Tag: Hollywood

  • All projects put on hold as Hollywood actors go on strike

    All projects put on hold as Hollywood actors go on strike

    In an unprecedent move, 160,000 Hollywood actors represented by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) joined writers in strike against Hollywood after negotiations between the union and major studio networks failed.

    Much of Hollywood had shut down in May after writers went on strike, protesting against low pay as studios shifted to streaming, and the incorporation of A.I into writing scripts.

    The demands made by the actors union include fairer working conditions, and protection of actors against digital replicas like A.I and computer generated faces and voices will not be used to replace actors. Another demand was that actors should receive better pay base and residuals- which are payments made to actors in television and films they have starred in.

    During the negotiations, network studios had offered what they called a ‘ground-breaking proposal’ that actors would be asked for consent when their digital replicas would be used in films, while background actors would be scanned and give one day’s pay for their digital image to be used on screen without their consent, which SAG said was unnacceptable:

    “They propose that our background performers should be able to be scanned, get paid for one day’s pay, and their company should own that scan of their image, their likeness, and should be able to use it for the rest of eternity,” the SAG chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said. “If you think that’s a ground-breaking proposal, I suggest you think again.”

    The cast of Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ walked off the red carpet at the London premiere on Thursday, including A-list actors like Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt and Matt Damon, when the strikes were announced in the US.

    Addressing the strike during a red carpet interview, Damon defended fellow actors who were protesting for studios to provide better pay, sharing that royalty payments are a way for working actors to survive:

    “We got to protect the people who are kind of on the margins. 26,000 bucks a year is what you have to make to get your health insurance. And there are a lot of people (for) who residual payments carry them across that threshold. If those residual payments dry up, so does their healthcare, and that’s absolutely unacceptable.”

    Announcing the SAG-AFTRA strike, President of the union Fran Drescher, called this a sad decision, which will greatly impact both writers and actors.

    “We are the victims here. We are being victimized by a very greedy entity. You are systematically trying to figure out ways to carve us out of what is due us. Shame on you!”

  • ‘His brain couldn’t take it all’: co-star’s reveal Oppenheimer’s Cillian Murphy was under immense pressure

    ‘His brain couldn’t take it all’: co-star’s reveal Oppenheimer’s Cillian Murphy was under immense pressure

    As July 21 draws closer and closer to the Barbie vs Oppenheimer showdown, press interviews from the cast and crew members of both films have given some interesting insights into how the gruelling the process of making a cinematic masterpiece, especially for Cillian Murphy.

    Female lead Emily Blunt revealed to People Magazine that Murphy sat out most of the cast dinners because of the immense pressure the role had placed on him.

    “We were all in the same hotel in the middle of the New Mexican desert. We only had each other. Me and Matt [Damon] were roommates and we were like, ‘Let’s go to have dinner.’”

    “Murphy did not attend because the sheer volume of what he had to take on and shoulder is so monumental,” Blunt said.

    Matt Damon added that the pressure to carry the film was placed entirely on Murphy’s shoulders

    “Of course he didn’t want to come and have dinner with us. He couldn’t. His brain was just too full. You know that when you have those big roles, that responsibility, you feel it’s kind of overwhelming,” he told People.

    Oppenheimer is a true story based around the life of J Robert Oppenheimer and his efforts to make the first atomic bomb. Murphy stars in his first leading role on the big screen with the writer/ director, after working with him previously on the Batman Trilogy and Inception.

    Murphy revealed that Christopher Nolan gave him the opportunity to be the lead in the film through a cold-call offer:

    “He’s so understated and self-deprecating and, in his very English manner, just said, ‘Listen, I’ve written this script, it’s about Oppenheimer. I’d like you to be my Oppenheimer,’” Murphy said while speaking to The Associared Press. “It was a great day… We have this long-standing understanding and trust and shorthand and respect. It felt like the right time to take on a bigger responsibility. And it just so happened that it was a huge one.”

  • Riz Ahmed’s ‘Nimona’ hailed by critics as a unique queer fantasy

    Riz Ahmed’s ‘Nimona’ hailed by critics as a unique queer fantasy

    On Friday, Netflix dropped the highly anticipated animated fantasy film ‘Nimona’ which stars Pakistani-British actor Riz Ahmed, Chloe Grace Montez, Eugene Lee Yang as the main leads, and is adapted from the comics of the same name by ‘She-Ra’ creator ND Stevenson.

    Since its release, critics have hailed the film as a gorgeous queer fantasy that calls for acceptance and equality for the LGBTQ+ community, but mostly critics have hailed Ahmed’s and Mortez’s performances, as Entertainment Weekly praised it for the casual queer representation as the main lead Nimona is a gender non-conforming being, and the romantic relationship between two male knights.

    Speaking on the queer representation, Ahmed had said:

    “I understand this is a big win and a big moment representation-wise, and we’re all so proud of that. But I think those moments only feel like real wins when they’re not tokenized, when they are actually there because of the emotional truth of the character. When we are honoring these characters as human, that’s when it feels real, you know?”  

    Writing on the powerful vocal performance by Mortez as Nimona, Polygon hailed her for creating the duality between the rebellious side of the vibrant shape shifter, but also exploring her vulnerable side as an outcast who doesn’t feel like she can belong anywhere.

    Coming on the themes of queer representation, Mashable praised Nimona for being speaking on empowering the queer community:

    “Along with its unique animation and rollicking action sequences, Nimona digs into themes of individuality, identity, and acceptance that aim to speak directly and warmly to the queer community. At a time when LGBTQ rights and spaces continue to come under attack from bigoted legislation(opens in a new tab), Nimona cements itself not just as a great fantasy film, but as an important one as well.”

    Calling it a film that takes aim at the post 9/11 surveillance state, IGN praised Nimona for being “a tender and bold tale about challenging institutions, being a good ally, and the need to live as your true self.”

    Nimona takes place in a science fantasy world where Ballister Boldheart (played by Riz) is the first commoner to be enlisted in the presitigous Institute of Elite Knights, when an accident takes place during the knighting ceremony after which he is forced to flee for his life. Partnered with the rebellious Nimona (voiced by Chloe Grace Montez) a shape-shifter who has a desire to do something evil, they team up to clear his name and investigate the perpetuators behind the accident.

  • Bill Cosby accused of sexual assault by 9 more women

    Bill Cosby accused of sexual assault by 9 more women

    Disgraced Hollywood star Bill Cosby has been accused of sexual assault by nine more women, according to a lawsuit filed in Nevada. Al-Jazeera reports that the women claimed they were drugged and assaulted by ‘The Cosby Show’ star between the years 1979 and 1992.

    According to the complaint filed in the US District Court of Nevada, the survivors were attacked in dressing rooms, hotels and in Cosby’s various homes. The suit demanded the former star pay damages for sexual assault and battery.

    The lawsuit has arrived after Nevada changed its law regarding the statue of limitations for adult survivors of sexual abuse to pursue civil cases.

    The law had previously given survivors a two-year window to file civil charges. But on June 2, Governor Joe Lombardo signed a bill “Justice for Victims of Crime”- which was met with praise from survivors of sexual assault and rape.

    “For years, I have fought for survivors of sexual assault, and today is the first time I will be able to fight for myself,” said Lise-Lotte Lublin, a school teacher and former model who has long pushed for statutes of limitations to be broadened in sexual violence cases.

    Lublin had initially filed a case against Cosby in 2014, alleging that the former comedian had summoned her to his hotel in 1989 to learn acting techniques. She recalled Cosby giving her spiked alcohol to “help her relax”. Lubin revealed she quickly lost consciousness, only reawakening in her own bed later on, not knowing how she got there.

    More than 60 women had accused Cosby in 2018 in Pennsylvania of sexual assault and rape through the inclusion of drugs, and he was convicted for drugging and assaulting Andrea Constand in 2014. However, in 2021 the Pennsylvanian Supreme Court overturned this suit, citing the fact that the former star was denied protection against self-incrimination.

    The court had stated that Cosby had been denied his “due process rights” when the prosecuters had ensured him that he won’t be charged if he confessed during the testament. When he revealed that he gave women quaaludes during sex, it became the key testimony during the criminal case that was overturned.

    Cosby’s spokesperson, Andrew Wyatt, released a statement where he accused the women who filed a suit against Cosby of being motivated by their “addiction to massive amounts of media attention and greed.”

    “From this day forward, we will not continue to allow these women to parade various accounts … against Mr. Cosby anymore without vetting them in the court of public opinion and inside of the courtroom,”  Wyatt responded in a statement.

  • Zayn Malik, Simone Ashley to star in animated film ’10 lives’

    Two divas are coming together for global domination!

    Former One Direction star Zayn Malik and Bridgerton actress Simone Ashley are joining hands to star in the animated film ’10 Lives’. The film will also star veteran actor Bill Nighy and will be directed by Chris Jenkins.

    The film is about Beckett, a spoiled and pampered cat who takes all the lives he was given for granted. After a careless mistake costs him his ninth life, he begs for a last chance, and is given the 10th life but with certain conditions.

    Ashley had previously starred as Indira, one of the seven sisters in the live adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’. She is set to reprise her role as Kate Sharma in the upcoming third season of Bridgerton.

    Speaking exclusively to Deadline about the upcoming season, Ashley revealed that this is finally where Kate and Anthony start coming together to build their family, which she was excited about:

    “In Season 2, there was a lot of push and pull between Kate and Anthony, there were complications with the family, and then they find each other towards the end. I think everything is just starting. I’d like to see Kate just let go a bit more and play more in Season 3 and kind of swim in that circle of love together. I think they both deserve it.”

    “She’s in charge of the household now and she’s got big boots to put on. I think she can do it,” the ‘Sex Education’ star gushed. “I want to keep that softness and vulnerability to Kate, for sure, and she can share that with Anthony. I’m just excited for her to have a home and to have a family. I’m excited to see her grow. I think I’d like to see Kate being much braver and less headstrong and more heart strong.”

    Malik had sent fans in a frenzy when he announced the cover of the popular Jimi Hendrix song ‘Angel’.

    Recently, the ‘Pillow Talk’ star took to Twitter to thank all of the fans who had kept supporting the singer during his break from social media, moving fans to tears.

    “I would like to say thank you to everyone that has supported me throughout this amazing journey, especially to my fans who I owe my life to. Love and adore you and see everything you do for me.”

  • Summer blockbusters we are excited about

    Who said this is going to be a boring summer?

    With super stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Margot Robbie and powerhouse directors like Greta Gerwig and Christopher Nolan bringing their art to cinemas, this summer is going to be anything but boring.

    We have Pakistan’s first ever crime thriller, based on a serial killer no one has depicted on film, a gorgeous Disney adaptation of the beloved story ‘The Little Mermaid’ and yes, the woman ,the myth, the legend herself, Greta Gerwig, bringing the world to its knees with Barbie.

    Here is our list of summer blockbusters that have us already booking our tickets with glee.

    1 Kukri

    Abu Aleeha thrilled audiences with ‘Daadal’ starring the powerhouse Sonya Hussein, depicting a boxer from Lyari who turns to the sport to avenge her sister’s honor. Now, he is bringing to screens the story of child serial killer Javed Iqbal. Starring Ayesha Omar and Yasir Hussain, the trailer has us excited because this is the first time such a story is being released in cinemas.

    2 Barbie

    Icon and savior Greta Gerwig made history when she released the trailer for the upcoming comedy film ‘Barbie’, impacting the film industry in a way never seen before. In this adaptation, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling take on the roles of Barbie and Ken, taking us on a hilarious journey as Barbie steps out in to the new world in order to get to know who she is.

    3 The Little Mermaid (2023)

    If you’re looking for a good film to watch with family, this is the perfect one. Halle Bailey set our 90’s heart soaring when it was announced that she would be taking on the role of Ariel for ‘The Little Mermaid’. Featuring a star-studded cast with the likes of Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, Simone Ashley and Daved Diggs, the gorgeous special effects and the positive reviews have already gotten us excited.

    4 Oppenheimer

    If this list wasn’t up to your taste then wait for Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’. Featuring Cillian Murphy, the film is about Physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who is working with a team of scientists during the Manhattan Project, developing the atomic bomb.

  • Al Pacino demanded paternity test, thought was too old to have a baby

    .The plot thickens.

    Hollywood legend Al Pacino had reportedly been shocked when he discovered that his partner Noor Alfallah was expecting his child. The actor demanded that she take a paternity test, TMZ has reported.

    According to TMZ, the 83 year old ‘Godfather’ actor had a medical condition which would have prevented him from impregnating a woman. Al Pacino had reportedly found out two months ago that he was about to become a father once again.

    Alfallah agreed to the test, with the results revealing that indeed, Al Pacino was the father.

    The 28 year old music producer is currently eight months pregnant with what will be the ‘Scent Of A Woman’ actor’s fourth child.

    Meanwhile his ‘Heat’ co-star Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child with long-term partner Tiffany Chen. The veteran actor reacted to the news of his comrade’s impending fatherhood during an appearance on ‘Today‘:

    “Listen, Al Pacino [is about to have a baby] and he’s a few years older than me. God bless him,” he said. “I’m very happy for him.”

  • Armie Hammer won’t be charged over sexual assault allegations

    Armie Hammer, who rose to fame with ‘Call Me By Your Name’ and left Hollywood after accusations of sexual assault, will not be charged, Los Angeles District Attorney has confirmed.

    Hammer was accused of rape and sexual abuse by several women, with screenshots of graphic messages from the actor shared by the accusers. The actor has texted women “I am 100% a cannibal” and “I want to eat you.” The LAPD had announced that they were launching an official investigation on the former ‘The Social Network’ actor.

    On Wednesday, a representative from the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement that there was insufficient evidence to charge Hammer with a crime, due to the complex relationship between him and the woman:

    “In this case, those prosecutors conducted an extremely thorough review, but determined that at this time, there is insufficient evidence to charge Mr Hammer with a crime,” the statement read. “As prosecutors, we have an ethical responsibility to only charge cases that we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt … Due to the complexity of the relationship and inability to prove a non-consensual, forcible sexual encounter, we are unable to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.”

    The woman, who went by the anonymous name House Of Effie on Instgram, had filed a case in 2021, claiming that Hammer had raped her in 2017, and had repeatedly slammed her head against the wall, bruising her face.

    “During those four hours, I tried to get away, but he wouldn’t let me,” the woman said at the news conference. “I thought that he was going to kill me. He then left with no concern for my well-being.”

    Effie has released a statement on Instagram addressing the announcement, revealing that it “cost me a great deal to have spoken out and filed a report against Armie’s abuse.”

    “I felt a duty to speak out and file a report in order to try and hold Armie accountable for all the harm and trauma he had caused me and to protect other women from experiencing similar abuse. It has cost me a great deal to have spoken out and filed a report against Armie’s abuse. Since I came forward, I have received death threats, rape threats, incessant harassment. Many of Armie’s victims were afraid to come forward. My hope is that one day, rapists won’t get away with it.”

    In 2022, a documentary called ‘The House Of Hammer’ was released on Discovery + which detailed the investigation of emotional and physical abuse the ‘Rebecca’ actor had inflicted over women, as well as an interview with his aunt, Casey, who had written a memoir about her family ‘Surviving My Birthright’, detailing the abuse and greed of the Hammer family.

  • Al Pacino, 83, and Noor Alfallah, 29, are about to have their first child

    Hollywood legend Al Pacino began trending on social media on Wednesday at incredible speed, making us all think, “Oh no!”

    But then we saw why he was trending and were like “Oh no!”

    Yup, Al Pacino joined the likes of Mick Jagger and Robert De Niro to announce that he and his 29 year old girlfriend Noor Alfallah, are expecting a child together.

    The 83-year-old ‘Godfather’ actor, whose eldest child Julie is older than his current partner, began dating Alfallah in 2021 when the pandemic started. They were both spotted together last April at a diner.

    Alfallah, who works as a music producer, previously dated Mick Jagger and Clint Eastwood.

    And though the news is strange, it has unleashed a string of hilarious memes.

    https://twitter.com/cinepacino/status/1664104292179910657?s=20

    https://twitter.com/poppazo2001/status/1663736625715728385?s=20

    Some fans pointed out that Al Pacino shouldn’t be dating women who are younger than his children.

  • ‘I’m gonna be sick’: the final episode of Succession has people divided

    Warning: this article contains spoilers about the final episode of ‘Succession’. Don’t read if you haven’t seen it.

    Welp, it’s all over. On Sunday, the finale episode of the dark comedy ‘Succession’ aired on HBO, leaving fans blown away by the finale. For the past four years, the show explored the conflict within the Roy family, as patriarch Logan Roy decides to step down, leaving siblings Kendall, Siobhan and Roman to decide who should control the entertainment giant.

    After a conflicting season showing the death of the patriarch, more heartbreaking confessions, fights and plotting to grab control over the empire, in the end the winner was *drum roll*…

    Tom Wambsgans and his wife, Siobhan Roy.

    How did we come to this conclusion? The finale episode opens with the Roy siblings conflicted over the streaming giant GoJo’s aquisition of Waystar Royco, with Kendall (played by Jeremy Strong) wanting to kill the deal but Shiv (played by Sarah Snook) plotting with GoJo’s founder Luke Matsson (Alexander Skarsgard) to finalise the deal, in exchange for being made CEO.

    Before the deal is finalised, a heartbreaking feud takes place between the siblings, with Kendall begging Roman and Shiv to make him the CEO, as was promised to him as the eldest son of the family. Roman Roy (played by Kieran Culkin) instead mocks Kendall for having adopted children, and says that their father would have wanted Shiv to take the CEO position because she is the one pregnant with her biological child. Shiv also threatens to reveal Kendall’s crime for murdering a waiter in Season One.

    When the deal is finalised, Kendall walks to a river, looking horrified as he stares at the horizon. Roman visits a bar and orders a martini, while Shiv joins her husband in the backseat of the car, and both of them look incredibly tense which proves that they never loved each other.

    Twitter users had mixed opinions about whether the finale provided a satisfying conclusion or a butchering of its iconic characters.

    There were some users who felt that the show had effectively destroyed the relationship between the Roy siblings.

    Some also grieved for Kendall, who had been fighting since the start of the show to take control of the company, but then was stripped away from everything because of Shiv.

    Many felt that the show had destroyed Shiv by making her into a villain.

    But for others, Shiv’s sacrifice ultimately made her the hero of the show, because her sacrifice prevented her brothers from following the same fate of their abusive father. Some users pointed out how Shiv sacrificed her power to help free her brothers from the hurt and abuse they endured, by resigning herself to the role of mother and wife to a man she did not love.

    https://twitter.com/agneswickfields/status/1663012479117451264?s=20