Jason Woliner Sets New ‘Borat’-Like Series at Peacock

Joe Otterson TV ReporterLupita Nyong’o has exited the “Lady in the Lake” series adaptation at Apple from Endeavor Content, Variety has learned exclusively.The show was first announced in March 2021. “Lady in the Lake” is currently in production and the hunt is now on for a new actress to take over her role.

No one was a bigger proponent for Joey and Pacey’s romance on “Dawson’s Creek” than Pacey himself, Joshua Jackson.

J. Kim Murphy Peacock has released the first trailer for “Queer as Folk,” pulling the curtain back on its reimagining of the TV series created by Russell T. Davies.The new series relocates from Pittsburgh, Pa.

Pat Saperstein Deputy EditorThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced several changes in Oscar rules and campaigning requirements, as well as a return to the calendar year for submissions. While digital screeners will still be available, “The Academy encourages the screening of eligible films in a theatrical setting for its members,” the organization emphasized.The Academy is also underlining the importance of theatrical distribution, emphasizing that “Films that, in any version, receive their first public exhibition or distribution in any manner other than as a theatrical motion picture release will not be eligible for Academy Awards in any category.”Changes include:The eligibility period for Academy Awards consideration is returning to the full calendar year after the pandemic forced changes in the calendar.

As expected, A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical is heading to Broadway, with producers announcing today that previews will begin Wednesday, November 2, at the Broadhurst Theatre, with an official opening night on Sunday, Dec. 4.

EXCLUSIVE: Patrick Schwarzenegger (The Staircase), Sean Patrick Thomas (The Tragedy of Macbeth) and Marco Pigossi (Invisible City) have been tapped for high-profile recurring roles in Prime Video’s college-set spinoff of The Boys. Character details are being kept under wraps. but I hear that Schwarzenegger will play Golden Boy, Thomas will portray Polarity and Pigossi will play Dr. Cardosa.

Peacock has given a straight-to-series order for an untitled project from Jason Woliner, described by the streamer as “mind-bending.”The series will mesh “fact and fiction to tell a bizarre and incredible tale,” per Peacock. It is said to be in the style of the director’s work on “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.”“It’s a project that director Jason Woliner has been shooting for over a decade and a story that continues to pile on jaw-dropping new twists,” Peacock said in a release.Executive producers on the project are Woliner, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Loreli Alanis (Point Grey Pictures), Megan Ellison (Annapurna), Michael Sagol and Bert Hamelinck (Caviar).

Jason Woliner, director of Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, has scored a straight-to-series order for a mystery project in the vein of the Sacha Baron Cohen film from Peacock.

EXCLUSIVE: Kat Coiro (Marry Me) has been tapped to direct the first two episodes of The Spiderwick Chronicles, Disney+’s live-action series adaptation of the beloved fantasy books. She also will executive produce.

London Thor (Shameless) has joined the cast of Prime Video’s upcoming spinoff of The Boys as a lead, replacing Reina Hardesty weeks after the actress’ exit, which Deadline exclusively revealed.

Robbie Praw, VP of Stand-up and Comedy Formats at Netflix, announced on Monday that the streamer will be showcasing highlights from the 11-day “Netflix Is a Joke: The Festival” stand-up comedy event held in Los Angeles, including Pete Davidson riffing on Kanye West’s bizarre social media onslaught, Amy Schumer telling a joke she wasn’t allowed to do at the Oscars, and David Letterman commenting on the recent attack on Dave Chappelle.The month-long comedy rollout begins with “The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up,” on May 19, which has John Mulaney paying tribute to Robin Williams, Dave Chappelle on Richard Pryor, Chelsea Handler on Joan Rivers and Jon Stewart to George Carlin. The remaining programs are as follows:Also coming up is a Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias special filmed in front of Netflix’s largest-ever audience at a sold-out Dodger Stadium.“These shows represent some of the best work we’ve done at Netflix, with the best comedic talent on the planet. We’re so grateful to everyone who performed, helping to create the biggest comedy festival in U.S.

EXCLUSIVE: Lionsgate has extended Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Ben Karlin and his Superego Industries’ first-look deal.

Back to biscuits with the boss! Jason Sudeikis was spotted filming Ted Lasso weeks after his ex-fiancée, Olivia Wilde, was publicly served with custody docs.

EXCLUSIVE: Luke Macfarlane (Brothers & Sisters), Tre Hale (Love and Monsters), Carla Gallo (Neighbors) and Andrew Lopez (Blockers) round out the ensemble cast of Apple’s Platonic, joining Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen in the comedy series from Nick Stoller, Francesca Delbanco and Sony TV.

Neil Patrick Harris is single and ready to mingle in his latest series.