Many were successful in making contact with Depp, who worked the fan line outside for five full minutes before walking the carpet…reports Asian Lite News
Hollywood star Johnny Depp, who hasn’t appeared in public since his protracted 2022 legal battle with ex-girlfriend Amber Heard, received an ecstatic seven-minute standing ovation at the premiere of Cannes Film Festival’s opening night film ‘Jeanne Du Barry’.
Depp held back tears as the crowd in the South of France erupted in prolonged applause for his performance, reports ‘Variety’. He essays the role of King Louis XV in the film. He waved to the audience in the balcony and seemed taken aback by the response.
The film’s director and star Maiwenn also broke out into tears as she briefly took the mic. “I want to share this moment with my lover, with my producer, with Le Pacte,” she said. “It was a production that was difficult to finance a and I want to share this moment with all my team across the theatre.”
As per ‘Variety’, Depp arrived to Cannes welcomed by thousands of supportive fans, who carried signs outside the Palais and trembled as they tried to touch their idol. Many were successful in making contact with Depp, who worked the fan line outside for five full minutes before walking the carpet.
‘Jeanne du Barry’ stars Maiwenn as Jeanne Vaubernier, a working class woman in 18th century France who rises the social ranks and becomes King Louis XV’s lover. Her working class roots makes her a social pariah in the king’s court. The supporting cast includes Benjamin Lavernhe, Pierre Richard, Melvil Poupaud and Pascal Greggory.
The film marks Depp’s most high profile acting role since the conclusion of his 2022 legal battle against ex-wife Amber Heard.
“We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then – over and out. #wgastrong”…reports Asian Lite News
Popular series ‘Stranger Things’ has paused work on its final season, as series co-creators and co-showrunners Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, known as the Duffer brothers, shared a statement announcing that starting production “is not possible” during the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike.
The Duffers issued a statement from the Stranger Writers Twitter account, which has offered ‘Stranger Things’ fans a glimpse into the series’ writers room over the years. Writing on the fifth and final season commenced in August 2022, shortly after the fourth season premiered, reports ‘Variety’.
“Duffers here. Writing does not stop when filming begins. While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike,” the Duffers wrote.
“We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then – over and out. #wgastrong”
As the most streamed series of 2022, ‘Stranger Things’ now joins a growing group of Netflix series, such as “Big Mouth” and “Cobra Kai,” facing delays and productions pauses amid the ongoing writers’ strike.
After the original “Stranger Things” concludes, fans can expect an animated series set in the ‘Stranger Things’ world, which is set to be produced by the Duffer brothers, Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen. England-based fans can check out the franchise’s venture into the theatre world later this year.
‘Stranger Things’ writer and co-executive producer Kate Trefry has penned a stage production spin-off, ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’. The stage production is set to premiere at the West End Phoenix Theatre in London.
The concert will also feature world-renowned pianist Lang Lang as well as recent ‘The Piano’ winner Lucy. Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor will also appear on stage to deliver a spoken word performance to introduce the Commonwealth virtual choir…reports Asian Lite News
King Charles III’s coronation is set to be a memorable occasion as the latest stars to be confirmed for the concert, which will take place in the grounds of Windsor Castle the day after the historic ceremony, are Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger and Winnie the Pooh.
It will not be the trio’s first brush with royalty, with all three having attended previous royal events. Cruise was a guest at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997, Pooh was invited to a children’s garden party at Buckingham Palace for Queen Elizabeth II’s 80th anniversary in 2006 and Scherzinger took part in a pageant in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee last year, reports Variety.
For the coronation, which will honour King Charles’ ascension to the throne following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth last year, Cruise and Pooh will appear alongside ‘Dynasty’ star Joan Collins, singer Tom Jones, adventurer Bear Grylls and dancer Oti Mabuse in a series of pre-recorded VTs in which they will reveal “little-known facts about the King.”
Also newly confirmed for the concert are Paloma Faith, Tiwa Savage, Steve Winwood, Olly Murs and club DJ Pete Tong, who will play his Ibiza classics.
The concert will also feature world-renowned pianist Lang Lang as well as recent ‘The Piano’ winner Lucy. Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor will also appear on stage to deliver a spoken word performance to introduce the Commonwealth virtual choir.
They will join artists including Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, who were announced earlier this month.
‘Downton Abbey’ star Hugh Bonneville will host the proceedings, which are being produced by BBC Studios.
“I am incredibly honoured to be a part of such a historic event,” said Scherzinger.
“The U.K. has been my home away from home for many years now, so this means so much to me to be lending my voice through the gift of song. The piece I will be singing is such a powerful, moving song. And to be sharing the stage with Lang Lang will be a dream come true; a once-in-a-lifetime performance.”
Kate Phillips, BBC’s director of unscripted, said: “I’m delighted that even more world class names have joined the line-up for the Coronation Concert, broadcast live across the BBC. Against the stunning backdrop of Windsor Castle, it’s going to be a jam packed evening of memorable moments, that Their Majesties and everyone in the U.K. can enjoy!”
The King’s coronation will take place on Saturday, May 6. The Coronation Concert will follow on the evening of Sunday, May 7.
Christopher Nolan is the king of the sci-fi genre and ‘Interstellar’ proves it…reports Asian Lite News
The sci-fi genre is one of the finest branches of cinema. The way it blows your mind and fulfils cinematic cravings is a treat to watch. A few movies have completely understood the concept and have blown our minds. The list goes as follows:
Tenet
The masterclass of cinema can be felt when you witness this extraordinary masterpiece by Director Christopher Nolan. The movie was released in 2020 and still can’t be wholly understood without defining the typical science terms used by the writer-director. In the film the protagonist goes into the future with the help of a portal to stop the attack by the future generation, explaining the theory in words can be difficult but an adjective for it can be ‘perfect’.
Interstellar
Christopher Nolan is the king of the sci-fi genre and ‘Interstellar’ proves it. The movie asks for complete attention from the people as missing a single dialogue can ruin the movie’s explanation when it ends. The film ends on an open note, leaving space for an intriguing sequel.
Dune
Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya narrated how a scientific-fiction movie is delivered to the world. ‘Dune’ follows the story of Paul Atreides who is a brilliant young man born with a great destiny to save his family from one of the most dangerous planets. The movie recently shared the first look of its sequel at CinemaCon which left everyone stunned.
Avatar
If you have ever been into movies, you should have definitely watched this classic, ‘ Avatar’. The concept of the movie was literally the out-of-the-world kind of thing. The story of Pandora takes a satirical take over human colonisation amid love which is a complete package of entertainment for the audience.
Avenger: Endgame
Marvel Cinematic Universe concludes phase three with this iconic movie. As the characters use a time machine to go back in time which comes under the sci-fi genre and nails it. Theatres turned into stadiums when this movie dropped to bring a ton of dopamine to the globe with its exciting storyline.
News of a show based on the megahit J.K. Rowling’s book series first leaked on April 3, but details have now been confirmed…reports Asian Lite News
A ‘Harry Potter’ TV series is officially moving forward at HBO Max.
The announcement was made during Warner Bros. Discovery’s presentation to press and investors on April 12, during which it was announced that HBO Max and Discovery+ are officially being combined into a new service dubbed simply Max, reports ‘Variety’.
News of a show based on the megahit J.K. Rowling’s book series first leaked on April 3, but details have now been confirmed.
Each season of the show will be based on one of the books in the franchise, with Warner Bros. Discovery describing the show as a “decade-long series.” It will feature an entirely new cast from the films.
“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” said Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content.
“Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World. In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”
Max will produce in association with Bronte Film and TV, and Warner Bros. Television. Rowling will executive produce along with Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts. David Heyman is currently in talks to executive produce.
“Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series,” said Rowling.
The announcement brings an end to years of speculation on whether or not the Wizarding World of Harry Potter would make the transition to TV. Variety reported in 2021 that the company was looking to develop a “Harry Potter” show.
The franchise has proven incredibly popular across a wide range of media.
The first book in the series, ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ was originally published in 1997. The final book, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’, debuted in 2007.
In addition to the books, each of which was a bestseller, there have been eight ‘Harry Potter’ films to date, which have collectively grossed more than $7.7 billion at the global box office.
There is also the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ film franchise, theme park attractions, toys, and games, including the recently launched video game ‘Hogwarts Legacy’.
There is also the hit Broadway show ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’, which serves as a sequel to the book series.
WEST END RETURN OF THE TONY AWARD®-WINNING, THE LEHMAN TRILOGY, IS NOW PLAYING AT THE GILLIAN LYNNE THEATRE UNTIL 20 MAY 2023 and is an exceptional and gripping theatre production – writes columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International
The National Theatre and Neal Street Productions’ critically acclaimed, five-time Tony Award® winning production of The Lehman Trilogy has returned to London. The strictly limited 17-week run has begun performances at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Michael Balogun, Hadley Fraser and Nigel Lindsay are playing the Lehman brothers, and a cast of characters including their sons and grandsons. They are joined by pianist, Yshani Perinpanayagam.
Returning to perform the roles of Janitor and understudy is Ravi Aujla, with Will Harrison-Wallace and Leighton Pugh also returning to their understudy roles. Erika Gundesen is the understudy pianist.
Written by Stefano Massini, adapted by Ben Power and directed by multi-award-winning director, Sam Mendes with set design by Es Devlin, The Lehman Trilogy is an extraordinary feat of storytelling told in three parts on a single evening.
On a cold September morning in 1844, a young man from Bavaria stands on a New York dockside dreaming of a new life in the new world. He is joined by his two brothers, and an American epic begins. 163 years later, the firm they establish – Lehman Brothers – spectacularly collapses into bankruptcy, triggering the largest financial crisis in history.
Weaving together nearly two centuries of family history, The Lehman Trilogy charts the humble beginnings, outrageous successes, and devastating failure of the financial institution that would ultimately bring the global economy to its knees.
The production is a masterwork, keeps one at the edge of the seat and keeps one gripped with its power packed performances, great set design, engrossing music score, captivating lighting and spectacular storytelling, it’s a must watch play. Highly recommended and columnist rating all 5 stars!
The Lehman Trilogy was the most awarded play on Broadway in 2022, winning Best Play, Best Director, Best Set Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Actor at the Tony Awards®. It also won the Drama League Award for Best Play and six Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Play.
First commissioned by Neal Street Productions and developed and co-produced with the National Theatre at the Lyttelton theatre in 2018, followed by an acclaimed sold-out run at the Park Avenue Armory in the Spring of 2019,
The Lehman Trilogy returned to London for a 16-week sold-out run at the Piccadilly Theatre in the West End from May until August 2019. Following Broadway’s 18-month shutdown, The Lehman Trilogy was the first British play to return to Broadway — where it had previously played four performances in March 2020 — for a much-lauded limited engagement at the Nederlander Theatre from September 2021 until January 2022. A Los Angeles transfer to Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre followed from March until April 2022.
Prior to this, the world premiere of Stefano Massini’s The Lehman Trilogy opened at the Piccolo Teatro in Milan in 2015. It turned out to be Artistic Director Luca Ronconi’s final production before his death. A long- term admirer of Ronconi’s, Sam Mendes was inspired to begin planning an English adaptation for Neal Street Productions. Ben Power was commissioned by Neal Street Productions to create a new version of this epic play, using a literal English translation by Mirella Cheeseman.
The Lehman Trilogy in the West End is supported by American Express, the National Theatre’s Preferred Card Partner.
National Theatre
The National Theatre’s mission is to make world-class theatre, for everyone. The NT creates and shares unforgettable stories with audiences across the UK and around the world. On its own stages, on tour, in schools, on cinema screens and streaming at home, it strives to be accessible, inclusive and sustainable. The National Theatre empowers artists and craftspeople to make world-leading work, investing in talent and developing new productions with a wide range of theatre companies at its New Work Department.
Neal Street Productions
Neal Street Productions is one of the UK’s most respected production companies, producing award-winning film, television and theatre. Founded 2003 by Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris and Caro Newling, it makes distinctive, popular, award-winning projects on both sides of the Atlantic.
Stewart recently finished directing her first feature, “The Chronology of Water”, and she’s currently working on a paranormal reality series, for which she recently issued an open casting call. She is exec producing the project, which focuses on LGBTQ+ ghost hunters…reports Asian Lite News
The Berlinale red carpet became a protest platform against the Iranian regime when a group of Iranian filmmakers and talents, joined by jury President Kristen Stewart, chanted “Women, Life, Freedom!”
They also demanded the release of imprisoned journalists and an Iranian rapper, reports ‘Variety’.
Actress Golshifteh Farahani, who is also on the jury; “Holy Spider” actress Zar Amir Ebrahimi; and “The Siren” director Sepideh Farsi were among dozens of Iranian film professionals participating in the protests hosted by Berlinale co-directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian.
Protesters with signs demanded freedom for female Iranian journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi who are behind bars, accused of “conspiring against national security” for being the first to report on Mahsa Amini’s death, and for the release of dissident Iranian hip hop artist Toomaj Salehi who has been accused of spreading propaganda and could face the death penalty.
As per’aVariety’, the Berlin red carpet protest was preceded by a panel on ‘The Role of Cinema and the Arts in the Iranian Revolution’ with panellists including Ebrahimi and Farsi who both spoke about their hope that the current wave of protests sparked by the death of Amini, while in police custody for not wearing a head veil properly, could topple the current Iranian regime. The Berlinale red carpet became a protest platform against the Iranian regime when a group of Iranian filmmakers and talents, joined by jury President Kristen Stewart, chanted “Women, Life, Freedom!”
They also demanded the release of imprisoned journalists and an Iranian rapper, reports ‘Variety’.
Actress Golshifteh Farahani, who is also on the jury; “Holy Spider” actress Zar Amir Ebrahimi; and “The Siren” director Sepideh Farsi were among dozens of Iranian film professionals participating in the protests hosted by Berlinale co-directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian.
Protesters with signs demanded freedom for female Iranian journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi who are behind bars, accused of “conspiring against national security” for being the first to report on Mahsa Amini’s death, and for the release of dissident Iranian hip hop artist Toomaj Salehi who has been accused of spreading propaganda and could face the death penalty.
As per’aVariety’, the Berlin red carpet protest was preceded by a panel on ‘The Role of Cinema and the Arts in the Iranian Revolution’ with panellists including Ebrahimi and Farsi who both spoke about their hope that the current wave of protests sparked by the death of Amini, while in police custody for not wearing a head veil properly, could topple the current Iranian regime.
‘Movies will never go away’
Berlin Film Festival jury President Kristen Stewart doesn’t buy the talk that movies are dead. At a press conference in Germany on Thursday afternoon to commemorate the launch of the 73rd annual Berlinale, she declared that cinema will live forever, reports ‘Variety’.
“Take a quick glance at your rear view mirror,” said Stewart, taking questions from reporters, according to ‘Variety’. “We have never stopped telling each other stories.”
She then nodded to headlines about weakened international box office receipts as a result of the pandemic. “How much it costs, obviously like we’re headed towards oblivion on that one. I also think that there’s a sort of, like, vital, desperate need in all of us to create something. And yeah, I think when you start really fixating on, like, the industry, it’s easy to be like, ‘Oh, God, it’s all falling apart!’ But I just think that there’s something vital, that’s undeniable, will never go away,” ‘Variety’ quotes Stewart as saying.
Kristen Stewart.(photo:IMDB.com)
Stewart first attended the Berlinale in 2010 with the independent production, “Welcome to the Rileys”, alongside director Jake Scott.
“I guess in full transparency, I’m kind of shaking,” she said about her role as the festival’s President, according to ‘Variety’. “It’s not a weight that I don’t fully understand. I’m just ready, ready to be changed by all the films and changed by the people around us. I think that’s what we’re here for.”
Stewart recently finished directing her first feature, “The Chronology of Water”, and she’s currently working on a paranormal reality series, for which she recently issued an open casting call. She is exec producing the project, which focuses on LGBTQ+ ghost hunters.
Talking about getting into the skin to play Spielberg in the film, LaBelle had about a month of preparation…reports Asian Lite News
Hollywood star Gabriel LaBelle plays Sammy Fabelman in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated directorial ‘The Fablemans’. He said that working with the great award-winning filmmaker was “incredibly intimidating”.
‘The Fabelmans’ is a coming-of-age drama film directed by Spielberg, who co-wrote and produced it with Tony Kushner. The film is a semi-autobiographical story loosely based on Spielberg’s adolescence and first years as a filmmaker, told through an original story of the fictional Sammy Fabelman, a young aspiring filmmaker who explores how the power of films can help him see the truth about his dysfunctional family and those around him.
It stars Gabriel LaBelle as Sammy, alongside Michelle Williams and Paul Dano among many others.
Asked if he found it intimidating to work with Spielberg, LaBelle told: “Yes,incredibly. You know being in any movie is very intimidating. You do not want to do a bad job but this is directed by Steven Spielberg. He has a high bar for the quality of films he makes.”
The Fabelmans
“He has expectations and you want to live up to that. He knows what he is looking for and you just want to honour that story and tell his story in the best way you can.”
“This movie is about his life. You do not want to ruin Steven Spielberg’s life,” he added.
So, did that add to the pressure? The 20-year-old actor said: “Yes. It was incredibly intimidating. So you just use that as a fuel to do the best you can and dedicate as much time as possibly you can to making that film.”
‘The Fabelmans’ has been nominated in the upcoming Oscar 2023. It is contending in the categories of Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Design and Best Original Score.
“When I first read the script I was so impressed. It’s the greatest thing I have ever read. Tony Kushner, a great Pulitzer prize winning playwright, and Steven Spielberg the greatest filmmaker of all times Michelle Williams and Paul Dano will be acting in it and John is going to be making the music.. I am not surprised that they all did really good jobs in making this movie and I am just happy for the ride,” he said.
Talking about getting into the skin to play Spielberg in the film, LaBelle had about a month of preparation.
“I expected him to sit me down and tell me ‘This is what it means to be me.’ He didn’t do that at all. I had to find him. I had to ask him ‘how much of the script really happened to you’ and he said ‘all of it’. I was like ‘OMG, so just’ I asked him as many questions as possible and what it was like for him, what his perspectives were, relationships – just understand him and why he’s telling this story and what this story means to him. So, we broke down the script and it’s themes.”
Gabriel LaBelle
“I used his experience to influence my preparation. Then because as a child, he documented his parents, he filmed his family, so often, I got to watch some of that footage. I could see how he walked, stood up, and what his smile was. Physically I could resemble him and emotionally I could resemble him but in terms of behaviour I was free to do what I want which was a really incredible experience.”
‘The Fabelmans’ is produced by Reliance Entertainment. The film was re-released in India on February 10.
Will Smith misses hip-hop jubilee tribute for 'Bad Boy 4' production.(photo:Twitter)
Smith announced ‘Bad Boys 4’ earlier this week in a video with his franchise co-star Martin Lawrence, who proclaimed, “It’s about that time…reports Asian Lite News
The 65th Grammy Awards celebrated 50 years of hip-hop, but Will Smith was absent from the tribute. According to Questlove, quoted by ‘Variety’, Smith was originally supposed to be a part of the tribute but had to back out due to his ‘Bad Boys 4’ production commitments.
“I’ll give the spoiler alert away. Will Smith was a part of the festivities tonight, but they started shooting ‘Bad Boys 4’ this week,” Questlove told Marc Malkin of ‘Variety’ on the red carpet. “There were a lot of preliminary shots that he had to do, so we had to lose Will.”
Questlove went on to say that he knew getting Smith for the tribute was “a shot in the dark”, because the actor is “always shooting movies”.
The four-time Grammy winner told ‘Variety’ that the celebration “had a lot of people, and some of them have other jobs,” adding that Ice-T, Queen Latifah and L.L. Cool J were participating in the tribute but had to “leave their respective shows” to join the celebration.
The original tribute, Questlove said, was going to be 23 minutes long, but it had been cut down to 14 minutes. “It’s going to be amazing,” he promised viewers of ‘Variety’ from the red carpet.
Smith announced ‘Bad Boys 4’ earlier this week in a video with his franchise co-star Martin Lawrence, who proclaimed, “It’s about that time!”
Smith most recently starred in ‘Emancipation’ and won the Academy Award for best lead actor last year for his role in ‘King Richard’. Immediately after he slapped presenter Chris Rock live onstage at the Oscars 2022, Questlove won the Academy Award for best documentary for ‘Summer of Soul’.
The most unforgettable 65th Grammy Awards red carpet looks
Taylor Swift walked away with a Grammy for Best Music Video for “All Too Well: The Short Film” while dressed in a dark blue sequined gown…writes N Lothungbeni Humtsoe
The 65th Grammy Awards, held on Sunday in Los Angeles, were all about rebirth, new beginnings, and hope for the remainder of the year. Let’s take a look at the most unforgettable red carpet looks.
Cardi B
Cardi B gave us a truly electric queen moment, which her Grammy outfit designer Gaurav Gupta agrees with in his comment on Cardi B’s Instagram post.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat never fails to amaze her fans with her red carpet looks, after being adorned in 30,000 Swarovski crystals at the Schiaparelli Paris presentation. The rapper wore a Versace leather gown to the Grammy Awards. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift walked away with a Grammy for Best Music Video for “All Too Well: The Short Film” while dressed in a dark blue sequined gown.
Jennifer Lopez
Meet the Queen of Hollywood Jennifer Lopez at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards in a handmade Gucci gown with draping crystals. Beyonce
Beyonce arrived on the Grammy red carpet wearing a handmade Gucci outfit. Gucci’s official Instagram page posted her photo with the comment: “She made history at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards with the record for most Grammy victories. During the evening’s event, she won Best Dance/Electronic Recording, Best Traditional R&B Performance, Best R&B Song, and Best Dance/Electronic Music Album and was nominated for Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best Song Written For Visual Media.”
