Hollywood Hotline - Week of November 7, 2024
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Howdy Hotliners,
What a long week. Year. Decade. Who’s ready for some fun Hollywood news? Where originality and risk-taking reign supreme when it comes to visionary storytelling JK, JK (just kidding).
TOP STORY:
In a DAYS OF THUNDER (1990) sequel that no one asked for. Did any of us even see the first one? I haven’t. Only bits and pieces and that Tom Cruise’s character name is ‘Cole Trickle’ like ‘Ball Tickle.’
Without further ado, let’s check the Hotline:
FUTURE FILMS:
Eddie Murphy Will Not Rest Until He Gets His Oscar
“Only the penitent man shall pass.” Bill Condon of DREAMGIRLS (2006) is now making a biopic on Parliament-Funkadelic’s George Clinton starring Eddie Murphy. Sounds funky. Sign me up for a ride aboard the Mothership!
Horror Comedy With an Extra Side of Bacon
Kevin Bacon and his wife and kids are making a movie about: “an eclectic but tight-knit family of filmmakers who suddenly find themselves in a real-life horror movie when a body turns up on the set of their latest low-budget slasher. As the production spirals comically out of control, they realize the only solution to keep filming is to cover up the murder, by any means necessary.” Sounds hilariously scary. This is the kind of IP War shot across the bough I can get behind.
Chris Rock Back from the Slap to Direct MISTY GREEN
“Story is based on an original script from Chris Rock and centers on a talented actress whose career has been stifled by her vices. Things change when a director (Rock) offers her a tailor-made part that could finally revitalize her path, although the situation is complicated by their turbulent past.” I hope the film is a coded Will Smith and Jada Pinkett tale as old as time.
Russell Crowe is No Pushover Priest in THE LAST DRUID
“The story of a Roman Emperor who discovers a secluded Druid stronghold in the mountains of Caledonia. A peaceful Celtic elder (Crowe) must take up arms to protect his family and people from annihilation.” You may ask, “What’s so special about this?” And I will answer: It’s being directed by same guy that did UNDERWATER (2020), which was my #1 movie of 2020, if you can believe it or not. So I just know he’s gonna kick the shit out of this.
Adam Driver and Jeremy Strong in James Gray Russian Mafia
From sad dad AD ASTRA (2019) director comes a “crime film that centers on two brothers who get wrapped up in a scheme that is not quite what it seems. Their bond is tested as they get embroiled in a world of violence and corruption, finding themselves in the crosshairs of the Russian “Mafiya.” Anne Hathaway also stars. Should be his most intense film yet. And by “he” I mean all of ‘em.
Legendary Director Tarsem to Direct THE JOURNEYMAN
Starring Dev Patel, “the story of a struggling pro tennis player who is lured into an illegal match-fixing ring to support his family and finds himself trapped in a ruthless world of corruption and violence he may never escape.” If the script is strong, it should be a banger. Can’t wait!
David Cronenberg’s THE FLY Getting Spin-Off with Nikyatu Jusu
“Film’s plot is under wraps, sources stressed that it’s set in the universe of Cronenberg’s film, rather than a straightforward remake.” Nikyatu Jusu made her directorial debut with NANNY (2022). Could be cool if there’s gender-fluid non-binary lead?
Tom Holland and Austin Butler Drug Smuggler Race Car Drivers
“Story is based on the true story of the Whittington brothers —three historically famous race car drivers, two of whom were part of the 1980s IMSA scandal, in which a number of drivers were charged with financing their racing activities with proceeds from drug smuggling, money laundering or tax evasion.” It’s like GOODFELLAS (1990) meets DAYS OF THUNDER (1990). Check, Tom Cruise.
TRENDY TV:
Jason Bateman and David Harbour are DTF in HBO New Show
“The darkly comedic series, whose title refers to the social media acronym for “down to f*ck,” is about a love triangle among three adults experiencing middle-age malaise that leads to one of them ending up dead.” Steve Conrad (THE WEATHERMAN 2005) is writer/showrunner/director of seven episode series. Konrad wrote one of the funniest scripts I ever read, GARO —”about a former NFL football player, Garabed Yepremian, who was a placekicker for the Miami Dolphins, who helped the team in their 1972 Super Bowl victory.” Which I know doesn’t sound funny, but turst me, was hilarious. I recommended it to an actor for the title role, who said yes, who then got Jerry Bruckheimer ready to greenlight it with Albert Hughes directing but we couldn’t cast ‘Garo’s’ brother, so it died. But this should be just as funny!
COMING SOON:
OH CANADA - young hot guy Jacob Elordi as old hot guy Richard Gere in old guy Paul Schrader film
WALTZING WITH BRANDO - old hot guy Billy Zane as young hot then later fat guy Marlon Brando
THE END - post-apocalyptic musical starring Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon? What sorcery is this?
Trying to find the will to live. If I do, I’ll send some to you too.
Until next week, Hotliners. Thanks for calling in.
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