Page 250 - Entertainment Culture

Kumail Nanjiani in talks for Marvel's 'The Eternals'

Pakistani-American actor Kumail Nanjiani is in negotiations to join Angelina Jolie in Marvel's upcoming film "The Eternals". The role will mark Nanjiani's first venture into the superhero realm. According to Variety, details about the movie and what characters Nanjiani and Jolie would play are being kept under wraps. Created by Jack Kirby in 1976, the story of "The Eternals" is set millions of years ago when the cosmic beings known as the celestials genetically experimented on humans to create super-powered individuals known as the Eternals along with the villainous Deviants. Chloe Zhao is directing the film from a script by Matthew and Ryan Firpo. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige is producing. Marvel gave no confirmation about Nanjiani's possible casting in "The Eternals". The studio has also not made any formal announcement on Jolie joining the film.

Jack Whitehall in talks for 'Mouse Guard'

Actor-comedian Jack Whitehall is in negotiations to board the cast of Andy Serkis' "Mouse Guard". Based on David Petersen's comics and graphic novel of the same name, the film will be directed by "Maze Runner" helmer Wes Ball, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The cast also includes Idris Elba, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Samson Kayo. The story, set in a medieval world, is about an order of mice who are the sworn protectors of their realm. Their enemies range from predators such as foxes and eagles to other rodents. Serkis, who recently directed and starred in "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle", will be essaying the villainous blacksmith, Midnight. Brodie-Sangster, best known for playing Jojen Reed on "Game of Thrones", will be portraying Lieam, one of the Mouse Guard's youngest members. Whitehall, 30, will play Kenzie, the calm and measured staff wielder who is often paired with Kayo's character, Saxson, a guard member who is a lush and a scalawag. The film will be shot using motion ...

Daisy Edgar Jones opts out of Rajamouli's 'RRR'

International actress Daisy Edgar Jones, who has starred in films such as "Pond Life" and "War of the Worlds", has opted out of filmmaker S.S. Rajamoulis upcoming action multi-starrer "RRR" citing family reasons.

Dave Bautista to star in Zack Snyder's 'Army of the Dead'

WWE wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista has joined the cast of Netflix's "Army of the Dead", to be directed by Zack Snyder. Snyder, known for his work on DC film "Man of Steel", "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and "Justice League", made his directorial debut with "Dawn of the Dead" 15 years ago. "Army of the Dead" is set following a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, when a group of mercenaries take the ultimate gamble, venturing into the quarantine zone to pull off the greatest heist ever attempted. According to Variety, Shay Hatten and Snyder are writing the screenplay from story penned by Snyder. Principal photography is set to begin later this year. Snyder is also producing the project along with his wife Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller through their Stone Quarry production company.

Pallavi Sharda to star in drama pilot 'Triangle'

Actress Pallavi Sharda, who has worked in Bollywood films like "Besharam", "Begum Jaan" and "Hawaizaada", has been tapped as the female lead opposite Mike Vogel in the ABC drama pilot "Triangle".

Idris Elba to play new character in 'Suicide Squad 2' as Deadshot is dropped

British star Idris Elba will not be playing antihero Deadshot in the sequel to "Suicide Squad". It was reported that the 46-year-old actor will be taking over the role which was vacated by original star Will Smith earlier this year. Smith played the part in David Ayer's 2016 film alongside Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman as Col. Rick Flag, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang and Cara Delevingne as Enchantress. According to Variety, the new film, which is touted as a "complete reboot", will feature Elba in a new character. Warner Bros is yet to confirm. The new "Suicide Squad" will be directed by filmmaker James Gunn, who is best known for helming "Guardians of the Galaxy" series. The much-awaited project is set to release on August 6, 2020.

Avicii's posthumous album to release in June

A posthumous album from music producer Avicii is set to release in June,. The family of the Swedish recording artiste and producers made the announcement in a New York Times feature on Friday. The album is titled "Tim", after the legal name of the singer, Tim Bergling, who died of an apparent suicide last year. The first track, "S O S," releases on April 10. According to the article, Avicii was working on an album at the time of his death. The songs were 75 to 80 per cent finished, said producer Albin Nedler, who is among several longtime Avicii collaborators finishing the album. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin also appears on one of the tracks. Avicii retired from live performing in 2016 at the peak of his success, citing health reasons. He had suffered from health problems for several years, including acute pancreatitis, in part due to excessive drinking; he had his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014. He was found dead in his hotel room in Oman, Muscat on April 20, 2018.

Oscar nominee Kumail Nanjiani in talks to feature in Marvel's "The Eternals"

Comedian and Oscar nominee Kumail Nanjiani is reportedly in talks to star alongside Angelina Jolie in 'The Eternals', one of two features that Marvel is prepping to shoot this year.The superhero adventure project which is helmed under Chloe Zhao is based on the 1976 comic book series created by Jack Kirby. The project will feature the super-powered and near-immortal beings known as Eternals and a more monstrous offshoot known as the Deviants that were created by cosmic beings known as Celestials.According to Variety, Angelina is supposed to be playing the character named Sersi, a more outgoing Eternal who has not been afraid to move amongst the spirit of humankind whereas the character of Nanjiani is yet to be disclosed.Nanjiani who was appreciated and even earned an Oscar nomination for co-writing The Big Sick with wife Emily Gordon is currently hitting a busy time period. Talking about some of his projects, the actor will be seen in Sony's Men in Black: International, which is set ..

Apple Music slashes subscription price in India

Following price cuts by domestic music streaming services like JioSaavn and Gaana in India, Apple is offering Apple Music for Rs 99 a month, slashed down from the previous Rs 120 pack rate.

Direction powerful discovery for me: Olivia Wilde

Actor Olivia Wilde is currently focused on directing films, which she says is a "powerful discovery" for her. The 35-year-old actor, who has featured in films and television shows such as "House", "Tron: Legacy" and "Rush", recently made her directorial debut with the coming-of-age film "Booksmart". In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Wilde said that acting has taken a backseat for her. "Acting is cathartic, incredibly fun and it only gets better when you don't have to do it out of necessity. But at this point, directing is a powerful discovery for me. So for the foreseeable future, I really just want to direct as many movies as I can," she said. When asked whether it was a conscious decision to not star in her own project, Wilde said she wanted the film to be "separate" from her acting career. "I really wanted to be available to the lead actors. But it's not out of the question for the future," she added. "Booksmart, featuring Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Billie Lourd ...

Everyone got emotional when Irrfan gave first shot: Dinesh Vijan

Producer Dinesh Vijan says the entire team of "Angrezi Medium" got emotional when Irrfan Khan gave his first shot for the film. The 52-year-old actor recently returned to the country and started the shoot of his comeback project "Angrezi Medium", a year after he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour and was being treated abroad. "Irrfan is undoubtedly one of the best actors in the country. When he gave his first shot everyone around got emotional. For me it was one of those life-defining moments working with him again after 'Hindi Medium'. Having him and Homi together was something all three of us have always wanted," Dinesh said in a statement. The producer said Irrfan was not emotional and remained his "usual self." "Wry humour, crackling one-liners and back on his own turf. Deepak (Dobriyal) and his improvisations brought the house down. It was like the first day of 'Hindi Medium,'" he added. While Irrfan's character in "Hindi Medium" was Raj Batra, a Delhi based businessman ...

PM Modi biopic: 'Strong willed' Vivek Oberoi, says undeterred by moves of opponents

Unfazed by the controversy enveloping his film, 'PM Narendra Modi', Actor Vivek Oberoi on Saturday in a strong message said that the delay caused by "strong opponents" will not be able to deter his will.The actor told ANI, "Even though are date has been delayed, but we are undeterred. There are powerful people who are standing against us including many renowned lawyers of the Supreme Court. But we are certain that they can delay us, but cannot deter us."The film has come under a cloud with Opposition parties claiming that its release was planned for April 5 with the intention of influencing voters in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.Various political parties also stated that releasing the film in less than a week before the General elections is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Several political leaders had requested to delay the release of the biopic.Oberoi, who is playing the lead role in the film also took the opportunity to thank the judiciary for its support and added, "I .

WWE Star Hardy 'blessed' to be part of several WrestleMania events

This will be his 13th WrestleMania and WWE star Matt Hardy says it is one such event which every professional wrestler should strike off his bucket list. "I just think WrestleMania (is) one of those things that a professional wrestler or a sports entertainer wants to check off their bucket list. Everybody wants to be in (at least) one WrestleMania. How blessed I'm to be in 13 and have been around for so many of them," Hardy, who burst into the scene at the age of 19, told reporters from across the globe here Friday when asked what the event meant to him. This year WrestleMania will be held at the MetLife Stadium on April 7 and for the first time the organisers have introduced the women's main event. The same question on what WWE's flagship event means was posed to another star, Bobby Lashley, and he said for him it was "everything". "It is everything (for me). I came from amateur wresting background and my goal was to (be) an Olympic Champion and I was taken away from it. (Now) ...

Afghan singer fears Taliban return will curb women's rights

Zahra Elham, the first female winner of the popular Afghan singing show 'Afghan Star, is a prominent symbol of how women have managed to rebuild their lives and identities, following the brutal Taliban rule between 1996 and 2001.

Shazam! Brings the fun back into superhero cinema (IANS Review)

Film: "Shazam!"; Director: David F Sandberg; Cast: Zachary Levi, Mark Strong; Rating: ***(3 stars)

Pankaj Tripathi thinks I am a creep: Janhvi Kapoor

Actress Janhvi Kapoor feels actor Pankaj Tripathi thinks she is a creep.

What Ian McShane brought to 'Hellboy'

"Hellboy" producer Lloyd Levin says actor Ian McShane is sharp and humourous, and added his own presence to the film.

LS polls: Vivek Oberoi among BJP's 40 star campaigners for Gujarat

Lead actor of 'PM Narendra Modi' Vivek Oberoi has been named as one of BJP's 40 star campaigners for the Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat.According to a list released on Friday, other key star campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, and Sushma Swaraj, among others.Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini and Paresh Rawal have also been named as star campaigners.The 26 Parliamentary constituencies of the state will undergo polling in the third phase of elections on April 23. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Mick Jagger says 'on the mend' after medical procedure

Legendary Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger said Friday he is "on the mend" after reportedly undergoing heart valve replacement surgery in New York -- news that gave his legions of fans a fright. Less than a week ago, the band announced they would postpone the North American leg of their upcoming tour so the 75-year-old Jagger could receive medical treatment. Industry tracker Billboard said late Thursday that doctors performed a minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement, allowing the artist to avoid major surgery that would open his chest. "Thank you everyone for all your messages of support, I'm feeling much better now and on the mend - and also a huge thank you to all the hospital staff for doing a superb job," Jagger tweeted. The British rocker was resting in the hospital, according to Billboard, citing anonymous sources who said he must lay low for four to five days so he can heal. Doctors accessed the heart valve of the flamboyant Stones lead singer through the .

'PM Narendra Modi' to release on first day of polling, April 11

Vivek Oberoi starrer 'PM Narendra Modi', which was earlier scheduled to release on April 5, has got a new release date. The film will now hit the theatres on April 11.This comes just a day after the makers of the 'PM Narendra Modi' confirmed that the film will not release on April 5 as scheduled.The director of the film, Omung Kumar took to his Twitter handle to announce the new release date of the upcoming film."Thank you everyone for your support. Here's the date when our film #PMNarendraModi will be releasing. 11th April. Jai hind," he wrote along with a new poster of the film.The poster features Vivek as Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The actor has completely aced the look of the Prime Minister and is hard to recognise in the poster.[{37bd9cfc-a3b8-4960-90c8-d828a32722e9:intradmin/omung_newdateapr5.jpg}]The film has come under a cloud with opposition parties claiming that its release was planned for April 5 with the intention of influencing voters in the Lok Sabha elections.Various