STARZ announced the highly anticipated season three premiere for “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” set to return on December 1st, and revealed several first-look photos from the new season. New episodes of “Raising Kanan” will be available weekly on Fridays at midnight ET/PT on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms, and internationally on the LIONSGATE+ premium streaming platform in the U.K. and Ireland. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada.
With emotions high and the stakes even higher, we return to Southside Jamaica, Queens right where we left the Thomas family at the end of season two, with the family in turmoil and reeling from the Mob’s coordinated attack on Raquel, Marvin, and Lou-Lou. The photos include a first look at new cast members Wendell Pierce and Erika Woods as “Snaps” and “Pop” Henry, as well as Grantham Coleman as “Ronnie,” whose casting was announced earlier this year. The new images also include Tony Danza reprising his role of Italian mobster Stefano Marchetti, and of course, returning series regulars including the formidable Patina Miller as “Raquel Thomas” and MeKai Curtis in the titular role of “Kanan Stark.”
Over the last two seasons of “Raising Kanan,” Kanan Stark has slowly learned the truth about not only his mother, but also himself. It has been a tortuous journey for him and everyone around him. With each new revelation, Kanan has been forced to confront his family’s seemingly never-ending web of secrets and lies. He has spent much of this time in a state of denial, but now, Kanan’s blinders are finally off, and he doesn’t like what he sees. In season three, Kanan finds himself grappling with the very notions of right and wrong. Good and evil. Fidelity and disloyalty. And he’s not alone. Every member of the Thomas family must confront an existential crisis that challenges their very identity. Whether it’s Marvin, who’s still trying to redeem himself, or Raq, who’s finally coming clean, or Lou, who’s wrestling with his own evil, or Jukebox, who’s simply trying to break free from her family’s pathology, they are all attempting to redefine and reinvent themselves. They won’t all be able to complete this intensely personal quest, but for those who do, the destination may reveal the most terrifying secret of all. There is no right and wrong or good and evil. There are no absolutes. In the end, there’s just you.
In addition to Miller, Curtis, Pierce, Woods and Danza, “Raising Kanan” stars Omar Epps as “Detective Malcolm Howard,” London Brown as “Marvin Thomas,” Malcolm Mays as “Lou-Lou Thomas,” Hailey Kilgore as “Jukebox,” Joey Bada$$ as “Unique,” Shanley Caswell as “Detective Burke” and Antonio Ortiz as “Famous.”
“Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is the second series in the expanded “Power” Universe franchise. Sascha Penn serves as showrunner and executive producer for season three. The “Power” Universe series is executive produced by the creator and showrunner of the original “Power,” Courtney A. Kemp through her production company End of Episode, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson through G-Unit Film and Television, and Mark Canton through Atmosphere Entertainment MM. Chris Selak, Kevin Fox, Santa Sierra, and Tash Grey also serve as executive producers. Lionsgate Television produces the series for STARZ.
Follow “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” on Social Twitter: @RaisingKanan Instagram: @RaisingKananStarz Facebook: @RaisingKanan Join the conversation with #RAISINGKANAN and #STARZ
SHOWTIME will debut HEIST 88, led by two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance (The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, Lovecraft Country) and produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Bassett Vance Productions and Gunpowder & Sky. Inspired by one of the largest bank robberies in U.S. history, the film will stream exclusively on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME starting on Friday, September 29th, and on SHOWTIME Sunday, October 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Inspired by true events, HEIST 88 is the unbelievable story centered on Jeremy Horne (Vance), a criminal mastermind with an innate ability to convince anyone to do just about anything, who decides to pull one last job before going to prison. He recruits four young bank employees to steal close to $80 million dollars in a daring and brazen assault on the U.S. banking system. The film takes place in a time before widespread computerization and the vast cybersecurity of today. It also reunites Vance with Keesha Sharp, who portrayed Dale Cochran in the award-winning limited series The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, and Bentley Green, who recently starred alongside Vance in the drama series 61st Street. HEIST 88 also stars Keith David (The Nice Things), Xavier Clyde (City on Fire), Nican Robinson (Beef), and Precious Way (Days of our Lives). Additional character descriptions include:
Keesha Sharp will play Bree Barnes, an elegant, smart, political consultant that possesses a criminal mind and is Jeremy’s love interest.
Keith David will play Buddha Ray (Raymond Oliver), a master safecracker and mentor to Jeremy.
Xavier Clyde will play Danny Pugh, a nerdy, comic book collector who is brilliant with numbers and data and loves research but has given up on his job at the bank.
Bentley Green will play Marshall King, a cocky, energetic, house music DJ and Jeremy’s nephew.
Nican Robinson will play Rick Windom, a young loyal bank employee working in “the back of the bank” for nearly six years with dreams of becoming a stockbroker.
Precious Way will play LaDonna Sanders, a beautiful, bright, bank employee who is ambitious but unseen at First Chicago Bank.
HEIST 88 is written by Dwayne Johnson-Cochran (Minor Adjustments) with Menhaj Huda (Kidulthood) serving as director. The film is executive produced by Angela Bassett, Courtney B. Vance, Lynnette Ramirez and Dwayne Johnson-Cochran for Bassett Vance Productions and Van Toffler and Barry Barclay for Gunpowder & Sky. Amal Baggar, Mychael Chinn, and Donny Hugo Herran serve as executive producers for MTV Entertainment Studios, with Carlos Lugo serving as executive in charge of production.
Watch the trailer above.
KANDI BURRUSS AND TODD TUCKER’S THE PASS streams exclusively on Peacock beginning Sunday, August 27 ahead of The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s season finale at 8pm ET/PT on Bravo.
The film follows Nina (Drew Sidora) and Maurice (Rob Riley), a married couple who gives each other one night off from fidelity – a “hall pass.”
Produced by Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker (The Real Housewives of Atlanta; The Piano Lesson), Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker’s The Pass follows Nina (Drew Sidora) and Maurice (Rob Riley), a married couple who gives each other one night off from fidelity – a “hall pass.” Their lives quickly turn upside down as the one night of pleasure becomes a tool of deception.
The film is set to premiere on Sunday, August 27th, and stars Drew Sidora, Rob Riley, and Erica Peeples. The film was created by Todd Tucker and is Executive Produced by Todd Tucker and Kandi Burruss-Tucker. It was directed by Bobby Huntley, and produced by T Tucker Productions/ Kandi Koated Entertainment.
Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, gamer turned pro driver, Gran Turismo is one of the cooler movies released that incorporates both professional racing and the video game world. Combining video game aspects with a real story and getting a good result isn’t easy but the film Gran Turismo delivered.
The movie opens with marketing executive Danny Moore (played by Orlando Bloom) pitching to Nissan’s motorsport division the idea of “Gran Truism Academy” to turn Gran Turismo video game players into real race car drivers. Nissan agrees and Moore recruits the help of mechanic and former racer Jack Saulter (played by David Arbour) who has very little faith in the project to bring GT Academy to life. When avid Gran Turismo player, UK teen Jann Mardenborough (played by Archie Madekwe) is invited to compete for a spot in GT academy, the story begins. Mardenborough and other gaming finalists attend GT Academy and transform from a gamer with racing dreams to true race car drivers. Mardenborough ends up winning the top spot at GT Academy to finally transition into becoming a professional race car driver. As he enters the professional racing world he deals with all that comes with being the underdog. The movie takes us through the events that established Jann Mardenborough in the professional world. It explores Jann’s internal drive, his relationship with his family, his father especially, and his bond with mechanic turned mentor Jack Saulter.
The movie did a great job of keeping to the plot while also making viewers feel like they are in a video game behind the wheel and giving them the thrill that comes with racing. It was a great inspirational story with touching moments that weren’t too sappy. Of course like with all films based on true events there is some controversy, the inclusion of Mardenborough’s accident at the Nürburgring track that claimed the life of a spectator was depicted in the movie earlier in his career than it actually was. However, Gran Turismo is a film and not a documentary. I think what’s really interesting is this seems to be the first time a lot of people have heard of Jann Mardenborough’s story or even GT Academy yet there are not many Black professional race car drivers in the world and his career started in 2011. We learn at the end that the real Jann even played his own stunt double in the film and when comparing actors to the individuals they played, we see casting was definitely done well. While not necessarily Oscar-worthy, Gran Turismo is finally something in theaters simply entertaining and positive I’d definitely recommend watching and learning about this incredible story.
By McKenna Fuller
Ashanti has a wedding problem on her hands in her latest role.
On Thursday, Saban Films shared the first trailer for Ashanti’s new movie The Plus One exclusively with PEOPLE, showcasing the singer’s character Lizzie as one of her friends brings his ex-girlfriend to her destination wedding.
Lizzie and her family prepare for her nuptials, with her father (Cedric the Entertainer) mostly concerned with the wedding’s cost. Lizzie wonders whether to grant her friend Marshall (Jonathan Bennett) a plus-one for fear he might bring his ex-girlfriend Marie (Cassandra Scerbo).
She appears to send Marshall an invitation specifically asking him not to bring Marie, but as the wedding party arrives in Tampa, Florida, Marshall and Marie arrive together, setting Lizzie’s nerves on edge.
Marie and Lizzie’s distaste for each other quickly grows apparent to the other guests, as the unwanted plus-one demands she stay in the hotel’s bridal suite, asks someone to bake cannabis-infused brownies for the wedding, and appears to even steal Lizzie’s dress.
A synopsis of the film says Lizzie’s “carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when her ‘man-of-honor’ Marshall brings his ‘ex-from-hell,’ Marie.”
“It is going to take an all-out effort from Lizzie’s friends and family to keep Lizzie from losing her mind as her happily ever after is faced with ruin,” the synopsis adds of the film, which it describes as an “uproarious and charming romantic comedy.”
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The Plus One is directed by Erik White (Lottery Ticket). The film was written by Brendan Andolsek Bradley and Austin Highsmith Garces.
The cast also includes Michelle Hurd, B.J. Britt, Wesley Armstrong, Julissa Bermudez, Cathy Shim and Amy Elizabeth Jackson.
The Plus One is in theaters Sept. 29, then will be available on demand and digital Oct. 3.
Source: People.Com
Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx has been tapped for the role of God in the forthcoming comedy Not Another Church Movie. In the film from writer-director Johnny Mack, he appears opposite The Wrestler‘s Mickey Rourke, who inhabits the role of the Devil, as previously announced.
Pic shot prior to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes and is eyeing a theatrical release in Q4. Sirens‘ Kevin Daniels leads the ensemble, with Vivica A. Fox, Tisha Campbell, Jasmine Guy, Kyla Pratt, and Lamorne Morris rounding it out.
Pic’s producers are James Michael Cummings and former Warner Bros exec Jim Cardwell. Valerie McCaffrey served as executive producer.
“We are thrilled to have Mr. Foxx be a part of this hilarious comedy and bring his incredible talent to the role of God, working with Foxx and Johnny Mack was a true blessing,” said producer Cummings in a statement. “This film is a unique blend of new and established talent, and we can’t wait to hear the laughs and for audiences to see the magic that happens on the big screen. This movie will not disappoint.”
Added McCaffrey, “The name talent that has come together for this fun comedy is unprecedented. You see all the actors having fun, especially Foxx playing God.”
Best known for roles in films like Ray, Collateral, Django Unchained, and Dreamgirls, Foxx has most recently been seen in films like the vampire hunter horror-comedy Day Shift, which spent a full month on Netflix’s Global English Top 10 chart, as well as the streamer’s acclaimed sci-fi comedy They Cloned Tyrone, which had him starring opposite John Boyega.
The actor, who was been open about going “to hell and back” while recovering from a medical emergency back in April, also voiced a key role opposite Will Ferrell and Isla Fisher in the R-rated talking dog comedy Strays, which Uni released August 18th. Among other projects coming up for him is Amazon’s The Burial with Tommy Lee Jones. That legal drama from filmmaker Maggie Betts will premiere at TIFF in September — most likely without actors in attendance amidst the SAG-AFTRA strike — and has not yet been dated for release.
Source: Deadline
The best to ever do it.
The greatest of all time.
A genius in every way.
Incredible.
Those were just a few of the tributes to Dave Chappelle — the brilliant and divisive comedian and actor known for Chappelle’s Show, Killin’ Them Softly, Half-Baked and A Star Is Born, as well as a slew of recent Netflix specials that have split both sides and audiences — seen online today.
Merriam-Webster defines tribute as a “gift or service showing respect, gratitude, or affection,” and respect, gratitude, and affection were very much on display as Chappelle marked a major milestone.
Born 50 years ago today in Washington, D.C., the master storyteller, wordsmith and joke writer counted down to his half-century birthday last night with a Madison Square Garden Show that proved that for all the debate surrounding him, his popularity hasn’t waned in any way.
Among the guests on hand to help celebrate his 50th were fellow comics Luenell Campbell, Earthquake, and Jeff Ross. Then the Madison Square Garden crowd was treated to sets by Jon Stewart — who had a cameo in Chappelle’s 1998 Half-Baked — and Chris Rock, a close friend with whom Chappelle has toured.
After Chappelle’s set, he brought out hip-hop artists Da Baby, De La Soul, and The Roots.
“EVERY JOKE was hilarious true in Chappelle fashion. This show confirmed to me what I already thought, DAVE CHAPPELLE IS THE COMEDY GOAT!!!” one fan wrote on Facebook.
“There is no comparison to Dave. He is an expert story teller. A genius in every way. His setups, and punchlines were legendary to see,” another fan declared.
Another described the night as “a straight up absurd celebration and the best live comedic experience I’ve ever witnessed in my entire life.”
“It was incredible. The entire night,” another fan wrote on Twitter.
On Tuesday, Chappelle welcomed Ross, Shane Gillis, George Wallace, Aziz Ansari and Donnell Rawlings to the stage for the first MSG show of his new tour, called the “It’s a Celebration B—- Tour.” He will also perform all three weekend shows at the Garden.
Chappelle has received criticism in recent years for his jokes about trans people in his latest specials. His latest special, The Closer, in 2021, led to criticisms and a walkout by Netflix employees.
But on his 50th birthday, as Chappelle looked back on a comedy career that began in D.C. more than three decades ago, his fans seemed happy to set the debate aside, focus on his achievements — and celebrate.
By MM Writers
Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, Amy Schumer, and Ronny Chieng are set to headline Good+Foundation’s A Very Good+ Night of Comedy 2023 benefit gala. The event will also feature special guest D-Nice as the evening’s DJ.
“We are thrilled to return to Carnegie Hall with this outstanding line-up to benefit Good+Foundation’s work with under-resourced families,” said Good+ Foundation founder and board member Jessica Seinfeld in a statement. “We thank our supporters and sponsors, who have helped us reach remarkable milestones over the last 22 years.”
She continued, “In 2022, we served 275,000 families and distributed $12,466,296 worth of goods. So far this year, we have received recognition from the Congressional Dads Caucus for our innovative fatherhood approach, and surpassed $100 million in donated goods. This event celebrates our progress and reaffirms the importance of Good+ Foundation’s programming and investment in families in the face of rising need.”
Founded by Seinfeld in 2001, the nonprofit Good+ seeks to raise money for low-income families in America. The Seinfeld’s bicoastal operation provides families with essentials like diapers and cribs, access to job training and counseling and creates support networks for fathers and mothers. Good+ estimates 2023’s comedy gala will raise over $2 million in support of the organization.
A Very Good+ Night of Comedy returns to New York’s Carnegie Hall for the second year in a row on Oct. 18 at the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. The evening includes a pre-show cocktail reception and an after-party at Ziegfeld Ballroom. It’s sponsored in part by AITi Tiedemann Global, Bank of America, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Mary Kitchen & Jon Orszag. Tickets will be on sale to the public on Sept. 5th.
Source: Variety
Aug. 23 (UPI) — Lionsgate is teasing the new film Expend4bles.
The studio shared a red band trailer and character posters for the action movie Wednesday.
The posters introduce new cast members Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran and Andy García.
The posters also feature returning stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, and Randy Couture.
Expend4bles is the fourth film in the Expendables franchise, which follows a group of elite mercenaries as they carry out missions around the world.
“Armed with every weapon they can get their hands on and the skills to use them, The Expendables are the world’s last line of defense and the team that gets called when all other options are off the table. But new team members with new styles and tactics are going to give ‘new blood’ a whole new meaning,” an official synopsis reads.
Expend4bles is written by Kurt Wimmer, Tad Daggerhart and Max Adams and directed by Scott Waugh.
The film opens in theaters Sept. 22.