Corey Hawkins, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to Star in Broadway Revival of Suzan-Lori Parks’ ‘Topdog/Underdog’

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and Media“Plaza Suite,” the hot-ticket Neil Simon revival that stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, has been a box office juggernaut since debuting last spring. The show has become the third-highest grossing play revival in Broadway history, generating $26.4 million in ticket sales as of last weekend. That ranks just behind the 2014 revival of “It’s Only a Play,” which netted $34.3 million, as well as the 2005 revival of “The Odd Couple” with its $28.9 million gross.

EXCLUSIVE: Andy Fischel has joined Yahya Abdul Mateen II’s House Eleven10 after spending four years at Netflix on the Original Studio Film team. In this role, he will oversee production and development for House Eleven10.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaIf Steven Spielberg had his way, then “Men in Black” would have been a very important stepping stone in the career of…Chris O’Donnell.The superstar filmmaker, who was tasked with producing the sci-fi comedy that opened July 2, 1997, thought that the role of Agent J was tailor-made for the rising actor. Although the idea of O’Donnell teaming up with Tommy Jones may seem ludicrous now, it made sense at the time.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaQuiver Distribution has acquired North American rights to “Bitch Ass,” a horror movie that premiered at this year’s SXSW where it won the Midnighter’s Audience Award and earned praise for its sly reinvention of the slasher genre. The film stars Teon Kelley (“Tyler”), Tunde Laleye (“Black as Night”), Me’lisa Sellers (“Split”), Tony Todd (“Candyman”), and Sheaun McKinney (“The Neighborhood”) and was written and directed by Bill Posley (“Cobra Kai”).

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaEmbattled Walt Disney Company chief Bob Chapek got a critical endorsement after the entertainment giant’s board of directors voted unanimously on Tuesday to extend his contract for three years. “Disney was dealt a tough hand by the pandemic, yet with Bob at the helm, our businesses—from parks to streaming—not only weathered the storm, but emerged in a position of strength,” said Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaRLJE Films and Shudder have acquired Nyla Innuksuk’s “Slash/Back,” an alien invasion thriller that premiered to raves at this year’s SXSW.The two companies are business units of AMC Networks. The film is expected to be released in theaters and on VOD/Digital before streaming on Shudder later this year.

Warning: This story contains spoilers from the season 2 premiere episodes of Only Murders in the Building.

, Cara Delevingne described her emotional state as «shocked and surprised.» Delevingne joined Steve Martin,Martin Short, and longtime bestie Selena Gomez on the hit murder mystery comedy in December. And though filming may be long done, the actress still stumbles for words to describe her giddiness over the entire project. «It was honestly the best project I've ever done,» she recently told ET's Will Marfuggi. «I just didn’t want it to end.»Delevingne plays Alice, a sophisticated New York City art world insider who becomes enmeshed in the Arcadia apartment building's ongoing puzzles.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaPresident Biden called the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and end a federal right to an abortion “a sad day for the [Supreme] court and for the country” and said it will cast a “dark shadow” over a large swath of the U.S.In an address from the White House shortly after the bombshell ruling was made public, the president said that the court “expressly took away a constitutional right from the American people,” adding, “that’s never been done to a right so important to so many Americans, but they did it.”The final opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito, repudiated a 1973 decision which guaranteed constitutional protections for abortion rights.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and Media“Euphoria” star Hunter Schafer has joined the cast of Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”She will appear opposite Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler in the studio’s attempt to recapture that old Panem magic. Schafer will play Tigris Snow, the cousin and confidante of Coriolanus Snow (Blyth), who, “Hunger Games” fans know, will one day mature into the autocratic ruler of the dystopian world of the books and films, a leader who has just a dollop of psychopathy to go along with his suave demeanor.“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” debuts in theaters worldwide on November 17, 2023.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaQuiver Distribution has acquired “The Wheel,” a relationship drama about a young couple on the brink of divorce. That film is from Steve Pink, the co-writer of “High Fidelity” and the director of “Hot Tub Time Machine” and “About Last Night.” It premiered at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Quiver will distribute the film on July 22, 2022.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaBroadway is lifting its mask mandate.Starting in July, mask-wearing at all 41 Broadway theaters will be optional, the Broadway League announced Tuesday. The announcement comes as COVID rates have begun to decline in the five boroughs.

Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog, winner of the 2002 Pulitzer Prize, will return to Broadway this fall in a 20th anniversary production directed by Kenny Leon and starring In The Heights‘ Corey Hawkins and Watchmen‘s Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaUniversal’s “Jurassic World Dominion” continues to cast a shadow over the worldwide box office.The film opens in 57 new markets this weekend, including China, where it’s grossed $15.3 million. The international haul for the sequel stands at a healthy $95.1 million.China, which has not been that receptive to Hollywood films, was a bright spot.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaJodie Comer will make her Broadway debut next spring in “Prima Facie.”The announcement comes after Comer recently wrapped up her Emmy-winning run on the twisty BBC America thriller “Killing Eve” and on the heels of an acclaimed performance in Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel,” the latter an unforgivably under-appreciated gem. “Prima Facie” is written by Suzie Miller, a former human rights and children’s rights lawyer, and directed by Justin Martin, best-known for overseeing “The Jungle” at St.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaParamount has been on a sizzling run.All five of its 2022 releases, a crop that includes “Scream,” “Jackass Forever,” “The Lost City” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” opened in first place at the domestic box office, with “Top Gun: Maverick” outpacing them all. The sequel to the beloved Tom Cruise film has scored with critics and audiences alike.

Angelique Jackson In its 26th year, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is more star-studded than ever, with a robust lineup of Black film and television stars and creators.After two years of COVID-related pivots, the festival returns to South Beach in Miami for a five-day engagement full of special screenings, panel discussions and events celebrating the Black film and television community. Among the talent joining ABFF festival ambassador Issa Rae, who will debut her new HBO Max series “Rap Sh!t” at the festival are Chanté Adams, Yahya Abdul- Mateen II, Kenya Barris, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ben Crump, Michael Ealy, DeVon Franklin, Kasi Lemmons, Judge Greg Mathis, LisaRaye McCoy, Kyla Pratt, Trevante Rhodes, Kendrick Sampson, Robin Thede, Judge Lynn Toler, Susan Kelechi Watson and Salli Richardson Whitfield, among many others.