An untitled animated prequel to the “Transformers” franchise is in the works at Paramount Pictures and Hasbro’s eOne with “Toy Story 4” director Josh Cooley. Screenwriting partners Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari have written the script for the untitled project, while Paramount Animation and eOne will develop and produce the film. 6 more words
via ‘Transformers’ Animated Prequel in Development With ‘Toy Story 4’ Director — Variety
For any festival, the week before announcing the year’s slate of films is typically a period of relief and anticipation: your pics are locked in, the directors have been notified and the schedule is coming into focus. 21 more words
via Toronto’s HotDocs Finds Success in Virtual Screenings — Variety
President Trump recently addressed the nation with a message of hope and reassurance, noting, “‘While we may be physically apart, we can use this time to pray, to reflect and to focus on our personal relationship with God.’” Non-fans of the president, whose polls steadily measure at least half of the country’s voters, will take…
via Fraser’s Book ‘Truth’ Uncovers Long History of Official Lies — Variety
John Cena is the latest celeb to jump on the pandemic-driven 2020 virtual graduation trend. The popular WWE superstar and actor — and children’s book author — will kick off the “Oh, the Places You’ll Go! 22 more words
Jack Osbourne was supposed to go to SXSW last month for the premiere of “The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne,” a documentary about his dad that he produced, before the festival was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. 25 more words
via Listen: Jack Osbourne Says It Might Be Time for an ‘Osbournes’ Reboot — Variety
On Monday, Amazon Prime launched a streaming version of the SXSW Film Festival, partnering with the Austin-based event to deliver a handful of movies free until May 6. 31 more words
via The Problem With Virtual Film Festivals (Column) — Variety
Val Kilmer crafted the persona of a serious, brooding (often labeled “difficult”) actor in such films as “Heat” and “Tombstone,” so it’s interesting to remember that his film debut was in the goofy spy spoof “Top Secret!” in 1984, followed by the comedy “Real Genius” in 1985. 10 more words
via From ‘Top Gun’ to ’10 Commandments,’ Val Kilmer’s New Book Details Highs and Lows — Variety
As you might expect, Netflix’s new “Hollywood,” which debuts on the streamer May 1, didn’t have to travel far for production. However, the eight-episode series, from Ryan Murphy and his “Glee” collaborator Ian Brennan, doesn’t take place in contemporary Hollywood but rather in Los Angeles, just after World War II. 7 more words
Rose Byrne is quarantining in New York City with her husband Bobby Cannavale and their two kids. “Listen, I feel lucky,” Byrne says on Friday’s episode of the Variety and iHeart podcast “The Big Ticket.” “We’re safe and we’re okay, but it’s scary. 15 more words
via Listen: Rose Byrne Talks About Becoming Gloria Steinem for ‘Mrs. America’ — Variety
E! has announced a Nov. 15 date for the 2020 People’s Choice Awards, despite plenty of big events across the country being canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. 29 more words
via People’s Choice Awards Date Set for November Despite Coronavirus Fears — Variety
Festival Reviews 