Latest news with #JohnBoyega
Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd, review: the white middle-class guilt over Black Lives Matter
Why did the death of George Floyd spark a global protest movement? The LA riots didn't spread across the world after the beating of Rodney King. The fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin didn't cause much of a ripple outside the US. Yet the killing of Floyd outside a convenience store in Minneapolis was the catalyst for Edward Colston's statue, 4,000 miles away in Bristol, being torn down and dumped into the harbour, while celebrities and organisations fell over themselves to voice public support for Black Lives Matter. Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd (BBC Two) makes an attempt to answer the question, but its analysis only goes so far. The feature-length documentary speaks to people in the US involved in the case – the Minneapolis chief of police, a community leader who helped to organise the first protests – and to random British contributors. I say 'random', because while the likes of Adele and Harry Styles tweeted pro-BLM messages to their millions of supporters at the time, and Star Wars actor John Boyega risked blowing up his career by making an impassioned speech in Hyde Park, the contributors here are Great British Menu presenter Andi Oliver, her daughter, Miquita, and comedian Munya Chawawa. It begins with footage of Floyd's arrest in May 2020. His dying moments – an officer with his knee on Floyd's neck, and Floyd protesting, 'I can't breathe' – are played later. The footage went viral. Floyd's uncle, Selwyn Jones, watched it before realising the man on the ground was his nephew. 'That was the day the world changed. That video played every second of the day, all over the world,' he said. Viral video in the age of social media explains why everyone knew about George Floyd, but why did that translate into protests on British streets? The documentary highlighted incidents in the UK involving black men and the police, including the shocking – and under-reported – case of Julian Cole, left paralysed and brain damaged after an arrest outside a nightclub. Nathalie Emmanuel, an actor and BLM protester, said the uncertainty of the pandemic had contributed to a sense of hopelessness, while scenes viewed on mobile phones took on a new intensity because they were our only connection to the outside world. In the Forest of Dean, a young woman named Khady Gueye, who has a white English mother and a black Senegalese father, was prompted to confront the horrible racism she had faced at school. She pulled out her school leavers' shirt, signed by friends – friends, not enemies – with messages calling her racist names. The murder of George Floyd, Gueye said, suddenly felt 'like a really powerful moment to make change'. All of this made sense, and was difficult to hear. But beyond the personal stories, the documentary didn't stand back far enough to assess whether the changes have been lasting, or if corporations were cynically jumping on the BLM bandwagon. And in assessing the backlash to BLM, it gives us only Donald Trump telling voters that 'our country will be woke no longer', plus ex-GB News journalist Inaya Folarin-Iman speaking of the embarrassment she felt at watching middle-class white people tearing down the Colston statue. One of the most surreal bits of footage is of what also looks like a bunch of middle-class white people kneeling for eight minutes and 46 seconds – the time it took George Floyd to die – on the high street in Totnes. They're all taking it very seriously. But how many of those people give black lives much of a thought today?
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hollywood's Anime obsession: Why western celebrities are all in
Credits: GoAllAnime Anime, once a niche interest, has 'exploded into the mainstream of Western pop culture'. Thanks to streaming services and social media (TikTok in particular), pandemic-era lockdowns gave fans time to binge Anime, massively boosting its reach. Now even Hollywood A-listers openly celebrate their fandom. From tech tycoon Elon Musk to action star John Boyega, celebrities wear their love for anime on their sleeves. Below are a few notable examples: Winston Duke (actor): The Black Panther star tweeted that Demon Slayer is his favorite anime (with My Hero Academia a close second). Michael B. Jordan (actor): The Creed and Black Panther star launched a Naruto-themed fashion collection with Coach, blending anime iconography into streetwear. John Boyega (actor): In a 2022 Wired interview he said he watches Attack on Titan , Naruto , One Piece and 'is on Demon Slayer ' now – praising anime's 'seriousness and depth' and its 'unique style of storytelling'. Megan Thee Stallion (musician): The rapper has mentioned spending downtime watching Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia . Chris Brown (singer): He got a Dragon Ball Z tattoo and tweeted in 2022 that ' Spriggan is my new favorite anime', showing off his fandom. Elon Musk (entrepreneur): The tech CEO often references anime on Twitter – he's tweeted admiration for Ghost in the Shell and recommended classics like Death Note , Evangelion and Spirited Away . Ronda Rousey (WWE star): A longtime Dragon Ball Z fan, she even used to record DBZ episodes on VHS as a kid. These and many other Western stars freely discuss anime now, making 'celebrities who love anime' a real trend in pop culture. Why Anime captivates the stars Credits: Sportskeeda What draws celebrities to Anime? Several factors stand out: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Limited Prefab Homes For Less (Find Now) Prefab Homes | Search Ads Undo Emotional storytelling: Anime is famous for rich plots and character depth. As Boyega noted, its style of storytelling is full of 'seriousness and depth' – something he finds hard to see in other genres. Producer Samuel L. Jackson agrees: he once quipped that 'Anime has the best, if not the greatest, storytelling out there'. These heartfelt, often high-stakes narratives resonate with stars craving more than the typical blockbuster fare. Nostalgia: Many celebs grew up in the 1990s and 2000s on shows like Dragon Ball Z , Sailor Moon and Pokémon . Revisiting these anime brings childhood memories. In fact, fans say the 'nostalgia of… golden age animes even attracts new anime watchers' – suggesting today's stars (millennials and Gen Z) are happy to relive those Saturday-morning-cartoon days. Visual style & fashion: Anime's bold, vibrant aesthetics inspire artists and fashionistas. From neon hair colors to futuristic costume designs, the visual flair of anime translates into striking outfits. High-fashion labels have taken note: Louis Vuitton's Evangelion capsule collection is a prime example. Streetwear brands (Supreme, Uniqlo, etc.) regularly drop limited-edition Dragon Ball or Naruto apparel. Celebs love that anime allows them to express a fun, edgy style. Social buzz & community: Anime fandom is huge online, and social media has normalized it. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are full of anime memes and cosplayers, so stars feel comfortable sharing their passions. As one commentator noted, even those once teased for watching anime have joined in thanks to social media's 'massive' impact on exposure. Now influencers and fans post anime-inspired outfits and art constantly, making anime references part of pop-culture conversation. In short, the geek culture is cool again – and celebrities are riding that wave. Anime in hollywood and streaming Hollywood itself is responding to the anime craze. Studios have produced several live-action adaptations of popular series – from Ghost in the Shell and Death Note (in the 2010s) to Netflix's own Cowboy Bebop and One Piece . These films and shows, though met with mixed reviews, show that the industry 'has taken note' of anime's popularity. Meanwhile, anime has never been more accessible: streaming giants like Netflix and Crunchyroll make it easy to watch everything from classic Miyazaki films to the latest hits. Even mainstream Western series borrow from anime's playbook – for example, Stranger Things weaves in Japanese horror tropes, and Rick and Morty uses the intricate, often surreal storytelling common in anime. In other words, anime isn't just on the small screen; its influence is shaping Hollywood's storytelling and distribution. Anime's influence on fashion and pop culture Beyond movies and TV, anime has seeped into global trends. On the style front, its impact is unmistakable. Couture and cosplay have collided: besides LV's Evangelion line, even fast-fashion chains release anime-themed collections. Street fashion regularly features beloved characters like Goku or Naruto. Social media amplifies this – fans (and celebrity influencers) share anime-inspired outfits daily, making colorful wigs, character prints and cosplay accents part of everyday looks. As one analysis puts it, anime has turned into a 'mainstream fashion phenomenon'. In music and art, anime aesthetics are everywhere too – album covers, concert visuals, tattoos and even dance moves often pay homage to anime themes. And large conventions (like Anime Expo) and viral online clips underscore how anime references are now common in memes and pop art. In sum, the anime influence on Western pop culture goes far beyond cartoons; it's a creative force in entertainment, fashion and beyond. A sky-high Anime influence In short, the wave of Western celebs obsessed with anime reflects a broader cultural shift. These stars find in anime something uniquely rewarding – emotional storytelling, stylish flair, and a shared community – that complements their public image. And as anime marches into Hollywood blockbusters and high fashion alike, its footprint in Western pop culture only grows. Anime's reach is now 'profound and multifaceted,' bridging continents and styles. Whether it's a superhero or a pop superstar, many celebrities feel an Otaku kinship – proof that anime's creative appeal is truly global and here to stay.
Hype Malaysia
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Movie Tea: MCU Eyeing Familiar Director To Bring X-Men To MCU; John Boyega Wants To Return To Star Wars
Some things are sweeter the second time around. From the planned return of the X-Men in bigger and bolder fashion, to the return of a star as an act of redemption for him and his role – here are the latest deets on what Disney has cooking for us behind the scenes. 'Thunderbolts*' Director Jake Schreier Eyed For Upcoming MCU X-Men Movie It may have taken 20 long years, but if the arrival of Deadpool and Wolverine in the MCU says anything, it's that something big is coming to the cinematic franchise. As you may have known, the big mouse has acted like Thanos himself, gathering all the pieces of the Marvel IP like they were Infinity Stones for a massive power play. With every piece now in their appropriate place, we might soon see what Disney has in store for us. With the recent success of the 'Thunderbolts*,' many are ecstatic to see what the MCU has in store for future installments of the franchise. However, it seems that the President of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, is thinking far ahead into the future, especially with the end of the Multiverse Saga close at hand. According to Deadline, Marvel executives are eyeing Jake Schreier, the director of 'Thunderbolts*', to kickstart the MCU's age of mutant-kind. Having perfectly executed the recent blockbuster film to commercial and critical success, Schreier has instantly shortlisted himself as the director who would bring the X-Men to the MCU. According to Deadline, it's believed that Schreier has met with Marvel about this potential future project, and if he were to agree, he'll be working with a script penned by Michael Lesslie (known for his work in 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' and 'Dope Girls'). Schreier has gone on record to say that he is an absolute lover of all things X-Men, and the fact that his only showing in the MCU so far has been a roaring success easily makes him the best candidate to helm the film. With people still gushing over the recent 'Deadpool & Wolverine' as well as 'X-Men '97,' X-Men fever has never been higher, and we can expect it to only go up as more info gets dropped. John Boyega Says He's Open To Return To Star Wars We can all agree that the Star Wars sequel trilogy was quite a massive disaster for the franchise due to its messy direction and lack of a cohesive plan. However, we cannot fault the artists put put their hearts and souls into bringing their respective characters to life. None were more devoted to their roles, but were ultimately done dirty by the franchise, than lead stars Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. As you may recall, 'The Force Awakens' heavily hinted, if not outright spelt it out, that John Boyega's Finn was supposed to be a Jedi, right down to the promotional material. However, this never came to pass, as subsequent films pivoted towards tackling an entirely different plot altogether. But as time heals all wounds, the franchise is finally taking a swing at what comes after the sequel trilogy, with Ridley herself stepping up and returning to the scene. Not only that, but she also hinted that she'd love to see Boyega join alongside her. Following the recent Fan Expo Philadelphia, Boyega finally responded, confirming that he is open to return to the franchise and reprise his role as Finn. Not only that, but he has even hinted that he has spoken to Daisy about it. In the panel, he addressed the question of his returning and he said the following: 'C'mon, yeah, of course. That would be fun to do, but contractually I'm on three movies and then after that, we don't know what's happening until they, you know, give you a few calls and say 'You should come back' and all that kind of stuff. And because of the whole storm after Star Wars, I think Disney felt a little bit like, 'Does he still want to be a part of it?' I'm like, damn, like, I can like this franchise and still tell you that certain elements wasn't all the way there. It doesn't remove your love for the whole entire franchise. Not only that, but he also took the opportunity to get some good digs in at the executive helming the project, essentially saying he will be back if they are 'treating the character well' and if they are 'fulfilling the arc that was teased', as well as 'approaching it by having a plan of what they're gonna do throughout the whole series.' These words were incredibly pointed, as several Star Wars projects have been left in limbo and were never revisited again, something that Boyega is painfully aware of. This exact choice of words is perhaps him saying that he is interested in joining the upcoming trilogy currently being penned by Simon Kinberg. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy referred to it as 'the new saga that moves us into the future'. Though it is unconfirmed that Ridley's Rey will be the main star of this upcoming trilogy, the likely answer is 'yes', as she is their most important cinematic asset in the recent Star Wars cinematic universe. Whether or not Boyega will be in it is anyone's guess, but we are damn sure he's all for it. Source: Empire, Screen Rant, Variety
Mint
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Upcoming new OTT releases in US: Love Death + Robots, Beast Games, and more
There's a lot happening in the world of entertainment this week. From new seasons of Love Death + Robots and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, to the renewal of Beast Games, there's plenty to keep an eye on. Here's a quick look at the biggest updates and releases. The animated series is made up of a collection of short films, each created by different teams of cast and crew. While some episodes share a few crew members, most are produced independently. The title Love Death + Robots reflects the common themes explored in each episode—usually touching on one or more of those three ideas. The series doesn't follow a fixed cast. Instead, each episode features a new set of voice actors. For instance, in the upcoming season, the voice cast includes names like the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, John Boyega, and several others. The show will start streaming on Netflix from 15 May 2025. When MrBeast launched the first season of Beast Games, few could have predicted just how popular it would become. Now, thanks to its massive success, Amazon Prime Video has renewed the show for two more seasons. Hosted and co-created by MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, Beast Games brings together 1,000 contestants to face a series of physical, mental, and social challenges — all for the chance to win a life-changing $10 million cash prize. Hulu is bringing back The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives for a second season. The new episodes will continue to follow the lives of the #MomTok group, delving into past drama, shifting friendships, and personal struggles. The new season will be available to stream from 15 May on Hulu. Overcompensating follows Benn (Benito Skinner), a closeted former football player, who forms a close friendship with Carmen (Wally Baram), a socially isolated high school student. With support from Benn's older sister and her boyfriend, the pair navigate the challenges of adolescence—including misguided romantic encounters, underage drinking, and identity struggles. With 10 episodes, the show is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video from 15 May.
Geek Tyrant
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
ATTACK THE BLOCK 2 Update: John Boyega Says, "It Will Happen" and 'The Story Is Crazy' — GeekTyrant
More than a decade after Attack the Block was released, it has become a cult-classic film. it's looking like Moses is getting ready to jump back into action, and John Boyega is very excited about it. During a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Boyega confirmed he's read the script for Attack The Block 2 , written by original director Joe Cornish, and teased what's shaping up to be a wild return to the alien-infested streets of South London. 'I've read it, man. It's cool, bro. It's cool. Yeah, I've read it. Joe Cornish has done a phenomenal job on his draft. And we're just cooking it to make it right for everyone. And we obviously need more money for those aliens. 'We want it to look really good for that 2026 crowd. But for us, it's just about developing the story, and making sure Moses and the rest of the characters that we have left are fully hashed out before bringing it out and going to shoot. 'But I'm very passionate and very willing that we will shoot Attack the Block 2. It will happen. You're going to have to see, but the story is crazy. I've got to get in the gym, Jesus.' So, that's an exciting update! The original Attack the Block was such an awesome movie, and it introduced audiences to Moses and his teen gang on Guy Fawkes Night as they fought off a brutal alien invasion in their London council estate. It mixed sci-fi, horror, social commentary, and comedy into something fun and fresh. The movie didn't blow up the box office (it made just $6.2 million globally), but it left a lasting mark on those who did see it. The film had a gritty style, cool creature designs, and a bonkers story. Boyega and Cornish have been planning this sequel for a while. Back in 2021, Cornish said, 'John Boyega was round at my place a few weeks ago and we sat in the garden — socially distanced — talking about story ideas until it was so dark we couldn't see each other. So, yeah, we're working on that.' That same year, Attack the Block 2 was officially announced, marking the film's 10th anniversary. Not only is Boyega returning in front of the camera, but he's also producing. Boyega previously offered an update on the movie saying: 'We're quite close. We're gettin' there. Obviously, we don't wanna release no dates to anybody because we wanna take care of the creative process. 'We have the main spine of the story, but we're still in the lab, just making sure the story is right. Story is everything. But it won't be too long. I've given them the drums to speed up the process. Hopefully soon, we'll have an announcement for when we'll be around London, messin' stuff up.' He discussed understanding his character, and how he thinks about what he'd be up to now. The adult version of the character that we'll eventually see in the sequel he describes as being 'bloody frickin' dope." He said: "It's a character that I really understand. In creating him when I was younger, I really understand where he's at now. It's the character that's stuck with me the longest. Every year I'd think, 'I wonder what Moses is doing now.' So I jump back in, and I think this version of Moses, if people can think about everything he's been through, is pretty darn bloody frickin' dope." Cornish has spoken about taking the time to properly develop the sequel, even referencing films like Aliens and Terminator 2 as creative benchmarks, not in scale necessarily, but in how they meaningfully evolved their stories and characters. I can't wait to see what they've come up with for the sequel! I have no doubt that they'll deliver an awesome sequel.
