Motion Picture: Production Shutdowns, Jamie Foxx and Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Marvel Studios
Action: Marvel’s Phase Four faces a set back. The anticipated film Shang-Chi suspended production after director Destin Daniel Cretton was asked to self isolate. He tested negative for coronavirus although it is not yet known if the superhero movie will resume filming. The movie is set to star Simu Lu, Awkwafina and Tony Leung.
Camila Cabello - David Crotty/Patrick McMullan
Comedy: Disney’s live action version of The Little Mermaid will not be a part of our world for a while. The movie suspended production after only nine days of shooting amongst the COVID-19 pandemic. The film casted Halle Bailey in the lead role. The move was applauded as a step in the right direction for diversity in Disney films.
Another princess story is being suspended. Sony’s adaptation of Cinderella has shut down for two weeks due to the corona virus pandemic. The movie was also set to diversify the classically white fairytale. Singer Camila Cabello will be playing the lead role and Pose star Billy Porter will be a genderless fairy godmother. Missy Elliot, Idina Menzel and Minnie Driver also star.
Jamie Foxx - Leon Bennett/WireImage
Drama: Moviegoers can have a little faith in Jamie Fox. The actor has signed on to direct an upcoming drama, When We Pray. The film follows a pair of brothers who both become pastors at two separate churches in the same community. Fox wrote the screenplay alongside Donald Ray “Speedy” Caldwell. Fight for Fame Films and Cinema Libre Studio agreed to finance.
Here’s some news that will make you shout. Shout! Studios required the rights to distribute Misbehavior in North America. Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Keira Knightley star in the pageant based drama. The movie tells the true story of the 1970 Miss World when the competition crowned its first black winner. Philippa Lowthorpe directed.
Vanessa Morrison - Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
Industry: The House of Mouse promoted a prominent women of color. Vanessa Morrison became the head of streaming production of all movies under the Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture label. She previously served as the head of the Fox Family division. Morrison will oversee the development of Disney Plus films.
A up and coming director acquired some new representation. UTA signed Diana Paragas for worldwide represntation. Sony Pictures WorldWide Acquisitions acquired her narrative feature debut, Yellow Rose. Paragas wrote, directed and produced the musical drama. The film follows a young Filipina girl who longs to be a country singer but also lives with the fear of deportation. It won awards at multiple film festivals and will be released by Stage 6 in late 2020.