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Category: News

  • Uche Agada on How He Got the Role of Giannis Antetokounmpo in ‘Rise’

    Uche Agada on How He Got the Role of Giannis Antetokounmpo in ‘Rise’

    It’s not an easy task when an actor has to now only bring a performance to life but also based on someone that really existed. So, imagine if that person is still alive and you have to take on the role of one of the NBA all-stars Giannis Antetkounmpo. Well, that task landed in the hands of Uche Agada who shared his story during the Disney+ film’s press conference.

    The young actor revealed that this was his first role, and it was him sending in a video after he saw that Giannis shared a link to getting cast in his Disney+ film. Somehow, he ended up getting the callback and would eventually get the role. Not only that, but

    And for me, I was never an actor prior to this, so this was very weird for me. So, when it said callback with a director of a movie, in my mind, I’m like, yo, that’s crazy. But I did that callback and did another callback. And eventually, they told me I got the part, which is absolutely incredible.

    Uche Agada

    He also reveals that he would be asked a rather curious question, as a “couple of weeks later, they asked me if I had any siblings” which would lead to his real-life brother, Ral Agada getting cast as Athanasios Antetkounmpo in the Disney+ film. He even revealed that they had the brothers to have a chemistry read.

    So, I go on the court, put in some clips, and then they asked me to do a chemistry read with my brother. I’m like, “Hm, all right.” ‘Cause he is my brother. It shouldn’t be hard to act like that.

    Ral Agada

    It definitely sounded like an interesting experience and it’s a nice touch to have actual brothers portray the two main characters of the film. It seems that it didn’t take long after he sent in some clips that they were called up to film the film during the summer. They even got to film on location in Greece, as revealed by Ral Agada. It’s crazy to think what a random Instagram post can lead to.

  • Chris Pratt’s Mario Portrayal to be ‘Unlike Anything You’ve Heard in the Mario World’

    Chris Pratt’s Mario Portrayal to be ‘Unlike Anything You’ve Heard in the Mario World’

    Chris Pratt is ready to bring something new to the Mario landscape, whether we’re ready to or not. While talking with Variety during the premiere of his new Amazon Prime series The Terminal List, the actor discussed the direction he will take for the upcoming Illumination Entertainment and Universal film being produced based on the popular Nintendo character.

    I worked really closely with the directors and trying out a few things and landed on something that I’m really proud of and can’t wait for people to see and hear. It’s an animated voiceover narrative. It’s not a live-action movie. I’m not gonna be wearing a plumber suit running all over. I’m providing a voice for an animated character, and it is updated and unlike anything you’ve heard in the Mario world before.

    Chris Pratt

    This quote from Chris Pratt certainly piques interest into what exactly is planned for this film adaptation of the Super Mario Bros franchise. Many questions and concerns have been raised about Pratt’s casting and the risk of him providing a needlessly stereotypical performance. Though having a wildly different interpretation of the character also runs the risk of alienating audiences familiar with the source material for the sake of fitting a square peg in a round hole with Chris Pratt as Mario. His involvement with the film also has come with a large amount of fatigue based on the actor being cast in a large swath of animated projects portraying the main protagonist. 

    Pratt’s analysis of his performance also comes off of Illumination’s CEO Chris Menedandri giving high praise for what the actor is bringing to the role. It will be interesting to see whether these quotes end up holding actual merit, or are simply a means to draw empty good-will and early marketing towards the project.

    Along with Pratt, the untitled film is set to co-star with the likes of Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, and Seth Rogen. The film is being directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic of Teen Titan Go! fame and is scheduled to release on April 7, 2023.


    Source: Variety

  • Season 3 of ‘Harley Quinn’ Confirmed for July Debut

    Season 3 of ‘Harley Quinn’ Confirmed for July Debut

    The third season of Harley Quinn is confirmed to debut this summer.

    On Thursday, HBO Max confirmed that Season 3 of Harley Quinn will premiere on the streaming service this July. While the streaming service didn’t announce a specific date release date for the series, it is the first official confirmation that the season is premiering sooner rather than later. For fans of the series, it has been a long wait as Season 2 debuted in 2020.

    The third season of Harley Quinn looks to have plenty of surprises in store for fans. James Gunn is confirmed to cameo in the upcoming season, while What We Do in the Shadow‘s Harvey Guillén joins the series as Nightwing. Recording on Season 3 began in February 2021, and showrunner Patrick Schumacker confirmed in March of this year that they’d just finished the first audio mix of the season.

    During the long gap between seasons, a six-issue tie-in comic was released titled Harley Quinn: The Animated Series – The Eat. Bang! Kill. Tour. The comic was written by Tee Franklin and drawn by Max Sarin. The comic followed Harley and Poison Ivy following Season 2’s finale as they engaged on a Thelma-and-Louise journey of their own filled with plenty of mishaps.

    The first two season of Harley Quinn: The Animated Series are now streaming on HBO Max.

    Source: Comicbook.

  • ‘Ms. Marvel’ Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes

    We are only three episodes into Marvel Studios’ latest Disney+ series Ms. Marvel, but the show is already a huge hit among critics and fans. With a total of 202 critic reviews, Ms. Marvel is now officially “certified fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes “Tomatometer” at a staggering 96 percent.

    The 96 percent rating makes Ms. Marvel the highest-rated show in the MCU on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing What If…? (94 percent) and Loki (92 percent). As well as being the highest-rated show, Ms. Marvel is tied with Black Panther as the top Marvel project on Rotten Tomatoes.

    The “Critics Consensus” on Rotten Tomatoes writes: “Ms. Marvel is a genuinely fresh addition to the MCU — both stylistically and substantively — with Iman Vellani ably powering proceedings with her super-sized charisma.”

    The certified fresh rating has to be a triumph for those involved with Ms. Marvel as doubt was cast on the show even before the first episode aired. When it was revealed that Kamala Khan’s power set was going to differ from the comics, some fans expressed frustration that the on-screen adaptation was going to be unsuccessful.

    In the comics, Kamala is exposed to Terrigen Mist, which in turn activated her latent Inhuman powers. Kamala is mostly known for her polymorphic abilities — akin to Reed Richards — allowing her limbs to grow in many shapes and forms. But with the Inhumans not a factor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the decision was made to align Iman Vellani‘s Kamala Khan powers with her hero, Captain Marvel.

    It looks like that decision is paying off as we have already seen Kamala display embiggening powers, a trademark of her wildly popular character from the comics, and the connection to Carol Danvers is building in each episode as the story unfolds. Audiences are clearly loving the show’s vibrant cinematography and upbeat attitude with the certified fresh rating.

    Ms. Marvel is currently streaming on Disney+, with new episodes releasing each Wednesday.

    Source: Rotten Tomatoes

  • First Look at “The Santa Clauses” Released by Disney+

    First Look at “The Santa Clauses” Released by Disney+

    With roughly six months to go until Christmas Day, Disney+ is getting in the holiday spirit a bit early this year with the first look at official images of their upcoming series The Santa Clauses.

    The images were released as part of Disney’s Halfway to the Holidays marketing campaign, giving audiences an idea of what to expect when the Calvins are back on the screen.

    Tim Allen and Elizabeth Mitchell are both returning in their starring roles as Santa Claus, Scott Calvin, and Mrs. Claus, Carol. The pair will be joined by Austin Kane and Elizabeth Allen Dick, who will be playing their two children, Cal and Grace. Elizabeth Allen Dick won’t have to stretch her imagination to far to imagine Scott Calvin as her on-screen father as she is the real-life daughter of Tim Allen.

    As well as the Calvins, audiences will also be introduced to a new batch of characters. Kal Penn will be playing a character named Simon Choski, a single father who is an ambitious game inventor and product developer. Choski visits the North Pole, which turns out to be a life-changing trip for him. Alongside Penn will be Rupali Redd, described as Choski’s “angelic daughter with a love for Santa and all things Christmas.”

    Would there really be a North Pole without elves? Of course not. Devin Bright is cast as Noel, Santa’s trusted right-hand elf. Matilda Lawler will be playing Betty, Santa’s demanding Chief of Staff and a “job-oriented Elf.”

    The plot for The Santa Clauses is set an unspecified time after the events of the 2006 film The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, in which Jack Frost (Martin Short) attempted to become Santa Claus himself. The series picks up with Scott Calvin approaching his 65th birthday. Scott realizes he cannot be Santa forever as his magic suddenly starts to disappear, so he begins a quest to find a proper replacement and get his family ready for a life outside of the North Pole.

    No official release date has been given yet, but the Disney original series will be streaming soon on Disney+.

    Source: Disney Parks

  • Kit Harrington Creating ‘Jon Snow’ Spinoff, George R.R. Martin Consulting

    Kit Harrington Creating ‘Jon Snow’ Spinoff, George R.R. Martin Consulting

    In a shocking reveal, The Hollywood Reporter reported last week that HBO was developing a Jon Snow-centric Games of Thrones spinoff show. After the controversial ending to the critically-acclaimed show, it seemed unlikely that a sequel series would be considered. But, it’s now a reality that a post-Battle of Winterfell Westeros will soon be on the TV screen again.

    While the reveal of the Jon Snow show may have come as a surprise to most of the world, Harington’s co-star Emilia Clarke was already in the know. In an interview with the BBC, Clarke said:

    He has told me about it. And I know it exists. It’s happening. It’s been created by Kit as far as I can understand, so he’s in it from the ground up. So what you will be watching, hopefully, if it happens, is certified by Kit Harington.

    Emilia Clarke

    Clarke revealing that Harrington came up with the show’s concept is an interesting bit of information as it seemingly adds a layer of authenticity to the project. Some fans may have fear of this show being a straight cash-grab from HBO, but the series is an idea straight from the actor himself.

    Backing up Clarke was Games of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, who confirmed the show’s existence in a blog post from June 23. Martin wrote that the show has the working title SNOW.

    It seems as though Emilia Clarke has already mentioned that SNOW was Kit’s idea in a recent interview. So that part is out. Yes, it was Kit Harrington who brought the idea to us. I cannot tell you the names of the writers/ showrunners, since that has not been cleared for release yet…but Kit brought them in too, his own team, and they are terrific.

    Various rumors are floating around about my involvement, or lack of same. I am involved […] Kit’s team have visited me here in Santa Fe and worked with me and my own team of brilliant, talented writer/ consultants to hammer out the show.”

    George R.R. Martin

    Martin also mentioned that the show is currently in the script stage. “Outlines and treatments have been written and approved, scripts have been written, notes have been given, second and third drafts have been written,” Martin wrote. So, not only has Harrington formulated the show himself, he has already consulted with Martin as well.

    The last time audiences saw Snow on the screen he was heading into the Haunted Forest with his beloved direwolf, Ghost, and the Wildings, after being exiled from Westeros. No plot details have been given yet, but it seems likely the series would start right around this time as Snow begins a new life.

    Source: Variety

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 24, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 24, 2022

    Welcome to your Football Friday edition of The Morning After Huddle! Training camp dates have been released and that means we are that much closer to the start of the season.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Training Camp dates for all 32 teams have been released. That means you can go see your favorite players catch mediocre passes with no contact, that everyone will undoubtedly overhype, on your own dime prior to the season. The full schedule is available here.
    • It’s been a tough week for the NFL. News broke yesterday that we have two more greats who have passed on. Former Commanders player Brig Owens has passed away at 79. A member of Washington’s Super Bowl VII team and one of the franchise’s most prolific interceptors, Owens played 12 of his 13 years in the NFL in D.C. Also, Hugh McElhenny passed away at the age of 93. McElhenny was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-1950s team and star halfback for the San Francisco 49ers.
    • Finally, your Key Signings Roundup:
      • Steelers agreed to terms with first round draft pick QB Kenny Pickett. As with all first-round contracts, the four-year deal comes with a fifth-year team option.

    That is it for today! You know the drill. Wrangle the kids, grab your coffee, and join us for your Saturday edition of the Morning After Huddle.

    ICYMI: Thursday – June 23, 2022 Edition

  • ‘Furiosa’ Synopsis Teases a War for the Wasteland

    ‘Furiosa’ Synopsis Teases a War for the Wasteland

    George Miller’s Furiosa, a prequel to 2015’s Fury Road, has begun production in Australia ahead of its May 19, 2023 release date. Now Warner Bros. has released a new synopsis for the film, which will see Anya Taylor-Joy step into the role of Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron in Fury Road, and reveal the origins of the “powerhouse character.”

    As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus.  Sweeping through the Wasteland they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe.  While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home. 

    Immortan Joe featured prominently in Fury Road and the comic series that followed. Furiosa served as Joe’s Imperator before betraying and eventually giving him a grisly death via a harpoon to the mouth. Though WB has not commented on who will be playing Joe in Furiosa, it’s believed that Tom Byrne (A Discovery of Witches) will be playing the younger version of the character, who was a Colonel during the Oil Wars that precede the event of the original Mad Max. The film will also star Chris Hemsworth, who may well be playing the opposing Warlord, Dementus, who will vie for dominance of the Wasteland with Joe.

  • Jurnee Smollett Teases ‘Black Canary’ Film, Discusses Her Time as the Hero

    Jurnee Smollett Teases ‘Black Canary’ Film, Discusses Her Time as the Hero

    While Warner Bros. Discovery looks to revamp its DC offerings, it looks like Black Canary is still in the works. During a recent sit-down with The Hollywood Reporter to promote the Netflix film, Spiderhead, Black Canary actress Jurnee Smollett briefly teased what’s to come for the character.

    Ever since the character’s live-action debut in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), fans have been eagerly awaiting news of a Black Canary project. Then in April 2021, it was confirmed that a Black Canary movie was in the works at HBO Max with Smollett confirmed to return and Lovecraft Country creator Misha Green set to pen the script. While that project seems to have survived the DC clean-up – so far – Smollett isn’t actually able to talk too much about it. “I can’t talk about it, as you know. But I can say I really am excited about what we’re developing.”

    Prior to the announcement of the Black Canary film, fans had taken to trending #BlackCanaryHBOSeries in hopes of landing a series sequel to Birds of Prey with Smollett’s Canary. For the actress, seeing the fan response was exciting. “Truly, one of the great joys of my professional career has been playing Black Canary,” she said. “To see the response from the fans online and engaging on Twitter. They are a massive reason why I am where I am, and any excitement I have about continuing on the Black Canary trajectory, it’s being made possible because of the fans.”

    The actress also revealed that upon being cast in Birds of Prey, she received some great advice from a legendary actor that has made his own mark in the comic book movie world — Samuel L. Jackson. He has been playing Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since Iron Man’s post credit scene. Upon being cast, she called him in hopes of figuring out how to approach the role. “And he said, “Baby, just go and piss on your territory.” So I’ve been just so truly, truly humbled by the response from the fans.”

    As of now, the Black Canary movie for HBO Max does not have a director or a planned release date.

    Source: THR.

  • Henry Czerny Joins the Ensemble Cast of ‘Scream 6’

    Henry Czerny Joins the Ensemble Cast of ‘Scream 6’

    The actor is the latest addition to the growing ensemble for the sixth Scream installment at Paramount and Spyglass Media. He will join franchise newcomers Dermot Mulroney, Jack Champion, Liana Liberato, Devyn Nekoda and Josh Segarra. While Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding and Jenna Ortega who are reprising their roles from the most recent Scream film, and Hayden Panettiere will reprise her role from Scream 4.

    Production on the film is currently underway. While details remain sparse, it is thought that this installment will follow the four survivors of the most recent film as they leave Woodsboro behind in hopes of beginning a new chapter. This will mark the first Scream film not to feature Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott, while Courtney Cox is expected to return as Gale Weathers.

    The sixth Scream film will hit theaters on March 31st, 2023. It is being directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who helmed the most recent film, from a script by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. Kevin Williamson, who penned the first Scream film, is also on board as a producer. It’ll also be produced by Project X Entertainment’s Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein and William Sherak.

    Source: Deadline