Director Christopher Nolan is back after the success of 2017’s Dunkirk. He is one of the most famed directors working in the industry today and everyone is wondering what he will do next. Now, we have a little bit of information on his next project. It will be called Tenet and it is “an action epic involving the world of espionage.” Hmmm, sounds a little bit like James Bond. The film will star John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Aaron Taylor Johnson, and Michael Caine. That’s a pretty impressive cast! Tenant will be in theaters on July 17, 2020.
Robert Pattinson Cast as Batman
Ben Affleck has officially departed the role of Gotham City’s caped crusader. Rumors have been swirling for months about who would be the next actor to take on the role. Armie Hammer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Nicholas Hoult were all in talks to star as the next Bruce Wayne. However, none of them were ultimately cast in the coveted role. Today, we have an answer on who will be the new Batman. Robert Pattinson will be playing the iconic superhero. While he is most well known for his work in Twilight, Pattinson has recently starred in many indie films including Good Time and High Life. Pattinson will make his debut as Batman in director Matt Reeves film,The Batman. Reeves has previously directed War For the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and Cloverfield. Plot details of The Batman are unknown at this time, but the film is set to hit theaters in June 2021. Do you think Robbert Pattinson will make a good Batman?
Renée Zellweger to Star in Judy Garland Biopic
The first look at the new biopic Judy has been released and Renée Zellweger is showing off some impressive acting AND singing skills. You can hear her rendition of Garland’s iconic Somewhere Over the Rainbow throughout the trailer. Zellweger will portray Judy Garland 30 years after starring in The Wizard of Oz as she gets ready to perform a set of sold-out shows in London. Judy is directed by Rupert Goold and will be released on September 27, 2019. Watch the trailer below!
It Chapter 2 Trailer Releases
Warner Brothers has just released the first trailer for the sequel to 2017’s IT. In IT Chapter 2, the Loser’s Club from Derry will be grown adults who have to return to the town when the terrifying clown who haunted them as children lures them back. The film stars Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, James Ransone, Isiah Mustafa, Andy Bean, and Bill Skarsgard. The trailer mainly focuses on Beverly Marsh (Jessica Chastain) as she returns to the town) and has tea with a creepy elderly woman. This looks like it’s going to get spooky.
IT Chapter 2 will be in theaters on September 6, 2019.
First Look at The Farewell
A24 has released the first trailer from their Sundance hit, The Farewell. The film is based on a true story following a Chinese family who elects not to tell their grandmother that she is dying of cancer and instead, brings the family together for a big wedding to say their goodbyes. It is directed by Lulu Wang and stars Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians, Oceans 8). The trailer utilizes clips that showcase a moral dilemma for the film’s lead character. This looks to be an emotionally riveting film. The Farewell will be in theaters on July 12, 2019.
Source: Cannes Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival Lineup Announced
The prestigious Festival de Cannes will take place in less than a month in Cannes, France. The poster for this year’s event pays tribute to the late filmmaker Agnes Varda shooting one of her first films. Cannes is considered to be one of the “Big Three” film festivals alongside the Venice Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival. There’s sure to be a massive amount of talent present for the big event. The festival has film’s that are “in competition”, “out of competition”, and “special screenings.” A jury will vote on the films in competition in order to see what film will win the Palm d’Or (the biggest award of the Festival). Let’s take a look at the films in competition.
Atlantics directed by Mati Diop
Bacurau directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles
The Dead Don’t Die directed by Jim Jarmusch
Frankie directed by Ira Sachs
A Hidden Life directed by Terrence Malick
It Must Be Heaven directed by Elia Suleiman
Les Misérables directed by Ladj Ly
Little Joe directed by Jessica Hausner
Matthias and Maxime directed by Xavier Dolan
Oh Mercy! directed by Arnaud Desplechin
Pain and Glory directed by Pedro Almodóvar
Parasite directed by Bong Joon-ho
Portrait De La Jeune Fille En Feu directed by Céline Sciamma
Sibyl directed by Justine Triet
Sorry We Missed You directed by Ken Loach
The Traitor directed by Marco Bellocchio
The Wild Goose Lake directed by Diao Yinan
The Whistlers directed by Corneliu Porumboiu
Young Ahmed directed by Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne
Several of the directors in competition this year have won in Cannes before. The Dardenne Brothers and Ken Loach have won the Palm d’Or two times. Terrence Malick won it for The Tree of Life in 2011. Pedro Almodavar has taken home Best Director and Best Screenplay. Xavier Dolan won the Jury Prize in 2014 for directing Mommy and the Grand Prix in 2016 for It’s Only the End of the World.
There are some exciting firsts in the competition as well! Mati Diop is the first black woman in Cannes Competition for her film, Atlantics. The film is based on a short film that she made about a woman from Dakar whose life is upended when her lover is believed to be dead.
This is also the first year at Cannes for Ladj Li who is in competition for directing Les Misérables. Although the title may sound familiar, this is not the popular musical. The film was inspired by the riots of 2005 in the Paris suburbs.
Cannes begins on May 14th and ends on May 25th. It sounds like this year is going to have an exciting competition!
Jennifer Lawrence Cast in A24 Film
Jennifer Lawrence has announced her next acting project. The actress has been on hiatus since filming Red Sparrow and X-Men: Dark Phoenix in 2017. Nothing wrong with that though, during that time she got engaged and lived her best life! Not to mention, she’s been overdue for a nice break. The hiatus is over though and her next project will be an A24 film (the distributor behind Eighth Grade, Lady Bird, Moonlight, and The Florida Project.) that is directed by Lila Neugebauer. Neugebauer is primarily known for theater direction and this will be her directorial debut in film. First-time screenwriter Elizabeth Sanders will be writing the script. There are no plot details or title for the project yet, but it will begin photography in New Orleans this June. This one is definitely surrounded in mystery! I’m curious to see what it’s about!
Star Wars First Trailer and Title Revealed
The final Star Wars film of the latest trilogy will be released this December. The first trailer for the film debuted this afternoon at the annual Star Wars celebration event in Chicago, Illinois. The title of the latest film has been reveled to be Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. The trailer shows all of the characters we’ve been introduced to in this trilogy including Rey, Kylo Ren, Poe, Finn, and Rose. The trailer is narrated by Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia does briefly appear despite Carrie Fisher’s tragic passing. Although he hasn’t been in the new trilogy yet, it seems fan favorite Billy D. Williams will be a prominent character reprising his role as Lando Calrissian. Star Wars Episode IX is directed by J.J. Abrams and will be in theaters December December 20th.
Watch the trailer now!
Disney Unveils Details of New Streaming Platform
Just a few weeks after Apple TV announced their plans for Apple TV+, Disney has revealed several details of their new streaming service Disney Plus. The service will be completely ad free and debut on November 12, 2019 for a monthly fee of $6.99. It will provide users with classic Disney films and shows that fans want to see, along with new original content that can only be seen on the service!
Original TV Series
The Mandalorian
This Star Wars series follows a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far away from the New Republic. It stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, and Giancarlo Esposito
The Falcon and Winter Soldier
Marvel characters Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier and Sam Wilson/The Falcon will team up in this series. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan will reprise their roles as the Marvel characters.
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
The new series follows a group of students preparing for their winter theater production at East High, only to find that drama will follow them off stage. We’ll see if they can provide the audience with another “Bet On It”. I highly doubt it.
The World According to Jeff Goldblum
At the launch of Disney Plus, this docuseries (hosted by Jeff Goldblum) was described to “reveal a world of astonishing connections, fascinating science and a whole lot of big ideas.”
What If
This will be a Marvel animated series delving into different possibilities in each episode like “What if Peggy Carter became Captain America?”
Loki
Tom Hiddleston will return as Loki for this show where the character time travels through history to influence historical events. Sounds like a mischievous concept, just like the character.
Monsters at Work
After the events of Monsters Inc., a young monster mechanic dreams of working his way to the laugh floor like Mike and Sully. The beloved Monsters Inc. characters will appear on the show with returning voice cast members Billy Crystal, John Goodman, and John Ratzenberger. New cast members will include Ben Feldman, Kelly Marie Tran, and Henry Winkler.
WandaVision
This Marvel series will focus on Wanda Maximoff/Scarlett Witch and Vision. Elizabeth Olson and Paul Bettany will star and there are no plot details at this time.
Diary of a Female President
Taken from the perspective of her diary, this show will tell the story of a young girl and her journey from middle school to eventually becoming the President of the United States.
Untitled Cassian Andor Series
A series that will follow Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and his spy missions before the events of Star Wars: Rogue One.
Original Films
Live action Lady and the Tramp
An updated version of the classic animated film with voice acting by Tessa Thompson, Justin Theroux, Kiersy Clemons, Janelle Monet, and Sam Elliot.
Noelle
We’re getting a Disney Christmas movie! This is very exciting. Noelle is about the Kringle family. Nick is the first in line to become Santa Claus but his sister, Noelle, enjoys being in the family without any of the responsibilities. When Nick disappears right before Christmas, Noelle has to save the holiday! The movie stars Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader, Billy Eichner, and Shirley MacLaine.
The Phineas and Ferb Movie
Phineas Ferb and their friends will return in their own movie. The plot is unknown at this point, but the voice cast will reprise their roles.
Stargirl
This is a coming-of-age comedy about a homeschooled teen who enrolls in a public high school and changes the status quo with her arrival. Musician Grace VanderWaal stars in the lead role.
Timmy Failure
Based on a popular book, Timmy Failure is about a quirky 11 year old boy who believes he runs the best detective agency in the world with his imaginary friend, a massive polar bear. The film will be directed by Oscar Nominee Tom McCarthy.
Togo
Based on a true story, Togo is about the dog that led the 1925 serum run for a small town in Alaska. The film stars Willem Dafoe.
Classic Content
Disney Plus will not only provide new content, but a lot of classic content to choose from for fans to enjoy. This includes all of the Star Wars films, the Disney Signature collection, all Pixar films, and 100 Disney Channel original movies. Disney fan website D23 has provided a great sample list of the content that will be available when the service launches. These titles include:
101 Dalmatians
A Bug’s Life
A Goofy Movie
Aladdin (2019)
An Extremely Goofy Movie
Avengers: Endgame
Bambi
Big Hero 6
Born in China
Cars
Captain Marvel
Dumbo (2019)
Fantasia
Finding Dory
Finding Nemo
Free Solo
Frozen
Frozen 2 (2019)
Fun and Fancy Free
Hercules
High School Musical
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Inside Out
Iron Man
Lady and the Tramp
Lilo & Stitch
The Lion King (2019)
Mary Poppins
Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Moana
Monster’s University
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Pixar Short Films Collection Volume 1
Ratatouille
Remember the Titans
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Sleeping Beauty
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Steamboat Willie
The Good Dinosaur
The Incredibles
The Little Mermaid
The Parent Trap (1961)
The Prince and the Pauper (1990)
The Princess Diaries
The Sword in the Stone
Thor: The Dark World
Toy Story
Toy Story 4 (2019)
Up
Wall-E
Zootopia
These titles are just an example of the movies and shows that will be available on Disney Plus. There will be 25 original shows, 500 films, and 7,500 episodes of TV in the first year. As a huge Disney fan, I can’t wait!
The Lion King Official Trailer
Disney keeps churning out live action updates for their most beloved films! We just saw the release of Dumbo in theaters (you should see it if you haven’t yet). Next up, is the release of Aladdin in May. You won’t have to wait long after that for another big movie event! This morning, the full trailer for The Lion King was released. It is quite an epic trailer filled with memorable moments from the original film. A lot of the effects look very similar to 2016’s live action update of The Jungle Book . This is a great sign because the animals in that film looked strikingly real. Both The Jungle Book and The Lion King are directed by Jon Favreau. There is quite a voice cast set for the film with actors including Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, James Earl Jones, Beyoncé, and Seth Rogen. The Lion King will be in theaters on July 19th! Watch the trailer right now:
Grease Prequel in Development
Prepare yourselves, Grease fans, A prequel to the beloved musical is in the works at Paramount. The prequel will be titled Summer Nights and focus on the summer Danny and Sandy fell in love. Screenwriter John August will be writing the screenplay. There is no cast attached to the project yet.
My biggest question is why is it necessary to make a whole movie around a plot point that Summer Lovin’ recapped for the audience in a 3 minute song? There’s no point in messing with something that’s so iconic. Didn’t we all see what happened with Grease 2?
Homecoming: Beyonce Documentary Will Premiere on Netflix
Beyoncé’s major headlining Coachella performance from April 2018 will be coming to a screen near you soon. Netflix has announced they are teaming up with Beyoncé to release Homecoming, a documentary/concert experience that will showcase Beyoncé’s road to Coachella. Netflix said the documentary will showcase “an intimate, in depth look” at the performance and will take viewers on “the emotional road from creative concept to cultural movement.” It will also include never before seen footage of rehearsals and moments with the star’s family. The trailer includes clips from the show and narration from Maya Angelou. Check it out to get a sneak peak before Homecoming premieres on April 17th!