Motion Picture: Lucy Liu And Octavia Spencer Cast In 'Nobody Nothing Nowhere,' and Gael García Bernal Joins 'Holland, Michigan'

Lucy Liu - Michael Kovac

Action/Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Lucy Liu, Octavia Spencer, and Joseph Goron-Levitt have been cast in Nobody Nothing Nowhere. The project, which will begin filming in summer 2023, follows follows Ruth, “one of the Non-People, human-looking beings designed and trained for the sole purpose of filing in a realistic world for a bland guy named Dave, the only person that actually exists on Earth. Tired of serving as an extra in someone’s life, Ruth is ready to demand a life of her own.” Nobody Nothing Nowhere will be written and directed by Rachel Wolther and Alex H. Fischer. Spencer comments on the film that “Having the opportunity to work with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Lucy Liu is a dream come true! I am excited to be part of such an inventive and thoughtful project.”

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence - Albert L. Ortega

Comedy: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence will reunite and reprise their roles for the fourth Bad Boys movie. The film, which is in the early stages of production at Sony Pictures, will see Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah return as directors. Although not much is known about the plot and release date, Smith and Lawrence confirmed the project on their respective social media profiles. It will be a continuation of the franchise that began with the first Bad Boys film in 1995. 

Independent Entertainment has picked up This Modern Love, a rom-com based on Kele Okereke and Matt Jones’ play Leave to Remain. The film follows two gay men on the verge of their wedding who take a trip and must deal with their respective families’ meddling. Christopher Haydon will direct the film, which will feature original music from Okereke, although it will not be a musical, unlike the original play. This Modern Love’s release date has not been announced.

Theo Rossi - Santiago Felipe

Drama: Cassandro’s Gael García Bernal has been cast in Amazon Prime’s “Hitchcock-style thriller” Holland, Michigan. Bernal joins Nicole Kidman, who will also act as executive producer under Blossom Films banner. The thriller will follow a secretive Midwestern town. Holland, Michigan will be directed by Mimi Cave, with a screenplay by Andrew Sodroski. The film's release date is currently unknown. 

Theo Rossi has signed on to star in Mutiny Films’ The Getback, an indie film set to be released on Tubi. The film follows a bounty hunter who captures a “wise-ass criminal.” However, since they’re both on the run from corrupt cops, they must work together to survive and escape. The Getback is part of a four-movie deal between Mutiny Films and Tubi. The Getback’s producer Demetrius Stear comments that “We are extremely excited to be working with the talented Theo Rossi. He’s a committed actor who is dedicated to the process. The level of commitment he brings is second to none.” Although the film recently wrapped production in Mississippi, a release date is currently unknown.

Misha Green has cast Jurnee Smollett in her upcoming feature directorial debut Sunflower. Green, who will also write and produce the project, has worked previously with Smollett for Lovecraft County. Sunflower, a thriller, will follow two women trying to escape their college professor-turned-captor, who holds them hostage at a remote sunflower farm. The film is gearing up to start production this summer. 

Documentary: PBS’ POV has acquired Children of the Mist, the Oscar-shortlisted documentary that tells the story of young Vietnamese women that are kidnapped and forced to marry. Directed by first-timer Hà Lê Diêm, the film will premiere on POV’s 36th season this summer. POV’s executive producer Chris White comments: “the care and sensitivity of the director shines through in this remarkable film. Through Diêm’s intimate lens you can’t help but embrace the vibrant Di [the central character], and fear for her future as the Hmong’s traditions put her independence at risk.” 

Dominique Telson - David M. Benett

Industry Updates: Actress, producer, director, and the only Black winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress Halle Berry has signed with Range Media Partners. Most recently, Berry made her directorial debut with Netflix’s Bruised, a film she also starred in. Her next project includes Netflix’s action-thriller The Union, where she will star opposite Mark Wahlberg and J.K. Simmons. 

Moonlight’s Naomie Harris has signed with CAA. Her most recent work includes Showtime’s The Man Who Fell to Earth and Venom: Let There Be Carnage. She will star in the upcoming thriller The Wasp. Aside from being represented by CAA, Harris will continue to be represented by The Artists Partnership, a U.K. company, and Untitled Entertainment. 

Dominique Telson has been named as Blackmaled Production’s executive VP of film and television. This comes as three new hires and promotions, including Giselle Johnson as director of film, Chigo Menakaya’s promotion to creative executive, and Michael Scott Allen’s hiring as VP of television were announced. Malcolm D. Lee, head of Blackmaled, states that “I am very excited about the direction that Blackmaled Productions is moving. Dominique Telson is a force of nature who has been instrumental in bringing diverse and impactful stories to the forefront over her long and varied career. I am thrilled to be in this moment where Dominique and I can bring to the forefront our shared vision of amplifying narratives of people of color and continue to impact the entertainment industry in its ever-evolving ways.”