Jamie Foxx, Wanda Sykes Re-Create Norman Lear’s ‘The Jeffersons’ Episodes For Live ABC Primetime Special
Jimmy Kimmel will present a live 90-minute primetime event paying tribute to Norman Lear’s groundbreaking comedy series All in the Family and The Jeffersons on ABC.
An original episode from each iconic Lear comedy will be re-created; Jimmy Burrows is directing the live special. Live In Front Of A Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All In The Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ will air Wednesday, May 22, 8-9:30 PM ET.
Woody Harrelson will play Archie Bunker role; Marisa Tomei will play his wife Edith in the recreation of All In The Family. Jamie Foxx and Wanda Sykes take the roles of George and Louise Jefferson in the All in the Family spinoff, The Jeffersons.
Ellie Kemper will play Gloria Stivic, Will Ferrell will appear as Tom Willis and Justina Machado is set to play Florence Johnston, with more all-casting announcements to come.
Kimmel and Lear host; the project teams them with exec producers Brent Miller, Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Justin Theroux.
“The fact that a group of Oscar winners eagerly agreed to play these iconic characters is testament to the greatness of these shows and their creator, Norman Lear,” Kimmel said, calling the project a “dream come true.”
People have said the two series were of the 70’s and “would not work today,” Lear said of his two TV-landscape-changing comedies.
“We disagree with them and are here to prove, with two great casts depicting of All In The Family and The Jeffersons, the timelessness of human nature,” Lear continued, adding, “I cannot wait to see what these glorious performers make in our time of these indelible characters.”
Last July, SPT announced a new deal with Lear and his Act III Productions, noting it had an “option to re-imagine titles from his extensive library including All In The Family, The Jeffersons, Good Times, Maude and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, to name a few.”
ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke, meanwhile, declared the network “honored” to partner with “our brilliant friend Jimmy Kimmel and trailblazer Norman Lear” in the live TV project, agreeing with Lear that the two series are “as culturally relevant today as they’ve ever been.” She forecast it will be “the can’t-miss television event” of the year, if not the decade, while Sony Pictures Television Studios president Jeff Frost and co-presidents Chris Parnell and Jason Clodfelter called it an “exciting new format.”
All in the Family shaped political and social conversations in American homes in the post-civil rights era. From 1971 through 1979, the series about conservative working class Archie Bunker, his liberal son-in-law and daughter, and his wife Edith tackled such hot-button topics as women’s rights, racism, and homosexuality.
The success of All in the Family led to introduction of The Jeffersons, which ran from 1975 to 1985 – the first television series to feature an interracial couple. It would go on to be one of the longest running African American shows on TV, following George and Louise Jefferson as they moved to the East Side and showcased what it was like to be successful in a predominantly white world. The show is credited with shifting conversations about race and class, paving the way for other African American actors and TV series.
Live In Front Of A Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All In The Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ is being produced by Smoking Baby Productions, ACT III Productions, Gary Sanchez Productions and Sony Pictures Television.
Source: Deadline
Martin Lawrence Inspired Sneakers Released Today From Lebron James’ NIKE Collection
The Nike LeBron 16 “Martin,” inspired by LeBron James’ love for the classic ’90s sitcomwill be available today, April 16, starting at 10am ET.
The special edition LeBron 16s come decked out in a vibrant purple knit upper, equipped with yellow and red detailing as a nod the show’s fifth season dvd cover and poster. The kicks, priced at $185, will be available via Nike SNKRS, Foot Locker, Shoe Palace and select other Nike Basketball retailers.
“For LeBron, the hardest he’s ever laughed is from watching Martin Lawrence’s hit ’90s sitcom “Martin.” Inspired by his love for the show, the LeBron 16 ‘Martin’ rekindles laugh-inducing memories with notable catch phrases on the back heel and styling reminiscent of the sitcom’s lively introduction.”
Check out the official images below.
Nike LeBron 16 “Martin”/Nike
Nike LeBron 16 “Martin”/Nike
Nike LeBron 16 “Martin”/Nike
Nike LeBron 16 “Martin”/Nike
Mo’Nique Featured In Donald Glover Short Films For Adidas Originals
Donald Glover and Adidas Originals today announced Donald Glover Presents, a creative partnership that unveiled a new line of shoes and a series of brief — and very funny — films to accompany them. (Watch them below.)
Donald Glover Presents reimagines threeAadidas styles, the Nizza, the Continental 80, and the Lacombe. The shoes feature uneven stitching, inside out golden eyestays, and a three stripe mark that looks hand painted.
Adidas is on a hot streak with celebrity endorsements: The company announced a creative partnership with Beyonce just two weeks ago, in addition to its ongoing deals with Kanye West and Pharrell Williams.
“Rich is a concept,” said Donald Glover. “With this project, I wanted to encourage people to think about how their stories can be told on their feet. Value isn’t quantified by what you wear, rather the experiences from them. And you make the decision on what works for you, you live through your own lens. The partnership for me is about being able to exemplify what doing your own thing truly looks and feels like.”
Coinciding with the shoe launch, Donald Glover Presents premiered a series of short films Thursday starring Glover and Mo’Nique, with a cameo from skateboarder Na-Kel Smith.
“Our partnerships are built on a foundation of creating moments of inspiration that we could not achieve alone,” said Chris Law, senior design director of adidas Originals. “As a visionary, we admire Glover’s capability to surpass ‘genres’ and uniquely tell a story. From a design perspective, we drove the aesthetic of this collection based on adidas’ rich history in classic sneakers and Glover’s philosophy of understated points of interest and appreciation for how shoes evolve with wear, expressing more personality over time.”
After Glover performed his set and screened his film with Rihanna, “Guava Island,” at Coachella last weekend, the actor-rapper used AirDrop to give away sneakers to random festival goers.
The Donald Glover Presents film series releases today. Watch below.
Source: Variety
‘Rel’ Canceled By Fox After Only One Season
The Lil Rel Howery-starring comedy Rel will not get a second season at Fox. The network has canceled the comedy series from Jerrod Carmichael, Mike Scully and 20th Century Fox TV, after one season.
Of the other two Fox freshman comedy series, Last Man Standing is fully expected to be renewed while The Cool Kids is heavily on the bubble.
There was a hint at Rel’s fate when Fox last fall opted not to give a back order to the series. (The network ended up trimming the original order from 13 to 12 episodes.)Rel did not take advantage of its post-Family Guy time slot on Sunday. Its first season averaged a modest 0.8 adults 18-49 rating and 2.1 million viewers in Live+7.
The Rel family suffered a tragic loss in January when co-creator/executive producer Kevin Barnett died suddenly while vacationing in Mexico, a little over a week after the season one finale had aired.
Written/executive produced by Josh Rabinowitz & Barnett and Howery, Rel was inspired by Howery’s life. It centered on Lil Rel, a prideful, self-made success who lives by the code to “always believe in yourself and great things will come,” finds that attitude put to the test when he learns his wife is having an affair with his own barber. He tries to rebuild his life post-divorce as a long-distance single father on the West Side of Chicago on a quest for love, respect, and a new barber.
Jess “Hilarious” Moore and Jordan L. Jones also co-starred in the series. Scully served as showrunner and executive produced alongside Carmichael.
Source: Deadline
Tracy Morgan Takes You Inside His Mansion ‘OG’ Style!
Tracy Morgan and his wife, Megan Wollover, want to give you a snippet of how they live from day to day. Check out the celebrity parents’ latest tour with PEOPLE to see what Tracy and Megan do when they are not working. Did we mention that little Maven Sonae Morgan, Megan and Tracy Morgan’s daughter, helps with the tour? Watch the segment below!
In Shocking Move, Beyoncé To Release Audio Of ‘Lemonade’ Film Across All Music Streaming Platforms
Beyoncé is offering up some more “Lemonade.”
Variety can exclusively reveal that the audio of Beyoncé’s 65-minute “Lemonade” film will drop across all music streaming services on Tuesday, April 23. The drop marks the third anniversary of the film’s debut on HBO. It’s also the first time all of Bey’s catalog is available for streaming.
The “Lemonade” film, which coincided with release of the album of the same name on April 23, 2016, also uses poetry written by Somali poet Warsan Shire that will be included in the new audio release.
Until now, the film was only available through Beyoncé’s co-owned streaming service Tidal. Divided into 11 chapters—”Intuition”, “Denial”, “Anger”, “Apathy”, “Emptiness”, “Accountability”, “Reformation”, “Forgiveness”, “Resurrection”, “Hope”, and “Redemption”—the film went on to earn four primetime Emmys.
“Lemonade,” Beyoncé’s second visual album, features guest vocals from The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, Jack White and James Blake. It was the best-selling album of 2016, selling 2.5 million copies worldwide and picked up Grammys for best urban contemporary album and best music video as well as a Peabody Award.
The audio release will come just six days after today’s Netflix premiere of “Homecoming,” the Beyoncé-directed 137-minute documentary about her headlining performance at Coachella in 2018 that paid tribute to historically black colleges and universities. She also returns to the big screen this summer, voicing Nala in director Jon Favreau’s remake of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The movie hits theaters on July 19.
Source: Variety, Billboard
Mary J. Blige And Nas To Co-Headline Summer Tour
Summer is coming up — the perfect time for a Mary J. Blige coheadlining tour. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul — who has undertaken successful coheadlining tours with both Jay-Z and Maxwell, today announced that she will head out with veteran rapper Nas for a 22-city outing across North America this summer.
Produced by Live Nation, the tour will kick off July 11 in West Palm Beach, Fla. and make stops in Atlanta, Houston, Las Vegas and more. The jaunt will see the two performing in a number of indoor and outdoor spaces across amphitheaters and arenas, concluding on September 10 in Toronto, Ont. While no date has yet been announced in the duo’s mutual hometown of New York, it would be surprising if one weren’t in the cards.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 19 starting at 10am local time at LiveNation.com. Citi is the official presale credit card of the tour; cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Wednesday, April 17 at 12pm local time until Thursday, April 18 at 10pm local time through Citi Entertainment. (Full dates appear below.)
DATE
CITY
VENUE
7/11/19
West Palm Beach, FL
Coral Sky Amphitheatre at the S. Florida Fairgrounds
7/13/19
Tampa, FL
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds
7/14/19
Jacksonville, FL
Daily’s Place*
7/16/19
Atlanta, GA
Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
7/20/19
Atlantic City, NJ
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena*
7/21/19
Virginia Beach, VA
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
7/24/19
Charlotte, NC
PNC Music Pavilion
7/25/19
Raleigh, NC
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
7/28/19
Detroit, MI
DTE Energy Music Theatre
7/31/19
St. Louis, MO
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
8/2/19
Houston, TX
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
8/3/19
Austin, TX
Austin360 Amphitheater
8/6/19
Kansas City, MO
Starlight Theatre
8/9/19
Phoenix, AZ
Ak-Chin Pavilion
8/14/19
San Francisco, CA
Shoreline Amphitheatre
8/16/19
Las Vegas, NV
The Joint*
8/17/19
Las Vegas, NV
The Joint*
8/20/19
Albuquerque, NM
Isleta Amphitheater
8/22/19
Dallas, TX
Dos Equis Pavilion
8/25/19
Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
8/31/19
Syracuse, NY
St Joseph’s Health Amphitheater
9/1/19
Boston, MA
Xfinity Center
9/10/19
Toronto, ON
Budweiser Stage^
*Nas not playing
^on sale beginning April 18th at 10am
Source: Variety
Wesley Snipes To Star In . And Exec Produce Heist Thriller ‘Payline’
Wesley Snipes is back in bad-guy mode while also doing some good for the environment.
The veteran actor has come aboard to star in and executive produce Payline, an indie action thriller from Dawn’s Light.
Richard Switzer and Jason Cherubini of Dawn’s Light are producing, along with Allan Ungar. Snipes, under his Maandi House Studios banner, and Alexander Ferguson will serve as executive producers.
Payline is described as being a cross between heist ensemble Ocean’s 11 and crime thriller Free Fire, with the story centering on a small-town casino that turns into a battleground after two groups of criminals attempt to rob it on the same night. Rob Robol and Jay Boyd wrote the script.
Snipes will play the leader of a group of ex-soldiers robbing the casino. It will be his first turn as a villain since Demolition Man, the 1993 sci-fi action movie that also starred Sylvester Stallone and Sandra Bullock.
The project aims to use sustainable methods that will make the planned production an environmentally friendly affair.
“This is a vehicle to demonstrate the next generation of indie filmmaking in a 5G powered world,” said Snipes in a statement. “It is our goal to show how a 100 percent Certified Renewable Energy film production can show love for the environment, community and still produce a kick-ass popcorn movie.”
Snipes and the producers want to debunk the idea that it costs more to make a sustainable movie than a “normal” production.
Stated Cherubini: “As we look to develop the next generation of media content, we know that it doesn’t just need to be diverse and exciting, but its production must support and protect the communities where it’s created.”
Snipes next appears opposite Eddie Murphy in Netflix’s Dolemite Is My Name and is one of the stars of RZA’s Cut Throat City, whose ensemble cast also includes Ethan Hawke, Terrence Howard and Eiza Gonzalez. His Maandi House Studios is described as a Next-Gen digital media content manufacturer with deals at WME Studios and NBC/Universal.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
BET Greenlights New DOCU-SERIES Titled ‘Copwatch America’
Yesterday, BET Networks announces its new 10-part one-hour docu-series. Across 10 frenetic episodes, “CopWatch America” cross-cuts the incredible stories of “copwatchers” from two U.S. cities, some of whom are life-long activists and others who are new to the movement. Through these characters, viewers will come to understand the specific issues facing each community. Armed only with their cameras, these “copwatchers” fight every day to protect citizens, amplify the truth, and keep abuses of power in check. As the series embeds with major Copwatch organizations in America’s most volatile cities, viewers will get to know the real heroes behind the cameras and the personal stories that compelled them to put their lives on the line for this cause. Examining all sides of the story, from police officers who insist they are just trying to build up their communities, to the copwatchers determined to speak truth to power, you never know what you might see next.
“BET Networks is committed to bringing important stories of systemic issues of race and justice across our nation to light. We are taking this on in a way no other brand and network can, through platforms like our powerful ‘Finding Justice’ franchise and our upcoming original docu-series Copwatch America,” said Marisa Levy, VP Head of Unscripted, BET Networks. “We look forward to partnering with acclaimed storytellers Renowned Films and Critical Content and continue to empower our community and focus on activists who use video cameras to protect the rights and in some cases, the lives of African Americans in police encounters.”
Created by Renowned Films “CopWatch America” is co-produced by Renowned Films and Critical Content. Executive Producers are Max Welch, Tim Withers and Duane Jones for Renowned Films and Tom Forman for Critical Content.
Max Welch, Executive Producer, and Co-Founder Renowned Films said “We’re incredibly excited to be working with BET, and the Copwatch movement on such an important and powerful series. “Copwatch America” will be shocking, eye-opening, exhilarating, explosive must watch action getting to the core of one of the biggest issues facing America, its police and the communities they serve today. Prepare for plenty of confrontation, powerful personal stories, injustices, and debate, as we capture the groundbreaking stories of those on both sides of the story in search of truth.”
Duane Jones, Executive Producer, and Co-Founder Renowned Films commented, “It has never been more of an important time to bring the remarkable stories of cop watchers across the US and their continued fight against injustice to the public. Renowned understands how important the conversation sparked by “Copwatch America” will be, and we look forward to working with BET to dig deep into this complex narrative. With never-before seen, unprecedented access to the frontline over ten compelling episodes, we will detail the personal experiences of those affected on all sides by this deadly epidemic.”
“I’ve spent my career telling law enforcement stories, but never from this perspective. Not even close. Hats off to BET for allowing us to tackle this subject matter in a way that speaks to their audience and this time,” added Tom Forman, CEO, Critical Content.
Jussie Smollett Prosecutor Complained Charges Against Actor Were Too Harsh
Newly released emails and text messages reveal that Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, whose office oversaw the Jussie Smollett case, thought the 16 disorderly conduct charges brought against the Empire actor were too severe.
Thousands of internal text messages and emails about the investigation were released Tuesday night following a Freedom of Information Act request by the ChicagoTribune.
Foxx’s office announced on February 19 that she had recused herself from the case, but electronic communications show her saying later that the charges against a “washed up celeb who lied to cops” were too harsh compared to the sexual abuse charges R. Kelly is facing.
“Sooo……I’m recused, but when people accuse us of overcharging cases…16 counts on a class 4 becomes exhibit A,” Foxx wrote in a text message to her top assistant, Joseph Magats, on March 8.
“Pedophile with 4 victims 10 counts. Washed up celeb who lied to cops, 16. On a case eligible for deferred prosecution I think it’s indicative of something we should be looking at generally. Just because we can charge something doesn’t mean we should,” she said two weeks before the charges against Smollett were dropped.
Foxx’s office released a statement to the Chicago media explaining why she was communicating with a top deputy about the case after recusing herself: “After the indictment became public, I reached out to Joe to discuss reviewing office policies to assure consistencies in our charging and our use of appropriate charging authority. I was elected to bring criminal justice reform and that includes intentionality, consistency, and discretion. I will continue to uphold these guiding principles.”
Smollett told officers he was assaulted on January 29, by two masked men on the streets of Chicago as they shouted racist and homophobic slurs.
The actor, who is African-American and gay, claimed the attackers wrapped a noose around his neck, doused him with a chemical and shouted, “This is MAGA country.” Police later said Smollett paid brothers Ola and Abel Osundairo to stage the attack.
The actor was arrested, and charged with the 16 counts for allegedly filing a false police report. He pleaded not guilty, yet in a surprise move on March 26, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office dropped the charges after he agreed to forfeit his $10,000 bail and perform community service.
As for Kelly, in February he was charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Chicago prosecutors allege the chart-topping R&B singer sexually abused four females, including three underage girls, with the alleged abuse occurring between 1998 and 2010. Kelly has denied the allegations.
announcements to come.
ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke, meanwhile, declared the network “honored” to partner with “our brilliant friend Jimmy Kimmel and trailblazer Norman Lear” in the live TV project, agreeing with Lear that the two series are “as culturally relevant today as they’ve ever been.” She forecast it will be “the can’t-miss television event” of the year, if not the decade, while Sony Pictures Television Studios president Jeff Frost and co-presidents Chris Parnell and Jason Clodfelter called it an “exciting new format.”
