Bleecker Street Acquires U.S. Distribution Rights to Bobby Cannavale’s Family Dramedy “Ezra”

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Bobby Cannavale’s latest project is headed to a U.S. theater near you…

Bleecker Street has acquired the U.S. rights to Ezra, the starry family dramedy starring the 53-year-old half-Cuban American Emmy-winning actor.

Hailing from actor-turned-director Tony Goldwyn, the film is coming off of its world premiere in the Special Presentations section of the Toronto Film Festival.

Starring Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro and newcomer William A. Fitzgerald, the film is slated for release in theaters in 2024.

Also starring Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg, Ezra follows Max Brandel (Cannavale), a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less-successful stand-up comedian, who struggles through the failure of his career and marriage. After moving in with his father, Stan (De Niro), Max and his ex-wife Jenna (Byrne) remain at odds on how to best raise their autistic son, Ezra (Fitzgerald).

Described by Deadline as “a touching testament to the power of love, acceptance, and the challenges of parenthood,” the film was written by Tony Spiridakis, with William Horberg, Jon Kilik, Goldwyn and Spiridakis producing.

Nicolas Cantu to Star in CG-Animated Feature “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”

Posted on March 4, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

It’s turtle time for Nicolas Cantu.

The 19-year-old Latino actor will lend his voice to the CG-animated theatrical feature Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem from Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies and Point Grey Productions.

Seth Rogen, who voices mutant warthog Bebop, made the announcement at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards on Saturday night in an appearance alongside lead cast members Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Cantu and Brady Noon.

Abbey will voice Ninja Turtle Donatello, with Brown Jr. as Michelangelo, Cantu as Leonardo and Noon as Raphael.

Others lending their voices to the film heading to theaters on August 4 include Hannibal Buress as Genghis Frog; Rose Byrne as Leatherhead; John Cena as Rocksteady; Jackie Chan as Splinter; Ice Cube as Superfly; Natasia Demetriou as Wingnut; Ayo Edebiri as April O’Neil; Giancarlo Esposito as Baxter Stockman; Post Malone as Ray Fillet; Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko; and Maya Rudolph as Cynthia Utrom.

The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film is an original story following the crime-fighting Ninja Turtles as they protect the sewers and streets of New York City. After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil (Edibiri) helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

Jeff Rowe (The Mitchells vs. the Machines) directed the film, marking Nickelodeon’s first-ever CG-animated theatrical production. Point Grey Productions’ Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver produced, with the company’s Lukas Williams co-producing and its own Josh Fagen overseeing the project. Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Animation President Ramsey Naito and Jason McConnell have overseen production for Nickelodeon, with Paramount to handle the film’s worldwide distribution.

“We are beyond thrilled by this world-class cast we’ve assembled to bring these iconic, beloved characters to life in a new chapter of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe,” said Naito in a statement. “This really sets a new bar for this globally celebrated franchise, and we can’t wait to show audiences this film.”

An enduring kids’ franchise created in 1984 by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles began its life as a comic book series which spurred a hit animated TV show, a live-action series and numerous blockbuster theatrical releases. The property is a global consumer products powerhouse that has generated billions by way of toys, apparel, video games, DVDs and more. Nickelodeon most recently revitalized it with the CG-animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 2012, with a 2D animated series titled Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles following in 2019.

First Look Photo Released of Bobby Cannavale & Robert De Niro Comedy “Inappropriate Behaviour”

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s an inappropriate time for Bobby Cannavale.

Mister Smith Entertainment has released a first look image of new comedy Inappropriate Behaviour, starring the 52-year-old half-Cuban American Emmy-winning actor and Robert De Niro.

Currently in production, the film follows Max Bernal (Cannavale), a once-successful late-night comedy writer turned not-so-successful stand-up comic, who moves in with his father (De Niro), having recently blown up his career and marriage. When he and his ex-wife Jenna (played by Cannavale’s real-life partner, Rose Byrne) find themselves at odds with how to address the needs of their 11-year-old autistic son Ezra (Fitzgerald), Max decides to kidnap his child and take him on a cross-country odyssey.

Directed by Tony Goldwyn, the film also stars Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg.

Tony Spiridakis wrote the screenplay.

“We are thrilled with the response we’ve seen to this remarkable, heartwarming story from our international partners so far and excited to collaborate with them to bring Inappropriate Behavior to audiences around the world,” says Mister Smith Entertainment’s founder and CEO David Garrett.

Signature Entertainment Acquires UK/Irish Rights to Bobby Cannavale’s Road-Trip Comedy “Inappropriate Behavior”

Posted on October 8, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Bobby Cannavale’s inappropriate project will be headed to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Signature Entertainment has acquired UK and Irish rights to the 52-year-old’s road-trip comedy Inappropriate Behavior from Mister Smith Entertainment.

The film also stars Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro, Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg and William Fitzgerald.

Inappropriate Behavior, which is currently in production, follows Max Bernal (Cannavale), a once-successful late-night comedy writer turned not-so-successful stand-up comic, who moves in with his father (De Niro), having recently blown up his career and marriage. When he and his ex-wife Jenna (played by Cannavale’s real-life partner, Byrne) find themselves at odds with how to address the needs of their 11-year-old autistic son Ezra (Fitzgerald), Max decides to kidnap his child and take him on a cross-country odyssey.

The comedy is directed by Tony Goldwyn from a Tony Spiridakis screenplay.

The deal was negotiated between Signature Entertainment’s Director of Acquisitions and Development, Elizabeth Williams, and Mister Smith CEO David Garrett.

Signature plan to release the film in 2023.

Williams said: “Inappropriate Behavior completely charmed us when we read the script and we cannot wait to see it brought to life, especially with such a stellar cast. Audiences are going to love the smart comedy and heart-warming moments throughout. We look forward to releasing this feel-good film in the UK & Ireland next year.”

Garrett added: “We are delighted to have Signature as our UK partner on this film. It is a story which combines both heart and humour and has a stellar cast which will bring out the very best from the writing.”

Bobby Cannavale to Star in Tony Goldwyn’s Feature “Inappropriate Behavior”

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Bobby Cannavale is cashing in on his behavior…

The 52-year-old half-Cuban American Emmy-winning actor has joined the all-star cast of Tony Goldwyn’s feature Inappropriate Behavior.

Cannavale will star alongside Robert De Niro, Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg and William Fitzgerald in the film.

The film, in which Goldwyn also appears, follows Max Bernal (Cannavale), a formerly successful late-night comedy writer turned not-so-successful stand-up comic, and his brilliant, complicated 11-year-old son Ezra (Fitzgerald), who is autistic. Having recently blown up both his career and his marriage, Max is now living with his father, Stan (De Niro). Max, profoundly at odds with his ex-wife Jenna (Byrne) about how to address their son’s needs, decides to kidnap Ezra and take him on a cross-country odyssey, with hilariously disastrous results.

Tony Spiridakis scripted the film, going into production this month, which is being co-financed and produced by Closer Media and Wayfarer Studios, as the former company’s first feature.

“Tony Spiridakis is a spectrum father, and he wrote a script whose lived-in truth, humor and grace are evident on every page,” said Closer Media. “Tony Goldwyn has always been drawn to great material, as an actor, producer and filmmaker, going all the way back to our days working together on Ghost at Paramount. Seeing this story that celebrates neurodivergence come together with this amazing cast and team makes us feel incredibly fortunate and thrilled to be making this as our first film at Closer Media.”

“After hearing the initial idea, Wayfarer Studios felt strongly connected to it,” added Wayfarer Studios’ President, Jamey Heath. “We have a duty to ensure everyone feels they are represented in storytelling, and this unique story showcases those who are differently abled. These stories are crucial to the growth and acceptance of all people and having the opportunity to reach global audiences with this film speaks to our core mission, and we are incredibly proud to partner with Closer Media, who share our same vision.”

Bobby Cannavale to Star in Dave & John Chernin’s “Incoming”

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Bobby Cannavale has incoming work…

The 52-year-old half-Cuban American actor and two-time Emmy-winner will star in Dave and John Chernin’s Incoming, which has begun production in Los Angeles.

In addition to Cannavale, the ensemble cast also includes Kaitlin Olson, Scott MacArthur, Raphael Alejandro, Isabella Ferreira, Ali Gallo, Loren Gray, Ramon Reed and Bardia Seiri.

All of them join previously announced Mason Thames

The Chernin brothers co-wrote the screenplay and are making their directorial film debut on the Artists Road and Spyglass Media production.

Incoming follows four incoming freshmen as they navigate the terrors of adolescence at their first-ever high school party.

Cannavale recently starred in the Rose Byrne produced Australian comedy Seriously Red, which made its world premiere at SXSW.

He stars in the upcoming Netflix movie Blonde opposite Ana de Armas.

His series credits include Boardwalk Empire, Will & Grace, Nine Perfect Strangers, Mr. Robot and Vinyl among several others.

On the big screen he’s starred in Sing 2, the Ant-Man franchise, The Irishman, I, Tonya; Blue Jasmine, The Other Guys and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Cannavale won an Emmy in Best Supporting Actor Drama Series for Boardwalk Empire, and Guest Comedy Actor for Will & Grace.

Alejandro stars on Acapulco, and his credits include Kindergarten Cop 2, How to Be a Latin Lover, Once Upon a Time and The Boss Baby 2: Family Business. He is repped by Paradigm and Atlas Artists.

Ferreira’s credits include Love, Victor and Orange Is the New Black.

Gallo has been seen on Unhuman, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and Virtual Mortality.

Tom Segura Signs with WME (William Morris Endeavor)

Posted on November 18, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Tom Segura has new representation…

The 42-year-old half-Peruvian American comedian, actor and podcaster has signed with WME (William Morris Endeavor) for representation in all areas.

Segura is best known for his Netflix specials Ball Hog, Disgraceful, Mostly Stories and Completely Normal.

While he’d planned to unveil an additional Spanish-language special on Netflix last fall, its release has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Segura previously released the hour-long stand-up albums White Girls With Cornrows and Thrilled in 2012 and 2010, respectively.

He’ll kick off his latest world tour, I’m Coming Everywhere on December 31, with two shows at the Hawaii Theater Center in Honolulu, and will continue touring throughout 2022.

Segura’s film credits include Paramount Pictures’ comedy Instant Family, in which he starred opposite Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne, comedian Steve Byrne’s The Opening Act, Justin Dec’s horror-thriller Countdown and Cameron Van Hoy’s crime drama Flinch.

He’s appeared on the television side in The Cabin with Bert Kreischer, Workaholics, Happy Endings and more.

Segura also has his own podcast network, Your Mom’s House Studios, which he runs with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky. It’s home to the hit podcasts Your Mom’s House, which he co-hosts with Pazsitzky, and 2 Bears 1 Cave, which he co-hosts with Bert Kreischer, among others. Notably, YMH Studios was one of the first networks to create successful livestream podcast events as a creative outlet amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted the stand-up scene to varying degrees over the last 20 or so months.

Segura was previously with ICM Partners.

Bobby Cannavale Starring Opposite Rose Byrne in the Musical Dramedy “Seriously Red”

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Bobby Cannavale is seeing Red…

The 50-year-old half-Cuban American Emmy-winning actor is starring opposite Rose Byrne in the musical dramedy Seriously Red, the first feature from Byrne’s Dollhouse Pictures.

Cameras are currently rolling on the film in Northern Rivers, Australia.

Krew Boylan wrote the screenplay for Seriously Red, while Gracie Otto is directing

In addition to Cannavale and Byrne, the ensemble cast also includes Daniel Webber. Arclight Films has boarded to handle worldwide distribution rights with Gracie Otto (The Last Impresario) directing.

In the rowdy and rambunctious musical comedy, Red (played by Boylan) is at a crossroads in her life. A vivacious and hilarious red-haired woman grappling with high expectations and low self-esteem, she pours herself a cup of ambition and trades her 9 to 5 career in real estate for a life under the spotlight as a Dolly Parton impersonator. After misreading her work party’s dress code, Red tumbles outta bed into a new world of tribute artists and impersonators in her wild and messy journey that includes romancing a Kenny Rogers impersonator. Red has to lose herself in order to find herself. As Dolly Parton says, “Be Yourself Because Everyone is taken.”

Parton’s canon is the backbone of Seriously Red, which will also include a soundtrack from notable musical artists and as well as re-recordings.

“Seriously Red is created by an extraordinary all-female filmmaking team, which at Arclight Films we are proud to always champion,” Arclight Films chairman Gary Hamilton said. “The film is a fun, upbeat celebration of women and their journey to self-acceptance. It’s a powerful film that appeals to worldwide distributors who understand that audiences will immediately fall in love with the story, the beautifully drawn characters… and the music!”

Cannavale won Emmys for his work on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and NBC’s Will & Grace. His Recent series credits include the upcoming Nine Perfect Strangers, Mr. Robot and Homecoming. His features include HBO Max/New Line’s upcoming Superintelligence, Universal’s The King of Staten Island, The Jesus Rolls, The Irishman, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the Oscar-winning I, Tonya, Ant-Man and Spy among many others.

Byrne and Cannavale recently starred in The Brooklyn Academy of Music’s theatrical production of Medea before the pandemic closed down theaters in New York City.

Bobby Cannavale to Star in Simon Stone’s Contemporary Rewrite of Euripides’ Tragedy “Medea”

Posted on July 26, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Bobby Cannavale is preparing for a tragedy…

The 49-year-old half-Cuban American actor will star opposite Rose Byrne in Simon Stone’s contemporary rewrite of the Euripides’ tragedy Medea at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in January.

Originally staged in 2014 by Amsterdam’s International Theater Amsterdam(formerly Toneelgroep Amsterdam), Medea will pair real-life couple Byrne and Cannavale, with additional cast to be announced.

Stone’s adaptation of the Medea story uses the true-life crime case of American Debora Green, who poisoned her cheating husband and killed two of her three children in 1995. The adaptation played London’s Barbicanin 2019, where it starred Marieke Heebink and Aus Greidanus Jr.

Cannavale was seen on Broadway last fall in The Lifespan of a Fact, co-starring Daniel Radcliffe and Cherry Jones. His many stage credits include the Tony-nominated Mauritius, The Motherf*cker With The Hat, The Hairy Ape, Glengarry Glen Ross, Hurly Burly, and others.

He’s a member of the Labyrinth Theater Company. His upcoming films include The Irishman, Superintelligence, and Motherless Brooklyn.

“I’m excited to welcome writer/director Simon Stone following his enormous success with Yerma,” said BAM artistic director David Binder, “and look forward to having the incredible actors Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale in lead roles on our stage.”

Medea will be produced in Brooklyn by International Theater Amsterdam, BAM, and David Lan, who will serve as BAM’s Theater Associate.

Salma Hayek to Star in the Comedy “Limited Partners”

Posted on September 29, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

There’s a new partnership in Salma Hayek’s future…

The 52-year-old Mexican actress will star alongside Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne in Limited Partners, the Paramount Pictures comedy that Miguel Arteta will direct from a script by Sam Pitman and Adam Cole-Kelly.

Haddish and Byrne play two hard-charging best girlfriends who build a juggernaut company and find their relationship tested when they are made a big buyout offer. Suddenly all the differences that made them the perfect odd-couple partners put them at war, threatening their business and personal relationships.

Hayek plays the executive who makes the buyout offer, and becomes the corporate puppet master pulling the strings in creating acrimony among the partners. That drives the duo into a display of a one-upsmanship fued that gives the comedy shades of Superbad meets Bridesmaids.

It’s a reteaming for Hayek with Arteta, who directed her in the critically acclaimed film Beatriz at Dinner, which earned her an Independent Spirit Awards nomination for Best Female Lead.

Production begins in October.

Hayek, who earned an Academy Award nomination for her starring role in Frida, recently starred in The Hummingbird Project and will reprise her role in The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, the sequel to The Hitman’s Bodyguard.

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