Month: January 2022

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Chris Evans teaming up with Dwayne Johnson in the film ‘Red One’ for Amazon Studios

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Chris Evans will star opposite Dwayne Johnson in the holiday film Red One for Amazon Studios. Jake Kasdan will direct the film, which will reunite him with Dwayne Johnson and Seven Bucks Productions after their collaboration on Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level.   Plot details on Red One are vague; but the movie, with a script penned by Chris Morgan, will be based on an original story from Hiram Garcia, president of production at Seven Bucks Productions.  The film is being touted as ‘an action-adventure comedy that imagines a new universe for the holiday genre.‘

Evans will next be seen in the The Gray Man for Netflix, and is voicing the role of Buzz Lightyear in Lightyear for Pixar.

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CBS’s legal drama ‘Bull’ to end after Season 6

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CBS legal drama ‘Bull’ will end with its sixth season.  Bull is loosely based on the work of Dr. Phil McGraw as a jury consultant; McGraw is also an executive producer of the show.  Series star Michael Weatherly tweeted the news, saying: “It’s been my privilege to play Dr. Jason Bull but after 6 seasons of incredible storylines, it’s time to pursue new creative challenges and bring his story to a close.”  Sources confirm that Weatherly’s decision to move on led to the decision to bring the series to an end.

The series has dealt with a good amount of controversy.  In 2018, CBS paid actress Eliza Dushku $9.5 million to settle a sexual harassment claim against Weatherly. Dushku alleged he made a series of inappropriate comments to her while she recurred on the show’s first season.  The actress had originally signed on to the show with the possibility of becoming a regular in season two, but her character was written out following her complaint and the settlement.  In addition, showrunner Glenn Gordon Caron was let go from the show and dropped from an overall deal at CBS Studios following an internal investigation into allegations that Caron fostered an unhealthy work environment on Bull. Actor Freddy Rodriguez also departed after an investigation.

CBS said in a statement:  “For six seasons, Bull has established itself as a ratings winner with its fresh take on the judicial process never before seen on television. We extend our thanks to the talented cast, Michael Weatherly, Geneva Carr, Yara Martinez, Jaime Lee Kirchner, Christopher Jackson, MacKenzie Meehan, the incredible creative team led by Kathryn Price and Nichole Millard, and our hard-working crew, for bringing to life these innovative stories. We also thank our loyal viewers and look forward to providing them with a final run of compelling episodes filled with the humor, intelligence and twists that have made the drama a fan favorite.”

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Pfizer begins testing an omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine

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Pfizer and BioNTech announced on Tuesday that they have begun a clinical trial to evaluate a new, omicron-specific vaccine for COVID-19. People who are vaccinated and boosted appear to be better protected against severe disease and hospitalization from omicron, but the highly contagious variant has still led to breakthrough cases and a surge in overall infections.

Kathrin U. Jansen, Pfizer’s senior vice president and head of vaccine research and development, said in a statement: “While current research and real-world data show that boosters continue to provide a high level of protection against severe disease and hospitalization with Omicron, we recognize the need to be prepared in the event this protection wanes over time and to potentially help address Omicron and new variants in the future.”

The study will include over 1,000 participants divided into three groups — One group includes people who have already received two doses of the current Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and will also receive the omicron vaccine;  another group includes those with three doses of the current Pfizer vaccine who will also get the omicron vaccine; and the third group includes unvaccinated people who will receive three shots of the omicron vaccine.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the current Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in people ages 5 and older. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for adults.

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2nd NYPD officer, Wilbert Mora, dies from injuries in Harlem shooting

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NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell announced Tuesday that NYPD officer Wilbert Mora, who was shot while responding to a domestic call in Harlem last Friday, has died from his injuries.  Mora was 27 years old. Commissioner Sewell said: “It’s with great sadness I announce the passing of Police Officer Wilbert Mora. Wilbert is 3 times a hero. For choosing a life of service. For sacrificing his life to protect others. For giving life even in death through organ donation. Our heads are bowed & our hearts are heavy.”

Mora is the 2nd NYPD officer to die as a result of the shooting. Mora’s partner, rookie officer Jason Rivera, 22, was struck first at the scene and died from his injuries.  The suspect, 47-year-old Lashawn McNeil, was shot in the head and arm and remained in critical condition until he died Monday from his injuries.

Mora, a four-year veteran of the NYPD, was shot in the head Friday night in Harlem during the incident.  NYC Mayor Eric Adams said: “Wilbert Mora was a hero. He served his city, protected his community and gave his life for our safety. Our hearts are heavy. Our city is in mourning. To his family, loved ones, and brothers and sisters in the NYPD: Your city is standing with you today and always.”

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Broadway actor James Snyder fired from ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ over misconduct complaint

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‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ star James Snyder, who held the title role in the show, was fired from the Broadway production following a complaint about his conduct.  Snyder’s co-star Diane Davis filed the complaint about his conduct on Nov. 19, leading to the production launching an independent investigation by a third party. Snyder will not return following the investigation and his contract has been terminated.

The exact nature of Snyder’s conduct is unknown.   The producers said in a statement: “We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, which is why we have robust workplace policies and procedures in place for all those involved in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.  This includes struct prohibitions against harassment in any form, as well as channels through which any employee can report conduct that they believe is inappropriate. We will continue to do all we can to ensure the extremely talented team that brings this production to life feels safe, empowered and fully supported.”

Snyder has also starred in Broadway productions of Cry-Baby, If/Then and In Transit, and has appeared on television in The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Cold Case, Rizzoli & Isles and more.

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Michael Madsen’s son Hudson dies by suicide at age 26

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Hudson Madsen, the 26-year-old son of actor Michael Madsen, has died by suicide.The family confirmed Hudson’s death in a statement reading: “We are heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief and pain at the loss of Hudson. His memory and light will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. We ask for privacy and respect during this difficult time.”

Hudson died of a gunshot wound to the head in a suspected suicide on the island of Oahu, a spokesperson for the Honolulu Medical Examiner confirmed. Hudson lived in Hawaii with his wife Carlie, having moved to the island of Oahu in 2019. He was the oldest of Michael’s three children with wife DeAnna Madsen. The couple also shares sons Calvin and Luke. Michael is also the father of two older sons, Christian and Max, whom he shares with ex Jeannine Bisignano.

Michael Masden 64, is a long-time collaborator with film director Quentin Tarantino, who is also a personal friend. Tarantino is the godfather of both Hudson and Calvin. Masden has appeared in several of Tarantino’s films, including Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and 2.

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Wall Street recovers from early losses after investors jump in before the closing bell

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The stock market recovered from big early losses on Monday after investors jumped in before the closing bell. The Dow Jones Industrial Average swung 1,217 points and closed up 0.3% after dropping 1,000 points as investors worried over possible conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and anticipated inflation-fighting measures from the Federal Reserve.

The price of oil and bitcoin fell, and so did the yield on 10-year Treasury notes, a sign of investor concern about the economy. The decline in stock prices has come as the Fed has signaled its readiness to begin raising its benchmark short-term interest rate in 2022 to try to tame inflation, which is at its highest level in nearly four decades. By early afternoon on Monday, the selling lost momentum —  the Dow was down 598 points, or 1.8%, to 33,570 after falling more than 1,000 points earlier. The S&P 500 fell 2% to 4,310, and is now down about 10.1% from the closing high it set on Jan. 3. A close of 4,316.90 or lower will put it into a correction. The Nasdaq fell 1.8% after having been down 4.9% in the early going.

The market is waiting to hear from Federal Reserve policymakers after their latest meeting ends Wednesday. Economists have expressed concern that the Fed is already moving too late to combat high inflation, or say they worry that the Fed may act too aggressively.  Investors are also keeping an eye on the tension between Russia and the West over concerns that Moscow is planning to invade Ukraine, with NATO outlining potential troop and ship deployments.

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Pentagon announces 8,500 troops are on ‘heightened alert’ amid Russia-Ukraine tensions

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The Pentagon announced Monday it has put up to 8,500 U.S. troops on heightened alert to deploy to Eastern Europe amid escalating tensions over Russia’s build-up of troops on its border with Ukraine. Defense Department press secretary John Kirby told reporters that “prepare to deploy orders” had been issued by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to troops stationed at several installations, however, they have not yet been officially activated.

NATO also announced Monday that it was placing additional military forces on standby and sending ships and fighter jets to Eastern Europe to deter and guard against a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.  Kirby also said: “In the event of NATO’s activation of the NRF or a deteriorating security environment, the United States would be in a position to rapidly deploy additional brigade combat teams, logistics, medical, aviation, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, transportation and additional capabilities into Europe.”

President Joe Biden conferred with European leaders in a secure video call to formulate a plan to handle new developments in the standoff.  Biden spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Polish President Andrzej Duda, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Council President Charles Michel.

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Chelsea Handler’s memoir ‘Life Will Be The Death Of Me’ to be made into new comedy series at Peacock

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Chelsea Handler is set to star in a brand new comedy series at Peacock, based on her memoir, “Life Will Be the Death of Me”, which was released in 2019.

Handler will star in the half-hour show, as well as executive produce with Liz Tuccillo of Chelsea Handler Productions.  The show will ‘center on Chelsea in crisis. She goes into therapy to become a nicer and less entitled person. Mayhem and calamity ensue as she overcorrects, stumbles, regresses, and loses her marbles on her journey to self-improvement.’   Exec producers also include Annapurna Pictures’ Sue Naegle and Megan Ellison, Chelsea Handler Productions’ Molly Burke with Jackie Sosa as co-exec producer.

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Take a look at the teaser photos for Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’ Season 2

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Netflix gave fans a sneak peek at Season 2 of Bridgerton by releasing eight new teaser photos on Twitter of what is coming up on the series’ upcoming sophomore season.

One photo shows Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) having a romantic moment on the dance floor.  Another photo has Kate shown with her sister, Edwina (Charithra Chandran), while Anthony is shown fencing with his brothers and having a talk with his sister, Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor).

Other teasers include pictures featuring Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuval) reading Lady Whistledown, Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Eloise (Claudia Jessie) in conversation, and the Featherington women dressed in formal attire.

Season 2 of Bridgerton will premiere Friday, March 25 on Netflix.

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