The high-profile cast for Universal Pictures’ forthcoming musical from Michel Gondry and Pharrell Williams has just been kicked up an octave with the addition of Janelle Monáe.
Monáe has signed on to join the cast of the coming-of-age period feature that is currently untitled. The film’s previously confirmed castmembers include Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry and Missy Elliott.
The project is set in Virginia Beach during the summer of 1977 and inspired by Atlantis Apartments, the neighborhood where Williams grew up. Gondry directs the musical from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.
Producers include Williams and Mimi Valdés for I Am Other, alongside Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Overseeing the movie for Universal are senior vp of production development Ryan Jones and director of production development Christine Sun.
Monáe’s previous film credits include Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Antebellum,...
Monáe has signed on to join the cast of the coming-of-age period feature that is currently untitled. The film’s previously confirmed castmembers include Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry and Missy Elliott.
The project is set in Virginia Beach during the summer of 1977 and inspired by Atlantis Apartments, the neighborhood where Williams grew up. Gondry directs the musical from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.
Producers include Williams and Mimi Valdés for I Am Other, alongside Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Overseeing the movie for Universal are senior vp of production development Ryan Jones and director of production development Christine Sun.
Monáe’s previous film credits include Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Antebellum,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As October turns to November, it is a great time to be a subscriber to Peacock as not only is the NBCUniversal streaming service able to bring audiences a ton of titles perfect to watch in preparation for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, but it also is the streaming home to some of the best football action at both the college and NFL levels. When you throw in new movies and series that are original and exclusive to Peacock and from across the NBCU family of networks, it is a good time to sign up for either a Peacock Premium ($5.99) or Peacock Premium Plus ($11.99) plan.
So, we here at The Streamable have put together a list of the five most exciting things coming to Peacock in November, and down below, you can take a look at everything new coming to the streaming service in the month.
What Are the...
So, we here at The Streamable have put together a list of the five most exciting things coming to Peacock in November, and down below, you can take a look at everything new coming to the streaming service in the month.
What Are the...
- 10/30/2023
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Exclusive: Michel Gondry’s Partizan and Rtg Features have tapped Christopher Makoto Yogi (I Was a Simple Man) to direct Merv and the Miracles, a feature-length doc that explores the legendary college basketball game between Chaminade and number-one ranked Virginia in 1982.
The film, currently in the early stages of production, is being co-produced and co-financed by Partizan and Rtg Features, with Julie Fong (Dave Chappelle’s Block Party), Brian Yang (Linsanity), and Justin R. Ching (Ritual) producing.
During the opening weekend of the 43rd annual Hawai’i Film Festival, Artistic Director Anderson Le will give attendees an early first look at the film during a panel conversation with Yogi, who is himself an Hiff alum. Pic will be one of two Hawaiian indies spotlighted during the 90-minute program taking place on Saturday, October 14th at Entrepreneurs Sandbox in Honolulu.
Merv and the Miracles picks up on December 23, 1982 with Coach Merv...
The film, currently in the early stages of production, is being co-produced and co-financed by Partizan and Rtg Features, with Julie Fong (Dave Chappelle’s Block Party), Brian Yang (Linsanity), and Justin R. Ching (Ritual) producing.
During the opening weekend of the 43rd annual Hawai’i Film Festival, Artistic Director Anderson Le will give attendees an early first look at the film during a panel conversation with Yogi, who is himself an Hiff alum. Pic will be one of two Hawaiian indies spotlighted during the 90-minute program taking place on Saturday, October 14th at Entrepreneurs Sandbox in Honolulu.
Merv and the Miracles picks up on December 23, 1982 with Coach Merv...
- 9/21/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Antoinette Robertson “never felt able” to watch horror movies.The 29-year-old actress stars alongside the likes of Melvin Gregg and Grace Byers in the upcoming movie ‘The Blackening’ – which sees seven friends trapped in a cabin with a killer – but felt when she was growing up that black people were “never valued” in the genre of horror. She told The Hollywood Reporter: “To be perfectly honest, because people of color — and black people specifically — weren’t valued in the horror space, it never made me feel like it was a space I wanted to veer towards. But I also had some pretty cruel cousins that liked to scare me a lot. So it put me in a world where I was a little bit of a fraidy cat, and I stayed away from the genre anyway.”The ‘Block Party’ star went on to add that it was in high...
- 6/19/2023
- by Jordan Beck
- Bang Showbiz
The creator of Hamilton is happy action is being taken against an unauthorized production of the hit Broadway musical.
Last week, Texas church The Door Christian Fellowship Ministries mounted their own version of Hamilton, without seeking permission.
Read More: Lin-Manuel Miranda Can’t Recognize The ‘Encanto’ Hit He Wrote In ‘Tonight Show’ Game
A spokesperson confirmed that the team behind the original play had issued a cease-and-desist order against the church, which included demanding the removal of all images and video from the unauthorized production from social media.
In a tweet on Wednesday, playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda condemned the church for their actions.
“Grateful to all of you who reached out about this illegal, unauthorized production,” he wrote. “Now lawyers do their work.”
Grateful to all of you who reached out about this illegal, unauthorized production. Now lawyers do their work.
And always grateful to the @dramatistsguild, who have the backs of writers everywhere,...
Last week, Texas church The Door Christian Fellowship Ministries mounted their own version of Hamilton, without seeking permission.
Read More: Lin-Manuel Miranda Can’t Recognize The ‘Encanto’ Hit He Wrote In ‘Tonight Show’ Game
A spokesperson confirmed that the team behind the original play had issued a cease-and-desist order against the church, which included demanding the removal of all images and video from the unauthorized production from social media.
In a tweet on Wednesday, playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda condemned the church for their actions.
“Grateful to all of you who reached out about this illegal, unauthorized production,” he wrote. “Now lawyers do their work.”
Grateful to all of you who reached out about this illegal, unauthorized production. Now lawyers do their work.
And always grateful to the @dramatistsguild, who have the backs of writers everywhere,...
- 8/11/2022
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
In 2021, Juneteenth, the celebration of the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans, was established as a federal holiday, and with new holidays to celebrate, there are new opportunities for holiday movies, of course. From director Dawn Wilkinson (“A Nashville Christmas Carol”) and writers Matt Allen (“Mighty Oak”), Lisa Mathis and Krista Suh, comes “Block Party,” a summer family comedy that’s ostensibly themed around Juneteenth.
The connection to Juneteenth feels tenuous at best, as characters continually name-check the holiday but never stop to explain or discuss the meaning of the celebration. The script assumes that the audience is familiar with the holiday and its importance, which is perhaps a heartening sign that Juneteenth doesn’t need to be explained anymore, but most great holiday films at least touch on the significant themes of the holiday (e.g. “the true meaning of Christmas”).
“Block Party” feels strangely divorced from what Juneteenth actually signifies,...
The connection to Juneteenth feels tenuous at best, as characters continually name-check the holiday but never stop to explain or discuss the meaning of the celebration. The script assumes that the audience is familiar with the holiday and its importance, which is perhaps a heartening sign that Juneteenth doesn’t need to be explained anymore, but most great holiday films at least touch on the significant themes of the holiday (e.g. “the true meaning of Christmas”).
“Block Party” feels strangely divorced from what Juneteenth actually signifies,...
- 6/7/2022
- by Katie Walsh
- The Wrap
Wazzup, Wazzup, Wazzup?!!
Cue that '90s nostalgia because BET+ is hitting us right in the heart with a long-awaited Martin: The Reunion, a special for the hit classic series.
It's been 30 years in the making!
Sadly we're down one key cast member after the tragic death of Tommy Ford. However, for the first time in three decades, the cast will come together to reminisce, relive some of their favorite moments, and commemorate one of the most pivotal and influential series in modern Black TV culture.
Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II will settle in on the iconic living room set of the series and relive some of their glory days with what was and remains a Black cultural juggernaut series.
Comedian Affion Crockett will host the 90-minute special, and it'll have some surprise guest appearances, special musical performances, and loads of behind-the-scenes commentary.
Anyone...
Cue that '90s nostalgia because BET+ is hitting us right in the heart with a long-awaited Martin: The Reunion, a special for the hit classic series.
It's been 30 years in the making!
Sadly we're down one key cast member after the tragic death of Tommy Ford. However, for the first time in three decades, the cast will come together to reminisce, relive some of their favorite moments, and commemorate one of the most pivotal and influential series in modern Black TV culture.
Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II will settle in on the iconic living room set of the series and relive some of their glory days with what was and remains a Black cultural juggernaut series.
Comedian Affion Crockett will host the 90-minute special, and it'll have some surprise guest appearances, special musical performances, and loads of behind-the-scenes commentary.
Anyone...
- 6/7/2022
- by Jasmine Blu
- TVfanatic
BET+ announced its robust summer slate Wednesday, which includes the highly anticipated Martin reunion and new seasons of All the Queen’s Men, Family Business and The Ms. Pat Show.
Streaming Thursday, June 16, Martin: The Reunion is a 90-minute special hosted by comedian Affion Crockett that “takes fans back to the iconic Martin living room set and reunites the original cast — Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Carly Anthony Payne II — for a once in a lifetime celebration” of the Fox sitcom, which ran for five seasons between 1992 and 1997. Per BET+, the retrospective will be complete with “musical performances...
Streaming Thursday, June 16, Martin: The Reunion is a 90-minute special hosted by comedian Affion Crockett that “takes fans back to the iconic Martin living room set and reunites the original cast — Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Carly Anthony Payne II — for a once in a lifetime celebration” of the Fox sitcom, which ran for five seasons between 1992 and 1997. Per BET+, the retrospective will be complete with “musical performances...
- 5/25/2022
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: The Juneteenth comedy Block Party is set for a wide theatrical release via Iconic Events Releasing on June 8, also having been picked up for linear and streaming by BET and BET+ starting June 16.
The film from director Dawn Wilkinson centers on Keke McQueen (Antoinette Robertson), a recent Harvard grad who is eager to ditch her hometown of Grand Rapids, Mi, for her dream job in Atlanta. But when Keke discovers that her once-super-sharp Grandma Janice (Academy Award nominee Margaret Avery) is showing early signs of dementia, she puts her career at stake in order to save Grandma’s renowned Juneteenth block party. In the process, Keke falls back in love with her hometown.
Block Party also stars Faizon Love, Luenell, Golden Brooks, Charlyne Yi, John Amos, Gary Anthony Williams, Brad William Henke, Birgundi Baker, Bill Cobbs, Terayle and Merle Dandridge. Branch Out Productions’ Lisa Mathis wrote the script and...
The film from director Dawn Wilkinson centers on Keke McQueen (Antoinette Robertson), a recent Harvard grad who is eager to ditch her hometown of Grand Rapids, Mi, for her dream job in Atlanta. But when Keke discovers that her once-super-sharp Grandma Janice (Academy Award nominee Margaret Avery) is showing early signs of dementia, she puts her career at stake in order to save Grandma’s renowned Juneteenth block party. In the process, Keke falls back in love with her hometown.
Block Party also stars Faizon Love, Luenell, Golden Brooks, Charlyne Yi, John Amos, Gary Anthony Williams, Brad William Henke, Birgundi Baker, Bill Cobbs, Terayle and Merle Dandridge. Branch Out Productions’ Lisa Mathis wrote the script and...
- 5/17/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
"Peter Williams, an American priest working in Mexico, is considered a saint by many local parishioners. However, due to a botched exorcism, he carries a dark secret that's eating him alive until he gets an opportunity to face his own demon one final time."
Starring: Joseph Marcell, María Gabriela de Faría, Will Beinbrink, Hector Kotsifakis, Irán Castillo
Written By: Santiago Fernández Calvete, Alejandro Hidalgo
Directed By: Alejandro Hidalgo
In Theaters, On Demand and Digital March 11, 2022
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Night’S End: "Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural announced today the release for Jennifer Reeder’s upcoming film Night’s End starring Geno Walker, Kate Arrington, Felonious Munk and Michael Shannon. A Shudder Original Film, Night’s End is set for release in North America, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Ireland on Thursday, March 31.
“Jennifer Reeder is an exciting and bold filmmaker who was an...
Starring: Joseph Marcell, María Gabriela de Faría, Will Beinbrink, Hector Kotsifakis, Irán Castillo
Written By: Santiago Fernández Calvete, Alejandro Hidalgo
Directed By: Alejandro Hidalgo
In Theaters, On Demand and Digital March 11, 2022
---
Night’S End: "Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural announced today the release for Jennifer Reeder’s upcoming film Night’s End starring Geno Walker, Kate Arrington, Felonious Munk and Michael Shannon. A Shudder Original Film, Night’s End is set for release in North America, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Ireland on Thursday, March 31.
“Jennifer Reeder is an exciting and bold filmmaker who was an...
- 2/3/2022
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Exclusive: Antoinette Robertson, who most recently starred in all four seasons of the acclaimed Netflix series, Dear White People, has signed with APA for representation.
Robertson, who will next be seen starring opposite Margaret Avery in director Dawn Wilkinson’s Juneteenth holiday comedy Block Party, also recently wrapped a role in director Tim Story’s upcoming comedy, The Blackening, opposite Jay Pharoah, Jermaine Fowler, and Dewayne Perkins. The film penned by Perkins and Tracy Oliver watches as seven black friends who go away for the weekend must rely on their street smarts and knowledge of horror movies to survive, when they find themselves trapped in a cabin with a vindictive killer.
Robertson has previously recurred in series including The Haves and the Have Nots for OWN, The CW’s Hart of Dixie and CBC’s Diggstown.
APA’s signing of the actress follows its addition of clients including actors Nick Stahl,...
Robertson, who will next be seen starring opposite Margaret Avery in director Dawn Wilkinson’s Juneteenth holiday comedy Block Party, also recently wrapped a role in director Tim Story’s upcoming comedy, The Blackening, opposite Jay Pharoah, Jermaine Fowler, and Dewayne Perkins. The film penned by Perkins and Tracy Oliver watches as seven black friends who go away for the weekend must rely on their street smarts and knowledge of horror movies to survive, when they find themselves trapped in a cabin with a vindictive killer.
Robertson has previously recurred in series including The Haves and the Have Nots for OWN, The CW’s Hart of Dixie and CBC’s Diggstown.
APA’s signing of the actress follows its addition of clients including actors Nick Stahl,...
- 1/27/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Dear White People star Antoinette Robertson and Oscar-nominated Margaret Avery are set to star in Block Party, the Juneteenth family holiday comedy for Branch Out Productions and BuzzFeed Studios.
Robertson will play Harvard grad Keke McQueen, who returns from a lucrative career in Atlanta to her hometown of Grand Rapids when she discovers her once sharp Grandma Janice (Avery) is showing early signs of dementia.
As Keke tries to save her grandma’s annual Juneteenth block party, she falls back in love with her hometown and its people. Dawn Wilkinson is directing Block Party based on a script written by Krista Suh,...
Robertson will play Harvard grad Keke McQueen, who returns from a lucrative career in Atlanta to her hometown of Grand Rapids when she discovers her once sharp Grandma Janice (Avery) is showing early signs of dementia.
As Keke tries to save her grandma’s annual Juneteenth block party, she falls back in love with her hometown and its people. Dawn Wilkinson is directing Block Party based on a script written by Krista Suh,...
Dear White People star Antoinette Robertson and Oscar-nominated Margaret Avery are set to star in Block Party, the Juneteenth family holiday comedy for Branch Out Productions and BuzzFeed Studios.
Robertson will play Harvard grad Keke McQueen, who returns from a lucrative career in Atlanta to her hometown of Grand Rapids when she discovers her once sharp Grandma Janice (Avery) is showing early signs of dementia.
As Keke tries to save her grandma’s annual Juneteenth block party, she falls back in love with her hometown and its people. Dawn Wilkinson is directing Block Party based on a script written by Krista Suh,...
Robertson will play Harvard grad Keke McQueen, who returns from a lucrative career in Atlanta to her hometown of Grand Rapids when she discovers her once sharp Grandma Janice (Avery) is showing early signs of dementia.
As Keke tries to save her grandma’s annual Juneteenth block party, she falls back in love with her hometown and its people. Dawn Wilkinson is directing Block Party based on a script written by Krista Suh,...
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