“William told me how you people steal companions, you reprogram them to do awful things.” SP Media has revealed a trailer for an indie sci-fi thriller titled Wifelike (or WifeLike) – a strange title for a film with this plot. It’s set in a future where a detective hunts down criminals who trade artificial humans on the black market. (Sounds a lot like Blade Runner already…) When the artificial human Meredith gets assigned as a companion to grieving widower William, it’s designed to behave like his late wife. However, in the fight to end A.I. exploitation and their manipulation, an underground organization attempts to sabotage Meredith’s programming, in an attempt to disrupt the detective’s work. Jonathan Rhys Meyers co-stars with Elena Kampouris, who plays Meredith. The cast also includes C.J. Perry, Doron Bell, Agam Darshi, Caitlin Stryker, and Sara Sampaio. Unforutntely this doesn’t look that great, with some bad performances and a lack of any distinct style. Plus it seems to be ripping off other sci-fi and mashing up a bunch of A.I. concepts.
Here’s the first official trailer (+ poster) for James Bird’s Wifelike, direct from YouTube:
A grieving detective in the near future (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) hunts down criminals who trade artificial humans on the black market. In the fight to end AI exploitation, an underground resistance attempts to infiltrate him by sabotaging the programming of the artificial human assigned as his companion (Elena Kampouris) to behave like his late wife. She begins to question her reality as memories of a past life begin to surface in a world where nothing is as it seems.Wifelike is written and directed by Indigenous American filmmaker James Bird, director of the films Eat Spirit Eat, Honeyglue, We Are Boats, and The Circuit: Star Crew previously. It’s produced by Steven Paul and Scott Karol, executive produced by Christine Holder and Mark Holder. This hasn’t premiered at any film fests or elsewhere, as far as we know. SP Media Group debuts Bird’s Wifelike in select US theaters + on VOD starting August 12th, 2022 coming up this summer.
Actor Tom Felton has suggested his lack of Harry Potter knowledge may actually have helped him win the role of Draco Malfoy in the film series. The actor’s IMDB page states that he had not read any Harry Potter books before successfully auditioning for the role of Harry’s rival, Draco Malfoy, back in 1999.
Lauren Laverne asked Tom about it during the One Show on Tuesday. “That couldn’t be true,” replied Tom, with a teasing grimace. The 34-year-old then revealed he was caught out by director Chris Columbus as he tried to blag his way through questions about JK Rowling’s books.
“They lined up all the Dracos I guess, and asked them which part of the book they were most excited about seeing made into film,” Tom told The One Show. “I only realised that when the chap next to me was answering the question, that I did not know what the hell they were talking about. So I sort of repeated what the chap next to me said and Chris Columbus, the director, saw straight through my lie, and that may have helped clinch me the part for Draco. It worked out in my favour!”
Tom was cast as Slytherin boy Draco for all eight Harry Potter films. He was reunited with fellow stars including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson for Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, which first aired on New Year’s Day this year to mark the 20th anniversary of the first film was released in cinemas.
He is set to star alongside Doctor Who actress Mandip Gill in a new West End show, 2.22 – A Ghost story at the Criterion Theatre. It opens on Saturday, May 7.
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“If I wanted to be like my idols, I did learn you gotta be a bit of a lunatic out there.” Dogwoof has unveiled an official trailer for a sports biopic documentary called McEnroe, from filmmaker Barney Douglas. This is premiering later this week at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival, hence the new trailer out now. Set over one New York night, McEnroe follows the iconic tennis player John McEnroe as he journeys into memory to recall the highs and lows of his epic career in this neon-infused, archive-blended documentary. Featuring icons such as Billie Jean King, Bjorn Borg, and Keith Richards, the film brings to life a golden age of tennis and the 80’s excess of John’s hometown: New York City. Beyond John’s tennis legacy (his combined 149 titles still rank as the highest in the Men’s Open era), John’s story grows to become a search for connection, a journey towards acceptance of himself and others. “Compassionate, human and heartfelt, McEnroe is the definitive portrait of a force of nature powered by the beating heart of New York.” This sounds fascinating.
Here’s the first official trailer for Barney Douglas’ doc McEnroe, direct from YouTube:
McEnroe is an intimate portrait of one of the most explosive and compelling sporting icons of all time. John was an era-defining talent, Number One in the world in four consecutive years, but also a man prone to self-destruction. It’s this internal conflict that drove John to the very top, and very nearly broke him too. McEnroe features completely unseen film archive from some of the biggest matches in tennis history – including the US Open and Wimbledon – as well as home video footage from John himself. Contributions from John’s children and his wife Patty Smyth provide a level of intimacy that takes the film beyond a mere sports biopic and into the realms of something deeply personal and confessional.McEnroe is directed by doc filmmaker Barney Douglas, director of the doc films Warriors and The Edge previously. This is premiering at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival this month, then it’s opening in UK cinemas on July 15th. No official US release date is set yet – stay tuned. For more details, visit Dogwoof’s website. Anyone interested?
Follow the forest light trail and discover illuminated moments from the Wizarding World!
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Following a massively successful UK run, Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment in partnership with Thinkwell, Unify and Fever, have announced that Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience will make its US debut this year, beginning in Washington DC’s metropolitan area. The breathtaking light trail will be open from October 2022 for Harry Potter fans of all ages to enjoy on the estate of Morven Park in Leesburg, VA. Tickets will be available for purchase starting Thursday, July 28, but fans who sign up for the waitlist will unlock exclusive access to secure tickets.
Inspired by the iconic Forbidden Forest and featuring creatures from the Harry Potterand Fantastic Beasts series, mesmerizing lights will transform the landscape into a magical outdoor trail. Visitors will discover some of their most favorite moments from the Forbidden Forest, encounter mystical creatures such as Hippogriffs, centaurs, unicorns, and Nifflers, and practice casting their very own spells.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is for the whole family and promises a wonderful time for fans of all ages, giving them the opportunity to experience the magic of the wizarding world in a whole new way. Visitors will also find a themed village at the end of the trail where they can enjoy delicious food and drink, as well as a gift shop with merchandise from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies. An unforgettable evening lies ahead!
The outdoor experience was created by Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment in partnership with leading entertainment discovery platform Fever, award-winning theatrical designers and experiential creators, Thinkwell, and their partners Unify.
Ticket prices start from $25 for children and $36 for adults, and will be available on Fever’s marketplace here. You can read more about the experience and sign up for the ticket waitlist at www.hpforbiddenforestexperience.com/leesburg.
Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment (WBTE), part of Warner Bros. Global Brands and Experiences, is a worldwide leader in the creation, development and licensing of location-based entertainment, live events, exhibits and theme park experiences based on Warner Bros. iconic characters, stories, and brands. WBTE is home to the groundbreaking global locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, WB Movie World Australia, and countless other experiences inspired by DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby, Game of Thrones, Friends and more. With best-in-class partners, WBTE allows fans around the world to physically immerse themselves inside their favorite brands and franchises.
In the years since Harry Potter was whisked from King’s Cross Station onto Platform nine and three quarters, his incredible adventures have left a unique and lasting mark on popular culture. Eight BlockbusterHarry Potter films based on the original stories by J.K. Rowling have brought the magical stories to life and today, the Wizarding World is recognised as one of the world’s best-loved brands. Representing a vast interconnected universe, it also includes two epic Fantastic Beasts films, (the third releasing in 2022), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – the multi-award-winning stage-play, state-of-the-art video and mobile games from Portkey Games, innovative consumer products, thrilling live entertainment (including four theme park lands) and insightful exhibitions.This expanding portfolio of Warner Bros. owned Wizarding World experiences also includes Harry Potter New York – a brand new flagship store, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, and the Platform 9 3⁄4 retail shops.The Wizarding World continues to evolve to provide Harry Potter fans with fresh and exciting ways to engage. For the worldwide fan community, and for generations to come, it welcomes everyone in to explore and discover the magic for themselves.
Thinkwell Group is a global experience design and production agency with studios and offices in Los Angeles, Montréal, Beijing, and Abu Dhabi. For the past 20 years, Thinkwell’s multi-disciplinary team has created compelling experiences for a wide range of clients and brands around the world. Thinkwell has extensive experience in the strategy, planning, design, and production of award-winning theme parks, brand intellectual property attractions, events spectaculars, museums exhibits, expos, and live shows.
Unify Productions is a full service experience design and production agency, based in the UK. Our team has worked extensively across multiple disciplines of entertainment, from international sporting events, award winning festivals, global ceremonies, stadium touring and Expos. Unify works with global brands, rights holders and partners to realize world class guest experiences and entertainment formats.
Fever is the leading global live-entertainment discovery platform, helping millions of people every week to discover the best experiences in their cities, with a mission to democratize access to culture and entertainment in real life. Through its platform, Fever inspires users to enjoy unique local experiences and events, from immersive exhibitions, interactive theatrical experiences, festivals, to molecular cocktail pop-ups, while empowering creators with data and technology to create and expand experiences across the world.
Mohandas said that more scenes in the movie ‘Puzha Muthal Puzha Vare’ were also removed when it was later screened before the regional censor board. “If this continues, there will be no scenes in the movie connected to rebellion and the director could face blame for not including them,” he added.
Katherine Sciurba remembers feeling butterflies as devoted denizens of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin filed in by the hundreds. Seats disappeared quickly and soon the standing-room spaces began to vanish, too.
An academic conference this most certainly was not.
It was during last fall’s scaled-down special edition of Comic-Con International that Sciurba — an associate professor of literacy education at San Diego State University and director of the SDSU Literacy Center — first nervously graced the long-running Harry Potter Fandom panel.
She was invited to discuss her past research into the Harry Potter series and its significance to young boys of color. Joining her to add his perspective was Naim Martin, a Bronx native who participated in the study as a middle schooler more than a decade ago.
“I was so relieved when I saw Naim in the hallway,” Sciurba recalled. “I was like, ‘What did we get ourselves into?’ I was trying not to hyperventilate.”
The two were a hit on the panel — so much so that this week Sciurba and Martin will reprise their appearance before “Potterheads” at the San Diego Convention Center and experience Comic-Con in all its glory (details below).
“I expect to have 10 times as many people as last time,” said Martin, now a data analyst in Arlington, Virginia. “And I expect to be 10 times more nervous.”
Deeper themes
Thanks to Sciurba and Martin, the large audience of Harry Potter fans will explore issues that reach far beyond the walls of Hogwarts.
Sciurba found herself on Comic-Con’s radar because of research she conducted in the late 2000s while a Ph.D. student at New York University. She interviewed a group of middle school boys of color in an all-male New York City arts academy for their thoughts on two books, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” the first volume in the series.
Each Wednesday, more than a dozen 12- and 13-year-olds met with Sciurba before their school day to dissect what they were reading. What surprised Sciurba at the time was the way the boys found the disparate texts — one a memoir of an iconic Black civil rights leader, the other a fictitious tale about a young white wizard — similarly empowering.
“The main idea in both is that you can’t be afraid of getting in trouble for standing up for what’s right,” recalled Martin. “There are different ways they went about it, of course, but at the end of the day, the main character of the story is telling you that you’ve got to do something.”
Sciurba concluded that acknowledging the intersectionality of young readers is key to fostering youth empowerment and developing literacy practices that promote equity. The project proved to be a transformative experience that shaped her perspective on how to be a more effective literacy instructor. She is currently working on a book project based on follow-up interviews conducted with six participants — including Martin — a decade after the initial study.
“For me, the foundation of my work is the idea that we can’t always predict what a reader is going to take away from a story,” Sciurba said. “We can’t predict how meaningful that story is going to be to a reader until we start asking them questions and having them articulate their ideas and perspective. I think that’s the message I bring to this panel.”
Sciurba draws a parallel between Harry Potter’s salience with young readers of color with the continued meaning the stories hold for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, despite remarks by author J. K. Rowling widely criticized as transphobic.
“We can’t take away all of the magic that that story has created for young people — especially young people who have been marginalized,” Sciurba said. “The LGBTQIA+ community had a large presence in the room at the panel last fall. There were very hurtful remarks made by the author, but that shouldn’t take the derivative meaning and significance that they’ve created from the work.”
Martin is eager to share not only his thoughts on Harry Potter, but also how his formative educational experiences show a better way forward for educating urban youth.
“I take this as an opportunity to talk about the fact that everything in my life that I am grateful for stems from education,” he said. “This is my chance to say ‘Do it the right way.’ Schools need to be able to cultivate — to sprinkle a little water so the seeds can grow.”
The “Are We Wizards? The Harry Potter Fandom in 2022” panel is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21, in Room 29CD.
“Gigi allows me to live my life to the fullest every single day. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her.” Roadside Attractions has revealed an official trailer for a true story inspirational dramedy titled Gigi Nate, from filmmaker Nick Hamm. The film is arriving in theaters in early September, for those interested in watching. A young man’s life is turned upside down after he is left a quadriplegic. Moving forward seems near impossible until he meets his unlikely service animal, Gigi – a curious and intelligent capuchin monkey. She helps Nate find what he needs most: hope. Charlie Rowe stars in the film as Nate, with an ensemble cast including Zoe Margaret Colletti, Marcia Gay Harden, Josephine Langford, Jim Belushi (!!), Diane Ladd, Tara Summers, and Hannah Alligood. This looks extra cheesy, especially with the music in this trailer, but the little monkey is so adorable and so lovely. It’s hard to not smile at this story of hope.
Here’s the official trailer (+ poster) for Nick Hamm’s Gigi Nate, direct from Roadside’s YouTube:
Nate Gibson’s (Charlie Rowe) life is turned upside down after he suffers a near-fatal accident and is left a quadriplegic. Moving forward seems impossible until he meets his unlikely service animal, named Gigi – a curious and intelligent capuchin monkey – who helps Nate find what he needs most: hope.Gigi Nate is directed by award-winning Irish filmmaker Nick Hamm, director of the films The Very Thought of You, Talk of Angels, The Hole, Godsend, Killing Bono, The Journey, and Driven previously. The screenplay is written by David Hudgins. It’s produced by René Besson, Nick Hamm, and Piers Tempest. The film hasn’t premiered at any festivals or elsewhere, as far as we know. Roadside Attractions will release Gigi Nate in select US theaters starting on September 2nd, 2022 coming up. Anyone into this story? Want to watch?
“It’s going to take a miracle to get us out of here.” Signature Entertainment has debuted this official UK trailer for a war movie called Operation: Wolf Hound, from filmmaker Michael B. Chait. This already got a direct-to-video release in the US a few weeks ago, but we’re just catching up with it. Inspired by the real-life German special operations unit KG 200 that shot down, repaired, and flew Allied aircraft as Trojan horses, Wolf Hound takes place in 1944 Nazi-occupied France and follows the daring exploits of a Jewish-American fighter pilot named Captain David Holden – played by James Maslow. Ambushed behind enemy lines, he must rescue a captured B-17 Flying Fortress crew, evade a ruthless enemy stalking him at every turn, and foil a plot that could completely alter the outcome of World War II. The cast includes Trevor Donovan, John Turk, Michael Wayne Foster, John Wells, Ronald Woodhead, Taylor Novak, and Michael Parrish. This looks like your typical jingoistic “look at how smart the Allies are!” war movie. Lock ‘n load.
Here’s the official trailer (+ poster) for Michael B. Chait’s Operation: Wolf Hound, direct from YouTube:
Based on true events. One of the most shocking moments in World War II history is brought to life. In 1944 German-occupied France, the Nazis developed a Trojan horse plot that aimed to incapacitate the allied forces in the skies and was the beginnings of an enemy action to level a major European city! The only resilience against this Nazi threat are those allied officers caught and captured in its web. With time running out and the plan laid out before them, it’s up to a rag-tag bunch of soldiers to put an end to this critical ambush tactic which could turn the tide of war.Operation: Wolf Hound, also known as just Wolf Hound, is directed by American filmmaker Michael B. Chait, making his feature debut after numerous other shorts and various film projects previously. The screenplay is written by Timothy Ritchey, from a story by Michael B. Chait. Lionsgate already released the movie direct-to-VOD / dvd earlier in June. It will also be out in July in the UK also direct to VOD / dvd. For more info, visit the film’s official website. Intrigued?
A Harry Potter star has been recognised by eagle-eyed fans in the new series of Stranger Things, which was released on Netflix earlier this month.
Jamie Campbell Bower, who played a young Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts spin-off series, has been spotted playing a rather different role in the popular Netflix show.
The 33-year-old plays Henry, AKA One, in the Stranger Things series, which is a vital role in this new season of the show.
Spoilers on episode seven of Stranger Things ahead, as Jamie ended up being the manipulative killer that Eleven (Millie Bobbie Brown) was eventually recreated from.
In a long, dark monologue, Jamie’s character reveals that he killed his family and was placed under Brenner’s (Matthew Modine) care.
When Brenner found out how strong he was, he made Henry his first test subject — One — and later tried to recreate him, eventually leading to Eleven.
Jamie spoke to Variety about his role in the show, stating that he even made Millie Bobbie Brown cry during a read of the dark monologue.
Jamie explained: “She was terrified, like, literally terrified, and when she saw Vecna, she burst into tears and she said, ‘That’s not my friend. I don’t know who this person is anymore. Where’s he gone?”
Vecna is the newest villain in Stranger Things, a burnt up Henry who terrorises the Hawkins gang after Eleven blasts him to the Upside Down.
Harry Potter fans took to a Facebook community page to discuss the actor’s role in the show, with the original poster writing: “Look who it is in the stranger things universe… young Grindelwald!”
People flocked to the comments to share their excitement at seeing Jamie in the show, with one Facebook user writing: “He also has powers so he basically young Grindelwald wizard!”
Another said: “Damn!!! I’ve been spending 4 days trying to figure out why this guy looks so familiar!! Thanks.”
And a third wrote: “He is a very good actor for sure.”
And one Facebook user even revealed: “He used to date Bonnie Wright too!”
Bonnie played Harry Potter’s (Daniel Radcliffe) eventual love interest, Ginny Weasley, but she dated Young Grindelwald in real life!
Bonnie Wright started dating Jamie Campbell Bower, as they met when filming The Deathly Hallows Part 1.
Jamie appeared as a young Gellert Grindelwald in the 2010 instalment Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.
He reprised the same role in the 2018 film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, becoming the only actor to appear in both film franchises.
The vicious Vecna in Stranger Things, played by Jamie Campbell Bower. (Image: Netflix)
In February 2010, Jamie was confirmed to be dating Bonnie after they struck up a romance on set.
Months into their romance, there were reports that the Twilight star Jamie had got down on one knee, and in April 2011, they confirmed their engagement.
However, sadly, on June 30 2012, they amicably ended their engagement.
Stranger Things is available to view on Netflix right now, via their website.
“When one person in the family scores, the whole family scores.” Disney has revealed an official trailer for an inspirational true story basketball movie titled Rise, from Nigerian filmmaker Akin Omotoso. Instead of a making a documentary or even a hybrid series, they decided to make a fictional feature, starring various actors playing the Antetokounmpos family. “Audiences have never seen a story like that of [this family].” Based on the real story about the family that produced the first trio of brothers to become NBA champions in the history of the league. Originally from Nigeria, their parents moved to Greece where they struggled to make ends meet on the streets of Athens – until three of their kids became basketball stars and eventually got drafted into the NBA. Rise stars Dayo OkeniyiYetide Badaki as the parents, Charles Vera, with Uche Agada as Giannis, Ral Agada as Thanasis, and Jaden Osimuwa as Kostas. In real life, last season, Giannis and Thanasis helped bring the Milwaukee Bucks their first championship ring in 50 years, while Kostas played for the previous season champs, the L.A. Lakers. Check out the Disney basketball film below.
Here’s the official trailer (+ poster) for Akin Omotoso’s Rise, direct from Disney’s YouTube:
After emigrating from Nigeria to Greece, Charles Vera Antetokounmpo (Dayo Okeniyi Yetide Badaki) struggled to survive and provide for their five children, while living under the daily threat of deportation. With their oldest son still in Nigeria with relatives, the couple were desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but found themselves undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn. When they weren’t selling items to tourists on the streets of Athens with the rest of the family, the brothers – Giannis (Uche Agada) and Thanasis (Ral Agada) – would play basketball with a local youth team. Latecomers to the sport, they discovered their great abilities on the basketball court and worked hard to become world class athletes, along with brother, Kostas (Jaden Osimuwa). With the help of an agent, Giannis entered the NBA Draft in 2013 in a long shot prospect that would change not only his life but the life of his entire family. And last season, Giannis and Thanasis helped bring the Milwaukee Bucks their first championship ring in 50 years, while Kostas played for the previous season champs, the Los Angeles Lakers.Rise is directed by Nigerian filmmaker Akin Omotoso, director of God Is African, Man on Ground, Tell Me Sweet Something, Vaya, A Hotel Called Memory, and The Ghost and the House of Truth previously. The screenplay is by Arash Amel. Disney will debut Rise streaming on Disney+ starting June 24th, 2022 this summer. Does this look good?
