David Schaal says his new movie 'Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire' is inspired by Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino films.The British gangster movie is the feature film directorial debut of Michael Head and the 60-year-old actor is part of a stellar cast that includes John Hannah, Alan Ford, Maisie Smith, Adam Deacon, Linda Robson, Charlotte Kirk, Gary Webster, Charlie Clapham and more.David - who is best known for playing Jay's dad Terry Cartwright in comedy series 'The Inbetweeners' and warehouse manager Taffy in Ricky Gervais' mockumentary 'The Office' - says the gritty crime drama has the hallmarks of Ritchie's gangster films 'Snatch' and 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' as well as the flashbacks and time jumping storytelling devices of Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction' with a nod to Jonathan Glazer's 'Sexy Beast' as well.Speaking to Bang Showbiz,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Philip Hamilton
- Bang Showbiz
Oliver Stone is talking about “Lula,” his new documentary about Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which is premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, when the conversation turns to American politics. The conspiracy-minded director, who’s never seen a grassy knoll without glimpsing a second gunman on it, is drawing an analogy between Lula’s political travails, involving a corruption investigation that led to a 580-day prison stint, and those of Donald Trump. That’s when the film’s publicist interjects and politely tries to steer the topic back to the documentary. But Stone waves him off and plunges ahead.
“The charges on both sides of the Trump-Biden election are pretty wild — that Biden is corrupt and Trump is corrupt,” he says. “It’s a new form of warfare. It’s called lawfare. And that’s what they’re using against Trump. And I think there’s interesting parallels here in America,...
“The charges on both sides of the Trump-Biden election are pretty wild — that Biden is corrupt and Trump is corrupt,” he says. “It’s a new form of warfare. It’s called lawfare. And that’s what they’re using against Trump. And I think there’s interesting parallels here in America,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Rereleased for its 70th anniversary, Elia Kazan’s classic exploration of corruption and whether or not to squeal is made all the more viscerally powerful by his own Huac testimony
‘The Romans found out what a handful could do, if it’s the right handful,” says Karl Malden’s priest Father Pete Barry to the crowd of sullen, nervous New Jersey longshoremen he’s persuaded to come to his church, like the early Christians hiding in caves; they are wondering whether to stand up to the crooked union mob boss Johnny Friendly, played by Lee J Cobb. Meanwhile, ex-boxer Terry Malloy, played by Marlon Brando, sits at the back of the church, smirking and eavesdropping; midway between Judas and Jesus, he is the washed-up fighter who gets cushy dockworker jobs from Johnny in return for shameful dirty work, his stevedore’s hook hitched over his shoulder. It’s same kind...
‘The Romans found out what a handful could do, if it’s the right handful,” says Karl Malden’s priest Father Pete Barry to the crowd of sullen, nervous New Jersey longshoremen he’s persuaded to come to his church, like the early Christians hiding in caves; they are wondering whether to stand up to the crooked union mob boss Johnny Friendly, played by Lee J Cobb. Meanwhile, ex-boxer Terry Malloy, played by Marlon Brando, sits at the back of the church, smirking and eavesdropping; midway between Judas and Jesus, he is the washed-up fighter who gets cushy dockworker jobs from Johnny in return for shameful dirty work, his stevedore’s hook hitched over his shoulder. It’s same kind...
- 4/3/2024
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Paul McCartney said The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” used a metaphor to portray the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. He also said that The Who influenced the song indirectly. One of these claims is easier to swallow than the other. Regardless, “Helter Skelter” still inspired one of the most infamous cults of all time.
A review and the Roman Empire inspired The Beatles’ ‘Helter Skelter’
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul recalled writing “Helter Skelter.” He said he read a review of The Who’s “I Can See for Miles,” which described the song as the loudest and dirtiest entry in the band’s catalog. “I was always trying to write something different, trying to not write in character, and I read this and I was inspired, ‘Oh, wow! Yeah! Just that one little paragraph was enough to inspire me, to make me make a move.
A review and the Roman Empire inspired The Beatles’ ‘Helter Skelter’
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now, Paul recalled writing “Helter Skelter.” He said he read a review of The Who’s “I Can See for Miles,” which described the song as the loudest and dirtiest entry in the band’s catalog. “I was always trying to write something different, trying to not write in character, and I read this and I was inspired, ‘Oh, wow! Yeah! Just that one little paragraph was enough to inspire me, to make me make a move.
- 3/1/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s very easy to misread the title of Victor Kossakovsky’s latest documentary as “Architection,” since it is, in some ways, a detective story about the world we live in, albeit one in which it is very easy to figure out whodunit (spoiler: we did it to ourselves). The actual title, Architecton, is a Greek word that means “master builder,” and the film plays with the irony of what that may mean — pitting the “master builders” of yesteryear against the “master builders“ of today — from the very beginning, using a cryptic line from “L’aquilone,” a rumination on bygone times by Italian poet Giovanni Pascoli (1855-1912). “There is something new within the sun today, or rather ancient,” he writes. This fascinating, engrossing film interrogates the subtext of this seemingly paradoxical statement.
In a haunting prolog, we see the ruins of a housing estate in what is presumably war-torn Ukraine...
In a haunting prolog, we see the ruins of a housing estate in what is presumably war-torn Ukraine...
- 2/23/2024
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Alexander the Great was an objectively terrible person. The 4th century Bce Macedonian king and military leader came to power when his father was assassinated, and immediately had any rivals for the throne killed. When Alexander executed a man who had conspired against him, he had the man’s father killed as well, just to make sure he could not try to avenge his son. This might be explained away as a powerful ruler doing what was necessary to protect himself, but that does not excuse his murder of Cleitus – a man who had earlier saved his life – in a drunken rage. Alexander’s stated aim was to conquer the whole world, something that should surely make him a villain in any version of his story. Emperors who kill and take over other people’s land are usually the bad guys.
And yet, we are obsessed with him, and have been for over 2,000 years.
And yet, we are obsessed with him, and have been for over 2,000 years.
- 2/14/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Warners Bros has screened their axed Coyote vs. Acme to around 12 buyers we hear with a rigid buy price of $70M+; which is how much the animated live-action hybrid movie cost.
Netflix and Paramount put forth bids, which we told you about, but they were lower than the $70M asking price (between $30M-$50M), therefore in Warner’s eyes, rivals didn’t want the feature for what it cost.
What Deadline has received clarity on is that Warner Bros took a $70M writedown on Q3 earnings, not the upcoming Q4. Nonetheless, the movie, which the Burbank, CA lot decided back in early November not to release — remains in purgatory. That said, we hear the door isn’t officially closed on Coyote vs. Acme‘s prospects yet — it’s just that the Coyote could wind up in the cave with Batgirl.
“No one is doing anything at Warners to push this film for a sale,...
Netflix and Paramount put forth bids, which we told you about, but they were lower than the $70M asking price (between $30M-$50M), therefore in Warner’s eyes, rivals didn’t want the feature for what it cost.
What Deadline has received clarity on is that Warner Bros took a $70M writedown on Q3 earnings, not the upcoming Q4. Nonetheless, the movie, which the Burbank, CA lot decided back in early November not to release — remains in purgatory. That said, we hear the door isn’t officially closed on Coyote vs. Acme‘s prospects yet — it’s just that the Coyote could wind up in the cave with Batgirl.
“No one is doing anything at Warners to push this film for a sale,...
- 2/10/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
A pact between Apple Original Films, A24, Spike Lee, and Denzel Washington is making noise this Thursday with news about a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime drama High and Low. Lee and Washington are old friends, of course, with the duo’s fourth collaboration being for 2006’s Inside Man.
In Kurosawa’s High and Low, an executive of a Yokohama shoe company becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom. Details about Lee’s remake are scarce, though we know it will be an English-language reimagining of the original—details about how and if the plot will differ from Kurosawa’s classic crime drama remains a mystery.
Alan Fox and Lee wrote the screenplay for the High and Low remake, with A24, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures handling development. Production kicks off in March, with Todd Black producing for...
In Kurosawa’s High and Low, an executive of a Yokohama shoe company becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom. Details about Lee’s remake are scarce, though we know it will be an English-language reimagining of the original—details about how and if the plot will differ from Kurosawa’s classic crime drama remains a mystery.
Alan Fox and Lee wrote the screenplay for the High and Low remake, with A24, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures handling development. Production kicks off in March, with Todd Black producing for...
- 2/8/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
"Spartacus: House of Ashur",from "Spartacus" creator Steven S. DeKnight, stars Nick Tarabay, reprising the role of gladiator 'Ashur’, in a new 10-episode live-action drama series, despite the character being killed off in “Spartacus: Vengeance”, airing in 2024 on Starz:
"...'Spartacus: House of Ashur' will be a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience…
‘…that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit.
"The series poses the question: what if 'Ashur', played by fan favorite Nick Tarabay, hadn't died on 'Mount Vesuvius' at the end of 'Spartacus: Vengeance'?
"And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by 'Batiatus' in return for aiding the 'Romans' in killing 'Spartacus' and putting an end to the slave rebellion?..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Spartacus: House of Ashur' will be a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience…
‘…that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit.
"The series poses the question: what if 'Ashur', played by fan favorite Nick Tarabay, hadn't died on 'Mount Vesuvius' at the end of 'Spartacus: Vengeance'?
"And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by 'Batiatus' in return for aiding the 'Romans' in killing 'Spartacus' and putting an end to the slave rebellion?..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 1/15/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Plot: In A.D 33, Jerusalem, a hustler named Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield), thinks he’s found the perfect con – he’s going to pose as a new messiah. Yet, when the plan works better than expected, he finds something he never thought he would – faith.
Review: It’s interesting that people are comparing The Book of Clarence to Life of Brian, as other than the A.D 33 setting, they have next to nothing in common. When people heard Jeymes Samuel would be making an off-kilter comedy set at the time of Jesus Christ, they assumed it would be a hard-hitting satire. But the truth is that The Book of Clarence is ultimately a morality tale with heavy Christian themes. While the apostles may take a ribbing, Jesus himself is presented as an unassailably positive character. The result is a movie that will probably have a more challenging time crossing over to...
Review: It’s interesting that people are comparing The Book of Clarence to Life of Brian, as other than the A.D 33 setting, they have next to nothing in common. When people heard Jeymes Samuel would be making an off-kilter comedy set at the time of Jesus Christ, they assumed it would be a hard-hitting satire. But the truth is that The Book of Clarence is ultimately a morality tale with heavy Christian themes. While the apostles may take a ribbing, Jesus himself is presented as an unassailably positive character. The result is a movie that will probably have a more challenging time crossing over to...
- 1/12/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Pontius Pilate (James McAvoy) and Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) in The Book Of Clarence. Courtesy of Sony
Director/writer Jeymes Samuel seems to have been inspired by those Hollywood’s long tradition of epic Biblical movies, like Ben Hur and The Robe to try his own version of those big-screen extravaganzas mixing Bible stories with adventure and action for The Book Of Clarence – but with a big comic twist. With a plenty of humor, some social commentary and with a mostly Black cast playing the Jewish population of “Lower Jerusalem” in 33 A.D., Jeymes Samuel aimed to create a new, entertaining version of this venerable movie genre. The result is a movie with one foot in something like Ben Hur crossed with Monty Python’s Life Of Brian, with a touch of Mel Brooks’ History Of The World Part 1. The Book Of Clarence is a cinematic creation that teeters precariously and...
Director/writer Jeymes Samuel seems to have been inspired by those Hollywood’s long tradition of epic Biblical movies, like Ben Hur and The Robe to try his own version of those big-screen extravaganzas mixing Bible stories with adventure and action for The Book Of Clarence – but with a big comic twist. With a plenty of humor, some social commentary and with a mostly Black cast playing the Jewish population of “Lower Jerusalem” in 33 A.D., Jeymes Samuel aimed to create a new, entertaining version of this venerable movie genre. The result is a movie with one foot in something like Ben Hur crossed with Monty Python’s Life Of Brian, with a touch of Mel Brooks’ History Of The World Part 1. The Book Of Clarence is a cinematic creation that teeters precariously and...
- 1/12/2024
- by Cate Marquis
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In The Book of Clarence, Jeymes Samuel applies his jocular style — anachronistic music, rapid-fire banter and winking asides — to a Biblical epic that ends up strangely self-conscious when it comes to its comic ambitions. The director’s latest venture whisks audiences off to ancient Jerusalem, where locals grumble about the Romans and circulate news of a Messiah. Rumor has it he calls himself the son of God (something about an Immaculate Conception) and can turn water into wine. He leads a flock of apostles, 12 men devoted to spreading his gospel (they believe all men are born equal). Few people have seen this Jesus, but his existence excites them.
Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield), a peddler whose cocksure attitude shrouds the softer parts of his heart, doesn’t buy it. The claims made on behalf of Jesus are strong. (Walking on water? Really?) God doesn’t exist and you can’t raise the dead,...
Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield), a peddler whose cocksure attitude shrouds the softer parts of his heart, doesn’t buy it. The claims made on behalf of Jesus are strong. (Walking on water? Really?) God doesn’t exist and you can’t raise the dead,...
- 1/10/2024
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Indiana Jones returned to our screens earlier this year after a 15-year absence with "Dial of Destiny," a movie Lex Briscuso called "an action-packed, high-octane super soaker of a film, while at the same time amounting to a beautiful final conquest and farewell" in her review for /Film. The film ignores all the bad parts of "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (even poor Mutt) and has a cool sort-of crossover with "For All Mankind" in Mads Mikkelsen's character.
The biggest surprise of the film, however, is its big third-act moment. Following the wrath of God, a Templar ghost doing riddles, and literal aliens is no small feat. And yet, "Dial of Destiny" goes big and bold in its grand finale, which makes it one of the best sci-fi movies of the year.
The scene, of course, sees Indiana and his goddaughter Helena travel back in time to ancient Greece...
The biggest surprise of the film, however, is its big third-act moment. Following the wrath of God, a Templar ghost doing riddles, and literal aliens is no small feat. And yet, "Dial of Destiny" goes big and bold in its grand finale, which makes it one of the best sci-fi movies of the year.
The scene, of course, sees Indiana and his goddaughter Helena travel back in time to ancient Greece...
- 12/12/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Denzel Washington being cast in Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming Netflix movie as ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal is sparking some controversy in Tunisia, the home country of the great military commander.
According to French newspaper Courrier International, there are complaints about depicting the Carthaginian general as a Black African being made in the media and the Tunisian parliament. Member of Parliament Yassine Mami has pointed out that Hannibal, who was born in 247 BC in Carthage – now known as Tunis, the Tunisian capital – was of West Asian Semitic origin. “There is a risk of falsifying history: we need to take position on this subject,” the Tunisian politician reportedly stated.
Concurrently, French-language Tunisian newspaper La Presse has published an editorial in which it similarly objects that depicting Hannibal as a Black African is “according to Tunisians and many observers, a historical error.”
However, Tunisian culture minister Hayet Ketat-Guermazi had a different, more pragmatic take on the matter.
According to French newspaper Courrier International, there are complaints about depicting the Carthaginian general as a Black African being made in the media and the Tunisian parliament. Member of Parliament Yassine Mami has pointed out that Hannibal, who was born in 247 BC in Carthage – now known as Tunis, the Tunisian capital – was of West Asian Semitic origin. “There is a risk of falsifying history: we need to take position on this subject,” the Tunisian politician reportedly stated.
Concurrently, French-language Tunisian newspaper La Presse has published an editorial in which it similarly objects that depicting Hannibal as a Black African is “according to Tunisians and many observers, a historical error.”
However, Tunisian culture minister Hayet Ketat-Guermazi had a different, more pragmatic take on the matter.
- 12/11/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
This article contains Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny spoilers.
It’s the sequence that either makes or breaks the fifth Indiana Jones flick for you: using a mysterious device composed of gears and arcane numerals, Harrison Ford’s grizzled archaeologist, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s delightful Helena Shaw, and a plane full of Nazis travel backwards in time. Suddenly, a legendary hero and his greatest foes—who already seem themselves a step out of time in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’s 1969 setting—become the ultimate anachronisms. They’re veritable 20th century spacemen transported back to a world of Romans and Greeks, swords and sandals.
For his final adventure, our dear Dr. Jones wound up in 212 BC, witnessing the Siege of Syracuse.
In a franchise defined in large part by magic and miracles, it might be the most miraculous sequence yet, which is saying something since the wrath...
It’s the sequence that either makes or breaks the fifth Indiana Jones flick for you: using a mysterious device composed of gears and arcane numerals, Harrison Ford’s grizzled archaeologist, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s delightful Helena Shaw, and a plane full of Nazis travel backwards in time. Suddenly, a legendary hero and his greatest foes—who already seem themselves a step out of time in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’s 1969 setting—become the ultimate anachronisms. They’re veritable 20th century spacemen transported back to a world of Romans and Greeks, swords and sandals.
For his final adventure, our dear Dr. Jones wound up in 212 BC, witnessing the Siege of Syracuse.
In a franchise defined in large part by magic and miracles, it might be the most miraculous sequence yet, which is saying something since the wrath...
- 12/2/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Gladiator 2: Ridley Scott reveals details about Denzel Washington’s character in the upcoming sequel
The strikes have subsided and Ridley Scott has been able to restart his production on Gladiator 2. The director isn’t one for sitting around while things were on hiatus, so he’s said he’s been working out certain production logistics during the time off. Scott recently caught up with Deadline to talk about his new film Napoleon, as well as reveal some new details on Gladiator 2. Scott stated that the production reconvenes in a couple of weeks and is hoping his actors have stayed at their fight weight during the downtime, “Paul Mescal is really very fit and stays that way. I haven’t seen the other ones yet, so I hope they’re not porked up.”
While speaking about the physical fitness of his actors, it was brought up that Denzel Washington is working out hard for this project. The interviewer throws back to Scott’s...
While speaking about the physical fitness of his actors, it was brought up that Denzel Washington is working out hard for this project. The interviewer throws back to Scott’s...
- 11/29/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
“SNL” used the occasion of Jason Momoa hosting and promoting “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” to revisit the recent meme-ing of men always thinking about the Roman Empire. The music video comedy sketch opens with several women singing about their distant male partners, wondering what’s going on in their minds as they stare into the distance.
Rather than another woman, the emphatic answer comes: Rome.
Momoa, no stranger to playing warriors from “Game of Thrones” to “Dune” to “See”, switches into full Roman gladiator attire as he delivers praises for the glorious civilization, its fun facts and its continuing influence.
“The Roman Empire, Ancient Rome / Five times a day, it pops into my dome,” Momoa declares. “Which reminds me, they invented the dome / Just one of the reasons that I think about Rome.”
“Caesar, straight didn’t give a f–k / Drank ice cold water from an aqueduct,” Momoa continues,...
Rather than another woman, the emphatic answer comes: Rome.
Momoa, no stranger to playing warriors from “Game of Thrones” to “Dune” to “See”, switches into full Roman gladiator attire as he delivers praises for the glorious civilization, its fun facts and its continuing influence.
“The Roman Empire, Ancient Rome / Five times a day, it pops into my dome,” Momoa declares. “Which reminds me, they invented the dome / Just one of the reasons that I think about Rome.”
“Caesar, straight didn’t give a f–k / Drank ice cold water from an aqueduct,” Momoa continues,...
- 11/19/2023
- by Mike Roe
- The Wrap
Even the Saturday Night Live writers can’t stop thinking about the Roman Empire.
The sketch show took advantage of a viral TikTok trend where users ask the men in their lives how often they think of the Roman Empire, with the help of host Jason Momoa.
The sketch opens with Momoa sitting forlorn on a bed as his partner sings behind him, wondering what’s on his mind.
Along with Kenan Thompson and Mikey Day, whose partners also wish they knew what was going on inside their men’s heads. Luckily, the answer is much more simple than they might have though. Inside their heads, they’re rapping about ancient Rome and all of its accomplishments.
“Roman Empire! Ancient Rome! Five times a day it pops into my dome,” Momoa sings, clad in full gladiator armor. “Which reminds me, they invented the dome. Just one of the reasons that I think about Rome.
The sketch show took advantage of a viral TikTok trend where users ask the men in their lives how often they think of the Roman Empire, with the help of host Jason Momoa.
The sketch opens with Momoa sitting forlorn on a bed as his partner sings behind him, wondering what’s on his mind.
Along with Kenan Thompson and Mikey Day, whose partners also wish they knew what was going on inside their men’s heads. Luckily, the answer is much more simple than they might have though. Inside their heads, they’re rapping about ancient Rome and all of its accomplishments.
“Roman Empire! Ancient Rome! Five times a day it pops into my dome,” Momoa sings, clad in full gladiator armor. “Which reminds me, they invented the dome. Just one of the reasons that I think about Rome.
- 11/19/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Ridley Scott will turn 86 on November 30, and the man shows no signs of slowing down. The wildly prolific filmmaker's latest historical epic, "Napoleon," hits theaters on November 22, but he's already gearing up for his next massive undertaking.
I wouldn't say moviegoers were clamoring for "Gladiator 2" (except maybe for the period when musician Nick Cave was writing his evidently bonkers screenplay), but once Scott began casting the sequel to the 2000 Best Picture winner, many of us were suddenly all the way in. How's this for a powerhouse ensemble: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Matt Lucas, Djimon Hounsou, Connie Nielsen, and Derek Jacobi (the last three reprising their roles from the first movie).
And, oh yeah, Denzel Washington.
This will mark the two-time Academy Award-winning actor's second collaboration with Scott after "American Gangster," and his mere involvement is enough to make this one of 2024's most anticipated films. But now that Scott...
I wouldn't say moviegoers were clamoring for "Gladiator 2" (except maybe for the period when musician Nick Cave was writing his evidently bonkers screenplay), but once Scott began casting the sequel to the 2000 Best Picture winner, many of us were suddenly all the way in. How's this for a powerhouse ensemble: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Matt Lucas, Djimon Hounsou, Connie Nielsen, and Derek Jacobi (the last three reprising their roles from the first movie).
And, oh yeah, Denzel Washington.
This will mark the two-time Academy Award-winning actor's second collaboration with Scott after "American Gangster," and his mere involvement is enough to make this one of 2024's most anticipated films. But now that Scott...
- 11/16/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Denzel Washington is set to reunite with his ‘Training Day’ and ‘Equalizer’ director Antoine Fuqua in an upcoming untitled Netflix movie.
Washington is to play the ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal in the movie which is based on real-life warrior Hannibal, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. The film covers the pivotal battles he led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.
Hannibal, a Carthaginian general, rode a war elephant from northern Africa to invade Italy. He led his army to several key victories against the Romans, which allowed him to occupy large parts of southern Italy for 15 years. However, he was eventually defeated by the Romans in the Battle of Zama, after they launched a counter-invasion of North Africa.
Also in news – First look images & trailer drop for Tina Fey’s musical new twist of ‘Mean Girls’
‘The Gladiator’ and ‘The Aviator’ scribe,...
Washington is to play the ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal in the movie which is based on real-life warrior Hannibal, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. The film covers the pivotal battles he led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.
Hannibal, a Carthaginian general, rode a war elephant from northern Africa to invade Italy. He led his army to several key victories against the Romans, which allowed him to occupy large parts of southern Italy for 15 years. However, he was eventually defeated by the Romans in the Battle of Zama, after they launched a counter-invasion of North Africa.
Also in news – First look images & trailer drop for Tina Fey’s musical new twist of ‘Mean Girls’
‘The Gladiator’ and ‘The Aviator’ scribe,...
- 11/14/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
As if co-starring for one previous collaborator (that would be Ridley Scott) in a giant period epic, Denzel Washington is now attached to another. Deadline reports that he'll reunite with director Antoine Fuqua for Netflix's ambitious plan to bring Hannibal to screens.
No, not Lecter – this would be the historical commander who went to war against the Romans and became famous for riding an elephant into battle.
With John Logan, who wrote :a[Gladiator]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/gladiator-review/' }, on script duty, the film will follow the pivotal battles Hannibal led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.
This is a subject that has obsessed Hollywood in general and Vin Diesel in particular for years — he tried to get a film made about the man for more than a decade and likely still harbours ambitions.
And it's not Washington's first go-around with...
No, not Lecter – this would be the historical commander who went to war against the Romans and became famous for riding an elephant into battle.
With John Logan, who wrote :a[Gladiator]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/gladiator-review/' }, on script duty, the film will follow the pivotal battles Hannibal led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.
This is a subject that has obsessed Hollywood in general and Vin Diesel in particular for years — he tried to get a film made about the man for more than a decade and likely still harbours ambitions.
And it's not Washington's first go-around with...
- 11/13/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Denzel Washington is teaming up once again with his “Training Day” and “Equalizer” director Antoine Fuqua to play the ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal in an untitled Netflix movie, Variety has confirmed.
The film will be written by John Logan, the three-time Academy Award winner who scribed Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” and Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator.”
According to the official logline, the movie is “based on real-life warrior Hannibal, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. The film covers the pivotal battles he led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.”
Hannibal invaded Italy while riding a Northern African war elephant. Under his lead, the Carthaginians won key victories against the Romans, allowing Hannibal to occupy the majority of southern Italy for 15 years. Eventually, Hannibal was defeated by the Romans at the Battle of Zama after they counter-invaded North Africa.
Washington produces the film alongside Erik Olsen,...
The film will be written by John Logan, the three-time Academy Award winner who scribed Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” and Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator.”
According to the official logline, the movie is “based on real-life warrior Hannibal, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. The film covers the pivotal battles he led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.”
Hannibal invaded Italy while riding a Northern African war elephant. Under his lead, the Carthaginians won key victories against the Romans, allowing Hannibal to occupy the majority of southern Italy for 15 years. Eventually, Hannibal was defeated by the Romans at the Battle of Zama after they counter-invaded North Africa.
Washington produces the film alongside Erik Olsen,...
- 11/13/2023
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
“Game of Thrones” star Lena Headey has taken the lead in “Long Pork,” a short thriller from Madhouse Films set in a post-Roe v Wade America.
Marking the directorial feature debut of Iris Dukatt, “Long Pork” sees Headey play Lily Williams, a chef at a renowned steakhouse whose daughter has died under forced birth laws. When the judge responsible for denying her daughter’s request to have an abortion makes a booking at the steakhouse, Lily embarks on exacting a bloody revenge.
Joining Headey in the pic is “Ozark” star Marc Menchaca, who will play Judge Philip Anderson. Catherine Curtin, Lorna Courtney, Zoe Cipres, and Tl Thomspon also star.
Dukatt wrote the screenplay. Madhouse Films’ Katherine Romans and Charlie Sarah Traisman produce alongside Elizabeth Valenti.
Romans and Traisman founded Madhouse Films in 2022 with the aim of centering marginalized voices. The company’s first short, “See This,” is set to premiere on the 2024 festival circuit.
Marking the directorial feature debut of Iris Dukatt, “Long Pork” sees Headey play Lily Williams, a chef at a renowned steakhouse whose daughter has died under forced birth laws. When the judge responsible for denying her daughter’s request to have an abortion makes a booking at the steakhouse, Lily embarks on exacting a bloody revenge.
Joining Headey in the pic is “Ozark” star Marc Menchaca, who will play Judge Philip Anderson. Catherine Curtin, Lorna Courtney, Zoe Cipres, and Tl Thomspon also star.
Dukatt wrote the screenplay. Madhouse Films’ Katherine Romans and Charlie Sarah Traisman produce alongside Elizabeth Valenti.
Romans and Traisman founded Madhouse Films in 2022 with the aim of centering marginalized voices. The company’s first short, “See This,” is set to premiere on the 2024 festival circuit.
- 11/13/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Starz has just announced something that will excite fans of their classic show, Spartacus. They’re bringing us a sequel series titled Spartacus: House of Ashur. It’s a thrilling development, especially for those who’ve been waiting since the last season aired in 2013.
Nick Tarabay is set to return as Ashur, and this time, the story takes an intriguing turn. Imagine Ashur didn’t die in Spartacus: Vengeance and ended up owning the gladiator school of Batiatus. That’s the twist this series will explore, diving into a ‘what if’ scenario about Ashur aiding the Romans and stopping the slave rebellion.
This sequel comes more than a decade after the original series’ conclusion, bringing a fresh angle to the Spartacus saga. Steven S. DeKnight, who brought us the original series and later worked on Marvel’s Daredevil, returns as the showrunner. DeKnight expressed his excitement about crafting this new chapter,...
Nick Tarabay is set to return as Ashur, and this time, the story takes an intriguing turn. Imagine Ashur didn’t die in Spartacus: Vengeance and ended up owning the gladiator school of Batiatus. That’s the twist this series will explore, diving into a ‘what if’ scenario about Ashur aiding the Romans and stopping the slave rebellion.
This sequel comes more than a decade after the original series’ conclusion, bringing a fresh angle to the Spartacus saga. Steven S. DeKnight, who brought us the original series and later worked on Marvel’s Daredevil, returns as the showrunner. DeKnight expressed his excitement about crafting this new chapter,...
- 11/10/2023
- by Hrvoje Milakovic
- Fiction Horizon
"Spartacus: House of Ashur", from "Spartacus" creator Steven S. DeKnight, is a new 10-episode live-action drama series, starring Nick Tarabay as the villainous 'Ashur', a role he originated in the "Spartacus" series four season run, airing in 2024 on Starz:
"...'Spartacus: House of Ashur' will be a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit.
"The series poses the question: what if 'Ashur', played by fan favorite Nick Tarabay, hadn't died on 'Mount Vesuvius' at the end of 'Spartacus: Vengeance'?
"And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by 'Batiatus' in return for aiding the 'Romans' in killing 'Spartacus' and putting an end to the slave rebellion?..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Spartacus: House of Ashur' will be a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit.
"The series poses the question: what if 'Ashur', played by fan favorite Nick Tarabay, hadn't died on 'Mount Vesuvius' at the end of 'Spartacus: Vengeance'?
"And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by 'Batiatus' in return for aiding the 'Romans' in killing 'Spartacus' and putting an end to the slave rebellion?..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 11/9/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Nick Tarabay to star in ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ (Photo Credit: Starz)
In February 2023, prior to the huge writers and actors strikes, Starz announced their plans to revisit the world of Spartacus. Now that the dust has (basically) settled on both strikes, Starz revealed the new Spartacus chapter will be called Spartacus: House of Ashur and that Nick Tarabay is reprising his role as Ashur.
Tarabay played the villainous character in Spartacus: Gods of the Arena and Spartacus: Blood and Sand.
Spartacus creator, writer, and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight returns to guide the new 10-episode season as showrunner. “To be afforded the opportunity to return a decade later to a series you loved is such a rare, wonderful opportunity,” said Steven S. DeKnight. “I could not be more excited to craft this next chapter in the Spartacus saga with Starz, Lionsgate, and the incomparable Nick Tarabay.”
Starz’s journey...
In February 2023, prior to the huge writers and actors strikes, Starz announced their plans to revisit the world of Spartacus. Now that the dust has (basically) settled on both strikes, Starz revealed the new Spartacus chapter will be called Spartacus: House of Ashur and that Nick Tarabay is reprising his role as Ashur.
Tarabay played the villainous character in Spartacus: Gods of the Arena and Spartacus: Blood and Sand.
Spartacus creator, writer, and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight returns to guide the new 10-episode season as showrunner. “To be afforded the opportunity to return a decade later to a series you loved is such a rare, wonderful opportunity,” said Steven S. DeKnight. “I could not be more excited to craft this next chapter in the Spartacus saga with Starz, Lionsgate, and the incomparable Nick Tarabay.”
Starz’s journey...
- 11/9/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Thursday, November 9, 2023.
Lifetime continues to spread holiday cheer with first looks at some of its upcoming holiday movies.
We're talking Ladies of the '80s, Christmas Plus One, and more!
Christmas Plus One premieres Sunday, November 18, at 8 p.m. Et and features a stellar storyline.
"When sisters Cara (Emily Alatalo) and Amy (Vanessa Smythe) make a pact to find their soulmates by next Christmas, they're not expecting anything to come from it," the logline teases.
"However, one year later, Amy's winter wedding is approaching, and Cara finally finds her own perfect man, Chase (Andrew Bushell), who agrees to attend as her plus one.
"But after immediately losing his number, all hope is lost.
"Will she find him in time to make her Christmas wish come true?
"Or does love have other plans for Cara when magazine writer...
Lifetime continues to spread holiday cheer with first looks at some of its upcoming holiday movies.
We're talking Ladies of the '80s, Christmas Plus One, and more!
Christmas Plus One premieres Sunday, November 18, at 8 p.m. Et and features a stellar storyline.
"When sisters Cara (Emily Alatalo) and Amy (Vanessa Smythe) make a pact to find their soulmates by next Christmas, they're not expecting anything to come from it," the logline teases.
"However, one year later, Amy's winter wedding is approaching, and Cara finally finds her own perfect man, Chase (Andrew Bushell), who agrees to attend as her plus one.
"But after immediately losing his number, all hope is lost.
"Will she find him in time to make her Christmas wish come true?
"Or does love have other plans for Cara when magazine writer...
- 11/9/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Starz is set to expand its “Spartacus” franchise with a new spinoff series titled “Spartacus: House of Ashur.”
The Lionsgate-owned streamer shared the news of the spinoff’s greenlight, also sharing that “Spartacus” creator, writer and executive producer, Steven S. DeKnight, will be serving as the show’s showrunner and executive producer. The series’ will have a 10-episode season, with Nick Tarabay (“Stargirl”) returning as the villain “Ashur,” whom he played in the original four-season run of “Spartacus” from 2010-2013.
“A decade ago the groundbreaking original ‘Spartacus’ captivated viewers worldwide and we’re excited to deliver more enthralling, high-octane drama that our fervent fans have been anticipating,” Starz original programming president Kathryn Busby said. “It is an honor to team up with Steven again as he expands upon the storytelling within this thrilling, action-packed universe.”
Here’s Starz’s synopsis of the show:
“’Spartacus: House of Ashur’ will be a history-bending,...
The Lionsgate-owned streamer shared the news of the spinoff’s greenlight, also sharing that “Spartacus” creator, writer and executive producer, Steven S. DeKnight, will be serving as the show’s showrunner and executive producer. The series’ will have a 10-episode season, with Nick Tarabay (“Stargirl”) returning as the villain “Ashur,” whom he played in the original four-season run of “Spartacus” from 2010-2013.
“A decade ago the groundbreaking original ‘Spartacus’ captivated viewers worldwide and we’re excited to deliver more enthralling, high-octane drama that our fervent fans have been anticipating,” Starz original programming president Kathryn Busby said. “It is an honor to team up with Steven again as he expands upon the storytelling within this thrilling, action-packed universe.”
Here’s Starz’s synopsis of the show:
“’Spartacus: House of Ashur’ will be a history-bending,...
- 11/9/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
Gratitude! Starz has ordered ten episodes of Spartacus: House of Ashur, a new sequel series from creator Steven S. DeKnight.
As you might tell by the title, Spartacus: House of Ashur will feature the return of Nick Tarabay as Ashur, the cunning and manipulative ex-gladiator who proved to be a thorn in the side of Spartacus. Per the official description, “[Spartacus: House of Ashur] poses the question: what if Ashur hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of ‘Spartacus: Vengeance?’ And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and putting an end to the slave rebellion?“
“To be afforded the opportunity to return a decade later to a series you loved is such a rare, wonderful opportunity,” Steven S. DeKnight said in a statement. “I could not be more excited to craft this next chapter in the Spartacus saga with Starz,...
As you might tell by the title, Spartacus: House of Ashur will feature the return of Nick Tarabay as Ashur, the cunning and manipulative ex-gladiator who proved to be a thorn in the side of Spartacus. Per the official description, “[Spartacus: House of Ashur] poses the question: what if Ashur hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of ‘Spartacus: Vengeance?’ And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and putting an end to the slave rebellion?“
“To be afforded the opportunity to return a decade later to a series you loved is such a rare, wonderful opportunity,” Steven S. DeKnight said in a statement. “I could not be more excited to craft this next chapter in the Spartacus saga with Starz,...
- 11/9/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
The world of Spartacus is expanding once again with a new series at Starz. The cabler has ordered a 10-episode season of Spartacus: House of Ashur, starring Nick Tarabay as the villainous character he played in the original Spartacus series, which aired for four seasons from 2010 to 2013.
Spartacus creator, writer and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight is also returning as showrunner and executive producer.
More from TVLinePower Book IV Finale: Joseph Sikora on Why [Spoiler] Isn't Dead... But Why [Spoiler] Might Be - Plus, Grade the Ep!Starz Scraps Ava DuVernay's Romantic Drama Series Starring Joshua Jackson and Lauren RidloffTVLine Items: Raising Kanan Trailer,...
Spartacus creator, writer and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight is also returning as showrunner and executive producer.
More from TVLinePower Book IV Finale: Joseph Sikora on Why [Spoiler] Isn't Dead... But Why [Spoiler] Might Be - Plus, Grade the Ep!Starz Scraps Ava DuVernay's Romantic Drama Series Starring Joshua Jackson and Lauren RidloffTVLine Items: Raising Kanan Trailer,...
- 11/9/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Spartacus is returning. Starz has greenlit 10 episodes of Spartacus: House of Ashur. The drama series will expand on the franchise, which aired four seasons (including a prequel miniseries) on the network. Nick Tarabay will be reprising his role as the villainous Ashur, whom he played in the series’ original run. Spartacus creator, writer, and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Starz describes the series as “a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit. The series poses the question: what if Ashur, played by fan favorite Nick Tarabay, hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of Spartacus: Vengeance? And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and putting an end to the slave rebellion?” Spartacus: Blood and Sand...
- 11/9/2023
- TV Insider
Starz is bringing one of its foundational original series — along with one of its characters — back to life.
The premium cabler has given a series order to Spartacus: House of Ashur, a continuation of the franchise that last aired a new episode in 2013. The pickup comes nine months after Starz announced it was developing a revival/sequel — and a day after actors union SAG-AFTRA announced a tentative agreement with studios and streamers, ending a four-month strike.
Series creator Steven S. DeKnight will serve as showrunner, and Nick Tarabay will reprise his role of Ashur from the former series.
“A decade ago the groundbreaking original Spartacus captivated viewers worldwide and we’re excited to deliver more enthralling, high-octane drama that our fervent fans have been anticipating,” said Kathryn Busby, president original programming at Starz. “It is an honor to team up with Steven again as he expands upon the storytelling within this thrilling,...
The premium cabler has given a series order to Spartacus: House of Ashur, a continuation of the franchise that last aired a new episode in 2013. The pickup comes nine months after Starz announced it was developing a revival/sequel — and a day after actors union SAG-AFTRA announced a tentative agreement with studios and streamers, ending a four-month strike.
Series creator Steven S. DeKnight will serve as showrunner, and Nick Tarabay will reprise his role of Ashur from the former series.
“A decade ago the groundbreaking original Spartacus captivated viewers worldwide and we’re excited to deliver more enthralling, high-octane drama that our fervent fans have been anticipating,” said Kathryn Busby, president original programming at Starz. “It is an honor to team up with Steven again as he expands upon the storytelling within this thrilling,...
- 11/9/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Starz is going back to gladiator school, with the network greelighting the new series “Spartacus: House of Ashur.”
The series will see Nick Tarabay return as Ashur, while original “Spartacus” series creator Steven S. DeKnight onboard as executive producer and showrunner. The show was first reported to be in development back in February.
The official description states, “The series poses the question: what if Ashur hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of ‘Spartacus: Vengeance?’ And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and putting an end to the slave rebellion?”
“A decade ago the groundbreaking original ‘Spartacus’ captivated viewers worldwide and we’re excited to deliver more enthralling, high-octane drama that our fervent fans have been anticipating,” said Kathryn Busby, president of original programming at Starz. “It is an honor to team...
The series will see Nick Tarabay return as Ashur, while original “Spartacus” series creator Steven S. DeKnight onboard as executive producer and showrunner. The show was first reported to be in development back in February.
The official description states, “The series poses the question: what if Ashur hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of ‘Spartacus: Vengeance?’ And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and putting an end to the slave rebellion?”
“A decade ago the groundbreaking original ‘Spartacus’ captivated viewers worldwide and we’re excited to deliver more enthralling, high-octane drama that our fervent fans have been anticipating,” said Kathryn Busby, president of original programming at Starz. “It is an honor to team...
- 11/9/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The gods have granted Spartacus fans a miracle.
Starz has greenlighted the new 10-episode drama series Spartacus: House of Ashur with the return of Steven S. DeKnight to the franchise serving as showrunner and executive producer.
Nick Tarabay will reunite with DeKnight to reprise the role of the titular Ashur, the baddy from the mothership series you can’t help but cheer for while equally despising him.
Starz describes the series as “a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience” that builds on the original series, Spartacus. It will ask, “What if Ashur hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of Spartacus: Vengeance? And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus [John Hannah] in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and ending the slave rebellion?”
A question that has yet to be answered is: With the retcon of Ashur’s death, what...
Starz has greenlighted the new 10-episode drama series Spartacus: House of Ashur with the return of Steven S. DeKnight to the franchise serving as showrunner and executive producer.
Nick Tarabay will reunite with DeKnight to reprise the role of the titular Ashur, the baddy from the mothership series you can’t help but cheer for while equally despising him.
Starz describes the series as “a history-bending, erotic, thrilling, roller-coaster experience” that builds on the original series, Spartacus. It will ask, “What if Ashur hadn’t died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of Spartacus: Vengeance? And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus [John Hannah] in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and ending the slave rebellion?”
A question that has yet to be answered is: With the retcon of Ashur’s death, what...
- 11/9/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
The first episode of Mysteries of the Faith focuses on the mysteries associated with the miraculous Catholic relics. A special focus on the Crown of Thorns and the Holy Grail has been shown in the documentary series. This episode is a conglomeration of the testimonies of many experts as well as pilgrims who have closely looked at aspects associated with the religious relics. The relics are preserved, guarded, and kept under lock by the protectors of religion because of the volatile situation in Paris. The mysteries of how the crown of thorns, last seen in the private chapel of a Byzantine Emperor, ended up in Paris have been discussed in the series. The pain and suffering that Jesus Christ had to undergo to purge our sins has also been focused upon, enhancing the importance of the relics. What tragedy befalls the Notre Dame Cathedral is to be found out in this episode of the series.
- 11/1/2023
- by Debjyoti Dey
- Film Fugitives
Stars: Olga Kurylenko, Clive Standen, Lilibet Butanaseva, Litiana Butanaseva, Nick Moran, Lucy Martin, Peter Franzen, Dominique Vandenberg, Rita Tushingham | Written and Directed by Jesse V. Johnson
Writer/director Jesse V. Johnson opens his latest film, Boudica, on an impressive note. Roman soldiers march through a dark, fog-enshrouded, forest. It’s creepy and ominous as if something unseen is waiting for them. And there is, a group of Druids who kneel, chanting in a clearing. The warrior goddess they hoped to summon doesn’t save them and the legion graphically slaughters them.
Meanwhile, in Britania’s Icini Province, Prasutagus rules alongside his queen, Boudica. Despite having to deal with the Roman occupiers life is good for them and their daughters Bre (Lilibet Butanaseva) and Aife (Litiana Butanaseva; On the Morning You Wake (to the End of the World), The Bay of Silence, The Wheel of Time, Kiddyzuzaa).
That is until Prasutagus...
Writer/director Jesse V. Johnson opens his latest film, Boudica, on an impressive note. Roman soldiers march through a dark, fog-enshrouded, forest. It’s creepy and ominous as if something unseen is waiting for them. And there is, a group of Druids who kneel, chanting in a clearing. The warrior goddess they hoped to summon doesn’t save them and the legion graphically slaughters them.
Meanwhile, in Britania’s Icini Province, Prasutagus rules alongside his queen, Boudica. Despite having to deal with the Roman occupiers life is good for them and their daughters Bre (Lilibet Butanaseva) and Aife (Litiana Butanaseva; On the Morning You Wake (to the End of the World), The Bay of Silence, The Wheel of Time, Kiddyzuzaa).
That is until Prasutagus...
- 10/31/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
Christine Romans, a veteran financial journalist who had been with CNN for more than two decades, has joined NBC News.
In her new role, Romans will be charged with “reporting across all platforms of NBC News, including writing for digital and on MSNBC,” according to a memo issued Monday by Catherine Kim, senior vice president editorial for NBC News. “As our senior business correspondent based in New York, Christine will cover all aspects of major breaking business news with a core emphasis on the economy – inflation, jobs, wages, debt, the Fed, manufacturing and trade, regional trends, and how it affects the daily lives of Americans across the country.”
Her arrival at NBC has been anticipated since July, when she formally exited CNN.
Romans had been co-anchor of “Early Start,” the CNN early-morning program since January of 2014, but also covered a bevy of significant business-news developments during her time at the Warner Bros. Discovery cable-news outlet.
In her new role, Romans will be charged with “reporting across all platforms of NBC News, including writing for digital and on MSNBC,” according to a memo issued Monday by Catherine Kim, senior vice president editorial for NBC News. “As our senior business correspondent based in New York, Christine will cover all aspects of major breaking business news with a core emphasis on the economy – inflation, jobs, wages, debt, the Fed, manufacturing and trade, regional trends, and how it affects the daily lives of Americans across the country.”
Her arrival at NBC has been anticipated since July, when she formally exited CNN.
Romans had been co-anchor of “Early Start,” the CNN early-morning program since January of 2014, but also covered a bevy of significant business-news developments during her time at the Warner Bros. Discovery cable-news outlet.
- 10/30/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
As expected, Christine Romans is joining NBC News after her departure from CNN last summer.
Romans will be senior business correspondent based in New York, and will report for NBC News and MSNBC as part of the business and technology unit.
Romans exited CNN in July after 24 years, a tenure that included a sting as anchor of Early Start and as chief business correspondent. Laura Jarrett, who had been co-anchor on Early Start, left the network last year and joined NBC News.
Catherine Kim, senior vice president of NBC News Editorial, announced Romans’ hire in a memo sent to staffers today:
All –
We are pleased to announce that Christine Romans is joining the Business & Technology Unit starting today, reporting across all platforms of NBC News, including writing for digital and on MSNBC. As our senior business correspondent based in New York, Christine will cover all aspects of major breaking business...
Romans will be senior business correspondent based in New York, and will report for NBC News and MSNBC as part of the business and technology unit.
Romans exited CNN in July after 24 years, a tenure that included a sting as anchor of Early Start and as chief business correspondent. Laura Jarrett, who had been co-anchor on Early Start, left the network last year and joined NBC News.
Catherine Kim, senior vice president of NBC News Editorial, announced Romans’ hire in a memo sent to staffers today:
All –
We are pleased to announce that Christine Romans is joining the Business & Technology Unit starting today, reporting across all platforms of NBC News, including writing for digital and on MSNBC. As our senior business correspondent based in New York, Christine will cover all aspects of major breaking business...
- 10/30/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
"Boudica" is a new Roman-era action feature, directed by Jesse V. Johnson, starring Olga Kurylenko, Nick Moran and Clive Standen, now playing in theaters:
"...'Boudica' is a 'Celtic' warrior who rules the 'Iceni 'people alongside her husband 'Prasutagus'.
"Then the King dies at the hands of Roman soldiers, leaving Boudica's kingdom without a male heir as the Romans seize her land and property.
"Taken to the edge of madness and determined for revenge, she successfully rallies the different Celtic and Brit tribes...
"...to combine forces and wage an epic, unprecedented war against the insurgent Roman empire..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Boudica' is a 'Celtic' warrior who rules the 'Iceni 'people alongside her husband 'Prasutagus'.
"Then the King dies at the hands of Roman soldiers, leaving Boudica's kingdom without a male heir as the Romans seize her land and property.
"Taken to the edge of madness and determined for revenge, she successfully rallies the different Celtic and Brit tribes...
"...to combine forces and wage an epic, unprecedented war against the insurgent Roman empire..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 10/28/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
There have been films like Gladiator that encapsulate the struggle of a warrior during a time when only might was right. Recently, the epic films regarding legendary warriors have become bloodier and focus much less on the warrior’s journey than the violent action sequences. Boudica: Queen of War is an example of how the story can be eclipsed by a dire need for not-so-subtle action scenes and what happens when the key moments of the film are rushed. Directed by Jesse Johnson, the film chronicles the life of Boudica from the time when she was just an Iceni queen, wife of Prasutagus, whose region was attacked by the Romans. Soon after, Prasutagus life came under threat, and the Iceni Queen’s journey began, where she had to make a choice: whether to perish or to become Boudica, the Goddess of War.
Spoilers Ahead
Plot Synopsis: What Happens In The Film?...
Spoilers Ahead
Plot Synopsis: What Happens In The Film?...
- 10/28/2023
- by Ayush Awasthi
- Film Fugitives
Olga Kurylenko is one actress who always chooses to push the boundaries rather than settle for something fairly facile. Her new film Boudica: Queen of War, is a physically grueling project, but at the same time, it lacks the gritty feel it was trying to evoke. The story is in fact well documented, with many films depicting the trials and tribulations of Boudica, who ultimately became a fierce warrior and led the Saxons’ war against the Romans in the first century. Written and directed by Jesse V. Johnson, the film tries to capture the essence of Boudica’s life, beginning from the days she was married to Prasutagus, the king of Britannia, all the way up to her death in 62 A.D. Olga Kurylenko takes on the responsibility to portray Boudica and make it her own, but the shoddy direction and the lazy writing don’t do justice to her fierce performance.
- 10/27/2023
- by Ayush Awasthi
- Film Fugitives
Cannes — Germany’s Story House Pictures, producer of the Beta Film/Rtl mega-hit “Sisi,” sold to 120 territories, has optioned what looks like one of the biggest and most ambitious projects coming onto the market at this year’s Mipcom: “The Book of Longing,” a six-part English-language series with an international cast based on the international bestseller of the same name by Sue Monk Kidd.
The novel has been translated in 17 languages and will be the third adaption of one of Kidd’s bestselling works. Her 2001-novel “The Secret Life of Bees” sold 8 million copies and was turned into a major award-winning motion picture starring Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, and Jennifer Hudson.
Andreas Gutzeit, co-founder of Story House Pictures, the international studio of the Bavaria Film Group,’ and producer and showrunner on “Sisi,” will serve as showrunner leading an international writers room.
Now in development, “The Book of Longings” is set in 20 A.
The novel has been translated in 17 languages and will be the third adaption of one of Kidd’s bestselling works. Her 2001-novel “The Secret Life of Bees” sold 8 million copies and was turned into a major award-winning motion picture starring Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, and Jennifer Hudson.
Andreas Gutzeit, co-founder of Story House Pictures, the international studio of the Bavaria Film Group,’ and producer and showrunner on “Sisi,” will serve as showrunner leading an international writers room.
Now in development, “The Book of Longings” is set in 20 A.
- 10/13/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
At a time when breakthrough directors can only get incorporated into the studio system via micro-managed franchise blockbusters, it certainly pays to be friends with Jay-Z. The rap mogul is one of the lead producers on both films by Jeymes Samuel––the producer-turned-auteur who previously gave us the Netflix western The Harder They Fall––and his clout is, I assume, largely the reason a relatively untested filmmaker has been allowed to make big-budget, original projects in genres unfashionable among contemporary Hollywood. After a middling attempt to reinvigorate the Western, Samuel is setting his sights on the Biblical epic with The Book of Clarence, which has more than a few nods to Cecil B. DeMille but wants to make clear it is approaching this faith-based genre with an irreverence best described as “Life of Brian, but PG-13 friendly.”
Samuel’s debut was a classic case of style over substance: a well-intentioned...
Samuel’s debut was a classic case of style over substance: a well-intentioned...
- 10/12/2023
- by Alistair Ryder
- The Film Stage
Driven by a TikTok trend in September, the Roman Empire became a popular topic online, especially fueled by a trend that emerged on TikTok in early September. The trend consists of women asking their boyfriends and husbands how frequently they think about the Roman Empire and being surprised by the answer.
The TikTok trend primarily suggests a male inclination towards the Roman Empire. Looking at the audience demographic breakdown of popular shows in the genre, we can see that their audiences are mostly made up of men, but not overwhelmingly. Beside Starz’s “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” and UK’s “Britannia,” shows that men made up almost two-thirds of the audience, the other shows on our list below have a balanced gender breakdown. In the case of Netflix’s docudrama “Roman Empire,” the audience is even slightly female-skewed.
Analyzing the generational demographics, it’s evident that the majority of...
The TikTok trend primarily suggests a male inclination towards the Roman Empire. Looking at the audience demographic breakdown of popular shows in the genre, we can see that their audiences are mostly made up of men, but not overwhelmingly. Beside Starz’s “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” and UK’s “Britannia,” shows that men made up almost two-thirds of the audience, the other shows on our list below have a balanced gender breakdown. In the case of Netflix’s docudrama “Roman Empire,” the audience is even slightly female-skewed.
Analyzing the generational demographics, it’s evident that the majority of...
- 10/3/2023
- by Daniel Quinaud
- The Wrap
A Night in Terror Tower was originally published in January 1995 (Spine #27) and the series adaptation aired on February 26, 1996 (runtime: 44 minutes – 22 minutes each).
Centuries have a way of sanding down the sharp edges of the past, curbing terror, tragedy and the evils of man into palatable ghost stories that both educate and darkly entertain. Forgotten tombs become attractions and sites of mass slaughter turn into tourist hotspots, marketable places where families snap photos and listen to guides as they excitedly recount their hallowed location’s blood-soaked histories.
On the other hand, these are places that ask its patrons to consider what has been learned from humanity’s shared violent history. To place oneself in the shoes of some poor prisoner, soldier, civilian or saint while conjuring the fear, pain and sorrow of their hitherto forgotten plight. To feel it because it was there, because they were there. They existed. They died.
Centuries have a way of sanding down the sharp edges of the past, curbing terror, tragedy and the evils of man into palatable ghost stories that both educate and darkly entertain. Forgotten tombs become attractions and sites of mass slaughter turn into tourist hotspots, marketable places where families snap photos and listen to guides as they excitedly recount their hallowed location’s blood-soaked histories.
On the other hand, these are places that ask its patrons to consider what has been learned from humanity’s shared violent history. To place oneself in the shoes of some poor prisoner, soldier, civilian or saint while conjuring the fear, pain and sorrow of their hitherto forgotten plight. To feel it because it was there, because they were there. They existed. They died.
- 9/29/2023
- by Paul Farrell
- bloody-disgusting.com
"I cannot lose, you know that!" Signature Ent. in the UK has posted their own official trailer for historical action epic Boudica, also known as Boudica: Queen of War for the US release (here's the other trailer). Also out on VOD in the UK at the end of October. The action film inspired by the true story of Boudica - who was a queen of the ancient British Iceni tribe, who led a failed uprising against the conquering forces of the Roman Empire in Ad 60 or 61. She is considered a British national heroine and a symbol of the struggle for justice and independence. Ukrainian-French actress Olga Kurylenko stars as the hero – the eponymous Celtic warrior who rules the Iceni people alongside her husband Prasutagus. The King dies at the hands of Roman soldiers, leaving Boudica's kingdom without a male heir and the Romans seize her land & property. She will rally her people and fight back!
- 9/27/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Sharpen your sword and show us your war face because Saban Films‘s Boudica: Queen of War trailer is soaking the soil with blood as battle cries echo throughout the plains. In Boudica: Queen of War, Olga Kurylenko plays a mother whose life is stolen when high-ranking members of the Roman Empire storm her lands, slay her family, and brand her a nobody in the eyes of the aristocracy. Unfortunately for the Roman Empire, the people still see Kurylenko’s character as their queen and would follow her onto any battlefield without question. Given the name Boudica by her loyal subjects, the would-be queen inspires her followers to take up arms in the name of freedom from the Roman Empire. What follows is a bloodbath of epic proportions as rage leads to a plan to topple the corrupt Romans and their overlords.
Jesse V. Johnson directs from his own script,...
Jesse V. Johnson directs from his own script,...
- 9/21/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
"We are in a time of extreme peril, we fight for our freedom!" Saban Films has revealed an official trailer for a historical epic called Boudica: Queen of War, the latest action film from this guy named Jesse V. Johnson who keeps making trash action trash films year-after-year. It's inspired by the true story of Boudica - who was a queen of the ancient British Iceni tribe, who led a failed uprising against the conquering forces of the Roman Empire in Ad 60 or 61. She is considered a British national heroine and a symbol of the struggle for justice and independence. Ukrainian-French actress Olga Kurylenko stars as the titular hero. The eponymous Celtic warrior who rules the Iceni people alongside her husband Prasutagus. The King dies at the hands of Roman soldiers, leaving Boudica's kingdom without a male heir and the Romans seize her land and property. But she will rally her people and fight back!
- 9/21/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
There are very few people who know more about the history of ancient Rome than Mike Duncan. The creator and host of the tremendously popular History of Rome podcast, which first aired between 2007 and 2012, Duncan has essentially devoted his career to studying the inner workings of the Roman empire, also writing a book, The Storm Before the Storm, which appeared on The New York Times Best Seller List, on the topic.
So when a trend started circulating on TikTok of women asking their husbands and boyfriends how often they think about the Roman empire,...
So when a trend started circulating on TikTok of women asking their husbands and boyfriends how often they think about the Roman empire,...
- 9/16/2023
- by Ej Dickson
- Rollingstone.com
Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘The Boy and the Heron’ Is Studio Ghibli and Gkids’ Biggest Marketing Challenge Yet
It’s been 10 years since animation master Hayao Miyazaki made a film and 12 years since Gkids took over North American distribution for the studio he co-founded and helped make iconic. But though “The Boy and the Heron” — which opened to raves out of TIFF on Thursday — is likely the last Miyazaki film Gkids will have the privilege of releasing, it’s also the distributor’s first.
“The Wind Rises” in 2013 was still released domestically by Disney and Touchstone (it made $5.2 million). And though the distributor’s annual Ghibli Fest has grown year over year in “spreading the gospel” of Ghibli and Miyazaki, as the distributor’s president Dave Jesteadt puts it, having a new film from the man himself is a different challenge entirely.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel tremendous pressure. That’s also joined by a feeling of tremendous honor,” Jesteadt told IndieWire.
“The Wind Rises” in 2013 was still released domestically by Disney and Touchstone (it made $5.2 million). And though the distributor’s annual Ghibli Fest has grown year over year in “spreading the gospel” of Ghibli and Miyazaki, as the distributor’s president Dave Jesteadt puts it, having a new film from the man himself is a different challenge entirely.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel tremendous pressure. That’s also joined by a feeling of tremendous honor,” Jesteadt told IndieWire.
- 9/8/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.