That’s one way to end practice. Thanks for coming out today! #WhatTheFit
One of the most promising young stars in Hollywood has just landed yet another major gig.
Ashton Sanders, who starred in Moonlight, has been cast in a lead role for The Equalizer 2, alongside Denzel Washington. The movie will be directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Months ago in an interview during Oscars season, Sanders revealed that he would be working on a movie with Washington but couldn’t give details.
According to Deadline, Washington’s Robert McCall will be a father figure to Sanders’ character in the sequel.
The film starts production next month in Boston and is scheduled for a September 2018 release.
Melissa Leo and Bill Pullman are also cast members.
This will be Sanders’ second major role since Moonlight, as production just wrapped for Captive State, in which he is starring in with Vera Farmiga.
CBS comedy Superior Donuts has added Orange Is the New Black and Jane the Virgin‘s Diane Guerrero as a new series regular opposite Jermaine Fowler and Judd Hirsch for the upcoming second season.
Guerrero will play Sofia, a young Uptown gentrifier who parks her food truck, which serves healthy, socially conscious breakfast foods, in front of Arthur’s (Hirsch) old-school donut shop. Although Arthur assumes she’s an entitled millennial, Sofia actually is a hard-working, enterprising, self-made woman who has poured every penny into her food truck business, which she plans to turn into an empire. Her character will be introduced in the season premiere on October 30.
Written/executive produced by Bob Daily, Neil Goldman and Garrett Donovan based on the play by Tracy Letts, Superior Donuts follows the relationships among the gruff owner (Hirsch) of a small donut shop, his young and enterprising new employee (Fowler) and their loyal patrons in a quickly gentrifying Chicago neighborhood.
Last season, Guerrero was attached to star and executive produce In the Country We Love, a drama series based on her memoir about immigration, which was in development at CBS via CBS Studios with Jane the Virgin executive producers Jennie Snyder Urman, Ben Silverman and Paul Sciarrotta. Guerrero is repped by Abrams Artists Agency, Josh Taylor Vamnation Entertainment, and attorney Ryan LeVine.
Source: Deadline
Well, it’s about time for this woman’s story to be told. She was a known figure throughout New York in 1920s Harlem. She fought against other mobsters to maintain her independent business and was also considered an activist for the black community at the time. Her name was Stephanie St. Clair and now Tim Story and Zero Gravity Management are developing a pic at HBO Films about her life.
Nicole Asher has been hired to script the story about the woman who was an immigrant from the Caribbean and ended up running something known as the Policy Bank — which really was the precursor to the American lottery system.
Yes, it was in the time of organized crime and the money flowed, but when mobsters Dutch Schultz and Lucky Luciano and a corrupt police force tried to take over her criminal enterprise she fought fiercely against them and won those battles.
The project is based on book The World of Stephanie St. Clair: An Entrepreneur, Race Woman and Outlaw in the Early Twentieth Century Harlem by Shirley Stewart. Asher, an African American screenwriter, as we noted is penning the screenplay about the woman known as “Madame Queenie” or just “Queenie.” Story (through his The Story Company), Mark Holder and Christine Holder via Zero Gravity and Jeff Field are all executive producers. The co-executive producer is Doug Griffin (The Story Company).
St. Clair, who was portrayed by Cicely Tyson in the 1997 movie Hoodlum , was scrappy and smart and used her education and persistence to rebuff becoming a domestic and went into business for herself: running the numbers game. Bumpy Johnson was her right-hand man.
This is the second project based on St. Clair. Janet Jackson also had one in development at Lifetime with noted director Kenny Leon (Hairspray Live!, The Wiz Live!).
Asher (Coco) is the same writer who wrote the Madame CJ Walker story — a limited (10-episode) series with LeBron James and Octavia Spencer. She is repped by by Frank Wuliger at Gersh, Todd Schulkin at Schulkin Managment and Ron Levin of Levin Law Corp.
Zero Gravity Management also has on its slate Guantanamo Diary, based on the acclaimed international bestseller based on the life of Guantanamo prisoner Mohamadu Slahi, and Kennedy Women, a series based on the NY Times bestseller by Laurence Leamer. The company also is enjoying the success off the Netflix TV series Ozark which stars Jason Bateman.
Source: Deadline
Kevin Hart continues his travels across the country in search of fresh comedic voices in season two of Kevin Hart Presents: Hart of the City. Executive produced by Hart, Dave Becky of 3 Arts Entertainment, Leland “Pookey” Wigington, and Joey Wells, the eight-episode second season will premiere on Friday, November 3 at 11:00 p.m.
Hart of the City follows Hart through different destinations from coast to coast as he scouts the local stand-up scenes beyond NYC and LA. Each episode features stand-up sets from a different group of local comedians and round table interviews with Hart and those comedians discussing the comedy climate in their city. Season two visits Boston, Detroit, Jackson, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark, Phoenix, and Seattle.
Kevin Hart and Scott Eastwood were the latest celebrities to visit the Rams, and they seemed to get much more involved with the team than anyone else has.
Hart tried and failed to make catches, they did push-ups and they looked really tired throughout all of it. Meanwhile, the Rams added their own commentary on Snapchat.
Here’s how it all hilariously turned out:
It started with Hart and Eastwood at the team’s morning meeting.
.@KevinHart4real & @ScottEastwood kicking off morning meetings 😂 #WhatTheFit pic.twitter.com/M1HKLjreBP
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 24, 2017
Then, Hart provided everyone with plenty of laughs.
“I ain’t never let go of nothing in my life, coach!” –@KevinHart4real 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/AuJj3OpdJH
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 24, 2017
Hart apparently isn’t so great at football.
Gotta catch those, @KevinHart4real! #WhatTheFit pic.twitter.com/qPfUYpDUlU
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 24, 2017
The Rams poked fun at everything, including Hart’s inability to catch a football, asking, “Too much popcorn before practice?”
When practice ended, Hart told the team that he’s “leaving a fan of (their) organization.”
.@KevinHart4real racing a Ram in the 40-yard dash?That’s one way to end practice. Thanks for coming out today! #WhatTheFit
And there was of course a photo of 5-foot-4 Hart looking incredibly short.
Not a massive surprise this, but Universal is nonetheless looking at a sequel to the genuine summer sleeper hit, Girls Trip. The comedy succeeded at the summer box office where many failed, and has crossed over $100m at the US box office alone. Not bad, considering the movie cost less than $20m to make.
Thus, it seems that Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddish are set to reprise their roles. Producer Will Packer has confirmed to Vulture that there are sequel plans now, although as of yet, none of the stars have signed on the dotted line.
“We’re definitely talking about it”, he said. “The only thing harder than opening a studio comedy today is opening a studio comedy sequel. That’s the next challenge. I love our team. If anybody can do it, we can do it. It’s still a little early – the movie is still in theatres – but it’s something we’ve all thought about”.
There’s no green light just yet, but it does sound like this one will happen. As we hear more on the movie, we’ll let you know…
Two of the leading actresses from Paul Feig’s Bridesmaids will be reuniting to help solve a most unusual crime. Melissa McCarthy is already part of the offbeat puppet comedy The Happytime Murders, and now it has been reported that Maya Rudolph will be joining her.
The long-gestating Happytime Murders has gained a level of notoriety, due to the amount of time the film has been in development. In the planning stages with the Jim Henson Company ever since 2008, it’s only recently been fast-tracked for production. It was initially designed to be a parody of classic noir, with touches of L.A. Confidential and Pulp Fiction. The basic plot is reminiscent of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, with the usual playful Henson touches, albeit with a more mature feel and rumors of an R-rating. The plot focuses on a world where puppets are alive and living among humans, albeit with some prejudices against them. A hard-boiled puppet detective and his human counterpart look to solve a string of murders that are targeting the cast of a popular children’s show called “The Happytime Gang”. McCarthy signed on as the human lead of the film earlier this year, and a confirmed release date for August 2018 was also recently announced.
As casting continues, the comic actress will now be joined by a fellow star from Bridesmaids, as Maya Rudolph is also now part of the cast. While it has been previously suggested that McCarthy is playing the human partner to the puppet detective, the role which Rudolph is taking is not yet known. It could be friend or foe, and the possibility exists that Rudolph could be voicing a puppet as opposed to playing another human character. But no more further details exist at the moment, and even the names of the characters are not yet known.
The casting news is at least a sure sign that the project is definitely moving on after years in development hell. The director is Brian Henson (Muppet Treasure Island), who is also chairman of the Henson company and the son of the late, great Jim Henson himself. Over the years, the pre-production has bounced in and out of the limelight as both Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx were reportedly offered starring roles in the film, with all plans subsequently leading to nothing. But with the schedule now moving forward, it looks like that release date is still on the cards.
The first time McCarthy and Rudolph were in the same film (Bridesmaids), it ended up grossing a very large $288m worldwide. They will also be seen together prior to this excursion in McCarthy and Ben Falcone’s comedy Life Of The Party, which is due for release in May 2018. Whatever roles they take in The Happytime Murders, hopefully their previous cinema history will bode well and some of the success can be passed over to this promisingly offbeat movie.
LAS VEGAS (July 17, 2017) – Kevin Hart and Hartbeat Productions announce the return of HartBeat Weekend at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with headliners Dave Chappelle and Usher. The fourth annual weekend event will span Sept. 1 – 3, 2017 and feature the best in music and comedy.
International superstar Usher kicks off Friday night with an explosive concert at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan followed by Kevin Hart & Friends comedy set on Saturday night. Sunday will feature a can’t-miss show as Kevin Hart brings legend Dave Chapelle to the HartBeat stage, creating what is sure to be one of the most iconic nights in comedy history.
“I can’t wait for HartBeat Weekend 2017. Every year gets better and better,” remarked Hart.
A portion of the weekend’s proceeds will support Kevin Hart Charities benefitting BrittiCares International. Britticares is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to finding new and better ways to improve the quality of life for children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Hart has worked with the BrittiCares organization over the years including designing custom dream-like bedrooms specific to each child’s wish.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Kevin Hart and Hartbeat Weekend again, it has meant so much to us, the children and families that have been helped over the years.” stated Shirelle Henderson, Founder of Britticares International.
THE HARTBEAT WEEKEND FULL LINEUP:
FRIDAY, SEPT. 1
HartBeat Weekend Concert with Usher Hosted by Kevin Hart
The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Show at 9 p.m.; Doors open at 8 p.m.
Tickets: GA prices starting at $49
Eight-time Grammy-Award winner Usher joins the wildly popular weekend with a concert at The Chelsea. Usher has been ranked by the Recording Industry Association of America as one of the best-selling artists in American music history, having sold over 65 million albums worldwide. He has won numerous awards including eight Grammy Awards and was named the #1 Hot 100 artist of the 2000s decade. Billboard named him the second most successful artist of the 2000s decade, with his career-propelling 2004 album “Confessions” being ranked as the top solo album of the 2000s decade. Usher has attained nine Hot 100 #1 hits (all as a lead artist) and 18 Hot 100 top-10 singles. 2016 proved to be a big year for Usher not only in Music but also in Film and his philanthropic endeavors. Musically, Usher released his much anticipated 8th studio album entitled “Hard II Love” which has already spawned his 15th number one single with the song “No Limit.”
SATURDAY, SEPT. 2
HartBeat Weekend Kevin Hart & Friends Comedy Show
The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Show 1 at 7 p.m.; Doors open at 6 p.m.
Show 2 at 10:30 p.m.; Doors open at 9:30 p.m.
GA and reserved prices starting at $49
Guests must be 18+ to attend
Hosted by Hart, HartBeat Weekend features comedic, stand-up performances of Kevin Hart & Friends inside The Chelsea. The evening will showcase stand-up acts by Hart’s uproarious comedian comrades.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 3
HartBeat Weekend Presents Dave Chappelle Live
The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Show 9 p.m.; Doors open at 7p.m.
GA and reserved prices starting at $69
Dave Chappelle is a comedian, actor, and producer who’s brash, clever, in-your-face brand of humor has made him one of the most respected entertainers of his generation. The panoramic monologue he delivered during his debut on Saturday Night Live was the highest rated SNL in three years. In March 2017, Chappelle returned to television via streaming giant Netflix with two highly-anticipated specials, The Art of Spin, and Deep in the Heart of Texas, filmed in Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX respectively. Esquire Magazine has called him “the comic genius of America,” and he was featured on the cover of GQ Magazine’s Man of the Year issue in 2015. In April 2017, he graced the cover of The New York Times’ T-Magazine.
For more information, please visit: www.hartbeatweekend.com
To apply for Press Credentials, please visit: http://hartbeatweekend.com/2017/press/
Tickets for HartBeat Weekend events are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com. Tickets can also be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800.745.3000.
Netflix presents a celebration to top all celebrations in honor of the 25th anniversary of “Def Comedy Jam,” the iconic show that made giants out of ferociously funny black comedians like Martin Lawrence, Cedric The Entertainer, Dave Chappelle, Monique, Mike Epps, Adele Givens, JB Smoove, D.L. Hughley, Tracy Morgan and Sheryl Underwood to name a few.
Scheduled to appear are; Bill Bellamy, Cedric the Entertainer, Dave Chappelle, Mike Epps, Adele Givens, Eddie Griffin, Tiffany Haddish, Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Kid Capri, Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan, Craig Robinson, JB Smoove, Sommore, Joe Torry, Sheryl Underwood and Katt Williams.
Def Comedy Jam 25 celebrates the impact and legacy of the long-running comedy series with surprise guests, tributes and performances in a can’t-miss evening of unbelievably funny and raw moments. Stan Lathan, Russell Simmons, Sandy Wernick and Jesse Collins serve as executive producers.
Def Comedy Jam 25 will launch exclusively on Netflix this fall.
“Insecure” creator and star Issa Rae has joined Fox 2000’s coming-of-age drama “The Hate U Give” opposite Amandla Stenberg, Variety has learned exclusively.
George Tillman Jr. is directing from Audrey Wells’ script, adapted from Angela Thomas’ debut novel of the same name.
Additional cast members include Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, Algee Smith, Lamar Johnson, and Common. Rae will play April, the activist that helps Stenberg’s character find her voice and speak up.
Stenberg plays a 16-year-old girl named Starr who grew up in a poverty-stricken area, but now attends a suburban prep school. After she witnesses a police officer shoot her unarmed best friend, she’s torn between her two very different worlds as she tries to speak her truth.
Rae and Larry Wilmore created HBO’s “Insecure,” which follows the friendship of two black women as they deal with their own real-life flaws and a seemingly endless series of uncomfortable everyday experiences. Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, and Lisa Joyce star in the show, which returned for its eight-episode second season on July 23 and was renewed for a third season on Aug. 8.
Rae also executive produces “Insecure” along with showrunner Prentice Penny, Melina Matsoukas, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Becky, and Jonathan Berry. She is represented by UTA and 3 Arts.
Source: Variety