Rick Moranis is leaving his decades-long hiatus from live-action acting to join Disney’s sequel to its 1989 blockbuster “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” Variety has confirmed. 37 more words
via Rick Moranis Returns to Acting for ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’ Sequel — Variety
Michael B. Jordan has joined Christian Bale and Margot Robbie in David O. Russell’s untitled new film at New Regency. Russell will direct from his own script. 34 more words
via Michael B. Jordan Joins Christian Bale, Margot Robbie in David O. Russell’s Next Film — Variety
Paramount’s family film “Sonic the Hedgehog” is expected to race ahead of its box office competition when it debuts in theaters this weekend. The action adventure, based on the video game character, should collect $40 million to $45 million from 4,130 venues over the Presidents’ Day holiday stretch. 11 more words
via ‘Sonic’ to Speed Past ‘Birds of Prey,’ ‘Fantasy Island’ at Box Office — Variety
Spotify disclosed that it will pay upwards of $196 million for The Ringer, the podcast and media company founded by Bill Simmons. The streaming music and audio company said it entered into a deal to acquire Bill Simmons Media Group for between €130 million and €180 million in cash (approximately $141 million to $196 million…
via Spotify Is Paying Up to $196 Million in Cash to Acquire Bill Simmons’ The Ringer — Variety
Natalie Portman has responded to Rose McGowan’s social media critique of her red carpet protest at the Oscars. The “Black Swan” star created a stir with her decision to wear a black and gold Dior dress that included a cape embroidered with the names of snubbed female directors. 9 more words
via Natalie Portman Responds to Rose McGowan’s Criticism of Her Oscar Dress — Variety
Fox has ordered a film re-enactment drama pilot from Sarah Watson, the creator of “The Bold Type.” In the untitled project, Stella Cooper returns to her distressed automotive hometown to substitute teach after failing to make it in New York and carrying a heavy secret. 12 more words
via Fox Orders Drama Pilot About ‘Goonies’ Re-Enactment From ‘Bold Type’ Creator — Variety
Now more than ever, the broadcast networks are feeling the need to change up their typical pilot season strategy. With existing streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and Amazon and new competitors like HBO Max and Peacock developing shows year-round, the broadcasters are slowly but surely shifting their plans to include more off-cycle pickups.…
via Pilot Season Slows Down as Broadcast Networks Rethink Strategy in Streaming Era — Variety
NBC Sports has confirmed that former NHL player and hockey commentator Jeremy Roenick will not be returning following a suspension prompted by comments that he made on a December episode of the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast. 27 more words
via Jeremy Roenick Will Not Return to NBC Sports Following Suspension — Variety
In today’s TV News Roundup, Variety obtained an exclusive first look at John Legend in “The Simpsons” and NBC announced premiere dates for a slew of its returning unscripted series. 29 more words
via TV News Roundup: First Look at John Legend on ‘The Simpsons’ (EXCLUSIVE) — Variety
With new horizons to pursue, “Aladdin” is getting a sequel. Following the massive success of last summer’s reboot, Disney is developing a follow-up to the film with writers John Gatins and Andrea Berloff. 24 more words
Festival Reviews 