Rashida Jones To Write Script For New ‘9 To 5’ Comedic Reboot
When you look at the 1980 comedy 9 to 5 and ask what has changed from the male chauvinist premise of that film, the #MeToo movement proves the answer is, absolutely nothing. What better timing for a new version of that hit, especially when original stars Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are eager for a reprise?
Jones
REX/Shutterstock
2oth Century Fox is in the early stages of a new version that would focus on three young women dealing with sexism and chauvinism in the workplace, who turn to the original trio for help in navigating and getting even with the course male higher-ups. Sources said that there are early talks for creator Pat Resnick to team with a young writer — actress-scribe Rashida Jones is the one they want — to find a handle that can make the concept relevant to a young comedy audience. The film will be produced by Shawn Levy, Resnick and Jonathan Baruch of Rain Management Group.
The actresses starred with Dabney Coleman, who played a sexist, narcissistic, lying bigot boss. The three play secretaries who watch themselves passed over for promotions, and their ideas stolen in a culture of rampant sexual harassment. After the boss blackmails one of the women (played by Parton) into sleeping with him, she instead shows up with her cohorts. They kidnap the boss and keep him tied up as the uncover his embezzlement scheme and a way to cash in.
The film was a huge hit, fueled by Parton’s theme song that was one of the biggest hit records of the decade. 9 to 5 was turned into a 2009 Broadway musical.
Jones is repped by UTA, Resnick with ICM Partners and Rain Management Group.
Source: Deadline
Morris Chestnut And Jennifer Carpenter To Star In NBC Pilot ‘The Enemy Within’!
Dexter and Limitless alumna Jennifer Carpenter and former Rosewood star Morris Chestnut are set as the female and male leads in NBC drama pilot The Enemy Within, from Gotham executive producer Ken Woodruff, NBC executive-turned-producer Vernon Sanders and Universal TV.
Having both been leads of series before and having both been pursued for pilots this season, I hear The Enemy Within landed the duo in premium, high-end deals.
Written and executive produced by Woodruff and directed by Mark Pellington, The Enemy Within is a character-driven investigative thriller set in the world of counterintelligence. It focuses on former CIA agent Erica Wolfe (Carpenter), the most notorious traitor in modern history and most hated woman in America, who is brought out of a federal supermax prison by the FBI to help stop some of the most dangerous acts of espionage threatening the United States today.
Carpenter’s Wolfe is a highly intelligent codebreaker who learned her craft from her father and disclosed highly sensitive information to a former Russian intelligence agent. Chestnut will play Will Keaton, an FBI counter-intelligence agent who had brought down the traitor Erica Wolfe and whose fiancee had been murdered as a result of Wolfe’s activities.
.Carpenter is known for her roles as Debra Morgan on Showtime’s Dexter and Rebecca Harris on CBS’ Limitless. She was most recently be seen in S. Craig Zahler’s Brawl In Cell Block 99. She is repped by WME, Untitled Entertainment and Jackoway Tyerman
Chestnut starred in the title role of Fox’s Rosewood and most recently did a season-long stint on the upcoming second season of Amazon’s Goliath. He also is known for his series regular role as Dr. Prentiss in the last two seasons of Showtime’s Nurse Jackie. He is repped by WME and Link Entertainment.
Source: Deadline
HBO’s ‘Fahrenheit 451’ New Film Starring Michael B. Jordan Releases New Trailer
HBO released its first look at “Fahrenheit 451,” starring Michael B. Jordan and Michael Shannon.
Based on Ray Bradbury’s 1953 dystopian novel of the same name, the film follows a futuristic American society where books are burned to censor and destroy knowledge.
“By the time you guys grow up, there won’t be one book left,” Jordan’s character Guy Montag, a “fireman” in charge of burning the novels who struggles with his role of erasing history, says in the clip before an auditorium of children.
“A little knowledge is a dangerous thing — news, facts, memoirs, internet of old. Burn it,” Shannon, who plays Jordan’s captain, says in the trailer. “We are not born equal, so we must be made equal by the fire.”
Directed by Ramin Bahrani, the film also stars Sofia Boutella, Lilly Singh, Laura Harrier, and Martin Donovan. Jordan served as an executive producer on the project, producing through his Outlier Productions. Other executive producers are Sarah Green of Brace Cove Productions, Alan Gasmer, Peter Jaysen, and Noruz Films’ Bahrani, who co-wrote with Amir Naderi. David Coatsworth is a producer.
This is not the first time Bradbury’s story has been adapted, as it was previously made into a 1966 British film, a 1979 play, a 1984 video game, and a collection of short stories by the author, titled “A Pleasure to Burn.”
“Fahrenheit 451” will be released on HBO in May.
Gina Rodriguez To Star In And Produce New Netflix Comedy Titled ‘Someone Great’!
Gina Rodriguez will produce and star in Netflix’s romantic comedy “Someone Great.”
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson will direct from her own script, marking her feature directorial debut.
The producers are Paul Feig and Jessie Henderson of Feigco, Anthony Bregman and Peter Cron of Likely Story, and Rodriguez through her I Can and I Will Productions. Feigco’s Dan Magnante, Likely Story’s Stefanie Azpiazu. and Robinson are executive producing. Emily Gipson of I Can and I Will is co-producing.
“Someone Great” centers on a woman who experiences a tough break-up and seeks adventure in New York City with her two best friends before moving across the country for her dream job. The production is eyeing an April start date.
Rodriguez has won a Golden Globe and has been nominated three times for her work as Jane Villanueva in The CW comedy-drama “Jane the Virgin,” which is now in its fourth season. She can currently be seen on the big screen opposite Natalie Portman in “Annihilation.”
Rodriguez is also the voice of Carmen Sandiego in the upcoming Netflix revival, which is set to premiere in 2019. Her other credits include “Filly Brown,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” and “Deepwater Horizon.”
Robinson was the creator of the MTV show “Sweet/Vicious.” Rodriguez is repped by CAA and Jackoway Tyerman Wertheimer.
Source: Variety
GIVEAWAY: WIN A DVD Of ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ HERE!
Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” the God of Thunder’s third installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, electrified both audiences and critics alike reaching over $845M at the global box office. Now the colorful cosmic adventure, loaded with action, humor, drama and spectacle, bursts into homes Digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™, and Movies Anywhere, on Feb. 20 and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, DVD and On-Demand on March. 6.
In Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok – the destruction of his home world and the end of Asgardian civilization – at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger – the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) – and grapple with his silver-tongued adopted brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the fierce warrior Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and the eccentric Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum).
Fans who bring home the Ultimate Cinematic Universe Edition (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital) of “Thor: Ragnarok” will experience all the thunderous action and lightning-fast wit in stunning 4K Ultra HD with next-generation high dynamic range (HDR) visuals and Dolby Atmos immersive audio. Exclusive, never-before-seen bonus features include deleted scenes; hilarious outtakes; an exclusive short: part three of the mockumentary “Team Thor,” retitled “Team Darryl” and featuring an eccentric new roommate; the evolution of MCU’s heroes culminating in “Avengers: Infinity War;” numerous making-of featurettes which explore the unique vision of director Taika Waititi; the story’s unstoppable women; the effortlessly charismatic Korg; the tyrannical leader of Sakaar, the Grandmaster; and the film’s comic-book origins; audio commentary by Waititi; and more.
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Watch a trailer of the film below:
Talk Of The ‘Martin’ Reboot Highlights The ABFF Honors!
Billy Dee Williams proved to be the man of the hour as he received the Hollywood Legacy Award at the 2018 ABFF Honors, presented by the American Black Film Festival, Sunday night at the Beverly Hilton. His role in the original “Star Wars” trilogy was given special mention in a video tribute, where the actor noted how director George Lucas cast him after receiving “a lot of flack” for making a big, black figure (Darth Vader) the villain of the first film.
“I thought, I want to make (Lando Calrissian) bigger than life. I want to make him into a hero, kind of a charming, wonderful individual,” Williams recalled in the clip, which also included kind words from Harrison Ford.
“Being an African-American actor in the 1960s through the 2000s looks different each and every decade,” Williams added on stage while accepting his prize. “I can tell you that my journey has not always been smooth, but ultimately a positive one that went the right direction. And if on that journey, I helped pave just a little bit of the way for black talent — actors, writers, directors, producers and crew members — that’ll have more opportunities today compared to yesterday, then I can say that has been the greatest role of my lifetime.”
The 80-year-old, who also called attention to his 60 years in showbiz, continued, stating that “we still have work to do” when it comes to industry inclusion. The thesp ended his speech in tears as he thanked the festival for its honor.
Industry Visionary Award recipient Ava DuVernay also saluted Williams for his “Star Wars” role that, she said, broke “boundaries that no one even thought could be broken.” The “A Wrinkle in Time” director said, “For me, especially as I’m moving into this space with sci-fi, he was the first vision of black masculinity in a sci-fi character with Lando in ‘Star Wars.’”
On the carpet, “Girls Trip” helmer Malcolm D. Lee had some ideas of how to diversify the franchise, which has had 96% of its writers and directors be white men over its 41-year history.
“If someone wanted to talk to me about it, I wouldn’t say no,” Lee posited. “There’s plenty of people who can do it, F. Gary Gray, Steve McQueen, obviously Ryan Coogler. There’s a lot of talent out there now.”
The evening also gave special honors to the cast of “Martin,” who were introduced by one of the series’ most memorable guest stars, Snoop Dogg. Martin Lawrence, who was joined by stars Tisha Campbell, Carl Anthony Payne II, and Tichina Arnold on stage, took time to recognize his late “Martin” co-star, Thomas Mikal Ford.
“I know y’all wanna know about the #reboot, but for us the most important thing is the #reconnection,” Campbell told the crowd. Arnold, however, wasn’t as tight-lipped with reporters on the subject. The actress said that they have some ideas to update the ’90s series, and hope to gain a lineup of special guests that were in the original — namely Tracy Morgan.
“I’ll kick his ass (if he doesn’t come back),” Arnold quipped.
You heard it here first people. @TichinaArnold will have to kick @RealTracyMorgan’s a** if he doesn’t come back and guest star in a future #Martin reboot
Omari Hardwick received the Distinguished ABFF Alumni Award and Tiffany Haddishwas given the Rising Star Award at the ceremony, which also handed out competitive trophies to best TV comedy winners “Black-ish and “Insecure,” best TV drama “Queen Sugar,” and movie of the year “Get Out.” During the gala, American Black Film Festival founder Jeff Friday also encouraged guests to attend the 22nd annual fest, which returns to Miami, Florida June 13-17.
Source: Variety
Yvette Nicole Brown To Star In New ABC Comedy Titled ‘Most Likely To’!
Yvette Nicole Brown is staying at ABC.
The Mayor and Community actress has been tapped to star in Most Likely To.
Written by Diablo Cody (Juno, United States of Tara), Most Likely Torevolves around Liz Cooney, who, in high school, had everything, and Markie McQueen, who had nothing. Twenty years later, they’re reunited under the same roof as single moms and unlikely housemates.
In the Greg Berlanti-produced comedy, Brown will take on the role of Markie McQueen, who is described as radiant and warm, quietly confident, with a successful salon and brilliant daughter — but her insecurities are reignited when her high school bully arrives in town. (The role of Liz is currently uncast.)
With the casting, Brown will stay at ABC weeks after learning that the Disney-owned network effectively canceled freshman comedy The Mayor after its initial 13-episode order. Sources said at the time that producers ABC Studios believed in the show and planned to shop it but did not find a home for the low-rated yet well-reviewed comedy that was a high priority at ABC this fall. (Star Brandon Micheal Hall recently booked a CBS drama pilot in first position as well.)
For Brown, Most Likely To marks a return to the multicamera format after the actress spent three seasons co-starring on CBS’ The Odd Couple Reboot. Her credits include Community and geek-friendly fare like hosting a Syfy cosplay competition series as well as regular appearances on AMC’s Talking Dead where the Walking Dead superfan is a frequent guest. She’s repped by Innovative Artists.
Cody, Berlanti and his Warner Bros. Television-based Berlanti Productions topper Sarah Schechter executive produce. Prolific multicamera comedy helmer Pam Fryman (How I Met Your Mother) will direct the pilot and exec produce.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Taye Diggs To Star In Untitled Football Drama Pilot At The CW
Taye Diggs has been casting in a starring role in an upcoming football drama pilot at The CW, which is based on the life of Spencer Paysinger.
It is from Greg Berlanti and April Blair is writing the script.
The description: “The project follows what happens when a rising high school football player from South Central Los Angeles is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High. The potential series follows what happens when the wins, losses and struggles of two families from vastly different worlds — Compton and Beverly Hills — begin to collide.”
Diggs’ character is Billy Baker, who, “having attended Crenshaw High himself, is the head coach of Beverly Hills High’s football team. He has an intense desire to see Spencer, a transfer from Crenshaw, succeed — on and off the field — even if his efforts impact his relationship with his own son.”
This would be Diggs’ first series regular role on network television since ABC’s Shondaland drama, Private Practice. He recently recurred on Fox’s Empire and Rosewood, and had a starring role on TNT’s Murder in the First.
He starred in an ABC pilot last season, Doomsday, which didn’t get picked up.
Source: Shadow & Act
First Look At Idris Elba’s 1980s Comedy Series ‘In the Long Run’
CREDIT: SKY
Idris Elba is heading back in time as Walter Easmon, a family man in 1980s London, in upcoming Sky comedy ‘In the Long Run.’
Elba created the show, which is loosely based on his own childhood. The actor and director’s production company, Green Door, is making the series with Sprout Pictures, Stephen Fry and Gina Carter’s shingle.
Elba is in an ensemble cast that also includes comedian and actor Bill Bailey, Kellie Shirley and Mattie Boys.
The series follows the Easmon family, which has settled in England after having arrived from Sierra Leone.
Elba will play Walter, the family patriach, who works in the local factory alongside friend and neighbor Bagpipes (Bailey).
The family’s life is turned upside down when Walter’s brother arrives in the U.K., bringing chaos in his wake and igniting a passion for music in Walter’s son.
Elba executive produces with Gina Carter (“Moone Boy”). Declan Lowney (Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa) and Cecile Emeke (“Insecure”) direct. The series bows on SkyOne in the U.K. on Mar. 29.
Source: Variety
Comedian, WBC Fighter, And Red Carpet Host Brendan Schaub To Host Showtime’s ‘Below The Belt’!
SHOWTIME Sports continues to expand its position at the intersection of combat sports and culture with a first-of-its-kind, sports talk show, BELOW THE BELT hosted byBrendan Schaub. The twice-monthly, 30-minute show debuts on Wednesday, February 28 on SHOWTIME Sports digital platforms, days before American heavyweight Deontay Wilder defends his WBC title against Luis Ortiz. The announcement was made today by Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
BELOW THE BELT premieres each new show on the Below the Belt YouTube Channel and the Below the Belt Facebook Page. The program explores the latest news in combat sports and pop culture, with Schaub delivering candid thoughts in his unique and unfiltered style. BELOW THE BELT features interviews with the biggest names in combat sports and entertainment, road trips, fight camp visits, sketches, animation and pop-culture spoofs. The initial guest list of combat sports athletes and entertainers scheduled to appear on BELOW THE BELT includes Stone Cold Steve Austin, Paulie Malignaggi and Joe Rogan.
“Brendan brings an edge that resonates with today’s fight fans,” said Espinoza. “He has a fresh voice that is equal parts knowledgeable, funny and opinionated. BELOW THE BELT will complement SHOWTIME Sports programming to a broad audience on our digital platforms.”
This multi-platform program is unique in that it includes a weekly podcast and a composite program that airs once per month on SHOWTIME EXTREME. Following the digital debut on February 28, new shows launch on March 14, March 28, April 11, April 18, May 2 and May 16. The BELOW THE BELT podcast premieres on March 6, and the composite program premieres on March 29 on SHOWTIME EXTREME.
Schaub is a multi-platform entertainer, best known for his career in the UFC and as a personality in podcasting and comedy. Following his successful fighting career, where he was the runner-up of Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights,” Schaub has served as an expert analyst for both ESPN and Spike TV. Schaub currently co-hosts the popular podcast “The Fighter and The Kid” averaging over nine million downloads per month. His “Big Brown Breakdown” podcast, averaging over four million downloads per month, transitions under the BELOW THE BELT franchise. Parlaying his hosting talent from podcasts to television, Schaub was named a correspondent on “After Party” for the E! Network, and co-hosted this year’s Golden Globes and Grammy Awards after-shows. Schaub is set to reprise his role in the upcoming Academy Awards after-show. Additionally, Schaub performs sold-out live comedy shows across North America, Australia, London and Dublin, including regular solo stand-up sets at the world-famous Comedy Store, Hollywood Improv and The Laugh Factory.
BELOW THE BELT is produced by SHOWTIME Sports with Embassy Row.
