Disney+ to Begin Streaming Rosario Dawson’s “Haunted Mansion” in October

Rosario Dawson’s latest film will be bringing the fright to Disney+ soon.

Haunted Mansion, starring the 44-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actress and activist, will begin streaming on Disney+ on October 4.

Rosario Dawson, Haunted MansionThe feature, inspired by the famed theme park ride at Disneyland, Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland, opened in theaters on July 28.

Directed by Justin Simien and penned by Katie Dippold, the film tells the story of a woman (Dawson) and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help them rid their home of supernatural squatters.

In addition to Dawson, the cast includes LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Chase W. Dillon and Daniel Levy, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto as The Hatbox Ghost.

The film also will be available at digital retailers on October 4, including Prime Video, Apple TV and Vudu.

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.

Daniel Brühl to Star as Late Fashion Designer Karl Lagerfeld in Disney+’s Series “Kaiser Karl”

Daniel Brühl is taking on a fashion legend…

The 44-year-old Spanish-German actor and filmmaker will star as late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in Kaiser Karl, the anticipated Disney+ original series which Gaumont is currently producing.

Daniel BruhlThe six-part series is currently shooting in France, Monaco and Italy.

The series will chronicle the rise of Lagerfeld through the world of 1970s Parisian high fashion. In 1972, a 38-year-old Lagerfeld aspired to become the most famous French fashion designer, at a time when Yves Saint Laurent reigned supreme. Lagerfeld went on to become the head designer and creative director of Chanel, Fendi and his own label.

The series will also explore the rivalry between Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent’s partner Pierre Berge, as well as his love story with Jacques de Bascher.

Along with depicting the clan rivalries and ego battles of the high fashion world, the series will also portray the epic partying and decadence, tragic love affairs and friendships, which marked Lagerfeld’s life.

Jérôme Salle, the well-known French director, will be the “artistic mastermind” behind the series and is set to direct Episodes 1, 2 and 6, while up-and-coming director Audrey Estrougo will helm the other three.

Brühl, one of Germany’s biggest and most internationally driven stars, will headline the series alongside Théodore Pellerin as de Bascher; Arnaud Valois as Yves Saint Laurent; Alex Lutz as Pierre Bergé; and Agnès Jaoui as Gaby Aghion, the founder of the Chloé brand who helped elevate Lagerfeld.

A showcase of queer subculture and the glamorous Parisian world of fashion, the upcoming premium series will mark the first dramatic series on the famed designer, who has previously been the subject of documentaries.

Kaiser Karl was created and adapted for television by Isaure Pisani-Ferry, Jennifer Have and Raphaëlle Bacqué, author of the bestselling biography of the same name.

A movie biopic is also being made on Lagerfeld with Jared Leto attached to play the designer.

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

Rosario Dawson is ready to thrill

Disney has released the teaser trailer for Haunted Mansion, its theme park attraction-turned-creepy comedy adventure film starring the 43-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actress and activist.

Rosario DawsonJustin Simien directs a cast that includes LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Dawson, Chase W. Dillon and Dan Levy, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto. Kate Dippold wrote the script.

The plot centers on a woman (Dawson) and her son (Dillon) who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.

The opening shot of the trailer and some hat(box)-tips inside the house will be familiar to all who have been to Disneyland, and the comic-fright balance seems right especially thanks to the vibe put out by Stanfield and Wilson, with Roy Orbison’s “House Without Windows” playing in the background.

Simien introduced the film originally last summer at Comic-Con, where fans saw a fuller trailer for the film based on the ride that debuted at Disneyland in 1969 with characters including Madame Leota, the skeletal Bride and the cloaked Hatbox Ghost. Eddie Murphy starred in a 2003 movie version.

“For me, there was something about that ride I felt was there in the [new] script,” said Simien, who worked at Disneyland one summer and said Haunted Mansion was his favorite ride. “It was funny and full of interesting characters, but with a dark edge to it. I just related to it. It felt I knew how to make it. I love New Orleans and I felt I had a responsibility here to make sure all the little Easter eggs are there.”

Haunted Mansion will hit theaters on July 28.

CBS Developing Latinx Family Workplace Comedy “Family Insurance” Co-Written & Starring Al Madrigal

Al Madrigal is lowering his deductible

Eric Christian Olsen’s Cloud Nine Productions has sold Family Insurance, co-written by and starring the 51-year-old half-Mexican American comedian, writer, actor and producer, to CBS.

Al MadrigalThe network is developing the single-camera Latinx family workplace comedy into a series.

Co-written and executive produced by Madrigal and Ryan Walls, who also have deals at CBS Studios, as well as Adam LowittFamily Insurance is a Latinx family workplace comedy revolving around Al Fuentes (Madrigal) who after separating from his wife reluctantly returns to his childhood home to work at the family insurance business that his loud, tough, first generation immigrant father started.

Madrigal is known for his role as Senior Latino Correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He was also a series regular and writer on Showtime’s I’m Dying Up Here, and served as a writer, actor, and producer on the CBS show, Broke.

Madrigal’s film credits include The Way Back with co-star Ben AffleckNight School alongside Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish, and Morbius opposite Jared Leto.

America Ferrera to Star in Sony & Black Bear Pictures’ Upcoming Dramedy “Dumb Money”

America Ferrera is makin’ money moves…

The 38-year-old Honduran American award-winning actress has joined the cast of Sony and Black Bear Pictures’ upcoming dramedy Dumb Money.

America FerreraFerrera is now part of an A-list ensemble cast that includes Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Sebastian Stan, Shailene Woodley, Anthony Ramos, Vincent D’Onofrio, Dane DeHaan and Pete Davidson, with Craig Gillespie directing.

The film is based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Antisocial Network. It tells the story of fortunes won and lost overnight in the David-vs.-Goliath GameStop short squeeze that may have ended up changing Wall Street forever. It offers a gripping portrayal of how a loosely affiliated group of private investors and internet trolls on a subreddit called WallStreetBets took down one of the biggest hedge funds on Wall Street, firing the first shot in a revolution that threatened to upend the establishment.

The script was adapted by Rebecca Angelo & Lauren Schuker Blum.

Principal photography is underway.

Ferrera can be seen next year in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie alongside Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Will Ferrell, Simu Liu and Kate McKinnon. She recently starred on the Apple TV+ series WeCrashed opposite Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway.

She is making her feature directorial debut with an adaptation of Erika Sánchez’s New York Times bestselling novel  I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter for Netflix.

Jared Leto to Star in Film About Acclaimed Fashion Designer Karl Lagerfeld

Art will soon imitate fashion soon for Jared Leto.

The 50-year-old part-Spanish American actor/singer will star in a film about the acclaimed fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

Jared LetoLeto will co-produce the project with Lagerfeld’s House of Karl Lagerfeld. Leto will produce alongside his partner, Emma Ludbrook, through their production company Paradox.

The late fashion icon’s trusted confidants, Pier Paolo Righi, Caroline Lebar and Sébastien Jondeau, will partner as executive producers of the film.

For over 35 years, Lebar worked closely with Lagerfeld as an advisor for both his brand and personal communications, while Righi has served as CEO for Lagerfeld for over 10 years. Jondeau spent 20 years as the designer’s personal assistant and bodyguard, and continues his collaboration with the brand today as a Style Consultant.

“Karl has always been an inspiration to me,” says Leto. “He was a true polymath, an artist, an innovator, a leader and, most importantly, a kind man. When we came together with the Karl Lagerfeld team, we immediately shared a creative vision of doing a respectful ode to Karl while pushing the artistic boundaries of what a biopic can be. I’m so grateful to Karo, Pier and Seb for allowing us to go on this journey together.”

The exact storyline remains confidential, though the film will cover the key relationships in Lagerfeld’s life, told through an unpredictable lens, much like the man himself. Producers are currently in conversation with filmmakers.

“Over the years, we have been approached by several Hollywood producers who suggested to partner on a movie about Karl’s iconic life,” says Righi, CEO of KARL LAGERFELD. “It has been only since we met Jared and Emma that we felt truly confident about the story being told in the artistic way Karl would have loved to see. Throughout our conversations, we have created an equally trustful and inspiring creative relationship that will allow us to work together very fluidly on this beautiful project.”

The famed fashion designer died in February 2019 and continues to be revered as one of the most fascinating and celebrated creatives of this century.

More recently, on Friday, September 30, Anna Wintour (Chief Content Officer & Global Editorial Director of Vogue) and The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced the theme of the 2023 Costume Institute Exhibition and Met Gala will be Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. Dedicated to Lagerfeld’s iconic work and six-decade career, the exhibition will explore his creative process, the evolution of his designs, and his everlasting impact on fashion.

Jennifer Lopez to Perform at Charity Gala for Ukraine Children & Families

Jennifer Lopez is helping to raise funds for the children of the Ukraine…

The 53-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is set to perform on the Italian island of Capri at a Ukraine-focused charity gala for UNICEF.

Jennifer LopezExpected guests at the exclusive event, which is called LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF, include Leonardo DiCaprio; Jamie Foxx; Elon Musk’s mother, the supermodel Maye Musk; Naomi Campbell, Jared Leto, and Vanessa Hudgens.

The intimate Capri charity event will take place in the island’s Certosa di San Giacomo, a 14th-century monastery with a large grassy cloister area and a stunning view of the Mediterranean.

Lopez will be the main musical act at the exclusive gala, where the hit-making DJ Diplo and singer/actress Sofia Carson, as well as Switzerland’s DJ Cruz, are among other artists that are expected to take the stage, Italy’s La Repubblica reported.

Past editions of the charity concert have been complemented with performances by the likes of John Legend, Katy Perry and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, as well as Rita Ora, Ricky Martin and Ellie Goulding, according to Variety sister publication Women’s Wear Daily, which broke the news in May that Lopez would headline the Capri gala.

After kicking off with musical entertainment, the event will be followed by a lavish dinner and charity auction.

The guest list also includes Dutch supermodel and actor Lara Stone; U.S. producer and director Tonya Lewis Lee; Saudi producer and philanthropist Mohammed Al Turki; and, from Italy, singer and songwriter Sangiovanni and actor Matilde Gioli, according to La Repubblica.

During the charity gala, UNICEF representatives based in Ukraine will join the soirée remotely. A documentary will also screen, detailing the work being done by UNICEF at the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps in Jordan that welcome Syrian children and their families.

It’s Lopez’s first stage performance since marrying actor Ben Affleck earlier this month.

Adria Arjona to Star in Zoë Kravitz’s Directorial Debut Film “Pussy Island”

Adria Arjona is island-bound…

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican actress will star in Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut Pussy Island.

Adria ArjonaArjona will star alongside Christian SlaterAlia Shawkat, Geena DavisHaley Joel Osment, Liz Caribel Sierra, Levon Hawke, Trew Mullen, Saul Williams, Cris Costa and Kyle MacLachlan.

The actors join an ensemble that also includes Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum and Simon Rex, as previously announced.

The MGM genre film written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum follows Frida (Ackie), a young and clever Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King (Tatum). When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King’s inner circle and ultimately an intimate gathering on his private island, she is ready for a journey of a lifetime. Despite the epic setting, beautiful people, ever-flowing champagne and late-night dance parties, Frida can sense that there’s more to this island than meets the eye. Something she can’t quite put her finger on. Something terrifying.

Pussy Island is currently in production in Mexico.

Arjona most recently starred as the female lead in Sony’s Marvel film Morbius, opposite Jared Leto. She can currently be seen in HBO’s Irma Vep opposite Alicia Vikander and in HBO Max’s Father of the Bride remake, and will make her Disney+ debut in the Star Wars series Andor on August 31st.

Sierra recently wrapped on Ellen, a miniseries from Automatik and New Regency in which she stars opposite Lin Shaye. Up next, she stars as Regina in the feature God’s Time, written and directed by Daniel Antebi, which made its world premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.

Costa is an executive protection consultant who, like Hawke, is making his feature film acting debut.

Jared Leto Wins  AARP Movies for Grownups Awards Trophy for “House of Gucci”

Jared Leto is the Seniors’ choice…

The 20th anniversary AARP Movies for Grownups Awards have been announced, with the 50-year-old part-Spanish American actor and singer among the winners.

Jared Leto

Leto was named Best Supporting Actor for his performance in House of Gucci during the virtual ceremony, which was hosted by Alan Cumming.

Clifton Collins Jr. and his Nightmare Alley cast mates were named Best Ensemble.

The 51-year-old half-Mexican American actor portrays Funhouse Jack in the film from Guillermo del Toro. His costars in the film include Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara and Toni Collette.

“We are thrilled to share this year’s Movies for Grownups Awards honorees during our 20th anniversary special,” said Tim Appelo, AARP film and TV critic. “Even in a pandemic, creators continue to raise the bar, captivating audiences and giving us all a bit of solace during trying times. Twenty years is quite a milestone to celebrate, and we wish all our nominees and honorees a heartfelt congratulations.”

AARP’s Movies for Grownups program advocates for the 50-plus audience by fighting industry ageism and encouraging films that resonate with mature viewers.  Here are the winners of the 2021 Movies for Grownups Awards:

FILM

Best Picture
Belfast

Best Actor
Will Smith (King Richard)

Best Actress
Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos)

Best Supporting Actress
Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard)

Best Supporting Actor
Jared Leto (House of Gucci)

Best Director
Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog)

Best Screenwriter
Tony Kushner (West Side Story)

Best Intergenerational Film
CODA

Best Ensemble
Nightmare Alley

Best Time Capsule
Spencer

Best Grownup Love Story
Cyrano

Best Documentary
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

Best Buddy Picture
Finch

Best Foreign Film
Sheep Without a Shepherd (China)

TELEVISION

Best Actress
Jean Smart (Hacks)

Best Actor
Michael Keaton (Dopesick)

Best Limited Series/TV Movie
Mare of Easttown

Best TV Series
Ted Lasso

Career Achievement Award
Lily Tomlin