Motion Picture: Kid Cudi joins ‘Happy Gilmore 2’, Sony Pictures developing ‘Blue Streak’ sequel
Mahershala Ali - Amy Sussman
Action/Horror/Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Djimon Hounsou, a two-time Oscar nominee known for Blood Diamond, is set to star in The Monster, a horror-thriller directed by Saw franchise veteran Darren Lynn Bousman. Written by Jonathan Bernstein and James Greer (Unsane), the story follows two millennials running a lucrative scam, renting out high-end New York apartments they don’t own—until they meet a dangerous property owner who upends their scheme. Produced by Lee Nelson, David Tish (Envision Media Arts), and Saw producer Mark Burg, The Monster begins filming in Danbury, CT, in November. Burg promises intense scares, while Nelson and Tish highlight the film’s fresh take on horror.
Akela Cooper, known for her work on M3GAN and The Nun II with James Wan, is adapting The Lot for comic publisher Bad Idea. Cooper will also produce the project alongside Bad Idea’s CEO Dinesh Shamdasani and film/TV head Benjamin Simpson. The Lot follows Aviva Copeland, one of the few Black women to run a Hollywood studio, who uncovers a dark secret when attempting to revive an old soundstage—one involving a cult ritual performed by real cult members, now reawakened. Originally a four-issue comic by Marguerite Bennett and artist Renato Guedes, The Lot was published in 2021 and is highlighted at New York Comic Con, where Bad Idea is offering a limited edition of The Lot No. 1. The company, backed by producers Andrew Gallina and Shahin Chandrasoma, is also developing other comic adaptations, including Ordained by John Wick’s Derek Kolstad.
Tyler Perry Studios has signed director, writer, and producer Courtney Glaude (The Reading) to an overall deal, appointing him as Executive Creator of Scripted and Unscripted content. Glaude’s first project under this partnership is the feature film A Love, a psychological thriller that examines domestic violence as a learned behavior from childhood, set to begin production next year. In addition to directing, Glaude will develop and produce scripted and unscripted TV and film projects for Tyler Perry Studios. Known for exploring societal themes and uplifting underrepresented voices, Glaude gained recognition with The Reading, produced by Lee Daniels and starring Mo’Nique on BET+.
Disney has removed the Blade reboot, starring Mahershala Ali as the half-vampire hero, from its November 7, 2025, release date, replacing it with Predator: Badlands. Production setbacks, including two director exits, script rewrites, and delays from COVID and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, contributed to the film’s ongoing postponement. Marvel insiders cited quality concerns as the reason for the delay, with Kevin Feige emphasizing that the film won’t be rushed to ensure it lives up to the legacy of Wesley Snipes' original Blade trilogy. Marvel added three untitled films to its 2028 lineup while trimming back to three movie releases per year.
Music video director Colin Tilley’s feature debut, Eye for an Eye, a horror thriller set in Florida’s marshlands, stars Whitney Peak as a young woman haunted by a supernatural presence. Produced by Ley Line Entertainment, the film explores themes of bullying and subconscious trauma, blending surreal, horror elements. Additional cast includes S. Epatha Merkerson, Golda Rosheuvel, and Finn Bennett. The film, adapted from Elisa Victoria’s graphic novel Mr. Sandman, will be presented at the American Film Market for international and domestic sales.
Nicholas Gyeney’s supernatural thriller The Activated Man will premiere theatrically on Dec. 13, 2024, at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, followed by a limited U.S. release. Starring Jamie Costa as a man grappling with grief, the film explores themes of loss through supernatural visions. The cast includes Tony Todd, Sean Young, and Kane Hodder, with distribution by Stonecutter Media for on-demand viewing. Garnering over 30 festival awards, the film has resonated with audiences for its unique take on horror and spirituality.
Jayme Lawson has joined the cast of The Running Man, Edgar Wright’s upcoming film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. Lawson will portray Sheila, the wife of Glen Powell's character, Ben, who is forced into a deadly game show to earn money for his family. Set in a dystopian world, this adaptation will bring a fresh take on King’s 1982 novel, previously adapted in 1987. The film is set to release on November 21, 2025, and features a star-studded cast including Josh Brolin, Karl Glusman, and Lee Pace.
Comedy/Dramady/Musical: Christina Milian is teaming up with Netflix again for the holiday rom-com Meet Me Next Christmas, marking her third Netflix collaboration after Resort to Love and Falling Inn Love. Milian stars as Layla, who races across New York City to get tickets to a sold-out Pentatonix Christmas Eve concert in hopes of meeting her dream man. Directed by Rusty Cundieff, the film also features Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe, Kalen Allen, and Pentatonix, who may even perform in the film. Production starts next week, with Milian also serving as an executive producer.
Level 33 Entertainment has obtained North American rights to Raging Midlife, a new action-comedy directed by Rob Taylor and co-written by Nic Costa. Starring Paula Abdul, Eddie Griffin, and Walter Koenig, the film follows two friends pursuing a piece of wrestling memorabilia that becomes the center of an unusual journey. Raging Midlife will debut at the Austin Film Festival on October 26, with a planned release in early 2025. The film combines ’80s nostalgia with humor and is produced by Costa, with executive producers Luke Haigh and Joe Costa.
Oscar nominees Lily Gladstone and Sharon Stone have joined Marc Maron in In Memoriam, an indie comedy directed by Rob Burnett. The film centers on a terminally ill actor, played by Maron, who seeks a spot in the Oscars’ “In Memoriam” montage, leading to unexpected self-discovery. Gladstone plays his therapist, while Stone and Judy Greer appear as his ex-wives. Produced by Invention Studio’s Nicholas Weinstock and others, the project is in production in Los Angeles and aims to capture the balance of comedy and introspection.
One of Them Days, a comedy arriving in theaters on January 24, stars Keke Palmer and SZA as Dreux and Alyssa, two best friends and roommates who find themselves in a financial bind when Alyssa’s boyfriend spends their rent money. As eviction looms, the duo embarks on a chaotic, last-ditch effort to secure their rent and keep their friendship intact. Directed by Lawrence Lamont and produced by Issa Rae, the film features a cast that includes Maude Apatow, Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, and Katt Williams.
Greta Lee has joined the cast of Late Fame, directed by Kent Jones, replacing Sandra Hüller, who left due to scheduling conflicts. Lee stars as Gloria, a captivating theater actress whose influence disrupts the life of Willem Dafoe's character, Ed Saxberger, a rediscovered poet. The film, produced by Killer Films, explores themes of praise, the soul, and the lingering effects of the past. Late Fame generated buzz at Cannes, with Jones noted for acclaimed works like Diane and Hitchcock/Truffaut.
Rupert Everett, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Jeremy Irvine, and Layton Williams will star in The Light Fantastic, a comedy about ballroom dancing directed by Chris Cottam. Inspired by a true story, the film follows Jason, a gay firefighter pursuing his dream of becoming a professional dancer while facing traditional barriers in Blackpool. Produced by Debbie Gray, with choreography by renowned duo Mark and Shirley Ballas, the film emphasizes love and acceptance amid adversity. Production begins in early 2025 in the U.K.
Scott Mescudi, also known as Kid Cudi, has joined the cast of Happy Gilmore 2, starring Adam Sandler, with production currently underway. The sequel brings back original characters, including Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald, reprising their roles. Directed by Kyle Newacheck, the film is a follow-up to the cult classic about a hockey player turned golfer. Mescudi, known for his work in film and music, adds to an ensemble that includes notable cameos.
Sony Pictures is developing a sequel to the 1999 buddy comedy Blue Streak, starring Martin Lawrence, who will also produce through his company, Run Tel Dat. Cole Maliska is writing the screenplay, and the project is in its early stages without additional talent attached yet. The original film, which grossed nearly $120 million worldwide, featured Lawrence as a jewel thief posing as a detective alongside Luke Wilson. Lawrence's recent success in Bad Boys: Ride or Die has renewed interest in his classic comedies.
Charades has acquired the international sales rights to Queens of the Dead, a glam gore zombie comedy by Tina Romero, daughter of famed director George A. Romero. The film features a diverse cast, including Jaquel Spivey and Margaret Cho, and follows drag queens and club kids fighting zombies during a warehouse party. Romero describes it as a tribute to the drag spirit and an evolution of the zombie genre. The film is produced by Natalie Metzger and Matthew Lee Miller, aiming to push genre boundaries.
Nickelodeon Studios is set to begin production on My Weird School, a feature-length film based on Dan Gutman’s popular book series. The story follows middle school student AJ, played by Hero Hunter, as he teams up with friends and faculty to fend off an alien invasion. Production will take place in Vancouver and the film will stream on Paramount+ while also airing on Nickelodeon channels. Directed by Jonathan Judge, the film aims to capture the series' humor and charm for its family audience.
Tubi has greenlit a feature film by TikTok star Kelon Campbell, based on her viral character Terri Joe. The dramedy follows Terri Joe as she leaves her small town to explore the world, confronting the fears instilled by her parents and pastor about the outside world. This project is part of Tubi's initiative to support aspiring filmmakers through Stubios, a fan-driven platform for creative projects.
Zoe Saldana - Mike Marsland
Drama: Jeremy Pope’s short film God Is Good has been acquired by The Criterion Channel. Inspired by his debut EP Last Name: Pope, Pope wrote and stars in the film, directed by C Prinz and choreographed by Parris Goebel. Blending memoir, monologue, surrealism, and dance, God Is Good delves into masculinity, vulnerability, and societal expectations through the perspective of a Black queer man in America. Drawing from his upbringing by a preacher mother and a bodybuilder father, Pope confronts internalized homophobia and explores his spiritual connection beyond conventional beliefs. Prinz describes the film as a "lawless plunge" into genre-bending filmmaking, evolving from a two-minute sketch into a 20-minute cinematic piece.
Colman Domingo is set to make his feature directorial debut with Scandalous, a period drama about the controversial 1950s romance between movie star Kim Novak and singer Sammy Davis Jr., who faced racial prejudice for their relationship. Sydney Sweeney and David Jonsson are in talks to play the leads. Miramax is pushing the project forward, aiming to start production next year after Domingo and Sweeney finish Euphoria season 3. Novak and Davis first met on The Steve Allen Show in 1956, with their relationship gaining public attention in 1958 after a report suggested they might marry.
French filmmaker Ladj Ly, acclaimed for Les Misérables, will write and direct Dumas: Black Devil, an epic film about Thomas Alexandre Dumas, the first Black general in the French army and father of author Alexandre Dumas. Produced by Chapter 2, Pathé, and Srab Films, the film is set for production in 2025 and will feature major French and international stars. The film will explore Dumas’ extraordinary rise from slavery to military heroism, a story that inspired his son’s famous works like The Three Musketeers. Pathé will distribute and handle international sales, with the project embodying universal themes of courage and justice, honoring a largely forgotten figure in French history.
Around age 40, Zoe Saldaña reassessed her acting career, revealing she often felt like an “imposter” despite success in major franchises such as Avatar, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Dyslexia and anxiety kept her from certain roles, but her latest film, Emilia Pérez, a Spanish musical drama, reignited her creative passion. Saldaña feels the role allowed her to express vulnerability and reconnect with her roots. She balances family life with ambitions to direct, and she actively supports Baby2Baby, teaching her children empathy through volunteerism.
Colman Domingo will direct Scandalous, a Miramax drama about the 1957 romance between film star Kim Novak, played by Sydney Sweeney, and Sammy Davis Jr., played by David Jonsson. Set in classic Hollywood, the film will delve into their secret relationship amid the racial tension of the era. Sweeney, who helped develop the project, will co-produce alongside Tani Cohen and Bobby Rock, with Matthew Fantaci writing the script. Production will begin after Domingo and Sweeney complete Euphoria Season 3.
Stoked Bros Media, co-founded by ex-NBA player Jarnell Stokes, has partnered with Germany-based ORWO to co-produce, co-finance, and handle international sales and post-production for three upcoming films. The first project, Break the Cycle, stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Vivica A. Fox, and Loretta Devine and follows two brothers in Memphis dealing with NBA aspirations and street crime. Currently in post-production, Break the Cycle marks Stokes' first screenplay. ORWO and Stoked Bros Media are already preparing for the next film in the slate, aiming for global appeal.
Academy Award nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Twilight star Rachelle Lefevre have wrapped filming on Liz Here Now, an indie drama directed by Sterling Macer Jr. Adapted from Todd Connor’s novel, the story centers on Liz Baxter (Ellis-Taylor), a nanny for a white family in 1967 Oakland during the rise of the Black Panther Party. Liz’s intervention to protect the children in her care leads to accusations of Black Panther conspiracy. This film seeks to challenge the traditional civil rights-era domestic drama, blending suspense and horror elements.
Arlan Ruf and Ellis Hobbs IV will join the cast of Way of the Warrior Kid, an Apple Original Film based on Jocko Willink’s novel. The story follows a boy, Marc, who overcomes self-doubt and bullying with the guidance of his Navy SEAL uncle, Jake (played by Chris Pratt). Directed by McG, the film promotes youth empowerment through resilience and hard work. The cast includes Jude Hill, Levi McConaughey, Ava Torres, and Linda Cardellini, produced by Skydance and Pratt’s Indivisible Productions.
Documentary: Highly Flammable Productions announced that Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and Robin Roberts’ Rock’n Robin Productions will executive produce A King Like Me, a New Orleans documentary on the Zulu Krewe. Premiered at the New Orleans Film Festival, the film explores Krewe's experiences, touching on health inequities and the impact of COVID-19, which took 16 members. Directed by Matthew Henderson and produced by Fisher Stevens, the documentary captures Black brotherhood and resilience in New Orleans amid the pandemic, Hurricane Ida, and systemic challenges.
A documentary titled The French Montana Story: For Khadija is set to premiere on Paramount+ on November 19, 2024, following its debut at the Tribeca Film Festival last year. Directed by Mandon Lovett, the film chronicles the life of Moroccan-born rapper French Montana, highlighting the sacrifices made by his single mother to raise her three sons in the Bronx after being abandoned by their father. The documentary reflects Montana’s perseverance in overcoming challenges while pursuing the American dream and is produced by Live Nation Productions.
Eva Mendes - nbc
Industry Update: Eva Mendes shared in a recent interview that she’s not particularly eager to return to acting, as she was “never in love” with it. Mendes, who hasn’t acted in a film since 2014’s Lost River, says her most meaningful roles were opposite partner Ryan Gosling, who helped bring out her best. Her career often involved limited or stereotyped roles, and she faced frequent casting rejections based on her Cuban heritage. Mendes would consider returning if the right, non-violent role came along, ideally alongside Gosling.
In a lawsuit filed on October 9, former Hallmark executive Penny Perry claims age discrimination and wrongful termination, alleging she was forced out by EVP Lisa Hamilton Daly due to her age and health conditions. Perry's complaint states she was subjected to harassment, including being told she was “too long in the tooth” and that the network needed to replace aging stars like Lacey Chabert. Hallmark denies the allegations, asserting that both Chabert and Holly Robinson Peete have a place in the network. Perry seeks damages and injunctive relief.
