Category: Entertainment

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Kobe Bryant film in the works at Warner Bros.

A film project centered around NBA superstar Kobe Bryant’s journey to the Los Angeles Lakers has landed at Warner Bros., The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen penned the spec screenplay for With the 8th Pick, which follows the high-stakes process that led to Bryant getting drafted into the NBA in 1996. The project was generating high interest from other studios and streamers before Warners stepped in preemptively to nab it. A director has not yet been attached.

With the 8th Pick is said to focus on the New Jersey Nets and then-general manager John Nash, who held the eighth pick in the draft and considered taking Bryant out of high school. The future Hall of Famer ended up being taken by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick before he was traded to the Lakers, where he would win five NBA championships and become an icon of the city.

The project is described as having elements of Moneyball (which starred Brad Pitt), The Social Network and Air, Ben Affleck’s Matt Damon-starring pic that tracked the beginning of Michael Jordan’s now-legendary partnership with Nike. With the 8th Pick is said to detail the pivotal process during which slightly different decisions could have changed the NBA’s future.

Producers include Tim and Trevor White for Star Thrower Entertainment and Ryan Stowell for Religion of Sports. Also producing is Gotham Chopra, who co-founded Religion of Sports with Tom Brady and Michael Strahan.

Bryant was part of the legendary Lakers teams that included center Shaquille O’Neal and coach Phil Jackson. Bryant died in a helicopter crash in 2020 at age 41, as did 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

Sohn is also writing Netflix’s planned John Madden project that hails from Religion of Sports. He is represented by Verve and Lit Agency. Johannensen is repped by Verve and Gotham.

The InSneider was first to report on the film. (THR)

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Kpop Demon Hunters becomes Netflix’s most viewed film ever

KPop Demon Hunters has climbed “up, up, up” Netflix’s charts to become its most viewed movie ever, the streaming platform says.

Since its release in June, the animated musical has been watched more than 236 million times, overtaking the action comedy Red Notice to take the top spot.

It is the latest in a series of chart-topping achievements by the film, which has become a surprise global hit.

Songs from the movie have also been some of the most streamed online on Spotify, while the track Golden hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this month.

Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, Kpop Demon Hunters follows the adventures of fictional K-pop girl band Huntr/x as its three members use their music and fighting skills to protect humans from demons.

It was launched in June with a relatively low-key premiere at Netflix’s Tudum theatre in Los Angeles.

But over the summer the film gained momentum through word of mouth, boosted by viral videos and memes on social media.

Many have praised it for its eye-catching animation and its depiction of both traditional and modern Korean culture.

But the biggest attraction for many has been the movie’s catchy K-pop songs. Some of the soundtrack’s producers and songwriters are K-pop industry veterans who have worked with groups such as BTS and Twice.

Maggie Kang, the Korean-Canadian co-director of the film, previously said that they had wanted the film’s music to be “really incredible and really speak to the K-pop fans and be legitimately fit into the K-pop space”.

Capitalising on the songs’ popularity, Netflix released a sing-along version of Kpop Demon Hunters in cinemas in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand last weekend.

This netted Netflix its first number one film at the US box office. It has since released the sing-along version worldwide on its platform.

Many songs on the soundtrack have entered the top 10 of Spotify’s global chart, with Golden currently still at number one.

That track, along with Your Idol by Saja Boys, the arch enemies of Huntr/x in the film, have at different times topped the US Spotify chart.

This has made Huntr/x and Saja Boys the highest charting female and male K-pop groups in US Spotify history – surpassing real-life K-pop juggernauts BTS and Blackpink.

The Kpop Demon Hunters soundtrack has also become the first to have four simultaneous Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

Talks about a film sequel are reportedly in the early stages. (BBC)

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Viral TV Judge Frank Caprio dies at 88 after cancer battle

A US judge who amassed a huge online fan base via clips of his compassion in the courtroom has died.

Frank Caprio was on the bench at a court in Providence, Rhode Island, for almost four decades.

He became affectionately known as the “nicest judge in the world”, NBC Boston reported, after viral videos of him handing out justice with a smile were viewed more than a billion times on social media.

The latter years of his career, which ended in 2023, were documented in the TV show Caught In Providence.

A statement on Wednesday on his Instagram page, which had 3.2 million followers, said he had died aged 88 “after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer”.

It said he was “beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people”.

He had posted a message from his hospital bed the day before, saying: “Unfortunately I’ve had a setback, I’m back in the hospital now, and I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more.”

Caprio’s persona was at odds with fellow TV judges, who were less sympathetic and more confrontational.

In one popular clip, he dismissed a traffic ticket handed to a bartender who skipped a red light, as they were only earning less than $4 (£2.97) an hour.

Another saw him listening sympathetically to a woman whose son had been killed, before dismissing her tickets and fines which had totalled $400 (£297).

Caprio also used his fame to speak out about inequality in the justice system.

“Almost 90% of low-income Americans are forced to battle civil issues like health care, unjust evictions, veterans benefits and, yes, even traffic violations, alone,” he said in one video.

After his death was announced, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee paid tribute to his “warmth and compassion”.

“He was more than a jurist – he was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity,” he said. (SkyNews)

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Terence Stamp, Superman villain and star of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, has died

British actor Terence Stamp – who famously played General Zod in Superman and Superman II – has died at the age of 87.

The Oscar-nominated actor, who was born in London’s East End, also starred in hits such as Theorem, A Season in Hell, and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

He formed one of Britain’s most glamorous couples with Julie Christie, with whom he starred in Far From the Madding Crowd in 1967.

In a statement, his family said he died on Sunday morning, adding: “He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come.”

Stamp was born on 22 July 1938 and was the son of a tugboat stoker.

Growing up in London during the Second World War, he endured the Blitz as a child and left school to work initially in advertising before later securing a scholarship to go to drama school.

Stamp received various accolades during his career, including a Golden Globe in 1962 for most promising newcomer for Billy Budd and a Cannes Film Festival best actor award in 1965 for The Collector.

He also received Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for his performance in Billy Budd, as well as a second BAFTA nod in 1994 for his role in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – which co-starred Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce.

His most high-profile role was that of General Zod, the villainous leader of three Kryptonian criminals in the 1978 movie Superman and its 1980 sequel Superman II – which starred Christopher Reeve in the lead role.

His other films also include Young Guns, The Limey and Valkyrie with Tom Cruise.

Most recently, Stamp starred in director Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho. The 2021 psychological horror film also featured Diana Rigg, Anya Taylor-Joy and Matt Smith.

As well as appearing on television and on stage, Stamp additionally lent his voice for video games – appearing in the likes of Halo 3 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Stamp liked to recall how he was on the verge of becoming a tantric sex teacher at an ashram in India when, in 1977, he received a telegram from his London agent with news that he was being considered for the Superman film.

“I was on the night flight the next day,” Stamp said in an interview with his publisher Watkins Books in 2015.

After eight years largely out of work, landing the role of villain General Zod – the megalomaniacal leader of the Kryptonians – the full glare of Hollywood’s limelight fell on the London-born star.

Buoyed by his new role, Stamp said he would respond to curious looks from passers-by with a command of: “Kneel before Zod, you b***ards,” which was said to have gone down a storm. (SkyNews)

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Mandalorian actress settles lawsuit with Disney over firing

Actress Gina Carano has settled her lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm after she was fired from Star Wars franchise spin-off The Mandalorian.

She was dropped from the cast in 2021 following comments she made comparing being a Republican in the US to being a Jew during the Holocaust.

Ms Carano, a former MMA fighter who played Cara Dune in the Disney+ series, shared the news of the settlement on X, writing “I hope this brings some healing to the force.”

The agreement, which has not been made public, comes after her case gained support and funding from Elon Musk.

Ms Carano described the settlement as the “best outcome for all parties involved,” adding she was “excited to flip the page and move onto the next chapter”.

She also thanked Musk, saying she’d never met the tech billionaire but he stepped in to do this “Good Samaritan deed for me in funding my lawsuit”.

“Yes, I’m smiling”, she signed off.

The actress originally sued for wrongful termination and sexual discrimination, claiming that two of her male co-stars had made similar posts and faced no penalty.

She had sought $75,000 (£60,000) in damages and to be recast in the popular series.

Lucasfilm had condemned her comments in 2021 for “denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities”.

In a statement released since the settlement, the production company said that it looks forward to “identifying opportunities to work together”.

The company described Ms Carano as someone who “was always well respected by her directors, co-stars, and staff. She worked hard to perfect her craft while treating her colleagues with kindness and respect,” it added.

Ms Carano is a former mixed martial arts fighter and has faced pushback in the past for deriding mask-wearing policies during the Covid pandemic and making false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 US presidential election, which Donald Trump lost to Joe Biden. (BBC)

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Steven Knight ‘can’t wait’ to write new Bond film

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight will write the forthcoming James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed.

The movie, which will be directed by Dune’s Denis Villeneuve, is currently in development and being overseen by the studio after long-serving masterminds Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stood down in February.

Knight told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: “It has always been on my bucket list and it’s fantastic to be invited to do it – I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m hoping that, being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that’s the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder,” he added.

However, Knight did not shed any light on which actor might portray 007 in the next film.

Daniel Craig stepped down from the role in 2021 after starring in five Bond films, and there has been much speculation over who will replace him.

British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton have been rumoured as frontrunners for the part, while Irish actor Paul Mescal’s name has also been thrown into the mix.

When asked about it, Knight said: “That is a very, very good question, and one I can’t give you the answer to.”

He did not elaborate as to whether this was because he does not know, or he is not allowed to reveal who it is, or because the decision hasn’t been made yet.

Knight is arguably most well-known for writing the Bafta-winning BBC One drama Peaky Blinders, starring Cillian Murphy, set in the streets of post-World War One Birmingham, which ran for six series and is also being made into a Netflix film.

He was Oscar-nominated in 2004 for Dirty Pretty Things, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Audrey Tautou, and wrote and created 2024 BBC One series This Town, set in 70s and 80s Coventry, which won a Royal Television Society award.

His other work also includes 2021’s Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart as Diana, Princess of Wales, which earned her an Oscar nomination.

The most recent Bond film, 2021’s No Time to Die, was written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Cary Joji Fukunaga and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Speaking about his selection process for the latest film, Knight said: “I was invited to a meeting with [producer] Amy Pascal, didn’t know what it was about, and very quickly discovered what it was about and became very, very excited and hopeful.

“And then a process is followed where you do some meetings, you discuss some ideas, and then you find out you’ve got it.

“So I found out a while ago but it was announced last night, which is great.”

He agreed it was a “high pressure” job but said “you’ve just got to do what you do, do it as well as you can.”

The latest Bond film is being produced by Pascal and David Heyman, and Hollywood trade publication Variety has suggested it could be released in 2028. (BBC)

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Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease diagnosis

Justin Timberlake has said he is suffering from Lyme disease, a serious illness usually contracted after being bitten by a tick and that has seen an upsurge in prevalence across a swathe of the US in recent years.

In an Instagram post, the pop singer wrote: “I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease – which I don’t say so you feel bad for me – but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.”

He added: “If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has – then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically. When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be on stage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.”

Timberlake’s post came at the end of more than a year of him being on tour, which kicked off in April 2024, about one month after he released the album Everything I Thought It Was.

The singer faced scrutiny following perceived lackluster performances on the road, with some who bought tickets criticizing the concert on social media. Recently, some fans and commentators have pointed out what they felt were signs of fatigue or ill health during his performances.

Timberlake addressed the concerns, saying: “I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”

He added: “Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget. I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”

His statement on social media was met with an outpouring of support from fans. “You are so loved, and we’ll be here supporting whatever you decide to do next,” said one. Another added: “Justin you are so appreciated. Thank you for showing up for us time and time again. Take care of yourself. We love you and will continue to ride for you.”

According to Billboard, the Forget Tomorrow world tour pushed Timberlake to the 10th spot of Billboard‘s midyear Boxscore report of touring artists, with the tour grossing $73.2m across 41 shows as of late May.

Timberlake is not the first famous musician who has spoken out publicly about their struggles with a diagnosis of Lyme disease, a condition which can cause a rash and symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue and muscle and joint aches. Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and Shania Twain have also revealed they have suffered from the illness.

Lyme disease can last many months or even years. Potentially disease-bearing ticks have been flourishing recently in the US, especially as climate change leads to warmer summers that encourage tick populations to thrive.

This year, as compared to recent years, there has been an increase in the reported number of ticks and visits to the emergency room because of bites from the tiny parasitic arachnid, according to data from universities and the US federal government.

In May and June this year, the US has seen the highest number of emergency room visits during those months for tick bites since 2019, according to the CDC.

Timberlake began his career as a “Mouseketeer” on the All-New Mickey Mouse Club in 1993, where his cast mates included fellow singers Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. He rose to fame in the popular boy band ‘NSync, before going solo in 2002 and going on to become one of the best-selling pop artists of the 2000s. (Guardian)

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Disney drops ‘Zootopia 2’ trailer

They’re about to make “hisssstory” in an adventure with the first snake ever seen in Zootopia… but remember… never pull a bunny’s ears! Disney just dropped the Official trailer to Zootopia 2, the highly anticipated sequel to its Oscar-winning 2016 animated comedy, Zootopia.

In the film, after cracking the biggest case in Zootopia’s history, rookie cops Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman) find their partnership isn’t as solid as they thought when Chief Bogo (voice of Idris Elba) orders them to join the Partners in Crisis counseling program. But it doesn’t take long for their partnership to be put to the ultimate test when they find themselves on the twisting trail of a mystery tied to the arrival of a venomous snake in the animal metropolis.

The film introduces Gary De’Snake (voice of Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles (voice of Fortune Feimster) and quokka therapist Dr. Fuzzby (voice of Quinta Brunson); it also welcomes back Idris Elba (voice of Chief Bogo); Bonnie Hunt (voice of Bonnie Hopps); Don Lake (voice of Stu Hopps); Nate Torrence (voice of Clawhauser); Jenny Slate (voice of Bellwether); Alan Tudyk (voice of Duke Weaselton); Maurice LaMarche (voice of Mr. Big); Leah Latham (voice of Fru Fru); Josh Dallas (voice of Frantic Pig); Tommy Chong (voice of Yax); Mark Rhino Smith (voice of Officer McHorn); Raymond Persi (voice of Flash); and Shakira (voice of Gazelle).

“It’s been an absolute joy to reteam with so many actors who made the first film so special, and so exciting to expand the world with our phenomenal new cast members,” said director/writer Jared Bush (chief creative officer for Walt Disney Animation Studios). “I can’t wait for audiences to see what other surprises we have in store in this brand-new adventure.”

From the Oscar-winning team of Bush and Byron Howard (directors) and Yvett Merino (producer).

In theaters November 26. (AWN)

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Kelly Osbourne lost ‘best friend’ after Ozzy’s death

Kelly Osbourne says she has lost her “best friend” following the death of her father Ozzy Osbourne.

The heavy metal pioneer died on Tuesday at the age of 76.

He died just a few weeks after performing with Black Sabbath at a big farewell show in his hometown of Birmingham.

The concert was particularly poignant for his daughter Kelly, who got engaged backstage to her long-time partner Sid Wilson, from the band Slipknot.

Many family members were at Villa Park to support the so-called Prince of Darkness for what turned out to be his final performance.

Famous musicians such as Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones, Metallica and Guns N’ Roses also took to the stage.

His band Black Sabbath are credited with inventing heavy metal.

In 2003, the father and daughter released a cover of the Black Sabbath song Changes, which reached number one on the UK singles chart.

In her first comments since his death, Kelly Osbourne posted the opening lyrics from the song on Instagram with a broken heart emoji: “I feel unhappy I am so sad. I lost the best friend I ever had.”

The father-daughter duo were known for having a close relationship.

They appeared together on the MTV reality TV show The Osbournes which ran from 2002-2005. It portrayed the star as the well-meaning, frequently befuddled patriarch of an unruly household.

More recently they reprised their family podcast alongside mother Sharon and brother Jack.

On Tuesday, the Osbourne family released a statement that said: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”

They did not specify a cause of death, although the star had a series of health problems and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019. (BBC)

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US FCC clears $8bn Skydance-Paramount merger

An $8bn (£5.9bn) merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media has been approved by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The merger between the independent film studio and one of Hollywood’s oldest and most storied companies was first announced in 2024.

The approval came just weeks after Paramount Global agreed to pay $16m (£13.5m) to settle a legal dispute with US President Donald Trump over an interview it broadcast on subsidiary CBS with former Vice-President Kamala Harris.

The settlement did not include a statement of apology or regret.

FCC head Brendan Carr, who was appointed by the president, announced the merger’s approval on Thursday, saying he welcomed Skydance’s ideas to make “significant changes” at CBS.

The approval means the merger could be finalised soon but Paramount did not provide an expected completion date when asked by the BBC. Skydance did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The FCC agreed to transfer broadcast licences for 28 owned-and-operated CBS television stations to the new owner.

“Americans no longer trust the legacy national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly,” Mr Carr said. “It is time for a change.”

Mr Carr said Skydance had made promises to the agency, including a “commitment to unbiased journalism” where the merged company would install a ombudsman to evaluate complaints of bias.

Skydance also promised to end diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, something the Trump administration has targeted.

The FCC voted 2-1 to approve the deal, with one commissioner, Anna Gomez, a Democrat, dissenting.

“After months of cowardly capitulation to this administration, Paramount finally got what it wanted. Unfortunately, it is the American public who will ultimately pay the price for its actions,” she wrote.

Paramount Global traces its origins back more than a century to the founding of Paramount Pictures Corporation in 1914. The studio has made many hit films, including the Godfather, Star Trek, and Mission: Impossible series.

Paramount owns streaming service Paramount+, as well as Paramount Pictures, CBS, Nickelodeon, BET, MTV, Comedy Central and other media brands.

But the entertainment giant has struggled over the past decade.

Skydance is owned by David Ellison, the son of Larry Ellison, who founded US technology giant Oracle.

The FCC’s approval was necessary for the deal to move forward.

The deal, which includes CBS, Paramount Pictures and Comedy Central, was approved after a series of moves by Paramount, including settling a lawsuit from Trump.

According to both the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, the settlement over the 60 Minutes interview was agreed – with the help of mediator – so as to not affect the planned merger, which the FCC was reviewing and therefore Trump technically had the power to halt.

Trump had alleged the network had deceptively edited an interview that aired on its 60 Minutes news programme with his presidential election rival Kamala Harris, to “tip the scales in favour of the Democratic party”.

Paramount said it would pay to settle the suit, but with the money allocated to Trump’s future presidential library, not paid to him “directly or indirectly”.

It also comes just days after CBS, owned by Paramount, announced it would end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, who has been critical of Trump.

The network said the move “is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night [television]” and “is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters”. (BBC)