The first two episodes of the much-anticipated Star Wars series "Obi-Wan Kenobi" finally premiered on Disney+ on May 27. Ewan McGregor reprises his role as the titular character in the live-action limited series, which picks up 10 years after the events of 2005's "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" - McGregor's last appearance in the Star Wars franchise before leading "Obi-Wan Kenobi." The series boasts an impressive ensemble of actors, with veteran Star Wars cast members, including Hayden Christensen, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, and more, slipping back into their beloved roles. However, fans were surprised to see that the role of Breha Organa, Princess Leia's foster mother and wife of Bail Organa, had been recast. The character was played by Rebecca Jackson Mendoza in "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith."
Who Is Rebecca Jackson Mendoza?
Mendoza, who first came to prominence as one-half of the pop-duo Jackson Mendoza with her sister Natalie...
Who Is Rebecca Jackson Mendoza?
Mendoza, who first came to prominence as one-half of the pop-duo Jackson Mendoza with her sister Natalie...
- 5/30/2022
- by Pallavi Bhadu
- Popsugar.com
Mulan was my childhood icon. After seeing her face and recognizing something similar in mine, I decided that I also wanted to cut my hair off in an act of 5-year-old defiance.
With my Papa’s nose hair trimmers, that was. And for a long time, Mulan was one of the very few characters I saw on TV and in magazines that looked like me. This confused me in a way because my own life was full of all different types of people who made my life feel wonderful. I wondered why I wasn’t watching more of their stories.
As I grew older and fell more in love with acting and the need to be a part of telling stories, I acclimated to a very small (yet whom I fiercely adored) list of actors that looked…. kinda like me. They were beacons of hope that made me think maybe one day,...
With my Papa’s nose hair trimmers, that was. And for a long time, Mulan was one of the very few characters I saw on TV and in magazines that looked like me. This confused me in a way because my own life was full of all different types of people who made my life feel wonderful. I wondered why I wasn’t watching more of their stories.
As I grew older and fell more in love with acting and the need to be a part of telling stories, I acclimated to a very small (yet whom I fiercely adored) list of actors that looked…. kinda like me. They were beacons of hope that made me think maybe one day,...
- 5/25/2022
- by Eva Noblezada
- Variety Film + TV
Jo Koy’s ABC comedy pilot “Josep” is filling out its cast with three new series regulars.
Kimee Balmilero, Tess Paras and Jason Rogel have been added to the series, which stars Koy as Jo, a divorced Filipino American father navigating dating, his career as a nurse and his complicated relationship with his mother.
Balmilero will play Geraldine, Koy’s married sister who runs a Filipino restaurant with her white husband. Paras plays Cheryl, Jo’s ex-wife and mother to his son Miles. Rogel plays Will, a pharmacist and Jo’s childhood best friend.
Balmilero is best known for her work on procedurals “Hawaii Five-o” and “Magnum Pi,” both of which saw her play medical examiner Dr. Noelani Cunha. She also has an extensive theater background, appearing in the original Broadway Cast of “Mamma Mia” and the 2nd National Touring Company of “Miss Saigon.” Her most recent credit is in...
Kimee Balmilero, Tess Paras and Jason Rogel have been added to the series, which stars Koy as Jo, a divorced Filipino American father navigating dating, his career as a nurse and his complicated relationship with his mother.
Balmilero will play Geraldine, Koy’s married sister who runs a Filipino restaurant with her white husband. Paras plays Cheryl, Jo’s ex-wife and mother to his son Miles. Rogel plays Will, a pharmacist and Jo’s childhood best friend.
Balmilero is best known for her work on procedurals “Hawaii Five-o” and “Magnum Pi,” both of which saw her play medical examiner Dr. Noelani Cunha. She also has an extensive theater background, appearing in the original Broadway Cast of “Mamma Mia” and the 2nd National Touring Company of “Miss Saigon.” Her most recent credit is in...
- 3/15/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Apple Animated Film ‘Luck’ Sets August Release Date, Adds Eva Noblezada and Simon Pegg to Voice Cast
“Luck,” an upcoming animated adventure film from Skydance Animation and Apple Original Films, will premiere on Apple TV Plus on Aug. 5. The studios announced the release date on Wednesday morning, alongside additions to the film’s voice cast.
Directed by Peggy Holmes, “Luck” follows the story of Sam Greenfield, ostensibly the unluckiest person alive. After aging out of foster care, Greenfield embarks on a journey to the Land of Luck, working with a group of magical creatures to change the course of her life.
Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation have announced that Eva Noblezada will star in the film as the voice of Sam. Simon Pegg also joins the project in the prominent supporting voice role of Bob, a lucky black cat that accompanies Sam along her journey. Apple and Skydance also announced Flula Borg, Lil Rel Howery, Colin O’Donoghue, John Ratzenberger and Adelynn Spoon as additions to the voice cast.
Directed by Peggy Holmes, “Luck” follows the story of Sam Greenfield, ostensibly the unluckiest person alive. After aging out of foster care, Greenfield embarks on a journey to the Land of Luck, working with a group of magical creatures to change the course of her life.
Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation have announced that Eva Noblezada will star in the film as the voice of Sam. Simon Pegg also joins the project in the prominent supporting voice role of Bob, a lucky black cat that accompanies Sam along her journey. Apple and Skydance also announced Flula Borg, Lil Rel Howery, Colin O’Donoghue, John Ratzenberger and Adelynn Spoon as additions to the voice cast.
- 1/26/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Tony-winning casting director Geoffrey Johnson died Friday at the age of 91.
Johnson died in his sleep of respiratory failure at the Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital in New York, his rep said.
With his business partner Vincent Liff, Johnson helped cast long-running Broadway shows Cats, Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. The casting firm they co-founded, Johnson-Liff, also cast Broadway shows such as The Elephant Man, Dreamgirls, Miss Saigon and Kiss of the Spiderwoman.
Johnson and Liff were given a Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre in 2003, also receiving the Hoyt Bowers Award and Artios awards from the Casting Society of America.
Born ...
Johnson died in his sleep of respiratory failure at the Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital in New York, his rep said.
With his business partner Vincent Liff, Johnson helped cast long-running Broadway shows Cats, Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. The casting firm they co-founded, Johnson-Liff, also cast Broadway shows such as The Elephant Man, Dreamgirls, Miss Saigon and Kiss of the Spiderwoman.
Johnson and Liff were given a Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre in 2003, also receiving the Hoyt Bowers Award and Artios awards from the Casting Society of America.
Born ...
- 11/29/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tony-winning casting director Geoffrey Johnson died Friday at the age of 91.
Johnson died in his sleep of respiratory failure at the Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital in New York, his rep said.
With his business partner Vincent Liff, Johnson helped cast long-running Broadway shows Cats, Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. The casting firm they co-founded, Johnson-Liff, cast Broadway shows such as The Elephant Man, Dreamgirls, Miss Saigon and Kiss of the Spiderwoman.
Johnson and Liff were given a Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre in 2003, also receiving the Hoyt Bowers Award and Artios awards from the Casting Society of America.
Born in ...
Johnson died in his sleep of respiratory failure at the Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital in New York, his rep said.
With his business partner Vincent Liff, Johnson helped cast long-running Broadway shows Cats, Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. The casting firm they co-founded, Johnson-Liff, cast Broadway shows such as The Elephant Man, Dreamgirls, Miss Saigon and Kiss of the Spiderwoman.
Johnson and Liff were given a Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre in 2003, also receiving the Hoyt Bowers Award and Artios awards from the Casting Society of America.
Born in ...
- 11/29/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Geoffrey Johnson, whose Johnson-Liff Casting was behind the roles for Cats, Les Miserables, and Phantom of the Opera, Broadway’s three longest-running shows, died Friday, Nov. 26. He was 91 and passed from respiratory failure at Henry J. Carter Hospital in New York.
Johnson’s log career saw him appear on Broadway as an actor. He also worked with David Merrick as a stage manager and casting director and served as Noël Coward’s US representative.
Born in New York City on June 23, 1930, and raised in Larchmont NY, he received a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an Mfa from the Yale School of Drama.
From there, he worked as an actor, appearing in Saint Joan on Broadway in 1956,
He was also the stage manager of several Broadway shows including Cactus Flower and I Do, I Do.
His work as a stage manager led him to Noël Coward, with whom...
Johnson’s log career saw him appear on Broadway as an actor. He also worked with David Merrick as a stage manager and casting director and served as Noël Coward’s US representative.
Born in New York City on June 23, 1930, and raised in Larchmont NY, he received a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an Mfa from the Yale School of Drama.
From there, he worked as an actor, appearing in Saint Joan on Broadway in 1956,
He was also the stage manager of several Broadway shows including Cactus Flower and I Do, I Do.
His work as a stage manager led him to Noël Coward, with whom...
- 11/28/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
FX’s upcoming limited series “Class of ’09” has added Sepideh Moafi, Brian J. Smith, Jon Jon Briones, Brooke Smith, Jake McDorman, Rosalind Eleazar and Raúl Castillo to the cast. Additionally, Sunu Gonera is set to direct the first two episodes.
The eight-episode series is a suspense thriller that spans three decades and is told across three distinct but interweaving timelines in order to examine the nature of justice, humanity and the choices people make that define their lives and legacy. One of these timelines will be the near future when the U.S. criminal justice system has been transformed by artificial intelligence.
The show follows a class of FBI agents, including previously announced stars Kate Mara as Poet, a woman who never thought she’d join the world of law enforcement and yet is at the center of a pivotal moment of transformation, and Brian Tyree Henry as Tayo,...
The eight-episode series is a suspense thriller that spans three decades and is told across three distinct but interweaving timelines in order to examine the nature of justice, humanity and the choices people make that define their lives and legacy. One of these timelines will be the near future when the U.S. criminal justice system has been transformed by artificial intelligence.
The show follows a class of FBI agents, including previously announced stars Kate Mara as Poet, a woman who never thought she’d join the world of law enforcement and yet is at the center of a pivotal moment of transformation, and Brian Tyree Henry as Tayo,...
- 11/10/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Curb Your Enthusiasm is finally making its return: Season 11 will premiere Sunday, Oct. 24 at 10:40/9:40c on HBO, with subsequent episodes airing at 10:30 pm. The Larry David comedy last aired a fresh installment in March 2020.
Press Play above to watch a teaser, which assures viewers that while the world has changed, Larry hasn’t.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Big Mouth Return Date, Grimm Vet Is Don King and MoreTVLine Items: House of the Dragon Castings, Mayans Promotions and MoreIs NCIS: Hawai'i HQ Oddly Drab? What Did Ted Lasso Whisper? Did Big Brother Drop Ball? Cruel Resident? More Qs!
Press Play above to watch a teaser, which assures viewers that while the world has changed, Larry hasn’t.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Big Mouth Return Date, Grimm Vet Is Don King and MoreTVLine Items: House of the Dragon Castings, Mayans Promotions and MoreIs NCIS: Hawai'i HQ Oddly Drab? What Did Ted Lasso Whisper? Did Big Brother Drop Ball? Cruel Resident? More Qs!
- 9/28/2021
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
HBO Max announced that the cast of “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” now includes Sharon Leal, Elena Goode and Lea Salonga as series regulars and Zakiya Young and Carly Pope in recurring roles.
Previously announced cast members of the “Pretty Little Liars” reboot include Chandler Kinney, Bailee Madison, Maia Reficco, Malia Pyles, Zaria, Mallory Bechtel, Alex Aiono and Eric Johnson. The series is set in the present, 20 years after a series of tragic events almost ripped the blue-collar town of Millwood apart. Now, a disparate group of teen girls — the new “Little Liars” — find themselves tormented by an unknown “Assailant” and made to pay for the secret sin their parents committed two decades ago, as well as their own.
Leal will play Sidney, Tabby’s (Kinney) single mother who works in real estate to provide for her daughter and Imogen (Madison), another girl in town. Leal’s previous credits include “Dreamgirls,...
Previously announced cast members of the “Pretty Little Liars” reboot include Chandler Kinney, Bailee Madison, Maia Reficco, Malia Pyles, Zaria, Mallory Bechtel, Alex Aiono and Eric Johnson. The series is set in the present, 20 years after a series of tragic events almost ripped the blue-collar town of Millwood apart. Now, a disparate group of teen girls — the new “Little Liars” — find themselves tormented by an unknown “Assailant” and made to pay for the secret sin their parents committed two decades ago, as well as their own.
Leal will play Sidney, Tabby’s (Kinney) single mother who works in real estate to provide for her daughter and Imogen (Madison), another girl in town. Leal’s previous credits include “Dreamgirls,...
- 9/27/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced today that the 2020 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre – to be presented in September – will go to Fred Gallo, President of Prg Scenic Technologies; Broadway press agent Irene Gandy; stage manager Beverly Jenkins and New Federal Theatre founder Woodie King, Jr.
“We are thrilled to recognize these deserving individuals and organizations with Tony Honors this year,” said Heather Hitchens, President of the American Theatre Wing and Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. “New Federal Theatre, Fred Gallo, Irene Gandy, and Beverly Jenkins have made immeasurable contributions to the theatre community, and their impact will be felt for years to come.”
The Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre were established in 1990 and are awarded annually to institutions, individuals and/or organizations that have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in theater, but are not eligible in any of the established Tony Award categories.
Gallo,...
“We are thrilled to recognize these deserving individuals and organizations with Tony Honors this year,” said Heather Hitchens, President of the American Theatre Wing and Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. “New Federal Theatre, Fred Gallo, Irene Gandy, and Beverly Jenkins have made immeasurable contributions to the theatre community, and their impact will be felt for years to come.”
The Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre were established in 1990 and are awarded annually to institutions, individuals and/or organizations that have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in theater, but are not eligible in any of the established Tony Award categories.
Gallo,...
- 8/4/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Natalie Mendoza, a star of the BBC One drama series Hotel Babylon and The Descent horror film franchise, has been cast in the lead role of Broadway’s Moulin Rouge! The Musical, filling the vacancy left when the Tony-nominated Karen Olivo resigned in April over what she perceived as industry silence regarding the workplace harassment and abuse claims levied against theater producer Scott Rudin.
(Rudin had no involvement in Moulin Rouge!)
With the casting of Mendoza, announced today by producers Carmen Pavlovic and Bill Damaschke, the full Moulin Rouge! cast is in place for the resumption of performances on Friday, September 24, at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. The musical originally opened on July 25, 2019, but performances were suspended in March 2020 when Broadway went dark due to the Covid pandemic shutdown.
Mendoza joins a principal cast that also includes Aaron Tveit, Danny Burstein, Sahr Ngaujah, Tam Mutu, Ricky Rojas and Robyn Hurder.
The...
(Rudin had no involvement in Moulin Rouge!)
With the casting of Mendoza, announced today by producers Carmen Pavlovic and Bill Damaschke, the full Moulin Rouge! cast is in place for the resumption of performances on Friday, September 24, at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. The musical originally opened on July 25, 2019, but performances were suspended in March 2020 when Broadway went dark due to the Covid pandemic shutdown.
Mendoza joins a principal cast that also includes Aaron Tveit, Danny Burstein, Sahr Ngaujah, Tam Mutu, Ricky Rojas and Robyn Hurder.
The...
- 8/2/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A new musical will serve as both a sequel to one of the greatest children’s stories of all time, as well as a prequel to another iconic fantasy adventure.
“Alice in Neverland” brings together two beloved characters, the title character from Lewis Carrol’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and the boy who never grew up at the center of J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan.” The show features book, music and lyrics by Phil Kenny and Reston Williams. Its producing team includes such Broadway heavyweights as Jerry Goehring, three-time Tony Award winner Jim Kierstead, Mike Evariste (“Disgraced”), seven- time Tony Award winner Jamie deRoy and 42nd.club.
Christy Altomare (“Anastasia”) is set to lead a developmental reading of the new musical on June 16. She is joined by Broadway veterans Heath Saunders and Tony Award nominee Will Swenson (“Hair”), as well as Megan Masako Haley (“Wicked”), Alistair Brammer (“Miss Saigon”) and Timothy...
“Alice in Neverland” brings together two beloved characters, the title character from Lewis Carrol’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and the boy who never grew up at the center of J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan.” The show features book, music and lyrics by Phil Kenny and Reston Williams. Its producing team includes such Broadway heavyweights as Jerry Goehring, three-time Tony Award winner Jim Kierstead, Mike Evariste (“Disgraced”), seven- time Tony Award winner Jamie deRoy and 42nd.club.
Christy Altomare (“Anastasia”) is set to lead a developmental reading of the new musical on June 16. She is joined by Broadway veterans Heath Saunders and Tony Award nominee Will Swenson (“Hair”), as well as Megan Masako Haley (“Wicked”), Alistair Brammer (“Miss Saigon”) and Timothy...
- 6/15/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Eva Noblezada and Brandon Wardell have joined the cast of the Amblin Partners family comedy, Easter Sunday, which is based on the stand-up comedy and life experiences of comedy star Jo Koy and is set around a family gathering to celebrate Easter Sunday. Wardell will portray Junior, the teenage son of Koy’s on-screen persona, and Noblezada plays Junior’s friend Ruth.
Jay Chandrasekhar will direct with Ken Cheng penning the script. Rideback’s Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich will produce. Koy, Cheng, Joe Meloche, Jessica Gao, Jimmy O. Yang, Rideback’s Nick Reynolds and Seth William Meier will exec produce. The studio is eyeing a production start this spring.
Holly Bario, President of Production, and Mia Maniscalco, VP Creative Affairs, will oversee the project for the studio.
Wardell is a comedian known for his work on Comedy Central and for his appearances in Curb Your Enthusiasm, Like and Subscribe,...
Jay Chandrasekhar will direct with Ken Cheng penning the script. Rideback’s Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich will produce. Koy, Cheng, Joe Meloche, Jessica Gao, Jimmy O. Yang, Rideback’s Nick Reynolds and Seth William Meier will exec produce. The studio is eyeing a production start this spring.
Holly Bario, President of Production, and Mia Maniscalco, VP Creative Affairs, will oversee the project for the studio.
Wardell is a comedian known for his work on Comedy Central and for his appearances in Curb Your Enthusiasm, Like and Subscribe,...
- 4/13/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Harry Kooperstein, a director and producer who won 17 local Emmy Awards, including eight for his work on the annual Live From the Hollywood Bowl telecasts, died March 30 in Palm Desert, Calif. He was 78 and no cause of death was given in a report by the Desert Sun media outlet.
Kooperstein directed newscasts for Kcop-tv and musical specials on Miss Saigon and Kiss of the Spider Woman for the Ahmanson Theatre, and also produced the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Additionally, he was a Governor for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Born Hillel ben Yaakov on April 11, 1941 in Columbus, Ohio, he attended Ohio State University. majoring in music. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1970s.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara, a son, Charles (Chuck) Gardner, and sister Laine Kooperstein Beim.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to City of Hope. Click “Donate in Honor...
Kooperstein directed newscasts for Kcop-tv and musical specials on Miss Saigon and Kiss of the Spider Woman for the Ahmanson Theatre, and also produced the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Additionally, he was a Governor for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Born Hillel ben Yaakov on April 11, 1941 in Columbus, Ohio, he attended Ohio State University. majoring in music. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1970s.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara, a son, Charles (Chuck) Gardner, and sister Laine Kooperstein Beim.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to City of Hope. Click “Donate in Honor...
- 4/11/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Harry Kooperstein, a director, producer and trumpet player who received 17 local Emmy Awards, eight for his work on the annual Live From the Hollywood Bowl telecasts, had died. He was 79.
A resident of Palm Desert, Kooperstein died March 30, his family announced.
Kooperstein also directed newscasts for Kcop-tv and musical specials on Miss Saigon and Kiss of the Spider Woman from the Ahmanson Theatre and called the shots for another popular perennial in town, the Hollywood Christmas Parade.
Born on April 11, 1941, in Columbus, Ohio, Kooperstein attended Bexley High School and Ohio State University, where he majored in music and played ...
A resident of Palm Desert, Kooperstein died March 30, his family announced.
Kooperstein also directed newscasts for Kcop-tv and musical specials on Miss Saigon and Kiss of the Spider Woman from the Ahmanson Theatre and called the shots for another popular perennial in town, the Hollywood Christmas Parade.
Born on April 11, 1941, in Columbus, Ohio, Kooperstein attended Bexley High School and Ohio State University, where he majored in music and played ...
- 4/11/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Harry Kooperstein, a director, producer and trumpet player who received 17 local Emmy Awards, eight for his work on the annual Live From the Hollywood Bowl telecasts, had died. He was 79.
A resident of Palm Desert, Kooperstein died March 30, his family announced.
Kooperstein also directed newscasts for Kcop-tv and musical specials on Miss Saigon and Kiss of the Spider Woman from the Ahmanson Theatre and called the shots for another popular perennial in town, the Hollywood Christmas Parade.
Born on April 11, 1941, in Columbus, Ohio, Kooperstein attended Bexley High School and Ohio State University, where he majored in music and played ...
A resident of Palm Desert, Kooperstein died March 30, his family announced.
Kooperstein also directed newscasts for Kcop-tv and musical specials on Miss Saigon and Kiss of the Spider Woman from the Ahmanson Theatre and called the shots for another popular perennial in town, the Hollywood Christmas Parade.
Born on April 11, 1941, in Columbus, Ohio, Kooperstein attended Bexley High School and Ohio State University, where he majored in music and played ...
- 4/11/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In today’s Global Bulletin, Steven Knight’s “Sas: Rogue Heroes” starts shooting, Agnieszka Holland’s “Charlatan” cleans up at Czech Lion Awards, BBC Comedy hires “I May Destroy You” producer Tanya Qureshi, Content Catalyst Fund adds executives and reveals slate and George Takei’s “Allegiance” streams on BroadwayHD.
Filming is underway on BBC One drama series “Sas: Rogue Heroes,” from “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight. Based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book of the same name, “Sas: Rogue Heroes” is a dramatized account of how a Special Forces unit, the Sas, was formed under extraordinary circumstances during WWII.
The lead cast includes Connor Swindells (“Sex Education”), Jack O’Connell (“Skins”), Alfie Allen (“Game of Thrones”), Sofia Boutella (“Modern Love”) and Dominic West (“The Wire”).
The six-part series will be directed by Tom Shankland (“The Serpent”), with Stephen Smallwood (“Patrick Melrose”) as producer. The series will be executive produced by Karen Wilson,...
Filming is underway on BBC One drama series “Sas: Rogue Heroes,” from “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight. Based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book of the same name, “Sas: Rogue Heroes” is a dramatized account of how a Special Forces unit, the Sas, was formed under extraordinary circumstances during WWII.
The lead cast includes Connor Swindells (“Sex Education”), Jack O’Connell (“Skins”), Alfie Allen (“Game of Thrones”), Sofia Boutella (“Modern Love”) and Dominic West (“The Wire”).
The six-part series will be directed by Tom Shankland (“The Serpent”), with Stephen Smallwood (“Patrick Melrose”) as producer. The series will be executive produced by Karen Wilson,...
- 3/9/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 Oscar winning animated film, Spirited Away (Sen To Chihiro No Kamikakushi), has been set for a stage production which will have its world premiere in Tokyo in 2022. This is the first-ever stage adaptation of the beloved movie and will be written and directed by Tony and Olivier Award-winner and Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, John Caird. Japanese giant Toho is behind the project.
The original film, from Studio Ghibli, went on to become the highest-grossing movie ever in Japan, holding the spot for 19 years and only recently being overtaken by Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train. It had a re-release in fall 2020 and has grossed over $355M worldwide.
The story follows Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl moving with her parents to their new home. They lose themselves in a mysterious world of fantastic spirits, ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba,...
The original film, from Studio Ghibli, went on to become the highest-grossing movie ever in Japan, holding the spot for 19 years and only recently being overtaken by Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train. It had a re-release in fall 2020 and has grossed over $355M worldwide.
The story follows Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl moving with her parents to their new home. They lose themselves in a mysterious world of fantastic spirits, ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba,...
- 2/26/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Bob Avian, the dancer-turned-choreographer who played an integral role in such pivotal Broadway musicals as A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls, Company, Follies and Miss Saigon, died of cardiac arrest yesterday at a hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He was 83.
His death, which was not Covid-related, was announced by spokesperson Matt Polk.
Born in New York City and a graduate of Boston University College of Fine Arts, Avian also studied at Boston Ballet School, and would begin his professional career as a dancer in more than a dozen Broadway musicals. Among them were the seminal 1960s productions of West Side Story and Funny Girl.
In 1968 Avian began a collaboration that would prove central to his legacy and Broadway history: On Promises, Promises he served as assistant choreographer to choreographer Michael Bennett, launching a creative partnership that would last for 20 years. Avian was associate choreographer and assistant director on such productions as Coco...
His death, which was not Covid-related, was announced by spokesperson Matt Polk.
Born in New York City and a graduate of Boston University College of Fine Arts, Avian also studied at Boston Ballet School, and would begin his professional career as a dancer in more than a dozen Broadway musicals. Among them were the seminal 1960s productions of West Side Story and Funny Girl.
In 1968 Avian began a collaboration that would prove central to his legacy and Broadway history: On Promises, Promises he served as assistant choreographer to choreographer Michael Bennett, launching a creative partnership that would last for 20 years. Avian was associate choreographer and assistant director on such productions as Coco...
- 1/22/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Famed casting directors Robi Reed and Tara Rubin will be honored along with The Actors Fund at the Casting Society of America’s 36th annual Artios Awards, which will be held virtually on April 15, 2021. Reed and Rubin will receive the Hoyt Bowers Award, given for excellence in casting and honoring their body of work and outstanding contributions to the casting profession. The Actors Fund will receive the Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award – named after the famed casting director and philanthropist.
“At the age of 15,” Reed said, “what I knew is that I wanted to be a casting director, and receiving the Hoyt Bowers Award is not only an honor, it is a testament to what can happen when you believe in yourself and find your purpose.”
Reed, whose career has spanned over 30 years and more than 70 films, has long been Hollywood’s leading casting director for Black-themed projects. Her first studio...
“At the age of 15,” Reed said, “what I knew is that I wanted to be a casting director, and receiving the Hoyt Bowers Award is not only an honor, it is a testament to what can happen when you believe in yourself and find your purpose.”
Reed, whose career has spanned over 30 years and more than 70 films, has long been Hollywood’s leading casting director for Black-themed projects. Her first studio...
- 11/19/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
It took filmmaker Diane Paragas 15 years to bring “Yellow Rose” to the big screen. She kept hearing that no one wanted to see a story about a Filipino immigrant growing up in Texas.
Paragas changed her screenplay a few times, and almost gave up until an encounter with filmmaker Mira Nair at the Toronto Film Festival inspired her to stay true to telling the story she wanted to tell. The film stars Broadway star and Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada in her feature debut as Rose, a young undocumented immigrant in Texas who watches as Ice captures her mother. Rose struggles as she straddles pursuing her dream of becoming a country singer or facing a return to the Philippines to be with her mother.
Below, Paragas talks with Variety about the journey, her casting and why she chose country music as her genre.
Making any film takes a village, but for you,...
Paragas changed her screenplay a few times, and almost gave up until an encounter with filmmaker Mira Nair at the Toronto Film Festival inspired her to stay true to telling the story she wanted to tell. The film stars Broadway star and Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada in her feature debut as Rose, a young undocumented immigrant in Texas who watches as Ice captures her mother. Rose struggles as she straddles pursuing her dream of becoming a country singer or facing a return to the Philippines to be with her mother.
Below, Paragas talks with Variety about the journey, her casting and why she chose country music as her genre.
Making any film takes a village, but for you,...
- 10/9/2020
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
With a background in documentary filmmaking, Diane Paragas strove to make her narrative feature debut, “Yellow Rose,” which revolves around a 17-year-old Filipina American immigrant who dreams of becoming a country singer, look as natural as possible — particularly when those dreams are shaken.
Played by Eva Noblezada (Tony-nominated for her role in the 2017 Broadway revival of “Miss Saigon”), Rose spends her nights listening to records and writing songs. But when her mom, Priscilla (Princess Punzalan), is picked up by immigration agents, Rose understands that she must flee — and make choices that confront the reality of her life in the U.S. The movie, from Sony Pictures Classics, bows in theaters Oct.9.
Though the film considers how the crackdown on immigrants affects an entire family, Paragas and editor Liron Reiter knew they had to narrow in on Rose when the first cut came in at more than two hours. “We needed to tell her journey,...
Played by Eva Noblezada (Tony-nominated for her role in the 2017 Broadway revival of “Miss Saigon”), Rose spends her nights listening to records and writing songs. But when her mom, Priscilla (Princess Punzalan), is picked up by immigration agents, Rose understands that she must flee — and make choices that confront the reality of her life in the U.S. The movie, from Sony Pictures Classics, bows in theaters Oct.9.
Though the film considers how the crackdown on immigrants affects an entire family, Paragas and editor Liron Reiter knew they had to narrow in on Rose when the first cut came in at more than two hours. “We needed to tell her journey,...
- 10/9/2020
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Filmmaker Garrett Bradley is known for tackling pressing issues facing the Black community with her work. Her documentary short America painted a portrait of how Black people are represented in American culture while Alone, investigated the impact of mass incarceration on the modern Black family through the eyes of a single mother in New Orleans. The latter won Bradley the Short Film Jury Award in non-fiction at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. She also served as the second unit director on Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us and directed of Queen Sugar. This weekend, the prolific filmmaker makes her way into theaters with her feature documentary debut Time.
The docu continues Bradley’s investigation of incarceration and its impact on the Black community as she follows Fox Rich, an entrepreneur, author, and mother of six who has spent the last 21 years fighting for the release of her husband, Rob, who...
The docu continues Bradley’s investigation of incarceration and its impact on the Black community as she follows Fox Rich, an entrepreneur, author, and mother of six who has spent the last 21 years fighting for the release of her husband, Rob, who...
- 10/9/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s something about the color of a Texas sky that’s virtually impossible to capture on film: cotton-candy pink clouds set against an expanse of lilac blue at sunset, or the warm honey-orange glow that greets the day. Diane Paragas’ “Yellow Rose” reflects those rare hues in a way that tells you the writer-director once called Texas as home, and watching her story of a Filipina teen with a hankering for country music — which must be Paragas’ story too, at least in part — made this former Texan realize there are a lot of colors we don’t see in films about the Lone Star State.
Sure enough, Paragas grew up in Lubbock, Texas, birthplace of Buddy Holly, which is more than six hours from the live-music capital of Austin, although her young heroine lives just half an hour east in the tiny town of Bastrop. “Yellow Rose” was a...
Sure enough, Paragas grew up in Lubbock, Texas, birthplace of Buddy Holly, which is more than six hours from the live-music capital of Austin, although her young heroine lives just half an hour east in the tiny town of Bastrop. “Yellow Rose” was a...
- 10/8/2020
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Actress and singer Eva Noblezada had her first big break playing the iconic role of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon. She first appeared in the starring role in London before heading to the Broadway revival, where she scored her first Tony Award nomination. Miss Saigon is the entry for many Asian Americans — especially Filipinos — into the entertainment world. She then went on to star in the critically acclaimed Hadestown, which earned her her second Tony nomination. Noblezada’s career began to move full steam ahead and as a result, she learned how to grow up at an early age. More than that, she quickly learned the ups and downs of being an actress — specifically an actress on Broadway.
When Noblezada stopped by the New Hollywood Podcast, she was open in how she felt about Broadway and what it has taught her about navigating her career. She quickly grew confident...
When Noblezada stopped by the New Hollywood Podcast, she was open in how she felt about Broadway and what it has taught her about navigating her career. She quickly grew confident...
- 10/6/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The Center for Asian American Media (Caam) is pleased to announce CAAMFest Forward, a newly reimagined and mostly virtual festival experience. On October 14-18, 2020, the upcoming festival will take CAAMFest to new heights with two unique drive-in experiences, over a dozen live virtual programs, and over 40 films available to watch on our on-demand channel and eight world premieres.
This year will also highlight Filipino cinema in honor of Filipino American History Month, a sneak preview into the Asian Art Museum’s next exhibition “New Hope,” and a focus on social justice, civic engagement, and activism.
Since May, Caam has produced over 30 unique virtual programs that amplify the diverse voices and experiences of the Asian American community. Beginning with CAAMFest Online: Heritage at Home, one of the first film festivals to pivot to an online format, Caam successfully brought together over 100 filmmakers and over 10,000 attendees from all around the globe. A...
This year will also highlight Filipino cinema in honor of Filipino American History Month, a sneak preview into the Asian Art Museum’s next exhibition “New Hope,” and a focus on social justice, civic engagement, and activism.
Since May, Caam has produced over 30 unique virtual programs that amplify the diverse voices and experiences of the Asian American community. Beginning with CAAMFest Online: Heritage at Home, one of the first film festivals to pivot to an online format, Caam successfully brought together over 100 filmmakers and over 10,000 attendees from all around the globe. A...
- 10/3/2020
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Exclusive: Great Performances has set its fourth annual “Broadway’s Best” November line-up on PBS, including the world premiere of Lea Salonga in Concert featuring the Tony Award-winner singing her signature songs from Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Aladdin and Mulan.
The Broadway’s Best programming, running on Fridays from November 6 to Nov. 27, kicks off with the 2011 taping of One Man, Two Guvnors, featuring a Tony Award-winning performance by The Late Late Show‘s James Corden. The play, adapted by playwright Richard Bean from a 1743 Commedia dell’arte farce and set in the British resort town of Brighton during the Swinging ’60s, follows out-of-work musician named Francis Henshall (Corden) who becomes a bodyguard-minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a petty East End crook, who turns out to be closer to Henshall than expected.
Next up will be Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles on Friday, Nov. 13, the 2019 documentary chronicling the history of the classic...
The Broadway’s Best programming, running on Fridays from November 6 to Nov. 27, kicks off with the 2011 taping of One Man, Two Guvnors, featuring a Tony Award-winning performance by The Late Late Show‘s James Corden. The play, adapted by playwright Richard Bean from a 1743 Commedia dell’arte farce and set in the British resort town of Brighton during the Swinging ’60s, follows out-of-work musician named Francis Henshall (Corden) who becomes a bodyguard-minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a petty East End crook, who turns out to be closer to Henshall than expected.
Next up will be Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles on Friday, Nov. 13, the 2019 documentary chronicling the history of the classic...
- 10/1/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Ratched, Jon Jon Briones plays Dr. Hanover, an ambitious medical professional that runs a psychiatric hospital in the Northern part of the Bay Area in California. However, like all characters in the Murphy-verse, he is flawed, fractured and is struggling with his own demons as he attempts to manage a staff of Type-a nurses — specifically the newest addition Nurse Mildred Ratched (Sarah Paulson) and her adversary, Nurse Betsy Bucket (two-time Oscar nominee Judy Davis). On top of that, as his flaws slowly unravel and expose his narcissism he deals with his patients that range from an unhinged serial killer (Finn Wittrock) to a woman grappling with multiple personality disorder (Sophie Okonedo).
Briones is a member of the exclusive acting collective that Ryan Murphy has been assembling since the days of Glee (perhaps even before that maybe even before that). He first appeared in...
Briones is a member of the exclusive acting collective that Ryan Murphy has been assembling since the days of Glee (perhaps even before that maybe even before that). He first appeared in...
- 9/16/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s been over 20 years since the original Mulan movie hit our screens and now Disney is blessing us with a remake of the princess-with-a-twist tale. Forget sparkly slippers and a true love’s kiss, Mulan leads her army to victory in her fight for freedom.
The phenomena that became Mulan was originally set to be a short based on an oppressed woman who finds love with a soldier who sweeps her off her feet, but doesn’t find independence. But Disney didn’t want to work on that. The Mulan we all know and love wouldn’t be anything if she wasn’t the independent and resilient girl that we saw. Far from that of the typical princess, Mulan’s love life even comes second to her ambition and drive to protect her family (and identity in doing so). With no need for frocks and fancy, Mulan was a...
The phenomena that became Mulan was originally set to be a short based on an oppressed woman who finds love with a soldier who sweeps her off her feet, but doesn’t find independence. But Disney didn’t want to work on that. The Mulan we all know and love wouldn’t be anything if she wasn’t the independent and resilient girl that we saw. Far from that of the typical princess, Mulan’s love life even comes second to her ambition and drive to protect her family (and identity in doing so). With no need for frocks and fancy, Mulan was a...
- 9/4/2020
- by Rosie Fletcher
- Den of Geek
The Phantom of the Opera might not have left the London theater scene for good after all, assures composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Responding to a newspaper column written by Phantom producer Cameron Mackintosh stating that both the London and UK touring productions are “permanently shut down” due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Webber tweeted early this morning, “As far as I’m concerned Phantom will reopen as soon as is possible.”
Mackintosh has been a harsh critic of the UK government’s slow response to support the devastated theater industry. Like Broadway, the West End has been shut down since March, with no firm reopening date yet determined.
On Monday, Mackintosh wrote in the UK’s Evening Standard, “With no endgame to this crisis in sight, last week I had to follow through with the awful, distressing downsizing of my organisation to ensure my company’s survival…...
Responding to a newspaper column written by Phantom producer Cameron Mackintosh stating that both the London and UK touring productions are “permanently shut down” due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Webber tweeted early this morning, “As far as I’m concerned Phantom will reopen as soon as is possible.”
Mackintosh has been a harsh critic of the UK government’s slow response to support the devastated theater industry. Like Broadway, the West End has been shut down since March, with no firm reopening date yet determined.
On Monday, Mackintosh wrote in the UK’s Evening Standard, “With no endgame to this crisis in sight, last week I had to follow through with the awful, distressing downsizing of my organisation to ensure my company’s survival…...
- 7/29/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
With “Da 5 Bloods,” Spike Lee follows his long overdue Oscar win for “BlacKkKlansman” by revealing a side of the Vietnam story that’s seldom told. Through the Trojan horse of a treasure-hunt adventure movie, the director explores the mindset of Black soldiers who fought for their country at a time when African Americans were being oppressed at home. to claim the loot they were ordered to retrieve decades earlier, but stashed for themselves instead. The result is overlong and erratic, but also frequently surprising for a contemporary riff on the classic greed-doesn’t-pay parable “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.”
Entertainment journalists have taken to describing “Da 5 Bloods” as “timely” because its release coincides with the nationwide protests that spontaneously arose following the murder of George Floyd. That is true, but let’s be clear: Lee has always been ahead-of-his-timely. He reminded us of that a week ago...
Entertainment journalists have taken to describing “Da 5 Bloods” as “timely” because its release coincides with the nationwide protests that spontaneously arose following the murder of George Floyd. That is true, but let’s be clear: Lee has always been ahead-of-his-timely. He reminded us of that a week ago...
- 6/10/2020
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
The Neil Labute play The Shape of Things will be given a livestream reading Friday night to benefit The Actors Fund, with Labute himself taking part in an after-show Q&a to tell “a few war stories about the show.”
The 2001 play premiered in London, later revived Off Broadway and was adapted in 2003 as a film starring Paul Rudd and Rachel Weisz. The cast for the benefit reading is Tony winner Lena Hall (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Tim Realbuto (Yes), Jonah Platt (Wicked) and Katie Rose Clarke (Miss Saigon).
Performing from their homes across the country, Realbuto will play Adam, a social misfit who works at a museum, and Hall will play Evelyn, a passionate and outspoken art student. As Evelyn changes Adam for the “better”, his two best friends Phillip (Platt) and Jenny (Clarke) begin to wonder if Evelyn is a good influence or the downfall of their friend.
The 2001 play premiered in London, later revived Off Broadway and was adapted in 2003 as a film starring Paul Rudd and Rachel Weisz. The cast for the benefit reading is Tony winner Lena Hall (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Tim Realbuto (Yes), Jonah Platt (Wicked) and Katie Rose Clarke (Miss Saigon).
Performing from their homes across the country, Realbuto will play Adam, a social misfit who works at a museum, and Hall will play Evelyn, a passionate and outspoken art student. As Evelyn changes Adam for the “better”, his two best friends Phillip (Platt) and Jenny (Clarke) begin to wonder if Evelyn is a good influence or the downfall of their friend.
- 5/7/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Fresh off his first Oscar nomination for “The Two Popes,” veteran actor Jonathan Pryce could find himself back in the awards race thanks to an upcoming role in the Amazon Prime limited series “Tales From The Loop.” In honor of the show’s premiere, let’s take a look back at Pryce’s varied career in our photo gallery of his top 12 film roles, ranked worst to best.
See Jonathan Pryce Interview: ‘The Two Popes’
Pryce is no stranger to awards. In addition to his Oscar nomination, he received Golden Globe and BAFTA bids for his leading performance as Pope Francis in “The Two Popes.” He earned an additional Globe nomination for “Barbarians at the Gate” (Best TV Supporting Actor in 1993) and another BAFTA nom as Best Actor for “Carrington” (1995). His stage turns have brought him two Tony wins: one as Best Featured Actor in a Play for his 1977 Broadway debut in “Comedians,...
See Jonathan Pryce Interview: ‘The Two Popes’
Pryce is no stranger to awards. In addition to his Oscar nomination, he received Golden Globe and BAFTA bids for his leading performance as Pope Francis in “The Two Popes.” He earned an additional Globe nomination for “Barbarians at the Gate” (Best TV Supporting Actor in 1993) and another BAFTA nom as Best Actor for “Carrington” (1995). His stage turns have brought him two Tony wins: one as Best Featured Actor in a Play for his 1977 Broadway debut in “Comedians,...
- 4/2/2020
- by Zach Moore and Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
Fresh off his first Oscar nomination for “The Two Popes,” veteran actor Jonathan Pryce could find himself back in the awards race thanks to an upcoming role in the Amazon Prime limited series “Tales From The Loop.” In honor of the show’s premiere, let’s take a look back at Pryce’s varied career in our photo gallery of his top 12 film roles, ranked worst to best.
Pryce is no stranger to awards. In addition to his Oscar nomination, he received Golden Globe and BAFTA bids for his leading performance as Pope Francis in “The Two Popes.” He earned an additional Globe nomination for “Barbarians at the Gate” (Best TV Supporting Actor in 1993) and another BAFTA nom as Best Actor for “Carrington” (1995). His stage turns have brought him two Tony wins: one as Best Featured Actor in a Play for his 1977 Broadway debut in “Comedians,” and another in 1991 as...
Pryce is no stranger to awards. In addition to his Oscar nomination, he received Golden Globe and BAFTA bids for his leading performance as Pope Francis in “The Two Popes.” He earned an additional Globe nomination for “Barbarians at the Gate” (Best TV Supporting Actor in 1993) and another BAFTA nom as Best Actor for “Carrington” (1995). His stage turns have brought him two Tony wins: one as Best Featured Actor in a Play for his 1977 Broadway debut in “Comedians,” and another in 1991 as...
- 4/1/2020
- by Zach Moore, Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
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