The Humor Mill

WATCH: New Trailer For ‘The Tomorrow War’ Starring Chris Pratt

In The Tomorrow War, the world is stunned when a group of time travelers arrive from the year 2051 to deliver an urgent message: Thirty years in the future mankind is losing a global war against a deadly alien species. The only hope for survival is for soldiers and civilians from the present to be transported to the future and join the fight. Among those recruited is high school teacher and family man Dan Forester (Chris Pratt). Determined to save the world for his young daughter, Dan teams up with a brilliant scientist (Yvonne Strahovski) and his estranged father (J.K. Simmons) in a desperate quest to rewrite the fate of the planet.

Watch the trailer below;

Dave Chappelle’s New Documentary To Close Tribeca Film Festival

A new documentary from comedian Dave Chappelle has been set to close out this year’s Tribeca Film Festival.

The still-untitled movie takes a glimpse into the challenges facing a rural village in Ohio during the early days of the pandemic and grapples with the emotions erupting across the nation following the Black Lives Matter movement. It will premiere on June 19 at Radio City Music Hall, marking the first time in more than a year that the iconic New York City venue is reopening its doors.

“Premiering our film at Tribeca and closing out the festival at Radio City Music Hall is a big honor,” Chappelle said in a statement. “Our film is about courage and resilience, something New Yorkers can relate to.”

Fueled by the murder of George Floyd and unable to perform live because of the pandemic, the documentary follows Chappelle as he provides the community he calls home with two things needed in difficult times — economic and comic relief. What began as an experimental socially distanced live comedy show in a neighbor’s cornfield turned into a symbol of courage for his community and the live entertainment industry as a whole. Chappelle’s company Pilot Boy Production produced the film.

Tribeca’s co-founder Jane Rosenthal called the documentary “extraordinary.”

“We’re huge fans of Dave’s ability to make us laugh and this poignant story provides us with another look at his unique talent to bring people together and the grand re-opening of a fully-vaccinated Radio City after 18 months,” she said in a statement.

Directed by Ohio-based filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar, the duo said the film signifies an important chapter in their decades-long career. They have previously collaborated on the documentaries “American Factory” and “A Lion in the House,” as well as Chapelle’s stand-up special “8:46.”

“Dave is our neighbor. We see him in the grocery store, and on the street. When Dave came to us with the idea, we were immediately struck by the challenge to tell the story of our part of the world during the pandemic and the national reckoning on racial injustice,” said Reichert. “This was a historic moment and we really wanted to chronicle this place and this time, it just felt right.”

Bognar added, “Dave and his friends entrusted our team of amazing young filmmakers from Ohio with intimate moments which enabled us to create a moving portrait of artists’ as they navigated a time of fear and isolation.”

All guests will need to be fully vaccinated to attend the Radio City Music Hall event and will need to provide proof upon entry. Exceptions will be made for children under the age of 16, who may provide proof of a negative antigen COVID-19 test or a negative PCR COVID-19 test.

“We are thrilled to get back to doing what we love and that our first show is with our great partners at Tribeca and the incomparable Dave Chappelle – who already made history at Radio City with his 2017 residency,” said James Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of MSG Entertainment. “Radio City is a special place, and we can’t wait to open our doors to fans of live entertainment who we know are eager to gather and help jumpstart the return of New York.”

The 20th annual Tribeca Film Festival will run from June 9 through June 20. In a first for the festival, Tribeca is also hosting community screenings — in both indoor and outdoor venues — in all five New York City boroughs.

Source: Variety

WATCH: Marvel Debuts New Trailer For ‘Eternals’

Marvel Studios has released the first trailer for Chloé Zhao’s “Eternals,” which is set to release in theaters on Nov. 5.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s latest space outing will follow an immortal alien race, called the Eternals, who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years. The heroes possess different powers and abilities, including super strength and the ability to fly.

“Eternals” is primarily an ensemble film. However, MCU producer Kevin Feige told Variety that if there had to be one lead character, it would Gemma Chan’s character Sersi. Posing as a museum curator on Earth, Sersi is an empathetic Eternal who possesses the ability to manipulate matter.

Richard Madden plays Ikaris, the all-powerful leader of the Eternals who can fly, shoot beams of cosmic energy from his eyes and has super strength. Angelina Jolie play Thena, a warrior who can create any weapon out of cosmic energy.

Lauren Ridloff plays Makkari, the first deaf superhero in the MCU, and Brian Tyree Henry will play Phatos, the first openly gay superhero. Don Lee is Gilgamesh, Kumail Nanjiani is Kingo, Salma Hayek plays Ajak, Lia McHugh is Sprite, Barry Keoghan plays Druig and Kit Harington is Dane Whitman, a.k.a. the Black Knight.

Zhao, who initially approached Feige and Marvel Studios about making a project revolving around the Eternals, serves as the director. At this year’s Oscars, she became the second woman in history to receive an Academy Award for best director, taking home the prestigious prize for “Nomadland.” Her film also won best picture and best actress with Frances McDormand.

Watch the trailer below.

Source: Variety

Angela Bassett, Courtney B. Vance Set Tulsa Race Massacre Series At MTV

Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance’s Bassett Vance Productions is teaming with MTV Entertainment Studios and writer Nathan Alan Davis on a limited series about the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, Variety has learned exclusively.

News of the series comes just before the 100 year anniversary of the massacre, which left hundreds of Black people dead and entire homes and businesses destroyed. The series tells the story of Greenwood district in Tulsa, which at that time was the wealthiest Black community in the United States and known as “Black Wall Street.” The series is the first project from Bassett Vance Productions as part of the deal made with MTV Entertainment Studios in 2020.

“As storytellers – together with Courtney, Angela and Nathan – we have the privilege of shining a light on a devastating event in our history that is important, necessary and still resonates 100 years later,” said Nina L. Diaz, president of content and chief creative officer at MTV Entertainment Group. “This partnership underscores our shared commitment to raise diverse voices and create content our global audience is yearning for that is both timely and telling.”

Bassett and Vance will executive produce the series, along with Dwayne Johnson-Cochran and Lynnette Ramirez for Bassett Vance Productions. Meghan Hooper White, executive vice president and head of original movies and limited series and Amal Baggar, vice president of original movies and limited series, will oversee the project for MTV Entertainment Studios.

“Angela and I have always had a deep appreciation for history, especially when it comes to stories that are rooted in the Black community,” Vance said. “We look forward to working on this series with MTV Entertainment Studios that will explore an important slice of American history as we look to reflect on events that changed the lives of countless Black families in Tulsa, Oklahoma one hundred years ago. We are excited to work with Nathan because his vision directly aligns with the story that Angela and I want to tell. Although the series will revisit the Black pain and tragedy that took place on May 31 and June 1, 1921, it will also importantly introduce to many the stories of the extraordinary, entrepreneurial people who built Black Wall Street and all that this community accomplished.”

The show will mark Davis’ first time creating a series, though he has previously written for shows like “American Soul” and “Sorry for Your Loss.” He is best known for his award-winning career as a playwright, having penned plays like “Nat Turner in Jerusalem,” “Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea,” and “The Wind and the Breeze.” He previously wrote about the Tulsa Race Massacre in his play “The High Ground,” which will premiere at Arena Stage in Washington D.C.

“I am honored to be partnering with Courtney, Angela, MTV Entertainment Studios and their extraordinary teams in this vital endeavor,” Davis said. “Exploring the history of Tulsa’s Greenwood District as a limited dramatic series affords us a precious opportunity and a deep responsibility. I greatly look forward to crafting a story that will not only shed light on the people of Black Wall Street, but give fresh life to the spirit, ideas, hopes, fears, and dreams that motivated them.”

LeBron James, Jay-Z & Bad Bunny Set To Star In New Season Of HBO’s ‘The Shop: Uninterrupted’

The Shop: Uninterrupted is returning for a fourth season from Friday May 28 on HBO and HBO Max.

Joining LeBron James and Maverick Carter for the season premiere are iconic music mogul Jay-Z; rapper, singer and songwriter Bad Bunny; WNBA star Nneka Ogwumike; and marketing executive Paul Rivera.

The group will discuss confidence on the big stage, parenthood and WrestleMania.

Staged periodically throughout the year, the show offers conversation and debate between some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment. Past guests include Drake, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Diddy, Jimmy Kimmel, Patrick Mahomes, Lil Nas X, Will Smith, Megan Rapinoe, Kevin Hart, Rob Gronkowski and most recently, Barack Obama.

Executive producers are LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Devin Johnson and Philip Byron; director is Robert Alexander; producers are Kevin McGrail, Brandon Riley and Rob Roediger; co-executive producer is Camille Maratchi; and creators are Paul Rivera and Randy Mims.

Source: Deadline

HBO Renews ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ For Season 3

HBO is sticking with A Black Lady Sketch Show for a third season.

WarnerMedia’s premium cable outlet has picked up the series, created by and starring Robin Thede, for a third run. The renewal comes a few days ahead of the show’s second season finale on Friday.

An episode count for season three has yet to be determined; the first two seasons ran for six episodes each.

“Robin continues to break new ground in the world of sketch comedy,” said Amy Gravitt, executive vp HBO comedy programming. “She delivered a hilariously sharp second season, and we’re looking forward to seeing where Robin, [executive producer] Issa Rae and the A Black Lady Sketch Show team take us in season three.”

Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis, Laci Mosley and Skye Townsend star in season two; first season regular was unable to return due to scheduling conflicts after production on the current season was delayed by the pandemic. Guest stars this season have included Rae, Gabrielle Union, Jesse Williams, Skai Jackson, Ayesha Curry, Omarion and Kim Wayans.

“Making A Black Lady Sketch Show is a dream come true and I’m honored to continue our incredible series and wonderful partnership with HBO, Issa Rae, JAX Media and our entire producing team,” said Thede. “I can’t wait to push the show even further in season three and to keep delivering the laugh out loud content our audience loves to see! I see this show as a budding comedy institution, where Black women can play fully realized, non-stereotypical characters, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue to create that space for today’s premier comedians.”

Thede serves as showrunner and executive produces with Rae, via her Hoorae banner; Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry of 3 Arts Entertainment; and Tony Hernandez and Brooke Posch of JAX Media. Head writer Lauren Ashley Smith is a co-ep, and Hoorae’s Deniese Davis and Montrel McKay and JAX Media’s John Skidmore are producers.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Paul Mooney Tribute At Laugh Factory To Feature Roster Of Comics Including Kevin Hart, Eddie Murphy, and Tiffany Haddish

Paul Mooney will receive a star tribute. TMZ reports that Laugh Factory will host a tribute show at the club this Thursday.

Set with a 3 PM start time, Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada revealed that the memorial will bring a roster of stellar talents such as Eddie Murphy, Kevin Hart, and Tiffany Haddish.

Also joining the celebration will be Paul’s twin sons, Dwayne and Daryl, who are also comedians.

Last week, Roland Martin reported that the star died after suffering a heart attack at his home in Oakland, California, at the age of 79.

BET Assembles All Female R&B Supergroup For Music Experiment In ‘BET PRESENTS THE ENCORE’

BET brings together nine of the most memorable solo artists and girl groups from the 1990s and 2000s to form the ultimate R&B supergroup in the new original series, “BET Presents The Encore.” Shamari DeVoe, Irish Grinstead, LeMisha Grinstead, Nivea Nash, Felisha King, Fallon King, Pamela Long, Aubrey O’ Day, and Kiely Williams have signed on to the one-of-a-kind music experiment to become the next big musical sensation. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, these talented singers turned wives, moms, and entrepreneurs, will move in together, write new music, learn choreography, record an album, and put on a live performance. The catch? The songstresses must achieve this in only 30 days, with none of them knowing who their bandmates will be ahead of time. Faced with fun twists and unforeseen constraints, the ladies will need to stretch beyond their musical and personal comfort zones to succeed as a team. An esteemed roster of music industry experts will drop in each week to prepare them for their big debut and deliver a chart-topping record, including music producer Kosine, choreographer Aliya Janell, songwriter Elijah Blake, and vocal coach Cynnamyn.  Will their artistic differences or egos get in the way of forming a group? Or will these powerhouse women show the world that they still have what it takes to make a major comeback? Only time, and the music, will tell.
 
“BET Presents The Encore” premieres Wednesday, June 9 at 10 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her. 
 
About the “BET PRESENTS THE ENCORE” cast:

  • Shamari DeVoe (Blaque)- Known for hit singles “808”, “Bring It All to Me,” and “I Do,” Shamari is the lead vocalist of platinum-selling group Blaque and also appeared in the cult classic film “Bring It On” alongside Gabrielle Union.   Shamari was recently part of the hit show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” next to her husband, Ronnie DeVoe (of New Edition).
  • Irish Grinstead & LeMisha Grinstead (702)- Sisters Irish and LeMisha were part of the R&B girl group, 702, named after the area code of their hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada. They released their debut single “Steelo” with great success along with the chart-topping ladies anthem “Where My Girls At?”
  • Nivea Nash- The only solo artist in the cast, Nivea, is known most for her Grammy-nominated hit “Don’t Mess with My Man” as well as “Laundromat” and “Okay.” She was recently featured in the popular BET Digital series “Finding,” where she got candid about her professional and personal journey, including her relationships with Lil’ Wayne and The-Dream.
  • Fallon King (Cherish)- “Do It to It” and “Unappreciated” are two of Cherish’s singles that were met with critical and commercial success. Twin sisters Fallon and Felisha are also successful songwriters and producers. Fallon wrote and produced the 2 x RIAA® Platinum Certified single “Easy” ft. Chris Brown for DaniLeigh. She also frequently writes for TV and Film and wrote over 30 songs during the last two seasons of FOX’s hit TV show EMPIRE.
  • Felisha King (Cherish)- “Do It to It” and “Unappreciated” are two of Cherish’s singles that were met with critical and commercial success. Felisha King Harvey wrote and produced over 30 songs for EMPIRE. She co-wrote Sevyn Streeter’s “Before I Do,” which went to #1 on Billboards R&B Charts. Her latest success is co-writing Justin Bieber’s “Peaches.” It debuted at the #1 spot on Billboard HOT 100 songs chart and simultaneously on the Billboard 200 albums charts.
  • Pamela Long (Total)- Pamela was a member of Bad Boy Records’ first girl group, Total. Hailing from Edison, New Jersey, the girl group deliver top hits such as “Kissin’ You,” “Can’t You See,” featuring The Notorious B.I.G., “What About Us?” and “Trippin’.” Her sultry voice will forever be engraved in music history for being on one of the biggest Grammy Award-winning songs, “Hynoptize.”
  • Aubrey O’ Day (Danity Kane)- Singer, songwriter, producer, creative director, editor, and reality television personality, Aubrey is best known for being a member of the Double Platinum girl group Danity Kane created on the reality show “Making the Band” formed by hip hop icon Sean “Diddy” Combs. With top hits that include “Damaged,” “Show Stopper,” & “Ride for You,” the band became the first female group in Billboard history to debut their first two albums at the top of the charts. Beyond her solo projects, Aubrey also created pop duo Dumblonde, which went #1 on the charts and was named in the Top 20 best independent albums of the year by Rolling Stone Magazine. She also starred on Broadway in Hairspray, Peep Show, and her own TVshow “All About Aubrey” as well as many others, including “Celebrity Apprentice,” “Famously Single,” “Ex on the Beach,” and “Celebrity Big Brother.”
  • Kiely Williams (3LW/The Cheetah Girls)- With over 14 million record sales, singer, dancer, actress, and songwriter, Kiely, is known for being a former member of girl groups 3LW and The Cheetah Girls with chart-topping singles  “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right),” and “Playas Gon’ Play.” She has also starred in popular films “The Cheetah Girls” 1-3 and “The House Bunny” starring Anna Farris and Emma Stone. Kiely has also developed music acts for Epic, Sony Red, and Mary J. Blige. 

“BET Presents The Encore” is executive produced by Kingdom Reign Entertainment with Carlos King, Scott Jeffress, Alicia Martino, Brent Nisbett and Scott Shatsky serving as Executive Producers.

Tiffany Haddish To Host ‘Friday Night Vibes’ On TBS

Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish is set to host Friday Night Vibes, a new series to debut on TBS June 18.

The Girls Trip star will chat with guests each week as they watch movies together.

“It’s been a goal of mine to bring Tiffany back to TBS since we worked together on The Last O.G.,” Brett Weitz — general manager for TBS, TNT and truTV — said in a statement Wednesday.

“She’s an incredible talent and gifted producer, and we feel Friday Night Vibes is the perfect environment to blend her unique take on comedy and culture. Tiffany’s voice and vision at the helm of this weekly series gives it power, strength and a significance that we are very proud of.”

Nathalie Emmanuel Of ‘Game Of Thrones’ Fame Joins Garrett Hedlund In Dracula Horror Pic ‘The Bride’

Nathalie Emmanuel and Garrett Hedlund are set to star in The Bride, a Screen Gems horror thriller to be directed by Jessica M. Thompson. 

Blair Butler wrote the original script, based on her pitch, with revisions by Thompson. Emile Gladstone is producing.

Inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the pic is a contemporary horror thriller that tells the story of a young woman who is courted and swept off her feet, only to realize a gothic conspiracy is afoot. Given the popularity of the Dracula IP, execs are excited about the possibility of this project, seeing it as a potential franchise, with the studio fast-tracking the movie for an end-of-summer start.

Emmanuel next will be seen in the ninth installment of Fast & Furious and in Army of Thieves, the prequel to Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead. She previously starred as Missandei in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones; Hulu’s miniseries Four Weddings & a Funeral; and Quibi’s Die Hart, in which she starred opposite Kevin Hart and John Travolta.

Hedlund most recently appeared in Lee Daniels’ The United States vs. Billie Holiday. His other credits include Triple Frontier opposite Ben Affleck, the Oscar-nominated Mudbound and Tron: Legacy. Up next, he will star in The Ploughman opposite Robert Duvall and directed by Ed Harris.

Thompson is best known for The Light of the Moon, her 2017 SXSW Audience Award winner for Best Narrative FeatureButler’s credits include Polaroid and Marvel’s Helstrom. 

Emmanuel is repped by ICM Partners, A&J Artists in the UK, Untitled Entertainment and Goodman, Genow. Hedlund is represented by WME, Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Sloane Offer. Blair is repped by ICM, Industry Entertainment and Lichter-Grossman. Thompson is repped by CAA, Independent Talent Group, Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.

Source: Deadline