Lionsgate UK has struck a distribution deal with Zygi Kamasa’s True Brit Entertainment to release Anand Tucker’s The Critic in the UK and Ireland.
Set in 1930s London, the film stars Ian McKellen as a viscous theatre critic who strikes a Faustian pact with a struggling actress, played by Gemma Arterton. Mark Strong, Ben Barnes and Lesley Manville co-star.
It will be released in theatres on September 13.
The Critic premiered at Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 and was acquired by True Brit for the UK on the condition the film was re-edited and key cast were brought back...
Set in 1930s London, the film stars Ian McKellen as a viscous theatre critic who strikes a Faustian pact with a struggling actress, played by Gemma Arterton. Mark Strong, Ben Barnes and Lesley Manville co-star.
It will be released in theatres on September 13.
The Critic premiered at Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 and was acquired by True Brit for the UK on the condition the film was re-edited and key cast were brought back...
- 6/4/2024
- ScreenDaily
Lionsgate and True Brit Entertainment will bring Ian McKellen’s The Critic to UK cinemas this September. More on the story below.
Lionsgate and True Brit have partnered up to release The Critic, director Anand Tucker’s new film, in UK cinemas, according to Deadline.
The film follows Ian McKellen’s ruthless theatre critic and the cast also includes Gemma Arteron, Mark Strong, Alfred Enoch, Romola Garai and Lesley Manville. The script was penned by Patrick Marber, based on Anthony Quinn’s novel.
Screen Daily reported in early 2024 that The Critic would be True Brit Entertainment’s first UK film release as a distributor, but it seems that the company has now joined forces with Lionsgate for The Critic’s release.
The Critic had its world premiere at Toronto Film Festival in 2023, where it received mixed reviews (though McKellen’s performance was well received).
“This taut and gripping thriller, led...
Lionsgate and True Brit have partnered up to release The Critic, director Anand Tucker’s new film, in UK cinemas, according to Deadline.
The film follows Ian McKellen’s ruthless theatre critic and the cast also includes Gemma Arteron, Mark Strong, Alfred Enoch, Romola Garai and Lesley Manville. The script was penned by Patrick Marber, based on Anthony Quinn’s novel.
Screen Daily reported in early 2024 that The Critic would be True Brit Entertainment’s first UK film release as a distributor, but it seems that the company has now joined forces with Lionsgate for The Critic’s release.
The Critic had its world premiere at Toronto Film Festival in 2023, where it received mixed reviews (though McKellen’s performance was well received).
“This taut and gripping thriller, led...
- 6/4/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
Lionsgate UK has locked a deal with Zygi Kamasa’s True Brit Entertainment to release the Ian McKellen pic The Critic.
The studio will release the feature in UK and Irish cinemas on Friday 13 September.
The film stars McKellen alongside Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong, Alfred Enoch, Romola Garai, Ben Barnes (Shadow and Bone) and Lesley Manville.
Set in 1930s London, the pic is described as “a thrilling tale of ambition, blackmail, and desire with a dazzling anti-hero at its heart.” The synopsis reads: When the most feared and vicious theatre critic in town Jimmy Erskine (Mckellen), finds himself suddenly in the cross hairs of the Daily Chronicle’s new owner David Brooke (Strong), he strikes...
The studio will release the feature in UK and Irish cinemas on Friday 13 September.
The film stars McKellen alongside Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong, Alfred Enoch, Romola Garai, Ben Barnes (Shadow and Bone) and Lesley Manville.
Set in 1930s London, the pic is described as “a thrilling tale of ambition, blackmail, and desire with a dazzling anti-hero at its heart.” The synopsis reads: When the most feared and vicious theatre critic in town Jimmy Erskine (Mckellen), finds himself suddenly in the cross hairs of the Daily Chronicle’s new owner David Brooke (Strong), he strikes...
- 6/4/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
In Netflix sci-fi epic series 3 Body Problem, British actor Alex Sharp stars as Will Downing, a terminally-ill scientist who not only manages profound romantic heartbreak, but ultimately transcends the limits of human existence.
Plucked straight out of Julliard to play the lead character of Christopher Boone in the Marianne Elliott-directed stage production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Sharpe won a Tony for the role. He went on to star opposite Lily Collins in the film To the Bone, as activist Rennie Davis in The Trial of the Chicago 7 and with Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson in The Hustle, before playing opposite Bill Nighy in Living and with Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter in One Life, the 2023 film about British humanitarian Nicholas Winton, who rescued hundreds of Jewish children from occupied Poland.
3 Body Problem, from Game of Thrones creators David Benioff...
Plucked straight out of Julliard to play the lead character of Christopher Boone in the Marianne Elliott-directed stage production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Sharpe won a Tony for the role. He went on to star opposite Lily Collins in the film To the Bone, as activist Rennie Davis in The Trial of the Chicago 7 and with Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson in The Hustle, before playing opposite Bill Nighy in Living and with Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter in One Life, the 2023 film about British humanitarian Nicholas Winton, who rescued hundreds of Jewish children from occupied Poland.
3 Body Problem, from Game of Thrones creators David Benioff...
- 5/31/2024
- by Antonia Blyth
- Deadline Film + TV
The critic of The Critic is the type who might occasionally exist in real life, but seems to loom far larger in fictional tales by artists who evidently have little love for the profession. As played by Ian McKellen, Jimmy Erskine is an erudite brute. Whatever love he once held for the theater is less apparent these days than the savage delight he takes in ripping performers and productions to shreds, and the satisfaction he takes in the status and influence afforded him by his job.
The Critic, directed by Anand Tucker, is the story of how far he’ll go when that position is threatened. Given that the film is scripted by Patrick Marber (of Closer and Notes on a Scandal), it’s little surprise he’ll go very far indeed. And given that he’s performed by McKellen, it’s safe to bet on a ferocious lead turn.
The Critic, directed by Anand Tucker, is the story of how far he’ll go when that position is threatened. Given that the film is scripted by Patrick Marber (of Closer and Notes on a Scandal), it’s little surprise he’ll go very far indeed. And given that he’s performed by McKellen, it’s safe to bet on a ferocious lead turn.
- 9/15/2023
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you want to give a great actor a role he can sink his teeth into with almost unseemly glee, there can’t be many better ways than to cast him as a critic in a period melodrama. That, at least, seems to be the idea behind “The Critic,” Anand Tucker’s tale of a nefarious theater reviewer in 1930s London starring Ian McKellen as the kind of awful person who must have been a lot of fun to play.
It is not, perhaps, a role that would challenge the magnificent McKellen much, but who needs a challenge when you can spit out viciously witty bon mots while wearing fancy duds and being lit at all times for maximum dramatic effect? And while McKellen’s Jimmy Erskine is a villain to remember, he isn’t a one-dimensional baddie. He’s a proudly gay man who can be arrested for who...
It is not, perhaps, a role that would challenge the magnificent McKellen much, but who needs a challenge when you can spit out viciously witty bon mots while wearing fancy duds and being lit at all times for maximum dramatic effect? And while McKellen’s Jimmy Erskine is a villain to remember, he isn’t a one-dimensional baddie. He’s a proudly gay man who can be arrested for who...
- 9/11/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
This critic might want to look for a different job.
The prospect of seeing the great Ian McKellen take on the role of one of London’s most august theater critics of the 1930s must have looked tantalizing on paper, but sadly this is a show that deserved to close out of town. Despite a colorful central character who could have knowledgeably and amusingly navigated a cruise through the dynamic theatrical scene close to a century ago, The Critic unaccountably shifts its focus away from McKellen’s Jimmy Erskin, who entertainingly dominates the film at the start, and onto a group of characters who are almost entirely uninteresting; there’s not even much juicy inside stuff about the legit theater at an exciting time for it. Given the setting, period and endless possibilities of the material, this is a major disappointment, a drag of the first order.
The only scenes...
The prospect of seeing the great Ian McKellen take on the role of one of London’s most august theater critics of the 1930s must have looked tantalizing on paper, but sadly this is a show that deserved to close out of town. Despite a colorful central character who could have knowledgeably and amusingly navigated a cruise through the dynamic theatrical scene close to a century ago, The Critic unaccountably shifts its focus away from McKellen’s Jimmy Erskin, who entertainingly dominates the film at the start, and onto a group of characters who are almost entirely uninteresting; there’s not even much juicy inside stuff about the legit theater at an exciting time for it. Given the setting, period and endless possibilities of the material, this is a major disappointment, a drag of the first order.
The only scenes...
- 9/10/2023
- by Todd McCarthy
- Deadline Film + TV
The Toronto International Film Festival is in full swing with a bevy of titles competing both for global distribution and awards prestige. The festival has had its share of lumps in the last month, losing their 28-year-sponsor, Bell Telephone, back in August, as well as being enmeshed in the on-going SAG-AFTRA/WGA duel strike. It is that strike that is the most insurmountable goal for the event, as actors and writers are unable to attend and promote their films, though some have with a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement.
And while the movie landscape is looking different, with movies switching release dates (in the wake of both the strike and Taylor Swift’s Eras tour), this year’s TIFF is showcasing what amazing movies are still being made. Here are 25 of the hottest titles to be excited for at this year’s TIFF.
Courtesy of TIFF
“Dumb Money” (Sony)
Craig Gillespie’s...
And while the movie landscape is looking different, with movies switching release dates (in the wake of both the strike and Taylor Swift’s Eras tour), this year’s TIFF is showcasing what amazing movies are still being made. Here are 25 of the hottest titles to be excited for at this year’s TIFF.
Courtesy of TIFF
“Dumb Money” (Sony)
Craig Gillespie’s...
- 9/9/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Daddio, Lee, Boy Kills World, North Star, Woman Of The Hour, Hell Of A Summer among TIFF picks.
Kate Winslet as war photographer Lee Miller, Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn in a taxi cab, and Ewan McGregor in the story of estranged siblings trying to coax their mother out of a furniture store sofa are just some of the storylines of acquisition titles screening at 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
This year’s selection boasts a number of feature directorial debuts from Anna Kendrick, Kristin Scott Thomas, Chris Pine, and Finn Wolfhard, as well as sophomore outings by Michael Keaton and Viggo Mortensen.
Kate Winslet as war photographer Lee Miller, Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn in a taxi cab, and Ewan McGregor in the story of estranged siblings trying to coax their mother out of a furniture store sofa are just some of the storylines of acquisition titles screening at 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
This year’s selection boasts a number of feature directorial debuts from Anna Kendrick, Kristin Scott Thomas, Chris Pine, and Finn Wolfhard, as well as sophomore outings by Michael Keaton and Viggo Mortensen.
- 9/7/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Jamie Dornan had 50 reasons to say no to “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
The actor, who stepped into the role of Christian Grey after Charlie Hunnam exited the part last minute, admitted during the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that he had to seek “counsel” from close friends and fellow actors over accepting the part. Dornan co-starred with Dakota Johnson in the 2015 film adapted from E.L. James’ novels, which were inspired by “Twilight” fan fiction.
“It wasn’t an instant yes by any means,” Dornan said. “It needed to be talked through. I sought counsel from friends, family, a lot of actors.”
He added that he felt “a bit of relief” after knowing he originally lost the part to Hunnam “because I knew that guy is going to get wrecked here.” Dornan continued, “[Hunnam] maybe felt the same … suddenly there I was, but with way less time to make a decision. I...
The actor, who stepped into the role of Christian Grey after Charlie Hunnam exited the part last minute, admitted during the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that he had to seek “counsel” from close friends and fellow actors over accepting the part. Dornan co-starred with Dakota Johnson in the 2015 film adapted from E.L. James’ novels, which were inspired by “Twilight” fan fiction.
“It wasn’t an instant yes by any means,” Dornan said. “It needed to be talked through. I sought counsel from friends, family, a lot of actors.”
He added that he felt “a bit of relief” after knowing he originally lost the part to Hunnam “because I knew that guy is going to get wrecked here.” Dornan continued, “[Hunnam] maybe felt the same … suddenly there I was, but with way less time to make a decision. I...
- 8/18/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Veep creator Armando Iannucci is bringing to London’s West End his first play – a satire on former UK prime minister Boris Johnson’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Variety reports that Iannucci – Oscar-nominated for his screenplay In the Loop – has called the play Pandemonium: Being a Scornful Account of the Activities of Mr Boris Johnson and ‘Others’ during the Pandemic and its Aftermath, which will debut at the Soho Theatre on December 1.
The play will be directed by Patrick Marber, previously Oscar-nominated for his Notes on a Scandal screenplay, and a Tony Award winner for Leopoldstadt.
Iannucci is also hard at work on a new stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 political satire Dr Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
Variety quotes Iannucci, one of the UK’s most celebrated political satirists with Veep and previously In the Thick of It skewering the British government’s conduct,...
Variety reports that Iannucci – Oscar-nominated for his screenplay In the Loop – has called the play Pandemonium: Being a Scornful Account of the Activities of Mr Boris Johnson and ‘Others’ during the Pandemic and its Aftermath, which will debut at the Soho Theatre on December 1.
The play will be directed by Patrick Marber, previously Oscar-nominated for his Notes on a Scandal screenplay, and a Tony Award winner for Leopoldstadt.
Iannucci is also hard at work on a new stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 political satire Dr Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
Variety quotes Iannucci, one of the UK’s most celebrated political satirists with Veep and previously In the Thick of It skewering the British government’s conduct,...
- 8/5/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sara Bareilles and members of the Broadway community serenaded Times Square Thursday in a show of solidarity with the Writers Guild of America.
At the themed WGA Broadway Day Rally, performers belted out classic show tunes with nods to organizing such as “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from Les Misérables, “Ya Got Trouble” from The Music Man, with references to residuals and streaming and “America” performed by Rent star Adam Pascal and Catch Me if You Can star Norbert Leo Butz, his original understudy. Members from SAG-AFTRA, Actors’ Equity, IATSE and Local 802 AFM, the musicians’ union, attended the rally led by Girls5eva star Paula Pell.
“None of these streets exist. None of your favorite movies exist. None of your favorite TV shows exist without writers. We deserve to live with a living wage,” Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda said, before performing and playing “My Shot” on the keyboard.
At the themed WGA Broadway Day Rally, performers belted out classic show tunes with nods to organizing such as “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from Les Misérables, “Ya Got Trouble” from The Music Man, with references to residuals and streaming and “America” performed by Rent star Adam Pascal and Catch Me if You Can star Norbert Leo Butz, his original understudy. Members from SAG-AFTRA, Actors’ Equity, IATSE and Local 802 AFM, the musicians’ union, attended the rally led by Girls5eva star Paula Pell.
“None of these streets exist. None of your favorite movies exist. None of your favorite TV shows exist without writers. We deserve to live with a living wage,” Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda said, before performing and playing “My Shot” on the keyboard.
- 6/15/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Now this is something to sing about.
CBS’ Sunday-night airing of the 76th Tony Awards averaged 4.31 million viewers, based on Nielsen fast national data and estimated out-of-home viewership — a 2% increase from the tallies for last year’s telecast.
More from TVLineLea Michele Performs 'Don't Rain on My Parade' at 2023 Tony Awards -- WatchTony Awards 2023: Some Like It Hot, Leopoldstadt and Kimberly Akimbo Win Big -- View Complete Winners ListTony Awards 2023: How to Stream Broadway's Biggest Night Online
As such, this year’s unscripted ceremony, winningly hosted by Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner Ariana DeBose, stands...
CBS’ Sunday-night airing of the 76th Tony Awards averaged 4.31 million viewers, based on Nielsen fast national data and estimated out-of-home viewership — a 2% increase from the tallies for last year’s telecast.
More from TVLineLea Michele Performs 'Don't Rain on My Parade' at 2023 Tony Awards -- WatchTony Awards 2023: Some Like It Hot, Leopoldstadt and Kimberly Akimbo Win Big -- View Complete Winners ListTony Awards 2023: How to Stream Broadway's Biggest Night Online
As such, this year’s unscripted ceremony, winningly hosted by Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner Ariana DeBose, stands...
- 6/12/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
A show about a 16-year-old girl with an affliction that causes her to age four times as fast as normal? Or about a Jewish family in the decades leading up to the Holocaust? Or about antisemitism in early 1900s Georgia?
Those are the loglines of three of the four shows that were awarded top prizes at Sunday night’s 76th Tony Awards — best musical winner Kimberly Akimbo, best play winner Leopoldstadt and best musical revival winner Parade, respectively. (The fourth, best play revival winner Topdog/Underdog, closed back in January.)
Needless to say, they aren’t exactly easy sells on paper, and haven’t proven to be blockbusters on Broadway. But voters strongly embraced them anyway — not only as a way of celebrating acclaimed work, but also, one can reasonably assume, as a way of putting a little wind behind their sails (and sales) by providing some eye-catching material for their marquees and advertisements.
Those are the loglines of three of the four shows that were awarded top prizes at Sunday night’s 76th Tony Awards — best musical winner Kimberly Akimbo, best play winner Leopoldstadt and best musical revival winner Parade, respectively. (The fourth, best play revival winner Topdog/Underdog, closed back in January.)
Needless to say, they aren’t exactly easy sells on paper, and haven’t proven to be blockbusters on Broadway. But voters strongly embraced them anyway — not only as a way of celebrating acclaimed work, but also, one can reasonably assume, as a way of putting a little wind behind their sails (and sales) by providing some eye-catching material for their marquees and advertisements.
- 6/12/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tom Stoppard won the Best Play trophy for “Leopoldstadt” at the 2023 Tony Awards. This is his fifth win in the category, breaking his own Tony record. The theater legend maintains an impressive lead as the winningest playwright in the Best Play category.
“Leopoldstadt” is a sprawling epic which traces the lineage of a Jewish family in Vienna from 1899 to 1955. The play considers important questions of assimilation and identity. The show picked up four wins in total, with additional victories for Brandon Uranowitz in Featured Actor in a Play, Patrick Marber in Director of a Play, and Brigitte Reiffenstuel in Costume Design of a Play.
Stoppard has now won the Best Play category five times in his career, more than any other playwright in history. He previously prevailed for “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” (1968), “Travesties” (1976), “The Real Thing” (1984), and the three-part epic “The Coast of Utopia” (2007). The Tony Awards do not...
“Leopoldstadt” is a sprawling epic which traces the lineage of a Jewish family in Vienna from 1899 to 1955. The play considers important questions of assimilation and identity. The show picked up four wins in total, with additional victories for Brandon Uranowitz in Featured Actor in a Play, Patrick Marber in Director of a Play, and Brigitte Reiffenstuel in Costume Design of a Play.
Stoppard has now won the Best Play category five times in his career, more than any other playwright in history. He previously prevailed for “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” (1968), “Travesties” (1976), “The Real Thing” (1984), and the three-part epic “The Coast of Utopia” (2007). The Tony Awards do not...
- 6/12/2023
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Kimberly Akimbo was the big winner at the 76th annual Tony Awards, which were handed out Sunday night in New York. It won five awards including Best Musical and Lead Actress for Victoria Clark.
Related: Tony Awards Review & Recap: A Writer-Less Ceremony Goes Off Without A Hitch As Broadway Improvises A Winner
Leopoldstadt won four Tonys including Best Play, tying for second-most with Some Like It Hot. See the full list of winners below.
Julie Comer and (Prima Facie) and J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot) took Lead Actress and Actor in a Musical, respectively, and Sean Hayes won Lead Actor in a Play for Good Night, Oscar, which was that shows lone win – as was Comer’s for Prima Facie.
Related: Tony Awards 2023: The Best Of The Red Carpet
Eleven Tonys were presented during the hour-plus preshow, and 15 more are were doled out in primetime. Oscar...
Related: Tony Awards Review & Recap: A Writer-Less Ceremony Goes Off Without A Hitch As Broadway Improvises A Winner
Leopoldstadt won four Tonys including Best Play, tying for second-most with Some Like It Hot. See the full list of winners below.
Julie Comer and (Prima Facie) and J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot) took Lead Actress and Actor in a Musical, respectively, and Sean Hayes won Lead Actor in a Play for Good Night, Oscar, which was that shows lone win – as was Comer’s for Prima Facie.
Related: Tony Awards 2023: The Best Of The Red Carpet
Eleven Tonys were presented during the hour-plus preshow, and 15 more are were doled out in primetime. Oscar...
- 6/12/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2023 Tony Awards swiftly moved through this year’s ceremony unscripted amid the ongoing writers strike.
The two unscripted telecasts (which included a preshow on Pluto and the main telecast on CBS) appeared to go smoothly, thanks to quick speeches and introductions, historic wins for Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee, live musical performances and an undercurrent of dance that propelled the action forward. Among the top honors, Kimberly Akimbo won best musical, Leopoldstadt won best play, Parade won best revival of a musical, and Hollywood names such as Jodie Comer and Sean Hayes took home trophies. And it even ended on time.
Host Ariana DeBose acknowledged the unusual task of running an unscripted show in her opening number, which began by zooming in on a binder that read “script,” but was filled with blank pages. She then danced her way through the hallways of the United Palace theater in Washington Heights,...
The two unscripted telecasts (which included a preshow on Pluto and the main telecast on CBS) appeared to go smoothly, thanks to quick speeches and introductions, historic wins for Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee, live musical performances and an undercurrent of dance that propelled the action forward. Among the top honors, Kimberly Akimbo won best musical, Leopoldstadt won best play, Parade won best revival of a musical, and Hollywood names such as Jodie Comer and Sean Hayes took home trophies. And it even ended on time.
Host Ariana DeBose acknowledged the unusual task of running an unscripted show in her opening number, which began by zooming in on a binder that read “script,” but was filled with blank pages. She then danced her way through the hallways of the United Palace theater in Washington Heights,...
- 6/11/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
To Washington Heights we go. The Tony Awards head to a new venue this year, the United Palace, but the excitement of honoring the year’s best in theater is the same as ever. If, like me, you can’t wait for Sunday night’s event to begin, that’s where math can come in.
Similar to the Oscars, I’ve built a mathematical model to predict the Tonys in all 26 categories, based on a combination of which categories a show is nominated in, the aggregated predictions of various Broadway critics, and the results of the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama League Awards. The model is trained on historical Tony Awards data over the past quarter-century — inputs that have done a better job of predicting each category in the past get more weight in this year’s predictions. In some years, the favorites will dominate, like the final...
Similar to the Oscars, I’ve built a mathematical model to predict the Tonys in all 26 categories, based on a combination of which categories a show is nominated in, the aggregated predictions of various Broadway critics, and the results of the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama League Awards. The model is trained on historical Tony Awards data over the past quarter-century — inputs that have done a better job of predicting each category in the past get more weight in this year’s predictions. In some years, the favorites will dominate, like the final...
- 6/10/2023
- by Ben Zauzmer
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2023 Tony Awards race for Best Play has already made history, even before the winner will be revealed on June 11. For the first time, three Pulitzer Prize-winning dramas were nominated in the same season for the top honor. According to Gold Derby’s theatre pundits, though, none of those works will take home the prize. Sam Eckmann and I recently reconvened to debate this “extraordinarily strong category” and the 10 other play races ahead of Sunday’s ceremony. Watch the full video slugfest above.
Out front all season long, Tom Stoppard’s “Leopoldstadt” looks to retain its edge for the prize of Best Play. Both Sam and I predict the breadth and topicality of the legendary playwright’s work will propel the Olivier-winning drama to victory, but we both have Pulitzer-winner “Fat Ham” in a strong second place. “I think ‘Fat Ham’ feels like it’s another play that is speaking to right now,...
Out front all season long, Tom Stoppard’s “Leopoldstadt” looks to retain its edge for the prize of Best Play. Both Sam and I predict the breadth and topicality of the legendary playwright’s work will propel the Olivier-winning drama to victory, but we both have Pulitzer-winner “Fat Ham” in a strong second place. “I think ‘Fat Ham’ feels like it’s another play that is speaking to right now,...
- 6/8/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: This is early stage, no deals are done and it might not land until the strike’s over, but the most celebrated play to come along in a good long time is to be turned into a limited TV series with top talent. The play is Sir Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt, which had a successful West End run before moving to Broadway last September. I’ve heard that Amblin and Steven Spielberg are shopping it with Patrick Marber adapting (the Closer writer/director was the play’s original director when it opened in London and he directed the current Broadway incarnation also), and the series will be directed by Stephen Daldry, The Crown multiple Emmy winner.
The play, which won the 2020 Olivier Award, is a chronicle of a Jewish family in Vienna over 50 years, from the turn of the 20th Century through the hardship of WWI, through the Nazi...
The play, which won the 2020 Olivier Award, is a chronicle of a Jewish family in Vienna over 50 years, from the turn of the 20th Century through the hardship of WWI, through the Nazi...
- 5/22/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The Outer Critics Circle has named Some Like It Hot as the year’s Best New Broadway Musical and Leopoldstadt as Best New Broadway Play, the organization announced today.
The Circle, made up of writers on New York theater for out-of-town newspapers and national publications, also named Parade in the musical revival category, and Topdog/Underdog as the outstanding play revival.
In all, Some Like It Hot topped the list in number of wins – five, in all – with Leopoldstadt coming in second with three awards.
Winners of the 72nd Annual Outer Critics Circle Awards will be honored at a ceremony on Thursday, May 25 at the Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center’s New York Public Library for The Performing Arts.
Here is the complete list of winners:
Outstanding New Broadway Musical
Some Like It Hot
Outstanding New Broadway Play
Leopoldstadt
Outstanding New Off Broadway Musical
The Harder They Come
Outstanding...
The Circle, made up of writers on New York theater for out-of-town newspapers and national publications, also named Parade in the musical revival category, and Topdog/Underdog as the outstanding play revival.
In all, Some Like It Hot topped the list in number of wins – five, in all – with Leopoldstadt coming in second with three awards.
Winners of the 72nd Annual Outer Critics Circle Awards will be honored at a ceremony on Thursday, May 25 at the Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center’s New York Public Library for The Performing Arts.
Here is the complete list of winners:
Outstanding New Broadway Musical
Some Like It Hot
Outstanding New Broadway Play
Leopoldstadt
Outstanding New Off Broadway Musical
The Harder They Come
Outstanding...
- 5/16/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Tom Stoppard and the late Terrence McNally have won the most Tonys for a playwright taking home four each. The 85-year-old Stoppard is a strong contender to pick up his fifth Tony for his latest (and perhaps final) play “Leopoldstadt.” The acclaimed drama revolves around a wealthy Jewish family who had fled the programs in Eastern Europe and settled in Vienna. In an interview, Stoppard noted that the play “took a year to write but the gestation was much longer. Quite a lot of it is personal to me but I made it a Viennese family so that it wouldn’t seem to be about me. “ Stoppard, who was born in Czechoslovakia in 1937, lost all four of his grandparents in the Holocaust.
“Leopoldstadt” earned six nominations on May 2 including Best Play and best director for Patrick Marber. It will be vying for the top prize against Jordon E. Cooper’s...
“Leopoldstadt” earned six nominations on May 2 including Best Play and best director for Patrick Marber. It will be vying for the top prize against Jordon E. Cooper’s...
- 5/4/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
The Drama League today announced the nominations for the 2023 Drama League Awards. Honoring achievements on and Off-Broadway, the nominations were announced this morning by Roger Bart (“Back to the Future: The Musical”) and Justin Guarini (“Once Upon A One More Time”) at the New York Library for the Performing Arts. Winners will be revealed at the 89th Annual Drama League Awards ceremony at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on Friday, May 19, 2023.
“I don’t think I’ve experienced a theater season in New York ever like this one,” noted Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks. “There’s been a range, a breadth, an expansion of possibility that has been truly astonishing to witness. Theater makers have inspired not only with their creativity, but also with their drive and determination to serve audiences with vision and talent. These nominees reflect the promise and greatness inherent in the work of theater folk, and I can’t help but be deeply proud.
“I don’t think I’ve experienced a theater season in New York ever like this one,” noted Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks. “There’s been a range, a breadth, an expansion of possibility that has been truly astonishing to witness. Theater makers have inspired not only with their creativity, but also with their drive and determination to serve audiences with vision and talent. These nominees reflect the promise and greatness inherent in the work of theater folk, and I can’t help but be deeply proud.
- 4/25/2023
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese is teaming up with Studiocanal to produce a film adaptation of the mystery novel What Happens at Night, Deadline reports. Oscar nominated writer Patrick Marber (Notes on a Scandal) is handling the screenplay adaptation.
Written by Peter Cameron, the 2020 novel What Happens at Night (pick up a copy Here) is described as a dream-like story of a married American couple who travel to a small, snowy European town to adopt a baby. The couple check into a cavernous, largely deserted hotel where they encounter an enigmatic cast of characters including a flamboyant chanteuse, a depraved businessman and a charismatic faith healer. Nothing is quite as it seems in this strange, frozen world. As the couple struggle to claim their baby, the less they seem to know about themselves and the life they’ve built together.
Deadline goes on to note that the book has drawn comparisons to The Shining,...
Written by Peter Cameron, the 2020 novel What Happens at Night (pick up a copy Here) is described as a dream-like story of a married American couple who travel to a small, snowy European town to adopt a baby. The couple check into a cavernous, largely deserted hotel where they encounter an enigmatic cast of characters including a flamboyant chanteuse, a depraved businessman and a charismatic faith healer. Nothing is quite as it seems in this strange, frozen world. As the couple struggle to claim their baby, the less they seem to know about themselves and the life they’ve built together.
Deadline goes on to note that the book has drawn comparisons to The Shining,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Described as being similar to The Shining, the 2020 mystery-thriller What Happens at Night is getting a high profile adaptation from producer Martin Scorsese, Deadline reports.
Studiocanal is adapting the novel written by Peter Cameron. Oscar nominee Patrick Marber (Notes On A Scandal) will be adapting the screenplay, Deadline also reports.
The website details, “What Happens At Night is a dream-like story of a married American couple who travel to a small, snowy European town to adopt a baby.
“The couple check into a cavernous, largely deserted hotel where they encounter an enigmatic cast of characters including a flamboyant chanteuse, a depraved businessman and a charismatic faith healer. Nothing is quite as it seems in this strange, frozen world.
“As the couple struggle to claim their baby, the less they seem to know about themselves and the life they’ve built together.”
Peter Cameron said, “I could not be more honoured...
Studiocanal is adapting the novel written by Peter Cameron. Oscar nominee Patrick Marber (Notes On A Scandal) will be adapting the screenplay, Deadline also reports.
The website details, “What Happens At Night is a dream-like story of a married American couple who travel to a small, snowy European town to adopt a baby.
“The couple check into a cavernous, largely deserted hotel where they encounter an enigmatic cast of characters including a flamboyant chanteuse, a depraved businessman and a charismatic faith healer. Nothing is quite as it seems in this strange, frozen world.
“As the couple struggle to claim their baby, the less they seem to know about themselves and the life they’ve built together.”
Peter Cameron said, “I could not be more honoured...
- 4/19/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: Studiocanal has acquired rights to develop Peter Cameron’s well-received 2020 novel What Happens At Night into a feature film, with Martin Scorsese aboard to produce and Oscar nominee Patrick Marber (Notes On A Scandal) adapting the screenplay.
What Happens At Night, a finalist for the LA Times‘ Book Prize for Fiction, is a dream-like story of a married American couple who travel to a small, snowy European town to adopt a baby.
The couple check into a cavernous, largely deserted hotel where they encounter an enigmatic cast of characters including a flamboyant chanteuse, a depraved businessman and a charismatic faith healer. Nothing is quite as it seems in this strange, frozen world. As the couple struggle to claim their baby, the less they seem to know about themselves and the life they’ve built together.
The Times Of London called the novel “a mystery story, even a bit of a thriller,...
What Happens At Night, a finalist for the LA Times‘ Book Prize for Fiction, is a dream-like story of a married American couple who travel to a small, snowy European town to adopt a baby.
The couple check into a cavernous, largely deserted hotel where they encounter an enigmatic cast of characters including a flamboyant chanteuse, a depraved businessman and a charismatic faith healer. Nothing is quite as it seems in this strange, frozen world. As the couple struggle to claim their baby, the less they seem to know about themselves and the life they’ve built together.
The Times Of London called the novel “a mystery story, even a bit of a thriller,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman and Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The West Wing star Joshua Malina will join the hit Broadway show, Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt, taking over the central role of patriarch and businessman Hermann from David Krumholtz, who is among the original cast members set to depart next month.
Krumholtz, Arty Froushan, Caissie Levy and Tedra Millan will play their final performances on Sunday, March 12. All were among the original cast when the acclaimed play opened last October. Leopoldstadt is scheduled to run through July 2 at the Longacre Theatre.
Malina plays his first performance on Tuesday, March 14. Taking over for Froushan in the role of Fitz will be Dave Register (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), while Cody Braverman joins the cast as Young Leo. Current company member Jesse Aaronson will take on the role of Leo (also currently played by Froushan) in addition to his current role as Aaron. Understudies Charlotte Graham replaces Millan as Nellie,...
Krumholtz, Arty Froushan, Caissie Levy and Tedra Millan will play their final performances on Sunday, March 12. All were among the original cast when the acclaimed play opened last October. Leopoldstadt is scheduled to run through July 2 at the Longacre Theatre.
Malina plays his first performance on Tuesday, March 14. Taking over for Froushan in the role of Fitz will be Dave Register (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), while Cody Braverman joins the cast as Young Leo. Current company member Jesse Aaronson will take on the role of Leo (also currently played by Froushan) in addition to his current role as Aaron. Understudies Charlotte Graham replaces Millan as Nellie,...
- 2/2/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Welcome to the ultimate list of the sexiest movies on Netflix! From steamy thrillers and foreign romances to action-packed dramas and comedies with a sensual edge, this selection has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a steamy date night movie or an unforgettable way to pass the time, these 18 films will light the fire and get your heart racing. So dim the lights, put your phone on airplane mode, and indulge in some of Netflix’s hottest titles.
Popular Steamy Movies on Netflix in 2023
Netflix has the uncovered covered; from steamy thrillers to foreign romances and everything in between, the sexiest movies on Netflix really set the mood.
Check out these 18 smoldering selections to get your pulse racing:
No Limit (2022)
This French-language drama stars Camille Rowe (Roxana Aubrey) as she plunges into a wild free diving course in the south of France. After a chance encounter with her record-holding instructor,...
Popular Steamy Movies on Netflix in 2023
Netflix has the uncovered covered; from steamy thrillers to foreign romances and everything in between, the sexiest movies on Netflix really set the mood.
Check out these 18 smoldering selections to get your pulse racing:
No Limit (2022)
This French-language drama stars Camille Rowe (Roxana Aubrey) as she plunges into a wild free diving course in the south of France. After a chance encounter with her record-holding instructor,...
- 2/1/2023
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Exclusive: Sam Mendes has picked Johnny Flynn, Tuppence Middleton and Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss to portray legendary stars Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and John Gielgud in The Motive and the Cue, a mouth-watering new play by Jack Thorne that explores how acting giants Burton and Gielgud staged Hamlet on Broadway in 1964.
Burton, newly wed to Taylor after their affair on the set of epic film Cleopatra, signed on to play the Danish prince in a fabled production directed by Gielgud in New York.
On opening night in April, 1964, scores of police hemmed in crowds who were as eager to catch a glimpse of Taylor entering the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre as they were to see her husband as the depressed Dane.
(Original Caption) Welsh actor, Richard Burton (left), listens intently as he takes direction from director, John Gielgud, during rehearsal of Burton’s Broadway-bound production of “Hamlet,...
Burton, newly wed to Taylor after their affair on the set of epic film Cleopatra, signed on to play the Danish prince in a fabled production directed by Gielgud in New York.
On opening night in April, 1964, scores of police hemmed in crowds who were as eager to catch a glimpse of Taylor entering the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre as they were to see her husband as the depressed Dane.
(Original Caption) Welsh actor, Richard Burton (left), listens intently as he takes direction from director, John Gielgud, during rehearsal of Burton’s Broadway-bound production of “Hamlet,...
- 11/22/2022
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
It's a cliché to claim overnight success takes years, but that doesn't make it untrue.
Take Clive Owen. After getting his start working on BBC and Channel 4 TV productions in the late 1980s, he suddenly found himself in high demand by the mid-2000s. Be it Antoine Fuqua's realism-driven take on the Arthurian legends with "King Arthur," Mike Nichols' big screen version of Patrick Marber's erotic play "Closer," Robert Rodriguez's visually trail-blazing neo-noir comic book movie "Sin City," or Spike Lee's '70s throwback heist thriller "Inside Man," it felt like Owen was being cast in anything and everything under the sun.
There's a good reason for that. Owen seems just as comfortable playing strong, silent types as he does insecure, entitled, affluent figures or hard-edged antiheroes with a habit of inner monologuing. It's the same versatility that allows him to easily slip into the role of Theo Faron,...
Take Clive Owen. After getting his start working on BBC and Channel 4 TV productions in the late 1980s, he suddenly found himself in high demand by the mid-2000s. Be it Antoine Fuqua's realism-driven take on the Arthurian legends with "King Arthur," Mike Nichols' big screen version of Patrick Marber's erotic play "Closer," Robert Rodriguez's visually trail-blazing neo-noir comic book movie "Sin City," or Spike Lee's '70s throwback heist thriller "Inside Man," it felt like Owen was being cast in anything and everything under the sun.
There's a good reason for that. Owen seems just as comfortable playing strong, silent types as he does insecure, entitled, affluent figures or hard-edged antiheroes with a habit of inner monologuing. It's the same versatility that allows him to easily slip into the role of Theo Faron,...
- 11/6/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Tom Stoppard’s haunting drama “Leopoldstadt” is the rare non-musical play to become a smash hit on Broadway. After critics fell in love with the gripping historical piece, the show broke the house record at the Longacre Theatre twice, over two consecutive weeks in October. Its highest weekly gross soared to 1,158,051. If this critical and commercial success translates into a Tony Award win for Best Play next spring, playwright Tom Stoppard will best his own record in that top race.
“Leopoldstadt” begins in 1899 Vienna and traces the history of a Jewish family as they move from a period of relative happiness and prosperity into the tumultuous 20th century and its eventual horrors. Patrick Marber directs the quiet epic, which focuses on how countless personal histories have been consumed by war and time. The sprawling cast of 32 includes David Krumholtz, Brandon Uranowitz, Faye Castelow, Arty Froushan, Caissie Levy, and Seth Numrich.
“Leopoldstadt” begins in 1899 Vienna and traces the history of a Jewish family as they move from a period of relative happiness and prosperity into the tumultuous 20th century and its eventual horrors. Patrick Marber directs the quiet epic, which focuses on how countless personal histories have been consumed by war and time. The sprawling cast of 32 includes David Krumholtz, Brandon Uranowitz, Faye Castelow, Arty Froushan, Caissie Levy, and Seth Numrich.
- 11/3/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
One of the world’s greatest living playwrights has returned to Broadway. Over a decade since his last effort, Tom Stoppard has come back with epic play “Leopoldstadt,” a sprawling family drama based in part on his own family’s history during the early-twentieth century. The drama opened at the Longacre Theatre on Oct. 2.
Unspooling over five decades, the play follows the Jewish Merz family and their many relations as the antisemitism of the Holocaust penetrates their bourgeois home in Vienna. Directed by two-time Tony nominee Patrick Marber, “Leopoldstadt” boasts a cast of nearly three dozen, led by David Krumholtz, Caissie Levy, and Brandon Uranowitz.
Stoppard’s latest received near-universal raves from critics. In his Critic’s Pick review, Jesse Green (New York Times) calls the play “harrowing” and says it features the dramatist’s “trademark bravura” and “kaleidoscopic technique.” Commending the entire ensemble, he writes, “The acting is excellent across the board,...
Unspooling over five decades, the play follows the Jewish Merz family and their many relations as the antisemitism of the Holocaust penetrates their bourgeois home in Vienna. Directed by two-time Tony nominee Patrick Marber, “Leopoldstadt” boasts a cast of nearly three dozen, led by David Krumholtz, Caissie Levy, and Brandon Uranowitz.
Stoppard’s latest received near-universal raves from critics. In his Critic’s Pick review, Jesse Green (New York Times) calls the play “harrowing” and says it features the dramatist’s “trademark bravura” and “kaleidoscopic technique.” Commending the entire ensemble, he writes, “The acting is excellent across the board,...
- 10/24/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
The great playwright Tom Stoppard and his simpatico director Patrick Marber make a lasting gift of remembrance in the brilliant, gorgeous and devastating new play Leopoldstadt, opening tonight at Broadway’s Longacre Theatre. But it’s a gift that comes with strings, ropes even, the author seems to be warning us: There’s burden attached to memory, and pain, and, above all, responsibility – duty, even – that accompanies every yellowed snapshot in an old family album and every fading face that once seemed fixed with such clarity.
Most of us, thankfully, won’t have the unbearably catastrophic history to carry through life that the youngest of Leopoldstadt‘s characters are ultimately left with. When we reunite with them at the end of the play, in 1955, their numbers dwindled to three, the survivors of Hitler’s campaign to eradicate Europe’s Jews are all that’s left of the once expansive family...
Most of us, thankfully, won’t have the unbearably catastrophic history to carry through life that the youngest of Leopoldstadt‘s characters are ultimately left with. When we reunite with them at the end of the play, in 1955, their numbers dwindled to three, the survivors of Hitler’s campaign to eradicate Europe’s Jews are all that’s left of the once expansive family...
- 10/3/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A new Broadway season has started, and there are currently 11 productions of plays set to open this fall. Could we be seeing any of them contend at next year’s Tony Awards? Below is an overview of the plot of each play as well as the awards history of its author, cast, creative team, and the opening and (where applicable) closing dates.
“Death of a Salesman”
In the fifth Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s 1949 drama, Willy Loman is a traveling salesman whose illusions of picture-perfect business and family life cave in on him. He and his family are caught up in the pressures and delusions of living the American dream.
The original production directed by Elia Kazan won six Tony Awards (including Best Play) and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This staging follows a successful run on London’s West End back in 2019, where it received five Laurence Olivier...
“Death of a Salesman”
In the fifth Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s 1949 drama, Willy Loman is a traveling salesman whose illusions of picture-perfect business and family life cave in on him. He and his family are caught up in the pressures and delusions of living the American dream.
The original production directed by Elia Kazan won six Tony Awards (including Best Play) and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This staging follows a successful run on London’s West End back in 2019, where it received five Laurence Olivier...
- 9/16/2022
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
The Broadway company ofLeopoldstadtis in rehearsalsTom Stoppard's Olivier Award-winning Best New Play, directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Patrick Marber, will begin itslimited Broadway engagement on Wednesday, September 14 ahead of a Sunday, October 2 opening night at the Longacre Theatre. In this video, watch as Marber and just a few of the38-member company check in with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge as they begin work in the rehearsal room.
- 8/9/2022
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
Most of the 38-member cast of the upcoming Broadway production of Tom Stoppard’s Olivier Award-winning Leopoldstadt was announced today, with four members of the original West End company making the move and newcomers to the show set to include Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz, Seth Numrich and David Krumholtz.
Twenty-three of the cast members announced today will be making their Broadway debuts with Leopoldstadt, according to producers Sonia Friedman Productions, Roy Furman, and Lorne Michaels. Patrick Marber, who directed the West End staging, will direct for Broadway as well.
Leopoldstadt’s limited Broadway engagement will begin previews Wednesday, September 14, with an official opening on Sunday, October 2, at the Longacre Theatre.
Set in Vienna, Leopoldstadt begins in the last days of 1899 and follows one extended family well into the 20th Century. The title takes its name from Vienna’s Jewish quarter, and the play is described by the production as “a...
Twenty-three of the cast members announced today will be making their Broadway debuts with Leopoldstadt, according to producers Sonia Friedman Productions, Roy Furman, and Lorne Michaels. Patrick Marber, who directed the West End staging, will direct for Broadway as well.
Leopoldstadt’s limited Broadway engagement will begin previews Wednesday, September 14, with an official opening on Sunday, October 2, at the Longacre Theatre.
Set in Vienna, Leopoldstadt begins in the last days of 1899 and follows one extended family well into the 20th Century. The title takes its name from Vienna’s Jewish quarter, and the play is described by the production as “a...
- 6/29/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Dakota Johnson is looking back on filming Fifty Shades of Grey, which she said was “mayhem” behind the scenes.
In a Vanity Fair cover story, the actress opened up about starring in the 1.3 billion film trilogy, based on E.L. James’ bestselling books, as Anastasia Steele after being intrigued by director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s vision of a stripped-down version of the book. However, the script would eventually change, with James maintaining creative control.
“I signed up to do a very different version of the film we ended up making,” Johnson told Vanity Fair.
Of James, Johnson said, “She had a lot of creative control, all day, every day, and she just demanded that certain things happen. There were parts of the books that just wouldn’t work in a movie, like the inner monologue, which was at times incredibly cheesy. It wouldn’t work to say out loud.
Dakota Johnson is looking back on filming Fifty Shades of Grey, which she said was “mayhem” behind the scenes.
In a Vanity Fair cover story, the actress opened up about starring in the 1.3 billion film trilogy, based on E.L. James’ bestselling books, as Anastasia Steele after being intrigued by director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s vision of a stripped-down version of the book. However, the script would eventually change, with James maintaining creative control.
“I signed up to do a very different version of the film we ended up making,” Johnson told Vanity Fair.
Of James, Johnson said, “She had a lot of creative control, all day, every day, and she just demanded that certain things happen. There were parts of the books that just wouldn’t work in a movie, like the inner monologue, which was at times incredibly cheesy. It wouldn’t work to say out loud.
- 6/28/2022
- by Lexy Perez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Fifty Shades of Grey” star Dakota Johnson opened up about her experience making the film trilogy in a cover story interview with “Vanity Fair.”
“I’m a sexual person, and when I’m interested in something, I want to know so much about it,” she began in the interview. “That’s why I did those big naked movies.” Unfortunately, she feels the final cut of “Fifty Shades” and its sequels weren’t what she bargained for. “I signed up to do a very different version of the film we ended up making,” she said.
Johnson, who landed the role of Anastasia “Ana” Steele, clarified that the problem came from a combination of the studio, directors and author of the books E.L. James, who goes by Erika and was very creatively active on the productions.
Also Read:
How ‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’ Director Cooper Raiff Forged a Unique Collaboration With Dakota...
“I’m a sexual person, and when I’m interested in something, I want to know so much about it,” she began in the interview. “That’s why I did those big naked movies.” Unfortunately, she feels the final cut of “Fifty Shades” and its sequels weren’t what she bargained for. “I signed up to do a very different version of the film we ended up making,” she said.
Johnson, who landed the role of Anastasia “Ana” Steele, clarified that the problem came from a combination of the studio, directors and author of the books E.L. James, who goes by Erika and was very creatively active on the productions.
Also Read:
How ‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’ Director Cooper Raiff Forged a Unique Collaboration With Dakota...
- 6/28/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Dakota Johnson is now “Fifty Shades Freed” about details from her breakout trilogy.
Johnson, who skyrocketed to fame after starring opposite Jamie Dornan in 2015’s “Fifty Shades of Grey” and its subsequent two sequels, revealed that she “signed up to do a very different version of the film we ended up making.”
“I’m a sexual person, and when I’m interested in something, I want to know so much about it,” Johnson told Vanity Fair. “That’s why I did those big naked movies.”
Johnson auditioned for the film by reading a monologue from Ingmar Bergman’s “Persona” and at first thought the adaptations of E.L. James’ “Twilight” fan-fiction novels would be “really special” to bring to the big screen. Yet James, the studio, and the directors were a “combo” of the issues on set.
“[E.L. James, who goes by Erika,] had a lot of creative control,...
Johnson, who skyrocketed to fame after starring opposite Jamie Dornan in 2015’s “Fifty Shades of Grey” and its subsequent two sequels, revealed that she “signed up to do a very different version of the film we ended up making.”
“I’m a sexual person, and when I’m interested in something, I want to know so much about it,” Johnson told Vanity Fair. “That’s why I did those big naked movies.”
Johnson auditioned for the film by reading a monologue from Ingmar Bergman’s “Persona” and at first thought the adaptations of E.L. James’ “Twilight” fan-fiction novels would be “really special” to bring to the big screen. Yet James, the studio, and the directors were a “combo” of the issues on set.
“[E.L. James, who goes by Erika,] had a lot of creative control,...
- 6/28/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Ian McKellen (The Good Liar), Gemma Arterton (Summerland) and Mark Strong (1917) will lead the cast of The Critic, a period thriller based on Anthony Quinn’s classic novel Curtain Call. Oscar nominee Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread), BAFTA nominee Romola Garai (Suffragette), Ben Barnes (Westworld) and Alfred Enoch (Foundation) will also star.
In the film set in 1934 London, McKellen plays Jimmy Erskine, the most feared drama critic in town—with Arterton as Nina Land, the actress determined to win his favor. When Jimmy finds himself in the crosshairs of his newspaper’s new owner, David Brooke (Strong), Nina becomes entangled in a dangerous web of blackmail, deceit and murder.
Anand Tucker (Hilary and Jackie) is directing from a script by Oscar nominee Patrick Marber (Notes on a Scandal), with production underway in and around London. The film is being fully financed and produced by London-based BKStudios, with owner Bill Kenwright...
In the film set in 1934 London, McKellen plays Jimmy Erskine, the most feared drama critic in town—with Arterton as Nina Land, the actress determined to win his favor. When Jimmy finds himself in the crosshairs of his newspaper’s new owner, David Brooke (Strong), Nina becomes entangled in a dangerous web of blackmail, deceit and murder.
Anand Tucker (Hilary and Jackie) is directing from a script by Oscar nominee Patrick Marber (Notes on a Scandal), with production underway in and around London. The film is being fully financed and produced by London-based BKStudios, with owner Bill Kenwright...
- 6/27/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Tom Stoppard’s Olivier Award-winning Leopoldstadt directed by Patrick Marber will play a limited Broadway engagement this fall, producers announced today.
Leopoldstadt, which one the Olivier for Best New Play in 2020, will begin performances at Broadway’s Longacre Theatre on Wednesday, September 14, with an official opening on Sunday, October 2.
The announcement was made by producers Sonia Friedman Productions, Roy Furman, and Lorne Michaels.
Described as one of Stoppard’s most personal plays, Leopoldstadt opened in London’s West End to critical acclaim on January 25, 2020. A planned extension due to demand was curtailed due to the Covid lockdown seven weeks later. In late 2021, the play returned for a further 12-week engagement. Both runs sold out and Leopoldstadt received the Olivier Award for Best New Play in October 2020.
The play will mark Stoppard’s 19th play on Broadway since his groundbreaking Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead opened 55 years ago. Stoppard has won four Best Play Tony Awards,...
Leopoldstadt, which one the Olivier for Best New Play in 2020, will begin performances at Broadway’s Longacre Theatre on Wednesday, September 14, with an official opening on Sunday, October 2.
The announcement was made by producers Sonia Friedman Productions, Roy Furman, and Lorne Michaels.
Described as one of Stoppard’s most personal plays, Leopoldstadt opened in London’s West End to critical acclaim on January 25, 2020. A planned extension due to demand was curtailed due to the Covid lockdown seven weeks later. In late 2021, the play returned for a further 12-week engagement. Both runs sold out and Leopoldstadt received the Olivier Award for Best New Play in October 2020.
The play will mark Stoppard’s 19th play on Broadway since his groundbreaking Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead opened 55 years ago. Stoppard has won four Best Play Tony Awards,...
- 6/7/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: In an eye-catching acquisition, 42 has bought respected UK talent and literary agency Dalzell and Beresford, we can reveal.
Veteran British agent Simon Beresford has joined the LA and London-based management and production company as a Partner and Manager and his roster is moving over with him.
Clients include Ralph Fiennes, Matthew Goode, Sir Simon Russell Beale, Ciarán Hinds, Indira Varma, Lindsay Duncan, Giles Terera, Ken Stott, Patrick Marber, Leslie Caron, Jamie Campbell Bower, Nathaniel Parker, Simon Callow, Jim Norton, Matthew McNulty, Julian Clary, Dame Siân Phillips, Fra Fee, Nigel Havers, Sinéad Cusack and Andrei Konchalovsky.
Beresford’s team will also be joining him at 42, including Vicki Oliver as a Manager and Kitty Johnson. Kara Fitzpatrick, who runs Dalzell and Beresford’s literary department, brings with her clients including Roy Williams, Tanika Gupta, Dawn Sievewright, Paddy Campbell and John Donnelly.
Dalzell and Beresford was set up in 1966 by the legendary UK rep Larry Dalzell.
Veteran British agent Simon Beresford has joined the LA and London-based management and production company as a Partner and Manager and his roster is moving over with him.
Clients include Ralph Fiennes, Matthew Goode, Sir Simon Russell Beale, Ciarán Hinds, Indira Varma, Lindsay Duncan, Giles Terera, Ken Stott, Patrick Marber, Leslie Caron, Jamie Campbell Bower, Nathaniel Parker, Simon Callow, Jim Norton, Matthew McNulty, Julian Clary, Dame Siân Phillips, Fra Fee, Nigel Havers, Sinéad Cusack and Andrei Konchalovsky.
Beresford’s team will also be joining him at 42, including Vicki Oliver as a Manager and Kitty Johnson. Kara Fitzpatrick, who runs Dalzell and Beresford’s literary department, brings with her clients including Roy Williams, Tanika Gupta, Dawn Sievewright, Paddy Campbell and John Donnelly.
Dalzell and Beresford was set up in 1966 by the legendary UK rep Larry Dalzell.
- 6/6/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Ho, ho, ho. And like that 2021 is (almost) over. It went by fast, didn’t it? But even as the year that was begins its final 30-day run on your calendar, we cannot deny being happy to see the broader holiday season here, and all the good cheer it brings—including on streaming services.
Netflix, for one, is committed to spreading happy tidings, as judged by their glut of new Christmas movies. However, if you’re someone who isn’t looking for more cinematic trifles this December, and rather just want to know about the best non-original film content coming to your living room, well we’ve comprised the list below!
Closer (2004)
December 1
No one would mistake Mike Nichols’ brutally cynical adaptation of Patrick Marber’s play to be a holiday movie, and yet there are few better films you could watch on Netflix this December. A blunt force meditation...
Netflix, for one, is committed to spreading happy tidings, as judged by their glut of new Christmas movies. However, if you’re someone who isn’t looking for more cinematic trifles this December, and rather just want to know about the best non-original film content coming to your living room, well we’ve comprised the list below!
Closer (2004)
December 1
No one would mistake Mike Nichols’ brutally cynical adaptation of Patrick Marber’s play to be a holiday movie, and yet there are few better films you could watch on Netflix this December. A blunt force meditation...
- 12/1/2021
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Mark Gordon Pictures has snapped up screen rights to Walter Isaacson’s latest book The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing and the Future of the Human Race, about Nobel Prize-winning scientist and co-inventor of Crispr technology Jennifer Doudna, which the label will develop as a limited series.
The project reteams Gordon and Isaacson, the former having previously optioned the latter’s bestselling 2011 biography Steve Jobs, which was turned into a 2015 Oscar-nominated movie directed by Danny Boyle, adapted by Aaron Sorkin and starring Michael Fassbender as Jobs.
The book follows Doudna and her collaborators who turned a curiosity of nature into an invention poised to transform human health: an easy-to-use tool known as Crispr that can edit DNA. Essentially, Crispr-Cas9 allows scientists to rewrite DNA – the code of life – in any organism, including human cells, with unprecedented efficiency and precision, opening up a world of new possibilities and potential. Doudna...
The project reteams Gordon and Isaacson, the former having previously optioned the latter’s bestselling 2011 biography Steve Jobs, which was turned into a 2015 Oscar-nominated movie directed by Danny Boyle, adapted by Aaron Sorkin and starring Michael Fassbender as Jobs.
The book follows Doudna and her collaborators who turned a curiosity of nature into an invention poised to transform human health: an easy-to-use tool known as Crispr that can edit DNA. Essentially, Crispr-Cas9 allows scientists to rewrite DNA – the code of life – in any organism, including human cells, with unprecedented efficiency and precision, opening up a world of new possibilities and potential. Doudna...
- 7/26/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Company secures first-look film and TV deal with Sony Pictures.
Former Sony Pictures International Productions executive Luke Scrase has launched Golden Gate Studios, a UK-based production company, and secured a first-look deal with Sony Pictures
Golden Gate Studios will primarily focus on developing and producing UK and European genre films as well as television series for the global market. The aim will be to produce a mix of both English and local language content.
Scrase remains attached as a producer or executive producer on various projects he initiated during his time at Sony Pictures International Productions’ UK unit.
While at Sony,...
Former Sony Pictures International Productions executive Luke Scrase has launched Golden Gate Studios, a UK-based production company, and secured a first-look deal with Sony Pictures
Golden Gate Studios will primarily focus on developing and producing UK and European genre films as well as television series for the global market. The aim will be to produce a mix of both English and local language content.
Scrase remains attached as a producer or executive producer on various projects he initiated during his time at Sony Pictures International Productions’ UK unit.
While at Sony,...
- 6/1/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Luke Scrase, the former Sony Pictures International Productions executive, is launching his own UK-based production outfit Golden Gate Studios. The company has secured a first-look deal for film and TV projects with Sony, effective this month.
Golden Gate will focus on developing and producing British and European genre films as well as commercially-driven television series for the global market. The aim will be to produce a mix of both English and local-language content.
Scrase remains attached to various Sony projects he initiated during his time in the studio’s UK office. His credits include Michael Winterbottom’s Greed and Michael Caton-Jones’s Our Ladies, the latter of which is coming out later this year. He also has Patrick Marber’s Curtain Call, set to star Colin Firth and Gemma Arterton, and The Dead Spit of Kelly, to be directed by Iain Softley, in the works.
“I’m thrilled to be...
Golden Gate will focus on developing and producing British and European genre films as well as commercially-driven television series for the global market. The aim will be to produce a mix of both English and local-language content.
Scrase remains attached to various Sony projects he initiated during his time in the studio’s UK office. His credits include Michael Winterbottom’s Greed and Michael Caton-Jones’s Our Ladies, the latter of which is coming out later this year. He also has Patrick Marber’s Curtain Call, set to star Colin Firth and Gemma Arterton, and The Dead Spit of Kelly, to be directed by Iain Softley, in the works.
“I’m thrilled to be...
- 6/1/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Mark Gordon Pictures has acquired the rights Stephen McGinty’s forthcoming book, The Dive with plans to develop as a feature film and has tapped Edward Hemming to adapt. Mark Gordon and Beth Pattinson will produce for Mark Gordon Pictures.
“I’m delighted to be working with Mark, Beth and Ed as they adapt The Dive into a movie,” McGinty said. “The story of the rescue of Pisces III is one of the great tales of ocean adventure: when a band of blue-collar workers from Canada, America and Britain pulled together to rescue two men from a crushing depth never attempted before. I’ve long been an admirer of Mark’s extensive filmography – from Saving Private Ryan and Speed to Steve Jobs and Molly’s Game and feel confident that The Dive is now in the best possible hands.”
Based on a true story, The Dive recounts the harrowing...
“I’m delighted to be working with Mark, Beth and Ed as they adapt The Dive into a movie,” McGinty said. “The story of the rescue of Pisces III is one of the great tales of ocean adventure: when a band of blue-collar workers from Canada, America and Britain pulled together to rescue two men from a crushing depth never attempted before. I’ve long been an admirer of Mark’s extensive filmography – from Saving Private Ryan and Speed to Steve Jobs and Molly’s Game and feel confident that The Dive is now in the best possible hands.”
Based on a true story, The Dive recounts the harrowing...
- 5/13/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
“Curtain Call,” starring starring Colin Firth, Gemma Arterton, Paapa Essiedu and Simon Russell Beale, has sold to several major territories.
To be directed by “Shopgirl” filmmaker Anand Tucker, the film will commence production later this year in the U.K.
Culmination Productions has sold to Squareone Entertainment (German-speaking Europe), Notorious Pictures (Italy), California Filmes (Latin America), Cineart (Benelux), Tanweer (Greece), Lusomundo (Portugal), Sena (Iceland), Hagi Films (Poland), Shoval Film (Israel), Selim Ramia & Co (The Middle East), Empire (South Africa), Benchmark Films (Taiwan) and to Spain, where a distributor is yet to be announced.
Adapted by Oscar-nominee Patrick Marber (“Notes on a Scandal”) from Anthony Quinn’s novel of the same name, “Curtain Call” revolves around Jimmy Erskine (Beale), the most feared theatre critic of the age, his loyal and long-suffering assistant Tom Turner (Essiedu), David Brooke (Firth), the new owner of the newspaper who wants to be rid of Jimmy,...
To be directed by “Shopgirl” filmmaker Anand Tucker, the film will commence production later this year in the U.K.
Culmination Productions has sold to Squareone Entertainment (German-speaking Europe), Notorious Pictures (Italy), California Filmes (Latin America), Cineart (Benelux), Tanweer (Greece), Lusomundo (Portugal), Sena (Iceland), Hagi Films (Poland), Shoval Film (Israel), Selim Ramia & Co (The Middle East), Empire (South Africa), Benchmark Films (Taiwan) and to Spain, where a distributor is yet to be announced.
Adapted by Oscar-nominee Patrick Marber (“Notes on a Scandal”) from Anthony Quinn’s novel of the same name, “Curtain Call” revolves around Jimmy Erskine (Beale), the most feared theatre critic of the age, his loyal and long-suffering assistant Tom Turner (Essiedu), David Brooke (Firth), the new owner of the newspaper who wants to be rid of Jimmy,...
- 2/22/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Anand Tucker’s (Hilary & Jackie) period-drama Curtain Call, which is due to star Colin Firth, Gemma Arterton, Paapa Essiedu and Simon Russell Beale, has been pre-sold by Culmination Productions to a host of key territories ahead of shoot later this year in the UK.
In addition to the previously announced sales to Sony Pictures International Productions for the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, the film has been sold to Squareone Entertainment (German Speaking Europe), Notorious Pictures (Italy), California Filmes (Latin America), Cineart (Benelux), Tanweer (Greece) and Lusomundo (Portugal).
Deals were also inked with Sena (Iceland), Hagi Films (Poland), Shoval Film (Israel), Selim Ramia & Co (The Middle East), Empire (South Africa) and Benchmark Films (Taiwan).
The film revolves around Jimmy Erskine (Beale), the most feared theatre critic of the age, his loyal and long-suffering assistant Tom Turner (Essiedu), David Brooke (Firth), the new owner of the newspaper who wants to be rid of Jimmy,...
In addition to the previously announced sales to Sony Pictures International Productions for the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, the film has been sold to Squareone Entertainment (German Speaking Europe), Notorious Pictures (Italy), California Filmes (Latin America), Cineart (Benelux), Tanweer (Greece) and Lusomundo (Portugal).
Deals were also inked with Sena (Iceland), Hagi Films (Poland), Shoval Film (Israel), Selim Ramia & Co (The Middle East), Empire (South Africa) and Benchmark Films (Taiwan).
The film revolves around Jimmy Erskine (Beale), the most feared theatre critic of the age, his loyal and long-suffering assistant Tom Turner (Essiedu), David Brooke (Firth), the new owner of the newspaper who wants to be rid of Jimmy,...
- 2/22/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures International Productions on board as co-producer.
Culmination Productions has licensed major territories ahead of an anticipated start of production in the UK later this year on Anand Tucker’s EFM sales title Curtain Call starring Colin Firth, Gemma Arterton, Paapa Essiedu, and Simon Russell Beale.
Following previously announced sales to Sony Pictures International Productions for the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, the film has gone to Square One Entertainment for German-speaking Europe, Notorious Pictures for Italy, and California Filmes for Latin America.
In other deals, Selim Ramia & Co. has acquired rights for The Middle East, Cineart for Benelux,...
Culmination Productions has licensed major territories ahead of an anticipated start of production in the UK later this year on Anand Tucker’s EFM sales title Curtain Call starring Colin Firth, Gemma Arterton, Paapa Essiedu, and Simon Russell Beale.
Following previously announced sales to Sony Pictures International Productions for the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, the film has gone to Square One Entertainment for German-speaking Europe, Notorious Pictures for Italy, and California Filmes for Latin America.
In other deals, Selim Ramia & Co. has acquired rights for The Middle East, Cineart for Benelux,...
- 2/22/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
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