The Movies1 Blog

  Oscar-winning actress Dame Maggie Smith has died aged 89. The British star, known for prominent roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, as well as her Academy Award-winning performance as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie , died in hospital this morning, her sons said. Her children, Widow Clicquo t actor Chris Larkin, and Die Another Day star Toby Stephens, said in a statement: “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”  Born in Ilford, Essex, on December 28, 1934, she was an internationally recognised actress for much of her life after playing the fana

The new “peace” contract with the US film producers’ body AMFTP following the long Hollywood strike has been officially ratified by the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA, with the following key details: A 78% majority voted in favour. The voter turnout was 38%. The agreement is valid until June 2026. Fran Drescher, the president of the union, said: "This agreement stands as a significant triumph for working performers, signifying the beginning of a new era in the industry. Achieving this milestone was undeniably a collective endeavour." The AMFTP added, "With this decisive vote, the industry and the jobs it sustains are poised to make a full-fledged return."

  Paramount is grappling with significant financial difficulties, closely monitored by S&P Global as they scrutinize the company's credit rating. Naveen Sarma, the Managing Director and Sector Lead for the U.S. Media and Telecom Sectors at S&P, has expressed concerns about Paramount's diminished cash flows resulting from the transition from linear TV to streaming. The company's ad revenue has experienced a substantial 6.6% decline, significantly falling short of quarterly estimates. Consequently, Paramount+ has raised its prices. Adding to the financial pressure is the impending $2 billion payment to the NFL for media rights. Paramount's predicament mirrors the broader uncertainty surrounding the profitability of streaming services. On a positive note for Paramount, they have recently entered the Japanese market.

Sebastian Stan, renowned for his portrayal of Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has been chosen to play a young Donald Trump in the upcoming film The Apprentice. The movie, directed by Iranian filmmaker Ali Abbasi, known for his work on The Last Of Us and Holy Spider, is set against the backdrop of 1970s and 1980s New York. It unfolds the narrative of Trump's early years, seeking guidance from Roy Cohn while establishing his real estate empire. Alsong Stan, a seven-time MCU film actor and Emmy nominee for his role in Pam & Tommy, the cast includes Jeremy Strong from Succession as Roy Cohn, and Maria Bakalova from Borat 2, as Ivana Trump.  

Paul McCartney and Elton John are set to feature in the sequel to the iconic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, with filming scheduled to commence early next year, according to director Rob Reiner. Reiner, who directed the original 1984 film and will helm the sequel, broke the news during a conversation with comedian Richard Herring on the RHLSTP (Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast). Expressing his enthusiasm for This Is Spinal Tap, Herring learned from Reiner that the entire original cast is returning for the sequel, and production is set to kick off at the end of February. Reiner also revealed the star-studded additions to the cast, announcing, "Paul McCartney is joining us, and Elton John," and also mentioned the participation of country music legend Garth Brooks.

  Following on the heels of The Last of Us, get ready for Fallout, the next colossal video game adaptation on Prime Video, where the first three episodes have been helmed by Jonathan Nolan, best known for his work on Westworld. The series unfolds within a post-apocalyptic landscape as Fallout shelters re-emerge, revealing the irradiated wastelands of Los Angeles. In this desolate setting, a myriad of adventures ensue, encapsulating an enduring struggle for survival. Immersing viewers in a surreal atmosphere, Fallout often intertwines dark humour into its narrative. As the Fallout shelters open and unveil a world transformed by catastrophe, the series promises an enthralling exploration of the challenges and absurdities that define existence in this irradiated land.