Latest news with #Variety
Bangkok Post
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
'Star Wars' creator George Lucas to hit Comic-Con for first time
SAN DIEGO — Comic-Con kicks off Thursday in San Diego, California, with expectations running high among devoted fans keen to catch a glimpse of George Lucas at his first-ever appearance at the convention. Other expected highlights of the gathering -- one of the world's biggest celebrations of pop culture -- include the world premiere of the prequel series " Alien: Earth." Comic-Con began holding events in San Diego in 1970, as a low-key and rather niche huddle, but has now grown to an annual get-together that attracts 130,000 people eager to hear behind-the-scenes tidbits from Hollywood stars and directors unveiling their latest projects. This year's edition will be marked by the presence of legendary filmmaker Lucas, who has never visited the convention before despite Comic-Con culture being deeply rooted in his " Star Wars" and " Indiana Jones" franchises. In a session on Sunday set to be moderated by Queen Latifah, Lucas will discuss the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro and Oscar-winning artist Doug Chiang, who has shaped the iconic " Star Wars" universe for decades. The museum, scheduled to open in Los Angeles next year, will be dedicated to illustrated narratives and will house the Lucas archive. "Nearly five decades ago, Star Wars made one of its earliest public appearances at our convention, along with a booth featuring (comic book artist) Howard Chaykin's now legendary Star Wars poster as a promotional item," said David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer. "Now, to have Mr Lucas... is a true full-circle moment. His lifelong dedication to visual storytelling and world-building resonates deeply with us and our community." Alien, Predator, and the End of the World Marvel Studios will have a smaller presence at the convention this year, skipping its eagerly awaited annual presentation in Hall H. According to Variety, changes to the premiere of the new " Avengers" installment complicated logistics for the studio, whose cast is currently filming in Britain. Despite this notable absence, events at coveted Hall H still promise great excitement for fans of science fiction, a core genre of the convention. On Friday, it will host the world premiere of the pilot episode of the prequel " Alien: Earth," directed by Noah Hawley and slated to hit streaming platforms in August. The series takes place a couple of years before the events depicted in Ridley Scott's 1979 film " Alien," offering an expansion of the venerated franchise. Another fan favourite that will have its moment in the spotlight is " Predator: Badlands," with a panel Friday set to include director Dan Trachtenberg, who revitalised the brand with "Prey" (2022). Joining him will be stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who plays the predator Dek. The panel is expected to reveal more from the production, which centers the predator as prey, not hunter, for the first time. On Saturday, award-winning actor Ryan Gosling and directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (behind the new "Spider-Verse" trilogy) will present their "Project Hail Mary," which is due in theaters next year. The film, based on the book by Andy Weir (" The Martian"), follows Ryland Grace (Gosling), a former science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship to discover he's on a mission to save the Earth. Another buzzed-about presentation is for the highly anticipated second season of " Peacemaker," in which James Gunn (" Superman") and his cast are expected to offer sneak peeks. But it will not all be deadly serious -- thousands of those in attendance will come dressed as princesses, warriors, aliens and other characters from the pantheon of pop culture. Comic-Con runs from Thursday to Sunday, July 27.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael' gets April 2026 release date: Here's what we know
After years of speculation and multiple delays, the Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' is finally on its way to cinemas, and fans around the world couldn't be more excited. With an all-star cast and a powerhouse creative team, the film promises to offer a deeply personal and dramatic retelling of the King of Pop's extraordinary life and legacy. Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' is finally set to hit cinemas worldwide on 24 April 2026, moving from its previously planned October release date, as reported by Variety. All-star team behind the scenes Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, 'Michael' will see Jaafar Jackson, the late singer's nephew, step into the shoes of the King of Pop. The film is being produced by Graham King , who won an Oscar for 'The Departed'. What the film promises According to the official synopsis, 'Michael' will take audiences through the iconic artist's rise to global fame, offering 'an intimate look at the life and enduring legacy of one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.' An impressive cast line-up The biopic brings together a stellar ensemble to portray the people who shaped Michael Jackson's life and career. Colman Domingo and Nia Long will play his parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, while Miles Teller takes on the role of John Branca, Jackson's longtime attorney and advisor. Larenz Tate steps into the shoes of Berry Gordy, the legendary founder of Motown Records. Laura Harrier plays music executive Suzanne de Passe, and Kat Graham will appear as Diana Ross. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo The cast also includes Jessica Sula as Michael's sister La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as soul icon Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as TV host Dick Clark, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, Jackson's trusted security chief, and Kendrick Sampson as music producer Quincy Jones, who met Michael when he was just 12. With its new April 2026 release, 'Michael' promises to be an emotional, powerful tribute to a pop icon who changed the face of music forever.
Int'l Business Times
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Int'l Business Times
'Star Wars' Creator George Lucas To Hit Comic-Con For First Time
Comic-Con kicks off Thursday in San Diego, California, with expectations running high among devoted fans keen to catch a glimpse of George Lucas at his first-ever appearance at the convention. Other expected highlights of the gathering -- one of the world's biggest celebrations of pop culture -- include the world premiere of the prequel series "Alien: Earth." Comic-Con began holding events in San Diego in 1970, as a low-key and rather niche huddle, but has now grown to an annual get-together that attracts 130,000 people eager to hear behind-the-scenes tidbits from Hollywood stars and directors unveiling their latest projects. This year's edition will be marked by the presence of legendary filmmaker Lucas, who has never visited the convention before despite Comic-Con culture being deeply rooted in his "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones" franchises. In a session on Sunday set to be moderated by Queen Latifah, Lucas will discuss the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro and Oscar-winning artist Doug Chiang, who has shaped the iconic "Star Wars" universe for decades. The museum, scheduled to open in Los Angeles next year, will be dedicated to illustrated narratives and will house the Lucas archive. "Nearly five decades ago, Star Wars made one of its earliest public appearances at our convention, along with a booth featuring (comic book artist) Howard Chaykin's now legendary Star Wars poster as a promotional item," said David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer. "Now, to have Mr. Lucas... is a true full-circle moment. His lifelong dedication to visual storytelling and world-building resonates deeply with us and our community." Marvel Studios will have a smaller presence at the convention this year, skipping its eagerly awaited annual presentation in Hall H. According to Variety, changes to the premiere of the new "Avengers" installment complicated logistics for the studio, whose cast is currently filming in Britain. Despite this notable absence, events at coveted Hall H still promise great excitement for fans of science fiction, a core genre of the convention. On Friday, it will host the world premiere of the pilot episode of the prequel "Alien: Earth," directed by Noah Hawley and slated to hit streaming platforms in August. The series takes place a couple of years before the events depicted in Ridley Scott's 1979 film "Alien," offering an expansion of the venerated franchise. Another fan favorite that will have its moment in the spotlight is "Predator: Badlands," with a panel Friday set to include director Dan Trachtenberg, who revitalized the brand with "Prey" (2022). Joining him will be stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who plays the predator Dek. The panel is expected to reveal more from the production, which centers the predator as prey, not hunter, for the first time. On Saturday, award-winning actor Ryan Gosling and directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (behind the new "Spider-Verse" trilogy) will present their "Project Hail Mary," which is due in theaters next year. The film, based on the book by Andy Weir ("The Martian"), follows Ryland Grace (Gosling), a former science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship to discover he's on a mission to save the Earth. Another buzzed-about presentation is for the highly anticipated second season of "Peacemaker," in which James Gunn ("Superman") and his cast are expected to offer sneak peeks. But it won't all be deadly serious -- thousands of those in attendance will come dressed as princesses, warriors, aliens and other characters from the pantheon of pop culture. Comic-Con runs from Thursday to Sunday, July 27. Actor Ryan Gosling is expected to attend Comic-Con in San Diego to promote "The Martian" AFP
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
How to watch 'The Sandman' Season 2: Premiere date, time, cast
More episodes of Season two of "The Sandman" are releasing on Netflix, with a series finale wrapping up the fantasy horror TV show at the end of July. The show revolves around a character named Morpheus, also known as the dream, played by Tom Sturridge. Morpheus works to restore his mystical realm known as the Dreaming after being imprisoned for a century. Once freed, the dream tries to repair his life by regaining his magical tools, which takes him to hell to visit Lucifer, played by Gwendoline Christie and in search of a deranged human, played by David Thewlis. In 2025, Netflix announced that 'The Sandman' would end after its second season. Showrunner Allan Heinberg told Variety in a statement that the show ending was a creative decision. However, the cancelation was also in light of sexual assault allegations against the creator Neil Gaiman, as previously reported by USA TODAY. "'The Sandman' series has always been focused exclusively on Dream's story, and back in 2022, when we looked at the remaining Dream material from the comics, we knew we only had enough story for one more season," Heinberg said to Variety. What time does The Sandman season 2 premiere? The first six episodes of The Sandman Season 2 were released on July 3. Five more episodes will be released on Thursday, July 24 at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT. The series finale will be available to stream on Thursday, July 31. Where to watch season 2 of The Sandman The new episodes of The Sandman will air on Netflix. The Sandman season 2 cast Watch The Sandman season 2 trailer CONTRIBUTING: Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY
The Hill
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hill
Warren: Colbert ‘may have been canceled in order to curry favor' with Trump
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said in a Wednesday opinion piece for Variety that comedian Stephen Colbert's show may have been canceled by CBS 'to curry favor' with President Trump. CBS announced the cancelation on Friday, days after Colbert, a frequent critic of Trump, had criticized a merger between Skydance and Paramount, CBS's parent company. The approval of federal regulatory agencies is necessary for the merger to go through. While CBS said the cancelation was strictly a financial issue and there have been reports that Colbert's show was losing money, a number of observers and Colbert himself have raised the possibility of politics. 'In the coming weeks, months, and years, all of us must show Trump that we see his march toward authoritarianism and we will not be silenced. Democrats need to embrace the fight against corruption as a top priority. Republicans need to grow a spine and get behind common-sense anti-corruption measures,' Warren said in her piece. 'All Americans need to speak up. Because yes, it's a shame that CBS canceled 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' but it is a threat to all of us that the top late-night show in the country may have been canceled in order to curry favor with a wannabe king,' she added. Colbert tore into his own network and its parent company, Paramount Global, due to a decision to end 'The Late Show,' an action CBS said last week is financially required but is resulting in widespread criticism. The late-night host accused his network of leaking financial figures to the press, alleging 'The Late Show' was losing upward of $40 million each year as a reason for getting rid of the 'Late Show' franchise. Colbert stated that $40 million 'is a big number.' 'I could see us losing $24 million,' he added. 'But where could Paramount possibly have spent the other $16 million … oh wait.' Colbert was referencing a settlement Paramount agreed to pay Trump earlier this month to subdue a lawsuit the president filed targeting CBS over a '60 Minutes' interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. 'Instead of fighting Trump on his 'meritless' lawsuit, Paramount settled, handing $16 million to Trump's presidential library. This looks like bribery in plain sight, and that's exactly what Stephen Colbert said on his show: '[T]his kind of complicated financial settlement with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles: it's 'big, fat bribe.'' Warren said in her Variety article. 'Three days later, Paramount-owned CBS canceled Colbert's show. And Trump didn't waste a moment before celebrating the news,' she added.
