Motion Picture: Wazzup! The Wayans Brothers Are Back ‘Scary Movie’, Eva Longoria Set To Voice Animated Feature

Dev patel - Taylor hill

Action/Horror/Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Taika Waititi is in talks to star in the adaptation of David Walliams’ children’s book Fing, alongside Rafe Spall, Walliams, and newcomer Iona Bell. The family fantasy, directed by Jeffrey Walker and written by Walliams with Kevin Cecil, follows librarians Mr. and Mrs. Meek as they try to fulfill their daughter Myrtle's demand for a Fing, leading them on a journey to find the destructive creature. The film, produced by Jo Sargent, Todd Fellman, and Craig McMahon, will be financed by Sky, AGC Studios, and Elevate Production Finance, with animation by Wētā FX. Production will start in early 2025 in Australia and the U.K., with worldwide sales handled by AGC Intl., excluding certain territories.

Dev Patel will star in The Journeyman, a crime thriller directed by Tarsem Singh, where he plays a down-on-his-luck tennis pro drawn into the world of match-fixing to support his family. Written by Bryan and Alexis Roberts, the film will be fully financed and produced by AGC Studios, with Scott Franklin, Patel’s Minor Realm, and LBI Entertainment also producing. The story follows Patel's character as he becomes trapped in a corrupt and violent world. Production is set to begin next year, with AGC International handling international sales and CAA Media Finance managing domestic rights. Singh, known for his visual flair, uses his experience with athletes to authentically depict the pro tennis circuit.

Eva Longoria and Nicholas Galitzine are set to lead the voice cast of Wings of Freedom, a Mexico-set animated adventure film from the creators of Ballerina. Directed and co-written by Laurent Zeitoun, the film follows Salana (Longoria), a home-loving eagle who must step out of her comfort zone to confront an AI threat. Galitzine voices Lieutenant Pirro, a member of the Animal Air Force, who teams up with Salana to fight against the malevolent AI. The film, co-produced by Studiocanal, is slated for release in 2026. Zeitoun and Gregory Ouanhon's Good Hero are behind the project, combining futuristic themes of AI and global warming. Studiocanal will distribute the film in various international markets.

Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil) and Betty Gabriel (Get Out) are set to star in Twilight of the Dead, directed by Brad Anderson (The Call, The Machinist). This film is the "seventh and final installment" in George A. Romero's iconic Living Dead franchise, with Romero having written a treatment for the film before he died in 2017. The project, a collaboration between Romero's estate and financier Roundtable, will explore the dark nature of humanity as the last survivors on Earth navigate conflicts with the undead on a tropical island. Production is scheduled for March, with Fortitude International presenting the film at the American Film Market. Veteran makeup effects designer Greg Nicotero, a longtime collaborator of Romero, will lead the makeup effects for the project. Anderson describes Twilight of the Dead as an emotional blend of horror and heartbreak, likening it to successful post-apocalyptic thrillers. The film aims to be a compelling addition to the genre, with potential for future installments depending on its success.

Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Anthony Ramos and Emmy winner Ben Mendelsohn will star in Molepeople, a horror film directed by Rob Savage (Host, The Boogeyman). The film, written by Nathan Elston, follows one man's descent into New York City's abandoned tunnels, where a twisted society lurks beneath the streets. The movie is produced by BoulderLight Pictures and Rough House Pictures and promises urban isolation and terrifying thrills. Embankment Films is handling international sales, with CAA Media Finance, Range, and WME managing North American rights. Molepeople is shaping up to be a spine-chilling descent into fear.

Stand Your Ground, an action thriller directed by Fansu Njie and written by Craig Walser has been picked up by Epic Pictures for a U.S. release in Q2 2025. The film follows ex-SEAL Jack Johnson (Daniel Stisen) as he seeks revenge for his family's murder using the stand-your-ground law. The cast also includes Peter Stormare as the head of a local criminal organization and Eric Roberts as Johnson's old friend. Iuvit Media secured international sales for territories including Germany, Poland, and MENA. Produced by Highfield Grange Studios and Daniel Stisen Productions, the film promises intense action and suspense.

After receiving critical acclaim for his 2022 feature The Inspection, director Elegance Bratton returns to filmmaking with By Any Means, a true-life crime thriller starring Oscar nominees Mark Wahlberg and Sterling K. Brown. The film, based on the Black List script CI34 by Sascha Penn and Theodore Witcher, tells the story of a notorious mafia hitman recruited by Hoover’s FBI to work with a Black special agent in 1966 Mississippi to investigate the murders of civil rights leaders. Production begins in March with Hammerstone Studios, Thunder Road Films, and Freedom Principle producing. Bratton, who co-revised the script, will direct.

Golden Globe winner Idris Elba stars in the action-thriller Hammer Down, which Black Bear will introduce to international buyers at the American Film Market. Directed by Simon Hatt, the film follows Mac (Elba), a top truck driver who transports goods with a "no questions asked" policy. When he brings his teenage daughter on a job, they are relentlessly pursued by criminals after the valuable cargo he's transporting. Elba also serves as a producer alongside Charles Roven and Madison Weireter. Upcoming projects for Elba include the second season of Hijack and Sonic The Hedgehog 3. Roven's future work includes Mercy and a Cleopatra film starring Gal Gadot.

The cast of I Want Your Sex, a Black Bear thriller directed by Gregg Araki, includes Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, Charli XCX, and new additions Daveed Diggs, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Johnny Knoxville, and Margaret Cho. The film explores themes of desire, domination, and fantasy, following Elliot (Hoffman) as he becomes the sexual muse for artist Erika Tracy (Wilde), only to find himself in a world of obsession, power, and danger. Araki co-wrote the script with Karley Sciortino, and the film is fully financed by Black Bear, which is handling international rights. Diggs stars in Nickel Boys, Gooding is seen in Scream, Wonders in Bodies Bodies Bodies, Knoxville in The Luckiest Man in America, and Cho in Fire Island.

Corey Hawkins has joined the cast of Crime 101, a thriller directed by Bart Layton and based on Don Winslow's novella, for Amazon MGM Studios. The plot remains under wraps, but the story follows a veteran jewel thief, Davis, as he plans a diamond heist along the Pacific Coast Highway, leading to a cat-and-mouse chase with LAPD detective Lou Lubesnick. The ensemble cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Halle Berry, and Monica Barbaro. Layton directs from his own script, with producers from Working Title, The Story Factory, RAW, and Wild State. Hawkins, known for Straight Outta Compton, The Color Purple, and The Piano Lesson, will next be seen in The Man in My Basement.

Lupita Nyong’o - Lia Toby / Stringer

Comedy/Dramady/Musical: Jared Leto, John Mulaney, and Lupita Nyong’o will star in Lunik Heist, a Cold War-era caper based on a true story, directed and written by Oscar nominee Kemp Powers. The film follows the American government's plot to steal a Soviet spacecraft during a 1959 expedition in Mexico City, inspired by an article by Jeff Maysh. Produced by Leto and Emma Ludbrook under their Paradox banner, with Mark Johnson for Gran Via Productions, Lunik Heist will feature a thrilling story filled with subterfuge and unlikely heroes. The film is produced by Searchlight Pictures, with Powers and Maysh serving as executive producers. Production is set to begin in 2025.

Jamie Foxx’s stand-up special What Had Happened Was… will premiere on Netflix on December 10. In this new comedy hour, Foxx reflects on the serious medical emergency that hospitalized him in 2023, leaving him with no memory of the event. Foxx, who had been sidelined by a mysterious condition in April, will discuss his experience, including the well-wishes and online rumors that followed. Directed by Hamish Hamilton, the special is produced by Foxxhole Productions and Done + Dusted, with Foxx and others serving as executive producers. Foxx also returns to Netflix in January 2024 with the action-comedy Back in Action.

The cast of Alpha Gang, an alien invasion comedy from Sasquatch Sunset filmmakers David and Nathan Zellner, includes Dave Bautista, Steven Yeun, Zoë Kravitz, Léa Seydoux, Riley Keough, Channing Tatum, and Cate Blanchett. The film follows alien invaders disguised as a 1950s biker gang, who aim to conquer Earth but are overtaken by the human disease of emotion. MK2 Films is handling international sales, with CAA Media Finance overseeing North American distribution. Shooting is scheduled for Spring 2025, and the film will be lensed by Mike Gioulakis, known for his work with Jordan Peele and M. Night Shyamalan.

Two-time Oscar nominee Kemp Powers is set to direct and write Lunik Heist for Searchlight Pictures, starring Jared Leto, John Mulaney, and Lupita Nyong’o. The film is inspired by the true story of a U.S. government scheme to steal a Soviet spacecraft during a 1959 exposition in Mexico City, based on Jeff Maysh’s article from the MIT Technology Review. Leto and Emma Ludbrook are producing through their Paradox banner, alongside Mark Johnson of Gran Via Productions. Production timelines and theatrical release details are forthcoming. Searchlight Pictures President Matthew Greenfield expressed excitement about the project, highlighting the extraordinary talent involved. Powers has previously earned nominations for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and One Night in Miami... and co-directed Soul. Leto won an Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club, while Mulaney is a three-time Emmy winner. Nyong’o won her Oscar for 12 Years a Slave and is also an Emmy Award winner for Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices.

Danny Ramirez - Amy Sussman

Drama: Chris Rock is set to direct and star in Misty Green, a contemporary Hollywood tale about a talented actress named Misty whose personal vices have hindered her career. The story revolves around Misty’s chance at a career comeback when director Jordan (played by Rock) offers her a role, despite their troubled past. Rock wrote the original script and will produce alongside Peter Rice, James Lopez, and Tommy Oliver. Executive producers include Charles D. King and Codie Elaine Oliver. Neon International will handle foreign rights, with CAA Media Finance managing the domestic ones. The film is set to be introduced at AFM.

Danny Ramirez, known for his role as Joaquin Torres in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, is set to make his feature directorial debut with Baton, a sports drama he also wrote and stars in. The film follows a soccer player who, after being kicked off the team and returning to Miami, jeopardizes his relationship with his sister as they clash over their mother’s legacy. Ramirez's character is determined to reclaim his soccer dreams, even at the cost of losing his family. Victoria Alonso, former Marvel Studios President, will produce in her first project since leaving the studio, in association with David Beckham's Studio 99. The film is also produced by Ramirez, Tom Culliver, and Sergio Lira. Ramirez will next appear in Captain America: Brave New World and The Last of Us season two.

Oscar nominee Derek Cianfrance has assembled a star-studded cast for his true-life heist film Roofman, his first feature since The Light Between Oceans (2016). The film, based on the real-life story of Jeffrey Manchester, aka the 'Rooftop Robber,' will feature Uzo Aduba, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Molly Price, Lily Collias, Emory Cohen, Tony Revolori, alongside Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, and Peter Dinklage. Manchester, a U.S. Army Reserve officer turned spree-robber, became notorious for robbing McDonald's locations across the U.S. by drilling through the roofs in a non-violent crime spree. Written by Cianfrance and Kirk Gunn, the film is set for release on October 3, 2025, with Miramax handling U.S. distribution and Paramount overseeing international territories.

Golden Globe nominee Jessica Alba has joined the cast of Maserati: The Brothers, a biopic about the iconic Italian car brand. Alba will play the pivotal character of Sandra, alongside Anthony Hopkins, Michele Morrone, and Andy Garcia. Directed by Oscar winner Bobby Moresco, the film is produced by Andrea Iervolino's new company, The Andrea Iervolino Company. The story centers on the Maserati brothers and their journey from founding the company in 1914 to their involvement in car racing. Filming will begin next month in Italy. Alba, known for Sin City and Fantastic Four, most recently starred in Trigger Warning and Honest Renovations on Roku.

Eiza González, Poppy Liu, Taylour Paige, and Will Poulter have joined the cast of I Love Boosters, the latest film from Boots Riley, which begins production this fall for Neon. They join previously announced stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, LaKeith Stanfield, and Demi Moore. The film focuses on a group of enterprising shoplifters, known as boosters, targeting a ruthless fashion maven, with further plot details kept under wraps. The movie is produced by Ryder Picture Company and Savage Rose Films, with executive producers from Waypoint Entertainment, Annapurna, and Neon. González is currently starring in La Máquina and has upcoming films with Guy Ritchie, while Liu appears in Netflix's No Good Deed. Paige is featured in HBO's It: Welcome to Derry, and Poulter, known for The Bear, has several projects in the works.

Unstoppable is the true story of Anthony Robles (played by Jharrel Jerome), a one-legged wrestler who defied the odds to achieve his dream of becoming an NCAA champion. Born with only one leg, Anthony faced numerous challenges, but with the support of his mother, Judy (Jennifer Lopez), and his coaches, he persevered. Set primarily at Arizona State University, the film follows his journey to earn a spot on the wrestling team, showcasing his physical and mental endurance. The narrative explores themes of resilience and determination, as Anthony's unwavering spirit drives him to reach the pinnacle of college wrestling. His journey is deeply influenced by his mother’s guidance and the encouragement of those around him. The film captures both his struggles and triumphs, focusing on his quest to prove that what he lacked physically could be overcome with strength, passion, and perseverance. 

Eddie Murphy - Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Documentary: Eddie Murphy is set to portray Parliament-Funkadelic leader George Clinton in an untitled biopic directed by Bill Condon for Amazon MGM Studios, with a script being penned by Virgil Williams based on an original draft by Max Werner. The project was initiated by Catherine Davis, a devoted George Clinton fan. The film, inspired by Clinton’s memoir Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard On You?, will explore Clinton's tumultuous journey to establishing the influential musical collective Parliament-Funkadelic, known for their innovative sound and psychedelic performances. Murphy will produce the film through Eddie Murphy Productions, alongside John Davis and Greg Yolen, with executive producers including Clinton and Charisse Hewitt-Webster. Condon previously directed Murphy in Dreamgirls, earning him an Oscar nomination. Murphy's upcoming projects with Amazon MGM Studios include The Pickup alongside Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson.

Amber Midthunder - Mat Hayward/Stringer

Industry Update: Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, TIFF, and Universal Filmed Entertainment Group have launched the inaugural class of the "No Drama" initiative, designed to support emerging filmmakers. Five selected filmmakers—Chandler Crump, Charlie Dennis, Helena Hawkes, Jared Leaf, and Ariel Zengotita—will each receive a $50,000 grant to produce proof-of-concept or short films exploring horror across different cultures and societies. The initiative includes a year-long curriculum with workshops, roundtables, and studio resources, culminating in a screening at TIFF next fall. The program aims to foster diverse voices in cinema and empower the next generation of genre storytellers.

The Wayans brothers are reuniting for the sixth installment of the Scary Movie franchise, marking their first collaboration in 18 years. They are writing an original script for the reboot, alongside producer Rick Alvarez. The Wayans were instrumental in creating the franchise, with Keenen directing the first two films and Marlon and Shawn writing and starring in them. The new film, slated for release in 2025, will be produced by Miramax and distributed by Paramount Pictures. Marlon Wayans recently reflected on the franchise’s rocky history with Miramax, including the brothers' absence from the third, fourth, and fifth films.

NBA All-Star Anthony Davis has launched Jakm3n Productions, with himself as CEO, Arik Burks as COO, and Keith Chamberlain as CAO. The company aims to create a platform for diversity, meaningful storytelling, and community impact both on and off the screen. Recently, Jakm3n co-financed and produced Pierre the Pigeon-Hawk, an animated film featuring Will.i.am, Jennifer Coolidge, Jennifer Hudson, Snoop Dogg, and others. Davis expressed the company’s commitment to showcasing diverse human experiences and creating positive social change. Davis, who is a nine-time NBA All-Star and Gold Medalist, continues his leadership role with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) has reached a collective agreement with NABET 700-M UNIFOR, representing technical crews in film and TV production in Ontario. The updated terms cover various sectors including construction, hair, makeup, props, lighting, sound, and set dressing. The current agreement expires on December 31, with the new terms to be presented for ratification in the coming weeks. CMPA's Sean Porter expressed satisfaction with the agreement, which recognizes the importance of NABET crew members, while NABET President Ryan Pogue highlighted the deal’s role in supporting growth in Ontario's film and television sector. This agreement follows a busy year for CMPA, including a recent deal with the Writers’ Guild of Canada.

Cameras are now rolling on Is God Is, the Amazon MGM Orion Pictures adaptation of Aleshea Harris' Obie-winning play. Kara Young and Mallori Johnson star as twin sisters Racine and Anaia, outcasts struggling with disfiguring burn scars. Joining them are Sterling K. Brown, Vivica A. Fox, and Janelle Monáe. The film, directed by Harris from her own script, follows the twins' journey to confront their father, who is responsible for their scars. Producers include Riva Marker, Janicza Bravo, Tessa Thompson, and Kishori Rajan. The play won multiple Obies for its writing, direction, and performances.

FilmNation Entertainment's production label Infrared is developing Painter, an action film that could launch a new franchise. Starring Amber Midthunder (known for Prey and Legion) alongside Alan Ritchson (Reacher), the film is written by Derek Kolstad (creator of John Wick) and will be directed by Garrett Warren, a stunt coordinator known for Logan and Avatar. The plot follows a young woman trained in combat who must use all her skills to rescue her kidnapped father. Painter is produced by Ritchson, Drew Simon, Kolstad, Josh Adler, and Dan Spilo. The film is financed by Infrared and will be showcased for international sales at the American Film Market. FilmNation is co-repping domestic rights with CAA Media Finance. Simon has expressed excitement about Midthunder becoming an iconic action hero, similar to Sarah Connor in Terminator. Painter is expected to be a major addition to the action genre, with Infrared's first completed film, Novocaine, set for release in 2025.