Motion Picture: Jason Momoa To Play Lobo In ‘Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow’, Mena Massoud Featured In ‘Wish You Were Dead’
Mena Massoud - Phillip Faraone / Stringer
Drama: Mena Massoud joins the cast of Wish You Were Here which is Julia Stiles’ directorial debut an adaptation of Renee Carlino's bestseller, set for theatrical release on January 17 and digital release on February 4 via Lionsgate. The film stars Isabelle Fuhrman, Mena Massoud, Jennifer Grey, and Kelsey Grammer. Massoud plays Adam, a man whose whirlwind romance with Charlotte (Fuhrman) takes a heartbreaking turn when she discovers he is terminally ill. Together, they embark on a journey to embrace life’s fleeting moments.
Documentary: Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy, streaming on Peacock starting January 14, takes viewers on an intimate journey through Sean Combs' life long before he became the iconic figure known as Puff Daddy, Diddy, or Love. The documentary features never-before-seen footage and candid interviews with those who know him best, offering a raw and revealing look at his upbringing, rise to fame, and the challenges that shaped his career. From his childhood and early ambitions to his meteoric success in the music industry, the film also delves into recent criminal allegations, prompting audiences to reconsider the complex figure behind the music empire. With its mix of personal stories and exclusive material, the documentary sheds light on the man who redefined hip-hop and pop culture, highlighting his triumphs and controversies.
Jason Momoa - Fiona Goodall / Stringer
Industry Update: Jason Momoa, known for his role in Aquaman, has been confirmed to play Lobo in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. A long-time fan of the character, Momoa expressed enthusiasm for the role, describing it as a perfect fit. Lobo, an antihero from the planet Czarnia, is known for his chaotic, violent nature, superhuman strength, and bounty-hunting exploits. Directed by Craig Gillespie and based on Tom King’s 2022 comic series, the film stars Milly Alcock as Supergirl and Matthias Schoenaerts as the villain. Production begins January 13, with James Gunn and Peter Safran producing.
Roundtable
Actress Roundtable: Zoe Saldaña has established herself as a versatile and commanding force in Hollywood, showcasing a wide range of talent across genres. Known for her captivating performances in franchises like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, Saldaña’s career trajectory has been a testament to her ability to tackle complex, dynamic roles. Most recently, Saldaña stars in the action-packed TV series Lioness, where she plays the role of Joe, a CIA operative who is part of a specialized mission tasked with navigating the complicated world of counterterrorism. Saldaña has openly discussed the challenges she faced in this role, particularly with her struggles with dyslexia and anxiety. Despite the demanding nature of the role, she saw it as an opportunity for growth.
"I wanted to challenge myself and address my dyslexia and my anxiety by taking on a character who was commanding with a lot of dialogue. The moment I said yes, I went home and looked at my partner and was like, 'I don't think I can do this.'"
She then goes on to say how she overcomes that self-doubt and faces challenges head-on.
"Then, obviously, the next day was just, roll your sleeves up and create all the tools that you need to get there."
Zendaya, known for her roles as Rue Bennett in Euphoria is known for playing a teenager and has garnered praise for her performance as Rue and has solidified her status as one of the most talented and fearless young actresses of her generation. Her portrayal of Rue, a teenager struggling with addiction, mental health, and the complexities of life, has captivated audiences worldwide. Zendaya, celebrated for her role in Euphoria, shared her self-awareness and approach to creative freedom on set.
"I’m a very self-conscious person. Everything I do, I’m very self-critical. And I find that being on a set is one of the few places that I don’t judge myself."
Her role as a teenager Rue Bennett is completely different to her latest leading lady role of Tashi Duncan in Challengers. She goes on to say how refreshing it was to play someone her own age and completely different.
Challengers was my first time in a leading lady role and being a part of the producing aspect. It was all very exciting and also daunting. But when you read certain characters, you’re like, “I just can’t pass up the opportunity to play this woman.” She was refreshing to me. She doesn’t apologize for her need for control as her life is falling apart or for vicariously having to live through other people. It spoke to me because I love my job so much. I’m so grateful that I get to do this for a living.
Actors on Actor: Selena Gomez, celebrated for her transition between acting and music, opens up in her conversation with Saoirse Ronan about her dedication to her craft and personal growth. Gomez explains how her preparation for her role in Emilia Pérez—learning Spanish and immersing herself in the culture—was a deeply personal journey.
"When it’s something I really love and care about, I tend to want to immerse myself in it completely,"
She also goes onto say how there is a clear distinction between her acting and music careers.
"My music career is separate. However, I don’t see that being a forever thing," she notes, emphasizing her evolving focus.
Actors on Actor: Cynthia Erivo reflects on her Broadway experience and the challenges of singing live on set for Wicked: Part Two. Unlike the grandeur of stage performances where everything is projected outward to reach the back of the house, the film requires a more intimate approach, where every nuance of emotion and sound must be captured closely. She shares how director Jon Chu encouraged a live performance style, offering a raw, unfiltered expression that allowed her to connect with the moment. She describes this approach as follows:
"The joy of being able to do all of that on set, because you could really connect in the moment, change your mind in the moment."
In a separate reflection on the gravity of performing Defying Gravity in Wicked: Part Two, Cynthia reveals how she approached the song's immense emotional and physical demands. Flying while singing, she describes the process of harmonizing her body, voice, and brain to make the performance feel seamless and powerful. But beyond the physical challenges, she drew strength from her own journey—her experiences of feeling overlooked and different in the entertainment industry.
"There are so many people who want to feel seen, who want to know that it’s possible to exceed people’s expectations of them and exceed your own expectations."
