Latest news with #Viola
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
15 Actors That Took Roles They Now Regret
We all have our career mistakes, and actors aren't immune to these either. Even major stars take roles they go on to regret. So here are 15 actors and the roles they regret: Viola Davis – The Help Viola's filmography is certainly nothing to be sniffed at. She's excelled in a number of roles and has become one of the best that Hollywood has to offer. But for all of her amazing, complex roles, she does have one regret; The Help. The film centres around a young white journalist who builds a relationship with two Black maids who are tormented by the white families they work for. While it received commercial and critical success, earning a Best Actress nomination for Viola, the movie was criticised for adhering to the white saviour narrative, and Viola, looking back, felt that the film didn't focus on Black voices. 'I just felt that at the end of the day that it wasn't the voices of the maids that were heard... They're invested in the idea of what it means to be Black, but…it's catering to the white audience." Timothée Chalamet – A Rainy Day in New York Timothée essentially disavowed A Rainy Day in New York, and it's director, Woody Allen, before it had even been released. After completing filming for the picture the year previously, in 2018 the actor posted on Instagram, expressing that the least year had 'changed the way I see and feel about so many things'.He went on to add: 'I am learning that a good role isn't the only criteria for accepting a job – that has become much clearer to me in the past few months, having witnessed the birth of a powerful movement intent on ending injustice, inequality and above all, silence."He then revealed that he would not be taking any of his salary for the role, and instead donating it to various charities: 'I have been asked in a few recent interviews about my decision to work on a film with Woody Allen last summer. I'm not able to answer the question directly because of contractual obligations. But what I can say is this: I don't want to profit from my work on the film, and to that end, I am going to donate my entire salary to three charities: Time's Up, the LGBT Centre in New York, and Rainn [the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network]." Zac Efron – High School Musical While the cheesy teen film rocketed Zac to stardom, he does not look back fondly on the film, or his role in it. While insisting that he has nothing but love for the cast and fans, he doesn't enjoy thinking about his character, or the fame he got from playing him. Speaking about playing Troy Bolton and what it did for his career, here's what he had to say:'I step back and look at myself and I still want to kick that guy's ass sometimes. "He's done some kind of cool things with some cool people – he did that one thing that was funny – but, I mean, he's still just that fucking kid from High School Musical." Channing Tatum – G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra Channing has pathed out quite the career for himself, particularly from his non-traditional route into acting. However, there is one particular role that he does not look back fondly on. It was the 2009 film, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, and despite turning it down seven times, they had an option on him so he had to agree to taking the role here's what the actor had to say: 'I was pushed into doing it. The script wasn't any good. I didn't want to do something that was, one, bad, and two, I just didn't know if I wanted to be GI Joe."In fact, he hated it so much that, for the sequel, he asked to be killed off in the first 10 minutes in order to rule him out of any subsequent continuations of the franchise. Sandra Bullock – Speed 2: Cruise Control Sandra made no attempts to hide her regret for Speed 2, and in an interview in 2022 said that she wished that she hadn't done it. Her main qualm with it was the plot itself, saying that it "made no sense." She described the plot as a "Slow boat. Slowly going towards an island," and explicitly said that she's embarrassed to have been in it. Her embarrassment was reflected in the sequels reception amongst critics and cinema-goers alike, with the film earning a string of negative reviews, and it's run at the box office barely making back the production costs. Matt Damon – The Bourne Ultimatum Even though The Bourne Ultimatum turned out to be a huge financial success, taking home over $440 million, Matt wasn't happy about the production, the script, or any of it really. Speaking about the initial script he read, he had some damning things to say: 'I don't blame Tony [Gilroy] for taking a boatload of money and handing in what he handed in. It's just that it was unreadable. This is a career-ender. I mean, I could put this thing up on eBay and it would be game over for that dude. It's terrible. It's really embarrassing. He was having a go, basically, and he took his money and left.'Matt also had problems with the chaotic, disorganised filming process, saying, "We had a start date. Like, 'It's coming out August of next year.' We're like, 'Hang on, we've got to figure out what the script is'.' Stanley Tucci – The Lovely Bones For some actors, it isn't the actual movie itself that they regret being in, rather it's the character they played that they found difficult to deal with. For Stanley, it was the role of George Harvey, the sadistic serial killer that struck fear into the eyes of viewers. On playing the role, he said: "I would not play George Harvey again in The Lovely Bones, which was horrible. It's a wonderful movie, but it was a tough experience. Simply because of the role. I asked Peter Jackson why he cast me in that role. I tried to get out of playing the role, which is crazy because I needed a job." Theo James – Divergent After staring in Divergent and its subsequent sequels, Theo James felt as though he was stuck in similar roles, ones that he didn't particularly want to do. Speaking about being pigeonholed, he said: "You do a certain type of film and you sign contracts where you are beholden to those roles for a certain period of time and people see you in a certain light that you have to wrestle your way out of. That is a hundred percent the case with actors — and it was definitely the case with me."He went on to add that this rigidity within the industry was frustrating for him, expressing his discontent with playing those type of parts: "I felt I didn't have the fluidity to move in the directions that I wanted. You're very much in a certain type of role — and those roles can be pretty fucking boring." Jessica Alba – Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer Jessica was a rising star when she got the blockbuster role of Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, in Fantastic Four. The movie's commercial success had the studio rush to release a sequel a couple of years later. It was this movie, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, that caused Jessica to consider leaving the industry all together, she hated it that much. Speaking about the experience of making it, she said: 'I wanted to stop acting. I hated it. I really hated it. I remember when I was dying in Silver Surfer. The director was like, 'It looks too real. It looks too painful. Can you be prettier when you cry? Cry pretty, Jessica''. Michelle Pfeiffer – Grease 2 Michelle admitted that, when she actually took the role, she was "young and didn't know better." Her main regret was to do with simply how bad she thought the film was, saying: "I hated that film with a vengeance and could not believe how bad it was."Even though it garnered a rather poor reaction, Michelle was at least pleased to find out that the movie has become somewhat of a cult classic! Colin Farrell – Miami Vice There are a number of reasons why Colin doesn't look back fondly on the 2006 movie, one of which was the personal turmoil that he was facing during the filming. It acts as a reminder of a particularly trying time for him, as he'd been feeling the effects of 16 years of being "drunk and high," and immediately checked himself into rehab after filming concluded. The film itself though is also something Colin's not proud of, with the actor saying that he didn't like it, calling it "style over substance." He accepted his fair share of the responsibility but also felt like they missed an opportunity, saying: 'It was never going to be Lethal Weapon, but I think we missed an opportunity to have a friendship that also had some elements of fun. ' George Clooney – Batman & Robin While the competition for "worst superhero movie" is stiff, Batman & Robin is certainly a contender, and it seems that George, who starred in the film, agrees. In fact, the legendary actor hates the film and his performance so much that he wouldn't let his wife watch it. Speaking about whether he'd reprise his role for The Flash, he simply replied, "they didn't ask me." He added, 'When you destroy a franchise the way I did, usually they look the other way when The Flash comes by'.On "destroying" a franchise, he doubled down on this, saying: 'Let me just say that I'd actually thought I'd destroyed the franchise until somebody else brought it back years later and changed it. I thought at the time that this was going to be a very good career move. Ummmmm, it wasn't.' Kate Winslet – Carnage and Wonder Wheel Kate was very frank about her regrets for these films, and in both cases it was the decision to work with the directors that she regrets the most, Roman Polanski (Carnage) and Woody Allen (Wonder Wheel). Speaking about working with both disgraced directors, she said: 'It's like, what the fuck was I doing working with Woody Allen and Roman Polanski? It's unbelievable to me now how those men were held in such high regard, so widely in the film industry and for as long as they were. It's fucking disgraceful.' She went on to add that it's something she has to face, and that there's no point shying away from it, adding; "I have to take responsibility for the fact that I worked with them both. I can't turn back the clock. I'm grappling with those regrets, but what do we have if we aren't able to just be fucking truthful about all of it?' Ben Affleck – Daredevil The critic and audience responses to Daredevil clearly suggest that no one was a big fan of this movie, and that's something Ben Affleck, wholeheartedly agrees with. He certainly didn't mince his words when talking about the film, saying, "I hate Daredevil so much." He spoke about why the movie didn't work, saying: "That was before people realised you could make these movies and make them well. There was a cynical sense of 'put a red leather outfit on a guy, have him run around, hunt some bad guys, and cash the cheque'.'In fact, Ben's feelings about the movie played a part in his accepting the role in Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, saying, "Part of it was I wanted for once to get one of these movies and do it right – to do a good version." Sylvester Stallone – Judge Dredd Sylvester has had some major highs in his career, most notably the knockout success of Rocky. He does, however, have a number of notable regrets, the most severe of these is the 1995 comic book movie Judge Dredd. He called the movie "The biggest mistake I ever made." He also described the handling of the film as "sloppy." A lot of the regret comes from his idea of what the film could have been, saying: "It could have been a fantastic, nihilistic, interesting vision of the future – judge, jury and executioner. That really bothered me a great deal.' What other actor regrets have you heard about? Let us know in the comments below!
Black America Web
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Before Fame: 20 Black A-Listers Who Starred in Canceled Shows
Even A-listers start somewhere. These 20 Black celebrities appeared in shows that were canceled before hitting their stride — but the stars certainly didn't. Not every superstar begins their career with a blockbuster hit. In fact, some of the biggest names in Black Hollywood had their earliest roles in short-lived or forgotten TV shows. These series may have flopped, but they served as stepping stones for actors who went on to become household names. Think of it as a 'before they were famous' moment — a peek into the humble (and sometimes bizarre) beginnings of today's A-list talent. Whether it was a sitcom that didn't make it past season one or a drama buried under poor ratings, these canceled shows gave rising stars their first shot. From Oscar winners to Marvel heroes, these Black actors pushed through Hollywood's early rejections and emerged as icons. You might be surprised by how many got their start in TV shows you've never heard of — or barely remember. Tap in as we revisit 20 Black celebrities who turned early career flops into full-blown fame. 20 Black Movies That Flopped But Are Now Certified Classics The Residence Canceled by Netflix—And It's Not the Only Black-Led Show Cut Too Soon 20 Black Women in Film Who Proved One Role Can Change Everything Before Fame: 20 Black A-Listers Who Starred in Canceled Shows was originally published on 1. Viola Davis – City of Angels (2000) Before her Oscar, Viola starred in this short-lived CBS medical drama with a majority-Black cast. 2. Michael B. Jordan – The Assistants (2009) This comedy series aired on BET and was canceled quickly, but Jordan was already showing star power. 3. Jamie Foxx – Roc (1992, guest role) Before The Jamie Foxx Show, he appeared in this gritty, underrated sitcom — a stepping stone to stardom. 4. Zendaya – Shake It Up (2010–2013) A Disney hit that launched her, but the show was canceled after 3 seasons, just before her global breakout. 5. Donald Glover – Community (2009–2015) While a cult hit, Community was shuffled and canceled repeatedly — Glover left before his music and Emmy run. 6. Chadwick Boseman – Lincoln Heights (2007–2009) Before Black Panther, Chadwick had a recurring role on this family drama that ended after 4 seasons. 7. Kerry Washington – Wonderfalls (2004) She had a brief appearance before Scandal fame in this cult-favorite Fox series canceled after 4 episodes. 8. Regina King – 227 (1985–1990) Her first major role was in this NBC sitcom that faded just before the 90s, but launched her acting career. 9. Octavia Spencer – Halfway Home (2007) A short-lived improv-based sitcom on Comedy Central — Spencer was far from the Oscar winner she'd become. 10. Mahershala Ali – The 4400 (2004–2007) Ali starred in this sci-fi series on USA Network before grabbing two Oscars. 11. Queen Latifah – Living Single (1993–1998) Canceled after 5 seasons despite high ratings. Its legacy? Paving the way for Friends — and for Latifah's TV/film career. 12. Ultraviolet (1998, Channel 4 – UK) Long before Hollywood fame, Elba starred in this cult British sci-fi drama as a vampire hunter. The show was critically acclaimed but canceled after just six episodes — now it's a hidden gem for Elba fans. 13. Anthony Mackie – All the Way (2001) A political miniseries that disappeared fast, but gave Mackie his first major exposure. 14. Yara Shahidi – The First Family (2012–2013) Before Black-ish, Shahidi starred in this sitcom about a fictional Black president — it didn't last. 15. Lakeith Stanfield – The Get Down (2016–2017) Netflix axed it after one season, but Stanfield's scene-stealing role helped him land Atlanta and Judas and the Black Messiah. 16. Tessa Thompson – Veronica Mars (2005–2006) A supporting role in this teen detective drama helped her land more serious gigs. 17. Danai Gurira – Treme (2010–2013) Before The Walking Dead and Black Panther, she played a fierce activist in this HBO post-Katrina drama. 18. Meagan Good – Raising Dad (2001–2002) This sitcom with Bob Saget only lasted a season — Meagan later took off in Think Like a Man and Harlem. 19. Tyler James Williams – Go On (2012–2013) After Everybody Hates Chris but before Abbott Elementary, Williams was in this NBC dramedy canceled after one season. 20. Issa Rae – The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl (2011–2013) Her original YouTube series was eventually ended to make way for Insecure — a classic pivot from web to HBO.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
A Bold, Modern Twist On Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
Press Release – The Court Theatre Prepare for a wild ride with Shakespeare's riotous rom-com, where laughter and bewilderment go hand in hand The Court Theatre – Stewart Family Theatre | 9 August – 6 September Shakespeare's Twelfth Night arrives at The Court Theatre next month with all the mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and sharp wit audiences love—brought to life with modern dress, contemporary style, and a spirit of playful mischief. Performed in full Shakespearean text, Twelfth Night is a vibrant rom-com packed with humour, heart, and timeless insights into human nature. The production combines a fast-paced script, an ensemble of dynamic performers, and original music composed by cast member Hester Ullyart, who plays Feste. Directed by The Court Theatre's artistic director Alison Walls, this production is set in a world pulsing with colour, music, and movement—a feast for the senses brought to life by a knockout cast of Aotearoa's finest. 'This is a rom com!' says Dr Walls. 'It remains fresh and pacey. The text offers great freedom in its staging. Illyria can be anywhere that allows you to explore a different version of yourself. Twelfth Night is funny and ridiculous with some real psychological truths at its core.' Audiences will meet twins Viola and Sebastian, shipwrecked and separated, as they navigate a world of disguise, love triangles, and comic chaos. Stranded on the coast of Illyria, the clever and resourceful Viola, separated from her twin brother Sebastian, disguises herself as a man and enters the service of Duke Orsino. As she navigates her new life, she becomes entangled in a whirlwind love triangle where identity, passion, and gender blur and collide. Bursting with vitality and romance, Twelfth Night introduces one of Shakespeare's most captivating heroines, who matches wits with an array of memorable characters, from the lovesick Olivia to the puritanical Malvolio. This play is a rich tapestry of comic courtship, mistaken identities, and fluid romance. With its ingenious central plot involving twins of different genders, and its delightfully funny side plots, Twelfth Night serves up a feast of laughter, poignant moments of grief, and the joy of unexpected revelations. Multiple award-winning actor Victoria Abbott keeps us guessing Viola. After a shipwreck leaves her believing her twin brother has drowned, Viola disguises herself as the young man Cesario—setting the stage for a whirlwind of romantic mix-ups and comic confusion. A creative chameleon herself, Victoria is a writer, performer, director, and clown from Ōtautahi now based in Sydney. She comes fresh from the Australian premiere of Pride and Prejudice, with credits including Top of the Lake, Power Rangers, and Educators, alongside stage work with Pop-Up Globe, Red Leap Theatre, and Auckland Theatre Company. Viola's long-lost twin, Sebastian, is played by Nic Kyle, returning to The Court Theatre with a dazzling international resume. With 18 years of professional work across New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Germany, and the UK, his credits span Savage (The Arts Theatre, West End), Spamalot, and Closer to Heaven in London, to local favourites like Cabaret, RENT, The Music Man, and Kinky Boots. Nic was nominated for Best Actor by Broadway World UK and named 2023 Variety Artists Club Top Male Artist. As the elegant and grieving Countess Olivia, Emma Katene (Ngāti Kahungunu) returns to The Court Theatre following standout roles in The Girl on the Train and Fun Home. Olivia has sworn off love—until she meets Cesario, unaware 'he' is actually Viola in disguise. Playing the lovesick Duke Orsino is James Kupa (Ngāti Kahungunu), a Court Theatre favourite (Murder on the Orient Express, The End of the Golden Weather), with television credits including The Brokenwood Mysteries, Dark City: The Cleaner, and Nothing Trivial. A stellar cast includes: Dan Bain (End of Summer Time, Director) as the raucous Sir Toby Belch Kathleen Burns (End of the Golden Weather) as the mischievous maid Maria Jonathon Hendry (Pike River, Lord of the Rings) as the pompous but pitiable Malvolio Hester Ullyart (A Streetcar Named Desire) as the witty fool Feste and original music composition. Cameron Clayton (Strictly Ballroom, The Musical) as Antonio and the Captain William Burns (SpongeBob SquarePants, Stage Manager) as Andrew Aguecheek and Valentine This Twelfth Night explores gender, identity, and love through a modern lens, balancing laugh-out-loud comedy with aching tenderness and unexpected revelations.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
A Bold, Modern Twist On Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
Prepare for a wild ride with Shakespeare's riotous rom-com, where laughter and bewilderment go hand in hand The Court Theatre – Stewart Family Theatre | 9 August - 6 September Shakespeare's Twelfth Night arrives at The Court Theatre next month with all the mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and sharp wit audiences love—brought to life with modern dress, contemporary style, and a spirit of playful mischief. Performed in full Shakespearean text, Twelfth Night is a vibrant rom-com packed with humour, heart, and timeless insights into human nature. The production combines a fast-paced script, an ensemble of dynamic performers, and original music composed by cast member Hester Ullyart, who plays Feste. Directed by The Court Theatre's artistic director Alison Walls, this production is set in a world pulsing with colour, music, and movement—a feast for the senses brought to life by a knockout cast of Aotearoa's finest. 'This is a rom com!' says Dr Walls. 'It remains fresh and pacey. The text offers great freedom in its staging. Illyria can be anywhere that allows you to explore a different version of yourself. Twelfth Night is funny and ridiculous with some real psychological truths at its core.' Audiences will meet twins Viola and Sebastian, shipwrecked and separated, as they navigate a world of disguise, love triangles, and comic chaos. Stranded on the coast of Illyria, the clever and resourceful Viola, separated from her twin brother Sebastian, disguises herself as a man and enters the service of Duke Orsino. As she navigates her new life, she becomes entangled in a whirlwind love triangle where identity, passion, and gender blur and collide. Bursting with vitality and romance, Twelfth Night introduces one of Shakespeare's most captivating heroines, who matches wits with an array of memorable characters, from the lovesick Olivia to the puritanical Malvolio. This play is a rich tapestry of comic courtship, mistaken identities, and fluid romance. With its ingenious central plot involving twins of different genders, and its delightfully funny side plots, Twelfth Night serves up a feast of laughter, poignant moments of grief, and the joy of unexpected revelations. Multiple award-winning actor Victoria Abbott keeps us guessing Viola. After a shipwreck leaves her believing her twin brother has drowned, Viola disguises herself as the young man Cesario—setting the stage for a whirlwind of romantic mix-ups and comic confusion. A creative chameleon herself, Victoria is a writer, performer, director, and clown from Ōtautahi now based in Sydney. She comes fresh from the Australian premiere of Pride and Prejudice, with credits including Top of the Lake, Power Rangers, and Educators, alongside stage work with Pop-Up Globe, Red Leap Theatre, and Auckland Theatre Company. Viola's long-lost twin, Sebastian, is played by Nic Kyle, returning to The Court Theatre with a dazzling international resume. With 18 years of professional work across New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Germany, and the UK, his credits span Savage (The Arts Theatre, West End), Spamalot, and Closer to Heaven in London, to local favourites like Cabaret, RENT, The Music Man, and Kinky Boots. Nic was nominated for Best Actor by Broadway World UK and named 2023 Variety Artists Club Top Male Artist. As the elegant and grieving Countess Olivia, Emma Katene (Ngāti Kahungunu) returns to The Court Theatre following standout roles in The Girl on the Train and Fun Home. Olivia has sworn off love—until she meets Cesario, unaware "he" is actually Viola in disguise. Playing the lovesick Duke Orsino is James Kupa (Ngāti Kahungunu), a Court Theatre favourite (Murder on the Orient Express, The End of the Golden Weather), with television credits including The Brokenwood Mysteries, Dark City: The Cleaner, and Nothing Trivial. A stellar cast includes: Dan Bain (End of Summer Time, Director) as the raucous Sir Toby Belch Kathleen Burns (End of the Golden Weather) as the mischievous maid Maria Jonathon Hendry (Pike River, Lord of the Rings) as the pompous but pitiable Malvolio Hester Ullyart (A Streetcar Named Desire) as the witty fool Feste and original music composition. Cameron Clayton (Strictly Ballroom, The Musical) as Antonio and the Captain William Burns (SpongeBob SquarePants, Stage Manager) as Andrew Aguecheek and Valentine This Twelfth Night explores gender, identity, and love through a modern lens, balancing laugh-out-loud comedy with aching tenderness and unexpected revelations.
Euractiv
10-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
EU's top tech official to remain in post until September 2026
Roberto Viola will remain at the helm of the European Commission's tech department until September 2026, despite reaching retirement age this year. Viola, who has led the European Commission's Directorate for Communications, Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT) since 2015, has received an extension beyond the usual age limit, two Commission officials confirmed to Euractiv. The Italian turned 65 this year – the standard retirement age for officials who joined the European institutions before 2013. Those hired later retire at 66. Limited extensions of up to one year are possible, a Commission official said, meaning Viola has probably received two decisions for extensions allowing him to stay on until September 2026. Extensions are only possible under exceptional circumstances and up to age 70. As head of DG CNECT, Viola oversees some of the EU's most significant tech laws, including the Digital Services Act (DSA), the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the AI Act. His role has taken on increasing geopolitical importance since those laws have come under fire from Donald Trump and his administration, amid ongoing talks that the EU hopes will free it from some US tariffs. (de/om)
