Steven Soderbergh Calls Disney “Insane” for Scrapping Ben Solo Star Wars Movie
The director says he wasted two-and-a-half years on 'The Hunt for Ben Solo' that Disney brass axed for a frustrating reason.
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‘A New Dawn’ Review: A Visual Masterpiece Searching for a Story
Japanese animator Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s background as a painter is clearly evident in his feature directorial debut “A New Dawn,” representing Japan in the Berlin Film Festival’s main competition. The film is gorgeous to look at, paying attention to every little detail painted
James Van Der Beek Stars as an Evil Pastor in ‘The Gates’ Trailer, One of His Final Films
This summer, he'll also appear in the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, where he'll play a high school dean
James Van Der Beek’s Final Movie Revealed: ‘The Gates’ Trailer Shows Late Actor as Evil Pastor
The late James Van Der Beek will make his final film appearance in “The Gates,” where he stars as an evil pastor named Jacob, as revealed in the trailer. Directed by John Burr (“Legend of the Muse”), the upcoming thriller will be in theaters March 13. In addition to Van Der
Disney Axed ‘Star Wars’ Sequel ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ Without Ever Asking About the Budget or Other Details, Says Soderbergh: ‘It’s Insane’ and ‘We Were All Frustrated’
Steven Soderbergh is continuing to open about about his Adam Driver-starring scrapped “Star Wars” movie “The Hunt for Ben Solo.” In a new interview with BK Mag, the Oscar-winning filmmaker said “it was no surprise” to read Kathleen Kennedy’s Lucasfilm exit interview and hear
‘Elsbeth’ Casts Constance Wu and Anna Camp as Guest Stars (EXCLUSIVE)
Constance Wu and Anna Camp are the latest guest stars to join Season 3 of “Elsbeth,” the CBS mystery series starring Carrie Preston as the de facto detective Elsbeth Tascioni. In the show, a spinoff to “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight,” Wu will play Dr. Mallory Ryan, a
Viola Davis Makes Literary Debut With New Courtroom Drama Novel ‘Judge Stone’
Viola Davis is adding novelist to her impressive resume with the upcoming release of “Judge Stone,” a courtroom thriller she co-wrote with perennial bestseller James Patterson. The book — set to hit shelves on March 9 — marks Davis’s first full foray into adult fiction.
James Van Der Beek Stars as a Twisted Pastor in Trailer for ‘The Gates,’ One of His Final Projects
Mason Gooding, Algee Smith and Keith Powers round out the cast for the Lionsgate thriller that hits theaters next month.
Academy Sci-Tech Awards Announce 27 Recipients From DreamWorks to Sony Pictures Innovators
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that 15 scientific and technical achievements, represented by 27 individual recipients, will be honored at its annual Scientific and Technical Awards ceremony April 28 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Developers
‘The Valley’ Sets Jax Taylor-Less Season 3 Return and Unveils Trailer — Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz Join Cast Full-Time
Bravoholics rejoice: “The Valley” will return for its third season on April 1. And this time around, fans can expect to see two very familiar full-time faces on their screens: “Vanderpump Rules” alums Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz. From babies to breakups, there’s a whole lot of
Oscars: Academy Reveals Scientific and Technical Awards Winners
A total of 27 individual award recipients will be honored at the event, set for April 28 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Devon Sawa Joins Disney Series ‘Coven Academy’
Devon Sawa is set to guest star in the upcoming Disney series “Coven Academy.” The show, which was greenlit in August 2025, is expected to debut on Disney Channel and Disney+ sometime in 2026, though an exact premiere date has yet to be set. The show takes place in New Orleans.
JJ Abrams, Brie Larson, JT Mollner Team for Horror Thriller ‘Skeletons’ as Sony Wins Bidding War
Abrams is producing the feature that has Mollner back in the director's chair for the first time since his breakout 'Strange Darling.'
‘A New Dawn’: Director Yoshitoshi Shinomiya Talks About His One-of-a-Kind Japanese-French Anime Berlin Golden Bear Contender
It all starts with a line. In “A New Dawn,” Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s directorial debut feature world premiering at the Berlinale as part of the main competition, animation is born out of its very essence: swift lines and bold brush strokes leaping through the screen, echoing the
Jason Concepcion Hosts ‘Wait a Second…’ Video Podcast From Spotify’s The Ringer About Conspiracy Theories, True Crime and More: ‘Stories That Make You Say What the F—‘
Spotify’s The Ringer is taking a deep dive into tinfoil-hat territory with “Wait a Second…,” a new video podcast hosted by writer and podcaster Jason Concepcion and featuring The Ringer’s Tyler Parker as co-host. “Wait a Second…” premieres Feb. 19 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,
‘Train Dreams’ Pop-Up Gallery Curated by Clint Bentley and Cinematographer Adolpho Veloso Opens in Los Angeles (EXCLUSIVE)
A pop-up gallery offering a behind-the-scenes look at Netflix’s “Train Dreams” is set to open next week in Los Angeles. The gallery exhibition, titled “Train Dreams: The Visual Journey,” will feature art and stills curated by the film’s director Clint Bentley and
Sony Animation’s Mystery Pic ‘Buds’ Relocates From Spring to Christmas 2027
The announcement follows the successful debut of 'GOAT' in cinemas last weekend and as 'KPop Demon Hunters' campaigns for an Oscar. The title provides one clue — expect to see talking plants.
John Malkovich Joins Joel Kinnaman in Amazon Cop Drama Series ‘Bishop’
John Malkovich will star opposite Joel Kinnaman in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series “Bishop,” Variety has confirmed. The show was picked up at Prime Video in September 2025. Per the official logline, “Homicide detective Bishop Graves (Kinnaman) – brilliant, battle-scarred
’Forest High’ Charms Berlinale Audience as Director Manon Coubia Talks Small Budgets, Timeless Landscapes
“Nothing ever happens by chance,” Alpine hut guardian Suzanne (Anne Coesens) tells her guest (Yoann Zimmer) as they both share the journeys that led them to the remote setting of “Forest High” (“Forêt Ivre”), Manon Coubia’s feature debut as a director, premiering at the
‘Sinners’: How 287 Prosthetics, 26 Custom Fangs, Gold Grills and Contacts Helped Create Ryan Coogler’s Supernatural Thriller
In the nail-biting climax of “Sinners,” vampire leader Remmick (Jack O’Connell) chases down Sammie (Miles Caton) as he tries to escape the carnage that the ghoul and his cohort have wreaked on the living. Remmick catches up with him, and the two get into a fight. Sammie smashes
Crime Families, Gold Heists, Interdimensional Doppelgängers Promise Thrills and Chills at Berlinale Series Market German Showcase
Crime and fantasy were front and center at this year’s Up Next: Germany showcase at Berlinale Series Market on Feb. 16, where producers unveiled four upcoming titles, three scripted shows and one documentary series. While revolving around crime, “Westend Girl” is also a family
Kristen Bell Joins ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 4’ as Amy Rose
Kristen Bell will join the voice cast of “Sonic the Hedgehog 4” as Amy Rose, the pink creature with a major crush on the titular blue speedster. Ben Schwartz, who provides the voice of Sonic in Paramount’s live-action/ CGI hybrid film series, shared the casting news on
‘Sing Sing’ Star Clarence Maclin Joins Netflix Hostage Thriller Series ‘Rabbit, Rabbit’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Clarence Maclin is the latest addition to the cast of the upcoming Netflix series “Rabbit, Rabbit,” Variety has learned exclusively. Maclin will appear alongside previously announced series lead Adam Driver as well as cast members Regina Hall, Odessa Young, and Will Poulter.
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Hudson Williams Joins Crave Mystery Thriller Series ‘Yaga’ With Carrie-Anne Moss and Noah Reid
“Heated Rivalry” star Hudson Williams isn’t straying too far from Crave, signing on to star in the Bell Media-owned Canadian streamer’s upcoming half-hour drama series “Yaga,” along with fellow stars Carrie-Anne Moss (“The Matrix), Noah Reid (“Schitt’s Creek”) and Clark Backo
‘Game of Thrones’ Prequel Play Sets World Premiere From Royal Shakespeare Company
The wars of Westeros are coming to the stage. The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced the world premiere of “Game of Thrones: The Mad King,” a new play adapted by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke, with George R. R. Martin serving as executive producer and
Humanitas Prize Opens Applications Process for 2026 Awards (EXCLUSIVE)
Humanitas has opened up the applications process for this year’s The Humanitas Prizes, as well as its two artist development programs, the New Voices Fellowship and College Screenwriting Awards. All three honors will be presented at an awards show to be held Sept. 9 at Avalon
‘Sonic 4’: Kristen Bell to Voice Amy Rose (Exclusive)
Jeff Fowler is back as director in Paramount's hit franchise based on the Sega video games.
‘Even Stevens’ and ‘Kim Possible’ Star Christy Carlson Romano Reveals Positive Cancer Screening Test Results
“Even Stevens” and “Kim Possible” star Christy Carlson Romano took to Instagram on Tuesday to share that she recently tested positive during a cancer screening test. Romano informed viewers that she and her husband, Brendan Rooney, had both undergone cancer screenings as her
Unifrance’s Daniela Elstner Receives Legion of Honor Medal at the French Embassy in Berlin During Film Festival
At a ceremony held at the French Embassy during the Berlin Film Festival, Unifrance’s managing director Daniela Elstner was elevated to the rank of Officer of the Legion of Honor for her decades-long commitment to championing French cinema worldwide. The celebration, hosted by
Bad Bunny Sets First Lead Movie Role in ‘Porto Rico’ With Edward Norton, Javier Bardem
Bad Bunny is starring in the historical drama “Porto Rico,” marking his first leading film role after memorable appearances in “Bullet Train” with Brad Pitt and director Darren Aronofsky’s “Caught Stealing.” René Pérez Joglar, the Grammy-winning Puerto Rican rapper known as
Hulu’s ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Stirs up Drama in Season 4 Trailer (TV News Roundup)
Hulu is giving fans a first look at Season 4 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” releasing the trailer ahead of the series’ March 12 premiere. All 10 episodes of the Hulu original series will be available on Hulu in the U.S. and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers, with
Berlinale Project ‘Gold,’ From ‘Davos 1917’ Producer Contrast Film, Scores Series Mania Invite
“Gold,” a standout Berlinale Series Market project, has scored an invite to next month’s Series Mania Forum, the industry arm of Europe’s biggest TV festival. The announcement was made Tuesday after Berlin’s Co-Pro Series Pitch session where “Gold” was unveiled by producer
M-Appeal Expands Sales on ‘Truly Naked’ Following Strong Berlinale Buzz (EXCLUSIVE)
Berlin-based world sales company M-Appeal has closed a further wave of international deals on Muriel d’Ansembourg’s “Truly Naked,” building on the competitive bidding interest previously reported ahead of its world premiere in Berlinale Perspectives. The film has now been
‘The Eyes of Ghana’ and ‘My Father’s Shadow’ Among New African Film Festival Lineup – Film News in Brief
The New African Film Festival returns to Washington, D.C., March 13–26, marking its 22nd edition with one of its most expansive and internationally prominent lineups to date. Presented by the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and the Africa World Now Project, the festival
Hong Sangsoo’s Berlinale Film ‘The Day She Returns’ Lands North American Deal With Cinema Guild (EXCLUSIVE)
Cinema Guild has picked up North American distribution rights for “The Day She Returns,” the latest feature from acclaimed South Korean auteur Hong Sangsoo. The film world premieres today at the 76th Berlin Film Festival, marking Hong’s seventh consecutive year with a film at
U2 Releases Six-Track ‘Days of Ash’ EP for Ash Wednesday, With a Renee Good Tribute Track and Songs About Ukraine and Middle East Turmoil
After a long drought for new material apart from one-off singles, U2 has put out its first substantial collection of new songs since 2017’s “Songs of Experience”: a six-track EP titled “Days of Ash,” not coincidentally being surprise-released on Ash Wednesday. The most somber
The ‘Scrubs’ Revival Is Millennial Cringe: TV Review
To be a millennial is to watch the cultural staples of one’s youth curdle into cringe. “Harry Potter” is now politically fraught; the meme-literate language coined by the first generation of digital natives (“lulz,” “heckin’ doggo,” etc.) has turned unspeakably passé. The
Berlinale Chief Tricia Tuttle on Free Speech, Politics and a Festival Under Pressure: “Taken a Life of Its Own”
After a week of social media backlash, open letters and press conference flare-ups, the Berlin Film Festival director talks censorship claims, government funding and trying to keep the focus on film.
As Original Shows Drive Business, IP Adaptations Are Increasingly Seeking Distinctive Perspectives
Crime remains king when it comes to first-run original scripted TV series in Western Europe, where original content is still a driving force, particularly in Germany, according to the latest data from Ampere Analysis presented by executive director Guy Bisson on Monday at the
Tom Noonan, ‘Manhunter’ Villain and ‘RoboCop 2’ Star, Dies at 74
Tom Noonan, an actor and director whose imposing presence made him one of Hollywood’s most memorable screen villains, died on Feb. 14. He was 74. His death was announced online by actress Karen Sillas, a longtime friend and collaborator, and Fred Dekker, who directed Noonan in
‘Executive Order’ Director Lázaro Ramos to Star and Direct in Road Movie ‘Mais Que Amigos’ for ELO Studios (EXCLUSIVE)
Renowned Brazilian actor-director Lázaro Ramos, who is at the Berlin Film Festival with Allan Deberton’s poignant queer youth drama “Gugu’s World,” has lined up his next directorial project. The road movie “Mais Que Amigos” (“More Than Friends,” in literal translation) will
Hollywood Bowl Unwraps 2026 Season: Foo Fighters Meet Dudamel, Chance the Rapper Celebrates Juneteenth, Symphonic St. Vincent, Brassy Herb Alpert, Movie Nights and Much More
The Hollywood Bowl has unveiled the lineup for its 2026 summer season, and a key touchstone will be a week in August celebrating Gustuvo Dudamel’s 17th and last season as music and artistic director of the LA Phil — including a departure from strictly classical programming as
Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Is Still Missing — Why the Sheriff in the Case Has Become the Internet’s Punching Bag
National news events have a way of minting public figures out of people who had not spent their lives expecting the spotlight. This can cut in either direction: For better, as when a person toiling in obscurity suddenly meets their moment, or for worse. And, for the millions
‘High on Life 2’ Is Now Available for Xbox: Here’s How to Buy the Video Game Online
After four years between games, the sequel to one of the funniest and action-packed Xbox games is available to download and play right now. If you’re a fan of “High on Life,” then you’re going to be excited for “High on Life 2” from Justin Roiland’s (“Rick and Morty”) Squanch
‘Survivor 50’ Sets Tie-Ins for ‘Words With Friends,’ ‘Zynga Poker’ and More Mobile Games
CBS and Zynga are teaming up to bring “Survivor” into the hands of fans with a multi-title mobile game partnership tied to the debut of the show’s landmark 50th season. The collaboration marks the first time in the franchise’s 25-year history that “Survivor” will be integrated
Margaret Cho, Megan Stalter and Mae Martin to Be Honored at Queerties Awards (EXCLUSIVE)
Margaret Cho, Megan Stalter and Mae Martin will receive the Icon Award, the Vanguard Award and the Groundbreaker Award, respectively, at the 14th Annual Queerties Awards, presented by leading LGBTQ+ entertainment news site Queerty. Dedicated to honoring excellence in queer
Tom Noonan, Star of Michael Mann’s ‘Manhunter’ and ‘Heat,’ Dies at 74
The actor died on Valentine's Day, according to 'The Monster Squad' director Fred Dekker: "The world has lost a great talent."
Cinemark CEO Is “a Bit Apprehensive” to Buy Into Netflix’s 45-Day Theatrical Window Commitment
"There's going to need to be more action versus comments," Sean Gamble says.
Shia LaBeouf Posts ‘Free Me’ After Arrest at Mardi Gras
Shia LaBeouf wrote “Free me” on his X account Wednesday morning, one day after his arrest over an alleged physical altercation during Mardis Gras in New Orleans. The “Transformers” actor was involved in an incident early Tuesday outside a bar in the French Quarter, during which
Stephen Colbert’s Unaired James Talarico Interview Hits 5.3 Million YouTube Views and Results in $2.5 Million Raised for Talarico’s Campaign in 24 Hours
“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” was blocked on Monday by CBS from broadcasting its interview with Texas State Rep. James Talarico — fearing retribution from the FCC. So, instead the conversation was posted on YouTube and other social media platforms, where at last count,
