News

Exclusive: Scott Foley has joined the cast of Scream 7 from Spyglass and Paramount Pictures.

Details regarding his character and the film’s plot are currently under wraps. However, Foley is already part of the Scream universe having portrayed antagonist Roman Bridger, the film director and half-brother of Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) who was revealed to be the Ghostface Killer of Scream 3.

Foley’s casting comes with its own set of questions because Roman was killed by Dewey (David Arquette) at Sidney’s request. Roman has faked his own death before so it’s plausible that he could reprise the role in the present or perhaps in flashback form in the past if he is deceased. Could Roman have a long-lost twin? This is Scream after all, so if he returns as a ghost (face killer?) or a zombie, it would not shock most.

Gregg Araki is set to direct Olivia Wilde in his next feature, Black Bear’s provocative thriller “I Want Your Sex.”

The film features an original script penned by Araki and Karley Sciortino which blithely explores desire, domination and fantasy.

When fresh-faced Elliot lands an exciting job for renowned artist, icon and provocateur Erika Tracy (Wilde), his fantasies come true as Erika taps him to become her sexual muse. But Elliot soon finds himself out of his depth as Erika takes him on a journey more profound than he ever could have imagined, into a world of sex, obsession, power, betrayal and murder.

Arlie Day (“To Leslie”) and Mike Page (“The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry”) are casting the picture. The film will be produced by Seth Caplan, a past winner of the John Cassavetes Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, alongside Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler.

Lucy Hale and Nat Wolff make a gorgeous pair in the witty modern rom-com, Which Brings Me to You, which is in theaters Jan. 19, 2024, from Decal. The full synopsis for the new film reads as follows:

"Two romantic messes. One boring wedding. One heated embrace in a quiet coatroom. This is not exactly the recipe for true love. Will and Jane’s encounter at a friend’s wedding isn’t really the beginning of anything with any weight to it; even they know that. When they manage to pull back, it occurs to them that they might start this whole thing over properly. They might try getting to know one another first.

What follows over the course of the day and night is a series of traded confessions — of their messy histories, their past errors, their big loves, their flaws, and their passions. Each love affair, confessed as honestly as possible,...

Exclusive: Scott Foley, the actor known for his work in film and television and on stage, who most recently starred in the Broadway production of The Thanksgiving Play, has signed with Independent Artist Group.

Perhaps best known for starring in Shonda Rhimes’ hit ABC series Scandal, and for his breakout performance opposite Keri Russell in The WB’s Felicity, Foley will next be seen on the Max political drama series The Girls on the Bus. He also memorably portrayed Sean Kelly, the affable one-time love interest of Dr. Elliot Reid (Sarah Chalke), on Bill Lawrence’s Scrubs, before reteaming with Lawrence as the producer and star of his ABC action dramedy Whiskey Cavalier.

Other recent projects for the actor include Fox’s dance dramedy, The Big Leap, and the film The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, an adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel by Gabrielle Zevin. Additional film...

Vertical has acquired domestic distribution rights to “He Went That Way.”

Directed by Jeffrey Darling, the film tells the true story of a celebrity animal handler who picked up a young hitchhiker who turned out to be a serial murderer. Jacob Elordi plays the diabolical deviant. He broke out in Netflix’s “The Kissing Booth” trilogy and has starred in the likes of “Saltburn” and “Priscilla.”

Patrick J. Adams of “Suits” fame stars. That decade-old USA legal comedy inexplicably became a streaming sensation on Netflix this past summer.

Penned by Evan M. Weiner, “He Went That Way” had its world premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival. Vertical plans to release the film in theaters in early 2024. It is inspired by Conrad Hillberry’s book, “Luke Karamazov” and the real-life account of Dave Pitts’ encounter with Larry Lee Ranes. Pitts was the sole survivor in Ranes’ killing spree.

Marc Benardout, Hugh Broder,...

February can be a weird month. It’s too late to wish anyone “Happy New Year,” late enough to abandon resolutions, and too early to leave the house if you want to avoid getting caught in nasty weather (even in Los Angeles).

This month also marks the third and final season of Hulu’s widely acclaimed “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” which charts the rise of the Wu-Tang clan over time. Season 3 catches up with the Wu-Tang members after their first album, facing divergent paths in the years that follow. As with any group navigating the challenging lure of fame and money, it’s a treacherous road — but an indelible journey. “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” Season 3 premieres February 15 on Hulu.

Here’s everything coming to Hulu in February 2023.

February 1

“Taiwan Crime Stories” (Season 1)

“Impractical Jokers” (Seasons 1-3)

“Naruto Shippuden”

“Sherman’s Showcase” (Season 2B)

“2012” (2009)

“50/50” (2011)

“Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman” (2021)

“All...

Exclusive: Vertical has secured North American rights to the MPI Original Film Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game, starring BAFTA- and Tony Award-nominated West Side Story breakout Mike Faist and Teen Wolf‘s Crystal Reed, slating it for a day-and-date release on March 17, 2023.

The film based on a true story centers on Roger Sharpe (Faist), a GQ journalist and real-life pinball wizard who, in 1976, helped overturn New York City’s 35-year ban on pinball.

An unsettled writer with a fantastic mustache, Sharpe finds solace and confidence in the one thing he has mastered: pinball. When a police raid destroys the only machines he can find in 1970s New York City, he learns the game is illegal in the state. Roger then reluctantly joins forces with the Music and Amusement Association to overturn the ban while falling in love with Ellen (Reed), an artist and single mother. Roger’s path...

Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has appointed former Aviron and The Weinstein Company executive Francois Martin to the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Content Partnerships.

Martin will now be responsible for leading and expanding the indie distributor’s content sales presence across all platforms. He’s already assumed the post and will report going forward to Vertical Partners Peter Jarowey and Rich Goldberg.

Martin began his career in Miramax’s marketing department, transitioning to The Weinstein Company upon its founding in 2005. His decade-plus spent at that then-prestigious studio saw him rise through the ranks from Senior Director, Marketing to President, Marketing Strategy for both TWC and the Miramax label, Dimension Films.

The exec has previously worked on marketing campaigns for such notable films as Kill Bill, Chicago, Spy Kids, Scary Movie, Lee Daniel’s The Butler, Django Unchained, Inglorious Basterds, The King’s Speech, Paddington and Silver Linings Playbook, among others.

Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American rights to the multi-generational romantic comedy Maybe I Do, starring Diane Keaton (Mack & Rita), Richard Gere (Arbitrage), Susan Sarandon (Monarch), William H. Macy (The Conners), Emma Roberts (About Fate) and Luke Bracey (Elvis), from the global film and television studio Fifth Season, formerly known as Endeavor Content.

The first feature written and directed by Oscar nominee Michael Jacobs (Quiz Show) will be released exclusively in theaters nationwide on January 27, 2023.

Maybe I Do follows Michelle (Roberts) and Allen (Bracey), who have reached the point in their relationship where they are considering the next steps and decide to invite their parents to finally meet. The parents already know each other well – really well – leading to distinct and defining opinions about the value of marriage.

Maybe I Do was financed and produced by Fifth Season and marks the latest in a line of successful collaborations between the studio and Vertical,...

Using release strategies we haven’t seen in a long time, “TÁR” (Focus) and “Triangle of Sadness” (Neon) showed us that nearly three years of punishing blows didn’t kill off specialized films.

As we resume our Sunday specialized analyses after a 30-month absence, it’s time for a PSA: Nuance matters and opening weekends can be misleading, but initial results matter both for what they indicate as well as for their influence on future coverage.

The excellent news is that both films, going slightly different directions to start need no excuses. Each showed decent or better signs of initial interest, not only compared to recent releases but also to similar titles pre-pandemic.

“TÁR” opened in two traditional New York platform locations (Lincoln Square and Angelika) and two in Los Angeles (Grove and Century City). It came in with 160,000, or 40,000 per theater. This is the best limited initial PTA since...

Vertical Entertainment has just released the official trailer for the upcoming romantic dramedy, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. The film, which is based on the 2014 bestselling novel of the same name by Gabrielle Zevin, will tell the story of a depressed bookstore owner whose world changes in the blink of an eye when a young child is left at his shop. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is directed by Hans Canosa from a script by Zevin. The film stars Kunal Nayyar, Lucy Hale, Christina Hendricks, Blaire Brown, Lauren Stamile, David Arquette, and Scott Foley.

Lucy Hale smiling for the camera. Pic credit: ©ImageCollect.com/Xavier Collin/ImagePressAgency

Lucy Hale took the internet by surprise in a breathtaking new magazine shoot.

The actress wore at least six different outfits that give us that perfect Morocco look.

The first look she shared is a long sleeve animal print dress, with her dark brown hair parted to the side and a brown eye-makeup look.

The second picture is a beautiful close-up of Hale’s face, showing her flawless skin. With a reverse cat-eye eyeliner, her eyes sparkle. And of course, her iconic full brows and plump lips complete this makeup look.

There are two pictures where we can see Lucy wearing what can only be described as a very chic blue and white oversized coat. The coat itself is a piece of art but is the way her long ponytail falls on her back that makes it stand out even more.

Exclusive: Nitya Mehra (Baar Baar Dekho) and Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) are teaming with Reel FX Originals on Diya—a new animated feature in the vein of its 2014 20th Century Fox title, The Book of Life. Mehra will direct the new film, with Nayyar serving as executive producer.

Directed by Jorge R. Gutiérrez and produced by Guillermo del Toro, The Book of Life was a tale based in Mexican mythology which followed Manolo (Diego Luna), a bullfighter embarking on a fantastical adventure on the Day of the Dead. Diya will also be a mythology-based fantasy adventure, honing in on the folklore of India.

Shiwani Srivastava (Netflix’s Wedding Season) and Dr. Amy Bhatt wrote the script. Producers are Steve O’Brien and Jared Mass of Reel FX Originals. Nayyar is exec producing through his company, Good Karma Productions, alongside his head of production, Jason Hiro Kim (Gook), with Lucas...

Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American rights to Hans Canosa’s film, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, from international sales agent Mister Smith Entertainment. Currently in post-production, the film is slated for release in theaters this fall.

The dramedy is based on Gabrielle Zevin’s bestseller of the same name, which has sold over five million copies worldwide. It tells the story of bookstore owner A.J. Fikry (Kunal Nayyar), who is struggling to navigate a life that is far from what he expected it to be, as he is feeling left behind by a rapidly evolving world. After his wife’s death in a tragic accident, Fikry’s store hits a financial low point, with sales at abysmal levels. Driven to drinking his sorrows away, Fikry hits rock bottom when his most prized possession, a series of Edgar Allen Poe poems, are stolen. But when a mysterious package arrives,...

Principal photography has wrapped on “He Went That Way,” the true crime thriller starring Jacob Elordi (“Euphoria”) and Zachary Quinto (Star Trek franchise).

Mister Smith Entertainment have revealed a first look image and will be showing the first footage to buyers at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin.

Set in 1964, “He Went That Way” is based on the true crime story of celebrity animal trainer Dave Pitts and his famous TV chimp, Spanky, centerpiece of the traveling entertainment show The Ice Capades in the 1960s, and his fateful three-day encounter with the serial killer Larry Lee Ranes. The film is inspired by Conrad Hilberry’s book “Luke Karamazov” and the real life account from Dave Pitts, the sole survivor of Ranes killing spree, and follows the trio as they set off on a crazy three-day road trip down Route 66 together.

Elordi portrays serial killer Bobby Falls, based on Ranes and Quinto portrays Jim Goodwin,...

Exclusive: Mia Sinclair Jenness (Arcane) will star alongside Kunal Nayyar, Lucy Hale, Christina Hendricks, David Arquette and Scott Foley in The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, an adaptation of Gabrielle Zevin’s New York Times bestselling novel, which is currently in production in Cape Cod.

The film directed by Hans Canosa follows the titular A.J. Fikry (Nayyar), whose life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare edition of Poe poems, has been stolen. Over time, he has given up on people, and even the books in his store, instead of offering solace, are yet another reminder of a world that is changing too rapidly. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over and see things anew.

David Arquette (You Cannot Kill David Arquette) and Scott Foley (Scandal) are joining the previously announced Kunal Nayyar, Lucy Hale and Christina Hendricks in The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, which is now shooting in Cape Cod.

Gabrielle Zevin has adapted her own New York Times bestselling novel for the film, which is being helmed by Hans Canosa.

The story follows the titular A.J. Fikry (Nayyar), whose life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare edition of Poe poems, has been stolen. Over time, he has given up on people, and even the books in his store, instead of offering solace, are yet another reminder of a world that is changing too rapidly. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected...

David Arquette and Scott Foley are joining Kunal Nayyar, Lucy Hale and Christina Hendricks in the film “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry.” The charming and comical story of redemption, adapted by author Gabrielle Zevin from her own New York Times best-selling novel, begins shooting this month in the U.S. in Cape Cod.

Hans Canosa is directing from Zevin’s novel, which has sold over five million copies and been translated into 38 languages. Bcdf Pictures’ Claude Dal Farra and Brian Keady are producing alongside Kelsey Law, Canosa and Zevin. Bcdf’s Brice Dal Farra, Nayyar, Hale and Hendricks are executive producers. Mister Smith Entertainment is handling sales on the film.

The life of A.J. Fikry (Nayyar) is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare edition of Poe poems,...

MarVista CEO Fernando Szew will focus on developing and producing content for Fox’s digital platforms including Tubi.

Fox Entertainment has acquired independent stalwart MarVista Entertainment and its library of more than 2,500 hours of programming.

MarVista CEO and founding partner Fernando Szew and his team will continue to lead MarVista, reporting to Fox Entertainment president of production strategy and operations Stefan Reinhardt, and focus on developing and producing content for Fox’s digital platforms including ad-supported VOD (AVOD) service Tubi.

With a specialty in holiday-themed programming, MarVista said it has produced, distributed and sold 80 films across all genres annually. The...

In the first episode of “Ragdoll,” the new cat-and-mouse cop show from “Killing Eve” creators Sid Gentle, the lead trio of detectives played by Lucy Hale, Henry Lloyd-Hughes and Thalissa Teixeira encounter a cadaver (the titular Ragdoll) stitched together from the limbs, torso and head of six separate murder victims, strung up from the ceiling.

Even Hale, a self-confessed true-crime fan, was disturbed by the gruesome sight. “I’m pretty good at compartmentalizing, obviously, what I do for a living [and] who I am, what’s real, what’s not real,” the “Pretty Little Liars” alum tells Variety.

“But this day in particular was so strange because the three of us decided not to see the Ragdoll before we shot that scene. And when we saw it, I mean, you’re kind of speechless,” she says. “It looks like a real human: the detail, the skin colour, the hair. It was dripping,...

Vertical Entertainment has signed a deal with Mister Smith Entertainment for North American distribution rights to romantic comedy “The Hating Game,” which stars “Pretty Little Liars” actor Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell, who also appeared with her in “Fantasy Island.” Vertical is planning to give it a theatrical release later this year.

“The Hating Game,” which is based on the hit novel by Sally Thorne, tells the story of kind-hearted Lucy Hutton (Hale) and her cold, efficient nemesis Joshua Templeton (Stowell). Resolving to achieve professional success without compromising her ethics, Lucy embarks on a ruthless game of one-upmanship against Josh, a rivalry that is impossibly complicated by her growing attraction to him.

Peter Hutchings (“Then Came You”) directed Christina Mengert’s adaptation of the book.

“The Hating Game” novel was a 2018 USA Today Bestseller and was published in more than 20 countries. It is often identified as one of the key...

Kunal Nayyar, Lucy Hale and Christina Hendricks are set to star in The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, an adaptation of the New York Times best-selling novel by Gabrielle Zevin. Hans Canosa will direct from Zevin’s adaptation of her own novel and David Garrett’s Mister Smith Entertainment will be shopping the project to buyers at the upcoming Cannes Virtual Market next week.

The comical love story follows the story of A.J. Fikry (Nayyar), whose life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history and now his prized possession, a rare edition of Poe poems, has been stolen. He’s given up on people and even the books in his store offer another reminder that the world is changing too rapidly. But when a mysterious package arrives at the store, it...

Kunal Nayyar, Lucy Hale, Christina Hendricks are set to headline “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry,” a big screen makeover of Gabrielle Zevin’s blockbuster New York Times best-selling novel which has shifted five million copies and been translated into 38 languages.

The film rights to Zevin’s most recent novel, “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” recently sold to Paramount for $2 million upfront after an auction between reportedly over 25 bidders.

Hans Canosa will direct “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” from Zevin’s own adaptation. Bcdf Pictures’ Claude Dal Farra and Brian Keady are producing alongside Kelsey Law, Canosa and Zevin.

David Garrett’s Mister Smith Entertainment is launching worldwide sales at next week’s Pre-Cannes Screenings, with principal photography scheduled for this fall.

Exemplifying one major throughline in Mister Smith’s recent sales slate, “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” is not only produced by Bcdf Pictures and based on major IP,...

Kunal Nayyar, Christina Hendricks, and Lucy Hale have signed on to star in The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, another hot project going to the Cannes Virtual Market later this month.

The adaptation of the Gabrielle Zevin bestseller is pitched as a heartwarming rom-com about a cantankerous bookstore owner (The Big Bang Theory‘s Nayyar) who sees his life falling apart after the death of his wife and the slow decline of his business. But his life is transformed when someone leaves a baby at his store.

Zevin, which recently sold the film rights to her upcoming novel, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, to Paramount ...

Naveen Andrews will star in the whimsical dramedy The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, based on the 2014 best-selling novel by Gabrielle Zevin, The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively learned.

The Lost alum will star as A.J. Fikry, a curmudgeonly Massachusetts small-town bookstore owner who withdraws even further from human relationships after his wife dies. The arrival of a mysterious package sets off a series of encounters and events that helps the grumpy widower rediscover the joy in a personal connection.

Zevin has adapted her own screenplay, and her frequent collaborator Hans Canosa will direct. The two will produce alongside Bcdf ...

Naveen Andrews will star in the whimsical dramedy The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, based on the 2013 best-selling novel by Gabrielle Zevin, The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively learned.

The Lost alum will star as A.J. Fikry, a curmudgeonly Massachusetts small-town bookstore owner who withdraws even further from human relationships after his wife dies. The arrival of a mysterious package sets off a series of encounters and events that helps the grumpy widower rediscover the joy in a personal connection.

Zevin has adapted her own screenplay, and her frequent collaborator Hans Canosa will direct. The two will produce alongside Claude ...