Joe Otterson TV ReporterMelissa Benoist and her Three Things Productions banner have renewed their overall deal with Warner Bros. Television.In addition, Benoist has officially signed on to star in and produce the upcoming HBO Max-WBTV series “The Girls on the Bus.” She was first reported as being in talks for the series back in February.Under the terms of the overall deal, Benoist and Three Things will continue to develop and produce programming across all platforms for WBTV. Benoist runs three things with Sahar Kashi, the company’s vice president of development.“The Girls on the Bus” is inspired by a chapter in Amy Chozick’s book “Chasing Hillary.” Benoist will play Sadie McCarthy, a journalist who romanticizes the original “Boys on the Bus” and who scrapped her whole life for her own shot at covering a presidential campaign for the paper of record.
HBO Max to Develop Series Based on Kirthana Ramisetti Novel ‘Dava Shastri’s Last Day’ (EXCLUSIVE)
08.06.2022 - 19:41 / variety.com
Joe Otterson TV ReporterHBO Max is developing a series adaptation of the novel “Dava Shastri’s Last Day” by Kirthana Ramisetti, Variety has learned exclusively.In the novel, Dava Shastri is one of the world’s wealthiest women. But when she learns she is dying of brain cancer, she decides to leak news of her death early so that she can read the obituaries from around the world. But once the news is out, secrets from her past are exposed that shake her and her children to their core.The project was sold to HBO Max in what sources describe as a competitive situation.
The search is currently on for a writer to adapt the book for the screen. Peter Jaysen, Alan Gasmer, and Bob Bookman of Veritas Entertainment Group will executive produce. Vertias’ Andy Cutler will co-produce.
HBO Max is the studio. “Dava Shastri’s Last Day” was originally published in late 2021. The book was Ramisetti’s debut novel and received good reviews upon its release.
She is formerly an entertainment reporter for publications like Newsday and New York Daily News. Her work has also been published in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The Atlantic, and several other outlets. She received her master’s degree in creative writing from Emerson College.News of the development comes as HBO and HBO Max have been in something of a state of flux amid the closing of the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger.
Melissa Benoist to Star in HBO Max’s ‘The Girls on the Bus’
Neftlix, and later the CW.Benoist plays Sadie McCarthy, “a journalist who romanticizes the original ‘Boys on the Bus’ and who scrapped her whole life for her own shot at covering a presidential campaign for the paper of record,” per a logline from Warner Bros. TV.
HBO Max’s Scene in Black Sets Lineup of Activations During Essence Fest, Including ‘Rap Sh!t’ Screening (EXCLUSIVE)
Angelique Jackson HBO Max’s Scene in Black, which celebrates Black creators and audiences alike, has scheduled a lineup of activations over the July 4th weekend in New Orleans.Coinciding with Essence Festival, marquee events include a welcome mixer spotlighting the creative community of New Orleans and previewing the upcoming HBO documentary, “Katrina Babies,” with the film’s director Edwards Buckles Jr. Scene in Black will also fete Issa Rae’s upcoming HBO Max comedy series “Rap Sh!t” with a special screening, a panel discussion featuring Rae, who created and executive produces the show, alongside showrunner and executive producer Syreeta Singleton and stars Aida Osman and KaMillion.
‘The Girls On The Bus’: Rina Mimoun Joins HBO Max Series As Showrunner & EP
EXCLUSIVE: Mistresses exec producer Rina Mimoun is joining the campaign trail.
‘Wild Life’: Nadine Velazquez Among 9 Cast In HBO Max Comedy Pilot From Imagine
EXCLUSIVE: HBO Max has rounded out its cast of series regulars for comedy pilot Wild Life, which is fronted by Izabella Alvarez in the role of Ciara.
Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Tulsa King’ Paramount+ Series Casts Dana Delany (EXCLUSIVE)
Joe Otterson TV ReporterDana Delany has joined the cast of “Tulsa King” opposite Sylvester Stallone at Paramount+, Variety has learned exclusively.Stallone leads the series, with other cast members including Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Max Casella, Domenick Lombardozzi, Vincent Piazza, Jay Will, A.C. Peterson, and Garrett Hedlund.The show follows New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Stallone), just after he is released from prison after 25 years and unceremoniously exiled by his boss to set up shop in Tulsa, Okla.
HBO Max Renews Comedy ‘Hacks’ for Season 3
“Hacks.” HBO Max has renewed the award-winning comedy for Season 3 following the side-splitting yet tear-jerking season 2 finale earlier this month. “We congratulate ‘Hacks’ extraordinarily gifted executive producers and cast, and our partners at Universal Television,” Sarah Aubrey, HBO Max’s head of original content, said.
‘Hacks’ Renewed For Season 3 At HBO Max
Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels will be back for more stand-up stories after HBO Max renewed Hacks for a third season.
'Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin' Sets Premiere Date on HBO Max: Watch the Creepy First Teaser
HBO Max's upcoming series, , which will premiere Thursday, July 28 with the first three episodes, it was announced Wednesday. Two episodes drop Aug.
‘Rap Sh!t’: Issa Rae Comedy At HBO Max Reveals Premiere Date And Teaser Trailer
Issa Rae is taking audiences to Miami on July 21 with the release of her latest comedy series Rap Sh!t on HBO Max. A teaser trailer dropped on Monday and can be viewed above.
‘The Flash’ Alum Carlos Valdes Joins Mae Whitman in Hulu Musical Series ‘Up Here’
Joe Otterson TV ReporterCarlos Valdes will star opposite Mae Whitman in the upcoming Hulu series “Up Here.”The series received an eight-episode order at Hulu back in January. It is described as a musical romantic comedy set in New York City in the waning days of 1999.
‘Dead Boy Detectives’ HBO Max Series Brings Beth Schwartz Onboard as Co-Showrunner (EXCLUSIVE)
Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe “Dead Boy Detectives” series at HBO Max has brought on Beth Schwartz to serve as co-showrunner and executive producer, Variety has learned exclusively.Schwartz will now co-showrun the series with Steve Yockey. This is not the first time Schwartz has been at the helm of a show based on a DC property, as she served as the showrunner on the final two seasons of “Arrow” at The CW.
FX to Develop Series About Benihana Founder Hiroaki Aoki, Steve and Devon Aoki to Produce (EXCLUSIVE)
Joe Otterson TV ReporterFX is developing a series based on the life of Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki, best known as the founder of the Benihana restaurant chain, Variety has learned exclusively from sources.The series is currently titled “American Hiro” and is based in part on the book “Making It in America: The Life and Times of Rocky Aoki” by Jack McCallum.Representatives for FX and 20th Television declined to comment.The series will delve into Aoki’s colorful life as a mogul and businessman, from founding Benihana to being an Olympic wrestler, professional speed boat racer, hot air balloonist, and nightclub impresario. It will also examine his complicated relationship with his family and his attempts to reconcile his Japanese heritage with his American dreams. Jonathan Abrams created the series and will serve as an executive producer.
Paradigm Hires Book Publishing Agent Ian Kleinert (EXCLUSIVE)
Joe Otterson TV ReporterParadigm Talent Agency has hired industry veteran Ian Kleinert as a book publishing agent, Variety has learned exclusively. In his new role, Kleinert will be based out of Paradigm’s New York office.“Joining Paradigm during this unique and exciting time at the company opens up a world of exciting new avenues across all media for the wonderful clients joining me at the agency, and provides me the chance to foster dynamic publishing opportunities for the stellar talents of Paradigm’s roster,” said Kleinert.Kleinert was most recently the CEO and founding partner of Projector Media, which focused on literary management and investor-backed digital platforms for groups like SALT Events, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Propagate Content, and sports legends Joe Namath and Cal Ripken Jr. “Ian’s extensive experience, unparalleled knowledge of the publishing industry and wide-ranging client relationships make him an incredible addition to our team,” said Paradigm managing partner Andrew Ruf.
Kathryn Hahn to Star in ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’ Series at Hulu, Laura Dern and Reese Witherspoon Producing
Joe Otterson TV ReporterHulu has ordered a series adaptation of “Tiny Beautiful Things” starring Kathryn Hahn, with Liz Tigelaar writing and Laura Dern and Reese Witherspoon executive producing.Based on Cheryl Strayed’s New York Times bestseller of the same name, the half-hour series is about a woman (Hahn) who reluctantly becomes Dear Sugar — an anonymous, revered advice columnist — when her own life is falling apart.“As we emerge from a pandemic during which stories like those told in ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’ helped us feel a sense of community and camaraderie at a moment we most needed it, this is a prescient story to be able to tell at this moment in time and we’re grateful to be able to tell it,” said · Said Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment. “We’re excited to work with Liz, Kathryn, and Cheryl to tell this story, and to reunite with Reese, Liz, and our partners at ABC Signature following our incredible collaboration on ‘Little Fires Everywhere.’” Tigelaar is adapting the book for the screen and will also serve as executive producer and showrunner.
The 7 Best New Movies on HBO Max in June 2022
HBO Max this month, you’ve come to the right place. June brings a bevy of new titles to stream, ranging from brand new releases to excellent library titles that fit every mood.
Peter Tolan’s ‘Belated’ Pilot Starring Kal Penn Not Moving Forward at FX (EXCLUSIVE)
Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe comedy pilot “Belated” from creator Peter Tolan and starring Kal Penn is not moving forward at FX, Variety has learned exclusively from sources.The half-hour series was meant to follow an unexpected intergenerational friendship between Sachin (Penn), a recently out man in his 40s, and Clay (Kaden Kearney), a 17-year-old trans teen, as Sachin and his ex-wife and children attempt to find their new normal. Along with Penn and Kearney, the pilot starred Ellie Taylor, Amir Bageria, and EaeMya ThynGi.FX did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment.Tolan wrote, directed, and executive produced the “Belated” pilot. Nick Alford of Cloudland also executive produced.
Here’s What’s Leaving HBO Max in June 2022
June 9:12 Strong, 2018June 30:2 Guns, 201320 Feet From Stardom, 2013 (HBO)All Dogs Go To Heaven, 1996 (HBO)Dogs Go To Heaven 2, 1996 (HBO)All I See Is You, 2016 (HBO)Amityville 3-D, 1983Amityville II: The Possession, 1982Barry Munday, 2010 (HBO)Black Hawk Down, 2001 (HBO)Blades Of Glory, 2007 (HBO)Brother Nature, 2016 (HBO)Chaplin, 1992 (HBO)Dark Water, 2005 (HBO)Disturbia, 2007Duplex, 2003 (HBO)Early Man, 2018 (HBO)Endless Love, 2014 (HBO)Godsend, 2004 (HBO)Good Neighbours, 2010 (HBO)High-Rise, 2015 (HBO)Hobo With A Shotgun, 2011 (HBO)Hostage, 2005 (HBO)I Used To Go Here, 2020 (HBO)Identity Thief, 2013 (HBO) (Extended Version)John Dies At The End, 2012 (HBO)Joyful Noise, 2012 (HBO)Killing Gunther, 2017 (HBO)La Gallina Turuleca (aka Turu, The Wacky Hen), 2019 (HBO)Le Divorce, 2003 (HBO)Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man, 2005 (HBO)Little Man, 2006 (HBO)Los Lobos, 2019 (HBO)Loser Leaves Town, 2018 (HBO)Love and A.45., 1994 (HBO)Lucky Numbers, 2000 (HBO)Matchstick Men, 2003Max Steel, 2016 (HBO)Mousehunt, 1997 (HBO)Presumed Innocent, 1990Princess Kaiukani, 2009 (HBO)Real Steel, 2011 (HBO)Rounders, 1998 (HBO)Saturday Night Fever, 1977 (HBO) (Director’s Cut)Shall We Dance?, 1996 (HBO)She’s All That, 1999 (HBO)Solaris, 2002Soul Food, 1997 (HBO)Spare Parts, 2015 (HBO)Speed 2 Cruise Control, 1997 (HBO)Staying Alive, 1983Still Waiting, 2009 (HBO)Sunset Song, 2015 (HBO)Super Capers, 2009 (HBO)Superstar, 1999 (HBO)The 15:17 To Paris, 2015 (HBO)The Gospel According To Andre, 2017 (HBO)The Last Five Years, 2014 (HBO)The Letter, 2012 (HBO)The Mummy, 1999 (HBO)The Mummy Returns, 2001 (HBO)The Next Three Days, 2010 (HBO)The Peacemaker, 1997 (HBO)The Scorpion King, 2002 (HBO)The Wild Life, 1984 (HBO)Wristcutters: A Love Story, 2006 (HBO)Trance,
‘Batgirl’ Directors Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah Confirm Michael Keaton As Batman In Upcoming HBO Max Film
Batman fans already knew Michael Keaton would return to the DCEU as the Caped Crusader in the upcoming “The Flash.” And now the directing pair behind HBO Max‘s upcoming “Batgirl” movie officially confirms Keaton’s back for their take on Gotham City, too, though the rumors and set photos, yes, were in overdrive for a while now. READ MORE: ‘Batgirl’: Leslie Grace Teases Early Discussions About Sequel In an interview with Insider, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah decided to drop the news.