Exclusive: Peacock‘s limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist has added six actors to its growing cast: Chloe Bailey (Candy Cane Lane), Melvin Gregg (Snowfall), Artrece Johnson (A Thousand One), Jalyn Hall (Genius: MLK/X), Clifton Powell (Black Lightning) and Lori Harvey. Production is set to begin next week
The series, based on the eponymous iHeartPodcast, will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen. Fight Night, set in Atlanta, will focus on the cop and the hustler, at the center of it all.
Previously announced cast includes Dexter Darden as Muhammad Ali, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Hart, Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and Don Cheadle.
The series, based on the eponymous iHeartPodcast, will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen. Fight Night, set in Atlanta, will focus on the cop and the hustler, at the center of it all.
Previously announced cast includes Dexter Darden as Muhammad Ali, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Hart, Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and Don Cheadle.
- 2/8/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Marsha Stephanie Blake has joined the cast of the upcoming Peacock limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Blake joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, Don Cheadle, and Dexter Darden.
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Blake will star as Delores Hudson, described as “Jd’s (Cheadle) wife and a social worker fighting for her community.”
Blake received an Emmy nomination for her role in the...
Blake joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, Don Cheadle, and Dexter Darden.
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Blake will star as Delores Hudson, described as “Jd’s (Cheadle) wife and a social worker fighting for her community.”
Blake received an Emmy nomination for her role in the...
- 2/8/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Don Cheadle is the latest name to team up with Kevin Hart to star in Peacock’s limited true crime series ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.’
Based on the podcast ‘Fight Night,’ the series is set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Cheadle will take on the role of the series regular Jd Hudson, described as “one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery.”
He joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
Also in news – Toni Collette set for comedy ‘A French Pursuit’
Kevin Hart is...
Based on the podcast ‘Fight Night,’ the series is set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Cheadle will take on the role of the series regular Jd Hudson, described as “one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery.”
He joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
Also in news – Toni Collette set for comedy ‘A French Pursuit’
Kevin Hart is...
- 2/6/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Don Cheadle is the latest addition to the stacked cast for the upcoming Peacock limited true crime series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.”
Cheadle joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Cheadle will appear in the series regular role of Jd Hudson, described as “one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery.”
Cheadle has...
Cheadle joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Cheadle will appear in the series regular role of Jd Hudson, described as “one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery.”
Cheadle has...
- 2/5/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, the Peacock limited series that tells the story of an infamous armed robbery after Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight, has added Don Cheadle to its cast.
Cheadle is to play Jd Hudson, one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery, in the series.
He joins Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard in the series, which comes from Shaye Ogbonna.
Set in Atlanta, the series follows the heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all.
The series was created and written by Ogbonna, who serves as showrunner alongside Jason Horwitch. It is produced by Universal Television and is based on the podcast Fight Night.
Ogbonna, Horwitch, Hart, Will Packer, Sabrina Wind,...
Cheadle is to play Jd Hudson, one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery, in the series.
He joins Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard in the series, which comes from Shaye Ogbonna.
Set in Atlanta, the series follows the heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all.
The series was created and written by Ogbonna, who serves as showrunner alongside Jason Horwitch. It is produced by Universal Television and is based on the podcast Fight Night.
Ogbonna, Horwitch, Hart, Will Packer, Sabrina Wind,...
- 2/5/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock’s limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist continues to add to its A-list cast.
Don Cheadle is the latest actor to sign on to the drama, which tracks an armed robbery (and its fallout) on the night of Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta. Cheadle joins a cast that also includes Kevin Hart (who’s also executive producing), Samuel L. Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Dexter Darden (who’s playing Ali) and Myles Bullock.
Fight Night is based on an iHeart podcast and will follow “the heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that introduced the world to the city dubbed ‘the Black Mecca,’ and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all,” according to the show’s logline. Oscar and Emmy nominee Cheadle will play the aforementioned cop, Jd Hudson, one of the first Black detectives on Atlanta’s police force who...
Don Cheadle is the latest actor to sign on to the drama, which tracks an armed robbery (and its fallout) on the night of Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta. Cheadle joins a cast that also includes Kevin Hart (who’s also executive producing), Samuel L. Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Dexter Darden (who’s playing Ali) and Myles Bullock.
Fight Night is based on an iHeart podcast and will follow “the heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that introduced the world to the city dubbed ‘the Black Mecca,’ and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all,” according to the show’s logline. Oscar and Emmy nominee Cheadle will play the aforementioned cop, Jd Hudson, one of the first Black detectives on Atlanta’s police force who...
- 2/5/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Myles Bullock (Bmf) has landed a role in Peacock’s starry true crime limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. He joins an ensemble that includes Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and Dexter Darden. Details as to his role are under wraps.
Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch are serving as showrunners, with Craig Brewer directing the first two episodes and exec producing alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts,...
Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch are serving as showrunners, with Craig Brewer directing the first two episodes and exec producing alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Dexter Darden (Chang Can Dunk) is ready to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee as Muhammad Ali for Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, a limited crime series coming to Peacock. The forthcoming series features Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Hart, and Terrence Howard for a story about an infamous armed robbery after Muhammad Ali’s historical comeback fight in 1970.
In the series, Jackson plays Frank Morten, a real-life underworld kingpin dubbed the Black Godfather by the New York tabloids. The project finds Jackson reuniting with Black Snake Moan filmmaker Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of Fight Night. Meanwhile, Howard plays Richard “Cadillac” Wheeler, a gangster and associate of the Council of 12. Hart plays Chicken Man in the series, while Taraji P. Henson portrays Vivian Thomas, a savvy businesswoman and Chicken Man’s mistress.
The plot takes place on the night of Ali defeating...
In the series, Jackson plays Frank Morten, a real-life underworld kingpin dubbed the Black Godfather by the New York tabloids. The project finds Jackson reuniting with Black Snake Moan filmmaker Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of Fight Night. Meanwhile, Howard plays Richard “Cadillac” Wheeler, a gangster and associate of the Council of 12. Hart plays Chicken Man in the series, while Taraji P. Henson portrays Vivian Thomas, a savvy businesswoman and Chicken Man’s mistress.
The plot takes place on the night of Ali defeating...
- 1/31/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Taraji P. Henson is the latest addition to the cast of the upcoming Peacock limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” Variety has learned.
Henson joins previously announced cast members Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden. The role reunites Henson, Howard, and Craig Brewer, who is executive producing and directing. The three previously worked together on projects like the Oscar-winning film “Hustle & Flow” as well as the hit Fox music industry drama “Empire.”
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Hart will star as Chicken Man,...
Henson joins previously announced cast members Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden. The role reunites Henson, Howard, and Craig Brewer, who is executive producing and directing. The three previously worked together on projects like the Oscar-winning film “Hustle & Flow” as well as the hit Fox music industry drama “Empire.”
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Hart will star as Chicken Man,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson has joined the cast of Peacock’s limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist in the series regular role of Vivian Thomas, a savvy businesswoman and Chicken Man’s (Kevin Hart) mistress.
The series reunites Henson with Hart who have collaborated on multiple projects including the films Think Like a Man and Not Easily Broken. Additionally, Fight Night also brings Henson back together with Terrence Howard and Craig Brewer, with whom she collaborated on Hustle & Flow and Empire, among other projects.
Set in Atlanta, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but an entire city’s destiny.
As Deadline exclusively revealed on Wednesday morning, Dexter Darden will star as the legendary boxer in the limited series. In addition to Henson,...
The series reunites Henson with Hart who have collaborated on multiple projects including the films Think Like a Man and Not Easily Broken. Additionally, Fight Night also brings Henson back together with Terrence Howard and Craig Brewer, with whom she collaborated on Hustle & Flow and Empire, among other projects.
Set in Atlanta, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but an entire city’s destiny.
As Deadline exclusively revealed on Wednesday morning, Dexter Darden will star as the legendary boxer in the limited series. In addition to Henson,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Dexter Darden has signed on to join Peacock’s “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” limited series, Variety has confirmed. He’ll take on the role of heavyweight boxer, Muhammad Ali.
Based on the true crime podcast “Fight Night” by Doghouse Pictures, LLC and iHeartMedia + Entertainment, the true crime limited series tells the story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city. The series follows the infamous heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that “introduced the world to the city dubbed ‘the Black Mecca,’ and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all,” reads the description. nh. nnb
Darden joins previously announced star Kevin Hart, who also executive produces alongside Will Packer. As Variety previously reported, Samuel L. Jackson joined the series as notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given...
Based on the true crime podcast “Fight Night” by Doghouse Pictures, LLC and iHeartMedia + Entertainment, the true crime limited series tells the story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city. The series follows the infamous heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that “introduced the world to the city dubbed ‘the Black Mecca,’ and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all,” reads the description. nh. nnb
Darden joins previously announced star Kevin Hart, who also executive produces alongside Will Packer. As Variety previously reported, Samuel L. Jackson joined the series as notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given...
- 1/31/2024
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Up-and-comer Dexter Darden (Chang Can Dunk) has been tapped to portray all-time great boxer Muhammad Ali in Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, the forthcoming true crime limited series for Peacock. He joins an ensemble that also includes Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard, as previously announced.
Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch are serving as showrunners, with Craig Brewer directing the first two episodes and exec producing alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts,...
Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch are serving as showrunners, with Craig Brewer directing the first two episodes and exec producing alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Empire star Terrence Howard has been cast opposite Kevin Hart and Samuel L. Jackson in Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, the upcoming Peacock limited series based around Muhammad Ali’s iconic 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta. As reported by Deadline, Howard will star in a series regular role as Richard “Cadillac” Wheeler, a gangster and associate of the Council of 12. Based on the popular iHeart true crime podcast from Jeff Keating and Jim Roberts, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but an entire city’s destiny. It focuses on the hustler at the center of the robbery and the detective, one of the first Black Atlanta police officers to rise to that rank, tasked with solving the crime. Howard’s casting marks a reunion with Craig Brewer, who will direct...
- 1/30/2024
- TV Insider
Exclusive: Terrence Howard (The Best Man: The Final Chapters) is set to star opposite Kevin Hart and Samuel L. Jackson in the Peacock limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.
The project reunites Howard with Craig Brewer, who will direct and executive produce the first two episodes of the series. The pair previously worked together on Brewer’s 2005 feature Hustle & Flow, in which Howard starred, earning an Oscar nomination for his performance; and on the Fox series Empire, also starring Howard, on which Brewer was director-producer.
This also makes a return to Peacock for Howard who most recently appeared in the streamer’s limited series The Best Man: The Final Chapters, Peacock’s first original to break into Nielsen’s Top 10 streaming rankings.
Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life,...
The project reunites Howard with Craig Brewer, who will direct and executive produce the first two episodes of the series. The pair previously worked together on Brewer’s 2005 feature Hustle & Flow, in which Howard starred, earning an Oscar nomination for his performance; and on the Fox series Empire, also starring Howard, on which Brewer was director-producer.
This also makes a return to Peacock for Howard who most recently appeared in the streamer’s limited series The Best Man: The Final Chapters, Peacock’s first original to break into Nielsen’s Top 10 streaming rankings.
Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Samuel L. Jackson has teamed up with Kevin Hart to star in Peacock’s limited true crime series ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.’
The series is set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Jackson takes on the role of notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given the moniker “the Black Godfather” by New York tabloids.
Also in news – Jack Black added to ‘Minecraft’ movie
Kevin Hart is attached to star and executive produce with Will Packer also executive producing. It is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures.
Shaye Ogbonna serves as creator, and showruns alongside Jason Horwitch. Both executive produce alongside Hart,...
The series is set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Jackson takes on the role of notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given the moniker “the Black Godfather” by New York tabloids.
Also in news – Jack Black added to ‘Minecraft’ movie
Kevin Hart is attached to star and executive produce with Will Packer also executive producing. It is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures.
Shaye Ogbonna serves as creator, and showruns alongside Jason Horwitch. Both executive produce alongside Hart,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Peacock is ready to touch gloves with Samuel L. Jackson after the Pulp Fiction and Snakes on a Plane star joined the cast of its Muhammad Ali limited series, Fight Night. Jackson plays Frank Moten for the series, a real-life underworld kingpin dubbed the Black Godfather by the New York tabloids. The project finds Jackson reuniting with Black Snake Moan filmmaker Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of Fight Night.
The plot takes place on the night of Ali defeating Jerry Quarry after he was banned from boxing for military draft dodging. The disturbing events of that evening include hundreds of guests at an after-party being robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the most significant armed robberies in United States history. The tale unfolds in Atlanta, with story elements revolving around the cop, J.D. Hudson, and Morten (Jackson), the hustler, orchestrating the unprecedented criminal event.
Fight Night also stars Kevin Hart,...
The plot takes place on the night of Ali defeating Jerry Quarry after he was banned from boxing for military draft dodging. The disturbing events of that evening include hundreds of guests at an after-party being robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the most significant armed robberies in United States history. The tale unfolds in Atlanta, with story elements revolving around the cop, J.D. Hudson, and Morten (Jackson), the hustler, orchestrating the unprecedented criminal event.
Fight Night also stars Kevin Hart,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Samuel L. Jackson is set to star in the upcoming Peacock true crime limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” Variety has learned.
The show was ordered to series at Peacock in December with Kevin Hart attached to star and executive produce with Will Packer also executive producing. It is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures.
The series will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Jackson will star as notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given the moniker “the Black Godfather” by New York tabloids.
Shaye Ogbonna serves as creator, and showruns alongside Jason Horwitch. Both executive produce alongside Hart,...
The show was ordered to series at Peacock in December with Kevin Hart attached to star and executive produce with Will Packer also executive producing. It is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures.
The series will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Jackson will star as notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given the moniker “the Black Godfather” by New York tabloids.
Shaye Ogbonna serves as creator, and showruns alongside Jason Horwitch. Both executive produce alongside Hart,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Samuel L. Jackson has joined the Peacock Muhammad Ali limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. He will portray Frank Moten, a real-life underworld kingpin coined the Black Godfather by the NY tabloids.
The project reunites Jackson with Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of the show. The pair previously collaborated on the 2006 film Black Snake Moan.
The series will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen. Fight Night, set in Atlanta, will focus on the cop and the hustler, at the center of it all.
Kevin Hart will star in and produce the limited...
The project reunites Jackson with Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of the show. The pair previously collaborated on the 2006 film Black Snake Moan.
The series will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen. Fight Night, set in Atlanta, will focus on the cop and the hustler, at the center of it all.
Kevin Hart will star in and produce the limited...
- 1/5/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
The story of an infamous armed robbery after Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight is heading to streaming.
Kevin Hart will star in, and produce, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, which has landed a series order at Peacock. It is based on the eponymous podcast and comes from Shaye Ogbonna and Will Packer.
It will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen.
Shaye Ogbanna (Victoria Stevens)
The Atlanta-set limited series, which was created and written by Ogbonna, a writer on Penguin and The Chi, follow the fight and the heist introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and...
Kevin Hart will star in, and produce, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, which has landed a series order at Peacock. It is based on the eponymous podcast and comes from Shaye Ogbonna and Will Packer.
It will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen.
Shaye Ogbanna (Victoria Stevens)
The Atlanta-set limited series, which was created and written by Ogbonna, a writer on Penguin and The Chi, follow the fight and the heist introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and...
- 12/13/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock and Kevin Hart are stepping into the boxing ring.
The NBCUniversal streamer has ordered a limited series titled Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist that will tell the story of an armed robbery orchestrated around Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta. Hart will star in the series and serve as an executive producer.
Fight Night is based on an iHeart podcast written by Jeff Keating (who also hosted) and Jim Roberts. Shaye Ogbonna (The Chi) created the TV series and will serve as showrunner along with Jason Horwitch (Peacock’s The Calling, Apple TV+’s Echo 3). The show comes from Universal Television, Will Packer Media (which also produced the podcast) and Doghouse Pictures. Craig Brewer (Dolemite Is My Name) is set to direct the first two episodes.
The series will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback...
The NBCUniversal streamer has ordered a limited series titled Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist that will tell the story of an armed robbery orchestrated around Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta. Hart will star in the series and serve as an executive producer.
Fight Night is based on an iHeart podcast written by Jeff Keating (who also hosted) and Jim Roberts. Shaye Ogbonna (The Chi) created the TV series and will serve as showrunner along with Jason Horwitch (Peacock’s The Calling, Apple TV+’s Echo 3). The show comes from Universal Television, Will Packer Media (which also produced the podcast) and Doghouse Pictures. Craig Brewer (Dolemite Is My Name) is set to direct the first two episodes.
The series will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback...
- 12/13/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The American Society of Cinematographers has announced the honorees for its 38th Annual Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography Gala on March 3, 2024. They are: Don Burgess, ASC; Steven Fierberg, ASC and Amy Vincent, ASC.
Burgess, Robert Zemeckis’ longtime collaborator, will be recognized with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. While his latest work is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, directed by James Wan, Burgess is best known for shooting Zemeckis’ Oscar-winning Forrest Gump, for which he earned ASC Award and Oscar nominations. The duo have also collaborated on such films as last year’s live-action Pinocchio, Flight, Contact, Cast Away, What Lies Beneath, The Polar Express and the upcoming Here.
Burgess’ other credits include Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, the first Aquaman, Brian Helgeland’s 42, Allen and Albert Hughes’ The Book of Eli, Gary Winick’s 13 Going on 30, Jonathan Mostow’s Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and Billy Crystal’s Forget Paris.
Burgess, Robert Zemeckis’ longtime collaborator, will be recognized with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. While his latest work is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, directed by James Wan, Burgess is best known for shooting Zemeckis’ Oscar-winning Forrest Gump, for which he earned ASC Award and Oscar nominations. The duo have also collaborated on such films as last year’s live-action Pinocchio, Flight, Contact, Cast Away, What Lies Beneath, The Polar Express and the upcoming Here.
Burgess’ other credits include Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, the first Aquaman, Brian Helgeland’s 42, Allen and Albert Hughes’ The Book of Eli, Gary Winick’s 13 Going on 30, Jonathan Mostow’s Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and Billy Crystal’s Forget Paris.
- 11/28/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Independent Artist Group has signed Terrence Howard, the Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning actor known for roles in Hustle & Flow, Crash and Empire, for representation.
Howard earned those accolades for his starring turn in the former Paramount film from director Craig Brewer, which had him starring as DJay, a Memphis pimp in the midst of a mid-life crisis who hustles his way toward becoming a successful hip-hop emcee.
For his turn as TV director Cameron Thayer in the Lionsgate Best Picture winner Crash, examining interweaving stories of race, loss and redemption amongst L.A. citizens leading vastly different lives, he received the National Board of Review Award for Breakthrough Performance. Among those starring opposite him there were Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Brendan Fraser, and Matt Dillon.
Over the course of his film career, Howard has worked with many of the top directors and actors in the business. Among...
Howard earned those accolades for his starring turn in the former Paramount film from director Craig Brewer, which had him starring as DJay, a Memphis pimp in the midst of a mid-life crisis who hustles his way toward becoming a successful hip-hop emcee.
For his turn as TV director Cameron Thayer in the Lionsgate Best Picture winner Crash, examining interweaving stories of race, loss and redemption amongst L.A. citizens leading vastly different lives, he received the National Board of Review Award for Breakthrough Performance. Among those starring opposite him there were Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Brendan Fraser, and Matt Dillon.
Over the course of his film career, Howard has worked with many of the top directors and actors in the business. Among...
- 11/17/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Jump back! Kevin Bacon is celebrating the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike in style, with the iconic actor posting a clip of himself reprising his iconic Footloose dance to X.
Strike over! @sagaftra pic.twitter.com/BshR7GIwGZ
— Kevin Bacon (@kevinbacon) November 10, 2023
The 65-year-old actor, who looks amazingly slender and fit for a man his age, went all out for the clip, blasting the Kenny Loggins theme song while still showing off the dance moves he had forty years ago. Well, let me correct that – he showed off the dance moves one of his doubles had forty years ago, with the actor famously doubled by four people, including Peter Tramm, in the iconic warehouse dance. In the intervening years, Bacon picked up some fantastic moves of his own. In this era of reboots, were they to do a Footloose sequel, he could probably still play Ren, his iconic character...
Strike over! @sagaftra pic.twitter.com/BshR7GIwGZ
— Kevin Bacon (@kevinbacon) November 10, 2023
The 65-year-old actor, who looks amazingly slender and fit for a man his age, went all out for the clip, blasting the Kenny Loggins theme song while still showing off the dance moves he had forty years ago. Well, let me correct that – he showed off the dance moves one of his doubles had forty years ago, with the actor famously doubled by four people, including Peter Tramm, in the iconic warehouse dance. In the intervening years, Bacon picked up some fantastic moves of his own. In this era of reboots, were they to do a Footloose sequel, he could probably still play Ren, his iconic character...
- 11/11/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Eddie Murphy made a big comeback with his acclaimed performance in Dolemite Is My Name from Netflix. He followed it up with Coming 2 America, which reunited him with his Dolemite director, Craig Brewer. Murphy would appear in Netflix’s You People, and he’s got a new sequel to one of his most beloved films on the way with the upcoming Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley. While it may seem like he’s attempting to recapture his edge, it looks as if Eddie hasn’t exactly put the family films behind him. He will reunite with his director of the 1992 film Boomerang, Reginald Hudlin, for a Christmas comedy for Prime Video titled Candy Cane Lane.
Amazon has recently released some first-look stills from the movie as well as the new poster. Stay tuned this Thursday for the release of the trailer.
The official synopsis from Amazon reads,
“Eddie Murphy...
Amazon has recently released some first-look stills from the movie as well as the new poster. Stay tuned this Thursday for the release of the trailer.
The official synopsis from Amazon reads,
“Eddie Murphy...
- 10/10/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Billy Miller, the Daytime Emmy-winning actor from “The Young and the Restless” and “General Hospital,” died on Friday in Austin, Texas. He was 43.
Miller’s manager confirmed the news to Variety in a statement on Sunday, which would’ve marked the actor’s 44th birthday.
“The actor was struggling with manic depression when he died,” the statement read.
Miller’s mother Patricia released a statement via her son’s manager, who posted the message on X (formerly known as Twitter). She began by thanking fans and friends for the “overwhelming amount of love, prayers [and] condolences sent to me and my family” following her son’s passing.
“He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years,” Patricia Miller’s statement read. “He did everything he could to control the disease. He loved his family, his friends and his fans but in the end the disease won the fight and he surrendered his life.
Miller’s manager confirmed the news to Variety in a statement on Sunday, which would’ve marked the actor’s 44th birthday.
“The actor was struggling with manic depression when he died,” the statement read.
Miller’s mother Patricia released a statement via her son’s manager, who posted the message on X (formerly known as Twitter). She began by thanking fans and friends for the “overwhelming amount of love, prayers [and] condolences sent to me and my family” following her son’s passing.
“He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years,” Patricia Miller’s statement read. “He did everything he could to control the disease. He loved his family, his friends and his fans but in the end the disease won the fight and he surrendered his life.
- 9/17/2023
- by McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
Finding the right entertainment option can be difficult in this busy age. When you’re prepped for a movie night and armed with your Netflix subscription, you don’t want to waste precious time scrolling endlessly. But with countless titles flashing on your screen, where do you start? That’s where we come in!
Introducing the 50 best movies on Netflix for July 2023, each carefully ranked by IMDb scores to ensure you’re only watching the cream of the crop. From underrated masterpieces to the hottest blockbusters, we’ve curated a list that caters to every movie lover’s taste.
Related: 10 Best 80s Movies from Childhood, Ranked by Viewers
And the best part? This list gets refreshed every month. So, brace yourselves for a cinematic journey that takes you from your living room straight to the heart of Hollywood and beyond. Buckle up, movie buffs – your ultimate Netflix guide awaits!
50 ‘Dolemite Is My Name...
Introducing the 50 best movies on Netflix for July 2023, each carefully ranked by IMDb scores to ensure you’re only watching the cream of the crop. From underrated masterpieces to the hottest blockbusters, we’ve curated a list that caters to every movie lover’s taste.
Related: 10 Best 80s Movies from Childhood, Ranked by Viewers
And the best part? This list gets refreshed every month. So, brace yourselves for a cinematic journey that takes you from your living room straight to the heart of Hollywood and beyond. Buckle up, movie buffs – your ultimate Netflix guide awaits!
50 ‘Dolemite Is My Name...
- 7/9/2023
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Samuel L. Jackson and former child star Christina Ricci once starred in the 2006 small feature Black Snake Moan. But getting the role wasn’t easy for Ricci, who planned on leaving the industry altogether if it wasn’t hers.
Christina Ricci told her therapist she’d quit acting if she wasn’t hired for Samuel L. Jackson’s ‘Black Snake Moan’ Christina Ricci | Leon Bennett/FilmMagic
Jackson and Ricci once teamed up for the 2006 film Black Snake Moan. Ricci played a troubled character in the film who Jackson ends up imprisoning in an attempt to help her. After first hearing about the project, Ricci was determined to star in the movie. So much so she confided that her acting career depended on being hired.
“I just felt really passionate about the subject matter and the issues. If ever there was a role that could point out the reason I’m...
Christina Ricci told her therapist she’d quit acting if she wasn’t hired for Samuel L. Jackson’s ‘Black Snake Moan’ Christina Ricci | Leon Bennett/FilmMagic
Jackson and Ricci once teamed up for the 2006 film Black Snake Moan. Ricci played a troubled character in the film who Jackson ends up imprisoning in an attempt to help her. After first hearing about the project, Ricci was determined to star in the movie. So much so she confided that her acting career depended on being hired.
“I just felt really passionate about the subject matter and the issues. If ever there was a role that could point out the reason I’m...
- 6/6/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
"They stood up for what was right." 1091 Pictures has debuted an official trailer for a documentary titled The Invaders, finally out on VOD this fall. The film originally premiered way back at the 2015 Doc NYC Film Festival, but has never been released since then or shown up anywhere else. The long wait is over. The Invaders follows the rise and fall of a militant black power group based in Memphis, Tn in the late 1960s. The film uncovers the history and significance of the often-overlooked group, detailing their involvement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the hours leading up to his assassination. The Invaders also touches on themes of race, government surveillance and economic injustice. Featuring interviews with key members, including Coby Smith, Charles Cabbage, John B. Smith, and John Gary Williams. Narrated by Nas, who also executive produces, with Yo Gotti, Craig Brewer, Peter Bittenbender, and filmmaker Sacha Jenkins.
- 10/21/2022
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The reception to Eddie Murphy’s Coming 2 America on Amazon Prime Video last year provided Amazon marketing chief Ukonwa Ojo’s point when she said Thursday at Cannes Lions that “it’s not possible to reach diverse audiences without diversity.”
Ojo, Global Chief Marketing Officer for Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Studios, explained: “Nielsen tracks streaming by minutes [so] it’s hard for a movie to hit number one compared with the many hours of TV. When we launched Coming 2 America, a very Black movie, it was the only film ranked by Nielsen to hit number one for two weeks in a row. That’s the impact of the Black community.”
That proves “diversity isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a business imperative,” she added. “I don’t see how you succeed in business without doing this well. You look at the community you serve,...
Ojo, Global Chief Marketing Officer for Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Studios, explained: “Nielsen tracks streaming by minutes [so] it’s hard for a movie to hit number one compared with the many hours of TV. When we launched Coming 2 America, a very Black movie, it was the only film ranked by Nielsen to hit number one for two weeks in a row. That’s the impact of the Black community.”
That proves “diversity isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a business imperative,” she added. “I don’t see how you succeed in business without doing this well. You look at the community you serve,...
- 6/23/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
We're celebrating each of the upcoming Honorary Oscar winners with a few pieces on their careers.
by Cláudio Alves
Previously in the "Honoraries" miniseries, Ben Miller and Lynn Lee looked at Samuel L. Jackson's work in two provocative indies, exploring the actor's innate intensity. Craig Brewer's Black Snake Moan reveals Jackson as a bluesman inflamed by spiritual purpose, while Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction saw him play a hitman and resulted in the actor's only Oscar nomination. It should have also resulted in a victory, but that's a matter for another day, another article. This time, I shall investigate the complexities of his turn in Kasi Lemmons's Eve's Bayou. The director's debut feature was a passion project for many people involved, including Jackson, who also produced.
Such investment, such devotion, may be at the heart of his achievement. Not only is Eve's Bayou a masterpiece of 1990s American cinema,...
by Cláudio Alves
Previously in the "Honoraries" miniseries, Ben Miller and Lynn Lee looked at Samuel L. Jackson's work in two provocative indies, exploring the actor's innate intensity. Craig Brewer's Black Snake Moan reveals Jackson as a bluesman inflamed by spiritual purpose, while Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction saw him play a hitman and resulted in the actor's only Oscar nomination. It should have also resulted in a victory, but that's a matter for another day, another article. This time, I shall investigate the complexities of his turn in Kasi Lemmons's Eve's Bayou. The director's debut feature was a passion project for many people involved, including Jackson, who also produced.
Such investment, such devotion, may be at the heart of his achievement. Not only is Eve's Bayou a masterpiece of 1990s American cinema,...
- 3/25/2022
- by Cláudio Alves
- FilmExperience
We're celebrating each of the upcoming Honorary Oscar winners with a few pieces on their career.
by Ben Miller
Craig Brewer’s Black Snake Moan is a hard sell on paper and an even harder sell in execution. Jackson’s Lazarus finds half-naked and half-dead sex addict Rae (Christina Ricci) on the side of the road. He takes her back to his house to nurse her back to health. In order to cure her sex addiction, Lazarus chains Rae to his radiator. Luckily for Brewer and the film, Jackson fully invests in the provocative material, delivering a fiery performance of angry righteousness, and one of the best star turns of his career...
by Ben Miller
Craig Brewer’s Black Snake Moan is a hard sell on paper and an even harder sell in execution. Jackson’s Lazarus finds half-naked and half-dead sex addict Rae (Christina Ricci) on the side of the road. He takes her back to his house to nurse her back to health. In order to cure her sex addiction, Lazarus chains Rae to his radiator. Luckily for Brewer and the film, Jackson fully invests in the provocative material, delivering a fiery performance of angry righteousness, and one of the best star turns of his career...
- 3/23/2022
- by Ben Miller
- FilmExperience
Cinema Retro has received the following press release:
Arriving March 8, 2022, Brand-New Disc Includes Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Footage and Director Commentary
The highly anticipated follow-up to the beloved classic Coming To America makes its Blu-ray and DVD debut when Coming 2 America arrives March 8, 2022 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
Akeem and Semmi are back for a brand-new, hilarious adventure! In Coming 2 America, newly crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and his trusted confidante Semmi (Arsenio Hall) traverse the globe from their great African nation of Zamunda to the borough of Queens, New York when Akeem learns he has a long-lost son in the United States. In addition to Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, the outrageously entertaining film features an incredible cast including James Earl Jones, John Amos, Louie Anderson, Shari Headley, Wesley Snipes, Tracy Morgan, and Leslie Jones.
The Coming 2 America Blu-ray includes commentary by director Craig Brewer and an exclusive featurette entitled “From Queens to Zamunda,...
Arriving March 8, 2022, Brand-New Disc Includes Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Footage and Director Commentary
The highly anticipated follow-up to the beloved classic Coming To America makes its Blu-ray and DVD debut when Coming 2 America arrives March 8, 2022 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
Akeem and Semmi are back for a brand-new, hilarious adventure! In Coming 2 America, newly crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and his trusted confidante Semmi (Arsenio Hall) traverse the globe from their great African nation of Zamunda to the borough of Queens, New York when Akeem learns he has a long-lost son in the United States. In addition to Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, the outrageously entertaining film features an incredible cast including James Earl Jones, John Amos, Louie Anderson, Shari Headley, Wesley Snipes, Tracy Morgan, and Leslie Jones.
The Coming 2 America Blu-ray includes commentary by director Craig Brewer and an exclusive featurette entitled “From Queens to Zamunda,...
- 2/11/2022
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Paramount+ is heading to the honky tonk.
The streamer has put in development a series adaptation of teh John Travolta-Debra Winger feature film Urban Cowboy.
The project, based on the 1980 romantic Western, comes from James Ponsoldt, the writer-director behind Tom Hanks-Emma Watson film The Circle, and Benjamin Percy.
The pair are behind 2022 Sundance film Summering, the story of four friends on the verge of middle school entering that strange phase of uncertainty about the notion of getting older.
Ponsoldt will direct and co-write Urban Cowboy with Percy. Paramount Television Studios produces.
Paramount+ Renews ‘Seal Team’, ‘Mayor Of Kingstown’, ‘The Game’
The film, which was directed by James Bridges, followed the love-hate relationship between Buford Uan “Bud” Davis (Travolta) and Sissy (Winger) and is centered at Gilley’s Club, a large honky tonk in Texas.
The series will go “deeper” into Bud’s journey from farm to the big city in...
The streamer has put in development a series adaptation of teh John Travolta-Debra Winger feature film Urban Cowboy.
The project, based on the 1980 romantic Western, comes from James Ponsoldt, the writer-director behind Tom Hanks-Emma Watson film The Circle, and Benjamin Percy.
The pair are behind 2022 Sundance film Summering, the story of four friends on the verge of middle school entering that strange phase of uncertainty about the notion of getting older.
Ponsoldt will direct and co-write Urban Cowboy with Percy. Paramount Television Studios produces.
Paramount+ Renews ‘Seal Team’, ‘Mayor Of Kingstown’, ‘The Game’
The film, which was directed by James Bridges, followed the love-hate relationship between Buford Uan “Bud” Davis (Travolta) and Sissy (Winger) and is centered at Gilley’s Club, a large honky tonk in Texas.
The series will go “deeper” into Bud’s journey from farm to the big city in...
- 2/1/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount+ is doubling down on its ’80s nostalgia, announcing a new series based on the John Travolta film “Urban Cowboy” and setting a director and writer for its upcoming new take on “Flashdance.”
James Ponsoldt (“Sorry For Your Loss”) will co-write and direct the “Urban Cowboy” series based on the 1980 film starring Travolta and Debra Winger. And Justin Simien of “Dear White People” fame is on board to adapt and direct his own contemporary take on “Flashdance.” Both updates were unveiled at ViacomCBS’ Television Critics Association Winter Tour presentation Tuesday, and each series will debut for the Paramount+ streaming service.
Ponsoldt will co-write “Urban Cowboy” along with Benjamin Percy. The series will dive deeper into the story of Bud and his journey from living on a farm to the big city in 1980s Houston. The series will also feature iconic music from the era. No casting details were unveiled.
“Urban Cowboy...
James Ponsoldt (“Sorry For Your Loss”) will co-write and direct the “Urban Cowboy” series based on the 1980 film starring Travolta and Debra Winger. And Justin Simien of “Dear White People” fame is on board to adapt and direct his own contemporary take on “Flashdance.” Both updates were unveiled at ViacomCBS’ Television Critics Association Winter Tour presentation Tuesday, and each series will debut for the Paramount+ streaming service.
Ponsoldt will co-write “Urban Cowboy” along with Benjamin Percy. The series will dive deeper into the story of Bud and his journey from living on a farm to the big city in 1980s Houston. The series will also feature iconic music from the era. No casting details were unveiled.
“Urban Cowboy...
- 2/1/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Dennis Quaid has formed Bonniedale, a new production company in which he’s partnered with wife Laura Quaid and Ben Howard, latter of whom produced the Quaid-starrer Blue Miracle. They are cooking up a batch of film and TV projects that reflect the life affirming everyman themes of Quaid’s best remembered films, which include The Rookie, The Parent Trap and The Right Stuff.
First up is American Pride, a biopic of Charley Pride, the C&w superstar. Script is being written by Empire’s Dianne Houston, and Dolemite and Coming 2 America’s Craig Brewer will direct. Bonniedale is producing with Brewer and Third Coast Content. Quaid will play “Cowboy” Jack Clement, who wrote and recorded with Pride many of his breakthrough songs. Clement was also a longtime mentor to Quaid in his own music career. The name of the production company comes from Quaid’s mom’s middle name.
First up is American Pride, a biopic of Charley Pride, the C&w superstar. Script is being written by Empire’s Dianne Houston, and Dolemite and Coming 2 America’s Craig Brewer will direct. Bonniedale is producing with Brewer and Third Coast Content. Quaid will play “Cowboy” Jack Clement, who wrote and recorded with Pride many of his breakthrough songs. Clement was also a longtime mentor to Quaid in his own music career. The name of the production company comes from Quaid’s mom’s middle name.
- 12/9/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has acquired U.S. rights to the comedy Unplugging, starring Eva Longoria (Sylvie’s Love), Matt Walsh (Veep), Lea Thompson (J. Edgar), Keith David (Greenleaf) and Nicole Byer (Nailed It!), with plans to release it in theaters nationwide next spring.
In the feature directorial debut of veteran film editor Debra Neil-Fisher, husband and wife Dan (Walsh) and Jeanine (Longoria) plan a weekend getaway of “digital detox” without kids, phones, or social media. They need—or think they need—only clean fresh air and alone time together to rekindle their romance. But once they forego Gps to guide them and disconnect from the internet, can they reconnect their own internal servers to spark their marriage?
Johnny Pemberton (Superstore), Al Madrigal (Morbius), Joel Kim Booster (Sunnyside), and Nancy Friedrich (Pen15) round out the cast of the film, scripted by Walsh and Brad Morris.
In the feature directorial debut of veteran film editor Debra Neil-Fisher, husband and wife Dan (Walsh) and Jeanine (Longoria) plan a weekend getaway of “digital detox” without kids, phones, or social media. They need—or think they need—only clean fresh air and alone time together to rekindle their romance. But once they forego Gps to guide them and disconnect from the internet, can they reconnect their own internal servers to spark their marriage?
Johnny Pemberton (Superstore), Al Madrigal (Morbius), Joel Kim Booster (Sunnyside), and Nancy Friedrich (Pen15) round out the cast of the film, scripted by Walsh and Brad Morris.
- 12/1/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has announced the 395 artists and executives that have been invited to join this year — about half the number of last year’s class. The 2021 class is comprised of 46% women, 39% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities and 53% international from 49 countries outside the United States. Of the 395 invitees, 89 are former Oscar nominees, including 25 winners.
Eight individuals have been invited to join by multiple branches and must select one branch upon acceptance. They include Leslie Odom Jr, Kaouther Ben Hania, Craig Brewer, Lee Isaac Chung, Emerald Fennell, Shaka King, Alexander Nanau, Florian Zeller.
Other big names among the newly invited include Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek, “Promising Young Woman” original screenplay winner Emerald Fennell and “Minari” stars Steven Yeun, Ye-ri Han and recently crowned supporting actress Yuh-Jung Youn.
In the directing category, new invitees include Janicza Bravo, Nia DaCosta, Cathy Yan, Darius Marder, Michael Almereyda, Lizzie Borden,...
Eight individuals have been invited to join by multiple branches and must select one branch upon acceptance. They include Leslie Odom Jr, Kaouther Ben Hania, Craig Brewer, Lee Isaac Chung, Emerald Fennell, Shaka King, Alexander Nanau, Florian Zeller.
Other big names among the newly invited include Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek, “Promising Young Woman” original screenplay winner Emerald Fennell and “Minari” stars Steven Yeun, Ye-ri Han and recently crowned supporting actress Yuh-Jung Youn.
In the directing category, new invitees include Janicza Bravo, Nia DaCosta, Cathy Yan, Darius Marder, Michael Almereyda, Lizzie Borden,...
- 7/1/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar-nominated actors Leslie Odom Jr., Maria Bakalova and Steven Yeun are among the 395 people who have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy announced on Thursday.
Also on the list of invites: actors Yahya Abdul-Mateen, Nicole Beharie, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Carrie Coon, Laverne Cox, Andra Day, Vanessa Kirby, Nathan Lane, Jonathan Majors, Robert Pattinson and Issa Rae; directors Lee Isaac Chung, Sean Durkin, Emerald Fennell, Jonathan Glazer, Shaka King, Darius Marder and Florian Zeller; and musicians Jon Batiste, H.E.R., Janet Jackson and Emile Mosseri.
Eight people were invited by two different branches: Chung, Fennell, King, Zeller, Kaouther Ben Hania and Craig Brewer were invited by both the directors and writers branches, while Alexander Nanau was invited by the directors and documentary branches, and Odom Jr. by both the actors and music branches. If they accept the invitations, double invitees must choose a single branch...
Also on the list of invites: actors Yahya Abdul-Mateen, Nicole Beharie, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Carrie Coon, Laverne Cox, Andra Day, Vanessa Kirby, Nathan Lane, Jonathan Majors, Robert Pattinson and Issa Rae; directors Lee Isaac Chung, Sean Durkin, Emerald Fennell, Jonathan Glazer, Shaka King, Darius Marder and Florian Zeller; and musicians Jon Batiste, H.E.R., Janet Jackson and Emile Mosseri.
Eight people were invited by two different branches: Chung, Fennell, King, Zeller, Kaouther Ben Hania and Craig Brewer were invited by both the directors and writers branches, while Alexander Nanau was invited by the directors and documentary branches, and Odom Jr. by both the actors and music branches. If they accept the invitations, double invitees must choose a single branch...
- 7/1/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Coming 2 America Review — Coming 2 America (2020) Video Movie Review, a movie directed by Craig Brewer, written by Kenya Barris, Barry W. Blaustein, David Sheffield, and starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley, Garcelle Beauvais, Clint Smith, Leslie Jones, John Amos, Tracy Morgan, Wesley Snipes, Louie [...]
Continue reading: Video Movie Review: Coming 2 America (2021): A Fun Sequel that Entertains and Plays it Safe...
Continue reading: Video Movie Review: Coming 2 America (2021): A Fun Sequel that Entertains and Plays it Safe...
- 5/3/2021
- by Austin Retzlaff
- Film-Book
“It was fifteen years ago, and I still don’t believe it,” says DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia, possibly the most shocking Oscar winners in history. The Memphis-spawned hip-hop group won Best Original Song in 2006 for the theme track from the Terence Howard-starring film “Hustle & Flow,” which bears the spectacularly unsubtle title of “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.”
It’s safe to say the Academy Awards had never seen anything like the group’s performance on the show, either. There was an elaborate, Oscar-level set themed around the film with dancers and dazzling lights, but there was also Three 6 Mafia swaggering across the stage in street wear while the film’s co-star Taraji P. Henson belted the song’s chorus, resplendent in a glamorous white dress and heels.
After the win was announced (with unadulterated delight) by Queen Latifah, the group — Juicy J, DJ Paul and Frayser Boy,...
It’s safe to say the Academy Awards had never seen anything like the group’s performance on the show, either. There was an elaborate, Oscar-level set themed around the film with dancers and dazzling lights, but there was also Three 6 Mafia swaggering across the stage in street wear while the film’s co-star Taraji P. Henson belted the song’s chorus, resplendent in a glamorous white dress and heels.
After the win was announced (with unadulterated delight) by Queen Latifah, the group — Juicy J, DJ Paul and Frayser Boy,...
- 4/23/2021
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
“Coming 2 America,” the long-awaited sequel to Eddie Murphy’s 1988 “Coming to America,” was the most-streamed title in the U.S. the week of its premiere, according to new Nielsen data.
The movie, released March 4 on Amazon Prime Video, drew 1.413 billion minutes of total viewing for the week of March 1-7 among U.S. viewers, per Nielsen’s SVOD Content Ratings estimates. African American viewers accounted for 40% of the film’s audience, according to the media measurement firm.
That put “Coming 2 America” ahead of every other TV show or movie on major streaming subscription services for the period, according to Nielsen — and represents Prime Video’s first No. 1 spot on the rankings.
The next most-viewed title for that week was Netflix original series “Ginny & Georgia” with 1.16 billion minutes over 10 episodes, followed by reruns of “Criminal Minds” on Netflix (929 million minutes) and Disney Plus’ “WandaVision” (924 million minutes). Also notable...
The movie, released March 4 on Amazon Prime Video, drew 1.413 billion minutes of total viewing for the week of March 1-7 among U.S. viewers, per Nielsen’s SVOD Content Ratings estimates. African American viewers accounted for 40% of the film’s audience, according to the media measurement firm.
That put “Coming 2 America” ahead of every other TV show or movie on major streaming subscription services for the period, according to Nielsen — and represents Prime Video’s first No. 1 spot on the rankings.
The next most-viewed title for that week was Netflix original series “Ginny & Georgia” with 1.16 billion minutes over 10 episodes, followed by reruns of “Criminal Minds” on Netflix (929 million minutes) and Disney Plus’ “WandaVision” (924 million minutes). Also notable...
- 4/1/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Nas and his Hstry clothing label are giving Coming 2 America fans a way to sport the cult-favorite film’s sequel on their sleeves. The New York-bred rapper (born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones) has teamed with the Craig Brewer-directed Amazon Original comedy (now streaming on Amazon Prime) on a limited-edition collection that “stands true to both the film’s and Nas’ roots from Africa to Queens,” per a release.
Nordstrom
Hstry by Nas x Coming 2 America Queens Oversized Colorblock Sweatshirt, $125, at Nordstrom
Priced from $65 to $95, the 13-piece streetwear...
Nordstrom
Hstry by Nas x Coming 2 America Queens Oversized Colorblock Sweatshirt, $125, at Nordstrom
Priced from $65 to $95, the 13-piece streetwear...
- 3/13/2021
- by Danielle Directo-Meston
- Rollingstone.com
Since its premiere on March 5 on the streaming service Amazon Prime Video, the long-awaited sequel to Coming to America titled Coming 2 America has received increasingly negative reviews for its poor writing and annoying characters. The film was directed by Craig Brewer and once again starred Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem Joffer and Arsenio Hall […]
The post ‘Coming 2 America’ Retcon Joke Proves Controversial appeared first on uInterview.
The post ‘Coming 2 America’ Retcon Joke Proves Controversial appeared first on uInterview.
- 3/9/2021
- by Adam Grunther
- Uinterview
The Morning Watch is a recurring feature that highlights a handful of noteworthy videos from around the web. They could be video essays, fanmade productions, featurettes, short films, hilarious sketches, or just anything that has to do with our favorite movies and TV shows. In this edition, listen as Coming 2 America director Craig Brewer […]
The post The Morning Watch: ‘Coming 2 America’ Scene Breakdown, One-Hour Making of ‘Godzilla’ Featurette & More appeared first on /Film.
The post The Morning Watch: ‘Coming 2 America’ Scene Breakdown, One-Hour Making of ‘Godzilla’ Featurette & More appeared first on /Film.
- 3/9/2021
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
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“Coming 2 America” proves that audience are still itching to see Eddie Murphy onscreen, no matter how long he takes between films. In a recent interview promoting “Coming 2 America,” Murphy bluntly explained why he stopped acting for so many years. “I was making shitty movies,” he said. “I was like, ‘This shit ain’t fun. They’re giving me Razzies…Motherfuckers gave me the ‘worst actor ever’ Razzie. [So I thought], ‘Maybe it’s time to take a break.”
The film, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on March 5, picks up 30-plus years after the original. Prince Akeem (Murphy) is happily married to Lisa (Shari Headley), and living in Zamunda with his wife and three daughters.
“Coming 2 America” proves that audience are still itching to see Eddie Murphy onscreen, no matter how long he takes between films. In a recent interview promoting “Coming 2 America,” Murphy bluntly explained why he stopped acting for so many years. “I was making shitty movies,” he said. “I was like, ‘This shit ain’t fun. They’re giving me Razzies…Motherfuckers gave me the ‘worst actor ever’ Razzie. [So I thought], ‘Maybe it’s time to take a break.”
The film, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on March 5, picks up 30-plus years after the original. Prince Akeem (Murphy) is happily married to Lisa (Shari Headley), and living in Zamunda with his wife and three daughters.
- 3/9/2021
- by Latifah Muhammad
- Indiewire
In its first weekend on Amazon Prime, Eddie Murphy’s “Coming 2 America” became the most-watched streaming film since movie theaters closed due to Covid-19 nearly a year ago, according to Amazon and Screen Engine/Asi.
The sequel to the ’80s comedy about an African prince traveling to New York to find true love topped “The Spongebob Movie: Sponge On The Run,” which was originally set for theatrical release but instead became a launch title for the new Paramount+ streaming service. “Coming 2 America” was also initially set to be a Paramount theatrical release, but was sold to Amazon as part of a series of sales of Paramount films to various streaming services.
Along with “Coming 2 America” and “Spongebob,” the top five most-watched streaming films of the weekend on Screen Engine’s charts were Netflix’s “To All the Boys: Always and Forever” and “I Care A Lot,” along...
The sequel to the ’80s comedy about an African prince traveling to New York to find true love topped “The Spongebob Movie: Sponge On The Run,” which was originally set for theatrical release but instead became a launch title for the new Paramount+ streaming service. “Coming 2 America” was also initially set to be a Paramount theatrical release, but was sold to Amazon as part of a series of sales of Paramount films to various streaming services.
Along with “Coming 2 America” and “Spongebob,” the top five most-watched streaming films of the weekend on Screen Engine’s charts were Netflix’s “To All the Boys: Always and Forever” and “I Care A Lot,” along...
- 3/8/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Filmmaker Craig Brewer is a man to whom music is the key that unlocks most things. In his breakthrough film Hustle & Flow, it was the biographic, confessional (and Oscar-winning) rapping of his lead character that propelled the movie forward. In Black Snake Moan, it was swampy blues music; and in Footloose, it was pretty […]
The post ‘Coming 2 America’ Director Craig Brewer on Crafting the Long-Gestating Sequel and the Joys of Working With Wesley Snipes [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Coming 2 America’ Director Craig Brewer on Crafting the Long-Gestating Sequel and the Joys of Working With Wesley Snipes [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
- 3/8/2021
- by Steven Prokopy
- Slash Film
For fans of Coming to America, one of the biggest joys of Craig Brewer’s recently released sequel, Coming 2 America, was seeing the multiple nostalgic nods to the original hit. Actress Vanessa Bell Calloway, last seen hopping on one foot as Eddie Murphy’s bride-to-be, was still hopping. Peaches and Sugar Cube, two rappers who made a brief yet memorable club appearance 33 years ago, re-emerged here for the climax. But with Eriq La Salle not returning to portray the Soul Glo heir Darryl Jenks, one planned scene never made it past the ideation stage.
- 3/8/2021
- by Jason Newman
- Rollingstone.com
Craig Brewer burst on the scene in 2005 with the hip-hop classic Hustle & Flow, winner of Best Original Song Oscar for Three 6 Mafia’s “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.” Following his take on a Blaxploitation flick, the sweaty Black Snake Moan starring Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci, and a remake of Footloose, it would be some time before he returned to the director’s chair.
Flash forward to 2019, when Brewer teamed with Eddie Murphy to make the hilarious Dolemite Is My Name, a movie about Rudy Ray Moore’s pimp persona and successful indie film career making Blaxploitation movies. Brewer and Murphy have now reteamed for Coming 2 America, a sequel to the John Landis comedy classic that is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
The Film Stage sat down with Brewer over Zoom to ask about a hidden CNN joke in Coming 2 America courtesy of...
Flash forward to 2019, when Brewer teamed with Eddie Murphy to make the hilarious Dolemite Is My Name, a movie about Rudy Ray Moore’s pimp persona and successful indie film career making Blaxploitation movies. Brewer and Murphy have now reteamed for Coming 2 America, a sequel to the John Landis comedy classic that is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
The Film Stage sat down with Brewer over Zoom to ask about a hidden CNN joke in Coming 2 America courtesy of...
- 3/8/2021
- by Joshua Encinias
- The Film Stage
Like the 1988 comedy, “Coming to America,” its sequel 33 years later also features its share of memorable musical moments.
Director Craig Brewer, who worked with Eddie Murphy on “Dolemite Is My Name,” knew how passionate people were about the original and “didn’t want to mess anything up,” he tells Variety. The director wanted to tackle such universal themes as parenthood and tradition using the film’s soundtrack combined with Jermaine Stegall’s score.
Brewer admits one of the first ideas he pitched was the “Gett Off” sequence. The 1991 song by Prince also happens to be one of his favorites. Says Brewer: “If we viewed the first movie as a template for what Zamundan custom is and a princess is being presented to a prince, there has to be a dance. I thought ‘Wouldn’t it be fun if he did ‘Gett Off’ by Prince?”
That “fun idea” evolved into a...
Director Craig Brewer, who worked with Eddie Murphy on “Dolemite Is My Name,” knew how passionate people were about the original and “didn’t want to mess anything up,” he tells Variety. The director wanted to tackle such universal themes as parenthood and tradition using the film’s soundtrack combined with Jermaine Stegall’s score.
Brewer admits one of the first ideas he pitched was the “Gett Off” sequence. The 1991 song by Prince also happens to be one of his favorites. Says Brewer: “If we viewed the first movie as a template for what Zamundan custom is and a princess is being presented to a prince, there has to be a dance. I thought ‘Wouldn’t it be fun if he did ‘Gett Off’ by Prince?”
That “fun idea” evolved into a...
- 3/8/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
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