Universal Pictures has set a Valentine’s Day weekend premiere date for the romantic comedy, Marry Me. The romcom teams up Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson, and features original songs by Lopez and popular Latin singer Maluma. Maluma also makes his feature film acting debut with Marry Me.
In addition to Lopez, Wilson and Maluma, the cast includes John Bradley (Game of Thrones), Sarah Silverman (Masters of Sex), and Chloe Coleman (Big Little Lies).
Kat Coiro (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,Dead to Me) directed the 2021 release, with John Rogers (The Librarians) and Tami Sagher (30 Rock), and Harper Dill (The Mick) adapting Bobby Crosby’s graphic novel for the screen. Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas (Maid in Manhattan), Benny Medina (Hustlers), and John Rogers produced. Alex Brown, Willie Mercer, Pamela Thur, and J.B. Roberts served as executive producers.
Marry Me will be released in theaters (if those are open for business early next year) on February 12, 2021.
The Marry Me Plot:
Kat Valdez (Lopez) is half of the sexiest celebrity power couple on Earth with hot new music supernova Bastian (Maluma). As Kat and Bastian’s inescapable hit single, “Marry Me,” climbs the charts, they are about to be wed before an audience of their fans in a ceremony that will streamed across multiple platforms.
Divorced high-school math teacher Charlie Gilbert (Wilson) has been dragged to the concert by his daughter Lou (Coleman) and his best friend (Silverman). When Kat learns, seconds before the ceremony, that Bastian has cheated on her with her assistant, her life turns left as she has a meltdown on stage, questioning love, truth and loyalty. As her gossamer world falls away, she locks eyes with a stranger—a face in the crowd.
If what you know lets you down, then perhaps what you don’t know is the answer, and so, in a moment of inspired insanity, Kat chooses to marry Charlie. What begins as an impulsive reaction evolves into an unexpected romance. But as forces conspire to separate them, the universal question arises: Can two people from such different worlds bridge the gulf between them and build a place where they both belong?
Two storytellers stuck in an isolated cabin during a power outage come up with an interesting idea to pass the time in Scare Me‘s new trailer. Their informal challenge goes from friendly to ultra competitive as the night goes on.
The horror comedy from first time feature film director Josh Ruben will premiere on Shudder on October 1, 2020.
Aya Cash (The Boys, You’re the Worst) and writer/director Ruben play the stranded storytellers. Saturday Night Live‘s Chris Redd and Key and Peele‘s Rebecca Drysdale co-star.
The Plot, Courtesy of Shudder:
Fred (Ruben), a frustrated copywriter, checks into a winter cabin to start his first novel. While jogging in the nearby woods, he meets Fanny (Cash), a successful and smug young horror author who fuels his insecurities. During a power outage, Fanny challenges Fred to tell a scary story.
As a storm sets in, they pass the time spinning spooky tales fueled by the tensions between them, and Fred is forced to confront his ultimate fear: Fanny is the better storyteller. The stakes are raised when they’re visited by a horror fan (Redd) who delivers levity (and a pizza) to the proceedings.
Josh Ruben, Chris Redd, and Aya Cash in ‘Scare Me’
John Oliver hosts ‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’ (Photo Courtesy of HBO)
HBO confirmed they want more…much more…of John Oliver’s weekly news series. The network’s just announced Last Week Tonight with John Oliver has been renewed for three more seasons, meaning we’ll be able to watch Oliver take on hot topics at least through a 10th season (in 2023).
Season seven currently airs on Sunday nights at 11pm ET/PT.
“For the past seven years, John and his incredibly talented team have taken on topics that are both in the public mind and off the beaten path, always managing to shed new light on these subjects with intelligence and searing humor,” stated Chief Content Officer for HBO and HBO Max Casey Bloys. “We are beyond thrilled to continue this relationship for three more years.”
“We’re all extremely happy to be able to continue to do our show on HBO for another three years, or until the end of the world, whichever comes first,” said host and executive producer John Oliver.
The award-winning, critically acclaimed series is a Sixteen String Jack Productions and Avalon production. In addition to Oliver, the series is executive produced by Tim Carvell, Liz Stanton, Jon Thoday, and James Taylor. Paul Pennolino directs season seven which has been shooting safely without a studio audience during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Season seven has been nominated for nine Emmys this year, and over the course of seasons one through six has won 16 Emmys. Additional honors include Critics Choice, PGA, and Writers Guild awards.
Last Week Tonight Details, Courtesy of HBO:
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is the only weekly news-oriented comedy series to be presented on Sunday night. Taped in New York a few hours before it debuts on HBO, the show features Oliver’s topical commentary.
The series presents a satirical look at the week in news, politics and current events, as well as shining a light on issues big and small as the U.S. heads toward a pivotal 2020 Presidential Election.
MGM’s just released a new minute and half video focused on No Time to Die‘s big bad, Safin. Oscar winner Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) stars as Bond’s adversary in the 25th film of the franchise and in the video he discusses what he was aiming for when he took on the role as No Time to Die‘s villain.
“What I really wanted from Safin was to make him unsettling,” says Malek in the behind-the-scenes featurette. He adds, “Safin is a formidable adversary. James Bond has to adapt to that.”
Director Cary Joji Fukunaga explains what Safin wants and then what he’s willing to do “makes him a very frightening character, both personally to Bond but also on a global level.”
In addition to Rami Malek, the cast of No Time to Die includes Daniel Craig as the suave superspy, Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomie Harris as Eve Moneypenny, Rory Kinnear as Tanner, Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann, Ben Whishaw as Q, and Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter. Lashana Lynch, Billy Magnussen, Ana de Armas, David Dencik, Christoph Waltz, and Dali Benssalah also star in the much-anticipated 25th Bond film.
Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge co-wrote the screenplay with director Cary Joji Fukunaga. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli served as producers.
MGM’s settled on (at least for now) a November 20, 2020 theatrical release.
The Plot:
In No Time To Die, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.
Taylor Swift to perform at the Academy of Country Music Awards (Photo Credit: Beth Garrabrant / Provided by the ACM)
Taylor Swift will perform on the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards, marking the first time the two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year has taken to the stage to sing on the awards show in seven years. Swift is expected to perform “betty” from her eighth studio album, folklore, during the broadcast on Wednesday, September 16, 2020. The ACM Awards will air on CBS beginning at 8pm ET/PT (live on the East Coast, tape-delayed on the West Coast)
Swift’s performance will take place at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
The 10-time Grammy winner’s folklore topped the Billboard 200 Albums chart for six weeks. Swift’s now tied with Whitney Houston as the female artist with the most cumulative weeks in the #1 position on that chart, according to Billboard.
It was also just announced 15-time ACM Award winner and host of the 2020 show Keith Urban will team up with Pink to sing their new single, “One Too Many.” The performance will mark the world television premiere of the song.
This year’s awards show will use three Country music venues in Nashville – Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe – for the musical performances. Among those confirmed to perform are Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Riley Green, Mickey Guyton, Miranda Lambert, and Tim McGraw. Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Thomas Rhett featuring Jon Pardi, Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Stefani, Tenille Townes, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, and Trisha Yearwood are also part of the all-star Country lineup.
Lauren Alaina, Lily Aldridge, Clint Black & Lisa Hartman Black, Bobby Bones, Cam, Darius Rucker, and Runaway June are set as presenters.
Oscar winner Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 released its first teaser trailer along with a new poster in support of the film’s upcoming release. Set in the late 1960s and based on a true story, Netflix’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 is, unfortunately, incredibly timely given the current state of social unrest and demands for change flowing across the United States.
The cast includes Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Keaton, and Frank Langella. John Carroll Lynch, Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance, Alex Sharp, Jeremy Strong, and Noah Robbins also star in the 2020 drama.
In addition, The Trial of the Chicago 7 features Danny Flahery, Ben Skenkman, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Caitlin Fitzgerald, Alice Kremelberg, John Doman, J.C. MacKenzie, Damien Young, Wayne Duvall, and C.J. Wilson. Marc Platt, Stuart Besser, Matt Jackson, and Tyler Thompson served as producers.
Netflix will release the drama in select theaters this month and on the streaming service on October 16, 2020.
The Plot, Courtesy of Netflix:
What was intended to be a peaceful protest at the 1968 Democratic National Convention turned into a violent clash with police and the National Guard. The organizers of the protest—including Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden and Bobby Seale—were charged with conspiracy to incite a riot and the trial that followed was one of the most notorious in history.
Poster for ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ (Photo Credit: Netflix)
It was revealed during the DC FanDome panel for the upcoming The CW series Superman & Lois that Superman is going to be getting a new suit. During the panel, the show’s creator Todd Helbing (The Flash) offered an explanation as to why the decision was made to give the Man of Steel a new look. He explained he felt the suit Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf) wore in the “Crisis” crossover event wasn’t strong enough to sustain a full series.
“Since we have this fresh slate, we thought, ‘Let’s make a new suit.’ So, there is going to be a really badass new Superman suit on this show that I’m pretty excited about,“ said Helbing.
Helbing explained the series will pick up after the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover storyline and will see Clark Kent and Lois Lane making a new life for themselves and their teenage sons in Smallville. The series will not focus on Clark and Lois as Superman and an award-winning journalist but rather as parents raising their two sons and what it’s like when you have jobs like that.
“As a father who happens to have two boys, that really felt like a great way to bring in some personal experience, just to keep it as grounded as it can be for a Superman show,” said Helbing.
The DC FanDome panel also confirmed the superhero couple moved from Metropolis after a “tragic” event which the cast and creator refused to reveal.
Helbing hinted at the possibility of a love triangle and all the complications that come with that dynamic. Clark’s first love, Lana Lang (Emmanuelle Chriqui, Entourage), will re-enter his life and become a point of tension for the couple. “I think it’s an interesting dynamic as an adult, how you deal with that relationship,” explained Helbing. However, he made it clear Clark will never have an affair, but that Lois has her doubts and does feel threatened by Lana.
Even with Lana added into the mix and Lois and Clark busy as parents of teenage boys, Helbing assured fans the series wasn’t going to be just a family drama but would also have action-packed, set-piece-filled stories of superheroes and supervillains.
Series stars Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch (Grimm) also participated in the DC FanDome panel. Discussing playing the Man of Steel once again and what makes Superman Superman, Hoechlin said, “I think what makes Superman so important in my eyes is that he is someone that without fail chooses to do the right thing and all the good that they can do. That’s really all it is, whether that is saving one person from getting hit in the street, or saving people from a falling skyscraper, it’s the quality of the effort and the work – not the quantity.”
Hoechlin acknowledged the opportunity to play the iconic superhero came at a good time in his life. Taking on the role has given him much needed hope as he was exiting a cynical phase of life. He added that he feels the show will debut when the world needs a bit of optimism.
Tulloch said she’s read two scripts and finds the storylines with Lois and Clark’s sons compelling. “I think one thing that she bumps up against is being really dedicated to her career and her job. She is doing this for good and she believes in what she is doing,” explained Tulloch. “Lois wants to change the world with words and Superman does it with his power, but how much is that alienating our kids? And how good can you really be at your job if you have two teenage boys who both have distinct needs? So, I think for me that is what was compelling. I was really excited when I heard it would be older kids.”
The CW’s Superman & Lois is set to debut in January 2021.
The Plot, Courtesy of The CW:
In Superman & Lois, after years of facing megalomaniacal supervillains, monsters wreaking havoc on Metropolis, and alien invaders intent on wiping out the human race, the world’s most famous superhero, The Man of Steel aka Clark Kent and comic books’ most famous journalist, Lois Lane, come face to face with one of their greatest challenges ever – dealing with all the stress, pressures and complexities that come with being working parents in today’s society.
Complicating the already daunting job of raising two boys, Clark and Lois must also concern themselves with whether or not their sons Jonathan (Jordan Elsass, Little Fires Everywhere) and Jordan (Alexander Garfin, The Peanuts Movie) could inherit their father’s Kryptonian superpowers as they grow older.
Returning to Smallville to handle some Kent family business, Clark and Lois are reacquainted with Lana Lang, a local loan officer who also happens to be Clark’s first love, and her Fire Chief husband Kyle Cushing (Erik Valdez, Graceland). The adults aren’t the only ones rediscovering old friendships in Smallville as the Kent sons are reacquainted with Lana and Kyle’s rebellious daughter, Sarah (Inde Navarrette, Wander Darkly).
Of course, there’s never a dull moment in the life of a superhero, especially with Lois’ father, General Samuel Lane (Dylan Walsh, Nip/Tuck) looking for Superman to vanquish a villain or save the day at a moment’s notice. Meanwhile, Superman and Lois’ return to idyllic Smallville is set to be upended when a mysterious stranger (Wolé Parks, All American) enters their lives.
Lisseth Chavez (Chicago, P.D.) has joined the cast of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow for the series’ sixth season. Chavez signed on as a series regular and will play Esperanza “Spooner” Cruz when the series returns in 2021.
Warner Bros. Television released the following description of Spooner: “Tough and self-sufficient, Spooner Cruz lives off the grid, devising ingenious tech for the detection of—and defense against—space aliens. And while some might call her paranoid, she calls it being prepared. A survivor of a childhood alien encounter, Spooner now believes she has the ability to communicate telepathically with aliens—making her the perfect recruit for Waverider captains Sara Lance, Ava Sharpe, and the Legends who, in season six, will be hunting down extraterrestrials who have been displaced throughout history.”
Chavez joins a cast that includes Caity Lotz as Sara Lance / White Canary, Nick Zano as Nate Heywood / Steel, Matt Ryan as John Constantine, Tala Ashe as Zari, and Jes Macallan as Ava Sharpe. Olivia Swann plays Astra Logue, Dominic Purcell is Mick Rory / Heat Wave, Amy Louise Pemberton is Gideon, and Shayan Sobhian plays Behrad Tarazi.
The Season 6 Plot:
Having spent last season tracking down the Loom of Fate in order to bring back their slain comrades, the Legends must now save history from a foe like none they have ever encountered in the past or future…space aliens! After Sara is abducted by a ruthless alien, this new mission becomes personal.
It will take more than the combined powers of the Legends to save the world for a sixth time. They must recruit a new Legend: Spooner Cruz, a woman uniquely qualified to help the team defeat their intergalactic foes. Either that or she’s just crazy…
DC FanDome’s Lucifer panel began with a special sneak peek of the “Another One Bites the Dust” number from the upcoming season five (part two) musical episode. The musical number kicks off with Ella (Aimee Garcia) declaring “another one bites the dust” while standing over the dead body of a referee on a football field. With cheerleaders as backup dancers, Ella belts out the first lines while a stunned Lucifer (Tom Ellis) looks completely confused about the music video he’s stumbled into. Dan (Kevin Alejandro) also gets into the Queen number, with the football team behind him grunting along. Chloe (Lauren German) and Lucifer finally join in, and even the dead ref momentarily comes back to life to show off his dancing moves.
Lucifans have been jonesing for a full musical episode and, finally, they’ll get what they’ve been begging for in the second half of season five. Showrunner Ildy Modrovich explained the idea for a musical episode blossomed after the Vegas episode when Tom and Aimee performed “Luck Be a Lady.” “I remember coming into rehearsal for that and crying because it was such a dream come true. It was so exciting to me,” said Modrovich during the DC FanDome panel. “And if there’s any show that you could actually do a musical on, it’s this one.”
“It was my personal mission to do a musical episode without actually having to do it because it’s really hard and exhausting. So, I loved that Ildy wanted to do it and I could be part of it but not actually have to do all the hard work,” joked showrunner Joe Henderson.
Henderson discussed the logistics of finding a spot for a musical episode contextually within season five. “Part of the challenge was we were always trying to find a reason. Part of it is it’s like, to me, in these musical episodes you’ve got to have the story-based reason that everyone breaks into song. And our show has people break into song all the time but it’s because they’re at Lux or because of reasons like that. So, one of the challenges is what element can we produce that is organic to our story that allows all of our cast to burst into song? And when we found that – which I’m not going to say what it is – […]that’s when it came together,” explained Henderson.
Director Sherwin Shilati, host of the Lucifer panel, actually directed the musical episode and said he can’t wait for fans to see it. Asked what was the most challenging scene to shoot, Shilati replied, “I would have to say the finale of the episode is one that I…obviously I put a lot of thought into everything, but I wanted that one to have a special quality, a standalone quality, but not for the reasons the audience might think. I’m pretty confident that we built the momentum up to get to that point in the episode.”
Although Shilati didn’t share any spoilers, Henderson revealed the finale is a “beautiful duet.”
Modrovich said the actors were asked at the start of the season what they would feel comfortable taking on in a musical episode – dancing, singing, or both? “Pretty much everybody was like, ‘Oh, I want to do all of it!” recalled Modrovich.
Tom Ellis had a special suit for the musical episode which allowed him to move easier during the dance scenes. “I believe it’s called wefting,” said Modrovich, laughing. “And, yes, he does indeed have a special suit. It has elastic in the armpits and in the crotch area, so that you may kick and raise your arms without splitting. But I believe he split the crotch anyway.”
Discussing the series’ renewal for season six, Henderson dubbed Lucifer the most canceled/uncancelled show that’s ever existed. “You can’t keep a good Devil down,” said Henderson. “It’s a mixture of emotional whiplash and also joy and gratitude. We had a chance to end the series season five because we were told it was ending, and then we were given the option to decide whether or not we had more story to tell. At first, we were like, ‘No, this is it. We’re ready to go,’ and it was very much in our court. And Idly and I and the room talked about it a bunch and we’re like, ‘Well….’”
“We’ve got one more story to tell,” added Modrovich. “One more.”
Henderson revealed they’re two weeks into writing the new season and now he can’t imagine not telling the season six story.
The first eight episodes of season five are currently available for streaming on Netflix, along with seasons one through four. Netflix hasn’t announced when the second half of season five will premiere.
Joivan Wade, Brendan Fraser as “Robotman”, April Bowlby, Matt Bomer, and Diane Guerrero in ‘Doom Patrol’ (Photo Credit: Bob Mahoney / 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc)
Doom Patrol has been renewed for a third season by HBO Max. The comic book-inspired series earned a third season order after the first two seasons proved Doom Patrol is one of the most popular Max Originals series available on the premium network.
“Doom Patrol came to HBO Max with an already deep and passionate fan base and has risen to the top as one of the most watched Max Originals on the platform,” said Sarah Aubrey, head of original content, HBO Max. “The series sits well in our portfolio and we are glad to greenlight a third season to continue this distinctive style of storytelling that resonates so well with critics and fans alike.”
The critically acclaimed series is based on DC characters created by Arnold Drake, Bob Haney, and Bruno Premiani. Jeremy Carver, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Chris Dingess and Geoff Johns serve as executive producers.
“On behalf of the wonderful cast, writers and crew, we are thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to return to Doom Manor,” said executive producer Jeremy Carver. “And we are especially thankful for our partners at Berlanti Productions, Warner Bros. Television, DC UNIVERSE and, of course, HBO Max.”
All episodes of the first two seasons are currently streaming on HBO Max. There’s no word yet on when we can expect season three to arrive.
The cast of Doom Patrol includes Brendan Fraser, Matt Bomer, Diane Guerrero, April Bowlby, and Joivan Wade. Timothy Dalton and Abigail Shapiro also star in the popular series.
A Look Back at Season 2, Courtesy of HBO Max:
In season two of Doom Patrol, DC’s strangest group of heroes — including Cliff Steele aka Robotman (Fraser), Larry Trainor aka Negative Man (Bomer), Jane aka Crazy Jane (Guerrero), Rita Farr aka Elasti-Woman (Bowlby), and Victor Stone aka Cyborg (Wade) — attempted, once again, to save the world. Following the defeat of Mr. Nobody, the heroes found themselves mini-sized and stranded on Cliff’s toy race car track. They began to deal with their feelings of betrayal by Niles Caulder aka The Chief (Dalton), while confronting their own personal baggage.
As each member faced the challenge of growing beyond their own past traumatic experiences, they realized they must come together to embrace and protect the newest member of the family: Dorothy Spinner (Shapiro), Niles’ daughter, whose powers remain a mysterious but real threat to bringing on the end of the world.
