Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 1st to 5th, 2025 - 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).

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NEWS:

BOX OFFICE - From THR:  Why did Blumhouse's horror film sequel, "M3GAN 2.0" bomb?  The answer is likely that fewer people who saw the original film in theaters wanted to go to a theater to see a sequel. I'm sure it will do well on streaming.

CELEBRITY - From YahooCanada:  Veteran film and television actor and Emmy-winning voice performer, Keith David ("The Thing," Disney's "The Princess and the Frog"), will receive a star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame."  The actor, who has over 300 credits on his resume, will receive the star in 2026.

SCANDAL - From Deadline:  Grammy-winning recording artist and music business mogul, Sean "Diddy" Combs, was found guilty of two of the five sex-trafficking counts.  Combs was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges.  He was found guilty on two lesser charges of transportation of former girlfriends for prostitution.  The verdict is seen as a victory for Combs, who was cleared of the most serious charges against him.  The prostitution charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years each.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Oscar-winner Viola Davis and Emmy-winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will star in and produce a re-imagining of David Mamet's 1987 film, "House of Games."  MGM released the original, which was Mamet's directorial debut, and Amazon MGM Studios is developing the new version.

OBITS:

From Variety:  American film and television composer, Mark Snow, has died at the age of 78, Friday, July 4, 2025.  A prolific composer, Snow is best known for composing the theme for Fox's former science fiction detective series, "The X-Files," and for composing the music for over 200 episodes of the series.  He also composed almost 300 episodes of the former CBS police drama, "Blue Bloods." Snow also composed the film score for both entries in "The X-Files" films series, "The X-Files" (1998) and "The X-Files: I Want to Believe" (2008).  For his work in TV, Snow received 15 Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

From Variety:  Film and television actor, Michael Madsen, has died at the age of 67, Thursday, July 3, 2025.  Madsen is best known for his roles in several Quentin Tarantino films, "Reservoir Dogs" (1992), "Pulp Fiction" (1994), "Kill Bill, Vol. 1" (2003), "Kill Bill, Vol. 2" (2004), "The Hateful Eight" (2015), and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019). He also appeared in such films as "Thelma & Louise" (1991), "Species" (1995), and "Sin City."  Madsen was a series regular or recurring actor in such TV series as, "St. Elsewhere," "Crime Story," "Tilt," "24," and "Powers," to name a few.

From Deadline:  Australian film and television actor, Julian McMahon, has died at the age of 56, Wednesday, July 2, 2025 of cancer.  He had roles in prominent films based on comic books.  He was "Victor Von Doom/Dr. Doom" in director Tim Story's "Fantastic Four" duology, "Fantastic Four" (2005) and "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" (2007).  He appeared in the 2010 comic book-based film, "RED" and in both a recurring and regular character in Hulu/Marvel Television series, Runaways (2017-18).  McMahon's most prominent work came via TV.  He was "Christian Troy" in the FX medical drama, "Nip/Tuck" (2003-10).  He had a lead role in CBS's "FBI: Most Wanted" from 2020 to 2022, and he appeared in a few episodes of "FBI" and "FBI: International."  McMahon was also the only son of Sir William McMahon, the 20th prime minister of Australia (1971-72).

From Deadline:  Character actor, Peter-Henry Schroeder, has died at the age of 90, Monday, June 7, 2025.  He appeared in such films as "The Seduction of Joe Tynan" (1979) and the Oscar-winning, "Argo" (2012), as a film producer.  He appeared in two episodes of "Star Trek: Enterprise" in 2001 as the "Klingon Chancellor."

A "Star Wars" Link-O-Rama 2025 by Negromancer - UPDATE #21

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

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

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

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NEWS AND RUMORS:

OBIT - From TheWrap:  English film and television actor, Kenneth Colley, has died at the age of 87, Monday, June 30, 2025.  Colley may be best known to fans for playing the role of Admiral Piett in "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) and in "Return of the Jedi" (1983).  He also played "Jesus" in "Monty Python's Life of Bryan" (1979).  He belonged to director Ken Russell's repertory of actors from the 1970s to the 1990s, appearing in such Russell's films as "The Music Lovers" (1971), "The Devils" (1971), and "The Rainbow" (1989), to name a few.  He also appeared in Russell's TV films, "Prisoner of Honor" (1991) and "The Secret Life of Arnold Bax" (1992).

A NEW HOPE - From Variety:   Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy made a surprise appearance on opening night (Thursday, June 12, 2025) of the BFI Film on Film Festival in London, where the ultra-rare, original first print of George Lucas' “Star Wars” was being screened. The BFI’s shocking discovery of the print and the announcement that it would be screened publicly caused a stir among “Star Wars” fans earlier this year, as Lucas has always been vocal about his dislike of the print and famously went on to tinker with the movie. 

COMICS - From Here:  Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You" reviews the new "Star Wars #2."

ANDOR - From ComicBookMovie:  "Andor" showrunner Tony Gilroy talks about struggling to get the budgets he needed to produce Andor, which apparently cost 650 million dollars over two seasons.  Also, he said Disney execs told him "streaming is dead."

OBITUARY - From Deadline:  Welsh art director and production designer for films, Leslie "Les" Dilley, has died at the age of 84, Monday, May 20th, 2025.  Dilley won the Oscar for "Best Art Direction" for "Star Wars" (1977) and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), sharing both honors with the late Norman Reynolds.  He also received "Best Art Direction" Oscar nominations for his work on "Alien" (1979). "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980), and "The Abyss" (1989). 

DARTH VADER - From THR:  SAG-AFTRA files unfair labor practice charge over "Darth Vader" AI voice in the game, "Fortnite."  The union claims that Llama Productions failed to notify the labor group and negotiate when it began employing a "James Earl Jones" voice that replaced the work of members. Jones, who died last year, granted Disney rights to use his voice posthumously.

ANDOR - From IGN:  The website explains the ending of the Disney+/Lucasfilm series, "Andor" Season 2.

COMICS - From Here:  Leroy Douresseaux has reviewed Marvel's new "Star Wars #1."

PRINCESS LEIA - From MensJournal:  "Star Wars" actress, Billie Lourd, offers a touching post of her children watching Lourd's late mother, actress Carrie Fisher, in her iconic Princess Leia role in the film, "Return of the Jedi."

GEORGE LUCAS - From Variety:  At a 45th anniversary event for "The Empire Strikes," George Lucas explains why "Yoda" speaks backward.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Marvel has released solicitation information concerning the "Star Wars" titles that it will publish in July 2025.

STARFIGHTER - From StarWars:  The "Star Wars" film to be directed by "Deadpool & Wolverine" director Shawn Levy and to star Ryan Gosling has a title, "Star Wars: Starfighter."  The film, which is set five years after the events of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," the film will go into production this fall with an anticipated theatrical release date of Memorial Day 2027.

PUBLICATIONS - From StarWars:  "Star Wars Celebration Japan" offered fans a look at covers for upcoming "Star Wars" comic books, manga, novels, artbooks and reference books.

RUMORS - From Variety:  Oscar-winner Mikey Madison ("Anora") has reportedly past on a reported offer to appear in director Shawn Levy's rumored "Star Wars" project starring Ryan Gosling.

EPISODE III - From WorldofReel:  The 20th anniversary release of "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith" is on April 25th. The opening weekend at the domestic box office looks to be around 15+ million dollars.

JOHN BOYEGA - From Variety:  John Boyega addresses the Sith elephant in the "Star Wars" room.  To racist white fans of "Star Wars," there is no room for a black heroes

OBIT - From Variety:  New Zealand actor of the stage, musical theater, and film and television, Clive Revill, died at the age of 94, Tuesday, March 11, 2025.  He provided the voice of "The Emperor" in the original theatrical release of 1980s' "The Empire Strikes Back."  Revill was twice nominated for a Tony Award, "Best Featured Actor for a Musical" for his role in the original 1961 Broadway production of "Irma La Douce" and "Best Actor in a Musical" for his role in the original 1963 Broadway production of "Oliver!"

ANDOR - From THR:  The acclaimed Disney+ "Star Wars" drama, "Andor," is now also available on Hulu.  The first three episodes are free on the Disney+ "YouTube" channel.  The 12-episode second season debuts exclusively on Disney+ April 22nd.

REY SKYWALKER - From Variety:  The planned "Rey Skywalker" movie now has a writer, George Nolfi, ("The Bourne Ultimatum").  Daisey Ridley will reprise her role as Rey.

FUTURE - From THR:  Ryan Gosling is reportedly in talks to be the star of director Shawn Levy's ("Deadpool & Wolverine") planned "Star Wars" movie.

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Marvel is launching a new flagship "Star Wars" comic book series in May 2025.  This new "Star Wars #1" will debut stories set after the events depicted in the 1983 film, "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi."  It will be written by Alex Segura and drawn by Phil Noto.  According to the press information:  "It's the dawn of the New Republic, and as the dust settles after the Battle of Jakku our rebel heroes — Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, and Han Solo — find themselves forging a new order as pirates and thieves swarm to fill the power vacuum left behind by the fallen Empire." The series will reintroduce characters like Mon Mothma and Beilert Valance, among others.

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCool:  To celebrate "Black History Month," Marvel Comics will celebrate Black "Star Wars" characters with variant covers featuring them on four "Star Wars" titles published in February 2025.

NEW TRILOGY - From Deadline:  Lucasfilm has hired writer-producer-director Simon Kinberg to develop a new "Star Wars" trilogy - Episodes 10, 11, and 12.

From THR:  Related to the Simon Kinberg news, the new trilogy will supposedly focus on the the sequel trilogy star, "Rey Skywalker."

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Marvel will publish a "Star Wars" one-shot comic book, "Star Wars: A New Legacy," in 2025.  It will set up the relaunch of Marvel's ongoing "Star Wars" flagship comic book and also celebrate the tenth anniversary of Marvel regaining the license to publish "Star Wars" titles from Dark Horse Comics. Since then, however, Dark Horse gained a new license to publish "Star Wars" comics for juvenile readers.

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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: 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.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 22nd to 30th, 2025 - 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.

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NEWS:

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 6/27 to 6/29/2025 weekend box office is Warner Bros. Pictures and Apple Original Film's "F1" with an estimated 55.6 million dollars.

From Variety:  Now that Apple Original Films has a certified theatrical hit in "F1" starring Brad Pitt, will it develop more films for theatrical release.  The film was released by Apple and Warner Bros. Pictures.

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JAMES BOND - From Variety:  Amazon MGM Studios has revealed that Oscar-nominated director, Denis Villeneuve ("Dune") will direct the next "James Bond" film.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Daisy Edgar-Jones will star in and Georgia Oakley will direct a screen adaptation of Jane Austen's 1811 novel, "Sense and Sensibility."

STREAMING - From Variety:  Paramount has renewed its hit, "Mobland," for a second season.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 6/20 to 2/22/2025 weekend box office is Universal Studios/DreamWorks Animation's "How to Train Your Dragon" with an estimated total of 37 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Oscar-winner Russell Crowe ("Gladiator") is joining Henry Cavill in the reboot of director Russell Mulchay's 1985 fantasy film, "Highlander."  Crowe will play a variation on "Juan Sanchez-Villalobos Ramirez," the mentor character that the late Sean Connery played in the original film.  The film will be directed by Chad Stahelski of "John Wick."

SPORTS/NBA - From ESPN:  The Oklahoma City Thunder have won the 2024-25 NBA World Championship.  They defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91, winner the series 4 games to 3.  This is the Thunder's first NBA championship in their 17 year history. The franchise was formerly the "Seattle Super Sonics," which won the NBA titles in 1979.

MOVIES/AI - From Variety:  At the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, the China Film Foundation and partners launched two major AI-driven initiatives under the Kung Fu Film Heritage Project.  One is a large-scale effort to restore 100 classic martial arts films using artificial intelligence.  The other is the unveiling of a brand-new animated feature, “A Better Tomorrow: Cyber Border,” billed as the world’s first fully AI-produced animated feature film.  These projects will involve the work and apparently the likenesses of martial arts cinema legends:  Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, and Jet Li.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American newspaper and television journalist, political commentary, Bill Moyers, has died at the age of 91, Thursday, June 26, 2025.  Moyers is best known for his work in public broadcasting, and he was one of the key players in creating the public broadcasting system, being influential in what would become the "Public Broadcasting Act of 1967."  In 1971, he began working for PBS and launch his first television, "The Week with Bill Moyers" (1971-73) and later, there was "Bill Moyers Journal" (1972-81). From 1982 to 2006, he produced and hosted 70 different documentary, interview, and limited series for PBS.  Moyers won five Primetime Emmy Awards and was nominated for a sixth.  He won seven "News & Documentary Emmy Awards" and was nominated for 13 more.  In 2006, he received the News & Documentary Emmy Awards' "Lifetime Achievement Award." Moyers also won a "Business and Financial Reporting Award" and was nominated for two others.

From Truthout:  Henry A. Giroux of "Truthout" memorializes his friend, the recently passed American journalist and political commentator, Bill Moyers.  No, Bill was not a stenographer.

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From Deadline:  Argentine-American composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist, Lalo Schifrin, has died at the age of 93, Thursday, June 26, 2025.  Schifrin is best remembered for his large body of film and television scores.  One of his most recognized and enduring TV themes is the one for the former espionage TV series, "Mission: Impossible," which earned him one of his five Grammy Awards.  He was nominated for an Academy Awards six times, including for his film scores for such movies as "Cool Hand Luke" (1967) and "The Amityville Horror" (1979) and includes a "Best Original Song" nomination for "People Along" from the 1980 film, "The Competition." Schifrin received an Honorary Academy Award in 2018. He was nominated the Primetime Emmy Award four times, three for his work on "Mission: Impossible."

From Deadline:  American film and television actor, Rick Hurst, has died at the age of 79, Thursday, June 26, 2025.  Hurst is best known for playing "Deputy Cletus Hogg," cousin of "Boss Hogg" from 1980 to 1983 on the former CBS action-comedy series, "The Dukes of Hazzard" and in two made-for-TV reunion movies, "The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!" (1997) and "The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood" (2000).  He also was a series regular on two short-lived TV series, "On the Rocks" (ABC, 1975-76) and "Amanda's (ABC, 1983). His film appearances include the original "The Karate Kid" trilogy and "Steel Magnolias" (1989).

From Deadline:  American singer, television actor, and former teen idol, Bobby Sherman, has died at the age of 81, Tuesday, June 24, 2025.  One of Sherman's early TV roles was as a house singer and cast member on former ABC musical variety series, "Shindig" (1964-66).  He also made an early acting appearance on the former ABC crime drama series, "Honey West."  He eventually scored a major role on the ABC comedy Western series, "Here Comes the Brides" (1968-70).  Sherman made numerous TV guest appearances, including on such series as "The Monkees," "Mod Squad," and "Emergency," which lead to a career change for Sherman.  As a recording artist, Sherman released 107 songs, 23 singles, and 10 albums from 1962 to 1976.  His biggest hit was the million-selling "Little Woman" (1969), which was certified gold by the RIAA.  He toured the United States and the around the world and his concerts sold out to mostly screaming young female fans.  Sherman left showbusiness in the 1970s to work as a paramedic and eventually as a deputy sheriff.

From Deadline:  British musician, singer-songwriter, and recording artist, Mick Ralphs, has died at the age of 81.  He family announced his passing without providing a cause or date of his passing.  Ralphs cofounded the rock bands, "Mott the Hopple" and "Bad Company."  His notable songwriting credits include 1969's "Rock and Roll Queen" (Mott the Hoople), "Ready for Love" (Mott the Hoople), "Can't Get Enough" (Bad Company), and "Feel Like Makin' Love" (with Paul Rodgers for Bad Company), to name a few.  As a member of Bad Company, Ralphs received a "Best New Artist" Grammy Award nomination at the 17th Annual Grammy Awards (1975).

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 15th to 21st, 2025 - 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.

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NEWS:

MOVIES - From THR:  Oscar-winning director, Danny Boyle, gives a career spanning interview about his career and about his new film, "28 Years Later."

CELEBRITY - From Deadline:  A collection of memorabilia from the late director, David Lynch, earns 4.25 million dollars at auction.

TELEVISION - From Variety:  Fine-ass actor Jason Isaacs talks about pay equity on the HBO series, "The White Lotus." Each actor makes $40000 per episode.

NETFLIX - From Variety:  Oscar-winner Katherine Bigelow has a new film, "A House of Dynamite."  It will have a brief theatrical run before streaming exclusively globally on Netflix Oct. 24th, 2025.

OSCARS - From THR:  The board of governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced that Tom Cruise will received an "Honorary Oscar."  The other recipients of that honor this year are actress/producer/choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas.  Dolly Parton will receive the "Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award."  These honors will be bestowed at the 16th annual "Governors Awards.

BUSINESS - From Variety:  Warner Bros. Discover boss, David Zaslav will see his pay decrease (such as it is) in the wake of the proposed split of WBD into two separate companies.  Zaslav will see a significant reduction in his target annual compensation, including lowered his annual cash compensation opportunity, and reorientation of the total pay mix toward long-term incentives.

CELEBRITY - From Deadline: Veteran actor Al Pacino met the newly elected pontiff, Leo XIV, at the Vatican on Monday (June 16th).  Pacino met the Pope alongside Andrea Iervolino, the Italian producer behind "Maserati: The Brothers," a biopic about Italy’s legendary Maserati family that stars Pacino, Anthony Hopkins, and Andy Garcia. 

OSCARS - From Variety:  Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm, wants the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to present Disney CEO Bob Iger with an "Honorary Oscar." Not everyone is enamored with that idea.

NETFLIX - From Deadline:  Carla Gugino is the latest to join Brad Pitt in Netflix's "The Adventures of Cliff Booth."  The film will be directed by David Fincher and it is written by Quentin Tarantino as a follow-up to his Oscar-winning film, "Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood."  Cliff Booth, the sidekick of Leonardo DiCaprio's "Rick Dalton" in the 2019 film, is now a Hollywood fixer in the Netflix film.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 6/13 to 6/15/2025 weekend box office is Universal Studios/DreamWorks Animation's "How to Train Your Dragon" with an estimated take of 83.7 million dollars.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Famed director Steven Spielberg has filmed a new, special introduction to his landmark 1975 film “Jaws,” which will air over three hours on Friday, June 20th, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC — the exact 50th anniversary date of when it was released. The NBC screening and Spielberg’s introduction are just some of the plans NBCUniversal has to mark the anniversary.

OBITS:

From THR:  American film, television, and stage actress, Lynn Hamilton, has died at the age of 95, Thursday, June 19, 2025.  Hamilton was best known for the recurring role of "Donna Harris," the girlfriend and later fiance of "Fred G. Sanford" on the former NBC sitcom, "Sandford and Son" (1972-77).  From 1973 to 1981, she also had the recurring role of "Verdie Foster" on the CBS drama, "The Waltons."  Hamilton also had main roles on two early 1990s soap opera series, "Dangerous Women" and "Generations."  Her film roles included appearances in such noted Black films as "Buck and the Preacher" (1972) and "Lady Sings the Blues" (1972).

From Variety:  American chef and television personality, Anne Burrell, has died at the age of 55, Tuesday, June 17, 2025.  Burrell was best known for her association with the "Food Network" cable network.  She debuted on the network by serving as the sous chef of Mario Batali during his six-season run on "Iron Chef America: The Series"  Burrell's first Food Network series was "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef" (2008-12) as its "presenter."  She cohosted on "Worst Cooks in America" from 2010-2024.  She also cohosted "Chefs Wanted with Anne Burrell" (2012-13).  In 2011, Burrell received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in the category of "Outstanding Lifestyle/Culinary Host" for her work on "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef."

From Deadline:  Television screenwriter and producer, Terry Louise Fisher, has died at the age of 79, Tuesday, June 10, 2025.  Fisher was a producer and writer on the former CBS crime drama, "Cagney & Lacey."  Her best known work as the former NBC legal drama, "L.A. Law" (1986-94), that she co-created with super-producer, Steven Bochco."  Fisher and Bochco also co-created the former ABC drama-comedy, "Hooperman" (1987-89), which starred the late John Ritter.  She was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award seven times and won three:  "Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series" once (for "L.A. Law") and "Outstanding Drama Series" twice (once each for "Cagney & Lacey" and "L.A. Law").

From Deadline:  Film, television, and stage actor, Harris Yulin, has died at the age of 87, Tuesday, June 10, 2025.  In film, he was best known for roles in such films as "Scarface" (1983), "Clear and Present Danger" (1994), and "Training Day."  He played the obstinate "Judge Stephen Wexler" who has to be rescued by the Ghostbusters in "Ghostbusters II" (1989).  He was a recurring or guest star in such series as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "24," and "Ozark," to name a few.  He received an "Outstanding Guest Actor in Comedy Series" Primetime Emmy nomination for his role in a 1996 episode of the former NBC sitcom, "Frasier."

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 8th to 14th, 2025 - UPDATE #15

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

AMAZON - From Deadline:  Stars of the original "Spaceballs" film, Rick Moranis and Bill Pullman, will return as their respective roles, "Dark Helmet" (Moranis) and "Lone Starr" (Pullman), for Amazon MGM Studios' planned sequel "Spaceballs 2."  Pullman's son, rising star Lewis Pullman, and also Keke Palmer will join the cast, according to Deadline.

DISNEY - From Variety:  At the Annecy Animation Festival, Pixar offers the first preview of "Gatto," the new animated film from "Luca" director, Enrico Casarosa, that is due in 2027.

NETFLIX - From Variety:  Netflix has released a trailer for Tyler Perry's upcoming "Madea" film, "Madea's Destination Wedding."  Debuting July 11th, it is Perry's 13th "Madea" film and his 30th feature film overall.

STAR TREK - From THR:  Ahead of the debut of Season 3, Paramount+ has announced that "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" will end with a shortened six-episode Season 5, which won't arrive until 2027 or 2028.

AMAZON - From Variety: So Amazon MGM Studios is developing a sequel to Mel Brooks' 1987 "Star Wars" parody, "Spaceballs."  The sequel will be led by actor Josh Gad and is slated for a 2027 release.  Mel Brooks will return as the "Yoda" parody, "Yogurt."

SCANDAL - From Deadline:  Chaos reigns at the New York sexual assault retrial of former movie studio mogul, Harvey Weinstein.  Yesterday (June 11th), Weinstein was found guilty of criminal sexual act in the first degree against Miriam Haley, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years.  However, he was found not guilty of the same charge against Kaja Sokola. The jury did not deliver a verdict on a similar charge involving Jessica Mann.

TELEVISION - From Variety:  Gloria Reuben has joined the growing cast of "Boston Blue," the spinoff of the long-running CBS police drama, "Blue Bloods" (2010-24).  Donnie Wahlberg will reprise his "Blue Bloods" role as "Detective Danny Reagan" in the series which to debut Fall 2025.

BUSINESS - From Variety:  Warner Bros Discovery is splitting into 2 companies.  One company, Streaming & Studios, will control WB Television, WB Pictures, WB Games, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max + their film & TV libraries.  The second company, Global Networks, will control cable networks: CNN, TNT Sports, Discovery, Discovery+ & other TV networks.  David Zaslav, current President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will serve as President and CEO of Streaming & Studios. Gunnar Wiedenfels, current CFO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will serve as President and CEO of Global Networks. Both will continue in their present roles at WBD until the separation sometime in mid-2026.

From THR:  When Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) is split into two companies in the coming year, the second company, "Global Networks" will be saddled with 37 BILLION DOLLARS of WBD debt.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Super television creator, producer, writer, Taylor Sheridan ("Yellowstone"), has entered the bidding war for the rights to the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" franchise.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 6/6 to 6/8/2025 weekend box office is Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" with an estimated take of 32.5 million dollars.

TELEVISION/STREAMING - From Variety:  The documentary series, "Couples Therapy," has been renewed for a fifth season on the "Showtime" cable network and for the "Paramount+" streaming service.

OBITS:

From RollingStone:  American recording artist, singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer, Brian Wilson, has died at the age of 82, Wednesday, June 11, 2025.  He is best known as founding member of the influential rock band, "The Beach Boys."  Considered a genius, Wilson became known for his novel songwriting, song arrangements, productions values, and recording techniques.  "The Beach Boys" had a string of hits, including "Surf City" (1963), "California Girls," and "Good Vibrations" (1966), to name a very few.  Wilson received four Grammy nominations for his work with The Beach Boys, all of them having to do with "Good Vibrations" at the 9th Annual Grammy Awards in 1967.  He received five other Grammy nominations and won two of those.

From TheNewYorkTimes:  American recording artist, songwriter, singer, musician, and record producer, Sly Stone, has died at the age of 82, Monday, June 9, 2025.  Born Sylvester Stewart, Stone was best known as the leader of the band, "Sly and the Family Stone" (active: 1966-83), which was pivotal in the development of funk, soul, R&B, rock, and psychedelic music.  They were the first band to have a racially-integrated, mixed-gender lineup.  The band scored multiple hits, including the #1 singles, "Everyday People," "Thank You (Fallettinme Be Mice Elf Again)"/"Everybody is a Star," and "Family Affair."  In addition to the 10 albums Stone recorded with Sly and the Family Stone, he also released two solo albums.

From BBC:  The English novelist and journalist, Frederick Forsyth, has died at the age of 86, Monday, June 9, 2025.  At least six of Forsyth's film were adapted for film or television, including "The Odessa File" (1972 novel, 1974 film).  Forsyth's 1971 novel, "The Day of the Jackal," has been adapted several times.  The best known are the 1973 film by director Fred Zinnemann and screenwriter Kenneth Ross and the current Sky/Peacock TV series, "The Day of the Jackal." 

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 1st to 7th, 2025 - 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:

ANIMATION - From Variety:  The Oscar-winning, Latvian animated film, "Flow," continues its historic global box office run with 57 million dollar gross and counting.

STREAMING - From Deadline:  Samuel L. Jackson will star in "NOLA King," a spinoff of the Paramount+ series, "Tulsa King," which stars Sylvester Stallone. "NOLA King" further expands the universe of super-producer Taylor Sheridan's universe of television series.  Jackson will appear in multiple episodes of the upcoming third season of "Tulsa King" before moving on to "NOLA King."

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

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

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

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

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American film executive, Jason Constantine, has died at the age of 55, Tuesday, June 3, 2025.  Constantine was best known for his long time association with Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.  Constantine was a big proponent of the original "Saw" (2004), which spawned a franchise.  Constantine was also involved with such Oscar-winning films as "Crash" (2005) and "Precious" (2009).

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

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

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OBITS:

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

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

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

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

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

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 18th to 24th, 2025 - UPDATE #11

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

CANNES 2025:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OBITS:

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

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

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 11th to 17th, 2025 - UPDATE #13

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OBITS:

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

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

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

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OBITS:

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

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

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

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

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OBITS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

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

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

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

NEWS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OBITS:

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

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

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

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

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NEWS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OBITS:

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

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

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