Sizzling Samachar: Derek Luke joins cast of Michael Jackson biopic as Lawyer Johnnie Cochran; Dan Stevens joins Al Pacino in horror film ‘The Ritual’

Welcome to another episode of Sizzling Samachar on OTTplay, I'm your host Nikhil. News from Hollywood up next.

Derek Luke joins cast of Michael Jackson biopic as Lawyer Johnnie Cochran

Antoine Fuqua's highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, just added another star to its ensemble cast. Derek Luke, known for his roles in Captain America and The Purge, will portray the iconic lawyer Johnnie Cochran in the film. The upcoming biopic promises an inside look at the highs and lows of Michael Jackson's career, covering everything from his legendary music and dance moves to his personal struggles. With an impressive cast and the involvement of the Jackson family, "Michael" is slated to hit theaters on April 18, 2025. Luke's addition to the cast adds even more excitement to the project, joining a lineup that includes Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Kat Graham as Diana Ross. With John Logan penning the script and Fuqua directing, Michael is shaping up to be a must-watch biopic.

Dan Stevens joins Al Pacino in horror film ‘The Ritual’

Dan Stevens, known for his roles in Downton Abbey, Abigail and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, is set to star in the upcoming horror film The Ritual alongside acting legend Al Pacino. Directed by David Midell, the movie follows two haunted priests tasked with freeing a woman from the clutches of a demon. Stevens portrays one of the priests, who questions his faith, while Pacino's character grapples with his troubled past. Based on the true story of Emma Schmidt, the film delves into themes of possession and exorcism. Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen also join the cast, with further details about their roles yet to be revealed.The Ritual is expected to hit theaters next year.

Aja Naomi King joins NBC's murder mystery drama

Aja Naomi King has joined the cast of NBC's pilot, Grosse Pointe Garden Society, adding her talent to a thrilling suburban murder mystery. King plays Catherine, a realtor and member of the Garden Society, struggling with loneliness and harbouring a juicy secret amidst the murder and mischief engulfing their conventional lives. The series, led by Melissa Fumero, AnnaSophia Robb, and Ben Rappaport, promises an eclectic mix of characters navigating the dark sides of wealth and power in suburbia. The quartet, including King's character, finds themselves entangled in a web of secrets and danger, as they each grapple with personal challenges. With a strong ensemble cast and a gripping storyline, Grosse Pointe Garden Society is poised to deliver suspense and intrigue.

Callum Turner stars in Apple TV+ series 'Neuromancer'

Callum Turner, known for his roles in The Capture and Fantastic Beasts, takes on the lead role of hacker Henry Case in Apple's adaptation of Neuromancer. Turner's character, Case, embarks on a thrilling cyberpunk adventure alongside Molly Millions, played by another yet-to-be-announced actor. In this ten-episode miniseries based on William Gibson's groundbreaking novel, Case's expertise in hacking is sought after for a major heist that involves merging super-AI entities. Directed by J.D. Dillard and created by Graham Roland, the series promises to capture the essence of Gibson's futuristic and dystopian world. With Turner's charismatic presence and the rich source material, Neuromancer is set to be an exhilarating addition to Apple TV+'s lineup.

Thandiwe Newton joins the cast of 'Wednesday' season 2 for a mysterious role

British star Thandiwe Newton has been cast in Netflix's Wednesday Season 2, adding a layer of anticipation to the dark comedy series. Newton's character details remain shrouded in mystery, heightening curiosity alongside the recent addition of Steve Buscemi to the star-studded ensemble. Season 2 promises to delve deeper into action and horror, with Jenna Ortega reprising her titular role. Inspired by the Addams Family, Wednesday has garnered significant attention, with Newton's acclaimed performance in Westworld adding further excitement to her involvement. Known for her versatility and depth, Newton's addition elevates the series' allure, leaving fans eager for more. With Season 1 already captivating audiences on Netflix, the anticipation for the upcoming instalment is palpable, offering a thrilling continuation of the enigmatic world of Wednesday.

Ajay Devgn's 'Raid 2' wraps up filming, final shoot in Delhi

As Ajay Devgn continues his winning streak in 2024 with hits like Shaitaan and Maidaan, the highly anticipated Raid 2 is nearing completion, with the final schedule set in Delhi next week. Exclusive details reveal that filming will conclude by the end of April after an efficient shooting process that commenced earlier this year in January. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the sequel promises to uphold the legacy of its predecessor, featuring Devgn reprising his role as the principled IRS Officer Amay Patnaik. Alongside Devgn, the film stars Vaani Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh, with Rajat Kapoor playing a crucial role. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishan Kumar, 'Raid 2' is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, in collaboration with Panorama Studios. With a scheduled release date of November 15, 2024, anticipation for the action-packed sequel is at an all-time high.

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

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• Written by Apurva Dutta

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