Sizzling Samachar: 'Ballerina' release date shifts to summer 2025 with added action sequences; Alan Ritchson and Kevin James team up for action-comedy 'Playdate'

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

'Ballerina' release date shifts to summer 2025 with added action sequences

The highly anticipated Ballerina, a spin-off from the popular John Wick franchise, faces a 12-month delay and is now set to hit theatres on June 6, 2025. Despite the disappointment of the postponement, fans can expect an even more spectacular film as series creator Chad Stahelski joins director Len Wiseman to shoot additional action scenes. The movie, set between the events of John Wick 3 and John Wick 4, features Ana de Armas as the lead alongside returning stars Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Gabriel Byrne, and the late Lance Reddick. The decision to position the film in this timeline adds an element of suspense regarding the fate of Reeves' character. The plot follows a young female assassin, portrayed by de Armas, seeking revenge for the murder of her family, promising an intense and gripping cinematic experience.

Alan Ritchson and Kevin James team up for action-comedy 'Playdate'

Renowned actor Alan Ritchson, best known for his role in Reacher, joins comedy icon Kevin James in the upcoming action-comedy film, Playdate. Under the direction of Luke Greenfield, the movie unfolds as two fathers, portrayed by James and Ritchson, navigate an unexpected and perilous conspiracy during what starts as an ordinary playdate with their sons. Currently slated to commence filming in Canada next month, Playdate draws inspiration from the classic Midnight Run. The storyline introduces Brian played by James, grappling with post-job loss challenges, who becomes a full-time dad to his 10-year-old son. A seemingly innocuous playdate with Jeff played by Ritchson catapults them into a day filled with comedic twists and turns, evading a dangerous conspiracy.

‘Avatar 3’ welcomes back familiar faces: Wes Studi and Laz Alonso return for motion capture work

The production of Avatar 3 has unveiled a surprising development as Wes Studi and Laz Alonso, previously known for portraying Eytukan and Tsu'tey, are making a return. Producer Jon Landau shared the news on Instagram, announcing their involvement in motion capture work. While details about their characters' resurrection or potential new roles remain undisclosed, the franchise has a history of reviving characters. T  he third instalment, set to release on December 19, 2025, is shrouded in mystery, continuing the saga with Jake and his family combating humanity's invasion and introducing a new tribe, the Ash People. As anticipation builds, fans can currently enjoy Avatar: The Way of Water on Disney+ Hotstar.

‘Thunderbolts’ gains new writer Joanna Calo despite Ayo Edebiri's departure

Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts undergoes a significant update with Joanna Calo joining as the scriptwriter for the upcoming blockbuster. Previously working on the successful FX series The Bear. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film features a star-studded cast, including Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, and Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster. The plot revolves around villains and anti-heroes embarking on a mission with undisclosed details. Although Ayo Edebiri had to exit the project due to scheduling conflicts, the movie, scheduled for release on May 2, 2025, promises an intriguing addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Varun Dhawan and Shashank Khaitan set for a Hat-trick collaboration

In an exclusive scoop, it has been revealed that Varun Dhawan is joining forces with filmmaker Shashank Khaitan for the third time. The duo has previously collaborated on the successful films Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania. The upcoming yet-untitled project is a love story, and there are speculations about it being the third instalment in the Dulhania franchise. An official announcement, including the movie's title and possibly the leading lady, is expected tomorrow. Shashank Khaitan's last directorial venture was Govinda Naam Mera in 2022, which premiered directly on OTT platforms. Varun Dhawan's next release is the highly anticipated Baby John, set to hit screens on May 31, marking his debut in a masala action film.

Epic showdown alert: ‘Tiger vs Pathaan’ takes centre stage in 2027

According to reports, there are grand plans in motion for Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in the upcoming film Tiger vs Pathaan. Yash Raj Films strategically positions this blockbuster as the ninth instalment in the YRF Spy Universe. The narrative unfolds as Shah Rukh Khan reprises his iconic role as Pathaan in Pathaan 2, slated to commence production by late 2024. As a prelude, Pathaan 2 lays the foundation for the intense face-off between Tiger and Pathaan. Aditya Chopra envisions Tiger vs Pathaan as the Spy-Venger Film, a pivotal chapter in the expansive YRF Spy Universe. Scheduled to start filming in 2026 with an extensive 100-day schedule, the meticulous Aditya Chopra plans to engage in thorough pre-visualization with the YRFX team. While Pathaan 2 is set for a 2026 release, the cinematic spectacle Tiger vs Pathaan is poised to grace the silver screen in 2027.

Basil Joseph’s ‘Shaktimaan’ project unveiled: Singular cinematic Marvel with Ranveer Singh

The Shaktimaan venture, a brainchild nurtured by Basil Joseph for over a year, promises a distinct foray into the superhero genre. In collaboration with Ranveer Singh, the film is poised to transcend mere action spectacle, leaning towards a more emotionally charged narrative. The narrative assures Ranveer Singh's character will possess more depth than the stereotypical superhero facade. Rumours circulating about a Shaktimaan trilogy were debunked according to reports, affirming that the current project is a standalone film. Its potential success will dictate the trajectory of any potential franchise expansions. As anticipation builds for the Shaktimaan cinematic adaptation, the audience eagerly awaits Singh's portrayal of the iconic character, originally popularised by Mukesh Khanna in the Doordarshan series.

Triptii Dimri confirmed as lead in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ opposite Kartik Aaryan

In a major revelation, Triptii Dimri, fresh from the success of Animal, is set to headline Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 alongside Kartik Aaryan. This marks her entry into one of Bollywood's significant film franchises, initiated by Bhushan Kumar and helmed by Anees Bazmee. The actress, previously acclaimed for her performance opposite Ranbir Kapoor, is now poised to share the screen with Kartik Aaryan. The news was shared by Kartik Aaryan himself on social media, welcoming Triptii Dimri to the world of Bhool Bhulaiyaa. The excitement among fans is palpable, eagerly anticipating the collaboration between the two talented actors. The film, presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, is slated for a Diwali 2024 release.

Well that's all for today on Sizzling Samachar, more in the next episode until then it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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• Written by Apurva Dutta