‘Kingdom’ & ‘Moving’ Stars Attached To Projects On Disney+ Korea Slate

EXCLUSIVE: Josh Close (Killers of the Flower Moon) has signed on to star in American Solitaire, an indie drama marking the first feature from writer-director Aaron Davidman.

Emma Stone, who just won a BAFTA for her performance in “Poor Things” and is nominated for an Oscar, is in talks to reunite with Yorgos Lanthimos on his remake of South Korean fantasy comedy “Save the Green Planet.” The project, which is expected to start shooting in the summer in the U.K. and New York, has been in the works for several years. Jang Joon-hwan, who directed the original South Korean movie, was previously attached to helm the English-language remake, based on a screenplay by Will Tracy, whose credits include HBO’s “Succession” and Searchlight’s “The Menu.” An eccentric black comedy, the story of “Save the Green Planet” revolves around a disillusioned young man who captures and tortures a businessman whom he believes to be part of an alien invasion.

Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor has stunned her co-stars as she declared having the 'time of her life' with her famous daughter. The actress joined Bridgerton star Phoebe at the recent BAFTA Film Awards as she was up for a gong.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Streaming platform Disney+ will add four new Korean-language original series to its 2024 lineup. Its “Blood Free,” “Unmasked,” “The Tyrant” and “Gangnam B-Side” land in addition to a third season of “The Zone: Survival Mission” and the previously announced “Uncle Samsik” and “Light Shop” from webtoon pioneer and creator of the platform’s 2023 series hit “Moving.” “Blood Free,” which is to star Ju Jihoon (“Kingdom”) and Han Hyojoo (“Moving”), follows a former bodyguard haunted by the failures of his past. He finds himself recruited to protect the CEO of a controversial lab-grown meat company who is also a survivor of the fateful attack that changed his life. Set in modern-day Seoul, “Unmasked” follows a group of investigative journalists who are fighting for their careers after broadcasting a controversial story.

Greek weird wave director Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest film, “Poor Things,” has been nominated for a whopping 11 Oscars, including Best Picture. And while the comedic Frankenstein-esque drama isn’t expected to win a lot of major awards other than Emma Stone for Best Actress (she won the BAFTA yesterday, so she is in good shape), Lanthimos is in a great position to pick whatever he wants to do next.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Korean entertainment conglomerate CJ ENM has appointed Jung Jhong-hwan, as president of content, global business. He is expected to spearhead growth of global content production and distribution and continue the group’s multi-studio approach to business.

Poor Things” director Yorgos Lanthimos will reteam with Element Pictures on a remake of South Korean fantasy comedy “Save the Green Planet,” Variety has learned. Lanthimos — whose latest film, “Poor Things,” is nominated for 11 Oscars and just won five BAFTAs (including best actress for Emma Stone) — is expected to start shooting the movie in the U.K. and New York this summer.

Unmasked, Blood Free, The Tyrant, Gangnam B-Side, Uncle Samsik and Light Shop, as well as the long-awaited third season of reality programme The Zone: Survival Mission. Blood Free will star Ju Ji-hoon (Kingdom) and Han Hyo-joo (Moving) in a tale of a former bodyguard haunted by the failures of his past, Meawhile, Unmasked, set in contemporary Seoul, follows a team of investigative journalists fighting for their careers as they reckon with the aftermath of broadcasting a controversial story.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief France’s Isabelle Huppert, one of the leading actors of her age, has crafted a unique relationship with Korean auteur Hong Sang-soo. Hong’s “A Traveler’s Needs,” which premieres this week in competition at the Berlin Film Festival, is the third time that Huppert has starred in one of his unique pieces of minimalist cinema. She says she hopes the partnership can go much further. Huppert plays a footloose and intense French woman at large in Korea and vaguely making ends meet as an untrained language tutor with eccentric methods.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Production firm Movierock and rights sales outfit Hive Filmworks are in advanced production on “Hear Me: Our Summer,” a Korean remake of hit 2009 romance film “Hear Me” from Taiwan. The story involves a motorbike delivery man who falls in love with a hearing-impaired younger woman. Comparing themselves with water birds and trees the pair slowly try to break through the barriers in their relationship, pursue their dreams and take things to the next level. The retread stars Hong Kyung, who has a recent string of appearances including Netflix’s “D.P,” “TV’s Revenant” and “Hero,” and the upcoming “Troll Factory.” Co-star Roh Yoon-seo has credits in “Crash Course in Romance” and “Our Blues” and is currently one of the most ubiquitous faces in Korea thanks to her position as the face of the Paris Baguette bakery and café chain. Stylistically, the adaptation aims for the feel of Iwai Shunji’s pan-Asian hit “Love Letter,” and is directed by Jo Seon-ho, who previously made “A Day.” Movierock previously produced a 2018 Korean remake of 2004 Japanese hit “Be With You.” The film is already being pre-sold to multiple territories in Asia.

Chris Brown is claiming the 2024 NBA Celebrity All-Star Game is singing one of his most famous songs: Say Goodbye.

“It’s been really interesting to talk about the film in this personal way, because it really was never meant to be so personal,” Elemental director Peter Sohn said at Deadline’s Contenders Film: The Nominees panel Saturday.

Joey King is keeping in touch with Gypsy Rose Blanchard!

Tony nominee and former High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star Julia Lester will be starring in a new movie for Hulu – Just Jared Jr Travis Kelce talks celebrating his 2024 Super Bowl win with Taylor Swift – Celebitchy Jason Mraz reveals his must-have products – Popsugar Freya Skye just signed a huge new deal with Disney – Just Jared Jr Victoria Monet, Alix Earle, & Nazanin Mandi attended Sol de Janeiro’s pop-up party celebrating the launch of the brand’s Delicia Drench Body Butter and Cheirosa 59 Perfume Mist on Thursday night (Feb. 15) in New York City. Guests sipped on branded cocktails and experienced Instagrammable activations, such as photos with life-sized Sol de Janeiro products along with sensorial VR hand massages with skin-hydration analysis. Check out the gallery for the pics!

EastEnders' Navin Chowdhury has shared a touching tribute to his 'brave' wife Charlie following her cancer diagnosis.

Marc Malkin Senior Editor, Culture and Events Joey King says she and Gypsy Rose Blanchard have recently been in touch. “She and I have privately talked a little bit, which has been really nice,” King told Variety on an upcoming episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. King portrayed Blanchard, a woman sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for the death mother Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard in Hulu’s limited series “The Act.” Blanchard was recently released from prison on parole in late December after serving eight years for the 2015 crime.

Jonathan Bailey is steaming up a new campaign for luxury British resortwear brand Orlebar Brown.

EastEnders actress Jessie Wallace has wowed fans on social media after showcasing her dramatic new look. The 52 year old soap star has appeared on the popular BBC One show since 2000 and is best known for playing Walford icon Kat Slater, whose storylines have seen the character become a millionaire, have a long-lost son and play a central role in the recent Christmas ‘The Six’ twist. As a familiar face to many viewers, the actress has recently taken to Instagram to debut a very different “rock chick” look after opting for a change during a recent hair cut.

Rudie Obias editor If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. After launching a year ago in Jan. 2023, the new lemon-lime soda Starry is bringing in some star power, with a new partnership with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief U.S-Asian sales company EST N8 has picked up the international rights for “30 Minutes,” a Korean sci-fi thriller film that is currently in production. The story revolves around a middle-aged man trapped in a time loop, repeatedly reliving the Christmas Eve of his murder.