and the full first reel of Bullet Train. A sizzle reel touched on the studio’s other projects, with the presentation ending with early footage from George Foreman, a biopic directed by George Tillman Jr. and made with the support of the former heavyweight champion.
The following is a recap of key events from the presentation held on April 25, 2022.
Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group President Josh Greenstein confirmed the studio’s commitment to maintaining the exclusive theatrical window. Greenstein pointed out Spider-Man: No Way Home is the 3rd highest-grossing film in U.S. history, even with the never-ending pandemic. And despite audiences still being a little leery, Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group, noted the studio’s impressive $3.3 billion box office haul. “What are you guys doing here? Don’t you know you’re dead?!” joked Rothman to the crowd of National Association of Theatre Owners attendees.
Director David Leith appeared in person to promote the star-studded action film Bullet Train. Leith said he set out with lofty goals to make something original, something people will come back to the cinema to watch. It was always his intention this film would be screened in theaters.
Leith described Bullet Train as an action thriller with a comedic edge and promised audiences a “Brad Pitt like you’ve never seen before.” He teased the film’s full of characters who find out that fate is something you ultimately can’t control, and then showed off the film’s first reel. The footage introduced Brad Pitt’s character, Ladybug, as well as several other key passengers on the train, and showed a few absolutely bonkers action scenes including one featuring a briefcase as a weapon.
Bullet Train stars Brad Pitt, Andrew Koji, Bad Bunny, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Brian Tyree Henry. Sony’s set a July 29, 2022 release date.
Reese Witherspoon taped a message for CinemaCon in support of Where the Crawdads Sing. Witherspoon is a fan of Delia Owens’ novel and serves as a producer on the film which debuted a new trailer starring Daisy Edgar-Jones at CinemaCon. Directed by Olivia Newman, Where the Crawdads Sing opens on July 15th.
Co-writer and director Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love and Basketball) made her first appearance at CinemaCon to talk about The Woman King starring Viola Davis. Prince-Bythewood, an admirer of historic epics, said every director wants to work with Davis because it is a chance to touch greatness. The writer/director praised Davis for setting the tone on set with her brilliance, work ethic, and unquenchable desire for excellence.
Viola Davis added another trophy to her shelf as the winner of CinemaCon’s first-ever Trailblazer of the Year award. “The five words I don’t want to take to my grave would be I was not brave enough,” said Davis. The Oscar winner recalled watching Cicely Tyson on screen when she was just nine years old and how that experience transformed her and made her believe in something bigger than her world.
“As a human being, I wanted to sit in an audience and be transfixed, transformed,” said Davis, noting that’s something great stories are capable of doing.
Davis felt it was divine intervention to be connected to The Woman King and to be able to introduce a whole area of storytelling to the world. She described the film as a labor of love.
The first footage of The Woman King focused on Viola Davis as the leader of the Dahomey Amazons. TriStar Pictures’ official synopsis: “Inspired by true events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries, The Woman King tells the story of Nanisca (Davis), General of the all-female military unit known as the Amazons, and her daughter Nawi, who together fought the French and neighboring tribes who violated their honor, enslaved their people, and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for.”
Sony’s presentation also found Bad Bunny taking the stage to discuss El Muerto, the first Latino character to lead a Marvel live-action film. “This opportunity to bring El Muerto to life is amazing, it’s incredible,” said Bad Bunny. He grew up watching wrestling and said, “I think it’s the perfect role, to me.”
El Muerto is targeting a January 12, 2024 theatrical release.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller were next up, joking about being in the tough spot of having to follow Viola Davis and Bad Bunny. Lord and Miller described Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse as “way, way, way bigger than the last one.” Their animated sequel has the largest crew of any animated movie ever, with about 1,000 people working to bring the story alive on screen. Plus, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse had 40 characters; the sequel has 240.
Lord and Miller also confirmed Across the Spider-Verse, opening on June 2, 2023, will take place in at least six universes. And they announced the new title for Across the Spider-Verse Part 2 is Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (coming in 2024).
The first 15 minutes of Across the Spider-Verse raw footage, featuring Hailee Steinfeld’s Spider Gwen, Oscar Isaac’s Miguel O’Hara, and Shameik Moore’s Miles Morales, was greeted with enthusiastic applause.
Sony’s presentation wrapped up with the confirmation of more installments in the Venom and Ghostbusters franchises.
Theo James and Rose Leslie in ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ (Photograph by Macall B. Polay/HBO)
Season two of Hacks, a new look at a 2001 murder case, and a series adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger’s time-traveling romance novel debut on HBO Max in May 2022. George Carlin’s American Dream and the second seasons of That Damn Michael Che and PAUSE with Sam Jay also arrive on HBO Max this May.
Emmy Award-winning Hacks starring Jean Smart returns for season two on May 12, 2022. The critically acclaimed comedy follows Smart as Deborah Vance, a legendary Vegas comedian, and Hannah Einbinder as Ava, a struggling writer.
Colin Firth and Toni Collette star in the limited series The Staircase based on true events and premiering on May 5, 2022. The Staircase explores the 2001 murder of Kathleen Peterson and the ensuing investigation into her husband’s involvement.
The Time Traveler’s Wife series, based on Niffenegger’s popular novel, debuts on May 15, 2022. Niffenegger’s novel was previously adapted into a feature film in 2009 starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams. Theo James and Rose Leslie take on the lead roles of Henry and Clare in the series.
SERIES & FILMS ARRIVING ON HBO MAX IN MAY 2022:
Exact Dates To Be Announced:
George Carlin’s American Dream, Documentary Premiere (HBO)
PAUSE with Sam Jay, Season 2 Premiere (HBO)
May 1:
Yellowface: Asian Whitewashing and Racism in Hollywood, 2019
47 Ronin, 2013
Assassins, 2020 (HBO)
At Close Range, 1986 (HBO)
An Autumn Afternoon, 1962
The Big Sleep, 1946
Back To School, 1986
Bottle Rocket, 1996
Calladita, 2020 (HBO)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 1968 (HBO)
Child 44, 2015 (HBO)
Chungking Express, 1994
The Color Purple, 1985
Conan The Barbarian, 2011 (HBO)
Devil in A Blue Dress, 1995
Dodes ‘Ka-Den, 1970
Domino, 2019 (HBO)
Downhill, 1927
Dragnet Girl, 1933
Early Spring, 1956
Early Summer, 1951
The End of Summer, 1961
Equinox Flower, 1958
Eraser, 1996
Fallen Angels, 1995
Floating Weeds, 1959
FRIDA, 2002 (HBO)
The Fugitive, 1993
Furry Vengeance, 2010 (HBO)
Gang Related, 1997 (HBO)
Good Morning, 1959
Hard Rain, 1998 (HBO)
Hart’s War, 2002 (HBO)
High and Low, 1963
Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius, 2001 (HBO)
Julie, 1956
Killers, 2010 (HBO)
Language Lessons, 2021
Love and Baseball, 2021
The Machine That Kills Bad People, 1952
Masters Of The Universe, 1987 (HBO)
The Missing, 2003 (HBO)
The New Guy, 2002 (HBO)
North Dallas Forty, 1979 (HBO)
Not Easily Broken, 2009
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, 2012
Poseidon, 2006
Red Beard, 1965
Ringo and His Golden Pistol, 1966
Rugrats Go Wild, 2003 (HBO)
Rugrats In Paris: The Movie, 2000 (HBO)
The Rugrats Movie, 1998 (HBO)
The Sapphires, 2012 (HBO)
Sense and Sensibility, 1995
Sliding Doors, 1998
St. Elmo’s Fire, 1985
The Stepford Wives, 2004 (HBO)
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, 2009 (Extended Version)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day, 1991 (Director’s Cut) (HBO)
Tokyo Twilight, 1957
Top Secret!, 1984 (HBO)
Transporter 3, 2008 (HBO)
Unbroken, 2014
Underworld, 2003
Underworld: Awakening, 2012
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, 2009
Welcome to the Dollhouse, 1995
W.E., 2011 (HBO)
What To Expect When You’re Expecting, 2012 (HBO)
The Wild Thornberrys Movie, 2002 (HBO)
You, Me and Dupree, 2006
Young Adult, 2011 (HBO)
Zathura: A Space Adventure, 2005
May 3:
Spring Awakening: Those You’ve Know, Documentary Premiere (HBO)
May 5:
Las Bravas F.C., Max Original Season 1 Premiere
Queen Stars Brazil, Max Original Season 1 Premiere
The Staircase, Max Original Limited Series Premiere
May 6:
Dear Evan Hansen, 2021 (HBO)
Entre Nos: Carmen and Alfred (HBO)
La Afinadora De Árboles, 2019 (HBO)
May 7:
We Baby Bears, Season 1 Part C
May 9:
Get Hard, 2015
May 10:
Catwoman: Hunted, 2022
The Matrix: Resurrections, 2021 (HBO)
Sesame Street Mecha Builders Season 1 Part A
Robot Chicken Season 11 Part B
May 12:
Hacks, Max Original Season 2 Premiere
Who’s By Your Side, Max Original Season 1 Premiere
May 13:
Hank Zipzer, 2014
Old, 2021 (HBO)
Smalls, Season 4
May 15:
The Time Traveler’s Wife, Drama Series Premiere (HBO)
May 17:
Sesame Street Mecha Builders, Season 1 Part B
The Mule, 2018 (HBO)
May 20:
Identidad Tomada, 2020 (HBO)
May 22:
Fast Foodies, Season 2
May 23:
Teen Titans Go! Season 7 Part B
May 26:
Navalny
That Damn Michael Che, Max Original Season 2 Premiere
Tig n’ Seek, Max Original Season 4 Premiere
May 27:
Blippi Special
Blippi Visits
Blippi Wonders
Blippi: Learn With Blippi
Ghost, Season 1
Ghost, Season 2
Stath Lets Flats
