Sizzling Samachar: Iconic characters Titan and Battle Beast return for 'Invincible' season 3; Aubrey Plaza to star in John Waters' 'Liarmouth' - His first film in 20 years

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

Iconic characters Titan and Battle Beast return for 'Invincible' season 3

In a recent episode of the Invincible podcast, series creator Robert Kirkman confirmed that two characters from Season 1, Titan portrayed by Mahershala Ali and Battle Beast portrayed by Michael Dorn will be making a return in Season 3 of the series. The news was later confirmed by the official Invincible Twitter account. With the Season 2 finale setting the stage for intense battles against the Viltrum Empire, the inclusion of Titan and Battle Beast promises to add further depth and excitement to the upcoming season. Titan, known for his ability to transform his skin into a rock-like material, and Battle Beast, renowned for his superhuman strength comparable to Viltrumites, are expected to play significant roles in the epic showdown on Earth. As the war against the Viltrumites intensifies, the addition of these formidable characters ensures that Season 3 of Invincible will deliver thrilling and action-packed episodes.

Aubrey Plaza to star in John Waters' 'Liarmouth' - His first film in 20 years

Aubrey Plaza's official confirmation to star in John Waters' upcoming film Liarmouth marks Waters' return to directing after two decades, fuelling anticipation among fans. Plaza is set to portray Marsha Sprinkle, an unlikable compulsive liar in the "hilariously filthy" tale of sex, crime, and family dysfunction based on Waters' 2022 novel. Known for pushing boundaries, Waters brings his signature provocative style to the project, promising an intriguing blend of dark humour and social commentary. Plaza's versatility and knack for tackling challenging roles make her an ideal fit for the character, enhancing the excitement surrounding the collaboration. With production scheduled to start later this year in Baltimore, Maryland, the project signals a noteworthy revival for both Waters and Plaza, as they join forces to create what is expected to be a compelling addition to Waters' distinguished body of work.

David Harbour joins star-studded cast for 'Levon's Trade' thriller

David Harbour has been confirmed to join the cast of the upcoming thriller Levon's Trade, penned by Sylvester Stallone and directed by David Ayer. Alongside Harbour, the cast includes Jason Statham, Michael Peña, Jason Flemyng, and Arianna Rivas. Based on Chuck Dixon's book series, the film follows Statham's character, Levon Cade, a retired black-ops agent who returns to action to find his boss' missing daughter. The project, currently shooting in London, aims for a January 17, 2025 release, backed by Amazon MGM Studios. Harbour's addition to the star-studded lineup heightens anticipation for the film, promising an intriguing mix of action and suspense under Ayer's direction.

‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ release date shifted to April 11

In a surprising turn of events, the release date for the much-anticipated film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan has been postponed to April 11, 2024, just hours before its scheduled release. Initially planned for a full-day release on April 10, the decision to delay the film was made to avoid spoilers and ensure a more strategic release. With Eid approaching, the makers aim to capitalise on the holiday weekend, offering audiences a chance to experience the film without prior information about its plot twists. Starring an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Alaya F, Tiger Shroff, and Manushi Chhillar, the film promises to be a thrilling ride for viewers.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali shall unveil trailer for ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ tomorrow

Excitement is building as fans eagerly await the unveiling of the official trailer for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-anticipated digital debut, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Scheduled to premiere on Netflix on May 1, this period drama promises to be a visual spectacle. The series features a stellar ensemble cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Fardeen Khan, Adhyayan Suman, and Taha Shah Badussha, among others. With such talent on board, viewers can expect an immersive experience set in pre-independent India. While the plot details are being kept under wraps, the title and confirmed cast members suggest a narrative rich in power struggles, love stories, and the quest for freedom.

Election Fever impacts Bollywood release dates

Amidst the political fervour of upcoming elections, Bollywood is witnessing a significant shake-up in its release calendar. Two highly anticipated films, namely Kalki 2898 AD and Baby John, are facing potential delays, causing a ripple effect throughout the industry. Kalki 2898 AD, featuring a stellar cast including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, directed by Nag Ashwin, is rumoured to be postponed due to the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 13 in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Similarly, Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan and directed by Kalees, is contemplating a new release date, closely monitoring the release plans of other big-ticket films like Indian 2 and Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha. The absence of these films in May could impact theatre footfall, although other Hindi and Hollywood releases are slated for the month, providing some relief.

Baweja Studios to produce biopic on Kashmir's Late Lance Naik Nazir Wani

Baweja Studios, led by Harman Baweja, is preparing to bring a compelling story of bravery to cinemas. Their upcoming film Ikhwan will chronicle the life of Lance Naik Nazir Wani, Kashmir's first Ashok Chakra awardee. From a feared militant to a decorated soldier, Wani's journey will be depicted, highlighting his transition from conflict to sacrifice in the Indian Army. The title Ikhwan, symbolising military brotherhood, encapsulates Wani's dedication as he bravely fought terrorists in Batagund village, ultimately losing his life in November 2018. Producer Harman Baweja expressed eagerness to share Wani's inspiring transformation, emphasizing the importance of honouring his journey. With Lieutenant General Satish Dua praising the film for its portrayal of Kashmiri patriotism and Wani's wife, Mehjabeen Akhtar, expressing gratitude for the recognition of her late husband's sacrifices, Ikhwan promises to be a touching tribute to national heroes.

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

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• Written by Apurva Dutta

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