Weekly Entertainment Digest – August 24th

August 24, 2024

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We have some pretty big announcements this week, new series, and a lot of great giveaways and screenings! Check out everything that happened this week in entertainment and your chance to watch free movies this weekend.

Check out the major annoucements from D23 last week and be sure to stay up to date with the release schedule here, or check out the new movies coming to theaters and streaming with PrimeVideo and Amazon MGM, original content coming to Hulu or the Family Friendly content on Netflix this Month!

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Movie and Series Reviews

Movie and Entertainment Updates

BLINK TWICE – New Featurette – In theaters this Now

When tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun soaked days and everyone’s having a great time. No one wants this trip to end, but as strange things start to happen, Frida begins to question her reality. There is something wrong with this place. She’ll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive.

Disney and Pixar’s INSIDE OUT 2 – On Digital Now

Make room for new emotions because Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 is now available at digital retailers (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home). The highly anticipated heartwarming sequel has already proven to be a blockbuster smash hit, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time, currentl the 10th highest grossing film in global box office history, and the fastest animated film to reach $1 billion globally.

Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™ and celebrated by critics as “absolute perfection, hilarious” (Jazz Tangcay, Variety) and “an unforgettable experience” (Landon Johnson, Awards Watch), the historic box office run has also established Inside Out 2 as Pixar’s top-grossing movie of all time globally.

Fans can continue the emotional roller coaster with exclusive content featuring an all-new documentary, an alternative opening, deleted scenes and much more.

ANGRY BIRDS MYSTERY ISLAND | 8 New Episodes Available Now

When three teenage hatchlings and a piglet get stranded on a deserted island, Mia, Buddy, Rosie and Hamylton must overcome their differences and supernatural phenomena in order to make it back home. Each day, the gang hatches a plan to get off the island, but is thwarted by unexpected twists and turns. They face extreme weather, challenging adventures and newfound creatures along the way, often solving one mystery only to reveal another. The island tests Mia, Buddy, Rosie and Hamylton constantly, but only by passing these tests and going deep into the heart of darkness can our heroes find a way back to the life they once knew.

STAR TREK: PRODIGY SEASON 2 – On Digital Now Available on Blu-ray ™ and MOD DVD November 12

Continue the epic adventures throughout the cosmos in the all-new Star Trek: Prodigy: Season 2 Blu-ray ™ and MOD DVD. Join this extraordinary motley crew of young aliens who must figure out how to work together while navigating a greater galaxy, in search of a better future. These six young outcasts know nothing about the ship they have commandeered – a first in the history of the “Star Trek” franchise – but over the course of their adventures together, they will each be introduced to Starfleet and the ideals it represents. Dive deeper into this season with two all-new featurettes including exclusive cast & crew interviews only available on DVD & Blu-ray!

Star Trek: Prodigy: Season 2 will be available on Blu-ray™ and MOD DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment and CBS Home Entertainment on November 12, 2024 for the suggested retail price of $25.99 (Blu-ray™). Available on Digital Now for the suggested retail price of $19.99 (HD) and $14.99 (SD).

Star Trek: Prodigy: Season 2 Episodes:

Into the Breach, Parts I & II
Who Saves the Saviors
Temporal Mechanics 101
Observer’s Paradox
Imposter Syndrome
The Fast and the Curious
Is There in Beauty No Truth?
The Devourer of All Things, Part I
The Devourer of All Things, Part II
Last Flight of the Protostar, Part I
Last Flight of the Protostar, Part II
A Tribble Called Quest
Cracked Mirror
Ascension, Part I
Ascension, Part II
Brink
Touch of Grey
Ouroboros, Part I
Ouroboros, Part II

Star Trek: Prodigy: Season 2, Blu-ray™ & MOD DVD Synopsis:

In Season 2, the Protostar crew are assigned a new mission aboard the USS Voyager-A to rescue Captain Chakotay and bring peace to Gwyn’s home world. But when their plan goes astray, it creates a time paradox that jeopardizes both their future and past. This release features all 20 episodes of Season 2 plus two all-new featurettes with exclusive cast & crew interviews!

Star Trek: Prodigy: Season 2 Blu-ray™ and DVD includes two all-new featurettes, exclusively available with this release.

Producing Prodigy: The Legacy

Producers and Wil Wheaton discuss creating an introduction for new audiences of Prodigy, all the pieces of Legacy Star Trek, and how Prodigy fits into the greater canon.

The Odyssey of Prodigy

Producers discuss the Protostar crew coming from being heroes on their ship to becoming part of something much bigger in Season 2, and Wil Wheaton speaks on his character Wesley Crusher coming back to Star Trek and how that return affected him.

PACHINKO” SEASON TWO in on AppleTV+ Now

Apple TV+ is excited to share a sneak peek clip from episode one of “Pachinko” season two. The new season launches with the first episode on Friday, August 23, followed by new episodes every Friday through October 11. The critically acclaimed, deeply moving series stars Lee Minho, Yuh-Jung Youn, Minha Kim, Anna Sawai, Jin Ha, Eunchae Jung, Soji Arai and Sungkyu Kim.

Episode 201 – “Chapter Nine”

World War II forces Sunja to make dangerous decisions for her family’s survival. Pushed to the edge, Solomon takes a stand.

About “Pachinko” Season Two

The first season received 11 international awards including a Peabody Award, an American Film Institute Award, a Critics Choice Award and a Gotham Independent Film Award. Season two stars Lee Minho, Yuh-Jung Youn, Minha Kim, Jin Ha, Anna Sawai, Eunchae Jung, Soji Arai, Junwoo Han and Sungkyu Kim. Produced for Apple TV+ by the studio Media Res, “Pachinko” is created and written by Soo Hugh who serves as executive producer. The series is executive produced by Media Res’ Michael Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer, and Blue Marble Pictures’ Theresa Kang and is directed by Leanne Welham, Arvin Chen, and Sang-il Lee.

Hailing from Media Res, and told in three languages — Korean, Japanese, and English – the eight-episode second season of “Pachinko” will premiere globally on Friday, August 23 with one episode, followed by one episode weekly every Friday through October 11.

Based on The New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, “Pachinko” is a sweeping and deeply moving story of love and survival across four generations, told through the eyes of a remarkable matriarch, Sunja. In season two, the parallel stories pick up in Osaka in 1945, where Sunja is forced to make dangerous decisions for her family’s survival during World War II, and in Tokyo in 1989, which finds Solomon exploring new, humble beginnings.

GARFIELD AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY™AND DVD AUGUST 27th

Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.

SPECIAL FEATURES
BLU-RAY™, DVD & DIGITAL EXTRAS

Gag Reel
Easter Eggs: Garnishes à la Garfield
Deleted Scene – Animatic, featuring Hannah Waddingham

Also includes:

Indoor Cat, Outdoor Adventure
Cast of Critters
How-to-Draw: Garfield, Odie, Vic, and more!
Animation Reels & Gallery

Blu-ray™ & DVD include a digital code for movie and bonus materials as listed above, redeemable via Movies Anywhere for a limited time. Movies Anywhere is open to U.S. residents age 13+. Visit MoviesAnywhere.com for terms and conditions.

Searchlight Pictures’ KINDS OF KINDNESS Makes Its Streaming Debut On Hulu on August 30th

Filled with unpredictability and intrigue, Searchlight Pictures’ Kinds of Kindness makes its streaming debut on Hulu on August 30. The film will also be available to stream via Hulu on Disney+ for Bundle subscribers.

From the Oscar-nominated director of Poor Things, Yorgos Lanthimos, the “profoundly hilarious” (David Fear, Rolling Stone) dark comedy features a star-studded cast, led by Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons and Willem Dafoe, that has been described as “laugh-out-loud funny” (David Ehrlich, Indiewire) and “bound to baffle and delight” (Peter Debruge, Variety).

Kinds of Kindness is a triptych fable following a man without choice who tries to take control of his own life, a policeman who is alarmed that his wife who was missing-at-sea has returned and seems a different person, and a woman determined to find a specific someone with a special ability who is destined to become a prodigious spiritual leader.

With a screenplay by Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou, the film is produced by Ed Guiney, p.g.a., Andrew Lowe, p.g.a., Yorgos Lanthimos, p.g.a., Kasia Malipan, p.g.a. The cast also includes Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer.

Kinds of Kindness won the Best Actor Award for Jesse Plemons at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

K-Pop Idols to premiere on Apple TV+ August 30th

Apple TV+ debuted the trailer for the highly anticipated documentary event “K-Pop Idols,” set to premiere globally on August 30, 2024. This six-part series offers fans an unprecedented backstage pass to the world’s biggest musical phenomenon, providing an intimate look at the intense reality of K-pop stardom with beloved artists Jessi, CRAVITY, and BLACKSWAN.

In “K-Pop Idols,” viewers will follow Jessi as she embarks on her first solo tour, CRAVITY as they navigate the pressures of impressing their agency, and BLACKSWAN as they grapple with internal tensions and dramatic shake-ups. The series delves into the personal and professional challenges these artists face—from Jessi’s reflections on life and career to the fierce competition within BLACKSWAN and CRAVITY’s creative evolution. As the journey unfolds, audiences will experience the highs and lows of the K-pop world, from international performances and family connections to unexpected news and pivotal career decisions. The series culminates in a powerful exploration of dreams, reality, and the relentless drive to succeed on the global stage—as a K-pop idol.

“K-Pop Idols” is produced for Apple TV+ by Boat Rocker’s Matador Content with Emmy Award-winning executive producers Todd Lubin (“Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry”) and Jack Turner (“Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields”), alongside Elise Chung (“Bling Empire”), Bradley Cramp (“Lord of War”), Chris Kasick (“Citizen Sleuth”), Eric Yujin Kim (“Undoing”), Emmy Award-winner Jay Peterson (“Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry”), and Sue Kim (“The Speed Cubers”).

“LEGO® Pixar: BrickToons” to Launch on Disney+ September 4th

Check out the new trailer and images for “LEGO® Pixar: BrickToons,” a brand-new series of shorts featuring classic Pixar characters. Join some of your favorite LEGO Pixar characters for all-new adventures! Sing along with Miguel in the Land of the Dead, help Merida and her brothers through a beary rocky situation, take an epic field trip with Nemo, Marlin, and Dory, watch the Parr family try to save their neighborhood from Syndrome, and join Mater as he prepares Lightning McQueen for his next big race!

All five episodes of the LEGO animated adventures begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ in just two weeks on Sept. 4.

SPEAK NO EVIL – New Featurette – In Theaters September 13th

When an American family is invited to spend the weekend at the idyllic country estate of a charming British family they befriended on vacation, what begins as a dream holiday soon warps into a snarled psychological nightmare.

From Blumhouse, the producer of The Black Phone, Get Out and The Invisible Man, comes an intense suspense thriller for our modern age, starring BAFTA award-winner James McAvoy (Split, Glass) in a riveting performance as the charismatic, alpha-male estate owner whose untrammeled hospitality masks an unspeakable darkness.

Speak No Evil stars Mackenzie Davis (Terminator: Dark Fate, Halt and Catch Fire) and SAG award-winner Scoot McNairy (Argo, A Quiet Place Part II) as American couple Louise and Ben Dalton, who, along with their 11-year-old daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler; The Good Nurse, Riverdale), accept the weekend-holiday invitation of Paddy (McAvoy), his wife Ciara (Aisling Franciosi; Game of Thrones, The Fall) and their furtive, mute son Ant (newcomer Dan Hough).

Written for the screen and directed by James Watkins, the writer-director of Eden Lake and the award-winning gothic ghost story The Woman in Black, Speak No Evil is based on the screenplay of the 2022 Danish horror sensation Gæsterne, written by Christian Tafdrup and Mads Tafdrup. That film earned 11 Danish Film Awards nominations, the Danish equivalent of the Oscars.

Speak No Evil is produced by Jason Blum (Five Nights at Freddy’s, M3GAN) for Blumhouse and by Paul Ritchie (McMafia, The Ipcress File) and is executive produced by Beatriz Sequeira for Blumhouse, Jacob Jarek and Christian Tafdrup.

THE CROWN SEASON 6 AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD September 17th

SEASON 6: In the final season of the groundbreaking series, a relationship blossoms between Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed before a fateful car journey has devastating consequences. Prince William tries to integrate back into life at Eton in the wake of his mother’s death as the monarchy must ride the wave of public opinion. As she reaches her Golden Jubilee, the Queen reflects on the future of the monarchy with the marriage of Charles and Camilla and the beginnings of a new royal fairy tale in William and Kate.

SERIES BOXSET: Winner of over 20 Emmys® including Outstanding Drama Series, the groundbreaking fictional drama tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II and the political and personal events that shaped her reign. The complete series boxset contains all six seasons of the award-winning show on high-definition Blu-ray^TMdisc with over 100 minutes of special features and a collectable 24-page photobook with a special message from Peter Morgan.

“Emmy®” is the registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS.

SPECIAL FEATURES
SEASON 6 BLU-RAY™AND DVD

Special Features
- A Family Saga
- Royal Weddings
- A Lasting Legacy

EUREKA Opening in Theaters on September 20th

Traversing time, space and genre, Argentinian filmmaker Lisandro Alonso presents an elliptical meditation on the experiences of indigenous communities across the Americas. Opening in a dusty town of the Old West, reality soon transitions to contemporary South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation before finally landing in the jungles of 1970s Brazil. As the triptych unfolds, each temporal and spatial shift provokes metaphysical questions about colonial influence on native peoples and the ever-present tensions between indigeneity and the Western world. Featuring three-time Academy Award nominee Viggo Mortensen, EUREKA is a graceful refraction of history and place, marking it Alonso’s “most expansive and ambitious film to date” (Screen Anarchy).

BEFORE DAWN on Blu-ray September 24th

After leaving his family’s sheep farm in the Australian outback, a young man joins his countrymen on the western front of World War I with hopes of helping expedite an end to the bloody conflict. But as war rages on, he is forced to grapple with the brutal realities of trench warfare, including a near-constant battle to keep himself alive—without leaving another man behind.

Midnight Family – Premiering on AppleTV+ on September 25th

Apple TV+ debuted the trailer for “Midnight Family,” the 10-episode Spanish-language medical drama hailing from showrunner and director Natalia Beristáin, and created for television by Julio Rojas and Ariel Award winner Gibrán Portela. The hour-long series will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with two episodes on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, followed by one new episode every Wednesday through November 20, 2024.

“Midnight Family” features an entirely Hispanic cast and crew led by Ariel Award winner Joaquín Cosío (“Narcos: Mexico”), Renata Vaca (“Dale Gas”), Diego Calva (“Babylon”) and introduces Sergio Bautista, with the special participation of Goya Award winner Óscar Jaenada (“Hernán”) and with José María de Tavira (“The Candidate”), Itzan Escamilla (“Élite”), Mariana Gómez (“The Queen of Flow”), Dolores Heredia (“Capadocia”) and special guest Oscar nominee Yalitza Aparicio (“Roma”).

Inspired by the award-winning documentary of the same name, “Midnight Family” follows Marigaby Tamayo (Vaca), an ambitious and gifted medical student by day, who spends her nights saving lives throughout a sprawling, contrasted and fascinating Mexico City aboard her family’s privately owned ambulance. Along with her father Ramón (Cosío) and her siblings Marcus (Calva) and Julito (Bautista), Marigaby serves a population of millions by tackling extreme medical emergencies to make a living.

“Midnight Family” is produced for Apple TV+ by Fremantle and Fabula. The series is produced by Juan de Dios Larraín and Pablo Larraín through Fabula, the production company behind Oscar-winning film “A Fantastic Woman.” Ángela Poblete and Mariane Hartard serve as executive producers along with Natalia Beristáin. Rodrigo Herranz, Christian Vesper, Luke Lorentzen, Kellen Quinn, Josh Braun and Jonathan Bouzali also serve as executive producers. The project marks the second collaboration for Apple TV+, Fremantle and Beristáin, who previously directed episodes of the Apple Original series, “The Mosquito Coast.”

MEGALOPOLIS – In Theaters September 27th

MEGALOPOLISis a Roman Epic set in an imagined Modern America. The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare. Torn between them is socialite Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel), the mayor’s daughter, whose love for Cesar has divided her loyalties, forcing her to discover what she truly believes humanity deserves.

https://youtu.be/bgbjQIbuI_s?si=yqsbU-H_6YGDNzAm

AZRAEL | In Theaters September 27th

In a world in which no one speaks, a mysterious, devout community hunts down a young woman named Azrael (Samara Weaving) who has escaped their imprisonment. Recaptured by its ruthless leaders, she is to be sacrificed to pacify an evil which resides deep within the surrounding wilderness – but Azrael will stop at nothing to ensure her own freedom and survival. From the seeds of this gritty, relentless parable of sacrifice and salvation, comes an immersive, real-time, action horror tale from the visionary minds of Simon Barrett and E.L. Katz.

PASSENGER Premiering on BritBox October 17th

Written by debut screenwriter, Andrew Buchan who is best known for his acting roles on Broadchurch, The Honourable Woman and Better, Passenger explores a close-knit community who are unwilling to face their fears of change, of outsiders and of the unknown. Set in the fictional small Northern town of Chadder Vale, Former Met Police Detective Riya Ajunwa (Wunmi Mosaku) investigates a series of strange and inexplicable crimes that have the townsfolk spinning on an axis. Riya arrived in decaying Chadder Vale five years ago and has since been searching for that ‘one big crime’, the challenge that will make her feel alive again. Then one night, local girl Katie Wells (Rowan Robinson) mysteriously disappears. The town barely has time to register her absence before she reappears the next day, apparently safe and sound. The townsfolk ask few questions and normal life resumes. But for Riya, a relative outsider to the Chadder Vale way of life, none of this sits right. As a series of strange happenings and increasingly shocking crimes start unfolding within the town, the residents resort to short-sighted theories and blame outside influences such as the fracking site and its manager Jim Bracknell (David Threlfall). As things become stranger, the people push back on Riya’s absurd notion that something is not right with this town. But what are they so afraid of?

EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS – Only In Theaters on October 18th

Tarrell (Holland) is an admired American painter who lives with his wife, singer Aisha (Day), and their young son, Jermaine. Tarrell’s artwork excavates beauty from the anguish of his youth, keeping past wounds at bay. His path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, La’Ron (Jelks), a conscience-stricken man desperate to reconcile.

Tarrell’s mother, Joyce (Ellis-Taylor) a pious woman with a profound and joyful spirituality, hopes that Tarrell can open his heart to forgiveness, giving them all another chance at being a family. Tarrell and La’Ron learn that forgetting might be a greater challenge than forgiving in this raw and deeply moving film.

Hulu Original Series “Rivals” Premieres October 18th

Hulu has announced that all eight episodes of “Rivals”, the upcoming adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s iconic novel, will launch on Friday 18 October 2024. Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, “Rivals” delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986.

The series stars Alex Hassell (‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’, ‘The Boys’) as the dashing ex-Olympian, Member of Parliament, and dangerously charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black, David Tennant (‘Doctor Who’, ‘Good Omens’) as Lord Tony Baddingham, Aidan Turner (‘Poldark’, ‘The Suspect’) as Declan O’Hara, Nafessa Williams (‘Black Lighting’, ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody’) as Cameron Cook, Katherine Parkinson (‘Humans’, ‘Here We Go’) as Lizzie Vereker and Bella Maclean (‘Spring Awakening’, ‘Sex Education’) as Taggie O’Hara.

The series also stars Emily Atack, Catriona Chandler, Oliver Chris, Danny Dyer, Rufus Jones, Lisa McGrillis, Luke Pasqualino, Claire Rushbrook, and Victoria Smurfit.

“Rivals” is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins (‘A Very English Scandal’, ‘Holding’, ‘EastEnders’), Alexander Lamb (‘Ackley Bridge’, ‘The Bay’, ‘We Hunt Together’), Felicity Blunt, Olivier Award-winning playwright Laura Wade (‘The Riot Club’), “Rivals” author Dame Jilly Cooper and Director of Scripted Content for Disney+ EMEA Lee Mason. “Rivals” is produced by Happy Prince, which is part of ITV Studios. The series is written by Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Laura Wade alongside the series episodic writers room which includes: Sophie Goodhart (‘The Baby’, ‘Sex Education’), Marek Horn (‘Wild Swimming’, ‘Octopolis’), Mimi Hare & Clare Naylor (‘The Accidental Husband’), Dare Aiyegbayo (‘The Dumping Ground,’ ‘EastEnders’), Kefi Chadwick (‘Looted’, ‘Avoidance’). Tray Agyeman is a shadow writer on episode 6, and Sorcha Kurien Walsh (‘The Pink Pill’) is staff writer in the room. The Casting Director is Kelly Valentine Hendry (‘Bridgerton’, ‘The Last Kingdom’, ‘Kaos’).

The lead director is BAFTA-nominated Elliot Hegarty (‘Ted Lasso, Cheaters’, ‘Trying’), who also serves as executive producer on episodes 1-4. Eliza Mellor (‘The Midwich Cuckoos’, ‘Behind Her Eyes’, ‘Poldark’) serves as Series Producer. Dee Koppang O’Leary (“The Crown”) and Alexandra Brodski (“Somewhere Boy”) also direct episodes.

WICKED | ‘A Wicked Bond’ Featurette – In Theaters November 27th

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

A Thousand Blows – COMING TO HULU IN 2025

Hulu has released an official first look of the upcoming UK Original, “A Thousand Blows”, an epic new series set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London, from the mind of Steven Knight, acclaimed creator of the global hit series, “Peaky Blinders.” “A Thousand Blows” is coming to Disney+ in the UK and Ireland, Hulu in the U.S. and select other countries on Disney+ in 2025. The series is produced by The Story Collective in a co-production with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions

The images reveal the first glimpse at BAFTA award-winning actor Malachi Kirby (“Small Axe”) as Hezekiah Moscow, who finds himself thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End from Jamaica. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, he meets Mary Carr, played by Erin Doherty (“The Crown”), leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets. As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson, played by Stephen Graham (“Boiling Point,” “Boardwalk Empire”), a seasoned and dangerous boxer and the two are soon locked into an intense rivalry that spills out way beyond the ring.

The wider ensemble cast includes Francis Lovehall as Hezekiah’s best friend Alec Munroe, Jason Tobin as Mr Lao and James Nelson-Joyce as Edward “Treacle” Goodson. The Forty Elephants includes Hannah Walters as Eliza Moody, Darci Shaw as Alice Diamond, Nadia Albina as Verity Ross, Morgan Hilaire as Esme Long, Jemma Carlton as Belle Downer and Caoilfhionn Dunne as Anne Glover. Additional cast includes Susan Lynch as Jane Carr, Daniel Mays as William ‘Punch’ Lewis, Adam Nagaitis as the Earl of Lonsdale, Gary Lewis as Jack Mac, Tom Davis as Charlie Mitchell and Robert Glenister as Indigo Jeremy.

The thrilling series is brought to life by acclaimed screenwriter Steven Knight, starring and executive produced by Stephen Graham. Steven Knight is the lead writer for the series, with episodes also written by a group of new voices including Ameir Brown, Insook Chappell, Harlan Davies and Yasmin Joseph. The series is directed, and executive produced by Tinge Krishnan and Nick Murphy, alongside Ashley Walters and Coky Giedroyc.

Steven Knight, Creator, Writer, Executive Producer, said, “The love and care that went into this thrilling production is evident on screen from the first moment. What makes the story we tell all the more compelling is that it is based on the lives of real people who lived extraordinary lives in extraordinary times.”

“A Thousand Blows” is created, written and executive produced by Steven Knight. Starring and executive produced by Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters for Matriarch Productions, Damian Keogh and Kate Lewis for The Story Collective, and Tom Miller and Sam Myer for Water & Power Productions. Award-winning broadcaster and historian Professor David Olusoga acts as executive producer on the series with Tom Miller as Series Producer and Barrington Robinson and Jo Johnson as producers. The Original series is executive produced for Disney+ by Lee Mason, Director of Scripted Content.