Box Office: ‘Rogue One,’ ‘Sing’ Rule Christmas Eve; ‘Passengers’ Looks for a Boost
The Force is once again ruling the Christmas box office. Lucasfilm and Disney’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story shows incredible staying power, with an estimated four-day holiday gross of $110 million or more — more than half its nearest rival, Sing, with six-day debut of $71 million-$75 million. The $75 million family film, easily holding at No. 2, opened Wednesday opposite Passengers and Assassin’s Creed, both of which are lagging. (BM)
Yup, It’s True. There Will, In Fact, Be a ‘Bad Moms 2’
Right before Christmas, it was revealed that A Bad Moms Christmas is being fast-tracked for release on November 3, 2017. The sequel will see the trio of ladies (Kristen Bell, Mill Kunis and Kathryn Hahn) having to “deal with the stresses of the most wonderful time of year as their own mothers visit for the holidays.” Jon Lucas and Scott Moore return to write and direct, while Suzanne Todd is attached to produce. (CB)
And There Will Also Be a Third Season Of ‘Fuller House’
The family reunion will continue: Netflix has renewed the revival. The announcement was made on the show’s social media accounts, including Twitter. “Holiday wishes, answered. Fuller House Season 3, coming 2017,” read the post on the show’s official Twitter account. Similar messages appeared on Facebook and Instagram. (VAR)
A&E Does the Smart Thing and Drops Its Upcoming KKK Docuseries
The network announced their plans to scrap the project, which was intended to serve as a close look at anti-hate extractors focused on helping people leave the Ku Klux Klan. Though network brass were amped about the project, the latest play for prestige documentary, the backlash came swiftly. There was considerable outcry on Twitter for giving the KKK an outlet on TV. (LF)
Don’t Get Your Hopes Up About M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Tales From the Crypt’ Reboot
TNT’s revival of the cherished laughs-n-gasps factory has ceased development with death potentially looming. Apparently, budget issues have derailed the plans for the project. A TNT spokesperson confirmed that the project is, ahem, not in an ideal place at the moment. The alleged culprit according to the cable network? Rights headaches. (UR)
Film Lives, Distributors Struggles and More: Four Lessons From Independent Film in 2016
The independent film world has much to celebrate in 2016. Amid the backdrop of global events like Brexit and the election of Donald Trump that have led to heightened levels of uncertainty, it’s been a fine year for cinema. There’s also been significant upheaval in indie film, however, with industry players scrambling to adapt to the new normal. So what are some of the key takeaways from the the past 12 months in movies? Here are four lessons we’ve learned. (IW)
‘La La Land’ Composer Justin Hurwitz Breaks Down Emma Stone’s Passionate ‘Audition’ Song
Ian interview with Hrishikesh Hirway’s podcast Song Exploder, Hurwitz and lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul break down Stone’s pivotal and passionate scene where she performs the song “Audition,” and how she had to do the whole performance in one take. (AS)
Trailer Buzz, Part One: Alien: Covenant
Twentieth Century Fox has released the first red band trailer for the upcoming sequel/prequel to the alien franchise, from director Ridley Scott. Starring Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, Billy Crudup, Amy Seimetz, Jussie Smollett, Carmen Ejogo, and Callie Hernandez, it hits theaters May 19th, 2017. (YM)
Trailer Buzz, Part Two: ‘Power Rangers’
Lionsgate and Saban Brands have released the international trailer for the gritty reboot of the popular ‘90s TV series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Starring Elizabeth Banks, Bryan Cranston, the voice of Bill Hader and a cast of unknowns, it hits theaters March 24th, 2017. (UR)
Screenwriters: ‘Cracking the High Concept Code
What is high concept? To put it briefly, high concepts are compelling and provocative ideas stated in as few words as possible and easily understood by just about anyone. Too many screenwriters, especially newbies, simply do not understand high concept. Some think it’s selling out. Others think it’s formulaic. Still others believe it’s contrary to their “art.” (SM)