Tag Archives: Sam Mendes

Helena Bonham Carter to Star in Audible’s Series Adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “David Copperfield”

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Helena Bonham Carter is helping breathe new life into a Charles Dickens classic…

The 57-year-old part-Spanish English Oscar-nominated actress will star in David Copperfield, a new all-star Audible series executive-produced by Oscar winner Sam Mendes.

Helena Bonham CarterNcuti Gatwa will star as the title character,

In addition to Bonham Carter and Gatwa, the series will also star Theo James, Jessie Buckley, Richard Armitage , Jack Lowden, Toby Jones, Indira Varma, Ralph Ineson and newcomer Reece Kenwyne Mpudzi.

David Copperfield is the second in Sam Mendes’ Charles Dickens collaborations with Audible, following Oliver Twist, which was released last year.

Dickens himself referred to David Copperfield as his “favorite child” and the series will explore the life and loves of a gentle orphan in an indifferent adult world.

Characters will include the novel’s eccentric Aunt Betsey, the faithful Peggotty and loquacious Mr.Micawber, the villainous Micawbers and Uriah Heep, Little Em’ly, Dora and Agnes, as well as old school friend James Steerforth, dashing, daring and seductive.

According to Audible, this dramatization “explores the complexities and intimacies of the Steerforth relationship beyond anything possible in Dickens’ day”.

As with Mendes’ Oliver Twist, David Copperfield will be released globally by Audible and is being recorded in Audible’s London studio, as well as in the Charles Dickens Museum. Release is slated for November 30. Directors are Daniel Jewel and Mariele Runacre-Temple.

Mendes said: “I’m thrilled to continue my collaboration with Audible after the success of Oliver Twist and where better to go next than to David Copperfield, which for so many – and indeed for Dickens himself – is a favorite amongst his canon. We have an outstanding cast, led by the incomparable Ncuti Gatwa whose amazing comic timing brings new dimensions to the character of David. In the sound design we’ve leaned into hyper realism so that the listener really feels like they’re on the journey with David through his misfortunes and triumphs. Another feast for the ears.

HBO Orders Half-Hour Comedy “The Franchise,” Featuring Daniel Brühl, to Series

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Daniel Brühl is a franchisee…

HBO has ordered to series the half-hour comedy The Franchise, featuring the 45-year-old Spanish-German actor.

Daniel BruhlFrom Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes, Armando Iannucci and writer Jon Brown, the series takes a wry look at superhero movie-making.

Work on the pilot was completed before the SAG-AFTRA strike began, and production on the series won’t begin until the strikes have concluded.

Himesh Patel and Aya Cash have joined as series regulars on the comedy, which revolves around the crew of an unloved franchise movie who fight for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe.

The Franchise shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking to ask the question: How exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every f*ckup has an origin story.

Patel and Cash are featured in the pilot, but their roles never were announced.

In addition to Brühl in a recurring role, the previously announced cast includes series regulars Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lolly Adefope, Darren Goldstein, and Isaac Powell.

“With a deft touch only he can bring, Sam has brilliantly captured the romance and the reality of filmmaking today, said Amy Gravitt, EVP, HBO Programming, Head of HBO & Max Comedy. “Jon is superb at sending up worlds we think we already know. Together, with Armando, they have delivered a truly hilarious comedy ensemble. I can’t wait to see more.”

The series comes from the mind of Mendes and marks his first U.S. TV directorial project. He won a Best Director Oscar for American Beauty and earned three Academy Award nominations for 1917, for Best Picture, Director and Original Screenplay.

Patel stars as Daniel, Cash as Anita, Hynes as Steph, Magnussen as Adam, Adefope as Dag, Goldstein as Pat and Powell as Bryson. Brühl recurs as Eric.

The pilot was directed by Mendes and written by Jon Brown, who serves as showrunner.

Penélope Cruz: The Next Bond Girl?

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Penélope Cruz and husband Javier Bardem may share a new Hollywood bond…

The 39-year-old Spanish actress, who won an Oscar for starring opposite Bardem in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, has been named a strong contender for the role of Bond girl in the next installment of the James Bond franchise.

Penelope Cruz

Cruz, who earned recognition for her role in the Tom Cruise-starrer Vanilla Sky, is rumored to have been approached and offered the coveted role.

If the rumor holds true, Cruz, who will turn 40 next April, will be the first Spanish and the oldest Bond girl in franchise history.

Sources close to the production reportedly spilled the beans of the casting news, saying, “The producers have tried to get Penelope before, but she has never been available because of other commitments. The discussions have been going on for some time and they are working out the contract details now.”

Currently, Daniel Craig is set to reprise his iconic role in the upcoming Bond movie, known simply as Bond 24 right now, with Sam Mendes likely to direct.

Cruz’s husband earned rave reviews when he starred as the main antagonist in the recent installment of the Bond franchise, Skyfall, which was released last year.

Bond 24 is eyeing a 2016 release.

New “Skyfall” Trailer Features More of Bardem’s Villainous Character

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If you’re looking to get a peek at Javier Bardem’s villainous character in the highly anticipated James Bond film, you’re in luck.

Sony has released the 2 1/2-minute international trailer for Skyfall, which features the 43-year-old Spanish actor in all his Bond and blonde glory.

Javier Bardem in Skyfall

Bardem’s character, named Silva, is seen confronting a manacled Bond, played by Daniel Craig. Later, the Oscar-winning actor is shown disguised as a British policeman.

The Sam Mendes-directed spy thriller will be released in the United States on November 9.