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Tag: TV News

  • ‘Dahmer’ Becomes One of Netflix’s Most Watched Original Projects Ever

    ‘Dahmer’ Becomes One of Netflix’s Most Watched Original Projects Ever

    A new massive success story for Netflix is Dahmer: Monster – The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. In its second week on the streaming service, it has been viewed a total of 299.84 million hours. This follows the 196.2 million hours viewed in the debut week for the limited series. This puts Dahmer: Monster only behind Stranger Things 4 as the second most watched English-language series in a week. For reference, the two separate batches of Stranger Things 4 episodes released were initially viewed for 301 million and 335 million hours, respectively.

    Based on the momentum the series currently has, it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Dahmer: Monster to be viewed more than the likes of Lucifer and Bridgerton and end up being a top five all-time viewed series for the streaming stalwart. It has already surpassed the ninth place ranking based on its statistics and has passed the likes of Ozark and 13 Reasons Why. All in all, Dahmer: Monster has the potential to join Stranger Things and Squid Games as one of the largest success stories for Netflix.

    The series was created by Ryan Murphy, best known for his work on American Horror Story and American Crime Story, alongside Ian Brennan. It stars Evan Peters as the serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and follows a dramatized account of ten separate murders conducted by him and how the ineptitude of police establishments allowed Dahmer to get away with them for so long.

    Source: Deadline

  • Adria Arjona Seemingly Confirms Season Two Return for ‘Andor’

    Adria Arjona Seemingly Confirms Season Two Return for ‘Andor’

    Andor is currently in the midst of its first season on Disney+, however, fans of the franchise are already eagerly looking ahead to the show’s second season. While production on Season 2 isn’t slated to begin until November, thanks to a recent interview with the folks over at Collider, we might have a better idea of what’s to come when Season 2 hits in 2024.

    Adria Arjona, who plays Bix Caleen in Andor, talked about her future involvement in the series, as well as the collaborative process with showrunner Tony Gilroy. As she explains, he is open to conversations about the show and the characters and has already updated her on Bix’s storyline going forward.

    He [Tony Gilroy] was very open to conversations and is constantly telling me what is, what her journey is going to be like and, ‘Oh, I changed this a little bit’. He really kept me in the loop even before the scripts were done and the second he had a script out, we’d [the cast] would all get it first. Even now with the second part [of the series] he’s already told me what’s going to happen and that’s not the usual. He just really wants you to get into that mindset and start preparing your gears to sort of embark on this new journey and he wants you to think on your own as Bix so I can sort of have my own ideas and opinions.

    Adria Arjona

    Going off of her quote here, it can be gleaned that Caleen is fairly guaranteed to be surviving the events of the first season. This comes as Gilory has teased that the body count for Andor will be high with a tangible risk of any notable characters (besides of course the titular one) being killed off. As it currently stands, Bix is dealing with the death of her romantic partner Timm after a showdown between Cassian Andor and the Preox-Morlana Authority. With a total of 12 episodes for both Season 1 and Season 2, it remains to be seen where Caleen’s story goes from here.

    Andor is currently airing on Disney+ with the fifth episode set to release on Wednesday, October 5.

    Source: Collider

  • Emily Watson & Shirley Henderson Join ‘Dune: The Sisterhood’

    Emily Watson & Shirley Henderson Join ‘Dune: The Sisterhood’

    HBO Max has set Emily Watson (Chernobyl) and Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones’s Baby) to lead its Dune series, Dune: The Sisterhood. The news was revealed by the streamer on Tuesday afternoon. Watson and Henderson will portray the formidable Harkonnen sisters, Valya Harkonnen and Tula Harkonnen, respectively. The Harkonnen sisters are part of the Sisterhood, a secret organization of women who will eventually go on to become the Bene Gesserit.

    Like the film by Denis Villeneuve, Dune: The Sisterhood is inspired by the books by Frank Herbert. The Sisterhood takes place 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides and focuses on the Harkonnen sisters as they “combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit.”

    Along with starring in Chernobyl, Watson has starred in the Little Women TV mini-series, Punch-Drunk Love, and Tim Burton‘s Corpse Bride. As for Henderson, along with starring in the Bridget Jones films, Henderson has appeared in Happy Valley, Marie Antoinette and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – she also voiced Babu Frik in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.

    Diane Ademu-John (The Haunting of Bly Manor) serves as the creator, writer, co-showrunner and executive producer on the project. She’ll work with Alison Schapker (Lost) who also serves as co-showrunner and executive producer. Johan Renck (Chernobyl) is set to direct the pilot episode and will also serve as an executive producer. Denis Villeneuve (Dune) is also executive producing with Jon Spaihts, Scott Z. Burns, Matthew King, John Cameron, Cait Collins and author Brian Herbert.

    Source: Deadline.

  • Emma Caulfield’s Dottie to Return for ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’

    Emma Caulfield’s Dottie to Return for ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’

    After being one of the more mysterious upcoming projects for Marvel Studios, new information is beginning to arrive for Agatha: Coven of Chaos. After playing Sarah Proctor (aka Dottie in the sitcom-based pocket dimension) in WandaVision, Emma Caulfield will be reprising the role for the upcoming Disney+ series. Caulfield’s return seems to indicate at least a partial focus on the sitcom aspects of WandaVision.

    Ever since it was revealed in late 2021 that Kathryn Hahn’s fan-favorite would be the focus her own series, much has been asked in terms of what might transpire. This is especially of note with Agatha Harkness not having a wealth of comic-source material. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to build its Multiverse Saga, it will be interesting to follow what could be gleaned from Agatha: Coven of Chaos and this corner of magic into the larger overarching narrative of Phase Five and beyond.

    Agatha: Coven of Chaos is being written by Jac Schaffer, of WandaVision fame, as part of her overall deal with Disney Television Studios. Announced at SDCC ’22, production is expected to begin on the series in early 2023 with a late-2023/early-2024 streaming window.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • Sam Reid Describes Bringing Lestat to Life in ‘Interview with the Vampire’ as “A Gift”

    Sam Reid Describes Bringing Lestat to Life in ‘Interview with the Vampire’ as “A Gift”

    AMC’s Interview with the Vampire debuted to high praise from critics, getting the studio’s Immortal Universe adaptation of Anne Rice’s works off to a great start. A common thread among the show’s supporters has been the work of Australian Sam Reid in bringing Lestat de Lioncourt, Rice’s primary protagonist throughout her Vampire Chronicles, to life. Though Reid is sharing the stage with Jacob Anderson’s Louis, who is equally brilliant, the actor has captured the enormity of Lestat’s personality, making it hard to ignore him on screen.

    In an interview with ComicBook.com, Reid discussed bringing the popular vampire to life. “It really is the most fun thing to do. I can’t tell you,” said Reid. “It’s so much fun because he’s so complicated a character.” The actor continued, pointing out how pleased he’s been being able to deliver dialogue lifted straight from Rice’s novels.

    And it’s like a gift, the dialogue that we get to say is extraordinary. And it is so gratifying playing this character and, in this world, saying direct Anne Rice lines. It’s incredible, because when you read it, it’s very different to how it sounds in your mouth, I mean how it sounds in your head when you have to put the words in your mouth and you actually go, ‘Holy sh-t, these people speak like this.’ Because there’s a lot of exclamation points and there’s a lot of love. There’s a lot of very extreme emotions in the book that when you translate it, they remain extreme, but you also have to put them in a sense of reality as well, which is a bit of a minefield to navigate.

    Sam Reid

    Of course, Reid adds that portraying a vampire means looking the part, which he’s apparently enjoying as well saying, “So, it’s really, really fun. And the fangs are fun, and the contact lenses are fun, and everything is great.“

    If AMC’s plans for their Immortal Universe are as bold as expected, Reid will have the opportunity to have much more fun over the coming years and fans much more time to enjoy him.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • ‘The Rings of Power’ Begins Production on Season 2

    ‘The Rings of Power’ Begins Production on Season 2

    Production on Season 2 of Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings series, The Rings of Power, is officially underway. Filming kicked off on Monday at Bray Studios just outside London. While the first season of The Rings of Power was filmed in New Zealand, Season 2 moved to the U.K. because it was deemed more economical. It’s also said that Amazon is seeking to build a multi-show hub in the United Kingdom, which helped to play a role in the decision.

    News that Season 2 is in production comes after it was revealed The Rings of Power topped the streaming charts for its debut week with 1.3 billion collective minutes viewed. Those numbers came directly from Nielsen and were based on two episodes at the time. The first season will air the penultimate episode of its debut season this week. Along with the news that Season 2 is in production, it was revealed that Círdan, one of the oldest and wisest elves, will be joining the series, although the role has not yet been cast.

    The Rings of Power currently stars Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, Ismael Cruz Cordova as Arondir, Nazanin Boniadi as Bronwyn, Charlie Vickers as Halbrand, Tyroe Muhafidin as Theo, and Markella Kavenagh as Nori Brandyfoot.

    Source: THR.

  • Anders Holm Joins ‘Godzilla & The Titans’ Series at Apple

    Anders Holm Joins ‘Godzilla & The Titans’ Series at Apple

    Anders Holm is the latest to join the cast of Apple TV+’s Godzilla & the Titans series. The news was revealed by Variety on Monday morning, with the outlet reporting that Holm has signed on for a major recurring role in the series. Further details regarding his role are currently unknown. He joins an impressive cast that includes Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe, Kiersey Clemons, Joe Tippett, Elisa Lasowski, Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell and Mari Yamamoto.

    The series, which does not yet have an official name, follows the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that managed to level San Francisco. Following the revelation that monsters are real, the series will explore one family’s journey to uncover “buried secrets and a legacy linking them to the secret organization known as Monarch.” The upcoming series hails from Legendary Television and is part of the ever-expanding Monsterverse franchise. Chris Black and Matt Fraction co-created the series and will serve as executive producers on the project, while Black will serve as the showrunner.

    Holm is perhaps best known for his work on the Comedy Central series, Workaholics. He has also appeared in The Mindy Project and Netflix’s Inventing Anna. He can next be seen in The Muppets Mayhem on Disney+.

    Matt Shakman, who helmed WandaVision for Marvel Studios, is on board to direct the first two episodes. As of right now, no planned release date has been announced.

    Source: Variety.

  • Michael Giacchino Discusses Usage of Vintage Film Techniques in ‘Werewolf by Night’

    Michael Giacchino Discusses Usage of Vintage Film Techniques in ‘Werewolf by Night’

    With Werewolf by Night nearing a week from its official release on Disney+, anticipation for Marvel Studios’ first Special Presentation has certainly been on the rise. Ever since the official announcement of the project paired with the first trailer, many fans were pleasantly taken aback by how much this creative team went all in on the 1930s horror genre pastiche.

    This was followed by the social media embargo lifting and critics giving overall positive responses to the 50-minute short film for its ability to honor classic filmmaking in the streaming landscape. A large heap of that praise should then land at the feet of director Michael Giacchino for creating this vintage aesthetic. 

    While sitting down with Collider for an interview, Giacchino discussed how some of these implementations came into place. Namely, the usage of cigarette burn cue marks throughout the special.

    As we were editing and stuff, my editor Jeff and I are such nerds for this kind of thing, and we were just like, ‘Oh, we got to put in those things too. We got to put in the reel changes.’ Because we always approached this as something that was being done in the 30s. What would they have done and what would they have had at their disposal? How would they have done it? So, we did as many practical effects as we could.

    Michael Giacchino

    While being such a distinct element that could very well go unnoticed to most casual viewers, it’s emblematic of Giacchino’s care for matching the form of classic horror movies in the golden age of film. As well, the reliance on practical effects will likely stand out distinctly in relation to the heavy reliance on digital effects in film (especially in the superhero genre). The director went on to elaborate on his desire to have fully built sets for the actors to interact with in Werewolf by Night. 

    I wanted the actors to feel like they were in a true environment as opposed to having not only the work of creating these characters for us to experience on film, but then they would have to also imagine what was around them.

    Michael Giacchino

    Ultimately, these types of quotes from Michael Giacchino continue to build high amounts of promise for Marvel Studios’ upcoming project. If nothing else, Werewolf by Night is shaping to be one of the most visually unique projects to release in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

    Werewolf by Night stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Laura Donnelly and is set to release on Friday, October 7 on Disney+.

    Source: Collider 

  • ‘Werewolf by Night’ Director on Getting Away With More Blood in Black-and-White

    ‘Werewolf by Night’ Director on Getting Away With More Blood in Black-and-White

    When we got our first look at Marvel Studios’ Werewolf by Night, you could tell it was going to be something special. Not only did it offer something familiar to classic Hammer and Universal monster movies, under the guise of a “Special Presentation,” but it even teased quite a bit of gory action filtered through a classic black-and-white design.

    In an interview with Collider, director and long-time Marvel composer Michael Giacchino got the chance to tease what he’s been working on and the love of a genre that inspired it. That’s not all, as he also got a chance to talk about the way they were able to push the boundaries with its blood and gore, even if he seemingly isn’t that big of a fan of slasher flicks.

    I think that helped us. It certainly didn’t hurt us. I think that doing something like this, we were able to push a little further into that direction than we might have if he had done it any other way. I think people will still be surprised when they see it. The people who are just turning it on and seeing, but hey, that’s part of the fun of it. I felt like as long as it didn’t become sadistic … that was our thing. Because I’m very squeamish generally. I don’t like slasher movies for that reason. So, I didn’t want it to ever get into that realm where it’s just indiscriminate killing. Everything needed to have a reason and a why and a how and all of that. So, I do think that being in black and white helped us with a lot of that, keeping it in that realm.

    Michael Giacchino

    It’s definitely going to be interesting to see just how far they managed to push the project, as we only have a bit longer until it releases on Disney+. Marvel Studios has been all-in with this project showcasing it at Fantastic Fest and even Beyond Fest, highlighting it as their big push for a genre project. We’ll see if Werewolf by Night can really pull it together.

    Source: Collider

  • ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Not Expected Before 2024

    ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Not Expected Before 2024

    As Season 1 of HBO’s House of the Dragon continues to thrill fans of the Game of Thrones franchise, news comes that there’s going to be a bit of a wait before Season 2 will stream. According to hoy.es, the production on the second season isn’t slated to get underway until 2023.

    It’s believed that pre-production on the second season will begin in October, but the account has learned that the studio has carved out a block of time from March through June to film in Càceres, Spain, where they will film scenes for the series’ King’s Landing setting. While this shouldn’t be taken as an indication that no filming on the series will take place before March, it’s a pretty good sign that fans will be waiting until 2024 for Season 2.

    The first six episodes of Season 1 of House of the Dragon are now streaming on HBO Max.