Sizzling Samachar: Robert Pattinson to produce and possibly star in 'Possession' remake; 'The Rookie' creator develops new hostage drama 'The Envoy'

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

Robert Pattinson to produce and possibly star in 'Possession' remake

Robert Pattinson and Parker Finn are teaming up for a remake of the 1981 psychological horror film Possession. The original, directed by Andrzej Żuławski, follows a deteriorating marriage that spirals into a surreal nightmare involving doppelgängers and a Lovecraftian creature. The controversial film, now considered a masterpiece, featured a harrowing performance by Isabelle Adjani. Finn, known for Smile, will write and direct the remake, with Pattinson producing and potentially starring. Major studios like A24, Netflix, and Warner Bros are vying for the project, which is still in its early development stages.

Joseph Quinn talks 'The Fantastic Four' and physical prep for human torch role

Joseph Quinn, set to play the Human Torch in Marvel's The Fantastic Four, recently shared insights about his preparation and interactions with co-stars in an interview with GQ. Quinn, excited to work with John Malkovich, hinted at potential casting secrets and has already started physical training and costume fittings for the role. The film, which also stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, is highly anticipated and scheduled for a July 25, 2025 release. This timing promises a blockbuster summer alongside James Gunn's Superman. Other upcoming Marvel projects include Deadpool & Wolverine and Agatha.

'The Rookie' creator develops new hostage drama 'The Envoy'

Alexi Hawley, known for 'The Rookie' and The Recruit, is creating The Envoy, a political thriller based on a Vanity Fair article by Adam Ciralsky. The series, inspired by the work of Roger Carstens, the U.S. special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, will depict a different fictionalized hostage scenario each season. Lionsgate Television is producing, with Hawley and Ciralsky reuniting after their success with The Recruit. The show promises a deep dive into the high-stakes efforts of securing the release of American hostages worldwide. No release date has been announced yet.

‘Adventure Time' universe expands with new movie and TV spin-offs

Warner Bros. Discovery is set to expand the Adventure Time universe with a new movie and two TV spin-offs. The movie, featuring Rebecca Sugar and Adam Muto, remains under wraps. Adventure Time: Side Quests will explore Finn’s childhood adventures, highlighting his dreams of heroism. Adventure Time: Heyo BMO will focus on BMO, the beloved sentient game console, catering to a younger audience. These projects align with Warner Bros.' strategy to leverage established franchises, ensuring Adventure Time continues to captivate fans with fresh, imaginative stories. Further details and release dates are eagerly awaited.

USA Network to adapt John Grisham's 'The Rainmaker' into TV series

USA Network is adapting John Grisham's novel The Rainmaker into a series with Lionsgate Television and Blumhouse Television. The plot follows new lawyer Rudy Baylor uncovering conspiracies with his boss and a paralegal. While casting details are pending, the production boasts an executive team including Grisham, Jason Blum, and Jason Richman. This marks the second adaptation of The Rainmaker, following Francis Ford Coppola’s 1997 film. Grisham's works, such as The Firm and The Pelican Brief, have a strong screen presence, promising high expectations for this new series.

Tim Meadows joins 'Peacemaker' season 2 as A.R.G.U.S. agent

Tim Meadows is set to join the cast of Peacemaker Season 2, playing Langston Fleury, an A.R.G.U.S. agent. The series, created by James Gunn and starring John Cena as the titular character, continues to expand its universe. Additionally, Greg Mottola, known for Superbad, will direct several episodes. Season 1, currently streaming on Max, showcased the anti-hero's evolution, and Season 2, now in production, will further integrate into the new DC Universe, post-Superman: Legacy. The cast's lineup remains a secret, but the show's return promises more thrilling adventures.

George R. R. Martin updates on 'Game of Thrones' spin-off '10,000 Ships'

George R. R. Martin announced he's developing a pilot for 10,000 Ships, a Game of Thrones spin-off featuring Nymeria of the Rhoynar, in collaboration with Pulitzer Prize winner Eboni Booth. Nymeria, an ancestor of Arya Stark and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, led her people to Dorne a thousand years before Game of Thrones. Despite earlier reports of its cancellation, the project is progressing. This joins other spin-offs like House of the Dragon Season 2 and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight. Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon are currently streaming on Max.

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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