Motion Picture: Kumail Nanjiani Joins Cast Of ‘The Wrong Girls’, ‘Purple Rain’ In Theaters Again March 5th
Twana Barnett
Action/Horror/Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Twana Barnett has joined the cast of the action thriller Last Hit, starring alongside Mike Ferguson. Barnett, a professional wrestler known for WOW: Women of Wrestling, recently appeared in Prime Video’s Beast Games. In Last Hit, she and Ferguson play criminals seeking a fresh start, but their plans take a turn when their boss (Levee Duplay) takes one hostage for a final job. Directed by David M. Parks, the film begins production in Los Angeles this month.
Universal Pictures has secured the rights to Tanya Smith’s memoir Never Saw Me Coming, with Janelle Monáe set to star and produce through Wondaland Pictures. The film, a heist thriller exploring systemic prejudice and economic inequality, follows Smith’s rise from teenage hacker to mastermind of a $40 million banking scheme. Evading the FBI, she built an empire of cash, diamonds, and gold before facing one of the longest white-collar sentences in history—only to win her freedom. Universal continues its book adaptation streak, with Ryan Jones and Tony Ducret overseeing the project.
Legendary's live-action Street Fighter film has a new director: Kitao Sakurai, known for Bad Trip. Sakurai takes over from Talk to Me filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou, who were attached to the project in April 2023 after the studio acquired exclusive film and TV rights to the Street Fighter franchise. The film, based on the iconic 1987 fighting game series, follows intense one-on-one martial arts battles, often centered around a global fighting tournament. Sakurai, an Emmy nominee for The Eric Andre Show, is also known for directing Twisted Metal, Dave, and Bad Trip.
Justin Chon, known for Blue Bayou, is in talks to direct Capsule, a new sci-fi film for 20th Century Studios. The script, written by Elijah Bynum of Magazine Dreams fame, follows a young tech entrepreneur whose life changes when he starts receiving metallic capsules with messages from his future self. Hutch Parker and Dan Wilson will produce for Hutch Parker Entertainment, alongside John Zaozirny. Chon, who previously directed acclaimed films like Gook and Ms. Purple, will bring his distinct voice to this project, following his recent Sundance work on Jamojaya.
Denis Villeneuve is preparing to begin filming the third installment of his Dune series this summer, with pre-production already underway. While a June start is unlikely, the goal is to kick off shooting during the summer if key elements, such as talent availability, align. The third film will adapt Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah, concluding Paul Atreides' journey. The sequel will explore Paul's rule as Emperor and the consequences of the religious revolution he has set in motion. Zendaya's availability, likely tied to her busy schedule, is a key factor in timing. While no shooting locations have been confirmed yet, the previous films were filmed in Hungary, Jordan, and Abu Dhabi. Dune: Part Two earned over $700 million globally and received Best Picture Oscar nominations, setting high expectations for the next installment.
Kumail Nanjiani - Jeff Kravitz
Comedy/Dramady/Musical: Alia Shawkat and Kumail Nanjiani have joined Kristen Stewart in The Wrong Girls, an indie comedy directed by Dylan Meyer for Neon. Shawkat plays Molly, one half of a codependent duo alongside Stewart’s Frankie, whose lives spiral into chaos after a case of mistaken identity. Nanjiani’s role remains under wraps, but his comedic prowess adds to a star-studded cast that includes Seth Rogen, LaKeith Stanfield, Zack Fox, and Tony Hale. The film, currently in production in Los Angeles, is produced by Nevermind Pictures, Point Grey, and Savage Rose Productions, with Neon handling distribution.
Archie Madekwe’s casting in Lurker, Alex Russell’s directorial debut, came about after a fortuitous encounter in a Los Angeles coffee shop. Madekwe, who had previously submitted a tape for the role of Matthew, a superfan who infiltrates the life of music star Oliver, was unaware that Russell had never seen his audition. Instead, Russell observed him in person, drawing inspiration from his mannerisms to cast him as Oliver. Madekwe's role also led to his first producer credit, as he collaborated closely with Russell throughout the film’s production. The film, which premiered at Sundance and was picked up by Mubi and Focus Features, is generating buzz for Madekwe’s breakthrough performance as an indie lead.
Purple rain - Warner Bros.
Drama: Prince fans will get another chance to experience Purple Rain on the big screen, now with enhanced visuals and sound. On March 5, Warner Bros. Discovery and Dolby will present the film for one night only in Dolby Cinemas, featuring Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio. This version surpasses even the 40th-anniversary 4K disc, offering the sharpest image and richest sound yet. The film, known for its electrifying performances by Prince and the Revolution, The Time, and Apollonia 6, remains a defining classic. Purple Rain will screen at Dolby Cinema locations in the U.S. and U.K.
India Marie Cross, best known for her role in Wicked City, will star alongside Mena Suvari and Nick Stahl in Down the Arm of God, an indie drama co-written by Caleb Landry Jones and Peter Brunner. Directed by Brunner, the film follows a young pastor in a small Texas town whose mission to aid the homeless is met with resistance from his congregation, exposing systemic issues. Cross, represented by Formation Talent Agency and Zero Gravity Management, brings her talents to this gritty, real-life inspired story that delves into homelessness, shaped by the voices and experiences of those who have lived it.
Fathom Entertainment
Documentary: Utopia and Fathom Entertainment will release A Rad Documentary in over 700 theaters on March 20 for Rad Day 2025. The film explores the making of the 1980s BMX cult classic Rad, featuring cast reunions and an analysis of its cultural impact. Producer Chris Phoenix, a former stunt rider in Rad, called the project a "full circle moment" for both himself and the film’s devoted fanbase. The documentary will screen as a double feature with a 4K restoration of Rad.
andy kim - FilmNation
Industry Update: Rayne Roberts, a veteran Lucasfilm executive, has been named senior vice president of production and development at Searchlight Pictures, reporting to co-head DanTram Nguyen. Roberts spent 12 years at Lucasfilm, where she played a key role in developing The Force Awakens, Rogue One, The Last Jedi, Solo, and the Disney+ series The Acolyte. Before that, she worked as a development executive at Gold Circle Films and as an associate producer on The Fair Trade. Nguyen praised Roberts' storytelling expertise, emphasizing her ability to push creative boundaries.
Bad Boys for Life directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah will helm a film about Sanda Dia, a Black student who died in 2018 after a brutal fraternity hazing at Belgium’s Catholic University of Leuven. Produced by Brussels-based Komoko, the film is inspired by books written by Dia’s father, Ousmane Dia, and journalist Pieter Huyberechts. Dia’s death sparked outrage after 18 fraternity members received only community service and fines. El Arbi and Fallah call the project a tribute to Dia and his father’s fight for justice. The film is currently seeking partners at the Berlinale.
FilmNation Entertainment has appointed Andy Kim as its new chief operating officer, overseeing operations, strategic planning, business development, and finance. Kim joins amid FilmNation’s success with Anora and Conclave, both Oscar contenders. Previously CFO at Participant Media and The Weinstein Company, Kim brings extensive industry expertise. CEO Glen Basner praised Kim’s experience and leadership. FilmNation, known for The Big Sick and Arrival, continues expanding across film, TV, podcasts, and theater.
Will Smith recently teased the possibility of a Hancock 2, 17 years after the original film's release, during an appearance on xQc's Twitch stream. He shared that Zendaya is being considered for a role in the sequel, though discussions about the project are still in the early stages. The 2008 film, which grossed over $600 million, featured Smith as a flawed, amnesiac superhero. While there have been previous hints about a sequel, including director Peter Berg's 2009 comments and Charlize Theron's 2020 remarks, Sony has yet to officially confirm any plans for the follow-up.
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) is returning to SXSW this year to host key industry sessions on global location shooting, digital piracy, and the future of filmmaking. MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin will lead discussions, including a panel on production locations featuring experts like Adriana Cruz and Steve Joyner, and a conversation with Amazon MGM’s Jennifer Salke and Courtenay Valenti. Additionally, a panel on combating digital piracy will feature experts such as Ronan Corrigan and Peter Kidd. This marks the MPA's first appearance at SXSW since 2014, with the festival running from March 7-15.
Edward Enninful, former Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, is launching a new global media and entertainment company, EE72, which will focus on developing transformational content, immersive experiences, and innovative products. EE72, co-founded with his sister Akua Enninful as CEO, aims to challenge audiences with authentic representation and storytelling, led by diverse voices. Enninful, known for reshaping the fashion industry with his inclusive vision at Vogue, seeks to create a platform where creativity transcends boundaries and fosters cultural understanding.
Amazon is doubling down on romance-driven young adult (YA) drama, following the success of Spain-produced adaptations of Mercedes Ron's Culpables novels, such as Culpa Mía and Culpa Tuya, with the latter becoming Prime Video’s biggest-ever international original. The streamer has also seen strong performances from the German series Maxton Hall and the English-language film My Fault: London. Tara Erer, Head of North European Originals, emphasized that YA is not just a genre, but an audience, with international hits appealing to young, female viewers who prioritize content over language. With its success in the space, Amazon plans to continue capitalizing on romantic YA drama, drawing from non-traditional sources like BookTok and focusing on relatable characters over big-name stars.
