Don’t be the last one to the party! Trust and believe, you’ll want to check out this new Netflix series called ‘Survival of the Thickest’ dropping Thursday, July 13!
This series stars Michelle Buteau, Tasha Smith, and Tone Bell. First of all, this show is dope, as soon as the theme music starts! You know it’s going to be good, when the soundtrack is on point out the gate!
This comedy is so raw and offers such a fresh perspective on friendships, relationships, and self-love. You are getting a lesson on how to make yourself a priority and feel good about it at the same time! The storyline takes you from great laughs to touching on real-life situations at a moment’s notice. It’s the joy ride you didn’t realize you wanted to take.
Michelle Buteau is Mavis, a 38-year-old black, plus-size, newly single woman who is struggling to establish a career as a stylist. She finds herself having to start over, after discovering her world has been turned upside down by her cheating boyfriend, Jacque (played by Taylor Sele.) Buteau is a natural at adding a comedic spin to the real-life issues being addressed. Her witty, quick one-liners, hit EVERY TIME!
Mavis’ best friend Marley is played by Tasha Smith. While Smith has always held her own in strong female roles – this is her in a way you’ve never fully seen her before. Her character Marley is a very well-rounded, well-established, executive who is supportive of her sister-friend who’s coming to grips with a heartbreaking ordeal. She’s not here for the games! She’s a boss and is that sister you want in your corner!
Comedian/actor, Tone Bell, who plays Khalil is bringing the funny, as only he can. He’s a very chill artist, and creative, who is not afraid of showing his sensitive side. Khalil is not allowing his best friend, Mavis, to host her own pity party! He is one of her biggest fans and is pushing her into being the best version of herself, and the iconic stylist he knows she’s capable of! He is also learning a lot about himself at the same time, when he meets fellow artist, India (Anissa Felix, who is making her TV debut).
While Mavis is putting the pieces to her new life together, she is taking us on the most fantastic journey of self-realization, and that aha moment, when she realizes she’s got this! The show has all the feels, and the supporting cast is bringing it! Garcelle Beauvais plays Natasha, a saucy diva, and is instrumental in thrusting Mavis into greatness! She is unapologetically fabulous, and I am here for all of it!
This is one of the funniest comedies I’ve seen in a LONG time! Waiting for each episode to cue up was reminiscent of waiting for D-Nice to go LIVE on IG for another Club Quarantine set during the pandemic! ‘Survival of the Thickest’ is well written… the storytelling is thoughtful while being authentic, and the soundtrack is fire! I love when the two align.
By Bernadette Holder
Sony Music Entertainment’s (SME) Premium Content Division, Sony Music Publishing, Foxxhole Productions, and Raindog Films are teaming to produce the first-ever feature-length documentary on legendary singer Luther Vandross’s life and illustrious career. Production is already underway. From award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter, the documentary will follow the iconic artist as he charted his own course becoming one of the most decorated and influential pop artists of all time. In partnership with Trilogy Films and the Estate of Luther Vandross and Estate partner Primary Wave Music, with full support and participation of his closest friends and family and access to his never-before-seen personal archive, the film will capture the intensely private Grammy®-winning artists’ passion for music, global rise, and personal struggles.
Through the directorial lens of Porter, the documentary will show how Vandross’ distinct talent allowed him to mold his own career and interpretation of R&B music. Most recently, Porter directed The Ladybird Diaries, which premiered at SXSW and was awarded the Lone Star Award for documentary film, John Lewis: Good Trouble, which was nominated for an Emmy and won Best Historical/Biographical Documentary at the 2020 Critic’s Choice Awards, and The Way I See It about President Obama’s White House photographer Pete Souza which was nominated for an Emmy. Porter also directed Bobby Kennedy for President for Netflix, and Trapped, which won the Special Jury Social-Impact Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
“Luther is one of our GOAT’s” said Foxx. “He’s one of the greatest singers in the history of music. It is truly an honor to be a part of the team to help bring this incredible story to the masses.”
“Like so many, I have always loved Luther’s music, but I had no idea of the breadth and scope of his artistry,” said Porter. “I think people will be surprised at how much he accomplished in his tragically short life. It is a joy to be able to share his true story.”
After beginning his career singing background vocals with legendary artists such as Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, and David Bowie, and being a go-to voice of commercial jingles in the 1970’s, Vandross began his solo career on Epic Records in 1981 with the debut album, Never Too Much, which sold more than one-million copies. Throughout his career, having sold more than 40-million records worldwide, Luther went on to receive 33 Grammy® nominations, winning eight, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance four different times and Song Of The Year in 2004 for “Dance With My Father”. Having released 11 consecutive Platinum albums, 13 platinum overall, eight of which went on to reach #1 on the Billboard R&B charts, Vandross was a force in the industry and set musical standards for a generation. He was born in New York City and began singing in groups in high school, performing at the world-famous Apollo Theater and appearing on early episodes of Sesame Street. A musical perfectionist, Vandross was admired by vocalists around the world including many of today’s great artists, some consider him the gold standard in love songs. He died on July 1, 2005 from complications due to a stroke two years prior, but his legacy lives on.
Sony Music Entertainment’s Premium Content group is distributing the film. The idea for the film was originated by Trish D Chetty and Ged Doherty and alongside Colin Firth they serve as producers for Raindog Films. Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner serve as producers for Foxxhole Productions. Leah Smith serves as producer for Trilogy Films. Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman are executive producers for Sony Non-Fiction television. Tom Mackay and Richard Story join as executive producers for Sony Music Entertainment. Jon Platt and Brian Monaco serve as executive producers for Sony Music Publishing. Phil Thornton serves as an executive producer. Larry Mestel and Natalia Nastaskin serve as executive producers on behalf of Estate Partner, Primary Wave Music
Krista Wegener of Sony Music Entertainment’s Premium Content team will lead global sales for the film.
Apple TV+ today unveiled a first look at “The Changeling,” an upcoming eight-part drama series starring and executive produced by Academy Award-nominee LaKeith Stanfield (“Atlanta,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Sorry To Bother You,” “The Book Of Clarence”), and announced that the series will make its global debut with the first three episodes on Friday, September 8, 2023 on Apple TV+, followed by one episode weekly through October 13.
Based on the acclaimed best-selling book of the same name by Victor LaValle, “The Changeling” is a fairytale for grown-ups. A horror story, a parenthood fable and a perilous odyssey through a New York City you didn’t know existed. In addition to Stanfield, the series stars Clark Backo, Adina Porter, Samuel T. Herring, Alexis Louder, Jared Abrahamson, and special guest star Malcolm Barrett.
“The Changeling” is written and adapted by showrunner and executive producer Kelly Marcel (“Cruella,” “Venom,” “Venom: Let There Be Carnage”). The pilot episode was directed by Melina Matsoukas (“Queen & Slim,” “Insecure”).
The series is produced by Apple Studios and Annapurna. Megan Ellison, Patrick Chu and Ali Krug are executive producers on behalf of Annapurna. Showrunner Kelly Marcel, the book’s author Victor LaValle, David Knoller, and director Jonathan van Tulleken executive produce alongside star LaKeith Stanfield. Director Matsoukas serves as executive producer through her De La Revolución Films. Sue Naegle and David Wolkis also serve as executive producer, Khaliah Neal as co-executive producer.
A brand new Ahsoka video for Lucasfilm‘s next Disney+ series has been revealed. It provides fans with a recap of Rosario Dawson’s Star Wars journey. Dawson recalls going from popular fan-cast choice to her debut as the titular Jedi in The Mandalorian Season 2.
The video also highlights the beloved character’s legacy since her debut in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Ahsoka is scheduled to premiere on August 23 — exclusively on Disney.
“Set after the fall of the Empire, Ahsoka follows the former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy,” reads the official description.
Ahsoka is written by Dave Filoni, who is executive producing along with Jon Favreau and Kathleen Kennedy. Joining Dawson are Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla, Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger, Ivanna Sakhno as Shin Hati, Ray Stevenson as Baylan Skoll and Wes Chatham, with Obi-Wan Kenobi star Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker and Andor actress Genevieve O’Reilly.
It has also been confirmed that Lars Mikkelsen — voice of Thrawn in Star Wars Rebel — has joined the series to portray the fan-favorite villain in live-action. In addition, Temuera Morrison has reportedly joined Ahsoka to portray the live-action version of Captain Rex.
Check out the exclusive trailer for End Times, the new post-apocalyptic zombie movie from The Asylum.
“In the face of a post-apocalyptic world filled with both the living and undead, an aging mercenary must team up with a young, desperate, but determined woman to survive the horrors of their new reality,” reads the official synopsis.
The movie releases in select theaters and on VOD on July 14, 2023.
The cast includes Dominique Swain, Jessica Morris, Jamie Bernadette, and Craig Stark. It is written and directed by Jim Towns.
Watch the trailer below;
Paramount+ today debuted the official trailer for the highly anticipated original series SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS, which will premiere with two episodes on Sunday, July 23 in the U.S. and all Paramount+ international markets exclusively on the service. From Academy Award nominee Taylor Sheridan, the espionage thriller features a star-studded cast, including series lead and executive producer Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, Emmy Award nominee Michael Kelly, with Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman, and Academy Award winner and executive producer Nicole Kidman. SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios for Paramount+. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of Paramount+ markets.
SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS, inspired by an actual U.S. Military program, follows the life of Joe (Saldaña) while she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA’s spear in the war on terror. The Lioness Program, overseen by Kaitlyn Meade (Kidman) and Donald Westfield (Kelly), enlists an aggressive Marine Raider named Cruz (De Oliveira) to operate undercover alongside Joe among the power brokers of State terrorism in the CIA’s efforts to thwart the next 9/11.
SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS will also star series regulars Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Stephanie Nur, and Hannah Love Lanier. The series is executive produced by Taylor Sheridan, David C. Glasser, Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Jill Wagner, Geyer Kosinski, Michael Malone, and John Hillcoat.
SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS is the latest addition to Sheridan’s growing slate on Paramount+, which includes 1923, 1883, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, and TULSA KING as well as the upcoming series LAWMEN: BASS REEVES and LAND MAN.
There’s news that a new comedy series, titled TWISTED METAL, is set to debut, and has some star wattage on board to host.
Twisted Metal is a half-hour live-action TV series based on the classic PlayStation game and is a high-octane action comedy, based on an original take by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick, and written by Michael Jonathan Smith, about a motor-mouthed outsider offered a chance at a better life, but only if he can successfully deliver a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. With the help of a badass axe-wielding car thief, he’ll face savage marauders driving vehicles of destruction and other dangers of the open road, including a deranged clown who drives an all too familiar ice cream truck.
The showrunner and Executive Producer / Writer of the series is Michael Jonathan Smith (of Cobra Kai), with other Executive Producers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Deadpool, Zombieland), Will Arnett, and Marc Forman (Electric Avenue), Jason Spire (Inspire Entertainment), Peter Principato (Artists First), and Asad Qizilbash. Carter Swan reigns from PlayStation Productions and Hermen Hulst, Head of PlayStation Studios and Executive Producer / Star: Anthony Mackie (Make It With Gravy Productions) is set to host.
The Director is Kitao Sakurai and is Produced by Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions, and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Along with Mackie as the series lead, Stephanie Beatriz, Thomas Haden Church, with Will Arnett and Joe Seanoa also star. The guests include Neve Campbell, Richard Cabral, Mike Mitchell, Tahj Vaughans, and Lou Beatty Jr.
Season two of the Max Original comedy series RAP SH!T debuts with two episodes THURSDAY, AUGUST 10. The eight-episode season will continue with one episode weekly, leading up to the season finale on Thursday, September 21.
Season 2 logline: RAP SH!T follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna and Mia, who reunite to form a rap group. In their rise to fame, Shawna and Mia find themselves at a pivotal moment in their rap career as they are forced to decide if they will stay true to themselves or conform to the demands of the music industry.
Season 2 cast: Aida Osman (Shawna), KaMillion (Mia), Jonica Booth (Chastity), RJ Cyler (Lamont), and Daniel Augustin (Maurice).
· Season 2 credits: RAP SH!T is executive produced by Issa Rae and showrunner Syreeta Singleton, as well as Montrel McKay for HOORAE, Jonathan Berry, and Dave Becky for 3 Arts Entertainment, and Jim Kleverweis. Hip-hop duo Yung Miami and JT of City Girls serve as co-executive producers, along with Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas for Quality Control Films and Sara Rastogi and Jax Clark for HOORAE. Rae’s audio content company Raedio handles music supervision for the series.
Jamie Foxx made his first public appearance months after dealing with an undisclosed medical condition.
In a video obtained by TMZ, the 55-year-old was spotted waving to fans from a boat as he sailed along the Chicago River on Sunday.
Foxx seemed to have been in good spirits following his health scare as he continued to rehab in the Windy City.
As reported, the Oscar-winning actor’s daughter, Corrine Foxx, took to Instagram in May and addressed false rumors regarding her father’s health status.
“Update from family: Sad to see how the media runs wild,” Corinne wrote on her Instagram Story. “My Dad has been out of the hospital for weeks, recuperating. In fact, he was playing pickleball yesterday! Thanks for everyone’s prayers and support!”
The actor also spoke out for the first time since his hospitalization and thanked fans for their support on his Instagram account.
“Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed,” the Texas native wrote in a May 3rd message to his Instagram Stories.
In April, Corrine announced Foxx was hospitalized for an “undisclosed medical condition” after shooting his latest film, Back in Action, in Georgia alongside Cameron Diaz, per Blavity.
“We wanted to share that, my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday, [April 11],” the 29-year-old wrote in a post, according to Deadline. “Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery.”
“We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time,” she added.
Since then, the singer-songwriter has received an outpour of support from industry friends and fans. During his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, Martin Lawrence shared his thoughts on Foxx’s condition.
“I hear [Foxx] is doing better… My prayers go out for him every night, and just wishing the best for him, one of the best that we got in Hollywood. Not only one of the best entertainers but a good person,” Lawrence told Extra.
Foxx has several movies expected to be released this summer, including the Netflix sci-fi comedy film They Cloned Tyrone and the animated comedy Strays.
Source: YAHOO, BLAVITY
Ice Cube is set to star opposite Dave Bautista in The Killer’s Game, the action comedy from Day Shift director JJ Perry helming for Lionsgate, which heads into production this summer in Budapest. His role is being kept under wraps. Ben Kingsley and Sofia Boutella are also on board.
Based on Jay Bonansinga’s novel, the film is written by Rand Ravich and Simon Kinberg, with recent rewrites by James Coyne. The film follows veteran assassin Joe Flood (Bautista), who is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and authorizes a kill on himself to avoid the pain that is destined to follow. After ordering the kill, he finds out that he was misdiagnosed and must then fend off the army of former colleagues trying to kill him.
Mad Chance’s Andrew Lazar will produce alongside Steve Richards for Endurance Media, which is financing the project, as well as Kia Jam. Bautista and Jonathan Meisner will exec produce for Dogbone Entertainment, alongside Scott Lambert, with Jake Katofsky and Vanessa Humphrey to serve as co-producers.
Cube stars in Paramount’s upcoming summer release Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as Superfly. In addition to starring in over 35 films, Cube has starred and produced franchises as varied as Ride Along, Friday, Barbershop and Are We There Yet? Cube co-founded and is CEO of the BIG3, a professional 3-on-3 basketball league currently playing in its sixth season.
Cube is represented by WME, Prospect Park and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
Source: Deadline