Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 9 of “The Masked Singer,” “Group B Finals: Soundtrack of My Life Night,” which aired May 1 on Fox.
For years, the panelists on “The Masked Singer” have thrown out names like Corey Feldman, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken while trying to figure out what celebrities were disguised on stage. This week, those names finally became true.
“The Masked Singer” revealed the latest celebrities to be revealed on Wednesday night’s Group B finale, and it was Feldman as the Seal and Studdard/Aiken together as the Beets.
“For about 25 years, there was this kind of dark age where nobody really wanted to admit that my music was a real thing or that it existed or that I was doing it on a full capacity,” Feldman told Variety. “It was kind of overlooked and ignored for a long time.
For years, the panelists on “The Masked Singer” have thrown out names like Corey Feldman, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken while trying to figure out what celebrities were disguised on stage. This week, those names finally became true.
“The Masked Singer” revealed the latest celebrities to be revealed on Wednesday night’s Group B finale, and it was Feldman as the Seal and Studdard/Aiken together as the Beets.
“For about 25 years, there was this kind of dark age where nobody really wanted to admit that my music was a real thing or that it existed or that I was doing it on a full capacity,” Feldman told Variety. “It was kind of overlooked and ignored for a long time.
- 5/2/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Growing up in Omaha, Amber Ruffin didn’t have many role models who looked like her. “I had not seen Black female performances that weren’t a stereotype and honestly, it was a while until it became regular.” Luckily, there were two movies on regular rotation in her home: “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “The Wiz.”
The first started Oscar-winner Whoopi Goldberg, in whose hyphenate shoes Ruffin would follow, becoming an actor, host, writer and comedian. And the latter was the big-screen adaptation of the revolutionary 1974 Broadway musical, a retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” with an all-Black cast and bumping tunes that blended rock, gospel and soul. Says Ruffin of the films, “They were just so specific and weird that it was like an invitation to be yourself. So I had to squeeze all of the belonging out of those two movies and they lasted me well beyond childhood.”
One...
The first started Oscar-winner Whoopi Goldberg, in whose hyphenate shoes Ruffin would follow, becoming an actor, host, writer and comedian. And the latter was the big-screen adaptation of the revolutionary 1974 Broadway musical, a retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” with an all-Black cast and bumping tunes that blended rock, gospel and soul. Says Ruffin of the films, “They were just so specific and weird that it was like an invitation to be yourself. So I had to squeeze all of the belonging out of those two movies and they lasted me well beyond childhood.”
One...
- 4/30/2024
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Two of the more anticipated star turns on Broadway this season — Steve Carell making his debut in the Lincoln Center Theater revival of Uncle Vanya and The Sopranos alum Michael Imperioli returning to the New York stage in Circle in the Square’s An Enemy of the People — got no love from Tony Award nominators today, and the West End hit Patriots, written by The Crown‘s Peter Morgan, barely registered on the roster, with only one nom for lead actor Michael Stuhlbarg.
Even more empty-handed than Patriots was The Wiz, the cheery, if rote, revival of the beloved Black retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Despite a star turn by Wayne Brady, it’s possible that Tony nominators saw the Broadway revival for the uninspired road show it is.
Other shows with zero nominations included I Need That starring Danny DeVito, the Barry Manilow-Bruce Sussman musical Harmony,...
Even more empty-handed than Patriots was The Wiz, the cheery, if rote, revival of the beloved Black retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Despite a star turn by Wayne Brady, it’s possible that Tony nominators saw the Broadway revival for the uninspired road show it is.
Other shows with zero nominations included I Need That starring Danny DeVito, the Barry Manilow-Bruce Sussman musical Harmony,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“More stars than there are in heaven” was once the slogan for Hollywood’s largest studio. Larger-than-life celebrities like Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, Katharine Hepburn, Jean Harlow and Gene Kelly were common fixtures at MGM. Today, MGM is an IP outpost purchased by Amazon for $8.5 billion in 2022, but in its day, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer had the biggest lot in Hollywood and produced some of the most extravagant films. Located in Culver City, MGM’s famously sprawling lot began as it grew from the 40 acres owned by Samuel Goldwyn. The legendary MGM property was 3 miles long and housed more than 45 buildings and 14 stages, in addition to numerous outdoor sets that would be built over the years.
MGM was home to countless classic films, and in 1939 alone, the studio backed the timeless fantasy The Wizard of Oz and distributed the Oscar-winning Gone With the Wind, the Ernst Lubitsch/Greta Garbo comedy Ninotchka,...
MGM was home to countless classic films, and in 1939 alone, the studio backed the timeless fantasy The Wizard of Oz and distributed the Oscar-winning Gone With the Wind, the Ernst Lubitsch/Greta Garbo comedy Ninotchka,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Chris Yogerst
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 8 of “The Masked Singer,” “Girl Group Night,” which aired April 24 on Fox.
Jenifer Lewis spent a year recovering from a devastating 10-foot fall while on safari in Tanzania. It was while she was still in bed, convalescing, that she got a call from “The Masked Singer.” “I still couldn’t walk,” she told Variety. “And my friends encouraged me to get out of bed and go do what I love to do. ‘You’ll be in front of a live audience, you’ll be singing, you’ll be in a mask, but you’ll still be doing what you really love to do, which is to entertain.'”
“The Masked Singer” revealed on Wednesday night’s edition that “Black-ish” star Lewis was Group B’s “Miss Cleocatra.” Lewis was unmasked after performing “Free Your Mind,” by En Vogue,...
Jenifer Lewis spent a year recovering from a devastating 10-foot fall while on safari in Tanzania. It was while she was still in bed, convalescing, that she got a call from “The Masked Singer.” “I still couldn’t walk,” she told Variety. “And my friends encouraged me to get out of bed and go do what I love to do. ‘You’ll be in front of a live audience, you’ll be singing, you’ll be in a mask, but you’ll still be doing what you really love to do, which is to entertain.'”
“The Masked Singer” revealed on Wednesday night’s edition that “Black-ish” star Lewis was Group B’s “Miss Cleocatra.” Lewis was unmasked after performing “Free Your Mind,” by En Vogue,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Jenn Tran’s season of The Bachelorette is filming now and some exciting things are happening.
Like other seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Jenn’s season will feature familiar faces popping up to host dates.
And thanks to Reality Steve, we know who two of those popular past cast members will be.
The Bachelor besties, Kelsey Anderson and Daisy Kent will be showing up and showing their support.
The pair was spotted together in Seattle to film the group date and they were dressed to the nines.
Kelsey stunned in an emerald green gown while Daisy wowed in hot pink.
Per Reality Steve, the theme for the date was The Wizard of Oz, and he suspects it has something to do with the upcoming Wicked film, which will be hitting theaters in November.
(Spoiler): Jenn’s date today in Seattle is Wicked/Wizard of Oz themed. Prob...
Like other seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Jenn’s season will feature familiar faces popping up to host dates.
And thanks to Reality Steve, we know who two of those popular past cast members will be.
The Bachelor besties, Kelsey Anderson and Daisy Kent will be showing up and showing their support.
The pair was spotted together in Seattle to film the group date and they were dressed to the nines.
Kelsey stunned in an emerald green gown while Daisy wowed in hot pink.
Per Reality Steve, the theme for the date was The Wizard of Oz, and he suspects it has something to do with the upcoming Wicked film, which will be hitting theaters in November.
(Spoiler): Jenn’s date today in Seattle is Wicked/Wizard of Oz themed. Prob...
- 4/22/2024
- by Shaunee Flowers
- Monsters and Critics
Do you remember the very first moment when you realized a movie could be far more than just a brief, amiable diversion from the temporal slog of life as an extant human? That first moment you realized film could be art capable of providing a fully nourishing spiritual experience? That perhaps even made you want to become a filmmaker in order to provide that experience to someone else? Just as important: Do you recall the most recent movie that gave you that same feeling or fit of inspiration? Well, in this week’s Survey Says that’s just what we asked: What’s the first movie you saw that you considered a masterpiece… and the most recent?
Thirty-plus years of Film Independent Artist Development, of course, means access to the accumulated wisdom Film Independent Fellows. So with our latest query in hand, we took a trip down memory road to...
Thirty-plus years of Film Independent Artist Development, of course, means access to the accumulated wisdom Film Independent Fellows. So with our latest query in hand, we took a trip down memory road to...
- 4/22/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
Cult wines are a very American and, more specifically, Californian phenomenon. Akin to another industry-beloved status symbol, the Hermès Birkin bag, they are meticulously crafted, sought-after commodities that are exceedingly scarce and difficult to procure. The term rose in popularity in Napa Valley in the 1990s to describe flashy cabernet sauvignon blends with perfect scores by top wine critics, outrageous prices and insatiable demand.
Master sommelier Vincent Morrow
“Most of these wines were simply well-made, small-production wines and the owners had no intention of multiyear wait lists,” says master sommelier Vincent Morrow, wine director of Michelin-starred Press Restaurant in Napa’s St. Helena.
“Given that a vineyard will take at least six to seven years before it’s producing optimum fruit, and it only bears fruit once a year, the economic nature of these small vineyards was that production could not scale at the pace of any rapid increase in demand.
Master sommelier Vincent Morrow
“Most of these wines were simply well-made, small-production wines and the owners had no intention of multiyear wait lists,” says master sommelier Vincent Morrow, wine director of Michelin-starred Press Restaurant in Napa’s St. Helena.
“Given that a vineyard will take at least six to seven years before it’s producing optimum fruit, and it only bears fruit once a year, the economic nature of these small vineyards was that production could not scale at the pace of any rapid increase in demand.
- 4/18/2024
- by Elycia Rubin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 7 of “The Masked Singer,” “Queen Night,” which aired April 17 on Fox.
“The Masked Singer” dropped a bomb on us: Singer/songwriter Charlie Wilson, who has enjoyed a tremendous career as a solo artist in addition to his time as lead vocalist for the Gap Band, was one of two celebrities revealed on Wednesday night’s edition of “The Masked Singer.” Also unmasked: “The Office” star Kate Flannery (who played the frequently inebriated Meredith).
Wilson was unveiled during the show’s Group A finals as Ugly Sweater, while Flannery was Starfish.
For the Ugly Sweater, Robin Thicke got it right with Charlie Wilson. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg named Aaron Neville. Rita Ora guessed Smokey Robinson. Ken Jeong went with Al Green.
And then, for Starfish, Jeong figured out it was Kate Flannery. Ora picked Amy Schumer, McCarthy-Wahlberg thought it was...
“The Masked Singer” dropped a bomb on us: Singer/songwriter Charlie Wilson, who has enjoyed a tremendous career as a solo artist in addition to his time as lead vocalist for the Gap Band, was one of two celebrities revealed on Wednesday night’s edition of “The Masked Singer.” Also unmasked: “The Office” star Kate Flannery (who played the frequently inebriated Meredith).
Wilson was unveiled during the show’s Group A finals as Ugly Sweater, while Flannery was Starfish.
For the Ugly Sweater, Robin Thicke got it right with Charlie Wilson. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg named Aaron Neville. Rita Ora guessed Smokey Robinson. Ken Jeong went with Al Green.
And then, for Starfish, Jeong figured out it was Kate Flannery. Ora picked Amy Schumer, McCarthy-Wahlberg thought it was...
- 4/18/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
If Michael Douglas had his way, Hank Pym would have been killed off in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
The actor was on The View promoting his Apple TV+ series, Franklin, where he was asked about wanting his character to die in Quantumania. “This actually was my request for the third one,” Douglas explained. “I said I’d like to have a serious [death], with all these great special effects. There’s got to be some fantastic way where I can shrink to an ant size and explode, whatever it is.“
Douglas continued, “I want to use all those effects. But, that was on the last one. Now, I don’t think I’m going to show up.” That last comment makes it sound as though we’ve seen the last of Hank Pym. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania didn’t receive the best reviews, which, coupled with a lackluster box-office,...
The actor was on The View promoting his Apple TV+ series, Franklin, where he was asked about wanting his character to die in Quantumania. “This actually was my request for the third one,” Douglas explained. “I said I’d like to have a serious [death], with all these great special effects. There’s got to be some fantastic way where I can shrink to an ant size and explode, whatever it is.“
Douglas continued, “I want to use all those effects. But, that was on the last one. Now, I don’t think I’m going to show up.” That last comment makes it sound as though we’ve seen the last of Hank Pym. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania didn’t receive the best reviews, which, coupled with a lackluster box-office,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Did you spot all the references? Can you always notice them all? Madman Films has debuted a wonderful new promo video for the beloved animated film Robot Dreams, which first premiered at the 2023 Cannes & Annecy Film Festivals last year. The film also snuck in and ended up nominated for Best Animated Film at the 2024 Academy Awards earlier this year, but it didn't win. This fun 60-second video examines references in this movie that are inspired by other shots & scenes in other classic movies - including from Manhattan, The Wizard of Oz, The Big Lebowski, and Psycho. A story about friendship, its importance, and its fragility. The dialogue-free animated film is based on the popular graphic novel by Sara Varon, about the adventures and misfortunes of Dog and Robot in NYC during the '80s. Dog is lonely so he orders a Robot companion, but then Robot gets stuck in the...
- 4/15/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Stars: Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh, Piper Laurie, Matt Clark, Michael Sundin, Tim Rose, Mak Wilson, Stephen Norrington, Justin Case, John Alexander, Deep Roy, Emma Ridley | Written by Walter Murch, Gill Dennis, L. Frank Baum | Directed by Walter Murch
According to Roger Ebert, Walter Murch is “the most respected film editor and sound designer in the modern cinema.” Across a career spanning over 50-years, including multiple Academy Award wins from nine nominations, he has only two directorial credits to his name. The second is a fourth-season episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which was preceded over 25 years before by the only feature he directed; Return to Oz.
After her adventures in the Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale (Fairuza Balk) remains obsessed with the locale that she previously visited. Out of a fear that their niece is experiencing delusions, Dorothy’s aunt and uncle take her away to a sanitorium.
According to Roger Ebert, Walter Murch is “the most respected film editor and sound designer in the modern cinema.” Across a career spanning over 50-years, including multiple Academy Award wins from nine nominations, he has only two directorial credits to his name. The second is a fourth-season episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which was preceded over 25 years before by the only feature he directed; Return to Oz.
After her adventures in the Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale (Fairuza Balk) remains obsessed with the locale that she previously visited. Out of a fear that their niece is experiencing delusions, Dorothy’s aunt and uncle take her away to a sanitorium.
- 4/15/2024
- by James Rodrigues
- Nerdly
New York-based director/producer Katy Scoggin has worked with high-profile U.S. documentary filmmaker/journalist Laura Poitras on two shorts and three features, notably as co-producer and Dp on Poitras’ Oscar-winner “Citizenfour” and Cannes Directors’ Fortnight’s “Risk.”
Poitras now serves as executive producer on Scoggin’s feature debut “Flood,” one of six creative documentaries to be pitched as works in progress April 16, at the Visions du Réel festival in Nyon, Switzerland.
“Flood” centers on Scoggin’s journey to repair her relationship with her former missionary father, with whom she has become estranged. As the story unfolds, she relies on evolution to try to grasp change over time: in the fossil record, in American evangelicalism and in her own shift away from her parents’ religion and back home to reconnect.
The documentary was produced by Scoggin and Will Lennon for Archelon Films, and executive produced by Poitras, Nico Opper and Adam Blackman.
Poitras now serves as executive producer on Scoggin’s feature debut “Flood,” one of six creative documentaries to be pitched as works in progress April 16, at the Visions du Réel festival in Nyon, Switzerland.
“Flood” centers on Scoggin’s journey to repair her relationship with her former missionary father, with whom she has become estranged. As the story unfolds, she relies on evolution to try to grasp change over time: in the fossil record, in American evangelicalism and in her own shift away from her parents’ religion and back home to reconnect.
The documentary was produced by Scoggin and Will Lennon for Archelon Films, and executive produced by Poitras, Nico Opper and Adam Blackman.
- 4/15/2024
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
For decades, Hollywood has struggled with the concept of the reboot.
Not merely the "remake," which was a fairly common occurrence ever since Hollywood figured out how to upgrade the technology of The Wizard of Oz (1910) and re-film The Wizard of Oz (1939) -- now with sound and color! -- but specifically, the reboot.
As in upgrading not the technology but the culture of the original piece.
When The Brady Bunch Movie reboot came out in 1995, it was an audacious spectacle. It was reimagined as a tongue-in-cheek parody of 1960s/1970s culture and of the naivete of the original series.
By the early 2000s, reboots were no longer quirky experiments of avant-garde filmmakers but big money makers and even award-winning art films.
By the time Disney, Marvel, DC Comics, and Hasbro joined the reboot revolution, audiences had been lulled into a sense of tepid acceptance of all things rebooted. The visual effects were out of control.
Not merely the "remake," which was a fairly common occurrence ever since Hollywood figured out how to upgrade the technology of The Wizard of Oz (1910) and re-film The Wizard of Oz (1939) -- now with sound and color! -- but specifically, the reboot.
As in upgrading not the technology but the culture of the original piece.
When The Brady Bunch Movie reboot came out in 1995, it was an audacious spectacle. It was reimagined as a tongue-in-cheek parody of 1960s/1970s culture and of the naivete of the original series.
By the early 2000s, reboots were no longer quirky experiments of avant-garde filmmakers but big money makers and even award-winning art films.
By the time Disney, Marvel, DC Comics, and Hasbro joined the reboot revolution, audiences had been lulled into a sense of tepid acceptance of all things rebooted. The visual effects were out of control.
- 4/13/2024
- by Michael Arangua
- TVfanatic
British comedian Joe Lycett has revealed that, in the last month, he has planted four fake stories in the British media.
The Guardian newspaper reports that, on his Friday evening TV show, Late Night Lycett, the presenter – who has previously created fake walk-outs on chat shows, and doorstepped public figures – revealed four stories that he told the audience he invented, but were picked up and covered by UK newspapers and TV.
The four stories he said he fabricated were:
A footballer suffering with a bruise in the shape of Prince Harry; A statue of ‘H’ from UK pop group Steps being erected in his Welsh hometown (this story was also confirmed as fake by H aka musician Ian Watkins); Research showing that men from Birmingham (Lycett’s hometown) are the largest endowed in the UK; A mural of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz film being drawn by undercover graffiti artist Banksy.
The Guardian newspaper reports that, on his Friday evening TV show, Late Night Lycett, the presenter – who has previously created fake walk-outs on chat shows, and doorstepped public figures – revealed four stories that he told the audience he invented, but were picked up and covered by UK newspapers and TV.
The four stories he said he fabricated were:
A footballer suffering with a bruise in the shape of Prince Harry; A statue of ‘H’ from UK pop group Steps being erected in his Welsh hometown (this story was also confirmed as fake by H aka musician Ian Watkins); Research showing that men from Birmingham (Lycett’s hometown) are the largest endowed in the UK; A mural of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz film being drawn by undercover graffiti artist Banksy.
- 4/13/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Jon M. Chu revealed it was “heartbreaking” and “very hurtful” for him when he learned his 2021 musical “In the Heights” was being released in theaters and on streaming via HBO Max on the same day.
Speaking to a crowd of exhibitors at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas on Thursday, Chu lamented the “Project Popcorn” campaign put in place by former Warner Media CEO Jason Kilar back in 2021, in which Warner Bros. took its entire theatrical slate for the year, including films like “In the Heights,” “Dune,” and “The Matrix Resurrections,” and put them in theaters and on streaming day-and-date, all as a means to drive subscribers to HBO Max.
When he was asked how “In the Heights” prepared him for thinking about his next film “Wicked,” another movie musical adaptation, this time for Universal, he said it made him realize the importance of theatrical.
“We would’ve made that choice early,...
Speaking to a crowd of exhibitors at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas on Thursday, Chu lamented the “Project Popcorn” campaign put in place by former Warner Media CEO Jason Kilar back in 2021, in which Warner Bros. took its entire theatrical slate for the year, including films like “In the Heights,” “Dune,” and “The Matrix Resurrections,” and put them in theaters and on streaming day-and-date, all as a means to drive subscribers to HBO Max.
When he was asked how “In the Heights” prepared him for thinking about his next film “Wicked,” another movie musical adaptation, this time for Universal, he said it made him realize the importance of theatrical.
“We would’ve made that choice early,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Brian Welk and Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Peter Dinklage is set to voice Dr. Dillamond in the upcoming big-screen adaptation of 'Wicked'.Jim Orr, Universal Pictures President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution, shared the news about the 54-year-old 'Game of Thrones' star's casting during the studio's CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas on Wednesday (10.04.24).Dillamond is a goat professor at Shiz University and a mentor to protagonist Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who sings the song 'Something Bad' to warn her dark forces threatening the speaking animals of the Land of Oz.In the original Broadway musical in 2003, William Youmans had the part.Ariana Grande, 30, joins Cynthia as Glinda (The Good Witch) in the two-part adaptation, which tells the backstory of 'The Wizard of Oz' and how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be.The films are helmed by John M. Chu and the first part is set for release on November 27, 2024, with the second part to...
- 4/11/2024
- by Lizzie Baker
- Bang Showbiz
Based on the book by Gregory Maguire, the hit Broadway stage musical "Wicked" opened on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre, and has been running there ever since. It recently surpassed "Cats" to become the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history, although it has a long way to go to supplant "The Lion King" as the third-longest. The musical is a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz," depicting the Wicked Witch of the West as a young green-skinned woman named Elphaba whose reputation has been wildly misunderstood. The show won three Tonys upon its release, and the accompanying soundtrack album won an Emmy. One might say that "Wicked" is very ... Popular.
The musical only runs about two hours and 30 minutes (with intermission), but that runtime hasn't stopped director Jon M. Chu from adapting "Wicked" into a massive, two-film epic. "Wicked: Part One" is due in theaters on November 27, 2024, while "Wicked: Part Two...
The musical only runs about two hours and 30 minutes (with intermission), but that runtime hasn't stopped director Jon M. Chu from adapting "Wicked" into a massive, two-film epic. "Wicked: Part One" is due in theaters on November 27, 2024, while "Wicked: Part Two...
- 4/11/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
There’s no place like CinemaCon for Universal to debut enchanting new footage for Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked! On Wednesday, the studio dropped a house on the CinemaCon crowd at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, helping Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, to tell her side of a misunderstood story.
During Universal’s CinemaCon presentation, the studio surprised the crowd by activating lanyards and roses given out before the presentation. Like magic, the objects lit up, flashing different colors as the theater filled with music. When the Great and Powerful Oz showed up, the lights interacted with his entrance. Jeff Goldblum is Oz, and he took the stage to introduce the film. “I’ll be a ringtail flying monkey if that’s not the biggest flying cranium I’ve seen in my life,” Goldblum quipped about his character.
“I’ve been chased by dinosaurs, I...
During Universal’s CinemaCon presentation, the studio surprised the crowd by activating lanyards and roses given out before the presentation. Like magic, the objects lit up, flashing different colors as the theater filled with music. When the Great and Powerful Oz showed up, the lights interacted with his entrance. Jeff Goldblum is Oz, and he took the stage to introduce the film. “I’ll be a ringtail flying monkey if that’s not the biggest flying cranium I’ve seen in my life,” Goldblum quipped about his character.
“I’ve been chased by dinosaurs, I...
- 4/11/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 6 of “The Masked Singer,” “Transformers Night,” which aired April 10 on Fox.
Former “The Bachelor” star Colton Underwood knows the symbolism of his being unmasked on a reality show — in this case, “The Masked Singer” — is huge. Underwood, a former pro football player who made history as the first star of “The Bachelor” to come out as gay, was one of two celebrities to be revealed on Wednesday night’s show — the other being another ex-NFL player, the Hall of Fame, former pro football linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
“You’re obviously protected by a mask, which was symbolic for me in many ways just because I’d worn one my entire life until I wasn’t,” Underwood told Variety. “To put one back on to go on stage and do something that I’ve never done, something I...
Former “The Bachelor” star Colton Underwood knows the symbolism of his being unmasked on a reality show — in this case, “The Masked Singer” — is huge. Underwood, a former pro football player who made history as the first star of “The Bachelor” to come out as gay, was one of two celebrities to be revealed on Wednesday night’s show — the other being another ex-NFL player, the Hall of Fame, former pro football linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
“You’re obviously protected by a mask, which was symbolic for me in many ways just because I’d worn one my entire life until I wasn’t,” Underwood told Variety. “To put one back on to go on stage and do something that I’ve never done, something I...
- 4/11/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
“Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo traveled to Las Vegas for CinemaCon, the annual convention for movie theater owners.
Dressed in their character’s signature pink and green aesthetic, the Grammy-nominated artists graced the stage at Caesars Palace to hype up “Wicked,” the big-budget movie musical that’s due in theaters around Thanksgiving.
“We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears — so many different pairs of lashes,” said Grande, who requested to hold hands with her co-star on stage. Erivo added, “I’m really grateful for this journey that we’ve taken together.”
Though they didn’t sing (to the disappointment of many in the room), they introduced an extended featurette. Scored to “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” the dazzling footage showcased the sweeping, brightly lit world and includes scenes of Elphaba roaming the halls of Shiz University...
Dressed in their character’s signature pink and green aesthetic, the Grammy-nominated artists graced the stage at Caesars Palace to hype up “Wicked,” the big-budget movie musical that’s due in theaters around Thanksgiving.
“We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears — so many different pairs of lashes,” said Grande, who requested to hold hands with her co-star on stage. Erivo added, “I’m really grateful for this journey that we’ve taken together.”
Though they didn’t sing (to the disappointment of many in the room), they introduced an extended featurette. Scored to “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” the dazzling footage showcased the sweeping, brightly lit world and includes scenes of Elphaba roaming the halls of Shiz University...
- 4/11/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Universal’s upcoming adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” showcased some additional footage at this year’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas, bringing down the house with a first look at Cynthia Erivo donning the iconic hat of the Wicked Witch.
Erivo joined director Jon M. Chu and the film’s cast, including costar Ariana Grande, at the event.
“I never could have fathomed that I would have the opportunity to play the Wicked Witch,” Erivo said. “We have performed this song publicly and privately for many years, and now here we are together, getting the chance to perform these songs for an audience around the world.”
The sneak peek showed sweeping shots of the colorful world of Oz, along with Elphaba and Glinda’s turbulent first days together at Shiz University, where they are training to be witches. Elphaba develops far faster than Glinda, showing incredible potential and gaining the attention of Madame Morrible,...
Erivo joined director Jon M. Chu and the film’s cast, including costar Ariana Grande, at the event.
“I never could have fathomed that I would have the opportunity to play the Wicked Witch,” Erivo said. “We have performed this song publicly and privately for many years, and now here we are together, getting the chance to perform these songs for an audience around the world.”
The sneak peek showed sweeping shots of the colorful world of Oz, along with Elphaba and Glinda’s turbulent first days together at Shiz University, where they are training to be witches. Elphaba develops far faster than Glinda, showing incredible potential and gaining the attention of Madame Morrible,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Universal ended its CinemaCon presentation with Wicked last year, and they continued to beat the drum for director Jon M. Chu’s feature take of the Broadway musical with a colorful spectacle. Every attendee at Caesars Colosseum was given a faux tulip that lit up in varying colors, in particular pink and green, creating a great visual before Jeff Goldblum aka the Wizard took the stage to introduce Chu and producer Marc Platt.
Chu regaled: “I was a Silicon Valley kid, and as a matter of luck, I was there when Wicked was workshopped in San Francisco. I’ll never forget it; it imprinted on me permanently.”
He was joined by Michelle Yeoh and Jonathan Bailey. Yeoh praised Chu for casting her in roles in which the filmmaker “knows her so well.”
But the big surprise came when the witches themselves, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, stepped on stage.
Grande...
Chu regaled: “I was a Silicon Valley kid, and as a matter of luck, I was there when Wicked was workshopped in San Francisco. I’ll never forget it; it imprinted on me permanently.”
He was joined by Michelle Yeoh and Jonathan Bailey. Yeoh praised Chu for casting her in roles in which the filmmaker “knows her so well.”
But the big surprise came when the witches themselves, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, stepped on stage.
Grande...
- 4/11/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Amber Doig-Thorne, Ayvianna Snow, Alice Stevenson, Dani Thompson, Michael Fausti, Roe Haven, Laurence R. Harvey | Written and Directed by Michael Fausti
Burnt Flowers, the new film from writer/director Michael Fausti, begins with a series of scenes swiftly moving back and forth between London’s Rose Bar in 1968, Islington in 1983 and the Islington Police Station in 1992.
The last location is where Detective Franc Alban has a visitor, Alice Kyteller. She’s there to report a missing person, her husband Austin whom she last saw eight years ago in a brothel. Why has she waited so long to report him missing? “I thought he might come back”. She can’t offer any information and hasn’t so much as asked his friends about him, but she is sure that she and Detective Alban have met before.
If all of this sounds strange, you haven’t seen anything yet. The director...
Burnt Flowers, the new film from writer/director Michael Fausti, begins with a series of scenes swiftly moving back and forth between London’s Rose Bar in 1968, Islington in 1983 and the Islington Police Station in 1992.
The last location is where Detective Franc Alban has a visitor, Alice Kyteller. She’s there to report a missing person, her husband Austin whom she last saw eight years ago in a brothel. Why has she waited so long to report him missing? “I thought he might come back”. She can’t offer any information and hasn’t so much as asked his friends about him, but she is sure that she and Detective Alban have met before.
If all of this sounds strange, you haven’t seen anything yet. The director...
- 4/10/2024
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
What happens when you gaze at yourself in a muddled puddle of self-reflection? For filmmaking duo Bill and Turner Ross, it’s all about turning the camera inward to look outward, courtesy of the cinema verité style.
The Ross Brothers’ latest feature, “Gasoline Rainbow,” follows five teenagers from small-town Oregon as they embark on one final adventure together after high school: reaching the Pacific coast, 500 miles away. Along the way, the group encounters outsiders from the fringes of the American West and discovers that the contours of their lives will be set by trails they blaze themselves. They are forgotten kids from a forgotten town, but they have their freedom and they have each other, hurtling toward an unknowable future — and The Party at the End of the World.
While “Gasoline Rainbow” has been mistaken as a documentary, the feature is, in fact, loosely scripted and relies on the improvisational techniques of its five leads,...
The Ross Brothers’ latest feature, “Gasoline Rainbow,” follows five teenagers from small-town Oregon as they embark on one final adventure together after high school: reaching the Pacific coast, 500 miles away. Along the way, the group encounters outsiders from the fringes of the American West and discovers that the contours of their lives will be set by trails they blaze themselves. They are forgotten kids from a forgotten town, but they have their freedom and they have each other, hurtling toward an unknowable future — and The Party at the End of the World.
While “Gasoline Rainbow” has been mistaken as a documentary, the feature is, in fact, loosely scripted and relies on the improvisational techniques of its five leads,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
[Editor’s note: This list was originally published in January 2023. It has since been updated with new titles.]
Save for Tom Cruise and maybe Kevin Feige, no name carries more weight in the world of tentpole filmmaking than James Cameron.
In December 2022, more than a decade after the writer/director’s triumphant “Avatar” became the highest grossing movie of all time, Cameron’s sequel and visual effects marvel “Avatar: The Way of Water” provided a massive splash of ticket sales for a drought-ridden box office. It’s now the third highest grossing film of all time, and its run propped up theaters in what IndieWire’s Tom Brueggeman described as a good start to the 2023.
That’s standard fare for Cameron, of course. He first made box office history in 1997 with the epic historical fiction romance “Titanic”: a cinematic knockout that ran in theaters for nearly ten months and remains the fourth highest grossing movie ever made. He won Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Editing at the year’s Academy Awards.
Save for Tom Cruise and maybe Kevin Feige, no name carries more weight in the world of tentpole filmmaking than James Cameron.
In December 2022, more than a decade after the writer/director’s triumphant “Avatar” became the highest grossing movie of all time, Cameron’s sequel and visual effects marvel “Avatar: The Way of Water” provided a massive splash of ticket sales for a drought-ridden box office. It’s now the third highest grossing film of all time, and its run propped up theaters in what IndieWire’s Tom Brueggeman described as a good start to the 2023.
That’s standard fare for Cameron, of course. He first made box office history in 1997 with the epic historical fiction romance “Titanic”: a cinematic knockout that ran in theaters for nearly ten months and remains the fourth highest grossing movie ever made. He won Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Editing at the year’s Academy Awards.
- 4/9/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Quick: Name five stars who got their start in horror movies. This is such an easy question, even for much of today’s modern crop of Gen-z talent. So posing it in the 1980s is hardly fair. And yet, that is what Mia Goth’s eternally striving dreamer does at the top of the new MaXXXine trailer from A24.
“Jamie Lee Curtis, John Travolta, Demi Moore, and—” Maxine’s video store clerk buddy rattles off. She cuts him off before what surely must have been Kevin Bacon. At least it’s easy to presume this, because the trailer almost immediately cuts to a shot of a slightly older Bacon, who’s transitioned from big screen heartthrob to cinema statesman, stating, “My employer is a very powerful man.” Once upon a time, Bacon might’ve said the same thing about Sean S. Cunningham. After all, Bacon got his start in Cunningham’s ‘80s schlock classic,...
“Jamie Lee Curtis, John Travolta, Demi Moore, and—” Maxine’s video store clerk buddy rattles off. She cuts him off before what surely must have been Kevin Bacon. At least it’s easy to presume this, because the trailer almost immediately cuts to a shot of a slightly older Bacon, who’s transitioned from big screen heartthrob to cinema statesman, stating, “My employer is a very powerful man.” Once upon a time, Bacon might’ve said the same thing about Sean S. Cunningham. After all, Bacon got his start in Cunningham’s ‘80s schlock classic,...
- 4/8/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Deep in the morass of unmade David Lynch films––among the better-known likes Ronnie Rocket, One Saliva Bubble, Antelope Don’t Run No More, and Dune Messiah––is Snootworld, an animated, family-friendly project his ex-wife Peggy Reavey once claimed would be “David’s Harry Potter.” Some two decades since he began writing a script with Caroline Thompson and fifteen-or-so years since the last bit of speculation, Lynch has––in a somewhat uncharacteristic move––announced his hopes to find financing in an interview with Deadline.
This after, Lynch tells us, Netflix rejected a pitch for the feature, which Thompson revealed is the story of Snoots, “tiny creatures who have a ritual transition at aged eight at which time they get tinier and they’re sent away for a year so they are protected.” In yet another of his riffs on Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, chaos ensues “when...
This after, Lynch tells us, Netflix rejected a pitch for the feature, which Thompson revealed is the story of Snoots, “tiny creatures who have a ritual transition at aged eight at which time they get tinier and they’re sent away for a year so they are protected.” In yet another of his riffs on Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, chaos ensues “when...
- 4/8/2024
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Prepare to be captivated by a trio of enigmatic tales on the next episode of “Mysteries of the Unknown,” airing on Travel Channel this Monday at 8:00 Pm. In this spellbinding installment titled “The Wizard of Oz, Cryptic Canvas, and The American Locksmith,” viewers are in for a thrilling journey into the realm of the unexplained.
The episode kicks off with a series of misadventures that inspire a fantastical masterpiece, delving into the mysterious origins of a beloved classic. Next, an exquisite painting conceals a stunning secret, leading investigators on a quest to uncover its hidden meaning and significance.
But the intrigue doesn’t end there! Viewers will also be introduced to a master locksmith who holds the power to put the world in a state of fear, as his skills are put to the test in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Tune in to Travel Channel at...
The episode kicks off with a series of misadventures that inspire a fantastical masterpiece, delving into the mysterious origins of a beloved classic. Next, an exquisite painting conceals a stunning secret, leading investigators on a quest to uncover its hidden meaning and significance.
But the intrigue doesn’t end there! Viewers will also be introduced to a master locksmith who holds the power to put the world in a state of fear, as his skills are put to the test in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Tune in to Travel Channel at...
- 4/8/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Return to Oz, Disney’s 1985 dark take on Dorothy Gale (played by a then-9-year-old Fairuza Balk), shares its creative DNA with Star Wars. Not only that, George Lucas saved writer-director Walter Murch’s job after Disney fired Murch from the Oz shoot.
Lucas and Murch were old friends and collaborators, having met in the film department of the University of Southern California in the mid-1960s.
“My first memory of him was a shadowy figure behind me in the photograph developing room,” says Murch about Lucas on The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast It Happened in Hollywood. “I was trying unsuccessfully to develop one of the photographs that I had taken for an exercise, and there was this voice behind me that said, ‘You’re doing it wrong.’ And I turned around and I said, ‘Who is this guy?’ Of course, it turns out he was right. I was doing it wrong.
Lucas and Murch were old friends and collaborators, having met in the film department of the University of Southern California in the mid-1960s.
“My first memory of him was a shadowy figure behind me in the photograph developing room,” says Murch about Lucas on The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast It Happened in Hollywood. “I was trying unsuccessfully to develop one of the photographs that I had taken for an exercise, and there was this voice behind me that said, ‘You’re doing it wrong.’ And I turned around and I said, ‘Who is this guy?’ Of course, it turns out he was right. I was doing it wrong.
- 4/4/2024
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 5 of “The Masked Singer,” “Group C Finals: Shower Anthems Night,” which aired April 3 on Fox.
After two weeks of being on “The Masked Singer” chopping block, Sisqó is finally gone-guh-gone-gone-gone.
I think I’ll sing it again: Sisqó’s been dumped like a truck, truck, truck. “The Masked Singer” has removed his butt, butt, butt. Let me see (who sang) that song!
That’s right, “Thong Song” superstar Sisqó on Wednesday became the latest celebrity to be unmasked on “The Masked Singer,” revealed to be the Lizard.
For Sisqó as the Lizard, several of the panelists had figured it out. Robin Thicke and Rita Ora knew it was Sisqó. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Ray J. Ken Jeong said it was Michael Bivins.
Lizard was voted out after being one of the two lowest vote-getters in the two previous episodes.
After two weeks of being on “The Masked Singer” chopping block, Sisqó is finally gone-guh-gone-gone-gone.
I think I’ll sing it again: Sisqó’s been dumped like a truck, truck, truck. “The Masked Singer” has removed his butt, butt, butt. Let me see (who sang) that song!
That’s right, “Thong Song” superstar Sisqó on Wednesday became the latest celebrity to be unmasked on “The Masked Singer,” revealed to be the Lizard.
For Sisqó as the Lizard, several of the panelists had figured it out. Robin Thicke and Rita Ora knew it was Sisqó. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Ray J. Ken Jeong said it was Michael Bivins.
Lizard was voted out after being one of the two lowest vote-getters in the two previous episodes.
- 4/4/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 4 of “The Masked Singer,” “TV Theme Night,” which aired March 27 on Fox.
“Extra” host Billy Bush won’t get an extra shot at “The Masked Singer.” The entertainment newsmagazine anchor and one-time morning drive radio host was the next celebrity to be unmasked on Wednesday’s “TV Theme Night” edition of “The Masked Singer.”
“I’m not a great singer,” Bush said. “If you can’t make it with the lips, make it with the hips. If you’ve never done something that’s a little on the scary side — and this is scary — say yes!”
For Bush, none of the panelists got it right. Robin Thicke guessed Anderson Cooper. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Seth Meyers. Ken Jeong picked Ryan Seacrest. New panelist Rita Ora said it was Andy Cohen.
Lizard (for the second week in a row...
“Extra” host Billy Bush won’t get an extra shot at “The Masked Singer.” The entertainment newsmagazine anchor and one-time morning drive radio host was the next celebrity to be unmasked on Wednesday’s “TV Theme Night” edition of “The Masked Singer.”
“I’m not a great singer,” Bush said. “If you can’t make it with the lips, make it with the hips. If you’ve never done something that’s a little on the scary side — and this is scary — say yes!”
For Bush, none of the panelists got it right. Robin Thicke guessed Anderson Cooper. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Seth Meyers. Ken Jeong picked Ryan Seacrest. New panelist Rita Ora said it was Andy Cohen.
Lizard (for the second week in a row...
- 3/28/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Can you feel the Kenergy? Ryan Gosling has launched a new production company, and he’s wasted no time in signing that company to a first-look film deal with Amazon MGM Studios.
Gosling has launched General Admission, which he will run alongside Jessie Henderson, a former executive with Apple Original Films over the last three years. Their company will produce movies across all genres for both theaters and streaming that are “fun, transportive entertainment for everyone.”
Under the deal with Amazon MGM, the studio will have the first look on any narrative features General Admission produces, some of which will star Gosling. It’s a three-year first look deal, and Amazon MGM says the movies will be made for both theatrical and streaming.
Gosling, who is riding high off his Oscar nomination for “Barbie” and his show-stopping performance of “I’m Just Ken” on the Oscars stage, is already a...
Gosling has launched General Admission, which he will run alongside Jessie Henderson, a former executive with Apple Original Films over the last three years. Their company will produce movies across all genres for both theaters and streaming that are “fun, transportive entertainment for everyone.”
Under the deal with Amazon MGM, the studio will have the first look on any narrative features General Admission produces, some of which will star Gosling. It’s a three-year first look deal, and Amazon MGM says the movies will be made for both theatrical and streaming.
Gosling, who is riding high off his Oscar nomination for “Barbie” and his show-stopping performance of “I’m Just Ken” on the Oscars stage, is already a...
- 3/27/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Ryan Gosling and Apple Original Films exec Jessie Henderson have launched General Admission, a production company with the objective to collaborate with world class filmmakers to create bold theatrical and streaming events within all genres.
In introducing their new venture, the duo has signed a three-year first-look film deal with Amazon MGM Studios. Under the pact, Amazon MGM Studios will have a first look on narrative features, some of which Gosling will star in, that General Admission intends to produce for both theatrical and streaming.
“We are so thrilled that Ryan Gosling and Jessie Henderson will make Amazon MGM Studios the home of their new company, General Admission,” said Amazon MGM Studios head of film, streaming and theatrical Courtenay Valenti. “As the name of their company conveys, these passionate and extraordinary filmmakers want to tell stories for audiences all over the world. Ryan Gosling is a truly singular artist who possesses boundless talent and creativity.
In introducing their new venture, the duo has signed a three-year first-look film deal with Amazon MGM Studios. Under the pact, Amazon MGM Studios will have a first look on narrative features, some of which Gosling will star in, that General Admission intends to produce for both theatrical and streaming.
“We are so thrilled that Ryan Gosling and Jessie Henderson will make Amazon MGM Studios the home of their new company, General Admission,” said Amazon MGM Studios head of film, streaming and theatrical Courtenay Valenti. “As the name of their company conveys, these passionate and extraordinary filmmakers want to tell stories for audiences all over the world. Ryan Gosling is a truly singular artist who possesses boundless talent and creativity.
- 3/27/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Big news here. Hot off his Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for Barbie, Ryan Gosling is launching a new production company General Admission with former Apple Original Films executive Jessie Henderson. In launching the new venture, the duo have inked a three-year first-look film deal at Amazon MGM Studios.
General Admission’s objective will be to collaborate with world class filmmakers to create bold theatrical and streaming events within all genres – fun, transportive entertainment for everyone. Under the pact, Amazon MGM Studios will have a first look on narrative features–some of which Gosling will star in–that General Admission intends to produce for both theatrical and streaming.
“We are so thrilled that Ryan Gosling and Jessie Henderson will make Amazon MGM Studios the home of their new company, General Admission,” said Courtenay Valenti, head of film, streaming, and theatrical at Amazon MGM Studios. “ As the name of their company conveys,...
General Admission’s objective will be to collaborate with world class filmmakers to create bold theatrical and streaming events within all genres – fun, transportive entertainment for everyone. Under the pact, Amazon MGM Studios will have a first look on narrative features–some of which Gosling will star in–that General Admission intends to produce for both theatrical and streaming.
“We are so thrilled that Ryan Gosling and Jessie Henderson will make Amazon MGM Studios the home of their new company, General Admission,” said Courtenay Valenti, head of film, streaming, and theatrical at Amazon MGM Studios. “ As the name of their company conveys,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
By the time the curtain rang down on CBS’ “The Judy Garland Show” on March 29, 1964, the musical variety show had, in just one season, three producers and three different formats. Despite good reviews from critics and Judy Garland’s devoted fan base, the series wasn’t felled by the mercurial Garland being difficult but by the Cartwrights — Ben, Little Joe, Adam, and Hoss — of NBC’s ratings powerhouse “Bonanza.”
Though “The Judy Garland Show” was cancelled after one season, it certainly has lived on over the past six decades. The show was included in TV Guide’s 2013 list of 60 series that were “Cancelled Too Soon.” It certainly was the series that got away. Not only was the mercurial Garland in top (and emotional) voice, but the show also featured a powerhouse of guest stars from her frequent leading man Mickey Rooney, Ray Bolger from “The Wizard of Oz” and newcomers such as Barbra Streisand.
Though “The Judy Garland Show” was cancelled after one season, it certainly has lived on over the past six decades. The show was included in TV Guide’s 2013 list of 60 series that were “Cancelled Too Soon.” It certainly was the series that got away. Not only was the mercurial Garland in top (and emotional) voice, but the show also featured a powerhouse of guest stars from her frequent leading man Mickey Rooney, Ray Bolger from “The Wizard of Oz” and newcomers such as Barbra Streisand.
- 3/26/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
"Wicked" began its life as a playful, lore-rich 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, which imagined deep backstories and complex relationships between the characters from "The Wizard of Oz." By Maguire's imagining, the green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West was merely misunderstood and marginalized. In 2003, lyricist Stephen Schwartz and dramatist Winnie Holzman adapted Maguire's novel into a Broadway musical that almost instantly became a runaway hit. "Wicked" won three Tonys, and had since set up camp on Broadway, becoming one of the longest-running shows in the history of the Great White Way. As of this writing, "Wicked" has surpassed "Cats" in number of performances.
Due in theaters on November 27, 2024, is the first part of a massive two-film adaptation of "Wicked" directed by the venerable Jon M. Chu. Although the stage version of "Wicked" only runs about two and a half hours, Chu has elected to expand it into a "Dune"-sized event,...
Due in theaters on November 27, 2024, is the first part of a massive two-film adaptation of "Wicked" directed by the venerable Jon M. Chu. Although the stage version of "Wicked" only runs about two and a half hours, Chu has elected to expand it into a "Dune"-sized event,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The summer of ’84 was golden. The Summer Olympics and the Olympics Arts Festival transformed host city Los Angeles into an athletic and artistic mecca. Bruce Springsteen was burning up arenas with his “Born in the USA” tour. Geraldine Ferraro made history when she was named Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale’s running mate making her the first woman to be part of a major party’s national ticket.
And the quirky horror comedy “Ghostbusters” was scaring up big bucks at the box office. Taking in in nearly $300 million, it was the No. 1 film of the year. Directed by the late Ivan Reitman “Ghostbusters” starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis and Annie Potts and revolved around a group of parapsychologists who open a ghost removal service in New York City. Ray Parker’s catchy theme song hit No. 1 and was nominated for an Oscar...
And the quirky horror comedy “Ghostbusters” was scaring up big bucks at the box office. Taking in in nearly $300 million, it was the No. 1 film of the year. Directed by the late Ivan Reitman “Ghostbusters” starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis and Annie Potts and revolved around a group of parapsychologists who open a ghost removal service in New York City. Ray Parker’s catchy theme song hit No. 1 and was nominated for an Oscar...
- 3/22/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Origins is a recurring series that gives artists a space to break down everything that went into their latest release. Today, country singer Cassandra Lewis sheds light on her new single, “Lost in a Dream.”
There’s a transportive quality to Cassandra Lewis’ voice. From the moment she opens her mouth, the listener is struck with the feeling of being in a different time and place, and while her trilling vibrato might recall Dolly Parton, her belt feels more theatrical, invoking the heartbreaking drama of an artist like Adele.
Lewis is the latest artist to be signed to Elektra’s Low Country Records, and hearing her sing live makes it obvious why the label felt the need to scoop her up. Her emotional power still comes through in recorded format, including on her new single, “Lost In a Dream.”
The artwork for the track shows the vocalist in a field of poppies,...
There’s a transportive quality to Cassandra Lewis’ voice. From the moment she opens her mouth, the listener is struck with the feeling of being in a different time and place, and while her trilling vibrato might recall Dolly Parton, her belt feels more theatrical, invoking the heartbreaking drama of an artist like Adele.
Lewis is the latest artist to be signed to Elektra’s Low Country Records, and hearing her sing live makes it obvious why the label felt the need to scoop her up. Her emotional power still comes through in recorded format, including on her new single, “Lost In a Dream.”
The artwork for the track shows the vocalist in a field of poppies,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Mary Siroky
- Consequence - Music
“Wicked” director Jon M. Chu confirmed in a new interview with Vanity Fair that his leading ladies Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo sang live on set, similar to how other movie musicals such as “La La Land” and “Les Miserables” were filmed. Studios often rely on pre-recorded tracks when filming musical numbers, which requires performers to lip-synch along on set. Grande and Erivo were not interested in this traditional method.
“These are live vocals,” Chu said. “When we were shooting it, those girls were like, ‘Fuck the pre-records. We’re going live.’”
Chu remembered telling them that singing live on set meant “there’s going to be a lot of wind in your air pipes. Is that okay?” He said the actors responded with confidence, saying, “Yeah. That’s what we do.”
Based on the blockbuster Broadway musical of the same name, “Wicked” is a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz...
“These are live vocals,” Chu said. “When we were shooting it, those girls were like, ‘Fuck the pre-records. We’re going live.’”
Chu remembered telling them that singing live on set meant “there’s going to be a lot of wind in your air pipes. Is that okay?” He said the actors responded with confidence, saying, “Yeah. That’s what we do.”
Based on the blockbuster Broadway musical of the same name, “Wicked” is a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz...
- 3/21/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
The Broadway musical Wicked will be getting its cinematic adaptation this year. The musical has been divided into two parts, with Part One set to be released on November 27, 2024. It stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in the lead roles, playing Galinda Upland and Elphaba Thropp respectively. The story acts as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz.
Director Jon M. Chu mentioned that the actresses got along really well on set. He said that he chose to not depend on excessive CGI and wanted actual sets. Chu also said that the two were extremely committed to their roles, with the actresses going as far as delivering live vocals while filming instead of the usual practice of lip-syncing to pre-recorded songs.
Ariana Grande ‘Stalked’ Producer Marc Platt To Bag The Role In Wicked A still from Wicked
The stage musical Wicked was a national phenomenon upon release, propelling lead actor Idina Menzel to stardom.
Director Jon M. Chu mentioned that the actresses got along really well on set. He said that he chose to not depend on excessive CGI and wanted actual sets. Chu also said that the two were extremely committed to their roles, with the actresses going as far as delivering live vocals while filming instead of the usual practice of lip-syncing to pre-recorded songs.
Ariana Grande ‘Stalked’ Producer Marc Platt To Bag The Role In Wicked A still from Wicked
The stage musical Wicked was a national phenomenon upon release, propelling lead actor Idina Menzel to stardom.
- 3/21/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Clock was one of the new contestants this week on The Masked Singer. After their performance, they made it to the next round without a problem and didn’t have to participate in the week’s Smackdown round. With that said, they remain one of the favorites to move far in the competition, but who is under that mask?
Here is what Clock performed this week on The Masked Singer and who we think is under the mask based on the clues.
Clock Performs On The Masked Singer
This week, The Masked Singer had a special theme night. Last week was celebrating The Wizard of Oz, and this week was focused on a legendary singer/songwriter. This week is Billy Joel Night. With the new theme, there were four new singers in Group C. They include Clock, Lizard, Poodle Moth, and Spaghetti & Meatballs.
Clock came out and sang one of...
Here is what Clock performed this week on The Masked Singer and who we think is under the mask based on the clues.
Clock Performs On The Masked Singer
This week, The Masked Singer had a special theme night. Last week was celebrating The Wizard of Oz, and this week was focused on a legendary singer/songwriter. This week is Billy Joel Night. With the new theme, there were four new singers in Group C. They include Clock, Lizard, Poodle Moth, and Spaghetti & Meatballs.
Clock came out and sang one of...
- 3/21/2024
- by Shawn Lealos
- TV Shows Ace
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 3 of “The Masked Singer,” “Billy Joel Night,” which aired March 20 on Fox.
In a Fox reality crossover, “MasterChef” judge Joe Bastianich was revealed to be the singer under the Spaghetti & Meatballs costume on this week’s episode of “The Masked Singer.” And in a coincidence, the restauranteur appeared on “Billy Joel Night” — and the Piano Man happens to be a buddy.
“I grew up on Long Island in the 70s and 80s,” Bastianich told Variety. “That was the soundtrack of that era. Some of the greatest songs ever written. I know Billy Joel, personally, from growing up and as a customer in all the restaurants. I hope he gets to see it!”
For Bastianich, none of the panelists got it right. Robin Thicke guessed Stanley Tucci. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg said Guy Fieri. Ken Jeong picked Bobby Flay. New panelist Rita Ora was close,...
In a Fox reality crossover, “MasterChef” judge Joe Bastianich was revealed to be the singer under the Spaghetti & Meatballs costume on this week’s episode of “The Masked Singer.” And in a coincidence, the restauranteur appeared on “Billy Joel Night” — and the Piano Man happens to be a buddy.
“I grew up on Long Island in the 70s and 80s,” Bastianich told Variety. “That was the soundtrack of that era. Some of the greatest songs ever written. I know Billy Joel, personally, from growing up and as a customer in all the restaurants. I hope he gets to see it!”
For Bastianich, none of the panelists got it right. Robin Thicke guessed Stanley Tucci. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg said Guy Fieri. Ken Jeong picked Bobby Flay. New panelist Rita Ora was close,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
“Where is your Ramona now?” Grace Cummings sings on the dramatic title track from her upcoming album. “She’s little, she’s sweet, she’s nothing at all to me.” The LP will come out April 5.
The music that surrounds her powerful, orotund voice builds and falls, with piano clanging behind her and the bass guitar taking long foot-slogging steps forward, pushing her. It’s emotional and grand, like a metamorphosis in real time, and by the end of it, she’s singing, “It’s just the time to be Ramona,...
The music that surrounds her powerful, orotund voice builds and falls, with piano clanging behind her and the bass guitar taking long foot-slogging steps forward, pushing her. It’s emotional and grand, like a metamorphosis in real time, and by the end of it, she’s singing, “It’s just the time to be Ramona,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
After a second man was charged in connection with the theft of a pair of ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the shoes worn by Judy Garland are going up for auction.
Collector Michael Shaw, who owned the slippers when they were stolen, was reunited with the priceless piece from the 1939 film on Sunday during a private ceremony at the Judy Garland Museum. He had loaned the pair to the museum in August 2005 for what was meant to be a 10-week viewing tied to the annual Judy Garland Festival, but the shoes were swiped a week later.
Upon receiving the sequin-covered shoes nearly 20 years later, Shaw has decided to hand them to Heritage Auctions, which will take the famed slippers on a world tour, including stops in Los Angeles, New York City, London and Tokyo. Afterwards, the shoes will go up for auction in December.
“You cannot overstate the...
Collector Michael Shaw, who owned the slippers when they were stolen, was reunited with the priceless piece from the 1939 film on Sunday during a private ceremony at the Judy Garland Museum. He had loaned the pair to the museum in August 2005 for what was meant to be a 10-week viewing tied to the annual Judy Garland Festival, but the shoes were swiped a week later.
Upon receiving the sequin-covered shoes nearly 20 years later, Shaw has decided to hand them to Heritage Auctions, which will take the famed slippers on a world tour, including stops in Los Angeles, New York City, London and Tokyo. Afterwards, the shoes will go up for auction in December.
“You cannot overstate the...
- 3/18/2024
- by Tatiana Tenreyro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A second man has been charged in connection with the 2005 theft of a pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz, according to an indictment made public Sunday.
Jerry Hal Saliterman, 76, of Crystal, Minnesota, was charged with theft of a major artwork and witness tampering. He did not enter a plea when he made his first appearance Friday in U.S. District Court in St. Paul.
The slippers, adorned with sequins and glass beads, were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in the late actor’s hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, nearly 20 years ago and their whereabouts remained a mystery until the FBI recovered them in 2018.
The indictment says that from August 2005 to July 2018, Saliterman “received, concealed and disposed of an object of cultural heritage” — specifically, “an authentic pair of ‘ruby slippers’ worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz.” The indictment...
Jerry Hal Saliterman, 76, of Crystal, Minnesota, was charged with theft of a major artwork and witness tampering. He did not enter a plea when he made his first appearance Friday in U.S. District Court in St. Paul.
The slippers, adorned with sequins and glass beads, were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in the late actor’s hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, nearly 20 years ago and their whereabouts remained a mystery until the FBI recovered them in 2018.
The indictment says that from August 2005 to July 2018, Saliterman “received, concealed and disposed of an object of cultural heritage” — specifically, “an authentic pair of ‘ruby slippers’ worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz.” The indictment...
- 3/18/2024
- by The Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This week’s The Masked Singer saw four new singers take the stage and perform for the crowd. Two singers had to compete in a Smackdown, where they sang the same song together. These singers were Gumball and Afghan Hound. In the end, Gumball moved on and Afghan Hound was unmasked as Savannah Chrisley.
Savannah talked about her appearance on the show and said how her mother, Julie Chrisley, reacted to the performance.
Julie Chrisley Reacts To Savannah On The Masked Singer
The Masked Singer Week 2, saw Afghan Hound come out and perform “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens. She ended up going head-to-head with Gumball in the Smackdown. They performed “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead” from The Wizard of Oz. By the end, fans voted for Gumball to move on. Afghan Hound then took off her mask to reveal Savannah Chrisley, star of Chrisley Knows Best.
When interviewed after the show,...
Savannah talked about her appearance on the show and said how her mother, Julie Chrisley, reacted to the performance.
Julie Chrisley Reacts To Savannah On The Masked Singer
The Masked Singer Week 2, saw Afghan Hound come out and perform “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens. She ended up going head-to-head with Gumball in the Smackdown. They performed “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead” from The Wizard of Oz. By the end, fans voted for Gumball to move on. Afghan Hound then took off her mask to reveal Savannah Chrisley, star of Chrisley Knows Best.
When interviewed after the show,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Shawn Lealos
- TV Shows Ace
Four new singers showed up on The Masked Singer this week. One of the new singers went home at the night’s end when fans voted out Savannah Chrisley’s Afghan Hound after the Smackdown round. That final round saw Gumball beat out Afghan Hound to move on in the competition.
Here is what we know about Gumball on The Masked Singer and who we think is under that costume.
Gumball On The Masked Singer
Gumball performed twice on Wizard of Oz night on The Masked Singer. The first song he performed was a medley of two songs. The first was “If I Only Had A Heart” by Jack Haley and “Heartbeat Song” by Kelly Clarkson. Of course, that first song was straight out of The Wizard of Oz movie. The Smackdown saw Gumball and Afghan Hound sing “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead.”
The clues package also started with a...
Here is what we know about Gumball on The Masked Singer and who we think is under that costume.
Gumball On The Masked Singer
Gumball performed twice on Wizard of Oz night on The Masked Singer. The first song he performed was a medley of two songs. The first was “If I Only Had A Heart” by Jack Haley and “Heartbeat Song” by Kelly Clarkson. Of course, that first song was straight out of The Wizard of Oz movie. The Smackdown saw Gumball and Afghan Hound sing “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead.”
The clues package also started with a...
- 3/14/2024
- by Shawn Lealos
- TV Shows Ace
The new episode of The Masked Singer saw four new competitors take the stage. One unmasking occurred as Afghan Hound was unmasked as Savannah Chrisley after losing the Smackdown to Gumball. However, the two competitors didn’t need to worry about that final round. In reality, it was three, as Beets is this season’s first duo competitor.
Here is a look at Beets and who we think this duo is on The Masked Singer.
Beets On The Masked Singer
The Beets came out as a duo and sang the song, “Home” by Michael Buble. Their performance was well-received and they moved on to the next rounds without worrying about being unmasked this week. When Nick Cannon asked them who they liked from The Wizard of Oz, they said Dorothy and Toto, thanks to their loyalty and friendship.
As for their clue package, they said “Home for us has been wherever we’re together.
Here is a look at Beets and who we think this duo is on The Masked Singer.
Beets On The Masked Singer
The Beets came out as a duo and sang the song, “Home” by Michael Buble. Their performance was well-received and they moved on to the next rounds without worrying about being unmasked this week. When Nick Cannon asked them who they liked from The Wizard of Oz, they said Dorothy and Toto, thanks to their loyalty and friendship.
As for their clue package, they said “Home for us has been wherever we’re together.
- 3/14/2024
- by Shawn Lealos
- TV Shows Ace
The Masked Singer was back this week with a new episode and four new contestants. There was one unmasking this week, as Afghan Hound lost in the Smackdown and revealed herself to be Savannah Chrisley from Chrisley Knows Best. However, one person who didn’t need to worry about the Smackdown is Miss Cloecatra.
Here is what we know about Miss Cleocatra and our guesses about who might be under the mask.
Miss Cleocatra On The Masked Singer
It was Wizard of Oz night on The Masked Singer and four new singers took the stage, with one going home at the end of the night. One of the new singers is Miss Clecatra. As her name indicates, the costume is a cat dressed like the iconic Cleopatra. Here is what happened on her first night on the reality TV show.
Miss Cleocatra came out and started Wizard of Oz night...
Here is what we know about Miss Cleocatra and our guesses about who might be under the mask.
Miss Cleocatra On The Masked Singer
It was Wizard of Oz night on The Masked Singer and four new singers took the stage, with one going home at the end of the night. One of the new singers is Miss Clecatra. As her name indicates, the costume is a cat dressed like the iconic Cleopatra. Here is what happened on her first night on the reality TV show.
Miss Cleocatra came out and started Wizard of Oz night...
- 3/14/2024
- by Shawn Lealos
- TV Shows Ace
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