Ryan Eggold hosts ‘Clear the Shelters’ (Photo Credit: Ryan Eggold / Provided by NBC)
New Amsterdam star Ryan Eggold will be handling hosting duties for NBC’s Clear the Shelters special, which helps to find adoptable animals their forever homes. The half-hour special is set to air on August 28, 2020.
Ryan Eggold plays Dr. Max Goodwin on New Amsterdam and previously starred on NBC’s dramatic series, The Blacklist.
“I discovered Jody at a shelter 12 years ago and can’t imagine my life without her,” said rescue Pit Bull dad Eggold. “From beach runs to staying at home, especially now during the pandemic, Jody is always by my side. I look forward to celebrating this year’s ‘Clear The Shelters’ campaign with audiences everywhere, and to highlight the most amazing pet adoption stories from this year’s campaign.”
The annual nationwide adoption campaign unites NBCUniversal’s TV stations with local animal shelters and rescues to help get dogs, cats, and other pets out of shelters and into loving, permanent homes. According to NBC, more than 410,000 pets have found new homes since the nationwide “Clear the Shelters” campaign began in 2015.
The Clear The Shelters special will tell the amazing stories of people who are fostering and adopting animals during the pandemic, and what shelters/rescues are doing to care for animals during this unprecedented time. The show will also feature amazing stories from The Dodo series “Foster Diaries” and “Adopt Me.”
Returning for a sixth consecutive year as a month-long virtual campaign, the stations’ 2020 pet adoption initiative kicked off on August 1 and is helping individuals connect with shelters all across the country and meet pets through web/mobile platforms. The stations’ pet adoption campaign is also making it easy for people to donate online to participating shelters/rescues.
Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser in ‘Yellowstone’ season 3 episode 10 (Photo Courtesy of Paramount Network)
Buckle up and grab the tissues. Season three episode 10 of Paramount Network’s Yellowstone – the season finale – puts viewers through the emotional wringer.
Episode 10, “The World is Purple,” opens with Mia and Jimmy in bed, and Mia’s shocked Jimmy allowed himself to be branded. Lloyd (Forrie J. Smith) kicks her out but first sends her over to fetch Laramie out of Walker’s bed.
Before the girls leave, they spot Teeter (Jennifer Landon) in the bathroom taking care of her new brand.
Jamie (Wes Bentley) is still over at his birth dad’s place when we catch up with him. He peppers Garrett (Will Patton) with questions about possible siblings and other relatives and learns there are a few scattered around, but no brothers or sisters. Garrett recalls coming home once to find Jamie screaming and starving…and sucking on a crack pipe’s tip like a nipple. His mom was busy servicing a stranger and that’s when he killed her.
“I took her life and gave up mine for you,” says Garrett. “Looking at you now I would say that’s probably the best choice I could have made.”
Garrett wonders whether John Dutton loves Jamie and admits he thinks John only loves his ranch. He declares himself the only family Jamie really has. Jamie confesses he’s going to lose everything. He claims he was raised to run the ranch and he’s the one who built it into what it is today. (He doesn’t acknowledge that Beth, Kayce, and his deceased brother Lee were also responsible for the ranch.)
Jamie can’t afford to buy it flat out and Garrett hints the only way to procure Yellowstone is by taking over the empire. And the only way to do that is by killing the king! Jamie doesn’t immediately respond but finally says he’s not a killer. Garrett looks him in the eye and can tell Jamie has killed before. It’s in his blood as a Randall.
Meanwhile, over at the ranch the rest of the family prepare for the day. Monica (Kelsey Asbille) reminds Kayce (Luke Grimes) she and Tate moved there to be closer to him, but he’s always at work. She smiles when she notes how much he likes his job, and Kayce concedes it means a lot to him to have someone to fight for – rather than some “thing” – as the Livestock Commissioner.
Willa Hayes (Karen Pittman) and Roarke (Josh Holloway) also prepare, separately, for a busy day. Willa’s at work watching stock market reports while Roarke’s placing another call to Wade Morrow. His calls keep going straight to voice mail…and always will, given dead men don’t answer their phones.
Over on the reservation, Angela Blue Thunder (Q’orianka Kilcher) joins Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) on the casino’s roof. He likes the view it affords him of the reservation while she likes the view of the parking lot better. Angela reveals she wishes she could go back in time and tell her people to sell their belongings, go to New York, and hire a huge law firm.
She warns Thomas he’ll ultimately be judged by whether he owns the land or loses the land – not how he got to that outcome.
Rip (Cole Hauser) has obviously had a long night when he joins Beth (Kelly Reilly) for breakfast. She jokes about who he killed the night before and he tells her not to ask him that. Beth realizes she hit a nerve and when he continues to refuse to say what happened, she reminds him they don’t get to keep secrets from each other anymore.
Rip doesn’t think he’s keeping a secret, he’s doing her a favor by not saying how many people he’s killed. Beth doggedly pursues an answer, continuing to probe Rip for an answer about his death toll. Rip says it’s a big ranch and their enemies don’t fight fair.
Beth ultimately allows him to keep this particular secret. She then grabs her phone and asks him to excuse her. “I’ve got to kill someone too,” she says as she walks out the door.
Beth and Rip arrive at the big house and she greets her dad with a kiss. After he asks if she’s ready for this, she replies, “They f**ked with the wrong bull, daddy.” John (Kevin Costner) chuckles and says, “They sure did.”
After Beth walks away, John and Rip have a cryptic conversation about Wade Morrow. Rip assures him he got what was John’s back and Wade will not be causing any further problems, ever.
Rip reveals Roarke is the person who hired Wade, and surprisingly John’s never heard of him. (It’s strange Beth never mentioned his name to her dad.)
Kayce’s getting ready to head to the office and John’s happy Kayce’s settling into the job. John planned this for his son all along, but it wouldn’t have happened if it also wasn’t Kayce’s dream. Kayce tells his dad to have a good day and John assures him he won’t. “I believe I’m all out of those,” says John.
Mia (Eden Brolin) and Laramie (Hassie Harrison) load up their horses and hit the road with Jimmy (Jefferson White). Mia still won’t let go of the fact Jimmy now wears the Yellowstone Ranch brand.
John, Beth, Thomas, Angela, Willa, Roarke, and assorted minions from Market Equities gather at Jamie’s office for a meeting to discuss the future of the valley. Governor Lynelle Perry (Wendy Moniz-Grillo) is the last to arrive and Jamie rises to greet her, noticeably avoiding shaking the extended hand of Willa Hayes.
Roarke shows the completed lease with the Forest Service and with other deals in place, Market Equities no longer needs state funding or for a bond to be placed on the ballot. As he’s speaking, Willa’s shown an article that just popped up accusing her of workplace harassment by “Jane Doe.”
Beth looks like the cat that ate the canary. Willa steps out but first assures them Roarke has the authority to speak for Market Equities. John perks up as that’s the first time Roarke’s name has been mentioned. Roarke confirms his identity and says, “Once you put a name to this face, you will never forget it.”
“I don’t believe I will,” replies John.
Josh Holloway and Kevin Costner in ‘Yellowstone’ season 3 episode 10 (Photo Courtesy of Paramount Network)
Roarke continues his presentation, laying out the added revenue this development will provide to Montana. He then turns his attention to John and points out on a map the land on Yellowstone Ranch most suitable for building an airport. Jamie inserts himself into the conversation, saying any land purchases of Yellowstone need to go through him. Beth corrects him and says she’s the one Roarke needs to discuss land purchasing issues with.
Beth claims Power of Attorney but Jamie points out Beth filed in Utah and Montana doesn’t recognize PoAs issued in other states. Jamie declares himself the legal authority and adds that he approves the sale of that tract of land.
John quickly responds, “Like hell you will,” and Jamie explains that if he doesn’t sell it, John will get paid only 1/10 of what it’s worth because the state will condemn it. Either way, he’ll lose the land and millions of dollars.
John suggests Jamie shouldn’t condemn the land since it’s his choice as Attorney General. Jamie shocks John by explaining it’s actually Governor Perry’s decision. John asks Perry what her choice will be, and she admits there aren’t any choices left – only options.
Thomas asks for the environmental impact report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife on the impact of an airport beside the river that supplies water to the oldest national park. Angela reveals that will be the basis of their class-action suit, citing how it will impact native land and park land. She will gather attorneys from the Sierra Club, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, and others to take on Market Equities.
When Roarke wishes her luck, she reminds him her people were able to put an end to hunting wolves for a decade. “What do you think we’re going to do to an airport? We don’t need luck. See you in court,” says Angela.
Thomas and Angela prepare to leave the meeting, but first Thomas suggests John join them in this fight since it will impact the remainder of the Yellowstone Ranch. It won’t cost John anything to join their suit and he won’t even have to hire an attorney. The class-action suit will take care of all of that.
John doesn’t reply before Thomas and Angela leave. Once they’re gone, he acknowledges that’s a “curveball from the reservation.”
John declares he’s the only person who can sell that land. It’s his. Roarke suggests John say that as much as he can now because soon it won’t be true. John stands inches from Roarke as he warns Roarke he doesn’t even know the rules of this particular game. John continues with his warning, explaining he will teach Roarke the rules.
Beth and John are next to leave the meeting. John pauses at the door, observing Jamie never says hello or goodbye to him. Beth suggests Jamie has nothing to say and when he claims he has lots to say, she tells him to speak up. He doesn’t. Beth wins this battle with barely a shot fired.
Roarke claims not to be concerned about the lawsuit. He reminds them they put a pipeline through the reservation. Plus, Market Equities is too big to fail. (Apparently, Roarke learned nothing from the big banks.)
It’s only Governor Perry and Jamie in the room when she reveals she believes John will ultimately realize Jamie did this for him. Jamie corrects her and says he didn’t. What he does now is just for him, not his family.
Elsewhere, as Mia prepares to enter the arena she’s still upset about the brand. Jimmy admits he’s thinking of quitting the rodeo and confesses he doesn’t want to end up in a wheelchair. Mia shows him a rider entering the arena right that minute who is paralyzed from the waist down. That rider always wins.
Mia reminds him how happy he was while he was rodeoing. If he goes back to it, she’ll stick with him. If he doesn’t, she’s done.
Jimmy confesses he’s scared and Mia admits they all are. They all cowboy up. If he wants to belong to something, it should be to her. They can hit the road and rodeo across the country. She doesn’t want him to be one of John’s cattle.
Jimmy says okay and they kiss, but it doesn’t look like he’s sure of his decision.
During the drive home, Angela reveals now is Thomas’ chance to free the land of John without even having to look like the person who did it. Thomas assures her he’s not a criminal, but Angela believes it’s not a crime by their laws – only the laws of white people. For Thomas, this should be a duty to protect the land and preserve their way of life.
Angela reminds him the United States always breaks their treaties, including ones with Native Americans. “They take what they want and then they make rules to keep you from taking it back,” says Angela. “They make rules for the slave and they make rules for the masters. You’re following the slave rules.”
She believes Thomas should kill John and get the land back. Angela speaks directly to Mo Brings Plenty who’s driving and listening in. She suggests he do it – that he go and make war – without asking permission.
Kayce shows up at work and meets with the heads of the Stock Growers Association. They explain Governor Perry will be out of office in two years and they want to back Kayce to run. He laughs, reminding them he’s not a politician. But they believe he’s what Montana wants and needs.
They think the fact he killed a cattle thief will get him the backing of those who actually turn out to vote, not the student protestors and people who tweet but don’t actually show up at the polls. It’s ranchers and farmers who decide the elections, and they’ll back Kayce.
Kayce doesn’t say yes…but he also doesn’t say no.
Ellis Steele (John Emmet Tracy) and Willa Hayes try and handle the sexual harassment claim which Willa knows is all Beth’s doing. Roarke arrives and suggests Willa should have hired not fired Beth. When Willa tells Roarke he needs to start playing dirty, he assures her he has been doing just that.
Neither believe this feels like an oil deal in Montana and Willa says it’s more like an oil deal in Yemen. (They must have done something illegal there that she wants to be replicated here.) Roarke confirms he can handle it.
John’s driving back to the ranch when he stops to help a mother and child with a flat. She doesn’t have a cell signal and doesn’t know if she has a spare because it’s a rental. John locates the spare and she explains she doesn’t have any money to pay him. He asks where she’s from and she says California. John explains here in Montana they do things because they’re the right thing to do, not just for money.
John volunteers to teach the young boy how to change a tire.
Rip visits his mother’s grave and has her coffin brought up. The embalmer did a good job and as Rip kneels next to her, he explains he’s in love. He wants to give Beth his mom’s ring rather than a store-bought ring. He gently removes it from his mom’s hand and says through it he hopes she may be able to know Beth. He says he loves her and thanks her before closing the lid.
Jimmy returns to Yellowstone and enters the ring with a horse. He’s alone as he climbs into the saddle. The horse immediately bucks him around and Jimmy is able to hang on for a short while. Unfortunately, he’s tossed off and lands hard on his stomach. He doesn’t move and appears to be knocked out.
Beth returns to her office at Schwartz & Meyer to pack up. She’s being petty as she asks for everything including pens, pencils, and paper to be boxed up. “We’re taking everything. I want it all,” she says.
She pauses to watch a news report about Willa Hayes being placed on leave until the investigation is over. Her assistant asks if she wants a box addressed to her put in her car. Beth has no idea what it is and the assistant describes it as a box within a box as she’s opening it. Beth tries to get her to stop when the bomb inside goes off!
The explosion is massive. Windows are blown out and parts of the building fall into the street. Cars screech to a halt as the dust cloud and debris surround them.
Kayce’s on the phone with Monica discussing the possibility of running for governor when he hears crashing and gunshots from the lobby. He immediately springs into action, pushing over his desk to use it as a barrier between him and the bullets. An armed man breaks through Kayce’s door and immediately begins shooting.
Monica screams Kayce’s name over and over again as she hears the sound of gunfire through the phone.
John’s still stopped on the side of the road helping the stranger as his family is being hunted down. He’s sent the little boy off to look for the lug nuts when a van stops on the side of the road. John attempts to motion it to leave, signaling they’re okay. He approaches it to thank them and as they’re about to drive away the driver asks, “You’re John Dutton, aren’t you?”
When John confirms it, the van’s back doors spring open and a gunman riddles John with bullets.
The van backs up to pursue the fleeing woman who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. After shooting her the van screeches away.
Rip can’t reach Beth, Kayce, or John and finally calls Jamie. Jamie doesn’t sound concerned as he replies, “Rip, I don’t think you should call me anymore.”
Rip, confused, hangs up. He immediately spots a downed horse in the field and pulls over. The horse is on its side but not yet dead and Rip puts it out of its misery. “I’d rather kill a thousand men than shoot another horse,” says Rip.
Rip notices vultures circling in the sky not far away. Death is in the air.
John has been shot but isn’t dead. He clutches his abdomen as he’s seated leaning against a tire. He manages to pull out his cell phone. He glances at it and says, “Doesn’t that f**king figure.” He looks toward the sky as the episode ends.
NOOOOOOOOO! Do not tell me that’s it for season three! I can’t believe we’re going to have to wait to find out the fates of John, Kayce, and Beth. Oh, and also Jimmy who’s unconscious in the arena without a soul in sight.
That ending was intense and terrifying, leaving so many questions to be answered. Did Jamie follow his birth dad’s instructions and kill the king? Was it Roarke acting on Willa’s orders to be ruthless? Or did Angela convince Thomas and/or Mo to go to war with the Duttons? If I were a betting woman, I’d go with Roarke only because I have to believe Jamie slaughtering his own kin is a bridge too far even for that slimeball. But then what about his final phone call with Rip?
Thomas is an honorable man and I truly don’t see this being the moment when he crosses that line and pulls the trigger. I can’t accept that Thomas would ever go after John’s children. Ever. It has to be Roarke, Willa, and Market Equities behind the attempted murders. Roarke flat out stated he’d do anything to get this deal done and he doesn’t appear to have a moral bone in his body.
Episode 10, “The World is Purple,” was a traumatic, gut-wrenching end to an absolutely terrific season. Season four can’t arrive soon enough.
The first teaser trailer for Warner Bros. Pictures’ The Batman debuted during the film’s DC FanDome panel. Starring Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader, this latest take on the iconic superhero character had to shut down production because of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, even though only 25% of the film’s been shot this teaser provides a good idea of the film’s tone, production design, and how central The Riddler is to the story.
The teaser also provides an opportunity to hear Pattinson speak in character. (He’s going for a Christian Bale vibe.)
In addition to Robert Pattinson, the cast of The Batman includes Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle, Paul Dano as Edward Nashton, Jeffrey Wright as the GCPD’s James Gordon, and John Turturro as Carmine Falcone. Peter Sarsgaard is Gotham D.A. Gil Colson, Jayme Lawson plays mayoral candidate Bella Reál, Andy Serkis is Alfred, and Colin Farrell stars as Oswald Cobblepot.
Robert Pattinson opened the panel with a special recorded message to the fans saying that he couldn’t reveal anything about the film but that he was anxious to get back to portraying the awesome character. He then turned it over to the director of the film, Matt Reeves.
Filmmaker Matt Reeves talked about why he chose to direct a movie about the Caped Crusader, revealing he’s always loved the character since he was a kid. He confirmed the film is not an origin story but instead focuses on the early days of Batman’s fight against crime and learning to become the inspiration to Gotham and its citizens.
The Batman is set in Year 2 of the character being a vigilante and opens revealing a whole new world of corruption in Gotham City. “There’s an epic history of corruption in Gotham,” said Reeves.
Reeves also talked about the cast of the film, revealing Paul Dano portrays the villain The Riddler in a way no one has ever seen before and Zoe Kravitz who portrays Selina Kyle is not Catwoman…yet. Reeves praised Jeffrey Wright’s work as Jim Gordon saying he’s also putting a different spin on the classic character.
When Reeves was asked by a fan about the production and design of the Batsuit and Batmobile, he said it took about a year to design both and that they are “grounded versions and look like something Bruce Wayne built himself.”
Reeves also revealed why he cast Robert Pattinson in the role of the Dark Knight. “Rob is a chameleon and an incredible actor,” explained Reeves, adding that it didn’t hurt Pattinson is a passionate fan of Batman.
Reeves revealed he treated this Batman story as though it could really happen. When asked what films inspired the feel and tone of this version of Batman, Reeves said the 1974 film Chinatown starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway was a big influence. That level and span of corruption in a big city and a character discovering it is very similar to Batman’s journey. He also added The French Connection and Taxi Driver as inspirations.
Warner Bros. Pictures’ The Batman is set to hit theaters on October 1, 2021.
Cast members of The CW’s The Flash including Grant Gustin (“Barry Allen”), Candice Patton (“Iris West-Allen”), Danielle Panabaker (“Caitlin Snow”/”Frost”), Carlos Valdes (“Cisco Ramon”), Danielle Nicolet (“Cecile Horton”), Kayla Compton (“Allegra Garcia”), Brandon McKnight (“Chester Runk”) joined showrunner Eric Wallace for a DC FanDome panel to discuss season six and to tease what fans can look forward to in season seven.
All the cast agreed that splitting season six into two parts and having two different major villains reinvigorated them and their performances. Carlos Valdes said that in order for the show and their characters to grow, the change was necessary and welcomed. Candice Patton admitted she was happy about her character, Iris, finally having her own storyline in the second half and becoming the determined investigative journalist and newswoman that had been hinted at since the first season.
Danielle Panabaker talked about the growth of her character, Frost (she dropped “Killer” from her name after Crisis), who was given a chance to actually experience life while her alter ego Caitlin took a back seat. “It was great to see Frost actually experience emotions and to become more a part of the team and a person rather than someone who just comes out to fight and then disappears.”
Danielle Nicolet told fans that although she enjoys Cecile having powers and becoming a defense attorney to represent metas, she has been suggesting to Eric Wallace that her character should become a little evil. However, she doubts that will happen.
Showrunner Eric Wallace talked about how they had to shut down early due to Covid-19 and that the first few episodes of season seven will close out the storyline of Eva McCulloch (played by Efrat Dor), the new Mirror Master. The first few episodes will also see Iris escape the mirror dimension she’s been trapped in for most of the second half of season six.
In a big reveal, Wallace said the character Godspeed will return and be a major villain for season seven. Wallace said he wanted the kids who are reading the current The Flash comics to see the villains they are reading about as part of the show rather than villains from the Silver era of the comics.
Just before closing out the panel, the new teaser trailer for season seven was revealed. After watching it Wallace told fans that even though most of the scenes are from one episode, there are many spoilers – if you pay attention.
Season seven of The Flash is set to premiere in January 2021. The season six DVD and Blu-ray will be released on August 25th.
There’s no mistaking the teaser trailer for Zack Snyder’s Justice League director’s cut for the trailers supporting the original cut. This official teaser is two and a half minutes of pure Zack Snyder which means the vibe’s dark and intense.
The trailer was released as part of the Zack Snyder’s Justice League panel during DC FanDome. Snyder assured fans during the panel that his cut will include much more of Ezra Miller as The Flash as well as more of Ray Fisher’s Cyborg, two characters who got short shrift in the original cut. Plus, Snyder promised, “You’re going to see something with Flash you’ve never seen before.”
During the DC FanDome panel Snyder confirmed Justice League will air in four one-hour parts. HBO Max hasn’t announced a premiere date other than to say it will arrive in 2021. The original cut hit theaters November 17, 2017.
In addition to Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher, the cast includes Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Ben Affleck as Batman, and Jason Momoa as Aquaman. Chris Terrio wrote the screenplay and Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder produced. Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, Jim Rowe, Ben Affleck, Wesley Coller, Curtis Kanemoto, and Chris Terrio executive produced.
The Justice League Plot:
In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes — Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash — it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
A scene from ‘Desert One’ (Photo Courtesy of Greenwich Entertainment)
Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Barbara Kopple’s latest project, Desert One, examines and delves into one of the greatest American political and military failures in history, Operation Eagle Claw. “The mission was very plain and simple, bring home 52 American hostages,” states Major William G. Boykin of Delta Force who was involved in the failed attempt to rescue the 52 Americans being held hostage in 1979 during the Iranian Revolution.
Originally made for the History channel, Kopple’s film begins with the start of the Iranian Revolution and the Ayatollah coming into power after the exit of the hated Shah. With new interviews from some of the hostages and Iran militia students, Desert One brings back into focus the siege of the American Embassy and the hatred Iran had toward America at the time.
The film then switches its focus onto the 1980 Delta Force mission set up to try to rescue the hostages. New interviews with some of the men who went on the mission, President Jimmy Carter and his staff, and legendary newsman Ted Kopple help the film lay out and reveal all the flaws, missteps, and mistakes that led up to and resulted in the mission’s terrible and deadly failure.
Using never-before-heard recordings of phone conversations between President Carter and the Commander of Delta Force, as well as classic archived news footage, Desert One is an intriguing, dramatic, but not very enlightening documentary which breaks down everything wrong with the handling of the hostage crisis by the Carter Presidency and the military, from the early decision to explore only a diplomatic solution to the restrictions put upon the military during the rescue attempt. Desert One also reveals, using animation, what went wrong with the helicopters used during the mission as well as the questionable decisions made by some of the military personnel involved.
It’s unfortunate that Desert One – even with the new interviews and recordings – doesn’t bring to the screen any new insight or facts that haven’t already been uncovered and explored by other filmmakers and historians. There’s really not much additional meat to the story added with this 2020 documentary.
Writer/director James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) gathered his large ensemble cast for a DC FanDome panel that finally revealed exactly who is playing which character in The Suicide Squad. The cast and their characters were introduced during a special video presentation, and the panel also featured the first look at behind-the-scenes footage from the upcoming 2021 theatrical release.
The video revealed Viola Davis is returning as Amanda Waller, Joel Kinnaman is back as Colonel Rick Flag, Margot Robbie reprises her Harley Quinn character, and Jai Courtney also returns as Captain Boomerang.
The cast also includes Michael Rooker as Savant, Flula Borg as Javelin, David Dastmalchian as Polka Dot Man, John Cena as Peacemaker, and Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher 2. Idris Elba plays Bloodsport, Steve Agee is King Shark, Mayling Ng is Mongal, Peter Capaldi is Thinker, and Alice Braga plays Sol Soria.
The huge cast also includes Pete Davidson as Blackguard, Nathan Fillion as TDK, and Sean Gunn as Weasel.
After their characters were revealed, the cast formed two teams to answer questions about the Squad. Viola Davis and Joel Kinnaman were the team captains, with Viola’s team ultimately emerging victorious. Most of the cast found some way to incorporate teasing Michael Rooker into their answers, even if the question had absolutely nothing to do with him.
Warner Bros. Pictures has not confirmed a 2021 release date yet.
Director Patty Jenkins and Wonder Woman 1984 stars Gal Gadot, Chris Pine (“Steve Trevor”), Kristen Wiig (“The Cheetah”), and Pedro Pascal (“Max Lord”) participated in a panel that kicked off DC FanDome and revealed a brand new trailer for the much-anticipated sequel. Jenkins told fans that she’s determined to wait it out and release the film in theaters. As of late August, the Wonder Woman sequel is targeting an October 2, 2020 theatrical release.
The DC FanDome panel included surprise appearances by Lynda Carter and Venus Williams, with Williams asking who would win in a tennis match: Wonder Woman or The Cheetah? Kristen Wiig assured her it would definitely be her character as Wonder Woman would be weighted down by all that gold, while Jenkins thought it best they teamed up to take on Venus.
Pedro Pascal talked about the 1984 outfits, calling costume designer Lindy Hemming a genius. “The way that she started to show me, in my experience, these horrifying power suits from the 1980s and the way that she ended up…I was like, ‘There’s just no way. I’m going to look like a fool in this ’80s stuff.’ And she was able to make something so animated and specific and feel and be completely stylish, and feel like a million dollars and serve the purpose of what it was. I was in awe of all of her image boards and how she collaborated. It was really incredible,” said Pascal.
Jenkins directed from a screenplay she co-wrote with Geoff Johns & David Callaham. Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot and Stephen Jones produced the action film. Rebecca Steel Roven Oakley, Richard Suckle, Marianne Jenkins, Geoff Johns, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Wesley Coller served as executive producers.
The Very Basic Plot Description, Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures:
Fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah.
Peacock’s just announced a slate of original films that includes a documentary on Harry Belafonte’s stint hosting The Tonight Show and a movie focusing on the murder of Anthony Walker in 2005. Peacock will also be the exclusive streaming home of Emilio Estevez’sThe Public and the rowing documentary A Most Beautiful Thing.
The documentary The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show will premiere on September 10, 2020. Directed by Yoruba Richen and executive produced by Joy Reid, The Sit-In features previously unseen footage of the week Harry Belafonte hosted The Tonight Show for Johnny Carson.
“When I started this film, I thought that I was telling the story of Harry Belafonte’s historic achievement as the first African American to host a full week of late-night television,” stated director Yoruba Richen. “I soon discovered the film was not only about this week during a politically volatile time in U.S history but also a journey through Harry’s incredible career, political activism and enduring influence. I discovered how relevant it is to today when we are in a time of political crisis, much like 1968, the year Harry hosted the show.”
Director Terry McDonough’s Anthony is set to premiere on September 4th. Written by BAFTA winner Jimmy McGovern, Anthony explores the life murdered 18-year-old Black student Anthony Walker may have led if his life hadn’t been cut short in 2005. The cast is led by Toheeb Jimon in the title role. Rakie Ayola, Julia Brown, and Bobby Schofield also star.
“Both Donna [Molloy] and I were privileged to have produced Anthony. It follows a rich vein of factual drama we have been delivering for almost a decade now,” said executive producer Colin McKeown. “It means a lot to me personally as I am from the same village as the Walker family, and it is typical of Gee Walker, Anthony’s mother, to draw positive conclusions from tragic events.”
Two-time Super Bowl champion Malcolm Jenkins executive produces Black Boys arriving on Peacock on September 10th. Sonia Lowman directed the documentary which, according to Peacock, “celebrates the full humanity of Black men and boys in America. Utilizing conversations and stories around education, criminal justice and sports, the film reveals the emotional landscape of those experiencing racism and invites us to reimagine an America in which Black boys experience true belonging and unlimited possibilities.”
“Our intention with this film and future films like it is to give visuals to the reality that the humanity of Black people lives on a wide spectrum,” stated executive producer Malcolm Jenkins. “This project is focused on the humanity of Black boys. No segment group is monolithic. What we are displaying in this film is how Black boys’ bodies have been commodified, our minds completely disregarded, and our feelings, creativity, and love painted over by society. Operating in a society that fears them, Black men and Black boys face a unique kind of trauma. We need white people, and everyone for that matter, to see that the identity of the Black boy is under attack as early as preschool to adulthood. We all have a responsibility to help map the future of our children, and how our children preserve the world around them. Next up is Black Girls!”
Activist/rapper Vic Mensa, NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, two-time Super Bowl champion Greg Scruggs, NFL Hall of Fame inductee Cris Carter, Super Bowl champion Chris Long, award-winning sports journalist Jemele Hill, poet/activist Malcolm London, and former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. John King Jr. are featured in interviews.
A Most Beautiful Thing is a documentary about the very first African American high school rowing team. Premiering on September 4th, A Most Beautiful Thing is described as taking “a deep dive into the rowing team’s backstory, examining the issues of inter-generational trauma and violence. After twenty years out of the boat, the death of a former coach brings the team back together to race once more for their sons and their community. In an extraordinary turn of events, team captain Arshay Cooper invites members of the Chicago Police Department to join their reunion team. What happened next was unexpected for all involved.”
The documentary is based on Arshay Cooper’s memoir and was directed by filmmaker and Olympic rower Mary Mazzio. Oscar and Grammy Award winner Common narrates and Grant Hill, Dwyane Wade, and 9th Wonder executive produce.
“Every day, Americans of color face a long list of challenges and oppression, a list too long and too painful to recite here,” said executive producer Grant Hill. “With the recent events that have transpired, it is even more meaningful to be a part of a project which shows young black men in a positive, human, and hopeful way. The protagonist of the film, Arshay Cooper, and his extension of an olive branch to members of the Chicago Police Department, moved me in deep and profound ways. He is a leader of his generation and his name will be one that soon everyone will know.”
Writer, executive producer, and director Emilio Estevez’s The Public will debut on Peacock on September 15th. The ensemble includes Alec Baldwin, Emilio Estevez, Jena Malone, and Taylor Schilling. Christian Slater, Che “Rhymefest” Smith, Gabrielle Union, Jacob Vargas, Michael K. Williams, and Jeffrey Wright also star.
Per Peacock: “In The Public, an act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold.”
Global phenomenon BTS just dropped their new single “Dynamite”’ at midnight on August 21, 2020 and has already shattered records. The single’s release is described by Big Hit Entertainment as BTS looking “to send a message of hope with their new upbeat disco-pop song.”
The new single marks the first time the Korean boyband has taken on a song purely in English. As they stated in their press conference held hours before the single was released, after recording the guide version of the song they decided to keep it in English, loving the vibe and melody.
This new single comes six months after the release of their album Map of the Soul: 7 which went to number one on the Billboard 200, making it their fourth album to do so and becoming the number one selling album worldwide to date. In this new single “BTS sings of joy and confidence, treasuring the little things in life that make life truly valuable and special. The song aims to bring a new surge of much-needed ‘energy’ to reinvigorate the global community in the midst of COVID-19,” according to Big Hit.
Creative contributors to “Dynamite” include David Stewart and Jessica Agombar, known for “What A Man Gotta Do” by the Jonas Brothers and “I Love You’s” by Hailee Steinfeld.
Throughout the “Dynamite” music video, the seven-member boyband is seen having fun with flashy dance moves and letting their personalities shine bright. In one particular scene, member Jungkook is shown in a bedroom decorated in posters seeming to pay homage to music greats such as The Beatles, David Bowie, and Queen. BTS is seen doing dance moves that were the late Michael Jackson’s signature moves. The music video is bright and cheery, most likely to cause fans to smile throughout.
The song and its official music video have already broken records. On iTunes, “Dynamite” is the fastest song by any artist to reach #1 in over 100 countries around the world, with the United States being one of those countries. The music video garnered 10 million views in just 20 minutes making it the fastest music video to do so in YouTube history. The music video is currently at 68 million views in under 24 hours and counting.
Up next for the superstars are the MTV VMAs on August 30, 2020 where they’ll be debuting their first-ever performance of “Dynamite.” BTS is also up for three awards at MTV’s annual awards show: Best Pop, Best Choreography, and Best K-pop. In addition, BTS will also be headlining the iHeart Music Festival that’s going virtual this year due to COVID-19. That event is scheduled to take place September 18th & 19th.
