Welcome to Variety Music’s first-ever Fri 5, our collection of the best, most noteworthy or simply most remarkable new songs from the past week. It is not complete or definitive or a fight-to-the-death “best of,” but rather a bunch of songs that we find interesting — because a world without five interesting new songs every…
via Top New Singles of the Week: Katy Perry, The 1975, Ro James With Brandy, More — Variety
Following the success of Chris Hemsworth’s “Extraction,” Netflix is doubling down on action movies, tapping Jessica Alba to lead the next one. Sources tell Variety that Alba will star in the new Netflix action-thriller “Trigger Warning,” with Mouly Surya directing. 18 more words
via Jessica Alba to Star in Netflix Action-Thriller ‘Trigger Warning’ (EXCLUSIVE) — Variety
Astrid Kirchherr, the constant companion of the Beatles in their early days in Hamburg who took the photographs that established their iconic early look, has died at 81. 31 more words
via Astrid Kirchherr, Early Beatles Photographer, Dies at 81 — Variety
It’s a relatively slim week in new releases, even by the standards of the ongoing coronavirus shutdown — although there are a few gems to be found, if you hunt hard enough. 29 more words
via New Movies to Watch This Week: ‘Capone,’ The Wrong Missy,’ ‘Scoob!’ — Variety
With the COVID-19 pandemic making in-person graduation ceremonies impossible, several organizations have put together virtual celebrations for both high school and college seniors. Though those graduating have been forced to miss a major milestone, they now have the opportunity to graduate in the presence of their favorite celebrities and hear commencement speeches from the likes…
via From Oprah to Will Ferrell: All of the 2020 Virtual Graduation Ceremonies — Variety
MGM has brought Phil Lord and Chris Miller on board to direct and produce the film adaptation of “The Martian” author Andy Weir’s next novel, which has Ryan Gosling lined up to star. 24 more words
via Phil Lord and Chris Miller to Direct Ryan Gosling Astronaut Film (EXCLUSIVE) — Variety
If you need help with your next video conference, Yvette Nicole Brown is officially a virtual streaming pro. A little less than 24 hours after hosting the “How to Get Away with Murder” finale’s virtual after party (and after taping the “Community” virtual reunion), Brown is set to co-host Friday night’s A-list “We All Play…
Capitol Music Group has announced that Halsey has officially earned 50 million RIAA-certified units across her albums, singles and features. Twelve new certifications, some of which are from her most recent album “Maniac,” helped the pop singer to achieve this milestone in her career. 15 more words
via Halsey Surpasses 50 Million RIAA-Certified Units With 12 New Certifications — Variety
“Star Trek” is boldly going back to its roots. CBS revealed Friday that it had given a series order to “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” a new show that will take place on the starship Enterprise in the years prior to James T. 14 more words
Jorge Santana, a musician and the youngest brother of guitarist Carlos Santana, died of natural causes on Thursday. He was 68. Carlos Santana announced the death of his brother on his Facebook page on Friday. 25 more words
via Jorge Santana, Musician and Brother of Carlos Santana, Dies at 68 — Variety
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