Motion Picture: Ken Jeong Shares Excitement Over ‘Community’ Script, Art Evans ‘A Soldier’s Story’ Passed Away
Viola davis - Darren Arthur / Stringer
Action/Horror/Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Steven Yeun and Kristen Stewart star in Love Me, a unique sci-fi film directed and written by Sam and Andy Zuchero, set to debut in U.S. theaters on January 31, 2025. The story follows a buoy (Stewart) and a satellite (Yeun) navigating life, love, and identity long after humanity's extinction, guided only by the internet. Combining live-action, animatronics, and classic animation, the film explores themes of AI, connection, and transformation. Love Me premiered at Sundance, winning the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize for its exploration of science and technology.
G20, an action thriller starring Viola Davis as U.S. President Danielle Sutton, will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on April 10, 2025. Directed by Patricia Riggen, the film follows President Sutton as she becomes a target after the G20 summit is attacked. Forced to evade capture and outsmart the enemy, Sutton must protect her family, defend her country, and safeguard world leaders. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Anthony Anderson, Marsai Martin, and Ramón Rodríguez. G20 promises a high-stakes, heart-pounding action experience, streaming in over 240 countries worldwide.
Ken Jeong - Paul Archuleta
Comedy/Dramady/Musical: Ken Jeong, known for playing Ben Chang in Community, shared his excitement for the upcoming movie, revealing the script made him emotional and brought him back to the show's world. While he couldn’t disclose much, Jeong confirmed there’s a script and plan in place, describing the prospect of reuniting with the cast as “magical and real emotional.” The film, which excludes Chevy Chase but includes the rest of the main cast, aims to honor the show's devoted fans, with creator Dan Harmon prioritizing their satisfaction.
That's Her, a romantic comedy starring Coco Jones and Kountry Wayne, has wrapped production after filming in Atlanta. Directed by Nina Lee, the film explores how parents' relationships influence how we date, while maintaining humor through its vibrant characters. It features an ensemble cast including Emmy Raver-Lampman, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Loretta Devine, Tabitha Brown, Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams, and Bovi. The story follows a corporate playboy (Wayne) who must choose between love and career when he falls for a temp (Jones) and a high-powered executive (Lampman). The film is set to capture a nostalgic '90s rom-com vibe with a modern twist.
Art Evans - Unique Nicole/Getty
Industry Update: Art Evans, beloved actor known for his roles in Die Hard 2 and A Soldier’s Story, has passed away at 82 due to complications from diabetes. A versatile performer with over 120 film and TV credits, Evans brought warmth and authenticity to roles in classics like School Daze, Fright Night, and Tales from the Hood. His television work spanned decades, including memorable appearances in 9 to 5, MASH*, and Everybody Hates Chris. Remembered as a devoted husband, father, and beacon of joy, Evans is survived by his wife Babe and son Ogadae.
ROUNDTABLE
Actors on Actor: Colman Domingo’s dedication to his craft is unmistakable. Known for his meticulously prepared and emotionally resonant performances, Domingo’s approach to acting is as deliberate as it is heartfelt. His latest role in Sing Sing, where he plays the leader of an in-prison theater program, is a testament to his ability to explore profound human truths. In Sing Sing, Domingo leads a cast primarily composed of formerly incarcerated men playing themselves. For Domingo, who portrays a man battling the despair of a wrongful murder conviction, authenticity was paramount. Domingo Shared.
"There can’t be any polish, I had to lean into them where they are." This rawness extended to his preparation—or lack thereof.”
Domingo also shared how this role changed his typical preparation approach.
“I usually prepare a lot, but this time, I went in a bit more raw, in a way I was uncomfortable with. It made sense for the film.”
Actors on Actor: Mikey Madison has emerged as a standout of the awards season for her captivating performance in Sean Baker’s Anora. Playing the title character—a Russian American stripper navigating vulnerability and resilience—Madison reveals a range of emotions that make her unforgettable. Reflecting on her process, she shared,
“It was a character that felt so far away from home in every single way. I did quite a bit of pole training and stripper boot camp to embody her world.”
Madison credits Baker for giving her this transformative opportunity, saying,
“I had gotten into this pocket of playing very antagonistic characters; I really wanted to play a leading role, and I’m grateful Sean gave me that chance.”
Her dedication to authenticity and layered storytelling cements her as a rising talent to watch.
Directors on Director: Zoë Kravitz reflects on her journey from actor to filmmaker in a candid discussion with The Batman director Matt Reeves, revealing how her directorial debut, Blink Twice (formerly Pussy Island), evolved through creative challenges. Born from her “rage towards men in power,” the thriller stars Naomi Ackie as Frida, who enters the sinister world of a tech billionaire played by Channing Tatum. Kravitz credits Reeves for encouraging her to explore the collaborative process while playing Selina Kyle, which influenced her approach as a director. On the hurdles of editing, she admits,
“I wanted to put myself in the trash. It was really rough. It did not work for a very long time.”
Yet, she embraced letting the film guide her, explaining,
“You have to allow it to show you what it wants to be.” Reeves commended Kravitz’s storytelling instincts, noting that her early ideas on The Batman showcased her creativity and potential.
Directors on Director: Jon M. Chu reflects on his journey to directing Hollywood blockbusters like Wicked and Crazy Rich Asians, sharing how personal connections to the material shaped his storytelling. Inspired by behind-the-scenes footage of Spielberg’s Hook, Chu always dreamed of filmmaking but grappled with self-doubt early on, asking,
“Do I even deserve to be here?”
He found resonance in Wicked’s themes of self-empowerment and transformation, stating,
“We all want to be Elphaba. You want to see her burst into her power.” With Wicked, Chu embraced cinema’s immersive potential, explaining, “This is our opportunity to show why cinema should exist.” His commitment to visual storytelling and live-recorded performances underscores his desire to inspire joy and connection through film.”
