John Leguizamo to Star in Apple‘s Upcoming Drama Series “Firebug”

John Leguizamo is buggin’…

The 63-year-old Colombian Emmy– & Tony Award-winning actor will star alongside Taron Egerton in Apple‘s upcoming drama series Firebug.

John LeguizamoHailing from Apple Studios and creator Dennis Lehane, the series will be directed and executive-produced by Kari Skogland.

Written by Lehane and loosely inspired by true events, Firebug will follow a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator (Egerton) as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists.

Leguizamo with play Esposito, a former policeman with a lot of bad habits and a lot of good instincts.

Jurnee Smollett will also star in the series.

In addition to starring, Egerton will serve as executive producer alongside Richard Plepler through Eden Productions, Dan Friedkin and Bradley Thomas through Imperative Entertainment and Kary Antholis.

Leguizamo is host and executive producer of MSNBC’s hit travel show, Leguizamo Does America, which is currently in production on its second season.

He recently starred in Amazon series The Power, alongside Toni Collette, in Showtime’s five-part drama series Waco: The Aftermath, and in Mark Mylod’s horror comedy The Menu.

Leguizamo stars in the independent film Bob Trevino Likes It, which recently premiered at SXSW, winning the SXSW Grand Jury Award and the Audience Award in the Narrative Feature category.

He also stars as federal agent Gordon Rogers in The Green Veil drama series, which he produced alongside director Aram Rappaport.

Upcoming, he hosts the PBS documentary series American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos, a project he co-created with director Ben De Jesus. He’ll also be seen in the upcoming thriller feature Tin Soldier, opposite Robert Di Niro, Jamie Foxx and Rita Ora.

Cameron Diaz In Talks to Star in Apple Original Films’ Dark Comedy “Outcome”

Cameron Diaz is looking at all possible outcomes

The 51-year-old Cuban American actress is in final talks to co-star opposite Keanu Reeves in Apple Original Films’ dark comedy Outcome.

Cameron DiazJonah Hill will direct and star in the film.

Co-written by Hill and Ezra WoodsOutcome follows Reef (Reeves), a damaged Hollywood star who must dive into the dark depths of his past to confront his demons and make amends after he is extorted with a mysterious video clip.

An Apple Studios production, the film will be produced by Matt Dines, Ali Goodwin and Hill under their Strong Baby banner.

The film marks the latest collaboration for Hill and Apple Original Films; they are also developing a Grateful Dead biopic with Martin Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions, to be directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. Hill is starring and producing under Strong Baby with Dines and Goodwin.

After taking a long break from acting, Diaz, known for her roles in such hits as Bad Teacher, The Mask and There’s Something About Maryis making a strong return, starring this year in the Netflix action comedy Back in Action opposite Jamie Foxx.

Outcome will mark her first role since Sony’s Annie in 2014.

Since then, Diaz has still been busy on other fronts when she added author to her list of accomplishments with the 2014 publication of the New York Times bestseller The Body Book: The Law of Hunger, the Science of Strength, and Other Ways to Love Your Amazing Body, followed by The Longevity Book: The Science of Aging, the Biology of Strength, and the Privilege of Time in 2017.

In 2020, Cameron and serial entrepreneur Katherine Power launched Avaline, a collection of organically farmed wines.

Starz Order Pilot of Documentary-Style Format Interview Series from Fat Joe

Fat Joe is seeing Starz

Starz has given a pilot order for an interview series with a documentary-style format from the 52-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American hip hop star and television personality and Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Fat JoeProduced by SpringHill, founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter), the pilot will feature Fat Joe sitting with celebrities and high-profile guests as the show’s host.

“We’re about to create the biggest and most culturally-relevant series on television,” said Fat Joe in a statement. “With Puff, LeBron, the incredible team at Starz, and myself teaming up, you have a dream team that is guaranteed to produce TV gold. Hosting a show has always been a dream of mine and I’m thankful for everyone who helped make it a reality. I promise you that we’re going to push the envelope, deliver compelling interviews and provide pure entertainment. Do remember – you don’t know who I know!”

“I’m excited to partner with Starz and bring these cultural giants together to create the No. 1 show on television,” added Combs. “Fat Joe is a very authentic and respected voice in the culture that deserves a platform to bring these important conversations to a global audience on a major network.”

Fat Joe continues to expand in the television space with various projects on the horizon.

A pilot is currently in development from Starz and BET Studios titled The Book of Jose about the rapper’s life from Fat Joe, Kenya Barris and Jorge Reyes.

On the hosting front, he launched The Fat Joe Show, a nightly Instagram Live talk show where he interviewed politicians, musicians, athletes, actors, entrepreneurs, and influential personalities like Dr. Anthony Fauci, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Floyd Mayweather, Dwyane Wade, Jamie Foxx, and Alicia Keys.

He also recently served as a guest host for both The Wendy Williams Show and the official recap for Triller’s Verzuz platform.

“Time and time again, Fat Joe has delivered outstanding, insightful interviews with legendary personalities who define the zeitgeist, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Starz family,” said Kathryn Busby, President, Original Programming, Starz. “Fat Joe, Sean Combs, and LeBron James are inspirational icons, and we can’t wait to get started on this incredible journey.”

Luis Guzman to Star in Aristotle Torres’ Directorial Debut

Luis Guzmán has a Story to tell…

The 65-year-old Puerto Rican actor will star in Aristotle Torres’ feature directorial debut Story Ave, for FirstGen Content and Jamie Foxx’s Foxxhole Productions.

Luis GuzmanGuzman will star opposite Asante Blackk in the film, which has wrapped production in New York.

It will also star Alex Hibbert, Melvin Gregg, Cassandra Freeman and Coral Peña.

Based on Torres’ 2018 short of the same name co-written by Bonsu Thompson — which was, in turn, based on Torres’ life — Story Ave follows a teenage graffiti artist (Blackk) who, after running away from home, holds up an unsuspecting MTA worker (Guzmán) in a robbery gone right that changes their lives forever.

Story Ave is a FirstGen Content and Foxxhole Entertainment Production, in association with Mero Mero Production, The Space Program, and Dark Rabbit Productions.

Torres and Thompson developed the feature through the Sundance Director and Screenwriter Labs, with Guzmán and his son, executive producer Cemi Guzmán of Dark Rabbit Productions, joining the project in its infancy and proving instrumental in advancing Torres’ vision.

Blackk is an Emmys and Critics’ Choice Award nominee who found his breakout role in Ava DuVernay’s Netflix limited series When They See Us, which had him portraying Central Park Five member Kevin Richardson.

The actor most recently appeared on NBC’s hit show This Is Us as Déjà Pearson’s (Lyric Ross) boyfriend, Malik, and is set to make his feature debut in Cory Finley’s Landscape with Invisible Hand for MGM and Plan B, opposite Tiffany Haddish.

Guzmán is an Independent Award nominee known for turns in such films as The Taking of Pelham 123Fast Food NationWaiting…Anger ManagementPunch-Drunk LoveThe Count of Monte CristoTrafficBoogie Nights and Carlito’s Way, among many others. Notable TV credits include HightownUltra City SmithsShamelessGodfather of Harlem, RoadiesNarcos and Oz. The actor recently made an appearance on Peacock’s The Resort and will next be seen in Netflix’s Addams Family series Wednesday, as well as Gareth Evans’ action-thriller Havoc, among other projects

John Leguizamo to Star in the Action Film “Tin Soldier”

John Leguizamo is soldiering forward…

The 61-year-old Colombian actor will star in the action movie Tin Soldier, which begins filming next week in Greece.

John LeguizamoLeguizamo will star opposite Jamie Foxx, Robert De Niro and Scott Eastwood in the project.

Tin Soldier tells the story of The Bokushi (Foxx), who preaches to hundreds of veterans who have been drawn to the promise of protection and purpose under him. Surrounded by his devout military-trained followers, he has built an impenetrable fortress and amassed an arsenal of weapons. After several failed infiltration attempts, the government – in the form of military operative Emmanuel Ashburn (De Niro) – recruits Nash Cavanaugh (Eastwood), an ex-special forces asset, who was once a disciple of The Bokushi. Nash agrees to use his vulnerable past and insider knowledge of the enigmatic leader to finally get revenge on the man who took everything from him, including the love of his life.

WME Independent is handling international sales with CAA Media Finance and WME Independent co-repping North America.

Brad Furman is directing from his script with Jess Fuerst. Unified Pictures’ Keith Kjarval, Current Entertainment’s Steven Chasman and Romulus Entertainment’s Brad Feinstein will produce.

Furman and Fuerst will also produce under their Road Less Traveled Productions banner.

Producers Kjarval and Chasman said: “As longtime friends, working with Brad (Furman) to craft an inspired and clever action film is a dream come true as we have formed a family along the way. Brad and Jess (Fuerst) have written such a powerful screenplay that has allowed us to put together an amazing diverse group of actors. With such incredible talent, this is going to be a wild ride.”

“I am honored to be a part of the team behind such an ambitious, important and deeply personal work in Tin Soldier,” Furman said. “With awe-inspiring settings and set pieces built for the big screen, this is an original story about struggle, sacrifice and the power of love and acceptance. To collaborate with a cast of this caliber is beyond humbling. The individual inspiration they have brought to each role is like nothing I have seen before. This has been an exciting journey and my hope is the film is even more exciting for audiences around the world.”

Alfred Molina to Reprise Role as Doctor Octopus in Next Installment of “Spider-Man” Franchise

Alfred Molina is ready for an mollusk-uous reprisal…

The 67-year-old half-Spanish actor will return as scientist-turned-villain Otto Octavius a.k.a Doctor Octopus in the forthcoming third installment of Sony/Marvel’s Tom Holland-led Spider-Man franchise.

Alfred Molina Doctor Octopus Spider-Man

The Emmy and Golden Globe nominee’s character first appeared in 2004’s Spider-Man 2, starring Toby Maguire and directed by Sam Raimi. A

nd he won’t be the only one from a previous Spidey-verse who’ll make an appearance. Early this year, it was revealed that Jamie Foxx would be returning as Electro from Andrew Garfield’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Jon Watts is back to direct the sequel to the $2 billion-grossing franchise. Stars Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Jacob Batalon, and Tony Revolori are expected to return as well.

Spider-Man 3 is currently scheduled for release on December 17, 2021.

Anitta to Take Part in Special One-On-One Conversation with Ryan Tedder at This Year’s Virtual Latin Music Week

Anitta is ready to open up about being a girl from Rio

The 27-year-old Brazilian singer, who recently released the Cardi B & Myke Towers collaboration “Me Gusta,” will take part in this year’s virtual Latin Music Week (Oct. 20-23).

AnittaAnitta joins a list of new additions to the roster that includes Anuel AA, Becky G, Nicky JamLos Tigres del Norte and Wisin.

Anitta and producer and lead singer of OneRepublic, Ryan Tedder, will take part in a one-on-one conversation about working together on Anitta’s forthcoming album, Girl From Rio and much more.

Puerto Rican rapper and Billboard Latin Music Awards finalist Anuel AA will be joined by his close friend, Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx, to talk about their upcoming joint music and film projects, including a documentary on Anuel’s life, produced by Anuel, Foxx, and RD Whittington.

Mexican-American hitmaker Becky G will join Jorge and Hernán Hernández from the iconic norteño group Los Tigres del Norte to discuss the role artists currently play in engaging voters and the immigrant experience as seen by two generations of iconic Mexican American artists.

Reggaeton star Nicky Jam will discuss the process behind his songs with Billboard’s Latin industry lead Leila Cobo for the “Sony ATV Iconic Songwriter” panel.

And Latin urban superstar Wisin will be joined by Latin music executive Walter Kolm to chat about how the two are expanding into their own label operations, how they are discovering new talent and creating new and novel marketing and promotions strategies in the music business, in a panel moderated by Enrique Santos, chairman and chief creative officer of iHeart Latino.

The newly-announced panelists join a star-studded Latin Music Week that will also feature superstar speakers like J Balvin, Maluma, Jennifer Lopez, Rosalía, Ozuna, Carlos Vives, Sech and Camilo. This year’s Latin Music Week, which was originally scheduled to take place April 20-23 in Las Vegas, NV and was postponed due to COVID-19.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary as the longest-running and biggest Latin music industry, the three day immersive experience dedicated to Latin Music, culture and entertainment, will feature intimate artist conversations, industry panels, workshops and performances. Additional participants and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. To reserve a spot and receive updates, RSVP here.

Selena Gomez Urges Facebook to Stop the Spread of “Hate, Misinformation, Racism and Bigotry”

Selena Gomez is going straight to the source in the fight against online misinformation and hate speech…

The 28-year-old Mexican American singer/actress shared on Instagram Stories a direct message to Facebook leaders Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, calling them out for their lack of accountability.

Selena Gomez

Gomez, who has 193 million followers on Instagram (owned by Facebook) and tops 77 million on Facebook itself, asked Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder and CEO, and Sandberg, its chief operating officer, to start talking about misinformation and hate speech.

Gomez didn’t specify what information she classified as belonging to those categories, but called on Zuckerberg and Sandberg to shut down individuals and groups promoting it.

“Facebook and Instagram are being used to spread hate, misinformation, racism, and bigotry,” she wrote, days after a significant push by stars like Rosario Dawson, Kim Kardashian, Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Ruffalo, Dwyane Wade and Katy Perry promoted #StopHateforProfit by blacking out their social media activities.

“I am calling you both to HELP STOP THIS. Please shut down groups and users focused on spreading hate speech violence and misinformation. Our future depends on it.”

Gomez also pointed to the national election in her message. She’s a co-chair of “When We All Vote,” a claimed nonpartisan organization that encourages voter participation. Michelle Obama, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Shonda Rhimes are among its leaders.

“We cannot afford to have misinformation about voting,” Gomez said in her message. “There has to be fact-checking and accountability. Hope to hear back from you ASAP.”

Facebook has not yet publicly responded to Gomez.

Tom Segura to Take Part in Netflix’s LA-Based Netflix is a Joke Fest

Tom Segurais bringing the jokes to the City of Angels…

The 40-year-old half-Peruvian American comedian is set to take part in Netflix’s Netflix is a Joke Fest, set for April 27-May 3 in Los Angeles.

Tom Segura

For one week, the streaming giant is partnering with Live Nationto bring more than 100 live shows and events to various venues in L.A. with recorded shows available on the platform later this year.

Netflix Is A Joke, Netflix’s comedy brand, will present the all-star fest that will include Segura, Cristela AlonzoAli Wong, Amy SchumerBill BurrDave Chappelle, David LettermanJamie FoxxJane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, Kevin HartMartin LawrenceSebastian Maniscalco, the cast of Schitt’s Creekand more.

The festival will include a special Latino-themed stand up showtitled Los Comediantes de Latinoamérica. The show will feature a who’s who of Latin American comedians. Special guests include Fabrizio Copano, Liss Pereira, Ricardo O’Farrill, and Ricardo Quevedo.

In addition, the fest will feature STAND OUT: An LGBTQ+ Celebration,putting the spotlight on LGBTQ+ comedic talent including Bianca del RioWanda Sykes, Alan CarrHannah GadsbyMargaret ChoRosie O’Donnelland Sandra Bernhard.

The fest will close on May 3 with the very first The Hall,a first-of-its-kind hall of fame honoring the greats of stand-up comedy. Dave Chappelle, Kevin HartChris RockBilly CrystalWhoopi GoldbergJerry SeinfeldSarah Silverman, Wanda Sykes and others will pay homage to and induct comedy legends George CarlinRichard Pryor,Joan Riversand Robin Williamsinto The Hall. The Hall will be taped at the Ace Theaterin L.A. and stream in May.

The Hallwill have a physical home in a newly designed wing of the National Comedy Centerin Jamestown, New York.

“It’s our honor to transform LA for one week into the funniest place on earth,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer. “This festival is a unique celebration of the art of comedy, and the role it plays in reflecting our lives and defining culture. It’s a chance for comedy lovers to come together and see their favorite artists as well as discover new ones, and for us to be able to share the electricity and excitement of the festival in Los Angeles with Netflix members around the world.”

The festival will take place across over 20 venues in L.A. including the Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theatre, Hollywood Palladium, The Largo and others.

Read the complete list of live and recorded events and shows below.

THE THEATRE AT ACE HOTEL
The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up (recorded) 
The best comedians of today honoring the greatest stand-up comedians of all-time. With appearances by Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Chris Rock, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, & Wanda Sykes.

THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL
Chappelle’s
An evening of music and comedy featuring Dave Chappelle and very special guests.

THE GREEK
STAND OUT: An LGBTQ+ celebration at The Greek Theatre (recorded) 
A Historic Celebration of the best in LGBTQ+ Comedy. Legends, headliners, and top emerging talent will share the same stage at The Greek Theatre for an unforgettable and unprecedented stand-up event with special guests and musical performances.  Headliners include Alan Carr, Hannah Gadsby, Margaret Cho, Rosie O’Donnell, Sandra Bernhard and Wanda Sykes. Presenters include Demi Lovato, Graham Norton, Lily Tomlin, Ruby Rose. Featuring Bianca Del Rio, Fortune Feimster, Gina Yashere, Guy Branum, James Adomian, Joel Kim Booster, Judy Gold, Lea DeLaria, Mae Martin, Marsha Warfield, Matteo Lane, Patti Harrison, Rhea Butcher, Sam Jay, Scott Thompson, Solomon Georgio, Trixie Mattel and more. STAND OUT is produced by Page Hurwitz and Wanda Sykes for Push It Productions.

THE FONDA
That’s My Time with David Letterman (recorded)
Legendary late-night host David Letterman returns to his roots to showcase some of today’s finest stand up comedians to perform and then join him for a one-of-a-kind interview.

THE PALLADIUM
Netflix Is A Joke at The Palladium Hosted by Jamie Foxx (recorded)
Megastar and Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx hosts this loaded lineup featuring some of his favorite comedians!

Netflix Is A Joke at The Palladium Hosted by Amy Schumer (recorded)
Movie star and powerhouse standup Amy Schumer hosts this epic night filled with some of Netflix’s hottest comedians!

Netflix Is A Joke at The Palladium Hosted by Martin Lawrence (recorded)
From Def Comedy Jam 25, superstar comedian Martin Lawrence returns to Netflix to host an evening of heavy hitting stand-up.

Netflix Is A Joke at The Palladium Hosted by Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin (recorded)
Comedy icons and Grace & Frankie stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin host an evening of top notch stand-up from an all-lady lineup.

 THE WILTERN

  • Sebastian Maniscalcolive
  • Ali Wong: The Milk and MoneyTourlive
  • 2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer live podcast
  • The Degenerates Live Hosted by Jim Jefferies
  •  The Degenerates is BACK and it’s LIVE. You loved the first two seasons of this no-holds-barred comedy show featuring the hottest rising stars of comedy. Now this crude and lewd show is hitting LA for a special Live edition hosted by Jim Jefferies featuring Big Jay Oakersen, Christina P, Ms. Pat, Robert Kelly and more.
  • Ronny Chieng live
  • Park Na-rae live
  • Ken Jeong live
  • Chelsea Handler live

THE ORPHEUM

  • Kevin Hart in Conversation – A moderated Q&A session with comedy superstar and business mogul Kevin Hart.
  • Iliza Shlesinger The Forever Tour
  • Schitt’s Creek: The Farewell Tour with Dan Levy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Annie Murphy , Noah Reid, Emily Hampshire. Join Schitt’s Creek cast members for a live, interactive evening that promises to be fun and insightful while giving fans an insider’s look into the making of the series.
  • Jack Whitehall live

WILSHIRE EBELL

  • Mike Birbiglia live
  • Congratulations with Chris D’Elia live podcast
  • Michelle Wolf live
  • Middleditch & Schwartz improv live

PALACE

  • Norm Macdonald live

THE AVALON

  • Pete Davidson & Best Friends (recorded)
  • Pete Davidson and his friends are doing stand-up comedy for you and your friends.
  • Los Comediantes de Latinoamérica(recorded)
  • Los Comediantes de Latinoamérica is a loaded stand up show featuring a who’s who of Latin American comedians. Special guests include Fabrizio Copano, Liss Pereira, Ricardo O’Farrill, and Ricardo Quevedo.
  • The India All Star Show hosted by Vir Das (recorded)
  • The India All Star Show is jam packed with the best stand up comedians from India featuring performances in both Hindi and English. Special guests include: Aditi Mittal, Amit Tandon, Kanan Gill, Kaneez Surka, Kenny Sebastian, Prashasti Singh, and Sumukhi Suresh. 

REGENT

  • Marlon Wayans live
  • Russell Howard live
  • Deon Cole live
  • Christina Pazsitzky live
  • Vir Das live

LARGO

  • Jacqueline Novak Get On Your Knees live
  • Jenny Slate live
  • Katherine Ryan live
  • Tom Papa & Fortune Feimster live
  • Whitney Cummings & Friends live

DYNASTY TYPEWRITER

  • Cristela Alonzo live
  • Taylor Tomlinson live
  • Catherine Cohen live
  • London Hughes live
  • Mo Gilligan live
  • The Endless Honeymoon with Moshe Kasher & Natasha Leggero live podcast

COMEDY UNION

  • The Arsenio Hall Comedy Showcase (recorded for SiriusXM)
  • Arsenio Hall presents a lineup of the funniest comedians in LA at the legendary Comedy Union.

IMPROV

  • Whindersson Nunes & Friends live
  • They Ready Live live
  • Luenell live

IMPROV LAB AND IMPROV LAB

  • Janelle James & Friends live
  • Trevor Wilson live
  • Pat live

LAUGH FACTORY

  • Best of Canada live

THE ROOSEVELT HOTEL

  • Tim Dillon live
  • Chad Goes Deep “Going Deep” live podcast

THE BELASCO

  • Felipe Esparza live

DETAILS FORTHCOMING

  • Bumping Mics with Jeff Ross & Dave Attell Season 2 (recorded)
  • Best buds Jeff Ross and Dave Attell are bringing their uncut savagery for an all new season of Bumping Mics. Inviting friends and special guests from all over comedy to hang, riff and roast one another. No mic will go un-bumped.

Aunty Donna live sketch

Daddy Yankee Leads Team World to Victory at MLB’s Annual Celebrity Softball Game

Daddy Yankee is always ready to play ball…

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican rap superstar joined several celebrities over the weekend at Cleveland’s Progressive Fieldfor Major League Baseball’s annual celebrity softball game.

Daddy Yankee

This year’s roster was divided into two celebrity teams:Team Cleveland, which included Drew CareyMachine Gun KellyQuavo, and Hall of FameJim Thome; and Team World, including Daddy YankeeAnuel AAJamie Foxx, and Dascha Polanco

Team World

Yankee, who aspired to become a professional baseball player before becoming one of the pioneers of reggaeton,played third base and was pitcher during Sunday’s game, his publicist Mayna Nevareztold Billboard.

 In true Daddy Yankee fashion, his global hit “Con Calma” blasted throughout the field when it was his turn to bat. 

A true baseball aficionado, Daddy Yankee owns a softball team in Puerto Rico called “El Cartel Softball,” which focuses on doing charitable games. 

On Instagram, Latin trap sensation Anuel AA shared a photo of him and Daddy Yankee in the locker room. “Smile at life because it’s only one!!!!” he expressed before Team World ultimately won the game with a final score of 21-16.