Disney Releases New Trailer for Rosario Dawson’s “Haunted Mansion”

More Haunted moments from Rosario Dawson

Disney has released a new trailer for Haunted Manson, starring the 44-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actress and activist.

Rosario Dawson“When my son and I moved in here, it wasn’t as warm as we’d hoped,” says Dawson’s character Gabbie. 

Directed by Justin Simien, the film follows a woman (Dawson) and her son (Chase W. Dillon) who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. “It’s time to assemble the Dream Team,” we are told. 

LaKeith Stanfield plays a paranormal tour guide, Tiffany Haddish is a psychic, Owen Wilson is a priest, and Danny DeVito is a historian. Daniel Levy also stars, along with Jamie Lee Curtis as the disembodied Madame Leota and Jared Leto as the Hatbox Ghost — and all get some screen time in the new trailer.

Fans of the longtime Disney ride — it opened in 1969 at Disneyland and two years later at Walt Disney World — will recognize the eerie hallways, the stretching room, the ghostly ballroom and the creepy house itself.

“You’re all in for a treat.”

Katie Dippold wrote the Haunted Mansion script, Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich are the producers, and Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman serve as executive producers.

Disney earlier had planned to open the filmon March 10, but now it is set to hit theaters on July 28.

Disney to Premiere Zoe Saldaña’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” on Disney+ in August

Zoe Saldaña’s galaxy is headed online…

Disney has set the Disney+ global premiere date for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, starring the 45-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American actress, for August 2, 90 days after the film’s theatrical release of May 5.

Zoe SaldanaWhile Disney received criticism during CEO Bob Chapek’s era for executing theatrical day-and-date releases on Disney+ during the pandemic, the Mouse House continues to make it up to movie theater operators.

In fact, they’ve been following long theatrical windows before Marvel films hit Disney+ going back to 2021’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Recently, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania had an 89-day theatrical window until it hit its Disney+ debut date on May 17. Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had an 82-day window after its November 11 theatrical release date before hitting Disney+ on February 1.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 from filmmaker-turned-DC Studios co-Boss James Gunn, is currently the second highest grossing movie of the year with $842.4M worldwide after

Universal/Illumination’s Super Mario Bros Movie, which has minted $1.34 billion. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is still shy of the $955.7M that Disney/MCU’s summer kickstarter, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessgrossed last year.

Meanwhile, Super Mario Bros will hit Universal’s streaming service Peacock after 121 days in theaters.

Disney & Pixar Release Trailer for Animated Film “Elio,” Featuring America Ferrera

America Ferrera is getting animated…

Disney and Pixar have released the first teaser for Elio, featuring the 39-year-old Honduran American award-winning actress as part of the voice cast.

America FerreraIn addition to Ferrera, the voice cast of Pixar Animation’s 28th animated feature will also include up-and-comer Yonas Kibreab, Jameela Jamil and Brad Garrett.

Directed by Adrian Molina, the co-director and writer of Pixar’s Coco, Elio introduces viewers to Kibreab’s character of the same name. An underdog with an active imagination, Elio finds himself inadvertently beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide.

Mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador to the rest of the universe, and completely unprepared for that kind of pressure, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien life forms, survive a series of formidable trials and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.

Ferrera voices Elio’s mom, Olga, with Jamil as Ambassador Questa and Garrett as Ambassador Grigon.

Produced by Mary Alice Drumm, who associate produced Coco, the film is set for release in theaters on March 1, 2024.

Caco Ciocler to Star in Disney’s Brazilian Drama Series “Americana”

Caco Ciocler is celebrating Americana

The 51-year-old Brazilian actor will star in the Disney drama series Americana, which centers on the plight of ‘Confederados’ who left the U.S. for Brazil after the American Civil War.

Caco Ciocler, The streaming series, which is for Disney’s Star+ in Brazil, is shooting in São Paulo with a cast including Kaiwi Lyman.

São Paolo production house CineFilm is making the show based on scripts from Maurilio Martins and Manuel Moruzzi. Two six-episode seasons have been ordered ahead of a 2024 launch date.

In addition to Ciocler, other Brazilian actors starring in the project include Andre Ramiro, Bruno Gissoni, Larissa Nunes, Zeze Motta, Thalma de Freitas, David Júnior, Maria Luiza Mendonça, Luciano Quirino, Zahy Tentehar, Lucila Gandolfo, Diego lleske, Arthur Garbe and Ditte Marie le-Fèvreare.

The series is set in Americana, a municipality in the state of São Paulo, during the late 19th century and follows the Confederates who left the U.S. for Brazil after losing the American Civil War. It reportedly follows a police officer and his female slave, who is also a detective, as they uncover the truth behind murders in the town. About 20,000 Confederate subjects — known as Confederados — left America to emigrate to Brazil in the 19th Century.

First Trailer Released for Jesse Garcia-Starrer “Flamin’ Hot,” Directed by Eva Longoria

Jesse Garcia is ready to spice up the streaming world…

The first trailer has been released for Flamin’ Hot starring the 40-year-old Mexican and Spanish American actor.

Jesse Garcia, Flamin' Hot “I know I don’t look it, but I got a Ph.D.,” Richard Montañez (Garcia) tells his new supervisor at the Frito-Lay plant. After a doubting “Hmm?” from the boss, he continues, “I’m poor, hungry and determined, sir.”

Replies the button-down manager, “OK, I can see you’re gonna be a weird one.”

Flamin’ Hot, directed by Eva Longoria, is a tale of a janitor who channeled his Mexican-American heritage and upbringing into an idea for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, which disrupted the food industry and became a pop culture phenomenon.

As Montañez says in the trailer, “I’m the guy who helped bring the world the most popular snack it’s ever seen.”

Layoffs are hitting the PepsiCo snack-food giant because “Frito-Lay isn’t getting enough orders to keep the factory open,” the workers are told. But Montañez has the answer: “It’s a spicy chip. It’s gonna change everything.” Doubts converge among the higher-ups — “Why are we wasting time on this janitor’s crazy idea?” — but he starts to convincing.

Talking to roomful of execs, Montañez says, “If we knew there was a product out there for us, we’d say, ‘Take all our money, cabrones!” A mini-montage later, he admits, “I got a little ‘hood there at the end, but…”

Annie Gonzalez, Dennis Haysbert, Emilio Rivera, Tony Shalhoub, Matt Walsh, Pepe Serna, Bobby Soto, Jimmy Gonzales, Brice Gonzalez, Vanessa Martinez, Fabian Alomar, Mario Ponce, Hunter Jones also star in the Searchlight Pictures film, which will be the first film to hit both Disney+ and Hulu in its streaming debut, on June 9.

 

Disney Animation Releases First Trailer for Ariana DeBose’s “Wish”

Ariana DeBose is looking to the stars…

Disney has dropped the first trailer for Wish, the Disney Animation film, featuring the 32-year-old Afro-Puerto Rican Oscar-winning actress voicing the lead role.

Ariana DeBose“Imagine a place where wishes come true,” starts the trailer, which introduces 17-year-old Asha, played by DeBose, the powerful King Magnifico (Chris Pine), Asha’s pet goat Valentino (Alan Tudyk), and Star, a celestial ball of boundless energy that Asha’s wish calls down from the sky.

It also features DeBose’s princess belting out a powerful anthem, “So I Made This Wish” as she swirls around underneath a starry sky. It’s one of several new songs written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice for the film.

The film is set in Rosas, a fantastical land located off the Iberian Peninsula. “Our heroine, Asha, lives in Rosas, known as the kingdom of wishes,” said director Chris Buck, who helms the film with Fawn Veerasunthorn. “People come from everywhere to give their wishes to a magical king who promises to grant their deepest desires—someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when.”

Added Veerasunthorn, “We have been inspired by so many iconic films over Disney Animation’s 100 years, especially stories where we explore the power of someone with a wish, combined with the conviction to make that wish come true. Being able to honor that legacy with this incredible story and these amazing characters has been a joy for our entire team.”

In Wish, Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

The film is produced by Peter Del Vecho and co-produced by Juan Pablo Reyes. Jennifer Lee executive produces and serves as writer with Allison Moore. The score is composed by Dave Metzger.

Wish debuts in theaters on November 22.

Demi Lovato to Release Rock Version of Their Hit Single “Heart Attack”

Demi Lovato is preparing to rockify one of her beloved hits…

The 30-year-old half-Mexican singer/actress is set to release their power-fueled pop hit “Heart Attack” with a fresh update.

Demi LovatoTen years after its initial released, Lovato will release a rock version of the track this Friday, March 24. 

Lovato announced the new via Instagram on Monday.

“Heart Attack, but make it Rock,” they captioned the post, which features a short, guitar-centered snippet of the new track.

Upon its original release in early 2013, the song peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart dated April 27, 2013.

The Grammy-nominated Disney alum’s latest record marked a stark shift in image and sound from their revelatory 2021 album — Dancing With the Devil… The Art of Starting Over.

Led by the singles “Skin of My Teeth,” “Substance” and “29,” 2022’s Holy Fvck took on a more rock, edgy sound. Holy Fvck features collaborations with Royal & the SerpentYUNGBLUD and Dead Sara, as well as writing and production credits from Warren “Oak” Felder, Michael Pollack, and Lovato themselves.

In early 2022, Lovato hosted a “funeral” for their pop music days, sharing an image to their Instagram page posing with both middle fingers up, joined by music executives from Island Records and manager Scooter Braun. Every person in the picture wore all black. “A funeral for my pop music,” Lovato captioned the image.

Demi Lovato to Make Directorial Debut on Hulu Original Feature Documentary “Child Star,” About Former Child Stars

Demi Lovato is making her directorial debut…

The 30-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress will direct the Hulu original feature documentary about former child stars.

Demi LovatoThe film, which currently has the working title Child Star, will “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars, including Lovato,” and how “their rise to fame, fortune and power affects their futures.”

The other participants in the film have yet to be revealed. Their experience growing up in the limelight will be chronicled through intimate conversations led by Lovato, verité footage, and archival material.

“There is no better film or topic for my directorial debut than this story, which is close to home,” said Lovato. “Our project sheds light on important messages about growing up in the public eye, learning to protect our boundaries, and becoming active advocates of our own destinies. I’m humbled to be able to learn from the individuals who have lived the unique experience of child stardom and share their stories in our film.”

Lovato is co-directing alongside Nicola Marsh.

The documentary is being produced by Michael D. Ratner’s OBB Pictures, a division of OBB Media, whose company also has a multi-year non-exclusive development deal with Walt Disney Television Alternative.

The deal focuses on creating documentaries, docuseries, original specials and unscripted formats that cater to Gen Z and Millennial audiences across Disney platforms. Lovato’s production company, DLG, and Scooter Braun’s SB Projects are also producing.

“With this film we’re setting out to tell a story that is as timely as ever given our evermore connected world and lack of privacy. This story has a deeply rooted shared nostalgia, and is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining,” said Michael D. Ratner, OBB Media founder, president and CEO. “Demi and the talented individuals taking part in this documentary have decided to share their stories authentically, and I’m thrilled to work alongside Demi, Nicola, and the teams at SB Projects and Hulu, in bringing their stories to screen.”

“At the heart of our documentaries are storytellers with distinct backgrounds and perspectives who leave no page of their stories unturned. Demi’s first-hand experience and personal relationships are all on bold display in this poignant and exploratory film,” said Belisa Balaban, Senior Vice President, Documentaries and Unscripted Series, Hulu Originals. “Our audience has long been interested in delving into the nuances of pop culture, and Demi’s story – hard truths and all – uniquely suits her to the kind of stories we feel fortunate to tell at Hulu.”

Lovato, OBB Media, and SB Projects are frequent collaborators, having previously worked together on the documentary series Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil, which was the opening night headliner at SXSW in 2021. Lovato and Ratner also co-directed the music video for the single, Dancing with the Devil. Most recently they collaborated on the podcast series, 4D with Demi Lovato.

Lovato serves as executive producer for her DLG banner.

Thom Nemer to Star in Disney+’s “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”

Thom Nemer is preparing for a very bad day

The 9-year-old Latino actor has been cast as the titular character in Disney+’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

Thom NemerNemer, who stars in Snowfall, will star opposite Eva LongoriaJesse Garcia and George Lopez in the film.

From writer Matt Lopez and director Marvin Lemus, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day tells the story of 11-year-old Alexander Garcia, who thinks he has the worst luck in the world. When his family sets off on a road trip to California, he’s pretty sure disaster awaits at every corner. His anxiety only increases when a family secret is revealed.

Longoria and Garcia play Alexander’s parents Val and Frank; Paulina Chávez plays his 16-year-old sister Mia; Rose Portillo plays his grandmother Lidia.

The film, a new take on Judith Viorst’s book after a 2014 movie starring Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner, is produced by Shawn Levy, Dan Levine and Lisa Henson.

Marisol Roncali and Chelsea Ellis Bloch serve as casting directors.

Nemer is best known for portraying Carlo in the FX series Snowfall. Nemer also notably worked alongside Jennifer Coolidge in an Old Navy commercial.

Karol G & Shakira Earn First No. 1 on Billboard Global 200 & Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Charts with “TQG”

Karol G is a global sensation…

The 32-year-old Colombian singer’s Shakira-collab “TQG” has launched as the biggest song in the world, debuting at No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts dated March 11.

Shakira & Karol GThe song is Karol G and Shakira’s first No. 1 on the rankings.

Karol G and Shakira’s “TQG” debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200, with 158.4 million streams and 10,000 sold worldwide in the February 24-March 2 tracking week. The collaboration is from Karol G’s new album Mañana Será Bonito, which debuts at No. 1 on the U.S.-based Billboard 200, becoming the first all-Spanish-language leader by a woman in the chart’s history.

Notably, the song starts with the ninth-best streaming week since the Global 200 began (with seven of the top 10 such frames by female acts).

Biggest Worldwide Streaming Weeks in Global 200 History:
289.2 million, “Butter,” BTS, June 5, 2021
217.1 million, “Flowers,” Miley Cyrus, Feb. 4, 2023
212.1 million, “Pink Venom,” BLACKPINK, Sept. 3, 2022
185.6 million, “Flowers,” Miley Cyrus, Feb. 11, 2023
179.1 million, “Flowers,” Miley Cyrus, Jan. 28, 2023
178.2 million, “Easy on Me,” Adele, Oct. 30, 2021
170.8 million, “Permission To Dance,” BTS, July 24, 2021
169.8 million, “Butter,” BTS, June 12, 2021
158.4 million, “TQG,” Karol G & Shakira, March 11, 2023
152.8 million, “Shut Down,” BLACKPINK, Oct. 1, 2022

Karol G claims her first Global 200 No. 1 among four top 10s, following “Provenza” (No. 6, May 2022); “MAMIII,” with Becky G (No. 4, March 2022); and “Bichota” (No. 7, January 2021).

Shakira also scores her first Global 200 leader since the list began, after her and Bizarrap’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” debuted at its No. 2 peak (where it ranked for three weeks) in January, marking her first top 10; it slips 5-7 on the latest list.

Karol G and Shakira are the third and fourth artists from Colombia to top the Global 200; Carolina Gaitán and Mauro Castillo are among the seven credited acts on Disney’s Encanto smash “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” which led for three weeks beginning in February 2022.

As on the Global 200, Karol G and Shakira’s “TQG” debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, with 129.7 million streams and 3,000 sold outside the U.S. Feb. 24-March 2. It’s likewise each act’s first Global Excl. U.S. leader, among five and three top 10s, respectively.

Karol G and Shakira are the second and third acts from Colombia to command Global Excl. U.S.; Maluma led, with The Weeknd, on “Hawái,” the week that the chart began in 2020.

The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. surveys, which launched in September 2020, rank songs based on streaming and sales activity culled from more than 200 territories around the world, as compiled by Luminate. The Global 200 is inclusive of worldwide data and the Global Excl. U.S. chart comprises data from territories excluding the United States.

Chart ranks are based on a weighted formula incorporating official-only streams on both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services, as well as download sales, the latter of which reflect purchases from full-service digital music retailers from around the world, with sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites excluded from the charts’ calculations.