As one of the first American celebrities who contracted COVID-19 and recovered safely, Tom Hanks doesn’t have time for people who don’t wear masks. The beloved actor has been urging people to practice safety guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic, even going so far as to say, “Don’t be a pussy.” Now, he’s doubling down on that sentiment by questioning the patriotism of Americans who choose not to wear masks. During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday, Hanks was asked by Stephen Colbert what it’s like to be a coronavirus survivor. The two discussed a range of topics, including whether or not Hanks would donate his plasma to help scientists find a cure (Hanks confirmed he already has and he hopes it will result in the “Hank-ccine” vaccine). Out of all the quest...
Peacock has descended upon us. Today brings the launch of NBCUniversal’s brand new streaming service, and with it comes the arrival of 15,000 hours of television and movies both new and old. On the television front, fans can warm up to classics from NBC’s back catalogue, particularly 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, Friday Night Lights, Frasier, Unsolved Mysteries, and all the Law and Order series. On the film front, there are dozens of iconic Universal blockbusters, including Jurassic Park, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Back to the Future, and the list goes on. There is also plenty of original programming to behold, specifically Brave New World, Cleopatra in Space, Curious George, In Deep with Ryan Lochte, Intelligence, Lost Speedways, Psych 2: Lassie Come Home, The Capture, and Where’s...
What’s the story Wishbone? You’d have to ask filmmaker Peter Farrelly. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Oscar winner has signed on to produce a feature film based on the popular ’90s PBS series for Universal and Mattel films. Roy Parker, who was featured on the 2019 Black List, will write the script, which will undoubtedly revolve around a cute Jack Russell terrier chewing on a classic literary tale. As of press time, there’s no director attached. “Our deep library of iconic franchises continues to offer cinematic storytelling opportunities,” said executive producer Robbie Brenner. “We’re thrilled to be working with Peter Farrelly, Roy Parker, and Universal to take the beloved dog classic into a new direction with a modern reimagination of the franchise.” Wishbone was originally a ...
Blockbuster Month is celebrating the true titans of the genre. In the weeks ahead, you’ll read through a variety of features digging deep into the greatest hits of Hollywood, from popcorn classics to underrated gems. Today, Josh Spiegel discusses the art of counterprogramming and whether studios can still pivot around major tentpoles and blockbusters. All movies are not created equal. For decades, the summer was the domain of the blockbuster: big-budget films with loads of action, special effects, and anchored by some kind of intellectual property. Sometimes, those films were able to boast A-List stars; other times, those films created A-List stars. (Will Smith was well-known for his music career and starring role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but Independence Day made him a star. The fo...
Kanye West isn’t the only left-field celebrity making a third-party run for president in 2020. Brock Pierce, who is perhaps best known for starring in the Disney movie First Kid, has filed with the FEC to run as an independent candidate. Pierce played the titular role in 1996’s First Kid, starring opposite Sinbad. Pierce also portrayed a young Gordon Bombay in the first two Mighty Ducks movies, and starred in a Gushers commercial. At the age of 17, Pierce retired from acting and helped launch a video streaming service. He later started a series of internet gaming websites, at one point recruiting Steve Bannon as a venture capitalist. More recently, he got involved in cryptocurrency and rolled out his own blockchain, making a fortune in the process. However, Pierce’s career has al...
Bird Box was the last type of movie that should be a hit during the holidays, and yet the post-apocalyptic flick was a Christmastime smash for Netflix back in 2018. Now, it looks like the streaming giant is eager to recreate that magic. According to Inverse, Netflix is already working on a Bird Box sequel. In a new interview with Josh Malerman, the author behind the sci-fi thriller novel that the movie adapted, he revealed that a follow-up to Bird Box sequel is currently “in development.” Technically, the new film is based on his upcoming book, Malorie, which takes its name from Sandra Bullock’s character and is a follow-up to the original novel, but Malerman isn’t sure if Bullock will return to play a role in the new film. “I can’t say much, but I can say that it is in developme...
After a spike in COVID-19 cases during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered all movie theaters in the state to close immediately … again, reports Variety. The government mandate follows Newsom’s previous announcement that movie theaters in almost 20 counties, including Los Angeles County, would be closed for three weeks. After seeing the latest data, he decided to double down and closing all movie theaters across the state. Those numbers reveal that, over the past two weeks, California’s hospitalizations have risen by 28% and ICU admissions have increased by 20%. “This virus is not going away anytime soon,” explained Newsom during a news conference on Monday. “I hope all of us recognize that if we are still connected to some notion that somehow whe...
Hollywood continues to devour Stephen King’s latest collection If It Bleeds. Last week, it was confirmed that Netflix, Ryan Murphy, and Blumhouse are adapting “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone”. Now, according to Deadline, we know where the other stories are going. The book’s second story, “The Life of Chuck”, has been scooped up by Darren Aronofsky’s Protozoa. So far, the veteran filmmaker is only attached to produce, but the surrealist trifecta of a tale would be a perfect fit for the brazen auteur. Next up is Ben Stiller of all people, who has optioned the fourth story, “Rat”. If all goes to plan, Stiller would both star and direct the film, which follows a troubled writer who makes a Faustian bargain with, well, a furry critter. And finally is the titular novella featuring Holly Gibney. Details ar...
This October, Jason Voorhees comes home in a big way. Today, Scream Factory officially announced an epic Blu-ray box set collecting every film in the Friday the 13th franchise — from the 1980 original all the way to the 2009 reboot. Set for release on October 13th, the 12-film, 16-disc collection will contain both new material and all the supplemental goodies from prior home entertainment releases. What’s more, the set also includes a 40-page collectible essay booklet. “Each film inside the slipcover packaging will receive a dedicated Blu-ray case featuring original theatrical artwork,” a press release reads, noting the similarities to box sets for Halloween, The Omen, and The Fly. “Some films in the set will have reversible sleeves with alternative cover art, giving you the option to swap...
Kelly Preston, veteran actress of Jerry Maguire, Twins, and Nothing to Love, passed away on Sunday night (June 12th) after a two-year battle with breast cancer. She was 57. Her longtime husband, John Travolta, confirmed the news on Instagram: “It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer. She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many. My family and I will forever be grateful to her doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, all the medical centers that have helped, as well as her many friends and loved ones who have been by her side. Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered. I will be taking some time to be there for my children who have lost their mother, so forgive...