Sizzling Samachar: Fantastic Beasts Franchise Spells Trouble: From Surprise Announcement to Uncertain Future; Josh Hartnett and M. Night Shyamalan Join Forces for Mysterious Psychological Thriller

Sizzling Samachar of the Day - 27th October 2023

Sizzling Samachar of the day 

Welcome to  your daily dose of entertainment news on OTTplay, I'm your host Nikhil. News from Hollywood first.

Fantastic Beasts Franchise Spells Trouble: From Surprise Announcement to Uncertain Future

The Fantastic Beasts franchise, a spin-off from the beloved Harry Potter series, finds itself on shaky ground. Director David Yates has revealed that the series is currently on hold and not a priority for Warner Bros. Discovery. What's more, the initial plan for a five-movie series was not the studio's idea but a spontaneous revelation by author J.K. Rowling, catching the creative team off guard during a press event for the first film. The franchise's future looks uncertain due to declining box office earnings, an identity crisis that transformed the narrative, controversies surrounding cast changes and J.K. Rowling's views on transgender rights. While the first film saw immense success, subsequent entries struggled, with dwindling interest and a shift from creatures to a wizarding world war storyline. For fans of the magical world, it seems the Fantastic Beasts series is currently under a spell of uncertainty, with no new movies in sight.

Josh Hartnett and M. Night Shyamalan Join Forces for Mysterious Psychological Thriller

In a surprising cinematic collaboration, heartthrob-turned-serious-actor Josh Hartnett is teaming up with the master of suspense, M. Night Shyamalan. While the project is shrouded in secrecy, Shyamalan has described it as a "psychological thriller set at a concert." Interestingly, the film is currently going by the codename Good Grades as the official title remains a mystery. Shyamalan, not only directing but also producing, is investing heavily in the project, even funding it himself after securing approval from SAG-AFTRA during the actors' strike. Hartnett plays a father attending a musical concert with his son, but things quickly take a dark and psychological turn, promising an intense cinematic experience. Singer and songwriter Saleka Shyamalan, the director's daughter, joins the cast as the musical artist at the centre of this enigmatic thriller. For Josh Hartnett, this project marks another step in his comeback journey, following roles in Black Mirror and Christopher Nolan's highly-anticipated Oppenheimer.

Sheryl Lee Ralph Joins Star-Studded Cast for Destination Wedding Comedy

The ensemble for the upcoming destination wedding comedy, The Fabulous Four is now complete with the addition of Emmy-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. Alongside her, True Detective actor, Timothy V. Murphy and The Fall of the House of Usher actor, Bruce Greenwood join the star-studded lineup that includes, Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler, and Megan Mullally. The film, currently in production in Georgia and operating under an interim Agreement during the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, promises to be a feel-good comedy with a heartwarming plot. Written and directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse, the story revolves around three lifelong friends portrayed by Sarandon, Mullally, and Ralph. They embark on a trip to Key West, Florida, to be bridesmaids at their college friend Marilyn's surprise wedding, played by Bette Midler. This joyous occasion rekindles sisterhood, brings the past back to life, and sparks romance, drinks, and life-changing moments they never saw coming. The Fabulous Four is expected to hit US theatres in 2024, promising a delightful and heartwarming cinematic experience.

Kiefer Sutherland to Narrate Apple TV+ Documentary on John Lennon's Tragic Assassination

In an exciting development, Apple TV+ is preparing to release a captivating three-part documentary series, John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial narrated by the renowned actor Kiefer Sutherland. This series will provide fresh insights into the tragic murder of music legend John Lennon in 1980 by his obsessed fan, Mark David Chapman. Decades after the crime, Murder Without a Trial will offer a deep dive into the investigation and trial of Chapman, who remains incarcerated and has faced multiple parole rejections. Utilising newly uncovered material obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests, the documentary will feature interviews with Chapman's defence lawyers, psychiatrists, detectives, and prosecutors. It will also include perspectives from Lennon's friends and acquaintances. Produced by 72 Films for Apple TV+ and helmed by directors Nick Holt and Rob Coldstream.

Kangana Ranaut: From 'Tejas' Stardom to a Slate of Exciting Projects – All You Need to Know!

In a recent IMDb interview, Kangana Ranaut not only marked the release of her highly-anticipated film Tejas where she assumes the role of an IAF pilot but also unveiled her exciting slate of future projects. This includes a collaboration with Vijay Sethupathi, along with the already-announced Noti Binodini. Additionally, she teased Tanu Weds Manu 3 as the "best and most exciting movie" of her career, expressing her eagerness to team up once again with director Aanand L Rai. Following the buzz around Tejas, her next eagerly awaited film Emergency, where she stars alongside Anupam Kher as the political leader and theorist Jayaprakash Narayan, has experienced a recent delay in its release date.

Suriya43 Gears Up to Be a Star-Studded Tamil Film with Exciting Debutants

Sudha Kongara's upcoming film featuring Suriya often referred to as #Suriya43, is shaping up to be a true ensemble cast. As previously reported, Dulquer Salmaan is set to share the screen with the renowned actor of Jai Bhim. The production team has officially announced that Nazriya Nazim will also be a part of this project, marking her return to Tamil cinema after a nine-year hiatus. Furthermore, Bollywood actor Vijay Varma, known for his roles in Gully Boy and Darlings, is all set to make his Tamil debut in this highly anticipated film, rumoured to be based on the 1967 anti-Hindi protests in Tamil Nadu.

Well that's all we have for this episode, until the next one it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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Written by Apurva Dutta

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