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Source: Helen Sloan / Helen Sloan/HBO
The anticipated Game of Thrones spinoff featuring Jon Snow is not going to happen, according to the actor playing the beloved character.
A Game of Thrones spinoff show project featuring Jon Snow is no longer in development by HBO, according to Kit Harrington, who played the role during the show’s entirety. The British actor revealed the news during an interview promoting the crime thriller Blood For Dust, which he has a starring role in.
“I hadn’t really ever spoken about it, because it was in development,” Harrington began. “I didn’t want it leaked out that it was being developed, and I didn’t want the thing to happen where people kind of start theorizing, getting either excited about it or hating the idea of it, when it may never happen. Because in development, you look at every angle, and you see whether it’s worth it.” The show was slated to begin airing in 2028 according to projections.
He continued: “And currently, it’s not. Currently, it’s off the table, because we all couldn’t find the right story to tell that we were all excited about enough. So, we decided to lay down tools with it for the time being. There may be a time in the future where we return to it, but at the moment, no. It’s firmly on the shelf.” The news comes as House of the Dragon returns for its second season and another prequel series, A Knight of The Seven Kingdoms, has reportedly begun casting with an air date in 2025.
The Jon Snow-centered spinoff first got traction in 2022, when a leak compelled series creator and author George R.R. Martin to confirm that HBO had begun work on the show with writers and showrunners on board who were brought in by Harrington. The show, tentatively titled Snow, would begin after the events ending Game of Thrones where Jon Snow killed Daenerys, his lover (and aunt).
“I think if you asked him, he would’ve felt he got off lightly,” Harrington said while at a Game of Thrones convention in December 2022 when asked about the warrior’s fate. “At the end of the show when we find him in that cell, he’s preparing to be beheaded and he wants to be. He’s done. The fact he goes to the Wall is the greatest gift and also the greatest curse.”
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Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty
Last year it was rumored that Marvel was planning on bringing back the OG Avengers team of Iron Man, Captain America and Thor to help revive the popularity of their struggling MCU and though Marvel boss Kevin Feige poured cold water on the notion, Robert Downey Jr. would be more than happy to return as Tony Starks in future Marvel projects.
In a recent interview with Esquire, the Oscar award-winning actor was asked about reviving his dearly departed Marvel character and much to the surprise of many, Downey raised some eyebrows when he said “Happily. It’s too integral a part of my DNA. That role chose me. And look, I always say, Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige. It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.”
Unfortunately it seems like Feige isn’t looking at an Iron Man return anytime soon as everyone knows that such an event wouldn’t happen until Avengers: Secret Wars which is slated to hit theaters in 2027 or 2028. Until then Marvel Studios will be building up anticipation for the historic crossover event which is said to feature Marvel superheroes from films past such as Tobey McGuire’s Spider-Man, Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and even rumors that Nicholas Cage will revive his role as Ghost Rider for the upcoming spectacle.
Even though both Ghost Rider films were struggle, it would be pretty cool to see Cage as the Spirit of Vengeance. Just sayin.’
There’s even word that Hugh Jackman told Kevin Feige that he’d only do Secret Wars if he got screen time with both Tobey McGuire as Spider-Man and Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man. More reason for Feige to move forward with Iron Man’s return.
But again these are all rumors as Marvel needs some solutions to build interest in the future of their hugely profitable cinematic universe that’s seen a drop in both popularity and box office receipts in the past few years.
What do y’all think? Should Marvel bring back Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man sooner than later? Should they leave the character alone and move on? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Source: Warner Bros. / The Matrix Resurrections
Sci-fi fans agree that 2022’s The Matrix: Resurrections left much to be desired, but that isn’t keeping Warner Bros. from moving forward with another installment in the cult classic futuristic film saga.
According to Deadline, Oscar-nominated screenwriter Drew Goddard has been tapped to pen and direct a new Matrix film and though there is no word on whether Keanu Reeves (Neo), Carrie Anne-Moss (Trinity) or Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus) will return, we can’t imagine the studio would move forward with the series without bringing back any of those actors (though Fishburne wasn’t a part of Resurrections). Unless Warner Bros. plans on rebooting the series entirely, Reeves should be returning in some capacity in the upcoming film. At least we hope he does.
Per Deadline:
“Drew came to Warner Bros with a new idea that we all believe would be an incredible way to continue the Matrix world, by both honoring what Lana and Lilly began over 25 years ago and offering a unique perspective based on his own love of the series and characters,” said Jesse Ehrman, Warner Bros Motion Pictures President of Production. “The entire team at Warner Bros Discovery is thrilled for Drew to be making this new Matrix film, adding his vision to the cinematic canon the Wachowskis spent a quarter of a century building here at the studio.”
Said Goddard, “It is not hyperbole to say The Matrix films changed both cinema and my life. Lana and Lilly’s exquisite artistry inspires me on a daily basis, and I am beyond grateful for the chance to tell stories in their world.”
Whoa! Sounds like they may actually be moving away from Keanue Reeve’s Neo and focusing on brand new characters? While we don’t know what direction the new Matrix film may be going, fans of the franchise will revolt if the OG characters aren’t included in Goddard’s vision. Laurence Fishburne not being in The Matrix: Resurrections was one of the biggest reasons fans didn’t enjoy the 2022 installment. If everyone involved in this knows what’s good for them, they won’t repeat the same mistake again.
What do y’all think of Warner Bros. churning out another Matrix film? Should they leave well enough alone or continue to explore that world? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Source: Marvel / Marvel
Actress Zoe Saldaña might be done with her character of Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but she’s hoping that fans of Guardians of the Galaxy can keep the series alive as it holds a special place in her heart.
According to the Playlist, Zoe Saldaña touched on the subject in an upcoming interview on their The Discourse podcast and said she’d hope to see Guardians of the Galaxy return to the big screen in the future even if she’s not a part of the team. Though the return of Chris Pratt’s Starlord character was teased at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the future of the franchise remains unknown as both Zoe Saldaña and Dave Bautista (Drax the Destroyer) have both said they’re done with the franchise.
Still, the Colombiana actress would love to see another installment of GOTG at some point in the future.
Per the Playlist:
“I mean, so far, I think that she is [gone for good] for me, but I don’t think Gamora has gone for good,” she explained.
The actress clearly has great affection for the series, too, and hopes that it’ll return one day and she’ll be first in line to buy a ticket.
“I would think it would be a huge loss for Marvel if they didn’t find a way to bring back ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy,’” she said. “It’s just such a fan-favorite group of misfits, you know? And then at the helm, they had a voice like James Gunn’s writing—which is just so marvelous for and very specific for this genre. And it’s so great for this genre as well. So, I would be the first one in the first row to sort of celebrate when the Guardians of the Galaxy come back.”
As Marvel fans we’d much rather see Captain America (Chris Evans) and/or Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) return to the big screen, but that’s just us. No shots to Guardians of the Galaxy.
Truth be told there is a slight chance that Marvel does bring back the original Guardians of the Galaxy team at some point as their much hyped Avengers: Secret Wars is set to be a blockbuster event that brings in superheroes from past films from various Marvel franchises. Unfortunately, Secret Wars isn’t set to release until 2028, so we have quite some time before we find out whether Zoe Saldaña will have her wish come true.
What do y’all think? Would y’all like to see another Guardians of the Galaxy film with a new team, or are y’all good with what James Gunn gave y’all with his trilogy? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Source: Gareth Cattermole / Getty
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been struggling as of late with it’s popularity but with Deadpool & Wolverine hoping to right the ship that’s been seemingly sinking over the past few years, the MCU is gearing up for a comeback starting in 2025.
One of the films that Marvel is hoping will appease their hardcore fanbase is the upcoming Thunderbolts which features an all-star cast including Harrison Ford, Florence Pugh, David Harbour and Sebastian Stan amongst others, and with production on the film underway, Pugh gave fans a sneak peak at what to expect. Taking to her Instagram page in her full Yelena Belova attire (a.k.a the new Black Widow), Pugh posted a video of herself onset and walked viewers through the set of the Jake Schreier directed film.
“Hey guys, how are you doing? I know I’ve dropped off for a little bit, but that’s partially because I was whisked off to Atlanta to shoot a movie that I’m not really supposed to talk about, but I can show you things, sneakily, as long as you don’t tell anyone…I can show you a sneak peek of the set. They’re shooting. I’ll be quiet now.”
Show fans some of the film’s sets and even the director at work, Pugh gave fans a little bit of hope that this film won’t be a complete bomb as recent MCU films have been.
Unfortunately she didn’t mention whether or not we’d be getting the Red Hulk (Harrison Ford) in Thunderbolts as is rumored, but if Marvel knows what’s good for them they will give fans the red monstrosity that they’ve been demanding since the film was announced.
Check out Florence Pugh’s video below and let us know if you’ll be checking for Marvel’s Thunderbolts when it premiers on May 2, 2025.
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The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic has found their “Dirty Diana.” On Monday (March 25), Lionsgate and Universal Pictures announced several new additions to the film‘s already star-studded cast, led by Vampire Diaries actress Kat Graham as Diana Ross and Love Jones actor Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy.
In the Vampire Diaries and other television shows, Graham boasts an extensive filmography, including a turn as Jada Pinkett Smith in Benny Boom‘s 2017 Tupac biopic All Eyez On Me. She has also released four studio albums — most recently, 2022’s Long Hot Summer — and made several appearances on the Billboard charts. In 2012, her Against the Wall EP debuted and peaked at No. 4 on Heatseekers Albums. At the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards, Graham announced her upcoming new single, “World Song” (with will.i.am).
Diana Ross, the music icon who Motown handpicked to official introduce the Jackson 5, remains an active figure in the entertainment industry. In 2021, the Grammy winner released Thank You, her 25th studio album, which earned her a Grammy nomination for best traditional pop vocal album — her first since 1983. Last year, she surprised Beyoncé with a medley of “Love Hangover” and “Happy Birthday” at the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer’s Renaissance World Tour show at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium (Sept. 4, 2023).
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Motown Records founder Berry Gordy — who helped transform the landscape of American music by introducing legendary actss such as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight and the Pips — will be brought to life by Larenz Tate. The beloved actor currently stars on the Starz’s Power Book II: Ghost, a spin-off of the 50 Cent-produced Power, which Tate starred on for six seasons.
In 2021, Gordy received the highly prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, and the following year, he was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.
The latest Michael casting annoucnement also trumpets Jessica Sula as Billboard charting-artist fifth Jackson sibling LaToya Jackson, Liv Symone as the iconic Billboard Hot 100-topping Gladys Knight, KeiLyn Durrel Jones as trusted MJ confidant Bill Bray and Kevin Shinick as the era-defining Dick Clark.
Kendrick Sampson, whose credits include Issa Rae’s Emmy-nominated Insecure, will star as famed Oscar and Grammy-winning producer and close MJ collaborator Quincy Jones. The new additions beef up an an already esteemed cast, including Oscar nominee Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier and nine-year-old Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael.
Currently in production, Michael — which stars Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the titular role — is currently slated for worldwide release on April 18, 2025. Training Day director Antoine Fuqua will helm the picture, while Oscar nominee John Logan handles the script. Co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain are producing the film alongside Oscar winner Graham King, with on-set assistance from Prince Jackson, the late singer’s eldest son, on behalf of his siblings.
The casting news comes just days after Blanket Jackson, the “Thriller” singer’s youngest son, going up against his grandmother, Katherine Jackson. In court filings obtained by Billboard, Blanket argued that the superstar’s estate should not foot the ball for her current legal debacle concerning a deal over her song’s $600 million catalog.
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Source: Macall Polay / Max
Last year, it was announced that HBO Max would be giving Matt Reeves’, The Batman, a spinoff series starring one of the films villains, The Penguin (Colin Farrell). In the new teaser trailer for the upcoming series, we can see why that was a smart bet.
Source: Macall Polay / Max
Taking place right after the events of the 2022 Batman film, The Penguin follows the classic Batman foe as he rises to power in the criminal underworld of Gotham City. Coming off as a Tony Soprano type of mobster, the charismatic crime lord talks about an “old-school” gangster who was seemingly beloved by his neighborhood. Hoping to achieve such a reputation for himself, the teaser trailer features cut scenes in which The Penguin not only unleashes violence on the streets of Gotham but also finds himself at the mercy of potential rivals in the underbelly of the city that Batman protects.
Though we don’t know if Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight will be featured in the series or have any kind of cameo, we wouldn’t be disappointed if he didn’t as Colin Farrell’s iteration of Oswald Cobblepot seems intense enough to carry this show all by himself. A Batman cameo wouldn’t hurt anybody though.
Check out the trailer to The Penguin, and let us know if you’ll be checking for it when it hits HBO Max this fall in the comments section below.
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In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon is a compelling look at one of the America’s greatest songwriters. Directed by Oscar winner Alex Gibney, the two part documentary, which premieres March 17 on MGM +, follows Simon as he makes his latest album, 2023’s Grammy nominated Seven Psalms, while chronicling the 16-time Grammy winner’s seven-decade career as a solo artist and as half of Simon & Garfunkel.
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The concept for the latest album came to him in a dream and during the process of making the set, he lost hearing in his left ear, which affected his ability to hear himself sing.
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Gibney follows him through that ordeal, but also goes back to Simon’s school boy days when he and Garfunkel met in grade school when they were 11. By the time they were 16, they had a record deal as Tom & Jerry in 1957 with the hit “Hey Schoolgirl.” Their first album under Simon & Garfunkel, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., came out on Columbia in 1964.
After the first album tanked, Simon dropped out of law school and moved to London to pursue a solo career. It was only after producer Tom Wilson remixed the album’s “Sounds of Silence” as a rock song that it became a hit and the pair reunited and went on to have a tremendously successful partnership, despite personal conflicts.
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While making their fifth (and last) album, 1970’s landmark Bridge Over Troubled Water, the duo, with producer Roy Halee, recorded “Cecilia,” a chugging, clapping tale of love gone wrong that included a taped loop long before they were common in songs.
In this exclusive clip above, Simon marvels at the original tapes, which he thought were lost, as he listens to them today and looks back on the recording.
“Roy, he really was an innovator” he says of Halee. “We kept tumbling into adventures and discoveries.”
Halee continued working with Simon into his solo career, producing the groundbreaking Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints.
In the 96-year history of the Academy Awards, just 15 films have won eight or more Oscars. Oppenheimer has a good chance of joining them when the 2024 Oscars are presented at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday (March 10). The three-hour drama is expected to win eight awards, including best picture, best director […]
Mexican music director and producer Lynn Fainchtein, known for her work as music supervisor on films such as Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Amores Perros and Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, died on Friday (March 1) at the age of 59 in Madrid, Spain, where she lived, informed the record label Casete, which she co-founded.
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A cause of death has not been disclosed; a spokesperson for Casete told Billboard Español that he had no information at this time. An outpouring of messages of condolences from musicians, cultural institutions, filmmakers, journalists, actors and personalities of the music and film industry in Mexico flooded social networks during the early hours of Friday, when news of her passing broke.
“Rest in peace Lynn Fainchtein, a beacon of light and music. May the best soundtrack always accompany you,” said Alejandra Frausto, Mexico’s Secretary of Culture, on her X account.
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“‘Que Viva Mexico’ forever with your musical supervision, dear Lynn Fainchtein. In ‘Roma,’ ‘Babel,’ with ‘Abel,’ or with ‘Precious,’ ‘Los adioses’ (or goodbyes) are always sad,” wrote the Filmoteca de la UNAM, using titles of films in which the artist worked.
Fainchtein studied psychology at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), but for more than three decades, she served as an innovative broadcaster, film, radio and television producer.
In her early days, she worked as an announcer for the local Mexico City station Rock 101, where she met Mexican filmmaker Iñárritu, who was then working in advertising and voice-overs. Eventually, she became one of his closest collaborators in his award-winning film career.
With Iñárritu, she worked as music supervisor on all of his films, including the Oscar-nominated (and/or Oscar-winning) Bardo, The Revenant, Birdman, Biutiful, Babel, 21 Grams and Amores Perros.
“Alejandro always starts working on the music when he is almost finished with the script. For him, music is as important as production, art, wardrobe, makeup. He is a director who works on music a long time before and takes it as a very important part of his projects,” said Fainchtein in an interview with Billboard Español in December 2022.
In 2018, she served as music supervisor for Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, winner of the Golden Lion at the 75th Venice International Film Festival and Academy Awards for best director, best foreign language film and best cinematography.
In 2022, Cuarón invited Lynn to oversee and create the music for his first television series for Apple TV+, Augustus, which would premiere this year, starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline and Sacha Baron Cohen, according to her official website.
She was head of programming and news producer for MTV LATAM until 2000. In 2012 she co-founded the independent record label Casete with musician and producer Camilo Lara, Héctor Reyes Guevara and Paco Arraigada.
As music supervisor and producer, she participated in numerous films and shows for Netflix, HBO, Amazon, Apple, Fox and Star+, among many other studios. She also collaborated regularly with La Corriente del Golfo, the production company founded by Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, where she supervised the music for Abel, Déficit, J.C. Chávez and Mr. Pig.
Among her other major projects are David France’s Oscar-nominated documentary The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, Patricia Riggen’s The 33, Luis Estrada’s ¡Qué Viva México, La Dictadura Perfecta and El infierno, as well as Jonás Cuarón’s most recent film, Chupa, released on Netflix in 2023.
Last year, Fainchtein supervised the music for Perdidos en la Noche, by fellow award-winning Mexican filmmaker Amat Escalante, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.