Category Archives: Celebrity

EIGHTH ANNUAL ATHENA FILM FESTIVAL TO HONOR J.J ABRAMS WITH “ATHENA LEADING MAN” AWARD

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Festival takes place February 22 – 25, 2018

The Athena Film Festival (AFF) announced today that director, producer and screenwriter J.J. Abrams (STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, STAR TREK, Alias, Felicity) will receive the 2018 Athena Leading Man Award at the eighth annual festival. The festival will celebrate Abrams’ extraordinary career and continued support and advocacy of women in the entertainment industry. The Athena Film Festival, co-founded by the Athena Center for Leadership Studies at Barnard College and Women and Hollywood, will take place February 22-25, 2018, at Barnard College in New York City.

Abrams has championed women throughout his career, advocating for female protagonists on screen, as well as strong female voices behind the camera. He introduced audiences to international spy Sydney Bristow in Alias and cast Daisy Ridley to star as Rey in STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Abrams is currently writing and will direct the highly anticipated STAR WARS: EPISODE IX, which will star Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and John Boyega, and will open in theaters December 20, 2019.

Past recipients of the Athena Leading Man Award include director, producer and screenwriter Paul Feig (2016) and actor and producer David Oyelowo (2017).

“I am deeply humbled to be recognized by the Athena Film Festival. Any good I’ve done has been achieved because I have worked alongside women, and I share my gratitude with all of them for being honored with this award,” said J.J. Abrams.
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Jude Law Joins Captain Marvel

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By Armando

photo by Frederic Auerbach


It looks like Captain Marvel has found it’s male lead as Jude Law joins the cast of the film opposite Brie Larson’s title character, Variety reports Wednesday. According the article, Law will be playing Mar-Vell.

In the comics, the character is the original Captain Marvel from an alien race of Kree who later adopted the identity of the recently deceased human scientist Walter Lawson.

While posing as Lawson, he meets and become a mentor to Larson’s U.S. Air Force character Carol Danvers. Her DNA is melded with that of an alien after an explosion of a Kree device. It remains to be seen how much of the character origins from comics will carry over into the film.

Jude Law is currently riding high after being cast as a young Albus Dumbledore earlier this year for the upcoming sequel of another major studio franchise Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. He recently appeared this year in Guy Ritchie’s King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.

Its interesting to note that Law previously played a “Captain” character in a comic-book inspired film before as Sky Captain in the 2004 sci-fi action adventure Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.

Captain Marvel will be directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Half Nelson) from a recent script by Geneva Robertson-Dworet. Previous scripts for the film were written by Meg LeFauve and Nicole Perlman.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, who is producing the film, announced this summer at SDCC that Captain Marvel will take place in the 90s before the Avengers were established.

Nick Fury, as played by Samuel L. Jackson, is also expected to appear in the film, while Ben Mendelsohn (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) will play the villain role.

Captain Marvel is currently slated for a March 8, 2019 release.

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“Justice League” Premiere Livestream from Los Angeles!

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By Creative Media Times

Warner Bros. Pictures


The time has finally arrived. With Warner Bros. Justice League opening this weekend, the studio is holding a world premiere in Los Angeles tonight.

Watch the Justice League cast and filmmakers as they gather and walk the red carpet live tonight at 8:30 PM ET/5:30PM PT.

The event is presented by Warner Bros., DC Entertainment, and iHeart Media.

Directed by Zack Snyder and co-written by Joss Whedon, Justice League is set for release on November 17, 2017 with an ensemble cast that includes Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Ciarán Hinds, Amy Adams, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons.

Here’s the film’s full synopsis:

“Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.”

Watch the cast of Justice League’s red carpet world premiere:

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Jenna Mattison on Her Directorial Debut The Sound, and Being A Headstrong Filmmaker

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Jenna Mattison


By Niy Birden

In Jenna Mattison’s directorial debut for “The Sound”, we experience Rose McGowan as Kelly, a completely in-for-it-all ghost buster who finds herself uncovering secrets of the death of a suicide victim in a subway station. Through social media and thoughtful, star-studded interactions both living and dead, we get to see the emotional breakthrough for a character based in survival and deep emotional and mental pain. But the character of Jenna Mattison I’ve found, is a far more interesting character, and like Kelly, has many sides.

Q: The film seems like an antithesis of your acting work- Is this by design?
J: You know, I had an injury about 10 years ago, and went through subsequent surgeries over 5 to 6 years and that essentially ended my acting career. And during that time period, I went deaf on one side…it was insane. And when something that intense happens to you, it changes your perspective a lot. And it kind of makes you a more soulful person, may be in ways darker? [laughs] So when I wrote the sound, it was definitely different than my previous writing because it was a very different experience for me. And within that, my writing as a filmmaker changed.

Q: Did you put a lot of your experience in the film, or find yourself seeing some similarities in there?

J: I wouldn’t say that, but definitely the importance of sound, you know, for someone who has had their hearing damaged. And you realize..how much, how we hear. And how we see the world, because it also changes because it gets heightened. You just realize how important it is. And so I got really interested in sound, and then this sort of you know, came out of that.

Q: How do you compare the creative process of doing a darker plot vs softer characters? Which inspire you more?

The Sound


J: I’m into all sorts of different things, so I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m really one or the other, but I do really enjoy sort of getting into characters and people that are a bit broken, that their lives (past) have shadowed their view of the world and kind of made them a bit darker, so yeah I guess in that, that is a reflection of the person I’ve grown to become since my injury and, you know…the [sarcastic]“nightmare that happened to me” [laughs].

We then started talking about how her injury was an empowering one, especially since women are really held into looking a certain way on screen.

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Aliens, Shakespeare, and Diversity: An Interview with Sci-Fi Star, Cas Anvar

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Eric Gasa

THE STRAIN — Season Four – Pictured: Cas Anvar as Sanjay Desai. CR: Russ Martin/FX


Cas Anvar’s career is part occupation, part dream come true. Not very often does a Sci-Fi nerd grow up to become a Sci-Fi actor but for the rising Anvar, he enjoys the best of both worlds. Anvar can be found in a number of roles in big titles, from Argo and the Oscar-nominated ROOM, to the galaxy’s top fighter pilot in SyFy’s, The Expanse.

I had the opportunity to chat with Anvar one afternoon in preparation of the latest episode of his FX show, The Strain, where he plays the part of the nefarious Sanjay Desai. The Strain airs this Sunday, August 6, at 10 pm EP. Though our time was brief, Anvar spared none of it when sharing his excitement for his work and what lies on the road ahead.

EG: How did you get into acting?

Cas Anvar: I’ve been doing it my whole life since I was in high school. I was introduced to acting through Shakespeare actually. Started in theatre. Went to the National Theatre School of Canada. Started my own Shakespeare company after that and have been acting ever since.

Who were some of your inspirations as a young actor?

That’s an interesting question. I really admire Liam Neeson, Hugh Jackman, and Robert Downey Jr.

Was starring in a Sci-Fi program always a dream of yours? Were you a huge Sci-Fi fan growing up?

I’ve always been a huge nerd. I grew up with sci-fi, fantasy, and horror games, comic books, and all that stuff. I went to Comic Con as a kid and never imagined that I would be on the other side of that table signing autographs one day. Playing in something like The Expanse where I get to play a Han Solo character with wisecracks and one-liners, is a huge thrill for me.

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Linkin Park Breaks Their Silence After Singer’s Death

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Eric Gasa

Chester Bennington by Stefan Brending


Famed band, Linkin Park have finally broken their silence over the loss of beloved singer, Chester Bennington.

Bennington, who was 41, committed suicide on July 20 after lifelong complications with alcoholism and severe depression. The singer was found dead in his LA home by a housekeeper, after hanging himself. In a twist of fate surely not to be coincidental, Bennington ended his life on what would have been the 53rd birthday of fellow friend and Soundgarden singer, Chris Cornell, who killed himself earlier this year.

The band’s words hit close to home, waxing upon grief, disbelief, and the deep love and admiration they held for Bennington.

“Our hearts are broken. The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened,” Linkin Park wrote.

“You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realized. In the past few days, we’ve seen an outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world. [Bennington’s wife] Talinda and the family appreciate it, and want the world to know that you were the best husband, son, and father; the family will never be whole without you.”
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Great Moments From San Diego Comic-Con 2017

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By Armando

Every year, geeks around the world converge at Comic-Con, the 4-day event of all things about comicbooks and pop culture held every summer in San Diego. And this year is just as big and fun, not to mention hot and very sweaty as ever.

The big offerings from Marvel and DC did dominate the conversations. But with so many things happening every day all in and around the convention center, there is always something for everyone.

From trailers for upcoming studio blockbusters and tv shows, to exciting gaming announcements, to extravagant cosplays, and of course, some of the world’s most talented comic artists, Comic-Con continues to surprise and delight attendees.

Here’s some of the most memorable moments of from this year’s San Diego Comic-Con:

Blade Runner: Warner Bros unveiled a new trailer for Blade Runner 2049″ and brought with them the cast and the director Denis Villeneuve. Warner Bros. sensational SDCC presentation at Hall H’s 180-degree gigantic screens featured the upcoming “Blade Runner 2049” then later showed on stage a virtual hologram of Jared Leto.

Stranger Things Season 2 Trailer: The lively and hilarious cast and creators of “Stranger Things” were in Hall H. The very entertaining group talked about the series then later unveiled a very well received a new trailer. With a touch of nostalgia to the tune of Michael Jackson’s Thriller with Vincent Price’s voiceover, Watching the trailer in that gigantic screen was spectacular.

Black Panther: Marvel brought in the cast of Black Panther and previewed an exclusive action-packed footage, and it was a big hit. The intense footage received immediate standing ovation from audience while cast gathered for a group hug and impressed by what they saw. I can’t really blame them. Footage was fantastic!

Thor: Ragnarok: Cast of the movie stormed Hall H at Comic-Con and talked about the film and revealed new details. The cast brought with them some brand new spectacular action-packed trailer and footage. Also present was New Zealand director Taika Waititi and producer Kevin Feige, who was presented with Comic-Con’s Inkpot Award for his contributions to the world of comic books and everything comics fandom.

Charlize Theron: The statuesque Academy Award winner took the stage for Entertainment Weekly’s “Women Who Kick Ass”, and talked about her butt-kicking new character in Atomic Blonde, and the need for more female directors following the success of Wonder Woman, which was directed by Patty Jenkins who directed Theron in her Oscar-winning performance in “Monster”.

Jason Momoa runs to Hall H stage carrying Aquaman’s trident, shortly before the cast of Justice League arrived on stage. The guy sure knows how to entertain, pumped up the loud and excited crowd. Momoa also unveiled a short clip from the upcoming highly anticipated James Wan film “Aquaman”.

Justice League: Clearly one of the highlights of Comic-Con 2017, especially after the record breaking box-office run of Wonder Woman this summer, the Justice League cast Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Ezra Miller and Jason Momoa, who was already on stage by the time the cast arrived, electrified the full house of 6,000 hyperactive fans at Hall H. There was, however no talk of Wonder Woman sequel, while Henry Cavill was not in attendance.

Cosplay: There is no shortage of cool cosplay in Comic-Con as one might expect, and this year is no exception. Even with the painful summer heat and crowded long lines, San Diego brought it this year with some really cool costumes. They were all there, from Star Wars to Pennywise the Clown, from the most recognizable to hilarious, from high priced couture to home sewn, and those that just make you go hmmmmm (guys in Wonder Woman costumes were surprisingly plenty this year). And hey, its always fun to see a Darth Vader struggling to eat a cheeseburger.

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Sean Combs – Diddy Ranked Highest Earning Entertainer

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By: Melgie Claire

Sean Combs by Reckless Dream Photography

It has never been less demanding to end up insta-popular, however, for a few famous people, notoriety and fortune are lasting. Take Diddy: Nearly twenty years in the wake of showing up on the front of the first historically speaking Celebrity 100 issue, it might come as an astonishment to a few, however rapper turned businessman P Diddy was the world’s top worker on Forbes’ rundown of the 100 most paid celebrity in the previous year, beating Beyonce.

Diddy tops FORBES’ yearly positioning of the most noteworthy earning entertainers on the planet. Diddy earned $130 million in the previous 12 months.

Diddy – whose genuine name is Sean Combs and prior in his vocation was known as Puff Daddy – is assessed to be valued a sum of $820 million despite the fact that he has made a little music in the past 10 years.

Be that as it may, he has sought after a range of business interests and a year ago featured a North American field tour with different singers on his Bad Boy Records label.
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TV’s Batman Adam West, Dies at 88

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By AI Creative Media

Adam West as Batman. ABC Television


Adam West, iconic actor who starred in the popular “Batman” TV show in the 1960s, died Friday night Jun 9 in Los Angeles. He was 88. According to Variety, the actor “died after a short battle with leukemia.”

“Our dad always saw himself as The Bright Knight and aspired to make a positive impact on his fans’ lives. He was and always will be our hero,” his family said in a statement.

Although West’s career spanned seven decades, it was the Batman role that made him a household name, a role that is both a blessing and a curse as he fell victim to being typecast long after the show ended. The campy superhero show ran from 1966 to 1968 on BC, while a feature-length film version was released in 1966.

He would later often reprise his Batman or Bruce Wayne role in various animated tv shows such as The New Adventures of Batman, Super Friends: The Legendary Super Powers Show, The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians and for the tv special Legends of the Superheroes.

In 2012, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located in front of the Guinness Museum in Hollywood, California.

West is survived by his wife of 46 years Marcelle Lear. They had four children together, two from previous marriage to Ngahra Frisbie.

His family released the following statement: Our dad always saw himself as The Bright Knight, and aspired to make a positive impact on his fans’ lives. He will be missed.

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‘Edge of Tomorrow” Sequel Will Focus on Characters, Says Direct Liman

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By Creative Media Times

Warner Bros.


‘Edge of Tomorrow” was a modest hit in 2014. From its $178 million production budget, the film ended its theatrical run with $100 million domestically, though faring slightly better internationally with $270 million. So its only fitting that the sequel will focus on what made the movie great: the characters and the story. This is precisely what director Doug Liman envision on the follow-up, which will bring back original cast Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt into the time-loop sci-fi.

In an interview with MTV HSC Podcast, the director revealed that the ‘Tomorrow’ sequel will go against expectations and will be smaller production.

“I think what people tend to do with sequels is they just make them bigger. And I’m like, ‘No, a sequel should be smaller.’ You did the first film as sort of the ad campaign for the sequel, so now you don’t need as much action, and in the case of Edge of Tomorrow, people obviously loved the comedy and they loved the situation. So we can do way more focus on Tom’s character and Emily Blunt’s character, and there’s a third character in the sequel that’s gonna for sure steal the movie. We can focus on that. I don’t need an action sequence every two minutes.”

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