Sizzling Samachar: Greta Gerwig takes bold approach in adapting The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix, opting for whole saga narrative; Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich headline A24’s mysterious horror film Opus with stellar cast and Grammy-winning musical duo

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

Warner Bros dumps completed film Coyote Vs. Acme despite John Cena’s star power, third cancellation in two years

Warner Bros. Discovery has unexpectedly cancelled the animation-live action hybrid film Coyote Vs. Acme, featuring John Cena, even though the project had already completed principal photography. This marks the third time in less than two years that the studio has scrapped a project post-completion. The film, based on Looney Tunes characters, had involvement from priority talent, including Cena and Will Forte. The decision has sparked reactions from the cast and crew, with Cena posting a cryptic message on Instagram and director Dave Green expressing disappointment on Twitter. Other industry figures, like Brian Duffield and Peter Atencio, criticised Warner Bros., with Duffield labelling the company “anti-art”. Despite positive feedback from test audiences, Warner Bros. Discovery chose to permanently pull the plug on the project, leaving the team devastated by the unexpected decision.

Greta Gerwig takes bold approach in adapting The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix, opting for whole saga narrative

Netflix’s film chief, Scott Stuber, has revealed surprising details about Greta Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia. Contrary to the traditional one-movie-per-book approach, Gerwig aims to incorporate the entire arc of C.S. Lewis’s beloved series into her film. One would imagine that The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe would be considered an obvious choice, but Gerwig and producer Amy Pascal are exploring a narrative form that spans the entirety of the Narnia saga. The Chronicles of Narnia follows the adventures of the Pevensie children in the magical land of Narnia, offering a unique perspective on growth and maturity. Stuber highlights Gerwig’s deep connection to the Christian themes in Lewis’s books as a key factor in her selection for this ambitious project. He also confirms that the project is said to begin filming early next year.

James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy set to soar as filming resumes in Spring 2024, introducing a fresh chapter in the DC Universe

James Gunn’s much-anticipated DC film, Superman: Legacy, is set to resume filming in March 2024 after a 118-day hiatus caused by the actors’ strike. The film, starring Pearl actor David Corenswet as Clark Kent and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actress Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, marks Gunn’s foray into reshaping the DC extended universe. Following the success of The Suicide Squad, Gunn plans to bring a fresh take on Superman, exploring the iconic character in a world of heroes without delving into his origin story. The film is part of Gunn’s vision to reboot the DC Universe, introducing a phase he calls Gods and Monsters. Superman: Legacy is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, as Gunn aims to revitalise the DCU with his unique storytelling approach.

Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich headline A24’s mysterious horror film Opus with stellar cast and Grammy-winning musical duo

A24’s upcoming horror film, Opus, helmed by debut director Mark Anthony Green, has secured an impressive cast led by Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich. While plot details remain under wraps, the film revolves around the return of an iconic pop star after a decades-long disappearance. Malkovich, known for his Emmy win and two Oscar nominations, brings his star power, having recently appeared in projects like The Line and Fool’s Paradise. Edebiri, riding high on her Emmy-nominated role in FX’s The Bear and various other achievements, adds to the film’s promising lineup. The supporting cast includes Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder, Stephanie Suganami, Young Mazino, and Tatanka Means, with talks of Juliette Lewis joining the cast as well. Grammy-winning duo The-Dream and Nile Rodgers will contribute original songs and serve as executive producers on the project.

Pedro Pascal prioritises Gladiator 2 as filming resumes post SAG-AFTRA strike, potentially impacting The Last of Us Season 2 schedule

With the resolution of the SAG-AFTRA strike, the much-anticipated sequel, Gladiator 2, is set to resume production swiftly, emerging as a priority project for both Paramount and lead actor Pedro Pascal. Known for his roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, Pascal has placed Gladiator 2 in “first position” on his schedule, potentially affecting the filming schedule of The Last of Us Season 2. The rush to complete marquee projects aligns with audience demands, and Pascal’s commitment to the Roman epic takes precedence. The sequel, featuring Pascal alongside Normal People actor Paul Mescal and The Equalizer’s Denzel Washington, is slated for release on November 22, 2024. As the industry recuperates from the strike’s impact, the studios aim to meet deadlines while Pascal’s involvement in Gladiator 2 adds a layer of complexity to the scheduling landscape.

Starz greenlights Spartacus: House of Ashur – A thrilling return of the fan-favourite villain!

Starz has greenlit Spartacus: House of Ashur, a sequel series to the original Spartacus universe. The drama, led by Spartacus’ creator Steven S. DeKnight, revives the beloved villain Ashur, played by Nick Tarabay, in an alternate history where he survives. Exploring a new narrative, the series raises intriguing questions about what might have happened if Ashur had access to a gladiator school. Promising a history-bending, erotic, and thrilling roller-coaster experience, the show is set to be a captivating addition to the Spartacus saga. With Tarabay reprising his role, fans can anticipate the return of the mischievous character known for his strategic manoeuvres. Spartacus: House of Ashur is poised to deliver high-octane drama, marking a triumphant comeback to the beloved franchise after a decade.

Well that's all for today's episode of Sizzling Samachar, until the next one it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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Written by Apurva Datta