Will Smith and Martin Lawrence arrived at the Los Angeles premiere of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” on Thursday night atop a double decker bus, where they were greeted by cheering fans lining Hollywood Boulevard. “It’s not just here,” Smith told Variety about the fans who continued to support him, even when his reputation faltered in the wake of the Oscars slap. “It’s all over the world. Every time we step out together, it’s nothing but love. I think the fans are ride or die also.”
Inside the Tcl Chinese Theatre, the actor thanked Sony Pictures Entertainment chairperson Tom Rothman for sticking by him. “Tom Rothman is a real life ride or die,” he said. “Tom Rothman was messing with me when nobody was messing with me. That is my dude.”
Smith also revealed he injured himself while filming the fourth installment of the hit action comedy...
Inside the Tcl Chinese Theatre, the actor thanked Sony Pictures Entertainment chairperson Tom Rothman for sticking by him. “Tom Rothman is a real life ride or die,” he said. “Tom Rothman was messing with me when nobody was messing with me. That is my dude.”
Smith also revealed he injured himself while filming the fourth installment of the hit action comedy...
- 5/31/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
The invitation stated the event was going to be standing room only. “Think dance party while watching the film.”
And that’s exactly what it was. On Thursday night, Lady Gaga brought a dance party to Nya studios in Hollywood to mark the world premiere of her film “Gaga Chromatica Ball.”
The evening kicked off with a Q&a moderated by Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans. “This was such a special time. This tour went on during a time that people didn’t think that you could. The stadiums were packed all, they were sold out and [people were] all dressed up, dancing and singing,” said Gaga in front of an audience of about 400 guests that included “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stars Gottmik, Sasha Velour and Violet Chachki.
Tonight. @ladygaga at the Gaga Ball.#justforvariety pic.twitter.com/52fopCocV9
— Marc Malkin (@marcmalkin) May 24, 2024
During the Q&a, Gaga confirmed she was hard at work...
And that’s exactly what it was. On Thursday night, Lady Gaga brought a dance party to Nya studios in Hollywood to mark the world premiere of her film “Gaga Chromatica Ball.”
The evening kicked off with a Q&a moderated by Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans. “This was such a special time. This tour went on during a time that people didn’t think that you could. The stadiums were packed all, they were sold out and [people were] all dressed up, dancing and singing,” said Gaga in front of an audience of about 400 guests that included “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stars Gottmik, Sasha Velour and Violet Chachki.
Tonight. @ladygaga at the Gaga Ball.#justforvariety pic.twitter.com/52fopCocV9
— Marc Malkin (@marcmalkin) May 24, 2024
During the Q&a, Gaga confirmed she was hard at work...
- 5/24/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay and Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
While gliding across the Met Gala red carpet Monday night, Ariana Grande — dressed in a custom Loewe ball gown — stopped to discuss her first day on the set of “Wicked” with Variety‘s Marc Malkin.
“My first day on set for ‘Wicked’ was the most emotional day of my life,” Grande recalled. “All I remember was holding hands with Cynthia [Erivo] and Jon [Chu] and crying. And [Jon] saying, ‘Welcome to “Wicked.”‘”
Co-staring Erivo and Grande as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, “Wicked” is the feature adaptation of Winnie Holzman’s 2003 Tony Award-winning musical. The film tells the story of the unlikely friendship between the soon-to-be Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the South, and how their lives change after encountering the great and powerful Wizard of Oz.
Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet Photos
Grande said the natural chemistry between her and Erivo blossomed from a powerful friendship they formed while shooting.
“My first day on set for ‘Wicked’ was the most emotional day of my life,” Grande recalled. “All I remember was holding hands with Cynthia [Erivo] and Jon [Chu] and crying. And [Jon] saying, ‘Welcome to “Wicked.”‘”
Co-staring Erivo and Grande as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, “Wicked” is the feature adaptation of Winnie Holzman’s 2003 Tony Award-winning musical. The film tells the story of the unlikely friendship between the soon-to-be Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the South, and how their lives change after encountering the great and powerful Wizard of Oz.
Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet Photos
Grande said the natural chemistry between her and Erivo blossomed from a powerful friendship they formed while shooting.
- 5/7/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
Cynthia Erivo attended her first Met Gala in 2017.
“Walking on the Met Gala carpet that year was really fucking nerve-wracking,” she told me Sunday night at UTA’s pre-Met party at Nubeluz at the Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. “I had just finished ‘The Color Purple’ [on Broadway]. I went with Coach.
“I was new so I didn’t know what to expect,” she continued. “It’s that weird thing where I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’m supposed to be here.’ It was a lot of imposter syndrome.”
Monday’s gala will mark Erivo’s sixth time in attendance.
Asked to describe this year’s look, Erivo teased, “It’s almost like I have run through a garden and things have fallen on me.” Her signature long nails were already in place on Sunday—they’re an earthy palette and decorated with small flowers and foliage.
This year’s...
“Walking on the Met Gala carpet that year was really fucking nerve-wracking,” she told me Sunday night at UTA’s pre-Met party at Nubeluz at the Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. “I had just finished ‘The Color Purple’ [on Broadway]. I went with Coach.
“I was new so I didn’t know what to expect,” she continued. “It’s that weird thing where I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’m supposed to be here.’ It was a lot of imposter syndrome.”
Monday’s gala will mark Erivo’s sixth time in attendance.
Asked to describe this year’s look, Erivo teased, “It’s almost like I have run through a garden and things have fallen on me.” Her signature long nails were already in place on Sunday—they’re an earthy palette and decorated with small flowers and foliage.
This year’s...
- 5/6/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Neve Campbell says that Spyglass Media Group upped her pay after she spoke out about a pay disparity during salary negotiations for “Scream 6,” the film that caused the actress to exit the franchise.
“I’m really grateful that the studio heard me when I talked about pay discrepancy and when I talked about [‘Scream VI’ negotiations] not feeling respectful,” she told People.
Campbell announced in June 2022 that she was leaving the franchise, as she didn’t feel she was being properly compensated to reprise her role of Sidney Prescott in the sixth movie. She also told People at the time that she believed her offer for the sixth film would not have come in so low if she were a man.
“As a woman I have had to work extremely hard in my career to establish my value, especially when it comes to ‘Scream,'” Campbell said in a June 2022 statement to Variety.
“I’m really grateful that the studio heard me when I talked about pay discrepancy and when I talked about [‘Scream VI’ negotiations] not feeling respectful,” she told People.
Campbell announced in June 2022 that she was leaving the franchise, as she didn’t feel she was being properly compensated to reprise her role of Sidney Prescott in the sixth movie. She also told People at the time that she believed her offer for the sixth film would not have come in so low if she were a man.
“As a woman I have had to work extremely hard in my career to establish my value, especially when it comes to ‘Scream,'” Campbell said in a June 2022 statement to Variety.
- 5/4/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety Film + TV
Jean Smart is ready for the red carpet.
The Emmy and Golden Globe winner is dressed in a midnight-blue gown with gold accents. Her blonde hair is styled and piled as high as the gods. Her makeup? Flawless.
“I’m nervous,” I tell her.
“You have nothing to be nervous about,” she replies, placing her hands on my shoulders. “You’ve interviewed me dozens of times.”
True, but this time is different. I am about to interview Smart while I’m pretending to be Marc Malkin and she’s pretending to be Deborah Vance.
Spoiler alert: I make a cameo as myself in the Season 3 premiere of “Hacks.”
“Do you want to run lines?” Smart asks me.
“Sure,” I say, before reciting my fake interview question.
Smart delivers Vance’s response perfectly. A couple of seconds later, I’m directed to a faux red carpet built to look like the Time100 Gala,...
The Emmy and Golden Globe winner is dressed in a midnight-blue gown with gold accents. Her blonde hair is styled and piled as high as the gods. Her makeup? Flawless.
“I’m nervous,” I tell her.
“You have nothing to be nervous about,” she replies, placing her hands on my shoulders. “You’ve interviewed me dozens of times.”
True, but this time is different. I am about to interview Smart while I’m pretending to be Marc Malkin and she’s pretending to be Deborah Vance.
Spoiler alert: I make a cameo as myself in the Season 3 premiere of “Hacks.”
“Do you want to run lines?” Smart asks me.
“Sure,” I say, before reciting my fake interview question.
Smart delivers Vance’s response perfectly. A couple of seconds later, I’m directed to a faux red carpet built to look like the Time100 Gala,...
- 5/3/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Dev Patel, who will receive Gold House’s A1 honor in entertainment and media, spent over six years bringing “Monkey Man” to the big screen, and it wasn’t an easy journey for the actor turned writer-director.
“Monkey Man” was initially set to shoot in India, but filming was delayed due to the pandemic. At one point, the production was almost shelved. Patel ended up shooting on location in Indonesia.
Along the way, Jordan Peele saw the film and became attached as a producer. His company, Monkeypaw Prods., was a producer on the film, which is distributed by Universal. “I was just trying to find a way to tell this story. I wanted it out there,” Patel said at the film’s premiere at SXSW. “I reluctantly got pushed into the driver’s seat and it unfolded from there.”
In the action-packed fight film, Patel plays Kid, a young man...
“Monkey Man” was initially set to shoot in India, but filming was delayed due to the pandemic. At one point, the production was almost shelved. Patel ended up shooting on location in Indonesia.
Along the way, Jordan Peele saw the film and became attached as a producer. His company, Monkeypaw Prods., was a producer on the film, which is distributed by Universal. “I was just trying to find a way to tell this story. I wanted it out there,” Patel said at the film’s premiere at SXSW. “I reluctantly got pushed into the driver’s seat and it unfolded from there.”
In the action-packed fight film, Patel plays Kid, a young man...
- 5/2/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Beavis and Butt-Head made an unexpected red carpet debut at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Fall Guy” on Tuesday night.
Ryan Gosling and Mikey Day appeared on the carpet together dressed as live-action versions of Beavis and Butt-Head, respectively, from the infamous “Saturday Night Live” sketch.
After initially posing for photos in a mint green monochromatic suit, Gosling disappeared while his “Fall Guy” co-star Emily Blunt, along with the rest of the cast and crew, did interviews. When he returned to the carpet, Gosling — wearing a prosthetic nose, blonde wig and Beavis’ signature “Death Rock” T-shirt — had a peculiar plus one by his side: Butt-Head (Day).
Ryan Gosling and Mikey Day reunite as Beavis and Butt-Head on #TheFallGuy red carpet. pic.twitter.com/hcJNbD4f9g
— Variety (@Variety) May 1, 2024
The duo spoofed the animated characters in the April 13 episode of “SNL,” where Heidi Gardner completely broke character when she...
Ryan Gosling and Mikey Day appeared on the carpet together dressed as live-action versions of Beavis and Butt-Head, respectively, from the infamous “Saturday Night Live” sketch.
After initially posing for photos in a mint green monochromatic suit, Gosling disappeared while his “Fall Guy” co-star Emily Blunt, along with the rest of the cast and crew, did interviews. When he returned to the carpet, Gosling — wearing a prosthetic nose, blonde wig and Beavis’ signature “Death Rock” T-shirt — had a peculiar plus one by his side: Butt-Head (Day).
Ryan Gosling and Mikey Day reunite as Beavis and Butt-Head on #TheFallGuy red carpet. pic.twitter.com/hcJNbD4f9g
— Variety (@Variety) May 1, 2024
The duo spoofed the animated characters in the April 13 episode of “SNL,” where Heidi Gardner completely broke character when she...
- 5/1/2024
- by Michaela Zee and Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Season 4 of “We’re Here” sees new hosts Priyanka, Sasha Velour, Latrice Royale and Jaida Essence Hall travelling to red states Tennessee and Oklahoma, where safety had become a concern at times because of anti-lgbtq protests and threats. “It was frightening sometimes,” Jaida told me Wednesday night at the season premiere screening and party at the Avalon Hollywood. “It was eye-opening, imagining other people like myself who have to live in those spaces and see that every day. It’s just heartbreaking.”
Series co-creator Steve Warren said, “It’s surreal we had to think about our security. We are living in 2024. Ten years ago we were so hopeful. Marriage equality had just passed. We were living in a space where we thought we’re not going to have to fight the old battles.”
Even so, the new season continues to help its participants — and cast and crew, for that matter — heal.
Series co-creator Steve Warren said, “It’s surreal we had to think about our security. We are living in 2024. Ten years ago we were so hopeful. Marriage equality had just passed. We were living in a space where we thought we’re not going to have to fight the old battles.”
Even so, the new season continues to help its participants — and cast and crew, for that matter — heal.
- 4/26/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
There’s clever marketing, and then there’s Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney’s ingenious strategy for drumming up more interest in their romantic comedy, Anyone But You, by leading the world into thinking they’re having an off-screen relationship. Speaking with The New York Times about the success of the couple’s comedic smash hit, which earned $219 million at the worldwide box office, Powell says he and Sweeney leaned into the rumors to bring attention to their film, and it worked like a charm.
“The two things that you have to sell a rom-com are fun and chemistry,” Powell told The New York Times. “Sydney and I have a ton of fun together, and we have a ton of effortless chemistry. That’s people wanting what’s on the screen off the screen, and sometimes you just have to lean into it a bit — and it worked wonderfully. Sydney is very smart.
“The two things that you have to sell a rom-com are fun and chemistry,” Powell told The New York Times. “Sydney and I have a ton of fun together, and we have a ton of effortless chemistry. That’s people wanting what’s on the screen off the screen, and sometimes you just have to lean into it a bit — and it worked wonderfully. Sydney is very smart.
- 4/25/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Spoiler Alert: This story discusses major plot points, including the ending, of “Abigail,” currently playing in theaters.
The vampire thriller “Abigail” originated as a modern-day update of the classic horror film “Dracula’s Daughter.” But by the time the filmmaking trio Radio Silence — producer Chad Villella and directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett — began production on “Abigail” in Ireland in the spring of 2023, the movie had virtually no connection to the 1936 Universal picture.
“Dracula’s Daughter” follows the grown Countess Marya Zaleska (Gloria Holden) as she tries — and fails — to rid herself of her vampirism following Dracula’s death. In “Abigail,” by sharp contrast, the titular vampire is a girl, kidnapped by a team of mercenaries — led by the hot-headed Frank (Dan Stevens) and self-possessed Joey (Melissa Barrera) — under the false impression that she’s the helpless daughter of a tycoon who will pay their ransom to get her back. Eventually, Abigail...
The vampire thriller “Abigail” originated as a modern-day update of the classic horror film “Dracula’s Daughter.” But by the time the filmmaking trio Radio Silence — producer Chad Villella and directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett — began production on “Abigail” in Ireland in the spring of 2023, the movie had virtually no connection to the 1936 Universal picture.
“Dracula’s Daughter” follows the grown Countess Marya Zaleska (Gloria Holden) as she tries — and fails — to rid herself of her vampirism following Dracula’s death. In “Abigail,” by sharp contrast, the titular vampire is a girl, kidnapped by a team of mercenaries — led by the hot-headed Frank (Dan Stevens) and self-possessed Joey (Melissa Barrera) — under the false impression that she’s the helpless daughter of a tycoon who will pay their ransom to get her back. Eventually, Abigail...
- 4/20/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
How does a fight between a group of teenagers result in murder?
Hulu’s new true-crime series “Under the Bridge,” based on the late Rebecca Godfrey’s non-fiction book, portrays the before and after of 14-year-old Reena Virk’s brutal murder. The first two episodes, released on April 17, show the timeline of events leading up to Virk’s death and the investigation that took place.
The show, created by Quinn Shephard, tells the story of the events that unfolded through the lens of Godfrey (Riley Keough), a journalist who grew up in Victoria and was working on a novel about teenage girls in her hometown when she found out about the murder, and Cam Bentland (Lily Gladstone), a local police officer who investigated and solved the case.
Godfrey told Interview Magazine in 2019 how she became involved in the show. “I was living in New York City. This would’ve been in the late 90s,...
Hulu’s new true-crime series “Under the Bridge,” based on the late Rebecca Godfrey’s non-fiction book, portrays the before and after of 14-year-old Reena Virk’s brutal murder. The first two episodes, released on April 17, show the timeline of events leading up to Virk’s death and the investigation that took place.
The show, created by Quinn Shephard, tells the story of the events that unfolded through the lens of Godfrey (Riley Keough), a journalist who grew up in Victoria and was working on a novel about teenage girls in her hometown when she found out about the murder, and Cam Bentland (Lily Gladstone), a local police officer who investigated and solved the case.
Godfrey told Interview Magazine in 2019 how she became involved in the show. “I was living in New York City. This would’ve been in the late 90s,...
- 4/20/2024
- by Lexi Carson
- Variety Film + TV
Update: Soon after this story was published, a source reached out to Variety to confirm that “Daisy Jones and the Six” will not be getting a Season 2 because “it was always planned as a limited series.”
Despite the success of “Daisy Jones & the Six,” star Riley Keough says the band isn’t getting back together anytime soon.
Despite fans hoping — and demanding — a second season of the Prime Video miniseries adaptation of Tara Jenkin Reid’s best-selling novel, Keough tells me, “I would love to but I don’t know if it’s in the cards…I haven’t heard anything.”
The series followed Daisy Jones (Keough) and her bandmates as they make their way through the Los Angeles music scene of the 1970s. The series premiered just over a year ago to positive reviews. Keough and Morrone earned Emmy nominations as did the show for outstanding limited or anthology series.
Despite the success of “Daisy Jones & the Six,” star Riley Keough says the band isn’t getting back together anytime soon.
Despite fans hoping — and demanding — a second season of the Prime Video miniseries adaptation of Tara Jenkin Reid’s best-selling novel, Keough tells me, “I would love to but I don’t know if it’s in the cards…I haven’t heard anything.”
The series followed Daisy Jones (Keough) and her bandmates as they make their way through the Los Angeles music scene of the 1970s. The series premiered just over a year ago to positive reviews. Keough and Morrone earned Emmy nominations as did the show for outstanding limited or anthology series.
- 4/16/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Sophia Di Martino dresses perfectly for spring while attending a PaleyFest LA panel discussion and screening of Loki held at Dolby Theatre on Saturday (April 13) in Hollywood.
The 40-year-old MCU star joined her co-star Tom Hiddleston on the red carpet at the event.
Earlier that day, they also attended an FYC Emmy screening and Q&a with Owen Wilson, where she revealed another Marvel character that she would like her character Sylvie to share the screen with.
Find out what she said inside…
“I think it would be great to see Sylvie and Thor,” she told Variety‘s Marc Malkin. “I think it would be fun to see them get wound up, especially if Loki is in the equation. Three siblings together? The dynamic would be interesting.”
She also shared her thoughts on the possibility of a third season of Loki.
“I have no idea, honestly,” Sylvie said about the chances.
The 40-year-old MCU star joined her co-star Tom Hiddleston on the red carpet at the event.
Earlier that day, they also attended an FYC Emmy screening and Q&a with Owen Wilson, where she revealed another Marvel character that she would like her character Sylvie to share the screen with.
Find out what she said inside…
“I think it would be great to see Sylvie and Thor,” she told Variety‘s Marc Malkin. “I think it would be fun to see them get wound up, especially if Loki is in the equation. Three siblings together? The dynamic would be interesting.”
She also shared her thoughts on the possibility of a third season of Loki.
“I have no idea, honestly,” Sylvie said about the chances.
- 4/15/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Hollywood and science collided Saturday night at the 10th annual Breakthrough Prize ceremony.
Billed as the “Oscars of Science,” the evening honors scientists responsible for major discoveries. Taking place at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, the event’s star power included Robert Downey Jr., Jessica Chastain, Brie Larson, Olivia Wilde, Margot Robbie, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Venus Williams, Alicia Keys and many more.
. @KimKardashian walks the carpet and gets glam on the carpet at the #breakthroughprize ceremony#justforvariety pic.twitter.com/BwoH4x7z7U
— Marc Malkin (@marcmalkin) April 14, 2024
Kim Kardashian arrived on the later side (as she is prone to do) in a skin-tight white gown. Her hair stylist Chris Appleton and a makeup artist gave her final touchups behind the step-and-repeat before she and mom Kris Jenner walked the carpet. But when Karadashian’s gown and hair needed some adjustments, her...
Billed as the “Oscars of Science,” the evening honors scientists responsible for major discoveries. Taking place at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, the event’s star power included Robert Downey Jr., Jessica Chastain, Brie Larson, Olivia Wilde, Margot Robbie, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Venus Williams, Alicia Keys and many more.
. @KimKardashian walks the carpet and gets glam on the carpet at the #breakthroughprize ceremony#justforvariety pic.twitter.com/BwoH4x7z7U
— Marc Malkin (@marcmalkin) April 14, 2024
Kim Kardashian arrived on the later side (as she is prone to do) in a skin-tight white gown. Her hair stylist Chris Appleton and a makeup artist gave her final touchups behind the step-and-repeat before she and mom Kris Jenner walked the carpet. But when Karadashian’s gown and hair needed some adjustments, her...
- 4/14/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Not even the “9-1-1” cast was in the know when it came to Buck’s (Oliver Stark) sexuality. One day after the 100th episode of the procedural ended with Buck sharing a kiss with Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.), cast member Angela Bassett revealed she was also very surprised.
“I just saw it today! I was a little behind, so I had to thankfully I could go to Hulu and catch up on it,” Bassett told Variety‘s Marc Malkin at the launch event for Hulu on Disney+. “He was quite the ladies’ man from the beginning — the wild card — so this is something new and surprising for him as well.”
Bassett, who has portrayed Sergeant Athena Grant-Nash alongside Stark since the drama’s 2018 debut, added that she heard about the kiss after it was done.
“So I asked him, I said, ‘How was it?’ He said, ‘When you close your eyes,...
“I just saw it today! I was a little behind, so I had to thankfully I could go to Hulu and catch up on it,” Bassett told Variety‘s Marc Malkin at the launch event for Hulu on Disney+. “He was quite the ladies’ man from the beginning — the wild card — so this is something new and surprising for him as well.”
Bassett, who has portrayed Sergeant Athena Grant-Nash alongside Stark since the drama’s 2018 debut, added that she heard about the kiss after it was done.
“So I asked him, I said, ‘How was it?’ He said, ‘When you close your eyes,...
- 4/6/2024
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
In his “Saturday Night Live” monologue, Ramy Youssef called for a free Palestine and for the release of the hostages taken in the Israel-Hamas War.
At the top of his monologue, Youssef joked, “This is an incredibly spiritual weekend. We’re in the holy month of Ramadan. Tomorrow is Easter. And yesterday, Beyoncé released a new album. There’s just so many religions celebrating all at once.”
He went on to talk about the power of prayer, and joked that “In my friend group, I’m one of the only guys who prays. I’m friends with a lot of sinners, like, just disgusting people. And they call me when they’re in trouble because they want me to pray for them.”
Youssef recalled getting a call from his friend Ahmed, who asked him to pray for his family in Gaza.
“I’m like, ‘Dude, I got you,'” Youssef said.
At the top of his monologue, Youssef joked, “This is an incredibly spiritual weekend. We’re in the holy month of Ramadan. Tomorrow is Easter. And yesterday, Beyoncé released a new album. There’s just so many religions celebrating all at once.”
He went on to talk about the power of prayer, and joked that “In my friend group, I’m one of the only guys who prays. I’m friends with a lot of sinners, like, just disgusting people. And they call me when they’re in trouble because they want me to pray for them.”
Youssef recalled getting a call from his friend Ahmed, who asked him to pray for his family in Gaza.
“I’m like, ‘Dude, I got you,'” Youssef said.
- 3/31/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Dwayne Johnson seems to have a lot on his plate at the moment. From being introduced to Tko Group Holdings as a member of the Board of Directors to stepping in the ring as his in-ring persona The Rock and duking it out with other superstars of the WWE. But at the same time, it seems like he’s still focused on his future in the film industry with several projects down the line.
Dwayne Johnson in a still from Monday Night Raw
While his most famous project at the moment might be his upcoming biopic film about former UFC Heavyweight Champion Mark Kerr, titled The Smashing Machine, there were also talks about a sequel to his film Jungle Cruise with Disney down the road, which is surprising since his first project was one of the biggest flops of his career.
Dwayne Johnson Is Ready For A Jungle Cruise Sequel...
Dwayne Johnson in a still from Monday Night Raw
While his most famous project at the moment might be his upcoming biopic film about former UFC Heavyweight Champion Mark Kerr, titled The Smashing Machine, there were also talks about a sequel to his film Jungle Cruise with Disney down the road, which is surprising since his first project was one of the biggest flops of his career.
Dwayne Johnson Is Ready For A Jungle Cruise Sequel...
- 3/13/2024
- by Deepak Bisht
- FandomWire
Nicholas Galitzine recently addressed the comparisons between Harry Styles and Galitzine’s character in “The Idea of You,” where he plays the 24-year-old lead singer of a popular boy band who falls in love with Anne Hathaway’s character — a 40-year-old single mom.
“It’s funny because it’s not a comparison that I’ve ever made,” Galitzine told Variety’s Marc Malkin at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party. “But people really like to make it. Hayes Campbell, the man I’m playing, is a very different character and we want him to exist in his own world.”
When asked if Styles would be attending the film’s premiere on the closing night of SXSW, the actor responded: “I don’t know him personally. Harry, if you’re in Austin, Texas, in the next week come along and chill with Annie and I.”
“The Idea of You,” based on Robinne Lee...
“It’s funny because it’s not a comparison that I’ve ever made,” Galitzine told Variety’s Marc Malkin at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party. “But people really like to make it. Hayes Campbell, the man I’m playing, is a very different character and we want him to exist in his own world.”
When asked if Styles would be attending the film’s premiere on the closing night of SXSW, the actor responded: “I don’t know him personally. Harry, if you’re in Austin, Texas, in the next week come along and chill with Annie and I.”
“The Idea of You,” based on Robinne Lee...
- 3/11/2024
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Ryan Gosling went full Ken at the 2024 Oscars with a rousing and ridiculous live performance of “I’m Just Ken” from the “Barbie” original soundtrack. “I’m Just Ken” was one of two songs from “Barbie” that earned a nomination for best original song. Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” was the other.
Before the performance, Gosling’s “Barbie” co-star Simu Liu asked the Oscars audience to turn on their phone lights and sing along to Gosling’s performance.
Gosling, bathed in purple lighting and wearing a sparkling pink suit and pink gloves, started singing “I’m Just Ken” while in the audience sitting behind Margot Robbie, who couldn’t help but laugh. He then made his way to the stage, where he was joined by Mark Ronson on guitar and a handful of backup dancers. Slash also appeared on stage, contributing guitar to the song.
Also joining...
Before the performance, Gosling’s “Barbie” co-star Simu Liu asked the Oscars audience to turn on their phone lights and sing along to Gosling’s performance.
Gosling, bathed in purple lighting and wearing a sparkling pink suit and pink gloves, started singing “I’m Just Ken” while in the audience sitting behind Margot Robbie, who couldn’t help but laugh. He then made his way to the stage, where he was joined by Mark Ronson on guitar and a handful of backup dancers. Slash also appeared on stage, contributing guitar to the song.
Also joining...
- 3/11/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Dwayne Johnson got emotional talking about a potential on-screen reunion with Emily Blunt in Benny Safdie’s upcoming mixed martial arts drama, “The Smashing Machine.” Johnson’s comments came while speaking with Variety’s Marc Malkin at the Oscars during Variety On the Carpet presented by Directv.
Blunt has been in talks to join Johnson for what will be Safdie’s solo directorial debut — a biopic about Mma and UFC champion Mark Kerr. Blunt has been eyed to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife.
The film would mark an on-screen reunion for Blunt and Johnson, who previously starred together in Disney’s 2021 feature “Jungle Cruise,” an action-comedy about a charismatic riverboat captain (Johnson) and a determined explorer (Blunt) on a journey through the Amazon jungle in search of a mystical tree with healing powers. Talking about “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson said it’d be “different” from the pair’s first venture.
Blunt has been in talks to join Johnson for what will be Safdie’s solo directorial debut — a biopic about Mma and UFC champion Mark Kerr. Blunt has been eyed to play Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife.
The film would mark an on-screen reunion for Blunt and Johnson, who previously starred together in Disney’s 2021 feature “Jungle Cruise,” an action-comedy about a charismatic riverboat captain (Johnson) and a determined explorer (Blunt) on a journey through the Amazon jungle in search of a mystical tree with healing powers. Talking about “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson said it’d be “different” from the pair’s first venture.
- 3/10/2024
- by Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety Film + TV
Sean Ono Lennon gave his thoughts on Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles movies while chatting with Variety’s Marc Malkin at the Oscars during Variety On the Carpet presented by Directv.
Mendes plans to make four films, with each one told from a different member’s point of view. “That’s the minimum you need to cover the epic story of The Beatles. You need four films,” Ono Lennon said.
As for who he hopes will play John Lennon, Ono Lennon had a very specific (and surprising) actor in mind.
“I’m hoping that Emma Stone might consider it because she did such a good job in ‘Poor Things.’ I think if you’re gonna reach that as an actor, the next obvious step is to really go for it and be John Lennon,” he quipped.
On a more serious note, Ono Lennon reflected on the difficulty of pulling off a...
Mendes plans to make four films, with each one told from a different member’s point of view. “That’s the minimum you need to cover the epic story of The Beatles. You need four films,” Ono Lennon said.
As for who he hopes will play John Lennon, Ono Lennon had a very specific (and surprising) actor in mind.
“I’m hoping that Emma Stone might consider it because she did such a good job in ‘Poor Things.’ I think if you’re gonna reach that as an actor, the next obvious step is to really go for it and be John Lennon,” he quipped.
On a more serious note, Ono Lennon reflected on the difficulty of pulling off a...
- 3/10/2024
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Now that “True Detective” is renewed for a fifth season and “Night Country” creator Issa López is returning to oversee it, many fans are wondering if the HBO series will continue to go the anthology route or possibly feature the return of “Night Country” characters played by Jodi Foster and Kali Reis. Foster weighed in on a possible return while speaking to Variety On the Carpet presented by Directv at the 2024 Oscars. Foster is a supporting actress nominee for “Nyad.”
Unfortunately for fans who loved watching Foster’s Chief Liz Danvers, it sounds like Lopez will be sticking with the anthology route for “True Detective” Season 5. Foster told Variety’s Marc Malkin that her time on the show was “one and done” and “it’s an anthology.” Asked if she’s coming back, Foster said point blank: “No.”
“True Detective: Night Country” ended its run as the most watched installment...
Unfortunately for fans who loved watching Foster’s Chief Liz Danvers, it sounds like Lopez will be sticking with the anthology route for “True Detective” Season 5. Foster told Variety’s Marc Malkin that her time on the show was “one and done” and “it’s an anthology.” Asked if she’s coming back, Foster said point blank: “No.”
“True Detective: Night Country” ended its run as the most watched installment...
- 3/10/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Hundreds of protesters have shut down a major section of Hollywood during the Oscars red carpet, turning Hollywood’s biggest night into a traffic nightmare. With just a few minutes ahead of the telecast’s scheduled start time, much of the ballroom is uncharacteristically empty and people are running to their seats.
There was a growing sense of anxiety from production staffers and publicists on the red carpet that tonight’s Oscars will not start on time due to the gridlock. The broadcast itself kicked off five minutes late.
Protesters shut down Sunset Boulevard between Vine Street and La Brea Avenue. They marched down the street with signs that read “No awards for genocide” and drove school buses covered with Palestinian flags. Police ordered the protest to disperse and waited on Sunset Boulevard with battering rams.
Executives, such as Bob Iger, waited an hour to walk the red carpet due to the traffic jam.
There was a growing sense of anxiety from production staffers and publicists on the red carpet that tonight’s Oscars will not start on time due to the gridlock. The broadcast itself kicked off five minutes late.
Protesters shut down Sunset Boulevard between Vine Street and La Brea Avenue. They marched down the street with signs that read “No awards for genocide” and drove school buses covered with Palestinian flags. Police ordered the protest to disperse and waited on Sunset Boulevard with battering rams.
Executives, such as Bob Iger, waited an hour to walk the red carpet due to the traffic jam.
- 3/10/2024
- by Jaden Thompson, Matt Donnelly and Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
It was but one year ago when Jamie Lee Curtis became an Oscar winner, taking home the trophy for best supporting actress thanks to her work in the night’s eventual best picture winner “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Back at the Oscars this year as a presenter, Curtis said during Variety On the Carpet presented by Directv that last year’s win changed her career in ways that can’t even be measured.
“In really incalculable ways,” Curtis said when Variety’s Marc Malkin asked how the Oscar win changed her career. “I’m making a movie with James L. Brooks right now! I’ve been asked to work with people that I never thought I’d get asked to work with. James L. Brooks being one of them…it’s hard to put into words. But the good feeling that I’ve had from all over the world has changed me.
“In really incalculable ways,” Curtis said when Variety’s Marc Malkin asked how the Oscar win changed her career. “I’m making a movie with James L. Brooks right now! I’ve been asked to work with people that I never thought I’d get asked to work with. James L. Brooks being one of them…it’s hard to put into words. But the good feeling that I’ve had from all over the world has changed me.
- 3/10/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender has been making headlines for several reasons since the announcement of the live-action series adapted from the fan-favorite Nickelodeon show. In a recent update, Netflix revealed that the fantasy action adventure is renewed for two more seasons after its first season run.
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Dallas James Liu, who played Zuko in the Albert Kim-created show for the streamer, confirmed the nod which, per the actor, will create opportunities for indigenous and Asian communities. However, a glaring mistake in the series contradicts the very notion of Liu’s hope. Fans have clearly pointed that out.
Dallas James Liu Discussed Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender Renewal
Dallas James Liu in Avatar: The Last Airbender
Dallas James Liu recently attended Vanity Fair and Instagram’s pre-Oscars party, Vanities: A Night for Young Hollywood, at Bar Marmont, and spoke with Variety’s...
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Dallas James Liu, who played Zuko in the Albert Kim-created show for the streamer, confirmed the nod which, per the actor, will create opportunities for indigenous and Asian communities. However, a glaring mistake in the series contradicts the very notion of Liu’s hope. Fans have clearly pointed that out.
Dallas James Liu Discussed Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender Renewal
Dallas James Liu in Avatar: The Last Airbender
Dallas James Liu recently attended Vanity Fair and Instagram’s pre-Oscars party, Vanities: A Night for Young Hollywood, at Bar Marmont, and spoke with Variety’s...
- 3/8/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
Carey Mulligan says she’d love to star in a rom-com with Adam Sandler following their work together in the new Johan Renck-directed Netflix drama “Spaceman.”
“The Wedding Singer’ is one of my favorite movies, ‘50 First Dates,’ everything he’s done with Jennifer Aniston, I am there for it,” Mulligan told me at the “Spaceman” premiere Monday night at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. “We have to do a rom-com 100 percent!”
And she’s already got the pitch – sort of: “We have to pick the location first where we want to have a really nice holiday and then build the story around that.”
Sandler stars in “Spaceman” as an astronaut on a solo, year-long mission in space. As he comes to realize that his marriage is in trouble (Mulligan plays his wife), he also starts seeing and talking to a giant spider (voiced by Paul Dano) that suddenly appears on his ship.
“The Wedding Singer’ is one of my favorite movies, ‘50 First Dates,’ everything he’s done with Jennifer Aniston, I am there for it,” Mulligan told me at the “Spaceman” premiere Monday night at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. “We have to do a rom-com 100 percent!”
And she’s already got the pitch – sort of: “We have to pick the location first where we want to have a really nice holiday and then build the story around that.”
Sandler stars in “Spaceman” as an astronaut on a solo, year-long mission in space. As he comes to realize that his marriage is in trouble (Mulligan plays his wife), he also starts seeing and talking to a giant spider (voiced by Paul Dano) that suddenly appears on his ship.
- 2/27/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
When something works, it’s natural to try to duplicate the success. The romantic comedy Anyone But You‘s success somewhat flew under the radar, but in a good victory for mid-budget movies, the movie made a record-breaking $200 million worldwide. Additionally, both of the film’s stars’ careers are taking with upcoming projects. Glen Powell will be appearing in this summer’s Twisters, and Sydney Sweeney will be starring in next month’s horror flick, Immaculate. However, just like Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, Powell and Sweeney know you can never have too much of a good thing.
Powell spoke with Variety’s Senior Culture and Events Editor Marc Malkin at the SAG Awards on Saturday night. The Top Gun: Maverick star revealed that he and his Anyone But You co-star are currently sifting through scripts looking for their next big project. Powell explained,...
Powell spoke with Variety’s Senior Culture and Events Editor Marc Malkin at the SAG Awards on Saturday night. The Top Gun: Maverick star revealed that he and his Anyone But You co-star are currently sifting through scripts looking for their next big project. Powell explained,...
- 2/26/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
This year’s Independent Spirit Awards faced a major broadcast hurdle as a Pro-Palestinian protestor with a speaker and a prerecorded message blared out many of the presenters and winners onstage.
The protestor became obvious to at-home audiences when Jim Gaffigan presented “Jury Duty” the award for best ensemble cast in a new scripted series. The rhythm of Gaffigan’s introduction was stilted as microphones picked up the muffled messaging from outside.
The sound created a stir in the audience at the ceremony, as it was louder than the show itself, with some leaving the show to see what the commotion was. Several people, including security and producers, approached the man with the speaker and another man with him, but the protest didn’t stop. Security then moved a shuttle bus in front of the protestors, driving forward and in reverse to block them and try to muffle the sound.
The protestor became obvious to at-home audiences when Jim Gaffigan presented “Jury Duty” the award for best ensemble cast in a new scripted series. The rhythm of Gaffigan’s introduction was stilted as microphones picked up the muffled messaging from outside.
The sound created a stir in the audience at the ceremony, as it was louder than the show itself, with some leaving the show to see what the commotion was. Several people, including security and producers, approached the man with the speaker and another man with him, but the protest didn’t stop. Security then moved a shuttle bus in front of the protestors, driving forward and in reverse to block them and try to muffle the sound.
- 2/25/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Could “Anyone But You” co-stars Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney be the next Julia Roberts and George Clooney? The duo’s work on the past romantic comedy just brought in a record-breaking $200 million worldwide. Thus setting the twosome up as a bankable pair that audiences might be ready to watch fall in (and out) of love over and over.
So what’s next for the couple that saved the rom-com? More scripts, revealed to Powell to Variety’s Senior Culture and Events Editor Marc Malkin at the SAG Awards on Saturday night.
Powell stopped by Variety‘s “On the Carpet” presented by Directv at the award ceremony to give a brief update.
“When you find somebody that you really jive with, Sydney is so easy to work with and so fun. We’re definitely trying to find the next thing,” Powell said. “Please send us all the scripts you got.
So what’s next for the couple that saved the rom-com? More scripts, revealed to Powell to Variety’s Senior Culture and Events Editor Marc Malkin at the SAG Awards on Saturday night.
Powell stopped by Variety‘s “On the Carpet” presented by Directv at the award ceremony to give a brief update.
“When you find somebody that you really jive with, Sydney is so easy to work with and so fun. We’re definitely trying to find the next thing,” Powell said. “Please send us all the scripts you got.
- 2/25/2024
- by Meredith Woerner
- Variety Film + TV
Helen Mirren ripped AI to shreds while being honored Thursday night at the American Cinematheque Awards.
After being presented with the lifetime achievement award by her “Mosquito Coast” and “1923” co-star Harrison Ford at the Beverly Hilton gala, Mirren began to read her acceptance speech from a piece of a paper.
“Ladies and gentlemen and esteemed guests and dear friends, I am deeply humbled, profoundly honored to stand before you today accepting this extraordinary award. To be recognized for a lifetime devoted to the craft of acting is a privilege beyond words,” she said dramatically. “First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the industry and the individuals who have supported me throughout this incredible journey. It is has been a life filled with passion, challenges and above all, an unyielding love for the art of storytelling.”
Then she added, “And that was written by AI,” before...
After being presented with the lifetime achievement award by her “Mosquito Coast” and “1923” co-star Harrison Ford at the Beverly Hilton gala, Mirren began to read her acceptance speech from a piece of a paper.
“Ladies and gentlemen and esteemed guests and dear friends, I am deeply humbled, profoundly honored to stand before you today accepting this extraordinary award. To be recognized for a lifetime devoted to the craft of acting is a privilege beyond words,” she said dramatically. “First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the industry and the individuals who have supported me throughout this incredible journey. It is has been a life filled with passion, challenges and above all, an unyielding love for the art of storytelling.”
Then she added, “And that was written by AI,” before...
- 2/16/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Porsha Williams Guobadia — who is now going by her married name — will return to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Bravo announced Tuesday, in the first cast announcement of what will be the show’s rebooted Season 16. Williams Guobadia, always a fan favorite, was on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” from Seasons 5-13, and, in a rare voluntary departure for the franchise, left the show in September 2021.
In an interview with Variety a few months after that, she spoke of her then-upcoming marriage to Simon Guobadia, and said she wanted to spend as much time as she could with her young daughter, Pilar.
“I just want as much time with her as possible,” she said. “And with me in the past dealing with mental health, I knew that I needed to be as healthy mentally as I could be. No drama, etc. Just in a happy peaceful place for my baby girl.
In an interview with Variety a few months after that, she spoke of her then-upcoming marriage to Simon Guobadia, and said she wanted to spend as much time as she could with her young daughter, Pilar.
“I just want as much time with her as possible,” she said. “And with me in the past dealing with mental health, I knew that I needed to be as healthy mentally as I could be. No drama, etc. Just in a happy peaceful place for my baby girl.
- 2/13/2024
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
He’s just Ken … not a guy who likes to sing at awards shows.
One of the big question marks about the 96th Academy Awards ceremony on March 10 is whether or not Ryan Gosling will perform his Oscar-nominated show-stopper “I’m Just Ken,” one of the five nominees for Best Song. The actor has been extremely coy about making an appearance, making jokes like, “Do you get paid to sing at the Oscars?”
The send-up of 1980s power ballads is nominated for Best Song and was co-written and produced by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. Ronson, the British hit-maker with an Oscar win for “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” and eight Grammys for work with Amy Winehouse, Silk City, and his own pop juggernaut, “Uptown Funk,” was spotted on the Grammys red carpet Sunday night by Variety, and asked if he had any further intel.
“Did he confirm to you?...
One of the big question marks about the 96th Academy Awards ceremony on March 10 is whether or not Ryan Gosling will perform his Oscar-nominated show-stopper “I’m Just Ken,” one of the five nominees for Best Song. The actor has been extremely coy about making an appearance, making jokes like, “Do you get paid to sing at the Oscars?”
The send-up of 1980s power ballads is nominated for Best Song and was co-written and produced by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. Ronson, the British hit-maker with an Oscar win for “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” and eight Grammys for work with Amy Winehouse, Silk City, and his own pop juggernaut, “Uptown Funk,” was spotted on the Grammys red carpet Sunday night by Variety, and asked if he had any further intel.
“Did he confirm to you?...
- 2/5/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Now that Ryan Gosling’s “Barbie” power ballad “I’m Just Ken” is an Oscar nominee for best original song, one of the biggest questions facing the upcoming Academy Awards telecast is whether Gosling will take to the stage to perform the viral hit live. Variety‘s Marc Malkin posed the question to “Barbie” soundtrack producer and “I’m Just Ken” co-writer Mark Ronson on the 2024 Grammys red carpet, but Ronson said Gosling has not yet confirmed to him whether an Oscars performance is in the cards.
“That would be great,” Ronson said during Variety’s On the Carpet, presented by Directv. “Did he confirm to you? I want to know … it’s my dream! It’s my dream.”
When asked if he’d possibly sub in another singer should Gosling not want to perform “I’m Just Ken” live during the Oscars, Ronson immediately shut down the idea.
“No.
“That would be great,” Ronson said during Variety’s On the Carpet, presented by Directv. “Did he confirm to you? I want to know … it’s my dream! It’s my dream.”
When asked if he’d possibly sub in another singer should Gosling not want to perform “I’m Just Ken” live during the Oscars, Ronson immediately shut down the idea.
“No.
- 2/5/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
The longest running Housewife is hanging up her peach.
Kandi Burruss, who has been a main cast member on The Real Housewives of Atlanta since Season 2, has announced she will exit the series ahead of Season 16.
More from TVLineHow to Watch Vanderpump Rules Season 11 OnlineTVLine Items: Malin Akerman's Starz Series, Billy Joel Is Grammys Performer and MoreTVLine Items: Nathan Lane Joins Monster Season 2, Grammys Performers and More
In a red carpet interview at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, Burruss told Variety’s Marc Malkin: “I decided I’m not coming back this year.”
“It’s been 14 seasons,” she continued,...
Kandi Burruss, who has been a main cast member on The Real Housewives of Atlanta since Season 2, has announced she will exit the series ahead of Season 16.
More from TVLineHow to Watch Vanderpump Rules Season 11 OnlineTVLine Items: Malin Akerman's Starz Series, Billy Joel Is Grammys Performer and MoreTVLine Items: Nathan Lane Joins Monster Season 2, Grammys Performers and More
In a red carpet interview at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, Burruss told Variety’s Marc Malkin: “I decided I’m not coming back this year.”
“It’s been 14 seasons,” she continued,...
- 2/5/2024
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
Kandi Burruss announced that she will not be returning to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” the Bravo reality series she has appeared on since 2009. She discussed her decision with editor Marc Malkin for Variety’s On the Carpet, presented by Directv, at the Grammys on Sunday.
“I’m not really keeping up right now,” she said, when asked about the show. “I’m not keeping up. I already said it, so I’ll tell you. I decided I’m not coming back this year. It’s been 14 seasons, and they allowed us to sit around for a little too long, but during that time I had started working on a lot of other things, and I got some nice big projects coming soon, so I’m super excited about those things.
“But it’s not just that,” she continued. “It’s just like, after you really have time to think,...
“I’m not really keeping up right now,” she said, when asked about the show. “I’m not keeping up. I already said it, so I’ll tell you. I decided I’m not coming back this year. It’s been 14 seasons, and they allowed us to sit around for a little too long, but during that time I had started working on a lot of other things, and I got some nice big projects coming soon, so I’m super excited about those things.
“But it’s not just that,” she continued. “It’s just like, after you really have time to think,...
- 2/4/2024
- by William Earl and Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. doesn’t want to be former President Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
“I don’t think that my marriage would survive it,” Kennedy told Variety‘s Marc Malkin at the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Season 12 premiere in Los Angeles.
“I think he’s right,” added Kennedy’s wife, Cheryl Hines.
Malkin then asked Kennedy if he just wants to run for U.S. president, to which Kennedy simply replied, “Yeah.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. doesn’t want to be former President Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 U.S. presidential election: “I don’t think that my marriage would survive it.” https://t.co/E2eNhXs7MI pic.twitter.com/piVumtrOWo
— Variety (@Variety) January 31, 2024
Reports have been circulating the past few days about Trump’s team approaching Kennedy to serve as the former president’s running mate in his 2024 campaign.
“I don’t think that my marriage would survive it,” Kennedy told Variety‘s Marc Malkin at the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Season 12 premiere in Los Angeles.
“I think he’s right,” added Kennedy’s wife, Cheryl Hines.
Malkin then asked Kennedy if he just wants to run for U.S. president, to which Kennedy simply replied, “Yeah.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. doesn’t want to be former President Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 U.S. presidential election: “I don’t think that my marriage would survive it.” https://t.co/E2eNhXs7MI pic.twitter.com/piVumtrOWo
— Variety (@Variety) January 31, 2024
Reports have been circulating the past few days about Trump’s team approaching Kennedy to serve as the former president’s running mate in his 2024 campaign.
- 1/31/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
“Big Little Lies” Season 3 is coming along nicely.
“We’re at work on it,” Nicole Kidman told Variety Sunday night at the New York premiere of her new series “Expats.”
Kidman says she and Reese Witherspoon are “texting every day” about the third season. “And there’s a timeline and we’re doing it.”
She laughed when asked for more details. “We can’t say anything more,” Kidman said. “We’ve got to start keeping our mouths shut…We’ve got to button it.””
The news comes after Witherspoon confirmed a new season was happening. “We are working on it,” she told Variety’s Marc Malkin during the Golden Globes pre-show. “Nic and I have been working on it a lot.”
A “Big Little Lies” reunion got additional buzz when HBO and Max content chairman/CEO Casey Bloys confirmed to Variety that he heard “a little bit about the idea.
“We’re at work on it,” Nicole Kidman told Variety Sunday night at the New York premiere of her new series “Expats.”
Kidman says she and Reese Witherspoon are “texting every day” about the third season. “And there’s a timeline and we’re doing it.”
She laughed when asked for more details. “We can’t say anything more,” Kidman said. “We’ve got to start keeping our mouths shut…We’ve got to button it.””
The news comes after Witherspoon confirmed a new season was happening. “We are working on it,” she told Variety’s Marc Malkin during the Golden Globes pre-show. “Nic and I have been working on it a lot.”
A “Big Little Lies” reunion got additional buzz when HBO and Max content chairman/CEO Casey Bloys confirmed to Variety that he heard “a little bit about the idea.
- 1/22/2024
- by Elizabeth Taylor
- Variety Film + TV
As the possibility of a third season of “Big Little Lies” picks up steam, HBO and Max content chairman/CEO Casey Bloys is ready for it. Bloys confirmed to Variety that he has heard “a little bit about the idea. I think it could be great.”
“Big Little Lies” stars and executive producers Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman have teased the prospect of a new season of the series — which last aired in 2019 — while speaking to reporters in recent weeks. At the 81st Golden Globes this month, Witherspoon told Variety’s Marc Malkin that “We are working on it. Nic and I have been working on it a lot.”
Bloys said that he believes that Witherspoon and Kidman have been in touch with “Big Little Lies” author Liane Moriarty about ways to expand the storyline and characters. Bloys also said he expects that David E. Kelley, who adapted Moriarty’s...
“Big Little Lies” stars and executive producers Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman have teased the prospect of a new season of the series — which last aired in 2019 — while speaking to reporters in recent weeks. At the 81st Golden Globes this month, Witherspoon told Variety’s Marc Malkin that “We are working on it. Nic and I have been working on it a lot.”
Bloys said that he believes that Witherspoon and Kidman have been in touch with “Big Little Lies” author Liane Moriarty about ways to expand the storyline and characters. Bloys also said he expects that David E. Kelley, who adapted Moriarty’s...
- 1/17/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s “Beef” won big at the much-delayed 2023 Emmys with eight awards across all categries, but the future of the limited series is still up in the air.
“I feel like there are so many paths. It could stay limited — it was a very close-ended story for sure. But if Netflix wanted to continue, it could also be anthology,” series creator Lee Sung Jin told reporters backstage at the Emmys. “It could be many things. It’s up to the great algorithm. We’re all waiting to hear.”
In November, it was announced that Lee, who also goes by Sonny Lee, signed a multi-year overall deal with Netflix, which covers both potential film and television projects.
On the red carpet before the Emmys ceremony, “Beef” star Steven Yeun told Variety‘s Marc Malkin he has “no clue” about a second season and said, “I defer to Sonny on all fronts.
“I feel like there are so many paths. It could stay limited — it was a very close-ended story for sure. But if Netflix wanted to continue, it could also be anthology,” series creator Lee Sung Jin told reporters backstage at the Emmys. “It could be many things. It’s up to the great algorithm. We’re all waiting to hear.”
In November, it was announced that Lee, who also goes by Sonny Lee, signed a multi-year overall deal with Netflix, which covers both potential film and television projects.
On the red carpet before the Emmys ceremony, “Beef” star Steven Yeun told Variety‘s Marc Malkin he has “no clue” about a second season and said, “I defer to Sonny on all fronts.
- 1/16/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
The comedian and host of “Late Night With Seth Meyers” told Variety he thought Jo Koy did a “great job” hosting the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards, considering the “deck was stacked against him.”
While speaking with Marc Malkin for Variety On the Carpet, presented by Directv, Meyers was asked what the comedian thought about Koy’s performance as host, to which he responded, “When you do a show like these, it helps to have a staff of people you know and you trust well.” Meyers continued, “So, all things considered, I thought he did a great job considering how the deck was stacked against him.”
Meyers complimented Koy, saying he’s “had this incredible career” and “done it all on his own.”
“That’s a real credit to Jo,” Meyers added.
Koy is facing backlash for giving a divisive performance as host of the 81st Golden Globes, where he polarized viewers for,...
While speaking with Marc Malkin for Variety On the Carpet, presented by Directv, Meyers was asked what the comedian thought about Koy’s performance as host, to which he responded, “When you do a show like these, it helps to have a staff of people you know and you trust well.” Meyers continued, “So, all things considered, I thought he did a great job considering how the deck was stacked against him.”
Meyers complimented Koy, saying he’s “had this incredible career” and “done it all on his own.”
“That’s a real credit to Jo,” Meyers added.
Koy is facing backlash for giving a divisive performance as host of the 81st Golden Globes, where he polarized viewers for,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety Film + TV
‘The Big Sick’ Duo Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon Have Written Script for New Romantic Comedy Film
The writers behind 2017’s “The Big Sick,” Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, told Variety that they have finished writing the script for a new romantic comedy they hope to start producing and developing, with Nanjiani also confirming his plans to star in the new film.
While speaking with Marc Malkin for Variety On the Carpet presented by Directv, the duo confirmed they were working on a new project together: “We’ve written a movie,” Nanjiani said, which Gordon then elaborated on, “We wrote a script that we’re looking to make.”
Though the two kept details about the film’s plot hidden, Nanjiani did confirm that the film is a “comedy, romance, drama” that will follow “another relationship” that is “not as personal” as “The Big Sick.”
“It’s not as nakedly auto-biographical,” Nanjiani said. Later, he joked that it is about someone who “should go to therapy.”
With a script now finished,...
While speaking with Marc Malkin for Variety On the Carpet presented by Directv, the duo confirmed they were working on a new project together: “We’ve written a movie,” Nanjiani said, which Gordon then elaborated on, “We wrote a script that we’re looking to make.”
Though the two kept details about the film’s plot hidden, Nanjiani did confirm that the film is a “comedy, romance, drama” that will follow “another relationship” that is “not as personal” as “The Big Sick.”
“It’s not as nakedly auto-biographical,” Nanjiani said. Later, he joked that it is about someone who “should go to therapy.”
With a script now finished,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety Film + TV
Sam Claflin Is ‘100%’ Open to Returning to ‘The Hunger Games’: ‘I Would Be All in for Finnick’s Dad’
Sam Claflin told Variety that he would be “100%” open to returning to “The Hunger Games” franchise.
Speaking with Marc Malkin during Variety On the Carpet, presented by Directv, Claflin opened up about his reaction to the prequel film “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and the potential for his widely beloved character Finnick to make an appearance in future “Hunger Games” projects.
Though he is willing to return to the dystopian world of Panem, Claflin fears his age might be a detriment: “I don’t know if there’s room for me to go back. I’m too old now.”
The actor did add, however, “I’ve heard rumors that people are asking for a Finnick prequel, and all I’m gonna say is that I would be all in for Finnick’s dad.”
Franchise director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson have stated that they would not want to...
Speaking with Marc Malkin during Variety On the Carpet, presented by Directv, Claflin opened up about his reaction to the prequel film “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and the potential for his widely beloved character Finnick to make an appearance in future “Hunger Games” projects.
Though he is willing to return to the dystopian world of Panem, Claflin fears his age might be a detriment: “I don’t know if there’s room for me to go back. I’m too old now.”
The actor did add, however, “I’ve heard rumors that people are asking for a Finnick prequel, and all I’m gonna say is that I would be all in for Finnick’s dad.”
Franchise director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson have stated that they would not want to...
- 1/16/2024
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Young Mazino spoke to Marc Malkin during Variety’s On the Carpet, presented by Directv, about landing a highly-coveted role in HBO’s “The Last of Us” Season 2. The network announced earlier this month the “Beef” breakout is set to star in the new season as Jesse, said to be “a pillar of his community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost.” He joins fellow newcomers Isabela Merced and Kaitlyn Dever opposite returning favorites Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Mazino says he’s set to start filming the show in two weeks.
“After the strike ended, I was able to get a meeting with the showrunners and we kind of just shopped it up. I played the video game before the meeting and we had a long talk about their process and what they’re looking for. I guess ‘Beef’ pushed me the rest of the way.
“After the strike ended, I was able to get a meeting with the showrunners and we kind of just shopped it up. I played the video game before the meeting and we had a long talk about their process and what they’re looking for. I guess ‘Beef’ pushed me the rest of the way.
- 1/15/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Brian Cox isn’t fazed about his acceptance speech if he wins at the 2024 Emmy Awards.
The 77-year-old Succession star is nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the ceremony, which will take place on Monday (January 15).
Brian won his first and only Emmy in 2001, and the star elaborated on his preparation for hearing his name called this year.
Keep reading to find out more…
On what he would say on stage, Brian said that he hasn’t planned a speech.
“I don’t believe in them,” he told Variety‘s Marc Malkin. “It will come naturally. It will be a natural thing. And if I don’t win, that’s the way it is.”
If you didn’t know, Brian‘s Succession co-stars Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong are nominated in the same category.
See all of the 2024 Emmy nominees ahead of tonight’s show!
The 77-year-old Succession star is nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the ceremony, which will take place on Monday (January 15).
Brian won his first and only Emmy in 2001, and the star elaborated on his preparation for hearing his name called this year.
Keep reading to find out more…
On what he would say on stage, Brian said that he hasn’t planned a speech.
“I don’t believe in them,” he told Variety‘s Marc Malkin. “It will come naturally. It will be a natural thing. And if I don’t win, that’s the way it is.”
If you didn’t know, Brian‘s Succession co-stars Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong are nominated in the same category.
See all of the 2024 Emmy nominees ahead of tonight’s show!
- 1/15/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
A night full of legends, tears and an amazing audition to be the next Oscars host, the 14th annual Governors Awards brought all of this year’s award contenders out to celebrate four industry titans on Tuesday inside the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles.
Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks and Carol Littleton received honorary Oscars, while the Sundance Institute’s Michelle Satter was bestowed with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
In addition to honoring legends, the Governors Awards are an opportunity for contenders to make an impression ahead of voting with the Board of Governors and other AMPAS members in attendance. The room was overflowing with A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), Christopher Nolan (“Oppenheimer”), Ava DuVernay (“Origin”), Eva Longoria (“Flamin’ Hot”), Colman Domingo (“Rustin”), Natalie Portman (“May December”), Margot Robbie (“Barbie”) and more.
The night kicked off with a surprise for attendees in the form...
Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks and Carol Littleton received honorary Oscars, while the Sundance Institute’s Michelle Satter was bestowed with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
In addition to honoring legends, the Governors Awards are an opportunity for contenders to make an impression ahead of voting with the Board of Governors and other AMPAS members in attendance. The room was overflowing with A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), Christopher Nolan (“Oppenheimer”), Ava DuVernay (“Origin”), Eva Longoria (“Flamin’ Hot”), Colman Domingo (“Rustin”), Natalie Portman (“May December”), Margot Robbie (“Barbie”) and more.
The night kicked off with a surprise for attendees in the form...
- 1/10/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Four stars from the beloved series Suits reunited at the 2024 Golden Globes, but Meghan Markle wasn’t one of them.
Patrick J. Adams, Gabriel Macht, Gina Torres, and Sarah Rafferty presented together at the awards show held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday (January 7) in Beverly Hills, Calif.
On the red carpet, Gina was asked if anyone texted Meghan about the reunion, to which she revealed that none of them have her current phone number!
Keep reading to find out more…
“When it all came through, we were all texting each other, yes. Our text thread is insane right now, so it’s very exciting,” Gina said.
Variety‘s Marc Malkin then asked, “Who texted Meghan and said, ‘You’ve gotta come to the Golden Globes!’”
“We don’t have her number. We just don’t. So, hopefully she’ll see. She’ll watch. She’ll be happy that we’re here,...
Patrick J. Adams, Gabriel Macht, Gina Torres, and Sarah Rafferty presented together at the awards show held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday (January 7) in Beverly Hills, Calif.
On the red carpet, Gina was asked if anyone texted Meghan about the reunion, to which she revealed that none of them have her current phone number!
Keep reading to find out more…
“When it all came through, we were all texting each other, yes. Our text thread is insane right now, so it’s very exciting,” Gina said.
Variety‘s Marc Malkin then asked, “Who texted Meghan and said, ‘You’ve gotta come to the Golden Globes!’”
“We don’t have her number. We just don’t. So, hopefully she’ll see. She’ll watch. She’ll be happy that we’re here,...
- 1/9/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom was abuzz Sunday evening with the rolling thunder of excited conversations, clinking glasses and the general whoosh of pedestrian traffic around a party packed with mega-stars and supernovas including Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Springsteen.
But when Steven Yeun stepped up to the stage to accept his trophy for “Beef,” the din fell by several decibels. The emotion in his voice as he spoke of his feelings of “isolation and separateness” carried through the ballroom, causing silence followed by rapturous applause.
The respect shown to Yeun was one of many notable moments that you had to be room where it happens to fully appreciate. As always, a big part of the fun of attending the Globes is the people watching and the chance to gauge reactions to the ceremony from a room full of industry insiders.
Here’s a rundown of highlights from those observations.
But when Steven Yeun stepped up to the stage to accept his trophy for “Beef,” the din fell by several decibels. The emotion in his voice as he spoke of his feelings of “isolation and separateness” carried through the ballroom, causing silence followed by rapturous applause.
The respect shown to Yeun was one of many notable moments that you had to be room where it happens to fully appreciate. As always, a big part of the fun of attending the Globes is the people watching and the chance to gauge reactions to the ceremony from a room full of industry insiders.
Here’s a rundown of highlights from those observations.
- 1/9/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton and Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Jennifer Lopez is ready to make art out of previous heartache. Her debut single off of her ninth album, titled “Can’t Get Enough,” is set to premiere this Wednesday, Jan. 10.
“I have my new single, from my new album and my new movie,” Lopez told Variety’s senior culture and events editor Marc Malkin on the Golden Globes carpet. “Wednesday is actually a really big day, 22 years in the making.”
There to support her Globe-nominated husband Ben Affleck, J.Lo paused to tease her first studio album since 2014 and the upcoming, wedding-filled music video that will accompany the debut single.
“I think it might surprise some people. It’s definitely kind of a meta story about the journey that it takes from getting from heartbreak back to love … I am somewhat of an expert you could say in a real way. Not so much about marriage but on weddings,...
“I have my new single, from my new album and my new movie,” Lopez told Variety’s senior culture and events editor Marc Malkin on the Golden Globes carpet. “Wednesday is actually a really big day, 22 years in the making.”
There to support her Globe-nominated husband Ben Affleck, J.Lo paused to tease her first studio album since 2014 and the upcoming, wedding-filled music video that will accompany the debut single.
“I think it might surprise some people. It’s definitely kind of a meta story about the journey that it takes from getting from heartbreak back to love … I am somewhat of an expert you could say in a real way. Not so much about marriage but on weddings,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Michaela Zee and Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Kieran Culkin told Variety a “Succession” spinoff would be a “horrible idea” when asked about it on the Golden Globes red carpet Sunday afternoon.
Variety’s Marc Malkin then asked Culkin to explain his reasoning, which he responded to by saying, “Remember ‘Frasier?’ Yeah, we all loved ‘Frasier,’ but not every show can be ‘Frasier.'” (“Frasier” was a spinoff of hit series “Cheers.”)
He then said a spinoff based on the Cousin Greg character (Nicholas Braun) would make a good show and that Roman could make occasional appearances: “For like — entrance applause? Would that work in a show like this? That’s why I would do it.”
Culkin is nominated for best performance by an actor in a drama television series for the fourth and final season of “Succession.” He received nominations in the supporting actor category for the previous three seasons of the series. This marks his fifth Golden Globes nomination overall,...
Variety’s Marc Malkin then asked Culkin to explain his reasoning, which he responded to by saying, “Remember ‘Frasier?’ Yeah, we all loved ‘Frasier,’ but not every show can be ‘Frasier.'” (“Frasier” was a spinoff of hit series “Cheers.”)
He then said a spinoff based on the Cousin Greg character (Nicholas Braun) would make a good show and that Roman could make occasional appearances: “For like — entrance applause? Would that work in a show like this? That’s why I would do it.”
Culkin is nominated for best performance by an actor in a drama television series for the fourth and final season of “Succession.” He received nominations in the supporting actor category for the previous three seasons of the series. This marks his fifth Golden Globes nomination overall,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
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