The movies are in trouble. Or so we’re told frequently and often in the trades, on social media, and simply among industry gossipers convinced the sky is falling. In terms of ticket sales for conventional blockbusters, this summer is indeed off to a sluggish start. But if you focus only on the nickels and dimes, you likely are missing why you fell in love with movies in the first place.
And there’s been quite a bit to love, or at least respectfully admire, in the first half of 2024. While a few genuinely great blockbusters on this list have struggled, others have thrived. Perhaps more impressive though is the handful of indie and prestige films which have found healthy Gen Z and millennial audiences and (would wonders never cease) benefited from costing less than a cool quarter-billion or thereabouts to produce. Likely in part due to so many delays...
And there’s been quite a bit to love, or at least respectfully admire, in the first half of 2024. While a few genuinely great blockbusters on this list have struggled, others have thrived. Perhaps more impressive though is the handful of indie and prestige films which have found healthy Gen Z and millennial audiences and (would wonders never cease) benefited from costing less than a cool quarter-billion or thereabouts to produce. Likely in part due to so many delays...
- 6/8/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Jude Law is ready to be challenged by screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes.
Law shared in an interview with Vanity Fair that he is set to work with “Challengers” scribe Kuritzkes on a Mike Nichols-inspired film.
“I’m developing a project with Justin Kuritzkes, who just wrote ‘Challengers,'” Law said. “The thing that bonded us was Mike Nichols. I said, ‘I think this is a Mike Nichols film.’ He was like, ‘Well, you would know.’ He felt the same when he went into ‘Challengers.'”
While Law kept the details of their upcoming project under wraps, he did reveal there would be a “sexual-social intercourse” element, much like in tense love triangle dramedy “Challengers” and late filmmaker Nichols’ famed works. Nichols directed Law in the 2004 romantic quadrangle drama “Closer.”
“If you’re true, if you get the tone right, there is something about that kind of intelligence and honest and...
Law shared in an interview with Vanity Fair that he is set to work with “Challengers” scribe Kuritzkes on a Mike Nichols-inspired film.
“I’m developing a project with Justin Kuritzkes, who just wrote ‘Challengers,'” Law said. “The thing that bonded us was Mike Nichols. I said, ‘I think this is a Mike Nichols film.’ He was like, ‘Well, you would know.’ He felt the same when he went into ‘Challengers.'”
While Law kept the details of their upcoming project under wraps, he did reveal there would be a “sexual-social intercourse” element, much like in tense love triangle dramedy “Challengers” and late filmmaker Nichols’ famed works. Nichols directed Law in the 2004 romantic quadrangle drama “Closer.”
“If you’re true, if you get the tone right, there is something about that kind of intelligence and honest and...
- 6/7/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Mila Kunis is the latest star to join the ensemble cast of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The Netflix feature, directed by Rian Johnson, is set to start production in early June in the UK. The movie has an impressive roster of actors, including Josh O’Connor, who co-stars in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming drama Challengers; Cailee Spaeny, known for her role in Civil War; and Andrew Scott, who recently starred in Ripley. Additionally, Glenn Close will also be part of this ambitious cast. The plot details and character information remain under wraps, but fans can expect Daniel Craig’s...
- 6/7/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
The Eternal City’s glitterati celebrated Sofia Coppola on Wednesday at an American Academy in Rome gala in the 17th century Villa Aurelia on Janiculum Hill.
The Oscar-winning director of “Lost in Translation,” “Marie Antoinette,” “Bling Ring” and, most recently, “Priscilla” was honored with a McKim Medal that “marks the profound relationship between Italy and the United States and recognizes the works of individuals who have contributed to the intense artistic and humanistic dialogue between the two nations,” as a statement put it.
Coppola’s ties to Rome comprise directing a 2016 production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata at the Italian capital’s Teatro dell’Opera featuring costumes by Valentino and the fact that “Priscilla” — which got a seven-minute standing ovation at its 2023 Venice Film Festival premiere — is produced by Rome-based producer Lorenzo Mieli.
Mieli was in attendance along with a mix of prominent film, fashion, arts, academia and business...
The Oscar-winning director of “Lost in Translation,” “Marie Antoinette,” “Bling Ring” and, most recently, “Priscilla” was honored with a McKim Medal that “marks the profound relationship between Italy and the United States and recognizes the works of individuals who have contributed to the intense artistic and humanistic dialogue between the two nations,” as a statement put it.
Coppola’s ties to Rome comprise directing a 2016 production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata at the Italian capital’s Teatro dell’Opera featuring costumes by Valentino and the fact that “Priscilla” — which got a seven-minute standing ovation at its 2023 Venice Film Festival premiere — is produced by Rome-based producer Lorenzo Mieli.
Mieli was in attendance along with a mix of prominent film, fashion, arts, academia and business...
- 6/6/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
We’re thrilled to launch a new feature on The Film Stage highlighting our top recommendations for films currently in theaters, from new releases to restorations receiving a proper theatrical run. While we already provide extensive monthly new-release recommendations and weekly streaming recommendations, as distributors’ roll-outs can vary, we thought it would be helpful to provide a one-stop list to share the essential films that may be on a screen near you. We’ll be updating this page weekly, so be sure to bookmark.
Babes (Pamela Adlon)
Transitioning the naturalistic comic sensibilities that made Better Things a success, Pamela Adlon’s feature debut Babes manages to co-opt the rhythms of a romantic comedy to explore the relationship between two best friends at opposite points of their lives. – Christian G. (full review)
The Beast (Bertrand Bonello)
Where to begin with Bertrand Bonello’s wonderful The Beast? It’s been so gratifying...
Babes (Pamela Adlon)
Transitioning the naturalistic comic sensibilities that made Better Things a success, Pamela Adlon’s feature debut Babes manages to co-opt the rhythms of a romantic comedy to explore the relationship between two best friends at opposite points of their lives. – Christian G. (full review)
The Beast (Bertrand Bonello)
Where to begin with Bertrand Bonello’s wonderful The Beast? It’s been so gratifying...
- 6/6/2024
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
Now this is a perfect serve: Challengers, the tennis drama starring Zendaya, will begin streaming on MGM+ on Monday, July 29, TVLine hears.
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film follows Tashi (Zendaya), a no-nonsense tennis player-turned-coach who makes her husband Art (Mike Faist) play in a challengers event to jolt him out of a recent losing streak. Tensions rise when he faces off against Patrick (Josh O’Connor), Tashi’s ex-boyfriend and his former best friend.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Yvette Nicole Brown Visits Frasier, Walking With Dinosaurs Returns and MoreTVLine Items: American Gladiators Reboot, Bluey Minisodes Date and MoreThe Chosen Season...
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film follows Tashi (Zendaya), a no-nonsense tennis player-turned-coach who makes her husband Art (Mike Faist) play in a challengers event to jolt him out of a recent losing streak. Tensions rise when he faces off against Patrick (Josh O’Connor), Tashi’s ex-boyfriend and his former best friend.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Yvette Nicole Brown Visits Frasier, Walking With Dinosaurs Returns and MoreTVLine Items: American Gladiators Reboot, Bluey Minisodes Date and MoreThe Chosen Season...
- 6/5/2024
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
In Luca Guadagnino’s tennis thriller Challengers, stars Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor litigate their love triangle as much on the court as in the bedroom. As such, the sport has to stay interesting.
Guadagnino previously told Little White Lies he doesn’t like watching real tennis because it’s boring. “The way in which [the sport] is shown is rather undynamic,” he said. Challengers — punctuated by the camera’s near-constant frenetic motion — seems to be in part about rectifying this failing.
“Luca’s vision for this movie was making the tennis action generally very kinetic,” Challengers VFX director Brian Drewes tells The Hollywood Reporter. The camera sweeps above and below the court, jumping toward the subjects’ beautifully sweaty faces and buzzing with an immersive energy that took the internet and critics by storm upon the movie’s release. This kineticism reaches its peak at the end of the film, when the camera becomes the ball,...
Guadagnino previously told Little White Lies he doesn’t like watching real tennis because it’s boring. “The way in which [the sport] is shown is rather undynamic,” he said. Challengers — punctuated by the camera’s near-constant frenetic motion — seems to be in part about rectifying this failing.
“Luca’s vision for this movie was making the tennis action generally very kinetic,” Challengers VFX director Brian Drewes tells The Hollywood Reporter. The camera sweeps above and below the court, jumping toward the subjects’ beautifully sweaty faces and buzzing with an immersive energy that took the internet and critics by storm upon the movie’s release. This kineticism reaches its peak at the end of the film, when the camera becomes the ball,...
- 6/5/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Joining Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edibiri, Chloë Sevigny is to co-star in Luca Guadagnino’s drama, After The Hunt.
Having already worked with the filmmaker for 2022’s Bones And All, Chloë Sevigny is to star in Luca Guadagnino’s forthcoming thriller, After The Hunt.
Sevigny is the latest addition to an already starry cast, which so far includes Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri and another Guadagnino favourite, Michael Stuhlbarg.
Guadagnino has been busy of late; his most recent film, the tennis-based love triangle Challengers, emerged to critical applause in April, while his next opus, Queer – starring Daniel Craig and based on the book of the same name by William S Burroughs – is out later in 2024.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, which broke the Sevigny news, After The Hunt is due to begin filming this summer – so presumably within the next few weeks. Written by Nora Garrett, it...
Having already worked with the filmmaker for 2022’s Bones And All, Chloë Sevigny is to star in Luca Guadagnino’s forthcoming thriller, After The Hunt.
Sevigny is the latest addition to an already starry cast, which so far includes Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri and another Guadagnino favourite, Michael Stuhlbarg.
Guadagnino has been busy of late; his most recent film, the tennis-based love triangle Challengers, emerged to critical applause in April, while his next opus, Queer – starring Daniel Craig and based on the book of the same name by William S Burroughs – is out later in 2024.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, which broke the Sevigny news, After The Hunt is due to begin filming this summer – so presumably within the next few weeks. Written by Nora Garrett, it...
- 6/5/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Chloë Sevigny is the latest A-lister to join Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming thriller After the Hunt, re-teaming with the director for a third time after the cannibal love story Bones & All and HBO series We Are Who We Are.
Sevigny joins a cast that includes Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, and fellow Guadagnino regular Michael Stuhlbarg, with the film due to begin production this summer.
Guadagnino is directing from a script penned by Nora Garrett, which follows a college professor who has to contest with the personal and professional ramifications of a star pupil leveling an accusation against one of her colleagues. All the while, a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.
Amazon MGM is behind the project after worked with Guadagnino on his latest film, Zendaya’s tennis romantic drama Challengers, which has grossed $90 million at the global box office. Imagine Entertainment is set to produce,...
Sevigny joins a cast that includes Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, and fellow Guadagnino regular Michael Stuhlbarg, with the film due to begin production this summer.
Guadagnino is directing from a script penned by Nora Garrett, which follows a college professor who has to contest with the personal and professional ramifications of a star pupil leveling an accusation against one of her colleagues. All the while, a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.
Amazon MGM is behind the project after worked with Guadagnino on his latest film, Zendaya’s tennis romantic drama Challengers, which has grossed $90 million at the global box office. Imagine Entertainment is set to produce,...
- 6/4/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The cast for Luca Guadagnino's upcoming thriller After The Hunt just keeps getting better and better. Since last month's news that Andrew Garfield has signed on to star alongside Julia Roberts in the Challengers filmmaker's latest project, The Bear star Ayo Edebiri has already slipped into the movie's ensemble. And now, as reported by Deadline, Guadagnino's Call Me By Your Name collaborator and Academy Award nominee Michael Stuhlbarg has become the latest acting heavyweight to join the film.
Penned by first-time screenwriter Nora Garrett, Guadagnino's "intense dramatic thriller" is set to centre around Julia Roberts' character, a college professor who finds both her professional and private life coming undone when one of her star pupils levels a serious accusation against one of her colleagues. And in classic Guadagnino style, there's more to the story yet, as the incident at the heart of the film also threatens to dredge up...
Penned by first-time screenwriter Nora Garrett, Guadagnino's "intense dramatic thriller" is set to centre around Julia Roberts' character, a college professor who finds both her professional and private life coming undone when one of her star pupils levels a serious accusation against one of her colleagues. And in classic Guadagnino style, there's more to the story yet, as the incident at the heart of the film also threatens to dredge up...
- 6/4/2024
- by Jordan King
- Empire - Movies
Keep your big-budget extravaganzas and intellectual properties! These days, Hollywood actors are breathlessly lining up to join the Benoit Blanc Cinematic Universe. Ever since Rian Johnson singled-handedly revived the big screen whodunnit with 2019's "Knives Out," the mid-budget murder-mystery series has become the hottest destination for rising stars, A-listers, and under-sung veterans of the industry to flex their acting muscles as the various colorful characters that occupy this world. Even the property's shift from the theatrical market to the streaming landscape three years later with Netflix's "Glass Onion" wasn't enough to deter folks from flocking to these movies like they're the next "Dune" sequel.
Following the announcement of Johnson's third "Knives Out Mystery" last month (now officially titled "Wake Up Dead Man"), it's become a daily guessing game trying to figure out who will sign on to match wits with Daniel Craig's sharp-witted Southern sleuth Blanc next.
Following the announcement of Johnson's third "Knives Out Mystery" last month (now officially titled "Wake Up Dead Man"), it's become a daily guessing game trying to figure out who will sign on to match wits with Daniel Craig's sharp-witted Southern sleuth Blanc next.
- 6/4/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Oscar-nominee Michael Stuhlbarg is set to join Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming feature After the Hunt, which will be released in theaters next year. The film stars Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri and Andrew garfield. Luca Guadagnino is directing the film from a script penned by Nora Garrett. Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Allan Mandelbaum are producing alongside Guadagnino via his Frenesy banner. Imagine Entertainment’s Karen Lunder will executive produce alongside Nora Garrett. The film is targeting a summer start-of-production.
After the Hunt is an intense dramatic thriller about a college professor who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star pupil levels an accusation against one of her colleagues, and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.
The project has been a hot property going back to when Imagine landed the script and began developing it at the top of...
After the Hunt is an intense dramatic thriller about a college professor who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star pupil levels an accusation against one of her colleagues, and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.
The project has been a hot property going back to when Imagine landed the script and began developing it at the top of...
- 6/3/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
The much buzzed about film, Challengers, from Amazon MGM Studios, will be available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray on July 9. Directed by Luca Guadagnino (“Call Me By Your Name”), the film is written by Justin Kuritzkes and produced by Amy Pascal, Luca Guadagnino, Zendaya, Rachel O’Connor. Challengers stars Emmy® Award Winner Zendaya, Emmy® Award Winner Josh O’Connor, and Emmy ® and Grammy Award winner Mike Faist (“West Side Story”). Challengers will be available on July 9 on Blu-ray for $22.99 (Erp) and on DVD for $17.99 (Erp). About The Film: From ... Read more...
- 6/2/2024
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
The R-rated sports comedy feature “Challengers", directed by Luca Guadagnino, starring Zendaya will be available July 9, 2024 on Blu-ray and DVD:
".... 'Tashi Duncan' (Zendaya), a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature…
‘…who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court is married to a champion on a losing streak…
“… Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off ...
"...against the washed-up 'Patrick' – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend.
‘As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high…
“…Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win..."...
Click the images to enlarge...
".... 'Tashi Duncan' (Zendaya), a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature…
‘…who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court is married to a champion on a losing streak…
“… Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off ...
"...against the washed-up 'Patrick' – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend.
‘As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high…
“…Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win..."...
Click the images to enlarge...
- 5/31/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Neben einer Reihe weiterer, zum Teil fest erwarteter Titel bestätigt Variety, dass „Joker: Folie A Deux“ bereits fix ist für die diesjährige 81. Mostra in Venedig. Der Vorgänger, „Joker“, konnte 2019 den Goldenen Löwen gewinnen. Außerdem ausgewählt sind wohl bereits neue Arbeiten von Luca Guadagnino, Pablo Larraín, Julian Schnabel, Johnny Depp und Jon Watts.
Nach Cannes ist vor Venedig. Gerade einmal wurden die Palmen vergeben, richtet man den Blick bereits an das zweite ganz große europäische A-Festival, das aktuell von Alberto Barbera zusammengestellt wird: Die 81. Mostra in Venedig findet vom 28. August bis 7. September auf dem Lido statt. Über viele Titel wird seit Längerem spekuliert. Nun soll es laut Variety erste Entscheidungen geben.
Wenig überraschend ist die Einladung von „Joker: Folie A Deux“ von Todd Phillips mit Joaquin Phoenixund Lady Gaga. Der erste Teil hatte 2019 unerwartet aber nicht unverdient von der Jury unter der damaligen Präsidentin Lucrecia Martel den Goldenen Löwen als bester...
Nach Cannes ist vor Venedig. Gerade einmal wurden die Palmen vergeben, richtet man den Blick bereits an das zweite ganz große europäische A-Festival, das aktuell von Alberto Barbera zusammengestellt wird: Die 81. Mostra in Venedig findet vom 28. August bis 7. September auf dem Lido statt. Über viele Titel wird seit Längerem spekuliert. Nun soll es laut Variety erste Entscheidungen geben.
Wenig überraschend ist die Einladung von „Joker: Folie A Deux“ von Todd Phillips mit Joaquin Phoenixund Lady Gaga. Der erste Teil hatte 2019 unerwartet aber nicht unverdient von der Jury unter der damaligen Präsidentin Lucrecia Martel den Goldenen Löwen als bester...
- 5/30/2024
- by Thomas Schultze
- Spot - Media & Film
2024’s Venice Film Festival isn’t far away. Last year’s event was one that was slightly cut down due to the ongoing strikes that had befallen Hollywood and prevented a number of actors from attending for the promotion of their films. The films that screened last year included David Fincher’s The Killer, Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, Ava DuVernay’s Origin, Michael Mann’s Ferrari and Bradley Cooper’s Maestro. The line-up for films out of competition featured such big names as Woody Allen, Wes Anderson, William Friedkin, Richard Linklater and Roman Polanski.
The 81st Annual Venice Film Festival is set for August 28 to September 7. Variety is reporting that among the films that are being rumored for screenings is the Todd Phillips follow-up to the Joaquin Phoenix reimagining of DC’s Clown Prince of Crime. Joker: Folie à Deux, which co-stars Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, is said to...
The 81st Annual Venice Film Festival is set for August 28 to September 7. Variety is reporting that among the films that are being rumored for screenings is the Todd Phillips follow-up to the Joaquin Phoenix reimagining of DC’s Clown Prince of Crime. Joker: Folie à Deux, which co-stars Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, is said to...
- 5/30/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
The upcoming Venice Film Festival is shaping up to be a star-studded affair with Lady Gaga, Joaquin Phoenix, Angelina Jolie, Daniel Craig, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Gal Gadot and Ana de Armas among top Hollywood talents likely to be launching high-profile titles from the Lido.
Though festival chief Alberto Barbera has yet to see several submitted works that are likely to make the cut, a clutch of globally buzzy movies have already secured a coveted Venice berth, though some of the more mainstream entries will probably be bowing out-of-competition.
“Joker 2: Folie à Deux,” Todd Phillips’ edgy musical sequel to his 2019 Golden Lion prizewinning “Joker,” starring Gaga and Phoenix, is a competition shoo-in, along with Pablo Larraín’s Maria Callas biopic “Maria,” starring Jolie in the title role.
Larraín’s previous two tragic female biopics — “Spencer” starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana and “Jackie” with Natalie Portman as...
Though festival chief Alberto Barbera has yet to see several submitted works that are likely to make the cut, a clutch of globally buzzy movies have already secured a coveted Venice berth, though some of the more mainstream entries will probably be bowing out-of-competition.
“Joker 2: Folie à Deux,” Todd Phillips’ edgy musical sequel to his 2019 Golden Lion prizewinning “Joker,” starring Gaga and Phoenix, is a competition shoo-in, along with Pablo Larraín’s Maria Callas biopic “Maria,” starring Jolie in the title role.
Larraín’s previous two tragic female biopics — “Spencer” starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana and “Jackie” with Natalie Portman as...
- 5/30/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
FX on Hulu’s The Bear will dish up an all-new season to kick off summer. Season 2 already elevated the show with its numerous guest stars as well as the transition of the family sandwich shop into a fine dining establishment. Season 1 swept the first of two Emmys ceremonies this year, with the second hoping to follow in those footsteps.
After Season 1 raked in its 10 Emmys at the 75th ceremony, the cast and crew had various responses to the comedy genre label. Since the show’s launch, stars Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach have all been cast in other high profile projects like The Iron Claw for White, The Fantastic Four for Moss-Bachrach and Luca Guadagnino’s next film, The Hunt, for Edebiri.
Fans of the intense kitchen-set series may anticipate new faces and poignant needle drops like Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” for Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Richie.
After Season 1 raked in its 10 Emmys at the 75th ceremony, the cast and crew had various responses to the comedy genre label. Since the show’s launch, stars Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach have all been cast in other high profile projects like The Iron Claw for White, The Fantastic Four for Moss-Bachrach and Luca Guadagnino’s next film, The Hunt, for Edebiri.
Fans of the intense kitchen-set series may anticipate new faces and poignant needle drops like Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” for Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Richie.
- 5/29/2024
- by Dessi Gomez
- Deadline Film + TV
Cate Blanchett has worked with some of the most successful actors of all time. On top of being a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she has proved herself to be a force to be reckoned with, having multiple Oscar nominations and two wins under her belt. Such a diverse career has required her to star alongside the best that the industry has to offer. Now and then, that happens to be Brad Pitt.
Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button [Paramount Pictures]The pair have become quite familiar with each other, having worked together a couple of times. Their most famous project, however, has to be The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. While the film was very well received critically, it would seem that the filming process was not very easy for Blanchett because of Pitt.
Cate Blanchett Grew Tired of the Romance on...
Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button [Paramount Pictures]The pair have become quite familiar with each other, having worked together a couple of times. Their most famous project, however, has to be The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. While the film was very well received critically, it would seem that the filming process was not very easy for Blanchett because of Pitt.
Cate Blanchett Grew Tired of the Romance on...
- 5/29/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
"Challengers" is one of the best films of the year (read our review here), a thrilling, sexy, adult drama about two guys who love each other and one woman who loves tennis. While the marketing played up a threesome scene that never actually happens (the scene only involves some heavy kissing), "Challengers" is still one of the year's biggest surprises with a killer ending. Stars Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist are all on fire here, Luca Guadagnino's direction is energetic and exciting, and the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is full of absolute bangers.
Besides all the sexy melodrama, some of the best elements of "Challengers" are the thrilling tennis sequences that turn the sport into a non-stop thrillride, complete with a tennis ball Pov that flies back and forth at lightning speed. I watch a lot of movies, and I know how movies are made,...
Besides all the sexy melodrama, some of the best elements of "Challengers" are the thrilling tennis sequences that turn the sport into a non-stop thrillride, complete with a tennis ball Pov that flies back and forth at lightning speed. I watch a lot of movies, and I know how movies are made,...
- 5/29/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Rian Johnson's Benoit Blanc detective series continues to be one of the hottest tickets for working actors, as proven by the most recent bit of casting news for the follow-up to "Glass Onion." According to Deadline, "Challengers" and "La Chimera" star Josh O'Connor will appear in the upcoming mystery movie, which we recently learned will feature the excellent title "Wake Up Dead Man." Alongside O'Connor, "Civil War" and "Priscilla" breakout star Cailee Spaeny is also set to appear. As of publication time, we don't know yet whether they'll play murder victims, suspects, or some other role in Johnson's next whodunnit.
Aside from star Daniel Craig, Spaeny and O'Connor are the first two actors to be announced as part of the project, and they're a pretty buzzy duo to kick things off. British actor O'Connor had already earned accolades for (among other projects) his turns on royal drama "The Crown...
Aside from star Daniel Craig, Spaeny and O'Connor are the first two actors to be announced as part of the project, and they're a pretty buzzy duo to kick things off. British actor O'Connor had already earned accolades for (among other projects) his turns on royal drama "The Crown...
- 5/28/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Both the knives and casting notices are out!
The first two cast members to join ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ have been announced: two on-the-rise stars Cailee Spaeny and Josh O’Connor. The 25-year-old Spaeny is coming off of Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” which earned her a Golden Globe award and the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at last year’s Venice Film Festival, and a terrific turn in one of this spring’s most talked-about films, Alex Garland’s “Civil War.” She’ll also be seen in this August’s “Alien: Romulus.” The British 34-year-old O’Connor was seen in two well-regarded movies this spring, Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” and Alice Rohrwacher’s “La Chimera.”
The two will, of course, join Daniel Craig, returning as the “gentleman sleuth” Benoit Blanc. Writer-director Rian Johnson announced on social media that the movie is about to go into production, so...
The first two cast members to join ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ have been announced: two on-the-rise stars Cailee Spaeny and Josh O’Connor. The 25-year-old Spaeny is coming off of Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” which earned her a Golden Globe award and the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at last year’s Venice Film Festival, and a terrific turn in one of this spring’s most talked-about films, Alex Garland’s “Civil War.” She’ll also be seen in this August’s “Alien: Romulus.” The British 34-year-old O’Connor was seen in two well-regarded movies this spring, Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” and Alice Rohrwacher’s “La Chimera.”
The two will, of course, join Daniel Craig, returning as the “gentleman sleuth” Benoit Blanc. Writer-director Rian Johnson announced on social media that the movie is about to go into production, so...
- 5/28/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Josh O’Connor and Cailee Spaeny are reportedly in talks to join Daniel Craig in the ensemble for Rian Johnson’s next Knives Out film, Wake Up Dead Man.
Considering the exorbitant amount that Netflix paid Rian Johnson to make two Knives Out sequels, it figures that we have to see at least some of that reported $400m on the screen. That was certainly true in 2022’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery which boasted one of that year’s most stacked ensemble casts. As the third film in the series, Wake Up Dead Man, moves towards production, we’re already looking forward to a string of high-profile names circling the project.
According to What’s On Netflix, we might have our first two names already. Josh O’Connor and Cailee Spaeny are reportedly in talks to join the cast for the upcoming film. O’Connor is one of the stars of Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers,...
Considering the exorbitant amount that Netflix paid Rian Johnson to make two Knives Out sequels, it figures that we have to see at least some of that reported $400m on the screen. That was certainly true in 2022’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery which boasted one of that year’s most stacked ensemble casts. As the third film in the series, Wake Up Dead Man, moves towards production, we’re already looking forward to a string of high-profile names circling the project.
According to What’s On Netflix, we might have our first two names already. Josh O’Connor and Cailee Spaeny are reportedly in talks to join the cast for the upcoming film. O’Connor is one of the stars of Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers,...
- 5/28/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Another Benoit Blanc mystery is afoot, and the “Knives Out 3” cast is starting to take shape.
“Challengers” actor Josh O’Connor and “Priscilla” star Cailee Spaeny have joined the cast of Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” TheWrap has learned. Details about their roles are being kept under wraps, but they’ll be joined by Daniel Craig who reprises his role as private detective Blanc.
Johnson wrote and returns to direct the film, which he will also produce alongside Ram Bergman.
On Friday before the Memorial Day holiday, writer-director Rian Johnson shared the film’s title on X complete with a teaser for the upcoming movie. “I’m very, very excited to share the title, which gives a little hint of where it’s going,” Johnson wrote, revealing that the film will be released in 2025.
Production will begin soon on the follow-up to 2022’s “Glass Onion” and 2019’s “Knives Out,...
“Challengers” actor Josh O’Connor and “Priscilla” star Cailee Spaeny have joined the cast of Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” TheWrap has learned. Details about their roles are being kept under wraps, but they’ll be joined by Daniel Craig who reprises his role as private detective Blanc.
Johnson wrote and returns to direct the film, which he will also produce alongside Ram Bergman.
On Friday before the Memorial Day holiday, writer-director Rian Johnson shared the film’s title on X complete with a teaser for the upcoming movie. “I’m very, very excited to share the title, which gives a little hint of where it’s going,” Johnson wrote, revealing that the film will be released in 2025.
Production will begin soon on the follow-up to 2022’s “Glass Onion” and 2019’s “Knives Out,...
- 5/28/2024
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
After announcing the title for the new Knives Out installment last week, the first big names to join Daniel Craig in the next installment are Josh O’Connor and Cailee Spaeny. They are both set to join Netflix’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Rian Johnson is returning to direct from a script he wrote. He will also produce the pic with his partner, Ram Bergman through T-Street Pictures.
Plot details are unknown, and as of now. The most recent pic, Glass Onion, bowed in 2022, with Craig returning as the world-famous detective Benoit Blanc. The film premiered on Netflix after the streamer made a record-setting $450 million deal for the two sequels, with this being the third in the series.
The film is set to go into production next month and will be released sometime in 2025.
Known for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Princes Charles in The Crown and his...
Plot details are unknown, and as of now. The most recent pic, Glass Onion, bowed in 2022, with Craig returning as the world-famous detective Benoit Blanc. The film premiered on Netflix after the streamer made a record-setting $450 million deal for the two sequels, with this being the third in the series.
The film is set to go into production next month and will be released sometime in 2025.
Known for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Princes Charles in The Crown and his...
- 5/28/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Right from its first scene, “Challengers” features some of the most cinematic and satisfying tennis we’ve seen on the big screen. Director Luca Guadagnino and cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom designed sequences that capture the competition, personal and sexual politics, and drama at play with each serve, volley, and backhand. The scenes are visceral, dynamic, and, at times, sexy.
But there is one particular tennis scene that really stands out, having been heavily discussed online, and proving to be both the film’s love it or hate it bold stroke, as well as the How the hell did they shoot that scene. In a key moment of a match between Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor) the camera adopts the point-of-view of the tennis ball — the camera flying, spinning, bouncing, as the ball is smacked back and forth between the two pro’s rackets.
With the film hitting PVOD this holiday weekend,...
But there is one particular tennis scene that really stands out, having been heavily discussed online, and proving to be both the film’s love it or hate it bold stroke, as well as the How the hell did they shoot that scene. In a key moment of a match between Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor) the camera adopts the point-of-view of the tennis ball — the camera flying, spinning, bouncing, as the ball is smacked back and forth between the two pro’s rackets.
With the film hitting PVOD this holiday weekend,...
- 5/27/2024
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Director Luca Guadagnino’s latest cinematic venture, Challengers, offers a beguiling mix of romance, competition, and emotional depth, delicately presented on the tennis court. Featuring a star-studded cast helmed by Zendaya, the film explores the intricacies of three lives intertwined through sport and love. A Love Triangle on the Tennis Court The story centers around Tashi (Zendaya), a former teenage tennis pro turned coach, whose injury leads her to guide her husband Art (Mike Faist) to tennis stardom. Complicating matters is Patrick (Josh O’Connor), Tashi’s ex-boyfriend and Art’s former best friend. Their relationships unfold over flashbacks of a decade-long history filled
The post Challengers Movie Review Stars Put Popularity on the Line first appeared on TVovermind.
The post Challengers Movie Review Stars Put Popularity on the Line first appeared on TVovermind.
- 5/25/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
In Challengers, Luca Guadagnino once again challenges the audience with a gripping sports drama interwoven with complex relationships. The film’s ending has left many fans puzzled about the final match’s outcome between Patrick (Josh O’Connor) and Art (Mike Faist). The Ambiguous Finale As the film reaches its climax, we’re absorbed into a high-stakes third-set tiebreaker. This pivotal scene is filled with tension, not just from the tennis play but from the characters’ intertwined personal histories. The direction, sound design, and cinematography combine brilliantly here. As one critic noted, Luca Guadagnino is a remarkable filmmaker and artist. There’s no one else
The post Challengers Ending Explained: The Final Match Outcome first appeared on TVovermind.
The post Challengers Ending Explained: The Final Match Outcome first appeared on TVovermind.
- 5/25/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
The cape was once the kingmaker. But the movie stars at the top of studios’ most-wanted lists today have largely avoided cinematic universes. Instead of being pulled up to the A-list with a call from Marvel or DC (like earlier breakouts Chris Evans, Gal Gadot and Jason Momoa), today’s top talents — according to THR’s survey of executives, managers and agents — were anointed by auteur directors. Austin Butler was tapped by Baz Luhrmann for Elvis, while Denis Villeneuve gave nearly a third of this list their first franchise movie with his Dune features.
Today’s young stars are also less formulaic than their predecessors of just a decade ago, whose indie debuts or tiny Oscar turns were quickly followed by IP-backed film series. They are more agnostic, too, moving easily among studio filmmaking, indie efforts and television. Unlike past eras, there’s also not a single “type” dominating the group.
Today’s young stars are also less formulaic than their predecessors of just a decade ago, whose indie debuts or tiny Oscar turns were quickly followed by IP-backed film series. They are more agnostic, too, moving easily among studio filmmaking, indie efforts and television. Unlike past eras, there’s also not a single “type” dominating the group.
- 5/24/2024
- by Aaron Couch, Mia Galuppo and Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
How high will Ayo Edebiri‘s Hollywood star soar? After her latest casting, it may be higher than anyone predicted. Deadline reports that Edebiri joins Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield in Luca Guadagnino‘s next film for Amazon MGM Studios, “After The Hunt.” And after the success of “Challengers” and his other 2024 feature, “Queer,” ready for a festival premiere later this year, is there a flashier director to work with right now than Guada?
Continue reading ‘After The Hunt’: Ayo Edebiri Joins Julia Roberts & Andrew Garfield In Luca Guadagnino’s Upcoming Drama at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘After The Hunt’: Ayo Edebiri Joins Julia Roberts & Andrew Garfield In Luca Guadagnino’s Upcoming Drama at The Playlist.
- 5/23/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
The R-rated sports comedy feature “Challengers", directed by Luca Guadagnino, starring Zendaya will be available July 9, 2024 on Blu-ray and DVD:
".... 'Tashi Duncan' (Zendaya), a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature…
‘…who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court is married to a champion on a losing streak…
“… Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off ...
"...against the washed-up 'Patrick' – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend.
‘As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high…
“…Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win..."...
Click the images to enlarge...
".... 'Tashi Duncan' (Zendaya), a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature…
‘…who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court is married to a champion on a losing streak…
“… Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off ...
"...against the washed-up 'Patrick' – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend.
‘As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high…
“…Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win..."...
Click the images to enlarge...
- 5/22/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Amazon MGM Studios has acquired worldwide rights to the action comedy Brothers from Legendary Pictures, Deadline has confirmed. Directed by Palm Springs‘ Max Barbakow and starring Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage, the film will open in select theaters starting October 11, becoming available to stream on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on October 17.
Written by Macon Blair, from a story by Etan Cohen, Brothers tells the story of a reformed criminal (Brolin) whose attempt at going straight is derailed when he reunites with his sanity-testing twin brother (Dinklage) on a road trip for the score of a lifetime. Dodging bullets, the law, and an overbearing mother along the way, they must heal their severed family bond before they end up killing each other.
Pic’s cast also includes Brendan Fraser, Glenn Close, Taylour Paige, the late M. Emmet Walsh, and Jennifer Landon. Andrew Lazar produced for Mad Chance,...
Written by Macon Blair, from a story by Etan Cohen, Brothers tells the story of a reformed criminal (Brolin) whose attempt at going straight is derailed when he reunites with his sanity-testing twin brother (Dinklage) on a road trip for the score of a lifetime. Dodging bullets, the law, and an overbearing mother along the way, they must heal their severed family bond before they end up killing each other.
Pic’s cast also includes Brendan Fraser, Glenn Close, Taylour Paige, the late M. Emmet Walsh, and Jennifer Landon. Andrew Lazar produced for Mad Chance,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ayo Edebiri (The Bear) has signed on to star alongside Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield in Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming film After the Hunt from director Luca Guadagnino and Imagine, Deadline has learned.
Details as to her role are under wraps.
Written by Nora Garrett, the film is an intense dramatic thriller about a college professor who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star pupil levels an accusation against one of her colleagues, and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.
Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Allan Mandelbaum are producing alongside Guadagnino via his Frenesy banner, with Imagine Entertainment’s Karen Lunder exec producing alongside Garrett. Production is scheduled to kick off this summer and the film will be released in theaters next year.
One of today’s most in-demand actors, Edebiri is best known for starring opposite Jeremy...
Details as to her role are under wraps.
Written by Nora Garrett, the film is an intense dramatic thriller about a college professor who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star pupil levels an accusation against one of her colleagues, and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.
Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Allan Mandelbaum are producing alongside Guadagnino via his Frenesy banner, with Imagine Entertainment’s Karen Lunder exec producing alongside Garrett. Production is scheduled to kick off this summer and the film will be released in theaters next year.
One of today’s most in-demand actors, Edebiri is best known for starring opposite Jeremy...
- 5/22/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
While Luca Guadagnino is reigning supreme this summer with “Challengers” and Cannes-premiered “Queer” both opening, Film at Lincoln Center is celebrating all Italian auteurs for the 23rd edition of annual festival “Open Roads: New Italian Cinema.”
This year’s festival takes place from May 30 through June 6 and includes North American, U.S., and New York premieres, with appearances and discussions by several of the filmmakers. Co-presented by Cinecittà, “Open Roads: New Italian Cinema” serves as a showcase of the best in new Italian cinema.
“I think we have an especially strong lineup at this year’s ‘Open Roads,’ which is nothing if not an encouraging sign of things to come as we continue to move forward from the production pauses and shutdowns wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Dan Sullivan, Flc Programmer, said. “A satisfying mix of the familiar and the new, of low- and higher-budget movies, of fresh takes on...
This year’s festival takes place from May 30 through June 6 and includes North American, U.S., and New York premieres, with appearances and discussions by several of the filmmakers. Co-presented by Cinecittà, “Open Roads: New Italian Cinema” serves as a showcase of the best in new Italian cinema.
“I think we have an especially strong lineup at this year’s ‘Open Roads,’ which is nothing if not an encouraging sign of things to come as we continue to move forward from the production pauses and shutdowns wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Dan Sullivan, Flc Programmer, said. “A satisfying mix of the familiar and the new, of low- and higher-budget movies, of fresh takes on...
- 5/22/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” (Warner Bros.), the year’s second-biggest grossing film so far (after the same studio’s “Dune: Part Two”). The $19.99 rental was an immediate #1 on both the iTunes (transaction counting) and Fandango (revenue) VOD charts.
The release comes 46 days after its theatrical opening, a fairly standard delay if not a bit longer. Meanwhile, “Godzilla Minus One” (Toho), the sleeper Japanese success and Oscar Visual Effects winner, has now passed the five-week mark since its domestic release with no home viewing options in sight.
The timing is tied to agreements between Legendary Films (the domestic “Godzilla” licensee) and the franchise’s Japanese owner to not directly compete with each other. As the Warners film advances in its home availability ($5.99 rentals and Max streaming still to come), it remains to be seen when Toho’s film will be permitted.
At the other end of the spectrum, Netflix...
The release comes 46 days after its theatrical opening, a fairly standard delay if not a bit longer. Meanwhile, “Godzilla Minus One” (Toho), the sleeper Japanese success and Oscar Visual Effects winner, has now passed the five-week mark since its domestic release with no home viewing options in sight.
The timing is tied to agreements between Legendary Films (the domestic “Godzilla” licensee) and the franchise’s Japanese owner to not directly compete with each other. As the Warners film advances in its home availability ($5.99 rentals and Max streaming still to come), it remains to be seen when Toho’s film will be permitted.
At the other end of the spectrum, Netflix...
- 5/21/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Recalling the first time one of his films screened at the Cannes Film Festival, a young filmmaker remembered how the duration of the standing ovation the audience gave seemed to grow with every retelling in the media. In the room, he clocked about “a six-and-a-half-minute standing ovation, [but] by the time I had got back to L.A., it had grown to 20 minutes,” he said. “I said: ‘Wait a minute, I’m happy with six. I never even had a two-minute ovation.’ ”
That director was Steven Spielberg. The film was E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, which closed the 35th Cannes festival in 1982. Even back then, they were timing standing ovations — and arguing about just how long a festival audience stayed on its feet clapping. There’s a long a tradition of using that figure, preferably inflated, as a marketing hook in your movie’s rollout.
“The film that received a 15-minute...
That director was Steven Spielberg. The film was E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, which closed the 35th Cannes festival in 1982. Even back then, they were timing standing ovations — and arguing about just how long a festival audience stayed on its feet clapping. There’s a long a tradition of using that figure, preferably inflated, as a marketing hook in your movie’s rollout.
“The film that received a 15-minute...
- 5/19/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Challengers” offers a fresh take on the love triangle trope, reminiscent of Truffaut’s classic style but unique in narrative and rhythm. This film dives into a spirited rivalry that extends beyond the tennis court, using sport and competition as its dynamic backdrop. Starring Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor, and the ever-impressive Zendaya, this movie is a refreshing, youthful, and bold experience.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Art and Patrick, two young men who form a doubles tennis team. Their lives take a compelling turn when they meet Tashi, a fellow tennis player. The introduction of Tashi sparks changes that extend far beyond the tennis court, setting the scene for a captivating triangular relationship.
Neither Teen Comedy Nor Intimate Drama Challengers
“Challengers” deftly navigates the fine line between being just another teen comedy and an overly introspective drama. It captures the essence of youth while evolving its characters beyond the...
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Art and Patrick, two young men who form a doubles tennis team. Their lives take a compelling turn when they meet Tashi, a fellow tennis player. The introduction of Tashi sparks changes that extend far beyond the tennis court, setting the scene for a captivating triangular relationship.
Neither Teen Comedy Nor Intimate Drama Challengers
“Challengers” deftly navigates the fine line between being just another teen comedy and an overly introspective drama. It captures the essence of youth while evolving its characters beyond the...
- 5/18/2024
- by Martin Cid
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Cannes film festival
A star player at an elite tennis school decides to stay silent when the head coach is suspended in Leonardo Van Dijl’s absorbing movie of things unsaid and subjects avoided
Filmgoers are currently gobbling up Luca Guadagnino’s tennis comedy Challengers with its hilariously imagined sexual dynamic between a female coach and male players. This debut feature from Belgian film-maker Leonardo Van Dijl, produced by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, is a reminder that in the real world, the gender relations of sex and power in tennis – or anywhere – are generally pretty different. Julie Keeps Quiet is a tense, absorbing movie of silences and absences, of difficult terrain skirted around, of subjects avoided. It’s a reminder that in key situations, to keep quiet is a stressful, strenuous and, crucially, public activity – and a survival instinct that many young people have to learn.
The scene is an...
A star player at an elite tennis school decides to stay silent when the head coach is suspended in Leonardo Van Dijl’s absorbing movie of things unsaid and subjects avoided
Filmgoers are currently gobbling up Luca Guadagnino’s tennis comedy Challengers with its hilariously imagined sexual dynamic between a female coach and male players. This debut feature from Belgian film-maker Leonardo Van Dijl, produced by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, is a reminder that in the real world, the gender relations of sex and power in tennis – or anywhere – are generally pretty different. Julie Keeps Quiet is a tense, absorbing movie of silences and absences, of difficult terrain skirted around, of subjects avoided. It’s a reminder that in key situations, to keep quiet is a stressful, strenuous and, crucially, public activity – and a survival instinct that many young people have to learn.
The scene is an...
- 5/18/2024
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Eyes follow Anya Taylor-Joy whenever she steps on a red carpet, and the descriptions of her ensembles that follow often include adjectives like glamorous, ethereal, angelic, and the like. But when she faced photographers’ lenses in Sydney in early May for the world premiere of George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, what followed was a series of exclamation points. Edgy! Electric! Striking! Furiosa-approved!
Taylor-Joy donned a vintage look from Paco Rabanne’s spring 1996 haute couture collection. The sheer chain-mail creation featured triangular and oval diamonté adornments with arrow spikes jutting out from both the body of the dress and the matching headpiece.
With her appearance, Taylor-Joy became the latest star to fashionably fuel a trend that has been described as method dressing or character cosplay. It has felt omnipresent as of late, thanks to style stars like Zendaya, Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Kristen Stewart and Florence Pugh. Though...
Taylor-Joy donned a vintage look from Paco Rabanne’s spring 1996 haute couture collection. The sheer chain-mail creation featured triangular and oval diamonté adornments with arrow spikes jutting out from both the body of the dress and the matching headpiece.
With her appearance, Taylor-Joy became the latest star to fashionably fuel a trend that has been described as method dressing or character cosplay. It has felt omnipresent as of late, thanks to style stars like Zendaya, Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Kristen Stewart and Florence Pugh. Though...
- 5/18/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One of 2024’s most electric hits is our top pick among this weekend’s streaming releases, but there’s something for everyone, including a searing documentary, an oddball indie, and a couple of middling blockbusters.
The contender to watch this week: “Challengers“
Luca Guadagnino‘s box-office backspin became one of spring’s moviegoing success stories, and we’re all the luckier for it. Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist‘s love-triangle tennis lark is still playing in plenty of theaters across the country, but if you want another serve, it’s available to rent for $19.99 on VOD. It’s not impossible to imagine a “Challengers” resurgence in the fall: Guadagnino is already an Oscar darling thanks to “Call Me by Your Name,” and Zendaya seems especially poised for top-tier accolades. If nothing else, maybe Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross‘ banger of a score can net the duo’s third trophy.
The contender to watch this week: “Challengers“
Luca Guadagnino‘s box-office backspin became one of spring’s moviegoing success stories, and we’re all the luckier for it. Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist‘s love-triangle tennis lark is still playing in plenty of theaters across the country, but if you want another serve, it’s available to rent for $19.99 on VOD. It’s not impossible to imagine a “Challengers” resurgence in the fall: Guadagnino is already an Oscar darling thanks to “Call Me by Your Name,” and Zendaya seems especially poised for top-tier accolades. If nothing else, maybe Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross‘ banger of a score can net the duo’s third trophy.
- 5/18/2024
- by Matthew Jacobs
- Gold Derby
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
After scoring a $15 million opening weekend at the box office, fans no longer have to head to the theater to see why everyone’s talking about director Luca Guadagnino’s steamy, critically acclaimed film Challengers. Starring Zendaya (who also co-produced the film), Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist in a tennis-fueled love triangle, the movie has landed online and is now available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV.
After scoring a $15 million opening weekend at the box office, fans no longer have to head to the theater to see why everyone’s talking about director Luca Guadagnino’s steamy, critically acclaimed film Challengers. Starring Zendaya (who also co-produced the film), Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist in a tennis-fueled love triangle, the movie has landed online and is now available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV.
- 5/17/2024
- by John Lonsdale
- Rollingstone.com
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” is swinging into streaming. The Zendaya-led drama is now available to rent/purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
Rent 'Challengers' Online $19.99
“Challengers” follows the rivalry between tennis pros Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), who are vicious competitors on and off the court as they pine for the love tennis prodigy turned coach Tashi (Zendaya).
Guadagnino’s steamy sports drama has been met with much praise from critics and fans alike, making it a likely contender come awards season. Variety’s Peter Debruge deemed “Challengers” a “critic’s pick,” calling the film “the steamiest (and funniest) sports-centric love triangle since ‘Bull Durham.'” The film currently sits at 89% on Rotten Tomatoes with a B+ CinemaScore.
“Challengers” opened with...
Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” is swinging into streaming. The Zendaya-led drama is now available to rent/purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
Rent 'Challengers' Online $19.99
“Challengers” follows the rivalry between tennis pros Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), who are vicious competitors on and off the court as they pine for the love tennis prodigy turned coach Tashi (Zendaya).
Guadagnino’s steamy sports drama has been met with much praise from critics and fans alike, making it a likely contender come awards season. Variety’s Peter Debruge deemed “Challengers” a “critic’s pick,” calling the film “the steamiest (and funniest) sports-centric love triangle since ‘Bull Durham.'” The film currently sits at 89% on Rotten Tomatoes with a B+ CinemaScore.
“Challengers” opened with...
- 5/17/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
Léa Seydoux’s latest feature will be distributed by Neon.
Seydoux stars in “The Unknown (L’Inconnue),” which will be written and directed by Academy Award-winning “Anatomy of a Fall” screenwriter Arthur Harari. The plot details for the film are still under wraps, with production looking to be completed in early 2026.
Neon will release the film in U.S. and Canadian theaters. “The Unknown” will be produced by Bathysphere, with Pathé co-producing and selling the film internationally in Cannes.
“The Unknown” is the third feature both written and directed by Harari. He previously directed “Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle,” which opened Un Certain Regard at Cannes and went on to win numerous awards including the Best Original Screenplay César. He also wrote the screenplay for “Sibyl,” which was directed by “Anatomy of a Fall’s” Justine Triet.
The deal for “The Unknown” was negotiated by Neon’s President of...
Seydoux stars in “The Unknown (L’Inconnue),” which will be written and directed by Academy Award-winning “Anatomy of a Fall” screenwriter Arthur Harari. The plot details for the film are still under wraps, with production looking to be completed in early 2026.
Neon will release the film in U.S. and Canadian theaters. “The Unknown” will be produced by Bathysphere, with Pathé co-producing and selling the film internationally in Cannes.
“The Unknown” is the third feature both written and directed by Harari. He previously directed “Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle,” which opened Un Certain Regard at Cannes and went on to win numerous awards including the Best Original Screenplay César. He also wrote the screenplay for “Sibyl,” which was directed by “Anatomy of a Fall’s” Justine Triet.
The deal for “The Unknown” was negotiated by Neon’s President of...
- 5/17/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Challengers is still playing in some theaters. However, if viewing this steamy movie in public may be too much, viewers can now watch the romantic triangle entanglements from the privacy of their own homes. The Zendaya tennis tryst film has just been released on digital platforms. It may also be expected to hit Prime Video soon since the film is an Amazon original. While movies like Madame Web get mercy releases on digital after a month due to poor performances, Challengers actually enjoyed quite a bit of success for being the scope of film it is and the nature of the story.
The movie currently sits above $70 million from its worldwide gross on a $55 million budget. The critical and audience reception has been pretty positive, with a certified fresh Rotten Tomatoes score of 89% with critics and a 73% audience score. The Metacritic rating would reach 82, while the user score gave it...
The movie currently sits above $70 million from its worldwide gross on a $55 million budget. The critical and audience reception has been pretty positive, with a certified fresh Rotten Tomatoes score of 89% with critics and a 73% audience score. The Metacritic rating would reach 82, while the user score gave it...
- 5/17/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
It is totally unsurprising that Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers" has taken the internet by storm since its release, its fresh, adrenaline-soaked story invigorating the very concept of an erotic sports drama. The sexual tension between the central throuple — Tashi (Zendaya), Art (Mike Faist), and Patrick (Josh O'Connor) — is condensed into more subtle, tangible forms, such as the frenetic tennis matches that underline their complex, heady inner dynamics. This spirit of erotically-charged competitiveness lingers right until the end, and is meant to be absorbed via the biggest screen possible, it being the best conduit for this almost-obsessive, feverish energy. For those who wish to relax and catch this racy sports drama at home: do not worry, as the film is available to rent digitally at the moment and is expected to be available for streaming relatively soon.
/Film's Witney Seibold gave "Challengers" a 7.5 out of 10 in his review, describing it as...
/Film's Witney Seibold gave "Challengers" a 7.5 out of 10 in his review, describing it as...
- 5/17/2024
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
American Fiction (Cord Jefferson)
Thelonious “Monk” Ellison is in a rut. He’s still trying to get a publisher to accept his latest book in a market that doesn’t exactly embrace his erudite style. His gig as a college professor lecturing to students that are too “goddamn delicate” to embrace thorny topics of race has him ostracized from colleagues. He’s estranged from family, all of whom are juggling their own issues––health problems, divorce, the financial strain that comes with both. When Monk concocts an elaborate joke to get more fame and acceptance, it’s taken shocking seriously, setting off a series of misadventures exploring how white America is more willing to accept the most reductive, pandering stories of Black...
American Fiction (Cord Jefferson)
Thelonious “Monk” Ellison is in a rut. He’s still trying to get a publisher to accept his latest book in a market that doesn’t exactly embrace his erudite style. His gig as a college professor lecturing to students that are too “goddamn delicate” to embrace thorny topics of race has him ostracized from colleagues. He’s estranged from family, all of whom are juggling their own issues––health problems, divorce, the financial strain that comes with both. When Monk concocts an elaborate joke to get more fame and acceptance, it’s taken shocking seriously, setting off a series of misadventures exploring how white America is more willing to accept the most reductive, pandering stories of Black...
- 5/17/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
With a guest list that totaled 400 bold-faced names, the 2024 Met Gala may rank as the best-attended celebrity event so far this year. But beyond the sheer volume of high-wattage stars who ascended the Metropolitan Museum of Art stairs on May 6, who really won the night’s red carpet in terms of brand exposure?
In the latest edition of the Red Carpet Power Rankings, an exclusive partnership between Launchmetrics and The Hollywood Reporter, the results are in.
It should surprise no one that Zendaya performed well in the rankings of top-five women at the Met Gala, as someone who not only draws intense interest wherever she goes but also because the Euphoria and Challengers star did two laps on the red carpet, first wearing custom Maison Margiela, then changing inside the museum and climbing the steps once again, this time in vintage Givenchy, which she and star stylist Law Roach purchased...
In the latest edition of the Red Carpet Power Rankings, an exclusive partnership between Launchmetrics and The Hollywood Reporter, the results are in.
It should surprise no one that Zendaya performed well in the rankings of top-five women at the Met Gala, as someone who not only draws intense interest wherever she goes but also because the Euphoria and Challengers star did two laps on the red carpet, first wearing custom Maison Margiela, then changing inside the museum and climbing the steps once again, this time in vintage Givenchy, which she and star stylist Law Roach purchased...
- 5/16/2024
- by Laurie Brookins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Singles tennis is unlike any other sport. There’s no team to support a player when they’re down, no coach to pep talk between sets, no distractions to pull the spectator's eyes away from the two individuals standing on opposite sides of the net. Tennis is much more than a game — it’s a sometimes three, four or five hour relationship between two people trying to anticipate each other’s next moves. To excel at singles tennis, a player has to be an expert at reading their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses right off the bat and use them to adjust their own game. All of this complexity is exactly what director Luca Guadagnino portrayed in his box office hit, ‘Challengers,’ starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist. ‘Challengers,’ of course, had commercial appeal with Zendaya leading, a name that’s become synonymous with striking beauty, versatility and commitment...
- 5/16/2024
- by Kaitlyn Murphy
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
At long last, Kathryn Bigelow is returning to filmmaking. After 2017’s Detroit, she was developing the David Koepp-scripted thriller Aurora for Netflix but has now moved on to another project for the company. The untitled thriller will unfold in real-time at the White House as a missile attack threatens the United States. THR reports former NBC News president Noah Oppenheim, who also wrote Jackie, scripted the project based on Bigelow’s idea. No additional details were revealed but with Netflix now greenlighting the project, here’s hoping it kicks off before the end of the year.
Juliette Binoche will make her directorial and writing debut in a new anthology film Bike Me Up. Joining directors Sally El Hosaini, Isabel Coixet, Matthias Schweighöfer, Asger Leth, and Frédéric Auburtin, each section will be set in a different European city and explore the locales’ relationship with cycling. Binoche’s film will be...
Juliette Binoche will make her directorial and writing debut in a new anthology film Bike Me Up. Joining directors Sally El Hosaini, Isabel Coixet, Matthias Schweighöfer, Asger Leth, and Frédéric Auburtin, each section will be set in a different European city and explore the locales’ relationship with cycling. Binoche’s film will be...
- 5/16/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Whilst we're still here trying to catch our breath and wolf down a post-match banana after Challengers, director Luca Guadagnino has already left the court to get the ball rolling on his next cinematic outing. And having already signed up Julia Roberts for upcoming thriller After The Hunt, the Italian auteur behind Bones And All and Call Me By Your Name seems to have tracked down his next leading man: Andrew Garfield.
As first reported by Deadline, the Spider-Man: No Way Home and Tick, Tick... Boom! is currently in negotations to star alongside Roberts in the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios production, slated for theatrical release in 2025. Coming from first-time screenwriter Nora Garrett, the film, described as an "intense dramatic thriller", centres around a college professor (Roberts) who finds both her professional and private life thrown into turmoil when a star pupil levels a scandalous accusation against one of her colleagues.
As first reported by Deadline, the Spider-Man: No Way Home and Tick, Tick... Boom! is currently in negotations to star alongside Roberts in the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios production, slated for theatrical release in 2025. Coming from first-time screenwriter Nora Garrett, the film, described as an "intense dramatic thriller", centres around a college professor (Roberts) who finds both her professional and private life thrown into turmoil when a star pupil levels a scandalous accusation against one of her colleagues.
- 5/15/2024
- by Jordan King
- Empire - Movies
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