Roku Original Comedy “Die Hart 2: Die Harter” Begins Production, John Cena, Ben Schwartz, and Paula Pell Added to Cast; Nathalie Emmanuel to Return for Season 2
Hartbeat produces season 2 of the record-setting Kevin Hart-led series
Eric Appel returns to direct the production, with Tripper Clancy returning as writer
· Today, Roku announced that John Cena, Ben Schwartz, and Paula Pell have joined the cast of the highly anticipated Roku Original comedy series “Die Hart 2: Die Harter.” Emmy award nominee Nathalie Emmanuel will reprise her role from season 1.
· In addition to starring in the series, Kevin Hart also serves as executive producer.
· Eric Appel has returned to direct season 2 of the comedy series, with Tripper Clancy returning to write.
· From Hartbeat, the global, multi-platform media company creating entertainment where comedy meets culture, Hart, Jeff Clanagan, Candice Wilson Cherry, Bryan Smiley, Thai Randolph, Mike Stein, Luke Kelly-Clyne, Kevin Healey, and Ty Walker will serve as executive producers.
· Synopsis: After achieving his dream of becoming a bona fide action hero in DIE HART, Kevin Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie where the action is so unscripted and unexpected that even Kevin won’t know what’s coming next. But Kevin’s myopic dream comes with a blind spot, and he soon finds himself the victim of an evil revenge plot, orchestrated by someone from his past. Kevin must enlist the help of his favorite co-star Jordan King (Nathalie Emmanuel, returning for season 2), his over-eager assistant Andre (Ben Schwartz), Andre’s mom Cynthia (Paula Pell), and legendary Hollywood stuntman Mr. 206 (John Cena) if he wants to survive.
The first season of the series, “Die Hart,” premiered on The Roku Channel in May 2021. After a successful debut with a record number of households streaming the series, Roku announced plans to order a second season of the series in June 2021. “Die Hart” was the first Roku Original series that the company renewed.
· “Die Hart” earned three Emmy award nominations in 2021- Outstanding Actor In A Short Form Comedy Or Drama Series (Kevin Hart & John Travolta, respectively), and Outstanding Actress In A Short Form Comedy Or Drama Series (Nathalie Emmanuel).
· Production for “Die Hart 2: Die Harter” is underway in Atlanta, Ga.
Check out the sketch video titled My Landlord Wants It by Jamal The Creative, and written by Jayy Childish. Also stars Tinesha Lynn and Brandi Nicole.
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The Iron Man franchise actor’s production label This Radicle Act has optioned Hannah Rose May’s Image Comics comic book Rogues’ Gallery in a competitive situation. Don Cheadle has a first look with Industrial Media and the plan is to adapt Rogues’ Gallery into a TV series.
May wrote and created the high-concept home invasion thriller, which is set against the backdrop of toxic fandom and obsession, which has art by Marvel’s Spiderpunk artist, Justin Mason.
Rogues’ Gallery follows Maisie Wade, who has just quit her role as the Red Rogue, a massively popular comic book character. But when her abrupt exit from Red Rogue’s hit TV series leads to its unceremonious cancellation, Maisie finds herself trapped in her own home by a group of unhinged superfans. Dressed up in the cosplay of the Red Rogue’s arch villains, these diehards want to teach Maisie a lesson. If Maisie is to survive the night, she must become the hero she has grown to despise.
May will serve as an EP and will be producing the series through her Weird Neighbour Productions banner alongside Cheadle, Karyn Smith-Forge and This Radicle Act.
Cheadle is represented by UTA. May is represented by Eric Reid at WME, Bob Glennon at Authentic Management, Ben Carnegie & Neville King at Innovative Artists, and Scott Goldman at Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein & Selz.
Source: Deadline
Launching yesterday from Hartbeat and Simon & Schuster is a new original audiobook, “Kiss & Tell”, hosted by Jay Pharoah and Rachel Bloom – the story combines the brashness of stand-up comedy, the intimacy of oral storytelling, and the energy of a live audience to portray a compelling and hilarious take on modern relationships.
Kiss & Tell: Stand Up & Stories About Love, Sex, Etc.” is a breakthrough audiobook that combines the brashness of stand-up comedy, the intimacy of oral storytelling and the energy of a live audience to portray a compelling and hilarious take on modern relationships. Coproduced with Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and hosted by Emmy Award–winning actress Rachel Bloom and Saturday Night Live alum Jay Pharoah, “Kiss & Tell” presents an incredible lineup of the funniest comedians unavailable in any other format or on any other platform. Telling a uniquely collaborative, extensive, and universal love story through a variety of diverse lenses, covering everything from first dates and first dances to cheating, break ups, and everything in between, “Kiss & Tell” features performances ranging from stand-up and storytelling to original songs, impressions, and more.
Produced by Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat, “Kiss & Tell” features an all-star cast of comedians as they offer fresh, personal takes on all things love and relationships. Each performance features personal stories and shared memories from their own romantic journeys as they bring the universal challenges and rewards of romantic relationships to life. Featured comedians in the audiobook include: Atsuko Okatsuka, Danielle Perez, Morgan Jay, Nate Jackson, The Sklar Brothers, Sydney Battle, Sydney Steinber, and more.
‘Kiss & Tell’ was released today, September 20th, and can be found on Audible, Google Play, or wherever you shop for audiobooks.
Learn more at http://kissandtellaudiobook.com/.
Bounce, the popular broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, will premiere its newest original series, “Finding Happy,” on Saturday, September 24, with the first two episodes airing back-to-back starting at 8 pm EDT.
Centering around the Black female experience through the eyes of protagonist Yaz Carter, “Finding Happy” is a dramedy about the unfulfilled life of Yaz, beginning with her unhappy thirty-sixth birthday. The 10-episode debut season features Yaz’s loving-but-complicated family, her stagnant career in the evolving landscape of radio, and a merry-go-round of unrequited love while dating in the love desert of Atlanta. “Finding Happy” reveals over time that true happiness can only be found within.
B. Simone (MTV’s “Wild ‘n Out”) stars as Yaz along with Kim Coles (“Living Single”), Marketta Patrice (“Black Jesus”), Angela Gibbs (“Hacks”), Stevie Baggs (“Ruthless”) and Mike Merrill (“A La Carte”).
Kendra Jo serves as the showrunner, writer, and co-creator of “Finding Happy” along with Yasmine Coleman and Angela Wells. Eric C. Rhone, Cedric The Entertainer, Coleman, Wells, Jo, and Reesha L. Archibald are the show’s executive producers.
“Finding Happy” comes from Eric C. Rhone and Cedric The Entertainer’s A Bird & A Bear Entertainment, which also produces the hit Bounce original series “Johnson.”
SILVER SPRING, MD. -All-new episodes of TV One’s original docu-series, “UNSUNG” and “UNCENSORED” debut Sunday, September 25. “UNSUNG” leads with R&B legend Tony Terry at 9 p.m. ET/8C followed by “UNCENSORED” featuring award-winning actor and entertainer Kadeem Hardison at 10 p.m. ET/9C.
Each episode will be published on TV One’s website TVOne.tv. “UNSUNG,” one of the network’s longest-running and seven-time NAACP Image Award-winning series, highlights the careers and explores the personal lives of some of the most talented and influential Black artists, performers, and musicians in history.
On this season’s premiere episode, singer Tony Terry shares the journey of his early success, experiencing longevity in the entertainment industry and clears the air in his own words.
The season also includes:
“Women Take The Mic” Sunday, October 2
Reggae Revolutions Sunday, October 9
Jean Carn Sunday, October 16
Warryn Campbell Sunday, October 23
Norman Conners Sunday, October 30
Solar Records Sunday, November 6
“UNSUNG” is narrated by actor Gary Anthony Williams and is executive produced by Frank Sinton and Arthur Smith of A. Smith & Co. Productions. Mark Rowland, Kysha Mounia and Jamecia Blount also serve as Executive Producers. For TV One, Austyn Biggers is the SVP of Programming and Jason Ryan is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production. Directly following “UNSUNG” is the return of the hit, autobiographical series “UNCENSORED,” which explores the lives of popular celebrities and personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their successes and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. The premiere episode highlights award-winning actor Kadeem Hardison. While best known for his iconic role as Dwayne Wayne in the classic “A Different World,” Kadeem transparently and authentically shares the story of his nearly four-decade career.
This season also includes:
Keshia Knight Pulliam Sunday, October 2
Tyson Beckford Sunday, October 9
Garcelle Beauvais Sunday, October 16
KeKe Wyatt Sunday, October 23
Mario Van Peebles Sunday, October 30
Deon Cole Sunday, November 6
“UNCENSORED” is produced for TV One by Eric Tomosunas, Keith Neal, and James Seppelfrick (Executive Producers), Jay Allen and Nikki Byles (Co-Executive Producers), and Rachel Valley (Producer) of Swirl Films. For TV One, Austyn Biggers is the SVP of Programming and Jason Ryan is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production.
Eddie Murphy is reteaming with key original Beverly Hills Cop cast members for their long-awaited sequel for Netflix.
Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot have boarded Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley, reuniting with Eddie Murphy in his iconic role of officer Axel Foley. The storyline for Beverly Hills Cop 4, which has started production, remains under wraps.
Mark Molloy was earlier brought on board to direct the sequel, which Will Beall wrote. Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman and Melissa Reid are producing for Jerry Bruckheimer Films, along with Murphy, while Charisse Hewitt-Webster and Ray Angelic will executive produce.
The new project is the result of a one-time licensing deal between Netflix and Paramount. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were on board to direct the long-awaited fourth installment of the series, but Molloy will replace them after the duo left to direct Warner Bros.’ Batgirl.
Murphy’s character of officer Axel Foley first appeared in the 1984 classic as a fish out of water Detroit police officer who goes to Beverly Hills to solve his best friend’s murder. Murphy went on to star in the hit 1987 sequel and the poorly received third film in 1994.
In 2016, Paramount took Beverly Hills Cop 4 off its release schedule. At the time, the studio had Jerry Bruckheimer set to produce the project, which was to bring Murphy back to star as Foley.
Molloy and Angelic are represented by UTA, while Beall is represented by UTA and Entertainment 360.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
The home of veteran comedian Arsenio Hall appears to be a hotspot for burglars who visited not once but twice while the Hollywood star was still inside.
According to TMZ, which broke the news, the incident happened on Saturday, Sept. 17, around 11 am, when the “Coming to America” star reportedly heard noises coming from the downstairs of his Los Angeles home. Upon discovery, the 66-year-old noticed someone had broken the glass on his sliding door in an apparent attempt to get inside. It’s unclear if the entertainment legend caught a glimpse of the attempted intruder.
Even more alarming, the Los Angeles Police Department said a similar situation occurred last month when they claimed two suspects broke a window at the back of the home and entered the “Harlem Nights” actor’s house. Like before, the star was home, but luckily the intruder fled before taking anything. Cops responded to the call on both occasions but could not apprehend those involved.
An investigation has since been launched as detectives are examining surveillance footage from Hall’s home and the neighborhood to determine who is behind the break-ins, whether the “Martial Law” star faces any dangers, and if the two events are connected.
The actor has not yet spoken out about the incident. However, the news appeared to upset fans on social media and only further fuel their fears of the Los Angeles area, including one Twitter user who wrote, “LA is f–king trash… F–k LA it’s not safe… If you rich.. just get a house built somewhere else.. cause LA just ain’t worth it.”
Once again, the safety of the Los Angeles area has come under fire as robberies begin to see yet another uptick. Past victims have included the likes of Terrence J, Usher, Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, and plenty more.
Police have also cautioned stars not to share their location, fearing they may be targeted for their possessions. Last week, rapper PnB Rock was shot and killed during an attempted robbery at an L.A. chicken and waffles restaurant. Authorities revealed that both the “Selfish” emcee and his girlfriend shared posts of the two of them at the restaurant and may have involuntarily made him a target.
The woman who sued Tiffany Haddish and Aries Spears for allegedly exploiting her and her brother in sexually charged video skits when they were children has dropped her lawsuit.
Jane Doe on Tuesday filed a notice of dismissal with prejudice. According to TMZ, which first reported the news, Doe issued this statement: “My family and I have known Tiffany Haddish for many years — and we now know that she would never harm me or my brother or help anyone else do anything that could harm us. We wish Tiffany the best and are glad that we can all put this behind us.”
Reps for Haddish and Spears have not yet responded to a request for comment.
Doe, representing herself, filed the lawsuit Aug. 30. She alleged that she and her younger brother were duped into participating in the comedians’ skits as kids. The video featuring the brother, who according to the complaint was 7 at the time and was filmed in his underwear, was called “Through a Pedophile’s Eyes.” The clip showed Spears’ character lusting after the boy to the soundtrack of R. Kelly’s “Bump and Grind,” while Haddish is featured as the mom who repeatedly leaves her son alone with Spears.
Earlier this month Haddish posted a statement on social media about the lawsuit. “I know people have a bunch of questions. I get it. I’m right there with you. Unfortunately, because there is an ongoing legal case, there’s very little that I can say right now,” she wrote. “But, clearly, while this sketch was intended to be comedic, it wasn’t funny at all — and I deeply regret having agreed to act in it. I really look forward to being able to share a lot more about this situation as soon as I can.”
Spears, meanwhile, discussed the situation on his podcast. “It’s bothering me not to talk about the skit,” he said. “There’s some very valid things I feel like I have to say, or want to say, but just can’t at this time. And I’m no coward. I’m not running from anything and I’m not guilty of anything.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Fans of the comedy world are torn after news that two of its biggest acts are at odds. Recently, comedian Michael Blackson found out one-sided beefs after working alongside Katt Williams on the set of “Nick Cannon: Presents Wild ‘N Out.” Both comedians have appeared on the show on and off for over 15 years and returned for an upcoming episode.
In a series of tweets Wednesday, Sept. 14, Blackson revealed the two had beef over comments he made on “Drink Champs” last year.
“Life is too short to be beefing especially with people you love. I love every comedian like a brother, sometimes we say things about each other and it comes out the wrong way but we don’t mean no harm,” he tweeted. “Katt Williams is still mad about something I said on Drink Champs last summer.”
“I thought I made a compliment but most of my compliments comes with a little roast because that’s what I do,” wrote the 49-year-old. “Katt took it as insult and I had no idea he was still mad till we met on the taping of WildnOut7 yesterday. Non of the cast including Nick had no idea we were beefing.”
The “Couple’s Retreat” star claims Williams came for his jugular on the improv competition series, while he kept his jokes light and fun.
“We ended up on opposite teams and all his jokes towards me were insults on my career while I tried to keep my jokes towards him on his height and permed hair,” he said. “I tried to keep it fun so people won’t know we had problem with each other, but that midget N—- kept going hard lol smh,” he wrote.
Blackson wants to “squash” the matter and pointed out their history of working together on films, series and comedy tours. He said, “Since you only 4 ft 9 inch tall, Imma be the bigger person and try to squash this. We’ve known each other over 25 yrs. We go back from the Friday movies, then Repos to Meet the blacks not counting the few tours we’ve done together.”
Blackson concluded his rant by sharing that he’d settled the matter with an in-person comedic “Verzuz” battle “or you can just fight my 15 yr old son.”
Williams has yet to respond verbally other than re-sharing Blackson’s initial tweet on his Instagram story on Thursday, Sept. 15th.
After re-watching the interview and a moment of reflection, Blackson seemingly apologized for saying Williams “smoked crack” during the March 2021 interview.
After watching what I said on that interview, Katt had every right to be mad at me, it came out my mouth the wrong way,” he explained. “I’ve never heard or see him smoke crack what I meant to say was I don’t care if ya think he smokes crack he’s the most lovable comedian of our era.”
He continued his sentiments on Instagram, writing, “Today was the first time I watched that interview on ‘Drink Champs’ and after watching it I felt guilty. Me and Katt has been cool from day 1 so I’m sure he didn’t understand why I would say something like that. Since he’s only 4 feet tall I’ll keep this brief and short, my bad homie.”
About 42 minutes into the “Drinks Champs” interview, Blackson explains what it takes to be a “successful” comedian with a massive social media following. He used his “Friday” co-star as an example of a “likable” comedian, but it didn’t come out that way he intended.
“Look at Katt Williams. Katt done fought a 10-year-old kid, smoked crack, just everything,” said Blackson at the time. “Katt is so likable and so lovable.”
Fans in the comments accepted Blackson’s apology, and many are hopeful Williams will too. Most commended him for taking accountability for how his words impact others as a comedian.
“I figured it was the crack remark …”
“Call him and apologize, modasucka.”
That was awesome of you to apologize Michael! That’s why I rock with you! You’re a stand-up guy!”
“Takes a man to suppress his ego and pride and do this. Katt should appreciate this. Salute to you bro. I gain more respect for you.”
“Takes a big man to apologize and admit fault, respect homie (Pun intended) lol #respect.”
Source: Article Originally appeared on Atlanta Black Star