Get ready to slip on a red swimsuit because Malibu’s finest are returning to the screen in “Baywatch.” The ’90s beach drama that teetered between family fare and late-night Cinemax will be reincarnated as a feature with none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as frontman.
With more studios looking toward moviegoers’ nostalgia-inducing ’90s series, like this year’s successful “Goosebumps” release from Columbia Pictures, it should come as no surprise that the “Baywatch” plot line is sticking close to the much beloved series. John Papsidera of Automatic Sweat will cast the film, which also includes Zac Efron. The plot focuses on a disgraced Olympic swimmer who joins the Baywatch in Malibu to bring down a group of corrupt lifeguards. Shooting will commence in late January in the warm waters of Florida and Puerto Rico. Can’t wait for that slow motion running!
A comic book hero is about to get the network treatment in “Riverdale.” Archie, Veronica, and Betty are piloting their way to the CW for a spring 2016 shoot that will dramatize the comic as it follows the gang from the original Archie Comics. Other properties, such as Josie and the Pussycats, will also be integrated. David Rapaport is reanimating the two-dimensional cast for Berlanti Television.
Jessica Chastain is heading deep into the weapons debate in “Miss Sloane.” The ripped-from-the-headlines film follows a lobbyist as she goes against a group of well-financed counterparts to pass legislation that would tighten gun laws in the United States. John Madden (“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”) will direct the feature that’s sure to illicit strong reactions from both sides of the aisle. Telsey + Company will load up the film’s cast, which is set to begin filming in Toronto in February.
Robert De Niro is delivering punches and punch lines in his new project “The Comedian.” Jennifer Aniston is teaming with the prolific actor in the dramedy about an aging comic who struggles with getting older and punches a heckler. The ensuing community service leads to a life-changing encounter with a woman (Aniston). Mackey/Sandrich Casting will gather the actors for director Taylor Hackford’s late winter shoot in New York and Florida.
Christmas just keeps coming earlier and earlier, and for Billy Bob Thornton, it’s coming in the form of a sequel; “Bad Santa 2” will see the acerbic Kriss Kringle impersonator launched on the holiday season once again. Mark Waters will direct the production beginning in mid-January out of Montreal with help from Beach/Katzman Casting. The Grinch may want to jot down a few notes.
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