This is a major coup for the Berlinale’s new artistic director Tricia Tuttle, succeeding Carlo Chatrian. Tuttle previously led the BFI London Film Festival.
Read moreAnnie Baker to Direct Next Film for A24
Annie Baker is set to direct a new film for A24 (via The Film Stage). Baker’s “Janet Planet,” also A24, was released last year to much acclaim. Although tight-lipped on story details, casting is currently happening, and a 2025 shoot seems very likely.
‘Ernest' Actor Bill Byrge Dies at 92
No matter what you thought about Jim Varney’s ‘Ernest’ movies, it was practically impossible not to notice franchise regular Bill Byrge. He had the kind of face you just can’t forget. Byrge has sadly passed away at the age of 92. Byrge’s cousin, Sharon Chapman, penned an emotional tribute to the actor on her social media.
Jude Law Set to Play Vladimir Putin in ‘The Wizard of Kremlin'
Jude Law has confirmed that he’s set to play Putin. I can see the resemblance. This is pretty good casting. Still, Law says he’s absolutely petrified taking on the role.
Read moreRoger Avary Says “Antifa Sleeper Cells" Started L.A. Fires; Jim Jarmusch Blames “Climate Deniers"
Avary goes on to say that his pal, and “American Psycho” author, Bret Easton Ellis caught someone “pouring gasoline into the storm drain” next to his place and lighting it on fire.
Read moreBox Office: ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera' Earns $1.3M on Thursday
“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” earned $1.3M in Thursday previews at the box office. It’s projected to make $13M in its opening weekend.
Read moreChristopher Nolan's ‘The Odyssey' Has A $250M Budget
Payal Kapadia Turning ‘All We Imagine As Light' Into A Mumbai-Set Trilogy
Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” has been topping the high brow 2024 critics polls, including Sight & Sound and Film Comment. The film also won the Grand Prix at last year’s Cannes. Not bad for her first narrative feature.
Read moreMel Gibson Says ‘The Resurrection of Christ' Now Shooting in 2026
During an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Gibson confirms the aim is to now shoot the film “sometime next year.” He also shared the official title: “The Resurrection of Christ.” Jim Caviezel will reprise his role as Jesus.
Read more‘Wicked' Earns Record $70M in PVOD Sales
According to third party researcher Samba, in the U.S. alone, almost 1 million homes watched the digital edition of “Wicked” in the first 6 days; that’s 53% more than “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Read more‘Don't Look Up' Writer Says L.A. Fires is Proof Film Critics Were Wrong
As L.A. fires continue on their rampage, Sirota has decided to go on X to claim that the tragedy proves how wrong critics and “elite pundits” were to dismiss “Don’t Look Up”:
Read moreMike Leigh on Cannes & Venice Rejecting ‘Hard Truths': “We Thought We Had Made A Rubbish Film"
Leigh was a guest on Scott Feinberg’s Awards Chatter podcast and tackled the rejections, particularly Cannes which was a place that had previously welcomed him with open arms.
Read moreCillian Murphy Will Not Appear in ‘28 Years Later' [Updated]
Colman Domingo Cast in Edgar Wright’s ‘Running Man’
Colman Domingo has been cast as the game show host in Edgar Wright’s “Running Man” remake, which is still in production and set for November 2025 release. The cast already included Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Emilia Jones, William H Macy, Katy O’Brian and Michael Cera.
Read moreTrailer for David Ayer's ‘A Working Man'
A full trailer has been released for the film, which is set for March 28, 2025 release via Amazon/MGM. Expect the expected with this one as Statham hammers his way through a group of human traffickers on a one-man wrecking crew mission.
Read moreDanny Boyle to Direct Third ‘28 Years Later' Movie
“28 Years Later” is being released this coming June. Nia DaCosta has also wrapped production on the follow-up, titled “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” Boyle will be back for the third one.
Read moreJames Mangold Teases “Original" Star Wars Movie That Won't Be “Handcuffed" By “Lore"
Mangold is promising “something original” for the movie, set 25,000 years before the events of ‘Phantom Menace.’ He’s also not interested in tackling any of the “lore” that’s suffocated many of the previous instalments.
Read morePGA Nominations Postponed to January 12
Variety is reporting that the PGA Award nominations have been postponed due to the ongoing wildfires raging in southern California. The nominees were supposed to be announced tomorrow, but they will now be pushed back a couple of days on January 12.
Denis Villeneuve Says He's Done With Dune After ‘Messiah'
Last month, I reported that Denis Villeneuve was visibly “irked” by Warner Bros’ plans to make more Dune movies beyond the upcoming “Dune: Messiah.” There are already plans for a ‘Dune 4,’ and Warners will gladly do it with or without Villeneuve’s involvement.
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