Latest news with #Hank
UPI
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
'Ick' brought back Mena Suvari, Brandon Routh's early roles
1 of 7 | Mena Suvari, seen at the 2018 premiere of "Book Club" in Los Angeles, stars in "Ick." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo LOS ANGELES, July 24 (UPI) -- Mena Suvari and Brandon Routh say their new movie Ick, in New York and Los Angeles theaters Thursday, brought them back to their earliest film roles. The pair play Staci and Hank, who were high school sweethearts in the early 2000s but have gone their separate ways. Suvari portrays both her adult and high school self, recalling her early roles as a high school choir girl in American Pie and high school cheerleader in American Beauty. In a recent Zoom interview with UPI, Suvari, 46, said paying homage to her early roles was surreal. De-aging effects, like those used in Marvel movies and Gemini Man, made Suvari and Routh appear as they did in their past films for the high school scenes in Ick. "Wearing a cheerleading uniform again as a mom in my 40s was just all too surreal, something I never thought would happen," Suvari said. Ick director Joseph Kahn said he cast Suvari as Staci because of American Beauty. Hank pines for her even after Staci marries classmate Ted (Peter Wong). "Who is worthy of pining for for 20 years?" Kahn said. "Well, they made a movie about that girl in the 2000s. It was called American Beauty and she's on the poster." The American Beauty poster is intended to represent Suvari's character holding a rose. The midriff on the poster is a body double, however, and the hand belongs to a different model. Christina Hendricks shared on Instagram in 2019 that she posed as the hand model in 1999, something Suvari still wasn't aware of until this interview "What a small world," Suvari said. "That's the perfect example of this business in some way." Routh, 45, said young Hank is closer to his 2006 appearance in Superman Returns. Though the actor appeared on One Life to Live in 2001, Superman Returns was the earliest reference material for his looks in film grade quality. "I was sending them as many photos from college and stuff that I could find, but there wasn't any good quality stuff," Routh said. "The soap opera I was on was recorded on tape. So it was not good for making a [digital] model, I guess." Kahn said Superman Returns gave subtext to the character of Hank. Though Routh has continued to act, including in The CW's DC Arrowverse superhero shows, Kahn thinks the actor deserved more success. "Brandon when you meet him, he's a superhero," Kahn said. "He can make you laugh, can make you cry. He's really that charming. So we as an audience on a certain level have failed him I believe. Someone like this should have a much bigger career." At the film's Screamfest premiere in October, Routh discussed relating to Hank, who had a promising football career until an injury on the field took it all away. As an adult, Hank remains in his hometown of Seabrook as a high school science teacher. Routh previously said the film helped him make peace with unexpected career paths and realize he still had some maturing to do. Now, Routh says he approaches acting with more confidence and collaborative spirit. "I feel much more worthy of being here," Routh said. "I feel like I've earned my stripes to a degree. This is my chosen profession. Instead of just thinking about me, I guess, I'm often thinking about the whole product and everybody involved because that's the fun of it too." On Ick that collaboration extended to editor Chancler Haynes, who helped both actors with some of Kahn's more complicated techniques. The opening montage of Hank and Staci's high school relationship was shot at various points over the course of filming. Often, when at one location, they would film both modern-day scenes and flashbacks to over 20 years ago. Haynes would edit scenes so quickly he could show them what came before and after each scene they were about to film. "I don't think that that would've been as easy or possible if we didn't have such a great resource like someone like Chancler on set," Suvari said. "It was so fast paced." Kahn admitted even he wasn't sure it would work until it was all complete. "That opening sequence was a bit of a jigsaw puzzle to do," Kahn said. "I didn't know what it looked like until the final shot. Then you press play and oh, it worked." Ick is not just a high school love story, however. The title refers to a mysterious substance that grows in Seabrook and has overrun the town after 20 years. The film never explains what Ick is or where it comes from, though many characters offer their own conspiracy theories. Kahn said this was intentional, because in real-life crises like 9/11 or COVID-19, people debate different theories even when an explanation is given. "We don't agree about anything," Kahn said. "So what the Ick actually is is never defined because we don't even define our monsters in real life." Kahn includes a clip of the 1958 film The Blob on a television, and wanted to bring back that sort of classic monster movie. Kahn laments that scary movies have gotten too intense for kids and families, like the graphic Final Destination franchise. "I wanted to make a monster movie, a true monster movie again. and also make one that didn't scar you," Kahn said. "Not too much sex, not too much drugs, not too much alcohol, still relevant and fun that you could safely watch with a 9-year-old to your grandmother. That's the idea." Hank and his student Grace (Malina Weissman), Staci's daughter, believe the Ick is dangerous. They struggle to convince others to do something about Ick before it is too late. Staci is one of the adults who chooses to ignore the Ick; she is more concerned with sending Grace to prom. "I just loved this character," Suvari said. "She was so checked out in so many ways." Hank believes Grace might be his daughter from the time he dated Staci, so he sends away for a DNA test. Whether it is confirmed or not, Routh believes that the Ick crisis has connected Hank and Grace in a positive relationship. "They've already bonded and created a friendship that definitely is different if they're not blood related, but also equally interesting," Routh said. "They have patterns that are similar in how they are dealing with the reality of what's happening, even if they're not related." Ick plays theaters everywhere beginning July 27.
Malaysian Reserve
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
My Talking Tom Friends 2 Launches Globally
LIMASSOL, Cyprus, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The wait is finally over! My Talking Tom Friends 2 is officially live, bringing the Talking Tom & Friends crew back bigger, bolder, and more fun than ever. As announced in Outfit7's boldest year yet, this is the first of three major releases coming in 2025. Players get to jump into a totally reimagined world and hang out with Talking Tom, Angela, Hank, Becca, and Ben like never before. This highly anticipated sequel ramps up the friendship vibes with personalized houses for each character, fresh new ways for them to express themselves, and a ton of mini-games and hangouts to explore. Plus, the characters are fully voiced – speaking, joking, and expressing themselves with real voices that bring even more personality and charm to every interaction. And to top it off, early birds who join the fun within the first 14 days will unlock a special gift: Tom's slick new Rizzler Outfit – the perfect way to kick things off in style. Welcome to the NeighborhoodAt the heart of My Talking Tom Friends 2 lies a lively new neighborhood where every character's home reflects their unique personality – from Tom's rockstar loft to Angela's artsy studio, and from Hank's cozy critter hideout to Becca's tech hub and Ben's inventor's garage. Players can explore the neighborhood and visit local spots like the food store, boutique, health clinic, and greenhouse – each bursting with fun and creative activities. A dynamic day-night cycle adds fresh moods and magical moments to discover, making the neighborhood feel truly alive. Mini-Games, Max FunWhether players are in the mood for action, creativity, or just something quirky, My Talking Tom Friends 2 delivers with a big bunch of fresh mini-games. From street-style spray painting and paper plane flights, to football shootouts, kite crafting, high-speed races, and even mowing mayhem – there's a surprise around every corner, seamlessly woven into the game world. Speaking with Real Voices Hearing Tom, Angela, Hank, Ben, and Becca crack jokes and react to moments adds a whole new dimension to the game, bringing even more personality and charm to every interaction on screen. This feature makes the world feel more alive and every moment more personal. Bus Trips to New WorldsBeyond the neighborhood, players can catch a ride on the new bus system to the Water Park – a splashy, slide-packed destination full of surprises. And that's just the beginning – more bus trips and new worlds are already on the way. Taking Friendships to New HeightsMy Talking Tom Friends 2 builds on everything fans love – bigger worlds, deeper bonds, and many more ways to connect. The characters are bursting with personality and charm, feeling more relatable than ever. This sequel serves up an even richer, more heartfelt experience, mixing fun gameplay with genuine moments. It's the next step in the Talking Tom & Friends journey, made to delight players of all ages. Join the Fun Today!Download My Talking Tom Friends 2 for free now and move into your new neighborhood! Early Players Get a Special RewardTo celebrate the global launch, all players who join within the first 14 days will receive a special welcome bundle. This includes the exclusive Rizzler outfit for Tom, adding extra style to their adventure, along with a housewarming gift of 100 Golden Chillys and 3 sticker packs to jumpstart the fun. ABOUT MY TALKING TOM FRIENDS 2:Developed by Outfit7 Limited, My Talking Tom Friends 2 takes virtual pet gameplay to the next level in a living, interactive neighborhood where players can explore, play, and create their own stories. Join Talking Tom, Angela, Becca, Hank, and Ben-now teenagers-as they dive into exciting adventures across fun locations like the water park, science center, and more. With immersive mini-games, unique homes, and real spoken dialogue, My Talking Tom Friends 2 delivers endless entertainment for players of all ages. Discover more [HERE]. Photo: Contact: media@ View original content:
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Watch: Julia Roberts stars in #MeToo thriller 'After the Hunt'
July 16 (UPI) -- Amazon MGM Studios is teasing its upcoming #MeToo thriller After the Hunt, starring Julia Roberts. The trailer released Wednesday features Roberts as Alma, an acclaimed college professor seemingly at the pinnacle of her career. When her student Maggie (Ayo Edebiri) doesn't show up to class and claims Alma's colleague Hank (Andrew Garfield) "crossed the line," Alma "finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads." While Maggie insists Hank sexually assaulted her, Hank asserts that she'd been plagiarizing. Alma is caught in the middle and a "dark secret from her own past threatens to come into the light," an official synopsis reads. Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Challengers) directs from a script by Nora Garrett. Michael Stulbarg and Chloe Sevigny also star in the film, which arrives in theaters Oct. 17. Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
After the Hunt trailer see Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield bring messy #MeToo scandal to screen: Here's what to expect
Brace yourselves, cause Julia Roberts is not America's sweetheart in Luca Guadagnino's After the Hunt. She plays a respected college professor whose oh-so-perfect life begins to crumble when one of her students (played by the always fierce Ayo Edebiri) drops a bombshell of an accusation. The accused? Another professor played by Andrew Garfield, who also happens to be hiding secrets that link back to her own past. Spicy? Oh yes. Messy? Even more. Julia Roberts is caught between truth and reputation The trailer wastes no time dragging us into the mess. Garfield's character, Hank, goes full anti-Gen Z boomer mode, whining about how everyone is 'scared of saying the wrong thing.' But Edebiri's Maggie isn't having it, clapping back with all the fire Gen Z is known for. Their academic sparring quickly spirals when Maggie shows up at Roberts' door with accusations that Hank assaulted her, while Hank insists she is cheating in class. Yep. Drama. After the Hunt From whispered office politics to full-on breakdowns, the trailer teases a storm of secrets bubbling under Roberts' seemingly polished surface. Maggie puts it all on blast, calling out the white institution's tendency to centre itself even in the face of Black trauma. Her line about a young Black woman being assaulted while 'white people make it about themselves'? A full-on mic drop moment. Who's behind the madness of After The Hunt? Directed by the master of slow-burn drama Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Bones and All), this psychological thriller is written by Nora Garrett and packed with A-listers like Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny. It hits NYC and L.A. theatres on 10 October before going wide on 17 October, and yes, the drama looks worth every second.
Pink Villa
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
After the Hunt Trailer Reveals Andrew Garfield's Hank in Deep Scandal with Julia Roberts, Know All About Upcoming Thriller
Andrew Garfield and Julia Roberts are set to share the screen space in the upcoming thriller film, After the Hunt. The trailer for the movie was dropped on Wednesday, July 16, wherein the actors will portray the role of professors. The movie is hailed by the Challengers director, Luca Guadagnino and The Bear star, Ayo Edebiri, too, joined the cast of the new film. As per the trailer of the movie, Edibiri's character, Maggie, accuses Garfield's character, Hank, of assaulting her on the college premises. While the professor, played by Roberts, doubts Maggie's authenticity over the case, Hank also deals with a secretive past. What is After the Hunt about? In the upcoming film starring Garfield and Roberts, the actors playing college professors find themselves in a scandal. For the plot of the movie, the official synopsis reads, "a gripping psychological drama about a college professor (Julia Roberts) who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star student (Ayo Edebiri) levels an accusation against one of her colleagues (Andrew Garfield), and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come into the light." Meanwhile, the trailer begins with Hank criticizing Gen-Z. He says, 'All your generation, you're scared of saying the wrong thing.' Furthermore, he goes on to ask, 'When did offending someone become the preeminent cardinal sin?' As the trailer progresses, Edebiri's Maggie gets back at Hank as she says, 'Maybe it's around the same time your generation started making sweeping generalizations about ours?' For the cast members, Garfield, Roberts, and Edebiri will star alongside Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny. The screenplay is written by Nora Garrett. After the Hunt will release in theaters on October 10, 2025.
