Motion Picture: Questlove To Direct Earth, Wind, & Fire Doc, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai Joins Crime Thriller
Action/Horror/Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Anthony Ramos has joined the cast of Kathryn Bigelow's upcoming Netflix thriller, which features a star-studded lineup including Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, and Jared Harris. The film, directed by Bigelow, is rumored to be set at the White House during a national crisis, though Netflix has not officially confirmed plot details. This project marks Bigelow's return to feature films since her acclaimed 2017 thriller Detroit. Ramos, who recently appeared in Twisters and will star in Marvel's Ironheart, continues to expand his impressive career with this new role.
Fresh off the TIFF premiere of their documentary Vice Is Broke, Get Out producer QC Entertainment has cast Gabrielle Union to star in The Casket Girls, a new horror film directed by Justin Dyck Anything for Jackson. The film, inspired by a true story, follows Detective Shay Williams and her partner as they become trapped in the Ursuline Convent with tourists after a group of women, known as the Casket Girls, escape after being locked away for over 300 years. Written by Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant, with revisions by Keith Cooper and Dyck, the film will begin production on October 15 in Victoria, BC. Union will also serve as an executive producer.
Donald Glover, will soon lead the Disney and Lucasfilm project Lando, aims to inject more fun into the Star Wars franchise, which he feels can be "way too serious" at times. In a recent interview, Glover emphasized the need for joy in a world filled with serious challenges, noting that while important issues connect people, enjoyment is an essential part of the human experience. Glover, set to co-write the film with his brother Stephen Glover, will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian, a character he portrayed in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Despite the film’s commercial failure, Glover’s portrayal became a fan favorite, and he believes Lando’s relatable, roguish nature resonates with audiences. The project, originally planned as a Disney+ series, will now be released as a film.
Newcomer Malachi Beasley and 1923 star Aminah Nieves have landed supporting roles in Kathryn Bigelow's upcoming untitled thriller for Netflix, according to Deadline. While the duo's roles and the film's plot remain undisclosed, the thriller is reportedly set at the White House during a national crisis. The ensemble cast is led by Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson, with Jared Harris, Greta Lee, and others rounding out the group. This marks Bigelow’s first project since her 2017 film Detroit. For Beasley, a Yale School of Drama graduate, this will be his on-screen debut, while Nieves continues to build on her success in 1923 and other projects.
The third installment of the PAW Patrol film series, set for a 2026 release, has added Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson and comedian Fortune Feimster to its voice cast, joining returning star Mckenna Grace as Skye. Produced by Spin Master Entertainment in association with Nickelodeon Movies, the franchise has grossed over $345 million globally. Spin Master Entertainment president Jennifer Dodge expressed excitement about the new additions, emphasizing their talent and global appeal. Directed by Cal Brunker, the film promises to deliver another exciting adventure for families. Hudson and Feimster are expected to bring creativity and energy to the project, captivating young audiences.
Karan Soni (Deadpool & Wolverine, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) has been cast in the lead role of Andrew Sandler's upcoming thriller Fade to Black, written by Brandon Cohen, which begins production in Los Angeles in October. Soni will star alongside a talented ensemble, including Katerina Tannenbaum, Max Carver, and Zosia Mamet. The film, Sandler’s narrative feature debut, follows Amit, a screenwriter who begins committing murders inspired by his fictional serial killer in a desperate bid to break into Hollywood. Blending dark comedy and suspense, the film explores ambition and madness in the entertainment industry.
Brian Tee has joined the cast of Kathryn Bigelow's upcoming untitled Netflix thriller, set at the White House during a national security crisis. Tee will star alongside a notable ensemble that includes Rebecca Ferguson, Idris Elba, Jared Harris, and Greta Lee. This marks Bigelow's return to feature filmmaking after Detroit, building on her acclaimed work in The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty. Tee, coming off roles in Reacher season 3 and Expats, is known for his long-running portrayal of Dr. Ethan Choi on Chicago Med and appearances in major films like The Wolverine and Jurassic World.
From Ryan Coogler, the director of Black Panther and Creed, comes a new thriller titled Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers. The film follows the brothers as they attempt to escape their troubled past and return to their hometown, only to confront a greater evil that awaits them. Coogler, who wrote and directed the film, is joined by an impressive cast including Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, and Delroy Lindo. Produced by Coogler and his frequent collaborators, the film features key behind-the-scenes talent from the Black Panther franchise, including cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw and composer Ludwig Göransson. Sinners will be released in theaters by Warner Bros. Pictures on March 7, 2025, with international screenings beginning the same month.
Kyle Allen, Francesca Carpanini, and Abubakr Ali have joined the cast of Kathryn Bigelow's upcoming untitled thriller for Netflix, which also features a star-studded lineup including Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, and Jared Harris. While the film's title and plot details remain under wraps, sources suggest it will unfold at the White House during a national crisis. Allen recently appeared in A Haunting in Venice and completed filming The Life List for Netflix, while Carpanini has performed on Broadway and appeared in CBS's The Good Wife. Ali starred in Netflix's Grendel and has credits in Law & Order: Organized Crime and The Walking Dead: World Beyond.
Julio Macias and Pepe Serna will lead the cast of the indie thriller Three Years Gone, written and directed by John Gutierrez, which recently wrapped production. The film tells the intense story of Maria, played by Elizabeth Caro and her father, David (Macias), who seeks an exorcism to rid himself of demons from his past, resulting in the kidnapping of Maria from her mother, Veronica. This marks 13-year-old Caro's first leading role. Gutierrez described the film as a tribute to his family's past and an exploration of mental illness within a Chicano family, aiming to inspire discussions about the effects of war and mental health. Three Years Gone is expected to premiere on the festival circuit next year.
Keith David has signed with Verve and recently joined the cast of the 20th Century feature film Mike, Nick, Nick & Alice, where he plays the villain opposite Vince Vaughn and others. With a career spanning over 40 years, David has starred in acclaimed films such as Platoon, Crash, and American Fiction, earning his first SAG Award nomination for the latter. On television, he completed filming FX’s The Sensitive Kind and will appear in HBO Max’s Duster and the limited series The Gray House. David is also a renowned voice actor, winning three Emmy Awards for narrating Ken Burns’ documentaries and lending his voice to popular shows like Rick & Morty and Gargoyles. He has been nominated for a Tony Award for his stage work and continues to be represented by multiple agencies for various projects.
Jennifer Lopez - Emma McIntyre
Comedy/Dramady/Musical: Keke Palmer and SZA's highly-anticipated R-rated comedy film, directed by Lawrence Lamont and produced by Issa Rae's Hoorae, is set to release in theaters on January 24, 2025. The film, which marks SZA's acting debut, was written by Syreeta Singleton and features a star-studded supporting cast including Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Maude Apatow, and Katt Williams. Developed through Sony's CoCre lab in partnership with ColorCreative to support diverse screenwriters, the plot and title remain secret. Palmer will also executive produce, with co-financing from Macro Film Studios and production support from Sharon Palmer.
Jennifer Beals has completed filming her lead role in Hello Out There, a New Mexico-set alien dramedy where she stars alongside Chloe Bennet and Phil Dunster. Directed by Otis Blum in his feature debut, the story follows journalist Minnie and her cousin Rex, a punk rock guitarist, as they embark on a road trip to investigate Area 51 and extraterrestrial life. Along the way, the journey becomes personal, especially through Minnie’s relationship with her mother-in-law Judith, an art dealer in Santa Fe. The film, shot over the summer, is produced by Thomas Mahoney and showcases Beals’ continued success in Hollywood following her iconic roles in Flashdance, The L Word, and The Book of Boba Fett.
Jennifer Lopez is set to collaborate with Emmy-winning Brett Goldstein on a new romantic comedy, Office Romance, for Netflix after her successes with The Mother and Atlas. Following a competitive bidding war, Netflix secured the film, co-written by Goldstein and Joe Kelly, featuring strong character roles. Produced by Ryder Picture Company and Nuyorican Films, the project aligns with Nuyorican’s multiyear first-look deal with Netflix, emphasizing diverse talent. Lopez and Goldstein both recently showcased their work at the Toronto Film Festival, with Lopez starring in Unstoppable and Goldstein in All of You. Their previous Netflix hits, achieved significant viewership, further solidifying their partnership.
Academy Award nominee Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm) and Zach Cherry (Severance) are set to star in the comedy feature All Night Wrong, directed by Jason James (Entanglement, Exile). Written by Jason Filiatrault, the film follows Gary, a cowardly husband, and Ell, a heartbroken widow, who connect through a Tinder hookup. Their night takes a chaotic turn when they find themselves with a killer’s car, a dead body, and $40,000 in cash. As their whirlwind of bad decisions and dangerous encounters unfolds, Gary and Ell's night spirals into a journey filled with fights, mystery, and life-changing consequences. Pre-production is slated to begin this fall in the Columbia Valley region of British Columbia.
Miles Heizer, Tommy Do, Alice Lee, Alan Ruck, and Molly Shannon will join Tom Blyth and Emily Bader in the film adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel People We Meet on Vacation. Directed by Brett Haley, this romantic comedy is produced by Temple Hill, 3000 Pictures, and Netflix, with Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, and Isaac Klausner producing and Laura Quicksilver as executive producer. The story follows Poppy and Alex, best friends for a decade, who question their relationship during their annual summer vacations. The novel debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and has sold over 2 million copies, making it Henry’s highest-selling work. The film is part of a partnership allowing Sony Pictures a first look at streaming films for Netflix.
Emmy nominee D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, known for his role in Reservation Dogs, has joined the cast of Darren Aronofsky’s crime thriller Caught Stealing, produced by Sony Pictures. The film stars Austin Butler as Hank Thompson, a former baseball player drawn into the dangerous criminal underworld of 1990s New York City, with Woon-A-Tai playing Dale, Hank’s longtime best friend. The project, based on Charlie Huston’s novels, features a notable cast, including Vincent D’Onofrio, Zoë Kravitz, Regina King, and Bad Bunny, among others. Woon-A-Tai has gained recognition for his performances, being the first Native American actor nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, and is also starring in A24’s upcoming film Warfare, set for a 2025 release.
Actor and martial artist Lewis Tan has joined the cast of 20th Century's Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, a buddy action comedy set in the criminal underworld, directed by BenDavid Grabinski. The ensemble includes Vince Vaughn, James Marsden, Eiza Gonzalez, Jimmy Tatro, and Arturo Castro, though plot details remain undisclosed. 20th Century secured the project after a competitive bidding war, with Andrew Lazar producing. Tan recently starred in Deadpool & Wolverine and will reprise his role as Cole Young in Mortal Kombat 2. He is also known for his television roles in Shadow and Bone, Wu Assassins, Into the Badlands, and Iron Fist.
Jameela Jamil - Mike Marsland
Drama: Queen Latifah's life story will be brought to the big screen in a biopic that kicks off a series of films celebrating hip-hop icons. Produced by Latifah's Flavor Unit Entertainment, Westbrook Studios, and Jesse Collins Entertainment, the film will explore her journey as a hip-hop legend and marks the realization of a project she hinted at in 2022. Will Smith and Jesse Collins are among the producers, with the project independently financed by HarbourView Equity Partners. This biopic is the first in a planned series documenting hip-hop's cultural impact, with further films to follow.
Paula Patton and Emmy winner Loretta Devine are reuniting in the indie psychological drama Finding Faith, directed by LazRael Lison, after previously collaborating on the 2011 film Jumping the Broom. The story follows Faith Mitchell, a devoted wife and mother facing financial difficulties and personal loss, while Devine's character details remain undisclosed. The supporting cast includes Keith David, Demetrius Grosse, Stephen Bishop, and Nadine Velazquez. Patton will produce the film through her company, Third Eye Productions, alongside Charles F. Porter of Black Bench Productions and Tatiana Chekhova of Summerhouse Pictures, with Marlon D. Haynes serving as executive producer. Patton's diverse filmography includes roles in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and The Do-Over, while Devine is known for her Emmy-winning performance on Grey’s Anatomy and appearances in P-Valley.
Sarah Catherine Hook (The White Lotus), Jameela Jamil (The Good Place), Lucien Laviscount (Emily in Paris), and Lukas Gage (Smile 2) have joined the cast of People We Meet on Vacation, a Netflix and 3000 Pictures adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel, directed by Brett Haley. The film stars Tom Blyth and Emily Bader as Poppy and Alex, two best friends navigating their complex relationship over a decade of summer vacations, during which they question whether their bond is purely platonic. The book, published in 2021, topped the New York Times bestseller list and sold over 2 million copies, winning the Goodreads Choice Award for Romance. Produced by Temple Hill and overseen by Erin Siminoff for 3000 Pictures, the film continues a partnership between Sony Pictures and Netflix.
Laura Harrier has joined the cast of Strobe, a new feature film directed by Taylor Cohen. The film’s plot details remain under wraps, and it will be produced by Nate Matteson and Tara Razavi. Harrier is currently starring in the upcoming ABC drama Doctor Odyssey, produced by Ryan Murphy, which premieres on September 26. The series also stars Joshua Jackson and Don Johnson and is one of the most anticipated shows of the fall season. Harrier’s recent work includes the White Men Can’t Jump reboot for 20th Century Studios and Hulu’s Mike.
Tyler, The Creator is making his feature film debut in Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie, alongside Gwyneth Paltrow and Timothée Chalamet. The film, produced by A24, is reportedly inspired by the life of pro ping pong player Marty Reisman, a legendary figure in the sport known for his flamboyant style and mastery of spin techniques. While plot details remain undisclosed, the film marks a new chapter in Tyler’s multi-faceted career. In addition to his success as a Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Tyler is also a producer, designer, and TV creator, having launched the cult TV show Loiter Squad, two lifestyle brands, and the popular music festival Camp Flog Gnaw. His latest album, Call Me If You Get Lost, debuted at #1 and earned him his second Grammy for Best Rap Album.
Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw have joined the cast of Netflix’s adaptation of Ruth Ware’s bestselling mystery The Woman in Cabin 10, featuring Keira Knightley as a travel journalist on a luxury yacht who hears screams and witnesses a passenger being thrown overboard, only to have her claims dismissed. The film, directed by Simon Stone, also stars Daniel Ings, David Morrissey, Kaya Scodelario, and additional cast members including David Ajala and Art Malik. Produced by Sister, co-founded by Elizabeth Murdoch and Jane Featherstone, the film is set to deliver a tense psychological thriller experience. Pearce will appear next in David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds, Waddingham is set for Mission: Impossible 8, and Mbatha-Raw was recently in the Loki series.
Lifetime has greenlighted A Very Merry Beauty Salon, a new holiday film starring and executive produced by Tia Mowry, marking the final installment of her three-picture deal with the network. The film, which also stars RonReaco Lee, Donna Biscoe, Cocoa Brown, and Ashli Auguillard, centers on Sienna, the owner of a bustling Atlanta beauty salon preparing for the annual Tinsel Ball. Sparks fly when Lawrence, a charismatic CEO, arrives in town to co-sponsor the event, igniting a romance that challenges Sienna’s views on love and family. The film reunites Mowry and Lee, who previously starred together in Sister, Sister. Produced by Fox Entertainment Studios’ MarVista Entertainment, the film is directed by Bobby Yan and written by Tara Knight.
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson - Stewart Cook
Documentary: Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, six-time Grammy winner and Academy Award-winning director, will direct a feature documentary on the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire, set for release in 2025. The documentary will explore the band's enduring legacy, cultural influence, and chart-topping hits like "September" and "Shining Star." With exclusive access to visual, audio, and written archives, and support from the estate of Maurice White and the band members, Questlove aims to capture the band's profound impact. The project is produced by Fifth Season and RadicalMedia, and follows Questlove's successful directorial debut with Summer of Soul.
John Woo - Rodin Eckenroth / Stringer
Industry Update: The Adelante Directors Fellowship has announced the three creatives selected for its second round: Barbara Cigarroa, Iliana Sosa, and Michelle Salcedo. The fellowship offers them the opportunity to shadow directors on a TV series, receive a grant for up to four weeks, and attend a two-day orientation featuring masterclasses supported by The Latinx House. Launched in 2022 through a partnership between The Latinx House, Sundance Institute, Netflix, and Shondaland, the program is designed to assist Latina and non-binary Latino/a directors in advancing their careers. This year, the fellows shadowed directors on Netflix’s Black Rabbit, helmed by Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, and on the final season of Shondaland’s Station 19 for ABC.
Candle Media’s Hello Sunshine has sold the film adaptation rights for Twelfth Knight, a bestselling novel by Alexene Farol Follmuth, to Netflix, with Ilana Wolpert set to write the screenplay. The contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night follows 17-year-old Viola Reyes, a talented gamer who, after dismissing football star and class president Jack Orsimi, connects with him anonymously in an online RPG to navigate the challenges of being a girl in the gaming world. As Viola develops feelings for Jack, the film explores themes of identity and love. Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Kisilevsky are producing, with Follmuth as an executive producer. Wolpert is known for her work on Anyone But You, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and is currently developing an original pilot for Amazon.
Following her 2023 Lifetime films Real Love and Strength of a Woman, Mary J. Blige has signed on to executive produce a series of new projects for the network, beginning with Family Affair (working title), set to debut in 2025. The film will feature Ajiona Alexus and Da’Vinchi, reprising their roles from Blige’s previous Lifetime films. The story follows Kendra and Ben as they relocate in hopes of starting a new life but face challenges with family tensions, fertility struggles, and relationship turmoil. Produced by Blige’s Blue Butterfly banner, along with Davis Entertainment, Family Affair is directed by Troy Scott from a script by Rachel Ingram and enters production this month.
CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and Janet Yang Productions have announced the four recipients of the 2024 Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge for Asian and Pacific Islander women and non-binary filmmakers, each receiving a $25,000 grant to produce their short films. This marks the third year of the initiative, with Janet Yang expressing her commitment to supporting underrepresented filmmakers and CAPE’s executive director Michelle K. Sugihara highlighting the finalists' talent. The winning projects are:
You Have Arrived by Dia Frampton, who aims to tell the story of two Korean American sisters in Utah.
Taga by Jill Sachs, focuses on genre storytelling to amplify marginalized voices.
When Life Gives You Lemons by Lindsay Watson, centered on uplifting Native Hawaiian voices.
Sūnna (Listen) by Radha Mehta, explores themes of motherhood and mental health.
Seeret Singh received an Honorable Mention for her project Good Indian Girl. All grantees and finalists will attend a filmmaker’s retreat in Los Angeles to engage with industry professionals. This year's jury featured all-women, Asian and Pacific Islander members, including Geeta Malik, Katie Leung, and Jennifer Phang.
Legendary director John Woo has signed with Independent Artist Group, continuing his influential legacy in the Hong Kong action genre, known for his signature balletic scenes of stylized violence. His latest project is a remake of his classic film The Killer, featuring Nathalie Emmanuel and Sam Worthington, which was released internationally by Universal and is available for streaming on Peacock in the U.S. In 2023, Woo directed the action thriller Silent Night, starring Joel Kinnaman. His illustrious career includes iconic Hong Kong films like A Better Tomorrow, Hard Boiled, and the original The Killer, as well as major Hollywood hits such as Face/Off, Broken Arrow, and Mission: Impossible II. Woo is still managed by Atlas Artists and represented by Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.
Oscar-nominated writer-director RaMell Ross has signed with WME and Jerome Duboz of Ithaka Media for representation following the success of his narrative directorial debut, Nickel Boys, which premiered to rave reviews at the Telluride Film Festival and is set to open the New York Film Festival and screen at the London Film Festival. Adapted from Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and co-written with Joslyn Barnes, Nickel Boys features a star-studded cast including Daveed Diggs and Aunjanue Ellis and will have a theatrical release on October 25 through MGM-Orion. Ross, known for his Oscar-nominated documentary Hale County This Morning, This Evening, is also an accomplished visual artist and educator at Brown University.
