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The Forge Nabs U.S. Rights to Genre-Bending Psychological Horror Film ‘Fluxx,’ Releases First Trailer – Film News in Brief

The Forge Nabs U.S. Rights to Genre-Bending Psychological Horror Film ‘Fluxx,’ Releases First Trailer – Film News in Brief

The Forge has nabbed the U.S. distribution rights to Brendan Gabriel Murphy’s new psychological horror film “Fluxx,” giving it a limited theatrical run beginning May 30.

Starring Shelley Hennig (“Unfriended”), Shiloh Fernandez (“Evil Dead”), Henry Ian Cusick (“Lost”), Charlotte McKinney (“Fantasy Island”) and Tyrese Gibson (“Transformers”), “Fluxx” takes viewers on a trippy time loop after a film actress is forced to confront her husband’s mysterious disappearance while being unable to leave her Hollywood Hills home.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with The Forge to bring ‘Fluxx’ to audiences,” Murphy said in a statement. “It’s a film about identity and control in an increasingly disorienting world, and I can’t wait for people to experience it.”

On behalf of The Forge, the deal was negotiated by CEO Mark Sayre and head of acquisitions Decker Sadowski. On behalf of VMI Worldwide, which handled North American rights, EVP and head of business and legal affairs Mickey Guerin negotiated.

Watch the exclusive trailer below.

Breaking Through the Lens is launching a new grant, titled “The Simbelle Impact Award,” to further their support of marginalized filmmakers with a $10,000 unrestricted grant.

Simbelle Productions founder Lauren Melinda announced the new grant at the Breaking Through the Lens annual Cannes event, headlined by a conversation with “The Chronology of Water” filmmaker Kristen Stewart and star Kim Gordon.

“As a filmmaker and a mother, I understand how powerful it is for women and girls to see themselves authentically represented on screen,” Melinda said in a statement. “These stories open up new possibilities and inspir

May 16, 2025
‘A Different World’ Sequel Series Pilot at Netflix Adds Six Series Regulars

‘A Different World’ Sequel Series Pilot at Netflix Adds Six Series Regulars

In a move that promises to bring back the charm of the beloved series, Netflix is set to revive the legacy of “A Different World.” According to sources, six new cast members have been added to the pilot episode, as reported exclusively by Variety. While Netflix has chosen not to comment on these developments, fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.

The newly introduced cast includes Chibuikem Uche in the role of Kojo, Maleah Joi Moon as Deborah, Cornell Young as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, Alijah Kai Haggins as Rashida, and Kennedi McClure as Hazel. Each actor brings their unique talent and charisma to breathe life into these fresh characters.

This sequel project was initially announced to be in development in August 2024, with the official pilot order following shortly thereafter in March. Set against the backdrop of Hillman College—a fictional historically Black university—the narrative will center around the daughter of iconic original characters Whitley and Dwayne. Through this continuation, audiences are invited to revisit the vibrant world that first captivated them decades ago.

Guiding this ambitious endeavor is Felicia Pride, who serves as writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Joining her in shaping the series are Debbie Allen, Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood—all contributing as executive producers. Notably, Debbie Allen's involvement runs deep; she not only produced but also directed much of the original series' 144 episodes. Sources confirm her return to direct the new pilot, ensuring continuity with the original’s essence.

Originating as a spin-off from “The Cosby Show,” “A Different World” originally followed Denise

May 16, 2025
Davis Guggenheim Talks ‘Deaf President Now!’: ‘It’s an Injustice That the Story Has Not Been Told’

Davis Guggenheim Talks ‘Deaf President Now!’: ‘It’s an Injustice That the Story Has Not Been Told’

In “Deaf President Now!” directors Nyle DiMarco and Oscar winner Davis Guggenheim recount eight tumultuous days in 1988 at Washington, DC’s Gallaudet University – the only Deaf university in the U.S. At the time students were protesting after the school’s board of trustees appointed a hearing president over several very qualified Deaf candidates. In the University’s 124-year history, Gallaudet had never been led by a Deaf person despite growing sentiment from the community that it was time for a Deaf leader.

For the documentary, DiMarco, a Deaf actor-advocate, and Guggenheim interviewed the four Gallaudet graduates – Greg Hlibok, Jerry Covell, Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, and Tim Rarus – who were responsible for organizing the week-long movement that consisted of rallies, boycotts and protests. In the film, the foursome describe events in their own words, which are signed on-screen and spoken aloud by unseen actors. Told primarily through American Sign Language, intermixed with archival footage and experiential use of silence and sound, the Apple+ doc tells the story of a game-changing protest.

Initially, DiMarco worked with producer Jonathan King on scripted versions of the Gallaudet protests. But with countless hours of archival footage and the four movement organizers willing to sit down for interviews, DiMarco and King determined that the events were dramatic and compelling enough to make a documentary. DiMarco and King eventually approached Guggenheim, with whom King had collaborated on “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.”

Guggenheim had never co-directed a film and was initially “terrified” to make the doc.

“I think that the hearing world looked past this moment because they didn’t take the time to understand Deaf culture and Deaf history,” says Guggenheim. “It’s actua

May 16, 2025
VFX Workers on ‘Avatar,’ Marvel and Disney Projects Ratify IATSE Contracts

VFX Workers on ‘Avatar,’ Marvel and Disney Projects Ratify IATSE Contracts

In a landmark moment for the visual effects (VFX) industry, workers on "Avatar," as well as those at Marvel and Disney, have ratified their first-ever labor contracts. This significant achievement represents a pivotal step forward in securing fair treatment and recognition for VFX professionals.

The newly established contracts incorporate standard union protections such as overtime pay, eligibility for the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan, meal penalties, rest periods, and turnaround times. Notably, the Disney/Marvel contract includes salary increases of 4% in the first year and 3.5% in the second year, aligning with the raises negotiated last year by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

"I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the members of these VFX bargaining units for negotiating fair contracts that have garnered such strong support," said Matthew Loeb, international president of IATSE. "From the onset of this process until today, the leadership and determination displayed by these members have been truly inspiring."

This vote signifies a milestone in the ongoing journey toward unionizing VFX workers, who have long grappled with relentless deadlines and extended working hours. In 2023, approximately 50 Marvel workers unanimously voted to join IATSE, followed shortly thereafter by a unanimous 13-0 vote among Disney VFX workers. Early in 2024, “Avatar” VFX workers cast their ballots, with 57 in favor and 19 against unionization.

These contracts apply to workers directly employed by Disney or Marvel, and in the case of “Avatar,”

May 16, 2025
‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ Stars Recount How Nicole Kidman Stayed in Character on Set: “Kind of Thrilling — and Scary”

‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ Stars Recount How Nicole Kidman Stayed in Character on Set: “Kind of Thrilling — and Scary”

Almost four years since the debut of Nine Perfect Strangers, Nicole Kidman’s enigmatic guru, Masha, returns for a highly anticipated second season. This time, the series unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of the snowy Alps, welcoming an entirely new cast of characters seeking solace and transformation at Masha's retreat.

Among the wellness-seekers this season are Christine Baranski, Henry Golding, Murray Bartlett, Annie Murphy, Mark Strong, King Princess, and Dolly de Leon. Each brings their unique struggles and desires to the serene yet mysterious sanctuary led by Masha, where personal boundaries blur and hidden truths emerge.

At the show’s Los Angeles premiere on Thursday, Kidman—who doubles as an executive producer—revealed that a second season was not part of the original plan. The first installment, based on Liane Moriarty’s novel of the same name, captivated audiences far beyond expectations. "We were so astonished by its success," Kidman shared with The Hollywood Reporter. "When Hulu approached us, pleading for a second season, I thought, 'How could we possibly recreate that magic?' That’s how it began—an imaginative leap into uncharted territory."

Crafting this new chapter demanded meticulous attention to detail, balancing the diverse talents of one of television's most impressive casts. "They’re all incredibly gifted and commanding," Kidman explained. "Our challenge was ensuring each character had their own distinct voice, journey, and moment in the spotlight while maintaining cohesion within the ensemble."

One constant from the first season remains: Kidman's dedication to staying in character as Masha during filming. Executive producer Bruna Papandrea described how Kidman immerses herself fully in the role, meeting the new

May 16, 2025
Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson Sign With WME (EXCLUSIVE)

Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson Sign With WME (EXCLUSIVE)

Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson: A Journey of Talent and Resilience

In a significant move for their burgeoning careers, Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson have signed with WME for representation across all areas, as exclusively reported by Variety. The dynamic duo will continue to be represented by United Agents in the UK and Linden Entertainment, underscoring their growing international presence.

Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson first captured the world's attention with their groundbreaking performances as the "Britney" sketch comedy duo. Their journey began with an adaptation of "Britney" into a BBC Three pilot in 2023, a project that originated as a comedy stage show co-written by Clive. This deeply personal work explored her experience of being diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 23—a story that resonates with audiences through its raw honesty and humor.

Their most recent live show, "Friends and Nothing More," was a resounding success, selling out during its run at the prestigious 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Festival before transferring to London’s Soho Theatre. Currently, they are crafting a half-hour comedy series in collaboration with Gloria Sanchez and Two Brothers, a project in which both Clive and Robertson will not only star but also executive produce, showcasing their multifaceted talents.

Charly Clive has recently been cast in Bill Lawrence’s highly anticipated college comedy series at HBO, set to star alongside Steve Carell and Phil Dunster. Her television credits include notable roles in "The Lazarus Project" and "Pure," while her filmography features appearances in films such as "All My Friends Hate Me," which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. She mad

May 16, 2025
Nicole Kidman Says She and Sandra Bullock Were ‘Definitely’ Thinking About a ‘Practical Magic’ Sequel While Making First Movie Almost 30 Years Ago: ‘We’re So Excited’

Nicole Kidman Says She and Sandra Bullock Were ‘Definitely’ Thinking About a ‘Practical Magic’ Sequel While Making First Movie Almost 30 Years Ago: ‘We’re So Excited’

It has taken nearly three decades for the sequel to "Practical Magic" to come into fruition, but it seems the magic was always in the air. The original cast, including Nicole Kidman, were already envisioning a follow-up while filming the first movie.

“When we were making it, we definitely did,” Nicole Kidman revealed with a gleam of excitement during the Season 2 premiere of her Hulu series, “Nine Perfect Strangers.” Her eyes sparkled as she spoke about the upcoming project: “We’re so excited. Yes, yes, beyond excited. You’ve heard our spell—our incantation to the universe. We’ve already cast it.”

Earlier this month, Warner Bros. announced that the second installment of "Practical Magic" will grace theaters in 2026, with Nicole Kidman reprising her role alongside co-star Sandra Bullock. The studio unveiled an enchanting teaser—a text-only trailer accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful voiceover from Bullock and Kidman. Together, they chant, “Tooth of wolf and morning dew. Something old and something new. Let the spell begin to mix. Sept. 18, 2026.”

In this sequel, Bullock and Kidman will once again embody their beloved characters, sisters and witches Sally and Gillian Owens. These two mystical figures continue their battle against a curse that tragically claims the lives of the men they fall in love with—a tale originally inspired by Alice Hoffman’s spellbinding novel.

Directed by Susanne Bier and scripted by Akiva Goldsman—who co-wrote the screenplay for the original film—"Practical Magic 2" promises to weave an even richer tapestry of magic, sisterhood, and destiny.

Speaking earlier this year, Kidman expressed her enthusiasm, noting that the sequel is “moving ahead rapidly.” However, when asked about specific shooting dates, she admitted on Thursday evening, “Not fo

May 16, 2025
This Year’s Emmy Trends: Severed Arms, Ibérico Ham and Ron Howard are Some of the Strange Motifs Popping Up in Shows

This Year’s Emmy Trends: Severed Arms, Ibérico Ham and Ron Howard are Some of the Strange Motifs Popping Up in Shows

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In the ever-evolving world of journalism, we find solace in trends—those fleeting patterns that help us make sense of an industry otherwise brimming with unpredictability. In entertainment, these trends are often as fascinating as they are bewildering. Who could forget the era when Hollywood decided we needed not one, but two films about volcanoes and a pair of thrillers centered on deadly asteroids? Television, too, has its own peculiarities, such as the fall of 1994 when NBC pitted "ER," a gripping drama set in a Chicago hospital, against CBS’ "Chicago Hope"—another medical drama, also set in Chicago. Yet, despite this seemingly chaotic scheduling, "ER" emerged victorious during Thursday nights, while "Chicago Hope" continued to thrive elsewhere.

Trends, it seems, are the threads that weave together the fabric of our understanding of this business. They offer glimpses into the cultural pulse at any given moment. As we look ahead to the 2024-2025 Emmy season, one trend rises above the rest: the White House. In a world where Washington D.C. continues to serve as a backdrop for real-life drama, television has embraced the allure of D.C.-set narratives with fervor. These shows, however, stray far from the idealized vision of presidential administration once depicted in "The West Wing." Instead, they lean into darke

May 16, 2025
‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ Creator Sascha Penn and Star Patina Miller Talk Kanan and Raq’s Final Confrontation and Introducing [SPOILER] at Last: ‘I Expect Big Reactions on Both Sides’

‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ Creator Sascha Penn and Star Patina Miller Talk Kanan and Raq’s Final Confrontation and Introducing [SPOILER] at Last: ‘I Expect Big Reactions on Both Sides’

SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers for “Gimme the Weight,” the Season 4 finale of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” now streaming on Starz.

Since its debut in 2021, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” has taken fans on a dark and stormy ride. The family crime drama centers on teenage Kanan (MeKai Curtis), who, having been raised by his cutthroat queenpin mother, Raquel “Raq” Thomas (Patina Miller), transforms from the innocent school-focused boy to the murderous villain (portrayed by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson) who resurfaced in “Power” seeking vengeance and blood. 

Though Kanan, Raq, her brothers Marvin (London Brown) and Lou-Lou (Malcolm Mays) and Kanan’s cousin Jukebox (Hailey Kilgore) were originally a tight-knit (though criminally minded) crew, greed, power, death and deception have continually fractured their bond.

In the final moments of the Season 4 finale, “Gimme the Weight,” Kanan and Raq find themselves in a stunning confrontation. Enraged by the murders of his best friend, Famous (Antonio Ortiz) and his girlfriend, Krystal (Aliyah Turner), Kanan, who blames Raq for their deaths, aims a gun at her head. As the screen goes black, a gunshot rings out, closing out the penultimate season of the 1990s-set series. 

“For Raq’s final scene, we felt we wanted to make sure that it felt earned,” creator and showrunner Sascha Penn tells Variety. “It didn’t feel too ove

May 16, 2025
Japanese Horror ‘Never After Dark’ Acquired by XYZ Films From ‘House of Ninjas’ Team (EXCLUSIVE)

Japanese Horror ‘Never After Dark’ Acquired by XYZ Films From ‘House of Ninjas’ Team (EXCLUSIVE)

XYZ Films has secured worldwide sales rights for the supernatural horror film "Never After Dark"—excluding Japan. This acquisition was announced during the Cannes market, marking a significant milestone for the Tokyo-based production company Signal181, which recently completed filming on the project.

XYZ Films continues to expand its presence in the global genre market by executive producing and handling international sales for this chilling Japanese-language horror film. Executive producers Todd Brown and Aram Tertzakian of XYZ Films bring their expertise to ensure the film resonates with audiences worldwide.

The film stars Critic’s Choice Award winner Moeka Hoshi ("Shōgun") as a medium who embarks on what appears to be a routine exorcism in the remote Japanese countryside. However, her journey takes a dark turn when she encounters her most terrifying adversary yet: the living. Her performance promises to deliver a haunting portrayal of courage and vulnerability amidst unimaginable fear.

"Never After Dark" reunites the creative duo of producer Kento Kaku and director Dave Boyle, whose collaboration resulted in the 2024 Netflix sensation "House of Ninjas." Formed in 2024, Signal181 marks its debut with this ambitious project, showcasing the team's commitment to crafting compelling narratives that captivate global audiences.

Filmed on location amidst the breathtaking landscapes of rural Japan, the movie boasts stunning production design and practical effects crafted by some of Japan's foremost artisans. Written and directed by Boyle, the film is produced by Boyle, Kaku, and Signal181. Currently in post-production, it is slated for a wide theatrical release in Japan in 2026, promising an immersive experience for

May 16, 2025