Article Updated on Aug 26th: Despite reports and other information that we were given by Live Nation, the Memphis Police Department, and the Southhaven Police Department, the Katt Williams Tour was currently on a break at the time of the Reggie Carroll murder. The last date of the tour was July 4th, 2025, and this incident did not happen while on tour. It should also be noted that Carroll was a comedian on the tour, but as you see, the tour was on a break.
Original article;
The comedy world is mourning the sudden loss of Reggie Carroll, a rising star known for his raw humor, Southern charm, and electrifying stage presence. Carroll was tragically killed last night in Memphis, Tennessee, while on tour with fellow comedian Katt Williams, according to early reports from local sources.
Reggie Carroll, often dubbed “The Knockout King of Comedy,” had built a loyal following through his stand-up performances, viral sketches, and appearances at his own venue, Reggie Carroll’s Comedy Club. Born and raised in Baltimore, Carroll was known for blending streetwise storytelling with sharp punchlines, often drawing from his own life and the culture of the South.
His comedic style was bold, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in the Black experience—earning him spots on national tours and collaborations with comedy heavyweights like Katt Williams.
Details surrounding Carroll’s death are still emerging, but sources indicate the incident occurred late Wednesday night while the tour was technically on a tour stop in Memphis. Authorities have not yet released an official statement, and it’s unclear whether the shooting was targeted or random. The Memphis Police Department is currently investigating.
Carroll’s death adds to a troubling rise in violence in the city, which has already seen over 100 homicides this year.
Fans, fellow comedians, and industry insiders have taken to social media to express their shock and sorrow. Many described Carroll as a “comedy warrior” and “a hometown hero who never forgot where he came from.” His longtime friend and tourmate Katt Williams has yet to make a public statement, but insiders say the tour has been paused indefinitely.
Reggie Carroll’s legacy will live on through the laughter he brought to stages across the country and the community he built in Memphis. His untimely death is a devastating blow to the comedy scene, but his voice, humor, and spirit will continue to echo through those he inspired.
****ARTICLE CORRECTION UPDATE!!!!
According to more sources, including several news outlets, Carroll was taken to the hospital in Memphis, where he later died. It seems Carroll was shot in Southhaven, Mississippi, and taken to the hospital in Memphis, which was 14 minutes away.
The Katt Williams Tour that Carroll was on was on hiatus during this time. One of Carroll’s career highlights was that he was on this tour.
Tubi has acquired Rel Talk, a stand-up special from Lil Rel Howery, for release in the U.S. and Canada on Friday, September 5.
In the special, taped at Chicago’s What’s Funny Comedy Festival, Howery offers up unfiltered takes on everything from family and fame to everyday absurdities.
“With his unfiltered takes, Lil Rel Howery is a comedy powerhouse and his latest special Rel Talk is a perfect example of the high-caliber, exclusive entertainment we’re curating for Tubi viewers,” said Tubi Chief Content Officer Adam Lewinson. “As we continue to expand our robust unscripted slate, Tubi is committed to delivering fresh, compelling programming that showcases the very best in comedy.”
Said Howery, “It feels amazing to bring this special to my city, my people, and now to the millions of folks watching on Tubi. Rel Talk is all me, uncensored and having a blast—and I couldn’t be more proud to share it.”
The special is directed by Howery and Sanicole, and executive produced by Howery, Latoya White and Freeman White. The deal was brokered by Avi Gilbert and Sarah Corrigan at Tubi.
Previously taking to Netflix with the special Kevin Hart Presents: Lil Rel: RELevent, Howery has also gone to HBO with specials like Lil Rel Howery: Live in Crenshaw and I said it. Y’all thinking it. Also known for his acting in everything from Get Out to Poker Face to the Vacation Friends films, he is repped by UTA, Fourth Wall Management, and Cohen & Gardner.
Originally getting into stand-up specials via licensing deals — as with Comedy Dynamics in 2016 — ad-supported streamer Tubi began producing its own content in 2021. Recent specials released on the service include the likes of LOL! Stand Up Presents: Comedy Royale and Shuler King: Anybody Wanna Tell Me?.
Source: Deadline
The king of ’90s sitcom swagger is officially stepping back into the spotlight. Martin Lawrence is set to film three episodes for BET+’s upcoming comedy series Varnell Hill, a spinoff of the iconic show Martin, bringing his beloved character Martin Payne back to screens for the first time in decades.
Varnell Hill stars Tommy Davidson, reprising his fan-favorite role as the flamboyant talk-show host Varnell Hill, who first appeared in a two-part arc on Martin in Season 2. The new series follows Varnell behind the scenes of his fictional late-night show, navigating the chaos of modern media, celebrity culture, and network politics.
Lawrence, who co-created Martin and serves as executive producer on Varnell Hill, will appear in three episodes, marking a nostalgic reunion with Davidson and a nod to the original series’ legacy.
While plot details are being kept under wraps, sources suggest Lawrence’s appearances will be more than just cameos. Expect Martin Payne to bring his signature blend of sarcasm, charm, and unpredictable energy to Varnell’s world—possibly stirring up old rivalries, new misadventures, and plenty of “Did you miss me?” moments.
The episodes are expected to feature:
BET+ has ordered eight episodes of Varnell Hill, with production already underway. The show is helmed by longtime Martin showrunner Bentley Kyle Evans, with Lawrence, Jesse Collins, and Rae Proctor also executive producing.
With Lawrence officially filming scenes, fans can expect a seamless blend of old-school sitcom magic and modern satire. Whether it’s Martin Payne crashing Varnell’s set or reigniting their hilarious rivalry, the reunion promises to be one of the biggest comedy events of the year.
BET+ is dialing up the nostalgia with a fresh comedic twist, announcing the upcoming Martin spinoff series, Varnell Hill, and welcoming veteran comedian Kym Whitley to the cast. The series centers on the eccentric talk-show host Varnell Hill, played by Tommy Davidson, who first appeared in a fan-favorite two-part arc on Martin in the 1990s.
Varnell Hill follows Davidson’s character as he navigates the unpredictable world of late-night television. The show promises a satirical, behind-the-scenes look at fame, media politics, and the chaos of keeping a show afloat in the age of streaming and social media. Expect fourth-wall breaks, cutaway gags, and plenty of celebrity cameos.
The series is co-created and executive produced by Martin Lawrence, with Bentley Kyle Evans serving as showrunner—reuniting key creative forces behind the original Martin series.
Known for her standout performances in Young & Hungry, The Parkers, and countless comedy specials, Kym Whitley brings her bold energy and impeccable timing to the ensemble. While details about her character are still under wraps, she’s expected to play a pivotal role in the behind-the-scenes antics of The Varnell Hill Show, adding a layer of sharp wit and unpredictable charm.
BET+ has ordered eight episodes straight to series, with production already underway. While Martin Lawrence’s on-screen return hasn’t been confirmed, fans are hopeful for a cameo or two from the original cast.
With Whitley joining Davidson and a creative team steeped in sitcom legacy, Varnell Hill is shaping up to be a must-watch comedy revival—equal parts throwback and fresh satire.
Marlon Wayans, the king of horror-comedy mashups, is bringing a chilling new twist to American television. He’s set to adapt the hit South Korean game show Midnight Horror Story for U.S. audiences, teaming up with producing partner Rick Alvarez and Smart Dog Media—the minds behind The Masked Singer.
Originally airing on MBC Korea, Midnight Horror Story blends ghost stories with game show theatrics. Celebrities take center stage to tell terrifying tales, which are dramatized through immersive, cinematic reenactments. But here’s the twist: a hidden “mystic audience” of spirits—made up of live and virtual viewers—lights a candle each time they’re genuinely spooked. The celebrity who earns the most candles wins the night.
The Korean version has become a digital sensation, especially among younger viewers. Seventy-nine clips have surpassed 1 million views on YouTube, with the most popular nearing 4 million.
Wayans plans to lean into the horror-comedy hybrid that made Scary Movie and A Haunted House cult favorites. The American adaptation will feature well-known actors delivering their own spine-tingling stories, with the same candlelit scoring system and eerie set design that immerses performers in their own nightmares.
“This project fits perfectly in our wheelhouse,” Wayans said, citing his long-standing love for blending scares with laughs.
The show will be produced by:
This marks Smart Dog Media’s second collaboration with MBC Korea, following the massive success of The Masked Singer, which was adapted from Korea’s King of Mask Singer.
Casting is still under wraps, but expect a mix of Hollywood talent and genre-savvy performers. With Wayans at the helm, the U.S. version of Midnight Horror Story promises to be a scream—equal parts terrifying and hilarious.
Chris Rock has added Anthony Anderson, Kelli Garner, Amy Landecker, and Rich Sommer to the cast of his untitled A24 feature, an original film he wrote, is directing and will appear in. The production is underway in Los Angeles, with Rock producing alongside Peter Rice and David Worthen Brooks. The latest casting update was announced on August 18.
The project was previously developed under the working title Misty Green before shifting to A24 this summer. The story centers on an actress attempting to restart a faltering career after reconnecting with someone from her past; Rosalind Eleazar plays the title role, with Adam Driver, Daniel Kaluuya, and Anna Kendrick also set. Production began in July in Los Angeles after the move to A24.
Earlier this month, Topher Grace joined the ensemble, signaling a cast that blends established leads with character-actor mainstays. Cinematographer Kira Kelly is attached. With Anderson, Garner, Landecker and Sommer now aboard, the film continues to round out its supporting roster as cameras roll.
The film marks Rock’s return behind the camera for a drama set in contemporary Hollywood, following a period in which the project was first packaged for a different distributor late last year. Current materials indicate the production remains based in Los Angeles as casting firms up during August.
Black-ish creator Kenya Barris is returning to broadcast television with a multi-camera comedy at CBS starring Mike Epps, which is executive-produced by Aaron Kaplan of Kapital Entertainment.
Created and written by Barris, the comedy comes from BET Studios, where Barris is a principal, and is co-produced by CBS supplier CBS Studios. This marks a rare collaboration between the two studios, which are now part of Paramount Chair of TV Media George Cheeks’ portfolio.
In the untitled half-hour, after wildfires sweep through Altadena, two estranged Black brothers — one played by Epps — reunite to sell their late grandmother’s house to private developers. But when they learn her caretaker now owns part of the home and refuses to sell, they’re forced to live together and confront their differences — and what community, legacy, and family really mean.
Altadena, a diverse area known for its strong Black community and culture, was devastated by the January 2025 Eaton fire, which killed at least 19 people and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings, with thousands of residents losing their homes and most of their possessions.
There had been speculation that Epps and Barris may be playing the two brothers but only Epps is attached as an actor for now. Barris is executive producing through his Khalabo Ink Society. Also executive producing are Epps and his producing partner, Niles Kirchner as well as Kaplan.
The comedy reunites Epps with Barris after the comedian appeared in Barris’ 2023 Netflix movie You People. It marks Barris’ return to broadcast where he created and executive produced the praised ABC comedy seres black-ish, which spawned a franchise for Disney.
Epps stars in and executive produces Netflix’s sitcom The Upshaws, which is heading into its fifth and final season. It has been nominated for 10 NAACP Image Awards, with Epps winning for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series in 2024. He is repped by UTA, Artists First and Yorn Levine Barnes.
Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society has The Vince Staples Show for Netflix and Diarra From Detroit for BET+, both renewed for a second season, and recently produced the Amazon MGM movie The Underdoggs. The company is in various stages of development on several series, including Group Chat, a collaboration with Kim Kardashian based on LaLa Anthony’s best-selling book The Love Playbook, which has a pilot order at Hulu; The Book of Jose, which chronicles the life of rapper Fat Joe; and a limited series about the life and legacy of legendary comedian Richard Pryor.
Barris is repped by WME and has a new management company, LBI Entertainment. He is also with Yorn Levine Barnes.
Source: Deadline
Get ready to scream—with laughter. Comedy icons Anna Faris and Regina Hall are officially returning to the big screen for the highly anticipated reboot of the Scary Movie franchise. Slated to hit theaters on June 12, 2026, Scary Movie 6 marks the first time in nearly two decades that the original dream team—including the Wayans brothers—will reunite for a fresh round of horror parody madness.
Faris and Hall will reprise their beloved roles as Cindy Campbell and Brenda Meeks, the hilariously unlucky best friends who somehow survive every supernatural disaster thrown their way. In a joint statement, the actresses said: “We can’t wait to bring Brenda and Cindy back to life and be reunited with our great friends Keenen, Shawn, and Marlon—three men we’d literally die for (in Brenda’s case, again).”
The film will be written by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Keenen Ivory Wayans, marking their first collaborative script for the franchise since Scary Movie 2 in 2001. Michael Tiddes, known for A Haunted House and Sextuplets, will direct.
The reboot promises to skewer the latest wave of horror hits, including:
With horror franchises booming and parody ripe for revival, Scary Movie 6 arrives at the perfect moment to throw a pie in the face of the genre’s most self-serious tropes.
This installment will be a reboot, not directly tied to the timeline of the previous films, allowing for fresh takes and new characters while honoring the legacy of the originals.
The Scary Movie franchise has grossed nearly $900 million worldwide, with Faris and Hall’s chemistry at the heart of its success. Their return, alongside the original creative team, signals a return to form—and fans couldn’t be more ready.
‘Tis the season for some family drama. 3 Diamonds Films is set to release Unexpected Christmas, in theaters nationwide on November 7. The comedy/dramedy film stars actor, comedian, writer, and producer, Lil Rel Howery and Emmy-winning actress, author, entrepreneur, and social media personality Tabitha Brown. Howery and Brown both serve as executive producers.
Rounding out the stellar ensemble cast for this touching new holiday film are actors Anna Maria Horsford, Reagan Gomez-Preston, DomiNque Perry, Terrence Terrell, Trell Woodberry, Ricco Ross, Koryn Hawthorne, Cece Friday, and Howie Bell.
“This movie and this cast is so special and will be the holiday movie everyone will be talking about,” said Lil Rel Howery.
When the Scott family gathers for Christmas, the dream reunion Momma Scott (Anna Maria Horsford) planned quickly turns upside down. Her daughter Marissa (DomiNque Perry) returns home fresh off a breakup with her boyfriend Richard (Lil Rel Howery) and is then shocked when Richard arrives arm in arm with her estranged stepsister Kerry (Reagan Gomez-Preston). Marissa tries to play it cool and invites a surprise guest of her own who has everyone talking, all while Kerry is cooking up a scheme that could ruin the whole celebration. Add in a few romantic mix-ups, old rivalries, and plenty of family secrets, and everyone is in for an unforgettable holiday. With love, laughter, and a little bit of chaos around every corner, this Christmas might just bring the Scotts closer together—or blow the roof off the house!
“Christmas movies are literally the gift that keeps on giving,” said Tabitha Brown. “Unexpected Christmas is relatable, and hilarious, but will truly be a gift for all families this holiday season!”
“We’re proud to bring Unexpected Christmas to audiences this November—a true labor of love from our amazing cast and crew,” said Phil Thornton and Trell Woodberry, Co-Founders, 3 Diamonds Films. “As a Black-owned company, we’re honored to share a story that celebrates our voices, artistry, and impact on the global stage.”
Written by Cassandra Mann and directed by Michael Vaughn Hernandez, Unexpected Christmas was produced by Trell Woodberry, Phil Thornton, and Perrí Camper. Executive producers are Milton “Lil Rel” Howery, Tabitha Brown, and Norman Gyamfi. 3 Diamonds Films and Eammon Films are the distributors.
Eddie Murphy has thrilled fans by announcing that Donkey, the beloved character from the “Shrek” series, will headline a spinoff movie.
As Epic Stream reports, the talkative donkey, a staple since the franchise’s debut in 2001, follows in the footsteps of Puss in Boots, who received a standalone movie.
In a Screen Rant interview, Murphy shared that the Donkey spinoff will start production this fall, with a release expected in about three years. “We’re still in the booth, and literally, we’re still doing Shrek [5]. We start in September on Donkey — we’re doing a Donkey one, and that’ll [be released] three years from now,” he said. The actor is currently recording for “Shrek 5” while gearing up for the spinoff.
The Donkey film will explore a comedic storyline featuring his dragon wife and their hybrid donkey-dragon kids. “Donkey’s going to have his own movie — [his] own little story with his dragon wife and his kids that are half-dragon and half-donkeys. They’ve written this funny story,” Murphy teased. Production is slated to begin in September.
Meanwhile, “Shrek 5” is on track for a December 2026 release, with Murphy, Mike Myers, and Cameron Diaz returning, with Zendaya joining the cast Felicia.
The Donkey spinoff promises to deliver the humor and heart that have made Donkey a fan favorite for over two decades.
The 2001 animated feature “Shrek” is the first in the Shrek series, is based on William Steig’s 1990 book and follows Shrek (Mike Myers), an ogre who, with the talkative Donkey (Murphy), rescues Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) to reclaim his swamp from the scheming Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, the film, initially developed by Steven Spielberg and later by DreamWorks under Jeffrey Katzenberg, shifted from traditional animation to computer animation by Pacific Data Images after Chris Farley’s death led to Myers taking the role.
Premiering at Cannes in 2001, it grossed over $492 million worldwide, becoming the fourth highest-grossing film of that year. Lauded for its humor, animation, and voice performances, “Shrek” won the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and a BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay, earning a spot among the American Film Institute’s top 10 films of 2001.
Source: EURweb/Ny MaGee