Antoine Fuqua In Talks To Direct Universal’s ‘Scarface’ Film
Antoine Fuqua is in talks to direct Universal Pictures’ reimagined take on one of its most well-known properties, Scarface. Jonathan Herman wrote the most recent draft. (VAR)
Michael Chernus Joins ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ As The Tinkerer
Michael Chernus has joined Sony Pictures and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Homecoming as Phineas Mason the Tinkerer in the film, which is being directed by Jon Watts and stars Tom Holland in the lead role. (DH)
‘Empire’ Duo Developing Fox Comedy Starring Ms. Pat
Lee Daniels and Brian Grazer will reteam for the single-camera comedy, which landed at the network with a put-pilot commitment. (THR)
A JonBenét Ramsey Lifetime Movie Is In the Works
Twenty years after the murder of 6-year-old Colorado beauty pageant contestant JonBenét Ramsey, a TV movie centered on the crime is headed to Lifetime. (PM)
Jennifer Lopez To Star As Real-Life Drug Lord Griselda Blanco
Jennifer Lopez is set to star as notorious drug lord Griselda Blanco in a TV movie she is developing for HBO. (EN)
‘Big Brother’ Renewed For Seasons 19, 20
The reality show has been renewed for a 19th and 20th season, the network announced at the Television Critics Association summer press tour. Season 19 will air in the summer of 2017 and Season 20 will air in the summer of 2018. (TVL)
Black Manta Reportedly Set As ‘Aquaman’ Villain
Classic DC Comics villain Black Manta will apparently be the main bad guy in 2018’s James Wan–directed, Jason Momoa–starring super-flick, Aquaman. (VUL)
Jason Momoa Latest Actor Linked To ‘The Crow’ Remake
Jason Momoa is the heir apparent to The Crow franchise; he’s in talks with Relativity Media, having figured out a way to work the role in around his Aquaman duties. (COLL)
Screenwriters: Maria Escobedo on Writing for Children’s Animation and Breaking into Television
Susan Kouguell speaks with Maria Escobedo about her TV writing career and her new animated children’s show, Elena of Avalor, which recently premiered on the Disney Channel. (SM)