Sizzling Samachar: Netflix acquires Glen Powell-starring legal drama ‘Monsanto’; Cody Rhodes joins the cast of ‘The Naked Gun’ reboot

Welcome to another episode of Sizzling Samachar, your daily dose of entertainment news. I'm your host Nikhil

Netflix acquires Glen Powell-starring legal drama ‘Monsanto’

Netflix has secured Monsanto, a compelling legal drama directed by John Lee Hancock, which was a highlight at Cannes. The film, starring Glen Powell, Anthony Mackie, and Laura Dern, recounts the true story of lawyer Brent Wisner played by Powell who challenges a giant corporation, Monsanto, in a groundbreaking lawsuit. Mackie portrays Dewayne Johnson, a school groundskeeper claiming Monsanto’s herbicide, Roundup, caused his cancer. Dern plays Monsanto’s chief toxicologist. The film addresses the contentious debate over glyphosate, following a landmark 2018 case where Monsanto was found liable for Johnson’s cancer, marking a significant victory for consumer safety.

Cody Rhodes joins the cast of ‘The Naked Gun’ reboot

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is set to make his mark on the big screen in Paramount's reboot of The Naked Gun. Following his heroics at WrestleMania 40 earlier this year, Rhodes joins a stellar cast including Liza Koshy, CCH Pounder, and Busta Rhymes. This new addition to the beloved comedy franchise will star Liam Neeson as Detective Frank Drebin, the role originally made famous by Leslie Nielsen. Other cast members include Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, and Danny Huston. Rhodes will have a cameo in the film, which is directed by Akiva Schaffer and is slated for release on July 18, 2025. The screenplay was penned by Dan Gregor, Doug Mand, and Schaffer, with Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins producing.

Steven Spielberg's upcoming UFO film set for May 2026 release

Steven Spielberg will return to the UFO genre with a new film slated for release on May 15, 2026. This marks his first directorial project since The Fabelmans in 2022. Spielberg reunites with screenwriter David Koepp, known for their successful collaborations on Jurassic Park, The Lost World, and War of the Worlds. While plot specifics remain under wraps, the film is expected to delve into extraterrestrial themes, harkening back to Spielberg's classics like E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Universal Pictures confirmed the release date, though the cast is yet to be announced.

Update on 'The Boys: Mexico' spin-off: delays and development details

Progress on The Boys: Mexico spin-off is delayed, with showrunner Eric Kripke revealing that the project is still in early stages. Executive producers Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna are finalising the pilot script, emphasising a standalone narrative independent of the original series. Kripke aims to avoid mandatory cross-viewing with The Boys and Gen V. Season 4 of The Boys, featuring a deadly virus and intensifying conflict between Butcher and Homelander over young Ryan, premieres on June 13, 2024. Seasons 1-3 are available on Prime Video.

Christian Slater joins 'Dexter' prequel 'Original Sin' as key cast revealed

Paramount+ with Showtime has announced the cast for Dexter: Original Sin, a prequel set in 1991 Miami, starring Patrick Gibson as young Dexter Morgan, Molly Brown as Debra Morgan, and Christian Slater as Dexter’s adoptive father, Harry Morgan. The series, helmed by showrunner Clyde Phillips, explores Dexter's evolution into a serial killer under Harry's guidance. Slater's extensive career and Gibson's role in Shadow and Bone add to the anticipation for this series, which seeks to maintain the dark, thrilling essence of the original Dexter while providing a fresh narrative foundation.

Pratik Gandhi takes on corruption in ‘Dedh Bigha Zameen’

The trailer for Dedh Bigha Zameen, starring Pratik Gandhi and Khushalii Kumar, depicts a middle-class couple's fight against corruption in a small Uttar Pradesh town. Directed by Pulkit, with Hansal Mehta as the creative director, the film follows Gandhi's character as he battles to secure money for his sister's dowry after their ancestral land has been encroached upon. Highlighting themes of social justice and resilience, the film premieres on JioCinema on May 31. Pulkit describes the project as a special labour of love for the team.

Jackie Shroff replaces Suniel Shetty in ‘Welcome To The Jungle’

Jackie Shroff has joined the cast of Welcome To The Jungle after Sanjay Dutt's departure due to health issues. Directed by Ahmed Khan and starring Akshay Kumar, the film has reworked character roles: Suniel Shetty takes over Dutt's role, and Shroff steps into Shetty's original part. Shroff, shooting quietly since December, will bring a fresh dynamic to the ensemble cast, which includes Paresh Rawal, Disha Patani, and Jacqueline Fernandez. The film, set for a Christmas 2024 release, aims to be the biggest comedy of the year and is currently shooting in Mumbai.

Well that's all 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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