HBO Max just unveiled the first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated limited series, Station Eleven. The network also released three photos from the upcoming 10 episode series based on Emily St. John Mandel’s bestselling, critically acclaimed novel.
The trailer begins with a man and child stocking up on groceries and a confused clerk wondering if he should quit working and go somewhere. It’s hinted that some sort of apocalyptic event is taking place as the man and child trudge through the parking lot with five full shopping carts. It’s then quickly revealed a virus has killed off most of the population.
The cast of the post-apocalyptic drama includes Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, Daniel Zovatto, David Wilmot, Matilda Lawler, Philippine Velge, Nabhaan Rizwan and Lori Petty. Gael Garcìa Bernal and Danielle Deadwyler appear in recurring roles.
Patrick Somerville created the series and serves as showrunner. Somerville also executive produces along with Scott Steindorff, Scott Delman, Dylan Russell, Jessica Rhoades, Hiro Murai, Jeremy Podeswa, and Nate Matteson. Murai, Podeswa, Helen Shaver, and Lucy Tcherniak direct.
The timing of HBO Max’s adaptation couldn’t be better, given what we’ve endured the past two years. Station Eleven will premiere on December 16, 2021.
HBO Max released the following synopsis for the limited series:
“A post-apocalyptic saga spanning multiple timelines, this limited drama series tells the stories of survivors of a devastating flu as they attempt to rebuild and reimagine the world anew while holding on to the best of what’s been lost.”
Himesh Patel and Matilda Lawler in ‘Station Eleven’ (Photograph by Ian Watson/HBO Max)Gael Garcia Bernal in ‘Station Eleven’ (Photograph by Parrish Lewis/HBO Max)Mackenzie Davis in a scene from the limited series ‘Station Eleven’ (Photograph by Ian Watson/HBO Max)
Marvel’s Eternals introduces a group of 10 immortal superheroes who’ve been charged by a Celestial with protecting Earth. Over the centuries, these powerful beings have stepped up and saved lives during fires, floods, hurricanes, pandemics, and wars. Wait … no, they haven’t. They kept billions from perishing by stopping Thanos from snapping away half the world’s population. No … actually, they didn’t lift a finger.
When it comes down to it, they’re nowhere to be seen when the Earth is in trouble. And, with exception of one or two, they don’t seem all that special. So why do these particular superheroes deserve their own film? Unfortunately, it’s possible to sit through a screening of Marvel’s Eternals and never have that questioned answered.
These ageless beings have spent 7,000 years on our planet, remaining on the sidelines except for when their mortal enemies – grotesque creatures known as Deviants – rear their hideous heads. After believing Deviants had been wiped out, the Eternals went their separate ways. Some attempted to blend in, others kept to themselves, and one – Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani) – opted to become a famous Bollywood star because why not?
The sudden reappearance of Deviants forces the Eternals to reunite which in turn forces the audience to sit through what feels like never-ending expository flashbacks meant to explain what each Eternal has been up to since the last time they fought together as a Deviant-crushing team. These flashbacks reveal the personal dynamics of the team, the cliques within the larger group, and the romantic relationship between Ikaris (Richard Madden), the guy who thinks he should be the group’s leader, and Sersi (Gemma Chan), the woman who truly deserves to be in charge following the death of their official leader.
Once the team’s reunited, secrets are exposed, jealousy rears its ugly head, and the truth behind why the Eternals have been on Earth for thousands of years is finally revealed. And that, of course, all leads to the fate of humanity resting in the hands of a powerful, extremely dysfunctional “family.”
For nearly every superpower on display in Eternals, there’s already been a character on screen with a similar power brought to life in a much more impressive manner. We’ve seen speedsters, guys who can fly, heroes who can cast illusions, super strong superheroes, and ones who shoot laser beams out of their eyes. The laser-shooting Eternals can’t hold a candle to The Boys’ Homelander, played by Antony Starr, and even The CW’s The Flash offers better speedster effects than this big-budget debacle.
Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) did an excellent job of making sure this large ensemble is one of the most ethnically diverse in Marvel’s cinematic history. The film also features the first openly gay character of the MCU, Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), as well as a lead character, Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), who’s deaf. It’s way past time but bravo for this inclusivity finally happening in the MCU. Representation matters and it’s great to see the MCU taking more steps toward ensuring kids can see superheroes they can relate to on the screen.
Unfortunately, Zhao did a less impressive job in giving this diverse cast anything meaty to work with. (Zhao is a co-writer along with Ryan Firpo, Kaz Firpo, and Patrick Burleigh.) The plot seems unnecessarily convoluted and there are far too many characters to introduce all at once. The sheer number of main characters means even with time devoted to each of their backstories, only a few emerge as completely fleshed out and with engaging personalities. There are suggestions of infinitely more interesting storylines buried in the flashbacks, and the idea of these beings existing on Earth for 7,000 years and witnessing the evolution of humans is fascinating but barely touched upon.
Among an ensemble that includes Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Kit Harington (a scene-stealer in his few onscreen appearances), Lia McHugh, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Harish Patel, and Salma Hayek, it’s Gemma Chan’s Sersi who goes through the biggest transformational journey and becomes the heart and soul of the Eternals. Brian Tyree Henry is also a standout, giving multiple layers to Phastos – a tech wizard who regrets introducing technology that’s been abused by humans. And Kumail Nanjiani can be credited with injecting a little fun into Eternals. Without Nanjiani nailing the job of comic relief, Eternals would be completely lifeless.
There’s a lack of energy throughout and even the fight scenes between the Eternals and the CGI monsters don’t feel dynamic. The pacing’s off, the constant jumping between past and present doesn’t help the flow of the story, and none of the set pieces leap off the screen.
Director Zhao is a formidable filmmaker, but Eternals isn’t one of her finer efforts. Even an impressive cast can’t overcome the film’s major flaws including the lack of a compelling story. Superhero movies have been called a lot of things but boring isn’t usually a label included in descriptions. Until now.
GRADE: D
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for fantasy violence and action, brief sexuality, and some language
Hannah Waddingham joins ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ (Photo Courtesy of Disney+)
Ted Lasso‘s Hannah Waddingham and Veep‘s Tony Hale have joined the cast of the much-anticipated – and long-awaited – sequel to 1993’s Hocus Pocus, Hocus Pocus 2. The Disney+ original film has just begun filming in Rhode Island, with Bette Midler (The First Wives Club), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City), and Kathy Najimy (Sister Act) reprising their roles as Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson.
Doug Jones (The Shape of Water) also returns to the world Hocus Pocus, reprising his role as Billy Butcherson. Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl), Lilia Buckingham (Dirt), and Belissa Escobedo (American Horror Stories) join the cast as Becca, Cassie, and Izzy, “three young women in present-day Salem who incite the wrath of the three witches.”
The cast also includes Sam Richardson (The Tomorrow War, Veep), Juju Brener (Vanquish), Froy Gutierrez (Teen Wolf), Taylor Paige Henderson, and Nina Kitchen.
Kenny Ortega (the High School Musical franchise) directed the 1993 film. Anne Fletcher (Step Up, 27 Dresses) is directing the sequel from a screenplay by Jen D’Angelo (Happy Together). Adam Shankman (Hairspray) was originally attached to helm the sequel but had to pull out due to a scheduling conflict. Shankman remains involved as an executive producer. Ralph Winter and David Kirschner also serve as executive producers.
“I am beyond thrilled to be involved in the sequel to a film that is as beloved as Hocus Pocus,” stated director Fletcher. “Fans around the world have embraced these characters and have made this film a Halloween tradition whose popularity continues to grow, and how lucky am I to be back at Disney with these three extraordinarily talented ladies in the iconic roles they created, as well as our fabulous new additions to the cast?”
Disney+ is targeting a fall 2022 premiere.
The Plot:
It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century sisters who were executed for practicing witchcraft, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to figure out how to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before midnight on All Hallow’s Eve.
Equally as entertaining as the trailer for Lionsgate’s Moonfall are the comments under it on YouTube. It’s pointed out…repeatedly…how much Roland Emmerich (Independence Day: Resurgence, 2012, The Day After Tomorrow) loves to destroy Earth and how his latest action thriller’s trailer feels a lot like a Transformers movie minus the transforming robots.
The cast of Emmerich’s new disaster film includes Halle Berry (John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum), Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It), John Bradley (Game of Thrones), Michael Peña (Narcos: México), Charlie Plummer (Spontaneous), and Kelly Yu (Twenty). Eme Ikwuakor (On My Block), Carolina Bartczak (Death of a Ladies’ Man), and Donald Sutherland (Trust) also star.
Harald Kloser and Spenser Cohen co-wrote the script, with Kloser and Emmerich producing.
Lionsgate will release Moonfall in theaters on February 4, 2022.
Poster for Lionsgate’s ‘Moonfall’
The Plot:
In Moonfall, a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler (Berry) is convinced she has the key to saving us all – but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper (Wilson) and a conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman (Bradley) believes her.
These unlikely heroes will mount an impossible last-ditch mission into space, leaving behind everyone they love, only to find out that our Moon is not what we think it is.
Dan Levy and Catherine O’Hara in the award-winning comedy, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ (Photo Credit: Pop TV)
Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award winner Dan Levy and Boardwalk Pictures are teaming up on the cooking competition series The Big Brunch. The unscripted series is set up at HBO Max and is targeting a 2022 premiere.
Dan Levy created the series and will serve as host as well as an executive producer.
“Everybody has a friend, a family member, or a co-worker that is extraordinary at what they do, they just need a leg up so that their talents can be appreciated on a larger scale. Thanks to an almost obsessive love of food, I’ve been lucky enough to come across many of those people in the culinary world — friends working out of cafes or food trucks, revolutionizing the menus at local diners — those special humans who create communities around their cooking, hoping to take their skills to the next level,” said Dan Levy. “I created this show for them, the local culinary heroes of America who deserve a spotlight. That, and who doesn’t want to watch maple syrup being poured slowly over a golden stack of perfectly cooked, creme brûlée inspired French toast?”
Andrew Fried, Dane Lillegard, Sarina Roma, and Faye Stapleton are also on board as executive producers.
“What we love about this special show is that it serves more than mouth-watering culinary delicacies; it’s about heart, a love of cooking and spotlighting talent whose unique skills elevate the beloved brunch menu,” stated Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max. “There’s no better foodie or creative partner than Dan and the team at Boardwalk Pictures to celebrate those undiscovered voices, and, well, Brunch, the best meal to indulge in decadent sweet and savory dishes that are fueled by cocktails and caffeine!”
Casting is now open at thebigbrunch.castingcrane.com for those who think they’ve got what it takes in the kitchen. Potential contestants must be at least 21 years old and legal U.S. residents.
HBO Max released the following description of Levy’s new cooking competition series:
“Co-creator and star of Schitt’s Creek Dan Levy has teamed up with Boardwalk Pictures (Chef’s Table, Cheer) for the next great American culinary success story. Created by Levy and centering around one of the most versatile and underestimated dining experiences, The Big Brunch is a cooking competition series that celebrates the most inspiring undiscovered culinary voices from every corner of the country. Chefs will be offered the opportunity share their stories and their business dreams, while also competing for a life altering prize. All while finding innovative and personal ways to redefine what it means to dine between 11am and 3pm.”
Jenna Dewan continues her guest starring role as Bailey Nune on ABC’s The Rookie season four episode six. Directed by Chi-yoon Chung from a script by Bill Rinier and Natalie Callaghan, episode six – “Poetic Justice” – will air on Sunday, November 7, 2021 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 Tru Valentino as Aaron Thorsen, Peter Onorati as Officer Jerry McGrady, and Roland Buck III as Spike.
“Poetic Justice” Plot: Officer Nolan and team are on a hunt to retrieve a buried stash of gold before any treasure seekers get hurt. Meanwhile, Bradford is tasked with encouraging the oldest cop at the station to retire and invites him to ride with him.
Mekia Cox, Nathan Fillion, and Melissa O’Neil in season 4 episode 6 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Richard T Jones and Tru Valentino in the “Poetic Justice” episode (ABC/Raymond Liu)Mekia Cox and Melissa O’Neil in season 4 episode 6 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Jenna Dewan in season 4 episode 6 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Nathan Fillion, Melissa O’Neil, and Mekia Cox in season 4 episode 6 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Eric Winter and Peter Onorati in season 4 episode 6 (ABC/Raymond Liu)Aaron Coleman, Richard T. Jones, Tru Valentino, and Sharon Omi in season 4 episode 6 (ABC/Raymond Liu)
Tyler James Williams, Chris Perfetti, Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Lisa Ann Walter star in ‘Abbott Elementary’ (ABC/Prashant Gupta)
ABC’s set the 2021-2022 midseason premiere dates for The Bachelor, The Chase, and the final season of the award-winning comedy black-ish. The network also confirmed launch dates for the Women of the Movement limited series as well as the first seasons of the family drama Promised Land and the workplace comedy Abbott Elementary.
ABC also announced the winter return dates for the current seasons of Queens, The Goldbergs, The Wonder Years, The Conners, and Home Economics.
In addition to premiere date confirmations, the network released details on the three new series debuting this winter.
TUESDAY, JAN. 4
9:00-9:30 p.m. – Abbott Elementary (regular time period premiere)
9:30-10:00 p.m. – black-ish
10:00-11:00 p.m. – Queens
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 5
8:00-8:30 p.m. – The Goldbergs
8:30-9:00 p.m. – The Wonder Years
9:00-9:31 p.m. – The Conners
9:31-10:00 p.m. – Home Economics
10:00-11:00 p.m. – The Chase
THURSDAY, JAN. 6
8:00-10:00 p.m. – Women of the Movement (series premiere)
MONDAY, JAN. 24
10:01-11:00 p.m. – Promised Land (series premiere)
From creator, executive producer and star Quinta Brunson, and executive producers Justin Halperin and Patrick Schumacker, comes Abbott Elementary, a workplace comedy following a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal —as they navigate the Philadelphia public school system. Despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life, and though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do — even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.
Abbott Elementary stars Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues, Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Janelle James as Ava Coleman, Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti and Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard.
WOMEN OF THE MOVEMENT (Series Premiere) – THURSDAY, JAN. 6 (8:00-10:00 p.m.)
This six-episode series to be aired in three parts is based on the true story of Mamie Till-Mobley, who in 1955 risked her life to find justice after her son Emmett was brutally murdered in the Jim Crow South. Unwilling to let Emmett’s murder disappear from the headlines, Mamie chose to bear her pain on the world’s stage, emerging as an activist for justice and igniting the civil rights movement as we know it today.
The limited series stars Adrienne Warren as Mamie Till-Mobley, Tonya Pinkins as Alma, Cedric Joe as Emmett Till, Ray Fisher as Gene Mobley, Glynn Turman as Mose Wright, Chris Coy as J.W. Milam, Carter Jenkins as Roy Bryant and Julia McDermott as Carolyn Bryant.
PROMISED LAND (Series Premiere) – MONDAY, JAN. 24 (10:01-11:00 p.m.)
Promised Land” is an epic, generation-spanning drama about two Latinx families vying for wealth and power in California’s Sonoma Valley.
The series will star John Ortiz as Joe Sandoval, Cecilia Suárez as Lettie Sandoval, Augusto Aguilera as Mateo Flores, Christina Ochoa as Veronica Sandoval, Mariel Molino as Carmen Sandoval, Tonatiuh as Antonio Sandoval, Andres Velez as Carlos Rincón, Katya Martín as Juana Sánchez and Rolando Chusan as Billy Rincón and Bellamy Young as Margaret Honeycroft.
The official trailer for Disney+’s The Book of Boba Fett begins with Boba Fett, played by Temuera Morrison, declaring he’s not a bounty hunter. He goes on to explain his approach to ruling in contrast to Jabba the Hutt’s. “Jabba ruled with fear. I intend to rule with respect,” says Boba Fett.
The trailer also features Fennec Shand and Boba Fett meeting with Jabba’s captains and proposing a deal that avoids conflict and makes them all rich.
In addition to Temuera Morrison in the starring role, the cast of The Book of Boba Fett includes Ming-Na Wen as Fennec Shand. The series is executive produced by Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Robert Rodriguez, Kathleen Kennedy, and Colin Wilson. John Bartnicki serves as a producer, John Hampian is co-producer, with Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck are on board as co-executive producers.
Disney+ has set a December 29, 2021 for the launch of the new Star Wars series from Lucasfilm.
The Plot, Courtesy of Disney+:
The Book of Boba Fett, a thrilling Star Wars adventure teased in a surprise end-credit sequence following the season two finale of The Mandalorian, finds legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett and mercenary Fennec Shand navigating the galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate.
Poster for ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ (Photo Courtesy of Disney+)
The cast of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, canceled in June by NBC after two seasons, reunited for a two-hour musical celebrating the holiday season. Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas will help kick off the winter holidays with a December 1, 2021 release on The Roku Channel. The music-filled holiday movie marks Roku’s first-ever original feature-length film.
Jane Levy returns as Zoey, with Mary Steenburgen, Skylar Astin, Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, Andrew Leeds, Alice Lee, Michael Thomas Grant, Kapil Talwalkar, David St. Louis, Peter Gallagher, and Bernadette Peters also reprising their roles for the holiday musical.
“It was a true honor and a thrill to bring this amazingly talented group of people back together again to make Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas,” said series creator Austin Winsberg. “This movie never would have happened if it wasn’t for the incredible outpouring of love and support from the fans. It really is a Christmas gift for all of us. I am so grateful to The Roku Channel for believing in the whole Zoey’s team and for allowing us to continue to tell this story. I can’t wait for everyone to see all the passion, feeling and genuine holiday cheer we put into making this film. I believe new audiences and die-hard Zoey viewers alike will enjoy and relate to our family holiday musical movie this year and for many years to come…”
A scene from ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas’ (Photo Courtesy of The Roku Channel)
“We knew bringing this story to life was important for the fans and to do so by the holiday season would be the biggest gift we could give the long-time followers of the show. We’re honored to be able to share such a heartfelt holiday tale that will resonate with people for generations to come. Music and the holidays go hand-in-hand and we’re excited to celebrate Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas right here on The Roku Channel, stated Colin Davis, Roku’s Head of Scripted Programming.
Winsberg wrote the film and Richard Shepard directed. Winsberg, Shepard, Kim Tannenbaum, Eric Tannenbaum, Paul Feig, David Blackman and Daniel Inkeles served as executive producers. Emmy Award-winner Mandy Moore returns to co-choreograph with Jillian Meyers. Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas is a Lionsgate Television production in association with the Tannenbaum Company, Feigco Entertainment and Universal Music Group’s Polygram Entertainment and Zihuatenejo Productions.
The Roku Channel released the following short synopsis:
“On her first holiday without her father, Zoey attempts to create a magical Christmas for her family just like the ones Mitch used to do.”
NBC’s The Blacklist season nine episode three will focus on stolen artifacts and the return of a former blacklister. Episode three – “The SPK” – is set to air no Thursday, November 4, 2021.
In addition to James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington, the season nine cast includes Diego Klattenhoff as Donald Ressler, Amir Arison as Aram Mojtabai, Hisham Tawfiq as Dembe Zuma, Laura Sohn as Alina Park, and Harry Lennix as Harold Cooper.
“The SPK” Plot: A new case involving stolen artifacts reunites Red with a former blacklister. Aram faces a difficult decision.
Season 9 Description, Courtesy of NBC:
“In the two years following the death of Elizabeth Keen, Raymond Reddington (Spader) and the members of the FBI Task Force have disbanded – their lives now changed in unexpected ways and with Reddington’s whereabouts unknown. Finding themselves each at a crossroads, a common purpose compels them to renew their original mission: to take down dangerous, vicious and eccentric Blacklisters. In the process, they begin to uncover lethal adversaries, unimaginable conspiracies and surprising betrayals that will threaten alliances and spur vengeance for the past, led by the most devious criminal of them all – Raymond Reddington.”
James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington and Harry Lennix as Harold Cooper in ‘The Blacklist’ season 9 episode 3 (Photo by: Heidi Gutman/NBC)Erik Lochtefeld as David Kangas, Diego Klattenhoff as Donald Ressler, and Laura Sohn as Alina Park in “The SPK” episode (Photo by: Heidi Gutman/NBC)Eric William Morris as Trevor Prince in season 9 episode 3 (Photo by: Heidi Gutman/NBC)Diany Rodriguez as Weecha and James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington in season 9 episode 3 (Photo by: Heidi Gutman/NBC)Diego Klattenhoff as Donald Ressler and Laura Sohn as Alina Park in season 9 episode 3 (Photo by: Heidi Gutman/NBC)James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington in “The SPK” episode (Photo by: Heidi Gutman/NBC)April Matthis as Joanie Kangas and Diego Klattenhoff as Donald Ressler in season 9 episode 3 (Photo by: Heidi Gutman/NBC)Diego Klattenhoff as Donald Ressler in “The SPK” episode (Photo by: Heidi Gutman/NBC)
