Sizzling Samachar: Filming to start for the ‘The Accountant 2’ with Ben Affleck as the lead actor and producer; Noah Baumbach teams up with actor Laura Dern for yet another Netflix venture

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

Filming to start for the ‘The Accountant 2’ with Ben Affleck as the lead actor and producer

After years in development, The Accountant 2 is finally gaining traction, featuring Ben Affleck, who will reprise the role of Christian Wolff, the fearless public accountant, a savant for numbers who manages the finances of illicit enterprises. Affleck, along with his longtime friend Matt Damon, will produce the film after securing the sequel's rights from Warner Bros. through their production company, Artists Equity. Joining Affleck in the cast are Jon Bernthal, J.K. Simmons, and Cynthia Addai-Robinson with additional cast members yet to be unveiled. Directed by Gavin O'Connor and penned by Bill Dubuque, The Accountant 2's narrative revolves around Marybeth Medina played by Addai-Robinson, compelled to contact Wolff when her former employer is murdered. Wolff, teaming up with his ruthless brother Brax played by Bernthal, embarks on a perilous mission to unravel the mystery behind the killing and the ominous forces at play. The movie will stream exclusively on Prime Video.

Noah Baumbach teams up with actor Laura Dern for yet another Netflix venture

In a major entertainment news development, filmmaker Noah Baumbach has entered into a comprehensive deal with Netflix, marking a reunion with Oscar-winning actress Laura Dern for an upcoming Netflix movie. Baumbach's latest venture, features an ensemble cast including George Clooney and Adam Sandler, adds Riley Keough and Billy Crudup. Baumbach is nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards for co-writing Barbie with Greta Gerwig, but details about the new film are kept under wraps. Described as a "funny and emotional coming-of-age film about adults," the untitled project will be Baumbach's fourth feature for Netflix, following White Noise, Marriage Story, and The Meyerowitz Stories.

Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth clash in the upcoming 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga'

A trailer for the highly anticipated Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, a prequel to the 2015 hit Mad Max: Fury Road, has been released. The clip depicts Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth in a heated confrontation. The film, directed by George Miller, is the fifth entry in the legendary Mad Max franchise, chronicling Furiosa's origin story and her encounter with a Wasteland Warlord. The older version of the titular character was played by Charlize Theron in the acclaimed 2015 film Mad Max: Fury Road.  Mark your calendars, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga will premiere on May 24, 2024.

America on the brink of hostility in the new 'Civil War' IMAX poster

Filmmaker Alex Garland, much acclaimed for his work in Ex Machina and Annihilation, delves into dystopian chaos in the trailer for his latest venture, Civil War. This A24 film keeps plot details under wraps but emphasises the central role of journalists, hinting at political undertones. With an ensemble cast including Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Cailee Spaeny, Nick Offerman, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Wagner Moura, the film hints at the civil war in America between Texas and California. Described as a "sci-fi allegory" by Garland, Civil War with its hostile setting is set to hit theatres on April 26, 2024.

“Schmidt” aka Max Greenfield joins Mindy Kaling's new untitled basketball series

Popular for playing Schmidt in the famous sitcom, New Girl, Max Greenfield joins Mindy Kaling's new untitled basketball series. This 10-episode venture, featuring a star-studded cast including Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, and Scott MacArthur, introduces Uche Agada and Dane DiLiegro to the ensemble. The narrative follows Isla Gordon played by Hudson, thrust into leading the Los Angeles Waves franchise amidst a family scandal. Greenfield assumes the role of Isla's fiancé, Lev Levy, while Agada and DiLiegro embody rookie player Dyson Gibbs and his Waves teammate Badrag Knauss, respectively. The series promises a fresh perspective on the hurdles confronting women in professional sports. The release date for this compelling basketball drama is eagerly awaited, but in the meantime, fans can watch Greenfield at his absolute best in the sitcom, New Girl on Disney+ Hotstar.

Margaret Qualley to portray Amanda Knox, the wrongfully convicted roommate in a Hulu limited series

Margaret Qualley, acclaimed for her roles in Maid and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is set to star as Amanda Knox in a compelling Hulu limited series. The eight-episode project, created by KJ Steinberg and produced by 20th Television and The Littlefield Company, delves into Knox's wrongful conviction for the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher, and her determined 16-year quest for exoneration. Qualley not only leads the cast but also serves as an executive producer. The series, featuring key figures such as Monica Lewinsky in production, offers a unique perspective on the internationally sensationalised case. With no confirmed release date, the nail-biting series shall add to Qualley's fruitful career.

Shatrughan Sinha concludes filming for 'Gangs of Ghaziabad’ under the direction of Nagender Choudhary

Shatrughan Sinha completes filming his debut series, Gangs of Ghaziabad, set in the 90s underworld of Western Uttar Pradesh. The crime drama, featuring an ensemble cast including Ashutosh Rana and Sunny Leone, explores themes of power and loyalty. Produced by Vinay Kumar and directed by Nagender Choudhary, the series promises an authentic portrayal of 90s realities. Cinematography by Anshuman Mahaley and a grand score by Julius Packiam enhance the production.

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

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

• Written by Apurva Dutta

Listen to more OTTplay Sizzling Samachar of the Day podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.