Sizzling Samachar: Anya Taylor-Joy joins 'Dune: Part Two' cast confirmed at London Premiere; Shah Rukh Khan's comedy-drama 'Dunki' becomes third biggest film, now streaming on Netflix

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

Anya Taylor-Joy joins 'Dune: Part Two' cast confirmed at London Premiere

The cast of Dune: Part Two welcomes a new addition with Anya Taylor-Joy, who confirmed her appearance during the London premiere. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the sequel stars Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya in leading roles. Taylor-Joy, known for her role in The Queen’s Gambit brings her talent to this highly anticipated sequel. The film continues the adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel and is set to hit theatres on March 1, 2024. As Taylor-Joy gears up for her role in Dune: Part Two, fans can also anticipate her involvement in the action-packed Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga alongside Chris Hemsworth. With the spotlight on Villeneuve's vision, the film promises to conclude the initial story while paving the way for the franchise's future.

Shah Rukh Khan's comedy-drama 'Dunki' becomes third biggest film, now streaming on Netflix

Shah Rukh Khan's recent comedy-drama, Dunki, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, has made a significant impact by grossing $55 million worldwide, securing its position as the actor's third-biggest hit. Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, the film performed exceptionally well internationally, earning $25 million, with $8.6 million from North America alone. Now, Dunki is available for streaming on Netflix, allowing a broader audience to explore its themes of patriotism, identity, and belonging. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani, and Vicky Kaushal in supporting roles.

Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' starring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby to stream on Apple TV+ from March 1

Ridley Scott's historical epic Napoleon, featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby, will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting March 1. The film delves into the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, chronicling his rise to power, famous battles, and intricate relationships with his wife Josephine. Scott's director's cut, exceeding four hours, promises a more comprehensive vision of the acclaimed director's work. The epic explores Napoleon's journey, revealing his leadership, ruthless ambition, and strategic brilliance on the battlefield. Co-produced by Apple Studios and Scott Free Productions, the film has garnered attention for its grand scale, historical depictions, and powerful performances.

'X-Men '97' trailer teases Marvel's animated future

Marvel fans rejoice as the official trailer for X-Men '97 has been released, promising a nostalgic journey for millennials who grew up with X-Men: The Animated Series. The series continues immediately after the original show's finale, keeping the '90s design intact and featuring familiar voice actors. Notably, Magneto, once a formidable adversary, now leads the X-Men, inheriting Professor Xavier's legacy. The trailer hints at the return of Spider-Man and teases a broader animated universe. Moreover, iconic storylines from the X-Men comics, including a scene from Uncanny X-Men #200, are expected to play a significant role. Cyclops and Jean Grey become parents, potentially setting the stage for the birth of Rachel Grey. With exciting developments and callbacks, X-Men '97 looks poised to captivate fans once again.

Jon Hamm joins stellar cast for Taylor Sheridan's 'Landman'

Jon Hamm is set to join the impressive ensemble cast of Taylor Sheridan's new Paramount+ series, Landman. The Texas oil drama series already features Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore. Hamm will take on the role of Monty Miller, a prominent figure in the Texas oil industry with a longstanding connection to the central character, Tommy Norris, portrayed by Thornton. Landman explores the pursuit of wealth in the oil sector and delves into its wide-ranging impacts on the environment, economy, and international relations. With this star-studded lineup, Sheridan's series promises to deliver a gripping narrative and intense performances, further solidifying the reputation of Paramount+ as a go-to platform for compelling storytelling.

‘Invincible' Season 2 part 2 trailer teases intense family struggles

The latest trailer for Invincible Season 2 Part 2 highlights Mark Grayson's fight for his family amid increasing threats from Sequids, Viltrumites, and Angstrom Levy. The upcoming episodes, premiering on March 14, promise to delve into the importance of family bonds and the challenges of protecting loved ones in the face of relentless adversaries. As Mark faces the aftermath of battles with formidable enemies, the season finale is anticipated to introduce surprises and set the stage for new adventures in Season 3. Fans can expect a compelling narrative that addresses ongoing conflicts, ties up loose ends, and unveils hidden mysteries.

War 2 set to ignite Mumbai as Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR prepare for intense face-off in high-octane action sequences from April 2024

Scheduled to kick off in Mumbai this April, War 2 promises an electrifying showdown as Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR gear up for intense face-offs in high-octane action sequences. Director Ayan Mukerji, along with producer Aditya Chopra, is sparing no effort to ensure a spectacular clash between the Bollywood superstar and the RRR fame. The extensive nine-day schedule will feature hand-to-hand combat and martial arts scenes, blending Mumbai sets with international locales. The movie's action, touted as its unique selling point, brings together 11 international stunt coordinators, including experts from Rambo: Last Blood. With Roshan and Jr NTR at the forefront, War 2 promises a thrilling cinematic experience and is slated for release around Independence Day 2025.

Nidhhi Agerwal ventures into OTT with Prerna Arora, first look and title reveal set for February 24

Renowned actress Nidhhi Agerwal, known for her work in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema, is making her debut in the OTT space. Collaborating with producer Prerna Arora, behind films like Rustom and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Agerwal expresses excitement about exploring this new realm of storytelling. The duo plans to unveil the first look and title of the project on February 24. Prerna Arora, discussing her venture into OTT, emphasises the diversity and unique narratives offered by this platform, expressing a commitment to producing content that stands out both artistically and commercially. The OTT film, produced by Prerna V Arora’s SKG Entertainment and UJS Studios, holds details about the cast and release date for a later reveal.

Ranveer Singh's packed schedule: ‘Singham Again’ wraps in April 2024, Don 3 shoot in August, Shaktimaan Trilogy for 2026 release

Actor Ranveer Singh is set for a busy schedule as he completes his portions in Ajay Devgn-led Singham Again by April 2024, followed by Farhan Akhtar's Don 3, with look tests starting post-Singham Again. Singh plans to step into the iconic role of Shaktimaan in a trilogy directed by Basil Joseph, and the shoot is scheduled to commence in 2025, with a massive budget of Rs. 300 crores for each part. The ambitious Shaktimaan project is expected to release during a festive weekend in 2026. Ranveer Singh, with notable projects lined up, continues to make waves in the film industry.

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

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

• Written by Apurva Dutta