Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 20th to 30th, 2026 - 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 to join Prime Video, or to shop at my MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

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

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

NEWS:

DISNEY - From Variety:  Disney began another round of layoffs, the third this year. The axed employees came from human resources and IT departments.

AMAZON - From Deadline:  Amazon Prime Video has renewed "Reacher" for a sixth season as a smash hit Season 4 comes to an end.

BOX OFFICE - From Variety:  The winner of the 9/25 to 9/27/2026 weekend box office is Disney/Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Endgame Encore" with an estimated take of 26 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Sabrina Carpenter and Margaret Qualley are joining Tom Holland in his biopic of the legendary Hollywood star, Fred Astaire.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  There is a teaser for "Gremlins 3," as word comes that the film has been delayed to an October 2028 release.  The film will be directed by Chris Columbus and not by Joe Dante, who directed "Gremlins" and "Gremlins 2."

OSCARS - From Variety:  Universal Pictures will begin an Oscar campaign for Anne Hathaway in the "Best Supporting Actress" category for her performance as "Penelope" in Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey."

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 9/18 to 9/20/2026 weekend box office is Sony Pictures' "Resident Evil" with an estimated take of 60 million dollars.

DISNEY - From Variety:  Disney has hired its first CTO - chief technology officer.  It's Karendeep Anand, who was CEO of the generative AI chatbot company, "Character.AI."

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American actor, Dennis Haskins, has died at the age of 75, Sunday, September 27, 2026.  Haskins was best known for the role of "Principal Richard Belding" in the former NBC teen sitcom, "Saved By the Bell" (1989-93); its spinoff, "Saved By the Bell: The New Class" (1993-2000); and in various related series.  Haskins also appeared in numerous TV series, including "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "Good Morning, Miss Bliss," the Disney Channel series, in which he originated the role of Richard Belding.

From Deadline:  English singer-songwriter and recording artist, Pete Byrne, has died at the age of 74, Monday, September 14, 2026.  Byrne was best known for being the lead singer of the 1980s synth-pop band, "Naked Eyes."  The band had four "Billboard Top 40" hits.  That includes 1982's "Always Something There to Remind Me" (No. 8 on Billboard), a reworking of the Burt Bacharach-Hal David song, "(There's) Always Something to Remind Me" and 1983's "Promises, Promises" (No. 11 on Billboard).  Byrne was also a member of the early 80s New Wave band, "Neon," which would split up into the Naked Eyes and the English pop-rock band, "Tears for Fears."

From THR:  Stage, film and television actor and voice performer, James Sloyan, has died at the age of 85, Wednesday, July 22, 2026.  His family announced his passing over the 9/18 to 9/20/2026 weekend  Sloyan may be best known for playing four "Star Trek" species over three "Star Trek" series (''The Next Generatin," "Deep Space Nine," and "Voyager") during the 1990s.  He also appeared in such TV series as "The New Adventures of Wonder Woman," "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century," "Quantum Leap," and "The X-Files," to name a few.  Sloyan also provided the voiceover for "Lexus" commercials for almost two decades.

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

Negromancer's "STAR WARS" Link-O-Rama 2026 - 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 AND RUMORS:

SKYWALKER SAGA- From Deadline:  Director Jon Watts ("Spider-Man: Homecoming") and writer Simon Kinberg are developing a new trilogy that extends the "Skywalker Saga." Neither Disney nor Lucasfilm have confirmed "Deadline's" report.

STARFIGHTER - From THR:  At Disney's 2026 edition of "D23," director Shawn Levy and star Ryan Gosling reveal footage from their upcoming "Star Wars" film, "Star Wars: Starfighter."  It is due May 28, 2027.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Variety:  "Star Wars: The Mandarian and Grogu" will arrive on Disney+ September 2nd, 2026.

MARVEL/STAR WARS - From EW:  The world of Star Wars and the world of Marvel Comics will come together for the first time.  They will do so in the five-issue comic book miniseries, "Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles."  Filmmaker Kevin Smith will write and artist David Marquez will draw the comic book.  "Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles #1" will launch in January 2027.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "BleedingCool" has a five-page preview of Marvel Comics' "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Echoes of the Empire #4."  The preview includes a look at that issue's three covers.  It arrives in comic book stores this coming Wednesday (July 15th).

From BleedingCool:  "Bleeding Cool" has a five-page preview of Dark Horse Comics' "Star Wars: Hyperspace Tales: The Bad Batch - Rogue Agents #4." It arrives Wednesday, July 15th in comic book shops at the cover price of $4.99.

From BleedingCool:  "BleedingCool" has a five-page preview of Marvel Comics' "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Echoes of the Empire #3."  The preview includes a look at that issue's four covers.  It arrives in comic book stores this coming Wednesday (June 24th).

OBIT - From Variety:  American film editor, Marcia Lucas, has died at the age of 80 Wednesday, May 27, 2026.  Marcia is best known for her work with her ex-husband, George Lucas, to whom she was married from 1969-83.  Marcia was on the Academy Award for Best Film Editing for "Star Wars" (1977), sharing it with Paul Hirsch and Richard Chew.  Marcia's work on "Star Wars" is often credited as being what saved the film.  She was also Oscar-nominated for editing editing George's 1973 film, "American Graffiti."  Marcia would later edit "Return of the Jedi" (1983) for the film's director Richard Marquand.  Marcia edited three films for director Martin Scorsese, including "Taxi Driver" (1976).

OBIT - From Collider:  American voice actor, Tom Kane, has died at the age of 64, Monday, May 18, 2026.  Kane was best known for his voice work in the Star Wars franchise, mainly for animation and video games.  He provided the voice of "Yoda" in the 2003 "Star Wars: Clone Wars" animated shorts for Cartoon Network.  He voiced Yoda again in the 2008 "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" animated film.  For Cartoon Network's "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" animated series, he voiced a number of characters, including Yoda, and he provided the narration for each episode.  Kane's extensive list of credits in film, TV, and video games stretch over three decades and include voice performances in "The Powerpuff Girls" (Cartoon Network) and "The Wild Thornberries" (Nickelodeon), to name a few.

OBIT - From TheWrap:  Star Wars actor, Michael Pennington, has died at the age of 82. His family announced his death Sunday, May 10, 2026.  Pennington played "Death Star Commander Moff Jerjerood," who was in charge of the construction of the new Death Star, in "Return of the Jedi" (1983).  Pennington was a writer, director, and actor known for his work on the English stage, including his performance with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

DARTH MAUL - From YouTube:  Disney+ has released the first official trailer for its new animated series, "Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord." The first two episodes debut April 6th.

THE MANDALORIAN - From YouTube:  Disney has released an official trailer for "The Mandalorian and Grogu" film.  It is due in theaters and IMAX May 22, 2026.

DARTH MAUL - From StarWars:  Disney+ has released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming Lucasfilm animated series, "Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord."  The series set for an April 6th debut on Disney+.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics unveils "Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Echoes Of The Empire," a five-issue comic book miniseries launching April 2026.  Set on Batuu, the comic connects to Disney’s "Galaxy’s Edge Park," and also expands the "Star Wars" timeline with classic heroes.  Readers should expect appearances from Luke Skywalker, Leia, and Chewbacca facing the Empire over a dangerous relic.  It is written by Ethan Sacks and drawn by Jethro Morales and Roi Mercado.

DAVE FILONI - From TheWrap:  As Kathleen Kennedy steps down as President of Lucasfilm and Dave Filoni becomes Chief Creative Officer comes a report that Filoni did not like Lucasfilm's Emmy-winning hit, "Andor." Lynwen Brennan is also announced as co-president.

From Forbes:  Reports state that Lucasfilm, Chief Creative Office (CCO), Dave Filoni, will become president of Lucasfilm when current president Kathleen Kennedy steps down.  A director, producer, and screenwriter, Filoni is known for directing the 2008 animated film, "Star Wars: Clone Wars" and the upcoming live-action film, "The Mandalorian and Grogu."  Filoni was also the writer, director, and executive producer on Lucasfilm/Disney+ television series like "The Mandalorian," "The Book of Boba Fett," and "Ahsoka."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "Star Wars: Shadow of Maul" is a five-issue comic book miniseries that will act as a prequel to upcoming Disney+ animated series, "Maul - Shadow Lord."  The comic book is written by Benjamin Percy and drawn by Madibek Musabekov, and the first issue arrives March 2026.

FRANCHISE - From YahooTotalFilm:  Despite working on Star Wars properties since "The Phantom Menace," Lucasfilm design director Doug Chiang says that only George Lucas truly knows what Star Wars design is. "I don’t always get it 100 per cent right."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Artist Taurin Clarke is Marvel Comics' "Star Wars Black History Month" cover artist for February 2026.

From BleedingCool:  Ahmed Best, the voice actor best known for the role of "Jar Jar Binks" in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, will co-write an official Star Wars Jar Jar Binks comic book for Marvel Comics.  The one-shot comic book is due February 2026 and will be co-written by Marc Guggenheim and illustrated by Kieran McKeown and Laura Braga.

From FlickeringMyth:  Dark Horse Comics has announced that it will return to the High Republic era of "Star Wars" next year with the six-issue limited series, "Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – Pathfinders."  The series will be written by George Mann ("Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories – Qui-Gon") and drawn by Partha Pratim, Jagdish Kumar, and Michael Atiyeh ("Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories: The Bad Batch").  The first issue is scheduled to arrive March 11, 2026.

THE MANDALORIAN - From YouTube:  Lucasfilm has released the first official trailer for "The Mandalorian and Grogu," which is due in theaters May 22, 2026.

STARFIGHTER - From IGN:  Lucasfilm offers a new set photo from "Star Wars: Starfighter," featuring cast members, Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray. The film is due May 28, 2027.

From THR:  The latest Star Wars movie, "Star Wars: Starfighter," started shooting on Thursday (Aug. 28th) in the U.K.  Lucasfilm marked the ocassion by releasing an image of star Ryan Gosling and new cast member, Flynn Gray, in front of a speeder.  Lucasfilm also revealed the latest additions to the cast.  Including Flynn Gray, they are Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.  The film is being directed by Shawn Levy and stars Ryan Gosling. Mia Goth and Matt Smith were already revealed to be in the cast, playing villains.

From Deadline:  Matt Smith ("Doctor Who") will star alongside Ryan Gosling as a villain in the "Star Wars" film, "Star Wars: Starfighter," which is scheduled for a 2027 release.

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

Link-o-Rama 2025.

Link-o-Rama 2024.

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

STAR WARS Movie Reviews:

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars"
From Negromancer:  "The Empire Strikes Back"
From Negromancer:  "Return of the Jedi"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Force Awakens
From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"
From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (2008 animated film)
From Negromancer:  "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"
From Negromancer:  "Solo: A Star Wars Story" 

I Reads You "Star Wars Central" comics and graphic novel review page is here.

----------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 13th to 19th, 2026 - UPDATE #8

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

MOVIES - From THR:  John Leguizamo will play the main bad guy in "Miami Vice '85" next to stars Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Brad Pitt will return for a sequel to his 2013 smash hit film, "World War Z." Edward Berger ("Conclave") will direct.

NETFLIX - From WorldofReel:  "Empire Magazine" has a first look at director Greta Gerwig's "Narnia" movies, "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew."

MOVIES - From CincinnatiEnquirer:  Mark Wahlberg provides details concerning his biopic about Major League Baseball legend, the late Pete Rose (1941-2024).  According the Oscar-nominated actor and producer, the film will focus on the last part of Rose's career as a player and a manager, his pursuit of Ty Cobb's MLB hit record (4,189), and Rose's life after baseball. 

EMMYS - From Variety:  The winners at the 2026 / 78th Primetime Emmy Awards have been announced.  Apple TV+'s "Widow's Bay," won "Outstanding Comedy Series."  That was one of its 14 wins, the most for a comedy series in Emmy Awards history.  HBO Max's "The Pitt" won for "Outstanding Drama Series," one of its seven wins.  This is "The Pitt's" second win in this category.

From Deadline:  Night 1 of the 2026 / 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards have kicked off.  "Deadline" has a complete list of "Night 1" winners at what was formerly known as the "Creative Arts Emmys."

From Variety:  Night 2 of the 2026 / 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards are completed.  "Variety" has a complete list of "Night 2" winners at what was formerly known as the "Creative Arts Emmys."

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

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 9/11 to 9/13/2026 weekend box office is Warner Bros' "Practical Magic 2" with an estimated gross of 30 million dollars.

AWARDS - From Variety:  The winners at the 2026 / 83rd Venice Film Festival have been announced.  The "Golden Lion for Best Film" went to Danish director May El-Toukhy's "Woman Unknown."  John Malkovich won the "Volpi Cup for Best Actor" for his performance in director Martin McDonagh's "Wild Horse Nine."

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American fashion designer and costumier, Bob Mackie, has died at the age of 87, Monday, September 14, 2026.  Mackie is best known for his dressing of numerous entertainment personalities for television, movies, concerts, and live stage shows, including Elton John, Dolly Parton, Barbara Streisand, Tina Turner, and most notably Cher.  He was the costume designer for the former CBS variety show, "The Carol Burnett Show," during its 11-year run.  Mackie was nominated three times for the "Best Costume Designer" Oscar.  He was nominated 32 times at the Primetime Emmy Awards, winning nine times.  In 2019, he won a Tony Award for his work on "The Cher Show."

From Deadline:  The British film producer, Jeremy Thomas, has died at the age of 77, Friday, September 11, 2026.  Thomas won the "Best Picture" Oscar for producing director Bernardo Bertolucci's 1987 film, "The Last Emperor."  Thomas also produced Bertolucci's "The Sheltering Sky" (1990), ""Little Buddha" (1993), and "Stealing Beauty" (1995).  He also produced such acclaimed films as "Naked Lunch" (1991), "Crash" (1996), "Sexy Beast" (2001), and "Fast Food Nation" (2006), to name a few.

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 1st to 5th, 2026 - UPDATE #7

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:

HARRY POTTER - From Variety:  HBO Max has released the first trailer for its "Harry Potter" television series. The first episode is due December 26, 2026.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Angel (Angel Studios) has acquired the worldwide rights to director Michael Keaton's Western film, "Road to Ruin." Keaton also stars in the film with Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman.

From Deadline:  Michael Keaton is set to direct and to star in the Western film, "Road to Ruin."  Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman will star opposite Keaton.

NETFLIX - From Variety:  Netflix's three-part docuseries about the late "Friends" star, Matthew Perry (1969-2023), entitled "The One About Matthew Perry," will debut Oct. 27th, 2026.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Acclaimed director Mike Leigh says that "Tender Loving Care" is "almost certainly" his final film because he is "somewhat handicapped" due to the muscle-wasting condition, "miyositis."

OBITS:

From NPR:  American author, activist, and journalist, Gloria Steinem, has died at the age of 92, Wednesday, September 2, 2026.  She is nationally recognized as the leader of "second-wave feminism." Starting in the 1960s, Steinem challenged gender stereotypes and championed feminist ideals like equality, sisterhood, and reproductive freedom.  At a time when women were largely limited to domestic roles, this made Steinem an inspiration to generations of women to do the same.  In 1971, Steinem was one of the founders of "Ms." magazine.  In 1971, Steinem also cofounded the National Women's Political Coalition," which provided training and support for women who sought elected and political office.  Among the honors Steinem received was the "Presidential Medal of Freedom" in 2013.  Steinem was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Award nominations and one News & Documentary Emmy Award nomination for her work in television.

From Deadline:  American film and television writer and author, Victor Miller, has died at the age of 86, Monday, August 31, 2026.  Miller was best known for writing the screenplay for the 1980 slasher film, "Friday the 13th," creating the characters, "Pamela Voorhees" and her son, "Jason Voorhees."  Miller was also a longtime writer for daytime soap opera from the early 1980s to the early 2000s.  He worked on such soap operas as "All My Children," "One Life to Live," and "Another World," to name a few.  Miller was nominated at the Daytime Emmy Awards 11 times, and won three Emmys for his work on "All My Children." 

From Deadline:  American stand-up comic and television writer and producer, Marty Nadler, has died at the age of 80, Wednesday, August 26, 2026.  Nadler was best known for his four-decade with legendary TV writer and creator Garry Marshall.  For Marshall, Nadler worked on the former ABC sitcoms as "Happy Days" and "Laverne & Shirley," among others.  As a producer, script consultant, and story consultant, Nadler contributed to such TV series as "Amen," "The Carol Burnett Show," "Chico and the Man," "That's My Mama," and "The Red Foxx Show," to name a few.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from August 23rd to 31st, 2026 - UPDATE #14

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:  Jason Momoa, Tenoch Huerta, Adria Arjona, and Kiefer Sutherland join star Miles Teller in Black Label Media's thriller, "Copperhead."

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 8/28 to 8/30/2026 weekend box office is Sony Pictures/Marvel Studios' "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" with an estimated take of 22.2 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Anne Hathaway is joining Tom Cruise for "Days of Thunder 2," the sequel to the 1990 film, "Days of Thunder."  The film is currently set for a Summer 2028 release.

DISNEY - From Deadline:  Disney+ has greenlighted "Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu."  It is a new stop-motion series that is part of a new global distribution deal between The Pokémon Company International and Disney.  The new series is created by the animation studio, Aardman Animations ("Wallace & Gromit"), and will debut on Disney XD and stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2027.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Ridley Scott's new film, "The Dog Stars," is out this week. One of his next projects may be a third film in his "Alien" prequel series, which began with "Prometheus" (2012) and continued with "Alien: Covenant" (2017).

AMAZON - From Deadline:  Actor Dan Stevens has been picked to headline Amazon MGM Studios' Prime Video series, "Robocop," based on the 1987 film, "Robocop."

MOVIES - From THR:  Warner Bros. is developing a live-action film based on the classic Hanna-Barbera animation franchise, "The Flintstones."  Ryan Gosling is a producer on the project.  Universal Pictures released a live-action film, "The Flintstones," in 1994 and its sequel, "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" (2000).

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 8/21 to 8/23/2926 weekend box office is Sony Pictures/Marvel Studios' "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" with an estimated take of 39 million dollars.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Woody Allen will begin shooting his next film in Madrid on October 5, 2026.  The financing deal dictates that the name "Madrid" must be in the title.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American film and television actor, Samuel Monroe, Jr., has died at the age of 52, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, after battle meningitis and pneumonia.  Monroe was best known for his roles in such films as "Menace II Society"(1992), "Tales from the Hood" (1995), and "Set It Off" (1996). He appeared in such TV series, "Out All Night," "NYPD Blue," and "Black Jesus."

From THR:  Canadian voice actor, Peter Cullen, has died at the age of 85, Wednesday, August 26, 2026.  Cullen's six decade career saw him provide voice performances film film, television, and video games.  However, Cullen was best known for providing the voice for the "Tranformers" character, "Optimus Prime," across "Transformers" media, beginning with "The Transformers" 1984-87 animated syndicated television series.  Cullen would also voice Optimus Prime in 1986's "The Transformers: The Movie" and Paramount's eight-film series, that began with 2007's "Transformers," to name a few.  In 2023, Cullen received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the "Children's and Family Emmy Awards."

From Variety:  The English stage, film, and television actor and singer, Tim Curry, has died at the age of 80, Tuesday, August 25, 2026.  Curry is best known for the role of "Dr Frank N Furter" in the 1973 West End musical, "The Rocky Horror Show," and in the 1975 film adaptation, which became a cult and midnight movie sensation.  Curry's other notable film roles including "Legend," Clue," "Oscar," Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," and "Congo," to name a few.  Curry appeared in numerous TV series, miniseries, and movies, including "Wiseguys," "It," "Roseanne," and "Will & Grace," to name a few.  Curry won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1991.

-----

From RollingStone:  American singer-songwriter, recording artist, and actress, Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 80, Tuesday, August 25, 2026.  Called the "Queen of Country," Parton released almost 70 albums, including solo works; duets with her former partner, Porter Wagoner; collaborations; live albums; and soundtracks.  She wrote over 3000 songs, including the 1973 song, "I Will Always Love You," which became a massive hit for the late Whitney Houston in 1992.  Other hit songs included "Coat of Many Colors" (1971), "Jolene" (1973), "9 to 5" (1980).  She had 25 #1 singles on "Billboard Magazine's" country music chart.

As an actress, Dolly appeared in multiple films, including "9 to 5" (1980), "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (1982), "Steal Magnolias" (1989), and "Joyful Noise" (2012), to name a few.  She made guest appearances on such television series as Disney's "Hannah Montana," "Reba" and "Grace & Frankie," in addition to twice having her own variety show "Dolly!" (1976-77) and "Dolly" (1987-88).

Dolly Parton was nominated 50 times at the Grammy Awards, winning 10 competitive awards and the 2011 "Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award."  She was twice nominated for the "Best Original Song" Oscar, and she received the Academy's "Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award."  Parton was nominated four times at the "Primetime Emmy Awards," sharing a win in 2021 in the category of "Outstanding Television Movie" for Netflix's "Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square."

Parton was also an author, businesswoman, and philanthropist.  Among her ventures was the theme park, "Dollywood."

From YahooEntertainment:  Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, and tributes pour in from around the world.

From Billboard:  According to "Billboard Magazine," Dolly Parton had a brief battle with cancer before she died.

-----

From Deadline:  American actress and singer, Shelly Fabares, has died at the age of 82, Saturday, August 22, 2026.  She was best known for the role of "Christine Armstrong" on ABC's former sports sitcom, "Coach" (1989-97).  However, Fabares was also a child actor of the former ABC domestic sitcom, "The Donna Reed Show" (1958-66), playing the daughter, "Mary Stone."  Fabares was Elvis Presley's leading lady in the 1965 film, "Girl Happy."  She also appeared in two more of Presley's films, "Spinout" (1966) and "Clambake" (1967).  She also had a "Billboard Hot 100" #1 hit with the single, "Johnny Angel" (February 1962).  Fabares received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work on "Coach."  Fabares had been married to actor Mike Farrell, best known for his role on the former CBS sitcom, "M*A*S*H," since 1984.

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from August 16th to 22nd, 2026 - UPDATE #9

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

NETFLIX - From WorldofReel:  Netflix will give director Peter Berg's “The Mosquito Bowl,” a U.S. theatrical release on October 30, 2026 before moving it streaming on November 25th.  The film tells the story of four of America’s most celebrated college football players who put their athletic careers on hold to enlist in the Marines after the attack on Pearl Harbor. They take part in a legendary football game featuring some of the greatest players in college football history, which would turn out to be the last football game for many of them.

DISNEY - From Deadline:  ABC filed an unprecedented "First Amendment" lawsuit against the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.  ABC claims that the FCC's investigations and regulatory actions against the network are part of a Trump administration's “retaliatory campaign” to curb ABC’s free speech.

From Deadline:  "Deadline" has posted a copy of ABC's lawsuit for your reading pleasure

-----------

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 8/14 to 8/16/2026 weekend box office is Sony Pictures/Marvel Studios' "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" with an estimated take of 70 million dollars.

From WorldofReel:  “The Odyssey” hit the $1.34 billion milestone today, making it the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. It has now surpassed 2024’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which finished with $1.33 billion worldwide.

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

DISNEY - From Deadline:  Disney+ is not moving forward with its live-action "Power Rangers" series. The project was written and executive produced by Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, who are the executive producers and showrunners of the Disney+ series, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians."  According to "Deadline," the reason for the cancellation of this project was budgetary.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  The American film and television actor, Michael Wright, has died at the age of 70, Wednesday, August 19, 2026.  His best known role was that of "Eddie King Jr" in "The 5 Heartbeats" (1991).  His other well-known roles include such films as Robert Altman's "Streamers" (1983), "The Principal" (1987), and "Sugar Hill" (1994)  Wright appeared in such TV series as NBC's former sci-fi franchise "V," HBO's former prison drama, "Oz," and The CW's former superhero drama, "Back Lightining"

From Variety:  American actress and singer, Hayden Panettiere, has died at the age of 36, Sunday, August 16, 2026.  Panettiere's best known roles were as Clair Benneton the former NBC superhero television series, "Heroes" (2006-10) and as Juliette Barnes on the former ABC/CMT musical drama series, "Nashville" (2012-18).  Panetteire's best known film roles were as "Kirby Reed" in the "Scream" horror film franchise and as "Dot" in Disney/Pixar's "A Bug's Life" (1998).  She earned a "Grammy Award" nomination for her work on the spoken word album, "A Bug's Life Read-Along."

From Deadline:  Hayden Panettiere: a career and life in photos from "Deadline"

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

From ESPN:  Former American professional baseball player and Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, Tommy John, has died at the age of 83, Saturday, August 15, 2026.  John played in the MLB for 26 seasons for six teams, including playing for the Yankees for eight seasons over two stints with the team.  John was a four-time "MLB All-Star."  John pitched in three World Series contested between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees:  1977 and 1978 playing for the Dodgers and 1981 for the Yankees.  John was on the losing end of all three of those World Series.  He has the second most wins (288) of any pitcher since 1900 who is not in the "National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum."  John is also known for the "ligament replacement surgery" that bears his name, the "Tommy John surgery."

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from August 9th to 15th, 2026 - UPDATE #9

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

ANIME - From WorldofReel:  85-year-old Oscar-winner and Japanese animation legend, Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, The Boy and the Heron), is still working at Studio Ghibli.  But what is Hayao's next project?

DISNEY/ANIMATION - From WorldofReel:  The sequel to "The Simpsons Movie" (2007) will arrive in 2027 and will be titled "The New Simpsons Movie."

SPORTS - From ESPN:  Former Disney CEO, Bob Iger, and Josh Kushner (the brother of Trump son-in-law, Jared Kushner) are buying Mark Walter's ownership stake in the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 12.5 billion dollars.  Walter bought the majority share of the Lakers for 10.5 billion dollars in October 2025.

From SilverScreenandRoll:  Apparently, Bob Iger will be more actively involved with the Lakers than his partner, Josh Kushner.

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

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Director Aaron Sorkin is performing reshoots on "The Social Reckoning," the follow-up to his Oscar-winning, "The Social Network" (2011). So it won't make its debut as the 2026 Venice Film Festival.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 8/7 to 8/9/2026 weekend box office is Sony Pictures/Marvel Studios "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" with an estimated take of 145 million dollars.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Warner Bros is denying reports that the sequel to its hit 2023, musical-fantasy film, "Wonka," which starred Timothee Chalamet, has been "delayed indefinitely." "Wonka" earned over 600 million dollars at the global box office.

OBITS:

From DreadCentral:  American actor and musician and Vietnam War veteran, Reggie Bannister, has died at the age of 80, Sunday, August 9, 2026.  Bannister is best known for starring in director Don Coscarelli's 1979 horror film, "Phantasm," and its four sequels.  In addition to the "Phantasm" series, Bannister and Cscarelli also collaborated on such films as "Jim the World's Greatest" (1976), "Survival Quest" (1989), and "Bubba Ho-tep" (2002). 

From CountryRebel:  American politician, U.S. congressman, essayist, playwright, and film, stage, and television actor, Ben Jones, has died at the age of 84, Sunday, August 9, 2026.  Jones was best known for the role of mechanic "Cooter Davenport," on the former CBS action-comedy series, "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979-85).  In addition, Jones appeared in over 100 theatrical productions and in such films as "The Bingo Long Travelling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976), "Smokey and the Bandit" (1977), and "Primay Colors" (1998).  Jones was also a two-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Georgia's Fourth Congressional District.

From Deadline:  British songwriter, musician, music producer, and recording artist, William Orbit, has died at the age of 69, Thursday, July 23, 2026.  Orbit is best known for work in ambiant, electronica, house, and techno music.  He collaborated with Madonna on her 1998 album, "Ray of Light," which earned him two Grammy Awards wins out of four nominations.  

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from August 1st to 8th, 2026 - UPDATE #9

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

NETFLIX - From WorldofReel:  Although he isn't getting the level of reshoots he wants, Netflix will allow director David Fincher some reshoots for "The Adventures of Cliff Booth," the sequel to director Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).  Brad Pitt, who won a "Best Supporting Actor" Oscar for playing Booth, is reprising the role for Fincher's film.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Joel Coen wrapped up production of his upcoming film, "Jack of Spades" in November 2025. The film, which is a "gothic mystery" is set in Scotland of the 1880s, has been moved to a 2027 release.

BOX OFFFICE - From THR:  "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has scored the biggest first week in domestic box office history with a total of crossing the 500-milllion dollar mark in seven days.  2019's Avengers: Endgame crossed that mark after eight days.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Numan Acar ("Young Sherlock) has signed to join on the next installment of Universal Pictures' "The Mummy" film franchise.  Franchise veterans, Kevin J. O'Connor and Oded Fehr, has also signed on for the next film.

AMAZON - From Deadline:  Jaafar Jackson is hot off playing his late uncle, "King of Pop" Michael Jackson is the one billion dollar-plus hit, "Michael" (Lionsgate). Now, Jafar takes his next big step with Will Smith and AnnaSophia Robb in Amazon MGM Studios' action-thriller, "Supermax."

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 7/31 to 8/2/2026 weekend box office is Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" with an estimated take of 355 million dollars.

From Variety:  "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "The Odyssey" power the weekend of 7/31 to 8/2/2026 into being the biggest weekend in domestic box office history.  Across all movies, the record setting gross is 430 million dollars.  This surpasses the 2019 weekend that the debut of "Avengers: Endgame" led. 

MOVIES - From GQ:  In an interview about writer-director Bassam Tariq's upcoming film, "Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother," the film's star, Mahershala Ali, talks about why he is no longer involved with Marvel Studios' "Blade" film.  Tariq was also once attached to the film.  Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother is due Sept, 25, 2026.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American film and television actor and U.S. Navy veteran, Vincent Pastore, has died at the age of 80, July 2026.  Pastore was often cast as Italian mobster characters.  He is best known for playing "Salvatore 'Big Pussy' Bonpensiero" on the former HBO mob drama, "The Sopranos" (1999-2007).  He made notable appearances in the TV film, "Gotti" (HBO), the romantic comedy film, "Mickey Blue Eyes" (1999), and DreamWorks Animation's "Shark Tale" (2004).

From Deadline:  American producer and studio executive, Richard L. O'Connor, has died at the age of 96, Wednesday, July 22, 2026.  O'Connor was an "executive in charge of production" for such films as "On Golden Pond" (1981), "The Legend of the Lone Ranger" (1981), and "The Muppet Movie" (1979); and on such television movies as "The Ordeal of Dr. Mudd" (1980) and "Friendly Fire" (1979).  He was a producer on a number of TV movies and series, including "Fatal Vision" (1984), "Amerika" (1987), and "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," (1993).  O'Connor was a three-time Primetime Emmy Award nominee, and winning in 1990 the Primetime Emmy for "Outstanding Children's Program" for "A Mother's Courage: The Mary Thomas Story" (1989).

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 26th to 31st, 2026 - UPDATE #5

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 WorldofReel:  The planned sequel to the Oscar-nominated 2024 hit, "Alien: Romulus," is not happening.  And franchise director, Ridley Scott ("Alien," "Prometheus"), may have something to do with that.

NETFLIX - From Deadline:  Netflix has announced "Women Like Us," a new comedy from Charles D. King’s "Macro Film Studios" and Barack and Michelle Obama's "Higher Ground."  It will star Whoopi Goldberg, Jenifer Lewis, Vanessa Williams, and Vivica A. Fox.  The director is Tasha Smith, who has TV credits for such series as "Bel-Air" and "Harlem."

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 7/24 to 7/26/2026 weekend box office is Universal Pictures' "The Odyssey" with an estimated take of 87 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Jonathan Goldstein, the co-writer and director of "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" (2023), said that a sequel to the film has been written.  However, he says that it may never be filmed for "financial" reasons.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  Irish singer-songwriter and actor, Glen Hansard, has died at the age of 56, July 29, 2026 in a motorcycle crash in Dublin, Ireland.  Hansard won an Oscar with co-writer, Marketa Irglova, in the category of "Best Original Song" for "Falling Slowly" from "Once" (2007).  He won a Grammy Award and was nominated three other times.

From Deadline:  French costume designer, Jean-Pierre Dorleac, has died at the age of 83, Thursday, July 23, 2026.  His work appeared in film, television, theater, opera, variety, and burlesque.  Dorleac received 11 Primetime Emmy nominations for his work in TV.  He won an Emmy in 1979 for his work on the original "Battlestar Galactica" (ABC, 1978-79) and was nominated for his work on "Galactica 1980" (ABC, 1980). His second Emmy win was for his work on the former AMC comedy-drama, "The Lot" (1999-2001).  Dorleac received a "Best Costume Design" Oscar nomination for his work on the 1980 film, "Somewhere in Time."

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

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

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  81-year-old Danny DeVito wants to direct one final film, an adaptation of the 1899 novel, "McTeague," by author Frank Norris.  DeVito has not directed a film since "Duplex" (2003), which was not well-received.

VIDEO GAMES - From Deadline:  Universal Pictures, Atari, and Entertainment 360 have joined in a deal in which Universal will develop 10 classic Atari properties for film.  Those 10 properties are reportedly "Asteroids," "Adventure," "Berserk," "Breakout," "Centipede," "Crystal Castle," "Millipede," "Missile Command," "Pong," and "Yars' Revenge."

DISNEY - From Variety:  Pixar Animation Studios suffered the brunt of the latest round (July 21st, 2026) of Disney layoffs.  Hundreds of Pixar staffers, mostly in operations and production, have lost their jobs.

BUSINESS - From Variety:  Federal Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin of the U.S. District Court for Northern District of California in Oakland has issued a 14-day restraining order on the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.  He made this move after hearing arguments from a 12-state coalition that is also seeking a preliminary injunction, which would block the merger until the judge rules on the merits of the states' lawsuit.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 7/17 to 7/19/2026 weekend box office is Universal's "The Odyssey" with an estimated take of 124.5 million dollars.

DISNEY - From Disney:  Actor Colman Domingo is looking to co-write an original live-action feature film about "Princess Tiana" inspired by Disney‘s Oscar-nominated animated 2009 feature, "The Princess and the Frog." He would write the screenplay with 2020 Tony-nominated, "Slave Play" director, Robert O’Hara.  The project is currently in early development.  "The Princess and the Frog" was the last hand-drawn animated feature from Disney.  It focused on a waitress, Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), who dreams of opening her own restaurant, but is transformed into a frog.

OBITS:

From Variety:  American screenwriter, film director, and producer, Chuck Russell, has died at the age of 74, Wednesday, July 22, 2026.  As a director, Russell's best known works includes "A Nightmare on Elm Street: Dream Warriors" (1987), "The Blog" (1988), "The Mask" (1994), "Eraser" (1996), and "The Scorpion King" (2002).  He co-wrote such films as "Dreamscape" (1984), and "Dream Warriors," and "The Blog."  Russell recently, directed, co-wrotee, and co-produced "Witchboard" (2024), a remake of the 1986 film, "Witchboard."

From Variety:  American deaf actress, Kaylee Hottle, has died at the age of 18, Tuesday, July 21, 2026 in a single-vehicle car accident.  Hottle is best known for the role of "Jia Andrews" in "Godzilla vs. Kong" (2021) and "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" (2024).

From MovieWeb:  American screenwriter, William Wisher, Jr., has died at the age of 71, Tuesday, July 14, 2026.  Wisher is best known for his work on "The Terminator" films with his friend, James Cameron.  Wisher wrote "additional dialogue" for "The Terminator" (1984) and he co-wrote the screenplay for "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" with Cameron.  Among his other screenwork are the films "Judge Dredd" (1995), "The 13th Warrior" (1999), "Exorcist: The Beginning," (2004), and "Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist" (2005).  Wisher was also a "script doctor" doing work on films for which he did not received a writing credit.  That includes "Pumpkinhead" (1998), "A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child" (1989), and "Eraser" (1996), to name a few.  With Randall Frakes, Wisher wrote one of the two novelizations of "The Terminator."  The Wisher-Frakes book was published by Bantam/Spectra, in 1985.

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 12th to 18th, 2026 - 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:

NETFLIX - From Deadline:  A year after it began it record-setting run on Netflix, KPop Demon Hunters, is currently the fourth most-viewed film on Netflix for 2026.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Emmy-winner Hannah Waddingham ("Ted Lasso") has joined star Jason Statham in director David Leitch's meta action-comedy, "Jason Statham Stole My Bike."

MOVIES - From THR:  Paramount Pictures is developing a new version of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984).  The film will be released on Paramount's new genre label, "Paramount Primal."  Paramount has secured the U.S. rights to the screenplay for the 1984 film from the estate of the late director, Wes Craven, who created the franchise.

AMAZON - From EW:  Prime Video has offered a first look at showrunner Mike Flanagan's new miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's classic novel, "Carrie" (1974). Flanagan's take has been described as a "modern reinterpretation."  The novel was most famously adapted by director Brian De Palma in 1976.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 7/10 to 7/12/2026 weekend box office is Disney's live-action "Moana" with an estimated take of 43 million dollars.

MUSIC - From RollingStone:  Two-time Oscar-winning actor, Anthony Hopkins, has signed a deal with Decca Records.  Hopkins' release is "Life is a Dream," a project based on original classical music compositions that Hopkins wrote over a six-decade period.  The tracks have been recorded by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Gustave Dudamel.

OBITS:

From Variety:  American songwriter, recording artist, and rock 'n' roll singer, Freddy Cannon, has died at the age of 89, Friday, July 17, 2026.  Sometimes performing as Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon, he was best known for his international hit singles, "Tallahassee Lassie" (1960), "Way Down Younder in New Orleans" (1960), and "Palisades Park" (1962).  Cannon was a pioneer in the early rock and roll music scene, and he influenced such rock and roll icons as Mick Jagger and Robert Plant.  His songs appeared in numerous films, including "Palisades Park," which was featured in the 2011 film, "X-Men: First Class."

From BBC:  Irish actress, Branda Fricker, has died at the age of 81, Thursday, July 16, 2026.  Fricker as the "Best Supporting Actress" Oscar for in "My Left Food."  She was the first Irish actress to win an Oscar.  Fricker may be best remembered for her role as the "Central Park Pigeon Woman" in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York."  Fricker's television work includes the British TV series, "Coronation Street" (1977) and "Casuality" (beginning in 1986), to name a few. 

From Variety:  American film and television actor, Hal Williams, has died at the age of 91, Wednesday, July 15, 2026.  Williams is best known for several roles.  The first is as "Officer Smith ('Smitty')," on NBC former sitcom, "Sanford and Son."  He was "Harley Foster" on CBS's former historical drama, "The Waltons" (1973-80).  He was a series regular and family patriarch, "Lester Jenkins," on the former NBC sitcom, "227" (1985-90).  Williams was "Drill Sergeant L.C. Ross" in the 1980 film, "Private Benjamin," and he played Sgt Ross in the short-lived CBS sitcom version of the film, "Private Benjamin" (1981-83).  Williams recently appeared on two episodes of the CBS legal drama, "Matlock."

From Variety:  New Zealand film and television actor, Sam Neill, has died at the age of 78, Monday, July 13, 2026.  Neill was best known for his work in the Jurassic Park/Jurassic World film franchises, beginning with 1993's "Jurassic Park."  His other well-known film work including "Omen III: The Final Conflict" (1981), "Dead Calm" (1989), "The Hunt for Red October" (1990), "The Piano" (1993), "Event Horizno" (1997), "Jurassic Park III" (2001), and "Jurassic World: Dominion" (2022), to name a few.  Neill was also a two-time Primetime Emmy Award nominee.

From YahooEntertainment:  Joseph Mazzello (42) and Ariana Richards (46) played the siblings Tim and Lex Murphy in the blockbuster hit, "Jurassic Park" (1993).  They paid tribute to their late costar, Sam Neill, after he died at the age of 78 on Monday (July 13th).

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

From THR:  German-born, British-American actress, Antoinette Bowers, has died at the age of 93, Thursday, April 30, 2026.  Bowers had a prolific career guest-starring in numerous television series.  Her best known TV appearances where in the original versions of "The Twilight Zone" and "Star Trek."  Bowers was "Eve Norda" in the Season 5 Adam-and-Eve episode, "Probe 7, Over and Out," of The Twilight Zone.  She was the alien villain, "Sylvia" in the Season 2 episode, "Catspaw," of Star Trek.  Bowers also played the mother of Jamie Lee Curtis' character, "Kim Hammond," in the classic horror film, "Prom Night" (1980).

From THR:  American film production designer, Barbara Ling, has died at the age of 73, Thursday, July 9, 2026.  Ling and set decorator, Nancy Haigh, won the Oscar for "Best Production Design" for director Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019).  Ling also worked did production design on three films for the late director Joel Schumacher:  "Falling Down" (1993), "Batman Forever" (1995), and "Batman and Robin" (1997).  She was the production designer on the recent box office smash, "Michael" (2026).

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

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

STAGE - From Deadline:  Dwayne Johnson says that he has been working on a revival of the Broadway classic, "The Odd Couple," with friend Kevin Hart has his costar.  "The Odd Couple" is a play written by the late Neil Simon (1927-2018) that premiered on Broadway in 1965.

EMMYS - From Variety:  The nominations for the 2026 / 78th Primetime Emmy Awards have been announced by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS).  Honoring the best of American primetime television, the eligibility period covers June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026.  The winners of the 78th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be announced September 5 and 6, 2026.  The winners at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced during a ceremony on September 14, 2026.  The HBO Max medical drama, "The Pitt," leads with 25 nominations.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  Jennifer Beals, Jacqueline Byers, Shane Harper, and Devin Druid are join LL Cool J and Scott Caan in "NCIS: New York."

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Director, co-writer, producer, and star Bradley Cooper's "Ocean's Eleven" prequel, adds new cast.  Joining the film are Vicky Krieps, Omar Sy, George Mackay, and Lauren Ridloff.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 7/3 to 7/5/2026 weekend box office is Universal/Illumination Entertainment's "Minions & Monsters" with an estimated take of 36.4 million dollars.

AMAZON-MGM - From TheWrap:  Michael Mann will start shooting "Heat 2," the prequel and sequel to his 1995 film, "Heat," in November.  Christian Bale will play "Vincent Hanna," the dogged LAPD Robbery Homicide detective played by Al Pacino in the original film, while Leonard DiCaprio will play Chris Shiherlis, who was played by the late Val Kilmer.  The film was picked up by Amazom MGM Studios after Warner Bros. dropped out because of the film's budget.

AMAZON - From Deadline:  The recent Ryan Gosling super-hit, "Project Hail Mary," arrives on Amazon Prime Video Friday, July 3rd, 2026.

CELEBRITY - From Variety:  Revered film actor and five-time Emmy nominated television actor, Danny Glover, has revealed that he has been living with Alzheimer's disease for the past few years.  In an interview with NBC's Lester Holt, Glover revealed that he was diagnosed shortly before he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, which bestows the Academy Awards/Oscars.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Director David Robert Mitchell is prepping "They Follow," the sequel to his 2014 horror film, "It Follows."  His composer on the original film, Disasterpeace," is returning for the sequel.

OBITS:

From THR:  The American television, film, and theater actor, Randolph Mantooth, has died at the age of 80, Thursday, July 9, 2026.  Mantooth was best known for the role of "Johnny Gage," on the former NBC action-adventure, medical drama, "Emergency!" (1972-77), and in six TV movies based on the series in 1978 and 1979.  He was a prolific guest star in numerous TV series from the 1970s into the 2000s.  Mantooth also had roles in several daytime soap operas, including two stints on the former ABC soap opera, "Loving" (1987-90, 1993-95).  He also appeared in "General Hospital" and "As the World Turns."

From Variety:  Welsh singer, songwriter, and recording artist, Bonnie Tyler, has died at the age of 75, Wednesday, July 8, 2026.  Tyler is best known for her 1983 #1 hit, "Total Eclipse of the Heart," and "Holding Out for a Hero," which was included on the soundtrack of the 1984 hit film, "Footloose."  Her other big U.S. hit was the 1977 single, "It's a Heartache."  Tyler was a three-time Grammy Award nominee.

From People:  American television producer and writer, Wilford Lloyd Baumes, has died at the age of 86, Sunday, June 28, 2026.  Baumes created the long-running former ABC romantic comedy-drama, "The Love Boat" (1977-86).  Baumes was also a producer on Season 1 of the former ABC superhero drama, "Wonder Woman" (1976-77) and an executive producer on the first six episodes of Season 2 (1977).

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 21st to 30th, 2026 - UPDATE #9

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

STREAMING - From Deadline:  After several weeks of rumors, backstage drama, firings, etc., Tom Hardy is returning for Season 3 of the Paramount+ crime drama, "MobLand."

BUSINESS - From THR:  Comcast has announced plans to separate its tech business from NBCUniversal, including its European media business, "Sky."  The move, which will take place in 2027, will create two companies  Last year, Comcast did a spinoff of NBCUniversal's cable units, including CNBC and MSNBC, into a new company, Versant.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 6/26 to 6/28/2026 weekend box office is Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 5" with an estimated take 70 million dollars.

NETFLIX - From Variety:  Once at odds, "Stranger Things" star, Millie Bobbi Brown and David Harbour will reunite for a new Netflix series about father-daughter spies. The new series comes from Jack Thorne, the creator of Netflix hits, "Adolescence" and "Lord of the Flies."

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Focus Features has dropped a first-look image of star Aaron Taylor-Johnson in director Robert Eggers' "Werwulf," which is due Dec. 25th, 2026.

AMAZON - From Deadline:  Deadline's rumor column, "The Dish," says that the next round of auditions to choose an actor to play "James Bond" for Amazon MGM Studios and director Denis Villeneuve takes place in August 2026.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 6/19 to 6/21/2026 weekend box office is Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 5" with an estimated take of 160 million dollars.

STREAMING - From Deadline:  Peacock has given a straight-to-series order to "Dungeon Crawler Carl," a live-action series adaptation of Matt Dinniman’s popular science fantasy "LitRPG" (role-playing game) books of the same title. The project comes from Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door and Universal Global Television. Dinniman, who serves as co-executive producer on the series, announced the pickup on social media.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American visual effects artist, Jeff Olson, has died at the age of 77, Sunday, June 21, 2026.  Olson is best known for his work with Industrial Light and Magic (ILM).  Olson started at ILM in 1985 and early on was a model maker on such films as "Howard the Duck" (1986), "Willow" (1988), "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" (1988), and "Ghostbusters II" (1989), to name a few.  Olson received his first "visual effects producer" credit on "Star Trek: First Contact" (1996), and received the credit on such films as "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" (1999), "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" (2003), "Eragon" (2006), and "Star Trek" (2009), to name a few.  Olson left ILM in 2009.

From RollingStone:  American music and record executive and record producer, Clive Davis, has died at the age of 94, Monday, June 22, 2026.  Clive Davis founded Arista Records and J Records  He helped shape the careers of legendary recording artists such as Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Carlos Santana, Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow, and Alicia Keys, to name a few.  As a record producer, Davis won five Grammy Awards, including "Album of the Year" (1994) for Whitney Houston's "The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album" (1992).  Davis was inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" in 2000 as a non-performer.

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 14th to 20th, 2026 - UPDATE #7

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:  Focus Features has released a first-look image from director Robert Eggers' upcoming film, "Werwulf."  Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily Rose Depp, who starred in Eggers 2024 film, "Nosferatu," "Werwulf" is due December 25, 2026.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  At the opening night of the "Bentonville Film Festival," Oscar-winner Geena Davis told "Deadline" that she would very much like to make a sequel to her cult 1996 action film, "The Long Kiss Goodnight." The film was directed by her then husband, Renny Harlin, and written by bad-boy screenwriter, Shane Black.  Her co-star in the film, Samuel L. Jackson is apparently also interested in a sequel.

MEDIA - From APNews:  Fox Corp. is buying streaming pioneer, Roku, in a cash and stock deal worth 22 billion, including debt.  There will be no immediate changes to how Roku operates, according to statements from both companies.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 6/12 to 6/14/2026 weekend box office is Universal's "Disclosure Day" with an estimated take of 44 million dollars.

CELEBRITY - From WorldofReel:  Emmy-winner Seth Rogen says he has no plans to work with his long-time and currently disgraced buddy, actor and Oscar-nominee, James Franco.  Rogen says that he hasn't spoken to Franco in a long time.

OBITS:

From Variety:  American television director, James Burrows, has died at the age of 85, Friday, June 19, 2026.  Burrows is best known as the preeminent director of TV series and as the co-creator of the former NBC sitcom, "Cheers" (1982-93).  Burrows was nominated for almost 50 Primetime Emmy Awards, and he won 11.  He won five of those for directing such TV series, as "Taxi," Cheers," and "Fraser."  Burrows also directed episodes of "The Bob Newhart Show," "Friends," "Will & Grace," and "Mike & Molly," to name a few.

From Deadline:  American film and television actress and voice performer, Daveigh Chase, has died at the age of 35, Tuesday, June 16, 2026.  Chase may be best known for performing the voice of "Lilo Pelekai" in Disney's 2002 animated hit, "Lilo & Stitch."  Chase performed Lilo's voice in various "Lilo & Stitch" spinoffs until 2006, including for the former ABC Saturday morning animated series, "Lilo & Stitch: The Series" (2003-06).  Chase is also known for providing the voice for "Chihiro Ogino" in the English dub of the Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-winning animated film, "Spirited Away" (2002).  Chase's best known live-action role may be as the ghostly killer, "Samara Morgan," in the film, "The Ring" (2002).

From Deadline:  American film and television actor, voice performer, and stand-up comedian, Ronnie Schell, has died at the age of 94, Friday, June 12, 2026.  He is best remembered for the role of U.S. Marine private, "Duke Slater," on the former CBS sitcom, "Gomer Pyle - USMC" (1964-69).  In the middle of that time, Schell has his own CBS sitcom, the single-season, "Good Morning World" (1967-68), co-starring with Joby Baker.  From there, Schell provided voices for such animated series as "Goober and the Ghost Chasers" (ABC), "Fred Flintstone and Friends" (syndicated, 1977-78), "Battle of the Planets" (1978), and "Rugrats" (1922), to name a few.  Schell guest-starred in such TV series as "Sanford and Son," "Alice," and "The Golden Girls," to name a few.

-----------

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 1st to 6th, 2026 - UPDATE #9

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

CELEBRITY - From Variety:  Emmy-winning actor and voice performer Keith David received his star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame," and looks back on his extensive career in film, television, and theatre.

TELEVISION - From Variety:  DEI political hire and unqualified blogger skeez, Bari Weiss, defends firing real journalist Scott Pelley from the venerable CBS New program, "60 Minutes."  Weiss is currently cos-playing as the editor-in-chief of CBS News.

MOVIES - From ThePlaylist:  Director Dito Montiel ("Riff Raff") is set to direct a biopic of Gene Wilder ("Young Frankenstein," "Blazing Saddles"), which is approved by the Wilder estate.  Wilder, who died in 2016 at the age of 83, was actor, comedian, author, screenwriter, and filmmaker.  Wilder was twice nominated for an Academy Award and also won a Primetime Emmy in 2003.

AMAZON - From Variety:  In an exclusive story, "Variety" is reporting that Amazon will not go forward development of a new "Stargate" television series.  The new show was to guided by writer and executive producer, and showrunner, Martin Gero, who was a writer on the former series, "Stargate: SG-1" (1997-2007) and "Stargate; Atlantis" (2004-09).  All "Stargate" media is based on the 1194 film, "Stargat."

MOVIES - From ThePlaylist:  Clint Eastwood's son, Kyle Eastwood, confirms that his Oscar-winning father, who is 95, is retiring from filmmaking.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Oscar-winner Joel Coen's mysterious "Jack of Spades" film is apparently due in 2026.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 5/29 to 5/31/2026 weekend box office is A24's "Backrooms" with an estimated take of 81.45 million dollars.

OBITS:

From BBC:  The English film, television, and stage actor, voice performer, and singer, Anthony Head, had died at the age of 72, Monday, June 1, 2026.  Head is best known for the role of "Rupert Giles" on The WB's former teen supernatural teen drama, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997-2003). Head recently gained acclaim as "Rupert Mannion" on Apple TV+'s sports drama, "Ted Lasso" (2020-23).  He voiced "Alfred Pennyworth" in the animated film, "Batman: Gotham by Gaslight" (2018), and he was "Benedict," a monk in "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" (2011).

From Deadline:  The French and Iranian film director, graphic novelist, comics creator, and children's book author, Marjane Satrapi, has died at the age of 56, Thursday, June 4, 2026.  Satrapi was best known as the author of the autobiographical graphic novel series, "Persepolis."  The first volume of Persepolis was published by L'Association in 2000. "Persepolis: The Story of Childhood Vol. 1" was published in 2003 by Pantheon.  She was also known for her 2006 graphic novel, "Chicken with Plums."  Satrapi co-directed an animated feature film adaptation of "Persepolis" (2007), which earned an Oscar-nomination for "Best Animated Feature."  Among her live-action films was also an adaptation of "Chicken with Plums" (2011).

From Variety:  American singer and songwriter, Peabo Bryson, has died at the age of 75, Tuesday, June 2, 2026.  Bryson is best known for his duets with a number of singers, who preceded him in death, such as Natalie Cole, Robert Flack, and Cissy Houston, Luther Vandross.  Bryson's best known duets are connected to the soundtracks to legendary Disney animated feature films.  He sang the song, "Beauty and the Beast" (from "Beauty and the Beast") with Celine Dion.  He sang "A Whole New World" (from "Aladdin") with Regina Belle, which reached No. 1 on "Billboard's" "Hot 100" chart.  Both of his Disney records with Dion and Flack won the Grammy Award for "Best Pop Performance by Duo or Group with Vocals."  Bryson was nominated six other times for a Grammy Award.

From ESPN:  Former professional basketball player and coach, Rick Adelman, had died at the age of 76, Monday, June 1, 2026.  After playing collegiate basketball for Loyola Marymount (1965-98), Adelman was drafted in to the National Basketball Association (NBA) the San Diego Rockets (now Houston Rockets).  He played for five teams over seven seasons.  Adelman's career as an NBA coach began as an assistant with the Portland Trailblazers in 1983 before becoming the head coach in 1989.  Adelman remained the Blazers coach until 1994 and during that time, they won the Western Conference Championship twice, before losing in the finals (1990 to the Detroit Pistons; 1992 to the Chicago Bulls).  Adelman would also coach the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves, before he retired in 2014.  Adelman was inducted into the "Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame" in 2021.

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