Tag Archives: Open Thread

Billboard Magazine reports: Websites in Russia could be blocked from broadcasting the Eurovision Song Contest in May because of a recent tightening of anti-LGBT legislation that prohibits “propaganda about non-traditional sexual relations,” says Roskomnadzor, the Russian national media watchdog. Finding “LGBT propaganda” in Eurovision, which takes place May 9-13 in Liverpool, United Kingdom, may not be a difficult task, as …

Variety reports: The vibe surrounding Joni Mitchell being bestowed with the Gershwin Prize in Washington, D.C. earlier this month — as seen in a new PBS special — couldn’t have been more harmonious, from all accounts. And that’s a good thing, because under less loving circumstances, there could have been a turf war over who would get to sing “Both …

Variety reports: Twitter says it will charge businesses and organizations $1,000 per month (in the U.S.), including nonprofits and governments, to retain their verified status. In addition, the company will levy a $50 monthly charge for each affiliate subaccount (i.e., employees, brands or divisions). But apparently not all organizations will have to pay Musk for the privilege. Twitter will waive …

Broadway World reports: Smash is setting its sights on Broadway with an award-winning creative team, it was announced today by Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron, and Steven Spielberg who will serve as lead producers. The stage musical adaptation, inspired by the fan-favorite NBC series on which they all worked together, is slated for Broadway in the 2024-25 season. The production will …

Variety reports: Focus Features has dropped the trailer for Wes Anderson’s upcoming comedy “Asteroid City.” “Asteroid City” is set in the 1950s in a fictional American desert town. At a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention, which is designed to unite students and parents in scholarly competition, chaos ensues as world-changing events take place. The film’s main cast includes Margot Robbie, Tom …

Variety reports: Adnan Syed’s murder conviction — which gained worldwide attention from the hit podcast “Serial” in 2014 — has taken another turn. A Maryland court has reinstated Syed’s conviction after it was previously overturned in September 2022 and Syed was released from prison. The Appellate Court of Maryland ruled on Tuesday that a lower court had violated the right …

Broadway.com reports: The musical adaptation of Back to the Future has announced its full Broadway cast. The previously announced production is scheduled to begin performances on June 30 ahead of an official opening night on August 3 at the Winter Garden Theatre. Newly announced cast members include Liana Hunt as Lorraine Baines, Nathaniel Hackmann as Biff Tannen and Jelani Remy …

Variety reports: “John Wick: Chapter 4” knocked down the box office competition, collecting a remarkable $73.5 million in its opening weekend. Boosted by positive reviews and enthusiastic word-of-mouth, the fourth installment in Lionsgate’s action series, led by Keanu Reeves as a legendary assassin, landed the best start of the franchise. It’s one of the rare original properties to keep growing …

Deadline Hollywood reports: It’s no joke – Lady Gaga was spotted on Saturday in New York City for a first look at her as Harley Quinn in the upcoming film sequel, Joker: Folie Deux. Gaga was being filmed at the New York County Supreme Court in downtown Manhattan, surrounded by police. The crowd scene saw extras carrying picket signs imploring, …

The Hollywood Reporter reports: Jon Hamm is joining the Mean Girls Musical in the role of Coach Carr, the resident gym coach and incompetent sex-ed teacher. The feature adapts the Broadway musical, which is itself an adaptation of the 2004 teen comedy Mean Girls. Mean Girls Musical hails from Paramount, which is planning a Paramount+ debut. Hamm joins a previously …

Variety reports: If you’re going to remake a movie, why not remake one of the most acclaimed movies ever made? Paramount Pictures has preemptively acquired a remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 classic psychological thriller “Vertigo,” as a possible starring vehicle for Robert Downey Jr. The actor is producing the project with his wife Susan Downey through their Team Downey production …

Deadline Hollywood reports: Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul, musicians Lil Yachty, Ne-Yo, Soulja Boy, Akon and Austin Mahone and adult film star Kendra Lust were charged Wednesday for illegally promoting the securities of crypto companies being investigated by the SEC. The commission today charged crypto asset entrepreneur Justin Sun and three of his wholly owned companies for the unregistered offer and …

Deadline reports: As the latest in a flood of atmospheric river events hit Souther California today, several local theme parks closed their gates. Magic Mountain shut down for the second time in as many months as winds associated with the current storm blasted a nearby peak with force equivalent to a Cat. 2 hurricane. Magic Mountain Truck Trail, a site …

Variety reports: Rupert Murdoch just can’t stay single. Less than a year after divorcing Jerry Hall, the 92-year-old Fox mogul is hearing wedding bells again. He’s engaged to Ann Lesley Smith, a 66-year-old San Francisco police chaplain. Murdoch’s future wife was previously married to Chester Smith, a country-western singer, as well as a radio and TV executive who died in …

Deadline Hollywood reports: Watching Jesus Revolution surge past $45 million in ticket sales for Lionsgate—matching or besting The Fabelmans, The Banshees Of Inisherin, Tár, Women Talking and Triangle Of Sadness, combined—it finally seems safe to say it. The faith-based audience is back. Between Covid and the culture wars, it’s been a rough few years for those who make, promote and/or …

Deadline reports: Leaked rehearsal plans for the upcoming Coronation of King Charles III reveal that there is currently no place for Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle in the procession to follow the king’s crowning in Westminster Abbey. This revelation by The Times of London follows reports that Harry and Meghan have been invited to the ceremony taking place …

Yahoo Entertainment reports: Lance Reddick, the lanky, stalwart character actor whose no-nonsense demeanor was on full display in the John Wick franchise opposite Keanu Reeves and acclaimed series like The Wire, Oz and Lost, died on Friday. Mia Hansen, the actor’s representative at Portait PR, told Yahoo that Reddick “passed away suddenly of natural causes.” “Lance will be greatly missed,” …

USA Today reports: Gwyneth Paltrow revealed the “weirdest” thing she’s done in pursuit of wellness. The Oscar-winning actress, who is also the founder of the lifestyle brand Goop, opened up about the strangest wellness activity she’s participated in during her appearance on the podcast  The Art of Being Well. “I have used ozone therapy, rectally,” Paltrow said. “It’s pretty weird. …

People Magazine reports: Singer-songwriter Bobby Caldwell, who was best known for his smooth jazz hit “What You Won’t Do For Love,” has died. He was 71. Caldwell died on Tuesday at his home in New Jersey, his wife Mary Caldwell confirmed on Twitter. Mary wrote that she believed her husband had been “floxed,” a term used by some to describe …

Variety reports: Elton John is just one “E” away from being an EGOT, and there was no mistaking that an event for Television Academy members at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre Monday night was not just about celebrating the success of Disney+’s livestreamed Dodger Stadium special from last November, but about reminding potential voters that the star lacks just one vowel …