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American Jesus is coming to Netflix, the details we know

Katherine Jones on May 30, 2023

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American Jesus – For more than a decade, comic book adaptations have been Hollywood’s most successful source of revenue.

For casual viewers, the very mention of a comic book adaptation brings up ideas of Marvel or DC.

In contrast, independent comics have existed for as long as the two comic kings.

Wanted, Kingsman, and Kick-Ass all became mainstream successes, yet few realize they were all prompted from comic book pages – and by the same author, no less: Mark Millar.

Another adaptation of Millar’s work, this time of American Jesus, one of his most undervalued works, is in the works.

The comic

American Jesus, originally titled Chosen, is one of Mark Millar’s most intriguing and disputed works.

Dark Horse Comics, for the first book in the series, published it in 2004 and drawn by Peter Gross.

The graphic novel is divided into three chapters and follows a twelve-year-old boy who survives an accident.

He quickly recognizes himself as the resurrected Jesus Christ, capable of turning water into wine, treating the sick, and resurrecting the dead.

Yet, the second coming of Christ corresponds with an impending and catastrophic disaster.

After then, the comic book series was reprinted under the now-famous title American Jesus.

Millar later released American Jesus: The New Messiah, a 15-year-later followup series.

The adaptation

Mark Millar’s works have already been adapted for film by major studios.

He’s already had two solo features and two Marvel movies out in cinemas (Logan was based on his Old Man Logan comic).

For a long time, American Jesus has been in the works.

After acquiring his Millarworld imprint in 2017, Netflix snatched it up.

The program has been in the works for quite some time.

Rather than properly translating American Jesus, Netflix altered the series, ostensibly with Millar’s agreement.

A year after the acquisition of Millarworld, the first slate of adaptations was revealed, with American Jesus among the top titles.

“Multilingual (Spanish/English) series American Jesus follows a twelve-year-old boy who suddenly discovers he’s returned as Jesus Chris,” the announcement wrote.

“He can turn water into wine, make the crippled walk, and, perhaps, even raise the dead. How will he deal with the destiny to lead the world in a conflict thousands of years in the making?”

The Chosen One (El Elegido in Spanish) will not be tied to the Netflix Brazilian thriller series.

Production

Everardo Gout, who also directed the famous horror-thriller The Purge, directs The Chosen One.

Gout is joined by his brother Leopoldo, who helped write and produce the series.

Mark Millar expressed an optimistic prediction for 2021 output, saying:

“The development for ‘American Jesus’ is coming along beautifully in the talented and capable hands of Everardo Gout and Leopoldo Gout.”

“I’m blown away by the creative choices that Netflix has allowed us, and particularly since this series will feature Spanish and English dialogue.”

The Chosen One

Development on the production of American Jesus began in 2012, according to author Mark Millar, but it was first billed as a film.

“Unusually for me, it’s a little more quiet and a little more considered,” he said when asked if it was leaning towards either horror or epic fantasy.

“The sequels are like that, too.”

According to Millar, The Chosen One is a horror thriller with elements of a coming-of-age storyline.

“[It] has a Stand by Me vibe, a kid like you or I who likes Star Wars, video games, and girls in his class suddenly finding out he has a tremendous destiny.”

“This is going to be an absolute beauty.”

A billboard featuring the protagonist looking at a power line shaped like a cross was unveiled as the first glimpse of The Chosen One a few hours ago.

The Chosen One stars Tenoch Huerta from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Dianna Agron from Glee.

Millarworld also revealed the premise of the show:

“A little kid finds out that the reason his mother disappeared with him and they’re hiding out in a small town is because he’s the returned Jesus Christ and they’re doing everything they can to stay alive so he can grow up and face the Antichrist in the City of Megiddo as per the biblical prophecy.”

DC Studios have lengthy plans for the DCU

Caroline Logan on May 30, 2023

Image source: Mama’s Geeky

DC Studios: Since being chosen as the new leaders of DC Studios, James Gunn and Peter Safran have been preparing to take the studio in a new direction.

They just launched a brand-new slate of movies and TV shows, which includes several projects.

Superman is anticipated to resume flight in 2025, while Themyscira, the island of Wonder Woman, is anticipated to see warfare and drama comparable to that in Game of Thrones.

Damian Wayne will also make his long anticipated film debut in a Batman movie.

Plans

Since taking over DC Studios three months ago, Gunn and Safran have been combining the cinema, television, animation, and gaming segments of DC properties.

To build a story that would tie together the DC Universe, they started from scratch, severed ties with prior projects and creators, and set up a writers’ room.

One of the supposed strategies is presented as the start of their overall purpose.

The outcome was Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, which inspired other projects.

On February 1, the DC executives formally introduced a cast of characters that included both the biggest heroes and understated ones.

“One of our strategies is to take our diamond characters – which is Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman – and we use them to prop up other characters that people don’t know,” said Gunn.

“To build those lesser-known properties into the diamond properties of tomorrow,” added Safran.

The proposed Chapter 1 strategy may change, they did, however, also issue a disclaimer.

Development

The following is the most creators of the new DC world, which was developed by the writing team that James Gunn admired and included his friends:

Drew Goddard (The Martian)
Christina Hodson (The Flash)
Jeremy Slater (Moon Knight)
Christal Henry (Watchmen)
Tom King (Batman)

Before the group’s efforts are successful, four DC movies are scheduled for release this year, including:

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (March 17)
The Flash (June 16)
Blue Beetle (August 18)
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December 25)

The four films received the former head Walter Hamada’s authorization.

According to James Gunn, the four prominent actors may perhaps return to their roles in subsequent DC Studios movies.

“There is nothing that prohibits that from happening,” he said.

Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters

The following is a list of the first batch of movies that DC Studios will make.

Creature Commandos

James Gunn developed the script for the upcoming seven-episode animated series Creature Commandos.

Although the live-action counterparts haven’t yet been cast, the voice performers will most likely do so in forthcoming motion pictures and television programs.

Waller

Viola Davis will return to the big screen as the titular character in the popular Peacemaker spinoff series.

Jeremy Carver, the creator of the Doom Patrol series, and Christal Henry will pen the show’s screenplays.

Superman: Legacy

Another James Gunn-written project, the Superman movie will launch the revamped DC Universe.

“It’s not an origin story,” Safran assured. “It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with hsi human upbringing.”

“He is the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks that kindness is old-fashioned.

Superman: Legacy will be released in theaters on July 11, 2025.

Lanterns

Greg Berlanti’s Green Lanterns TV series will be replaced with Lanterns, a different take on the interplanetary police force.

“Our vision for this is very much in the vein of True Detective,” described Safran. “It’s terrestrial-based.”

One of the most anticipated television programs now in production, Lanterns, will include some of the most famous characters, including Hal Jordan and John Stewart.

“This plays a really big role in leading into the main story we are telling across film and TV.”

The Authority

A squad of superheroes that go to great measures to protect the planet will be the focus of the movie’s plot, which will be reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy.

“One of the few things of the DCU is that it’s not just a story of heroes and villains,” said Gunn.

“Not every film and TV show is going to be about good guy versus bad guy, giant things from the sky come, and good guy wins.”

“There are white hats, black hats, and gray hats.”

“They are kinda like Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men,” said Safran. “They know that you want them on the wall. Or at least, they believe that.”

Paradise Lost

The television show set in Themyscira takes place a number of decades before the Wonder Woman movies.

According to Gunn and Safran, Paradise Lost is a Game of Thrones-style political drama.

The Brave and the Bold

Damian Wayne became well-known thanks to Grant Morrison’s Batman series, which was the source of the movie’s inspiration.

“This is the introduction of the DCU Batman, of Bruce Wayne,” said Gunn.

“[It] also introduces our favorite Robin, Damian Wayne, who is a little son of a bitch.”

“It’s a very strange father-and-son story.”

The Batman Part II

On October 3, 2025, the Matt Reeves film, which is based on the Elseworld narratives, will be released.

Robert Pattinson will continue to play the Dark Knight of Gotham City in the follow-up.

Booster Gold

The HBO Max series will center on the unpopular hero from the future.

“It’s about a loser from the future who uses basic future technology to come back to today and pretend to be a superhero,” they described.

James Gunn described Booster Gold like “imposter syndrome as a superhero.”

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

Supergirl made its debut as Helen Slater in the 1984 movie.

“We will see the difference between Superman, who was sent to earth and raised by loving parents from the time he was an infant, versus Supergirl, raised on a rock, a chip off of Krypton, and who watched everyone around her die and be killed in terrible ways for the first 14 years of her life and then come to earth,” the DC Studios heads said.

“She is much more hardcore, and not the Supergirl we’re used to.”

Swamp Thing

The horror film that concludes DC Studios’ new universe debut will be Swamp Thing, not to be confused with the television series.

Stallone’s Gabe Walker is back to scale new heights in the upcoming Cliffhanger reboot

Katherine Jones on May 30, 2023

As Sylvester Stallone reprises his role in the forthcoming remake of the 1993 action-thriller Cliffhanger, get ready to scale new heights with Gabe Walker.

The movie, which is being directed by Ric Roman Waugh and produced by a group that also includes Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe, promises to bring the same adrenaline-pumping thrills and breathless action as the first one.

Gabe Walker, played by Sylvester Stallone, is a mountain climber and rescue ranger who becomes involved in a heist with a group of criminals from all over the world. These criminals lose their $100 million when their plane crashes in the Rocky Mountains, putting Walker and his team in danger. In addition to Janine Turner, Michael Rooker, Rex Linn, and John Lithgow as a memorable and over-the-top villain, Renny Harlin directed the 1993 film.

The declaration of the reboot has created fervor among enthusiasts of the first film, who are anxious to see Stallone repeat his notable job. The actor has a long history of playing tough and resilient characters. He is best known for his roles in action movies like Rambo and The Expendables. Gabe Walker is no exception, and Stallone’s performance as the rugged mountain climber contributed to establishing him as an action movie star.

The remaining performers in the upcoming movie are still unknown, but it is expected to have an ensemble cast. Fans may relax knowing that the movie is in good hands because the production team includes some of the top names in the business.

Filmmaker Ric Roman Waugh, who recently dealt with Heavenly messenger Has Fallen and Greenland, has experience coordinating high-stakes activity arrangements and makes certain to carry his own novel style to the film. Fans hope for a fresh take on the story while maintaining the same sense of adventure and adrenaline that made the original so beloved in the script by Mark Bianculli, which is also highly anticipated.

With production underway, fans are eagerly waiting for more news and updates about the film. As Stallone himself said in a statement, “I’m excited to be back on Mount Everest and thrilled to be working with this incredible team”. For fans of the original, it’s an exciting time as Gabe Walker is set to scale new heights once again.

Gabe Walker Returns

The film, which stars Stallone in the lead role of Gabe Walker, follows the story of a mountain climber who becomes entangled in a heist involving a group of international criminals.

Director Ric Roman Waugh expressed his enthusiasm for the project in a statement, stating that Cliffhanger was one of his favorite action films growing up. Waugh has a wealth of experience directing high-stakes action sequences, having worked on films like Angel Has Fallen and Greenland. He’s excited to be at the helm of the new Cliffhanger, and is looking forward to the challenge of taking the franchise to new heights.

Producer Neal H. Moritz echoed Waugh’s sentiments, saying that he’s thrilled to be working with Stallone and Waugh to continue the story of Gabe Walker. He’s also excited to introduce this legendary story to a new generation of filmgoers around the world.

Stallone is no stranger to the action genre, having starred in several of the most critically acclaimed films of the 80s and 90s, including the Rocky and Rambo franchises. He’s also been involved in more recent projects like The Expendables and The Suicide Squad. Stallone is looking forward to revisiting the role of Gabe Walker and bringing his signature toughness and resilience to the character.

The upcoming reboot promises to be an action-packed thrill ride, with a talented team of filmmakers at the helm. Fans of the original are excited to see what new heights the franchise will reach, while newcomers to the story are sure to be drawn in by the combination of stunning visuals and heart-pumping action.

As the film heads into production, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating more news and updates about the project. With Stallone, Waugh, and Moritz at the helm, Cliffhanger is sure to be an unforgettable cinematic experience that will thrill audiences for years to come.

Sylvester Stallone

Stallone is a legendary actor, writer, and director, known for his iconic roles in the Rocky and Rambo film franchises. He has cemented his place in Hollywood history as one of the most recognizable and beloved action stars of all time, with a career that has spanned more than five decades.

Born on July 6, 1946, in New York City, Stallone had a difficult childhood. He suffered from a birth complication that left him with a partially paralyzed face, which he has since turned into a trademark. He was also frequently bullied in school, but found solace in writing and acting. He attended the American College of Switzerland before returning to the US to pursue his passion for acting.

Stallone’s breakthrough came in 1976 when he wrote and starred in the classic boxing film, Rocky. The film won three Oscars, including Best Picture, and launched Stallone to stardom. He went on to star in several successful sequels, including Rocky II, III, IV, V, and the recent Creed films.

In addition to the Rocky franchise, Stallone also created another iconic character, John Rambo, in the 1982 film, First Blood. The film spawned several sequels, and solidified Stallone’s status as an action movie superstar.

Stallone has also appeared in a wide range of other films throughout his career, including comedies like Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot, and dramas like Cop Land. He has earned numerous accolades for his work, including Academy Award nominations for Rocky and Creed, as well as a Golden Globe win for the first Rocky film.

In addition to his work in front of the camera, Stallone has also dabbled in writing and directing. He wrote and directed several of the Rocky films, as well as the film Staying Alive. He also wrote and directed the 2010 action film, The Expendables, which starred a cast of action legends, including Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, and Jet Li.

Stallone’s influence on the action genre cannot be overstated. He has inspired countless actors and filmmakers, and his films continue to be beloved by fans around the world. He has become a symbol of perseverance and toughness, both on and off the screen.

At 76 years old, Stallone shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to work on new projects, such as the upcoming reboot of Cliffhanger. Fans worldwide eagerly anticipate his next moves, and eagerly await the next chapter in his legendary career.

Photo: Tutto

Matt Reeves to discuss The Batman future with Gunn and Safran

Katherine Jones on May 30, 2023

Image source: Games Radar

Matt Reeves: James Gunn and Peter Safran’s appointment as co-heads has altered the atmosphere at DC Studios.

With his recent decision to revamp the DCEU and eliminate components established by Zack Snyder, Gunn has caused a stir.

In addition to the Snyderverse, there have been questions over Matt Reeves’ direction of The Batman series.

However, Reeves revealed that he will meet with the co-heads of DC Studios.

The director

Matt Reeves is the director, producer, and screenwriter of several blockbusters.

His most well-known works include directing the movies “Cloverfield,” “Let Me In,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” and “War for the Planet of the Apes,” as well as the television series “Felicity,” which he also executive produced.

Throughout his career, he has received nominations for a number of honors, including the Academy Award for Best Picture for “War for the Planet of the Apes.”

Reeves recently commemorated the 15th anniversary of Cloverfield while speaking with Collider’s Steven Weintraub.

The filmmaker promised to meet Peter Safran and James Gunn during the interview.

The discussion will focus on the state of the BatVerse.

He promised fans that Robert Pattinson’s Batman will still exist in addition to the new DC Universe.

The Batman

Matt Reeves introduced a new Batman universe to movie theaters in 2022.

He succeeded Ben Affleck and changed the course of the venerable DC character.

The Batman centered on a detective tale that traced Bruce Wayne, played by Robert Pattinson, as he underwent emotional development.

Although there were concerns that the movie wouldn’t launch a franchise, The Batman was successful at the box office despite the pandemic that struck cinemas.

Warner Bros. consequently requested that Matt Reeves create a sequel and a spinoff miniseries.

Changes in DC

After The Batman’s release in cinemas, Warner Bros. Discovery merge announced a makeover and shook the DC universe.

With Matt Reeves’ multi-year contract with Warner Bros., while other projects were scrapped, The BatVerse appeared to have a different fate.

The concurrent promotion of Gunn and Safran to executive positions sparked concerns for Reeves’ Batman in DC Studio’s ten-year plan for films, television programs, and video games.

However, Matt Reeves affirmed that he is still working on the sequel.

The Penguin series, starring Colin Farrell, is another project the filmmaker hopes to produce this year that will explore the BatVerse.

Despite the positive news, Reeves is limited in his control of the BatVerse; this is something he will discuss with Gunn and Safra.

“They [Gunn and Safran] have been great,” said Reeves.

“We’re actually supposed to meet in the next few weeks because they want to talk to me about the broad plan, and then they want to hear the BatVerse plan.”

“We’re just going to talk about all of that. Look, I’m excited to hear what they’re going to do.”

“The BatVerse thing, as James has said, and as Peter has said, is kind of its own thing they’re letting us do.”

An Elseworld approach

Gunn and Safran declared when they started their new positions that they intended to integrate every DC Studios film into a single, cohesive plot.

They then controversially decided to cancel Wonder Woman 3 and fire Henry Cavill as Superman.

The DC co-heads are likely to use the “Elseworlds” strategy with Matt Reeves’ projects.

An imprint of DC Comics called Elseworlds publishes tales that don’t fit into the main timeline of the DC Universe.

These tales frequently explore many genres and styles while using multiple iterations of well-known characters and settings.

Reeves claims that the forthcoming meeting would outline the co-heads’ 10-year strategy as well as his ambition with the BatVerse.

“I had this dream for the way I wanted that to play out and that’s part of what I’m going to be talking to them about in a few weeks,” said the director.

“They’re going to be talking to me about what they’re doing in their ten-year plan or certainly what’s in the near future as well so that we can understand that we’re not – it’s air traffic control – we don’t want to be crashing into each other.”

“We want to support each other. I’m super excited. I’m really excited to hear about what they’re doing and to be working with them. It’s going to be cool.”

Reference:

Matt Reeves to meet with James Gunn & Peter Safran for “BatVerse”

Something in the Water 2023 music festival canceled for safety reasons

Jenny Richardson on May 30, 2023

Due to bad weather, the highly anticipated Something in the Water music festival has been postponed until 2023. The festival’s last day was supposed to include concerts by Clipse, Lil Uzi Vert, Grace Jones, Wu-Tang Clan, and many others on April 30 in Virginia Beach.

However, the festival’s organizers had to make the difficult choice to cancel the event due to the erratic weather.

The festival’s organizers released a statement in which they expressed their disappointment at having to postpone the event but also highlighted that everyone’s safety was their first concern. A refund of 33% of the ticket price will be given to those who purchased tickets for the entire weekend.

The festival had a great start with performances by a variety of artists, including Lil Wayne, Mumford & Sons, Yendry, Kehlani, Jazmine Sullivan, Ayra Starr, and more, but after the first two festival days were postponed due to bad weather, the final day had to be canceled.

Pharrell Williams returned for the first time to his birthplace of Virginia Beach with his festival, Something in the Water, after moving the event to Washington, D.C. Williams’ criticism of how the local government handled the fatal shooting of his 25-year-old cousin Donovon Lynch served as the impetus for his decision to relocate the festival. Later, the city settled with the Lynch family for $3 million in December.

Williams thanked all those who contributed to the event, including the vendors, the production crew, and the volunteers, in his message. The festival would return the following year with even more artists, merchandise, and food, he added.

2023 Fest

The cancellation of the festival is undoubtedly disappointing for both the organizers and the attendees. However, the decision to prioritize everyone’s safety in the face of unpredictable weather conditions is commendable.

It also highlights the importance of being prepared for unexpected challenges, as even the best-laid plans can be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.

Although the Something in the Water 2023 music festival was cancelled due to inclement weather, it left a lasting impact on those who attended. The festival brought together a number of prominent musicians and highlighted the spirit and affection of Williams’ hometown. Despite the setback, plans are already underway for next year’s festival, and it is certain that Something in the Water will return, with even more grandeur and excitement than ever before.

Something in the Water is an annual music festival held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, curated by musician and producer Pharrell Williams. The festival, which debuted in 2019, has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated events in the music calendar, drawing thousands of music fans from around the world to the coastal city.

The festival features an impressive lineup of artists spanning multiple genres, including hip-hop, R&B, electronic, and rock. Past performers have included major names like Travis Scott, Missy Elliott, Post Malone, and Janelle Monáe, as well as rising stars like Tierra Whack and Jaden Smith.

The 2023 edition of the festival was scheduled to happen from April 28 to April 30 and was set to feature an impressive roster of artists, including Lil Uzi Vert, Wu-Tang Clan, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Aminé, Lil Durk, Flo Milli, and more. Pharrell himself was also slated to perform, along with his Phriends, a supergroup featuring M.I.A., A$AP Rocky, De La Soul, Diddy, Chris Brown, Coi Leray, Latto, Lola Brooke, and others.

Unfortunately, the festival was forced to cancel its final day due to severe weather, disappointing fans who had traveled from all over the world to attend. The festival organizers issued a statement, expressing their regret at having to cancel but emphasizing that safety was their top priority.

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams is a music industry icon, known for his unique sound and groundbreaking style. Born on April 5, 1973, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Williams was raised in a family of musicians and was introduced to music at a young age. His father was a percussionist and his mother was a teacher.

Williams began his music career in the early 1990s, working with fellow Virginia Beach natives Timbaland and Missy Elliott. In 1994, he formed the production duo The Neptunes with Chad Hugo, and together they went on to make some of the biggest hits of the 2000s.

The Neptunes’ signature sound, characterized by heavy drums, layered synths, and catchy hooks, can be heard on hits by artists such as Nelly, Jay-Z, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake. In addition to his work with The Neptunes, Williams has also released several successful solo albums and teamed up with a wide range of artists, from Daft Punk to Miley Cyrus.

Williams’ impact on the music industry extends beyond his own music. He has also been a pioneer in the fashion world, collaborating with brands such as Adidas, G-Star Raw, and Chanel. He has also launched his own clothing lines, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream.

Besides his music and fashion endeavors, Williams is also an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is a co-owner of the multimedia creative collective i am OTHER and has invested in numerous companies, including the ride-sharing service Uber.

Williams is also a dedicated philanthropist, with a focus on education and environmental issues. He founded the non-profit organization From One Hand To Another in 2008, which provides educational programs and resources to underserved youth. In 2019, he launched Yellow, an organization dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and reducing plastic waste.

Williams’ impact on popular culture is undeniable. His unique sound and style have influenced countless artists and his entrepreneurial spirit has inspired a new generation of creatives. He has earned numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including 13 Grammy Awards and the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Fashion Icon Award.

Photo: NBC

The Mandalorian: baby Yoda makes his way back to Mando

Arianna Peterson on May 30, 2023

Image source: The Mary Sue

The Mandalorian: Disney+ has released the much awaited The Mandalorian season 3 trailer to the delight of fans.

However, those who have recently finished watching The Mandalorian’s second season may be baffled as to how baby Yoda, whose real name was ultimately revealed to be Grogu, was able to get back to Mando.

Here, we follow Grogu as he makes his way back to The Mandalorian, his father.

Recap

As the thrilling Season 2 of The Mandalorian came to an end, Din Djarin handed Grogu over to Luke Skywalker, who hadn’t been seen since The Return of the Jedi.

Over the course of numerous voyages, Djarin had become close to Grogu, so losing him was devastating.

Grogu was expected to remain with Luke while Mando carried out his interstellar bounty hunts.

Passionate Star Wars fans would know how the two were reunited in the spinoff of another fan favorite character, Boba Fett.

The Book of Boba Fett

The legendary bounty hunter from The Empire Strikes Back triumphantly resurfaced in season 2 of The Mandalorian.

The long-awaited miniseries about Boba Fett’s misadventures with Fennee Shand was finally released in 2021, following the completion of The Mandalorian season 2.

But many thought that his spinoff did more than anything else to get fans ready for The Mandalorian season 3

Luke Skywalker was shown to be mentoring Grogu’s apprenticeship in The Book of Boba Fett, which included droid training.

Mando was not permitted to see baby Yoda when he paid a visit to his surrogate son.

Luke Skywalker rebuffed the request, citing the Jedi Order’s prohibition against forming emotional attachments.

The Jedi master offered Grogu a lightsaber and a piece of beskar armor.

During the trial, he was expected to select between the Jedi and the Mandalorian.

Grogu finally made the choice to abandon the Force and pursue the Mandalorian path, choosing Mando’s armor.

The Mandalorian season 3 was ignited by the reuniting of Mando and Baby Yoda at the conclusion of The Book of Boba Fett.

Grogu’s future

The reconciliation between Din Djarin and Grogu helped them to heal their relationship, and the new trailer could have hinted at what baby Yoda’s future would hold.

In addition to accepting the Mandalorian way of life, Grogu’s decision to embrace the beskar compelled him to renounce Luke’s mentoring and droid training.

In the season 3 teaser, Djarin explains to his kid what it actually means to be a Mandalorian.

Grogu receives navigational training from Mando as well.

After electing to pursue the Mandalorian path rather than the Jedi one in season three, Baby Yoda learns what it takes to follow “the way.”

Inevitable reunion

There are more connections between stories in the expansive Star Wars universe than one could possibly fathom.

One of the studio’s strangest decisions was to separate Djarin and Grogu in season 2 and then bring them back together in season 3.

The Mandalorian is one of the shows that has done a lot to bring together old and new fans, far more so than the Boba Fett series.

Many casual viewers will be pleased yet puzzled as a result.

The relationship between Djarin and Grogu is essential to The Mandalorian, thus its removal for the third season feels like a major mistake.

It seemed inevitable that the bounty hunter, his kid, and their journey through the Star Wars galaxy would occur in the program.

The Book of Boba Fett seems to be more of an effort to close the gap than simply provide fan service.

It was always intended for Grogu’s decision to remain with Luke Skywalker to be a phase in the grander framework.

Mando and Grogu will likely travel and engage in little adventures throughout the first half of the third season before the major storyline begins.

Reference:

How Grogu is back with the Mandalorian in season 3

Matthew Lawrence’s Story Sheds Light on Double Standards in Sexual Assault Claims for Men in Hollywood

Jenny Richardson on May 30, 2023

Matthew Lawrence, best known for his role on the hit TV show Boy Meets World, recently shared a disturbing experience with a prominent director when discussing the double standards men face when coming forward with sexual assault allegations.

Lawrence shared an experience in which he was let go by his agency after he declined to participate in a nude photoshoot for a well-known director who had offered him a Marvel role during the most recent episode of the podcast “Brotherly Love,” which he co-hosts with his brothers Joey and Andrew Lawrence. Matthew Lawrence also shared the story with the audience. The in question filmmaker had been honored with an Oscar.

Unfortunately, Matthew’s story is not unique. The #MeToo campaign, which gained traction in 2017, initially aimed to encourage women to share their experiences with workplace sexual harassment and assault.

For Matthew’s situation, he was placed in an unthinkable circumstance by the chief who requested that he take his garments off and take Polaroids. The way that this chief was an Oscar champ and held a ton of force in the business made it much harder for Matthew to say no.

In spite of being offered a Wonder job by the Oscar-winning chief in return for presenting naked, Matthew Lawrence declined the proposition, which prompted him losing his organization. This occurrence causes to notice the way that men frequently face various principles with regards to standing up against rape and provocation. They frequently receive skepticism and disbelief as opposed to support and belief.

It’s also important to remember that sexual assault and harassment have a history of being ignored in the entertainment business. Powerful Hollywood guys have been preying on young, aspiring actors and actresses for years. Many of these abusers weren’t finally held accountable for their actions until the #MeToo movement.

The progress we have made in recognizing that men can also be victims of sexual assault is highlighted by Matthew Lawrence’s willingness to share his experience of sexual misconduct in public on a podcast. However, there is still a great deal that needs to be done to ensure that men who report these incidents receive the necessary support and attention.

The Story

While the #MeToo movement initially focused on women, it has become clear that men can also be victims of sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry.

Lawrence’s story is a prime example of how difficult it can be for men to come forward with allegations of sexual assault. The actor made a statement that an agency terminated his contract after he declined to participate in a nude photoshoot for a well-known director, who had offered him a Marvel role. He did not reveal the identities of the director or the agency, but he shared his story to increase awareness of the matter.

The actor acknowledged that men face less harassment and assault than women in Hollywood but stressed that the problem still exists. He pointed to Terry Crews, who filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Hollywood agent Adam Venit in 2017 after claiming Venit groped him at a party in 2016. Crews faced backlash for his allegations, with many people questioning his masculinity and mocking him for coming forward.

Lawrence’s comments highlight the challenges that men experience when they come forward with allegations of sexual assault. Men who come forward with allegations of sexual assault may face ridicule and disbelief from others, as well as the stigma of being a victim.

These challenges may make it difficult for men to speak out about their encounters and get the support they need.

It’s important to recognize that men can be victims of sexual assault and harassment, and that their experiences are just as valid as women’s experiences. We need to create a culture where men feel safe and supported when they come forward with allegations of sexual assault.

This includes providing resources and support for men who have experienced sexual assault or harassment, as well as holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

We need to work towards creating a culture where all victims of sexual assault and harassment, regardless of gender, are believed and supported. By doing so, we can help prevent future instances of sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Matthew Lawrence

Lawrence is a well-known actor who has been in the entertainment industry for decades. Born on February 11, 1980, in Abington Township, Pennsylvania, Lawrence began his acting career as a child actor in the 1990s. He is the middle brother in a family of three brothers, all of whom are actors.

Lawrence’s first major role was in the popular 1993 movie Mrs. Doubtfire, in which he played Robin Williams’ son. He went on to act in a number of other popular movies in the 1990s, including Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad and The Hot Chick. Lawrence’s big break, however, came in 1993, when he was cast in the popular ABC sitcom Boy Meets World.

In Boy Meets World, Lawrence played Jack Hunter, the half-brother of Shawn Hunter (played by Rider Strong). He appeared in the show’s fifth season and returned for the sixth and seventh seasons as a regular cast member. Lawrence also appeared in a number of other TV shows and movies during this time, including Brotherly Love, a sitcom that starred all three Lawrence brothers.

After Boy Meets World ended, Lawrence continued to work in the entertainment industry. He appeared in a number of TV shows, including Boston Public and CSI: Miami, and he also starred in several movies, including The Comebacks and The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation. Lawrence has also done voiceover work for animated TV shows and movies, including Disney’s Teacher’s Pet and the video game Kingdom Hearts II.

In recent years, Lawrence has become more involved in producing and directing. He produced the 2019 TV movie My Mother’s Split Personalities, and he directed and starred in the 2020 short film Double Threat. He has also been active on social media, where he shares updates about his life and work with his fans.

In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Lawrence has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts. He has worked with charities such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and he has participated in several benefit concerts and events.

Matthew Lawrence’s career in the entertainment industry has spanned decades, and he has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor. With his experience in producing and directing, he is sure to continue marking his name on the industry for years to come.

Photo: Variety

The Flash rumored to become part of new DCU

Arianna Peterson on May 30, 2023

Image source: Hindustan Times

The Flash: Comic book movies or superhero movies are films based on comic book plots and characters.

With several adaptations of well-known comic book characters like Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man produced by major Hollywood studios, these movies have gained appeal in recent years.

DC was at the vanguard of comic book movies as early as the 1970s.

The immensely popular Marvel films overshadowed DC, but it has been trying to follow it with its own unique cinematic universe.

One of the upcoming DC movies to hit theaters this year is The Flash.

James Gunn

James Gunn has been in charge of tearing down many of the elements that Zack Snyder constructed since he was appointed an executive of DC.

Superman actor Henry Cavill came to a meeting with Gunn to hear about their new strategy.

The main continuity Batman will no longer be played by Ben Affleck, while Wonder Woman 3, starring Gal Gadot, has been canceled.

There were rumors that Jason Momoa might play Lobo instead of continuing Aquaman.

It seems that only Ezra Miller will continue to play The Flash in James Gunn’s updated DC Universe.

Production

Despite being first announced in October 2014, The Flash movie took more than ten years to arrive in theaters.

Since then, the project has gone through many stages of development.

Warner Bros. postponed the release of The Flash, which was initially planned for last year.

Due to post-production issues, Warner Bros. Discovery pushed it back to the summer of 2023.

Miller

One of the most likely causes of the film’s controversies is Ezra Miller’s multiple legal troubles.

The Flash actor ran into legal problems in Hawaii before gaining court orders for their altercation with Tokata Iron Eyes.

In the middle of 2022, Miller was charged with threatening a woman and her family.

Around the actor’s Vermont farm, which was also the subject of controversy, were firearms, bullets, and marijuana.

They were ultimately charged with felony burglary in Vermont.

Ezra Miller has received mental health treatment and apologized to the public, but their actions turned the DC project into a divisive release.

The news

Since the film is slated to hit theaters this year, there have been speculations concerning Ezra Miller’s prospective involvement with the Flash franchise.

According to Variety, several Warner Bros. executives are willing to work with the actor after the film is released.

In spite of legal troubles, it was unclear if Ezra Miller would keep as Barry Allen after the standalone movie.

Reboot

Whether it was Warner Bros. or CEO David Zaslav, Picture Heads Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca remains unclear.

No matter which executive it is, there is no assurance that Ezra Miller will land the long-term role.

When it was revealed that Henry Cavill would no longer be portraying the Man of Steel, Gal Gadot was the only actress who remained on board.

James Gunn has yet to reveal his plans for the Wonder Woman movie.

Jason Momoa might leave the Aquaman role and return as Lobo.

Ezra Miller’s rejoining the Justice League after the standalone Flash film won’t make sense if the league is going to start from scratch.

James Gunn or Peter Safran has not yet mentioned the executives who supported Miller’s comeback.

The new DCU

Regardless of how well The Flash performs at the box office, James Gunn has stated that a new DC Universe is on the way.

DC’s decision to use an “Elseworlds” strategy for the upcoming film and its sequels makes sense.

The former DCU, or the Snyderverse, may coexist with the current one, much like the Arrowverse, which exists outside of the main continuity.

The Flash franchise can live on regardless of what the new DCU does if the studio is open to the idea.

Except for the Elseworld movies, Ezra Miller’s status still stands in the way of their place in DC.

For DC Studios to continue working with Miller, the fact that they sought mental health therapy and voiced their apologies, might not be enough.

Reference:

Ezra Miller may continue as The Flash in James Gunn’s new DCU

The Covenant: A review of Guy Ritchie’s movie

Jenny Richardson on May 30, 2023

The Covenant by Guy Ritchie is a frightening action film with plenty of gunshots and explosions that make you feel like you’re in danger. It also has a thin plot about brave decisions, like so many war movies. John Kinley, a US Army sergeant in Afghanistan in 2018, is portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal. His Afghan interpreter, Ahmed (Dar Salim), saves his life. After Kinley returns home and learns that the Taliban are after Ahmed and his family for aiding the Americans, he decides to go back to Afghanistan to try to save him in a single-handed feat that is usually reserved for movies. Just another business venture thus far.

The movie’s little but present real-world resonance, however, refers to a growing trend in filmmaking for works that focus on the 20-year-long US war in Afghanistan, which ended in 2021 with the withdrawal of their forces. Apocalypse Now (1979) and The Deer Hunter (1978) are excellent films that emerged shortly after the US withdrew from Vietnam. While filmmakers are now setting their stories in Afghanistan, The Covenant and other hesitant responses imply that it might take much longer to depict that conflict on screen adequately. The US is too politically divided for movies to risk offending half the audience, and Hollywood is more cautious than ever.

Although the war in Afghanistan is now the longest in US history, the public rarely thinks about it first. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the US military invaded Afghanistan to stop potential strikes by terrorists headquartered there. However, the war was swiftly eclipsed by other international crises, first in Iraq and, most recently, in Ukraine. But now is a perfect time for the Covenant. Before the US army pullout and the tumultuous evacuation as tens of thousands of Afghans jammed Kabul Airport in an attempt to flee, the Biden administration published a report two weeks ago. Within weeks of US and UK soldiers leaving, the Taliban seized power, limiting human rights, particularly for women, and sparking a global refugee crisis due to Afghans.

Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant fits into that context. Still, it is not the first or only Hollywood portrayal of the conflict, specifically the relationship between US soldiers and their Afghan guides. That is the film’s full, awkward title, which at least sets it apart from several other movies called The Covenant. In reality, a new one will open the next month: In the action film Kandahar, starring Gerard Butler, a CIA agent and his interpreter are trapped in a hazardous area of Afghanistan. It was released in the US on May 26.

There have also been earlier ineffective attempts. A light buddy comedy on the CBS network, The United States of Al (2021–2022), centers on an Afghan guide who lives in the US with the Marine he helped and Marine’s family. The 2016 comedy-infused drama Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, in which Tina Fey plays a journalist in Kabul, was so culturally insensitive to appoint Christopher Abbott, an American, as her interpreter from the Afghan language. Despite its overblown premise and one-dimensional characters, the Covenant captures more reality than that.

The truth behind the Covenant

Although The Covenant has an explosive surface, it is also grounded in verifiable truths and beliefs. For example, in the text near the film’s conclusion, it is said that 300 Afghans have died, and thousands more are hiding from the Taliban due to their cooperation with the US. The sentence “rings true,” according to Annie Pforzheimer, a former US diplomat who served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Kabul in 2017–18.

Additionally, Pforzheimer has witnessed a strong bond between Kinley and Ahmed that echoes their relationship. She adds that movies like The Covenant “reflect the real feeling of [their] helplessness and a little bit of wish fulfillment” for the soldiers and diplomats who worked closely with Afghan translators, police, military, and politicians for 20 years.

With its focus on how the US Visas promised to Ahmed and his family are entangled in so much bureaucracy that the Taliban would probably find him before he could leave the country, The Covenant also has an unexpected critical edge. Putting politics and flowery language aside, his annoyance reflects the reality that veterans’ organizations and other non-profits are raising awareness of a backlog of Special Immigration Visas to the US, the kind that Afghan guides were promised.

Documentaries may afford to be more scathing in their critique of the US strategy in Afghanistan because they have smaller budgets and fewer commercial expectations. Just before the US withdrawal, a camera team was embedded with US Special Forces, sometimes called Green Berets. It captures the relationship between US soldiers and their Afghan counterparts in Matthew Heineman’s Retrograde, a finalist for the best documentary Oscar.

Keeping politics out

However, most movies about the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are adamantly apolitical, praising the soldiers’ bravery to avoid more serious issues regarding the divisive wars themselves. For example, in Jarhead (2005), another Gyllenhaal picture set in the early 1990s during the Gulf War, a Marine casually deflects any questions concerning that battle by pleading with his buddies to disregard “politics, all right? We’re here, and “all the rest” doesn’t matter, he continued.

Similar things happen in the movie The Outpost (2020), which is about a significant battle in Afghanistan. A soldier remarks, “Freedom ain’t free,” the only obliquely political statement made in the movie, which focuses on the soldiers’ courage and the atrocities of the violence.

Read Also: Yellowstone could end soon

Even the top Hollywood combat films adopt a Western worldview. Afghanistan-themed movies do exist, but they are frequently disregarded. Hava, Maryam, Ayesha is a 2019 feature film by Sahraa Karimi that had its Venice Film Festival premiere. It is a carefully observed, humorous, sobering tale about three pregnant Afghan women from various social backgrounds. Karimi, one of the most well-known filmmakers now working in Afghanistan, hastily left Kabul in 2021 when the Taliban gained power and resides in New York. She considers herself to be an exile. She intends to produce Flight from Kabul, a movie based on her escape.

Reference: ‘The Covenant’ Review

The Jerry Springer Show: A Cultural Phenomenon

Isabelle Jeferson on May 30, 2023

The news of Jerry Springer’s passing shocked the entertainment industry. Springer was a talk show host and the former mayor of Cincinnati. Springer passed away on Thursday morning following a “brief illness” at his Chicago home, according to a statement from his representative. He was 79 years of age.

He died as a result of pancreatic cancer, according to longtime friend and family spokesperson Jene Galvin, who talked to NBC News. Many people who were unaware of his illness were shocked by the news.

Springer was most popular for his questionable syndicated program, “The Jerry Springer Show,” which originally debuted in 1991 and turned into a social peculiarity. The show was well-known for its outrageous and frequently confrontational content, which featured guests sharing scandalous and contentious tales. The show’s slogan, “Television’s most incredible syndicated program,” turned into a social expression.

Springer moved to New York as a child with his family after being born in 1944 in London. He went to Northwestern College and later procured a regulation degree from the College of Cincinnati. Before becoming the city’s mayor in the 1970s, he began his political career as a member of the Cincinnati City Council.

After leaving politics, Springer transitioned into television, first taking the helm of a regional news program in Cincinnati before landing his own talk show. Later on, he hosted additional programs like “America’s Got Talent” and “Baggage.”

Springer was liked by his colleagues in the entertainment industry, despite the controversy surrounding his talk show. Following the announcement of his passing, numerous celebrities paid tribute to him on social media.

Television host Andy Cohen tweeted, “RIP Jerry Springer – a kind man and a true gentleman who loved his job and his family.” Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres wrote, “Jerry Springer has passed away. I hope he’s found peace.”

All of a Sudden

Springer’s impact on popular culture cannot be understated. He was a trailblazer in the world of talk shows, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable content. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and his contribution to the world of entertainment.

The entertainment industry has lost a true icon with the passing of Jerry Springer. He will be missed by his fans, colleagues, and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them during this tough time.

According to Rabbi Kopnick, Springer’s illness was sudden, and he didn’t have cancer for very long before his passing. Springer died on Thursday, April 27th, at the age of 79, surrounded by his loved ones.

While Springer may be best known for his decades-long career as the host of his eponymous and often controversial syndicated talk-show, Rabbi Kopnick remembers him as a kind and generous person who was not accurately portrayed by his on-screen antics.

“He was very, very smart,” Rabbi Kopnick said of Springer. “He was a remarkable family man, and he was somebody who understood what it means to pay it forward.”

Springer’s career in entertainment spanned several decades, and he appeared in multiple films and television shows. His most significant success came as the host of “The Jerry Springer Show,” which premiered in 1991 and ran for over two decades. The show was known for its outrageous content and confrontational guests.

Despite the controversial nature of his talk show, Springer was well-liked by his colleagues in the entertainment industry. His ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success, whether he was working in politics, broadcasting, or just interacting with fans on the street.

In a statement obtained by EW, Springer’s longtime friend and family spokesperson, Jene Galvin, expressed the immense loss felt by those who knew him best. “He’s irreplaceable, and his loss hurts immensely,” she said. “But memories of his intellect, heart, and humor will live on.”

Springer’s passing is a huge loss for the entertainment world, but his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

Jerry Springer

Born in London, England in 1944, Springer moved with his family to New York City when he was just five years old. He went on to attend Northwestern University, where he earned his law degree before entering politics.

Springer started his political career in the 1970s, serving on Cincinnati’s City Council before being elected as the city’s mayor in 1977. Despite his success in politics, Springer eventually left the field to pursue a career in broadcasting.

In 1991, Springer launched his eponymous talk-show, which would go on to become one of the most successful and controversial shows of its time. Known for its outrageous content and confrontational guests, “The Jerry Springer Show” quickly became a cultural phenomenon, running for over two decades before finally ending its run in 2018.

Despite the controversies that often surrounded his show, Springer was well-respected in the entertainment industry and had a reputation for being a kind and generous person behind the scenes. He appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career, including a memorable cameo in the hit sitcom “Seinfeld.”

In addition to his career in entertainment, Springer was a devoted family man who was deeply committed to philanthropy. He was actively involved in numerous charitable organizations throughout his life, including the Jerry Springer Foundation, which focuses on providing aid to underserved communities.

In the wake of his passing, many in the entertainment industry and beyond have taken to social media to pay tribute to the beloved talk-show host. Singer and television personality Marie Osmond wrote on Twitter, “So sad to hear of the passing of Jerry Springer. He was always so kind and gracious to me. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.”

Comedian and television host Conan O’Brien also paid tribute to Springer on Twitter, saying, “RIP Jerry Springer. A great broadcaster and a great guy. We’ll miss him.”

Photo: Fun Cube