Meagan Good (“Shazam!”), Jabari Banks (“Bel-Air”) and Bailee Madison (“Pretty Little Liars”) will star in “Rocky Top College,” the latest screenplay by former NBA player turned filmmaker Jarnell Stokes.
Directed by Jamal Hill (“Sins of the Father”), “Rocky Top College” follows the harrowing journey of Zion Williams, a young African American basketball prodigy from Memphis. After being suspended during his highly anticipated senior year, the nation’s No. 1 ranked prep phenom shocks the sports world by enrolling in a small-time college to continue his quest for NBA stardom. But once on campus, a series of peculiar and disturbing events has him questioning his decision whilst fighting to hold onto his fleeting sanity.
“This story is deeply personal, inspired by real-life experiences, and I’m grateful to have such a talented team helping bring it to life,” said Stokes. “Like Zion, I once walked this path. Basketball was my anchor in an unforgiving world, and I want this film to show young people that hope, and healing are always within reach.”
Stokes will produce the project under his Stoked Bros banner alongside Emmy-nominated producer Aisha Wynn, Nigel Thomas and Rick Benattar. Good will serve as executive producer with Shondrella Avery, Sean Mik’ael Butler, Patrick Strøm, Isaiah Stokes, and Beth Fryman Poulin of Stoked Sports.
Filming is set to begin this month on location in Louisville, Ky.
“The moment Jarnell shared this story with me, I knew it was something special. ‘Rocky Top College’ is more than a sports film – it’s a gripping journey of resilience, and purpose,” said Hill. “We’re exploring the depths of our young hero’s psyche, blending suspense with a unique twist to create an unforgettable experience. I’m excited to bring another production to Kentucky and share this story with the world.”
Good added, “This marks my third time working with Jamal Hill, and my admiration for him began after seeing ‘Brotherly Love’ at its premiere. Beyond being a fan of his artistry, I deeply respect his unique ability to communicate with actors and his collaborative spirit, which leads with confidence without compromising vision. I’m incredibly excited for what we’re about to create together.”
The announcement comes as Stoked Bros continues to make waves in the film industry with powerful upcoming projects like the Cuba Gooding, Jr.-led “Break the Cycle” and “American Smuggler” starring Dennis Haysbert. It also comes on the heels of the company’s launch of sister company Stoked Sports & Entertainment, a full-service management and production company focused on helping athletes and other crossover talent make the leap into film and TV.
Good is repped by Gersh Agency and Atlas Artists. Banks is with WME and Frontline Management, while Madison is represented by Aaron Brown of UTA. Hill is represented by Cultivate Entertainment Partners and IAG. Stokes is repped by Ryan Saul of Evoke Entertainment.
Source: Variety
Mo’Nique is doubling down on the message she delivered to Shannon Sharpe. While on stage for a show, Mo’Nique reminded the crowd, “Yes, I told that n—a Shannon Sharpe leave the white women alone.”
Spike Lee has released the first trailer for his A24 and Apple-backed crime thriller “Highest 2 Lowest” starring Denzel Washington, A$AP Rocky, and more. The movie will be released in theaters August 22 and stream on Apple TV+ starting Sept. 5 after world premiering later this month at the Cannes Film Festival.
Written by William Alan Fox, “Highest 2 Lowest” is loosely based on Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low,” which follows a businessman deciding whether or not to use his wealth to further his career or save a child’s life. Both “Highest 2 Lowest” and “High and Low” are reinterpretations of Ed McBain’s mystery novel “The King’s Ransom.”
“One of the best things about film school is that you get introduced to world cinema, not just Hollywood,” Lee said about the film last year at the Red Sea Film Festival. “Seeing Kurosawa’s film ‘Rashomon’ and its structure inspired me to make ‘She’s Gotta Have It.’ In ‘Rashomon,’ you have three people who witness a rape, and each gives their own opinion of what happened. In ‘She’s Gotta Have It,’ Nola Darling has three boyfriends who each see her in a different way. From the very beginning of my career, I was influenced by Kurosawa.”
The film marks the fifth collaboration between Lee and Washington. “I’m just glad we got five in,” Lee said of working with Washington. “Highest 2 Lowest” also stars Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, Dean Winters, John Douglas Thompson and rapper Ice Spice.
The film, produced by A24, Escape Artists, Mandalay Pictures, 40 Acres and a Mule and Filmworks, began production in New York City and wrapped with cinematographer Matthew Libatique in May 2024.
Watch the trailer for “Highest 2 Lowest” below.
Hartbeat, the global entertainment company at the intersection of comedy and culture, along with Color Farm Media, has announced a new podcast series, ReLiving Single, hosted by real-life best friends and Living Single stars Erika Alexander and Kim Coles. ReLiving Single is the official unofficial rewatch series, offering a fresh, in-depth look at the iconic ’90s show that redefined comedy, friendship, dating, and the Black experience for a generation. From “Ride the Maverick” mishaps to classic “woo woo woo” wisdom, each episode delivers behind-the-scenes stories, unforgettable moments, and surprise guest appearances, giving both longtime fans and new viewers a front-row seat to the legacy of Living Single.
ReLiving Single is the newest addition to Hartbeat’s expanding portfolio of original audio content, joining hit series like Gold Minds with Kevin Hart, One Song with Diallo Riddle and Luxxury, and Petty Crimes with Ceara Jane O’Sullivan and Griff Stark-Ennis.
WHO:
WHEN: “ReLiving Single” premieres Wednesday, May 7th and new episodes release weekly on Wednesdays.
WHERE: Watch on The “ReLiving Single” YouTube channel [HERE] and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
In this episode, we discuss which team we would like to see Giannis Antetokounmpo demand a trade to this off-season if he demands a trade out of Milwaukee.
We also talk about which stars we think SHOULD be traded this season and more!
This episode features comedian Maurice Smith and filmmaker Jason Hayes!
Watch it above!
In this episode, we discuss Tyrese Haliburton’s Dad, John Haliburton, storming the court and confronting Milwaukee Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo after the Indiana Pacers wrapped up the series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo got into a heated confrontation with Haliburton’s Dad, and we discuss what we think the NBA should do moving forward after this disrespectful exchange.
#IndianaPacers #MilwaukeeBucks #TyreseHaliburton #NFL #NBA #MLB #comedy #comedygrind #funny #hilarious #Laugh #BoxSeats #lies #Fall #Sports #Quit #Quitters
In this episode, we discuss some of the craziest things ever done by retired athletes, as we also discuss the NFL draft.
We also have a lot of comedy as we discuss some of the most obscene gestures ever done on camera during a game.
Check out the new episode featuring comedians Thomas Ward and Marc Howard!
2025 Induction Ceremony Set for Saturday, Nov. 8, in Los Angeles and Airing Live on Disney+
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation pulled back the curtain on its 2025 Inductees – a powerhouse lineup of trailblazers, icons and music legends who have shaped the ever-evolving sounds of Rock & Roll. This year’s announcement delivered live by Ryan Seacrest on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode of “American Idol,” setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration of music’s highest honor.
Performer Category:
Bad Company
Chubby Checker
Joe Cocker
Cyndi Lauper
Outkast
Soundgarden
The White Stripes
Musical Influence Award:
Salt-N-Pepa
Warren Zevon
Musical Excellence Award:
Thom Bell
Nicky Hopkins
Carol Kaye
Ahmet Ertegun Award:
Lenny Waronker
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will be live on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. The 2025 ceremony will once again stream live on Disney+, with a special airing on ABC at a later date and available on Hulu the next day.
“Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of Rock & Roll forever,” said John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “Their music gave a voice to generations and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps.”
The Inductees were announced live on ABC this evening by Ryan Seacrest during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode of “American Idol,” where the Top 14 American Idol finalists took on songs from legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees as America voted live for the Top 12. The episode will be available next day on Hulu.
To be eligible for induction, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Bad Company, and Outkast are first-time nominees, whereas Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes have all been nominated before.
The Induction categories include the following:
Performers: artists who have created music whose originality, impact and influence has changed the course of rock & roll
Musical Influence Award: artists whose music and performance style have directly influenced, inspired, and evolved rock & roll and music impacting culture
Musical Excellence Award: given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence have had a dramatic impact on music
Ahmet Ertegun Award: non-performing industry professionals who have had a major influence on the creative development and growth of rock & roll and music that has impacted culture.
Ticket on-sale information will be announced at a later date. Select Rock & Roll Hall of Fame donors and members receive exclusive Induction ticket opportunities. Donate or join by June 30 to be eligible. Visit rockhall.com/membership to learn more.
New York, NY – April 28, 2025 – Today, BET+ and BET Studios announced the season two greenlight of “DIARRA FROM DETROIT,” the critically acclaimed dramedy from creator, executive producer, writer, and star Diarra Kilpatrick. Bryan Terrell Clark, DomiNque Perry, and Jon Chaffin are confirmed to return as series regulars in the upcoming season, continuing their dynamic roles alongside Kilpatrick.
“Following a breakout first season that quickly became a favorite among both fans and critics, BET Studios is excited to bring DIARRA FROM DETROIT back to BET+ for season two,” said Aisha Summers Burke, Executive Vice-President, and General Manager, BET Studios. “Diarra’s voice is bold, original, and unapologetically real—exactly the kind of storytelling that resonates deeply with our audience. This next chapter raises the stakes while keeping the same sharp wit and heart that made the series a standout.”
“DIARRA FROM DETROIT” quickly captivated audiences and critics alike with its genre-blending storytelling, razor-sharp wit, and standout performances. The series was named one of the Best TV Shows of 2024 by Deadline, Rolling Stone, and Variety, and has held a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score since its March 2024 premiere. Rolling Stone hailed it “one hell of an entertaining cross-hybrid series” and “among the year’s most pleasant TV surprises,” Variety called it “refreshing, captivating, and unapologetically Black,” and The Hollywood Reporter praised it as “a sparkling showcase for creator-star Diarra Kilpatrick.”
The accolades have continued into 2025, with the series earning two Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations and nominations from the NAACP Image Awards and GLAAD Media Awards. Kilpatrick was also honored with a Gracie Award for Actress in a Breakthrough Role (Drama). During its linear run on BET in early 2025, the show solidified its hit status, ranking as the No. 1 new series on cable among Black viewers year-to-date and topping key demos including Black adults 18-49, 25-54, and total Black viewers 2+.* Among all scripted cable series, it currently ranks second overall with Black audiences 18-49 & 25-54, just behind BET long-running hit Tyler Perry’s Sistas.*
“We’re excited to be back and grateful for the opportunity to take viewers on another very wild, very Detroit adventure,” said Diarra Kilpatrick.
“It has been incredible watching fans and critics embrace this show in the way that they have and we’re so excited to be back for more,” said Kenya Barris, executive producer. “Last season proved just how wildly talented Diarra Kilpatrick is and I, for one, can’t wait for everyone to see what her and the team have in store this time around.”
Season one followed a divorcing schoolteacher who refuses to believe she’s been ghosted by her rebound Tinder date. Her determined search leads her into a decades-old mystery rooted in the Detroit underworld. As the case deepens, she enlists the help of her coworkers, friends, and lovers—forming an unlikely crew navigating danger and secrets.
Produced by BET Studios and Khalabo Ink Society, “DIARRA FROM DETROIT” is executive produced by Diarra Kilpatrick, Kenya Barris, and Miles Orion Feldsott.
Production for the new season and a premiere will be announced at a later date.
Universal has set an April 10, 2026 theatrical release for the Kat Coiro directed Italianna.
The movie’s plot is under wraps for the Ryan Engle penned fesature which stars Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid, The Color Purple) and Regé-Jean Page (Black Bag, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves).
The pic is based on an original idea by Ryan Engle and Kristin Engle. Will Packer and Johanna Byer are producing through Will Packer Productions’ first look deal with Universal Pictures. Coiro directed the Jennifer Lopez-Owen Wilson Universal romcom Marry Me. That movie went Peacock and theatrical day-and-date and grossed $50.5M worldwide.
Currently, Italianna stands as the only major studio release in the post Easter corridor next year, the holiday falling on April 5. Universal currently has the Easter release date on hold with an untitled Illumination Animation film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.
Other 2026 releases for Universal with actual titles or proper nouns connected to them include Soulm8te (Jan. 2), Reminders of Him (Feb. 13), Mike Flanaghan’s Exorcist movie (March 13), Steven Spielberg’s Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor sci-fi event movie (June 12), Minions 3 (July 1), Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey (July 17), DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island (Sept. 25), a Blumhouse title on Oct. 9, Jordan Peele’s fourth movie on Oct. 23, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek 5 (Dec. 23), and Focus Features’ Robert Eggers monster movie Werwulf on Christmas Day.
Uni has the following dates on hold for untitled event films: May 15, Nov. 13, Nov. 25, and Dec. 4.
Source: Deadline