Sizzling Samachar: Michael Mann's ‘Heat 2’ set to begin filming soon; ‘Poker Face’ season 2 brings big names and fresh mysteries

Welcome to another episode of your daily entertainment news, I'm your host Nikhil. News from Hollywood up next.

Michael Mann's ‘Heat 2’ set to begin filming soon

The long-anticipated sequel to Michael Mann's iconic 1995 crime thriller, Heat, is finally moving forward with Heat 2. The film, based on Mann's 2022 novel co-written with Meg Gardiner, will explore the backstory of the original characters, including LAPD Detective Vincent Hanna and thief Neil McCauley, and introduce new criminal elements. Production is slated to begin in late 2024 or early 2025. Rumored casting includes Adam Driver and Austin Butler. Mann recently unveiled a digital archive detailing his filmmaking process, adding to the excitement surrounding this project.

Duffer Brothers' new horror series ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’ announced

The Duffer Brothers, creators of Netflix's hit series Stranger Things, are set to produce a new horror series titled Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. Written and showrun by Haley Z. Boston, known for her work on Brand New Cherry Flavor and Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities, the series is described as "atmospheric horror" set at a wedding. This announcement comes as the Duffers also work on the final season of Stranger Things, the sci-fi series The Boroughs, and a live-action adaptation of Death Note. Fans can expect a twisted, terrifying, and uniquely captivating experience from this upcoming project.

‘Poker Face’ season 2 brings big names and fresh mysteries

Season 2 of Poker Face is set to feature an impressive lineup of guest stars, including Giancarlo Esposito, Kumail Nanjiani, Katie Holmes, and Gaby Hoffman. The Rian Johnson series, starring Natasha Lyonne in the lead as the accidental crime solver, promises more intriguing cases and special guests, with principal photography already underway. Esposito and Johnson, who previously worked together on Breaking Bad, reunite for the show. After directing Star Wars: The Last Jedi and the Knives Out films, Johnson has been focused on developing Poker Face with Lyonne also serving as the executive producer. The release date for season 2 on Peacock is yet to be announced.

Colin Firth joins Guy Ritchie's 'Young Sherlock' series

Colin Firth has been cast as Sir Bucephalus Hodge in the upcoming Young Sherlock series, produced by Guy Ritchie. The show, which stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin as young Sherlock and Joseph Fiennes alongside Natascha McElhone and Zine Tseng, will delve into the famed detective's early years, based on Andy Lane's novels. Firth's character details remain under wraps, adding to the intrigue. Written by Matthew Parkhill, known for Deep State, and directed by Ritchie, the series will feature globe-trotting adventures and even delve into the role Sherlock's parents had in shaping his being. Young Sherlock will be available on Prime Video, with the release date yet to be announced.

Isabela Merced teases 'The Last of Us' season 2

Isabela Merced, starring as Dina in The Last of Us Season 2, praises the writing of Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, highlighting their skill in creating complex, multidimensional characters. Merced describes Dina as a beacon of light in Ellie’s life, aligning closely with her own personality. With recent roles in Madame Web and Superman, Merced is quickly becoming a sought-after actress in Hollywood. As the series, produced by HBO, prepares for its 2025 release, fans eagerly anticipate Dina’s dynamic relationship with Ellie amidst their perilous journey in Seattle.

Sequel to 'Soldier' confirmed by Ramesh Taurani

Ramesh Taurani has confirmed that a sequel to the 1998 hit Soldier is in the works, with shooting set to begin next year. While the cast has yet to be decided, Taurani mentioned that whether Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta will reprise their roles depends on the story's development. The original film, which marked Preity Zinta’s Bollywood debut, was a major box office success, and recognised for the chemistry between Deol and Zinta.

‘Manorathangal’: A star-studded Malayalam anthology celebrating MT Vasudevan Nair’s legacy on ZEE5

On August 15, ZEE5 will premiere Manorathangal, a Malayalam anthology series honouring the 90-year legacy of literary legend MT Vasudevan Nair. This cinematic celebration features a remarkable ensemble cast, including Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Fahadh Faasil, and brings together some of Malayalam cinema's finest directors like Priyadarshan and Shyamaprasad. Through nine interconnected stories, Manorathangal delves into the complexities of human nature, highlighting the interplay between our noble and base instincts. Each segment, written by Vasudevan Nair, offers a nuanced exploration of humanity set against the picturesque landscape of Kerala. The series will be available in multiple languages, broadening its appeal to a wider audience.

Well that's all for this episode until the next time it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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- Written by Apurva Dutta

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