Latest news with #Lionsgate
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' prequel casts Iris Apatow and Edvin Ryding in key roles
Lionsgate has announced major casting updates for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, with Iris Apatow and Edvin Ryding joining the anticipated prequel as new faces in the Capitol. The film, set for release in November 2026, centres on a young Haymitch Abernathy, years before he becomes Katniss Everdeen's drunken mentor and takes audiences back to the 50th Hunger Games. Apatow, known for her roles in The Bubble and Love, will portray Proserpina Trinket, a Capitol stylist who appears to share more than a surname with Effie. Edvin Ryding, best recognised for his breakout in Netflix's Young Royals, steps in as Vitus, Haymitch's image strategist during his time in the Games. Their characters form part of the prep team tasked with turning Haymitch into a presentable tribute for the deadly arena. Joining them are Jax Guerrero as Tibby and Sandra Förster as Hersilia, both playing original characters created for the film. Joseph Zada, already confirmed to play young Haymitch, leads the cast. Sunrise on the Reaping explores the events of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, which forced each district to send double the usual number of tributes. The film promises a grittier look into how the Capitol manufactures spectacle and trauma. Fans can expect an origin story that delves into how Haymitch's cynicism and survival instincts were forged in blood and betrayal. With Lionsgate banking on a successful return to Panem after the modest success of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, this cast announcement signals a bold move to blend rising Gen Z talent with an established franchise. As excitement builds, eyes now turn to how this new ensemble will reinvent a familiar dystopia for a new generation.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
This wild Pedro Pascal movie just got an HBO Max release date
HBO Max is adding new movies all the time, and next month, it's adding "Freaky Tales." Now, if you're like me, you've quite possibly not even heard of this movie. Which was surprising — it was a Sundance film, distributed by Lionsgate and stars a pair of actors I love in Pedro Pascal and Ben Mendelsohn. It even has a bunch of punks fighting Nazis! In short, I should have been all over this movie. But somehow it escaped my notice and most everyone else's, because it reportedly only brought in $400K at the box office. But those who have seen this wild comedy have loved it. It currently has an 89% "hot" rating from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, even though critics were a bit more muted in their praise. You'll get to judge for yourself on Friday, Aug. 8, when the movie hits HBO Max. Or, if you're someone who prefers linear HBO to the streaming service, it'll air at 8 p.m. ET the next day (Saturday, Aug. 9) on the premium cable channel. In the meantime, here's what "Freaky Tales" is all about and why this wild comedy needs to be added to your watchlist. The most important thing to know about "Freaky Tales" is that it doesn't follow a typical plot structure. Instead, there are four vignettes that are loosely interconnected, only really all coming together at the end. It's based on real events and real locations in 1987 Oakland, California. The first chapter, "Strength in Numbers: The Gilman Strikes Back," focuses on a pair of young punks, Tina (Ji-young Yoo) and Lucid (Jack Champion), who are at an Operation Ivy concert that comes under attack from Nazi punks. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. HBO Max gives you tons of hit shows and movies, from HBO Originals to A24 movies and more. "Don't Fight the Feeling" is the next story, picking up at the same point as the start of the first chapter, but instead focuses on Barbie (Dominique Thorne) and Entice (Normani), who perform as the hip hop duo Danger Zone. They don't go to the Operation Ivy show, but instead are roped into performing with the rapper Too Short. "Born to Mack" is where Pedro finally arrives. He plays Clint, a career criminal who is looking to get out of the game. When he's asked to pull a job during a Warriors basketball game, that desire to leave crime behind is put to the test. Finally, there's "The Legend of Sleepy Floyd." This is where the story finally starts to come together. Sleepy Floyd (Jay Ellis) is a star for the Warriors, and it's his house that Clint is supposed to rob. But instead, "The Guy" (Mendelsohn), sends the Nazi punks to rob it and things go horribly wrong. As I mentioned earlier, audiences are loving this movie for the most part. Critics are a bit harsher on it, and after combing through the reviews from both parties, this seems to come down to critics judging its (admittedly) loosely connected chapters failing to come together properly in the end. Ultimately, if you want a wild comedy that doubles as an impressive period piece, then "Freaky Tales" seems like it's worth watching. It doesn't necessarily stick the landing narratively, but the acting of its loaded cast is sublime, and its recreation of 1987 Oakland has been masterfully done by all accounts. Even Deadline praised the period elements of the movie in its review, saying, "What does work for 'Freaky Tales' is the film's gritty visuals immediately immerse the audience in the look and feel of late-'80s Oakland." Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made. Here's what he's been watching lately:
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lionsgate, Universal Set ‘Michael' for April 2026 Release Date
Lionsgate and Universal have set 'Michael,' Antoine Fuqua's biopic about Michael Jackson, for release on April 24, 2026. Lionsgate will handle domestic distribution for the film while Universal handles overseas with the exception of Japan, where it will be distributed by Kino Films. 'Michael' will have global Imax support. More from TheWrap Bob Odenkirk, Sigourney Weaver Headline Toronto Film Festival's Midnight Madness Movies Jim Jarmusch's 'Father Mother Sister Brother' Will Be Centerpiece of 2025 New York Film Festival 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' Trailer Lets the Killer Robots Loose Imax Rides 'Sinners,' 'Mission: Impossible 8' to Boost Second Quarter Revenue to $92 Million While the release date is technically a weekend before the usual start of the summer box office season on the first weekend of May, 'Michael' will be the de facto kickoff tentpole release for theaters to start the critical theatrical period. Historically, a Marvel Studios film has been set for release on the first weekend of May, but that won't be the case in 2026 and 2027 as Disney has moved 'Avengers: Doomsday' and 'Avengers: Secret Wars' out of that slot and into the holiday season. During Lionsgate's last earnings call in May, CEO Jon Feltheimer announced that 'Michael' had been pulled from its previous release date this October, saying that Fuqua and producer Graham King had turned in a 3.5-hour cut of the film. Jaafar Jackson will star in the movie as his late uncle. 'Michael' also stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long as the pop star's parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, with Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson's attorney and advisor. There are no current competing wide releases set for April 24, with 20th Century's 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' and Warner Bros.' 'Animal Friends' set for release on May 1. 'Michael' also joins a 2026 Lionsgate slate headlined by the 'Hunger Games' prequel 'Sunrise on the Reaping,' set for a Thanksgiving release. The studio has also set Kingdom Story Company's sequel to 'I Can Only Imagine' for a February release and also plans to release Mel Gibson's 'The Resurrection of the Christ,' a sequel to his 2004 biblical epic 'The Passion of the Christ,' on a date to be determined next year. The post Lionsgate, Universal Set 'Michael' for April 2026 Release Date appeared first on TheWrap.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Michael Biopic Release Date With Jaafar Jackson Delayed Again
Michael, the Lionsgate and Universal biopic feature about Michael Jackson, has been delayed to next year. This is the second delay that the movie has suffered. It was originally slated to come out on April 18, 2025, but the release date got postponed until October 3, 2025. Michael Jackson biopic movie moved to April 2026 release date Lionsgate and Universal Pictures' Michael will now debut in theaters on Friday, April 24, 2025. As per Deadline, there are multiple factors that have caused the delay, one being the length of the movie. The first cut of Michael is reportedly longer than three and a half hours and allegedly featured references to Jordan Chandler. Notably, Jordan Chandler's father, Evan Chandler, accused Jackson of sexually abusing Jordan, who was 13 years old at the time, in 1993. These allegations led to criminal investigations against Jackson and a civil lawsuit, which was settled out of court. (via ABC News) John Logan, who penned the screenplay for Ridley Scott's Gladiator (2000), wrote the screenplay for Michael. It was approved by Jackson's estate. The movie subsequently went into production, and the narrative reportedly included Jordan at the time. However, people involved with the project apparently later discovered that an agreement was already in place not to include Jordan in the movie. As a result, the filmmakers had to rework the material. Antoine Fuqua is the director of Michael. He previously helmed the 2001 crime thriller Training Day. The cast includes Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as John Branca, and Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe. Jaafar is Michael Jackson's nephew (son of his older brother Jermaine). The logline for Michael reads, 'An in-depth portrayal of Michael Jackson, a complicated man, who became the King of Pop. The biopic will bring to life Jackson's most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer's artistic process and personal life.' Michael is reportedly the only major studio release that week in the U.S. so far. Originally reported by Tamal Kundu on ComingSoon. The post Michael Biopic Release Date With Jaafar Jackson Delayed Again appeared first on Mandatory. Solve the daily Crossword
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Michael Jackson biopic release date moved to April 2026
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael will open in cinemas worldwide on April 24 next year, moving from its earlier October date. Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson confirmed the release date. Deadline reports that a second movie about Jackson remains in development. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the biopic is 27-year-old Jaafar's first major acting role. While Michael had been the main focus of Lionsgate's 2023 CinemaCon presentation, no footage was shown at this year's event. The film's initial release was planned for October 3. But Variety previously reported the project may be split into two parts, contributing to the postponement. Filming for Michael wrapped principal photography in May 2024, but the script, written by John Logan, then underwent revisions ahead of planned reshoots. In addition to Jaafar, the cast features Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine. Miles Teller plays John Branca, the artist's longtime lawyer and adviser. Larenz Tate will appear as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, while Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering female music executive and Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross. The ensemble cast also includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones. The Michael Jackson biopic Michael will open in cinemas worldwide on April 24 next year, moving from its earlier October date. Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson confirmed the release date. Deadline reports that a second movie about Jackson remains in development. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the biopic is 27-year-old Jaafar's first major acting role. While Michael had been the main focus of Lionsgate's 2023 CinemaCon presentation, no footage was shown at this year's event. The film's initial release was planned for October 3. But Variety previously reported the project may be split into two parts, contributing to the postponement. Filming for Michael wrapped principal photography in May 2024, but the script, written by John Logan, then underwent revisions ahead of planned reshoots. In addition to Jaafar, the cast features Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine. Miles Teller plays John Branca, the artist's longtime lawyer and adviser. Larenz Tate will appear as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, while Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering female music executive and Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross. The ensemble cast also includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones. The Michael Jackson biopic Michael will open in cinemas worldwide on April 24 next year, moving from its earlier October date. Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson confirmed the release date. Deadline reports that a second movie about Jackson remains in development. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the biopic is 27-year-old Jaafar's first major acting role. While Michael had been the main focus of Lionsgate's 2023 CinemaCon presentation, no footage was shown at this year's event. The film's initial release was planned for October 3. But Variety previously reported the project may be split into two parts, contributing to the postponement. Filming for Michael wrapped principal photography in May 2024, but the script, written by John Logan, then underwent revisions ahead of planned reshoots. In addition to Jaafar, the cast features Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine. Miles Teller plays John Branca, the artist's longtime lawyer and adviser. Larenz Tate will appear as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, while Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering female music executive and Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross. The ensemble cast also includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones. The Michael Jackson biopic Michael will open in cinemas worldwide on April 24 next year, moving from its earlier October date. Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson confirmed the release date. Deadline reports that a second movie about Jackson remains in development. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the biopic is 27-year-old Jaafar's first major acting role. While Michael had been the main focus of Lionsgate's 2023 CinemaCon presentation, no footage was shown at this year's event. The film's initial release was planned for October 3. But Variety previously reported the project may be split into two parts, contributing to the postponement. Filming for Michael wrapped principal photography in May 2024, but the script, written by John Logan, then underwent revisions ahead of planned reshoots. In addition to Jaafar, the cast features Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine. Miles Teller plays John Branca, the artist's longtime lawyer and adviser. Larenz Tate will appear as Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, while Laura Harrier plays Suzanne de Passe, a pioneering female music executive and Kat Graham portrays Diana Ross. The ensemble cast also includes Jessica Sula as La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones.
