Patty Jenkins to direct next “Star Wars” installment.

(Photograph credit: Warner Bros.)

Patty Jenkins made a strong debut in “Monster” which earned Charlize Theron an Oscar but she was hardly prolific over the years, even though she got an Emmy nomination for directing a pilot episode of TV series.

However, her second film has proved that she was able to make a strong film all those years. “Wonder Woman” was a major box office and critical success.

While the sequel is now part of HBO Max/Warner Bros.’s surprising decision, so we won’t know exactly how well it’ll gross in a normal situation but Patty’s professionalism and craftsmanship have already earned her a strong reputation.

She’s now will direct a new “Star Wars” movie, titled “Rogue Squadron,” it was announced during Thursday’s Disney Investor conference.

The news makes Jenkins the first woman to direct a “Star Wars” feature film; Victoria Mahoney was the first woman on a “Star Wars” directing team, serving as a second unit director on “The Rise of Skywalker.”

Deborah Chow also directed an episode of “The Mandalorian” Season 1, and is helming the upcoming Disney Plus series “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

Usually, Star Wars spin-offs are disappointments and the major Star Wars films recently had been slightly dividing. For example, Rian Johnson’s “The Last Jedi” was a major success among critics but some fans had problems with it.

Meanwhile, the last “Rise of Skywalker”, by J.J. Abrams underwhelmed critics. We’ll see how well this one will do among critics and fans.

Credit: Mensur Zeinal

Kim Ki-Duk has passed away!

(Photograph credit: Wikimedia Commons)

 

South Korean cinema has produced some of the boldest and unique filmmakers; including the recent Oscar winner Bong Joon Ho but probably not any Korean filmmaker, name is more familiar to arthouse lovers than Kim Ki-Duk.

His idiosyncratic art-house cinematic works made him a popular name around the world and he was very popular with film festivals. While his films never could reach an Oscar nom, his reputation in Cannes, Berlin, and Venice film festivals was undeniable.

His “Pieta” won the major prize in Venice, while “3 Iron” and “Samaria” earned him Best Director prizes respectively at Cannes and Berlin. Kim’s films also include “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring”, one of the most acclaimed Korean films of all time.

We’re – as Filmiere.com – sadly sharing the news of his death with you. The first news came from Latvian media as apparently Kim has caught COVID-19 in Latvia and passed away there.

While his legacy is complicated, due to sexual harassment allegations as well as for few other things like killing real animals for filmmaking but his films had been an important part of world cinema and his cinematic achievements were huge for Asian cinema and probably the world in cinema in general.

His most recent film “Dissolve” was in co-production with Kazakhstan and he tried to give political messages like the so wanted peace between South and Northern Koreas in “The Net.”. His cinematic voice will be missed by many cinephiles around the world.

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Alfred Molina (and more?) joins new “Spider Man” film.

(Photograph credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

It’s now reported that Alfred Molina joins the new “Spider-Man” movie, Filmiere.com reports. After reports that Jamie Foxx was returning as Electro from The Amazing Spider-Man 2, it’s been widely reported that Alfred Molina is also back to the new film.

There had been long time rumors that the new film might be some kind of “Spider-Verse” and this recent casting news seem to confirm it.

Zendaya was recently asked if it’s true that there will be three Spider-Men in the new film, and she said she can’t say anything which is probably why it’s somewhat true because they won’t let Kimmel ask such a question easily.

Not only that but the rumors that Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield being back is now everywhere on the internet, same as Kirsten Dunst and Emma Stone. Since Stone recently departed from Damien Chazzele’s new film, maybe that’s the reason.

Though probably they’ll all be extended cameos. It’ll be interesting to see who else they bring to the cast. Surprisingly, Charlie Cox of the “Daredevil” series has also got mentioned among the possible actors.

Credit: Mensur Zeinal

Ridley Scott’s “Gucci” film gets Jeremy Irons

(Photograph credit: Warner Bros.)

One legend out, the other legend in. Filmiere.com reported you about Ridley Scott’s “Gucci” film that supposedly had an ensemble cast of Lady GaGa, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro.

Now we have to inform you that De Niro is no longer part of the cast, but there’s no reason to be sad because Jeremy Irons is the one who’s going to replace him, his “The Mission” co-star. Irons will join “Merchant of Venice” co-star Al Pacino which sounds exciting enough.

As reported before, Lady Gaga is attached to star as Patrizia Reggiani, the ex-wife of Maurizio Gucci who was tried and convicted of orchestrating his assassination on the steps of his office in 1995. She served 18 years in jail before being let out in 2016.

Irons most recently starred in HBO’s hit “Watchmen” for which he earned an Emmy nomination.

He is currently in production on Netflix’s “Munich”, as Filmere.com previously noticed you about. Irons is on a hot streak; not only because he keeps on getting the roles but also some of his old works like “Dead Ringers” are getting new treatment which certainly will introduce the originals to at least a certain part of new audiences as well.

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Warner Bros./HBO Max decision causes a stir.

(Photograph credit: Warner Bros.)


The potential game-changing decision of Warner Bros. caused a lot of discussion and controversy in the movie industry that keeps on getting a different kind of receptions, reports Filmiere.com.

Many rumors and reports are flying around. Two films – “Godzilla vs. Kong” and “Dune” might be involved in a legal battle between WB and the studio’s producing partner, Legendary.

Denis Villeneuve, director of “Dune” is also reportedly angry about the decision. Sure, it’s supposedly not affecting the international release of the movies but who knows what it can bring. There had been talks of boycott among DGA members, according to certain rumors on the internet.

Some directors came up and commented on the issue as well. Christopher Nolan said: “It’s very, very, very, very messy. A real bait and switch. Yeah, it’s sort of not how you treat filmmakers and stars and people who, these guys have given a lot for these projects.

They deserved to be consulted and spoken to about what was going to happen to their work.” Meanwhile, Steven Soderbergh is more optimistic:

“It’s just a reaction to an economic reality that I think everybody is going to have to acknowledge pretty soon,

which is that even with a vaccine, the theatrical movie business won’t be robust enough in 2021 to justify the amount of P&A you need to spend to put a movie into wide release”, and adds that “It’s all going to come back. But I think Warners is saying: not as soon as you think.”

Hollywood is obviously a huge part of cinemas and theatres all around the globe. We’ll see what happens.

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Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore to make fourth film together?

(Photograph credit: Everett Collection)


Sandman is going strong recently. His Netflix films are a success for the company, his “Uncut Gems” and “The Meyerowitz Stories” performances earned him a lot of awards and praise, he’s got intriguing projects upcoming,

he recently got a double Emmy nomination for his “SNL” host performance as well as the recent stand-up show. Now there’s a possibility of him reuniting with beloved Drew Barrymore, Filmiere.com reports.

Their first collaboration “The Wedding Singer” was a success, it also earned Sandler unusual critical praise because it was the first time he was showing his soft and sensitive side. “50 First Dates” was another hit all around, “Blended” didn’t do that well but was still a commercial success.

Maybe it’s just a joke but still. On MTV awards, they joined virtually. “Yeah, that’s true — but also, it’s a new decade so we get to make another movie together,” Sandler said, to which Barrymore agreed: “Right, well let’s wait until we find something amazing, we do have 10 years.”

Sandler then corrected: “Nine years and one month,” which Barrymore replied: “Well, that’s not enough time. I don’t know, it doesn’t matter — it has to be special.” We also hope for a special reunion.

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Warner Bros. will release its entire 2021 film slate on HBO Max

(photograph credit: Warner Bros)

This is major news for Hollywood. Risky, bold, unexpected move that may have a big impact on the course of things. Warner Bros. will release its entire 2021 film slate on HBO Max concurrent with domestic theatrical runs for one month, similar to the previously announced Wonder Woman plan.

Matrix, Space Jam, Dune, In the Heights, Suicide Squad, Godzilla, Conjuring, and everything else. The studio announced Thursday day-and-date releases for its 17-film slate, which will hit HBO Max for a one-month window that starts the same day they will be available in U.S. theaters.

“After considering all available options and the projected state of moviegoing throughout 2021, we came to the conclusion that this was the best way for WarnerMedia’s motion picture business to navigate the next 12 months,” said WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar.

“More importantly, we are planning to bring consumers 17 remarkable movies throughout the year, giving them the choice and the power to decide how they want to enjoy these films. Our content is extremely valuable unless it’s sitting on a shelf not being seen by anyone.

We believe this approach serves our fans, supports exhibitors and filmmakers, and enhances the HBO Max experience, creating value for all.” Certainly pandemic changed a lot of things. We’ll see how this influence or have an impact on cinemas and movie theatres around the world.

Filmiere.com will keep you updated. The HBO Max/theaters model is a “unique one-year plan.” Executives at the company have stressed the initiative isn’t expected to continue into 2022 or beyond — it’s considered a temporary solution in response to the ongoing global health crisis

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Anne Hathaway is going to HBO Max again

(photograph credit: Warner Bros.)

Filmiere.com already reported you about Doug Liman’s new movie with Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The filming didn’t last too long and they wrapped it up in a short time.

The heist film “Lockdown” has been acquired by Warner Bros. and the hope is the film will premiere on HBO Max as a Max Original in early 2021, the information first reported by The Wrap. The movie’s supporting cast also includes big names like Ben Kingsley, Mindy Kaling, and Ben Stiller.

Even though Hathaway’s previous Steven Knight-scripted film (Serenity) and previous HBO Max premiered film (The Witches) were both disappointments, hopefully, this will be a great project for actresses to shine in a high-quality film.

It also shows that HBO Max is not here to play around but is actually keen on developing and getting bigger. Probably the coronavirus era also encouraged Warner Bros to take some risks and put some capital on HBO Max.

The story is about a bickering couple (Hathaway and Ejiofor) that agrees to set their differences aside and attempt a high-risk, high-stakes jewelry heist at the world’s most exclusive department store, Harrods. The film was shot on location earlier this fall.

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Margot Robbie to replace Emma Stone in Chazelle’s new movie

(Photograph credit: Deadline/Mega)

Filmiere.com shares the news first reported by Deadline about Emma Stone is no more part of Damien Chazelle’s new movie “Babylon”. Stone previously won an Oscar for her performance in a previous Chazelle movie called “La La Land”.

She was expected to star opposite Brad Pitt but the sources claim she had to leave the project for scheduling conflicts. She did the two years ago for “Little Women” and it was believed to be for the fact that she had to “Zombieland” sequel and the press tour for “The Favorite”.

When Paramount acquired the picture in late 2019, it set a Christmas Day 2021 awards-qualifying release, with a wide berth on January 7. This was before the pandemic and obviously subject to change because the expectation is it will shoot at least in part in Los Angeles.

Margot Robbie is rumored to be the one who’s gonna replace her but there had not been official confirmation yet.

The movie is an R-rated drama that sets in an era where Hollywood was shifting from silent movies to talky films. Robbie previously starred with Pitt in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, in the same year which she earned another Academy Award nomination for “Bombshell”.

 

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RIP Daria Nicolodi

(Photograph credit: 20th Century Fox)

“Rest in peace beloved mother. Now you can fly free with your great spirit and you won’t have to suffer anymore. I will try to go on for your beloved grandchildren and especially for you who would never want to see me so grieved.

Even if without you I miss the ground under my feet, and I feel I have lost my only true point of reference. I am close to all those who have known and loved you. I will always be your Aria, Daria”.

This is what Italian actress Asia Argento, daughter of Dario Argento and Daria Nicolodi posted on her Instagram after her beloved mother’s death, Filmiere.com reports. Nicolodi was known for many things but most importantly she was a great collaborator to her husband Dario Argento.

She actually co-wrote a horror masterpiece “Suspiria” and also starred in “Inferno”, another great mark in Argento’s filmography and overall Italian horror cinema history.

Although her relationship with Argento ended in 1985, she went on to star with Asia in his “The Mother of Tears,” the final installment of his supernatural horror trilogy “The Three Mothers.” Many international filmmakers such as Edgar Wright and William Friedkin honored her work. May she rest in peace.

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