Coming off a busy award season, Erika Alexander (American Fiction, Living Single) has landed a series regular role in Apple‘s Invasion for Season 3. Production is currently underway on the Simon Kinberg and David Weil-created series.
Alexander joins the ensemble cast that includes Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Tara Moayedi, Enver Gjokaj, and Shane Zaza.
Invasion follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. Details regarding the Season 3 storyline and who Alexander will play are under wraps. The first and second seasons are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.
Produced for Apple TV+ by Boat Rocker, the series is created by Kinberg and Weil, who also serve as executive producers alongside Audrey Chon, David Witz, Alik Sakharov, Andrew Baldwin, Dan Dietz, and Katie O’Connell Marsh. Nick Nantell serves as executive producer for Boat Rocker; Grace Gilroy serves as producer.
Alexander is a standout at portraying multilayered, badass women who are not afraid to be vulnerable throughout her career. She is best known for bringing to life the character of Maxine Shaw in the ’90s hit series Living Single created by Yvette Lee Bowser and co-starring Queen Latifah, Kim Fields, and Kim Coles. Max is an unapologetically confident and sassy attorney who few can beat in the courtroom and who is also a great friend—most of the time. The show’s popularity has continued rising through syndication and streaming as it’s discovered by new generations.
She’s been booked and busy since the show ended in 1998 with roles in TV and film. A selection includes NBC’s Heist, USA Network’s In Plain Sight, Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga, and Shining Girls for Apple.
Alexander was thrust back into the spotlight in a huge way in 2023 as part of the ensemble cast of American Fiction, a Cord Jefferson-directed feature, and award-season sweetheart. She worked opposite Jeffrey Wright as his love interest Coraline, a tough single mom who knows what she deserves in life and her relationships and she won’t accept anything less.
Based on the 2001 novel Erasure by Percival Everett, American Fiction was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards among 5 nominations with one win for Best Adapted Screenplay for Jefferson. Alexander was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards the Independent Spirit Awards and Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture alongside her co-stars by the Screen Actors Guild.
She is repped by Greene Talent, Untitled Entertainment, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer, et al.
Source: Deadline
Mike and Marcus are back in the first trailer for Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
The Sony film arrives June 7 and serves as a comeback vehicle of sorts on multiple fronts. It’s Smith’s first blockbuster movie play since slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. It’s also a return for directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the filmmakers behind Batgirl, which Warner Bros. Discovery shelved in 2022 as a tax writeoff.
The duo, known as Adil & Bilall, scored a hit scored a hit with Bad Boys for Life, which was released just before the coronavirus pandemic shuttered theaters and became the top-grossing film of 2020. In 2022, audiences saw more of their work when Marvel unveiled episodes they directed of the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel.
Bad Boys began life as a 1995 Michael Bay film, with the director returning for 2003’s Bad Boys 2. The franchise follows the adventures of two Miami cops, and played a role in Smith becoming a movie star, with the first installment coming a year before breakout roles in Independence Day, followed the next summer by Men in Black.
Bad Boys for Life teamed Smith and Martin with younger actors, who return for the sequel, including Vanessa Hudgens and Alexander Ludwig.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Rockmond Dunbar has joined the recurring cast of Peacock‘s upcoming limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, starring and executive-produced by Kevin Hart. This marks Dunbar’s first acting job since he was terminated from 9-1-1 in 2021 over not complying with the studio’s Covid vaccine mandate after his requests for a medical and religious exemptions were rejected. The actor subsequently filed a $1M lawsuit against Disney over the firing, with the case now headed to trial.
Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Dunbar will play Uncle Willie, who owns an autobody shop but his real job is as the top fence in the area. He joins an ensemble cast led by Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, and Terrence Howard.
Fight Night, set in Atlanta, is created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the eponymous podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures, and Will Packer Media. Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch serve as showrunners; they exec produce alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley, and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts, Jeff Keating and Lars Jacobson. Hartbeat’s Tiffany Brown and Studio 43’s Kenny Burns will co-executive produce. The series comes from Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Dunbar was a series regular on 9-1-1 since the start, playing Michael Grant for more than four years since his abrupt exit from the show sever episodes into Season 5. Since then, he has appeared in the movie Red Winter and an episode of The Game, which he had filmed prior. The actor is repped by Mainstay Entertainment and Greene Talent.
Source: Deadline
(UPI) — Comedian and actor Kevin Hart accepted the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington on Sunday.
Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Jimmy Fallon, Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Chelsea Handler, and other celebrities turned out to pay tribute to Hart, the 25th comedian to accept the prestigious award.
A highlights special from the event is set to stream on Netflix May 11.
“My mom is a firm believer that what you put into something you get out of it,” Hart, 44, said about his mother, Nancy, who died in 2007.
“So, because of my effort, knowing my effort, she’d go, ‘It’s supposed to happen.'”
Speaking about comedy itself, Hart said he “fell in love with something that I could adapt to, I could grab on to, and I can keep.”
“I got good at it. And getting good at it, I figured out more ways to amplify and get bigger and better,” he added.
Past recipients have included Adam Sandler, Jon Stewart, Chappelle, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Letterman, Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy.
“For over three decades, Kevin Hart has been a source of laughter across America and throughout the world with his iconic characters, inimitable physical comedy, and relatable narratives. An accomplished writer, producer, actor, and comedian, he has made lasting contributions to the comedic landscape and represents our celebration of American humor at the Kennedy Center,” Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement when Hart was announced as this year’s honoree.
“We express our gratitude to Kevin for enriching American culture and look forward to celebrating his exceptional career.”
Damon Wayans Jr. and Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor will create and write the graphic novel “Shogun Run.”
Set in 1990s South Central Los Angeles, “Shogun Run” is described as “Big Trouble in Little China” meets “Attack the Block.” Producers David Uslan and Gary Glushon will serve as creative consultants on the project, while the illustrator will be revealed imminently.
The graphic novel will be published by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers, in 2025. A series or film adaptation of the graphic novel is on the cards down the line.
Wayans Jr. was most recently in Netflix’s “The Harder They Fall,” which opened the 2021 BFI London Film Festival and went on to win a BAFTA. Bachelor, an internet personality with more than 27 million followers on TikTok as King Bach, is currently in thriller film “Fear.”
Wayans Jr. said: “Creating a graphic novel has been a goal of mine since childhood, and to be able to do it with such an awesome team is definitely a dream come true.”
Bachelor added: “I am thrilled to be partnering with Damon, David and Gary along with the amazing team at First Second to create an action-packed world and story that will entertain people around the world.”
Allison Verost, senior VP and publishing director at Macmillan, acquired English-language rights from Eric Reid at WME.
Verost said: “‘Shogun Run’ is going to be a game-changer. It’s an immersive, cinematic adventure brought to life by a brilliant creative team. We could not be more delighted to have this book on our list.”
Michelle Buteau represents curvy, Caribbean women in all the best ways, but now she’s about to make history. While catching up with the Survival of The Thickest creator at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards, the comedian revealed she will become the first woman—Black or otherwise—to tape a comedy special at Radio City Music Hall. The untitled program will begin filming this summer.
“I have another special coming out. We’re going to be filling it at Radio City Music Hall [on] June 6,” she shared. “I will be the first woman and woman of color to be taping a special there, so that’s why I’m saying these things [representation] matters. You got to lay the groundwork for other people to come and think they can do it and know that they can do it.”
Last week, Buteau teased what’s next for her on-screen character, Mavis Beaumont—and her hilarious best friends (played by Tone Bell and Tasha Smith)—in season two of Netflix’s Survival Of The Thickest.
“It’s bigger, Blacker, bustier, bi**hier than before. All the B-words. It’s adulting next level,” she said at a pre-NAACP Image Awards event. “So, I feel like whatever you connected to, I just can’t wait for you to see what has happened.” Bell also shared that they’re coming back “with a bang,” and he is gearing up to get back in the gym in preparation for a spicy sex scene.
Bell and Buteau also praised the series’ positive representation of platonic relationships between men and women. “That’s one thing that when the show first started, that’s what everybody’s wondering—will Michelle and Tone be love interests? [We’ve] been friends for 15 years. I don’t know why the TV landscape acts like it’s not possible. There’s so many of us that have a good male friends or female friends and it’s about time we see it and in our hue.”
In addition to her upcoming special and next go-round of a comedy series based on her memoir of the same name, Buteau will star in a new film titled Babes. She’ll star alongside Ilana Glazer, who plays Eden, a woman who gets pregnant from a one-night stand and has to rely on her best friend, Dawn (Buteau)—a married mother of two—for support. The Pamela Adlon-directed film debuts on May 17.
Source: VIBE
NEW YORK – March 14, 2023 – Today, Prime Video greenlit a new feature-length documentary from Shaquille O’Neal’s Jersey Legends and Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media about the inspiring journey of former NBA superstar Allen Iverson. The documentary will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, and is the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership.
“I’m ready to tell my story my way, authentic and unapologetically. I look forward to people seeing a side of me they haven’t seen before,” said Iverson.
The untitled Allen Iverson documentary is a feature-length film about the captivating life of basketball legend and global sensation Allen Iverson, whose authentic voice and unapologetic expression of style paved the way for future generations and revolutionized the culture of the NBA. From his origins in Hampton, VA, to his ascent as one of the most tenacious and exhilarating basketball players of all time, Iverson fearlessly embraced his individuality both on and off the court.
His magnetic personality and fierce competitive spirit endeared him to fans, teammates, and opposing players alike. Now, through unprecedented access and personal stories, along with intimate interviews with family, friends, and fellow NBA players and coaches, Iverson shares a more reflective side of his present-day self, as he takes us on a journey through his storied history into the present day where he realizes his cultural impact long after his playing days have come to an end.
“Allen was a pioneer in the world of sports and entertainment, “said Jersey Legends Shaquille O’Neal. “His cultural impact was bigger than basketball and this documentary sets out to properly define his legacy.”
“We’re excited to join forces with Prime Video, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jersey Legends to tell the incredible story of Allen Iverson, a revolutionary figure with deep influence on and off the court,” said Stephen Curry and Erick Peyton of Unanimous Media. “This project provides us the opportunity to pull back the curtains on Iverson’s storied career, legacy, and impact through meaningful storytelling that will appeal to audiences worldwide.”
Presented by Prime Video Sports, the Allen Iverson documentary is produced by Jersey Legends (a division of Authentic Studios) and Unanimous Media. The film is directed by One9, with Shaquille O’Neal, Stephen Curry, Erick Peyton, Colin Smeeton, Mike Parris, and One9 serving as executive producers.
Santa Monica, Calif. – March 14, 2024- STARZ announced today that season four of “Power Book II: Ghost” will be the final installment of the epic drama series, airing in two parts. Part one of “Power Book II: Ghost” debuts on Friday, June 7, and part two premieres on Friday, September 6 at midnight on the STARZ app. On linear, both parts will debut on STARZ at 8:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 9:00 PM ET in Canada.
The season four premiere of “Power Book II: Ghost” on June 7 coincides with the 10th Anniversary of Power’s debut on STARZ. “Power” spawned two additional “Power” franchise spinoffs, including “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” which is currently filming its fourth season in New York and “Power Book IV: Force” which is currently filming its third season in Chicago.
The news quickly follows the announcement yesterday that STARZ plans to expand the Power universe with the development of a new prequel series, “Origins,” that will continue to explore the “Power” universe in a fresh way, delving into the origin story of fan favorite characters Ghost and Tommy.
“This explosive season of ‘Ghost’ is a fitting crescendo in a decade of an immensely popular franchise – fans will not be disappointed,” said Kathryn Busby, President of Programming for STARZ. “While this marks the conclusion of one chapter, our commitment to the Power universe endures with more compelling storytelling on the horizon.”
Viewers can catch up on the high stakes, gripping, third season of “Power Book II: Ghost” in its entirety on the STARZ app, in anticipation for the riveting final season premiere on June 7.
Season four of “Power Book II: Ghost” cast includes Michael Rainey Jr. as “Tariq St. Patrick,” Mary J. Blige as “Monet Tejada,” Cliff “Method Man” Smith as “Davis MacLean,” Gianni Paolo as “Brayden Weston,” Woody McClain as “Cane Tejada,” Lovell Adams-Gray as “Dru Tejada,” LaToya Tonodeo as “Diana Tejada,” Alix Lapri as “Effie Morales,” Larenz Tate as “Rashad Tate,” Caroline Chikezie as “Noma,” Lightskinkeisha as “Brushaundria Carmichael” and Michael Ealy as “Detective Don Carter.”
“Power Book II: Ghost” is the first series in the expanded “Power” Universe franchise. Brett Mahoney (“Empire,” “The Following”) serves as showrunner and executive producer for season four. The “Power” Universe series is executive produced by the creator and showrunner of the original “Power,” Courtney A. Kemp through her production company End of Episode, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson through G-Unit Film and Television, and Mark Canton through Canton Entertainment. Lionsgate Television produces the series for STARZ.
New York, NY (March 13, 2024) – Comedy Central today announced the premiere of a brand new season of “Comedy Central Stand-Up Featuring.” The short-form stand-up series, taped at The Lodge Room in Highland Park Los Angeles, will feature 13 hilarious new comics with short and sweet sets, starting on Wednesday, March 13th at 1:30p ET, only on Comedy Central’s Stand-Up YouTube and Facebook.
Season 15 of the digital series will include new weekly episodes, featuring comedy by: Sydney Castillo, Gus Constantellis, Logan Guntzelman, Morgan Jay, Andrea Jin, Papp Johnson, Orion Levine, Kalea McNeill, Sean Patton, Lorena Russi, Amy Silverberg, Madison Sinclair, and Derrick Stroup.
“Comedy Central Stand-Up Featuring” is the brand’s snack-able stand-up digital content. The short form originals are produced exclusively for the brand’s Stand-Up YouTube channel with sets running approximately 5-10 minutes in length. Comedy Central Stand-Up Featuring includes over 200 comedians and has filmed in Los Angeles, New York City and Austin. To date, the series has garnered over 385M views across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
“Comedy Central Stand-Up Featuring” was produced by MTV Entertainment Studios. Executive producers from MTV Entertainment Studios are Kristyn Deignan, Akash Goyal, Lisa Kleinman, Tyler McIntosh and Ryan Moran.
A year after it moved from its longtime PBS home to CNN, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is switching telecast partners again. Netflix has struck a multi-year deal with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to move the Mark Twain Prize event to the streamer.
The deal begins this year, with Kevin Hart honored at the ceremony. This marks the 25th anniversary of the Mark Twain Prize, and Hart will be recognized “for his extraordinary contributions to the genre and his impressive achievements across comedy, film, and television.” This year’s event takes placeat the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Sunday, March 24, and will be taped to premiere on Netflix on Sunday, May 11 — as the Netflix is a Joke Fest takes place in Los Angeles.
Performers set for this year’s Mark Twain ceremony including Dave “Lil Dicky” Burd, Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Chelsea Handler, Nelly, Plastic Cup Boyz, Keith Robinson, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, and J.B. Smoove. Adam Blackstone is music director.
“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Netflix and continue the Center’s 25-year tradition of celebrating exceptional comedians like Kevin,” Kennedy Center president Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement. “The Mark Twain Prize, which annually brings the comedy community together to recognize comedic excellence and impact, aligns with Netflix’s standing as the eminent home for comedy programming. We’re excited to bring this spectacular night of tributes, roasts, and hilarity to Netflix.”
Comedy Central was the first network to run the Mark Twain Prize, in 1998 and 1999, before PBS took over from 2000 to 2022. CNN took it last year.
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor “recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, best known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist, and creator of characters, Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective on social injustice and personal folly.”
Previous recipients of Mark Twain Prize include Richard Pryor (1998), Jonathan Winters (1999), Carl Reiner (2000), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bob Newhart (2002), Lily Tomlin (2003), Lorne Michaels (2004), Steve Martin (2005), Neil Simon (2006), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), Bill Cosby (2009; rescinded in 2018), Tina Fey (2010), Will Ferell (2011), Ellen DeGeneres (2012), Carol Burnett (2013), Jay Leno (2014), Eddie Murphy (2015), Bill Murray (2016), David Letterman (2017), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (2018), Dave Chappelle (2019), Jon Stewart (2022) and Adam Sandler (2023).
Done+Dusted produces the Mark Twain Prize; David Jammy is exec producer. The 2024 Mark Twain Prize Gala is co-chaired by Barbara Goodman Manilow and Cappy McGarr. David M. Rubenstein is the Honorary Chair for the Mark Twain Prize.
The event was created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber.