Showing posts with label Mark Hamill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark Hamill. Show all posts

Saturday, October 21, 2023

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from October 15th to 21st, 2023 - Update #24

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

TELEVISION/POLITICS - From Deadline:  President Joe Biden‘s 15-minute, Oval Office address on Thursday night (Oct. 19th) drew an estimated 20.3 million people across 10 networks.  The President called for U.S. support for international crises in Israel and Ukraine.

TELEVISION - From VarietyNBC has given a series order to "Dr. Wolf," a medical drama starring Zachary Quinto.  Because of the ongoing actors' strike, it is not known if it will be a midseason replacement or be held for the 2024-25 television season.

MOVIES - From Variety:  By skipping movies studios and partnering directly with AMC Theatres to distribute "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour," Christopher Nolan says Swift has shown studios how "incredibly valuable" movie theaters are.

NETFLIX - From Deadline:  Wall Street is hot over Netflix's latest quarterly earnings report.

STREAMING - From Variety:  Director Baz Luhrmann took the over two million feet of film he shot for his 2008 film, "Australia" (starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman), and is turning that film into a six-part series, "Faraway Downs."  Series debuts November 26th on Hulu.

TELEVISION - From THR:  For the first time, the Walt Disney Company is revealing how profitable its sports network, ESPN, is.  In fiscal 2022, the worldwide leader in sports made $16 billion in revenue and $2.9 billion in profit.  In comparison, the rest of the "entertainment division" made $2.1 billion from $39.6 billion in revenue.

From Variety:   The Walt Disney Company is plotting to move ABC's "Good Morning America" from its Times Square studios.

MOVIES - From Variety:  In an interview, Austin Butler (Elvis) says that fellow Oscar-nominee, Tom Hardy (Venom), liked to joke around on the set of Jeff Nichols' motorcycle drama, "The Bikeriders."  However, when the "Action!" was called, Butler says that Hardy turned very intense.  The film's release may be delayed by the SAG-AFTRA strike.

DISNEY - From VarietyRick Riordan, the author of the "Percy Jackson" book series, says that he is honored that some of his fans call him "Uncle Rick."  He talks about bringing Percy Jackson to Disney+ and fighting racist trolls and reviving the series after 20th Century Fox's failed Percy Jackson film series, which began with 2010's "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief."

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Oscar-winning director Barry Levinson ("Rain Man") will direct Oscar-winning actor, Al Pacino ("Scent of a Woman"), in "Assassination," a JFK-thriller written by David Mamet (Ronin).

SCANDAL - From Variety:  New Mexico prosecutors will present a new case against Alec Baldwin in regards to his involvement in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film, "Rust."

ANIMATION - From Variety:  The English-dub voice cast of "The Boy and the Heron," the new film from the legendary Japanese director of animated film, Hayao Miyazaki, has been announced.  The big names include Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Willem Dafoe, Mark Hamill, and Robert Pattinson, to name a few. Miyazaki's last film was 2013's The Wind Rises.

TELEVISION - From Deadline: Idris Elba is narrating and producing a National Geographic documentary series with the tentative title, "The Color of Victory: Heroes of WW2." The series will focus on people of color who fought in World War II.

NETFLIX - From Deadline:  According to a recent interview she gave, actress Millie Bobby Brown is ready to move on from her breakthrough series, Netflix's "Stranger Things."  She says that it is preventing her from telling stories that she is passionate about.

ANIMATION - From VarietyAdult Swim's hit animated series, "Rick and Morty," debuts new voice actors. Ian Cardoni is the new voice of "Rick Sanchez" and Harry Belden is "Morty Smith." Their names appeared in the credits for the Season 7, which premiered last night (Sun., Oct. 15th).  Cardoni and Belden replaces series co-creator, Justin Roiland, who voiced both characters before he was fired in January 2023 by Adult Swim.

POLITICS - From MeidasTouch:  Former Manhattan DA prosecutor, Karen F. Agnifilo, put together a comprehensive list of nearly all of Donald Trump’s threats against judges, witnesses, prosecutors and more ahead of his gag order hearing today.  The list begins with Trump's Sept. 29th, 2020 debate call for the Proud Boys to "stand back and stand by."

TELEVISION - From Variety:  Recently, comedian Jerry Seinfeld teased a reunion of his beloved former NBC sitcom, "Seinfeld" (1989-98). Once of his co-stars from the series, Emmy-winning actress, Julia Louis-Dreyfus ("Elaine Benes") says that she does not know what the hell Jerry is talking about.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 10/13 to 10/15/2023 weekend box office is AMC Theatres/Variance Films' "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" with an estimated total 97 million dollars.

AMAZON/ANIMATION - From VarietyKeith David, Stephanie Beatriz, and Kimiko Glenn are set to star in the new adult animated series “Hazbin Hotel.” The first season will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in January 2024.

MOVIES - From DeadlineFocus Features says that it will release "Lisa Frankenstein," the Diablo Cody-written horror film, Feb. 9th, 2024.  Cody won an Oscar for writing the film, "Juno."

OBITS:

From Variety:  American television actress, author, and businesswoman, Suzanne Somers, has died at the age of 76, Sunday, October 15, 2023.  Somers was best known for the role of Chrissy Snow on ABC's former hit sitcom, "Three's Company."  ABC fired her from the program in a contract dispute after the series' fifth season.  She also starred in the syndicated sitcom, "She's the Sheriff" (1987-89) and on the long-running former ABC-CBS sitcom, "Step by Step" (1991-98).  She earned a single Daytime Emmy nomination for her talk, "The Suzanne Show" (Lifetime, 2013).

From Variety:  American film and television actress, Piper Laurie, has died at the age of 91, Saturday, October 14, 2023.  Laurie was best known for roles in such films as "The Hustler" (1961), "Carrie" (1976), and "Children of a Lesser God" (1986), the three films for which she earned her three Oscar nominations.  Her eight Primetime Emmy nominations came for her roles in such series as "The Thorn Birds" (1983), "St. Elsewhere," and "Twin Peaks."  She won her lone Emmy for her role in the 1986 TV movie, "Promise."

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ACTORS STRIKE:

From Deadline:  SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher says that the offer from top-earning Hollywood actors to chip in some money to help end the strike "isn't legally compatible with the union's contract.

From Deadline:  Top earning Hollywood actors want to chip in some money to end the SAG-AFTRA strike.

From Deadline:  George Clooney, Emma Stone, Ben Affleck, Tyler Perry and Scarlett Johansson were among a group of top talent guild members that spoke Tuesday (Oct. 17th) with guild president Fran Drescher and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland for a detailed debrief, we hear.

From Deadline:  The movie studios via AMPTP have suspended their talks with striking actors via SAG-AFTRA.  The snag seems to be that actors want "2 precent of potential profits" on streaming.

From Variety:  SAG-AFTRA (the actors) and AMPTP (the studios) are to resume strike talks Wed., Oct. 11th, as the actors strike enters Day 88.

From Deadline:  The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Hollywood studios CEOs met for strike talks for the first time since the actors went on strike July 14th. They plan to meet again, Wed., Oct. 4th.

BREAKING - From Deadline:  The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to end its strike after nearly five months. The parties finalized the framework of the deal Sunday when they were able to untangle their stalemate over AI and writing room staffing levels.

From WGAContract:  The WGA contract page has additional information on the settlement.

From WGAContract:  A summary of the new agreement.

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From Deadline:   The actors’ strike is now in its 63rd day.  Now, SAG-AFTRA leaders are ramping up their rhetoric against the studio heads, accusing them in the latest issue of the "SAG-AFTRA Magazine" of “behaving like petty tyrants,” “would-be feudal lords” and “land barons in feudal times.”

From Deadline:  Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra says that Hollywood unions need to embrace AI.

From Deadline:  Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav says the industry must focus and fight to resolve the writers and actors strikes.

From Deadline:  Hollywood’s superstars are answering the call from the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, donating $1 million or more each to help their fellow performers during the ongoing actors and writers strikes.  Among the big donors are Leonardo DiCaprioMeryl StreepOprah Winfrey, and Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.

From Deadline:  If you are interested, here is a list of the film and TV productions SAG-AFTRA has granted waivers to continue filming.

From Variety:  International superstar, Dwayne Johnson, makes a seven-figure contribution to the "SAG-AFTRA Foundation Relief Fund." Foundation president, actor Courtney B. Vance, says the amount will remain confidential.

From Variety:  Why haven't A-list stars joined the SAG-AFTRA picket line?, asks "Variety."

From Deadline:  Author George R.R. Martin, whose works were the basis for HBO's "Game of Thrones," says the strikes will be long and bitter.

From Variety:  Halted film productions due to the writers and actors strikes are costing each Hollywood studio at least 600,000 dollars per week.

From Variety:  Said at a strike meeting: “Without a transformative change in SAG-AFTRA’s current contract with the AMPTP, the acting profession will no longer be an option for future generations of performers, and actors already working in the industry will need to pursue other careers in order to survive.”

From Deadline:  If you are a "social media influencer" who is NOT  a member of SAG-AFTRA, you can be barred from future membership for promoting a film or television series during the actors' strike.

From Variety:  The SAG/AFTRA strike begins in New York and Los Angeles.  Hollywood actors began striking today, Fri., July 14th.

From Deadline:  The site has the video of the powerful strike speech given by SAG-AFTRA president, Fran Drescher, the actress best known for CBS' former sitcom, "The Nanny."

From Deadline: SAG-AFTRA is already preparing strike picket signs in case the actors' strike begins next week.

From Deadline:  The Hollywood studios via the AMPTP has given Canadian actors a new contract, including a 5 percent raise.

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Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Review: "Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island" Started a Thing

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 61 of 2022 (No. 1873) by Leroy Douresseaux

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998) – Video
Running time:  77 minutes (1 hour, 17 minutes)
Rated TV-G
DIRECTOR:  Jim Stenstrum
WRITERS: Glenn Leopold; from a story by Glenn Leopold and David Doi (based on the Hanna-Barbera characters)
PRODUCER:  Cosmo Anzilotti
EDITOR:  Paul Douglas
COMPOSER:  Steven Bramson
ANIMATION STUDIO:  Mook Animation

ANIMATION/FANTASY/FAMILY and ACTION/COMEDY/MYSTERY

Starring:  (voices) Frank Welker, Scott Innes, Billy West, Mary Kay Bergman, B.J. Ward, Tara Strong, Cam Clarke, Jim Cummings, Mark Hamill, Jennifer Leigh Warren, and Ed Gilbert

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island is a 1998 straight-to-video, animated, comic mystery film.  It was the first animated movie in what became the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video series from Warner Bros. Animation.  In Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island, the Mystery Inc. Gang reunites and visits a remote island with a dark secret.

As Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island opens, the five members of Mystery, Inc.Fred Jones (Frank Welker); Daphne Blake (Mary Kay Bergman), Velma Dinkley (B.J. Ward); Shaggy Rogers (Billy West), and Scooby-Doo (Scott Innes) have gone their separate ways.  They apparently became bored of mystery solving because culprits were never real ghosts, aliens, and monsters, but were practically always people in costumes.

Daphne Blake now has her own television series, “Coast to Coast with Daphne Blake,” in which she investigates claims of supernatural occurrences.  Fred Jones is her cameraman and producer.  Shaggy and Scooby are security guards, and Velma owns a book shop, “Dinkley's Mystery Book Shoppe,” which is also known as “Mystery Inc. Books.”

Daphne decides that she wants to hunt down a real ghost rather than investigating ghosts that turn out to be fakes.  So Fred calls the gang back together, and the reunited Mystery Inc. embarks on a road trip scouting haunted locations across the United States for Daphne's TV show.

That is why they end up in New Orleans, Louisiana, where they meet a curious local, Lena Dupree (Tara Strong).  She tells them that they can find real ghosts at her place of employment, a mansion and hot pepper plantation on Moonscar Island.  Skeptical at first, Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby follow Lena to the island hoping to find a real ghost instead of a villain in a costume.  What they find is more than they expected in a spooky place that might as well be called “Zombie Island.”

I remember that I first heard about Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island probably about a month or so before it was released in September 1998.  It was big news in the world of the American television animation industry and in home entertainment.  I bought a copy for the elementary school age son of a close friend of mine, who was a huge Scooby-Doo fan, then.  [He is now an adult in his late twenties (as of this writing), and I don't know if he still loves Scooby-Doo.]

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island was billed as the first time that a Scooby-Doo cartoon would find Scooby and Shaggy and company facing real supernatural entities.  The advertising for this straight-to-video (VHS) release declared, “This time, the monsters are real.”  However, as early as a 1980 episode of the “Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo” animated TV series, the stories featured real aliens and a real vampire.

That aside, it is nice to see Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island pit the characters against real ghosts, real zombies, and other real supernatural creatures.  My problem with Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island is that the writers open the movie with some nice character development, but by the time the characters reach Moonscar Island, the story devolves into Scooby and Shaggy running around and screaming or we get tedious scenes of Scooby chasing one or more of the cats that belong to Moonscar mansion's owner, Simone Lenoir (Adrienne Barbeau).

That animation is average to above average, with the best sequences being those with the zombies.  The film's direction presents an inconsistent pace to go with the inconsistent story, so sometimes even a haunted mansion and a zombie island seem like boring places.  Still, I am glad that I finally watched Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.  I've been putting it off for at least two decades.

I will say that it is an important film because it launched the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video series, of which I am a big fan.  So Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island is a must see for fans of all things Scooby-Doo and Mystery Inc.

6 of 10
B
★★★ out of 4 stars


Wednesday, July 7, 2021


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Friday, March 20, 2020

Review: "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 5 (of 2020) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Running time:  141 minutes (2 hours, 21 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action
DIRECTOR:  J.J. Abrams
WRITERS:  Chris Terrio and J.J. Abrams; from a story by Chris Terrio and J.J. Abrams and Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly (based on characters created by George Lucas)
PRODUCERS:  Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Michelle Rejwan
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Dan Mindel
EDITORS:  Maryann Brandon and Stefan Grube
COMPOSER:  John Williams

SCI-FI/FANTASY/ACTION/ADVENTURE/DRAMA

Starring:  Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid, Naomi Ackie, Kelly Marie Tran, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell, Domhnall Gleeson, Billie Lourd, Dominic Monaghan, Warwick Davis, Denis Lawson, and Joonas Suotamo with Carrie Fisher (archive footage)

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is a 2019 science fiction, fantasy, and action film directed by J.J. Abrams.  It is the ninth movie in the Star Wars film franchise's “Skywalker Saga,” which began with the 1977 Oscar-winning film, Star Wars, created by George Lucas.  Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is also a direct sequel to Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017).  In The Rise of Skywalker, the surviving Resistance fighters battles the First Order as the last of the Jedi faces the most powerful of the Dark Side.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker begins one year after the “Battle of Crait” (as seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi).  Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is now “Supreme Leader” of the First Order, and he is vexed by mysterious broadcasts that carry the voice of someone claiming to be “the Emperor.”  Determined to find this “phantom Emperor,” Kylo uses a Sith device called the “Wayfinder,” which leads him to a secret part of the galaxy and the planet, “Exegol.”

There, Kylo discovers a physically impaired Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), the Emperor of the late Galactic Empire, long thought to be dead.  Palpatine reveals that he has been manipulating things behind the scenes, including luring Kylo to the Dark Side.  He wants Kylo to find Rey (Daisy Ridley) and to bring her to him.

Meanwhile, on the world the “Resistance” calls its home, Rey continues her Jedi training under the tutelage of General Leia Organa (archive footage of the late Carrie Fisher).  Thanks to a mole/spy in the First Order, the Resistance has learned of Kylo Ren's discovery.  Now, Rey, Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), BB-8, and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) leave on a mission to find a second Wayfinder, the one for which the late Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) had once searched, one that will lead them to Exegol.

Rey, Finn, and Poe will need the help of old heroes, like Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams), and new friends, like Jannah (Naomi Ackie), if they are going to stop the forces of the Dark Side.  Kylo and Palpatine are plotting something called “the Final Order,” which includes a secret armada of the most powerful “Star Destroyers” ever assembled.

Hopefully, I can keep this review from running on too long.  The reviews for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, both formal and commentary from social media, are decidedly mixed.  Some think The Rise of Skywalker is the worst Star Wars movie ever.  Others have called it mediocre or average.  Some don't like one half of it and like the other half.  Some think it is the best Star Wars movie (1) in the sequel trilogy, (2) since the original trilogy (3) or the best Star Wars movie ever.

I think Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is the best Star Wars film since the end of the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi, which was released in 1983.  I like everything about The Rise of Skywalker.  The directing, the writing, the CGI and the science and technology, the cinematography, editing, film score, costume design, art direction and set decoration, and, of course the acting.

Co-writer-director J.J. Abrams and co-writer Chris Terrio give us a satisfying resolution to the story arcs of both Rey and Kylo Ren.  Finn and Poe Dameron finally get quality screen time that allows the audience to see the best of their characters.  A number of actors who have appeared in Star Wars films over the last four decades-plus lend their voices to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.  Lando Calrissian finally returns, with Billy Dee Williams making a star turn in each of his scenes.  Their are wonderful new characters (Keri Russell's Zorri Bliss) and the delightful return of familiar characters.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker also offers the revival of old plots, and the film contains numerous references to important moments in previous films (including the execution of a feat of power displayed by Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back).  Even the last shot of the movie references an important moment in the original Star Wars film.

I love Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker without reservation...  Well, maybe I think the movie is not long enough, because I could have watched another hour of it.  It is like a dark, but fantastic fairy tale, full of symbolism and magic.  So, you, dear reader, can take my sky-high recommendation with many proverbial grains of salt.  Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is my favorite movie of the year.  It is a fine end to the “Skywalker Saga”... or it is a satisfying goodbye until we see Rey, Finn, Poe, and our favorite Star Wars characters next time.

10 of 10

2020  Academy Awards, USA:  3 nominations: “Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures-Original Score” (John Williams), “Best Achievement in Visual Effects” (Neal Scanlan, Patrick Tubach, Dominic Tuohy, and Roger Guyett), and “Best Achievement in Sound Editing” (Matthew Wood and David Acord)

2020 BAFTA Awards 2020:  3 nominations: “Original Music” (John Williams), “Best Sound” (David Acord, Andy Nelson, Christopher Scarabosio, Stuart Wilson, and Matthew Wood) and “Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects” (Roger Guyett, Paul Kavanagh, Neal Scanlan, and Dominic Tuohy)


Friday, December 20, 2019

Edited Tuesday, March 17, 2020


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved.  Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Saturday, December 28, 2019

A "Star Wars" Link-o-Rama 2019 by Negromancer - Update #79

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

Posted by Leroy Doureseaux - on Patreon.

REVIEW - From Patreon:  My review of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."

ROSE TICO - From BleedingCool:  Director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) wants to produce a Disney+ TV series featuring sequel trilogy character, "Rose Tico," played by Kelly Marie Tran.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Newsarama:  Jon Favreau has announced that a second season of "The Mandalorian" will debut Fall 2020.

STAR WARS - From Newsarama:  Elizabeth Howell explains the staying power of "Star Wars."

FUTURE - From THR:  "The Hollywood Reporter" has a readers' poll asking them what should be the subject of the next "Star Wars" film.  "Baby Yoda" is one of the choices.

THE CLONE WARS - From GamesRader:   How Star Wars: The Clone Wars shows what George Lucas’s prequel trilogy should have been

BABY YODA - From Newsarama:  Hasbro has revealed a new line of toys featuring "The Child" a.k.a. "Baby Yoda" from "The Mandalorian."  They are available for preorder and will arrive in March 2020.

COMICS - From StarWars:  Coming in March 2020 is a new ongoing "Star Wars" comic book series, "Star Wars: Bounty Hunters" from writer Ethan Sacks and artist Paolo Villanelli.

COMICS - From StarWars:  Writer Charles Soule and artist Will Sliney talk about their comic book miniseries, "Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren."

THE LAST JEDI - From IndieWire:  John Boyega ("Finn") did not agree with some of the choices made in "The Last Jedi."

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK - From EW:  Episode V's co-screenwriter, Lawrence Kasdan, looks back on the film's most shocking moment... without a mention of Leigh Brackett, whom George Lucas once admitted was the one who suggested that Darth Vader be Luke Skywalker's father.

DISNEY+ - From StarWars:  Disney+ announces a new online TV game show, "Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge."  Star Wars actor, Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), will host the show in which young contestants will test their abilities in "core Jedi principles."

LANDO CALRISSIAN - From YahooHuffpost:   Actor Billy Dee Williams a.k.a. "Lando Calrissian" describes himself as "gender fluid."

C-3PO - From YahooMovies:  Anthony Daniels talks about the good and the bad times playing iconic "Star Wars" droid, C-3PO, in his new book, "I Am C-3P0: The Inside Story."

THE MANDALORIAN - From MensHealth:  With the release of the third episode of Disney+'s "The Mandalorian," Deborah Chow becomes the first female director to helm a live-action "Star Wars" production - over 42 years after the release of the original "Star Wars" film.

FUTURE - From THR:  Lucasfilm president, Kathleen Kennedy, reportedly already has a director lined up for a "Star Wars" film lined up for 2022.

GEORGE LUCAS - From YahooMovieUK:   Lucasfilm boss, Kathleen Kennedy says that George Lucas criticizes the current "Star Wars" films because he has a difficult time letting go.

BOBA FETT - From TheRinger:  "How Boba Fett Became a Star Wars Icon" by Jake Kring-Schreifels.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Esquire:  The twist ending of the first episode of "The Mandalorian" expands the mystery surrounding whatever alien species from which Yoda hails.

THE LAST JEDI - From IndieWire:  Director Rian Johnson, preparing for the release of his new film, "Knives Out," fires back at critics of the diverse casting in his film, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."

THE MANDALORIAN - From VanityFair:  Veteran actress, Ming-Na Wen, will play the assassin, "Fennec Shand," in The Mandalorian."

STAR WARS - From YahooHuffPost:   George Lucas told Mark Hamill that there is no underwear in space.

FUTURE - From Deadline:  David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the duo behind the Emmy-winning "Game of Thrones" have walked away from their much publicized deal to create a new "Star Wars" trilogy for Lucasfilm, which was to launch in 2022.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Writer Alyssa Wong and artist Marika Cresta will relaunch Marvel Comics' "Star Wars: Doctor Aphra" in April 2020.

CASSIAN ANDOR - From Variety:  Tony Gilroy, who wrote and directed the reshoots on "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," will write the pilot for Disney+'s "Rogue One" prequel that focuses on the character "Cassian Ando."  Gilroy will reportedly also direct multiple episodes of the series.

MOVIES - From YahooMovieUK:  Rian Johnson casts doubt on his planned original "Star Wars" trilogy.

MANGA - From Newsarama:  VIZ Media has acquired the publishing rights to "Star Wars: The Legends of Skywalker: The Manga.

COMICS-NOVELS - From SyfyWire:  At New York Comic Con 2019, new Star Wars novels (including the secret "Project Luminous") and comic books (including a new "Star Wars" series set after the events of "The Empire Strikes Back") are announced.

STAR WARS RESISTANCE - From TheWrap:  The executive producers of the Disney Channel's animated series, "Star Wars Resistance," say that the alien characters, Okra and Flix, are “absolutely a gay couple and we’re proud of that.”

OBI-WAN - From Deadline:   Debra Chow, who has directed episodes of "The Mandalorian," will be an executive producer on the "Obi-Wan Kenobi" series for the Disney+ streaming service.

FUTURE - From Variety:  Marvel Studios president, Kevin Feige, is reportedly developing a "Star Wars" film for Lucasfilm.

GEORGE LUCAS - From EW:  Disney CEO Bob Iger talks about "Star Wars" creator George Lucas feeling betrayed when Disney decided not to use his story ideas on "Star War: The Force Awakens."

COMICS - From AVClub:  Comic book writer Charles Soule is expecting angry reader comments over his upcoming Star Wars comic book,"The Rise of Kylo Ren."

COMICS - From StarWars:  Marvel Comics' ongoing "Star Wars" comic book will come to an end with "Star Wars #75 (November 2019) and the epilogue, "Star Wars: Empire Ascendant #1" (December 2019) .

JON FAVREAU - From Newsarama:  Jon Favreau, executive producer of "The Mandalorian," would like to do a new "Star Wars" holiday special for Disney+.  Many Star Wars fans remember the notorious "Star Wars Holiday Special" from 1978.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Deadline:  "Twilight" actress Julia Jones ("Leah Clearwater") is joining the cast of "The Mandalorian."  No other information is currently available.

THE MANDALORIAN - From YahooEntertainment:   Members of the cast of "The Mandalorian" get emotional when talking about being cast for the Disney+ "Star Wars" series.

FILM-TV - From EW:  A list of all the "Star Wars" TV shows and movies that are in the works.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Deadline:  Disney+ series, "The Mandalorian," has a trailer.

OBI-WAN - From Deadline:  It is official.  There will be an Obi-Wan Kenobi TV series on Disney+ with Ewan McGregor reprising the title role.  According to Lucasfilm boss, Kathleen Kennedy, all the scripts are written and the series will shot next year.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics' current ongoing "Star Wars" comic book series will end in November with issue #75.

THE MANDALORIAN - From THR:  The first trailer for Jon Favreau's Star Wars TV series, "The Mandalorian," will debut at Disney's D23 Expo, Friday, Aug. 23rd.  The series is scheduled to debut Nov. 12th on the streaming service, Disney+.

THE FORCE AWAKENS - From YahooLifestyle:  See an early design of Kylo Ren that is positively scary.

RIAN JOHNSON TRILOGY - From TheObserver:  Rian Johnson talks about the freedom of creating his new "Star Wars" trilogy without saying anything else about it.

OBI-WAN - From Deadline:  Ewan McGregor is in talks to reprise his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in a series for Disney's streaming service, "Disney+.

BOOKS - From ComicBook:  A new book, "Star Wars: The Secrets of the Jedi" will explore the history of the Jedi as told by Luke Skywalker.  The book is due Nov. 19th, 2019.

COMICS - From CBR:  At Comic-Con 2019, Lucasfilm announces a new four-issue comic book that looks into the backstory of Kylo Ren.  Entitled "Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren," it will launch in December (via Marvel Comics) and will be written by Charles Soule.  No artist has been named.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Beginning with its Star Wars Adventures #27, IDW Publishing will offer an untold story set between "Return of the Jedi" and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

CASSIAN ANDOR - From Syfy:  Diego Luna, who played "Cassian Andor" in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," says that the film left a very deep mark on him.  He also talks about the character's prequel series for Disney+

THE MANDALORIAN - From IndieWire:  Executive Producer Jon Favreau announces that a second season of "The Mandalorian" is already being written - ahead of the series' November 2019 debut on Disney+.

JAR JAR BINKS - From TampaBayTimes:  Why is Jar Jar Binks, the hero/goat of "The Phantom Menace," trending on Twitter?

MARK HAMILL - From ComicBook:  Mark Hamill has been parodied by MAD Magazine over the years for playing Luke Skywalker.  MAD will no longer contain new content in just a few months, so Hamill sends his salute.

FANS - From MosEisleySpaceport:  The site names the "50 best Star Wars blogs."

ROGUE ONE - From YahooNews:  Riz Ahmed talks about how an incident of airline profiling of Muslims forced him to cancel his appearance at Star Wars Celebration.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Writer Robbie Thompson talks to "Newsarama" about the upcoming miniseries, "Star Wars: Target Vader."

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Darth Vader to appear in Marvel Comics #1000.

MARK HAMILL - From TheRinger:  A look at Mark Hamill's (Luke Skywalker) career as a voice actor.

BILLY DEE WILLIAMS - From BleedingCool:  Billy Dee Willaims (Lando, of course) shares photos he took with some old Star Wars friends at the opening of the "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" theme park.

THEME PARKS - From Newsarama:   Harrison Ford made a surprise appearance at the opening ceremony of Disneyland's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge theme park area to activate the Millennium Falcon on display in the park with a dedication to late Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew. Ford joined Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, George Lucas, and Disney CEO Bob Iger.

FUTURE - From BuzzFeed:  There is apparently development on a movie based on "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" (the video game first released in 2003).  The current screenwriter is Laeta Kalogridis ("Avatar," "Shutter Island").

FANDOM - From YahooEntertainment:  This is an interesting article from writer Ethan Alter: "The Phantom Menace" at 20: How the first episode of the 'Star Wars' saga created toxic fandom.

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FUTURE - From Variety:  “Game of Thrones” creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are working on the “Star Wars” movie that’s due out in 2022, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed.

FUTURE - From Newsarama:  Disney has announced the schedule for three new Star Wars movies starting on December 16, 2022, with new films arriving December 20, 2024, and Dcember 18, 2026.

A NEW HOPE - From YahooEntertainment:  5 crazy but true fun facts about disco 'Star Wars' — your new May the Fourth soundtrack.  Remembering Meco’s #1 smash hit on the Billboard charts, “Star Wars/Cantina Band.”

LEGACY - From YahooEntertainment:  May the Fourth: How 'Star Wars' has changed fans' lives forever

OBIT - From THR:  Peter Mayhew, the actor who originated the role of Chewbacca, died Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at the age of 74

COMICS - From Newsarama:  The five-issue Marvel Comics' title, "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge," offers a peek at the new Disney theme park.

FUTURE - From ThePlaylist:  Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy says that there is some kind of development on a project in the fan-favorite "Knights of the Old Republic" series.

THE MANDALORIAN - From CinemaBlend:  What is known so far about the Disney+ series, "The Mandalorian, from writer-director-executive producer, Jon Favreau.

THE FUTURE - From EW:  Rian Johnson and "Game of Thrones" showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, are "working in tandem" on their respective "Star Wars" film projects.

LEGO - From Newsarama:  LEGO is going classic Star Wars ("A New Hope") and is giving the Alderaanian diplomatic ship, the "Tantiv IV," its own set, which will be available May 3.

THE FUTURE - From Bloomberg:  Disney CEO Bob Iger says that the Star Wars film franchise is going on "hiatus" after the upcoming "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" - Episode IX.

THE RISE OF SKYWALKER - From EW:  The secrets of "Star Wars Episode IX" revealed, including a teaser trailer and a title.

DISNEY+ - From Deadline:  The full "Star Wars" film franchise will be available on Disney's new streaming service within a year of its debut, which is November 12, 2019 ($6.99 a month).

DISNEY+ - From Newsarama:  Alan Tudyk will reprise his role as "Rogue One" role as the droid K-2SO in the "Cassian Andor" prequel series.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Big changes are coming for Marvel Comics' "Star Wars" line of comics, including the flagship "Star Wars."

RIAN JOHNSON - From ScreenRant:  Rian Johnson, the writer-director of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," says that he is still working on a new trilogy of "Star Wars" films, despite rumors to the contrary.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics is reviving its original "Star Wars" comic book for one special issue.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics will publish "The Art of Star Wars Rebels," a book about the late Disney XD series, "Star Wars Rebels."  Dark Horse previously held the license to produce "Star Wars" comic books before Marvel Comics regained the license.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics is launching a comic book, "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge," based on the Disneyland Resort and Disney World Resort of the same name.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics five-issue miniseries, "Star Wars: TIE Fighter," will show the other side of the "Rebellion era" beginning in April 2019.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics' "Age of Rebellion" line of Star Wars comic books will include Jabba and Moff Tarkin comic books, among others.


Thursday, December 26, 2019

"Star Wars: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER" (Episode IX) - A Negromancer Link-O-Rama - Update #63

Support Leroy on Patreon:

REVIEW - From Patreon:  My review of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."

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NEWS:

From Variety:  "The Rise of Skywalker" has the second-best Christmas Day box office ever, grossing 32 million dollars.  The best Christmas Day box office record is held by "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" with 49 million dollar.

From ComicBook:  All the cameos in "The Rise of Skywalker" you might have missed.

From IndieWire:  John Boyega says his character "Finn" was never going to tell "Rey" (played by Daisy Ridley) that he loves her.

From Yahoo:  What was Finn going to tell Rey?  J.J. tells us.

From Variety:  "The Rise of Skywalker" wins its opening weekend at the box office with an estimated gross of $175.5 million.

From YahooNews:  "The Rise of Skywalker" grosses $40 million in the U.S. and Canada during Thursday night preview showings.

From YahooMovies:  Late in "The Rise of Skywalker," two women kiss, marking the first on-screen lesbian kiss in "Star Wars" films.  Of course, some people are bothered... because they wanted Finn and Poe to kiss.

From Variety:  Catch some exclusive behind-the-scenes "The Return of Skywalker" video at Amazon.

From Deadline:  With the help of Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger helped facilitate a dying Star Wars fan's wish to see "The Rise of Skywalker."  The film was shown, via laptop, to a patient at Rowan's Hospice in Hampshire, England, this week.

From YahooGMA:   John Boyega a.k.a. "Finn" admits that it was his copy of "The Rise of Skywalker" script that ended up on eBay.

From Esquire:  Billy Dee Williams Explains What Lando Has Been Up to Since Return of the Jedi

From YahooMoviesUK:  The writers of "The Rise of Skywalker" took notes from "Star Wars" creator, George Lucas.

From Esquire:  The enduring intergalactic cool of Billy Dee Williams.

From ComicBook:  See the "Sith Troopers" in this photographic image in "Empire" magazines.

From TheWrap:  A real script for "The Rise of Skywalker" ended up on eBay after an actor left it under his bed where a cleaner found it.  Lucasfilm and Disney bought it.

From EW:  The magazine interviews "The Rise of Skywalker" director J.J. Abrams.

From YahooMoviesUK:  "The Rise of Skywalker" international poster debuts.

From YahooPeople:   J.J. Abrams says that the trailers of "The Rise of Skywalker" have only scratched the surface of the actual movie.

From Newsarama:  Disney/Lucasfilm has released 12 new characters posters from "The Rise of Skywalker."

From RollingStone:   Lucasfilm president, Kathleen Kennedy, talks about "The Rise of Skywalker" and the future of "Star Wars."

From CBR:  Colin Trevorrow ("Jurassic World") was originally going to direct "Star Wars IX," until he was fired.  However, he will reportedly get a "story by" credit on "The Rise of Skywalker."

From ScreenRant:  Before Carrie Fisher died, Princess Leia was going to the "the Last Jedi" in "The Rise of Skywalker."

From EW:  The site offers: "What we know about Emperor Palpatine — and how he could impact Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

From Newsarama:  It is apparently official.  The final trailer for "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" will debut during halftime of ESPN's "Monday Night Football" on Monday, Oct. 21st.

From StarWarsNewsNet:  There is a news that the next trailer for "The Rise of Skywalker" will debut Monday, Oct. 21st during the halftime show of "Monday Night Football" on ESPN.  The game will feature the reigning Super Bowl champions New England Patriots at the New York Jets.

From TheWrap:  "The Wrap" says that it's weird that we don't know what "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" is about.

From Newsarama:  A preview of "Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - Allegiance" from Marvel Comics on Oct. 9th.

From Inverse:   New "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" marketing may reveal spoilers.

New YahooMoviesUK:  New art about the "Knights of Ren" revealed.

From Newsarama:  StarWars.com introduces a new character for "The Rise of Skywalker," the tiny alien, "Babu Frik."

From Newsarama:  Disney announces the companies with which it will team up to promote "The Rise of Skywalker."

From EW:  At D23 Expo, Lucasfilm revealed a new poster for "The Rise of Skywalker."  New footage from the film was also revealed, but will still have to wait for the release of a full trailer.

From Inverse:  Apparently, the upcoming book, "Star Wars: The Secrets of the Jedi" reveals that only a "select few" Jedi know the secret of becoming a "Force Ghost."  Could this info have an effect on "The Rise of Skywalker."

From Esquire:  There is a new leak from "The Return of Skywalker" that appears to confirm Rey's origin.

From io9:   In a video for Wired, Daisy Ridley ("Rey") promises "one of the most epic" lightsaber battles in "The Rise of Skywalker."

From CBR:  "Jurassic World" director Colin Trevorrow was once slated to direct Star Wars Episode IX before he was fired.  In a recent interview, actress Daisy Ridley ("Rey") said Trevorrow's plans for the film were very different from what director J.J. Abrams presents in "The Rise of Skywalker."

From StarWars:  "The Rise of Skywalker" will introduce a new stormtrooper, "the Sith Trooper."  Sith Trooper merchandise will be available at next weeks San Diego Comic Con 2019.

From USAToday:  Daisy Ridley promises emotional ending to "Star Wars."

From YahooEntertainment:  Mark Hamill says that he is done with "Star Wars" after "The Rise of Skywalker," in which he will be a "Force ghost."

From VanityFair:  A New "Vanity Fair" article offers a wealth of set photos and images from "The Rise of Skywalker."

From Newsarama:  In a new "Vanity Fair" article, J.J. Abrams talks about going "renegade" in making "The Rise of Skywalker."

From IndieWire:  One of the international titles for "The Rise of Skywalker," specifically Hungarian could provide a hidden clue about the film.

From MakingStarWars:  Rumors say that Harrison Ford might return as Han Solo in "The Rise of Skywalker."

From IndieWire:  J.J Abrams talks about how George Lucas helped with the script for "The Rise of Skywalker."

From YahooMovies:  Apparently the appearance of actor Ian McDiarmid at Star Wars Celebration this weekend in Chicago confirms the return of "Emperor Palpatine" in "The Rise of Skywalker."

From Variety:  Star Wars IX has a title, "The Rise of Skywalker," and a teaser trailer.

From Newsarama:  "The Rise of Skywalker" image gallery.

From Variety:  Here is a first look at Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian in "The Rise of Skywalker."

From MakingStarWars: Star Wars: Episode IX retail poster and character sheets leak revealing names, ships, and more!

From Newsarama:  A possible leak of a poster for Episode IX?

From MakingStarWars:  Disney shareholders meeting yields more Episode IX rumors, including that attendees were shown clips from the film.

From Twitter:  J.J. Abrams announced that "Episode IX" has wrapped photography.

From MovieWeb:  Maybe only director J.J. Abrams knows the title of Episode IX.

From MakingStarWars:  What is the size of Lando Calrissian's role?

From io9:  A Reddit user who claims to be an extra on Episode IX claims that actress Naomi Ackie is playing Lando Calrissian's daughter, "Veranada (Vera) Calrissian.

From BleedingCool:  Anthony Daniels / C-3PO reveals via Twitter than today (Monday, Jan. 28th, 2019) was his last day filming on Episode IX.

From SlashFilm:  In the latest episode of /Film's "Star Wars Bits," they start the year with rumors, including a rumored titled for "Episode IX."  How does "Son of Darkness" sound?

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  First teaser trailer (April 12, 2019).

From YouTube:  "The Rise of Skywalker" footage shown at Disney D23 Expo 2019

From YouTube:  "The Rise of Skywalker" final official trailer - released Monday, October 21, 2019.

From Newsarama:  "The Rise of Skywalker" 30-second teaser, released Tuesday, November 19, 2019.

From EW:  The Knights of Ren assemble in new 30-second footage, released Sunday, November 24, 2019.

From IndieWire:  This 30-second spot emphasizes the conflict between Rey and Kylo Ren with John Williams' "Duel of the Fates" (from the score for "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace) playing in the background.

From ComicBook:   In this clip, General Leia Organa holds a lightsaber - Saturday, November 30, 2019.


Saturday, July 20, 2019

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 14th to 20th, 2019 - Update #44

Support Leroy on Patreon:

STAR TREK - From Deadline:  British actor David Ajala will join CBS All Access' "Star Trek: Discovery" for Season Three as a new series regular.

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SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL 2019 NEWS:

Marvel Studios "Phase Four" will be comprised of 10 films and series:
Here's the full slate:

Black Widow (May 1, 2020)

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Disney+, Fall 2020)

Eternals (November 6, 2020

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (Feb. 12, 2021)

WandaVision (Disney+, Spring 2021)

Loki (Disney+, Spring 2021)

Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (May 7, 2021)

What If…? (Disney+, Summer 2021)

Hawkeye (Disney+, Fall 2021)

Thor: Love and Thunder (Nov. 5, 2021)

"Black Panther," "Captain Marvel 2," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," "Fantastic Four," and "Blade" (Mahershala Ali)

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From THR:  Here it is!  Comic-Con gets to see the first full trailer for HBO's "Watchmen" TV series, featuring Oscar-winner Regina King.

From EW:  Mark Hamill brings Netflix's "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" to Comic-Con.

From EW:  Disney's revived "DuckTales" animated TV series stormed Comic-Con.  It's second and upcoming third seasons will continue to introduce characters from classic animated Disney TV series, like "Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers," "TaleSpin," and "Darkwing Duck."

From THR:  James Cameron offered a "Terminator: Dark Fate" surprise for Comic-Con attendees.  Edward Furlong will return as John Connor, the role he played he played as a child actor in 1991's "Terminator 2: Judgment Day."  Fans also saw a new trailer for the film.

From THR:  Tom Cruise surprises Comic-Con 2019 with a trailer for "Top Gun: Maverick."

From CBR:  The upcoming TV series, "His Dark Materials" descends on Comic-Con with actors and executive producers.  The series is based on author Philip Pullman's trilogy, which has previously made it to film as "The Golden Compass."


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MOVIES - From EW:  Via twitter, it was revealed that 2020 and 2021 will see two sequels to the 2018 iteration of "Halloween."  First is "Halloween Kills" (2020) and then, "Halloween Ends" (2021).

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ANIMATION - From Deadline:  A developing story - there has been a suspected arson attack at Kyoto Animation in Kyoto, Japan.  Reports say 33 people have died.

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DISNEY - From BleedingCool:  Rumor is that Oscar-winning actor, Javier Bardeem, is in talks to join Disney's live-action remake "The Little Mermaid."

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STAR TREK - From Deadline:  In an interview in conjunction with the release of his new film, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," Quentin Tarantino said that his "Star Trek" film, if he directed it, would be like "Pulp Fiction" in space.

From IndieWire: Quentin Tarantino says that if he directs the R-rated "Star Trek" film which he has been developing for a few years now, it would be his last feature film.

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MUSIC - From YahooNews:  The Iowa director of social services, Jerry Foxhoven, has been ousted because of his obsession with the late rapper and actor, Tupac Shakur, that he insisted on sharing with everyone.  [Man, that is one real-ass dude.]

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DISNEY - From THR:  Harry Styles is in talks to play "Prince Eric" in Disney's live-action remake of its animated classic, "The Little Mermaid."  Styles was a member of the British boy-band, One Direction," before launching a solo recording career.  He made his acting debut in Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk."

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STREAMING - YahooNews:  A recent user's poll showed that "Orange is the New Black" and "Stranger Things" are Netflix users' two most favorite TV series.

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AWARDS - From YahooEntertainment:  Here are the 2019 / 71st Annual Emmy Awards nominations. "Game of Thrones" received a leading and record 32 nominations.

From Deadline:  2019 Emmy Awards see a major decline in diversity and inclusion.

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MOVIES - From THR:  Oscar-nominees, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, will write Margot Robbie's "Barbie" (yes, based on the iconic Mattel doll) film.  Gerwig ("Lady Bird") may direct.

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DISNEY - From YahooNews:  Disney heiress, Abigail Disney, goes undercover at the Disneyland theme park to see worker conditions.  She also wrote to Disney CEO Bob Iger.

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MOVIES - From ThePlaylist:  Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle ("La La Land") is prepping a new film, reportedly a Hollywood period piece called "Babylon."  Oscar-winning actress, Emma Stone ("La La Land"), is attached.

From Variety:  Baz Luhrmann has his Elvis.  Actor Austin Butler will play the King of Rock 'n' Roll in Luhrmann's biopic, with Tom Hanks playing Elvis' manager, Col. Tom Parker.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 7/12 to 7/14/2019 weekend box office is "Spider-Man: Far From Home" with an estimated take of 45.3 million dollars.

From Patreon:  My review of "Spider-Man: Far From Home."

From Deadline:  If new movie releases, "Crawl" and "Stuber," were meant to be counter-programming, they have failed, as "Spider-Man: Far From Home" and "Toy Story 4" continue to dominate the weekend box office.

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JAMES BOND - From TheDailyMail:  According to reports, British actress Lashana Lynch ("Captain Marvel"), will be the new "Agent 007" in the next James Bond film, currently known as "BOND25."  She will NOT be James Bond (who will be played again by Daniel Craig), who is in retirement and who will reportedly try seduce the new 007.  This change and others are apparently being initiated by writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

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MOVIES - From MovieWebJason Reitman reveals the first photo of "the New Family": Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and Mckenna Grace from "Ghostbusters 2020" (also known as "Ghostbusters 3").  The photo includes Jason and his father, Ivan, who directed the original "Ghost Busters" (1984) and "Ghostbusters 2" (1989).

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POLITICS - From TheDailyBeast:  What has Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone been up to lately?  He has been making documentaries that some have described as having a pro-Vladimir Putin bent.

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STREAMING - From Variety:  Disney is shutting down Fox's "FX Plus" subscription service which will no longer be available after August 20th, 2019.  It's content will probably be moved to Hulu.

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INTERNATIONAL - From DeadlineLuc Besson is looking to Vine Alternative Investments to save his debt-ridden motion picture company, EuropaCorp (thanks to 2017's "Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets").  Vine already has controlling interest in film producing/financing company, Village Roadshow Productions.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  New Line/Warner Bros.' "Space Invaders" film (yep, that's actually a thing) has a writer, Greg Russo.  Russo wrote Warner's "Mortal Kombat" reboot film which is currently filming.  And of course you know that both "Space Invaders" and "Mortal Kombat" are video game properties.

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BOND - From Variety:  Christoph Waltz will return as "Blofeld" in the currently filming, BOND 25.

TRAILERS AND VIDEO:

From Newsarama:  Apple TV+ releases the first trailer for its series, "Snoopy in Space."

From Variety:  Disney releases a teaser trailer for the "The King's Man," the prequel to "Kingsman: The Secret Service" (2014) and "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" (2017).  It stars Ralph Fiennes and is due Feb. 14th, 2020.

From EW:  Here is the first trailer for the "Rabid," a remake of the 1977 David Cronenberg film.  The remake, directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska, will premiere at Frightfest in August.

From YouTube:  Here is the first official trailer for director Rian Johnson's whodunit, "Knives Out."

OBITS:

From NYTimes:  Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has died at the age of 99, Tuesday, July 16, 2019.  Appointed by President Gerald R. Ford to the Supreme Court, Justice Stevens was the third longest service Justice (1975 to 2010).  During WWII, Justice Stevens was a "code breaker."

From ESPN:  Hall of Fame boxer, Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, died at the age of 55, Sunday, July 14, 2019.  Whitaker died after being hit by a vehicle.  As an amateur, Whitaker won gold at the 1983 Pan American Games and also at the 1984 Olympics.  As a pro, he was a world champion in four weight classes: lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight.


Saturday, December 29, 2018

A "Star Wars" Link-o-Rama 2018 by Negromancer - Update #81

Posted by Leroy Doureseaux - on Patreon.

EPISODE IX - From FlickeringMyth:  Todd Fisher, the brother of the late Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), says that there is enough unused footage from "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi" to make a fitting end for Fisher in Episode 9.

EPISODE IX - From BleedingCool:  According to John Boyega, "Episode 9" takes place one year after the events depicted in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (Episode 8).

COMICS - From Newsarama:  A "Star Wars" T-shirt, with art by "Star Wars Adventures'" Derek Charm, will be available for Free Comic Book Day 2019.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Variety:  Giancarlo Esposito, Carl Weathers, and Werner Herzog are among the new cast members for the Disney+ streaming series, "The Mandalorian."

ROGUE ONE PREQUEL - From THR:  Stephen Schiff, a producer on FX's "The Americans" named showrunner for Disney+'s "Rogue One" prequel TV series.

OBITUARY/A NEW HOPE - From EW:  Gloria Katz, the screenwriter who was a script doctor on the original Star Wars film, died Sunday, November 25, 2018.  Katz worked with her husband, Willard Huyck.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Variety:  Academy Award nominated actor, Nick Nolte, joins Disney+'s "Star Wars" streaming series, "The Mandalorian."

GALAXY OF ADVENTURES - From Deadline:  Starting Friday, Nov. 30th at StarWarsKids.com, the first six animated shorts in the new series, "Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures," will debut.

EPISODE 9 - From YahooEsquire:  Luke Skywalker may return in Star Wars Episode IX, but not as a force ghost...

THE MANDALORIAN - From SlashFilm:  Unofficial word is that actor Pedro Pascal (Netflix's "Narcos") will be the lead actor in "The Mandalorian," the new Star Wars TV series for the upcoming streaming service, Disney+.

ROGUE ONE - From Variety:  Diego Luna will reprise his "Rogue One" role of "Cassian Andor" in a new "Star Wars" series for Disney's upcoming streaming service, called "Disney+".  The unnamed series will be a prequel to "Rogue One."

BOBA FETT - From The Playlist:  Lucasfilm boss, Kathleen Kennedy says that "Boba Fett" spinoff film no longer in development.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "Star Wars: Age of Republic Special #1" is a Jar Jar Binks story.

RESISTANCE - From BleedingCool:  Elijah Wood will be a voice actor on "Star Wars Resistance" (Disney Channel), specifically the episode, "Fuel for the Fire," which is scheduled for Sun., Oct. 21st, 2018.

THE MANDALORIAN - From TheWrap:  Lucasfilm releases the first image from the upcoming streaming series, "The Mandalorian," and the names of people who will be directing episodes of the series.  Those names include Taika Waititi ("Thor: Ragnarok"), Bryce Dallas Howard, and Dave Filoni ("Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels).

THE MANDALORIAN - From Deadline:  That is the title of the upcoming Star Wars streaming TV series from Jon Favreau, "The Mandalorian."  It will focus on the Star Wars race that gave us bounty hunter Jango Fett and his son Boba Fett.

STAR WARS TV - From WeGotThisCovered:  Jon Favreau's "Star Wars" TV series for Disney's streaming service is looking at "Game of Thrones" actor Pedro Pascal for lead role.

STAR WARS RESISTANCE - From IndieWire:  Japanese-American actor, Christopher Sean, talks about his voice acting role in the upcoming (Sun., Oct. 7th) Disney Channel animated series, "Star Wars Resistance."

LEGACY - From NewJerseyHerald:  A story about Greg Hildebrandt, his iconic poster for the first "Star Wars" film, and working with his twin brother, Tim, who also worked on that poster.

LUCASFILM - From Variety:  Lucasfilm extends Kathleen Kennedy's deal as president to 2021.

OBITUARY - From Variety:  "Star Wars" producer Gary Kurtz has died at the age of 78, Sunday, September 23, 2018.

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK - From YahooCelebrity:  Billy Dee Williams pranked young Mark Hamill during the 1980 royal premiere of "The Empire Strikes Back."  Read the story.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "This is the Age of Star Wars! STAR WARS: AGE OF REPUBLIC, AGE OF REBELLION and AGE OF RESISTANCE chronologically tell a series of spectacular adventures featuring your favorite characters from ALL THREE STAR WARS TRILOGIES."

FRANCHISE - From Variety:  Michael K. Williams, who lost his part in "Solo" because of scheduling, still wants to be part of the "Star Wars" universe.

EPISODE IX - From BleedingCool:  Oscar Isaac ("Poe Dameron") says that the late Carrie Fisher is with the cast as they film Star Wars 9.

EPISODE IX - From Variety:  Matt Smith, who played the 11th incarnation of "the Doctor" in "Doctor Who," has joined the cast of Star Wars 9

EPISODE IX - From Deadline:  Dominic Monaghan was one of the stars of J.J. Abrams' TV series, "Lost."  Now, he reunites with Abrams as Monaghan has joined the cast of "Star Wars 9."  Monaghan also appeared in "The Lord of the Rings" films.

STAR WARS RESISTANCE - From StarWars:  See the first trailer for the new Disney Channel / Disney XD, animated Star Wars TV series, "Star Wars Resistance."

EPISODE IX - From CNET:  Latest rumor, Episode 9 may be titled "Star Wars: A New Order."

From CinemaBlend:  New photo from the set of "Episode 9."

From WeGotThisCovered:  Could there be a Hutt connection from "Return of the Jedi" in Star Wars Episode 9.

From WeGotThisCovered:  There is a rumor that "Star Wars 9" could be the longest film in the series, so long that it might be split into 2 films.

From WeGotThisCovered:  John Boyega teases a new hairdo for Finn.
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STREAMING - From BleedingCool:  According to an article in "The New York Times," the "Star Wars" series that Jon Favreau is developing for "The Disney Streaming Service" will have a budget of $100 million for a 10-episode season.

RETURN OF THE JEDI - From WeGotThisCovered:  James Marquand, the son of "Return of the Jedi" director, the late Richard Marquand, defends his father's work on the final installment of the original Star Wars trilogy.

STREAMING - From IndieWire:  The "Star Wars" films (the three main trilogies and the stand alone films) won't be on Disney's upcoming streaming service until 2024.

EPISODE IX - From Deadline:  J.J. Abrams tweets first photo from the set of "Star Wars Episode IX."

EPISODE IX - From WeGotThisCovered:  George Lucas to be working with Disney on the script for "Star Wars IX."

EPISODE IX - From StarWars:  The cast for Star Wars Episode IX was officially announced today.  Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, and Keri Russell, who will be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.

From BleedingCool:  Carrie Fisher will return in Star Wars IX via unused footage from Episode VII.
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THE CLONE WARS - From StarWars:  Beloved CGI animated series, "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" will return for a new season of 12 episodes... which will be available on Disney's "direct-to-consumer" streaming service.  This article also includes an interview with supervising director and "shepherd of the series," Dave Filoni.

EPISODE IX - From THR:  Sources confirm that Billy Dee Williams will return as "Lando Calrissian" for Star Wars Episode 9.

EPISODE IX - From THR:   Keri Russell is in talks to join Star Wars 9.  Russell previously appeared in Episode 9 director, J.J. Abrams' breakout TV series, "Felicity."

FRANCHISE - From Collider:  Sources say that Lucasfilm is putting the development of future "anthology films" or spinoff films (like "Rogue One," and "Solo") on hold.

EPISODE IX - From ScreenRant:  Rumors heat up that Billy Dee Williams will appear in Star Wars 9.

FRANCHISE - From WeGotThisCovered:  Lucasfilm Reportedly Has 9 Star Wars Movies In Development Right Now

GEORGE LUCAS - From DenofGeek:  Via an interview for James Cameron's TV series, "James Cameron's 's Story of Science Fiction," George Lucas reveals a few details about his unused plans for the Star Wars "sequel trilogy" (Episodes 7 to 9).

FRANCHISE - From ScreenRant:  "Star Wars" is taking a break.

LUCASFILM - From ScreenRant:  Star Wars Rumor: Kathleen Kennedy Stepping Down From Lucasfilm?

EPISODE IX - From FanthaTracks:  "Star Wars 9" changes working title from ""Black Diamond" to "trIXie"

EPISODE IX - From WeGotThisCovered:  Is Lando Calrissian returning for "Star Wars 9."

FUTURE - From SlashFilm:  Emilia Clarke is currently starring in "Solo: A Star Wars Story" and is the lead in HBO's "Game of Thrones."  She says that "Game of Thrones" TV series creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, will make their announced Star Wars TV series "Star Wars on acid."

FUTURE - From TheWrap:  There is a report that Oscar-nominated James Mangold has been hired to write and direct a "Boba Fett" movie.

EPISODE IX - From WeGotThisCovered:  Rumors are that "Legends" characters turned "Rebels" star, Grand Admiral Thrawn, will appear in Star Wars 9.

OBI-WAN - From JoBlo:  The rumored "Obi-Wan Kenobi" movie would be a prequel to "Star Wars: A New Hope" (Episode IV).

EPISODE IX - From FlickeringMyth:  Rumoured plot breakdown for Star Wars: Episode IX surfaces online

EPISODE IX - From WeGotItCovered:  Bizarre Star Wars: Episode IX Leak Points To Time Jumps And More

FRANCHISE - From EveningStandard:  The British newspaper site ranks the Star Wars films from best to worst - according to the writers.

EPISODE IX - From WeGotThisCovered:  Rumors have it that J.J. Abrams is looking for a new female lead for "Star Wars Episode 9."

ANIMATION - From Variety:  Disney Channel ordered the anime-inspired series, "Star Wars Resistance," which will debut this fall on Disney XD.

CARRIE FISHER - From SideshowToys: Todd Fisher talks about his late sister, Carrie, and late mother, Debbie, in this video interview.

EPISODE IX - From YahooMoviesUK: Lucasfilm has hired Victoria Mahoney as J.J. Abrams' second unit director on "Star Wars Episode 9."  She is the first black woman to work as a director on a Star Wars film.

FRANCHISE - From BleedingCool:  Rian Johnson says the "Star Wars" franchise needs directors who are not white guys.

EPISODE 9 - From EmpireOnline:  At "AwesomeCon 2018 (in Washington DC), John Boyega dropped some info saying that Finn and Rey would be reunited after spending "The Last Jedi" separated for almost the entire film.

FRANCHISE - From YahooDigitalSpy:  Not even Steven Spielberg could get the rights to use 'Star Wars' in 'Ready Player One'

CELEBRITY - From LATimes:  Mark Hamill gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

From Variety:  Harrison Ford remembers Carrie Fisher at the ceremony for Mark Hamill's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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STREAMING - From StarWars.com:  Jon Favreau to Executive Produce and Write Live-Action Star Wars Series

From YahooEntertainment:  Jon Favreau hired for 'Star Wars' series: Why fans have mixed feelings
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COMIC BOOKS - From StarWars:  How Dark Empire Kickstarted Star Wars Comics for a New Generation

TELEVISION - From CinemaBlend:  Could "Star Wars Resistance" be the next "Star Wars" animated or first live-action TV series?

FRANCHISE - From PopSugar:  All the Details We Have on the Upcoming Star Wars Films

EPISODE IX - From BleedingCool:  J.J. Abrams says he has a script for "Star Wars: Episode 9," and a start date for production.

THE FORCE AWAKEN - From DenofGeek:  New tidbits about "The Force Awakens," including an earlier different title for the film.

A NEW HOPE - From Oscars.org:   Myth-making: STAR WARS and the Art of Advertising

NEW FILMS - From Movieweb:  Will there be two "Star Wars" per year?

NEW FILMS - From StarWars:  "Game of Thones" creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, write and produce a new series of Star Wars films.  These films will be separate from the episodic Skywalker saga and the recently announced Rian Johnson trilogy.

CHARACTERS - From CinemaBlend:  More "Expanded Universe" characters may soon become canon, as "Grand Admiral Thrawn."

CARRIE FISHER - From USMagazine:  Carrie Fisher posthumously won the Grammy Award for "Best Spoken Word Album" at the 60th Grammy Awards for the audio version of her 2016 memoir, "The Princess Diarist."

OBI-WAN - From YahooEntertainment:  After winning a Golden Globe for his performance in the FX (mini) series, "Fargo," Ewan McGregor was backstage to speak with the press and got grilled about playing Obi-Wan Kenobi.

EPISODE 9 - From YahooEntertainment:  How 'Star Wars: Episode IX' can give Princess Leia the ending she deserves

FRANCHISE - From TheNewYorker:  A Field Guide to the Musical Leitmotifs of “Star Wars”

ORIGINAL TRILOGY - From DenofGeek:  The secrecy of the Star Wars films apparently drove a wedge between Darth Vader actor, David Prowse, and Lucasfilm.

NEW TRILOGY - From TheScotsman:  The new Star Wars trilogy, to be created by Rian Johnson, is set to begin filming Summer 2018 in Scotland... according to this website.