Latest news with #ThePenguin
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Batman 2: James Gunn Gives Disappointing Update About Movie's Script
James Gunn is denying a recent report regarding the script for . The Batman was released in March 2022. The DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures movie is directed by Matt Reeves and stars Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne, Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Paul Dano as Edward Nashton/The Riddler, and more. A sequel is currently expected to arrive in October 2027, though there has been much chatter about when the script for the film will be ready. Last week, Puck reported that Reeves was set to deliver his script for The Batman 2 to Warner Bros. and DC today — meaning Monday, June 23, 2025. Gunn, however, took to Threads this morning to say that the report was 'not true,' meaning the script won't be arriving today. Having said that, fans of The Batman need not worry too much, yet, as Gunn also told Entertainment Weekly last week that they're 'supposed' to get The Batman 2 script in June. 'I hope that happens,' Gunn said. 'We feel really good about it. Matt's excited. I talk to Matt all the time. I'm totally excited about it. So we can't wait to read the scripts, but we haven't read it yet, if that's your question. People should get off Matt's nuts because it's like, let the guy write the screenplay in the amount of time he needs to write it. That's just the way it is. He doesn't owe you something because you like his movie. I mean, you like his movie because of Matt. So let Matt do things the way he does.' Plot details for The Batman 2 remain under wraps at this time. The film currently has an October 1, 2027, release date. The Batman and The Penguin spin-off show, meanwhile, are both available to stream on Max.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I was taken with the idea of a spy show': How ‘Talamasca: The Secret Order' showrunners expand Anne Rice's Immortal Universe in new AMC series
Anne Rice's Immortal Universe is expanding this fall when Talamasca: The Secret Order debuts on AMC. This week, the network hosted an intimate early screening of the first episode, followed by a Q&A with showrunners Mark Lafferty and John Lee Hancock (who also directs the pilot). The series, slated to premiere in October, is set within the richly detailed world Rice created, though it deviates from being a direct adaptation of any singular book. Instead, it explores the mysterious Talamasca organization — a recurring but enigmatic presence in Rice's novels. More from Gold Derby Paul Giamatti, Stephen Graham, Cooper Koch, and the best of our Emmy Limited Series/Movie Actor interviews 'The Penguin' star Colin Farrell would be the latest Batman villain to win a major award Hancock, best known for dramas like The Blind Side, Saving Mr. Banks, and The Little Things, admits he didn't know much about the Immortal Universe when he was approached for the project. "My first thought was that [they] had probably called the wrong number and needed a different writer," he joked. "At that point, I'd only read Interview With the Vampire, and I liked it a lot. I said, 'I don't really do witches or vampires or ghosts. If you look at the movies that I've written and directed, they're not in that genre at all.' But I was taken with it." "I was taken with the idea of a spy show," Hancock continued. "We can mix in a vampire or witch every once in a while, that's cool too. But I wanted it to be a grounded show from a skeptic's point of view, because I'm a skeptic. I'm not the first one in line for a vampire movie or [TV] show. I probably will be now, but at the time, certainly not." Hancock's skepticism shapes the narrative of the show's lead character, Guy Anatole (played by Nicholas Denton), who serves as the entry point into the world of the Talamasca for viewers both familiar with and new to Rice's universe. Hancock emphasized that Guy is finding himself in a world where nothing is as it seems. From childhood, his entire life has been curated by the Talamasca without his knowledge, and he must navigate how the truth of who he is intersects with the organization's shadowy goals. Hancock describes his vision for Guy as an 'existential' story of personal discovery. For fans who are already familiar with the Talamasca from Rice's novels, this fresh perspective promises to explore the organization in greater depth. And for newcomers who might be reluctant to explore witches and vampires, the spy thriller setup offers an intriguing access point into the Immortal Universe. While many intriguing topics were raised, ranging from the casting process to the series' globetrotting production, the Q&A offered a glimpse into the creativity, challenges, and ambitions driving this new project. Below, we break down the standout moments from the interview and what they mean for the fans eagerly anticipating this fresh spin on the Immortal Universe. Mark Lafferty shared fascinating details about the challenges of expanding the Talamasca organization's scope beyond its initial portrayal in Interview with the Vampire and Mayfair Witches. In previous series, the Talamasca appears as a smaller operation, almost like a regional office based in New Orleans. But for Talamasca: The Secret Order, the organization's scale needed to reflect its power and influence across the world. Early development involved brainstorming ways to create a globetrotting thriller, filled with intrigue, betrayal, and internal politics within the Talamasca itself. Hancock envisioned the narrative starting in New York before moving to London — a plan that seemed ambitious for television budgets. Lafferty recalled, 'When I first met [John], I was like, 'You don't understand, man. In television...I know you're used to fancy features, but we can't do that.' And he was like, 'We're going to do it.' And he was right.' Production eventually landed in Manchester, which doubled beautifully for London's darker, dirtier aesthetic and even helped recreate aspects of New York. Lafferty and Hancock revealed how the city's old textile mills, canals, and decrepit buildings imbued a grounded, tactile feel to the show's sets and atmosphere. "I think that if we had shot in London, the show would've looked worse," Lafferty said. "I think we ended up in the exact right place, just by the dint of really smart people at AMC who forced our hand. Great characters are at the heart of Talamasca, and Hancock and Lafferty spent significant time discussing the casting process and its integral role in shaping the characters. Nicholas Denton's casting as lead Guy Anatole stood out as a highlight. Hancock described Denton as the perfect 'everyman' who could embody Guy's skepticism and existential journey: 'We needed this everyman to take us into the Anne Rice people don't know but can immediately connect with.' David Gennard/AMC Meanwhile, Elizabeth McGovern's portrayal of Helen — a complex, long-time member of the Talamasca — was another major victory in casting. Hancock praised McGovern's ability to portray layered characters who can exude quiet dependability while keeping audiences guessing about their intentions. Helen, as Hancock teased, is 'married to the Talamasca,' her life completely intertwined with its mission — but her motivations remain opaque, her words laden with half-truths. David Gennard/AMC The cast also features Jason Schwartzman and Bill Fichtner, whose respective vampire roles appear on opposite ends of the thematic spectrum. Schwartzman plays a sequestered, melancholic vampire living in The Dakota penthouse in New York City, while Fichtner's character Jasper is a grittier, gonzo vampire inspired by Austin, Texas's outlaw culture. Hancock humorously described Jasper as 'middle class and pissed off at the caste system of vampires.' David Gennard/AMC David Gennard/AMC Beneath the layers of spy intrigue and supernatural drama, Lafferty reinforced that the series revolves around one central theme: family. From broken bonds to new beginnings, Talamasca is about the messy, painful, and rewarding aspects of searching for connection. Guy's journey, in particular, explores what happens when you realize the family you thought you had isn't what it seems, while the notion of building new families within alternative communities is central to the Talamasca's ethos. Lafferty reflected, 'When we were figuring out what spy shows and vampire shows have in common ... it's about people searching for family, ... whether it's their actual family or the new families they're trying to create.' In true Anne Rice fashion, Talamasca: The Secret Order is designed to subvert expectations at every turn. Hancock described his focus on making the vampires in this show different from traditional depictions. 'So many vampires are operatic with music and capes and velvet,' Hancock noted. 'What if instead there's a middle-class vampire giving the system the big finger? That felt unexpected — and it's pretty cool.' Similarly, the show grounds these supernatural elements with raw humanity, leaning into themes of loneliness, mortality, betrayal, and belonging over clichés of gothic romance. It feels refreshingly distinct from typical vampire dramas — a series that embraces the shadows of Anne Rice's storytelling while shining a light on new dimensions. With its Oct. release looming, Talamasca: The Secret Order aims to draw fans of Anne Rice while appealing to new audiences who may not be predisposed to witches and vampires. For longtime Anne Rice followers, the show promises a deeper exploration of a beloved but mysterious institution. For newcomers, its spy thriller foundation and human-centered storytelling could serve as the perfect entry point into the Immortal Universe. And if they're asked for a Season 2, Lafferty and Hancock are ready: "Without giving anything away, I wouldn't necessarily say that the story is staying put in London forever — that it will move and it'll bob and weave," Lafferty revealed. "There's a lot of great questions that we get to by the end of Season 1 that demand answers in Season 2." Best of Gold Derby Paul Giamatti, Stephen Graham, Cooper Koch, and the best of our Emmy Limited Series/Movie Actor interviews Lee Jung-jae, Adam Scott, Noah Wyle, and the best of our Emmy Drama Actor interviews Kathy Bates, Minha Kim, Elisabeth Moss, and the best of our Emmy Drama Actress interviews Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Penguin' star Colin Farrell would be the latest Batman villain to win a major award
When it comes to Hollywood awards, it pays to be in the Caped Crusader's rogues gallery. In 2008, Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight. In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix did his own interpretation of the character in Joker, which also won him an Oscar. If Colin Farrell wins an Emmy this year for his performance as the title character in The Penguin, he'd be the third actor to have won a major peer group award for playing a Bat-villain. More from Gold Derby Paul Giamatti, Stephen Graham, Cooper Koch, and the best of our Emmy Limited Series/Movie Actor interviews 'The Bear' Season 4: 'A big improvement' or 'aimless and boring'? Critics dish on the latest course Following the events of the 2022 feature film, The Batman, The Penguin miniseries explores Oz Cobb/the Penguin's rise to power in the criminal underworld of Gotham City. Earlier this year, Farrell managed to win the Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and Screen Actors Guild Awards for his portrayal. He's now eligible for an Emmy Award for the HBO show, and it would be the first of his career. Squaring off against the Dark Knight has a long history of turning into awards nominations. In 1966, Frank Gorshin was Emmy-nominated for Best Comedy Supporting Actor for playing the Riddler in the original Batman television series opposite Adam West. In 1989, Jack Nicholson received Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for Best Supporting Actor for playing the Joker in Tim Burton's first Batman film. In 2005 and 2008, Kevin Michael Richardson received two Daytime Emmy noms for voicing the Joker in the animated series The Batman. Critics agree that Farrell's performance in The Penguin is Emmy-worthy. Martin Robinson (The London Standard) felt his work was "world-beating" while also adding "give him the Emmy now." Julian Roman (MovieWeb) hailed his performance as "extraordinary." And Richard Roeper (Chicago Sun-Times) said that "Farrell is nothing short of brilliant, conveying so much with his eyes and his growling, heavily 'New Yawk' line readings." Colin Farrell is currently the Gold Derby frontrunner to win the Emmy for Best Movie/Limited Series Actor. The rest of the predicted lineup in that category includes Stephen Graham (Adolescence), Cooper Koch (Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story), Kevin Kline (Disclaimer), Brian Tyree Henry (Dope Thief), and Jake Gyllenhaal (Presumed Innocent). SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of Gold Derby Paul Giamatti, Stephen Graham, Cooper Koch, and the best of our Emmy Limited Series/Movie Actor interviews Lee Jung-jae, Adam Scott, Noah Wyle, and the best of our Emmy Drama Actor interviews Kathy Bates, Minha Kim, Elisabeth Moss, and the best of our Emmy Drama Actress interviews Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Bear' Season 4: ‘A big improvement' or ‘aimless and boring'? Critics dish on the latest course
Season 4 of The Bear premiered on Hulu on June 25, delivering a mixed plate of praise and ridicule from critics. While the series isn't exactly serving Michelin-worthy storytelling this time around, it does have its moments. The premiere opens with a flashback of Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) pitching the idea of opening a restaurant to Mikey (Jon Bernthal), who is revealed to have come up with the name The Bear. Fast-forwarding to the present day, The Chicago Tribune dishes out a review praising the food but knocking the restaurant's chaotic atmosphere and inconsistent menu — a conflict that mirrors the series itself. More from Gold Derby Paul Giamatti, Stephen Graham, Cooper Koch, and the best of our Emmy Limited Series/Movie Actor interviews 'The Penguin' star Colin Farrell would be the latest Batman villain to win a major award After dominating the Emmy Awards with 21 wins across its first two seasons, including Best Comedy Series in 2023, the FX series has experienced a noticeable dip in momentum after its divisive third season. While its raw energy and high-intensity storytelling initially earned The Bear a reputation as one of television's most compelling comedies, it's now facing criticism for being "unfunny" and lacking the cohesive brilliance that propelled its earlier success. Critics are divided on whether Season 4 rectifies the missteps of Season 3. Allison Herman of Variety writes, "The good news is that Season 4 marks an improvement over its predecessor... But just like a restaurant that goes from losing money hand over fist to barely breaking even, 'better' isn't quite the same as 'enough to make the payoff worth the slog.'" Meanwhile, Chris Bennion of The Daily Telegraph UK offers a harsher take: "Most of the ingredients that made the first two seasons such thrilling television are still there, but sadly so are most of the ones that made the third season so aimless, pompous, and, quite frankly, boring." SEE 'The Bear' Emmy odds: How many nominations will the series get? While critical reception for Season 4 hasn't been glowing, it hasn't sunk entirely either. The Rotten Tomatoes score currently sits at a respectable 75 percent, and the Metacritic consensus registers a "generally favorable" score 69 based on 22 reviews. Despite criticisms of inconsistency, fans of the show may still find enough to savor in its latest offering — it's just that the meal doesn't quite live up to the standards set by earlier courses. Chris Evangelista (Slashfilm) calls it "a big improvement over Season 3," while Kristen Baldwin from Entertainment Weekly notes, "Though not quite at the level of the sublime second season, the new episodes put Carmen and company back on track by allowing them to confront, at long last, 'the f---ing elephant in the f---ing restaurant.'" Other critics were more enthusiastic about The Bear's latest offering. Nick Schager (The Daily Beast) hails Season 4 as "a masterpiece," describing it as "a wonderfully nuanced and touching portrait of combatting loneliness, self-destructive rage, and bitterness and resentment through calm, trust, and compassion." Similarly, Dave Nemetz (TV Line) praises the season as "an absolute triumph, right up there with Season 2 in terms of quality, shaking off the doldrums by tapping into a powerful emotional resonance and rediscovering what made this show so great in the first place." Perhaps if viewers approach Season 4 with tempered expectations, they might appreciate The Bear for what it still offers. Ben Travers (IndieWire) calls it "still pretty fun; an emotionally rich restaurant drama with great food, a few laughs, and lots of heart." Meanwhile, Carla Meyer (The San Francisco Chronicle) suggests, "Maybe it's time to acknowledge The Bear not for what it promised — a TV classic — but for what it is: a small, pandemic-era miracle not built for longevity." All 10 episodes of The Bear's fourth season are currently streaming on Hulu. Best of Gold Derby Paul Giamatti, Stephen Graham, Cooper Koch, and the best of our Emmy Limited Series/Movie Actor interviews Lee Jung-jae, Adam Scott, Noah Wyle, and the best of our Emmy Drama Actor interviews Kathy Bates, Minha Kim, Elisabeth Moss, and the best of our Emmy Drama Actress interviews Click here to read the full article.
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Perfect' series compared to Black Mirror streaming free despite studio's controversial move
The show's star has spoken out against the decision A series that's been hailed as 'literally perfect' and likened to Black Mirror, which was subsequently 'deleted' by the original studio, is now available for free streaming. All episodes of Made For Love can be streamed on Channel 4 at no additional cost. This includes both seasons one and two, originally released between 2022 and 2023. Described by the broadcaster as a comedy-drama with a Black Mirror-esque vibe, the plot revolves around a woman who attempts to escape her stifling marriage. However, her tech tycoon husband has implanted a device in her brain, enabling him to monitor her every move and emotion. The lead role of Hazel in Made For Love is played by Cristin Milioti, known for her roles as the Mother in How I Met Your Mother and Sofia Falcone in The Penguin. She also featured in two acclaimed Black Mirror episodes, including USS Callister. The cast also boasts Ray Ramano, Paula Abdul and Billy Magnussen, known for his roles in Boardwalk Empire and the Lilo and Stitch remake, reports Surrey Live. Despite garnering a dedicated fanbase and achieving an impressive score of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, the series was cancelled after its second season. Moreover, the US studio behind it decided to 'delete' the show from its own platforms. The move resulted in the show no longer being available to US viewers, with Warner Bros pulling it from HBO Max - a surprising call considering the platform had originally commissioned it. It's thought this move was financially driven and Milioti herself recently voiced her discontent on a podcast. In an interview with Marc Maron for the WTF Podcast, she expressed: "It's so f**ked up. That happened because, umm, we were a tax write-off. I did it for Max... I just know that they ripped it off the platform... like when they ripped Westworld off. And it's such a bummer because, you know, that was three years of our lives." Milioti continued to share her thoughts: "There are so many parts of that show that have become like eerily prescient. It was all about people in this world of like advanced technology and utterly unable to communicate with each other. You can't even buy it. It's so weird... I'm also like... it's like on a USB stick somewhere probably. Just put it up." However, Milioti might not be aware that Channel 4 offers UK viewers a chance to rediscover this hidden gem, with many devotees eagerly advocating for others to watch it. One viewer took to the internet to voice their praise: "This show is literally perfect. A MUST WATCH dare I say. The casting of the actors, the dark comedy, the premise and the concept regarding the future of love was done so well. And also the pacing was very good I might add, none of the scenes seemed to drag. A perfect binge. I was hooked from the first scene. The show kept up the intrigue and the comic relief, while also maintaining emotional depth. Billy Magnussen and Cristin Milioti's acting skills: spot on." Another fan chimed in, expressing admiration for its uniqueness: "This is one of the most original shows I've seen in a long time. The pacing and execution is perfect. The different dynamics they explore tow the line of brevity and weight in such a beautiful way while still having a great balance of comedy. I'm so excited about this show." On the topic of how it stands out despite similarities to other programmes, a third individual shared their viewpoint: "I was hooked from the first seconds of watching. I personally think that Billy Magnussen is a highly underrated actor so I was elated when I saw he was starring. He's great in it just as I figured he would be .This show is not like all the others being churned out right now. I'm so sick of everything being so similar that they are al just looking and feeling the same to me at this point. Made for Love is an original in a time of not much originality. I love it!"
