Motion Picture: Mason Gooding Returns To ‘Scream 7’, ‘SLY LIVES’ Set To Release February On Hulu
reda elazouar - Dave Benett
Action/Horror/Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Reda Elazouar has joined the ensemble of the Apple Original Films sequel to The Family Plan, starring Mark Wahlberg. Elazouar, best known for his breakout role in Pirates and as series regular Beau in Sex Education Season 4, is keeping details of his role in the sequel under wraps. The film, directed by Simon Cellan Jones, takes place during Christmas in Europe and follows Dan (Wahlberg) as he tries to organize the perfect vacation for the Morgans while facing the unexpected consequences of his past. Elazouar has also recently joined the cast of the PBS series Maigret, set to premiere in 2025.
Serena, an A.I. thriller currently in production in New York City, stars Andi Matichak, Steven Strait, and Ashleigh Murray. The film follows a tech engineer, played by Murray, tasked with creating an A.I. model named Serena, which becomes a sinister weapon after a down-on-his-luck former rock star, portrayed by Strait, is asked to test it. The film, directed by Rob Alicea in his feature debut, explores the dangers of unchecked artificial intelligence. The project also stars Tyrone Marshall Brown, María Gabriela González, and Nicole Gut, with a script by Jonathan Benecke and P.T. Hylton. Producers include Jerry Careccio, Scarlett Camargo, and Brodrick Haygood.
The Weeknd’s suspense thriller Hurry Up Tomorrow, co-starring Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, premieres May 16, 2025, distributed by Lionsgate. Directed by Trey Edward Shults (Waves), the film is inspired by The Weeknd’s music and completes his artistic trilogy following After Hours and Dawn FM. Coinciding with his upcoming album of the same name, set for release on January 24, the project also includes a one-night-only Rose Bowl concert on January 25. Produced under The Weeknd’s Manic Phase banner, the film is described as a groundbreaking theatrical experience.
Comedy/Dramady/Musical: From writer/director Alex Scharfman, Death of a Unicorn is an intriguing comedy supernatural horror film set to release in Spring 2025. Starring Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant, the film promises a compelling story brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast. With its captivating visuals and mysterious and funny tone teased in the trailer, this highly anticipated project showcases Scharfman's unique storytelling vision. The script has no relation to Peter Dickinson's novel of the same name.
Big Beach is developing a new untitled musical comedy directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Nneka Onuorah, from a script by Christina Nieves (Generation). Set in the present-day South, the story follows a young woman who discovers a history of magic in her family through a school project and must harness newfound mystical powers to face an ancient enemy. Onuorah describes the film as a unique blend of identity, ancestral legacy, and youthful energy. Big Beach is known for films like Little Miss Sunshine and The Farewell and has several high-profile projects in development, including Becoming Led Zeppelin.
chosen jacobs - Rodin Eckenroth/Stringer
Drama: BET+ and MegaMind Media's Fighting To Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story stars Dyllón Burnside, D.B. Woodside, and A.J. Johnson in a true crime biopic about celebrity stylist Dwen Curry. Written by La Jill Hunt and directed by Joe Carroll, the film chronicles Curry’s journey from a troubled youth during Detroit’s crack epidemic to success as a stylist for stars like Mariah Carey and Missy Elliot. It delves into Curry's secret life as a fraudulent criminal mastermind and her struggles with identity, sexuality, and self-acceptance, culminating in her transition to living authentically as a transgender woman. The biopic is the second inspired by BET+’s American Gangster: Trap Queens series.
Briarcliff Entertainment has set a March 21, 2025 release for Magazine Dreams, a drama written and directed by Elijah Bynum. The film stars Jonathan Majors as an emotionally troubled aspiring bodybuilder and initially garnered awards buzz after its Sundance 2023 debut. However, legal issues surrounding Majors, including his conviction on two misdemeanor counts of assault and harassment, caused Searchlight to drop the project. Despite the controversy, Bynum and Briarcliff aim to spotlight the hard work of the cast and crew, including Haley Bennett, Taylour Paige, and four-time Mr. Universe Mike O’Hearn. The film is produced by Jennifer Fox, Dan Gilroy, and others, with Zeus Network leading the marketing.
Chosen Jacobs, known for his roles in It and Hawaii Five-0, will star in Their Town, a YA romantic drama directed by Katie Aselton. The film follows teenagers Abby (Ora Duplass) and Matt (Jacobs) as they are thrust together when Abby's boyfriend drops out of the school play, forcing Matt to step in. Over a long night in their small town, the two explore their futures and uncover secrets from their past. Jacobs also recognized for his work in Sneakerella and Purple Hearts, will bring depth to Matt, an outlier character in this intimate coming-of-age story. The film is produced by Duplass Brothers Productions.
André Holland is one of the lead stars in The Revisionist, the feature directorial debut of Alex Vlack. The film, which is currently shooting in Louisville, KY, explores the psychological toll a successful novelist, played by Alison Brie, takes as she manipulates the people around her into the characters needed for her story, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Holland’s role in the drama adds to his growing body of work in both film and television.
Lil Rel Howery stars alongside Heather Graham, Kevin Nealon, Matt Walsh, and Bonnie Bedelia in Maybe We Should, an inspirational drama directed by A.J. Tesler (Hero Mode). Based on Louie Castriota’s memoir Leg Up: The Courage to Dream, the film follows a family’s efforts to establish a groundbreaking therapy center for children with special needs. Howery, known for his roles in Vacation Friends and Get Out, joins a cast committed to portraying the challenges and triumphs of special needs families, with a focus on authenticity through the inclusion of actors with disabilities. The project is produced by Vertero Films, Artimage Entertainment, and Autumn Bailey-Ford.
Documentary: Munroe Bergdorf has signed with Curtis Brown's unscripted entertainment division ahead of the release of her debut docu-film, Love & Rage: Munroe Bergdorf, which is set to be released next year by Universal Pictures Content Group. The docu-film, directed by Olivia Cappuccini, follows Bergdorf's journey as she confronts her past while writing the story of her life. Known for her activism and advocacy on transgender rights, Bergdorf has also worked as a broadcaster, author, and model. She has appeared in MTV's Queerpiphany, hosted the Spotify podcast The Way We Are, and written two books, with Talk To Me set to be published next year. Bergdorf is also a contributing editor for British Vogue and serves as a UN Women Changemaker.
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s original documentary Sly Lives! aka the Burden of Black Genius premieres February 13 on Hulu via Disney’s Onyx Collective. Featuring guests like Andre 3000, Chaka Khan, and Nile Rodgers, the film explores the rise and struggles of Sly and the Family Stone, their groundbreaking multi-racial lineup, and hits like "Everyday People." Directed by Questlove and produced by the team behind Summer of Soul, the film also highlights Sly Stone’s recent resurgence, following the release of his autobiography Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).
Industry Update: HarbourView Equity Partners, a leading asset management company in sports, media, and entertainment, has appointed Lucinda Martinez's strategic firm, The CultureShaker, to oversee brand, marketing, and PR efforts. Martinez, now HarbourView’s Chief Marketing Officer, brings 25+ years of experience shaping iconic campaigns for brands like Netflix and HBO. Deborah Renteria joins as VP of Brand & Content Strategy. HarbourView recently financed hip-hop biopics with Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios, invested in Usher’s concert film Rendezvous in Paris, and partnered with Mucho Mas Media for Latino-focused projects like a La Bamba remake. The firm continues to expand its creative footprint with investments in music catalogs, film, and television.
Maria A. Ruiz Botsacos, a seasoned executive from Film at Lincoln Center, has been appointed as the inaugural executive director of the Southampton Playhouse, a historic cinema set to reopen as a state-of-the-art cultural hub in 2025. With extensive experience in strategic planning and event management, Ruiz Botsacos most recently served as vice president of events and special projects at Film at Lincoln Center, where she oversaw year-round special events, spearheaded fundraising initiatives, and acted as a key liaison to the organization's board. In her new role, she will shape the strategic vision and development of the Southampton Playhouse, ensuring it becomes a premier destination for film, live events, and educational programming. Her leadership is seen as pivotal to the Playhouse's mission of enriching the community through diverse cultural experiences.
Mason Gooding will return as Chad Meeks-Martin in Scream 7, while Jasmin Savoy Brown has yet to confirm her return as Chad’s sister, Mindy. The franchise faces significant changes, with Neve Campbell reprising her role as Sidney Prescott and Kevin Williamson, the original Scream writer, directing for the first time. New cast members include Isabel May as Sidney’s daughter, along with McKenna Grace and Asa Germann. Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega will not return, citing controversies and scheduling conflicts. Scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, Scream 7 aims to build on the franchise’s $900 million global box office legacy.
Longtime executive Nate Moore will be leaving Marvel Studios in early 2025 to transition into producing outside of Marvel. Having been with the studio since 2010, Moore has played a key role in shaping some of Marvel’s most iconic films, including producing the 2018 Black Panther, which grossed over $1.3 billion globally and won three Academy Awards. He also produced Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Eternals and was an executive producer for The Falcon and The Winter Soldier on Disney+. Moore will remain at Marvel through mid-March to complete his work on Captain America: Brave New World, releasing February 14, 2025, and to produce Black Panther 3. His departure marks the end of an era at Marvel Studios, but he looks forward to applying his extensive experience to theatrical films across genres, while also continuing his involvement in the Black Panther franchise.
Rudy Mancuso is set to direct Stand-In, a Hollywood-based film produced by Andy and Barbara Muschietti. Mancuso will also write the script with Dan Lagana, following a story by Andy Muschietti. The film centers on a Hollywood-obsessed stand-in who takes advantage of a twist of fate when the actor he's replacing disappears. This project follows Mancuso’s success with Música, an Amazon film he co-wrote, directed, and scored, which received positive reviews. Mancuso, a self-taught musician, is also known for his work with Justin Bieber and his puppet comedy series Awkward Puppets. Lagana, co-writer of Stand-In, previously worked on American Vandal and Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous.
Sandhya Suri’s critically acclaimed Hindi-language crime thriller Santosh has achieved significant accolades, including a Cannes premiere, multiple awards, and becoming the U.K.’s Oscar submission for Best International Film. However, the film struggled to secure a U.K. distributor due to challenges in the arthouse and foreign-language market, which reflect a broader crisis in U.K. indie film distribution. Factors include diminishing ancillary revenues, high distribution costs, cautious buyers, and limited theatrical opportunities for non-mainstream films. While larger European markets like France and Germany have seen success with local indie films, the U.K. remains dominated by Hollywood titles, leaving smaller films in a precarious position.
Nicola Adams' mother, Denver "Dee" Adams, filed a lawsuit against Amazon Digital U.K., alleging libel and misuse of private information in the Prime Video documentary Lioness: The Nicola Adams Story, but the case has been dismissed by London’s High Court. Judge Susie Alegre ruled that the lawsuit had “no real prospect” of success, emphasizing that the issues raised were unlikely to defeat Amazon’s defense of truth. The claims stemmed from abusive messages referenced in the documentary and allegations of misuse of private information, including Adams’ accounts of childhood domestic abuse. The judge noted that such details were already public in Adams’ 2017 autobiography and chastised Dee’s legal arguments as irrelevant and inappropriate. Alegre concluded that the lawsuit, rooted in a family feud, was not the proper forum to address personal grievances and would only result in unnecessary exposure of private matters.
Actors Roundtable: Cole Domingo (Sing Sing) sat with fellow actors in The Hollywood Reporter’s Actor’s Roundtable discussion hosted by Scott Feinberg to discuss their standout performances in 2024 films. Domingo talks about how the majority of the cast had no professional acting experience 80-85% of them had been incarcerated at Sing Sing Prison and how this film had a profit-sharing arrangement. Domingo thought the role, script, and overall idea of the message of this film about being rehabilitated through the arts, and how it's not incarcerated prisoners doing plays, it's individuals, and each having their own stories. That's what sold him to go on board with the project.
“Very community-based film and even the profit-sharing made sense. No everyone must be a part of the profit-sharing and it must be above and below the line to make sure we’re creating this thing together.”
Filmmakers Roundtable: At the second annual Hollywood Reporter roundtable during the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a diverse group of filmmakers shared valuable insights about the evolving film landscape in their respective countries.
Spike Lee, serving as the jury president, reflected on his deep love for world cinema, emphasizing how the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore global talent. He recalled his groundbreaking work on Malcolm X, noting how it was one of the first films to be shown in Saudi Arabia. Lee highlighted the importance of cinema in bridging cultural gaps, revealing how the medium can spark meaningful dialogue across borders and generations. He expressed his ongoing enthusiasm for discovering fresh voices and perspectives in international cinema.
"I love cinema, I love especially world cinema, and this gives me an opportunity to see films that I probably never would have seen. There’s talent all over the world, not just in Hollywood."
Meshal Al Jaser, a Saudi filmmaker, spoke passionately about the rapid growth of the film industry in Saudi Arabia, noting the government’s significant role in fostering this development. Al Jaser explained how young filmmakers are now able to create in ways that were previously impossible, thanks to the country’s new infrastructure, including grants, cash rebates, and state-of-the-art film studios. He emphasized the importance of these developments in helping Saudi Arabia build its own distinctive voice within the global film community, offering hope and inspiration to aspiring creators in the region. Al Jaser’s optimism mirrored the broader energy of Saudi Arabia's cultural transformation, as the country begins to cultivate its own film industry from the ground up.
"Before cinema wasn't really accessible, so we were just trying to express ourselves in whatever medium possible. Now that it's open, it means it's being embraced and taken seriously as a vital part of the culture."
Hala Elkoussy, an Egyptian artist and filmmaker, discussed how her visual arts background has profoundly shaped her approach to filmmaking. She spoke about the richness of Egypt’s cultural history and how she draws from local traditions to craft unique, visually compelling narratives for an international audience. Elkoussy emphasized the importance of creating films that are deeply connected to one’s cultural roots, while also appealing to universal themes and aesthetics. Her films reflect a dynamic fusion of Egyptian heritage and contemporary storytelling, aiming to offer international audiences a new way to experience her country’s visual and cultural identity. She expressed her belief that cinema can serve as both a personal expression and a tool for global cultural exchange.
"In Egypt, we have this very long history of filmmaking, but I wanted to make films as the visual artist that I am. I’m bringing my references from a local source and bringing them to this moment in time."
R.T. Thorne, a Canadian filmmaker, shared his thoughts on the universal nature of film and music, noting how these art forms have the power to transcend language barriers and connect people on an emotional level. Thorne, who grew up watching Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, spoke about how that film profoundly impacted him as a young filmmaker, inspiring him to explore how stories could resonate with a wide range of audiences. He explained that, for him, both music and film are incredibly powerful tools for social change, capable of transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries to create deep, meaningful connections between people. Thorne’s admiration for Lee's work also highlighted the importance of mentorship and the influence of established filmmakers in shaping the next generation of artists.
"Film and music are the most accessible. You don’t have to even understand the language of a song, you catch the vibe and feel it emotionally... there’s a humanity to film that draws you in."
Lawrence Valin, a French actor and director, discussed how his personal experiences have led him to challenge stereotypes and create new narratives within French cinema. He spoke about his film Little Jaffna, which highlights the Tamil community in France, an often underrepresented group in mainstream cinema. Valin explained how his work aims to break away from traditional portrayals and offer a more nuanced and authentic representation of this community. He sees his filmmaking as part of a larger movement to create space for marginalized voices in the industry, asserting that cinema must evolve to reflect the diverse realities of society. Valin’s journey is a testament to the power of film to foster inclusivity and diversity in a medium that has often struggled with such representation.
"When I started as an actor, there weren’t any parts. You have to create the path... I did Little Jaffna to create a new representation for my community."
