Category: TV

In 2022, Matt Reeves’ The Batman changed the reception of Batman to the big screen. Fans of The DC superhero-verse and Batman were expecting spinoffs to build Matt Reeves’ The Batman Universe. Unfortunately, only ‘The Penguin’ was greenlit as ‘Arkham Asylum’ and ‘Gotham PD’ were cancelled.

Director Matt Reeves called his The Batman Universe, “Batman Epic Crime Saga,’ and it will continue with Collin Farrell starring as Oswald Cobblepot in “The Penguin” limited TV Show which will premiere on September 19th on Max.

Matt Reeves reveals The Penguin show begins weeks after The Batman ends and will connect to The Batman 2.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Matt Reeves spoke about how the cinematic universe for The Batman began: “As we were writing the movie [The Batman], I was like, ‘Hey, you know what? I think there are some cool shows that we could do,” he said. “It was actually why I wanted to make our deal at Warner Bros.”

A character that Reeves was planning to explore was Riddler, unfortunately not all spin-offs were greenlit but the stories found a way to thread into The Penguin.

“They were like, ‘We like what you’re doing, and we want to lean harder into the marquee characters,” Reeves said, “what’s interesting is that, in the movie, the big red herring of the story is it seems like the person they’re looking for, that the Riddler’s pointing to must be the Penguin, some kind of informant. This movie creates a power vacuum, and because Penguin is so underestimated, people don’t really see who he is.”

In another universe, Prime Video is exploring the early days of Batman in The Caped Crusader an animated show premiering August 1st.

If you think an Oscar slap Will stop Will Smith, then you’re wrong and Bad Boys: Ride or Die proved that.

Will Smith is currently in talks with Sony Pictures to star in a new film, ‘Resistor.’ The project is an Escape Artists Entertainment adaptation of the 2014 Daniel Suarez best selling novel, Influx. It imagines a chilling future where technological advances are held hostage by the government in this thriller that perfectly blends “nail-biting suspense with accessible science” (Publishers Weekly).

Though details about the plot of the adaptation is yet to be revealed, the first draft of the script was written by Zak Olkewicz and Eric Warren Singer currently working on the latest draft.

Deadline reveals the film is to be produced Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch and Tony Shaw of Escape Artists, which has been developing the project for some time with along with Smith and Jon Mone through Westbrook, with Heather Washington exec producing. Dave Wilson is also producing.

Will Smith and Todd Black have previously collaborated on movies with Sony including Seven Pounds, The Pursuit of Happyness and Emancipation.

Will Smith film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, co-starring Martin Lawrence, has surpassed $100 million at the domestic box office after 10 days of release with the franchise becoming a billion dollar franchise.

Pastor Emmanuel Iren, head pastor of Celebration Church International, has released the trailer for his debut film, “What About Us?”.

Pastor Iren serves as the executive producer of the film, but it was written by Ife Olujuyigbe and directed by Kayode Kasum. Bisola Badejo and Tochukwu Macdonald Sunday are also producers.

The drama explores the challenges of marriage through the interwoven stories of two couples. It is set to hit cinemas on July 12th. “What About Us?”

The cast includes Uzor Arukwe, Folu Storms, Kunle Remi, Teniola Aladese, Aeyi Awolowo, Marycolette Unamka, and Atlanta Bridget Johnson.

Synopsis: The film follows a Christian couple struggling to keep their marriage afloat. But when a new couple move in next door, the problems that have plagued their marriage come to a fever pitch, as the wife begins a relationship to close for comfort with the husband next door. [Pulse Nigeria]

“What About Us? is a film that will touch your heart and spark important conversations,” said Macdonald Sunday.

See the trailer below:

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Nigerian writer and director, Tola Falonipe, is revamping the story of love in her new short film, ÀDÙNNÍ. The plot, which takes place in the 70s tells the love story of two childhood friends who reconnect after a long time apart. Explore the story of rediscovery, love, understanding and desire.

Synopsis:

“Adunni” is a heartwarming short film set in the small town of Irepodun in 1970s Southwestern Nigeria. The story follows Adunni, a young woman returning home from Lagos, and Banjoko, her childhood friend, who harbours deep feelings for her. As Adunni struggles with her desire for a broader horizon beyond Irepodun, Banjoko tries to win her heart.
Through humour and nostalgia, the film explores themes of love, growth, and the beauty of embracing one’s roots.

What we know:

The film was written, directed and produced by Tola Falonipe, starring Sharon Abisola Alabi, Damilare Lawal, and Mary Taiwo Omidiora who played the roles of Adunni, Banjoko, and Labisi respectively. Adeyinka Ojo and Marvellous Edema were on set, the cinematographers behind this project. The film is expected to span 13 minutes and 14 seconds.

Tola had to be the director, producer and makeup artist to bring this project to life while saving costs. The film was shot in one for more than 6 hours. Tola is currently working on her next project coming out in August 2024.

The trailer for Disney’s Moana 2 is making waves as it establishes a fresh record for the company. The trailer is Disney’s biggest animated trailer since its release, with over 178 million views in the first 24 hours.

Heihei and Pau will be returning to the big screen for a brand new adventure. It is set to open in theatres on November 27th, 2024.

The events of the sequel begin three years after the 2016 installment with the characters embarking on “an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers.”

“After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced,” 

Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson will return to voice Moana and Maui. The sequel features music from Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina.

Moana 2 was originally announced as a Disney+ series but was reviewed as a full-length movie directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller.

Moana 2 is part of Disney’s hope to bring back the Disney movie legacy, as the company has suffered multiple financial losses from its past projects. In 2026, the live-action Moana film starring Dwayne Johnson is expected to be released.

The first movie grossed nearly $700 million at the global box office. The 2016 original movie was also the most-streamed movie across all of Disney’s platforms in 2023.

See Trailer:

‘MOANA 2’ Trailer. In theaters November 27.
pic.twitter.com/hQrfUmoDMU

— Music on Streamdorm 🎧 (@Streamdorm) May 29, 2024

Bill Skarsgård will be back to play his role as Pennywise in the upcoming ‘It’ prequel series ‘Welcome to Derry’, a Max series.

The actor will take on his role as the horrific clown as he did in the 2017 films It and It: Chapter Two, Skarsgård is also named as an executive producer on the upcoming show. The series will explore Pennywise‘s origin story.

He will reunite with the director of It and It Chapter Two, Andy Muschietti, and Barbara Muschietti, producer, to bring this show to life.

In March last year, Skarsgård announced he was “not involved” with the upcoming prequel, but made a U-turn earlier this year.

Skarsgård will also join cast members Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, and James Remar in Stephen King’s “It” book adaptation. His last Stephen King adaptation was Castle Rock (2018–2019). Warner Bros. Television is expected to take over the production.

Max originally ordered Welcome to Derry to series in February 2023. Of the new series, the Muschiettis said in a statement, “As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King’s It until the thick paperback fell to pieces. It is an epic story that contains multitudes, far beyond what we could explore in our It movies. We can’t wait to share the depths of Steve’s novel, in all its heart, humor, humanity and horror.” [Consequence Film].

Bill Skarsgård will headline the upcoming remake of Nosferatu as the creepy Count Orlok and will star alongside FKA Twigs in the new adaptation of The Crow.

The title “Welcome to Derry” is rumoured to be subject to change, and Andy Muschietti is expected to direct four out of nine episodes of the show. Welcome to Derry was scheduled to be released this Halloween, but HBO and Max chairman/CEO Casey Bloys has suggested 2025 is now more likely.

The long-awaited 2024 AMVCA is finally here!!! This year will celebrate 10 years of awarding and recognizing talents in the industry.

The event honours talented actors and actresses in the film industry and will be held live at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.

As is customary, the gifted radio and TV presenter, IK Osakioduwa, will be the host of the event.

Here are the winners:

Best Art Direction: Abisola Omolade (Over The Bridge)

Best Editing: Antonio Ribeiro (The Black Book)

Best Indigenous (West Africa): Jagun Jagun (Femi Adebayo)

Best Digital Category: Layi Wasabi

Best Supporting Actress: Genoveva Ume

Best Short Film: Broken Mask

Best Makeup: Campbell Precious (Mami Wata) 

Best Costume Design: Lola Awe (Jagun Jagun: The Warrior)

Best Lead Actress: – Kehinde Bankole (Adire)

Best Writing for TV Series: Volume

Best Writing for a Movie: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Tunde Babalola)

Best Lead Actress: Wale Ojo (Breath of Life)

Best Sound Design: Ray Jones (Blood Vessel)

Best Indigenous South Africa: Motshameko O Kotsi

Best Cinematography: Over The Bridge (KC Obiajulu) 

Best Unscripted Mnet Original: Nwuyee Bekee (Foreign Wives)

Best Scripted TV Series Mnet Original: Slum King

Best MultiChoice Talent Factory: Her Dark Past

Best Unscripted Series: GH Queens (Season 2)

Best Scripted Series at AMVCA: Itura

Best Director: BB Sasore “Breath of Life”

Best Movie: ‘Breath of Life’

Femi Adebayo has won a 3-year legal battle against a media company for piracy.

Femi Adebayo, who hails from Kwara State, is a talented Nollywood actor and producer known for his roles in Yoruba movies.

Femi Adebayo won ₦25 million in damages in a lawsuit against an online media company, Murphy Ben International, for exploitation of the intellectual property of his film, Survival of Jelili.

Piracy has been a long-lasting battle in the Nollywood film industry, from illegal distributors to websites and blogs. Despite its damage to the industry, actors and filmmakers have found ways to tell their stories and share their art with a substantial global audience.

In a statement shared on his Instagram, Femi Adebayo said:

The Nigerian film industry has experienced exponential growth over the years, but we haven’t been able to maximise the true dividends of this business because of dare devil pirates who benefit where they didn’t sow. This is a major reason why investors find it hard to commit their funds to filmmakers. However, through persistence and the use of the legal framework covering intellectual property, we can bring their activities to a gradual halt.

Several times, I have been a victim of movie pirates and I never spare them. I recently concluded a legal battle with a notable media company that owns a big radio station and also engages in youtube content distribution. During the cinema run of “Survival of Jelili” in 2019, my movie was gathering good numbers at that time. They decided to use my movie poster and title to promote a movie on their platform, thereby deceiving fans and diverting revenue accrued to me.

It took 3 years, but my trust in the legal and justice system remained unwavering. With the dedication of our legal team, Bola Adebowale & Co Legal Practitioners, who are seasoned professionals with wealth of experience in handling such cases. They presented undeniable evidence, put up a strong argument, and took the case to trial. Their promptness, efficiency, and attention to detail played a huge part in the direction of the case. We won and were awarded a total of Twenty Five Million Naira.

This isn’t just my win as a filmmaker and content producer but a win for all of Nollywood. We need to be ready to fight IP theft and piracy at all levels. Every win brings us closer to protecting and getting the true economic value of our works.

The media platform, via their YouTube channel, used images from his film to create another YouTube video to increase their views and, in return, make money.

Toyin Abraham has also spoken out against piracy and how it has caused mental unrest for her as a filmmaker. Five suspects were charged in court earlier this year for illegally leaking her 2023 movie, Malaika, online. They were accused of stealing intellectual property, conspiring, and attempting to obstruct justice. [Pulse].

Margot Robbie is embarking on a new journey and off to a new project since the record-breaking success of Greta Gerwig‘s Barbie.

Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap, including co-founders Josey McNamara and Tom Ackerley, alongside Hasbro Entertainment, will give life to the board game Monopoly for Lionsgate in conjunction with toymaker Hasbro.

Lionsgate will distribute the forthcoming movie. Adam Fogelson, the chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, made the film announcement at CinemaCon 2024 in Las Vegas on April 10. “I could not imagine a better production team for this beloved and iconic brand than LuckyChap. They are exceptional producers who choose their projects with great thought and care and join ‘Monopoly’ with a clear point of view. We are tremendously excited to be working with the entire LuckyChap team on what we all believe can be their next blockbuster,” Adam said of LuckyChap’s involvement. James Myers and Robert Melnik will be part of the project on behalf of Lionsgate.

“Monopoly is a top property—pun fully intended,” said LuckyChap. “Like all of the best IP, this game has resonated worldwide for generations, and we are so excited to bring this game to life alongside the wonderful teams involved at Lionsgate and Hasbro.”

The head of film at Hasbro Entertainment, Zev Foreman, said, “As one of the most iconic games in the world, Monopoly provides an incredible platform for storytelling opportunities. We are thrilled to have the unique vision of LuckyChap and Lionsgate alongside us to bring this historic piece of popular culture to the big screen.”

Margot Robbie and LuckyChap have a wide array of successful movies, including the most recent, Barbie, which garnered over $1.4 billion at the global box office. Moving on, they are working with Vertigo Entertainment to create a live-action adaptation of Digital Dollhouse‘s The Sims.

In 2014, Margot Robbie, Josey McNamara, Tom Ackerley, and Sophia Kerr founded LuckyChap. It has produced movies and shows like I, Tonya (2017), Birds of Prey (2020), Maid (2021), Barbie (2023), and Saltburn (2023).

Dilli Dark is an Indian-Nigerian cross-culture comedy film exploring the life of an African in the beautiful city of New Delhi, India.

The movie follows the journey of a Nigerian, Michael Okeke, who dreams of living in New Delhi and obtaining his MBA. Yet, his aspirations are obstructed by his previous life as a drug dealer. Michael, being African, has to navigate the Indian culture as he will face racial discrimination.

The movie stars Nollywood actor Samuel Abiola Robinson, Geetika Vidya Ohlyan and Shantanu Anam. Directed by Dibakar Das Roy.

“I am back!!! And happy to be Announcing my Next film DILLI DARK; A film about racial discrimination and what life is like for people with darker skin in Delhi and India as a whole,” Samuel Robinson.

The director tells IANS that the film was conceived as an amalgamation of ideas that stemmed from personal experiences including being bullied for having dark skin as well as events that happen in Delhi — racial prejudices against Africans and other dark-skinned people — that brought together themes of race, colour and identity. (Outlook)

See the trailer below:

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