Pedro Pascal in Final Negotiations to Star in Paramount’s Untitled “Gladiator” Sequel

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Pedro Pascal is ready to Rome…

The 48-year-old Chilean actor is thisclose to joining the cast of the untitled Gladiator sequel for Paramount.

Pascal would join Paul Mescal, who will star as Lucius, as well as Barry Keoghan, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington.

Ridley Scott is returning to direct.

Pascal’s role is unknown.

The new film follows the 2000 blockbuster Gladiator, which earned more than $460 million in worldwide box office and was nominated for 12 Oscars, winning five including Best Picture.

The role of Maximus, the Roman general-turned-gladiator, was a career-changer for Russell Crowe, not only delivering him the Best Actor Oscar but also launching him to the top of every leading-man list. Once it was made clear last year that the sequel would be Scott’s next movie, every male actor in town that fit the profile began chasing the part.

David Scarpa penned the script.

Also returning from the original film are John Mathieson (director of photography), Arthur Max (production designer) and Janty Yates (costume designer).

Paramount Pictures has dated the film for November 22, 2024.

The first film was co-production between Universal and DreamWorks, and while DreamWorks will not be involved in the sequel, Universal has the right to partner again when the project is packaged.

Pascal has been a major player following his scene-stealing role in his one season on Game of Thrones, but his star has blasted off following The Last of Us, which has become one of the most popular shows in HBO’s history. While HBO is looking to get the show up and going next year, Pascal had been weighing a number of options to shoot before jumping back in to that and the opportunity on this film was too hard to pass up.

Besides The Last of Us, which will certainly have him in award season chatter this Emmy season, he also reprised his role on the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, which just had its Season 3 finale last week.

Pascal can next be seen starring alongside Ethan Hawke in Pedro Almodovar’s short film Strange Way of Life, which will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and will be distributed by Sony Pictures Classics this fall.

Additionally, Pascal is in Ethan Coen’s film Drive-Away Dolls, distributed by Focus Features and releasing in September. Pascal also stars in Anna Boden’s Freaky Tales, which is likely to come out later this year.

He also hosted Saturday Night Live earlier this year, earning rave reviews, and is also in contention for some Emmy love this awards season.

Wagner Moura to Star in Apple TV+’s Crime Drama Series “Sinking Spring”

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Wagner Moura is springing forward with a new television project…

The 46-year-old Brazilian actor and Narcos star will star opposite Brian Tyree Henry in Apple TV+’s crime drama series Sinking Spring, from Top Gun: Maverick writer Peter Craig, in a recasting.

Better Call Saul alum Michael Mando was originally tapped for the role but has been let go after an on-set physical altercation with another cast member.

The recasting is being done during filming on the series, directed and executive produced by Ridley Scott via his Scott Free Productions.

Based on Dennis Tafoya’s book Dope Thief, Sinking Spring follows long-time Philly friends and delinquents who pose as DEA agents to rob an unknown house in the countryside, only to have their small-time grift become a life-and-death enterprise, as they unwittingly reveal and unravel the biggest hidden narcotics corridor on the Eastern seaboard.

Moura will play Manny Cespedes, a good-hearted friend of Ray’s (Henry), who he first met when they did time together in the Youth Authority.

Craig created the eight-episode series, executive produces and directs one episode. Scott executive produces for Scott Free Productions.

The series hails from Apple Studios and will be produced by Scott Free Productions.

Moura recently starred opposite Elisabeth Moss in the Apple TV+ series Shining Girls.

Michael Mando to Star in Apple TV+’s Crime Drama Series “Sinking Spring”

Posted on September 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Michael Mando is springing into action…

The 41-year-old Latino Canadian actor and Better Call Saul star has been cast opposite Brian Tyree Henry in Apple TV+’s crime drama series Sinking Spring.

The project, which hails from Peter Craig, will be directed and executive produced by Ridley Scott via his Scott Free Productions.

Based on Dennis Tafoya’s book Dope Thief, Sinking Spring follows long-time Philly friends and delinquents who pose as DEA agents to rob an unknown house in the countryside, only to have their small-time grift become a life-and-death enterprise, as they unwittingly reveal and unravel the biggest hidden narcotics corridor on the Eastern seaboard.

Mando will play Manny Cespedes, a good-hearted friend of Ray’s (Henry), who he first met when they did time together in the Youth Authority.

Craig created the eight-episode series, executive produces and will direct one episode. Scott executive produces for Scott Free Productions alongside David W. Zucker, Jordan Sheehan and Clayton Krueger.

Henry executive produces, and Tafoya will serve as consulting producer.

The series hails from Apple Studios and will be produced by Scott Free Productions.

Mando portrayed Nacho Varga on all six seasons of AMC’s Better Call Saul, recently receiving Hollywood Critics Association Awards, Saturn Awards and Gold Derby nominations for Best Supporting Actor for the final season.

He’s also known for the role of Vic in Orphan Black, Vaas Montenegro in the Far Cry VG franchise, as well as The Scorpion in Spiderman: No Way Home.

Fede Alvarez to Direct Hulu’s Original “Alien” Film

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Fede Alvarez has landed an out of this world project…

The 44-year-old Uruguayan filmmaker will write and direct an original Alien film for 20th Century Studios.

The Don’t Breathe filmmaker will direct the film for Hulu as part of studios deal to provide 10 films a year to the Disney-owned OTT service.

Alvarez’s pitch is reportedly completely separate from the previous films, according to Deadline.

Ridley Scott, who directed the 1979 original and two millennial editions, will produce through his Scott Free banner.

The new Alien film also will be distinct from Noah Hawley’s FX TV series, which network boss John Landgraf has said won’t feature Sigourney Weaver’s alien hunter Ripley.

“Alien takes place before Ripley. It’s the first story that takes place in the Alien franchise on Earth,” said Landgraf about the series. “So, it takes place on our planet. Right near the end of this century we’re in — so 70-odd years from now.”

Despite five scripts already being in for Alien, and Fargo only one, Hawley will shoot the latter series first as it needs to go into production this winter given its Midwest setting.

Salma Hayek to Star in MGM & Scott Free Production’s Feature “House of Gucci”

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Salma Hayek is House-bound…

The 54-year-old Mexican Oscar-nominated actress has joined the cast of House of Gucci, the feature film from MGM and Scott Free Productions currently in production.

Hayek joins an all-star cast that includes Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Jared Leto and Jack Huston, with Ridley Scott directing.

“So happy to have my good buddy Salma join our wonderful cast,” said producer Giannina Scott. “I’ve been talking with her about this Gucci project for 20 years. Now it’s happening and she is a part of it. Rid and I are thrilled.”

Ridley and Giannina Scott will produce via their Scott Free Productions banner.

The film tells the story of how Patrizia Reggiani (Gaga), the ex-wife of Maurizio Gucci (Driver), plotted to kill her husband, the grandson of renowned fashion designer Guccio Gucci. Hayek will play Pina Auriemma, who was a clairvoyant friend of “Black Widow” Reggiani, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison after her trial in 1998.

Roberto Bentivegna penned the script. House of Gucci will be released in the U.S. via MGM’s distribution joint venture United Artists Releasing on November 24. The film will be distributed internationally via Universal Pictures.

Hayek next can be seen in Lionsgate’s The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, which will bow on June 16. She also has Marvel’s The Eternals coming out on November 5 and recently was seen in Amazon’s Bliss.

Jared Leto In Talks to Star in the Apple TV+ Series “WeCrashed”

Posted on December 18, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Jared Leto could be crashing the project…

The 48-year-old part-Spanish American actor and Oscar-winner is in early talks to star in the Apple TV+ series WeCrashed, an adaptation of the popular podcast.

Deadline.com reports the deal is far from closed and may not go forward but discussions are ongoing. Directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa are on board to helm.

Lee Eisenberg and Drew Crevello will pen the series and are executive producing.

Hosted by David Brown, the podcast series told the tale of WeWork and its founders. The company was valued at $47 billion, it was ready for a huge IPO, and its charismatic CEO Adam Neumann thought it was going to change the world. Neumann had a prophet-like vision for WeWork that he sold to some of the world’s savviest investors — but did his vision ever match the company’s reality?

Leto would play Newmann in the series, which mark Leto’s return to television after his star-making role in the short-lived 1990s ABC series My So Called Life.

He’s currently developing a handful of projects including a sequel to Tron: Legacy, which has him attached to star and Garth Davis on board to direct. He also is on board to be a part of the A-list ensemble in Ridley Scott’s Gucci.

Leto can be seen next in the Warner Bros thriller The Little Things opposite Denzel Washington and Rami Malek and also has the Spider-Man spinoff Morbius.

Jared Leto In Talks to Star in Ridley Scott’s Next Project “Gucci”

Posted on August 24, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

It looks like Jared Leto could be landing a fashionable new role…

Ridley Scott is reportedly in talks with the 48-year-old part-Spanish American Oscar-winning actor/singer to star in his next project, MGM’s Gucci.

Leto forms part of Scott’s all-star cast wish list that includes Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Jack Huston and Reeve Carney.

Lady Gaga is already attached to star as Patrizia Reggiani, the ex-wife of Maurizio Gucci, who was tried and convicted of orchestrating his assassination on the steps of his office in 1995. She served 18 years in jail before being let out in 2016.

Maurizio had two daughters with Reggiani, but he left her for another woman. She’d had a brain tumor removed, and her children blamed it for her actions; the media took a darker view of her during a sensationalized affair, depicting her as a hot-blooded woman scorned and dubbing her “Black Widow.” She was originally handed a sentence of 29 years.

It’s Gaga’s first starring role since her Best Actress Oscar nomination in 2018’s A Star Is Born. She won an Academy Award for writing the song “Shallow.”

MGM landed the rights to the film back in April with plans to go into production after Scott finishes shooting his current project The Last Duel.

Scott’s partner Giannina Scott long has been passionate about the cinematic prospects for a film about the tumultuous Gucci family’s fashion dynasty and the murder of the grandson of founder Guccio Gucci.

The Gucci murder tale is scripted by Roberto Bentivegna, based on Sara Gay Forden’s book The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed.

Leto, who won multiple awards, including an Oscar, for his role in Dallas Buyers Club, will next appear in Sony’s Morbius.

Trailer Released for Chino Moya’s Debut Feature “Undergods”

Posted on August 15, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a sweet, sweet fantasy world for Chino Moya…

The captivating first trailer has been released for the Spanish filmmaker’s debut feature Undergods, an otherworldly journey through a Europe in decline.

Moya’s first film is a collection of visually impressive and darkly humorous fantasy tales about a series of men whose worlds fall apart after a visit from an unexpected stranger.

Set to an original synth score by Wojciech Golczewski, the film charts disparate eras and realities fusing failed 20th Century utopias and 21st Century Ikea nightmares.

Kate Dickie, Ned Dennehy, Geza Rohrig, Adrian Rawlins and Jan Bijvoet star in the film.

Made with the support of the BFI using funds from the National Lottery, the Wallonia Brussels Fund for Audiovisual and Cinema, the Estonian Cultural Fund, the Estonian Film Institute and Sweden’s Film I Vast, the film is produced by the UK’s Z56FILM in co-production with Velvet Films, Homeless Bob Production, Media Plus, Filmgate Films and Ridley Scott Creative Group’s Black Dog Films and RSA Films.

Moya’s previous credits include short films Years & Years: Eyes Shut, Hurts: Some Kind of Heaven and St. Vincent: Digital Witness.

New Trailer Released for Rapace’s Sci-Fi Thriller “Alien: Covenant”

Posted on March 3, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

It’s another day in space for Noomi Rapace…

20th Century Fox has released the new trailer for Ridley Scott’s upcoming sci-fi thriller Alien: Covenant, the latest chapter in the Alien franchise, starring the 37-year-old half-Spanish actress.

The new clip audiences know that “the path to paradise begins in hell,” and begins with Katherine Waterston and the crew aboard the colony ship, Covenant.”

As the team explores undiscovered territory, danger and extraterrestrial species – including Xenomorphs – lurk all around. The sequel to Prometheus follows the team as it heads for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy. When the crew thinks it has found uncharted land, it discovers a dark and dangerous world. Uncovering a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape.

Michael Fassbender stars as David, with Rapace reprising her role as Elizabeth Shaw. Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, Jussie Smollett, Amy Seimetz, Carmen Ejogo, Callie Hernandez and Billy Crudup round out the cast.

Scott directs from a script by John Logan and Dante Harper.

Alien: Covenant arrives in theaters on May 19.

First Trailer Released for Rapace’s “Prometheus” Sequel, “Alien: Covenant”

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Noomi Rapace is out of this world again…

After two days of non-stop teasing, the first official trailer for Alien: Covenant, starring the 37-year-old half-Spanish actress, has been released.

While director Ridley Scott technically returned to the Alien franchise with 2012’s Prometheus, that film has only a tangential connection to the main series thanks to some continuity nods and a scene at the end. Covenant however is not, as it picks up where Prometheus left off and (presumably) leads directly to the events of the original Alien.

The story follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, that discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but per usual discoveries it’s actually a dark, dangerous world containing a threat beyond their imagination and, as it happens, the android David (Michael Fassbender), one of the few survivors of the Prometheus mission.

Fassbender, Guy Pearce, and Rapace reprise their Prometheus roles, joined this time out by Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, Carmen Ejogo, Amy Seimetz, Jussie Smollet, Callie Hernandez, Nathaniel Dean, Alexander England, Benjamin Rigby, and James Franco.

Jack Paglen, Michael Green, and John Logan wrote the script.

Alien: Covenant hits theaters on May 19.

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