‘David Makes Man,’ ‘All Rise’ Showrunner Dee Harris-Lawrence Signs Warner Bros. TV Overall Deal

Eli Countryman Warner Bros. drew attention in early December when it announced plans to simultaneously release all of its films in theaters and on HBO Max throughout 2021.The decision, affecting 17 major films from “The Matrix 4″ to “Dune,” highlights just how important streaming services have become in the past year.

Denis Villeneuve, the director of the upcoming Dune remake, is not happy that Warner Bros. plans on releasing his movie on HBO Max on the same day as the theatrical release.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterA “Swiss Family Robinson” series is in development at Disney Plus.The series hails from Ronald D. Moore and Jon M.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterFox is developing an animated comedy based on the Craig Banyon Mysteries books by James Mullaney.Mullaney and Shane Black will write and executive produce the project, which is titled “Craig Banyon P.I.” It follows the supernatural adventures of an alcoholic ex-cop and current private investigator, Banyon, as he solves cases in an alternate noir, otherworldly reality.Along with Mullaney and Black, David Silverman, Greg Silverman and Paul Shapiro of Stampede Ventures will

Joe Otterson TV ReporterKatori Hall has signed an overall deal with Lionsgate Television.Hall currently serves as creator, executive producer, and showrunner on the Lionsgate-produced series “P-Valley,” which recently aired its first season on Starz. The show is based on Hall’s stage play “Pussy Valley.” Under the deal, Hall will continue to executive produce the “P-Valley” and develop and produce new premium scripted series for Lionsgate across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterIlene Chaiken has signed an overall deal with Universal Television, Variety has confirmed. As part of the deal, Chaiken has joined the upcoming NBC show “Law & Order: Organized Crime” as executive producer and showrunner.Chaiken takes over showruner duties on the series from Matt Olmstead, who stepped down in October.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterJessica Simpson has signed a multi-media deal with Amazon.The deal includes a new unscripted docuseries based on Simpson’s New York Times best-selling memoir “Open Book,” development of a new coming-of-age scripted series that is also inspired by the memoir, as well as two new original essays to be published through Amazon Original Stories, an imprint of Amazon Publishing.“I am humbled and honored to partner with Amazon Studios to bring my story and heart to life on the

Dave McNary Film ReporterThe Directors Guild of America has criticized Warner Bros. over the studio’s decision to release its entire 2021 theatrical slate simultaneously on the HBO Max streaming service, according to a report in The Hollywood Reporter.DGA National Executive Director Russell Hollander sent a letter to Warner Bros.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe upcoming Apple dramedy series “Physical” is rounding out its cast.In addition to previously announced series lead Rose Byrne, the cast of the show will also include Paul Sparks, Rory Scovel, Loy Taylor Pucci, Della Saba, Dierdre Friel, Ashley Liao.“Physical” follows Sheila (Byrne), a woman struggling in her life as a quietly tortured housewife in a 1980s Southern California beach community.

As OWN ramps up for the second season of the Peabody Award-winning drama David Makes Man from Oscar winner Tarell Alvin McCraney and Warner Bros. Television, 10 actors are set to appear in recurring roles.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterIn a competitive situation, Skydance Television has acquired the rights to P. Djéli Clark’s fantasy historical novella “Ring Shout” with plans to develop it as a television series.KiKi Layne is attached to star in the project, with Kasi Lemmons attached to write, direct, and serve as showrunner.

release its 2021 slate simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. That includes sprawling, special-effects-heavy tentpole pictures such as “The Suicide Squad” and “Dune,” as well as awards season hopefuls like “Judas and the Black Messiah” — all representing some $2 billion in production costs.

Also Read: Warner Bros to Release All 2021 Movies in Theaters and on HBO Max SimultaneouslyOn Thursday, WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar announced the decision to put all ’21 WB movies on HBO Max on their theatrical release date.

Ellise Shafer editorThe Independent Cinema Alliance has expressed disappointment over Warner Bros.’ decision to release the rest of its 2021 film state simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max.In a statement released Monday, the volunteer alliance called for a return to theatrical exclusivity, writing that releasing movies solely in theaters for a period of time is “what drives that value – not streaming.” ICA pointed out that with the COVID-19 vaccine set to be distributed soon, a

Legendary Entertainment, the production company behind movies like Dune and Godzilla vs. Kong, reportedly is considering filing a lawsuit against Warner Bros. over the studio’s new release plans for the movies.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterLuckyChap Entertainment has signed a first-look TV deal with Amazon, Variety has learned exclusively.Under the deal, LuckyChap’s Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley, and Josey McNamara will work with Amazon Studios to create television projects that will premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

Legendary Entertainment, the production company that co-financed “Dune” and “Godzilla vs. Kong,” may take legal action against Warner Bros.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterRachel Kaplan has signed a multi-year overall deal with Warner Bros. Television Group, Variety has learned.Kaplan, the former head of Keshet Studios, is also launching her own production company — Absecon Entertainment. Under the deal, she will develop and produce original scripted programming to be produced by Absecon in association with Warner Bros.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterArmie Hammer has signed on to star in “The Offer” at Paramount Plus, which will tell the behind-the-scenes story of the making of “The Godfather.”Hammer will star as Al Ruddy, who produced “The Godfather” back in 1972.More to come…