Sizzling Samachar: Chris Pratt stars as Garfield in new animated film; Denzel Washington to lead Netflix’s epic historical drama on Carthaginian general Hannibal, directed by Antoine Fuqua

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

Denzel Washington to lead Netflix’s epic historical drama on Carthaginian general Hannibal, directed by Antoine Fuqua

Denzel Washington is set to portray Carthaginian general Hannibal in an upcoming Netflix film directed by Antoine Fuqua, marking another collaboration between the two. The untitled project, part of Fuqua’s first-look deal with Netflix, will focus on Hannibal’s historical campaigns against Rome during the Second Punic Wars. John Logan, known for his work on Gladiator and The Aviator, will pen the screenplay. This venture follows Washington and Fuqua’s successful partnership in projects such as The Equalizer films, Training Day, and The Magnificent Seven. The film is currently in pre-production, offering a cinematic exploration of Hannibal’s strategic prowess and military achievements in ancient times.

Chris Pratt stars as Garfield in new animated film

In the eagerly-awaited animated film, The Garfield Movie, Chris Pratt takes on the iconic role of the lasagna-loving, Monday-hating cat, Garfield. The recently-released trailer provides the first look at Pratt’s portrayal, joined by the voices of Samuel L. Jackson as Garfield’s father, Vic, and Nicholas Hoult as Jon, Garfield’s frustrated owner. Directed by Mark Dindal, known for animated classics such as The Emperor's New Groove, the movie is set to revive the beloved character for a new generation. Scheduled to release on May 24, 2024, the film marks Garfield’s return to the big screen after nearly two decades, in a unique blend of animation and live-action. With a star-studded cast and a fresh take on the classic cat’s adventures, The Garfield Movie promises to captivate audiences with its humour and charm.

Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire unleashes an epic trailer featuring Sofia Boutella and an all-star cast

The latest trailer for Zack Snyder’s upcoming sci-fi epic, Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire, unveils a visually stunning world with The Mummy actor Sofia Boutella leading a band of warriors against the Imperium forces led by Admiral Atticus Noble, portrayed by Deadpool actor Ed Skrein. The movie promises a grand space adventure, featuring a stellar cast including Anthony Hopkins, Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam, Justice League’s Ray Fisher, The Last Man on Earth’s Cleopatra Coleman, and Blood Diamond’s Djimon Hounsou. Boutella’s character, Kora, embarks on a quest to assemble a diverse group of warriors from across the galaxy to defend her peaceful moon. With slow-motion action sequences and Snyder’s signature style, the trailer hints at a thrilling and visually-captivating cinematic experience. Rebel Moon – Part One will have a limited theatrical release on December 15, followed by its streaming debut on Netflix on December 22, marking the beginning of an anticipated two-part saga.

Giancarlo Esposito drives thrilling drama in AMC’s Parish trailer: A gripping crime series premiering 2024

AMC’s upcoming crime thriller series, Parish, set to premiere in 2024, is teased in a new trailer featuring Emmy nominee Giancarlo Esposito. The six-episode series unfolds the gripping story of Gracian Parish, played by Esposito, a family man and former wheelman whose life takes a dark turn following the tragic death of his son and the collapse of his business. Shot in New Orleans, the series promises intense car chases, high-stakes action, and a collision course with a violnt criminal syndicate. The trailer showcases Esposito’s powerful performance as he seeks justice and redemption, providing a glimpse into the high-octane drama that awaits viewers. Parish boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Zackary Momoh, Bonnie Mbuli, and more. The series is set to premiere on AMC and AMC+ in 2024.

Good Wife spin-off drama Elsbeth to release in February 2024

Elsbeth, the new spin-off from The Good Wife, is set to premiere on CBS on February 29, promising legal drama enthusiasts a weekly dose of captivating cases and the unique character Elsbeth Tascioni, portrayed by Carrie Preston. Following the format of its predecessors, Elsbeth will delve into legal investigations and solutions, with Elsbeth’s exceptional skills and enthusiasm taking center stage. Fans can anticipate appearances from familiar faces from The Good Wife, and the trailer hints at a True Blood reunion with Stephen Moyer. While the series holds the potential for guest stars like Julianna Margulies, its current trajectory remains unknown. The legal drama will serve as a continuation of the beloved legal universe.

Director Raja Menon reveals Shahid Kapoor’s Dingko Singh biopic takes a backseat, awaits the right script for future collaboration

Filmmaker Raja Krishna Menon has disclosed that the much-anticipated Dingko Singh biopic, starring Shahid Kapoor, has been deferred. In an exclusive interview with an entertainment portal, Menon conveyed that the boxing film, initially in the works, has been put on the backburner. Despite expressing his interest in collaborating with Shahid Kapoor, Menon emphasised on the need to wait for a script that aligns with various elements, including the character Kapoor portrays. The director further highlighted the significance of finding a script that resonates well, underscoring the broader considerations of storytelling. While Kapoor and Menon remain friends, their focus is on developing films within a collaborative and congenial environment. Meanwhile, Menon’s recent directorial venture, Pippa, featuring Ishaan Khatter and Mrunal Thakur, recently released on Amazon Prime Video. On the other hand, Kapoor, last seen in Jersey, is gearing up for various projects, including an untitled film alongside Kriti Sanon.

Greg Daniels declines The Office reboot, envisions new series within the same universe

Greg Daniels has affirmed his lack of interest in a reboot of The Office and expressed a preference for developing an alternative show within the same fictional universe. Rejecting the notion of revisiting The Office, Daniels is keen on creating a distinct series that resides in the familiar environment. His stance mirrors a strategy akin to expanding a fictional world, drawing parallels to the approach taken with The Mandalorian in the Star Wars universe. Opting against a reboot, Daniels aims to explore new storylines and characters while preserving the essence of the original workplace mockumentary.

Well that's all we got for today's episode, until the next one its your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

Written by Apurva Datta