Colman Domingo Among Voice Cast of DreamWorks Animation’s Animated Feature “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken”

Colman Domingo is getting animated…

The 53-year-old Belizean-Guatemalan American actor and social justice activist, an Emmy and Tony Award winner, will form part of the voice cast of DreamWorks Animation’s animated feature, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken.

Colman DomingoThe film is set for wide release via Universal on June 30th.

Domingo joins a voice cast that includes Lana Condor in the title role, Toni Collette, Jane Fonda, Annie Murphy, Sam Richardson, Blue Chapman and Jaboukie Young-White.

Directed by Kirk De Micco, with Faryn Pearl as co-director, the film is an action-comedy about a shy teenager who discovers that she’s part of a legendary royal lineage of mythical sea krakens and that her destiny, in the depths of the oceans, is bigger than she ever dreamed.

Sweet, awkward 16-year-old Ruby Gillman (Condor) is desperate to fit in at Oceanside High, but she mostly just feels invisible. She’s math-tutoring her skater-boy crush (Young-White), who only seems to admire her for her fractals, and she’s prevented from hanging out with the cool kids at the beach because her over-protective supermom (Collette) has forbade her from ever getting in the water. But when she breaks her mom’s #1 rule, Ruby will discover that she is a direct descendant of the warrior Kraken queens and is destined to inherit the throne from her commanding grandmother (Fonda), the Warrior Queen of the Seven Seas.

The Kraken are sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the vain, power-hungry mermaids who have been battling with the Kraken for eons. But there’s one major, and immediate, problem with that: The school’s beautiful, popular new girl, Chelsea (Murphy) just happens to be a mermaid. Ruby will ultimately need to embrace who she is and go big to protect those she loves most.

Rounding out the cast of Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken are Will Forte and Nicole Byer, Liza Koshy, Ramona Young, Eduardo Franco and Echo Kellum. While it’s not yet clear who wrote the script, Kelly Cooney Cilella served as the film’s producer, with Grammy-winning composer and Universal Composers Initiative alum Stephanie Economou penning the score.

Gloria Estefan Among All-Star Singers Appearing on New Single “Gonna Be You”

Gloria Estefan is teaming up with fellow icons for a special single…

The 65-year-old Cuban Grammy-winning singer/songwriter is joining voices with Dolly Parton, Belinda Carlisle, Cyndi Lauper and Debbie Harry for the new single “Gonna Be You.”

Gloria EstefanThe Diane Warren-penned track will be released on January 20 in advance of the upcoming Paramount Pictures road trip comedy 80 For Brady.

“When I wrote ‘Gonna Be You’ for 80 FOR BRADY, I wanted to write a song that celebrated these women’s deep friendship,” said Warren in a statement. “Since 80 was in the title I got a crazy idea, why not get some of the most iconic singers from the 80s, who are still amazing and always will be, to all sing it?!!!! Everyone I approached said yes and was just as excited as me!! I’m honored to have Dolly Parton, Belinda Carlisle, Cyndi Lauper, Gloria Estefan and Debbie Harry on this song!! ‘Gonna Be You’ is that song you want to sing along to with all your good friends!!!”

The anthem will accompany the film starring an equally star-studded cast of Oscar winners and nominees led by Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno and Sally Field that was inspired by the true story of four best friends who take a trip to the 2017 Super Bowl to see their hero QB Tom Brady play in the big game; the movie will hit screens on February 3.

 

 

Paramount Pictures Releases First Trailer for Rita Moreno’s “80 for Brady”

It’s a very Brady time for Rita Moreno 

Paramount Pictures has released the first trailer for the 90-year-old Puerto Rican actress’ new film 80 for Brady, which also stars Tom Brady, Lily TomlinJane Fonda and Sally Field.

Rita Moreno, 80 for BradyDirected by Kyle Marvin80 for Brady is inspired by the true story of four best friends who take a life-changing trip to the 2017 Super Bowl LI to see their hero Brady play.

The film, which will open in wide release on February 3, also includes Sara Gilbert, Harry Hamlin, Glynn Turman, Bob Balaban, Ron Funches, Jimmy O. Yang, Billy Porter, Guy Fieri, Rob Corddry, Alex Moffa and Matt Lauria, among others.

80 for Brady was written by Emily Halpern & Sarah Haskins.

Rita Moreno to Star in “80 For Brady”

Rita Moreno is getting in the game

Paramount Pictures has announced that the 90-year-old Puerto Rican actress, dancer, and singer has joined the cast of 80 for Brady, its upcoming film starring seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom BradyLily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and others.

Rita Moreno,The film will open wide in theaters on February 3.

80 for Brady now is set to open against M. Night Shyamalan’s latest mystery-shrouded thriller Knock at the Cabin for Universal Pictures.

The film is inspired by the true story of four best friends who take a life-changing trip to the 2017 Super Bowl LI to see their Sally Field, Sara Gilbert, Harry Hamlin, Glynn Turman, Bob Balaban, Ron Funches hero Brady play.. The film’s starry ensemble also includes and Jimmy O. Yang.

Kyle Marvin, who co-wrote and starred in Sony Pictures Classics The Climb and more recently appeared in Apple TV+’s WeCrashed, is directing from a script by Emily Halpern & Sarah Haskins.

Fifth Season, formerly Endeavor Content developed the film with Brady and Academy Award winner Donna Gigliotti (Hidden Figures), with Paramount Pictures subsequently acquiring worldwide rights. Gigliotti and Fifth Season are producing with Brady through his production company, 199 Productions, with Marvin and Covino exec producing under their Watch This Ready banner, alongside Jeff Stott.

Andy Garcia Returning for “Book Club 2 – The Next Chapter”

Andy Garcia is heading back to book club…

The 66-year-old Cuban actor will star opposite Diane KeatonJane FondaCandice BergenMary Steenburgen, Don Johnson and Craig T. Nelson in Book Club 2, which has entered production in Italy.

Andy GarciaGarcia and his cast mates will reprise their roles from the original film, Book Club, with Giancarlo Giannini, Hugh Quarshie and Vincent Riotta joining the sequel as new cast members.

The original 2018 film followed four lifelong friends—played by Keaton, Fonda, Bergen and Steenburgen—whose lives were forever changed after reading 50 Shades of Grey in their monthly book club. Paramount Pictures released it in May of 2018 and saw it gross upwards of $104M worldwide against its $14M budget.

The sequel will follow our four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. When things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure.

Bill Holderman has returned as director, having once again penned the script with Erin Simms.

Endeavor Content is financing and producing Book Club 2 – The Next Chapter, with Holderman and Simms also aboard as producers.

Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S., with Universal Pictures International distributing it internationally.

Garcia will next star in Father of the Bride.

Andy Garcia to Star in the Courtroom Drama “Miranda’s Victim”

Andy Garcia is heading to court…

The 66-year-old Cuban actor will star in the courtroom drama Miranda’s Victim from director Michelle Danner, with production on the project underway in New Jersey.

Andy GarciaGarcia will star opposite Abigail BreslinLuke Wilson and Donald Sutherland  in the film, which is written by J. Craig Stiles and George Kolber.

The film will tell the true story of Trish Weir (Breslin), who in 1963 was kidnapped and brutally raped by Ernesto Miranda. Committed to putting her assailant in prison, Trish’s life is destroyed by America’s legal system as she triggers a law that transforms the nation.

Wilson will play Lawrence Turoff, the country prosecutor that convinces Trish to testify and helps her bring her aggressor to justice, with Garcia as public defender Alvin Moore, who takes on Miranda’s case, and Sutherland as Judge Wren, who convicts Miranda for the rape of Weir.

Danner and Kolber are producing alongside Valerie Debler, Brian Drillinger and Alexandra Guarnieri.

The production company involved is Navesink River Productions.

“The first time I read George Kolber’s riveting script and learned about Trish’s experience, it moved and inspired me,” said Danner. “”Miranda’s Victim” puts us at the intersection between a brutal rape case and and a national movement for civil liberties.”

Garcia is an Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy nominee whose recent film credits include Guy Ritchie’s Jason Statham actioner Wrath of Man; the comedy Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, with Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo and Jamie Dornan; the romantic drama Words on Bathroom Walls, with Charlie Plummer and Taylor Russell; Clint Eastwood’s crime drama, The Mule; Sacha Gervasi’s Emmy-nominated TV movie My Dinner with Hervé for HBO; Ol Parker’Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again; and the comedy Book Club, with Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda and Candice Bergen.

The actor’s credits on the television side include RebelFlipped and Ballers.

He’ll next be seen in Warner Bros. and HBO Max’s Father of the Bride; the romantic drama What About Love, with Sharon Stone; and Lionsgate’s The Expendables 4.

Apple Original Films & Skydance Animation Release Teaser Trailer of Eva Noblezada’s Animated Film “Luck”

Eva Noblezada’s luck is changing…

Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation have dropped the first teaser trailer for Luck, featuring the voice of the 26-year-old half-Mexican American Tony Award-nominated actress and singer.

Eva NoblezadaThe animated film reps the first feature film from Skydance Animation.

Luck will debut on Apple TV+ globally on Friday, August 5.

The film, directed by Peggy Holmes, centers around the story of Sam Greenfield (Noblezada), the unluckiest person in the world. When she discovers the never-before-seen Land of Luck, Sam must unite with the magical creatures there to turn her luck around.

The Land of Luck is revealed in the trailer, via a nice tour of the place conducted by Bob (Simon Pegg), a lucky black cat. Flula Borg, Lil Rel Howery, Colin O’Donoghue, John Ratzenberger and Adelynn Spoon also star alongside Jane Fonda and Whoopi Goldberg.

Kiel Murray penned the original screenplay. John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and David Eisenmann are producing for Skydance Animation.

Exclusive first-look footage of Luck will be shared at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival’s Work in Progress sessions in June.

Eva Noblezada to Star in Apple Original Films & Skydance Animation’s “Luck”

Eva Noblezada is feelin’ Luck-y…

Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation’s Luck, starring the 25-year-old half-Mexican American actress and singer, will debut on AppleTV+ across the world on Friday, August 5.

Eva NoblezadaNoblezada is among a list of new cast additions that includes Simon Pegg, Flula Borg, Lil Rel Howery, Colin O’Donoghue, John Ratzenberger and Adelynn Spoon.

They’ll star alongside Jane Fonda and Whoopi Goldberg.

Luck centers around the story of Sam Greenfield, the unluckiest person in the world. When she discovers the never-before-seen Land of Luck, Sam must unite with the magical creatures there to turn her luck around.

Broadway star Noblezada (HadestownMiss Saigon) will provide the voice for the character of Sam. When she ages out of foster care, Sam discovers the Land of Luck and embarks on a quest that could change her luck forever.

Producers Guild to Honor Rita Moreno with Stanley Kramer Award

Rita Moreno is earning yet another honor…

The Producers Guild will present the 90-year-old Puerto Rican actress, singer and dancer with the 2022 Stanley Kramer Award at the 33rd annual PGA Awards, set for March 19 at the Fairmont Century Plaza.

Rita MorenoThe honor goes to a production, producer or other individuals “whose achievement or contribution illuminates and raises public awareness of important social issues.”

Moreno, an EGOT winner, will join previous recipients including Jane Fonda as well as Get Out, Loving, Fruitvale Station, The Normal Heart, Bombshell, The Hunting Ground, An Inconvenient Truth and Hotel Rwanda.

Kramer’s work included such iconic films as Inherit the Wind, On the Beach, The Defiant Ones and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.

“With grace, intelligence, charisma, and kindness, Rita Moreno made her mark in history as a brilliant entertainer and leveraged that star power to shepherd stories that tap into the human experience and represent people and communities we rarely see celebrated in film and TV,” PGA presidents Gail Berman and Lucy Fisher said Wednesday. “Beyond her on-screen contributions, she has used her unmistakable voice to hold a mirror to the prejudices and inequities that she so often experienced throughout her career. Her activism, strength, and artistic contributions set the precedent for how to be a changemaker in Hollywood, and it is our great honor to present Rita with the Stanley Kramer Award this year.”

Moreno most recently appeared and executive produced Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story after winning an Oscar for the original film, the latest in a seven-decade career that began with her Broadway debut at 13. She has appeared in more than 40 feature films and countless TV series including most recently Norman Lear’s remake of One Day at a Time. Her documentary Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It had its world debut at Sundance Film Festival last year.

Moreno previously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush, the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama, the SAG Life Achievement Award, the Peabody Career Achievement Award and a Kennedy Center Honor.

“The last thing I ever dreamed of in my young life was being honored in any circumstance,” Moreno said. “That the Producers Guild of America has chosen to honor me not only for my work but for the principles I have tried to uphold and live by throughout my life is so gratifying. I am thrilled.”

Demi Lovato Launching New Podcast “4D with Demi Lovato”

Demi Lovato is certainly in rapid cadence

The 28-year-old half-Mexican American actress, who recently appeared in the YouTube Originals docuseries Dancing with the Devil, will launch 4D with Demi Lovato with podcast company Cadence13.

Demi Lovato

“Building upon the success of the documentary, we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner again with Demi through our audio division, OBB Sound, and continue to champion Demi’s voice using the powerful medium of audio,” added Michael D. Ratner, Founder, President and CEO, OBB Media. “We have incredible partners on this show in both SB Projects and Cadence13, and look forward to sharing this project with the world.”