Sarah Michelle Gellar & Elijah Wood Join ‘Ready or Not’ Sequel

by admin | Apr 25, 2025 | Moviephone News, News

Preview:

• Sarah Michelle Gellar and Elijah Wood have boarded the ‘Ready or Not’ sequel.
• Samara Weaving is returning to star.
• The movie is about to start shooting.

The cameras are about to roll on the follow-up to 2019 horror hit ‘Ready or Not,’ which means that directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett –– part of the filmmaking collective known as Radio Silence alongside producers Justin Martinez and Chad Villella –– are getting ready to unleash the chaos of games-turned-deadly once again.

Following the success of the original –– $6 million budget with more than $57 million at the box office worldwide, the sequel, which we now know is rather wonderfully titled ‘Ready or Not: Here I Come,’ is adding some cast members to join the established Samara Weaving (who will reprise the role of Grace from the original) and more recent addition Kathryn Newton.

And the new recruits should be familiar to anyone who enjoys genre titles: Sarah Michelle Gellar and Elijah Wood.

They’re not the only fresh faces signing up to work on the new movie: Shawn Hatosy, Néstor Carbonell, Kevin Durand (who, like Newton, worked with the directors on vampire romp ‘Abigail’) and directing legend/occasional actor David Cronenberg are rounding out the cast.

Related Article: Samara Weaving and Radio Silence Team Reuniting for ‘Ready or Not’ Sequel

What was the story of ‘Ready or Not’?

The cast of ‘Ready or Not’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

The original movie followed a young bride (Weaving’s Grace) as she joined her new husband’s (Mark O’Brien) rich, eccentric family (which included Adam Brody, Henry Czerny, Andie MacDowell) in a time-honored tradition that turned into a lethal game with everyone fighting for their survival.

Spoiler alert in case you didn’t see the film: Weaving’s character was just about the only person to make it out of the game alive.

Which means it’s hard to predict what will happen in the follow-up. Could there be previously unseen family members who come out of the woodwork to threaten Grace? Will she find herself in a different but equally dangerous weird life-threatening situation?

We can only guess at this point, but with writers Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy returning to craft the chaos, it’ll surely be just as lethal.

‘Ready or Not: Here I Come’: The filmmakers speak

Director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, left, and Director Tyler Gillett on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett are clearly happy to be back at it:

“We’re thrilled to be returning to the world of ‘Ready or Not’ with Samara, Brett, Avery and Andrew and so excited to work with this immensely talented cast and the incredible artists across every department joining the ‘Ready or Not’ family.”

And here’s what Searchlight Pictures president Matthew Greenfield had to say:

“We’re beyond excited to make another film with the phenomenal Radio Silence. With ‘Ready or Not: Here I Come,’ we get to go on another ride with the amazing Samara Weaving, mix in awesome new voices and bring audiences a fresh take that’s every bit as twisted and fun as the first one. This is for those who’ve been waiting, and those who didn’t see it coming.”

Where else have we seen Sarah Michelle Gellar and Elijah wood?

(L to R) Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ryan Phillippe in ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.

Sarah Michelle Gellar is no stranger to the world of sci-fi and fantasy, particularly on the small screen. She’s still best known for playing Buffy Summers, the main character of much-loved series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ and is an executive producer on the rebooted version of the show that is now in development.

Elsewhere on TV, she’s been seen in shows such as ‘Dexter: Original Sin,’ ‘Wolf Pack,’ ‘The Crazy Ones,’ ‘Ringer’ and ‘Buffy’ spin-off ‘Angel.’

Movie-wise, her credits include ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer,’ ‘Scream 2,’ ‘Small Soldiers,’ ‘Simply Irresistible,’ ‘Cruel Intentions,’ the American version of ‘The Grudge’ and as Daphne in the two live-action ‘Scooby Doo’ movies.

She’s attached to star in and produce a new TV series called ‘Bad Summer People.’

(L to R) Laura Mennell, Elijah Wood and Theo James in ‘The Monkey’. Photo: Neon.

As for Wood, he got his start as a child actor, making his movie debut in ‘Back to the Future Part II.’

Since then, he’s been seen in the likes of ‘Forever Young,’ ‘Flipper,’ ‘The Ice Storm,’ ‘Deep Impact,’ ‘The Faculty,’ ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,’ ‘Sin City,’ ‘The Monkey’ and voiced Mumble in the two ‘Happy Feet’ movies.

But far and away on his resume in terms of impact is his work on Peter Jackson’s three giant ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies, in which he played Frodo Baggins.

Since then, he’s also become something of a producer, helping filmmakers get their work on screens.

His TV credits include ‘Yellowjackets,’ ‘Star Wars: Resistance,’ ‘Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency,’ ‘Wilfred’ and ‘Frasier.’

When will ‘Ready or Not: Here I Come’ be in theaters?

Backers Searchlight Pictures haven’t yet announced when the sequel will be causing chaos on screens, but with production gearing up, a 2026 release surely isn’t out of the question.

Elijah Wood in ‘Bookworm’. Photo: Rialto Distribution.

List of Elijah Wood Movies and TV Shows:

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First Look at ‘The Thursday Murder Club’

by admin | Apr 24, 2025 | Moviephone News, News

Preview:

• The first look at Netflix’s crime novel adaptation ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ has landed.
• Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren and Ben Kingsley lead the cast.
• The movie hits Netflix on 28th August.

We’ve known for around a year now that Netflix and Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the popular ‘Thursday Murder Club’ series by TV host/producer-turned-author Richard Osman is on the way, ever since the film announced casting with Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie landing the lead roles.

Four septuagenarian friends who live in a retirement community and, led by a former spy, form the Thursday Murder Club to solve cold cases for fun. But when a shady… Read the Plot

That’s quite a murderer’s row of casting –– pun entirely intended, since the book and resulting film will fall cleanly into the cozy murder mystery genre that the UK does so well –– and cements the latest big move for Osman, whose novel series has been a massive bestseller.

With Chris Columbus calling the shots, we now have the first look at the movie, and particularly the leads in the middle of their latest case. And if this one is a success, we can surely expect more.

Other books in the series include ‘The Man Who Died Twice,’ ‘The Bullet That Missed,’ and ‘The Last Devil to Die,’ as well as the newest installment ‘The Impossible Fortune,’ which is released later this year.

Here’s Osman’s statement on his inspiration for the stories –– spending time at his own mother’s retirement home:

“You just sit and chat with these people and they’ve lived these extraordinary lives. You hear these amazing stories and gossip and wisdom. You think, ‘These people are so overlooked.’ The idea that these people with their wisdom and their invisibility would be the perfect people to solve a crime is exactly where ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ comes from. Take these people who are underestimated but who have these incredible skills, put them together, and they can achieve anything.”

What’s the story of ‘The Thursday Murder Club’?

(L to R) Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan in ‘The Thursday Murder Club’, which will launch on 28th August 2025 exclusively on Netflix. Photo: Netflix.

Osman’s book, the first in a series follows four irrepressible retirees –– Elizabeth (Mirren), Ron (Brosnan), Ibrahim (Kingsley) and Joyce (Imrie) –– who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun.

When an unexplained death occurs on their own doorstep, their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn as they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands.

And this is no ordinary group of retirees –– they all bring a particular set of skills to the table. Mirren’s Elizabeth is a former spy, Kingsley’s Ibrahim worked as a psychiatrist, Brosnan’s Ron spend his days as a union activist and Imrie’s Joyce was a nurse.

Here’s what Columbus said about that main cast:

“This is the finest cast I’ve worked with since ‘Potter.’ They’re just so incredibly well-prepared, and it’s because they do everything. They do theater, they do television, they do film, and they’ve developed those sorts of muscles.”

Related Article: Pierce Brosnan Talks Director Terry Loane’s Drama ‘The Last Rifleman’

Who is making ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ movie?

(L to R) Tom Ellis and Helen Mirren in ‘The Thursday Murder Club’, which will launch on 28th August 2025 exclusively on Netflix. Photo: Netflix.

Osman sold the rights to Spielberg’s Amblin company in 2020, shortly after the first book became a hit, and development quietly proceeded along.

So, who did the company chose to adapt a popular series of novels set in the UK it hopes will spawn a successful franchise (and has form working with Spielberg)? That would be Columbus, who helped kick off the gigantic ‘Harry Potter’ film series!

With Osman aboard as an executive producer, production happened last year and the first trailer should be on the way before we know it.

And though the concept might seem more niche than the adventures of a boy wizard, the casting will certainly help push the idea here and beyond.

While it originally looked like Columbus would pull double duty and also write the script, the adaptation instead come courtesy of actor and ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’ writer Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote, whose credits include ‘Fear the Walking Dead,’ Apple TV+ series ‘The Crowded Room’ and a season of ‘Killing Eve.’

Who else is appearing in ‘The Thursday Murder Club’?

(L to R) Celia Imrie, Naomi Ackie and Ben Kingsley in ‘The Thursday Murder Club’, which will launch on 28th August 2025 exclusively on Netflix. Photo: Netflix.

Beyond that starry main cast, we also have the likes of Naomi Ackie, Daniel Mays, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Tom Ellis, Jonathan Pryce, David Tennant, Paul Freeman, Geoff Bell,Richard E. Grant and Ingrid Oliver.

And we have a few character details for some of those…

Ackie is Donna De Freitas, a local police officer and good friend to the Club’s members.

Jonathan Pryce plays Stephen, husband to Mirren’s Elizabeth.

Tom Ellis will be as Jason Ritchie, Ron’s (Brosnan) son and a retired boxer.

Sarah Niles has the role of Patrice De Freitas, Donna’s mother.

Ingrid Oliver will be Joanna Meadowcroft, Joyce’s (Imrie) daughter.

When will ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ be on Netflix.

Along with the first look photos, Netflix has announced that the movie will head to its servers on August 28th.

‘The Thursday Murder Club’ will launch on 28th August 2025 exclusively on Netflix. Photo: Netflix.

List of Pierce Brosnan Movies and TV Shows:

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‘Mob Cops’ Exclusive Interview: David Arquette

by admin | Apr 24, 2025 | Moviephone News, News

Opening in theaters, on digital and On Demand beginning April 25th is the new crime drama ‘Mob Cops’, which was directed by Danny A. Abeckaser (‘Mob Town’) and stars Abeckaser, David Arquette (‘Scream’), Jeremy Luke (‘The Irishman’), and Kevin Connolly (‘Entourage’).

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with David Arquette about his work on ‘Mob Cops’, his first reaction to the screenplay, why he wanted to be part of the project, the true story it is based on, and working with Jeremy Luke and their characters unique relationship, as well as confirming that he will return for ‘Scream 7’, and reuniting with franchise screenwriter and now director, Kevin Williamson.

(L to R) Jeremy Luke as “Leo Bennetti” and David Arquette as “Sammy Canzano” in the crime thriller ‘Mob Cops’, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and why did you want to be part of this project?

David Arquette: Well, Danny Abeckaser, the director, is a friend of mine. We did ‘Mob Town’ together. He sent me the script and told me about the story. I had heard rumors about it in the past, but then I think I’d seen the ‘60 Minutes’ interview on it and just researching it and then reading the script. I play a lot of cops, so to be able to play a crooked cop was interesting for me. Jeremy Luke is the other mob cop. They’re two NYPD officers who start killing for the mob. It was just such an interesting story and it’s inspired by actual events. It was just fascinating. Jeremy Luke’s character wants to be famous and writes a book and goes on talk shows and starts to even get in movies. He was in ‘Goodfellas’. Jeremy sent me a scene from ‘Lost Highway’ and he’s in a scene with my sister, Patricia. I couldn’t believe it. It was so close to home. But it’s amazing to play a cop in general. Cops are interesting people. They deal with a lot. So, they’ve seen it all. In high stress, dangerous situations, they remain calm, which is interesting to watch and understand their mentality. But they also deal with a lot, and they’re worn down by having to go through all this all the time. So, there’s all these elements. But my character, he justified it for himself. He justified it by providing for his family. He’s in a neighborhood where he sees these guys in their Cadillacs and all their nice clothes, and he didn’t want any of that, but he wanted to provide for his family. He was a Vietnam vet and he’d been in war and understood death in a way. He also saw it as just taking some bad guys off the street without having to go through the criminal process, as horrible as that is. So, he justified it for himself. He really saw himself as the good guy, even though he was doing these horrible things. His biggest fear was being exposed for not being the decorated cop that he was, and for bringing shame to his family, that kind of thing.

MF: In your research, what did you learn about the true events that the film is based on that helped you play this character?

DA: We changed the names of the characters, but there’s real people involved, real victims involved and real family members of these characters. A lot of people don’t believe that this is true. A lot of people don’t think they really did this kind of stuff, even though they were convicted in a court of law. So that was interesting to walk that line of justifying it for my character, but also just the different things, the fact that they were really close friends, and it was easy because Jeremy’s a wonderful actor. He’s easy to get to know and get a kick out of it and have a friendship with. So that, they really were friends. When they moved to Las Vegas later in their lives, and they moved in the same community. Their kids grew up together. They were tight. So that was interesting to be able to play and the dynamic of a friend upsetting you, but not wanting to make a bigger deal of it or break up with a friend. You know what I mean? So, there were all these more detailed, nuanced relationship stuff that we found.

(L to R) Jeremy Luke as “Leo Bennetti” and David Arquette as “Sammy Canzano” in the crime thriller ‘Mob Cops’, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

MF: Can you talk about Sammy and Leo’s partnership, their eventual conflict, and working with actor Jeremy Luke?

DA: I mean, it was remarkable. The real character was going on these talk shows and writing a book. It was just like, “What are you doing?” You know what I mean? It’s funny because Bo Dietl’s in the film too, and he was a legendary New York City police officer. He knew these guys. We could ask him questions about them and really get behind the scenes of what they were like and this and that. My character really was kind of snake-like and very quiet. That’s what he told me, and I took that in really. So, I’m the kind of actor that’ll find things and find some funny beats and this and that. There wasn’t a lot of that. I was more, in a weird way, the straight man to Jeremy Luke’s character. So, there’s a way of doing that too where it’s kind of funny. You find laughs within, not that we’re looking for laughs or something, but you are looking to keep the scenes alive in the relationship. So that was fun to explore. I was fascinated by some of the stories, walking it through in my head how they could do this kind of thing, where did they get to this place? Ultimately, since he had been in war, killing really wasn’t what it would be to somebody who hadn’t gone through his life experience. This is as strange as it is, the fact that he’s doing movies and then he’s in a scene with my sister, Patricia, in ‘The Lost Highway’. It just blew my mind how it is so real and how it is so close and how complicated it gets. But a lot of the actors that are in the movie are very authentic to this world and have grown up around these guys. I’ve known some of these guys. So, to get into that mentality, there’s a lot of ego involved. It’s an interesting world because it’s very macho, for lack of a better word, but it’s fun to explore it as an actor, to be able to tap into that kind of stuff. To be able to, in your head, say, “Should I kill this guy?” But that’s what you’re thinking while you’re in a scene. You know what I mean? It gives you things to play with, for sure.

David Arquette in Paramount Pictures “Scream.” Photo: Paramount Pictures.

MF: It was recently announced that you will be returning to play Dewey Riley in ‘Scream 7’, even though your character seemingly died in 2022’s ‘Scream’. Were you surprised when you got the call to return?

DA: I’m surprised it got out because it was a spoiler report, and it was supposed to be a surprise. But knowing that Kevin Williamson was going to direct it, I was really thrilled for him, and that Neve (Campbell) was back. That was such an amazing thing. So, I was excited to play Dewey again. I love playing that role. I love the relationship with the fans. They have such a love for the franchise, so (I hope) people enjoy it.

MF: Finally, what was it like to return and work with franchise screenwriter Kevin Williamson now as a director?

DA: He’s such an incredible director. He is such an incredible writer. He’s just a kind person too, full of heart and really knows this world like no one else. You know what I mean? He really conceived these characters, and he brought them to life. For him to be able to direct it, I think it’ll be a lot of fun for people to watch and be a part of. There are all kinds of Easter eggs throughout it. Real interesting stuff.

What is the plot of ‘Mob Cops’?

‘Mob Cops’ is a thrilling crime drama about the darkest corruption case in the history of the New York City Police Department. When a retired NYPD detective writes a book about his family’s ties to the mob, it ignites a firestorm between the dirty cops working for the city’s brutal crime boss and the officers trying to bring them to justice.

Who is in the cast of ‘Mob Cops’?

• David Arquette as Sammy Canzano
• Jeremy Luke as Leo Benetti
• Danny A. Abeckaser as Tim Delgado
• Bo Dietl as Sherman
• Graham Sibley as Ira Grossman
• Kevin Connolly

(L to R) Kyle Stefanski as “Phil Hughes,” Jeremy Luke as “Leo Bennetti” and David Arquette as “Sammy Canzano” in the crime thriller ‘Mob Cops’, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

David Arquette Movies and TV Shows:

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Joseph Zada to Lead ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’

by admin | Apr 24, 2025 | Moviephone News, News

Preview:

• Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak are playing Haymitch and Lenore in the new ‘Hunger Games’ prequel.
• Francis Lawrence will direct the movie.
• ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ will be out in November next year.

The casting news for the latest ‘Hunger Games’ prequel –– once more based on a book by Suzanne Collins, this time subtitled ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ –– has been ramping up.

Return to the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games for the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Read the Plot

We recently learned that Elle Fanning has been linked with the role of a younger Effie Trinket; the effusive stylist as portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the original ‘Hunger Games’ movies. But that has yet to be confirmed.

We do know, however, who has won the lead roles: Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak will play Haymitch Abernathy and Lenore Dove Baird.

Here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman on the casting:

“ ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire. After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, these two stood out — not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles. Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise. His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional history of Panem. We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series.”

Mckenna Grace is set join the cast of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ as Maysilee Donner. Photo credit: Gus Black.

In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute.

What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.

While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of Jennifer Lawrence films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’ Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Woody Harrelson.

While Lenore is only briefly mentioned in the book ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay,’ she’s a full character in ‘Sunrise on the Reaping.’

Who else has been rumored for ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?

Kieran Culkin accepts the award for Male Supporting Actor – Motion Picture at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Zada’s casting puts paid to the rumors that Charlie Plummer, who appears in Lawrence’s Stephen King adaptation ‘The Long Walk,’ due in theaters on September 12th, would take Haymitch role.

That might end up throwing doubt on the idea that Ralph Fiennes will also end up in the movie, to play Coriolanus Snow, as brought to screens by Donald Sutherland in the original films and Tom Blyth in previous prequel effort ‘Songbirds and Snakes.’

And then there was word that Kieran Culkin is mulling an offer to play Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci.) We’ll wait and see if there is an official announcement about any of them.

Related Article: Elle Fanning May be Effie Trinket in Upcoming ‘The Hunger Games’ Prequel

Where else have we seen Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak?

(L-R): Belissa Escobedo as Izzy, Whitney Peak as Becca, and Lilia Buckingham as Cassie in Disney’s live-action ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Zada will next be seen starring in the highly anticipated Prime Video series ‘We Were Liars,’ which premieres this June.

He also just completed work on Netflix’s ‘East of Eden,’ a seven-episode limited series based on the 1952 John Steinbeck novel, written and produced by Zoe Kazan.

As for Peak, she has the lead in Sony Pictures’ upcoming shark thriller ‘Shiver’ opposite Phoebe Dynevor, and a role opposite Liam Neeson and Teresa Palmer in ‘4 Kids Walk into a Bank.’

Previously, she was seen in the ‘Gossip Girl’ reboot co-starred in ‘Hocus Pocus 2.’

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Collins and the filmmakers talk

Director Francis Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.

Here’s Suzanne Collins’ statement on the new book and movie:

“With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few… The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day. From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026.”

And here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson:

“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. We know ‘Hunger Games’ fans worldwide will be spellbound by where Suzanne has focused this next extraordinary story. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”

When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?

Lionsgate already has a release date in place for this one: the studio wants the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.

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First Look at ‘The Old Guard 2’

by admin | Apr 23, 2025 | Moviephone News, News

Preview:

• The first images from ‘The Old Guard 2’ are online.
• Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne return for the Netflix sequel.
• Victoria Mahoney is in the director’s chair this time.

If it feels like we’ve had to have the patience of an immortal as we await any real update on Netflix action sequel ‘The Old Guard 2’ –– the last main bit of news on the movie was back in 2022, when Uma Thurman and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Henry Golding joined the cast.

Andy leads immortal warriors against a powerful enemy threatening their group. They grapple with the resurfacing of a long-lost immortal, complicating their mission… Read the Plot

But at long last, the streaming service has announced when it’ll be headed our way, and posted some pictures of the new movie.

And star Charlize Theron has also commented on the return of her character, the long-lived warrior who in the 2020 original, faced her existence coming to light and a threat to her team as a potential new immortal came on the scene.

Here’s what she had to say:

“There’s something for everyone in this movie: Fans who loved the first film, fans who love the original graphic novels — and brand-new fans who are looking for insane action, grounded and relatable characters, gorgeous locations, and a global cast of superstars.”

And this was her statement on the new developments this time around:

“We’re going to meet some brand-new characters,” she teased. “Quyhn is back and her story continues, and we’re all excited to have Uma Thurman and Henry Golding join us as two key new players in the ‘Old Guard’ universe. Andy and her warriors are back with a renewed sense of purpose. The stakes are even higher now that Andy is mortal and can die — but that certainly won’t keep her out of the action.”

Related Article: Uma Thurman and Henry Golding to Join Charlize Theron in ‘The Old Guard’ Sequel

What’s the story of ‘The Old Guard 2’?

Charlize Theron as Andy in ‘The Old Guard 2’. Photo: Eli Joshua Ade/Netflix © 2025.

Andy (Charlize Theron) and her team of immortal warriors are back, with a renewed sense of purpose in their mission to protect the world. With Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts) still in exile after his betrayal, and Quynh (Veronica Ngô) out for revenge after escaping her underwater prison, Andy grapples with her newfound mortality as a mysterious threat emerges that could jeopardize everything she’s worked towards for thousands of years.

Andy, Nile (KiKi Layne), Joe (Marwan Kenzari), Nicky (Luca Marinelli) and James Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) enlist the help of Tuah (Henry Golding), an old friend who may provide the key to unlocking the mystery behind immortal existence.

The movies adapt the work of comic book/graphic novel writer Greg Rucka and illustrator Leandro Fernandez, who created the world of Andy and the rest.

Back in 2020, the first movie became a pandemic-era hit, as audiences turned to streaming to increasingly meet their entertainment needs. That one was written by Rucka, with Gina Prince-Bythewood in the director’s chair.

For the new one, Victoria Mahoney, who directed 2011’s ‘Yelling to the Sky’ and was first assistant director on ‘Star Wars: Episode IX –– The Rise of Skywalker’, took over directing, with Rucka returning to write, this time alongside Sarah L. Walker.

Here’s what Rucka had to say about the sequel:

“We ended the first film with some radical changes to the status quo. Andy’s mortality has mysteriously left her, Nile has become immortal and joined the group, and Booker’s been punished for his sins by being sent into exile, which is pretty much the worst thing you can do to people who live for hundreds and hundreds of years.”

And this was Mahoney’s comment:

“My mandate every time we went out the door to scout was, ‘I do not want to visit any locations, routinely seen as an audience member in a number of my favorite films.’ I relentlessly pushed toward the unexpected.”

Who are the new characters in ‘The Old Guard 2’?

(L to R) Chiwetel Ejiofor as Copley and Charlize Theron as Andy in ‘The Old Guard 2’. Photo: Eli Joshua Ade/Netflix © 2025.

While Thurman’s character –– beyond the fact she’ll be a key component in the story –– is a mystery for now, we do know Golding is aboard to play Tuah, an enigmatic figure who has been researching the immortals. Golding brought his own personal background to the character, even going as far as helping to name him.

Golding said this of the role:

“When Victoria Mahoney and I had our first Zoom call, we went over the character, and originally we didn’t have a name for him. That came a little bit later because Vic really wanted to know who I was, and how this character could represent parts of my life. In the end, I suggested his character be called Tuah, which in Malaysian means ‘luck.’ ”

When will ‘The Old Guard 2’ arrive on screens?

‘The Old Guard 2’ will land on Netflix globally on July 2nd.

‘The Old Guard 2’. Photo: Eli Joshua Ade/Netflix © 2025.

List of Charlize Theron Movies and TV Shows:

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Sydney Sweeney and Michael Bay Driven to ‘OutRun’

by admin | Apr 23, 2025 | Moviephone News, News

Preview:

• Sydney Sweeney and Michael Bay are teaming up for an ‘OutRun’ adaptation.
• It’ll be drawn from the popular 1980s arcade/video game franchise.
• Jayson Rothwell will write the script.

Here’s what we’d describe as both a surprising and yet understandable combo of talent and subject.

While we’re not certain we had Sydney Sweeney and Michael Bay teaming up on our 2025 bingo card, the idea that they’d be coming together to work on a video game adaptation might top that for its unlikely quality.

Still, given that Sweeney has been increasingly getting into the producing side of movie-making and Bay has a little bit of experience with action, maybe we should all have seen their collaboration on an adaptation of classic 1980s Sega title ‘OutRun’ heading our way –– at least, potentially.

According to Deadline, Bay will direct the new movie for Universal, with Sweeney –– at least so far –– only aboard to produce rather than making a deal to star. Of course, if the script takes a shape she’s interested in, expect her to take a role, even if it’s supporting part, to get this one made.

Toru Nakahara (who worked on the likes of ‘Sonic the Hedgehog) will also produce for Sega, while the company’s president and COO Shuji Utsumi will oversee development.

Related Article: Sydney Sweeney in Negotiations to Star in Legendary’s ‘Gundam’ Movie

What’s the story of ‘OutRun’?

‘OutRun’ video game. Photo: Youtube.

With video games enjoying a huge moment on screens big and small (‘Minecraft’ continues to build at the box office, while ‘The Last of Us’ returned to HBO and Max with a bang a couple of weeks ago, and just released its most impactful episode so far), it’s hardly surprising that other companies would be rooting through titles to find possibilities.

Universal itself has already seen success in the sphere with ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ and ‘Five Nights at Freddie’s both launching film franchises.

The initial struggle with ‘OutRun’ is that it features no traditional narrative: this is a pseudo-3D driving video game in which the player controls a Ferrari Testarossa convertible from a third-person rear perspective. The object of the game is to reach the finish line against a timer.

Still ‘OutRun,’ which Sega debuted in arcade cabinet form back in 1986 and saw become its most successful arcade title of the decade, has enjoyed a long-running embrace by game fans since being ported to variety of consoles and systems, spawning a franchise.

Jayson Rothwell, whose credits include Netflix thriller ‘Polar,’ comedy horror mystery ‘Silent Night’ [2012] and 2004 horror thriller ‘Blessed’ is the scriptwriter who will be figuring out how it works as a movie.

There have been different approaches to titles such as this in the past –– the more recent ‘Gran Turismo’ took the novel idea of focusing on a real-life player of the game becoming a driver, while the less successful (in every sense) 2014 effort ‘Need for Speed’ looked to put a crime thriller coat on the racing action.

And let’s not forget that “Bayhem” isn’t a term by accident (except for the many spectacular vehicular collisions he’s brought to screens on purpose); the director knows how to stage a set piece with real momentum.

What else is Sydney Sweeney working on?

(L to R) Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney in ‘Anyone But You. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

Sweeney’s current schedule is as packed as anyone’s in Hollywood.

Last year included the continued success of hit rom-com ‘Anyone But You’ opposite fellow rising star Glen Powell and Neon horror thriller ‘Immaculate.’

She followed those up with one that she might wish to vanish from her resume, misfiring Spider-Man spin-off ‘Madame Web.’

The actor also filmed the Ron Howard-directed thriller ‘Eden’ about a society of people who opt to start a new life in the Galapagos islands, only for things to wrong. That one should be in theaters this year.

(L to R) Brandon Sklenar, Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney and director Paul Feig at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Lionsgate.

She has shot the Lionsgate adaptation of the novel ‘The Housemaid,’ which has Paul Feige in the director’s chair, and has worked on two other movies, ‘Echo Valley’ about a woman (played by Julianne Moore) whose life is turned upside down when her daughter (Sweeney) shows up covered in someone else’s blood, and a biopic of real-life boxer Christy Martin, with Sweeney in the lead role (not to mention it’s another movie she produced).

Still to come is a starring role in Colman Domingo’s film ‘Scandalous!,’ which will see her playing Kim Novak in the story of the actor’s controversial relationship with Sammy Davis Jr. (played by ‘Alien: Romulus’ David Jonsson).

And that list doesn’t even include the potential movies to which she is attached: that list includes a remake of sci-fi comedy ‘Barbarella,’ thriller ‘The Caretaker’ and a drama called ‘The Registration.’

More recently, she was linked to the attempt to make a live-action ‘Gundam’ movie.

Finally, we have HBO series ‘Euphoria,’ whose much-delayed third season which is finally filming now for a 2026 release.

What else is Michael Bay working on?

(L to R) Producer Brad Fischer, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Director/Producer Michael Bay, Eiza González and Jake Gyllenhaal attend Universal Pictures ‘Ambulance’ Premiere at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, CA on Monday, April 4, 2022. Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages.

Bay, who has been working as a filmmaker longer than his new collaborator has been alive, is busy as both a director and a producer.

While his most recent feature directorial gig was 2022 action thriller ‘Ambulance,’ he’s got parkour documentary ‘We Are Storror,’ which follows the daring and successful Parkour team, who have amassed a huge following on YouTube. The doc premiered at SXSW on March 8th.

As a producer, his Platinum Dunes company has backed a number of recent movies, including ‘Drop,’ ‘Transformers One’ and ‘A Quiet Place: Day One.’

And as usual, he has a vast array of projects in development under both sides of his output, including the long-gestating ‘Robopocalypse,’ a crossover between the ‘Transformers’ and ‘G.I. Joe’ properties and a third main ‘A Quiet Place’ outing.

When will ‘OutRun’ be in theaters?

Universal has yet to announce anything close to a release date for this one, so we’ll have to be patient for now. Cool your engines, people!

Sydney Sweeney in ‘Euphoria.’ Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO.

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