Sizzling Samachar: Carla Gugino takes on wicked role in upcoming horror comedy 'Lisa Frankenstein' teaser; Donnie Yen to lead big-screen adaptation of 'Kung Fu' with David Leitch in talks to direct

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Donnie Yen to lead big-screen adaptation of 'Kung Fu' with David Leitch in talks to direct

Donnie Yen, the celebrated Hong Kong action star, is set to take on the lead role in a cinematic adaptation of the classic TV series Kung Fu. Talks are underway for David Leitch, known for his prowess in action films, to direct the movie for Universal. Based on the 1972-1975 TV series, the film will be set in the Old West, following the story of Kwai Chang Caine, originally portrayed by David Carradine. Despite the controversy surrounding the original series, it achieved cult status and played a crucial role in popularizing martial arts in America. Leitch expresses privilege in working with Yen, describing him as an immensely talented actor and martial arts legend. The screenplay, penned by Stephen Chin, who also wrote War Dogs, will be produced by 87North. While the release date is pending, the collaboration anticipates an exciting reimagining of this beloved story for the big screen.

Carla Gugino takes on wicked role in upcoming horror comedy 'Lisa Frankenstein' teaser

In the latest teaser for the highly anticipated horror comedy Lisa Frankenstein, viewers get a glimpse of Carla Gugino's character, Janet, portrayed as a gleefully wicked guardian to the young killer protagonist, Lisa. Directed by Zelda Willams and written by Diablo Cody, the film features a star-studded cast, including Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse. Gugino, known for her terrifying range in horror, has been a prominent figure in the genre, contributing to acclaimed projects like The Haunting of Hill House and Gerald's Game. Lisa Frankenstein explores a romantically twisted take on Mary Shelley's classic, promising twists and turns as Gugino and Newton engage in a captivating rivalry. The horror comedy is scheduled for release on February 9, 2024, offering genre enthusiasts a bloodthirsty Valentine's date.

Bhumi Pednekar's investigative pursuit unveils disturbing realities in Netflix's 'Bhakshak' trailer

Netflix's upcoming crime thriller, Bhakshak, directed by Pulkit and produced by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment, delves into the dark chapter of the Muzaffarpur Women's Shelter Case. The film, inspired by real-life events in Bihar in 2020, aims to shed light on sexual abuse issues in India. Starring Bhumi Pednekar as an investigative journalist and Aditya Srivastava as the antagonist inspired by the actual mastermind behind the scandal, the movie has garnered attention for its powerful cast and commitment to raising awareness. As part of Netflix's dedication to thoughtfully portraying historical events, Bhakshak follows the platform's recent release, The Railway Men, highlighting the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. Scheduled to premiere on February 9, 2024, the film sparks conversations about cinema's role in addressing societal challenges and the responsibility of storytelling.

Kevin Conroy's final Batman Voice Performance Unveiled in New Projects

The iconic voice of Batman, Kevin Conroy, will be heard posthumously in two upcoming projects, concluding with Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earth - Part 3, where he reprises his role from Batman: The Animated Series. Contrary to initial reports, his last performance won't be in the video game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Additionally, Conroy's voice will feature in the animated series Batman: Caped Crusader, with the character he voiced remaining undisclosed. Conroy, who passed away in 2022, left an enduring legacy as the definitive voice of Batman in animated projects, including TV series, movies, and video games, making his upcoming appearances a poignant moment for fans.

Elisabeth Moss updates on ‘The Handmaid's Tale’ season 6 filming

Elisabeth Moss, star of The Handmaid's Tale, shared a long-awaited update on the filming schedule for Season 6. In an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Moss revealed that the production for the new season is set to commence in the upcoming summer. However, she did not specify the exact start month. While there is anticipation for the new season, Moss suggested that viewers might have to wait until 2025 for its release. The series, known for its dystopian setting in Gilead, follows June Osborne's resistance against the oppressive society and her quest to find her daughter, Hannah.

Idris Elba-Led series 'Hijack' renewed for Season 2 at Apple TV+

Hijack, the high-octane series starring Idris Elba, has been officially renewed for a second season at Apple TV+. Idris Elba, who not only stars in the series but also serves as an executive producer, will return for the upcoming season. The first season of Hijack was well-received, featuring a gripping plot centred around a plane hijacking that unfolds in real time, with each episode representing one hour of the flight. While specific details about the plot of the second season have not been revealed, fans can expect more tension and action with Elba's character, Sam Nelson, at the helm.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ‘Heeramandi’ first look to be released on February 1

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has announced that the first look of his upcoming web series Heeramandi will be released on February 1. The historical drama, set against the backdrop of the pre-Independence era, boasts an ensemble cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Richa Chadha, and SLB’s niece Sharmin Segal. The series is expected to be a lavish production, exploring the courtesan culture in the 1940s. Bhansali has described it as a tribute to films based on courtesans, citing classics like Pakeezah and Mughal-e-Azam. Heeramandi will premiere on Netflix.

Gulshan Devaiah, Anurag Kashyap, and Harleen Sethi to headline Indian Remake of Bad Cop: Report

Disney+Hotstar is set to bring the Indian adaptation of the German television series Bad Cop: Kriminell Gut. Gulshan Devaiah, known for his versatile performances, will lead the ensemble cast, stepping into the shoes of David Rott, who portrayed the lead character in the original 2017 German thriller. The series, adapted by Rensil D’Silva and Hussain Dalal, is set against the backdrop of Mumbai's underbelly. It revolves around twin brothers—Jesko, a successful police inspector, and Jan, a life-trained criminal. The narrative takes a gripping turn when Jesko's life is endangered during a police operation involving Jan. This leads to a drastic twist of fate as Jan assumes his deceased brother’s identity for self-preservation. Joining Gulshan Devaiah in pivotal roles are Harleen Sethi, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, Saurabh Sachdeva, and Sushmita Aishwarya. Aditya Datt, known for directing films like Table No. 21 and Commando 3, is directing this adaptation, which has already begun filming. The Indian version is expected to premiere on Disney+Hotstar in the second half of 2024.

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

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• Written by Apurva Dutta