As Packaging Comes To An End, Squabbles Over Grandfathered Projects Likely To Continue

Quinta Brunson has transformed into TV royalty. The star and creator is slated to take on the role of Oprah Winfrey in The Roku Channel and director Eric Appel's upcoming biopic, , coming this fall.In newly released stills from the highly anticipated project, the actress' transformation into the daytime talk show icon was revealed for the first time.

The “Weird Al” Yankovic biopic is bringing in big star power to play some big stars.

Roku today unveiled a still announcing the casting of Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary) as media mogul Oprah Winfrey in its buzzy musical biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. Brunson joins an ensemble led by Daniel Radcliffe, which also includes Evan Rachel Wood, Rainn Wilson, Julianne Nicholson and Toby Huss, as previously announced.

Todd Spangler NY Digital EditorQuinta Brunson channels her inner talk-show host to portray Oprah Winfrey in Roku’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” starring Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, as the frizzy-haired musical parodist.The movie is billed as “the unexaggerated true story about the greatest musician of our time.” “Weird,” which has a runtime of 108 minutes, is slated to premiere on the free, ad-supported Roku Channel this fall.Brunson is the latest cast member announced for “Weird,” which in addition to Radcliffe stars Evan Rachel Wood as Madonna; Rainn Wilson as radio broadcaster Dr. Demento; and Julianne Nicholson and Toby Huss as Yankovic’s parents, Mary and Nick.Brunson recently made Primetime Emmy Awards history with three nominations — for comedy series, lead actress in a comedy and writing for a comedy series — for ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” which she created, executive produces and stars in.

The Queen told one of her staff members that she was relieved Meghan Markle would not be able to attend Prince Philip's funeral, a new book claims. Royal author Tom Bower has alleged that the Queen said "thank goodness" after being informed by one of her aides that the Duchess of Sussex would be absent from the funeral, which took place on 17 April 2021.

Marc Malkin Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle EditorColman Domingo says his younger brother gave him the best compliment about his new autobiographical animated short, “New Moon.”“He was overcome,” Domingo tells me on this week’s episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. “He said, ‘More than anything, you brought the feeling of mom back.’”“New Moon” tells the story of a little boy who is shown how to dream by his hardworking single mom. It is based on Domingo’s play “A Boy and His Soul.”Domingo is the voice of the narrator as well as the mother.

Amazon’s Prime Video has announced another cancellation!

Oprah Winfrey is giving her father the gift of a surprise! On Monday, the 68-year-old media mogul threw her father, Vernon Winfrey, a surprise Fourth of July gathering with his closest family and friends to honor him. In a video posted on her Instagram -- and filmed by her best friend Gayle King -- Oprah tells her followers that she wanted the chance to celebrate her ailing father, while he was still able to enjoy it.

Oprah Winfrey is giving her father the gift of a surprise! On Monday, the 68-year-old media mogul threw her father, Vernon Winfrey, a surprise Fourth of July gathering with his closest family and friends to honor him. In a video posted on her Instagram – and filmed by her best friend Gayle King – Oprah tells her followers that she wanted the chance to celebrate her ailing father, while he was still able to enjoy it.

Oprah Winfrey is giving her father the gift of a surprise! On Monday, the 68-year-old media mogul threw her father, Vernon Winfrey, a surprise Fourth of July gathering with his closest family and friends to honor him. In a video posted on her Instagram -- and filmed by her best friend Gayle King -- Oprah tells her followers that she wanted the chance to celebrate her ailing father, while he was still able to enjoy it.

Elmo had a few things to say about that Ted Cruz coronavirus vaccine tweet in a hilarious “Late Show” skit.

Taking their love overseas! Less than one month after going public with their relationship, Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma have reached another major step — enjoying a romantic trip together.

Out and proud. Bachelor Nation‘s Elizabeth Corrigan came out as bisexual while celebrating Pride in New York City.

Cameron Diaz is officially back in action in “Back In Action.” After retiring from Hollywood in 2013, the actress returns to star in a new Netflix action-comedy with Jamie Foxx. The duo also worked together on 1999’s “Any Given Sunday” and the 2014 “Annie” remake.

Proud parents. Chris Pratt and Anna Faris have always done their best to put their son, Jack, first — even when they announced their separation in August 2017.

Michael Jackson's death. The 50-year-old King of Pop was found dead at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009. While he died a single man, he was married twice before.

Simone Missick has the perfect role for Oprah Winfrey.Winfrey's OWN network resurrected the once-canceled legal drama, which ran for two seasons on CBS from 2019 to 2021, and the entertainment mogul was even written into the first episode of season 3, which premiered June 7 in its new home. However, the stars failed to align for a Winfrey cameo.«We have seriously tried to get Oprah on the show!» Missick told ET exclusively on the set. «We wrote her into episode one and they were like, 'Oprah’s not coming to be on the show.' So, who knows, miracles happen every day.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry sure do love causing a publicity sh-tstorm. The couple sent the internet into a tailspin this week, when they were spotted visiting Oprah Winfrey, sparking rumours that a new tell-all interview is in the works…The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were photographed arriving at the talkshow host’s $100million mansion on Saturday, driving into the gated, 70-acre Montecito property in their black Range Rover.It led to a slew of comments, with many horrified by the possibility of Harry, 37, and Meghan, 40, doing yet another interview about the prince’s relations.