HBO is billing its unscripted series starring Jerrod Carmichael as following the comedian on a “tumultuous quest for love, sex, and truth.” The trailer suggests that quest won’t be a smooth one.
The two-minute trailer for Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, which will have a premiere at SXSW Sunday before its on-air debut March 29, showcases a host of squirmy moments featuring Carmichael and his parents — including a gas station mishap with an RV — and a conversation with someone who apparently didn’t want his face on camera and thus appears wearing a ski mask and goggles and with his voice altered.
The masked man also takes issue with Carmichael’s assertion that he wants to “maintain being truthful on camera.” “This is not truth,” the mystery man replies. “This is narrative that will be edited … that’s not true.”
Carmichael also says in the trailer that he’s “trying to self-Truman Show myself,” referencing the Jim Carrey movie about a man who doesn’t know his entire life has been staged for TV cameras. The clip also showcases the comedian’s romantic relationship (he came out as gay in his 2022 special Rothaniel) and his hopes of reconnecting with his parents, who he says did not react well to his coming out. The trailer then ends with an extremely awkward 20 seconds of Carmichael discussing different kinds of gay men while his dad sits stone-faced next to him.
Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show is executive produced by Carmichael, director Ari Katcher, Eli Despres, Susie Fox, Josh Kriegman, and Elyse Steinberg of Edgeline Films. Maya Seidler produces for Edgeline Films.
Watch the trailer below.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Carl Anthony Payne II (Martin, Binged to Death), Acoryé White (Juanita, Under the Stadium Lights), Psalms Salazar (P-Valley), and Guxci (Night Games) have signed on to star in the indie horror feature The Grove.
The script is co-written by White and Patrycja Kępa, who will also co-direct under their Anchored Lens Productions company. The project follows the pair’s previous collaboration on 2023’s Trinket Box.
The Grove follows a soldier’s homecoming, which takes a dark turn when he forgets to take an experimental medication, triggering a deadly descent into animalistic madness. What was supposed to be a relaxing lake house getaway with friends becomes a fight for survival, testing the limits of love and sanity.
Alestair Shu (Shelter), Graham Edmonds (S.W.A.T.), influencer Anushka Van Lent (When the Ringlights Dim), Jesus Venegas (Bosch Legacy), and Jolena Wu (Eiknuj) round out the supporting cast.
Trinket Box executive producers Tru’Kessa S. Scott, Nelson E. Barnes Jr., and Kennan Walay are all returning for The Grove. Stacey Johnson is also on board as an associate producer. Production is set to start in Atlanta this April, with plans to debut at the Dreamscape International Film Festival in September 2024.
Acoryé White is repped by J Pervis Talent and Robert Stein Management. Carl Anthony Payne II is repped by J Pervis Talent. Psalms Salazar is repped by Aperture Talent. Guxci is repped by Affinity Artists Agency and Bravura Entertainment & Management.
Source: Deadline
The concept of solving crime is serious business, but if there exists anyone who could possibly make it humourous, that would be the bad boys of the Miami-Dade Police Department, Detectives Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett. Played by Will Smith and co-star Martin Lawrence, the pair have, in the years since the first Bad Boys film arrived in 1995, built an action-packed, comedic franchise that has withstood the test of time. After what seemed like its final hoorah with 2020’s Bad Boys For Life, the franchise has gone on to add a fourth installment. The sequel was initially plagued by industry strikes in 2023, but months after resuming production, Bad Boys 4 has now officially wrapped filming.
The announcement comes from Smith who, while giving the exciting update via his Instagram profile, also offered the first official look at the sequel. Smith took to his social media to share an image from the movie, seeing him alongside Lawrence reprising their roles as Miami-Dade detectives, Lowrey and Burnett. The two longtime friends are pictured fist-bumping as they stand in front of a Ferris wheel. The post was captioned, “WRAPPED! Nothin’ but Magic every time I’m with my guy. See y’all June 7 for BADBOYS 4!!“
Smith is quite right, the duo of himself and Lawrence have, in the three previous installments of the franchise, produced serious magic for Sony. The box office numbers for the studio would attest as much. With Bad Boys For Life‘s final tally of $426 million at the box office, which brought the franchise’s total to $840 million worldwide, the third film proved to be the most successful installment of the franchise. The decision to return for another run could prove to be a commercial goldmine.
Now just one year short of being three decades old, the Bad Boys franchise will for its fourth, and possibly final run welcome back some familiar faces. It was revealed recently that Jacob Scipio who plays Armando Aretas, the estranged son of Will Smith’s character, will return for another run in Bad Boys 4 after his explosive introduction in Bad Boys for Life. Other stars set to return include Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, and DJ Khaled. The role of Theresa Burnett, the wife of Lawrence’s character, who was previously portrayed by Theresa Randle, has been recast with Tasha Smith taking over. Bad Boys For Life directors, Adil El ArbiandBilall Fallah will be returning with some newcomers to the cast, including Rhea Seehorn, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, and Joyner Lucas.
Bad Boys 4 will premiere on June 7, 2024. See the new set image below.
Montreal’s Just for Laughs, a major institution in Canadian entertainment, is in danger of shutting down. The festival’s parent company, Groupe Juste pour rire inc. (JPR), announced Tuesday the cancellation of the festival’s 2024 edition. JPR has filed a Notice of intention to make a proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, which allows the festival to seek investors or purchasers with the goal of avoiding bankruptcy. The company also reportedly laid off around 75 employees, or 70% of its staff.
The festival, founded in 1983, has grown into a major cultural force in Canada, expanding into Toronto and Vancouver as well as presenting comedy and performance events year-round. JFL brings major international acts like Kevin Hart and John Mulaney to Canadian stages, while its showcases have become coveted opportunities for rising comedians. The festival has also faced its share of internal problems — founder Gilbert Rozon resigned in 2017 following sexual assault allegations that spanned several decades.
JPR says that the festival’s current financial problems come from the loss of revenue during two years of lockdown, while overhead costs remained, as well as other factors like inflation and media consolidation, which pose challenges to the live performance industry. “The decision to initiate restructuring proceedings was reached after thorough consideration of all options available to the company,” a news release states, “taking into account its very difficult financial situation given the significant changes in our business landscape in recent years.”
Other Canadian festivals like the Vancouver Folk Festival have faced similar existential threats coming out of lockdown, while some like FVDED in the Park have re-worked their programming.
JPR says the festival will spend time re-structuring, with hopes of returning in 2025. Bell and Osheaga promoter Evenko own 51% of JPR, while American agency CAA owns the other 49%, according to Canadian Press. In addition to the Montreal festival, upcoming JFL events advertised on the festival’s website include Moontower — JFL’s partner festival in Austin, Texas — as well as two events in London, England.
Jamie Foxx is returning to once again host Fox’s musical game show “Beat Shazam,” after he took last season off in the wake of his hospitalization for a still-undisclosed medical emergency. Nick Cannon took over as host last season.
Foxx’s daughter, Corinne Foxx, is also back as the show’s co-host DJ, after she was temporarily replaced last season by Kelly Osbourne. Scroll down to see a first look.
Jamie Foxx is also executive producer on “Beat Shazam,” which premieres its Season 7 on Tuesday, May 28 at 8 p.m. ET on Fox (and streaming on Hulu). This season’s themed episodes will include teams of fathers, siblings, teachers, heroes and mothers.
“Jamie and Corinne are the heart and soul of Beat Shazam,” Fox Entertainment unscripted prexy Allison Wallach said in a statement. “As our undeniably dynamic father-daughter hosting team, they bring a relationship like no other to a show like no other, and it’s wonderful having them back on set this season.”
“Beat Shazam” features contestants trying to identify hit songs and eventually take on song ID app Shazam for the chance to win $1 million dollars. So far, “Beat Shazam” has given away more than $10 million dollars over six seasons.
Apploff Entertainment, MGM Alternative Television and BiggerStage are behind the show, along with Shazam. “Beat Shazam” was created by Jeff Apploff and Wes Kauble; Apploff, Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick, Lauren Zalaznick, Pat Kiely, Sean O’Riordan and Jamie Foxx are executive producers.
Here’s a first look at Season 7:
Source: Variety
Comic View originally debuted in 1992 and now following a 16-year absence, the series returns with all new episodes on BET+ coming this March.
Filmed last year in front of a live audience during Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Weekend in Las Vegas, the four episodes hosted by Mike Epps will feature a comedy showcase from the likes of Tommy Davidson, Brandi Denise, DC Young Fly, Jayski, Navv Greene, Tony Roberts, Lavar Walker, Bresha Webb, and Tacarra Williams.
This also marks the standup debut for rapper T.I.
The original Comic View debuted in 1992 on BET, and spotlighted an array of new and veteran comedians from across the country. Over the years, the series was hosted by D.L. Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer, Kevin Hart, Sommore, and others. The final episode aired in December 2008.
When the reboot was first announced in July 2023, Hart said in a statement, “I’m thrilled to partner with BET for the return of ‘Comic View’ as part of Hartbeat Weekend making this can’t-miss celebration of comedy, music and culture. Having hosted ‘Comic View’ in the past, I understand first-hand the incredible platform this franchise offers for comedians to showcase their talents on a national stage and I’m excited to continue that tradition in Las Vegas.”
Scott Mills, BET President and CEO, added, “Over 30 years ago, ComicView set the footprint for stand-up specials and launched the careers of some of today’s mega-comedy stars,” he continued. “We can’t wait to see this new group of talented and rising comedians. We are so proud to work with this all-star production team, including Mike Epps, and the impressive roster of talent that will bring you the best comedy you’ll see all year long.”
The new Comic View premieres on Thursday, Mar. 14, exclusively on BET+. Watch BET+ free with a free trial here.
Source: Yahoo
CNN — Jamie Foxx has some jokes to tell.
The Oscar winner posted a funny video of himself on Instagram from his 2002 HBO special “I Might Need Security” in which he is doing an impression of Prince. Foxx teased his possible return to the standup stage.
“PRINCE singing the Brady Bunch theme song was a moment… I’m planning on bringing more moments,” Foxx wrote in a caption. “Going to get on somebody’s stage somewhere near you. I got some jokes, and a story to tell…”
The joke was based around Foxx’s impersonation of how various musicians would perform the theme song for “The Brady Bunch.”
Before his acting career, Foxx was a cast member on the ’90s sketch show “In Living Color.” He won an Oscar for his performance of Ray Charles in 2004’s “Ray.”
In April 2023, he was midway through working on a new Netflix movie, “Back in Action,” costarring Cameron Diaz, when he suffered a medical complication.
After time away from the public, Foxx resumed filming again in January.
Multi-talented actor and comedian Marlon Wayans has his sights set on the comedy stage once again, this time with his latest uproarious venture, “Marlon Wayans: Good Grief,” on Amazon Prime Video.
In what marks his fourth stand-up special, and set to air this summer, the versatile entertainer is poised to deliver a side-splitting performance at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. Armed with his trademark wit and irrepressible energy, Wayans dives into the depths of personal loss, grappling with the profound grief of losing both parents. From poignant reflections on the lessons imparted by his father to the unexpected challenges of caring for aging parents, including the uncharted territory of changing diapers, no topic is off-limits. And for those initiated into the “Dead Mama Club,” Wayans offers a hilarious yet heartfelt glimpse into this exclusive fraternity.
But it’s not all somber reflections—Wayans promises a riotous journey through family dynamics, revealing his candid take on which Wayans sibling reigns supreme in the humor department.
Recently featured on Variety’s Stand-Up Comedy roundtable for his previous hit HBO Max special, “God Loves Me,” Wayans teased audiences with a taste of the comedic gold awaiting in his upcoming show, bantering alongside comedy heavyweights Tom Segura, Sam Jay, and Matt Rife.
This latest endeavor adds another feather to Wayans’ cap, following his successful first-look deal with HBO Max, where he not only delivered a standout stand-up special, “Marlon Wayans: You Know What It Is,” but also showcased his talent as a host in the multi-act extravaganza, “Marlon Wayans Presents: The Headliners.” Let’s not forget his Netflix debut with the side-splitting “Woke-ish,” which solidified his status as a comedic force.
Beyond the laughter, Wayans’ cinematic legacy speaks volumes, with starring roles in the wildly popular “Scary Movie” franchises, as well as critically acclaimed performances in Darren Aronofsky’s “Requiem for a Dream” and Sofia Coppola’s “On the Rocks,” collectively amassing a staggering $1 billion globally.
Venturing into new territories, Wayans recently graced the screen alongside industry Oscar heavyweights Matt Damon, Viola Davis, and Ben Affleck in Amazon MGM’s biographical dramedy “Air,” delving into the high-stakes world of Nike’s pursuit of basketball legend Michael Jordan in the ’80s.
And the hits just keep on coming for Wayans, with his upcoming role in Justin Tipping’s psychological sports thriller “Goat,” produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, slated to film this spring.
Wayans is repped by 3 Arts, WME, Vision PR, and Kevin Yorn / Ryan Goodell at Morris Yorn.
Source: Variety
Donald “Childish Gambino” Glover has hinted at getting back on stage for some comedic relief.
While recently speaking with The Hollywood Reporter about his newest TV venture Mr. & Mrs. Smith, the multifaceted star revealed that he still thinks about doing stand-up comedy and still writes down jokes in his spare time.
“I still write jokes down and I think about it,” he said. “I asked Bill Burr where to go, and I had a list, and I was just like, ‘Is it something that I feel like I need to do right now?’ Maybe it’s just a nice thing that’s there that you can try to do again if you want.”
Glover also admitted that Chris Rock is the reason he’s been thinking about the comedy space more recently. “Thought about it… Chris Rock had said, like, ‘When are you going to do it again? No one gets really good at it until their 40s, except for Eddie [Murphy].”
The “This Is America” rapper also doubled down on his 2023 sentiments about getting back in the studio to record music. “I want to, but I sort of feel the same about music as I do about stand-up right now,” he said.
At the top of 2023 during the Golden Globes, Glover teased, “I’m actually in the studio. I’ve been bringing people in, like secret people, working on little things. I’ve been just making it for fun right now. But soon something will happen. I promise.”
In December of last year, the 40-year-old also confirmed with TMZ that he was working on a new body of work, although there hasn’t been any news of a release since then.
“Another album soon,” he said at the time.
Whether the Atlanta writer will be hitting the stage for comedy or music, fans will just have to wait and see.
Source: VIBE
Jay Pharoah (SNL, The Blackening) has been set as the host of Fox‘s new game The Quiz with Balls. The series is set to premiere this summer.
As Deadline exclusively revealed earlier this month, the quiz show pits brains against balls combining a high-stakes quiz show with a large-scale physical competition. Each episode features two families competing for $100k in a “battle of the balls.”
The project hails from Big Brother and The Voice creator John de Mol’s Talpa Studios and Fremantle’s Eureka Productions, marking de Mol and Eureka’s latest project with Fox. They are also behind The Floor, the Rob Lowe-hosted game show that launched in early January.
The network teases contestants must work together while standing on a high platform over a pool as they face a multiple-choice quiz where each answer is allocated to a spot with a giant ball positioned up behind it. If the correct answer is chosen, the ball rolls down and stops just before colliding with the player. But if the answer is wrong, the ball will rapidly descend and mercilessly whack them into the pool below.
The more players each team loses, the harder the questions get. The longer they last, the more money they bank, until one “dry” family member plays the final round that could lead to the $100k grand prize.
“Playful, quick-witted and high-energy, Jay’s going to make a huge splash as our host of The Quiz with Balls,” said Allison Wallach, Fox Entertainment’s President of Unscripted Programming. “No matter the stage or show, Jay’s singular brand of humor and comedic timing elevates everything he does. With him at the helm of The Quiz with Balls, viewers of all ages are assured an exciting and hilarious hour of fun playing along with Jay and our family contestants.”
“When I got hit up about hosting an epic face-off between big brains and even bigger balls, I was like…’I got this,’” Jay shared in a statement. “Then I found out it was a game show series on Fox and thought…even better!”
Last Summer, The Quiz with Balls premiered on SBS6 in The Netherlands, where it averaged a 21.1% market share in the 20-49 demo, above slot average, leading to an order for a four-episode winter special. A second season of the show will air later this year. In addition to the U.S. format, Talpa Studios will soon announce other markets where this successful format will travel.
The series is produced by Eureka Productions and Talpa Studios. John de Mol, Maarten Meijs, Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, Wes Dening and John Leahy serve as executive producers. Anthony Carbone serves as showrunner and executive producer.
Source: Deadline