Tichina Arnold Lands New Role In CBS’ Comedy Pilot Titled ‘Welcome to the Neighborhood’
Former House of Lies co-star Josh Lawson is set as the lead in CBS’ multi-camera comedy pilot Welcome to the Neighborhood. Survivor’s Remorse alumna Tichina Arnold also has been cast in a major series regular role in the project from Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment and CBS TV Studios.
Written by Jim Reynolds and directed by James Burrows, Welcome to the Neighborhood centers on Dave (Lawson), the nicest guy in the Midwest who moves his family into a tough neighborhood in L.A. where not everyone appreciates his extreme neighborliness.
Lawson’s Dave is the most polite Midwestern guy you’ll ever meet who works as a conflict resolution expert, a job that calls for a friendly nature, and excellent diplomatic skills. He and his wife and son have moved from Michigan to live in their dream home, a vintage Craftsman house, in Pasadena. He realizes when they arrive that connecting with their new community is a more complex and delicate endeavor than he expected.
Courtesy of CBS
Arnold will play Loretta, Calvin’s (Cedric the Entertainer) wife. She’s the mother of Malcolm and Marty, and is very devoted to her faith. She judges the newcomers to her neighborhood by their knowledge of Scripture (nonexistent) and their Sunday service attendance record (shockingly poor!).
In addition to Cedric, Lawson and Arnold join previously cast Sheaun McKinney and Marcel Spears.
Reynolds executive produces with Kapital’s Kaplan and Dana Honor as well as Kapital-based producer Wendi Trilling via her TrillTV and Cedric and Eric Rhone of A Bird And A Bear Entertainment.
Lawson was nominated for an Academy Award this year for The Eleven O’Clock, a short film he wrote and starred in. He can recently be seen starring in Josh Greenbaum’s docu-film Becoming Bond for Hulu that won the Audience Award last year at SXSW. He previously starred as Doug Guggenheim on the Showtime comedy series House of Lies and can be seen recurring on NBC comedy Superstore. Lawson is repped by UTA, Silver Lining Entertainment and Jackoway Tyerman.
Arnold previously starred in Everybody Loves Chris and Martin and most recently played Cassie Calloway in Starz’s Survivor’s Remorse. She’s repped by APA and Tize & Company.
Ava DuVernay To Direct ‘The New Gods’ For Warner Brothers And DC!
After making history as the first woman of color to helm a $100 million-plus live-action film in A Wrinkle In Time, Ava DuVernay will continue to play in the event film sandbox. She’s closing a deal with Warner Bros and DC to direct a big-budget screen adaptation of The New Gods, the creation of revered comic book impresario Jack Kirby. The studio will quickly set a screenwriter who’ll craft the narrative and work closely with DuVernay.
This will be another $100M-plus film for DuVernay, who has taken quite a leap in scale since her breakout film Selma. She unveiled a New Gods connection late last year when she responded to a question on social media on who her favorite superhero is. “Big Barda. Many reasons” was her reply. Big Barda is one of the New Gods and the wife of Mister Miracle, also a Kirby creation.
This is a bold move for Warner Bros/DC and not just because this is the second superhero franchise they’ve handed to a female director after Patty Jenkins turned Wonder Woman into a crowd-pleasing blockbuster and is working on the sequel with Gal Gadot. Unlike recent DC fare, this is a freestanding world created and designed by Kirby back in 1971, not long after the prolific comic legend had exited Marvel.
There is no connection to the other DC worlds being exploited for film right now by Warner Bros, where studio boss Toby Emmerich and his newly installed DC production president Walter Hamada are moving forward with new approach to filmmakers on their DC-based fare.
The New Gods was the Genesis of the uber-villain Darkseid. Also called “Fourth World,” the Kirby creation debuted in a trilogy of related comics written and drawn by Kirby that were published in the very early 1970s: New Gods, Forever People and Mister Miracle. The New Gods came into existence after the world of the gods of classic mythology were destroyed during Ragnarok. The deities inhabit two planets: one is New Genesis, a lush paradise, and the other Apokolips, which sounds like Dante’s version of hell. War ensues. There is a rich universe of extraordinary characters for DuVernay to play with here. This will be a fun one to follow.
Source: Deadline
Bill Cosby Loses Latest Appeal In Defamation Case
Janice Dickinson can proceed with her defamation suit against Bill Cosby. In the last round of the ongoing legal battle, the California Supreme Court has rejected Cosby’s request to overturn an appeals court decision that favored Dickinson.
“That means our case against him, on behalf of our brave client Janice Dickinson, moves forward,” Dickinson’s attorney Lisa Bloom tweeted today. She said the state’s Supreme Court denied review of the lower court’s Dickinson-favored rulings on three out of three issues. (See her tweet below.)
The California Supreme Court posted the March 14 disposition – “Petitions for review denied” – on its website this morning.
Former model Dickinson sought — and last November was granted — court permission to make use of certain documents (including a Team Cosby press release and letter to press outlets) that she claims support her contention that Cosby defamed her as a liar. Dickinson has alleged that she was raped and drugged by Cosby in 1982, and that Cosby and members of his legal team accused her of lying when she later made the accusation.
Last November, California’s Second Appellate District court ruled that Dickinson could use the documents to prove her case. Dickinson also is seeking to include Cosby’s former lawyer Marty Singer as a defendant, which yesterday’s Supreme Court decision now allows.
At a hearing in October, the Court of Appeals rejected an earlier ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Debre Weintraub that dropped Singer from the case. At that time, Singer’s lawyer Jeremy B. Rosen told Deadline that Singer’s statements about Dickinson “are absolutely protected by the First Amendment as they simply set forth his opinions regarding the allegations plaintiff made about Mr. Singer’s then client.” Rosen vowed to take the issue to the California Supreme Court.
Source: Deadline
‘Young & Hungry’ Starring Kym Whitley Set To Return For Its Final Season On Freeform!
Freeform announced today fan-favorite comedy series “Young & Hungry” will return for its final season on Wednesday, June 20 at 8:00 PM EDT/PDT.
The final season (5B) sees Gabi and Josh finally together and in love, but now navigating their new status as a full-fledged couple. Meanwhile, the rest of Josh’s staff, Yolanda and Elliot, are grappling with the change in work dynamic with Gabi as the “woman of the house.” Sofia, Gabi’s best friend, who begins to feel like a third wheel with the new couple, sets out on her own path to find love.
Additionally, Freeform has ordered into development a “Young & Hungry” movie, from the same series creative team including David Holden, Caryn Lucas, Ashley Tisdale, and Eric and Kim Tannenbaum, that will further the adventures of Gabi, Josh and their circle of friends.
“Young & Hungry” is produced by Holden, Lucas, Tisdale, Jessica Rhoades and Eric and Kim Tannenbaum in association with CBS Television Studios. Gabi Moskowitz, of BrokeAssGourmet.com, is a San Francisco-based food blogger and contributed to the development of this project. The series stars Emily Osment, Jonathan Sadowski, Aimee Carrero, Kym Whitley and Rex Lee.
Freeform’s robust slate of original scripted series includes smash hit comedy “grown-ish,” and breakout series “The Bold Type;” along with buddy comedy “Alone Together;” supernatural thriller “Beyond;” “Famous In Love” starring Bella Thorne; critically acclaimed “The Fosters;” sci-fi phenomenon “Shadowhunters;” fan favorite “Young & Hungry;” the upcoming mermaid drama “Siren”, and the eagerly awaited series “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger,” coming in June 2018.
Jordan Peele And Keegan-Michael Key Teaming Up For New Netflix Stop-Motion Film!
It’s a Key and Peele reunion!
Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key are reuniting for an upcoming project at Netflix.
It is a stop-motion film, Wendell and Wild. Peele and Key will stars as the titular brothers, who are demons, “forced to face-off against their arch-enemy in order to earn their way out of hell.”
Peele, who won an Oscar for the script for Get Out, is writing with Henry Selick and Clay McLeod Chapman, based on an original script by Selick.
Peele is producing through his Monkeypaw Productions along with Selick and Ellen Goldsmith-Vein. Sarah Serata is co-producing and executive producers are Win Rosenfeld for Monkeypaw, Peter Principato and Joel Zadak for Principato-Young, Lindsay Williams and Eddie Gamarra for The Gotham Group.
Key and Peele won two Emmy awards for their show, Key and Peele.
SOurce: Shadow & Act
Watch The Trailer For Idris Elba’s Comedy Series Titled ‘In The Long Run’
Sky has debuted the first trailer for the Idris Elba comedy series, In The Long Run.
The series, which will air on Sky in the UK, is loosely based on his childhood. The cast stars Elba and also includes Bill Bailey, Kellie Shirley, Jimmy Akingbola and Mattie Boys.
Set in London 1985, In the Long Run is about the Easmon family. Amid the tower blocks and shell suits, life for Walter (Elba) and Evelyn Easmon is all about quiet routine. They arrived from Sierra Leone 13 years ago and are happy earning enough to pay the bills with a bit left over to send back home. Walter works hard alongside his mate and neighbor Bagpipes (Bill Bailey) at the local factory while Evelyn patrols the estate selling make-up door-to-door. Their British born son Akuna and his best mate Scott hang out on the estate playing football and doing their best to dodge the local thugs.
But when Walter’s brother Valentine arrives to the UK, his energy and lust for life changes everything. He crashes into their lives bringing laughter and chaos and igniting a passion for music in Akuna. And though he frustrates Evelyn and tests Walter’s patience, Akuna adores his ‘funcle’ Valentine because after all, he is family.
Exec Producers are Idris Elba and Gina Carter, Charlie Hanson is producing, Declan Lowney and Cecile Emeke direct and writers are Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis, Stuart Lane and Grace Ofori-Attah.
In the Long Run is a co-production between Green Door and Sprout Pictures.
Spike Lee In Talks To Direct Film On Marvel Superhero Known As ‘Nightwatch’!
Spike Lee is circling Sony’s Marvel film, Nightwatch as the potential director of a script which would be penned by Luke Cage showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker.
Nighwatch is a black scientist in the Spider-Man comics introduced first in 1993.
Here’s the official character description from Marvel:
Over ten years ago, Dr. Kevin Trench was attacked by the invisible Camouflage Cadre and rescued by a man called Nightwatch, who drove the Cadre back through a time portal before dying. Trench discovered his rescuer was an older version of himself. When his lover Ashley Croix’s plane was hijacked by A.I.M., Trench donned the Nightwatch’s super-powered battle-suit and confronted the hijackers, but the inexperienced Trench triggered an explosion, killing all aboard. Guilt-stricken, Trench exiled himself and the apparently indestructible battle-suit to a remote island. Croix, who had changed planes at the last minute, later married industrialist Damon Morelle and bore his son, Nolan, whose illness required frequent skin grafts. Financed by the secretive cabal Fold, Morelle initiated Project: Sharkskin to cure Nolan via a nano-technological bodysuit, destined to become Nightwatch’s battle-suit.
This is a part of the Marvel roster that Sony is developing, described to be “adjacent to the MCU.” The Venom film is out later this year and the Gina Prince-Bythewood-directed Silver & Black is in development.
Lee is currently in production on Black Klansman, produced by Jordan Peele
Hip Hop Artists Pitbull Joins STX’s Animated ‘UglyDolls’ Franchise Film
STX Entertainment has announced that the singer Pitbull is joining its UglyDolls franchise and will write and perform a song for the studio’s animated film.
Pitbull will also voice talent to one of the film’s key characters. STX also said Tuesday that it is also eyeing involvement from the entertainer for the studio’s expansive franchise plans across its other platforms where spinoff UglyDoll projects are in development at STXtv, STXdigital and STXsurreal VR.
“Pitbull’s amazing musical creativity and magnetic personality have captivated millions of adoring fans around the world,” Adam Fogelson, chairman of STXfilms, said. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with him, and look forward to showcasing his singular talent as we build the UglyDolls franchise.”
STXfilms will release “UglyDolls” in 2019 as a launch vehicle for the franchise. It has not yet set a specific date.
“It’s truly an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside the STX team and be involved with UglyDolls,” Pitbull said. “The brand takes a fun approach to universal messages no matter color, culture or creed. These are themes I am passionate about, and our team is very excited about this partnership.”
Variety first reported in 2015 that STX had launched a family and animation division with the “UglyDoll” movie as its first project in a deal with Pretty Ugly LLC, the toy company behind the critters. The toys subvert the idea of ugly by turning the adjective into a positive, and include characters such as Wage, Babo, Ice-Bat and Wedgehead.
Hulu Acquires ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ Starring Kerry Washington And Reese Witherspoon
After a competitive bidding war that ignited Hollywood, Hulu has obtained the rights to develop Little Fires Everywhere, the highly-anticipated limited series from Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, based on Celeste Ng’s 2017 bestseller, as a Hulu Original Series. The project will be produced by Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, Washington’s Simpson Street and ABC Signature Studios, and will join Hulu’s award-winning slate of original programming. Witherspoon and Washington will also star as leads in the series. Liz Tigelaar (“Life Unexpected,” “Casual”) will write and serve as showrunner and executive producer.
“Celeste wove a beautiful, riveting story that spoke to all of us, and when we heard the vision Reese, Kerry and Liz have for the series, we knew immediately that we had to bring it to Hulu,” said Hulu Chief Content Officer Joel Stillerman. “We’re honored to bring this powerful story to the screen with Hello Sunshine, in their first studio project. This is exactly the type of compelling and culturally relevant content that embodies our Hulu Originals brand.”
“At Hello Sunshine, we strive to shine a light on female-driven stories that are rooted in inspiration, emotion and truth – all of which form the bedrock of Celeste Ng’s ingenious work,” says Witherspoon. “Hulu has a rich history of transforming groundbreaking literature into groundbreaking television, and we are confident that their talented team will use this story to spur a long-overdue dialogue around race, class, and what it means to be a mother. With Kerry Washington, Liz Tigelaar and now Hulu, Hello Sunshine has brought together a dream lineup of creative collaborators, and we are privileged and humbled to have the opportunity to work with them to bring this important project to life.”
“As producers, we at Simpson Street are so proud to be part of this team to tell this extraordinary story inspired by Celeste Ng’s phenomenal novel and we are thrilled to be embarking on this journey with Hulu,” stated Washington. “As an actress, I am floored to have the opportunity to work alongside Reese Witherspoon exploring the rich themes of this story playing these dynamic characters.”
“We’re thrilled to be in business with these incredible women, each a powerhouse in her own right. This is another example of an exciting partnership for ABC Signature as we continue to build our production slate in the streaming space. We’re excited to have another project with our friends at Hulu, which is an ideal home for this project,” said Patrick Moran, President, ABC Studios/ABC Signature.
Hello Sunshine, in its first venture as a studio, and ABC Signature will serve as studio co-production partners on the project. Hello Sunshine is responsible for leading creative on the project.
“Little Fires Everywhere” was discovered by Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter prior to its publication. Reese chose the book as her September 2017 book club pick; it became an instant bestseller and has remained on countless top ten lists since its publication.
Reese Witherspoon then brought the book to Kerry Washington, and together they approached Liz Tigelaar to adapt and showrun the limited series.
Hello Sunshine and Simpson Street then approached ABC Signature to bring them into the fold, and Hello Sunshine and ABC Signature became studio co-production partners on the project.
Showrunner Liz Tigelaar most recently served as executive producer and showrunner of the Hulu Original Series Casual, which earned Hulu its first Golden Globe nomination. She will executive produce alongside Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter for Hello Sunshine, and Kerry Washington for Simpson Street, with Pilar Savone overseeing the project for their shingle. Ng will serve as producer.
Based on the New York Times Best Seller of the same name, Little Fires Everywhere follows the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and an enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. The story explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, the ferocious pull of motherhood – and the danger in believing that following the rules can avert disaster.
The series will join a string of high-profile original series on Hulu, including Catch-22, a six-part limited series from Director, Executive Producer and Star, George Clooney based on the seminal novel of the same name; Castle Rock, Hulu’s second project from J.J. Abrams and Stephen King following the success of 11.22.63 that will premiere later this summer; the multi Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning drama, The Handmaid’s Tale; The First, the latest project from Award-winning Creator Beau Willimon, with Academy Award Winner Sean Penn in his first starring TV role; and The Looming Tower, a limited series based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning expose by Lawrence Wright from Academy Award-nominated Writer Dan Futterman and Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning Director Alex Gibney that is now streaming on Hulu.
Comedian Tone Bell Lands Lead Role In CBS Comedy Titled ‘Fam’!
Tone Bell has been cast in a lead role in the CBS comedy pilot “Fam.”
In the multi-camera comedy, a woman’s dreams of an upstanding life with her new fiancé and his upstanding family are dashed when her younger train wreck half-sister comes to live with her to escape their train wreck of a father.
Bell will play Jay, a sophisticated NYU history professor who comes from old money, but is refreshingly unaffected and down-to-earth despite his refined background. Deeply in love with Clementine (Nina Dobrev), he proposes to her, much to the delight of his parents, who think Clem is a real catch. But he learns that Clem has not been completely honest about a few key elements in her life, including the fact that her father isn’t actually dead.
In addition to Bell and Dobrev, Odessa Adlon, Brian Stokes Mitchel, and Sheryl Lee Ralph will also star in the pilot.
Bell is also a stand up comedian will shoot his first one hour standup special for Showtime this spring. He most recently starred in the Netflix multi-cam “Disjointed.” He also made multiple appearances on the CBS comedy “9JKL” and starred in the NBC comedy “Truth Be Told.” His other television credits include “The Flash,” “Bad Judge,” and “Whitney.”
He is repped by CAA, Black Box Management, and Hansen Jacobson.
Corinne Kingsbury will write and executive produce “Fam.” Aaron Kaplan, Dana Honor, and Wendi Trilling will also executive produce. CBS Television Studios will produce with Kapital Entertainment. Scott Ellis will serve as director and executive producer of the pilot.
