It didn’t take much convincing to get Bill Burr to join the cast of “The King of Staten Island,” a comedy from Judd Apatow that’s loosely based on Pete Davidson’s upbringing in New York’s least glamorous borough. 22 more words

via Bill Burr on Beating Up Pete Davidson and Stealing Scenes in ‘King of Staten Island’ — Variety

CNN Films has acquired broadcasting rights to “Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President.” The look at the bond between the 39th president and pop and country musicians is slated to be the closing film for AFI DOCS film festival on June 21. 15 more words

via CNN Films Acquires ‘Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President’ — Variety

Thomasin McKenzie, who starred in “Jojo Rabbit,” will play Joy “Joika” Womack, the American ballet dancer, in James Napier Robertson’s “Joika,” to shoot in New Zealand in early 2021. 29 more words

via Cannes Market: ‘Jojo Rabbit’s’ Thomasin McKenzie to Star in ‘Joika’ — Variety

Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson will be the subject of a new feature film documentary from XTR, H.wood Media, NSV and Delirio Films. The filmmakers say that they have been granted “unprecedented access” to the Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, whose dominance in the court helped drive the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. The…

via Magic Johnson Feature Documentary in the Works (EXCLUSIVE) — Variety

Movie theaters in California could begin reopening as early as June 12 under strict proposed guidelines that have been issued by the state’s Department of Public Health. 30 more words

via California Movie Theaters Could Reopen on June 12 With 25% Capacity — Variety

A rare letter of dissent circulating online slams China’s government for failing to help film industry workers whose livelihoods have been shaken by prolonged coronavirus-imposed shutdowns. 31 more words

via Anonymous Letter Slams China’s Government for Ignoring Film Industry Workers — Variety

Leading filmmaker Spike Lee told late night TV host Jimmy Fallon that the “world has changed” – a reference to coronavirus, social distancing and the current street protests in favor of #BlackLivesMatter. 26 more words

via Spike Lee Tells Jimmy Fallon That History is Repeating Itself — Variety

“Are we ever going to see the end of these senseless deaths?“ ESPN host and reporter Maria Taylor asked herself that question after watching a police officer kill George Floyd. 30 more words

via Amid Crisis, ESPN and NFL’s Black Voices Won’t ‘Stick to Sports’ — Variety

I like following rules and doing what I’m told. As a kid, these rules stick with you. But even at a young age, I was taught to question the things that didn’t feel right to me. 21 more words

via Keke Palmer: ‘I Have Waited for a Revolution My Entire Life’ (Guest Column) — Variety

For the 2020 Power of Women issue, Variety spoke with several women in the entertainment industry who are using their voices to benefit worthy causes. For more, click here. 29 more words

via Patti LuPone: ‘The Country Is Doomed’ Because of Donald Trump — Variety