Disney+’s upcoming event series Hawkeye will launch with the release of the first two episodes on November 24, 2021. The two-episode premiere was just announced along with the release of a short teaser that shows Hawkeye’s hopes for a peaceful holiday time with his family are dashed with the arrival of enemies from his past. Instead of enjoying some turkey and hanging out with the wife and kids, Hawkeye’s forced to team up with fellow archery enthusiast Kate Bishop to take down the new threat.
Jeremy Renner reprises his role as Clint Barton/Hawkeye in this much-anticipated solo project. Renner’s joined by Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, Tony Dalton, Zahn McClarnon, Brian d’Arcy James, and newcomer Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez.
The six-episode limited series is directed by Rhys Thomas as well as the directing duo Bert and Bertie.
The Plot, Courtesy of Disney+:
Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye is an original new series set in post-blip New York City where former Avenger Clint Barton aka Hawkeye (Renner) has a seemingly simple mission: get back to his family for Christmas. But when a threat from his past shows up, Hawkeye reluctantly teams up with Kate Bishop (Steinfeld), a 22-year-old skilled archer and his biggest fan, to unravel a criminal conspiracy.
It’s incredible that there still exists 57 hours of The Beatles footage that’s never been seen by the public in the 50 years since the group’s breakup yet is worthy of inclusion in a 2021 documentary series. Walt Disney Studios’ The Beatles: Get Back is made up entirely of rare, restored footage, with Oscar winning director Peter Jackson at the helm of the three-part docuseries which just dropped an official trailer and poster.
The docuseries is a collaboration between Peter Jackson and The Beatles, and has Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon, Olivia Harrison involved as producers. Jackson, Clare Olssen, and Jonathan Clyde also serve as producers, with Apple Corps’ Jeff Jones and Ken Kamins executive producing.
The Beatles Get Back is a The Walt Disney Studios production in association with Apple Corps Ltd. and WingNut Films Productions Ltd. Jackson’s behind the scenes team includes editor Jabez Olssen (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), music supervisor Giles Martin (Rocketman), and Michael Hedges (The Adventures of Tintin) and Brent Burge (The Hobbit trilogy) serving as the re-recording mixers. The music is mixed by Giles Martin and Sam Okell.
The docuseries will air on Disney+ on November 25, 26, and 27th.
Disney+ released the following description of The Beatles: Get Back:
The Beatles: Get Back takes audiences back in time to the band’s January 1969 recording sessions, which became a pivotal moment in music history. The docuseries showcases The Beatles’ creative process as they attempt to write 14 new songs in preparation for their first live concert in over two years. Faced with a nearly impossible deadline, the strong bonds of friendship shared by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr are put to the test.
The docuseries is compiled from nearly 60 hours of unseen footage shot over 21 days, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg in 1969, and from more than 150 hours of unheard audio, most of which has been locked in a vault for over half a century. Jackson is the only person in 50 years to have been given access to this Beatles treasure trove, all of which has now been brilliantly restored. What emerges is an unbelievably intimate portrait of The Beatles, showing how, with their backs against the wall, they could still rely on their friendship, good humor, and creative genius.
While plans derail and relationships are put to the test, some of the world’s most iconic songs are composed and performed. The docuseries features – for the first time in its entirety – The Beatles’ last live performance as a group, the unforgettable rooftop concert on London’s Savile Row, as well as other songs and classic compositions featured on the band’s final two albums, Abbey Road and Let It Be.
DreamWorks Animation is delving back into the world of How to Train Your Dragon with a new series inspired by the film franchise. The 40-second teaser reveals Dragons: The Nine Realms will be following the story of one particular dragon and is set post-HTTYD.
The six-episode first season of Dragons: The Nine Realms will premiere on December 23, 2021, on Hulu and Peacock. Jeremy Shada lends his voice to the series and John Tellegen guides the animated show as showrunner and executive producer. Chuck Austen and Henry Gilroy also executive produce, with Beth Sleven serving as supervising producer.
DreamWorks Animation released the following synopsis for season one:
“Set 1,300 years after the events of How To Train Your Dragon, dragons are now just a legend to the modern world. When a geological anomaly opens up an immense, miles-deep fissure in the Earth’s surface, scientists from all over the world gather at a new research facility to study the mysterious phenomenon.
Soon a group of misfit kids, brought to the site by their parents, uncover the truth about dragons and where they’ve been hiding — a secret they must keep to themselves to protect what they’ve discovered.”
Netflix is so anxious to keep killing it (ratings-wise) they’ve renewed You for a fourth season prior to its third season premiere. The official renewal announcement didn’t provide any details on the returning cast or expected premiere date.
The third season will Launch on Friday, October 15, 2021.
Penn Badgley reprises his role as Joe Goldberg and Victoria Pedretti’s back as Love Quinn-Goldberg for season three. The cast also includes Saffron Burrows as Dottie Quinn, Tati Gabrielle as Marianne, Dylan Arnold as Theo, Shalita Grant as Sherry, and Travis Van Winkle as Cary. Scott Speedman plays Matthew, Michaela McManus is Natalie, Shannon Chan-Kent plays Kiki, Ben Menhl is Dante, Chris O’Shea is Andrew, and Christopher Sean is Brandon.
You is based on the You and Hidden Bodies books by Caroline Kepnes and was developed for television by Sera Gamble and Greg Berlanti. Gamble and Berlanti executive produce, with Gamble serving as showrunner.
“Reading Caroline’s novel, Greg and I were instantly obsessed with Joe Goldberg and his twisted world view. And it’s been thrilling to watch Penn bring Joe to creepy yet compelling life. We’re deeply grateful that Netflix has shown You such monumental support and that people around the world have enjoyed watching Joe really get it all very wrong over the past 3 seasons. The whole You team is excited to explore new, dark facets of love in season 4,” stated Sera Gamble.
Season four will be produced by Berlanti Productions and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Joe Goldberg is a man who will do just about anything when love is at stake.
In Season 3, Joe and Love, now married and raising their baby, have moved to the balmy Northern California enclave of Madre Linda, where they’re surrounded by privileged tech entrepreneurs, judgmental mommy bloggers, and Insta-famous biohackers. Joe is committed to his new role as a husband and dad but fears Love’s lethal impulsiveness.
And then there’s his heart. Could the woman he’s been searching for all this time live right next door? Breaking out of a cage in a basement is one thing. But the prison of a picture-perfect marriage to a woman who’s wise to your tricks? Well, that’ll prove a much more complicated escape.
Max and Helen pledge to get into some good trouble before they leave (if they leave) as NBC’s New Amsterdam season four continues with episode five, “This Be The Verse.” Episode five will air on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.
The cast of season four is led by Ryan Eggold as Medical Director Max Goodwin. Janet Montgomery returns as Dr. Lauren Bloom, Freema Agyeman stars as Dr. Helen Sharpe, Jocko Sims plays Dr. Floyd Reynolds, and Tyler Labine is Dr. Iggy Frome. Michelle Forbes guest stars as Dr. Fuentes.
“This Be The Verse” Plot: Dr. Fuentes continues her quest to remake the hospital in her vision. Max goes the extra mile to help a patient in need. Dr. Sharpe and Iggy find themselves at odds over a very serious issue. Reynolds discovers the importance of personal obligations. Bloom comes to a shocking realization about her mother.
After a turbulent year of sacrifice and hardship, Medical Director Max Goodwin and the team at New Amsterdam begin a well-deserved new chapter in their lives. The opening episode, titled “More Joy,” reflects both the drive of characters and the tone of season four. More joy: How can we find it, and how can we hold on to it?
For Max that means acknowledging and surrendering to his long-simmering feelings towards Dr. Helen Sharpe. While this new relationship brings its own set of challenges, Max continues his optimistic – and quixotic – quest to improve our nation’s healthcare system.
Continuing to navigate their own personal journeys – including Dr. Bloom’s relationship with Dr. Leyla Shinwari, who is now her resident, Dr. Frome’s new career and Dr. Reynolds’ personal entanglements – the doctors will strive to embrace the joy and successes in their lives.
But there is a surprise in store for our heroes. Dr. Veronica Fuentes is joining the New Amsterdam team to help turn around the overburdened and underfunded hospital. Her first order of business will be to tear down every progressive program Max has erected. Max will have his work cut out for him if he is going to outwit this calm, poised and fearless fixer.
Tyler Labine as Dr. Iggy Frome and Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin in ‘New Amsterdam’ season 4 episode 5 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)Shiva Kalaiselvan as Leyla, Gina Gershon as Jeanie Bloom, and Janet Montgomery as Dr. Lauren Bloom in season 4 episode 5 (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)Freema Agyeman as Dr. Helen Sharpe in season 4 episode 5 (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)NayMyo Win as Khin Maung, Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin, Michelle Forbes as Dr. Veronica Fuentes, Grace Dumdaw as Chesa, and May Wynn-Maung as Hayma in season 4 episode 5 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin and Michelle Forbes as Dr. Veronica Fuentes in season 4 episode 5 (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)Michelle Forbes as Dr. Veronica Fuentes and Jocko Sims as Dr. Floyd Reynolds in season 4 episode 5 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)
Fox’s The Resident season five episode five is Halloween-themed and finds the hospital visited by spirits. Episode five – “The Thinnest Veil” – will air on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 8pm ET/PT.
Returning cast members include Matt Czuchry as Dr. Conrad Hawkins, Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Dr. AJ Austin, Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Randolph Bell, Jane Leeves as Dr. Kit Voss, and Manish Dayal is Dr. Devon Pravesh. Jessica Lucas plays Dr. Billie Sutton, Anuja Joshi is Dr. Leela Devi, and Miles Fowler is Trevor.
“The Thinnest Veil” Plot: While looking for a distraction on Halloween, Conrad treats a group of witches who send the ER into chaos. Also, Devon treats a patient who thinks he is being haunted by ghosts. Meanwhile, on the way back from his vacation, Bell picks up a hitchhiker who is not what he seems to be.
Entering its fifth season, The Resident continues to shine a light on the daily heroism of our health care workers. The provocative medical drama follows the doctors and nurses at Chastain Memorial Hospital as they face personal and professional challenges and fight for their patients’ health.
Season four saw a multitude of highs and lows as the heroes at Chastain struggled to overcome the impossible, including the unprecedented and devastating Covid-19 pandemic. Now, in a propulsive and emotional season five, the ante is upped, as the doctors continue to save patients and fight corruption in the healthcare system, this time with a partner. The alliance with Big Pharma that found a cure for sickle cell disease last season proves in season five to be a very sharp double-edged sword.
The season kicks off when a mysterious ransomware attack threatens the hospital, and DR. DEVON PRAVESH (Dayal) and Chastain’s recently appointed CEO, DR. KIT VOSS (Leeves), must make high-stakes, split-second decisions with lives in the balance. Meanwhile, DR. CONRAD HAWKINS (Czuchry) and NURSE PRACTITIONER NICOLETTE NEVIN’s (Emily VanCamp) attempts to navigate parenthood, marriage and work-life balance take a shocking turn when Conrad is forced to make a life-changing choice that will alter the course of their family forever.
After the unwanted arrival of DR. BILLIE SUTTON’s (Lucas) biological son, she is forced to confront her past head-on in hopes of healing. Luckily, she’ll have help with the emergence of a new friendship – and rivalry – with DR. AJ AUSTIN (Malcolm-Jamal Warner), who unknowingly takes an interest in Billie’s son, TREVOR (Fowler). Elsewhere, a wrench is thrown in the plans of DR. LEELA DEVI (Joshi), when an unannounced visitor threatens her new relationship, and DR. RANDOLPH BELL (Greenwood) moves forward with a surprising love interest.
A new wrinkle five episodes into the season will challenge audience expectations and reveal new truths about our characters. Old relationships will be tested, new ones formed, and the emergence of a widespread Medicare fraud scheme ensures Chastain will never be the same.
Four-time Oscar nominee Ridley Scott knows his way around historical epics, with 2000’s Gladiator remaining his best to date. 2021’s The Last Duel, based on true events and loaded with A-list stars, isn’t quite in the same league as Gladiator but does come in a close second among all of Scott’s ventures into historical territory.
The Last Duel brings to life the final officially sanctioned duel in France. It’s unnecessary to have more than a vague idea of what life was like in 14th century France prior to watching The Last Duel. That said, it does help to do a little surface-level research on the actual duel to fully appreciate the approach taken by screenwriters Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Nicole Holofcener.
The Last Duel is set in Normandy and plays out as a “he said, he said, she said,” with each participant in the tale afforded a chance to tell their side of the story leading up to the titular event. Their chapters are introduced with title cards declaring what you’re about to be exposed to is the truth, an impossibility given the many ways the participants’ stories vary in insignificant as well as major ways.
The first chapter is told from knight Jean de Carrouges’ perspective. Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) is revealed to be a fierce, battle-hardened soldier with a fiery temper and a tendency to become litigious when wronged. De Carrouges holds himself out as a loving husband, good friend, and the aggrieved party in a plot by Count Pierre and Jacque Le Gris to keep him from his birthright.
The second chapter’s devoted to squire Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), a friend of Jean de Carrouges before they had a falling out over land, among other supposed offenses. Le Gris is a favorite of Count Pierre d’Alencon (Ben Affleck), with the Count and the squire sharing a love of wine and women. The close relationship between Count Pierre and Jacques Le Gris helps drive a wedge between Le Gris and de Carrouges that no amount of diplomacy could mend. The line in the sand marking the complete dissolution of their friendship is drawn when Le Gris commits an atrocious, unforgivable act.
The female perspective of the last official duel is provided by Jean de Carrouges’ wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer). Marguerite’s tale appears to be the most trustworthy and it’s through her eyes we discover the true horror of what a judicially sanctioned duel actually involves.
Marguerite de Carrouges acted with unparalleled bravery and informed her husband that Le Gris had raped her while she was left alone and vulnerable. Unlike most women of that time, Marguerite refused to be silenced and was not swayed from her story despite the best efforts of the clergy, doctors, and members of court. Her account of the brutal attack is so gut-wrenching and realistically portrayed it should come with a trigger warning. (It’s important to be aware there are multiple scenes of sexual assault in The Last Duel, and they are disturbing and difficult to watch.)
Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Adam Driver deliver powerful performances but it’s Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer who absolutely drives this riveting epic tale. Ridley’s The Last Duel has plenty of exhilarating scenes of swordfights and battle sequences to keep the attention of action fans. But it’s in the quieter, character-driven moments centering around Comer as Marguerite that the film is at its most engaging. Comer is able to convey every ounce of pain, every heartbreak, and even the few scattered moments of joy in such a way that Marguerite earns our respect and empathy.
In The Last Duel’s testosterone-filled world of bloody battles and swordfights, it’s Comer’s Marguerite who emerges as the film’s fiercest warrior.
The decision to break up the film into three chapters told from differing points of view was inspired. Allowing the three central characters to speak their truths by watching the events from their individual standpoints makes for a much more complex and compelling viewing experience. I’d go as far to as to the story feels more participatory as we see the events unfold through the eyes of each key player and are able to judge their worth before the final horrific joust to the death plays out.
GRADE: B+
MPAA Rating: R for sexual assault, language, sexual content, some graphic nudity, and strong violence
Amazon’s just released the official trailer for Fairfax, an adult animated series set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 29, 2021. The two+ minute trailer features foul-mouthed smoking pigeons along with a bunch of teens struggling to be cool and fit in.
The voice cast includes Skyler Gisondo, Kiersey Clemons, Peter S. Kim, and Jaboukie Young-White. Pamela Adlon, Jeff Bottoms, Yvette Nicole Brown, Rob Delaney, and Zoey Deutch lend their voices in guest starring roles. Colton Dunn, John Leguizamo, Camila Mendes, Larry Owens, Linda Park, Billy Porter, Ben Schwartz, Tim Simons, and JB Smoove also guest star in season one.
Matthew Hausfater, Aaron Buchsbaum, and Teddy Riley created the series and serve as executive producers. Peter A. Knight and Serious Business’ Jon Zimelis and Jason U. Nadler also executive produce along with Titmouse’s Chris Prynoski, Ben Kalina, and Antonio Canobbio. Somehoodlum designed the characters and is involved as a consulting producer.
The Plot, Courtesy of Amazon:
Fairfax is an Amazon Original adult animated comedy series that follows four middle school best friends on their never-ending quest for clout on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles — the pulsing heart of hypebeast culture. This series is about the timeless struggle to be cooler than you are and fit in while standing out, and what it feels like to wait in line for a pair of sneakers you’re never going to cop.
NBC’s just released the first batch of photos from the upcoming ninth season of The Blacklist, kicking off on October 21, 2021. Season nine will air on Thursdays at 8pm ET/PT.
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.
NBC released the following description of the new season:
“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 in ‘The Blacklist’ season 9 episode 1 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)Amir Arison as Aram Mojtabai, Laura Sohn as Agent Alina Park, and Harry Lennix as Harold Cooper in season 9 episode 1 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)Harry Lennix as Harold Cooper in season 9 episode 1 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)Amir Arison as Aram Mojtabai and Laura Sohn as Agent Alina Park in season 9 episode 1 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)Amir Arison as Aram Mojtabai in season 9 episode 1 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)Hisham Tawfiq as Dembe Zuma in season 9 episode 1 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)Harry Lennix as Harold Cooper and Diego Klattenhoff as Donald Ressler in season 9 episode 1 (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC)
Jeremy Allen White as Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto, Lionel Boyce as Marcus, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richard ‘Richie’ Jerimovich in ‘The Bear’ (Photo Credit: FX)
FX just announced they’ve picked up the half-hour comedy The Bear to series and are targeting a 2022 premiere. The network also confirmed Shameless‘ Jeremy Allen White is on board to star.
The season one cast will also include Ebon Moss-Bachrach (NOS4A2), Ayo Edebiri (Dickinson), Lionel Boyce (Loiter Squad), Abby Elliott (Indebted), and Liza Colón-Zayas (In Treatment). Edwin Gibson and Matty Matheson will appear in recurring roles.
Joanna Calo (Bojack Horseman), Hiro Murai (Atlanta), Nate Matteson (Station Eleven), Christopher Storer (Eighth Grade) and Josh Senior are executive producing. Matty Matheson serves as a consulting producer.
“The Bear delivers thanks to the ferocious performances of Jeremy Allen White and fellow cast members Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Abby Elliott, Liza Colón-Zayas, Edwin Gibson and Matty Matheson,” said Nick Grad, President, Original Programming, FX. “The series gets off to a fantastic start in the pilot and we know this creative team including Hiro, Nate and Joanna has the comedy chops and producing experience to deliver the latest in a storied line of FX comedies.”
“We are so grateful to FX and overjoyed we get to tell more stories from this world,” said Calo. “And while this cast is talented enough to make standing silently in an empty space riveting, we can’t wait to get to work in the writer’s room.”
FX describes The Bear as a comedy about a young chef, played by White, who returns to Chicago to run the family restaurant.
