Latest news with #ThinkLikeaMan
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson were a perfect recipe for an action-comedy": Tim Story on 'The Pickup'
Tim Story knows a thing or two about bringing opposites together. From Ride Along's odd-couple cop antics to Think Like a Man's ensemble charm, the filmmaker thrives on pairing distinct personalities and letting sparks fly. With The Pickup, he's done it again — this time uniting comedy royalty Eddie Murphy with the internet's favourite, Pete Davidson . The result? A high-octane caper that blends sharp banter and a buddy dynamic that feels fresh yet timeless. As Story tells ETimes, the magic wasn't just in the script, it was in watching the duo's natural rapport spill from behind the scenes onto the big screen. We caught up with the director to talk about the casting gamble that paid off, the secret ingredients of a great buddy film, and why he still believes in the theatrical experience. Q: You brought together a legend like Eddie Murphy and paired him with Pete Davidson. What made you want to cast this unexpected duo, and how did their chemistry shape the film creatively? Tim Story: When you start with Eddie Murphy, you're looking for that perfect combination people will want to watch. Then Pete came up, and having these two SNL alums together just felt like a recipe for an action-comedy — and an amazing ride. They did not disappoint. Even watching them chat between takes was fantastic. They were genuine fans of each other, and that energy translated on screen. I figured it would be successful in terms of what we pulled off, and I'm excited for audiences to see it. Q: What makes a great buddy duo in today's cinematic landscape? And how does Eddie and Pete's dynamic in the film stand out, especially when compared to the recent success of Idris Elba and John Cena in 'Heads of State'? Tim Story: I think it'll hold up really well. We have a legend in Eddie, and I always look for the right contrast — characters and actors who can start far apart and then find their way to common ground. That's where the spark is. We've got a mix of talents that are entertaining, a story with some surprises and twists, and when you add someone like Kiki Palmer into the mix, I think we're in a very strong position. Q: You've worked across such a wide range of genres from 'CSI: Miami' to superhero blockbusters like 'The Fantastic Four'. How did that experience influence your approach to blending action and comedy in 'The Pickup'? Tim Story: Every time I choose a project, I'm looking for a challenge. At this stage in my career, I enjoy scripts that mix different genres. I grew up watching everything — horror, comedy, action, romance — so a lot of that is in my DNA. Whenever I can bring multiple genres into one project, it pushes me creatively, and I really enjoy that. Q: As a director, do you prefer theatrical releases or television or streaming releases? Tim Story: I prefer film — especially in theatres. I make comedies, and nothing beats an audience reacting together. That infectious energy is incredible to watch. I still make movies with the theatrical experience in mind, whether people ultimately see them on the big screen or streaming at home. That's where my heart is.
Miami Herald
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Hollywood producer celebrates son's graduation from HBCU
Zion Packer, son of Hollywood producer Will Packer, has graduated from North Carolina A&T State University. This is another proud HBCU moment for the Packer family. The graduation took place on May 10, 2025, at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Zion completed his undergraduate degree with dedication and focus. Will Packer, a proud alumnus of Florida A&M University (FAMU), shared his excitement on Instagram. He wrote, "So proud of you son! Nothing and no one can stop you. Here's to your biggest chapter yet!" The message captured the joy and pride of this important milestone. Zion's success is especially meaningful because his father is one of the most well-known graduates of FAMU. NCAT and FAMU have a friendly rivalry as two former MEAC foes and two of the largest HBCU institutions in the country. Will Packer has built a major career producing blockbuster films like Girls Trip and Think Like a Man. Zion followed his own path at North Carolina A&T. According to his LinkedIn profile, he studied in the College of Engineering, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science. He lists his interests in the defense, intelligence, and software development industries. His graduation highlights the importance of family, education, and determination. This achievement is also a proud moment for the HBCU community. Both FAMU and North Carolina A&T have helped shape the Packer family's legacy of excellence. Zion's next steps are full of promise. His father's words offer a reminder that the future is wide open. Zion's story is a celebration of what can happen when hard work meets opportunity. It is also a powerful example for other young students on their own journeys. The post Hollywood producer celebrates son's graduation from HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meagan Good Says Married Life with Husband Jonathan Majors Is ‘Amazing': ‘It's Me and Him Against the World' (Exclusive)
Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors are blissfully in love. While speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the NBCU Emmy Kick-Off Luncheon at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills on Friday, April 11, the Harlem actress, 43, gave an update on how life has been since marrying the Magazine Dreams star, 35. Good says that newlywed life is 'amazing,' but admits things do 'feel different' after taking their relationship to the next level. 'It's immense what it already is. When two people come together, they make the same choice and the same commitment,' she tells PEOPLE, adding that the other person is 'making the same decision as you.' 'And there's just something really beautiful about [it].' While promoting Magazine Dreams on Sherri in March, Majors confirmed that he and Good secretly tied the knot after being first linked in May 2023. Related: Jonathan Majors Says Wife Meagan Good Lost Jobs and 'Got Uninvited to Stuff' Because of Their Relationship Speaking to PEOPLE about their relationship on Friday, Good says, 'I already felt like I had my person, I know it's me and him against the world, whatever it may be.' The Divorce in the Black star also calls Majors her 'best friend.' 'And I enjoy him so much,' she adds. Good tells PEOPLE, 'I learned so much from him. But I think being husband and wife, you take on a different kind of partnership. And I think that while the commitment might already be there, it's a different type of commitment because it's lifelong, no matter what I'm riding with you [until] the wheels fall off.' Additionally, the Think Like a Man actress says she feels like marriage is 'also a commitment to being our best selves.' She notes that there can always be challenges associated with relationships, whether 'it's your children or your parents or your siblings,' and that in 'some way, shape or form, you're a part of each other, you grew up somewhere within the same atmosphere or experience.' 'But when you choose someone who has grown up in a different place, has different siblings, a different life experience, you guys may be very similar, but you also might be very different,' Good says. "The choice to love that person in all seasons, which as most of us know, it goes up and down and all around. But the choice to love that person is learning what is [as] close to how God loves us as possible. It's an unconditional love where there are no conditions.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. She clarifies that she won't deal with 'something crazy,' telling PEOPLE, 'but beyond that, what is challenging you to understand is how loved you are, what you deserve, and how much God loves you.' 'There's a reflection of that love in marriage because of the level of commitment,' Good says. Good was previously married to pastor DeVon Franklin, whom she finalized her divorce from in June 2022. Majors was found guilty of two counts of misdemeanor assault and harassment in December 2023 and sentenced to complete one year of an "in person batterers" intervention program in April 2024. Read the original article on People
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Kevin Hart, Tim Story reunite for Netflix comedy 72 Hours
Kevin Hart and director Tim Story are reuniting for a new comedy film titled 72 Hours, which is set to premiere on Netflix. The project sees Hart playing a 40-year-old executive who tries to salvage his struggling career by joining a group of twenty-somethings on a chaotic three-day bachelor party, after being accidentally included in their group text. This marks the fifth collaboration between Hart and Story, following their successful partnerships on the Think Like a Man and Ride Along franchises. These films were major box-office hits, collectively grossing over $445 million worldwide. The script for 72 Hours is penned by Matt Mider & Kevin Burrows, along with Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg. The film is produced by Hart's Hartbeat, Davis Entertainment, Counterbalance, and Will Packer Productions, with Ross Fanger serving as an executive producer. The project is part of a collaboration between Sony Pictures and Netflix, under which Sony provides Netflix with a first-look at its upcoming films for streaming. This new comedy promises to offer a fresh take on the genre, continuing Hart and Story's successful partnership.
The Independent
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Jonathan Majors marries Meagan Good nearly a year after domestic assault sentencing
Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good have tied the knot. Ahead of the release of Majors' latest film, Magazine Dreams, the couple were wed in an intimate ceremony in Los Angeles, Majors, 35, confirmed on Wednesday on the Sherri show. "I said to Meagan yesterday, 'Today might be the happiest day of my life,'" an emotional Majors said. "I love that woman so much. We fell in love. We finally got to do it, but it was always the plan." Majors' mother officiated. He had special rings from Hawaii engraved after asking Good's father for permission to wed. The Independent has reached out to representatives for Majors and Good for comment. The couple confirmed their engagement to People in November 2024 while attending the EBONY Power 100 Gala where they first met in 2022. "We're feeling great,' Good told People at the time while flaunting her diamond ring. 'It's a season of joy,' Majors added. Good, 43, and Majors were first linked in May 2023, around the same time he was facing trial for misdemeanor assault and harassment charges. The charges stemmed from an incident involving his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari in March 2023. Jabbari, 31, accused Majors of hitting her, fracturing her finger, twisting her arm, and causing her to bleed after striking her ear. In December 2023, Majors was found guilty of two counts of misdemeanor assault and harassment. He was also found not guilty of one count of assault in the third degree and aggravated harassment in the second degree. Majors avoided jail time but was sentenced to a year-long domestic abuse prevention program in April 2024. Jabbari has since dropped an assault and defamation lawsuit against Majors, after the Marvel actor claimed both before and during the trial that he did not assault Jabbari. Good — who was previously married to producer DeVon Franklin until their 2022 divorce — publicly supported Majors throughout the trial, even accompanying him to court. In July 2024, she admitted to People that Majors 'tried to encourage me not to be with him. He wanted to protect me.' That same month, during an appearance on Today With Hoda & Jenna, the Think Like a Man actor said 'every friend' advised her to wait until Majors' proceedings were complete before engaging in a relationship. 'But at the end of the day, one thing I know is I can always look myself in the mirror when I trust my spirit, when I trust God, when I ask God, and when I move to the beat of my own drum,' Good continued. 'I can always look and say, 'Ok I'm proud of that.' No matter whatever happens I have peace in my heart and harmony in my heart.' Magazine Dreams marks Majors' return to the big screen following the domestic assault scandal that brought his rising career to a halt. Majors plays an up-and-coming bodybuilder who abuses steroids on his ascent to stardom. The film opens in theaters on March 21. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter publicizing the movie, Majors admitted that the aftermath of the domestic assault trial forced him to address unresolved issues from his childhood. 'I dealt with sexual abuse from both men and women from the time I was 9,' Majors said. 'From people who are supposed to look after you, in the absence of a father. I was f***ed up.' Through therapy, he's been able to confront the trauma he experienced. Majors said he's only recently spoken to his mother about what happened to him decades ago. 'I'm like, 'It's not even an issue, mom. I just want you to know. And now we can all get busy and continue to connect and grow and learn from it, because it's something that was in our family,'' said Majors. As he looks to the film's release he acknowledged, 'There are no excuses, but by getting help, you begin to understand things about yourself.'
