‘Game of Thrones’ sets season 8 premiere date.
“Game of Thrones” fans can rest easy: A premiere date has (sorta) been announced for the series’ eighth and final season. In a promotional video, HBO shared the news that the epic will return to the cable network in April, though no exact date was specified. The video also hinted that the final episodes will see one last confrontation with the White Walkers. (Variety)
HBO nabs Hugh Grant for new series.
Speaking of HBO, the net will continue the trend of luring movie stars to the (prestige) small screen. The latest convert is Hugh Grant, who will star alongside Nicole Kidman in the forthcoming miniseries “The Undoing.” Based on “You Should Have Known,” a book by Jean Hanff, the six-episode drama will follow a therapist (Kidman) in the aftermath of her husband (Grant) disappearing. (Variety)
‘Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle’ will premiere in India.
Andy Serkis’ live-action feature “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle” will make history as the first-ever big budget Hollywood film to have a premiere in India. Starring Christian Bale, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cate Blanchett, and Freida Pinto, the film will be celebrated with the event on Nov. 25. (Hollywood Reporter)
A new album wants to aid in the fight for mental health.
Singers from the group Black Broadway have banded together to record and release “Darkness RISING,” an album of musical theater cover songs intended to provide support to anyone struggling with mental illness. Featuring songs from shows including “Dear Evan Hansen” as well as the film “Moana,” the album is available for download on iTunes and Spotify, and will see all proceeds benefiting the project. (Broadway World)
‘The Ferryman’ features the youngest stars to ever grace Broadway.
Jez Butterworth’s “The Ferryman,” a London transfer that opened to rave reviews last month, is making history with its (very) young stars. Four 6-month-old babies rotate in the role of—what else—a baby in the play, in keeping with Butterworth’s belief that reality onstage creates greater engagement with the audience. To perform on Broadway, children must be at least six months old and can do no more than four shows a week. (New York Post)
Marvel Comics’ Stan Lee dies at 95.
Marvel Comics writer, editor, and publisher Stan Lee passed away on Nov. 12th in Los Angeles at the age of 95. The legend, who began the would-be massive franchise in 1939, catapulted the venture to the top publishing house for comic books, and later to a multimedia giant. He also created indelible characters including Spider Man, the Incredible Hulk, Black Panther, and many more. (The Hollywood Reporter)
The battle to save FilmStruck goes on.
Warner Media’s FilmStruck, which features a vast library of classic, arthouse, and indie films, is in danger of being shut down. A Change.org petition, “Keep FilmStruck Alive,” has already surpassed its signature goal and entertainment heavyweights including Bill Hader and Guillermo del Toro have also spoken out in support of the subscription service. Following the outpour of support, Warner Media is now considering creating a “compromise platform.” More information is to come. (Backstage)
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