Latest news with #JohnLeguizamo
Forbes
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
John Leguizamo And Anna Chlumsky On ‘Smoke' And Her Hard No To ‘My Girl 3'
(Left to right) John Leguizamo and Anna Chlumsky in 'Smoke.' Although John Leguizamo and Anna Chlumsky's characters don't appear until halfway through Smoke's nine-episode run, they wouldn't have passed on the chance to star in the crime drama series for anything. "I would have taken the whole series if they'd written my character into the whole thing," the Veep actress confirms. "You want to be a part of something that's excellently written. We all dream of that when we sign up for a job, and this was presented to me. I read for it, and I was desperate for it because I loved it. Dennis Lehane is the voice we need right now." Created and written by Lehane, the slow-burn Apple TV+ show stars Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett as an arson investigator and a detective, respectively, who are working together to stop two serial arsonists in the Pacific Northwest. Chulmsky and Leguizamo play pivotal roles, one a stickler for details and the other a disgraced officer, who both join the investigation. Based on a true story and a hit podcast, Smoke premieres the first two episodes on Friday, June 27, 2025, followed by one episode weekly every Friday through Friday, August 15, 2025. Fiery Dialogue Made 'Smoke' A Dream Project Leguizamo's character, Ezra Esposito, first appears on screen uttering a blistering diatribe that he considers a career high point. "All the dialogue that Dennis wrote for me was top-notch," he explains. "It might be some of the best dialogue I've ever said or spoken in a series, movie, or animated movie, for that matter. The way Dennis writes is incredible. I felt incredibly fortunate to be asked to be part of this series because of the writing. It was exceptional. He's the preeminent true crime novelist in the world right now." "It was a gift. It was such a pleasure to work with Anna. She is unbelievable. She's such a fire with intellect that it brings the whole level of the quality of the work up." The spark between the pair raises the question of why they have never been paired together on screen before. The effortless banter and natural chemistry are lightning in a bottle. "I love hearing that. I like it when I like it when we can have a little schadenfreude for casting agents," she says with a smile. "You are right that we've not had the chance to work together before." The pair had barely met before they started shooting. "In the trailer on the first day, I came in, and I was listening to what John was saying, and I was kind of like, 'Yeah,' and nodding," Chulmsky laughs. "I could tell he was like, 'Who is this?' and I was thinking, 'Anna, stop. You haven't introduced yourself yet,' but I couldn't stop being like, 'Yeah, I know this conversation.'" Again, Leguizamo credits a lot of their connection to Lehane, the author behind books such as Mystic River, Shutter Island, and Gone Baby Gone, as well as the award-winning series Black Bird, which also starred Rocketman's Egerton. "The way that Dennis juxtaposed our two opposing characters, and we're such an odd couple, is great," the Spawn actor enthuses. "I mean, she's a perfectionist and follows everything to the letter and does things by the book, and Ezra's a loose cannon. She comes to rein him in. They have such a great dynamic." Chulmsky adds, "Ezra's heart is on his sleeve. She has a heart, but man, is it contained? It's fun to see the characters blossom and explore when put in the same place." Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett in 'Smoke.' 'Smoke's Characters Do Things Wrong The Right Way Smoke and its cast of characters don't hold back. "It's very honest in the sense that in the world we live in, we are very sensitive and trauma-aware," Chulmsky explains. "Sometimes we are nervous about creating a character who says or does the wrong thing because it could be upsetting to the viewer. The way to do it right is the way Dennis does it, and where these things get said, people do the wrong thing. That's why we're discussing it and why we're traumatized by this. It's more about exploring how those conversations can even happen, as opposed to pretending that they just don't because they're too hurtful." Another of Smoke's unique qualities is how it subverts several genre tropes, including some related to the gender dynamic. Rather than the women of the piece not being listened to by the powers that be, here it's several of the men who are being given the brush-off by authorities. "I love your perspective on that, and it's true," Leguizamo enthuses. "I like the way that Dennis turns masculinity up on its head. Who is in power? Is it the guys or the women? I love that he doesn't go by the book, so everything is in the gray zone, and everybody is an anti-hero. It's a complexly written piece, and nothing is wasted. Everything is there for a reason and a purpose. I love the way he dives into the psychology. He explores it. He delves deeply into the rabbit hole of what causes a person to lose their empathy and care for human life. It's fascinating." Festooned with memorable scenes, including some spectacular fire sequences, Smoke often scores big wins with subtle scenes, including one where Leguizamo, Chulmsky, and Rafe Spall's character are in an office discussing a book deal. All three play it cool, but their glances alone say it all. "I loved that scene," she laughs. "I don't even say a lot in it, but it's still so fun because it's a different power dynamic. We're accustomed to the creative dynamic, and I also worked in publishing, so we're all accustomed to the situation where the publisher or literary agent has the power. They are like, 'I can accept your writing or not,' or a casting director will be like, 'I will have you do this reading or not,' whereas in this case, it was a case of, 'Yeah, you have the power, but we're asking you for something.' It was a really enjoyable thing because we've been around negotiations before, and it's a different way of doing it. It was fun." Taron Egerton in 'Smoke.' 'Land Of The Dead' Lives But 'My Girl 3' Is DOA Both Leguizamo and Chulmsky have storied careers with works that have stood the test of time, with Smoke being the latest addition to that. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Land of the Dead, a particularly pertinent piece of work by the late great horror director George A. Romero. "I was a huge fan of Romero, and the fact that George was half Cuban and from the Bronx, it was a big deal for me to work with him. He was a legend," he recalls. "I loved the political commentary of the film. He was always a political commentator in his work. Night of the Living Dead is an anti-war and anti-racism picture, and Land of the Dead was against fascism. He knew what was coming before it came to be upon us. I love that flick. I'm so proud to be a part of that movie." As well as Veep being an enduring show that people continue to discover as they digest the ongoing US political landscape, a whole new generation is discovering the two My Girl movies that gave Chulmsky her big break. With her continuing career ascendance and Jamie Lee Curtis being reappreciated by the industry and audiences, would she consider reuniting for a third film? "I'm going to stop you there," she says firmly but politely as I finish the question. "I've heard so many different ideas about that, but I will never, ever do one. I will never be involved in that." "Oh, wow," Leguizamo interjects with a laugh. "That's so definitive. You never say never in this business. I love that she takes a stand." "Yes, because I don't want to do it. Sorry. Life's too short," the Smoke actress confirms. "I don't need to do that. No. I played that character when I was ten years old. I don't have to play it as an adult."
Geek Tyrant
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Trailer For Jamie Foxx and Robert De Niro's Action Thriller TIN SOLDIER — GeekTyrant
Here's a trailer for a upcoming action thriller titled Tin Soldier , which stars Jamie Foxx, Robert De Niro, Scott Eastwood, and John Leguizamo. With a great cast like that, you might expect a good movie, but this looks super generic! I'm not sure how they pulled that casting off! The synopsis for the film reads: 'Jamie Foxx will put you under his spell in this cult compound extraction thriller. The Bokushi preaches to hundreds of war veterans, drawn to the promise of protection and purpose under him. 'Surrounded by his devout military-trained followers, he has built an impenetrable fortress & amassed an arsenal. After several failed infiltration attempts, the government – in the form of operative Emmanuel Ashburn – recruits Nash Cavanaugh, an ex-special forces asset, who was once a disciple of The Bokushi. 'Nash agrees to use his vulnerable past & insider knowledge of the enigmatic leader to finally get revenge on the man who took everything from him, including the love of his life.' Tin Soldier is directed by Brad Furman (The Take, The Lincoln Lawyer, Runner Runner) and it's set to be released direct-to-streaming in the UK on July 23rd, 2025.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Where To Watch All The ‘John Wick' Movies: Streamers That Have All Four Films
With Ballerina (2025) starring Ana de Armas and from the world of John Wick having arrived in theaters Friday, many may be wondering about the films that precede this latest installment and where to watch them. Before Ballerina, there were four John Wick films — the 2014 first film John Wick, 2017's John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), 2019's John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023). Kean Reeves portrays the titular hitman, who goes through some crazy and traumatic events across the four films. More from Deadline Lionsgate's Staggered 'Ballerina' Embargo For 'Enthusiastic' & 'Critical Sentiment' Irks Reviewers 'Ballerina' Trailer: Ana De Armas Trains To Be An Assassin In 'John Wick' Spinoff 'Lilo & Stitch' Nears $800M Global, 'Mission: Impossible - Final Reckoning' Tops $450M & 'Ballerina' Bows To $51M WW - International Box Office Below find where each film is streaming and a brief summary of who stars in which: (2014) The first film in the franchise is available to stream on Peacock, Fubo TV, USA Network's streaming app and The film stars Michael Nyqvist as Viggo Tarasov, Alfie Allen as Iosef Tarasov, Willem Dafoe as Marcus, John Leguizamo as Aurelio, Ian McShane as Winston and the late Lance Reddic as the hotel manager among more. Peacock Fubo USA NBC (2017) The second fim is also available on the same four streaming sources — Peacock, Fubo TV, Usa Network's site and Riccardo Scamarcio plays Santino D'Antonio with Ruby Rose playing Ares. Returners include Ian McShane as Winston and Lance Reddick as Charon as well as John Leguizamo's Aurelio and Bridget Moynahan's Helen. Laurence Fishburne played Bowery King, and Common played Cassian. Peacock Fubo USA NBC (2019) The third chapter for the hitman and assassin is also available to stream on Peacock, Fubo TV, USA and NBC. Returners alongside Reeves include Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick and Tobias Segal. Halle Berry played Sofia, Asia Kate Dillon played The Adjudicator, Angelica Huston played The Director and Jerome Flynn played Berrada. Peacock Fubo USA NBC (2023) Chapter 4 is available on all four streaming sites listed for the first three films in addition to Starz. Fishburne, McShane and Reddick returned, while George Georgiou played The Elder, Clancy Brown played Harbinger and Bill Skarsgåd played Marquis. Peacock Starz Fubo USA NBC Ballerina is only in theaters for now, but stay tuned for where to stream the fifth installment. RELATED: Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery Tony Awards: Every Best Musical Winner Since 1949 Tony Awards: Every Best Play Winner Since 1947
Forbes
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
John Leguizamo Returns To MSNBC To Explore Latino Culture In Trump's America
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has brought change and chaos to many parts of America, and for many, it's a time when the feeling of community, pride, and the sense of being part of a country built by immigrants is threatened. The actor John Leguizamo hopes his MSNBC series Leguizamo Does America, which launches its second season on July 6, can remind people of the power that still exists in Latino communities across the country. "Finally something for the whole community that uplifts, elevates and celebrates our Latiness in a way all people can admire and share," Leguizamo said, reflecting on his time in neighborhoods from Philadelphia to San Antonio, where vibrant Latino communities are defining America through food, culture, history and the achievements of people young and old. 'For season two, I wanted to go deeper into America and put a magnifying glass on Latino exceptionalism, Latino ingenuity, and Latino genius,' Leguizamo said. 'Our culture has made America what it is since 1492 and nobody knows it. We built and fought for this country, and suffered in America for who we are. Let's celebrate our legacy of contributions that continue to be vital to the prosperity of this great country.' In the show's first season, Leguizamo told the Los Angeles Times he was motivated to make the series because Latino culture has traditionally been erased or ignored from both popular culture and the media. 'So for us to be so invisible, so erased, so excluded all over the map in America, the media and corporate settings where decisions are being made is just abysmal.' Leguizamo, a New Yorker whose has roots in Puerto Rico and Colombia, has explored Latino culture for decades, in film, television and on Broadway. His MSNBC series, produced by NBC News Studios, brings Leguizamo's distinct high-energy style to a kind of cross-country road trip, with stops in cities and towns where Latinos--the country's fastest-growing demographic--are changing the culture, and, in cities like Phoenix, Denver, New Orleans, and Raleigh, having a growing voice in politics. 'Now more than ever, it's important that we celebrate the incredible contributions that Latinos have made and continue to make to this great nation,' said series director Ben DeJesus. 'It's been one of the highlights of my life to create and develop this series alongside the force of nature that is John Leguizamo and our passionate showrunner Carolina Saavedra. It's also important to note that this is a show made for audiences of all backgrounds, not just Latinos.' DeJesus and Leguizamo have worked together for years on projects like American Masters: Raúl Juliá, and the series American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos, both of which aired on PBS. 'I really give John a lot of credit for risking his own career, because he is not afraid to be vocal about [the lack of Latino representation] Leguizamo addressed the lack of Latino representation in film and television in a speech at the 2024 Emmy Awards, saying 'I'm John Leguizamo and I'm one of Hollywood's DEI hires. That's right. The D is for diligence, the E is for excellence, and the I is for imagination.' 'We need more stories from excluded groups,' Leguizamo told the audience. 'Black, Asian, Jewish, Arab, LGBTQ+ and disabled.' The second season of Leguizamo Does America airs Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET on MSNBC, beginning July 6.
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Review - Bob Trevino likes it
Bob Trevino likes it, sees Lily Trevino saddled with this year's worst father, Bob. Let down once again, she searches the internet for another, better Bob Trevino - and finds one. Based, astonishingly, on a true event in writer-director Tracie Lymon's life. Stars John Leguizamo (John Wick) and Barbie Ferreira. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
