Showing posts with label Bits-Bites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bits-Bites. Show all posts

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 19th to 25th, 2026 - UPDATE #8

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

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NEWS:

MOVIES - From WorldofReel: The recently announced, "Miami Vice '85," been moved to 2028 by Universal Pictures, which has moved "The Mummy 4" October 15, 2027.

From Deadline:  Universal Pictures’ upcoming "Miami Vice" movie officially has its Tubbs and Crockett as Oscar-winner Michael B. Jordan and Oscar-nominee Austin Butler are set to star.  The film also has an official title, "Miami Vice ’85."  Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film will be shot for IMAX and is set to debut on August 6, 2027.  The film explores the glamour and corruption of mid-1980s Miami, and it is inspired by the pilot episode and the first season of "Miami Vice."

MOVIES - From DeadlineParamount TV has a hot property in a television series based on Oscar-nominated writer-director James Mangold's breakthrough film, "Cop Land" (1997).

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Because of scheduling, "Top Gun: Maverick" director Joseph Kosinski cannot to direct the planned third film in the franchise.  The search is on for a new director.

CELEBRITY - From APNewsEddie Murphy received the American Film Institute (AFI) "Lifetime Achievement Award." His acceptance speech draws a standing ovation.

From EW:  Eddie Murphy's costar in DreamWorks Animation's "Shrek" films, Mike Myers, dresses in full Shrek character makeup at the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony in honor to order Murphy.
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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 4/17 to 4/19/2026 weekend box office is Universal/Illumination Entertainment's "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" with an estimated take of 35 million dollars.

OBITS:

From Variety:  American film and television actor and film producer, Patrick Muldoon, has died at the age of 57, Sunday, April 19, 2026.  He was best known for his TV work, which included the former NBC daytime soap opeara, "Days of Our Lives;" and a recurring role on the former Fox primetime soap, "Melrose Place."  Muldoon also appeared in a number of TV movies.  His best known film roles were in the films, "Starship Troopers" (1997) and "Stigmata" (1999).

From Deadline:  American film and television actor and voice performer, Rif Hutton, has died at the age of 73, Saturday, April 18, 2026.  Hutton was best known for his roles on the former ABC medical sitcom, "Doogie Howser, M.D.," and former legal drama, "JAG."  Hutton also provided the voices for the "walkers" in multiple episodes of AMC's "The Walking Dead" and its spin-off series.  Hutton was also a voice performer in multiple animated feature films, including "Shrek" (2001), "Madagascar" (2005), "The Princess and the Frog" (2009), "ParaNorman" (2012), and "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018).


Saturday, April 18, 2026

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 12th to 18th, 2026 - UPDATE #6

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

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NEWS:

MOVIES - From THR:  David Harbour will join actor Noah Centineo in the latest "Rambo" film, "John Rambo."  Centineo will play John Rambo.  Harbour will apparently play "Major Trautman," Rambo's commanding officer, a role originated by the late Richard Crenna in the film, "First Blood" (1982).

AMAZON - From DeadlineAmazon MGM Studios is developing a live-action remake of the 1992 animated film, "FernGully: The Last Rainforest."  Marielle Heller is set to direct the film from her own script.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Over 1000 Hollywood figures sign an open letter opposing the merger of Skydance Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.  The signees include J.J. Abrams, Glenn Close, Bryan Cranston, Jane Fonda, Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Kristen Stewart, and Ben Stiller, to name a few.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 4/10 to 4/12/2026 weekend box office is Universal/Illumination Entertainment's "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" with an estimated take of 69 million dollars.

STREAMING - From FangoriaHBO's popular horror anthology series, "Tales from the Crypt" (1989-96) is finally coming to streaming.  The service, "Shudder," will carry all seven seasons, beginning May 1st, 2026.

OBITS:

From THR:  Canadian television creator, writer, and puppeteer, Sid Krofft, has died at the age of 96, Friday, April 10, 2026.  With his younger brother, the late Marty Krofft (1937-2023), Sid formed the production company, Sid and Marty Krofft Pictures, through which they made numerous children's television and variety programs.  The best known were "H.R. Pufnstuf" (1969), "The Banana Splits" (1968-70), "Lidsville" (1971), "Sigmund the Sea Monsters" (1973-75), and "Land of the Lost" (1974-76), to name a few.  In 2018, both brothers received an "Lifetime Achievement" Emmy Award.  Previously, Sid shared three Daytime Emmy Award nominations with his brother and their collaborators.

From THR:  The stage, film, and television actor, Carl W. Crudup, has died at the age of 79, January 10, 2026 after a battle with prostate cancer it was recently reported.  Over a five decade career, Crudup appeared in such TV series as PBS's "Great Performances," "The Six Million Dollar Man," "The Rockford Files," "ER," and Marvel's "Agent Carter," to name a few.


Saturday, April 11, 2026

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 1st to 11th, 2026 - UPDATE #13

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

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NEWS:

DISNEY - From WSJ:  New Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro's opening salvo is to layoff at least 1000 employees.

From WorldofReel:  The fallout of Pixar's cancelled animated film, "Be Fri," has come to include word that executives were concerned that the story would emphasize (shudder, gasp, choke)... "girl power!"

MOVIES - From THRCinema United, the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, confirmed the formation of a "Filmmaker Leadership Council" that will provide “meaningful support” for theatrical exhibition of movies. It will be led by blockbuster veteran, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Oscar winning producer, Emma Thomas. as chair and vice chair respectively.  Rounding out the council will be Oscar winners Ryan Coogler and Brad Bird, and Oscar nominees Jason Reitman and Celine Song.

SCANDAL - From VarietyJeff Shell has exited his role as president of Paramount Skydance due to a controversy.  He stepped down as CEO of NBCUniversal in 2023 because of an inappropriate relationship.

MOVIES - From WorldofReelHBO Max has begun show "Alien 3: The Assembly Cut."  This is a 2 hour and 25 minute-version of director David Fincher's 1992 "Alien" sequel, "Alien 3."  It is 31 minutes longer that the original release.  Fincher chose not be involved with the new release.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 4/3 to 4/5/2026 weekend box office is Universal/Illumination's "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" with an estimated take of $130.94 million dollars.

STREAMING - From WorldofReel:  Disgraced movie star, Jonathan Majors, was injured on the set of a film for "The Daily Wire," and the Wire's response is "we don't negotiate with terrorists."

DISNEY+ - From VarietyDisney+ has greenlit an "Animorphs" television series.  It is in early development and is executive produced by Ryan Coogler through Proximity Media. Writer Bayan Wolcott is penning the scripts. The project is an adaptation of the 1996-2001 Scholastic books series by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant.  The books focused on kids who fight the parasitic "Yeerks" invading Earth.  The series blended action, body horror, and moral depth over its 54 volumes that sold over 35 million copies.

APPLE - From WorldofReelDavid E. Kelly is adapting Tom Wolfe's 1987, "The Bonfire of the Vanities" for Apple TV+Matt Reeves ("The Batman") is set to direct the series.  The novel was previously adapted in to film by director Brian De Palma. Starring Tom Hanks and released in 1990, the movie was and still is considered a disaster.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Sisters Lilla and Nora Zuckerman are writing "Scream 8."  They were recently showrunner for Peacock's streaming series, "Poker Face."

MOVIES - From Variety: Sony Pictures is developing a biopic about famed CBS anchor and journalist, the late Walter Cronkite. The film will be an adaptation of Douglas Brinkley's 2012 biography, "Cronkite."

BUSINESS - From VarietyJ.J. Abrams is downsizing his production company, "Bad Robot," and is moving it from Los Angeles to New York.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  The critically-acclaimed and hit horror film, "Weapons," will get a prequel film.  Entitled "Gladys," it will focus on Weapons' villain, "Aunt Gladys," who was portrayed by Amy Madigan, who, in turn, was a "Best Supporting Actress" Oscar for her performance.  Zach Cregger, creator of "Weapons," will write the screenplay with Zach Shields. There is no word as to whether or not Cregger will direct, "Gladys."

TELEVISION - From EWHBO's teen drama, "Euphoria," returns April 12, 2026, but it won't be about teens...


Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 22nd to 31st, 2026 - UPDATE #11

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

NETFLIX - From WorldofReel:  Netflix will apparent not release "The Adventures of Cliff Booth" this summer.  The film is set immediately after the events depicted in director Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019).  Brad Pitt, who won a "Best Supporting Actor" Oscar for the film will reprise his role of "Cliff Booth."

AMAZON - From EWSophie Turner, the star of Amazon's highly anticipated "Tomb Raider" series, has been injured on the series' set, causing a halt in production.  Turner, who starred in "Game of Thrones," plays heiress and adventurer, Lara Croft.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 3/27 to 3/29/2026 weekend box office is Amazon-MGM Studios' "Project Hail Mary" with an estimated take of 54.5 million dollars.

HULU - From Deadline:  Actor Himesh Patel will join actress Danielle Deadwyler in Hulu's reboot of the former FX sci-fi drama, "The X-Files."  Oscar-winner Ryan Coogler will write and direct the pilot and will produce.  Jennifer Yale will serve as the series showrunner, and Chris Carter, creator of the original series, will serves as one the reboot's executive producers.  Deadwyler and Patel will not play Agents Scully and Mulder; they will reportedly play new characters.

MUSIC - From VarietyPaul McCartney has released his first new music in five years, a single entitled "Days We Left Behind."  McCartney has a new album, "The Boys of Dungeon Lane," which is due May 29th, 2026.

MOVIES - From Variety:  In one of the stranger recent news items in entertainment comes word that talk show host, Stephen Colbert, and his son, Peter McGee, will join "Lord of the Rings" franchise veteran, Philippa Boyens, will write a new LOTR film, "The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past."  That film will go into production after "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum."

TELEVISION - From WorldofReelQuentin Tarantino is set to write and co-direct, with Sylvester Stallone, a 1930s-set gangster series. Described as a six-part series, it will be shot in black and white using 1930s cameras. The series featuring gangsters, showgirls, boxing, but there are no cast details.  Apparently, Stallone will not be acting on screen, only directing.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 3/20 to 3/22/2026 weekend box office is Amazon/MGM's "Project Hail Mary" with an estimated take of 80.58 million dollars.

OBITS:

From THR:  American film and television actor, James Tolkan, has died at the age of 94, Thursday, March 26, 2026.  Tolkan was best known for playing "Principal Gerald Strickland" in "Back to the Future" (1985) and "Back to the Future II" (1989), and "U.S. Marshall James Strickland" in "Back to the Future III" (1990).  Other notable film roles include "Serpico" (1973), "Top Gun," and "Masters f the Universe" 1987), to name a few.  Tolkan appeared in multiple episodes of such TV series as "Mary" (starring the late Mary Tyler Moore), "Remington Steele," and "Nero Wolfe," among others.

From DailyMail:  The veteran animator, director, and storyboard artist, Barry Caldwell, has died at the age of 60, March 2026.  A groundbreaking Black artist and animation veteran, Caldwell directed five episodes of "Tiny Toon Adventures" and 16 episodes of "Animaniacs."  Beginning his career at Filmation in 1979, Caldwell was a storyboard artist on such series as "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids," "The New Adventures of Zorro," "Blackstar," and "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe," to name a few.  He would move on to other animation companies, including Warner Bros. and Disney, where he worked on such series as "The Smurfs" (1981), "Alvin and the Chipmunks" (1983), "Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers" (1989), and "Pinky and the Brain," to name a few.  Caldwell won a "Daytime Emmy Award" and was nominated two other times for his work on "Animaniacs."

From Variety:  American actress, Valerie Perrine, has died at the age of 82, Monday, March 23, 2026.  Perrine may be best known for playing Lex Luthor's girlfriend, Miss Teschmacher, in "Superman: The Movie" (1978) and in "Superman II " (1980).  She earned as Academy Award nomination in the category of "Best Actress" for "Honey Bruce" in "Lenny" (1974), the biopic about comedian Lenny Bruce.  She also won the "Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress" (1975) and earned a BAFTA nomination and an award for the role of "Honey Bruce."  Her other notable film appearances include roles in "Slaughter-Five" (1972) and "The Electric Horseman" (1980).  Perrine appeared in a number of TV films and series, and that includes "Sweet Bird of Youth" (1989), ER (1995), and "Nash Bridges" (1996).

From Deadline:  Canadian actress, Carrie Anne Fleming, has died at the age of 51, Thursday, February 26, 2026 of complications related to breast cancer.  Fleming was best known for her recurring roles on two television series from The CW, "iZombie" and "Supernatural."  She also appeared in such TV series, as "Smallville," "Supergirl" and "The 4400."


Saturday, March 21, 2026

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 15th to 21st, 2026 - UPDATE #11

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

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NEWS:

PIXAR - From VarietyDisney has announced that "Lilo & Stitch 2" is set to be released May 26, 2028, and "Incredibles 3" is set for June 16, 2026.

OSCARS - From Variety:  The winners for the 2026 / 98th Academy Awards have been announced.  "One Battle After Another" won six Oscars, including "Best Picture of the Year" and "Best Director" (Paul Thomas Anderson).

From Truthout:  "In Era of Book Bans and War on History, 'Sinners' Reveals What US Tries to Forget" by Jesse Hagopian of "Truthout," in which he writes about director Ryan Coogler's four-time Oscar-winning film, "Sinners."

From Variety:  One of the moments of history made at the 98th Academy Awards is that Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the director of photography for "Sinners," became the first woman to win the "Best Cinematographer" for her work on the film.
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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 3/13 to 3/15/2026 weekend box office is Disney/Pixar's "Hoppers" with an estimated take of 28.5 million dollars.

HULU/ANIMATION - From DeadlineFox has greenlit a two-season spin off of its long-running animated series, "Family Guy."  The new series will star "Stewie Griffin," who will be navigating a new preschool and new inventions. Created by "Family Guy creator, Seth MacFarlane and Kirker Butler, the series is set for a 2027-28 season debut on Fox, and it will stream the next day on Hulu.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  Film and television actor, Nicholas Brendon, has died at the age of 54, Friday, March 20, 2026.  Brendon was best known for the role of "Xander Harris" on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" from 1997 to 2003.  Brendon also had a recurring role on "Criminal Minds" (2007-14).

From Variety:  The American author, martial artist, and film and television writer, producer, and actor, Chuck Norris, has died at the age of 86, Thursday, March 19, 2026.  Norris starred in numerous films over an almost 60 year career, and that includes a role in the 1972 Bruce Lee film, "The Way of the Dragon."  Norris' first lead role was in the 1977 film, "Breaker! Breaker!"  Among Norris' most famous films are "The Octagon" (1980), the "Missing in Action" trilogy (1984-88), and "The Delta Force" (1986).  However, Norris may be best known for the role of "Sergeant Ranger Cordell Walker" in his long running CBS action-crime series, "Walker, Texas Ranger" 1993-2001).

From Deadline:   Australian film director and film composer, Jamie Blanks, has died at the age of 54, Monday, March 16, 2026.  In the U.S., Blanks was best known for directing the cult slasher-horror film, "Urban Legend" (1998) and "Valentine" (2001).  He later directed the Australian horror film, "Storm Warning" (2007) and "Long Weekend" (2008), a remake of the 1978 Aussie film.

From RivieraRadio:  The French actor, comedian, and voice performer, Bruno Salomone, has died at the age of 55, Sunday, March 15, 2026  Salomone was best known for his French television comedy, "Fais pa ci, fais pa ca" (2007-17).  Salomone also provided the voice for "Syndrome," the villain in Pixar's "The Incredibles." [Jason Lee voiced Syndrome in the English-language original film].  Salomone also provided voice performances for such animated films as the Oscar-nominated "A Cat in Paris" (2010), "A Monster in Paris" (2011), and "Yellowbird" (2014).

From THR:  American film and television actor, Matt Clark, has died at the age of 89, Sunday, March 15, 2026.  Clark is best known for his numerous appearances in Westerns.  His best known Western roles occured in such films as "The Cowboys" (1972), "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean" (1972), "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid" (1973), and "The Outlaw Josey Wales" (1976).  He also had memorable roles in "White Lightning" (1973), "Brubaker" (1980), and "Back to the Future Part III (1990), to name a few.  He    Clark also made numerous parts in various TV series, including "Little House on the Prarie," "Grace Under Fire," and "The Jeff Foxworthy Show," to name a few.  He also had a guest role in one of my favorite episodes of "Walker, Texas Ranger," Season 4's "The Siege" (1996).

From THR:  American film and television actress, Judy Pace, has died at the age of 83, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.  After making her debut in William Castle's "13 Frightened Girls," Pace became the first Black female villain in the final season of ABC's prime time soap, "Peyton Place" (1968-69).  She became a mainstay of TV in the 1970s.  She appeared in such TV series, as "Good Times," "Sanford and Son," "Shaft," "That's My Mama," "What's Happening," "The Young Lawyers," and the TV movie, "Brian's Song" (1971).  Her films appearances include "The Fortune Cookie" (1966), "Three in the Attic" (1968), "Cotton Comes to Harlem" (1970), "Cool Breeze" (1972), and "Frogs" (1972), 

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OSCARS:

From Variety:  "Variety" offers its final Oscar winner predictions in every category at the 2026 / 98th Academy Awards.

From THR:  The nominations for the 2026 / 98th Academy Awards have been announced.  Director Ryan Coogler's Sinners leads with history-making 16 nominations, including for "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Coogler), and Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan).  The winners will be announced March 15, 2026.

From Truthout:  Directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, the 2025 documentary film, "The Alabama Solution," is one of five nominees in the category of "Best Documentary Feature."  The film chronicles the horrific conditions inside the state of Alabama's prisons.  The incarcerated men who produced footage for "The Alabama Solution" were abruptly transferred to solitary this month (January).

From TheGuardian:  Director Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" earned 16 Oscar nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, the most in the 98-year history of the awards.  The previous record is 14, held by "All About Eve" (1950), "Titanic" (1997), and "La La Land" (2016).

From Variety:  With her fifth Oscar nomination, for "Best Costume Designer" for "Sinners," Ruth E. Carter is now the most Oscar-nominated Black woman in the history of the Academy Awards.

From Truthout:  One of the five nominees for this year's "Best International Feature" Academy Award is "The Voice of Hind Rajab."  Representing the nation of Tunisia, the film is a mix of drama and documentary, and it tells the story of Hind Rajab, a five-year old girl who was killed January 29, 2024 by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza strip.

From YahooEntertainment:  At the age of 73, actor Delroy Lindo finally gets his first Oscar nomination - in the category of "Best Supporting Actor" for "Sinners."  The actor also talks about being "profoundly disappointed" by previous Academy snubs.

From EW:  Oscar-nominee Kirsten Dunst is not pleased that her husband, previous Oscar-nominee, Jesse Plemons, was not Oscar-nominated for his work in the recent acclaimed film, "Bugonia."

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Saturday, March 14, 2026

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 8th to 14th, 2026 - UPDATE #8

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like thisMOVIES PAGEand BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

DISNEY/PIXAR - From Newsweek:  Director Joseph Kahn, best known for his work in music videos, has publicly called out Disney after the company scrapped a Pixar movie that Kaha says reflects Disney's broader rollback of LGBTQ+ representation.  Kahn calls this shift the "De‑Gayification" of the studio.  The name of cancelled Pixar film is "BeFri."  Directed by Kristen Lester, this original film looks at the "platonic break-up" of two girls' longstanding friendship.  "BeFri" was three years into its development.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Arnold Schwarzenegger is returning for "King Conan," a new Conan the Barbarian movie.  It is in development at 20th Century Studios and has the "Mission: Impossible" franchise’s Christopher McQuarrie attached to write and direct, sources have confirmed to the movie news website, "Deadline."  Although representatives for 20th Century Studios declined to comment for Deadline, Schwarzenegger broke the news himself in an appearance at the "Arnold Sports Festival" in Columbus, Ohio this past weekend (March 5th-8th, 2026).

From SlashFilm:  In additions to a new Arnold Schwarzenegger Conan film ("King Conan"), there will supposedly be a new Schwarzenegger "Predator" film, the first since his starring role in the 1987 original.  There is also reportedly a script for "Commando 2," which be a sequel to the 1985 film, "Commando."

DISNEY - From Variety:  Disney has apparently confirmed that Kathryn Hahn will play "Mother Gothel" in its live-action remake of his hit animated film, "Tangled" (2010).

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Original "Rambo" actor, Sylvester Stallone, will be an executive producer on Lionsgate, Millenium Media, and AGBO' prequel film about the life of "John Rambo" before his original appearance in the 1982 movie classic, "First Blood."  Actor Noah Centineo has taken over as John Rambo, and Jalmari Helander ("Sisu") is directing the film which is currently filming in Bangkok, Thailand.

AWARDS - From Deadline:  The winners at the Writers Guild of America's 2026 / 78th annual WGA Awards have been announced.  Writer-director Ryan Coogler took the "Original Screenplay" for "Sinners," and Paul Thomas Anderson won "Adapted Screenplay" for "One Battle After Another." The link leads to an article with the WGA Awards complete winners list.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 3/6 to 3/8/2026 weekend box office is Disney/Pixar's "Hoppers" with an estimated take of 46 million dollars.

STAGE - From WorldofReelQuentin Tarantino has reportedly written a play.  It is described as a "classic British-style farce comedy, filled with slapstick chaos, awkward mishaps, and characters constantly mistaken for someone else."  Tarantino is eyeing a 2027 debut in London's West End, maybe even a late 2026 debut.

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OSCARS:

From Variety:  "Variety" offers its final Oscar winner predictions in every category at the 2026 / 98th Academy Awards.

From THR:  The nominations for the 2026 / 98th Academy Awards have been announced.  Director Ryan Coogler's Sinners leads with history-making 16 nominations, including for "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Coogler), and Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan).  The winners will be announced March 15, 2026.

From Truthout:  Directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, the 2025 documentary film, "The Alabama Solution," is one of five nominees in the category of "Best Documentary Feature."  The film chronicles the horrific conditions inside the state of Alabama's prisons.  The incarcerated men who produced footage for "The Alabama Solution" were abruptly transferred to solitary this month (January).

From TheGuardian:  Director Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" earned 16 Oscar nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, the most in the 98-year history of the awards.  The previous record is 14, held by "All About Eve" (1950), "Titanic" (1997), and "La La Land" (2016).

From Variety:  With her fifth Oscar nomination, for "Best Costume Designer" for "Sinners," Ruth E. Carter is now the most Oscar-nominated Black woman in the history of the Academy Awards.

From Truthout:  One of the five nominees for this year's "Best International Feature" Academy Award is "The Voice of Hind Rajab."  Representing the nation of Tunisia, the film is a mix of drama and documentary, and it tells the story of Hind Rajab, a five-year old girl who was killed January 29, 2024 by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza strip.

From YahooEntertainment:  At the age of 73, actor Delroy Lindo finally gets his first Oscar nomination - in the category of "Best Supporting Actor" for "Sinners."  The actor also talks about being "profoundly disappointed" by previous Academy snubs.

From EW:  Oscar-nominee Kirsten Dunst is not pleased that her husband, previous Oscar-nominee, Jesse Plemons, was not Oscar-nominated for his work in the recent acclaimed film, "Bugonia."

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Saturday, March 7, 2026

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 1st to 7th, 2026 - UPDATE #6

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like thisMOVIES PAGEand BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

HULU - From WorldofReel:  Ryan Coogler's reboot of "The X-Files" will begin shooting its pilot in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from May to June. The series is slated for Hulu.  The early seasons of the original, the former Fox sci-fi drama "The X-Files," was also shot in Vancouver.  Danielle Deadwyler is expected to co-lead the new series.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Director Andy Serkis' "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" starts production in May.  The film, which reunites much of the original cast of the LOTR films could be the first in a series...

NETFLIX - From WorldofReel:  Oscar-winner Denzel Washington will star in a biopic about the legendary general and statesman of the empire of Carthage, Hannibal.  Frequent Washington collaborator, Antoine Fuqua, will direct for Netflix.  Production is slated to begin in June 2026.

CELEBRITY - From Variety:  Actor Bruce Campbell, best known for his role in director Sam Raimi's "Evil Dead" films has announced that he has cancer that is "treatable," but not "curable."

AWARDS - From Variety:  The winners at the 2026 / 32nd Actor Awards have been announced.  "Sinners" won the night's top prize, "Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture."  The film's lead actor, Michael B. Jordan, also won "Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Lead Role."

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 1/27 to 3/1/2026 weekend box office is Paramount Pictures' "Scream 7" with an estimated gross of 64.1 million dollars.

IMAGE AWARDS - From Forbes:  Director Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" dominates at the 2026 / 57th Image Awards.  The film wins 13 awards, including "Outstanding Motion Picture" and "Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture" (Ryan Coogler).  Michael B. Jordan, who won "Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture" for "Sinners" also won "Entertainer of the Year."

--------------

OSCARS:

From THR:  The nominations for the 2026 / 98th Academy Awards have been announced.  Director Ryan Coogler's Sinners leads with history-making 16 nominations, including for "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Coogler), and Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan).  The winners will be announced March 15, 2026.

From Truthout:  Directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, the 2025 documentary film, "The Alabama Solution," is one of five nominees in the category of "Best Documentary Feature."  The film chronicles the horrific conditions inside the state of Alabama's prisons.  The incarcerated men who produced footage for "The Alabama Solution" were abruptly transferred to solitary this month (January).

From TheGuardian:  Director Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" earned 16 Oscar nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, the most in the 98-year history of the awards.  The previous record is 14, held by "All About Eve" (1950), "Titanic" (1997), and "La La Land" (2016).

From Variety:  With her fifth Oscar nomination, for "Best Costume Designer" for "Sinners," Ruth E. Carter is now the most Oscar-nominated Black woman in the history of the Academy Awards.

From Truthout:  One of the five nominees for this year's "Best International Feature" Academy Award is "The Voice of Hind Rajab."  Representing the nation of Tunisia, the film is a mix of drama and documentary, and it tells the story of Hind Rajab, a five-year old girl who was killed January 29, 2024 by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza strip.

From YahooEntertainment:  At the age of 73, actor Delroy Lindo finally gets his first Oscar nomination - in the category of "Best Supporting Actor" for "Sinners."  The actor also talks about being "profoundly disappointed" by previous Academy snubs.

From EW:  Oscar-nominee Kirsten Dunst is not pleased that her husband, previous Oscar-nominee, Jesse Plemons, was not Oscar-nominated for his work in the recent acclaimed film, "Bugonia."

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Saturday, February 28, 2026

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from February 22nd to 28th, 2026 - UPDATE #8

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like thisMOVIES PAGEand BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

CELEBRITY - From Reuters:  The actor and director, Bill Duke, known to some as "the Godfather of African-American Cinema," has received a star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame."  Duke's best known film roles include "Commando" (1985) and "Predator" (1987).  Duke also directed such films as "A Rage in Harlem" (1991), "Deep Cover" (1992), "The Cemetery Club" (1993), and "Hoodlum" (1997), to name a few.

NETFLIX - From THRNetflix has released a trailer for its upcoming four-part documentary miniseries, "Dynasty: The Murdochs." The series chronicles the rise of News Corp. founder, Rupert Murdoch.  It also looks at the feud between Rupert and his chosen heir, son Lachlan, and Rupert's three adult children: James, Elisabeth, and Prudence for control of News Corp, which includes Fox News.

MOVIES - From ThePlaylistChristian Bale has confirmed that he will star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Michael Mann's "Heat 2."

AWARDS - From Variety:  The winners at the 2026 / 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) have been announced.  "One Battle After Another" won six awards, including "Best Film" and "Best Director" (Paul Thomas Anderson).

From Deadline:  With its three wins on Sunday, Feb. 22nd at the 79th BAFTAs, "Sinners" becomes the most decorated film by a Black filmmaker in BAFTA history.  Writer-director Ryan Coogler also becomes the first Black person to win "Best Original Screenplay."
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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 2/20 to 2/22/2026 weekend box office is Sony Pictures' "GOAT" with an estimated take of 17 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Director Ryan Coogler and stars: Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku, and Delroy Lindo reveal the inside story of how they made history to "Deadline."

OBITS:

From RollingStone:  American singer, songwriter, pianist, and recording artist, Neil Sedaka, has died at the age of 86, Friday, February 27, 2028. Sedaka was best known for his hit pop songs over a period from the late 1950s into the 1970s. Those songs include "Calendar Girl" (1960), "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" (1962), and "Bad Blood" (1975), to name a few.  Sedaka received five Grammy Award nominations for his work.

From Deadline:  Film and television actor, Robert Carradine, has died at the age of 71, Monday, February 23, 2026, apparently by suicide after a long battle with bipolar disorder.  Carradine is best known for the role of "Lewis Skolnick" in the "Revenge of the Nerds" films and as "Sam McGuire" in the former Disney Channel TV series, "Lizzie McGuire."  Early appearances include the TV series, "Bonanza" and also "Kung Fu," which starred his brother, the late David Carradine (1936-2009).  Robert's film debut was the classic John Wayne Western, "The Cowboys."

----------------

OSCARS:

From THR:  The nominations for the 2026 / 98th Academy Awards have been announced.  Director Ryan Coogler's Sinners leads with history-making 16 nominations, including for "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Coogler), and Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan).  The winners will be announced March 15, 2026.

From Truthout:  Directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, the 2025 documentary film, "The Alabama Solution," is one of five nominees in the category of "Best Documentary Feature."  The film chronicles the horrific conditions inside the state of Alabama's prisons.  The incarcerated men who produced footage for "The Alabama Solution" were abruptly transferred to solitary this month (January).

From TheGuardian:  Director Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" earned 16 Oscar nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, the most in the 98-year history of the awards.  The previous record is 14, held by "All About Eve" (1950), "Titanic" (1997), and "La La Land" (2016).

From Variety:  With her fifth Oscar nomination, for "Best Costume Designer" for "Sinners," Ruth E. Carter is now the most Oscar-nominated Black woman in the history of the Academy Awards.

From Truthout:  One of the five nominees for this year's "Best International Feature" Academy Award is "The Voice of Hind Rajab."  Representing the nation of Tunisia, the film is a mix of drama and documentary, and it tells the story of Hind Rajab, a five-year old girl who was killed January 29, 2024 by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza strip.

From YahooEntertainment:  At the age of 73, actor Delroy Lindo finally gets his first Oscar nomination - in the category of "Best Supporting Actor" for "Sinners."  The actor also talks about being "profoundly disappointed" by previous Academy snubs.

From EW:  Oscar-nominee Kirsten Dunst is not pleased that her husband, previous Oscar-nominee, Jesse Plemons, was not Oscar-nominated for his work in the recent acclaimed film, "Bugonia."

-------------

DON LEMON, TIMOTHY BUSFIELD & OTHER SCANDALS:

From NBCNews:  A grand jury in New Mexico indicted Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield on child sex abuse charges, officials said Friday.  Busfield was indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child, the Bernalillo County District Attorney's office said in a press release.  Busfield two young boys on the set of the former Fox series, "The Cleaning Lady," between November 2022 and spring 2024.

From EW:  Sculptor, actor, and "Home Alone" star, Daniel Stern's legal troubles are over.  He was facing one misdemeanor charge of engaging or agreeing to engage in prostitution from an event that allegedly took place in January 2026 in Camarillo, CA.  The charge has been dismissed after Stern, a first-time offender, entered a diversion program.

From APNews:  The Associated Press lets you know "What to know about the civil rights charges Don Lemon faces for covering church protest in Minnesota"  Lemon, the former CNN anchor, is among nine people, including another journalist (Georgia Fort), have been charged with violating two different federal laws in connection with the protest that interrupted a worship service at the "Cities Church" in St. Paul.

From AlbuquerqueJournal:  A judge has ordered director and Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield released from jail as he awaits trial on child sex abuse charges.

From CBS:  Director and Emmy-winning actor, Timothy Busfield (Thirtysomething), surrendered to New Mexico authorities in answer to an arrest warrant for child sex abuse charges.  The complaint involves twin brothers who claim that Busfield molested them on the set on the former Fox suspense drama, "The Cleaning Lady," for which Busfield was a series director.

From NBCNews:  Already facing charges related to claims that he molested twin brothers on the set of a TV series where he was a director, Emmy-winner Timothy Busfield is also facing accusations that he kissed and inappropriately touch a 16-year-old girl years ago.

From THR:   In the wake of his arrest on child sex abuse charges, Timothy Busfield finds himself without a talent agency  The Santa Monica-based agency, "Innovative Artists," has ceased working actor and director.

From Deadline:   Daniel Stern ("Home Alone") is no longer part of ABC‘s comedy pilot, "Do You Want Kids?," which is set to star Rachel Bloom and Rory Scovel.  ABC and the producing studio, 20th Television, will be recasting the series-regular role that Stern was supposed to play.  Stern was recently arrested on a misdemeanor charge of soliciting a prostitute.

-----------------------


Saturday, February 21, 2026

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from February 15th to 21st, 2026 - UPDATE #9

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like thisMOVIES PAGEand BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

MOVIES - WorldofReel:  As Warner Bros./New Line preps for the upcoming release of "Evil Dead Burn," the third film in their "Evil Dead" reboot series, they are already about to begin production on a fourth film, "Evil Dead Wrath."

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Is the notorious Vincent Gallo ("Buffalo '66") the director and co-star of the upcoming film, "Golden State Killer?"  James Franco has the lead role, and Lionsgate is set to distribute the film... maybe this year (2026).

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner at the 2/13 to 2/15/2026 weekend box office is Warner Bros. Pictures' "Wuthering Heights" with an estimated take of 34.8 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Variety:  “Josephine,” a psychological thriller starring Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan, and newcomer Mason Reeves, has been acquired for U.S. distribution by Sumerian Pictures in a seven-figure deal.

OBITS:

From Variety:  Actor Eric Dane has died at the age of 53, Thursday, February 19, 2026.  Dane died after a battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as "Lou Gehrig's disease."  He was best known for his roles in such television series as ABC's medical drama, "Grey's Anatomy," TNT's former action drama, "The Last Ship," and HBO's teen drama, "Euphoria."

From NBCNews:  Ordained Baptist minister, American civil rights activist, and politician, Reverend Jesse Jackson, has died at the age of 84, Tuesday, February 17, 2026.  Eventually known for his booming oratory and populist message, Jackson began as a young protege of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King during the Civil Rights Movement.  Jackson would eventually run for President of the United States twice (1984, 1988).  From 1992 to 2000, he hosted the CNN political television series, "Both Sides with Jessie Jackson."  Jackson was one of the most influential American and African-American activists of the 20th and 21st century.  In August 2000, President Clinton awarded Jackson the "Presidential Medal of Freedom."

From CNN:  Luminaries and public figures offer tributes to Rev. Jesse Jackson on his passing.  Statements come from President Barack Obama, Rep. James Clyburn, and Rev. Al Sharpton, among others.

---------------------------------

From Variety:  American film and television actor, Robert Duvall, has died at the age of 95, Monday, February 16, 2026.  His long and storied career began with the role of "Boo Radley" in "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962).  Duvall won the "Best Actor" Oscar for "Tender Mercies" (1983).  He also received Oscar nominations for his roles in "The Godfather" (1972), Apocalypse Now" (1979), "The Great Santini" (1981), "The Apostle" (1997), "A Civil Action" (1998), and "The Judge" (2014).  Duvall's career began in television, and he won a Primetime Emmy for his role in the 2006 Western miniseries, "Broken Trail" (2006-AMC).  However, his best known work in television may be the four-part, epic Western miniseries, "Lonesome Dove" (1989, CBS).

From Deadline:  Remembering Robert Duvall, a career in photos

From Deadline:  Film and television actor, Tom Noonan, has died at the age of 74, Saturday, February 14, 2026.  Noonan's best known film performances include "Francis Dollarhyde" in "Manhunter" (1986), "Frankenstein's monster" in "The Monster Squad" (1987), and drug kingpin, "Cain," in "RoboCop 2" (1990), among others.  His top TV performances includes Reverend Nathaniel in "Hell on Wheels" (AMC, 2011-14) and "the Pallid Man" in "12 Monkeys" (Syfy, 2015-18).

--------------------------------------------------

OSCARS:

From THR:  The nominations for the 2026 / 98th Academy Awards have been announced.  Director Ryan Coogler's Sinners leads with history-making 16 nominations, including for "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Coogler), and Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan).  The winners will be announced March 15, 2026.

From Truthout:  Directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, the 2025 documentary film, "The Alabama Solution," is one of five nominees in the category of "Best Documentary Feature."  The film chronicles the horrific conditions inside the state of Alabama's prisons.  The incarcerated men who produced footage for "The Alabama Solution" were abruptly transferred to solitary this month (January).

From TheGuardian:  Director Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" earned 16 Oscar nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, the most in the 98-year history of the awards.  The previous record is 14, held by "All About Eve" (1950), "Titanic" (1997), and "La La Land" (2016).

From Variety:  With her fifth Oscar nomination, for "Best Costume Designer" for "Sinners," Ruth E. Carter is now the most Oscar-nominated Black woman in the history of the Academy Awards.

From Truthout:  One of the five nominees for this year's "Best International Feature" Academy Award is "The Voice of Hind Rajab."  Representing the nation of Tunisia, the film is a mix of drama and documentary, and it tells the story of Hind Rajab, a five-year old girl who was killed January 29, 2024 by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza strip.

From YahooEntertainment:  At the age of 73, actor Delroy Lindo finally gets his first Oscar nomination - in the category of "Best Supporting Actor" for "Sinners."  The actor also talks about being "profoundly disappointed" by previous Academy snubs.

From EW:  Oscar-nominee Kirsten Dunst is not pleased that her husband, previous Oscar-nominee, Jesse Plemons, was not Oscar-nominated for his work in the recent acclaimed film, "Bugonia."

-------------

DON LEMON, TIMOTHY BUSFIELD & OTHER SCANDALS:

From NBCNews:  A grand jury in New Mexico indicted Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield on child sex abuse charges, officials said Friday.  Busfield was indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child, the Bernalillo County District Attorney's office said in a press release.  Busfield two young boys on the set of the former Fox series, "The Cleaning Lady," between November 2022 and spring 2024.

From EW:  Sculptor, actor, and "Home Alone" star, Daniel Stern's legal troubles are over.  He was facing one misdemeanor charge of engaging or agreeing to engage in prostitution from an event that allegedly took place in January 2026 in Camarillo, CA.  The charge has been dismissed after Stern, a first-time offender, entered a diversion program.

From APNews:  The Associated Press lets you know "What to know about the civil rights charges Don Lemon faces for covering church protest in Minnesota"  Lemon, the former CNN anchor, is among nine people, including another journalist (Georgia Fort), have been charged with violating two different federal laws in connection with the protest that interrupted a worship service at the "Cities Church" in St. Paul.

From AlbuquerqueJournal:  A judge has ordered director and Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield released from jail as he awaits trial on child sex abuse charges.

From CBS:  Director and Emmy-winning actor, Timothy Busfield (Thirtysomething), surrendered to New Mexico authorities in answer to an arrest warrant for child sex abuse charges.  The complaint involves twin brothers who claim that Busfield molested them on the set on the former Fox suspense drama, "The Cleaning Lady," for which Busfield was a series director.

From NBCNews:  Already facing charges related to claims that he molested twin brothers on the set of a TV series where he was a director, Emmy-winner Timothy Busfield is also facing accusations that he kissed and inappropriately touch a 16-year-old girl years ago.

From THR:   In the wake of his arrest on child sex abuse charges, Timothy Busfield finds himself without a talent agency  The Santa Monica-based agency, "Innovative Artists," has ceased working actor and director.

From Deadline:   Daniel Stern ("Home Alone") is no longer part of ABC‘s comedy pilot, "Do You Want Kids?," which is set to star Rachel Bloom and Rory Scovel.  ABC and the producing studio, 20th Television, will be recasting the series-regular role that Stern was supposed to play.  Stern was recently arrested on a misdemeanor charge of soliciting a prostitute.

-----------------------

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from February 8th to 14th, 2026 - UPDATE #9

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Director John Woo's next film is "Gambino," about NYC's notorious crime boos, Carlo Gambino.  The 40-million dollar epic will star Nicolas Cage as Gambino, and will begin shooting this summer. 

TELEVISION - From DeadlineDavid Boreanaz has landed the role of "James Rockford" in the pilot for NBC's reboot of its former detective drama, "The Rockford Files" (1974-80), which originally starred the late James Garner as Rockford.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Oscar-winners Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz will return for "The Mummy 4," which is due May 2028.

From WorldofReel:  Director Steven Spielberg and actor Bradley Cooper's "Bullitt" reboot film is not happening.  The project, a planned reboot of director Peter Yates's film of the same name starring Steve McQueen, was first announced in 2022.

NFL - From ESPN:  The Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 to win Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8, 2026.  This is the Seahawks second Super Bowl victory.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 2/6 to 2/8/2026 weekend box office is 20th Century Studios' "Send Help" with an estimated 10 million dollars.

AWARDS - From Variety:  The Directors Guild of America has announced the winners at the 2026 / 78th DGA Awards.  In the top category, "Theatrical Feature Film," the winner is Paul Thomas Anderson for "One Battle After Another."

OBITS:

From Deadline:  Film and television actor, James Van Der Beek, has died at the age of 48, Wednesday, February 11, 2026.  Van Der Beek's best known TV role was in The WB's beloved former teen drama, "Dawson's Creek" (1998-2003).  His best known film roles include the hit sports film, "Varsity Blues" (1999), and the cult black comedy-drama, "The Rules of Attraction" (2002).

From Deadline:   James Van Der Beek‘s friends have launched a GoFundMe to financially support his wife and kids after the actor died Wednesday, February 11th at the age of 48. He’d been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023, which the fundraiser says put significant financial strain on the family. By Wednesday evening, donations crossed the $1M mark.

-------------------

From Deadline:  Film and television actor and voice performer, Bud Cort, has died at the age of 77, Wednesday, February 11, 2026.  Cort is known for the many unorthodox characters he played.  He is best known for the role of the death-obsessed young man, "Harold" who falls in love with the Holocaust survivor, "Maude," in director Hal Ashby's "Harold and Maude" (1971).  Cort was nominated for both a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award.  He also appeared in the Robert Altman films, "M*A*S*H" (1970) and "Brewster McCloud" (1970).  Cort also performed voices in such animated television series, "Batman: The Animated Series," "Superman: The Animated Series," "Static Shock," and "Justice League Unlimited."

-----------

OSCARS:

From THR:  The nominations for the 2026 / 98th Academy Awards have been announced.  Director Ryan Coogler's Sinners leads with history-making 16 nominations, including for "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Coogler), and Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan).  The winners will be announced March 15, 2026.

From Truthout:  Directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, the 2025 documentary film, "The Alabama Solution," is one of five nominees in the category of "Best Documentary Feature."  The film chronicles the horrific conditions inside the state of Alabama's prisons.  The incarcerated men who produced footage for "The Alabama Solution" were abruptly transferred to solitary this month (January).

From TheGuardian:  Director Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" earned 16 Oscar nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, the most in the 98-year history of the awards.  The previous record is 14, held by "All About Eve" (1950), "Titanic" (1997), and "La La Land" (2016).

From Variety:  With her fifth Oscar nomination, for "Best Costume Designer" for "Sinners," Ruth E. Carter is now the most Oscar-nominated Black woman in the history of the Academy Awards.

From Truthout:  One of the five nominees for this year's "Best International Feature" Academy Award is "The Voice of Hind Rajab."  Representing the nation of Tunisia, the film is a mix of drama and documentary, and it tells the story of Hind Rajab, a five-year old girl who was killed January 29, 2024 by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza strip.

From YahooEntertainment:  At the age of 73, actor Delroy Lindo finally gets his first Oscar nomination - in the category of "Best Supporting Actor" for "Sinners."  The actor also talks about being "profoundly disappointed" by previous Academy snubs.

From EW:  Oscar-nominee Kirsten Dunst is not pleased that her husband, previous Oscar-nominee, Jesse Plemons, was not Oscar-nominated for his work in the recent acclaimed film, "Bugonia."

-------------

DON LEMON, TIMOTHY BUSFIELD & OTHER SCANDALS:

From NBCNews:  A grand jury in New Mexico indicted Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield on child sex abuse charges, officials said Friday.  Busfield was indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child, the Bernalillo County District Attorney's office said in a press release.  Busfield two young boys on the set of the former Fox series, "The Cleaning Lady," between November 2022 and spring 2024.

From EW:  Sculptor, actor, and "Home Alone" star, Daniel Stern's legal troubles are over.  He was facing one misdemeanor charge of engaging or agreeing to engage in prostitution from an event that allegedly took place in January 2026 in Camarillo, CA.  The charge has been dismissed after Stern, a first-time offender, entered a diversion program.

From APNews:  The Associated Press lets you know "What to know about the civil rights charges Don Lemon faces for covering church protest in Minnesota"  Lemon, the former CNN anchor, is among nine people, including another journalist (Georgia Fort), have been charged with violating two different federal laws in connection with the protest that interrupted a worship service at the "Cities Church" in St. Paul.

From AlbuquerqueJournal:  A judge has ordered director and Emmy-winning actor Timothy Busfield released from jail as he awaits trial on child sex abuse charges.

From CBS:  Director and Emmy-winning actor, Timothy Busfield (Thirtysomething), surrendered to New Mexico authorities in answer to an arrest warrant for child sex abuse charges.  The complaint involves twin brothers who claim that Busfield molested them on the set on the former Fox suspense drama, "The Cleaning Lady," for which Busfield was a series director.

From NBCNews:  Already facing charges related to claims that he molested twin brothers on the set of a TV series where he was a director, Emmy-winner Timothy Busfield is also facing accusations that he kissed and inappropriately touch a 16-year-old girl years ago.

From THR:   In the wake of his arrest on child sex abuse charges, Timothy Busfield finds himself without a talent agency  The Santa Monica-based agency, "Innovative Artists," has ceased working actor and director.

From Deadline:   Daniel Stern ("Home Alone") is no longer part of ABC‘s comedy pilot, "Do You Want Kids?," which is set to star Rachel Bloom and Rory Scovel.  ABC and the producing studio, 20th Television, will be recasting the series-regular role that Stern was supposed to play.  Stern was recently arrested on a misdemeanor charge of soliciting a prostitute.

-----------------------