The fact that there was going to be a Blade reboot as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe came as a huge surprise when the announcement was made at the San Diego Comic-Con back in July of 2019 – but all these years later, we’re still waiting on the film to make its way into production. In fact, with Bob Iger recently announcing that the studio was cutting back (even more) on Marvel stuff, Blade’s future seems in limbo. So, here’s Everything We Know About Blade.
Mahershala Ali
The Blade character was previously played by Wesley Snipes in three feature films and by Sticky Fingaz in a short-lived television series. This time around, he’s going to be played by Mahershala Ali, who was already attached to the project when it was announced in 2019… and while there was no indication online that Ali has been interested in playing Blade,...
Mahershala Ali
The Blade character was previously played by Wesley Snipes in three feature films and by Sticky Fingaz in a short-lived television series. This time around, he’s going to be played by Mahershala Ali, who was already attached to the project when it was announced in 2019… and while there was no indication online that Ali has been interested in playing Blade,...
- 5/31/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Over the years and over multiple film phases in the MCU, Kevin Feige and Marvel have ensured that they have kept the entertainment coming at a constant pace for their die-hard fans across the world. The franchise’s massive viewership is also a result of the plethora of huge superstars who have stepped on board to play some of the most popular superheroes.
British star Florence Pugh (image credit: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)
British star Florence Pugh who was cast as Yelena Belova in Black Widow, will now be front and center in MCU’s Thunderbolts* which is set to hit screens in 2025. The actor in an interview in 2023, praised the franchise for its meticulous planning and scheduling of projects. This comment though, was called out by netizens on social media who quoted the current plight of Mahershala Ali’s Blade as an example.
Here’s Why Florence Pugh Has...
British star Florence Pugh (image credit: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)
British star Florence Pugh who was cast as Yelena Belova in Black Widow, will now be front and center in MCU’s Thunderbolts* which is set to hit screens in 2025. The actor in an interview in 2023, praised the franchise for its meticulous planning and scheduling of projects. This comment though, was called out by netizens on social media who quoted the current plight of Mahershala Ali’s Blade as an example.
Here’s Why Florence Pugh Has...
- 5/31/2024
- by Sharanya Sankar
- FandomWire
An Academy Award winner might be joining the ranks of the “Jurassic World” franchise. According to various trade reports, two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali (who won Academy prizes for “Moonlight” and “Green Book”) is in talks to join the untitled “Jurassic World” film due in the summer of 2025.
The film has been described as a sequel but also a “semi-reboot” starting from the events of “Jurassic World: Dominion,” but integrating new characters, locations, and dinosaurs.
Continue reading Mahershala Ali Joins New ‘Jurassic World’ Film Alongside Scarlett Johansson at The Playlist.
The film has been described as a sequel but also a “semi-reboot” starting from the events of “Jurassic World: Dominion,” but integrating new characters, locations, and dinosaurs.
Continue reading Mahershala Ali Joins New ‘Jurassic World’ Film Alongside Scarlett Johansson at The Playlist.
- 5/31/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Mahershala Ali is in talks for a role in the new 'Jurassic World' film.The 'Green Book' actor has held discussions about joining Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Rupert Friend in the latest movie in the dinosaur franchise.Plot details on the flick – which is set to begin production in London next month – have not been disclosed but Gareth Edwards is directing from a screenplay written by David Koepp.The film is planned for release in July 2025 and is being produced by Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley through their Kennedy/Marshall banner and the original film's director Steven Spielberg through his Amblin Entertainment company.Casting Ali, 50, would be a coup as the Oscar-winning star tends to shun big blockbusters and has a reputation for being selective with his acting projects.Last month, it was revealed that Johansson is set to produce the movie as well as star in the project,...
- 5/31/2024
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Mitte Juni soll der nächste „Jurassic World“ in Dreh gehen. Vor der Kamera soll dann auch Mahershala Ali stehen.
Mahershala Ali, hier bei der Oscarverleihung am 10. März, soll eine Rolle im nächsten „Jurassic World“ übernehmen (Credit: Imago / MediaPunch)
Neben Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend und Manuel Garcia-Rulfo soll auch Mahershala Ali ab Mitte Juni für den neuen „Jurassic World“ vor der Kamera stehen, dessen US-Kinostart Universal für den 2. Juli 2025 terminiert hat.
Wie der “Hollywood Reporter” berichtet, führt der zweifache Oscargewinner derzeit Verhandlungen über eine Rolle, über die ebensowenig bekannt ist wie über die Handlung des Films selbst.
Regie wird Gareth Edwards nach einem Drehbuch von David Koepp, der auch schon das Original „Jurassic Park“ und „Vergessene Welt: Jurassic Park“ geskriptet hatte, führen.
Frank Marshall und Patrick Crowley fungieren als Produzenten. Der Schöpfer des „Jurassic Park”-Franchises, Steven Spielberg, ist mit seiner Amblin Entertainment als Executive Producer an Bord.
Mahershala Ali, hier bei der Oscarverleihung am 10. März, soll eine Rolle im nächsten „Jurassic World“ übernehmen (Credit: Imago / MediaPunch)
Neben Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend und Manuel Garcia-Rulfo soll auch Mahershala Ali ab Mitte Juni für den neuen „Jurassic World“ vor der Kamera stehen, dessen US-Kinostart Universal für den 2. Juli 2025 terminiert hat.
Wie der “Hollywood Reporter” berichtet, führt der zweifache Oscargewinner derzeit Verhandlungen über eine Rolle, über die ebensowenig bekannt ist wie über die Handlung des Films selbst.
Regie wird Gareth Edwards nach einem Drehbuch von David Koepp, der auch schon das Original „Jurassic Park“ und „Vergessene Welt: Jurassic Park“ geskriptet hatte, führen.
Frank Marshall und Patrick Crowley fungieren als Produzenten. Der Schöpfer des „Jurassic Park”-Franchises, Steven Spielberg, ist mit seiner Amblin Entertainment als Executive Producer an Bord.
- 5/31/2024
- by Jochen Müller
- Spot - Media & Film
Universal’s follow-up to the Jurassic World films is set to land some heavyweight talent in the form of Mahershala Ali.
Another big casting story has popped up for the next film in the Jurassic World saga. There’s still plenty we don’t know about this film, including the title – although Jurassic City is one name that’s been floating around.
The project is set to shoot at Sky Studios Elstree next month and unbelievably, arrive in cinemas exactly a year later. However, with production looming the project is still furiously locking down key members of its cast and if today’s story is accurate, the film has just landed another big name.
The Hollywood Reporter is claiming that Mahershala Ali is in talks to join the ensemble and add some heavyweight artistic credibility to the picture. The Moonlight actor is a two-time Oscar winner, picking up the storied...
Another big casting story has popped up for the next film in the Jurassic World saga. There’s still plenty we don’t know about this film, including the title – although Jurassic City is one name that’s been floating around.
The project is set to shoot at Sky Studios Elstree next month and unbelievably, arrive in cinemas exactly a year later. However, with production looming the project is still furiously locking down key members of its cast and if today’s story is accurate, the film has just landed another big name.
The Hollywood Reporter is claiming that Mahershala Ali is in talks to join the ensemble and add some heavyweight artistic credibility to the picture. The Moonlight actor is a two-time Oscar winner, picking up the storied...
- 5/31/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
We’ve been waiting a few years to see if and when the Marvel Cinematic Universe Blade reboot that’s set to star Mahershala Ali of Green Book is going to go into production – and while we continue to wait, Ali is in talks to join former MCU star Scarlett Johansson in the new Jurassic World movie that’s in the works at Universal! As The Hollywood Reporter notes, Ali tends to be very selective and usually avoids Hollywood blockbuster-type projects (aside from Blade), so getting him to sign on for a role would be a big “get” for this project.
If Ali’s deal closes, he’ll be sharing the screen with Johansson (Black Widow), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), Rupert Friend (Anatomy of a Scandal), Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer), and a bunch of hungry dinosaurs. This new Jurassic World movie will have Gareth Edwards directing the film from a...
If Ali’s deal closes, he’ll be sharing the screen with Johansson (Black Widow), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), Rupert Friend (Anatomy of a Scandal), Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer), and a bunch of hungry dinosaurs. This new Jurassic World movie will have Gareth Edwards directing the film from a...
- 5/30/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Mahershala Ali might be paying a visit to Isla Nublar.
The Oscar-winning actor is in talks to join the new “Jurassic World” sequel, which is in development at Universal. Once he signs on the dotted line, he’ll join the already announced cast of Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Rupert Friend.
Gareth Edwards will direct the yet-to-be-titled film, written by original “Jurassic Park” screenwriter David Koepp. Universal plans to release the action-adventure in theaters on July 2, 2025.
Plot details haven’t been unveiled, but this new installment is expected to ignite a new trilogy following the three “Jurassic Park” and three “Jurassic World” films. In 2022, “Jurassic World Dominion” wrapped up the sequel trilogy with $1 billion globally.
Since Steven Spielberg brought to life the original “Jurassic Park” in 1994, the prehistoric franchise has become one of Universal’s biggest properties over the last 30 years. Beyond its box office riches, “Jurassic” has...
The Oscar-winning actor is in talks to join the new “Jurassic World” sequel, which is in development at Universal. Once he signs on the dotted line, he’ll join the already announced cast of Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Rupert Friend.
Gareth Edwards will direct the yet-to-be-titled film, written by original “Jurassic Park” screenwriter David Koepp. Universal plans to release the action-adventure in theaters on July 2, 2025.
Plot details haven’t been unveiled, but this new installment is expected to ignite a new trilogy following the three “Jurassic Park” and three “Jurassic World” films. In 2022, “Jurassic World Dominion” wrapped up the sequel trilogy with $1 billion globally.
Since Steven Spielberg brought to life the original “Jurassic Park” in 1994, the prehistoric franchise has become one of Universal’s biggest properties over the last 30 years. Beyond its box office riches, “Jurassic” has...
- 5/30/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Mahershala Ali is in talks to join the newest installment in the Jurassic World franchise from Universal Pictures, Deadline can confirm.
Details as to the role he’ll be playing are under wraps, as is the plot of the film, which is said to launch an all-new storyline. But should the deal make, he’ll join an ensemble that includes Scarlett Johansson, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Jonathan Bailey and Rupert Friend, as previously announced.
Gareth Edwards has been enlisted to direct the new film from a script by David Koepp. Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley are producing for Kennedy-Marshall, with Steven Spielberg executive producing for Amblin Entertainment. EVP of Production Development Sara Scott and Creative Executive of Production Development Jacqueline Garell are overseeing the film, slated for release on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, on behalf of the studio.
Best known for his Oscar-winning performances in Green Book and Moonlight, Ali is coming off the...
Details as to the role he’ll be playing are under wraps, as is the plot of the film, which is said to launch an all-new storyline. But should the deal make, he’ll join an ensemble that includes Scarlett Johansson, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Jonathan Bailey and Rupert Friend, as previously announced.
Gareth Edwards has been enlisted to direct the new film from a script by David Koepp. Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley are producing for Kennedy-Marshall, with Steven Spielberg executive producing for Amblin Entertainment. EVP of Production Development Sara Scott and Creative Executive of Production Development Jacqueline Garell are overseeing the film, slated for release on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, on behalf of the studio.
Best known for his Oscar-winning performances in Green Book and Moonlight, Ali is coming off the...
- 5/30/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Mahershala Ali, the two-time Oscar winner who was last seen in Netflix’s hit thriller Leave the World Behind, is in talks to join Scarlett Johansson in Universal’s new Jurassic World feature.
Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo are already on the manifest for the project that is stomping toward a production start in mid-June in London with Gareth Edwards in the director’s chair.
The studio is keeping plot details hidden in a can of Barbasol. David Koepp, the original screenwriter of Jurassic Park (1993) and The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), penned the script for the new installment.
Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley, who have shepherded the modern Jurassic franchise, will produce through Kennedy/Marshall. Steven Spielberg, who kicked off the franchise with Jurassic Park, is exec producing through Amblin Entertainment.
Universal has set a theatrical release of July 2, 2025, which means it will be hustling like a velociraptor in postproduction.
Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo are already on the manifest for the project that is stomping toward a production start in mid-June in London with Gareth Edwards in the director’s chair.
The studio is keeping plot details hidden in a can of Barbasol. David Koepp, the original screenwriter of Jurassic Park (1993) and The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), penned the script for the new installment.
Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley, who have shepherded the modern Jurassic franchise, will produce through Kennedy/Marshall. Steven Spielberg, who kicked off the franchise with Jurassic Park, is exec producing through Amblin Entertainment.
Universal has set a theatrical release of July 2, 2025, which means it will be hustling like a velociraptor in postproduction.
- 5/30/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Viggo Mortensen is a legendary actor, from his Oscar-nominated turns in Eastern Promises, Captain Fantastic, and Green Book to his iconic role as Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. However, some may not realize that Mortensen is just as talented behind the camera as he is in front of it.
Mortensen’s sophomore feature as a director, The Dead Don’t Hurt, debuted at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival to rave reviews. While Mortensen did get to promote The Dead Don’t Hurt at the premiere despite the then-ongoing strikes thanks to a SAG waiver, he’s getting more of a chance to talk about his feminist Western now as we near its U.S. release.
We at FandomWire got the opportunity to discuss The Dead Don’t Hurt with the one and only Viggo Mortensen, talking about its fusion of the genre’s grammar with a unique vision.
The Dead Don’t Hurt...
Mortensen’s sophomore feature as a director, The Dead Don’t Hurt, debuted at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival to rave reviews. While Mortensen did get to promote The Dead Don’t Hurt at the premiere despite the then-ongoing strikes thanks to a SAG waiver, he’s getting more of a chance to talk about his feminist Western now as we near its U.S. release.
We at FandomWire got the opportunity to discuss The Dead Don’t Hurt with the one and only Viggo Mortensen, talking about its fusion of the genre’s grammar with a unique vision.
The Dead Don’t Hurt...
- 5/29/2024
- by Sean Boelman
- FandomWire
Rolling off its acquisition of Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” Italy’s leading independent distributor Eagle Pictures has scooped Italian remake rights to French smash hit “A Little Something Extra,” along with a raft of high-profile projects shopped at the Cannes Film Market.
The company, which is owned by veteran producer-distributor Tarak Ben Ammar, will produce and distribute the Italian remake of “A Little Something Extra” (“Un Ptit truc en plus), Artus’ heartwarming family comedy which has taken the French box office by storm, selling a whooping 3.4 million tickets in theaters in three weeks.
“It’s a delightful film about a father and his son who rob a little jewelry shop in a small town and as they’re looking a place to hide, they get on a bus without realizing that it’s taking them to a summer camp for young adults with disabilities,” Ben Ammar said. “They all...
The company, which is owned by veteran producer-distributor Tarak Ben Ammar, will produce and distribute the Italian remake of “A Little Something Extra” (“Un Ptit truc en plus), Artus’ heartwarming family comedy which has taken the French box office by storm, selling a whooping 3.4 million tickets in theaters in three weeks.
“It’s a delightful film about a father and his son who rob a little jewelry shop in a small town and as they’re looking a place to hide, they get on a bus without realizing that it’s taking them to a summer camp for young adults with disabilities,” Ben Ammar said. “They all...
- 5/25/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
In an ambitious move highlighting the grit and determination of Hollywood’s underdogs, Peter Farrelly, known for his illustrious career with films like Green Book, Dumb & Dumber, and There’s Something About Mary, is set to direct a new biopic titled I Play Rocky. This film will chronicle the extraordinary journey Sylvester Stallone undertook to turn his vision of Rocky into a reality. The narrative follows a struggling actor with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment who writes a script that a big movie studio wants to buy, but he refuses to sell unless he plays the lead. This
The post Sylvester Stallones Rocky Journey Becomes a New Movie first appeared on TVovermind.
The post Sylvester Stallones Rocky Journey Becomes a New Movie first appeared on TVovermind.
- 5/20/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Veteran US independent producer Cassian Elwes and Chinese tech entrepreneur and NextG founder Edward Zeng are launching a $100m fund to invest in five to eight features over the next three years.
The pair are in Cannes to meet with potential partners on their Next Generation Media Fund and are talking to buyers on the first project on the slate, the crime biopic Gambino.
Elwes, whose credits include The Butler, Precious and Mudbound, is lead producer on the story of the Mafia boss who led the Gambino crime family in New York until his death in 1976.
Nick Vallelonga, the Oscar-winning...
The pair are in Cannes to meet with potential partners on their Next Generation Media Fund and are talking to buyers on the first project on the slate, the crime biopic Gambino.
Elwes, whose credits include The Butler, Precious and Mudbound, is lead producer on the story of the Mafia boss who led the Gambino crime family in New York until his death in 1976.
Nick Vallelonga, the Oscar-winning...
- 5/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
Fans of crime thrillers can rejoice as a potential hit has been announced to be presented to buyers at the Cannes 2024 market. 77 Blackout is a crime thriller set in 1977 New York City that will be presented to potential buyers in Cannes this year, and based on the cast and crew behind the project, we are looking at a potentially brilliant movie. The movie doesn’t have a release date yet, but we might know more after the Cannes Film Festival when the fate of the project will probably be resolved properly, and we will have more precise information.
But, this doesn’t mean that we don’t have anything to report about, as a lot of behind-the-scenes participants have been revealed, and we are quite excited because there are some major names attached to the project.
On the acting side, we have two really major names. One of them is...
But, this doesn’t mean that we don’t have anything to report about, as a lot of behind-the-scenes participants have been revealed, and we are quite excited because there are some major names attached to the project.
On the acting side, we have two really major names. One of them is...
- 5/13/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Exclusive: Two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali is set to star with Tom Hardy in 77 Blackout, a crime thriller set on the night when the city that never sleeps lost power and plunged into chaos and lawlessness. Cary Joji Fukunaga is directing. Fresh from the Oppenheimer Best Picture Oscar, Charles Roven is producing along with Madison Weireter for Atlas Entertainment, and William Green and Aaron Ginsburg for The Cut.
(L-r) Charles Roven and Cary Fukunaga
Black Bear will introduce the film to international buyers at the Cannes market, with WME repping U.S. rights. Script was written by Frank John Hughes with revisions by Fukunaga.
In 1977, five rogue police officers formulate a plan to rob three criminal strongholds – the Hong Kong Triads, the Italian Mafia, and the Harlem Mob – all in one night. When a blackout sweeps the city the night of the robbery, the crew is forced to navigate a...
(L-r) Charles Roven and Cary Fukunaga
Black Bear will introduce the film to international buyers at the Cannes market, with WME repping U.S. rights. Script was written by Frank John Hughes with revisions by Fukunaga.
In 1977, five rogue police officers formulate a plan to rob three criminal strongholds – the Hong Kong Triads, the Italian Mafia, and the Harlem Mob – all in one night. When a blackout sweeps the city the night of the robbery, the crew is forced to navigate a...
- 5/12/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Celebration of cinema has always been extended by the Oscars honoring the prowess of cinematic excellence with one of the most recognized accolades. Throughout the rich history of cinema, there have been several movies based on true events, that left a mark among moviegoers or in the pages of history.
A still from Lawrence of Arabia
Also, movies that are based on true events are another way of documenting the particular incident, albeit a portion of fictionalization may alter the accuracy, but for cinema’s sake, filmmakers enjoy the basic freedom to have their own touch to the narrative. Throughout history, movies like The Great Ziegfeld by Robert Z. Leonard, or it would be criminal not to mention David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia, and several other movies have claimed the Best Picture Oscars. Here is a list of six movies that won an Oscar in the Best Picture category.
A still from Lawrence of Arabia
Also, movies that are based on true events are another way of documenting the particular incident, albeit a portion of fictionalization may alter the accuracy, but for cinema’s sake, filmmakers enjoy the basic freedom to have their own touch to the narrative. Throughout history, movies like The Great Ziegfeld by Robert Z. Leonard, or it would be criminal not to mention David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia, and several other movies have claimed the Best Picture Oscars. Here is a list of six movies that won an Oscar in the Best Picture category.
- 5/9/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
As Sylvester Stallone’s envious legacy continues to dominate the entertainment industry, the actor gets a biopic narrating his inspiring story of bringing his iconic boxing film Rocky to the big screen. With acclaimed filmmaker Peter Farrelly helming the potential project, Ryan Gosling makes the rounds for being the prime candidate for the role.
Ryan Gosling in a still from The Gray Man
With the new film currently titled I Play Rocky, being in its script writing and casting process, fans believe Ryan Gosling might be best suited for the role. Recalling how he was previously selected by Sylvester Stallone to be the next Rambo, fans justified their choice by explaining how Gosling has been an outspoken Rambo fan.
Peter Farrelly Prepares Sylvester Stallone’s Biopic About Rocky
Popularly known as the acclaimed director of Green Book, Peter Farrelly is currently making headlines for helming a potential biopic that tells...
Ryan Gosling in a still from The Gray Man
With the new film currently titled I Play Rocky, being in its script writing and casting process, fans believe Ryan Gosling might be best suited for the role. Recalling how he was previously selected by Sylvester Stallone to be the next Rambo, fans justified their choice by explaining how Gosling has been an outspoken Rambo fan.
Peter Farrelly Prepares Sylvester Stallone’s Biopic About Rocky
Popularly known as the acclaimed director of Green Book, Peter Farrelly is currently making headlines for helming a potential biopic that tells...
- 5/8/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
I recently wrote about the surprise Best Supporting Actress Oscar win by Anna Paquin for 1993’s “The Piano.” At 11 years of age, she became the second youngest competitive Academy Award recipient in history. She remains the last child Oscar champ, though several have since been nominated.
The record for the youngest competitive Oscar victory by a child (someone age 17 or younger) was actually set two decades before the practically hyperventilating Paquin accepted her statuette. And it was in the same category — Best Supporting Actress. Ten-year-old Tatum O’Neal, daughter of the late Ryan O’Neal (a Best Actor nominee for 1970’s “Love Story”), delivered a performance in “Paper Moon” that was loved enough by the academy to bring her the coveted award. The younger O’Neal played Addie Loggins, a child turned con artist who teams up with a man posing as her father during The Great Depression. She was nominated alongside...
The record for the youngest competitive Oscar victory by a child (someone age 17 or younger) was actually set two decades before the practically hyperventilating Paquin accepted her statuette. And it was in the same category — Best Supporting Actress. Ten-year-old Tatum O’Neal, daughter of the late Ryan O’Neal (a Best Actor nominee for 1970’s “Love Story”), delivered a performance in “Paper Moon” that was loved enough by the academy to bring her the coveted award. The younger O’Neal played Addie Loggins, a child turned con artist who teams up with a man posing as her father during The Great Depression. She was nominated alongside...
- 5/8/2024
- by Tariq Khan
- Gold Derby
Peter Farrelly is to direct a film about the making of 'Rocky'.The 67-year-old filmmaker is to helm the movie 'I Play Rocky', which tells the story of how Sylvester Stallone bet on himself to play the career-defining role in the 1976 sports film.A logline for the project reads: "A struggling actor with a partially paralysed face and a speech impediment writes a script that a big movie studio wants to buy, but he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead. "Turning down an offer of life-changing money, he instead works for pennies to get the movie made with himself in the starring role."The movie becomes the biggest box office hit of 1976, notching 10 Oscar nominations and winning Best Picture. The true story of the making of the iconic movie 'Rocky'."'Green Book' director Farrelly is producing the flick alongside former Warner Bros.
- 5/8/2024
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
The director of Green Book, Peter Farrelly, is set to make a film based on the ultimate Hollywood underdog story: the making of 1976’s Rocky.
That old saying about art mirroring life? It’s never been as true (in Hollywood at least) as in the mid-1970s when a young Sylvester Stallone wrote a boxing underdog story that was pursued by a major movie studio. However, Stallone refused to sell unless he got to play the lead, despite suffering from a partially paralysed face and a speech impediment.
In the end, the underdog triumphed and that film, Rocky, became one of the most successful films of the year and an instant classic. Now it has been announced that Peter Farrelly will be turning the real-life drama of Stallone’s fight to get the film made – while also staying involved in the project – to the screen.
As well as being one half of The Farrelly Brothers,...
That old saying about art mirroring life? It’s never been as true (in Hollywood at least) as in the mid-1970s when a young Sylvester Stallone wrote a boxing underdog story that was pursued by a major movie studio. However, Stallone refused to sell unless he got to play the lead, despite suffering from a partially paralysed face and a speech impediment.
In the end, the underdog triumphed and that film, Rocky, became one of the most successful films of the year and an instant classic. Now it has been announced that Peter Farrelly will be turning the real-life drama of Stallone’s fight to get the film made – while also staying involved in the project – to the screen.
As well as being one half of The Farrelly Brothers,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
"Rocky" is one of the most beloved sports movies of all time. One could probably even stretch beyond to say that it's plainly and simply one of the most beloved American movies ever made. Now, the movie is getting the "making of" treatment in a new film titled "I Play Rocky." The project has lined up a slightly unexpected director in the form of Peter Farrelly, known best for his work on screwball comedies such as "There's Something About Mary" and "Dumb & Dumber."
According to Variety, Farrelly is set to direct. What's more, casting is already underway for the lead role. Sylvester Stallone, who played Rocky Balboa in the original and its many sequels, is not specifically named as the inspiration for this lead role. However, it's crystal clear this movie is about the actor and his journey to get the cinematic classic made. The logline for the film...
According to Variety, Farrelly is set to direct. What's more, casting is already underway for the lead role. Sylvester Stallone, who played Rocky Balboa in the original and its many sequels, is not specifically named as the inspiration for this lead role. However, it's crystal clear this movie is about the actor and his journey to get the cinematic classic made. The logline for the film...
- 5/7/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Peter Farrelly is ready to eat lightning and crap thunder for a unique project focusing on Sylvester Stallone‘s beloved Rocky franchise. I Play Rocky finds Farrelly directing a film about Stallone’s journey to play the Italian Stallion on the silver screen. Toby Emmerich is producing, with Peter Gamble penning the script.
Here’s the official blurb for I Play Rocky:
A struggling actor with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment writes a script that a big movie studio wants to buy, but he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead. Turning down an offer of life-changing money, he instead works for pennies to get the movie made with himself in the starring role. The movie becomes the biggest box office hit of 1976, notching ten Oscar nominations and winning Best Picture. The true story of the making of the iconic movie Rocky.
I...
Here’s the official blurb for I Play Rocky:
A struggling actor with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment writes a script that a big movie studio wants to buy, but he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead. Turning down an offer of life-changing money, he instead works for pennies to get the movie made with himself in the starring role. The movie becomes the biggest box office hit of 1976, notching ten Oscar nominations and winning Best Picture. The true story of the making of the iconic movie Rocky.
I...
- 5/7/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Oscar winner Peter Farrelly will direct and former Warner Bros Motion Picture Boss Toby Emmerich will produce I Play Rocky, a film about how Sylvester Stallone bet on himself to play the star-making title role in Rocky. CAA Media Finance and FilmNation are selling at Cannes.
Emmerich and Farrelly are producing with Christian Baha, and Peter Gamble is writing the script.
Here’s the pic’s blurb: A struggling actor with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment writes a script that a big movie studio wants to buy, but he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead. Turning down an offer of life-changing money, he instead works for pennies to get the movie made with himself in the starring role. The movie becomes the biggest box office hit of 1976, notching 10 Oscar nominations and winning Best Picture. The true story of the making of the iconic movie Rocky.
Emmerich and Farrelly are producing with Christian Baha, and Peter Gamble is writing the script.
Here’s the pic’s blurb: A struggling actor with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment writes a script that a big movie studio wants to buy, but he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead. Turning down an offer of life-changing money, he instead works for pennies to get the movie made with himself in the starring role. The movie becomes the biggest box office hit of 1976, notching 10 Oscar nominations and winning Best Picture. The true story of the making of the iconic movie Rocky.
- 5/7/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
“Green Book” director Peter Farrelly will take audiences behind-the-scenes on the unlikely and tumultuous production of “Rocky,” the boxing drama that catapulted Sylvester Stallone into stardom.
“I Play Rocky,” the upcoming film, will follow Stallone long before his action hero days. Here, he’s a struggling actor whose partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment hasn’t left him in demand by Hollywood. But betting on his talent, Stallone writes a hot script that a big movie studio wants to buy. However, he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead. Turning down an offer of life-changing money, he instead works for a pittance in order to get the movie made with himself as the title character. The result is the biggest box office hit of 1976, as well as an Academy Award juggernaut that went on to win best picture.
Farrelly will produce the film with Toby Emmerich,...
“I Play Rocky,” the upcoming film, will follow Stallone long before his action hero days. Here, he’s a struggling actor whose partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment hasn’t left him in demand by Hollywood. But betting on his talent, Stallone writes a hot script that a big movie studio wants to buy. However, he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead. Turning down an offer of life-changing money, he instead works for a pittance in order to get the movie made with himself as the title character. The result is the biggest box office hit of 1976, as well as an Academy Award juggernaut that went on to win best picture.
Farrelly will produce the film with Toby Emmerich,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Now here’s a real underdog story. Peter Farrelly (“Green Book”) is set to direct a film inspired by the story of how Sylvester Stallone came to make his seminal 1976 boxing film “Rocky.”
The film is titled “I Play Rocky,” and per its official logline, which never names Stallone directly, the film “follows a struggling actor with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment who writes a script that a big movie studio wants to buy, but he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead.”
The logline continues: “Turning down an offer of life-changing money, he instead works for pennies to get the movie made with himself in the starring role.” The movie becomes the biggest box office hit of 1976, garnering 10 Academy Award nominations and winning Best Picture.
That movie of course is “Rocky.” “Casting is underway” for who would be tapped to play Stallone...
The film is titled “I Play Rocky,” and per its official logline, which never names Stallone directly, the film “follows a struggling actor with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment who writes a script that a big movie studio wants to buy, but he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead.”
The logline continues: “Turning down an offer of life-changing money, he instead works for pennies to get the movie made with himself in the starring role.” The movie becomes the biggest box office hit of 1976, garnering 10 Academy Award nominations and winning Best Picture.
That movie of course is “Rocky.” “Casting is underway” for who would be tapped to play Stallone...
- 5/7/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
As Neil Young once sang, the now shuttered Participant is gone, but not forgotten.
Some of Tinseltown’s leading talents like Regina King, George Clooney, Ava DuVernay, Daniel Dae Kim, Martin Sheen, Regina King, Alfonso Cuaron, Matt Damon, Diego Luna and more have joined up with the National Domestic Workers Alliance to express “gratitude and pride” in the work put out by the Jeff Skoll-created shingle over the last two decades. At the same time, the A-Listers are imploring the ever increasingly conglomerated industry to keep their eyes on the social impact prize.
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever; to expand the room for debate, to open our hearts to experiences vastly different from our own, to immerse us in the beauty of humanity’s complexities,” the star-studded letter says. “And in the face of unprecedented change and uncertainty,...
Some of Tinseltown’s leading talents like Regina King, George Clooney, Ava DuVernay, Daniel Dae Kim, Martin Sheen, Regina King, Alfonso Cuaron, Matt Damon, Diego Luna and more have joined up with the National Domestic Workers Alliance to express “gratitude and pride” in the work put out by the Jeff Skoll-created shingle over the last two decades. At the same time, the A-Listers are imploring the ever increasingly conglomerated industry to keep their eyes on the social impact prize.
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever; to expand the room for debate, to open our hearts to experiences vastly different from our own, to immerse us in the beauty of humanity’s complexities,” the star-studded letter says. “And in the face of unprecedented change and uncertainty,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Chris Besseling, former marketing lead at eOne and Pathé UK, is joining Zygi Kamasa’s True Brit Entertainment as head of theatrical distribution, marketing and publicity.
Besseling is one of the distribution and financing outfit’s first major hires, with True Brit’s speedily expanding slate including Marching Powder, The Scurry, Giant, The Critic and Gurinder Chadha’s Christmas Karma.
He will be based in London and report to Kamasa.
Throughout his career Besseling has been responsible for launching over 200 films at the UK and Ireland box office. He has also held posts at Metrodome, the BFI, Optimum Releasing and consulted for Studiocanal.
Besseling is one of the distribution and financing outfit’s first major hires, with True Brit’s speedily expanding slate including Marching Powder, The Scurry, Giant, The Critic and Gurinder Chadha’s Christmas Karma.
He will be based in London and report to Kamasa.
Throughout his career Besseling has been responsible for launching over 200 films at the UK and Ireland box office. He has also held posts at Metrodome, the BFI, Optimum Releasing and consulted for Studiocanal.
- 4/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
Former eOne and Pathé UK marketing executive Chris Besseling has joined True Brit Entertainment, the UK distribution company run by Zygi Kamasa.
Besseling’s official title at True Brit is Head of Theatrical Distribution, Marketing, and Publicity. He will oversee the full theatrical distribution, marketing, and publicity function for True Brit Entertainment’s slate. He will be based in London and report to True Brit Entertainment CEO Kamasa.
Besseling began his career at the Metrodome, BFI, and Optimum Releasing. Since then, he has been responsible for launching over 200 films at the UK and Irish box office. During his time at eOne and Pathé, he spearheaded the theatrical campaigns for a wide array of titles, including 1917, Suffragette, Green Book, Selma, Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Amongst Thieves, Wild Rose, The Death of Stalin, The Woman King, Stan & Ollie, Clifford The Big Red Dog, The House With A Clock In Its Walls, Blinded By the Light...
Besseling’s official title at True Brit is Head of Theatrical Distribution, Marketing, and Publicity. He will oversee the full theatrical distribution, marketing, and publicity function for True Brit Entertainment’s slate. He will be based in London and report to True Brit Entertainment CEO Kamasa.
Besseling began his career at the Metrodome, BFI, and Optimum Releasing. Since then, he has been responsible for launching over 200 films at the UK and Irish box office. During his time at eOne and Pathé, he spearheaded the theatrical campaigns for a wide array of titles, including 1917, Suffragette, Green Book, Selma, Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Amongst Thieves, Wild Rose, The Death of Stalin, The Woman King, Stan & Ollie, Clifford The Big Red Dog, The House With A Clock In Its Walls, Blinded By the Light...
- 4/29/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Editors note: Filmmaker and producer Davis Guggenheim directed 2006’s An Inconvenient Truth featuring Al Gore. The film won the Oscar and helped put Jeff Skoll’s social-impact-driven production company then known as Participant Media on the map, and also sounded an alarm about climate change that has become more pronounced since the film was released. In addition to documentaries, Participant was also responsible for Oscar Best Picture winners Spotlight and Green Book, and Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion, another timely topic. Guggenheim is a co-founder of Concordia Studio and most recently directed and produced Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which won four Emmys including for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. He is the only person to direct and produce three distinct films ranking in the top 100 highest-grossing documentaries of all time. Here he penned a guest column for Deadline after learning Participant was shuttering.
- 4/23/2024
- by Davis Guggenheim
- Deadline Film + TV
At first, I was shocked by the news that Participant Media was dying. Such an appealing company. Smart. Mindful. Vibrant. Forward-thinking. The producer of intelligent films like Spotlight and Green Book, with a distinctly progressive message.
How could this be?
Then it finally hit me. Whatever else may have happened—announcing the shutdown, proprietor Jeff Skoll cited “revolutionary” changes in the entertainment business—Participant went under, I believe, because most of high-end Hollywood jumped into the company’s basically sound but modestly sized boat. The purpose-film niche was swamped.
It’s almost hard to remember that 20 years ago, when Participant was founded, the notion of a self-consciously message-oriented, activist film company was actually novel.
But, cinematically speaking, it was a much different world in 2004. The top movie that year was Shrek 2—not much message there. Culturally, the big story was a religious film, The Passion of the Christ. That hasn’t happened since.
How could this be?
Then it finally hit me. Whatever else may have happened—announcing the shutdown, proprietor Jeff Skoll cited “revolutionary” changes in the entertainment business—Participant went under, I believe, because most of high-end Hollywood jumped into the company’s basically sound but modestly sized boat. The purpose-film niche was swamped.
It’s almost hard to remember that 20 years ago, when Participant was founded, the notion of a self-consciously message-oriented, activist film company was actually novel.
But, cinematically speaking, it was a much different world in 2004. The top movie that year was Shrek 2—not much message there. Culturally, the big story was a religious film, The Passion of the Christ. That hasn’t happened since.
- 4/21/2024
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
What if we blend the elite private school setting of Robin Williams’ Dead Poets Society, the buddy humor and road atmosphere of Steve Martin’s Planes, Trains and Automobiles with Home Alone’s Christmas vibe? This seems to be a crazy mix, but it’s exactly what the best movie of the last year was, and it finally finds a new home on Prime Video.
Set in the early 1970s, the movie starts by showing a strict and seemingly erratic teacher of a boarding school in New England, Paul Hunham, who is forced to remain here on the Christmas break to observe the students who have nowhere to go on a holiday.
Hunham is then left with the school’s cafeteria manager, the charismatic Mary, and with a smart, though troublesome teenage student, Angus, and the trio are forced to meet the New Year together and to encounter each other’s inner conflicts and mysteries.
Set in the early 1970s, the movie starts by showing a strict and seemingly erratic teacher of a boarding school in New England, Paul Hunham, who is forced to remain here on the Christmas break to observe the students who have nowhere to go on a holiday.
Hunham is then left with the school’s cafeteria manager, the charismatic Mary, and with a smart, though troublesome teenage student, Angus, and the trio are forced to meet the New Year together and to encounter each other’s inner conflicts and mysteries.
- 4/19/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
At the Oscars in 2019, one production company was at the center of the year’s most talked about films and on the cusp of the industry’s sweeping trends. The man who backed it, however, wasn’t at the ceremony.
That year the films made by Participant Media collected 17 Oscar nominations, for Green Book, which eventually won best picture and went on to gross $321.8 million worldwide; Roma, which broke Netflix into the best picture race for the first time; and Rbg, the documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg that managed to become one of the highest-grossing independent films of 2018.
In an indicator of Participant and its backer, tech billionaire Jeff Skoll’s unique, dual missions, the Oscar gatherings Participant threw that year included a viewing party for the National Domestic Workers Alliance at The Jane Club, a nod to the lead character in Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, and...
That year the films made by Participant Media collected 17 Oscar nominations, for Green Book, which eventually won best picture and went on to gross $321.8 million worldwide; Roma, which broke Netflix into the best picture race for the first time; and Rbg, the documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg that managed to become one of the highest-grossing independent films of 2018.
In an indicator of Participant and its backer, tech billionaire Jeff Skoll’s unique, dual missions, the Oscar gatherings Participant threw that year included a viewing party for the National Domestic Workers Alliance at The Jane Club, a nod to the lead character in Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, and...
- 4/19/2024
- by Rebecca Keegan and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The shocking news that Participant, a leading producer of specialized/independent features with a socially relevant interest as well many top documentaries, is shutting down immediately hit the industry hard Tuesday. With a profile of co-produced films over the last 20 years that rivals any other company’s slate, this was devastating news.
Founder and owner Jeff Skoll’s decision to shut down his company will impact the production of a certain kind of specialized film, particularly in the documentary field. Never a distributor, and most often collaborating with other production companies, Participant was still a significant force for most of its two decades.
But what’s the real impact of this move? Jonathan Dana, a veteran distribution executive and producer, commented, “It didn’t fail. It just ran its course.” That typifies much of the insider reaction, which relates to the specific purpose and goals of the company.
‘Spotlight’ © Open...
Founder and owner Jeff Skoll’s decision to shut down his company will impact the production of a certain kind of specialized film, particularly in the documentary field. Never a distributor, and most often collaborating with other production companies, Participant was still a significant force for most of its two decades.
But what’s the real impact of this move? Jonathan Dana, a veteran distribution executive and producer, commented, “It didn’t fail. It just ran its course.” That typifies much of the insider reaction, which relates to the specific purpose and goals of the company.
‘Spotlight’ © Open...
- 4/18/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Former President Donald Trump was roundly mocked on late night television for an error-laden social media post in which he confused Jimmy Kimmel and Al Pacino as the presenter of this year’s best picture Oscar.
On Wednesday, the presumptive Republican nominee for president drew some attention away from his hush money trial, which is now in the jury selection process in Manhattan, with a post on his Truth Social platform in which he reignited a feud with Kimmel, who hosted the Oscar ceremony March 10, more than five weeks ago.
In part, Trump posted: “Stupid Jimmy Kimmel, who still hasn’t recovered from his horrendous performance and big ratings drop as Host of The Academy Awards, especially when he showed he suffered from Tds, commonly known as Trump Derangement Syndrome, to the entire World by reading on air my Truth about how bad a job he was doing that night,...
On Wednesday, the presumptive Republican nominee for president drew some attention away from his hush money trial, which is now in the jury selection process in Manhattan, with a post on his Truth Social platform in which he reignited a feud with Kimmel, who hosted the Oscar ceremony March 10, more than five weeks ago.
In part, Trump posted: “Stupid Jimmy Kimmel, who still hasn’t recovered from his horrendous performance and big ratings drop as Host of The Academy Awards, especially when he showed he suffered from Tds, commonly known as Trump Derangement Syndrome, to the entire World by reading on air my Truth about how bad a job he was doing that night,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Kevin Dolak
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After two decades, Participant Media (which has won 21 Oscars) has been forced to shutter as the ongoing turbulence in the film industry continues.
After 20 years in the business, 21 Oscars and 135 films, Participant Media is closing down. The production company behind Oscar-winning films such as Spotlight and Green Book (both of which it co-produced) has been forced to shutter, with the continually-shifting landscape of film production proving to be too uncertain for the studio.
Company founder Jeff Skoll revealed the news yesterday. Around 100 staff will lose their jobs. As well as the films mentioned above, Participant’s mission statement tp produce films with a ‘social conscience’ has seen it involved in the release of some terrific films over the last two decades, including Syriana, Judas And The Black Messiah, Dark Waters, A Most Violent Year, Lincoln, The Post and Contagion, to name just a handful.
The company’s commitment to grown-up...
After 20 years in the business, 21 Oscars and 135 films, Participant Media is closing down. The production company behind Oscar-winning films such as Spotlight and Green Book (both of which it co-produced) has been forced to shutter, with the continually-shifting landscape of film production proving to be too uncertain for the studio.
Company founder Jeff Skoll revealed the news yesterday. Around 100 staff will lose their jobs. As well as the films mentioned above, Participant’s mission statement tp produce films with a ‘social conscience’ has seen it involved in the release of some terrific films over the last two decades, including Syriana, Judas And The Black Messiah, Dark Waters, A Most Violent Year, Lincoln, The Post and Contagion, to name just a handful.
The company’s commitment to grown-up...
- 4/17/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Jeff Skoll, the billionaire philanthropist who launched Participant 20 years ago to champion socially conscious films, is closing down the impact producer-financier behind Spotlight, Roma, and Green Book.
In a memo to staff on Tuesday morning eBay co-founder Skoll said, ”I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability. Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created, distributed and consumed.”
The statement hinted at what may have driven the Canadian’s “very difficult decision”. Studios and streamers are scrutinising their spend more than ever,...
In a memo to staff on Tuesday morning eBay co-founder Skoll said, ”I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability. Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created, distributed and consumed.”
The statement hinted at what may have driven the Canadian’s “very difficult decision”. Studios and streamers are scrutinising their spend more than ever,...
- 4/16/2024
- ScreenDaily
After 20 years, Participant is shutting down.
Founder Jeff Skoll announced the news in a note to staff Tuesday, writing, “after much reflection, I have made the very difficult decision to wind down company operations.” During its run, the company was behind best picture winners Green Book and Moonlight, and docs such as An Inconvenient Truth and Rbg.
EBay co-founder Skoll founded the company in 2004 with a dual mission of making money and inspiring social change through entertainment (the company later moved into television and other ventures). It has helped produce and finance a slew of high-profile awards contenders. Its films won 21 Oscars and its series won 18 Emmys. It earned more than $3.3 billion at the box office. Veteran studio executive David Linde has been running Participant since 2016; previous execs involved in Participant include Ricky Strauss.
It was heavily involved in the nonfiction space, with its shuttering sure to send ripples through that community.
Founder Jeff Skoll announced the news in a note to staff Tuesday, writing, “after much reflection, I have made the very difficult decision to wind down company operations.” During its run, the company was behind best picture winners Green Book and Moonlight, and docs such as An Inconvenient Truth and Rbg.
EBay co-founder Skoll founded the company in 2004 with a dual mission of making money and inspiring social change through entertainment (the company later moved into television and other ventures). It has helped produce and finance a slew of high-profile awards contenders. Its films won 21 Oscars and its series won 18 Emmys. It earned more than $3.3 billion at the box office. Veteran studio executive David Linde has been running Participant since 2016; previous execs involved in Participant include Ricky Strauss.
It was heavily involved in the nonfiction space, with its shuttering sure to send ripples through that community.
- 4/16/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Participant, the media company behind films like “Spotlight,” “Green Book,” “Roma,” and many more, is shutting its doors after 20 years in operation.
Jeff Skoll, who founded the company in 2004, informed the staff in a memo (obtained by IndieWire) that Participant would “wind down company operations.”
Nearly all of Participant’s roughly 100 staffers are being let go with no new content or production in the works. Only Participant’s library of 135 films remaining.
“I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability,” Skoll wrote. “Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created, distributed and consumed.”
Participant’s 135 titles, half of them documentaries and also including five series, have earned $3.3 billion at the global box office. Participant has produced two Best Picture winners and earned 21 Oscars total from 86 nominations, as well as 18 Emmys on 62 nominations.
Jeff Skoll, who founded the company in 2004, informed the staff in a memo (obtained by IndieWire) that Participant would “wind down company operations.”
Nearly all of Participant’s roughly 100 staffers are being let go with no new content or production in the works. Only Participant’s library of 135 films remaining.
“I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability,” Skoll wrote. “Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created, distributed and consumed.”
Participant’s 135 titles, half of them documentaries and also including five series, have earned $3.3 billion at the global box office. Participant has produced two Best Picture winners and earned 21 Oscars total from 86 nominations, as well as 18 Emmys on 62 nominations.
- 4/16/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Financier and producer Participant is shuttering after 20 years. Founder Jeff Skoll alerted staff at 10:30Am, Deadline has confirmed.
The production’s m.o. was to bring content to the world that was socially conscious, read their Oscar Best Picture winners Spotlight and Universal’s Green Book, as well as DreamWorks’ Oscar winner Lincoln. All in Participant counts 135 films, five series, 21 Oscars including two Best Pictures, four Best Documentaries and two Best International Features, 18 Primetime Emmys and north of $3.3 billion in global box office.
Skoll told staffers, as you can read below, that it was a “very difficult decision” and stems from it being “the right time for me to evaluate my next chapter and approach to tackling the pressing issues of our time.” He also mentioned that he hasn’t been involved in the day-to-day management of the studio.
Skoll is a Canadian engineer, billionaire who was the first president of eBay.
The production’s m.o. was to bring content to the world that was socially conscious, read their Oscar Best Picture winners Spotlight and Universal’s Green Book, as well as DreamWorks’ Oscar winner Lincoln. All in Participant counts 135 films, five series, 21 Oscars including two Best Pictures, four Best Documentaries and two Best International Features, 18 Primetime Emmys and north of $3.3 billion in global box office.
Skoll told staffers, as you can read below, that it was a “very difficult decision” and stems from it being “the right time for me to evaluate my next chapter and approach to tackling the pressing issues of our time.” He also mentioned that he hasn’t been involved in the day-to-day management of the studio.
Skoll is a Canadian engineer, billionaire who was the first president of eBay.
- 4/16/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Participant, the 20-year-old film and television production company whose mission was to inspire social justice and humanitarian action, is shutting down.
Founder Jeff Skoll broke the news to a staff of roughly 100 on Tuesday. Established in 2004, Participant co-produced or co-financed a number of notable movies including best picture Oscar winners “Spotlight” and “Green Book,” as well as Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” and the breakthrough documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.”
Almost all of Participant’s employees will be dismissed, multiple sources familiar with its plans said, and no new content development or production will be pursued. What’s left will be a skeletal holding company overseeing the Participant library, which represents interests in the 135 films it has made.
“I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability. Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created,...
Founder Jeff Skoll broke the news to a staff of roughly 100 on Tuesday. Established in 2004, Participant co-produced or co-financed a number of notable movies including best picture Oscar winners “Spotlight” and “Green Book,” as well as Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” and the breakthrough documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.”
Almost all of Participant’s employees will be dismissed, multiple sources familiar with its plans said, and no new content development or production will be pursued. What’s left will be a skeletal holding company overseeing the Participant library, which represents interests in the 135 films it has made.
“I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability. Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
“Ma’am, I’m 10 years old, you think I could write this alone? I don’t think so.” The age demographics in Hollywood are about to skew a lot younger because a pre-teen has pitched an idea that is soon enough going to be written for the screen – and it’s a wonder it hasn’t been made yet. Here we have Home Alone meets The Godfather, in which we imagine one scene where Kevin McCallister jumps on his parents’ bed, only to find a decapitated horse head at the foot of it. The title? Little Wiseguy.
But the pitch doesn’t come from a desperate studio suit but rather a 10-year-old named Connor Esterson, who you may actually be familiar with, as he co-starred in last year’s Spy Kids: Armageddon. And while Esterson has very likely seen Home Alone numerous times around the holiday season, he admits he...
But the pitch doesn’t come from a desperate studio suit but rather a 10-year-old named Connor Esterson, who you may actually be familiar with, as he co-starred in last year’s Spy Kids: Armageddon. And while Esterson has very likely seen Home Alone numerous times around the holiday season, he admits he...
- 3/31/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Hollywood is proof that talent has no age bar, and 10-year-old Connor Esterson is a testament to that. The 5th grader who made his presence felt on screen in Spy Kids: Armageddon has now turned his attention to writing. Esterson has been in talks with bigwigs in the writing fraternity, namely Nick Vallelonga and George Gallo, to pitch a screenplay featuring a young boy’s relationship with a gangster.
Connor Esterson in Spy Kids: Armageddon
The veteran writers were extremely impressed with the aspiring screenwriter’s idea and are now in talks to find ways to get his narrative up and running. While this is a big achievement for someone so young, Esterson’s story is being criticized by netizens for its uncanny similarity to a 1993 Robert De Niro film.
Fans Connect Robert De Niro’s Film And This Young Writer’s Script
Apart from being an aspiring actor, young...
Connor Esterson in Spy Kids: Armageddon
The veteran writers were extremely impressed with the aspiring screenwriter’s idea and are now in talks to find ways to get his narrative up and running. While this is a big achievement for someone so young, Esterson’s story is being criticized by netizens for its uncanny similarity to a 1993 Robert De Niro film.
Fans Connect Robert De Niro’s Film And This Young Writer’s Script
Apart from being an aspiring actor, young...
- 3/28/2024
- by Sharanya Sankar
- FandomWire
In another installment of “What the heck are we doing with our lives?” A 10-year-old Connor Esterson is developing the script for a “Home Alone–meet-The-Godfather”-esque movie titled Little Wiseguy. Working alongside the preteen are Hollywood Oscar winner Nick Vallelonga and Bad Boys writer George Gallo, gearing up to pitch it to studios around town soon enough. Esterson however has many talents up his sleeve, he is not only a budding actor but also aspiring to become a director in Hollywood.
Marlon Brando in The Godfather Oscar Winner Nick Vallelonga Teamed with 10-Year-Old for this New Movie!
As soon as The Hollywood Reporter reported this, the internet was stunned by news of 10-year-old Connor Esterson, who had prepared a 6-page script for a film that instantly captivated Nick Vallelonga and George Gallo.
Suggested“The good, bad, and the ugly”: Michael Jackson Biopic Set To Finally Shed Light on...
Marlon Brando in The Godfather Oscar Winner Nick Vallelonga Teamed with 10-Year-Old for this New Movie!
As soon as The Hollywood Reporter reported this, the internet was stunned by news of 10-year-old Connor Esterson, who had prepared a 6-page script for a film that instantly captivated Nick Vallelonga and George Gallo.
Suggested“The good, bad, and the ugly”: Michael Jackson Biopic Set To Finally Shed Light on...
- 3/28/2024
- by Sampurna Banerjee
- FandomWire
This year’s races for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress were over before they started. Robert Downey Jr. in “Oppenheimer” and Da’Vine Joy Randolph in “The Holdovers” took leads in the Gold Derby odds in their respective categories early in the season. They both went on to pick up Golden Globe, Critics Choice, BAFTA and SAG Awards. By the time the Oscars rolled around, there was a “near zero” chance of either of them losing.
In contrast, the lead acting contests provided considerably more suspense. Bradley Cooper in “Maestro,” Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers” and Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer” were all looking strong at different point in the derby, before Murphy really exploded and ultimately won the Best Actor Oscar. And Lily Gladstone in “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Emma Stone in “Poor Things” kept trading the top spot in the Best Actress odds. Gladstone finally reclaimed...
In contrast, the lead acting contests provided considerably more suspense. Bradley Cooper in “Maestro,” Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers” and Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer” were all looking strong at different point in the derby, before Murphy really exploded and ultimately won the Best Actor Oscar. And Lily Gladstone in “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Emma Stone in “Poor Things” kept trading the top spot in the Best Actress odds. Gladstone finally reclaimed...
- 3/27/2024
- by Tariq Khan
- Gold Derby
Oscar Parties Are Full of Phonies (But They’re Getting Kicked Out)
Winning an Academy Award opens a lot of doors, especially at Oscar-night afterparties. One of Hollywood’s sacred red carpet rules is that merely holding an Oscar can be a golden ticket to just about every swell soiree in town. But in recent years, some gate-crashers have been exploiting that loophole by turning up with ersatz trophies or, as happened this year, an actual Oscar that didn’t belong to them. Rambling has learned that one non-invitee who arrived at Vanity Fair’s ultra-exclusive fete hauling a vintage 1986 Oscar quickly found himself kicked to the curb. The person was not the award winner, a rep for the magazine confirms to THR, adding that the trophy was confiscated. “Our head of security is working on tracking down its rightful owner.” It’s unclear how the crasher got his hands on the golden boy,...
Winning an Academy Award opens a lot of doors, especially at Oscar-night afterparties. One of Hollywood’s sacred red carpet rules is that merely holding an Oscar can be a golden ticket to just about every swell soiree in town. But in recent years, some gate-crashers have been exploiting that loophole by turning up with ersatz trophies or, as happened this year, an actual Oscar that didn’t belong to them. Rambling has learned that one non-invitee who arrived at Vanity Fair’s ultra-exclusive fete hauling a vintage 1986 Oscar quickly found himself kicked to the curb. The person was not the award winner, a rep for the magazine confirms to THR, adding that the trophy was confiscated. “Our head of security is working on tracking down its rightful owner.” It’s unclear how the crasher got his hands on the golden boy,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Edited by Benjamin Svetkey and Edited by Julian Sancton
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One of the funniest moments at the recent Academy Awards ceremony occurred when Best Supporting Actress nominee Emily Blunt (“Oppenheimer”) and Best Supporting Actor nominee Ryan Gosling (“Barbie”) appeared together to pay a special tribute to the talented stunt performers who are so often overlooked for their indelible contributions to the motion picture industry. Blunt and Gosling traded barbs over their “Barbenheimer” feud — the result of their films competing against each other at the box office as well as the entire awards season. If their chemistry suggested anything, it’s that moviegoers are in for a real treat when their upcoming film “The Fall Guy” drops into theaters in May.
While Blunt and Gosling bluntly made light of their dispute, they weren’t the only Oscar presenters with scores to settle. There were several other big Hollywood stars who reunited on the stage alongside one of their past Oscar rivals,...
While Blunt and Gosling bluntly made light of their dispute, they weren’t the only Oscar presenters with scores to settle. There were several other big Hollywood stars who reunited on the stage alongside one of their past Oscar rivals,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Tariq Khan
- Gold Derby
New in theaters is “One Life” starring legendary actor Anthony Hopkins as real-life British humanitarian Sir Nicholas Winton. Just three years ago he led French playwright Florian Zeller‘s feature directorial debut “The Father.” It not only managed to win him a second Oscar for Best Actor following “The Silence of the Lambs” back in 1991, but it also made headlines. One reason was how it was unconventionally the final award presented during the telecast that year because the sentimental favorite, Chadwick Boseman (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”), was widely expected to win posthumously. Hopkins pulled off a huge upset, though, and he wasn’t even there to accept it. How did that win happen? Here are five reasons.
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1. Hopkins had a very awards-friendly role
His character in “The Father” was an aging man suffering dementia. Multiple actors had won accolades for...
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
1. Hopkins had a very awards-friendly role
His character in “The Father” was an aging man suffering dementia. Multiple actors had won accolades for...
- 3/19/2024
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
The 2024 Oscars are behind us, and yet people remember this year’s ceremony quite well since it was one of the most exciting ones we have had in years. And adding a little bit more spice to the mix, Christopher Nolan, along with his cast and crew from Oppenheimer swept all of the most prestigious categories from the rest of the nominees, including the revered Best Picture award.
Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy on the sets of Oppenheimer
Thus, setting an example for generations to come, this film not only raised the bar on the critical scale through the eyes of critics and journalists but also managed to become a smashing success at the box office with a total grossing figure of $959 Million. This was the first time in almost a decade that an almost billion dollar movie managed to bag the Best Picture category.
Christopher Nolan Managed To Break...
Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy on the sets of Oppenheimer
Thus, setting an example for generations to come, this film not only raised the bar on the critical scale through the eyes of critics and journalists but also managed to become a smashing success at the box office with a total grossing figure of $959 Million. This was the first time in almost a decade that an almost billion dollar movie managed to bag the Best Picture category.
Christopher Nolan Managed To Break...
- 3/17/2024
- by Deepak Bisht
- FandomWire
A whopping 26 (or 70.3%) of the last decade’s worth of acting Oscar recipients – including 2024’s Emma Stone (“Poor Things”), Robert Downey Jr. (“Oppenheimer”), and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”) – were born in the United States. Also counted here is Joaquin Phoenix, who originates from the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. Compared to the group of performers who prevailed between 2005 and 2014, the 2015-2024 set includes six more Americans, constituting a 16% larger majority. Considering all 96 years of Academy Awards history, the rate of unique American acting victors stands at 68.1%.
Stone, who earned her first of two Best Actress trophies for “La La Land” (2017), is now the first-ever dual honoree from Arizona, with the only other acting winner from her state being Troy Kotsur. Before they came along, the sole nominee to have been born there was Mare Winningham, who lost to New Yorker Mira Sorvino (“Mighty Aphrodite”).
Randolph is the 11th...
Stone, who earned her first of two Best Actress trophies for “La La Land” (2017), is now the first-ever dual honoree from Arizona, with the only other acting winner from her state being Troy Kotsur. Before they came along, the sole nominee to have been born there was Mare Winningham, who lost to New Yorker Mira Sorvino (“Mighty Aphrodite”).
Randolph is the 11th...
- 3/15/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
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