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Buzz Feed
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Bikini Bottom's Leading Ladies Spilled The Tea On Their Incredible 25-Year Friendship, And I'm Literally Melting
For over 25 years, Carolyn Lawrence, Jill Talley, Mary Jo Catlett, and Lori Alan have brought Sandy, Karen, Mrs. Puff, and Pearl to life through their humorous and authentic performances. In celebration of Women's History Month and the release of Plankton: The Movie, I hopped on Zoom with the Gal Pals (the name for the friendship group of their characters). Here's everything I learned from this iconic group of actors! Jon McKee / Via Nickelodeon Left to Right: Lori Alan (Pearl), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Mary Jo Catlett (Mrs. Puff), Jill Talley (Karen). 1. On their vibe together in the recording studio: Carolyn (Sandy): It's almost like a sleepover! Jill (Karen): We all love each other so much that when we get together, it's like friends at a sleepover. When we are all together, we're so happy to see each other. It's exciting! Lori (Pearl): Every time we get together, it seems like we've never seen each other in months. We quickly get to all of our life stuff and daughters and pets, and, you know, we've aged. We've been through a lot of stuff together. Recently we were talking about how we've been a part of each other's lives for 25 years. So the vibe is also like being at an improv show, where we just make each other crack up. I still just love watching all of them work; I'm a fan geek of each and every one of you. Mary Jo (Mrs. Puff): Me too! I love to be with the girls, and I remember fondly being rather older than everybody else. I also remember we had a wonderful luncheon at the Granville. I think we should go back! Carolyn (Sandy): Definitely! Jill (Karen): For sure we should, or I'll just have you guys over, and we can hang out the yard! Carolyn (Sandy): Early on, when we all had more free time, right when we started, we certainly were able to spend more time together. Then kids and families and things happen — but that's why it's so fun. When we're in the studio and we're together, we try to make everything happen in those moments. 2. After 25 years, they think of each other as sisters. Carolyn Lawrence Jill (Karen): I said we were like friends, but really, I think more like sisters. Like you said, Lori, we've been working together for so long, and we've been through all this life stuff. We lost Steve Hillenburg, who was like a family member, and we all went through that together. We have lost parents, we've had babies born, we've had weddings. I mean Bill Fagerbakke's [voice of Patrick] daughter, who was a little kid at the beginning of SpongeBob, is now a mother. We've watched all these things happen, which makes us feel even more like family. Mary Jo (Mrs. Puff): Jill also brought me the most magnificent pea soup. We just do things like that. Jill, I have your ramekins, by the way. Jill (Karen): Oh, you can keep them! I have all kinds of containers, and they're the perfect little size for soups. (We all laugh). Lori (Pearl): Being females in the business, we hold each other up. This business is kind of crazy and can be competitive, and this and that, but we are always so genuinely excited to see each other. It's like we're family from another lifetime or something. We crack each other up, but we really do keep an eye on each other. I know if I had something non-related to SpongeBob, whether it was a sick dog, a sick parent, or something happened, and my husband wasn't home, I could call these three in the middle of the night, and I know you guys would be there. That's very special. Carolyn (Sandy): Speaking of what you were saying about women in the industry — I can't remember what happened, but I do remember having a record that wasn't going well. I was taking a break and going to the restroom and sobbing. [Points to Mary Jo] I don't know if you remember, but you were in the restroom, and in that moment, you gave me a hug, and I regrouped and went back to work. I think that's pretty amazing. Mary Jo (Mrs. Puff): We are sisters under the skin. 3. On the formation of the "Gal Pals" (aka the friendship group in the show of Sandy, Mrs. Puff, Pearl, and Karen): Nickelodeon Animation Studios Carolyn (Sandy): I want to give credit where credit's due. This was an idea from Lori and Sirena Irwin, who's also an ancillary gal pal. She is a part of the gal pals, 100%. Sirena and Lori had the idea about the gal pals and kind of casually pitched it out at an event, correct? That was the seed that was planted that became our first episode of gal pals. Lori (Pearl): We were at the Annie Awards, which is like the Oscars but for animation, and Sirena and I always get the giggles. We're always dancing at our cast parties, and we're always making a scene in the team photo booth. All of a sudden, I thought, what would be so cute is like a sleepover episode, or where it's just the girls and we're being rowdy and being themselves. So I was just kind of joking. I was like, you should call it gal pals! Little by little, we've really been able to have more female plotlines. We work really hard, and we could not be more grateful. Jill (Karen): It's nice too for all the little girls out there to see representation on the show. Huge shoutout to Emmy-nominee Sirena Irwin, who has voiced many iconic characters, like the magic conch shell, Mrs. SquarePants, and 'lazy' Mary ("They're selling chocolate!"). To learn more about Sirena's current projects and work on SpongeBob, check out our interview and her website. Jason Smith / Via Everett Collection Lori Alan, Sirena Irwin, and Jill Talley in attendance for the opening night of SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway. 4. Mary Jo on Mrs. Puff and SpongeBob's relationship: BuzzFeed: Mrs. Puff is one of my favorite characters, and I have to ask, in your opinion, how does Mrs. Puff really feel about SpongeBob? Does she have a soft spot? Mary Jo (Mrs. Puff): You know, a long time ago, I had a fan letter saying, "I'm sorry you don't like SpongeBob," but I love SpongeBob. Mrs. Puff wants to make him better; she wants to make him a good driver. She tries her best for him, but he's frustrating. If she says, "Go left," then he goes right. She really has a very soft spot in her heart. I think she even loves it when he bothers her, and also when Patrick comes in. (Does Mrs. Puff's voice)"Oh, you two again?" In her heart, she's glad. BuzzFeed: Do you have any favorite lines from Mrs. Puff? Mary Jo (Mrs. Puff): I love when I can do a few vocal gymnastics. One of my favorites is just a little line (does Mrs. Puff's voice): "Extra Credit!!" I also love when Mrs. Puff goes to jail. 5. Mary Jo on the transition from live-action work to voice acting: Everett Collection BuzzFeed: Mary Jo, you've been in so many great live-action roles like in Diff'rent Strokes, M*A*S*H, and Serial Mom, which I saw on TV a few months ago and thought was an absolutely WILD film. How did working in live-action translate to voice acting? Mary Jo (Mrs. Puff): I did a little voice acting when I lived in New York, and then when I moved to California, I wanted to do more. I just think it gives you a freedom. You're even much more free than when you have to bring your body along with you. It's just such a gift to be able to do. Jill (Karen): I will tell you, when Tom [Kenny] directs Mary Jo, and he's in the house, I will hear him laughing so loud. And then afterward, I'll ask what was so funny, and he'll say, "Mary Jo, she just nails it. She's so good." 6. Lori Alan's favorite Pearl moments include "Whale of a Birthday," "The Chaperone," and "Mall Girl Pearl" with Betty White. Nickelodeon Animation Studios Lori (Pearl): I love "Whale of a Birthday." I got to sing with — I can't even say the late Andy Paley; it's still too fresh. [Andy Paley composed many of SpongeBob's songs and sadly passed away last November]. I got to sing with Tom [Kenny] and Andy and just have a whale of a birthday, and that was so fun. Of course, when SpongeBob comes with me to the prom ["The Chaperone"], and also "Mall Girl Pearl," because Pearl's friends have all these incidental voices. We have Jill doing voices, Sirena [Irwin] doing voices, and also Carolyn. I never got to work with Betty White [Betty voiced Beatrice, seen in the picture above] in person, but just knowing that I was Betty-White-adjacent freaks me out. I love that episode. Pearl, who wants to be loved and liked by everyone, at the end of that episode, is like, "I'm gonna do a job where I'm appreciated and respected." She's just being herself. So I love Pearl for that. 7. Carolyn on Sandy's iconic sayings: Nickelodeon Animation Studios 8. Jill Talley on working with husband Tom Kenny: Jill (Karen): Tom and I met on a comedy sketch show on Fox in 1992 called The Edge, with Jennifer Aniston, pre- Friends. So we started working on that and then did Mr. Show together. We've always worked together; we also wrote a two-person show that we put up in a theater. It was a show with comedy sketches, with just Tom and I. I gotta say, I recently stumbled on one of the old scripts in storage, and I was sitting there laughing out loud. I was like, "This was a funny show!" I really enjoyed it. We're used to working with each other, and we have a kind of built-in respect for each other. I think he has a built-in respect for all the cast members. Tom has said, and we agree, that this show is pretty perfectly cast. Everyone seems to be perfect for their role and their job, and they're good at it. Everyone's good. There's no clunkers, and there's no jerks in the bunch. So that helps! Lori (Pearl): We've had many, many, many awesome, cool, big-time legends and icons on the show. But I do love that we really just keep it all in the family for the most part. A few weeks ago, I walked in, and my husband was watching maybe a season three episode — it was just a very early episode — and we sat and watched it. I don't watch SpongeBob as much as I would like to; it's not what I'm normally watching. I was just like, "Oh my God, our show is amazing. This is the smartest, sweetest, funniest show." We watched it for about three hours. I was in such profound gratitude. People say the nicest, sweetest things to us, like, "I got through chemotherapy watching SpongeBob," or "I raised my daughter to that as a single mom," and we just don't realize that. Carolyn (Sandy): I was talking to Mary Jo right before this, that I see us like an orchestra. Every single piece matters, right? We all have our instruments, and it only works because we work together. If you take a piece out, that orchestra doesn't sound good anymore. BuzzFeed: This was so much fun! Before I let you all go, Jill, can you say my favorite line for me? Nickelodeon Animation Studios Thank you so much to Carolyn, Lori, Jill, and Mary Jo for chatting — you have inspired me and so many others with your kindness, talent, and passion for your work. Plankton: The Movie is available to stream on Netflix. Check out the "Gal Pals" in action in this clip!
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Plankton: The Movie's Stars Worked With Music Legend on SpongeBob Musical
Plankton: The Movie stars Mr. Lawrence and Jill Talley spoke to ComingSoon about the new SpongeBob musical. Mr. Lawrence, who voices Plankton, also co-wrote the film, while Talley voices Plankton's wife, Karen. The duo discussed working with Flight of the Concords' Bret McKenzie and Linda Perry, while also talking about the Netflix movie's themes. It begins streaming on March 7. 'Plankton's world is flipped upside down when his plan for world domination is thwarted,' says the film's logline. Tyler Treese: Mr. Lawrence, you have a story credit here, and you co-wrote the film. You're a writer on the show, so that's a very natural fit. But what were the biggest challenges of doing a full feature film versus a short episode? There's a lot of meat to this. Mr. Lawrence: Yeah. There's a lot more to consider when you're doing a movie, of course. […] The idea came from a special that I wanted to do. But then that's where you realize what, when they came up with, 'Hey, we'd like to try to do some movie with Sandy and with Plankton,' and clicking that into it, I said, 'Oh, wow.' A special would've been great with this idea, but I think it was sort of made for a movie, and it would've been something that normally we would've been racking our brains for a year trying to figure out. 'What is the Plankton movie gonna be?' And instead it was kind of sitting there [laughs] when I was already working on it. So just luck, you know. Some kind of zeitgeist thing happening at the same time for us. So it worked out. But to me, that's what made it, that we could really go epic with the story and really have Karen dominate and do her thing. And that in a special, I think it would've been lost a little. I think it would've it wouldn't have been enough time to feel that this is serious. You know what I mean? It's kind of like that feeling of, 'This isn't epic.' This is a big deal happening here. It's not just a short or a shorter version, which I think would've kind of clipped its wings. I think we got to spread out a lot with these characters in this movie. Jill, I wanted to ask you, because as Mr. Lawrence was saying this might be called Plankton: The Movie, but it's kind of like Karen The Movie. Jill Talley: Thank you, Tyler, for correcting the name [laughs]. We see her break out on her own. She has her own plan of world domination. There's a sense of empowerment there. What did you like most about that aspect of the plot? Talley: Well, I mean, who doesn't wanna be a villain? Who doesn't wanna play a villain? When you're like a kid and you're playing games with your siblings, everyone wants to be the bad guy. It's the meatiest thing, you know, you can have more fun with it. So I loved that. I loved getting to stretch, 'cause Karen gets mad at Plankton, but to really be, to turn evil is just like a whole new level of… trying to think of the right word… Hamming it up for me [laughs]. It was fun! I loved it. I loved taking this character that we've been doing for so long and finding a new place for them. You know? Mr. Lawrence, the musical numbers in this film are great. I saw Brett McKenzie worked on some of the songs along with Linda Perry. I love Flight of the Concords and 4 Non Blondes, so that was a real trip when I saw the credits. How was it getting to perform their songs and knowing they were coming from such great artists? Mr. Lawrence: It was super awesome. Like, that was like one of the coolest things. 'cause they were asking who would we wanna work with? And Brett McKenzie was one of the things in my head right away. 'cause I know he writes songs in a freelance way, and Flight of the Concords is one of my favorite things. That show, their albums, the whole thing. So I was really happy about that. Linda Perry, I didn't even think about. I didn't come up with that one, and I couldn't believe it. I was like, going, 'She's gonna work with us?' [laughs]. Like that's… oh my. You know? So I got to go to her studio and work out the songs with her, the two songs that she worked on. And that was just… just that alone. Just to kind of touch on the actual music business, like a real song. A real song. [Perry is] a genius, you know, somebody who aside from 4 Non Blondes has written so many songs for so many people that are amazing. I've known about her for years, and all of a sudden there, I'm standing in front of her. I'm like, 'oh my God.' This is…. Talley: Yeah. This is crazy. It's intimidating. Mr. Lawrence: It is. Yeah. I really wanted her to like what we were doing. I didn't want her to go out. She had told me some horror stories about some of the pros, I won't tell you what they were, but she said some of the crazy things she was dealing with, with people in projects she was working on at the time. And she said that we were really great to work with, so I was so happy about that. Talley: She was so patient. You work with someone that that's what they do for a living, and that's not what you do for a living. I mean, we do voice stuff, but like singing, you know? And then you come up against someone like that and you don't wanna disappoint them, you know? It puts a whole extra level of stress, you know? And she was so comforting. She was so patient and nice. That really helped a lot. In the film, as Jill mentioned, we see some character development for Karen. She goes to the next level. She gets quite the upgrade — three heads! How is it kinda finding your voices for the different Karens? Talley: My first thought, and I guess this speaks to like my own personal insecurities or whatever as an actor, but my first thought was, 'I can't do that.' 'I'm not gonna be able to do that.' 'I'm not gonna be able to sing, not gonna be…' You know. And then you have your initial panic attack of, 'I don't know how to do this.' And then you start playing and start trying and start thinking of the voices. And then you find it, and then […] it's fun. Then you start playing, and then you lock in. And that's kind of how the process was. It was sort of like, 'Jill has a panic attack. Find the voice, do the voice. Hey, this is fun.' Mr. Lawrence: Same with the singing. We do that too at the sessions too. There's like that sort of initial, we get in and we're talking and we're doing our voices and clearing our throats, and then… Yeah. Yeah. There comes that moment — you could feel it in the recordings – where we all get loose. Where all of a sudden there's no more pretension, there's no more worry. We're just enjoying being there and going back and forth. Not just on this movie, the whole everything we've done together. I love that. Mr. Lawrence, this show's been on for so long that obviously kids are gonna watch this, but also adults. There's a lot of nostalgia for SpongeBob. This film has this wonderful theme of kind of not taking your partner for granted and being appreciative. How was it kind of layering that? This is a really fun watch for kids, but even the adults that check in on this are gonna leave with something to think about. Mr. Lawrence: Yeah, we had to steer it certainly because we'd go too far into… You could take that way too far. And then, and then it's not fun anymore. Talley: It's just sort of real life and a couple arguing. Mr. Lawrence: Yeah, yeah. But because Jill's married and I'm married, we know what that is. We understand married life. So you wanna bring something to it that feels authentic with the characters, which I think we did initially when the show started. But I feel like the show is always about being fun. Even if we do something sad, even if we do something angry, we sort of undercut it with humor, which is the style of our show. And it has been the style of all the movies, just the characters in general. Spongebob has always been trying to stay funny. We just want to be funny all the time. So even though we touch on these things that are adult, I think it's kid friendly. It's family friendly. Everybody's will get it. 'cause You know, I mean, kids are kids, but they know their parents are married, you know? Yeah. They know who their parents are, you know, and they know they're together or whatever the situation is. Talley: They're smart. They see that they're smart. Like you can have disagreements and stuff and still love each other. Karen and Plankton are the perfect example of that. They truly love each other. Mr. Lawrence: They stay together. Thanks to Mr. Lawrence and Jill Talley for taking the time to talk about Netflix's Plankton: The Movie. The post Plankton: The Movie's Stars Worked With Music Legend on SpongeBob Musical appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
The Guardian
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Plankton: The Movie review – Netflix's Spongebob spin-off movie is for fans only
Honestly, a title like Plankton: The Movie is about as difficult to evaluate as any movie that comes down the Hollywood pike or, in this case, washes up on its shores. Not because it's a spin-off of SpongeBob Squarepants – or at least, not because there is anything inherently wrong with a spin-off movie of such a durably silly and enjoyable kids' franchise – but because it often feels somewhere to the side of genuine feature-film status. In executive terms, it is more like content. Lengthwise, Plankton does qualify as a feature, though its official runtime of nearly 90 minutes doesn't really do justice to the fact that it runs closer to 75 when you take out the extensive end credits. Anyway, that's not a problem; there's a rich tradition of animated movies aimed at kids not overstaying their welcome, and Plankton himself is such a little guy. For a tiny, amorphous blob, he's quite accomplished, having parlayed a bit role on the long-running Nickelodeon series to a fixture as the self-appointed nemesis of SpongeBob and his beloved employer, the Krusty Krab. Like Pinky and the Brain before him, Plankton (voiced by an animator and voice actor known as Mr Lawrence) has attempted to overcome his diminutive status with somewhat obtuse world-conquering schemes, which he's convinced can and should begin with stealing the recipe for the Krusty Krab's Krabby Patty. One of the best jokes of Plankton's spin-off movie (presumably long-awaited by, at very least, Plankton himself) is that his longtime spouse Karen (Jill Talley), a sentient computer, is far better-suited to carrying out cartoonish evil plans than he is. Weary of his lack of gratitude and generally boorish manner, Karen takes matters into her own hands, becomes a multi-screened supercomputer and sets about actually dominating the world Plankton has long yearned to subjugate. This leaves Plankton, SpongeBob (Tom Kenny), and a group of gal pals led by the underwater-dwelling squirrel Sandy Cheeks (Carolyn Lawrence) to stop her – which makes Plankton: The Movie the rare children's film to focus on the reconciliation of a childless marriage. The loopiness of this premise is charming. Its suitability to fill out a feature film, less so. (It was originally conceived as a special before it was developed into the second tier of SpongeBob movies; the main line generally gets theatrical releases, while these spin-offs focused on the supporting cast are licensed to Netflix.) To distinguish the movies from the long-running cartoon series, the characters are rendered in choppy modern computer animation, which is to say these days, the SpongeBob movies generally look worse than the show. (That's one way to tell them apart, I guess!) Plankton is most enjoyable when it toys with other art styles, like a 2D psychedelic sequence after Karen's discarded love chip is shoved into her husband's brain, or a black-and-white musical flashback drawn in the style of 1930s shorts. All of this potentially extraneous stuff – extensive flashbacks, musical numbers, animated experiments – are what make Plankton fun while simultaneously creating the impression that the story at hand is on the static side. Much of it consists of Plankton talking to his frenemies about his marriage. As such, it often feels more like a three-episodes-and-change filibuster than a real movie. On one hand, this is a Netflix movie, so it's not as if families are having $100 in ticket sales pried away from them; on the other, a streaming release makes it even more difficult to discern from TV, despite the shinier/crappier animation style. None of this can or should concern the kid audience that's barely old enough to tell the difference anyway. But it's hard not to wonder if sorta-movies like Plankton are training that younger audience to start thinking in terms of content, early and often. Plankton: The Movie is available now on Netflix
Hi Dubai
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
The Most Anticipated Movies and TV Shows Coming Out This March
Get ready to mark your calendars because March is bringing an incredible mix of TV shows and movies that you won't want to miss! From gripping thrillers to heart-pounding action and sci-fi adventures, this month has something for everyone. Be it planning a cozy binge weekend or heading to the theater for the latest blockbuster, the entertainment lineup this month will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's dive into the exciting new releases hitting screens in March! Best Movies to Watch Picture This 📆 March 6 | 🎬 Prime Video Pia, a struggling photographer, gets a wild prediction—true love is just five dates away. With her sister's wedding fast approaching and her family playing matchmaker, Pia's love life takes a dramatic turn when her ex reappears, sparking a whirlwind of unexpected emotions. Will destiny lead her to the perfect match, or will her past keep her from moving forward? A heartwarming and chaotic romantic comedy you won't want to miss! Mickey 17 📆 March 7 | 🎬 In Theatres Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) is an "expendable" tasked with colonizing a dangerous ice planet. When his mission goes awry, he must confront the perils of space, death, and his own survival. From the Academy Award-winning director of Parasite , Bong Joon Ho delivers a darkly comedic, thrilling sci-fi adventure filled with unexpected twists and a touch of fantasy. Get ready for a journey where the stakes are literally life and death! Night of the Zoopocalypse 📆 March 7| 🎬 In Theatres Get ready for The Zoopocalypse ! When a meteor crashes into Colepepper Zoo, it turns the animals into terrifying zombies. Gracie, a quirky wolf, teams up with a tough mountain lion, Dan, to lead a ragtag group of survivors, including a movie-loving lemur, a fiery capybara, and a baby pygmy hippo, on a thrilling mission to escape the virus and save their zoo. It's a wild, spooky adventure you won't want to miss! Rule Breakers 📆 March 7| 🎬 In Theatres Rule Breakers tells the inspiring story of a fearless woman who defies societal norms to educate young girls in a country where it's considered rebellious. As her innovative approach gains global recognition, she faces growing opposition. With her unwavering courage, she sparks a movement that challenges tradition, ignites hope, and has the power to change the world forever. A powerful tale of resilience and revolution. Plankton: The Movie 📆 March 7| 🎬 Netflix Plankton: The Movie takes you on an unexpected adventure with Bikini Bottom's tiniest villain. After his latest evil plot is foiled, Sheldon J. Plankton must team up with unlikely allies to save both his home and the surface world from a new, mysterious threat. Get ready for action, laughs, and a twist as the villain becomes the hero in this thrilling and hilarious underwater escapade! Moana 2 📆 March 12| 🎬 Disney + After a successful theatre premiere, Moana 2 is coming on Disney+ . Moana 2 sets sail on a thrilling new adventure as Moana reunites with Maui and embarks on an epic voyage across the far seas of Oceania. Answering a call from her ancestors, Moana faces uncharted waters and dangerous challenges, with an unlikely crew by her side. With stunning animation, unforgettable music, and heart-pounding action, Moana 2 promises a magical journey you won't want to miss! The Electric State 📆 March 14| 🎬 Netflix Follow Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), an orphaned teen on a thrilling journey across a post-robot war America to find her missing brother. With the help of a mysterious robot and an eccentric drifter (Chris Pratt), she embarks on an adventure that blends retro-futuristic charm with high-stakes action. Directed by the Russo Brothers, this star-studded Netflix blockbuster promises an unforgettable ride. Duplicity 📆 March 20| 🎬 Prime Video Attorney Marley (Kat Graham) is thrust into her most personal case when she's asked to uncover the truth behind the shooting of her best friend's husband. Teaming up with her boyfriend (Tyler Lepley), a former cop turned PI, Marley dives deep into a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal. Will she uncover the shocking truth—or become a victim herself? Don't miss this thrilling ride of suspense! Locked 📆 March 20 | 🎬 In Theatres A thief's heist goes horribly wrong when he breaks into a luxury SUV, only to find himself trapped in a nightmarish game of psychological horror. Produced by Sam Raimi, this chilling thriller stars Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins in a deadly cat-and-mouse game where escape is impossible, and survival comes at a terrifying cost. Buckle up for a ride where justice becomes the ultimate weapon. Snow White 📆 March 21 | 🎬 In Theatres Disney's Snow White is a breathtaking live-action musical that brings the classic 1937 fairy tale to life with a fresh twist. Starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, this magical adventure features stunning visuals, unforgettable characters like the Seven Dwarfs, and new music from the creators of The Greatest Showman . Prepare for a captivating journey filled with enchanting moments and powerful songs. Holland 📆 March 27 | 🎬 Prime Video Nicole Kidman stars as Nancy Vandergroot, a seemingly perfect homemaker in picturesque Holland, Michigan. When she and her colleague (Gael García Bernal) uncover a hidden secret, Nancy's flawless world shatters, revealing a web of deception that threatens everything she holds dear. A gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning what's real and what's not. The Day The Earth Blew Up 📆 March 27 | 🎬 In Theatres A classic animated duo Porky and Daffy stumble upon a mind-bending alien plot at a local bubble gum factory. As they bumble their way through this cosmic conspiracy, their hilarious antics may just save the world—if they don't sabotage each other first. Get ready for laughs, chaos, and intergalactic adventure in this quirky animated thrill ride! Novocaine 📆 March 27 | 🎬 In Theatres A man with the rare ability to feel no physical pain must use his unique condition to save the girl of his dreams when she's kidnapped. As danger escalates, he discovers that his immunity to pain may be his greatest asset or his biggest curse. A gripping, high-stakes thriller that keeps you on the edge, Novocaine is a wild ride of suspense and unexpected twists. L2:Empuraan 📆 March 27 | 🎬 In Theatres L2: Empuraan follows the thrilling journey of Stephen Nedumpally, who leads a double life as Khureshi Ab'raam, the mysterious and ruthless leader of a global crime syndicate. As his two worlds collide, secrets unravel, and dangerous alliances form. Packed with suspense, action, and unexpected twists, this high-stakes thriller will keep you hooked until the very end. A Working Man 📆 March 28 | 🎬 In Theatres A Working Man follows Levon Cade, a former counter-terrorism operative turned construction worker and dedicated dad. When a local girl goes missing, Levon is pulled back into the dangerous world he left behind, using his legendary skills to uncover dark secrets. Tension, suspense, and action collide in this gripping tale of redemption and a father's love. Will Levon's past save the day, or will it destroy him? Best TV Shows to Watch Daredevil: Born Again 📆 March 4 | 🎬 Disney+ Blind lawyer Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) balances fighting for justice in court with his secret vigilante life. But when his past collides with that of former mob boss Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio), a dangerous showdown in New York looms. As their hidden identities resurface, the stakes rise, leading to an epic battle between justice and power. Don't miss this thrilling new chapter in the Marvel universe! With Love, Meghan 📆 March 4 | 🎬 Netflix With Love, Meghan invites you into the charming world of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, as she hosts an array of friends and celebrities at her stunning California estate. From cooking and gardening tips to entertaining secrets, Meghan's guests, including Abigail Spencer, Mindy Kaling, and Roy Choi, bring laughter, creativity, and heart to every episode. It's an inspiring, feel-good series you won't want to miss! Beauty in Black 📆 March 6 | 🎬 Netflix Beauty in Black returns with Part 2, picking up after the jaw-dropping cliffhanger where Kimmie crashes into her rival, Body, who had kidnapped her sister. Tyler Perry promises shocking twists and an unpredictable rise to power for Kimmie that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Get ready for more suspense, drama, and fierce rivalry in this gripping continuation! Adolescence 📆 March 13 | 🎬 Netflix Adolescence is a gripping, one-shot drama that follows the devastating aftermath when a 13-year-old boy is arrested for murdering a classmate. With each of its four episodes filmed in a single continuous shot, this intense series immerses viewers in the raw, emotional turmoil of family, guilt, and adolescence. Created by Jack Thorne and starring Stephen Graham, it's an unflinching look at the dark realities of growing up today. The Wheel of Time 📆 March 13 | 🎬 Prime Video Prepare for a thrilling new chapter in The Wheel of Time as Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) leads a group of young heroes on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth behind an ancient prophecy. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, one of them is destined to be the Dragon Reborn—either savior or destroyer. Mystical power, epic battles, and twists await in this spellbinding fantasy saga! Dope Thief 📆 March 14 | 🎬 Apple TV+ Ray (Brian Tyree Henry) and Manny (Wagner Moura) thought they had the perfect crime—pose as DEA agents and rob small-time drug dealers. But when they accidentally hit a major narcotics operation, their plan spirals into chaos. Created by Top Gun: Maverick 's Peter Craig and featuring a Ridley Scott-directed episode, this high-stakes crime drama offers suspense, dark humor, and unforgettable performances from two of TV's finest actors. 📆 March 20 | 🎬 Netflix The Residence is a gripping murder mystery set inside the White House. When a state dinner is interrupted by a murder, detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) is called in to crack the case. With sharp wit, keen instincts, and a love of birding, Cordelia dives into the intrigue of power, secrets, and suspense. With an all-star cast and endless twists, The Residence is a must-watch for mystery lovers! The Studio 📆 March 26 | 🎬 Apple TV+ The Studio stars Seth Rogen as Matt Remick, the frazzled new head of Continental Studios, where the battle for movie relevance is real. Amid infighting executives, egos, and corporate pressure, Matt and his team navigate the chaotic world of filmmaking, where every decision could lead to either dazzling success or disastrous failure. A hilarious and high-stakes look at the madness behind the movie industry—perfect for anyone who loves drama with a side of laughs! So, what are you waiting for? With so many incredible releases lined up this month, it's the perfect time to dive into something new and exciting. Grab your snacks, cozy up, and get ready to experience some unforgettable moments on screen. Also Read: Dubai's Top 20 Cinemas: The Ultimate Movie Theater Experiences Love to escape to the movies? Dubai offers a variety of top-notch cinema experiences, ranging from dine-in theatres and boutique cinemas to IMAX and 4D screens. Ready to watch a summer blockbuster in style? Here's where to head. Lights, camera, action. Unique cinema experiences in Dubai you must try So, get ready to munch on some popcorn while enjoying a movie with a unique experience like no other. Here are the 6 most unique cinema experiences in Dubai. Dubai's Best Video Streaming Services for Movie Buffs and TV Fans UAE has many streaming platforms that are quite popular among its residents and expats. In this article we will look at the various Video Streaming platforms available in UAE and the top content you can watch on each of them.
See - Sada Elbalad
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Netflix Unveils 2025 Film Slate: "Knives Out 3," "Frankenstein,"and George Clooney's "Jay Kelly" Set for Fall, Plus "The Old Guard 2" and More
Netflix has unveiled its wide-ranging film slate for 2025. During a news-packed 'Next on Netflix' presentation featuring appearances from celebrity guests Tina Fey, Ben Affleck, John Mulaney and the Duffer brothers, the giant streamer teed up a packed year of movies. Netflix has already released the Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz starrer 'Back in Action' and the Oscar-nominated 'Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl' this year. With its 2024 release 'Emilia Pérez' nabbing 13 Academy Award nominations, the pressure is on for film chief Dan Lin to find the streamer's next big critical hit while delivering sequels to audience favorites like 'The Old Guard.' Among the buzziest titles of the year are Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein,' Rian Johnson's next 'Knives Out' film 'Wake Up Dead Man', and Noah Baumbach's newly-titled 'Jay Kelly' with George Clooney. On the documentary side, Netflix also revealed films about Eddie Murphy, the Manson murders, Hurricane Katrina, Osama Bin Laden's capture, the Air Force's elite Thunderbirds squadron, the Long Island serial killer, endangered pangolins and the Titan submersible. Check out the full 2025 Netflix film slate below. Winter 2025 Kinda Pregnant Netflix will release the Amy Schumer-led comedy ' Kinda Pregnant ' on February 5, which follows a woman who dons a fake pregnant belly – and accidentally meets the man of her dreams. Jillian Bell, Will Forte, Damon Wayans Jr. and Brianne Howey also star. The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep Animated fantasy 'The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep' will debut on February 11, expanding Netflix's universe based on the popular video game franchise. This latest entry follows Geralt of Rivia as he's drawn into a centuries-old conflict between humans and merpeople, and must find a way to solve their mystery to prevent a war between kingdoms. La Dolce Villa Romantic comedy 'La Dolce Villa' with 'Scandal' star Scott Foley premieres February 13, just in time for Valentine's Day. It tells the story of a successful businessman who travels to Italy to stop his daydreaming daughter Olivia from restoring a crumbling villa – but he just might discover the beauty, magic and romance of the country along the way. Spring 2025 Plankton: The Movie The latest addition to the 'SpongeBob SquarePants' universe, 'Plankton: The Movie,' hits Netflix on March 7. Per the film's official logline, 'Plankton's world is flipped upside down when his plan for world domination is thwarted.' The Electric State 'The Electric State,' led by 'Stranger Things' star Millie Bobby Brown and 'Guardians of the Galaxy' alum Chris Pratt, lands on the streamer March 14. The project from 'Avengers: Endgame' directors Joe and Anthony Russo is set in the aftermath of a robot uprising in an alternate version of the '90s, following an orphaned teenager who ventures across the American West with a cartoon-inspired robot, a smuggler and his sidekick in search of her younger brother. The Life List Romance film 'The Life List' featuring 'Carry On' star Sofia Carson and 'The White Lotus' alum Connie Britton will premiere on March 28. 'When Alex Rose's mother sends her on a quest to complete her childhood bucket list, it takes her on a journey that will make you both laugh and cry as she uncovers family secrets, finds romance and discovers herself along the way,' the official logline reads. Nonnas The comedy 'Nonnas,' directed by 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' scribe Stephen Chbosky, has received a release date of May 9. Starring Vince Vaughn and Susan Sarandon, the film follows a man who risks everything to honor his late mother by opening an Italian restaurant with a group of local grandmothers. Havoc Action thriller 'Havoc' from writer-director Gareth Evans and star Tom Hardy will debut in the spring. Per the official logline: "After a drug deal gone wrong, a bruised detective must fight his way through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician's estranged son, while unraveling a deep web of corruption and conspiracy that ensnares his entire city." Timothy Olyphant and Forest Whitaker also star. Summer 2025 The Old Guard 2 Hotly anticipated title 'The Old Guard 2' has landed a July 2 release date, and will again follow Charlize Theron as immortal mercenary Andy of Scythia as she faces a formidable new enemy. Graphic novel author Greg Rucka returns to pen the sequel's script. Fear Street: Prom Queen India Fowler, Suzanna Son, David Iacono and Ariana Greenblatt star in the latest 'Fear Street' film, 'Prom Queen.' The horror flick, which will debut in the summer, takes place during prom season at Shadyside High. But when a gutsy outsider puts herself in the running for prom queen, and the other girls start mysteriously disappearing, the class of '88 is suddenly in for one hell of a prom night. Fall 2025 Frankenstein Guillermo del Toro's passion project, 'Frankenstein,' is slated for a November release. The project stars Oscar Isaac as the titular mad scientist and Jacob Elordi as his monstrous creation, and also features Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz. Jay Kelly Noah Baumbach's George Clooney-led comedy has finally landed a title, 'Jay Kelly,' and will debut in the fall. Adam Sandler, Billy Crudup, Laura Dern, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, Riley Keough, Emily Mortimer, Patrick Wilson, Jim Broadbent, Eve Hewson, Alba Rohrwacher, and Greta Gerwig also star. RIP The latest collaboration between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, 'RIP,' is set to premiere in the fall. 'Upon discovering millions in cash in a derelict stash house, trust among a team of Miami cops begins to fray. As outside forces learn about the size of the seizure, everything is called into question — including who they can rely on,' the film's logline reads. Untitled Kathryn Bigelow Film Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow's untitled Netflix film project has been slated for the fall. Plot details remain under wraps, but it will star Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Jonah Hauer-King, Moses Ingram, Greta Lee and Jason Clarke. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Also hitting the streamer in the fall is 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.' Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc returns for his most dangerous case yet in the threequel also featuring Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack and Thomas Haden Church. The Woman in Cabin 10 Keira Knightley-led 'The Woman in Cabin 10,' based on the book by Ruth Ware, is also among the fall releases. 'While on board a luxury yacht for a travel assignment, a journalist witnesses a passenger thrown overboard late at night, only to be told that it didn't happen, as all passengers and crew are accounted for,' the film's logline reads. 'Despite no one believing her, she continues to look for answers, putting her own life in danger.' Not Yet Dated The Ballad of a Small Player 'The Ballad of a Small Player' follows Colin Farrell as a high-stakes gambler laying low in Macau when he encounters a kindred spirit who might hold the key to his salvation. Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings and Tilda Swinton also star. Champagne Problems The romantic comedy 'Champagne Problems' stars Minka Kelly as an ambitious executive who travels to France to secure the acquisition of a world-renowned champagne brand before Christmas, but her plans are upended when she falls into a whirlwind romance with a charming Parisian — who turns out to be the founder's son. Happy Gilmore 2 Also not yet dated is 'Happy Gilmore 2,' which will see Adam Sandler return as the beloved but crass golf hero alongside Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Bad Bunny and Travis Kelce. In Your Dreams Animated feature 'In Your Dreams,' a comedy adventure about Stevie and her brother Elliot who journey into the absurd landscape of their own dreams, is also set for 2025. If the siblings can withstand a snarky stuffed giraffe, zombie breakfast foods and the queen of nightmares, the Sandman will make their ultimate dream come true: the perfect family. Simu Liu and Craig Robinson lend their voices to the project. K-Pop: Demon Hunters Also in the animated space, 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters' (working title) will follow a world-renowned K-Pop girl group as they balance their lives in the spotlight with their secret identities as bad-ass demon hunters, set against a colorful backdrop of fashion, food, style and the most popular music movement of this generation. Lost in Starlight Animated romance 'Lost in Starlight' takes to the skies as it tells the celestial love story of astronaut Nan-young and musician Jay who embark in the longest-ever long-distance relationship — one that bridges Earth and Mars. Pookoo Closing out the animated titles, Skydance's 'Pookoo' from producer John Lasseter is a buddy comedy about a small woodland creature and a majestic bird, two natural sworn enemies of The Valley that must set off on an adventure of a lifetime. Tyler Perry's Madea's Destination Wedding Beloved family matriarch Madea returns in 'Tyler Perry's Madea's Destination Wedding.' 'Brian and his ex-wife Debrah are shocked to learn their daughter Tiffany is engaged to a rapper she met on a yacht—and the wedding is in two weeks. Madea and her crew head to the Bahamas, stirring up chaos and heartwarming fun,' the logline reads. R&B Perry also produces 'R&B,' a contemporary version of the story of Ruth and Boaz. Set in Tennessee, the drama led by Serayah McNeill and Tyler Lepley tells the story of a young woman who escapes the Atlanta music scene to care for an elderly widowed woman and in the process finds the love of her life and gains the mother she never had. Straw Another undated Perry production, 'Straw,' follows a single mother who faces a series of unfortunate events that lead her down an unexpected path. Struggling against circumstances beyond her control, she becomes entangled in a situation she never imagined. Fueled by desperation, she finds herself at the center of suspicion in a world that seems indifferent to her existence. Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor, Glynn Turman, Sinbad and Rockmond Dunbar star. Night Always Comes Vanessa Kirby leads the thriller 'Night Always Comes,' based on the book of the same name by Willy Vlautin. Jennifer Jason Leigh, Zack Gottsagen, Stephan James, Julia Fox, Eli Roth, Randall Park and Michael Kelly also appear in the film that follows a woman who risks everything to secure the house that represents a future for her family. Steve Cillian Murphy plays the titular role in 'Steve,' a drama following the headteacher of a last-chance reform school who struggles to keep his students in line, while also grappling with his own spiraling mental health. A reimagining of Max Porter's novel 'Shy,' the film will trace a pivotal 24 hours in the life of its titular character. The Thursday Murder Club Based on Richard Osman's international bestselling novel of the same name, 2025 release 'The Thursday Murder Club' follows four irrepressible retirees – Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (Celia Imrie) – who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun. When an unexplained death occurs on their own doorstep, their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn as they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film is the latest to be produced through the Netflix and Amblin Entertainment partnership. My Oxford Year Sofia Carson leads the currently undated title 'My Oxford Year' opposite 'Queen Charlotte' alum Corey Mylchreest. The aptly-titled film takes place at Oxford University as an ambitious young American travels to England to fulfill a lifelong dream, only to have her plans upended when she meets a charming and clever local. The Wrong Paris Miranda Cosgrove will star in 'The Wrong Paris,' which tells the story of a young woman who joins a dating show thinking it's in Paris, France, but it's actually in Paris, Texas. She plots a way to get eliminated until her unexpected feelings for the bachelor (Pierson Fodé) complicate her plans.
