Italy’s I Wonder Pictures has acquired Italian rights to three new titles from A24, including Benny Safdie’s hotly anticipated “The Smashing Machine” with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.
The move solidifies an ongoing rapport between the indie U.S. studio and the growing Italian distributor.
“Smashing Machine,” which is currently in production and stars “The Rock” as legendary Mma fighter Mark Kerr, who struggled with addiction and his marriage while becoming an icon of the sport, will be released by I Wonder in Italian cinemas in 2025.
I Wonder, which is owned and operated by Biografilm Festival founder Andrea Romeo, has a longstanding — albeit not exclusive — rapport with A24, having successfully released other A24 titles such as “The Zone of Interest,” Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
Besides “Smashing Machine,” I Wonder’s new titles now set for Italian release in 2025 also comprise A...
The move solidifies an ongoing rapport between the indie U.S. studio and the growing Italian distributor.
“Smashing Machine,” which is currently in production and stars “The Rock” as legendary Mma fighter Mark Kerr, who struggled with addiction and his marriage while becoming an icon of the sport, will be released by I Wonder in Italian cinemas in 2025.
I Wonder, which is owned and operated by Biografilm Festival founder Andrea Romeo, has a longstanding — albeit not exclusive — rapport with A24, having successfully released other A24 titles such as “The Zone of Interest,” Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
Besides “Smashing Machine,” I Wonder’s new titles now set for Italian release in 2025 also comprise A...
- 6/5/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
After decades of honoring the best in independent film, the Gotham Awards have formally branched out into television. In recent years the Gothams have included a handful of TV awards alongside their film races, but 2024 marks the first time the Gothams have dedicated an awards show specifically to television. Held on June 4 at 7:00pm Eastern in New York City, the awards celebrated the best new comedies, dramas, limited series and nonfiction programs of the season. So how did the inaugural event go? Who were the big winners? And what were the biggest surprises at these juried awards? The complete list of winners is below, updated throughout the night.
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Breakthrough Comedy Series
“Bodkin”
Jez Scharf, creator; Tonia Davis, Nne Ebong, David Flynn, Paul Lee, Alex Metcalf, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jez Scharf, executive producers; (Netflix)
X — “Colin from Accounts”
Patrick Brammall,...
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Breakthrough Comedy Series
“Bodkin”
Jez Scharf, creator; Tonia Davis, Nne Ebong, David Flynn, Paul Lee, Alex Metcalf, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jez Scharf, executive producers; (Netflix)
X — “Colin from Accounts”
Patrick Brammall,...
- 6/4/2024
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Lance Oppenheim, a 2019 25 New Face who is something of a non-fiction poet laureate of contemporary loneliness, oddball institutional rituals, and the ways in which fantasy and reality commingle in American life, premieres his latest documentary series, Ren Faire, tonight on HBO. Produced by Elara Pictures, with executive producers including Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie and Ronnie Bronstein, the three-part series tells a Succession-like drama involving an aging “king,” George Coulam, in the midst of deciding which of his employees will take over his sprawling and lucrative Texas-based Renaissance theme park. The series follows Oppenheim’s excellent Spermworld, for which the […]
The post Trailer Watch: Lance Oppenheim’s HBO Documentary Series, Ren Faire first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Trailer Watch: Lance Oppenheim’s HBO Documentary Series, Ren Faire first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 6/2/2024
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Lance Oppenheim, a 2019 25 New Face who is something of a non-fiction poet laureate of contemporary loneliness, oddball institutional rituals, and the ways in which fantasy and reality commingle in American life, premieres his latest documentary series, Ren Faire, tonight on HBO. Produced by Elara Pictures, with executive producers including Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie and Ronnie Bronstein, the three-part series tells a Succession-like drama involving an aging “king,” George Coulam, in the midst of deciding which of his employees will take over his sprawling and lucrative Texas-based Renaissance theme park. The series follows Oppenheim’s excellent Spermworld, for which the […]
The post Trailer Watch: Lance Oppenheim’s HBO Documentary Series, Ren Faire first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Trailer Watch: Lance Oppenheim’s HBO Documentary Series, Ren Faire first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 6/2/2024
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
In the finale of “The Curse,” Whitney (Emma Stone) wakes up to discover her husband, Asher (Nathan Fielder), experiencing some unexplained form of reverse gravity on the ceiling above their bed. Panicked, the couple assumes it’s a result of an air pocket in their airtight, eco-friendly, passive home. But panic mounts to full-blown terror after Asher, with great physical effort and agility, navigates his way outside, and the only thing stopping him from being launched into the heavens is a large tree limb he holds onto for dear life.
While Asher spends the season concerned he’s been cursed by a tenant’s daughter (Hikmah Warsame), and the series composer John Medeski’s score more than hints at the cosmic, there was nothing that explains or prepares the audience for the surreal, seemingly-out-nowhere 40 minutes that concludes the season.
While on IndieWire’s Filmmaker Toolkit podcast, Benny Safdie made clear...
While Asher spends the season concerned he’s been cursed by a tenant’s daughter (Hikmah Warsame), and the series composer John Medeski’s score more than hints at the cosmic, there was nothing that explains or prepares the audience for the surreal, seemingly-out-nowhere 40 minutes that concludes the season.
While on IndieWire’s Filmmaker Toolkit podcast, Benny Safdie made clear...
- 5/31/2024
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Bran Stark took the Iron Throne. GoJo acquired Waystar Royco. But who will rule the Texas Renaissance Festival? That’s the battle at the center of “Ren Faire,” HBO’s new docuseries set to air in the network’s coveted Sunday-evening slot during the two weeks ahead of “House of the Dragon” Season 2.
“It sounds like that’s what their calculus was, to put it as close to that show as possible,” series director Lance Oppenheim says, laughing.
“Ren Faire” may have the knights and knaves of “Thrones,” but the power dynamics running through it more closely resemble “Succession.” Produced by Josh and Benny Safdie’s Elara Pictures, the three-episode doc centers on George Coulam, the iconoclastic octogenarian founder of the “nation’s largest Renaissance theme park,” which welcomes about half a million guests annually to carouse among costumed entertainers while munching turkey legs and cheering on jousters.
The festival...
“It sounds like that’s what their calculus was, to put it as close to that show as possible,” series director Lance Oppenheim says, laughing.
“Ren Faire” may have the knights and knaves of “Thrones,” but the power dynamics running through it more closely resemble “Succession.” Produced by Josh and Benny Safdie’s Elara Pictures, the three-episode doc centers on George Coulam, the iconoclastic octogenarian founder of the “nation’s largest Renaissance theme park,” which welcomes about half a million guests annually to carouse among costumed entertainers while munching turkey legs and cheering on jousters.
The festival...
- 5/31/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
The Gotham Film & Media Institute has announced the nominations for the first ever Gotham TV Awards taking place on Tuesday, June 4 at Cipriani 25 in New York City. With a focus on shows in their first seasons, the nominees selected by committees of film and television critics, journalists, festival programmers, and film curators feature a range of series, from “Baby Reindeer” to “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “Black Twitter: A People’s History,” as well as performances from Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder in “The Curse” to Kristen Wiig in “Palm Royale,” and Lily Gladstone in “Under The Bridge.”
The new ceremony will also celebrate tribute recipients Mariska Hargitay, Peter Morgan, and Lulu Wang.
Hargitay will be feted with the Anniversary Tribute for her “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” tenure of over 550 episodes of playing Captain Olivia Benson. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the procedural series on air...
The new ceremony will also celebrate tribute recipients Mariska Hargitay, Peter Morgan, and Lulu Wang.
Hargitay will be feted with the Anniversary Tribute for her “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” tenure of over 550 episodes of playing Captain Olivia Benson. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the procedural series on air...
- 5/29/2024
- by Marcus Jones and Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Dwayne Johnson has decided to join hands with A24 to star in an upcoming film titled The Smashing Machine. Being a biographical sports drama film, fans are eagerly waiting for the release of the movie and they have received some extraordinary news!
Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam | DC Studios
Starring alongside Johnson, there have been reports that Ukrainian professional boxer Oleksandr Usyk is all set to star in the movie. Being an iconic boxer, who is Oleksandr Usyk exactly? Read on to find out.
Oleksandr Usyk Is A Part of Dwayne Johnson’s Upcoming Film
A24 is known for its horror and often unique films that have metaphorical or transcending endings rather than sports drama. However, it seems that the studio is indeed experimenting with different genres, and legendary actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is also a part of it.
Suggestedmcu Wants Dwayne Johnson to Play an X-Men Villain So...
Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam | DC Studios
Starring alongside Johnson, there have been reports that Ukrainian professional boxer Oleksandr Usyk is all set to star in the movie. Being an iconic boxer, who is Oleksandr Usyk exactly? Read on to find out.
Oleksandr Usyk Is A Part of Dwayne Johnson’s Upcoming Film
A24 is known for its horror and often unique films that have metaphorical or transcending endings rather than sports drama. However, it seems that the studio is indeed experimenting with different genres, and legendary actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is also a part of it.
Suggestedmcu Wants Dwayne Johnson to Play an X-Men Villain So...
- 5/24/2024
- by Visarg Acharya
- FandomWire
Exclusive: Following his massive victory against Tyson Fury to become the newly crowned Undisputed World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Oleksandr Usyk has found his next opponent on the big screen as he is set to join the cast of A24’s The Smashing Machine as Mma legend Igor Vovchanchyn. The film stars Dwayne Johnson and Academy Award-nominated Emily Blunt.
The pic is written and directed by Benny Safdie and produced and financed by A24. The film is based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in A24’s ‘The Smashing Machine’
The news comes after Johnson revealed the first image from the film which features an unrecognizable Johnson in the corner of the ring getting ready for a match. The...
The pic is written and directed by Benny Safdie and produced and financed by A24. The film is based on the story of Mark Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC at the peak of his career. He struggles with addiction, winning, love and friendship in the year 2000.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in A24’s ‘The Smashing Machine’
The news comes after Johnson revealed the first image from the film which features an unrecognizable Johnson in the corner of the ring getting ready for a match. The...
- 5/24/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Una película de Benny Safdie para A24. © A24
A24 ha publicado el primer vistazo a la esperada película “The Smashing Machine”, dirigida por Benny Safdie en su debut como director en solitario. La película está protagonizada por Dwayne Johnson ‘La Roca’ (“Jumanji: Bienvenidos a la Jungla”) que está casi irreconocible en esta primera imagen de la película.
En “The Smashing Machine”, actualmente en rodaje, Johnson interpreta a Mark Kerr, el legendario luchador de Mma de la era de la UFC apodado “The Smashing Machine” por su estilo agresivo y dominante en el ring. Kerr se convirtió en un icono del deporte durante los años 90 y principios de los 2000. Sin embargo, su vida fuera del octágono estuvo marcada por una lucha constante con la adicción a los analgésicos y otros problemas personales.
En el reparto también figura Emily Blunt, que interpretará a Dawn Staples, la que fuera esposa de Kerr.
© A24
¡SÍGUENOS!
A24 ha publicado el primer vistazo a la esperada película “The Smashing Machine”, dirigida por Benny Safdie en su debut como director en solitario. La película está protagonizada por Dwayne Johnson ‘La Roca’ (“Jumanji: Bienvenidos a la Jungla”) que está casi irreconocible en esta primera imagen de la película.
En “The Smashing Machine”, actualmente en rodaje, Johnson interpreta a Mark Kerr, el legendario luchador de Mma de la era de la UFC apodado “The Smashing Machine” por su estilo agresivo y dominante en el ring. Kerr se convirtió en un icono del deporte durante los años 90 y principios de los 2000. Sin embargo, su vida fuera del octágono estuvo marcada por una lucha constante con la adicción a los analgésicos y otros problemas personales.
En el reparto también figura Emily Blunt, que interpretará a Dawn Staples, la que fuera esposa de Kerr.
© A24
¡SÍGUENOS!
- 5/23/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
We're more used to seeing Benny Safdie working behind the camera with brother Josh, but for his first solo film, he's certainly striking out with a fascinating subject. He has Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt (sound the Jungle Cruise reunion klaxon!) starring in The Smashing Machine, about mixed martial arts scrapper Mark Kerr. Studio A24 has released a first look at The Rock in the lead role, which you can find in full below…
Kerr was a two time Ultimate Fighting Championship Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Over the course of his career, he won over two dozen Mma titles, while also struggling with addiction and his marriage even as he became an icon of the sport.
Johnson and Safdie originally discussed the film back in 2019, but it was put on hold when the pandemic hit. The pair didn't really stay in touch, but the...
Kerr was a two time Ultimate Fighting Championship Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Over the course of his career, he won over two dozen Mma titles, while also struggling with addiction and his marriage even as he became an icon of the sport.
Johnson and Safdie originally discussed the film back in 2019, but it was put on hold when the pandemic hit. The pair didn't really stay in touch, but the...
- 5/22/2024
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
At 52 years of age, Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, boasts of a mega-successful career spanning wrestling, acting, and various businesses. Starting off his acting career in 2001 with The Mummy Returns, the actor has ever since starred as the lead in various franchises and become the face of the action-combat genre. Additionally, among the many actors who have made such a transition from the WWE rings to the acting scene like Dave Bautista and John Cena, the Black Adam actor still commands a broader range.
Dwayne Johnson in a still from Fast Five | Universal Pictures
In the latest leap, he intends to move much ahead in terms of acting prowess. Signed on to a biographical drama on the life of martial artist Mark Kerr, The Smashing Machine, the star just made a gargantuan move in transforming himself for a role, as evident from the just-released first looks. However, his intentions lie even bigger.
Dwayne Johnson in a still from Fast Five | Universal Pictures
In the latest leap, he intends to move much ahead in terms of acting prowess. Signed on to a biographical drama on the life of martial artist Mark Kerr, The Smashing Machine, the star just made a gargantuan move in transforming himself for a role, as evident from the just-released first looks. However, his intentions lie even bigger.
- 5/22/2024
- by Imteshal Karim
- FandomWire
As A24 releases the first official image from the film, the movie star seems to be fully committing to this new direction of dramatic roles.
When news first emerged that Dwayne Johnson, movie star extraordinaire was signing up for an indie drama for A24, it was quite the revelation. Johnson has built a career which in the last decade has largely been founded upon his brand with each successive film simply being an extension of his movie star persona.
However, a few months ago a sudden career swerve was announced. Johnson was named as the lead in A24’s Mma indie drama, The Smashing Machine, a film about the successes and tragedies of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts champion who certainly did not live the ultra-squeaky clean life that we’ve come to expect from most of Johnson’s characters.
As well as hailing from A24, a (mostly) arthouse studio,...
When news first emerged that Dwayne Johnson, movie star extraordinaire was signing up for an indie drama for A24, it was quite the revelation. Johnson has built a career which in the last decade has largely been founded upon his brand with each successive film simply being an extension of his movie star persona.
However, a few months ago a sudden career swerve was announced. Johnson was named as the lead in A24’s Mma indie drama, The Smashing Machine, a film about the successes and tragedies of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts champion who certainly did not live the ultra-squeaky clean life that we’ve come to expect from most of Johnson’s characters.
As well as hailing from A24, a (mostly) arthouse studio,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
First look at Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in Benny Safdie’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ Xmag UK Xmag Editorial
First images of Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in “The Smashing Machine,” Benny Safdie’s solo directorial debut. A24…
The post First look at Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in Benny Safdie’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ first appeared on Xmag UK.
First images of Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in “The Smashing Machine,” Benny Safdie’s solo directorial debut. A24…
The post First look at Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in Benny Safdie’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ first appeared on Xmag UK.
- 5/22/2024
- by Xmag Editorial
- XMAG
Like many ageing action stars before him, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has come to a point in his career where he has to make a decision.
He either continues starring in increasingly unsuccessful action flicks (even some of the genre's biggest icons found themselves relegated to direct-to-dvd fare later in their careers) or reinvents himself. After a few failed endeavours - including an attempted Dceu takeover with 2022's Black Adam - Johnson has gone with the latter option.
That's so far included a WWE return, a public reconciliation with Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel, and signing up to star in A24 drama The Smashing Machine.
Directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring his Jungle Cruise screen partner Emily Blunt, the movie marks a major departure for Johnson and should be a far more serious role which, if things go to plan, could see him vying for awards next year.
As...
He either continues starring in increasingly unsuccessful action flicks (even some of the genre's biggest icons found themselves relegated to direct-to-dvd fare later in their careers) or reinvents himself. After a few failed endeavours - including an attempted Dceu takeover with 2022's Black Adam - Johnson has gone with the latter option.
That's so far included a WWE return, a public reconciliation with Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel, and signing up to star in A24 drama The Smashing Machine.
Directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring his Jungle Cruise screen partner Emily Blunt, the movie marks a major departure for Johnson and should be a far more serious role which, if things go to plan, could see him vying for awards next year.
As...
- 5/21/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Whenever one hears Dwayne Johnson’s name, there are a lot of things that come to mind. Smashing villains left, right and center, taking on the unthinkable, and, occasionally, providing comic relief to a story. What you don’t associate him with are roles that receive critical acclaim, a performance that makes the critics sit up and take notice. But The Rock is looking to remedy that with his next movie, The Smashing Machine.
The first look of The Smashing Machine has fans excited
The Smashing Machine is currently in production | Credit: A24 Twitter
The first look of director Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine has just dropped. And fans are finding it hard to come to grips with the massive transformation undergone by the 52-year-old for playing celebrated Mma fighter Mark Kerr. Many couldn’t even recognize him after taking a peek.
Suggested‘The Smashing Machine’: Dwayne Johnson...
The first look of The Smashing Machine has fans excited
The Smashing Machine is currently in production | Credit: A24 Twitter
The first look of director Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine has just dropped. And fans are finding it hard to come to grips with the massive transformation undergone by the 52-year-old for playing celebrated Mma fighter Mark Kerr. Many couldn’t even recognize him after taking a peek.
Suggested‘The Smashing Machine’: Dwayne Johnson...
- 5/21/2024
- by Smriti Sneh
- FandomWire
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is doing something different for “The Smashing Machine.” The mixed martial arts biopic is the first film that could get the blockbuster action star some awards attention. And a first-look photo from the film reveals that Johnson looks different than usual.
Studio A24 released the photo on X. It shows Johnson in character as Mark Kerr, a wrestler and Mma fighter. Johnson appears to have some facial prosthetics, his characteristic tattoos are covered up, and his usually bald head sports a wig. He looks a lot like he did when he emerged as a pro wrestling star in the late ‘90s.
First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
“The Smashing Machine” is in production now. It follows the life and career of Kerr, a champion in the brutal sport of Brazilian...
Studio A24 released the photo on X. It shows Johnson in character as Mark Kerr, a wrestler and Mma fighter. Johnson appears to have some facial prosthetics, his characteristic tattoos are covered up, and his usually bald head sports a wig. He looks a lot like he did when he emerged as a pro wrestling star in the late ‘90s.
First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
“The Smashing Machine” is in production now. It follows the life and career of Kerr, a champion in the brutal sport of Brazilian...
- 5/21/2024
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
The first look at Dwayne Johnson in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine has got fans feeling hopeful that The Rock will finally get his shot at starring in a critically acclaimed film and even winning an award for it.
Dwayne Johnson in The Smashing Machine / A24
The actor looks almost unrecognizable after he was transformed into the legendary Mma fighter, Mark Kerr. Johnson also addressed his temporary shift to more serious projects in his career.
Dwayne Johnson On Working With Benny Safdie In The Smashing Machine
During an interview with Variety, wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson clarified that he is not abandoning blockbuster movies just because he accepted a smaller project.
I want to be clear not to say that this is an abandonment of big, four-quadrant movies. I love making them, and there is tremendous value and importance in [them]. But there’s a time and a place for them.
Dwayne...
Dwayne Johnson in The Smashing Machine / A24
The actor looks almost unrecognizable after he was transformed into the legendary Mma fighter, Mark Kerr. Johnson also addressed his temporary shift to more serious projects in his career.
Dwayne Johnson On Working With Benny Safdie In The Smashing Machine
During an interview with Variety, wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson clarified that he is not abandoning blockbuster movies just because he accepted a smaller project.
I want to be clear not to say that this is an abandonment of big, four-quadrant movies. I love making them, and there is tremendous value and importance in [them]. But there’s a time and a place for them.
Dwayne...
- 5/21/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Prepare for a double-take because Dwayne Johnson looks different without his signature bald head in a first-look image for A24‘s The Smashing Machine. Johnson plays Mma icon Mark Kerr in the upcoming drama from Benny Safdie, and today, he’s getting in the ring for what could be his most challenging role. In The Smashing Machine’s first-look image, Johnson’s Mark Kerr takes a seat to recuperate during a heated match. As a ring girl previews the fight’s next round, Kerr’s coach tells the fighter to breathe as a coach barks encouraging words.
First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
Mark Kerr is a former American wrestler and mixed martial artist. As a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride Fc Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion,...
First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
Mark Kerr is a former American wrestler and mixed martial artist. As a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, a Pride Fc Heavyweight Champion, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Champion,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Dwayne Johnson is reminding fans of his original “The Rock” title for his indie moment in “The Smashing Machine.”
Johnson stars as Mma legend Mark Kerr, who infamously struggled with an addiction to painkillers. Benny Safdie marks his solo directorial debut with the A24 feature. Safdie penned the script based on Kerr’s real-life story and rise in the UFC. Per the initial A24 announcement, Johnson’s most dramatic project yet follows Mma fighter Kerr’s career peak during the “no-holds-barred era of the UFC” in 2000. Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion.
Kerr was previously the subject of the 2002 documentary also titled “The Smashing Machine,” which detailed his Mma career fighting in Vale Tudo, the UFC, and Pride.
Johnson and Safdie have been collaborators on the project since Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions acquired the rights in 2019. A24 later joined as a partner in 2023. Johnson and Dany Garcia...
Johnson stars as Mma legend Mark Kerr, who infamously struggled with an addiction to painkillers. Benny Safdie marks his solo directorial debut with the A24 feature. Safdie penned the script based on Kerr’s real-life story and rise in the UFC. Per the initial A24 announcement, Johnson’s most dramatic project yet follows Mma fighter Kerr’s career peak during the “no-holds-barred era of the UFC” in 2000. Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion.
Kerr was previously the subject of the 2002 documentary also titled “The Smashing Machine,” which detailed his Mma career fighting in Vale Tudo, the UFC, and Pride.
Johnson and Safdie have been collaborators on the project since Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions acquired the rights in 2019. A24 later joined as a partner in 2023. Johnson and Dany Garcia...
- 5/21/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Dwayne Johnson is almost unrecognizable as Mma legend Mark Kerr in a first look at A24’s The Smashing Machine.
A24 posted the teaser for Benny Safdie’s feature on social media after Johnson flew into Cannes last week to meet with buyers about the UFC story.
In the still, The Rock is shorn of his trademark tattoos and has been furnished with a thick head of hair as he sits in the corner of a ring.
First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
In The Smashing Machine, Johnson plays Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of UFC. The pic will follow Kerr’s struggle with addiction, winning, love, and friendship in the year 2000.
Emily Blunt co-stars and can be seen at the bottom right of the first-look image. She plays Dawn Staples,...
A24 posted the teaser for Benny Safdie’s feature on social media after Johnson flew into Cannes last week to meet with buyers about the UFC story.
In the still, The Rock is shorn of his trademark tattoos and has been furnished with a thick head of hair as he sits in the corner of a ring.
First look at Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt. pic.twitter.com/GVC2XIHwGV
— A24 (@A24) May 21, 2024
In The Smashing Machine, Johnson plays Kerr, the legendary Mma fighter from the no-holds-barred era of UFC. The pic will follow Kerr’s struggle with addiction, winning, love, and friendship in the year 2000.
Emily Blunt co-stars and can be seen at the bottom right of the first-look image. She plays Dawn Staples,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Despite what headlines say, not every movie transformation leaves actors looking "unrecognizable," but we promise when it comes to describing Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in A24's first look at "The Smashing Machine," this isn't hyperbole. The wrestler turned actor whose on-screen career has so far been composed largely of broad, action-packed blockbusters is doing something different with the upcoming indie film, and he has a decidedly different look to go with it.
The look is so different, in fact, that when I first saw the still A24 posted to X (formerly Twitter) today with the caption "First look at Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt," I found myself looking to each side of the mixed martial arts fighter in the center of the shot, assuming Johnson was actually somewhere in the background. The actor's muscled physique is on display here, but he's also got...
The look is so different, in fact, that when I first saw the still A24 posted to X (formerly Twitter) today with the caption "First look at Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine starring @TheRock and Emily Blunt," I found myself looking to each side of the mixed martial arts fighter in the center of the shot, assuming Johnson was actually somewhere in the background. The actor's muscled physique is on display here, but he's also got...
- 5/21/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Do you smell what The Rock is cooking? For the last decade-plus (at least post-Pain & Gain), Dwayne Johnson has been serving up four-quadrant blockbuster slop. Thankfully, he seems to be turning a new direction for The Smashing Machine, which marks the solo directorial feature debut for Benny Safdie after parting ways with his brother Josh Safdie, who’ll be going on to make his forthcoming Adam Sandler-led movie about the baseball trading card industry.
As for The Smashing Machine, with A24 kicking off production recently the first image has now dropped. The film, which marks a Jungle Cruise reunion for Johnson and Emily Blunt, captures the story of legendary Mma fighter Mark Kerr, who was afflicted with addiction and a rocky marriage with Dawn Staples (Blunt).
“Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are...
As for The Smashing Machine, with A24 kicking off production recently the first image has now dropped. The film, which marks a Jungle Cruise reunion for Johnson and Emily Blunt, captures the story of legendary Mma fighter Mark Kerr, who was afflicted with addiction and a rocky marriage with Dawn Staples (Blunt).
“Benny wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are...
- 5/21/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Late last year, we were all surprised to hear that Benny Safdie was teaming up with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for a new film, “The Smashing Machine.” This marks the first time Benny Safdie directed a film without his brother, and a rare instance that The Rock was starring in a movie that doesn’t have a $200 million budget. And now, less than six months later, we have our first look at the film.
Continue reading ‘The Smashing Machine’ First Look: Dwayne Johnson Is Unrecognizable In Benny Safdie’s Upcoming Sports Drama at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Smashing Machine’ First Look: Dwayne Johnson Is Unrecognizable In Benny Safdie’s Upcoming Sports Drama at The Playlist.
- 5/21/2024
- by Martin Miller
- The Playlist
Dwayne Johnson is nearly unrecognizable in the first look at his upcoming A24 drama “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring his “Jungle Cruise” screen partner Emily Blunt. The film casts Johnson as legendary Mma fighter Mark Kerr, who struggled with addiction and his marriage while becoming an icon of the sport. Blunt is starring as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife. The film is currently in production.
While Johnson looks typically ripped as Kerr in “The Smashing Machine” first look, he also appears to be sporting some facial prosthetics to help him transform into the Mma legend. Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Over the course of his career, he won over two dozen Mma titles.
“The Smashing Machine” marks the solo feature directorial debut of Safdie, who collaborated with his brother Josh on A24’s indie hits such...
While Johnson looks typically ripped as Kerr in “The Smashing Machine” first look, he also appears to be sporting some facial prosthetics to help him transform into the Mma legend. Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner. Over the course of his career, he won over two dozen Mma titles.
“The Smashing Machine” marks the solo feature directorial debut of Safdie, who collaborated with his brother Josh on A24’s indie hits such...
- 5/21/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
Paramount+ has never had better content. Since Viacom and CBS Access merged to form the new streamer in 2019, they’ve grown an impressive catalog that includes something for everyone: think the entire “Godfather” trilogy, the video game-adapted “Halo” series, “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” “Jackass” and the recent revival of “Frasier.” These are only a few of the new and old titles that have made their way onto the streamer in the last couple of months.
And now Paramount+ with Showtime is offering a limited-time deal that allows you to watch all of these titles (and more) for just $5 a month. This is the best Paramount+ deal we’ve seen online all year, and it saves you more than 50% off the regular monthly price of $11.99. The bundle boasts buzzy...
Paramount+ has never had better content. Since Viacom and CBS Access merged to form the new streamer in 2019, they’ve grown an impressive catalog that includes something for everyone: think the entire “Godfather” trilogy, the video game-adapted “Halo” series, “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” “Jackass” and the recent revival of “Frasier.” These are only a few of the new and old titles that have made their way onto the streamer in the last couple of months.
And now Paramount+ with Showtime is offering a limited-time deal that allows you to watch all of these titles (and more) for just $5 a month. This is the best Paramount+ deal we’ve seen online all year, and it saves you more than 50% off the regular monthly price of $11.99. The bundle boasts buzzy...
- 5/20/2024
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
Adam Sandler and Josh Safdie’s follow-up to 2020’s Uncut Gems is still in the works, following several delays and setbacks.
Here’s a project that we’ve been reporting on for years now and whilst this story won’t confirm anything, it’s fresh news that claims that the movie is still alive. The movie in question is Josh Safdie’s untitled baseball film which will star Adam Sandler.
The project is one of interest because it will mark the pair’s next collaboration after 2020’s Uncut Gems, the nail-biting drama that was bought to us courtesy of Netflix and had audiences everywhere shifting uncomfortably in their seats for the majority of its runtime.
Last year’s strikes were the main culprit for this one not happening sooner. The film is said to focus around baseball and as such, needs to shoot during the sport’s season. Last year...
Here’s a project that we’ve been reporting on for years now and whilst this story won’t confirm anything, it’s fresh news that claims that the movie is still alive. The movie in question is Josh Safdie’s untitled baseball film which will star Adam Sandler.
The project is one of interest because it will mark the pair’s next collaboration after 2020’s Uncut Gems, the nail-biting drama that was bought to us courtesy of Netflix and had audiences everywhere shifting uncomfortably in their seats for the majority of its runtime.
Last year’s strikes were the main culprit for this one not happening sooner. The film is said to focus around baseball and as such, needs to shoot during the sport’s season. Last year...
- 5/20/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
For decades, the Gotham Awards have honored the best in independent film as decided by select committees of industry insiders, festival programmers, and media experts. In recent years they have expanded into TV, but in 2024, for the first time, they are holding a separate awards show dedicated to the best new television programs of the year. Scroll down for the complete list of inaugural nominees. Winners will be presented on Tuesday, June 4, in New York City.
Jeffrey Sharp, The Gotham’s Executive Director, said in a statement, “In a historic moment for The Gotham, we’re thrilled to recognize an extraordinary collection of TV series and the brilliant creators responsible for bringing them to the screen. As an organization dedicated to celebrating and nurturing independent media, we know the inaugural 2024 Gotham TV Awards will honor many truly deserving creatives while widening our reach and expanding our impact. We are enormously...
Jeffrey Sharp, The Gotham’s Executive Director, said in a statement, “In a historic moment for The Gotham, we’re thrilled to recognize an extraordinary collection of TV series and the brilliant creators responsible for bringing them to the screen. As an organization dedicated to celebrating and nurturing independent media, we know the inaugural 2024 Gotham TV Awards will honor many truly deserving creatives while widening our reach and expanding our impact. We are enormously...
- 5/18/2024
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
The Gotham Film & Media Institute announced today the nominations in seven competitive award categories for its inaugural Gotham TV Awards, recognizing a range of series, including Baby Reindeer, Ripley, The Curse, Shōgun, Bodkin, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Black Twitter: A People’s History as well as performances from Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder in The Curse, Andrew Scott in Ripley, Kristen Wiig in Palm Royale, Richard Gadd in Baby Reindeer, and Lily Gladstone in Under The Bridge, among others. The awards ceremony is set for June 4 in NYC.
“In a historic moment for The Gotham, we’re thrilled to recognize an extraordinary collection of TV series and the brilliant creators responsible for bringing them to the screen,” said Jeffrey Sharp, The Gotham’s Executive Director.
The longstanding Gotham Awards is focused on film but includes three television categories. From here on, they will migrate to the new event.
“In a historic moment for The Gotham, we’re thrilled to recognize an extraordinary collection of TV series and the brilliant creators responsible for bringing them to the screen,” said Jeffrey Sharp, The Gotham’s Executive Director.
The longstanding Gotham Awards is focused on film but includes three television categories. From here on, they will migrate to the new event.
- 5/14/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The Gotham Film & Media Institute has announced its nominees in seven categories for the inaugural Gotham TV Awards.
Baby Reindeer, Ripley, The Curse, Shōgun, Bodkin, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Black Twitter: A People’s History are among the nominees, with Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder (The Curse), Andrew Scott (Ripley), Kristen Wiig (Palm Royale), Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer) and Lily Gladstone (Under the Bridge) receiving nods in the acting categories.
“In a historic moment for The Gotham, we’re thrilled to recognize an extraordinary collection of TV series and the brilliant creators responsible for bringing them to the screen,” said Jeffrey Sharp, the Gotham’s executive director. “As an organization dedicated to celebrating and nurturing independent media, we know the inaugural 2024 Gotham TV Awards will honor many truly deserving creatives while widening our reach and expanding our impact. We are enormously proud to celebrate the remarkable talent represented in today’s nominations.
Baby Reindeer, Ripley, The Curse, Shōgun, Bodkin, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Black Twitter: A People’s History are among the nominees, with Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder (The Curse), Andrew Scott (Ripley), Kristen Wiig (Palm Royale), Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer) and Lily Gladstone (Under the Bridge) receiving nods in the acting categories.
“In a historic moment for The Gotham, we’re thrilled to recognize an extraordinary collection of TV series and the brilliant creators responsible for bringing them to the screen,” said Jeffrey Sharp, the Gotham’s executive director. “As an organization dedicated to celebrating and nurturing independent media, we know the inaugural 2024 Gotham TV Awards will honor many truly deserving creatives while widening our reach and expanding our impact. We are enormously proud to celebrate the remarkable talent represented in today’s nominations.
- 5/14/2024
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Megan Brophy Young, Matt Haberman and Chase Lehner have been promoted to Vice President of Talent at the leading PR firm Narrative.
Lehner will work out of the company’s Los Angeles office, with Brophy Young and Haberman continuing to co-lead the company’s New York City outpost, as Brophy Young splits her time between Texas and New York.
Young has spent more than a decade curating an impressive client roster including prominent actors, athletes, musicians, thought leaders and industry innovators. Beginning her career in-house at AMC Networks, she developed a passion for talent representation and transitioned to personal publicity in 2012. In 2017, Brophy took her expertise to Nashville where she immersed herself in the country music industry, working at Big Machine Label Group before landing at Narrative in 2018, closely after its inception. To date, she’s been the driving force for campaigns for the likes of Lily Allen, Lucy Boynton,...
Lehner will work out of the company’s Los Angeles office, with Brophy Young and Haberman continuing to co-lead the company’s New York City outpost, as Brophy Young splits her time between Texas and New York.
Young has spent more than a decade curating an impressive client roster including prominent actors, athletes, musicians, thought leaders and industry innovators. Beginning her career in-house at AMC Networks, she developed a passion for talent representation and transitioned to personal publicity in 2012. In 2017, Brophy took her expertise to Nashville where she immersed herself in the country music industry, working at Big Machine Label Group before landing at Narrative in 2018, closely after its inception. To date, she’s been the driving force for campaigns for the likes of Lily Allen, Lucy Boynton,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Dwayne Johnson is hitting his mobile gym harder than ever as he trains to play Mma pioneer and UFC champ Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s upcoming film for A24, The Smashing Machine. The Hollywood heavyweight sweats more than Luke Hobbs in the Fast and Furious franchise in a new video posted to social media, in which Johnson details his intense regimen for the upcoming role. I’m exhausted from watching the video, and I can’t imagine how Johnson feels after hitting the iron enough to transform himself into a puddle of perspiration and charisma.
In the video, Johnson says this is his second training camp after a 12-week training for Wrestlemania. He took ten days off before jumping back into the gym to get swole and familiarize himself with a new fighting form. Combat sports and Mma are new for Johnson, who says he’s living in a...
In the video, Johnson says this is his second training camp after a 12-week training for Wrestlemania. He took ten days off before jumping back into the gym to get swole and familiarize himself with a new fighting form. Combat sports and Mma are new for Johnson, who says he’s living in a...
- 5/7/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Dwayne Johnson is scheduled to descend on the Croisette for a buyers presentation to promote A24’s The Smashing Machine that Screen understands will take place on Tuesday (May 14).
The studio is producing and financing Benny Safdie’s biopic of the turbulent life of Mma fighter Mark Kerr and has high hopes for the project that sees it reunite with its Uncut Gems co-director.
Johnson’s appearance on the Croisette recalls pre-Covid years when A-listers frequently attended Cannes to meet buyers.
The Smashing Machine marks a step up in terms of scale for A24. Furthermore, industry sources regard it as...
The studio is producing and financing Benny Safdie’s biopic of the turbulent life of Mma fighter Mark Kerr and has high hopes for the project that sees it reunite with its Uncut Gems co-director.
Johnson’s appearance on the Croisette recalls pre-Covid years when A-listers frequently attended Cannes to meet buyers.
The Smashing Machine marks a step up in terms of scale for A24. Furthermore, industry sources regard it as...
- 5/7/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: We understand Dwayne Johnson is due to be at the Cannes market next week to discuss upcoming A24 wrestling pic The Smashing Machine with potential buyers.
Of course, schedules can always change, but the plan at the moment is for The Rock to rock the Cannes market middle of next week.
In the past 24 hours, the actor has posted a couple of videos of his training schedule ahead of the role.
Thanks for all the great questions.
Here’s a sense of my training schedule during my training camp for “The Smashing Machine”
Thanks for all the support- means a lot to me.
Back to work.
Have a productive week.
Of course, schedules can always change, but the plan at the moment is for The Rock to rock the Cannes market middle of next week.
In the past 24 hours, the actor has posted a couple of videos of his training schedule ahead of the role.
Thanks for all the great questions.
Here’s a sense of my training schedule during my training camp for “The Smashing Machine”
Thanks for all the support- means a lot to me.
Back to work.
Have a productive week.
- 5/7/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Uncut Gem and Netflix have enjoyed a partnership that helps the Adam Sandler thriller stay trending years after its release. The surprise hit from 2019 remains a popular choice for anyone looking to stream a fast-paced, frantic crime thriller.
Uncut Gems showed a different side of Adam Sandler. His portrayal of Howard Ratner, the gambling-addicted Jewler, earned Sandler universal praise. The movie also introduced the Safdie brothers and Julia Fox to a wider audience.
But nothing lasts forever, even in streaming, and Uncut Gems is no exception. Find out when Uncut Gems is leaving Netflix.
‘Uncut Gems’ leaves Netflix on May 8, 2024
Uncut Gems will leave Netflix on May 8, 2024. The thriller joins other popular titles like The Hunger Games on the list of Netflix exits for May.
It ends a long run on the streaming service for Uncut Gems. The movie, directed by Josh and Benny Safdie, first arrived on Netflix on Jan.
Uncut Gems showed a different side of Adam Sandler. His portrayal of Howard Ratner, the gambling-addicted Jewler, earned Sandler universal praise. The movie also introduced the Safdie brothers and Julia Fox to a wider audience.
But nothing lasts forever, even in streaming, and Uncut Gems is no exception. Find out when Uncut Gems is leaving Netflix.
‘Uncut Gems’ leaves Netflix on May 8, 2024
Uncut Gems will leave Netflix on May 8, 2024. The thriller joins other popular titles like The Hunger Games on the list of Netflix exits for May.
It ends a long run on the streaming service for Uncut Gems. The movie, directed by Josh and Benny Safdie, first arrived on Netflix on Jan.
- 5/6/2024
- by Matt Moore
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dwayne Johnson has officially begun his transformation into two-time UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr for the upcoming film The Smashing Machine. Johnson posted a video to his Instagram announcing how he has been working hard at the Mma training camp for his role. The film is written and directed by Uncut Gems fame Benny Safdie in a solo venture for A24. Besides his own fans, UFC pros have also come up with encouraging comments under his training video.
Dwayne Johnson begins training for his role as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine | Black Adam (Warner Bros.)
Kerr was popular among the fans during the no-holds barred era of UFC, and he won several titles besides the UFC championship. Kerr was the winner of the World Vale Tudo Championship, Pride Fc Heavyweight Championship, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Championship, and 1994 National Freestyle Championship.
Dwayne Johnson’s Training For New Role Gets Positive Comments...
Dwayne Johnson begins training for his role as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine | Black Adam (Warner Bros.)
Kerr was popular among the fans during the no-holds barred era of UFC, and he won several titles besides the UFC championship. Kerr was the winner of the World Vale Tudo Championship, Pride Fc Heavyweight Championship, 1992 NCAA National Wrestling Championship, and 1994 National Freestyle Championship.
Dwayne Johnson’s Training For New Role Gets Positive Comments...
- 5/6/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
The line between reality and fiction in television hasn't always been obvious to people. Be it "Gilligan's Island" viewers badgering the Coast Guard to rescue the S.S. Minnow's poor shipwrecked crew or grown-up "Sesame Street" fans believing that Sonia Manzano and Emilio Delgado (who played married couple Maria and Luis for four decades) were actually hitched, history is littered with anecdotes of audiences assuming what they're seeing on their TV screen is actually happening. Despite the leaps and gains in the masses' media literacy over time, folks still need help understanding how even docuseries and so-called reality shows can easily manipulate the truth (as creators Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie satirized with "The Curse").
When Sally Struthers was cast as Gloria Stivic (née Bunker) in "All in the Family," she was, for all intents and purposes, a nobody. Save for her stint on "The Tim Conway Comedy Hour" the...
When Sally Struthers was cast as Gloria Stivic (née Bunker) in "All in the Family," she was, for all intents and purposes, a nobody. Save for her stint on "The Tim Conway Comedy Hour" the...
- 5/5/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Christopher Nolan never ceases to leave his audiences amused. Be it through the absolutely jaw-dropping masterpieces he creates for the big screens or simply the way he prefers to spend his life (which notably includes ‘without a smartphone’), the mastermind filmmaker somehow manages to leave his fans surprised down to the core in the most unimaginable of ways.
Christopher Nolan. | Credit: Wikimedia Commons/HellaCinema.
Recently, following the release of the Emma Stone-starrer critically acclaimed series The Curse, Nolan did the same. However this time, he didn’t stun and leave his fans confused and unable to believe it through some strange tactic. Instead, this time, it was simply through his reaction to the finale of the 2023 series, which he seems to have texted showrunner Benny Safdie about!
SUGGESTEDChristopher Nolan Earning $100 Million For Oppenheimer is Widely Exaggerated- Latest Report Reveals Cillian Murphy’s Movie Made a Profit of $201.9 Million
Warning:...
Christopher Nolan. | Credit: Wikimedia Commons/HellaCinema.
Recently, following the release of the Emma Stone-starrer critically acclaimed series The Curse, Nolan did the same. However this time, he didn’t stun and leave his fans confused and unable to believe it through some strange tactic. Instead, this time, it was simply through his reaction to the finale of the 2023 series, which he seems to have texted showrunner Benny Safdie about!
SUGGESTEDChristopher Nolan Earning $100 Million For Oppenheimer is Widely Exaggerated- Latest Report Reveals Cillian Murphy’s Movie Made a Profit of $201.9 Million
Warning:...
- 5/3/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Emma Stone knows to stick with what is working as she follows up her 2023 projects (which have garnered significant attention) with more from the same collaborators. Stone recently won an Academy Award for her performance in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things. Lanthimos would also already release a trailer for his next film, Kinds of Kindness, earlier this year and Stone is among the principal cast. Other than Poor Things, last year, Stone would star in a limited series for Showtime with comedic actor Nathan Fielder in a surreal dark comedy called The Curse, which would also feature a collaboration with Benny Safdie.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Stone will also be reuniting with Fielder for another project with A24. The indie studio that features a bevy of off-beat films has recently had its biggest title with Civil War, and the company played its moves aggressively to beat out bigger studios for Checkmate.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Stone will also be reuniting with Fielder for another project with A24. The indie studio that features a bevy of off-beat films has recently had its biggest title with Civil War, and the company played its moves aggressively to beat out bigger studios for Checkmate.
- 5/2/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Dwayne Johnson recently wowed audiences with his heel turn at WrestleMania Xl, surprising everyone with his edgy tone and language leading up to the event. While Johnson is known to be a thorough professional, he goes by his own rules and does what he feels is right for him, whether it be WWE or films.
Dwayne Johnson’s recent heel turn was loved by WWE fans
The actor has a new Christmas-themed film titled Red One coming this November. The project billed as a franchise starter sees Johnson opposite Chris Evans. Johnson’s WWE heel turn seemed to transition in real life with a new report about his alleged laziness and unprofessionalism on the film, ballooning its budget. Following this, Johnson championed his supporters in a latest post on Instagram.
Dwayne Johnson Expresses Gratitude to His Supporters Amidst Damaging Allegations
Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans will star in Amazon’s...
Dwayne Johnson’s recent heel turn was loved by WWE fans
The actor has a new Christmas-themed film titled Red One coming this November. The project billed as a franchise starter sees Johnson opposite Chris Evans. Johnson’s WWE heel turn seemed to transition in real life with a new report about his alleged laziness and unprofessionalism on the film, ballooning its budget. Following this, Johnson championed his supporters in a latest post on Instagram.
Dwayne Johnson Expresses Gratitude to His Supporters Amidst Damaging Allegations
Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans will star in Amazon’s...
- 5/1/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Danny and Michael Philippou, the breakout directors of last year’s box office horror hit “Talk to Me,” are re-teaming with A24 on their next horror film, an individual with knowledge of the project told IndieWire. And this time they’re being paired with a two-time Oscar nominee.
Sally Hawkins will star in “Bring Her Back” from the Philippous, who are writing and directing the original movie for A24. Danny and Michael Philippou are also re-teaming with the producers on “Talk to Me,” Causeway Films’ Samantha Jennings and Kristina Ceyton (“The Babadook”).
Plot details are being kept under wraps for “Bring Her Back,” but the film will begin production later this summer.
This would not be the first time Hawkins has starred in a horror film. Way back in 2007 she appeared in “The Killing Gene” alongside Stellan Skarsgård, Tom Hardy, and Selma Blair. The closest she’s gotten to the...
Sally Hawkins will star in “Bring Her Back” from the Philippous, who are writing and directing the original movie for A24. Danny and Michael Philippou are also re-teaming with the producers on “Talk to Me,” Causeway Films’ Samantha Jennings and Kristina Ceyton (“The Babadook”).
Plot details are being kept under wraps for “Bring Her Back,” but the film will begin production later this summer.
This would not be the first time Hawkins has starred in a horror film. Way back in 2007 she appeared in “The Killing Gene” alongside Stellan Skarsgård, Tom Hardy, and Selma Blair. The closest she’s gotten to the...
- 4/30/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Have you ever come across a story where the main character shares so many similarities with you that you start believing that the story was based on your life? Well, that is exactly what happened with Julia Fox when she got to read the script of the Safdie Brothers crime thriller, Uncut Gems.
Uncut Gems (2019)
Starring alongside Adam Sandler, Uncut Gems was Julia Fox’s debut in the film industry for which she received a nomination at the Gotham Awards for Breakthrough Actor. Since Josh and Benny Safdie already knew Julia Fox before casting her in the role, the character shared a ton of similarities with the actress, so much so that she thought the Safdie Brothers were spying on her.
Julia Fox Thought She Was Being Spied On
Julia Fox in Uncut Gems
Considered by many as the best film of Adam Sandler’s career, Uncut Gems revolves around the life of Howard Ratner,...
Uncut Gems (2019)
Starring alongside Adam Sandler, Uncut Gems was Julia Fox’s debut in the film industry for which she received a nomination at the Gotham Awards for Breakthrough Actor. Since Josh and Benny Safdie already knew Julia Fox before casting her in the role, the character shared a ton of similarities with the actress, so much so that she thought the Safdie Brothers were spying on her.
Julia Fox Thought She Was Being Spied On
Julia Fox in Uncut Gems
Considered by many as the best film of Adam Sandler’s career, Uncut Gems revolves around the life of Howard Ratner,...
- 4/28/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
“Having worked with them on ‘Uncut Gems,’ I was excited about anything that they were doing,” says “The Curse” cinematographer Maceo Bishop when asked about executive producers Benny Safdie and Josh Safdie approaching him for the Showtime drama series. “And then they said, ‘We’re doing this with Nathan Fielder,’ and I didn’t know Nathan’s work that well. I’d heard his name before, so I did some research and I was like, ‘This is a really interesting combination of aesthetics and ideas coming together.’ The conversation started and almost right away, Benny said ‘To Catch a Predator’ and ‘Candid Camera’ were two of the references for us.” Watch the exclusive video interview above.
“The Curse” stars Oscar winner Emma Stone and Emmy nominee Nathan Fielder as a newlywed couple struggling to make their vision for eco-living a reality in a small New Mexico town.
One of Bishop...
“The Curse” stars Oscar winner Emma Stone and Emmy nominee Nathan Fielder as a newlywed couple struggling to make their vision for eco-living a reality in a small New Mexico town.
One of Bishop...
- 4/26/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Before you make your 2024 Emmy predictions for Best Drama Supporting Actor, take a tour of our photo gallery showcasing the men most likely to land in the lineup. Last year’s race was completely dominated by actors from “Succession” and “The White Lotus,” neither of which can produce nominees this time since the former ended last May and the latter won’t return until 2025.
Naturally, this category’s sole presently eligible former champion– Billy Crudup – has emerged as the frontrunner. Outside winners in the mix include Jon Hamm (“The Morning Show”; formerly of “Mad Men”), James Cromwell (“Sugar”; formerly of “American Horror Story”), Nathan Lane (“The Gilded Age”; “Only Murders in the Building”), and John Malkovich (“The New Look”; “Death of a Salesman”).
Among the men looking to earn their first nominations for roles they have played for multiple seasons are Jack Lowden (“Slow Horses”), Owen Wilson (“Loki”), and Jonathan Pryce...
Naturally, this category’s sole presently eligible former champion– Billy Crudup – has emerged as the frontrunner. Outside winners in the mix include Jon Hamm (“The Morning Show”; formerly of “Mad Men”), James Cromwell (“Sugar”; formerly of “American Horror Story”), Nathan Lane (“The Gilded Age”; “Only Murders in the Building”), and John Malkovich (“The New Look”; “Death of a Salesman”).
Among the men looking to earn their first nominations for roles they have played for multiple seasons are Jack Lowden (“Slow Horses”), Owen Wilson (“Loki”), and Jonathan Pryce...
- 4/25/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
One of the most bizarre TV series to ever air since David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks: The Return,” and certainly one of the oddest shows of this decade, is Showtime’s “The Curse,” which could potentially have more in store.
Created by deadpan comedian Nathan Fielder and filmmaker Benny Safdie (“Uncut Gems”) and starring Fielder and Emma Stone (both of them also executive producers along with Safdie), “The Curse,” which premiered last fall on Showtime, is a satirical black comedy thriller.
Continue reading ‘The Curse’: Emma Stone & Nathan Fielder Suggest Bizarre Series Could Continue & Was “Mapped Out” Beyond Season 1 at The Playlist.
Created by deadpan comedian Nathan Fielder and filmmaker Benny Safdie (“Uncut Gems”) and starring Fielder and Emma Stone (both of them also executive producers along with Safdie), “The Curse,” which premiered last fall on Showtime, is a satirical black comedy thriller.
Continue reading ‘The Curse’: Emma Stone & Nathan Fielder Suggest Bizarre Series Could Continue & Was “Mapped Out” Beyond Season 1 at The Playlist.
- 4/25/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Showtime’s satirical thriller “The Curse,” created by stars Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie and also starring Emma Stone, has exclusively shared its Emmy submission plans with Variety.
The three multi-hyphenates will have more than one chance at recognition across various categories for producing, acting, directing, writing and editing.
“The Curse” explores the tumultuous lives of a married couple (Fielder and Stone), who encounter a string of misfortunes while filming an HGTV series in New Mexico. Their challenges are compounded by a dubious “curse” and a manipulative producer (Safdie), which together threaten both the show and their relationship.
Stone, fresh off her second best actress Oscar win for her role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things,” is eyeing her first Emmy nod. She seeks recognition for her portrayal of Whitney, the co-host of the couple’s show about eco-friendly homes. Additionally, Stone is vying for a guest comedy actress nod for...
The three multi-hyphenates will have more than one chance at recognition across various categories for producing, acting, directing, writing and editing.
“The Curse” explores the tumultuous lives of a married couple (Fielder and Stone), who encounter a string of misfortunes while filming an HGTV series in New Mexico. Their challenges are compounded by a dubious “curse” and a manipulative producer (Safdie), which together threaten both the show and their relationship.
Stone, fresh off her second best actress Oscar win for her role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things,” is eyeing her first Emmy nod. She seeks recognition for her portrayal of Whitney, the co-host of the couple’s show about eco-friendly homes. Additionally, Stone is vying for a guest comedy actress nod for...
- 4/24/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Before you make your 2024 Emmy predictions for Best Drama Supporting Actor, take a tour of our photo gallery showcasing the men most likely to land in the lineup. Last year’s race was completely dominated by actors from “Succession” and “The White Lotus,” neither of which can produce nominees this time since the former ended last May and the latter won’t return until 2025.
Naturally, this category’s sole presently eligible former winner – Billy Crudup – has emerged as the frontrunner. Among his likeliest competitors are two of his own cast mates: 2020 nominee Mark Duplass and series newcomer Jon Hamm, who won the 2015 Best Drama Actor Emmy for “Mad Men” and is widely expected to take this year’s limited series lead prize for “Fargo.”
Other outside winners in the mix include James Cromwell (“Sugar”; formerly of “American Horror Story”), Nathan Lane (“The Gilded Age”; “Only Murders in the Building”), and...
Naturally, this category’s sole presently eligible former winner – Billy Crudup – has emerged as the frontrunner. Among his likeliest competitors are two of his own cast mates: 2020 nominee Mark Duplass and series newcomer Jon Hamm, who won the 2015 Best Drama Actor Emmy for “Mad Men” and is widely expected to take this year’s limited series lead prize for “Fargo.”
Other outside winners in the mix include James Cromwell (“Sugar”; formerly of “American Horror Story”), Nathan Lane (“The Gilded Age”; “Only Murders in the Building”), and...
- 4/24/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
In many ways, the role of Mary Jane, the single mother at the center of Amy Herzog’s compassionate play Mary Jane, was made for Rachel McAdams.
The actress’ most notable characters include an acid-tongued high-school student (Mean Girls), a lovesick Southern belle (The Notebook) and a tireless investigative reporter (Spotlight), but last year she delivered a quietly moving performance in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, which marked a new turn in her understated style.
In Kelly Fremon Craig’s adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel, McAdams breathed new life into Margaret’s mother Barbara, a woman estranged from her conservative family after marrying a Jewish man (Benny Safdie). The actress’ best scenes are the hushed ones, moments in which her character, enveloped by the quiet of an empty house, releases the tension in her shoulders and indulges in her anxieties and uncertainties. Not only must Barbara...
The actress’ most notable characters include an acid-tongued high-school student (Mean Girls), a lovesick Southern belle (The Notebook) and a tireless investigative reporter (Spotlight), but last year she delivered a quietly moving performance in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, which marked a new turn in her understated style.
In Kelly Fremon Craig’s adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel, McAdams breathed new life into Margaret’s mother Barbara, a woman estranged from her conservative family after marrying a Jewish man (Benny Safdie). The actress’ best scenes are the hushed ones, moments in which her character, enveloped by the quiet of an empty house, releases the tension in her shoulders and indulges in her anxieties and uncertainties. Not only must Barbara...
- 4/24/2024
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Curse began with an actual curse, or at least the threat of one. When Nathan Fielder first moved from Canada to L.A. in 2009, a woman approached him on the street asking for a handout. He told her he had no money. She replied, “I curse you.”
That anecdote, described by Fielder to pal Benny Safdie, was the seed for one of the most startling and innovative shows in recent memory. Fielder, whose spins on reality TV in shows like HBO’s The Rehearsal have earned him a devoted fan base (Christopher Nolan among them), and Safdie (who, with brother and ex-directing partner Josh, made Uncut Gems) cooked up a bitter black comedy that in part skewered HGTV programming. The duo cast themselves as childhood friends — one of them, Asher Siegel (Fielder), a nebbish, budding reality star burdened with a micropenis — making a pilot about a couple trying to...
That anecdote, described by Fielder to pal Benny Safdie, was the seed for one of the most startling and innovative shows in recent memory. Fielder, whose spins on reality TV in shows like HBO’s The Rehearsal have earned him a devoted fan base (Christopher Nolan among them), and Safdie (who, with brother and ex-directing partner Josh, made Uncut Gems) cooked up a bitter black comedy that in part skewered HGTV programming. The duo cast themselves as childhood friends — one of them, Asher Siegel (Fielder), a nebbish, budding reality star burdened with a micropenis — making a pilot about a couple trying to...
- 4/24/2024
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dwayne Johnson is known to give his all, no matter what project he undertakes. Whether it is wrestling or acting, the Rock always makes sure to deliver his best, even when many don’t like his best (Black Adam!?). After showing who is the Final Boss inside the squared circle, the actor is gearing up for another fight inside the ring.
Dwayne Johnson in ring at WrestleMania Xl
Yet this time it won’t be WrestleMania or SmackDown but the world of reel that would feature the actor showing his impeccable wrestling moves. Starring as the legendary Mma fighter, Mark Kerr, Johnson is all geared up to shoot the upcoming movie, The Smashing Machine.
Dwayne Johnson To Play a Mma Fighter in His Next Hollywood Flick
Mma Legend Mark Kerr in a still from The Smashing Machine documentary
Dwayne Johnson has taken several roles in his amazing career in Hollywood,...
Dwayne Johnson in ring at WrestleMania Xl
Yet this time it won’t be WrestleMania or SmackDown but the world of reel that would feature the actor showing his impeccable wrestling moves. Starring as the legendary Mma fighter, Mark Kerr, Johnson is all geared up to shoot the upcoming movie, The Smashing Machine.
Dwayne Johnson To Play a Mma Fighter in His Next Hollywood Flick
Mma Legend Mark Kerr in a still from The Smashing Machine documentary
Dwayne Johnson has taken several roles in his amazing career in Hollywood,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
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