Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 1st to 7th, 2025 - UPDATE #4

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).

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NEWS:

CELEBRITY - From Variety:  Michael B. Jordan says that Denzel Washington warning him that overexposure hurts movie stars in reference to being on social media all the time.

DISNEY - From Variety:  Disney's latest round of layoffs involving such departments as film and TV marketing, casting and development, and its corporate financial operations.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 5/30 to 6/1/2025 weekend box office is Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" with an estimated take of 63 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Variety: During an interview for his new film, "Karate Kid: Legends," Jackie Chan talks about the "Rush Hour" film trilogy, in which he starred with Chris Tucker. He talks about which film was his favorite and which is his least favorite.

OBIT:

From Variety:  American actor and voice performer, Jonathan Joss, has died at the age of 59, Sunday, June 1, 2025.  Jonathan was shot to death near his home during an argument.  Joss was best known for providing the voice of the character "John Redcorn" on the former Fox Network animated television series, "King of the Hill" from Season 2 through Season 13 (1998-2009). Joss replaced the original voice of John Redcorn, "Victor Aaron," who died as the result of a car crash.  Joss also had recurring roles on such TV series as "Parks and Recreation," "Ray Donovan," and "Tulsa King."  Joss also appeared in two "Lonesome Dove" related miniseries, "Dead Man's Walk" (ABC, 1996) and "Comanche Moon" (CBS, 2008).

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 25th to 31st, 2025 - UPDATE #15

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:

NETFLIX - From Variety:  Netflix sets November 26, 2025 for the arrival of "Stranger Things" Season 5.

MUSIC - From APNews:  Grammy-winning recording artist, Taylor Swift, has bought back the rights to and control of her first six studio albums from the private equity firm, "Shamrock Capital," which has purchased them from their original record label, "Big Machine Records."

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Director Colin Trevorrow ("Jurassic World") and producer Ryan Reynolds team up with Paramount Pictures for a conspiracy about "Area 51," the infamous and highly-classified United States Air Force facility that has become part of UFO folklore.

BROADWAY - From Deadline:  According to the "Broadway League," tickets sales for the 2024-25 season set an all-times record of 1.89 billion dollars, surpassing 2018-19's 1.82 billion dollars.

HARRY POTTER - From THR:  HBO’s "Harry Potter" television series has found its Harry, Ron and Hermione. The trio of Hogwarts freshmen are newcomers to Hollywood.  Dominic McLaughlin will play "Harry Potter."  Arabella Stanton is "Hermione Granger."  Alastair Stout is "Ron Weasley."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Marvel and DC Comics will each publish a one-shot comic book featuring a crossover between "Deadpool" and "Batman." Marvel's one shot, "Deadpool/Batman," which will arrive Sept 17th, 2025, will including contributions from a number of star comic book creators, including sometimes comics creator, film director Kevin Smith.  DC Comics' "Batman/Deadpool," which is due next year, will be produced by writer Grant Morrison and artist Dan Mora.

From ComicsBulletin:  Writer Mark Millar and artist John Romita, Jr. created the comic book, "Kick-Ass," which became a movie franchise and spawned merchandising. Their latest comic book project is "Psychic Sam," which just launched on "Kickstarter."

BOX OFFICE - From THR:  The winner of the four-day Memorial Day holiday weekend (5/23 to 5/26/2025) is Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" with an estimated take of 183 million dollars, a new record.  The previous record holder was "Tom Gun: Maverick" at 160 million dollars.

From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the three-day (5/23 to 5/25/2025) Memorial Day weekend is Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" with an estimated take of 145.5 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Michael Douglas will be celebrated with a lifetime achievement award by Italy’s "Taormina Film Festival."  On June 10th, the festival is also going to screen a restored copy of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” the film for which Douglas shared a "Best Picture" Oscar win with producer Saul Zaentz.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Zachary Levi discusses the next steps in his acting career, which includes raising capital to build a 100-million dollar movie studio in Austin, Texas.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American stage and television actress, Loretta Swit, has died at the age of 87, Friday, May 30, 2025.  Swit is best known for the roll of "Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan" on the former CBS sitcom, "M*A*S*H" (1972-83).  Swit and fellow cast member, Alan Alda ("Benjamin 'Hawkeye' Pierce") were the only cast members to appear in the pilot episode of the series and the series finale.  Swit appeared in almost all of the series' episodes.  For playing "Hot Lips," Swit was nominated for 10 Primetime Emmy Awards, and won "Outstand Supporting Actress in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series" twice.  From 1973 to 1979, Swit appeared in multiple episodes as a panelist on the game shows, "Pyramid" (CBS) and "Match Game" (NBC).

From Deadline:  American actor and stunt performer, Ed Gale, has died at the age of 61, Tuesday, May 27, 2025.  Born with "dwarfism," Gale is best known for playing the physical role of the killer doll, "Chucky," in the film's "Child's Play" (1988), "Child's Play 2" (1990), and "Bride of Chucky" (1998). Actor Brad Dourif provided Chucky's speaking voice.  

From Variety:  American martial artists and film and television actor, Peter Kwong, has died at the age of 73, May 27, 2025.  Kwong was best known for the role of the elemental master, "Rain," one of the "Three Storms" in John Carpenter's 1986 action-fantasy film, "Big Trouble in Little China." He also had roles in such films as "The Golden Child" (1986), and "The Presidio" (1988).  This TV roles included appearances in "JAG," "My Wife and Kids," and "The Wayans Bros." Kwong was also active in film industry politics and in actor's union activism, including being a member of the SAG National Board of Directors for a decade.

From Deadline:  South African actor, Presley Chweneyagae, has died at the age of 40, Tuesday, May 27, 2025.  Presley was best known for playing the lead role of "David" in director Gavin Hood's 2005 film, Tsotsi, which was the "Best Foreign Language Film" Oscar at the 78th Academy Awards (2006).

From Deadline:  Algerian film director and screenwriter, Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, has died at the age of 91, Friday, May 23, 2025.  Lakhdar-Hamina for his film, "Chronicles of the Years of Fire," which won the "Palme d'Or" at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival.  It was the first Arab and African film to win the honor, and it remains the only film from the African continent to win the "Palme d'Or."

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 18th to 24th, 2025 - 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:

CANNES 2025:

From Variety:  Iranian director, Jafar Panahi, won the top prize at the 2025 / 78th Cannes Film Festival, the "Palme d'Or," for his film, "It Was Just an Accident."  This is the sixth consecutive year that U.S. distributor, Neon, has the distribution rights to the "Palme d'Or" winner.

From Deadline:  Oscar-winner Denzel Washington arrived at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 for the premiere of his collaboration with director, Spike Lee, the upcoming film, "Highest 2 Lowest."  There, he was surprised with an "Honorary Palme d'Or."

MOVIES - From Deadline:  There are updates on the third "Downton Abbey" feature film.

STREAMING - From Deadline:  Prime Video will not be renewing its fantasy series, "The Wheel of Time" for a fourth season. This announcement comes over a month after the Season 3 finale debuted April 17th, 2025.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Andrew Koji, Jason Momoa, Noah Centineo, and Roman Reigns are in talks to star in Legendary Entertainment’s live-action "Street Fighter" movie, based on the Capcom video games, sources tell Deadline.  There have been three previous live-action "Street Fighter" films, including the infamous 1994 movie starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:   Shemar Moore addressed the fact that he is the only actor from CBS' recently ended series, "S.W.A.T." (2017-25), that will be moving over to the new series, "S.W.A.T. Exiles." Moore says, "I'm the quarterback."

SCANDAL -  From Deadline: Stunt performer, Casey Michaels, was working on the final season of "Game of Thrones" when she shattered her left ankle performing a stunt she argues was not designed competently by the coordinators on-set.  Her career ended, Michaels sued HBO, claiming she had been robbed of a promising career.  HBO eventually paid her $9.3 million, including legal costs, as part of a settlement in 2023, with the company’s lawyers apologizing. Michaels has given an interview to "Deadline" because she believes her experience exposes everything that’s wrong with her profession.

DISNEY/ANIMATION - From ComicBook:  The Cartoon Network's former animated series, "The Amazing World of Gumball," is returning in a new animated series, "The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball."  It will debut on Disney+ and Hulu later this year and on Cartoon Network internationally.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 5/16 to 5/18/2025 weekend box office is Warner Bros./New Line Cinema's "Final Destination: Bloodlines" with an estimated take of 51 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  A new Tom Cruise project with director Doug Liman and costar Ana De Armas looks to be pricey.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American television producer and director, Jeff Margolis, has died at the age of 78, Friday, May 23, 2025.  He was a prolific producer and/or director of numerous award shows, live events, specials, and variety show.  His career as a TV director began in the mid-70s and including directing two episodes of the former CBS variety series, "Tony Orlando and Dawn."  Margolis was nominated for eight "Primetime Emmy Awards," and won twice: "Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special" for "Sammy Davis, Jr. 60th Anniversary Celebration" and "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Directing for a Music or Variety Program" for "The 67th Annual Academy Awards."

From Deadline:  American film and television actor, George Wendt, has died at the age of 76, Tuesday, May 20, 2025.  Wendt was best known for the role of "Norm Peterson" on the former NBC sitcom, "Cheers" (1982-93).  He was nominated six times in the Primetime Emmy Awards category, "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series."  Wendt's passing reportedly coincides with the 32nd anniversary of the "Cheers" finale episode.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 11th to 17th, 2025 - 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:

CANNES 2025 (May 13th to the 24th, 2025):

From Variety:  Kristen Stewart gets a standing ovation after the screening of her directorial debut, "The Chronology of Water, " starring Imogen Poots.

From Variety:  Oscar-winner, Halle Berry, a member of the Cannes 2025 jury spoke at the jury press conference. She addressed James Bond and her character, "Jinx," from the 2002 Bond film, "Die Another Day."  Berry said a spinoff movie featuring Jinx should have happened already.

From Variety:  Tom Cruise is telling the story of how his sister, Cass, forced him to meet actor Dustin Hoffman, which led to the two stars making the 1988 Oscar-winning film, "Rain Man."  Cruise's latest film, "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" will debut at Cannes 2025.

From Variety:  Director Eli Roth's upcoming film, "Ice Cream Man," which he calls his "most terrifying and insane" film yet, is now fully financed. The film will be looking for buyers at Cannes 2025.

From Variety:  Two-time Oscar-winner, Kevin Spacey, is continuing to try to rebuild his career, which was broken by several accusations of sexual harassment and sexual abuse.  Spacey has joined the cast of director Matt Routledge's "The Awakening."  The film will be looking for buyers at Cannes 2025 (May 13th to the 24th, 2025).

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NETFLIX - From THR:  Robert Pattison will join Denzel Washington and Daisy Edgar-Jones in director Fernando Meirelles heist movie, "Here Comes the Flood." The script is written by Simon Kinberg.

STREAMING - From Deadline:  After two years under the name of simply, "Max," the streaming service will return to its original launch name, "HBO Max," sometimes this summer.

TELEVISION - From Variety:  NBC has given a series order to "The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins," starring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe.  Some of Morgan's "30 Rock" alum are also involved in the series.

TELEVISION/SPORTS - From YahooSports:  Michael Jordan, a six-time NBA champion  and a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, will join NBC Sports’ coverage of the NBA as a special contributor in October 2025, when the NBA returns to NBC and makes its Peacock debut.  Jordan won his six titles with the Chicago Bulls.

STREAMING - From Variety:  Peacock has just released a first look image at his upcoming Fall 2025 series, "The Paper," a spinoff of NBC's former sitcom, "The Office."  The mockumentary sitcom and workplace comedy takes a look at a dying Midwestern newspaper and its staff of volunteer reporters.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 5/9 to 5/11/2025 weekend box office is Disney/Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts with an estimated take of 33.1 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Oscar-winner Mikey Madison ("Anora") will co-star with Kirsten Dunst in “Reptilia.” The thriller tells the story of a dental hygienist who is seduced by a mysterious mermaid into the dark and wet underworld of Florida’s exotic animal trade.  Alejandro Landes Echavarria will direct from a script he co-wrote.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American actor, Jon Don Baker, has died at the age of 89, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.  Baker was known as "tough guy" character actor.  His most famous role was that of real-life Tennessee Sheriff Buford Pusser in the 1973 film, "Walking Tall."  Baker also appeared in three James Bond films, "The Living Daylights" (1987), "Goldeneye" (1995), and "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1999).

From Deadline:  American screenwriter and director, Robert Benton, has died at the age of 92, Sunday, May 11, 2025.  Benton won the "Best Director" and "Best Adapted Screenplay" Oscars for his work on the 1979 divorce/child custody drama, "Kramer vs. Kramer."  He would later win another Academy Award, this time for "Best Original Screenplay" for his film, "Places in the Heart" (1984).  He also received four other Oscar nominations.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 1st to 10th, 2025 - UPDATE #12

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:

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  Fox Entertainment has tapped actor Josh Charles as the star of "Best Medicine," its remake of the popular British television series, "Doc Martin."

From Variety:  NBC has cancelled its new legal drama, "Suits LA," the second spinoff of the former USA Network legal drama, "Suits" (2011-19).

RELIGION - From CNN:  69-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, Illinois has been elected the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. Cardinal Prevost has taken the name "Pope Leo XIV."  He is the first pope from the United States.

POLITICS - From Variety:  Actor Jon Voight talks in broad terms about the plan he is spearheading with President Donald Trump to "save Hollywood."

NETFLIX - From YahooEndgadget:  Netflix is undergoing its first major redesign in a major overhaul of its television interface.

APPLE - From Variety:  Spike Lee has released the first trailer for his A24 and Apple-backed crime thriller, “Highest 2 Lowest.”  The film stars Denzel Washington, A$AP Rocky, Jeffrey Wright, and more.  The movie will be released in theaters August 22, 2025 and then, stream on Apple TV+ starting September 5, 2025.  “Highest 2 Lowest” is loosely based on Akira Kurosawa’s film, “High and Low” (1963).  Both films are reinterpretations of Ed McBain’s 1959 mystery novel “King’s Ransom” (which was part of his "87th Precinct" series).

BOX OFFICE - BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 5/2 to 5/4/2025 weekend box office is Disney/Marvel Studios' "Thunderbolts*" with an estimated take of 76 million dollars.

From Deadline:  The advanced ticket sales for Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" film, which is set for a May 23rd release, seem to be quite high.

TELEVISON - From THR:  Queen Latifah responds to the recent announcement that it was cancelling her CBS action series, "The Equalizer," after five seasons by teasing her next project.  The last episode of the series is scheduled to air tonight, Sunday, May 4th, 2025.

From Deadline:  The Comcast-owned NBCUniversal recently went through two major changes.  First, there is "SpinCo," the new spinoff standalone company that will house cable networks such as E!, Syfy, Oxygen and USA Network.  Then, there is the restructure that saw new roles for top executives including Pearlena Igbokwe and Frances Berwick.  Now, news site "Deadline" is reporting that NBCUniversal is now starting a process of layoffs tied to these moves. 

OBITS:

From CartoonBrew:  American animator and musician, Jim Smith, has died at the age of 70, Friday, May 2, 2025.  Smith is best known for co-founding the American animation studio, "Spumco," with John Kricfalusi, Bob Camp, and Lynne Naylor.  His best known work was on such animated television series as "Tiny Toon Adventures," "The Ren & Stimpy Show," and "Samurai Jack."

From Deadline:  The American actor, Charley Scalies, has died at the age of 84, Thursday, May 1, 2025.  Scalies was best known for his character roles on such television series as "Homicide: Life on the Streets" and "The Wire."

From Variety:  American actor, comedian, and voice performer, Ruth Buzzi, has died at the age of 88, Thursday, May 1, 2025.  Buzzi is best known for her work on the former NBC sketch comedy series, "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" (1968-73).  Buzzi also had a long stint on PBS' "Sesame Street" (1993-2008).  As a voice actor, Buzzi has roles on such animated series as "Pound Puppies," "Darkwing Duck," and "Cro," to name a few.  Buzzi received five Primetime Emmy nominations for her work on "Laugh-In."

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 20th to 30th, 2025 - UPDATE #17

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:

STREAMING - From Deadline:  Lionsgate’s "50 Cent Action," the FAST (which means "free ad-supported streaming television") channel curated by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, has become the #1 action channel on both The Roku Channel and LG Channels.  "50 Cent Action" first debuted with an exclusive launch on Roku, where it quickly became the most-watched action channel on The Roku Channel in the first quarter of the year. Its recent rollout on LG Channels has already achieved the same milestone—cementing the channel’s appeal and momentum across the FAST space.

MOVIES - From Variety:  "Back to the Future" screenwriter Bob Gale says that there will never be another prequel, sequel, spinoff, or TV adaptation of the beloved 1985 film. Apparently, Steven Spielberg would have to sign off on it, and he reportedly won't.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Universal Pictures has set Joseph Kosinski to direct its latest attempt at a film based on the 1980s police drama, "Miami Vice."  The last time was the 2006 film starring Colin Farrel and Jamie Foxx.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 4/25 to 4/27/2025 weekend box office is Warner Bros. Pictures' Sinners with an estimated take of 45 million dollars.

From Variety:  Legendary bluesman, Buddy Guy, speaks on his buzzy movie role in Warner Bros. Pictures' and director Ryan Coogler's hit film, "Sinners." Guys says "it's a dream come true; to be honest… I did it to help the blues."

SPORTS/NBA/BLM - From NBA:  The National Basketball Association celebrates the 75th anniversary of its first three Black players:  Chuck Cooper, Earl Lloyd, and Nathaniel Clifton.  Cooper, out of Duquesne, was drafted in the second round of the 1950 NBA Draft (April 25th) by the Boston Celtics, becoming the first Black player drafted in the league

STREAMING - From Deadline:  Apple will begin filming a sequel to Tom Hank's World War II action film, "Greyhound" (2020), in early 2026.

SCANDAL - From THR:  What's life behind bars like for former studio boss and mogul, Harvey Weinstein? He's still running things?

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Director Michael Bay will united with actress Sydney Sweeney on a film adaptation of Sega's arcade videogame, "OutRun."  The film is from Universal, and so far, Sweeney is only on board to produce.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 4/18 to 1/20/2025 Easter weekend box office is Warner Bros. Pictures' Sinners with an estimated take of 45.6 million dollars.

From Variety:  "Variety" decided to throw ice water on the box office success of Ryan Coogler's film, Sinners, which was the #1 film at the North American box office this past Easter weekend. [I say to "Variety": "Shoo, fly, shoo!"]

From Deadline:  The final weekend box office numbers show a 48 million dollar debut for Ryan Coogler's blues-infused Southern vampire potboiler, "Sinners."

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Oscar-winner Jeff Bridges says that both he and co-star Julianne Moore are up for a sequel to the Coen Bros.'s 1998 cult classic, "The Big Lebowski."

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OBITS:

From YahooSports:  Former NBA player, Stan Love, has died at the age of 76, Sunday, April 27, 2025.  After playing collegiately for the University of Oregon Ducks from 1968 to 1971, Love was drafted in 1971 NBA Draft (1st round, 9th pick) by the Baltimore Bullets.  Love would go on to have a four year career, also playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.  Love is the father of NBA champion Kevin Love.  He is also the younger brother of Mike Love, who cofounded the legendary rock band, "The Beach Boys," with their cousins: Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson.

From Deadline:  American actor, Will Hutchins, has died at the age of 94, Monday, April 21, 2025.  Hutchins may be best known as the star of the ABC Western television series, "Sugarfoot" (1957-61).  "Sugarfoot" is believed to be the first Western comedy TV series, having debuted five days before another ABC Western comedy, "Maverick" (1957-62). Hutchins would later guest-star in an episode of "Maverick."  Hutchins other major roles included Monte Hellman's film, "The Shooting" (1965) and the Elvis Presley films, "Spinout" (1966) and "Clambake" (1967).

From CNN:  Pope Francis, the 266th pop of the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, Monday, April 21, 2025.  Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 17, 1936.  Pope Francis was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from March 13, 2013 until his death.  He was the first pope from the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit Order).  He was the first pope from the Americas and from the Southern Hemisphere.  He was the first born or raised outside Europe since the 8th-century Syrian pope, Gregory III.  When he was chosen as the Pope by a "papal conclave," he chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.

From YahooNews:  Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke that lead to coma and then heart failure, according to the Vatican.

From Reuters:  Pope Francis: his pontificate in numbers; his career by the years.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 13th to 19th, 2025 - UPDATE #10

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/MUSIC - From THR:  The site has an update on director Sam Mendes four biographical films about "The Beatles." Each movie focuses on one of the four members, Paul, John, George, and Ringo.  Sony Pictures will release all four films in April 2028.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Following her monumental film directing debut, "Blink Twice," Zoe Kravitz is negotiating to direct "How to Save a Marriage," from Sony Pictures and producer Robert Pattison.  Pattison who co-starred with Kravitz in "The Batman" (2022) is thus far only producing the film.

POLITICS - From THR:  Former MSNBC host, Chris Matthews, has revealed that he will revive his former MSNBC politics talk show, "Hardball," on Substack.

CELEBRITY - From Deadline:  "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl" star, Michelle Trachtenberg, 39, was found dead in her apartment on February 26, 2025.  The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has now listed Trachtenberg's cause of death as natural as the result of complications from diabetes mellitus.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Notorious wino and accused wife beater, Johnny Depp, makes his Hollywood return as he begins filming the thriller, "Day Drinker," for Lionsgate.

TELEVISION - From THR:  HBO has just officially announced the actors that will play six adult leads in its upcoming "Harry Potter" TV series.  John Lithgow will take on the critical role of Hogwarts’ wise and warm, "Headmaster Albus Dumbledore." Janet McTeer will take on the role of stern "Transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall." Paapa Essiedu will take on the role of the sneering "Potions Professor Severus Snape." Nick Frost will play the lumbering Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid." Luke Thallon will play "Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Quirinus Quirrel" and Paul Whitehouse has been cast as the curmudgeonly caretaker "Argus Filch."  The main children's characters, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco, have not yet been cast.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 4/11 to 1/13/2025 weekend box office is Warner Bros. Pictures' "Minecraft" with an estimated take of 80.6 million dollars.

From Deadline:  Angel Studio's animated film, "The King of Kings," makes an estimated 19 million dollars at the weekend box office. This is the largest opening for a "faith-based" animated film.

CANNES - From WorldofReel:  Cannes Film Festival 2025 has rejected Jim Jarmusch's new film, "Father Mother Sister Brother," which stars Cate Blanchett and Adam Driver (among others).  Just a month ago, "Variety" reported that the film was a lock to compete at the festival, which runs from May 13th to May 24th, 2025.

OBITS:

From Variety:  Canadian-Bulgarian film and television director, Ted Kotcheff, has died at the age of 94, Thursday, April 10, 2025.  Kotcheff may be best known for directing the first film in the "Rambo" series, "First Blood" (1982), starring Sylvester Stallone.  Kotcheff also directed such well-known films as "Fun with Dick and Jane" (1977), "North Dallas Forty" (1979), and "Weekend at Bernie's" (1989). He also directed such acclaimed films as "Wake in Fright" (1971), "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" (1974), and "Joshua Then and Now" (1985). Kotcheff was also an executive producer and director on NBC police drama, "Law & Order: SVU" from 1999 to 2012.

From Variety:  The film and television actor, Nicky Katt, has died at the age of 54, Tuesday, April 8, 2025.  Katt began his career as a child actor in NBC's former Western drama, "Father Murphy," and NBC's former sci-fi series, "V."  Eventually, he would have a prominent role in the former Fox legal drama, "Boston Public."  He appeared in such films as "Dazed and Confused" (1993), "A Time to Kill" (1996), "The Limey" (1999), and "Insomnia" (2002), to name a few.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 6th to 12th, 2025 - UPDATE #10

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 Deadline:  Warner Bros. is developing a remake of the 1992 romantic drama thriller, "The Bodyguard," which originally starred Kevin Costner and the late Whitney Houston.

ACADEMY AWARDS - From WorldofReel:  The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has a announced a new Academy Awards category.  The Oscar for "Best Achievement in Stunt Design" will be first handed out in 2027 at the 100th Academy Awards ceremony.

CELEBRITY - From Variety:  Actor Eric Dane has revealed that he has been diagnosed with "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" (ALS), also known as "Lou Gehrig's disease."  He says that this diagnosis will not stop him from returning to work next week on Season 3 of HBO's "Euphoria."  ALS is a fatal, progressive degenerative disease that breaks down the nerves in the body, weakening muscles and causing eventual paralysis, impacting patients’ ability to breathe, speak and move. There is no known cure.

TELEVISION - From THR:  Patrick Schwarzenegger talks about being the star of the big cable TV hit, HBO'S "The White Lotus" and possible working with his father, Hollywood icon and legend, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

MOVIES/CELEBRITY - From Deadline:   Ryan Coogler discuses his new supernatural horror movie, "Sinners," the film's star, Michael B. Jordan, and moving back on "Black Panther 3" in order to make Sinners.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Legendary Entertainment is eying Robert Pattison for a role in "Dune 3."

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 4/4 to 4/6/2025 weekend box office is Warner Bros.'s "A Minecraft Movie" with an estimated take of 157 million dollars.

AMAZON - From Variety:  Academy Award winner Viola Davis talks about why she choose to star in the Amazon Prime Video action movie, "G20," which begins streaming April 20th.

From Variety:  Viola Davis doesn’t think "suspension of disbelief" is required for audiences to accept that the President of the United States in her Amazon Prime Video action-thriller, "G20," is a Black woman.

OBITS:

From Variety:  American actor and former child star, Jay North, has died at the age of 73, Sunday, April 6, 2025.  North was best known for his starring role in "Dennis Mitchell" in the former ABC sitcom, "Dennis the Menace" (1959-63), which was based on the newspaper comic strip created by Hank Ketchum. Before that starring role, North made appearances on such TV series as "The Eddie Fisher Show," "The Milton Berle Show," and "Wanted: Dead or Alive." Typecast as "Dennis Mitchell," North's appeared in a number of other TV series and a few films before leaving acting in the 1980s.

From Deadline:  American musician, Clem Burke, has died at the age of 70, Sunday, April 6, 2025.  Burke was best known as the drummer for the American rock band, "Blondie."  He joined the band less than a year after its founding and appeared on all its studio albums along with founders, Chris Stein and Debbie Harry.  During the 1980s and 1990s when Blondie was disbanded, Burke played drums for "the Romantics," Pete Townsend, "Eurythmics," Iggy Pop, and Joan Jett, to name a few.  On a few occasions, he played drums for "the Ramones" under the name "Elvis Ramone."  Burke was inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" in 2006 as a member of Blondie, and he was nominated for three Grammy Awards as a member of the group.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 1st to 5th, 2025 - UPDATE #10

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:

DISNEY - From Deadline:  Their is a first official trailer and poster for "Tron: Ares," the third film in Disney's "Tron" series.

AMAZON - From Deadline:  Amy Pascal is moving her "Pascal Pictures" banner to Amazon MGM Studios in a new first-look deal in the wake of Pascal signing on to produce the next round of James Bond films with producer David Heyman.

DISNEY/ANIMATION - From Deadline:  Fox has signed a megadeal with Disney TV Studios in which it will pick up four seasons each of "The Simpsons," "Bob's Burgers," "Family Guy," and "American Dad," which is returning to Fox from TBS.  Each season of the four seasons will be comprised of 15 episodes and the deal runs through 2028-29 broadcast season.

CINEMACON - From WorldofReel:  Apparently, footage from "Weapons," the new film from Zach Cregger ("Barbarian"), creeped people out at CinemaCon. The film is due in August 2025.

From WorldofReel:  Warner Bros. announced at CinemaCon 2025 that they are working on a new "Looney Tunes" movie... although they have dumped one ("The Day the Earth Blew Up") and are looking to dump another ("Coyote vs Acme").

From YahooComingSoon:  There is a persistent rumor that Warner Bros. wants to sell off the entire "Looney Tunes" brand.

JOHN WICK - From WorldofReel:  Keanu Reeves will reportedly return for "John Wick 5," which has apparently been confirmed by Lionsgate.  Franchise director, Chad Stahelski, is also reportedly on board to return.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Sydney Sweeney is in talks to star in Legendary’s “Gundam” movie.  It would be adapted from the Japanese military science fiction franchise that was initiated by the Japanese anime television series, "Mobile Suit Gundam," which began its 43-episode run in 1979.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American film actor, Val Kilmer, has died at the age of 65, Tuesday, April 1, 2025.  Kilmer was best known for taking film roles that transcended his striking looks.  The first decade of his career is filled with films and performances that became favorites of his fans:  "Top Secret!" (1984), "Real Genius" (1985), "Top Gun" (1986), "Willow" (1988), "The Doors" (1991), "Thunderheart" (1992), "True Romance" (1993), "Batman Forever" (1995), and "Heat" (1995), to name a few.  His most famous performance is certainly as "Doc Holliday" in the American Western film, "Tombstone" (1993).  For his stunning turn as Holliday, Kilmer did not receive any notice or nominations from the major film awards organizations.

From Variety:  Hollywood offers tributes to Val Kilmer a day after his passing. That includes people who worked with him such as Michael Mann, Josh Brolin, and Francis Ford Coppola.

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From Deadline:  American film television actress, Sian Barbara Allen, has died at the age of 78, Monday, March 31, 2025.  She appeared in the 1972 horror thriller, "You'll Like My Mother," which earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination in the category of "New Star of the Year - Actress," and the 1974 American Western film, "Billy Two Hats."  She was a prolific TV actress in the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in such series as "Gunsmoke," "The Waltons," and "L.A. Law."

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 23rd to 31st, 2025 - UPDATE #15

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:

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 3/28 to 3/30/2025 weekend box office is Amazon/MGM's "A Working Man" with an estimated take of 15.2 million dollars.

OSCARS/SCANDAL - From AP:  Human rights activist and filmmaker, Hamdan Ballal, was one of four filmmakers who received an Oscar statuette when the film, "No Other Land," won the "Best Documentary Feature Film" at the recent 97th Academy Awards. Well, Ballal recently returned to his home in Palestine's West Bank where Israeli settlers whooped his ass. After the beat down, he was detained by the Israeli military for at least 24 hours before being released.

From Variety:  More than 700 of its members have publicly the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences (AMPAS) for its tepid non-response to the violent settler and military attack on Palestinian filmmaker, Hamdan Ballal, an actual winner of AMPAS's most famous award, the Academy Award a.k.a. "the Oscar."

BROADWAY - From Variety:  Famed film and Broadway producer, Scott Rudin, is planning his Broadway return after stepping away from film and theater in 2021 because of workplace abuse allegations against him.

ANIMATION - From Deadline:  Warner Bros. is set to tear down a piece of history on its lot. "Building 131," where the production of the legendary "Looney Tunes" was housed, will be razed, probably beginning next week.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Zendaya will star as the late American singer, Ronnie Spector (1942-2022), in a film about her life, entitled "Be My Baby."  Acclaimed director and Oscar-winning screenwriter, Barry Jenkins, will direct the film.  "Be My Baby" is also the title of the biggest hit song recorded by "The Ronettes," the girl group Spector fronted.

HARRY POTTER - From Deadline:  British actor-comedian, Nick Frost, is reportedly set to play "Rubeus Hagrid" in HBO's "Harry Potter" series.

DISNEY - From WorldofReel:  Disney sets about blaming Rachel Zegler for the box office failure of its latest film, "Snow White."  [Maybe, it's Disney's over-reliance on old IP that is the problem.]

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Sony Pictures' shark thriller is now called "Shiver," instead of "Beneath the Storm." The film is set for a Summer 2026.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 3/21 to 3/23/2025 weekend box office is Walt Disney's "Snow White" with an estimated take of 43 million dollars.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Universal Pictures has lost the rights to the "Jason Bourne" franchise.  Netflix, Apple, and Skydance are vying to obtain them.  All have had meetins with the estate of the late author Robert Ludlum, who created Jason Bourne for a series of novels known as "The Bourne Trilogy" (or simply "Bourne"), beginning with "The Bourne Identity" (1980).

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American stage, musical theater, television, and film actor, Richard Chamberlain, has died at the age of 90, Saturday, March 29, 2025.  Chamberlain is best known for a number of his roles.  First, there is his starring role in the former NBC medical drama, "Dr. Kildare" (1961-66).  He starred as "Aramis" in "The Three Musketeers" film trilogy that began with the 1973 film, "The Three Musketeers."  He was the first actor to play "Jason Bourne," doing so in the 1988 ABC miniseries, "The Bourne Identity." Chamberlain was called the King of the Mini-Series" for his roles in several miniseries, the most famous being the 1980 NBC miniseries, "Shogun," and the 1983 ABC miniseries, "The Thorn Birds."  Chamberlain received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work in television.  Chamberlain was also drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1956 to 1958, including a stint in post-war Korea.

From Deadline:  American film and television actor and Vietnam War veteran, Denis Arndt, has died at the age of 86, Tuesday, March 25, 2025.  Arndt had a prolific career in television, including a recurring role in David E. Kelley TV series, such as "L.A. Law" and "Picket Fences."  Among his best known film roles were in "Basic Instice" (1992) and "S.W.A.T." (2003).  In 2017, Arndt received a Tony Award nomination in the category of "Best Actor in a Play" for his role in a 2016 production of the play, "Heisenberg."  In 1957, Arndt entered the U.S. Army and eventually became a helicopter pilot.  For his service in Vietnam, Arndt received two "Purple Hearts," 27 "Air Medals," and "The Army Commendation Medal."

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SIGNAL-GATE a.k.a. Whiskeyleaks:

From RSNTheAtlantic:  From Jeffrey Goldberg and Shane Harris at "The Atlantic": Here are the attack plans that Trump's advisors shared on Signal.

From TheGuardian:  From Peter Beaumont at "The Guardian UK": Latest "Signal" leak revelations expose U.S. lies about what was said.

From RSNTheAtlantic:  From Jeffrey Goldberg at "The Atlantic": The Trump Administration accidentally texted me its war plans.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 16th to 22nd, 2025 - UPDATED #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:

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Multiple studios have reportedly shown interest in a reboot of "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" with rising star, Glen Powell, attached as star and JT Mollner ("Strange Darling") attached as the director.

AMAZON - From Variety:  Former head of Sony Pictures, Amy Pascal, and producer David Heyman, are being considered to run the "James Bond" franchise for Amazon MGM Studios.  Amazon is finalizing a deal to take creative control of the franchise from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, whose family has managed the franchise for over half a century.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Actor Austin Abrams ("Euphoria") is in talks to star in director Zach Cregger's "Resident Evil" reboot, which will begin shooting this fall.

SCANDAL - From Deadline:  Actor Jonathan Majors, whose career took a big hit because of a domestic abuse conviction, was on "The Sherri Shepherd Show" to talk about his new film, "Magazine Dreams." Shepherd was moved to tears by Major's portrayal of the film's lead character, "Killian Maddox."

ANIMATION - From Deadline:  Last year (2024), independent production studio and film distributor, Ketchup Entertainment, obtained the North American rights to Warner Bros. Pictures' animated film, "The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie." Now, Ketchup is negotiating an all-rights acquisition with Warner Bros. for its shelved live-action/animation hybrid film, "Coyote vs. Acme." If the deal goes through, the film will be released in 2026.

CANNES - From WorldofReel:  The 2025 / 78th Cannes Film Festival will announce its official lineup on April 10th.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  "Saw 11" has been cancelled, so the "Saw" film franchise might be dead... for the time being.

MUSIC/POLITICS - From Variety:  The rock band, "Semisonic," has objected to the Trump White House using it 1998 hit, "Closing Time," in one of its social media video clips about deportation.  Semisonic said that the clip misinterpret the song and was used without permission. "Closing Time" was written by the band's lead singer, Dan Wilson, and was nominated at the 41st Grammy Awards (1999) in the category of "Best Rock Song."

MOVIES - From Truthout:  Truthout writer, Tim Brinkhof, says that director Bong Joon-Ho's film, "Mickey 17" hold up a mirror to life under a second Trump presidential administration. Brinkhof says that the film is "both a critique of gangster capitalism and an argument in favor of proletarian revolution."

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 3/14 to 3/16/2025 weekend box office is Paramount Pictures' "Novocaine" with an estimated take of 8.7 million dollars.

From Deadline:  "Deadline" looks at five directors who have films due in 2025 after some years of being away from the spotlight: Paul Thomas Anderson, Kathryn Bigelow, Derek Cianfrance, Paul Greengrass, and Lynne Ramsay.

STREAMING - From Deadline:  There will be a Season 4 of "Ted Lasso" at Apple TV+.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 9th to 15th, 2025 - 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.

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

NEWS:

AWARDS - From Deadline:  The American Cinema Editors announced the winners at the 2025 ACE Eddie Awards.  "Emilia Perez," "Wicked," and "The Wild Robot" won the top awards.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  The Mayor of Miami Beach wants to cancel a theater for showing the Oscar-winning documentary, "No Other Land." The arthouse theater, "O Cinema," is located at Old City Hall, a property owned by Miami Beach. Mayor Steven Meiner wants the city commission to terminate the theater's lease agreement, as well as cancel $40,000 in grants provided to the nonprofit that operates the theater.

DISNEY - From THR:  When it comes to Disney's "Snow White" and its rollout of the film, Disney is just ready to get this over with.

From Variety:  Disney is scaling back the red carpet at the March 15th premiere of its film, "Snow White," due to controversies involving its stars, Rachel Zegler ("Snow White") and Gal Gadot ("Evil Queen").

AMAZON - From Variety:  Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground production company is in talks to produce a biopic about champion professional golfer, Tiger Woods, for Amazon MGM Studios.

NETFLIX - From Deadline:  Netflix is producing a new adaptation of Stephen King's 1981 horror novel, "Cujo," about a rabid (and possible possessed) dog.  The book was first adapted into film in 1983.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 3/7 to 3/9/2025 Louisiana Comic Con weekend box office is Warner Bros' "Mickey 17" with an estimated take of 19.1 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Actor John Goodman was injured on the UK set of Alejandro Alejandro Inarritu's new film. Goodman received medical treatment and filming will resume next week following Goodman's full recovery.

From Variety:  The next movie in the "Resident Evil" film franchise will be entitled, "Resident Evil."  It will be written and directed by Zach Cregger ("Barbarian").  Sony Pictures will release the film under the "Columbia Pictures" banner on September 18, 2026.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 1st to 8th, 2025 - 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:

CELEBRITY - From Variety:  The chief medical officer for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator announced the probable causes of death for the Oscar-winning actor, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.  Arakawa died Feb. 11th of "hantavirus," a potentially deadly virus transmitted by mice.  Hackman likely died a week later (likely Feb. 18th) of cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer's disease as a significant factor.  Arakawa was last seen on surveillance cameras in public on Feb. 11th.  On February 26, 2025, police officers found Hackman and Arakawa's bodies in their home which is located in a gated community.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  CBS has cancelled "FBI" spinoffs, "FBI: Most Wanted" (six seasons) and "FBI: International" (four seasons).  "FBI," now in its seventh season, has been picked up through its ninth season.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 2/28 to 3/2/2025 weekend box office is Disney/Marvel Studios' Captain America: Brave New World with an estimated take of 15 million dollars.

OSCARS - From AMPAS:  The Oscars are tonight (Sun., March 2nd).  Here is a nomination list for the 2025 / 97th Academy Awards ... if you are interested.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Jason Statham will return for "The Beekeeper 2," the sequel to his January 2024 worldwide hit "The Beekeeper."

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American voice actor and comedian, George Lowe, has died at the age of 67, Sunday, March 2, 2025.  Lowe is best known for voicing the character, "Space Ghost," more than any other actor.  He was the voice of "Space Ghost" on and off for about 30 years from 1994 to 2024, most notably on Cartoon Network's animated talk show parody, "Space Ghost Coast to Coast."

From Variety:  Dolly Parton has announced that her husband, businessman Carl Thomas Dean, has died at the age of 82, Monday, March 3, 2025. The couple had been married on March 30, 1966.  Dean was rarely seen in public with Parton, and they were a very private couple.

From Deadline:  American actress, record producer, songwriter, and soul and R&B singer, Angie Stone, has died at the age of 63, Saturday, March 1, 2025, having been killed in an automobile accident.  Stone released her debut solo album, "Black Diamond," in 1999.  It, along with her 2001 follow-up, "Mahogany Soul," were certified gold.  Her R&B hits included "No More Rain (In This Cloud)" (1999), "Wish I Didn't Miss You" (2001), "More Than a Woman" (2002), a duet with R&B singer, Joe.  She appeared in such films as "The Hot Chick" and "The Fighting Temptations" (2003) and she guest-starred on such TV series as "Moesha" and "Girlfriends."  Stone was a three-time Grammy Award nominee.

From Deadline:  American policeman, novelist, and television creator, Joseph Wambaugh, has died at the age of 88, Friday, February 28, 2025.  Wambaugh spent 14 years with the Los Angeles Police Department.  He mined that experience for such novels as "The New Centurions" (1971), which was adapted into film in 1972, and "The Blue Knight" (1973), which was also a 1973 TV miniseries.  Wambaugh wrote the screenplay adaptations for his novels, the nonfiction, "The Onion Field" (1973), and "The Black Marble" (1978).  Wambaugh also created the acclaimed former NBC police drama, "Police Story" (1973-78).

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MOVIE AWARDS:

From Variety:  The winners at the 2025 / 97th Academy Awards have been announced.  "Anora" wins five awards, including "Best Motion Picture of the Year."

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2025 / 56th NAACP Image Awards have been announced.  Keke Palmer was named "Entertainer of the Year."  Tyler Perry and Netflix's "The Six Triple Eight" won four awards including "Outstanding Motion Picture" and "Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture" (Kerry Washington).

From Deadline:  The Screen Actors Guild has announced the winners at the 2025 / 31st SAG Awards.  "Conclave" won the top prize, "Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture."

From Variety:  The winners the 2025 / 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) have been announced.  "Conclave" won "Best Film" and "Outstanding British Film."

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2025 / 36th Producers Guild of America Awards have been announced.  "Anora" wins the awards' top prize, "The Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures."

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2025 / 77th Annual Directors Guild Awards have been announced. Sean Baker and his team won the top prize, "Theatrical Feature Film," for his film "Anora."

From THR:  The winners for the 2025 / 82nd Annual Golden Globes have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" won "Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy" and "Best Motion Picture - Non-English Language."  "The Brutalist" won "Best Motion Picture - Drama."  "Wicked" won in the new category, "Cinematic and Box Office Achievement."  "Flow" won "Best Motion Picture - Animated."

From AMPAS:  The nominations for the 2025 / 97th Academy Awards have been announced the winners will be announced Sunday, March 2, 2025.

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2025 / 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced.  "Anora won "Feature," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2025 / 25th Vancouver Film Critics Circle (VFCC) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won "Best Picture" and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 7th Annual Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA) Film Awards have been announced.  "Sing Sing" won "Best Picture" and "Best Actor" (Colman Domingo).

From AwardsWatch:  GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics has announced the winners of its Dorian Film Awards.  "The Substance" has won five awards including "Film of the Year," "Film Performance of the Year" (Demi Moore), and "Film Director of the Year" (Coralie Fargeat).

From THR:  The nominations for the 2025 / 36th Producers Guild of America Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced Sat. Feb. 8th.

From BBC:  The nominations for the 2025 / 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) have been announced.  "Conclave" leads with 12 nominations.  The winners will be Sunday, Feb. 16th, 2025.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2025 / 77th Annual Directors Guild Awards have been announced.  In the awards' marquee category, "Theatrical Feature Film," the nominees are Jacques Audiard ("Emilia Perez"), Sean Baker ("Anora"), Edward Berger ("Conclave"), Brady Corbet ("The Brutalist"), and James Mangold ("A Complete Unknown").  The winners will be announced February 8th.

From EW:  The Screen Actors Guild has cancelled the 2025 / 31st SAG Awards nominations announcement live-stream because of the current wildfires sweeing through the Los Angeles area.  The nominations will be announced Thursday morning, January 9th via press release and on SAG Awards website.  The SAG Award ceremony will be hired Feb. 23rd.

From AwardsWatch:  The nominations for the 2025 / 56th Annual NAACP Image Awards have been announced.  Netflix's "The Piano Lesson" leads with 14 nominations.  The winners will be announced February 21st and 22nd.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2025 / 22nd Annual International Cinephile Society (ICS) Awards have been announced.  "All We Imagine as Light" has won "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Payal Kapadia), and "Best Ensemble."

From Deadline:  The winners at the 2025 / 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards have been announced.  "Anora" wins "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2025 / 45th London Critics Circle Film Awards were announced. "The Brutalist" was named "Film of the Year."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The International Press Academy has announced the winners at the 2025 / 29th Satellite Awards in Motion Pictures and Television.  "The Brutalist" won "Motion Picture, Drama" and "Anora" won "Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Denver Film Critics Society (DFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Pittsburgh Film Critics Association (PFCA) Awards have been announced. This is the association inaugural awards announcement.  "The Substance" was named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Chicago Independent Critics (CIC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won seven awards, including "Best Indepent Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore).  "Dune: Part Two" won "Best Studio Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Women Film Critics Circle (WFCC) Awards have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" wins "Best Movie About Women."  Coralie Fargeat's "The Substance" wins "Best Movie By a Woman" (directing)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the annual Portland Critics Association (PCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" won in 10 of the 13 categories in which it was nominated, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 North Dakota Film Society (NDFS) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Hawaii Film Critics Society (HFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" took four awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Utah Film Critics Association (UFCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Wild Robot" won two awards - "Best Picture" and "Best Animated Feature."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has taken five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Music City Film Critics Association (MCFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has won four awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Georgia Film Critics Association (GFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won four awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Alliance of Women Film Journalists (AWFJ) EDA Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has won "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Austin Film Critics Association (AFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won five awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Kansas City Film Critics Circle (KCFCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Greater Western New York Film Critics Association (GWNYFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Challengers" has won "Best Film" and "Best Director" (Luca Guadagnino).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 DiscussingFilm's Global Film Critics Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" won "Best Picture."

From EW:  The nominations for the 2025 / 82nd Annual Golden Globes have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" leads with 10 nominations.  The winners will be announced January 5, 2025 on CBS and Paramount+.

From THR:  The winners at the 2025 National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) Awards have been announced. "Nickel Boys" has won the award for "Best Picture" of 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Oklahoma Film Critics Circle (OFCC) Awards have been announced.  "Conclave" won five awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Edward Berger), and "Best Actor" (Ralph Fiennes).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Conclave" has won three awards, including "Best Narrative Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Columbia Film Critics Association (COFCA) Awards have been announced. "The Substance" has won four awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore), 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 29th Capri, Hollywood-International Film Festival Awards have been announced. "Emilia Perez" won six awards, including "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Critics Association of Central Florda (CACF) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 UK Film Critics Association (UKFCA) Awards have been announced. "Dune: Part Two" won "Film of the Year" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) Awards have been announced. "Anora" has won four awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Online Association of Female Film Critics (OAFFC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" won six awards, including "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat). and "Best Leading Performance" (Demi Moore).  "The Substance" shared the "Best Film" honor with "Anora."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Philadelphia Film Critics Circle (PFCCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Florida Film Critics Circle (FFCC) Awards have announced.  "The Beast" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Bertrand Bonello).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Nevada Film Critics Society (NFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has taken six awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Dublin Film Critics Circle (DFCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Zone of Interest" was named "Best Film" and its director, Jonathan Glazer, won "Best Director."  Although the film was released in Dublin this year, it was eligible for the Academy Awards in 2023.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critic Association (DFWFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has won three awards: "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Southeastern Film Critics Associations (SFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Iowa Film Critics Association (IFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won three awards: "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch: The winners at the 2024 New York Film Critics Online (NYFCO) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Phoenix Film Critics Society (PFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Indiana Film Journalists Association (IFJA) Awards.  "The Substance" has won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Leading Performance" (Demi Moore), and "Best Supporting Performance" (Margaret Qualley).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (RaMell Ross)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 St. Louis Film Critics Association (StLFCA) Awards have been announced. "Dune: Part Two" has won three awards, including "Film" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The Producers Guild of America (PGA) has announced the nominations in the category of "Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Pictures." The winners at the 2025 / 39th Annual Producers Guild Awards will be announced Saturday, February 8, 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced. "Anora" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Boston Online Film Critics Association (BOFCA) Awards have been announced. "The Brutalist" has taken five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Las Vegas Film Critics Society (LVFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has won six awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (RaMell Ross). "Sing Sing" has won "Best Actor" (Colman Domingo) and "Best Supporting Actor" (Clarence Maclin).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Phoenix Critics Circle (PCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has been named "Best Picture."  The films four total wins including for "Best Director" (Brady Corbet) and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Chicago Film Critics (CFC) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has won "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 San Diego Film Critics Society (SDFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Sing Sing" won "Best Picture," won of three awards it received.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Michigan Movie Critics Guild (MMCG) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture," one of its four wins.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Atlanta Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Film," one of four awards it won.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Washington Area Film Critics Association Awards have been announced.  "Wicked" has won the award for "Best Feature."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 49th Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture."  Marianne Jean-Baptiste (for "Hard Truths") became the first Black woman to win a lead performance honor in the groups history.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners for the 2024 / 27th British Independent Film Awards have been announced.  The Irish film, "Kneecap," wins "Best British Independent Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Boston Society of Film Critics (BSFC) have been announced.  "Anora" wins "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison), and "Best Original Screenplay."

From AFI:  The American Film Institute has named its top ten films and television series.  Among the films honored are "Dune: Part Two," "Nickel Boys," and "Wicked."

From THR:  The winners at the 2024 / 37th European Film Awards have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" wins the award for "European Film."  It also won the directing (Jacques Audiard), writing (Audiard), and actress (Karla Sofia Gascon) honors.

From NBR:  The National Board of Review has named its 2024 film honorees.  "Wicked" wins "Best Film" and "Best Director" (for John M. Chu).

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2025 / 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced.  Cannes 2024 Palme d'Or winner, "Anora," and "I Saw the TV Glow" each lead with six nominations apiece.  The winners will be announced Saturday, February 22, 2025.

From Deadline:  The winners of the 2024 / 90th New York Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced.  Director Brady Corbet's three-hour epic, "The Brutalist," has won "Best Film" and its star, Adrian Brody, has won "Best Actor."

From Variety:  The winners at the 2024 / 34th Gotham Awards have been announced.  Writer-director Aaron Schimberg's "A Different Man" has won the "Best Feature" award.

From Deadline:  The 2024 / 34th Gotham Awards kick off the 2024-25 movie awards season by announcing its nominations for achievement in film.  Director Sean Baker's "Anora," which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes this year, leads with four nominations.  The winners will be announced Monday, December 2, 2024.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2024 / 27th British Independent Film Awards have been announced.  The Irish film, "Kneecap," leads with 14 nominations. The winners will be announced Sunday, December 8, 2024.

BEST PICTURE WINNER COUNT:

From AwardsWatch:  This link will take you, dear readers, to "AwardWatch's" article, "Who Won What? - The 2024/2025 Film Award Precursor Guide."

"All We Imagine as Light": 1 win (International Cinephile Society)

"Anora": 21 wins (Academy Awards; Atlanta Film Critics Circle; Austin Film Critics Association; Boston Society of Film Critics; CACF; Critics Choice Awards; DFWFCA; DGA; Georgia Film Critics Association; IFCA; LAFCA; Michigan Movie Critics Guild; North Dakota Film Society; OAFFC; NTFCA; Philadelphia Film Critics Circle; Satellite Awards; SFBAFCC; SFCA; Spirit Awards; VFCC)

"The Beast": 1 win (Florida Film Critics Circle)

"The Brutalist": 13 wins (AWFJ; BOFCA; Chicago Film Critics; Golden Globes-Drama; HFCS; London Critics Circle; MNFCA; Nevada Film Critics Society; NYFCC; Phoenix Critics Circle; Phoenix Film Critics Circle; Portland Critics Association; Satellite Awards)

"Challengers": 1 win (GWNYFCA)

"Conclave":  4 wins (BAFTAs; North Carolina Film Critics Association; Oklahoma Film Critics Circle; SAG Awards)

"A Different Man": 1 win (Gotham Awards)

"Dune: Part Two" - 6 wins (Chicago Independent Critics; LVFCS; Music City Film Critics Associations; St.LFCA; UKFCA)

"Emilia Perez":  4 wins (Capri, Denver Film Critics Society; Hollywood-International Film Festival Awards; European Film Awards; Golden Globes-Comedy or Musical; WFCC)

"Kneecap": 1 win (British Independent Film Awards)

"Nickel Boys": 4 wins (AAFCA; DiscussingFilm; National Society of Film Critics; TFCA)

"Sing Sing": 2 wins (LEJA Film Awards; San Diego Film Critics Society)

"The Six Triple Eight" - 1 win (NAACP Image Awards)

"The Substance": 10 wins (Chicago Independent Critics; COFCA; Dorian Awards; Indiana Film Journalists Association; KCFCC; NYFCO; OAFFC; Pittsburgh Film Critics Association; Seattle Film Critics Society; WFCC)

"Wicked": 2 wins (National Board of Review; WAFCA)

"The Wild Robot":  1 win (Utah Film Critics Association)

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