Sizzling Samachar: SAG-AFTRA greenlights historic contract addressing pay, AI, and safety; Stellar cast additions heat up 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' TV series anticipation

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

Freya Allan inherits a supernaturally charged pub in debut horror film 'Baghead'

In the upcoming horror film Baghead, directed by Alberto Corredor, Freya Allan takes on the role of a grieving daughter who unexpectedly inherits her father's pub along with a sinister supernatural entity locked within. Unaware of her father's ownership of the property and with minimal knowledge of him, Allan's character stumbles upon a VHS tape containing a mysterious message. As she delves into the tape's contents, a nightmarish tale unfolds, revealing the pub's dark secret – an ominous entity capable of briefly resurrecting the dead. The film explores the consequences faced by those seeking to reunite with their departed loved ones, making the pub a coveted yet perilous location. Baghead boasts a talented cast, including War Horse actor Jeremy Irvine and Bridgerton actor, Ruby Barker, and marks director Corredor's transition from short films to feature-length storytelling. The trailer teases a suspenseful narrative as Allan's character recklessly unleashes the supernatural force, leading to chilling repercussions.

SAG-AFTRA greenlights historic contract addressing pay, AI, and safety

SAG-AFTRA has overwhelmingly approved a groundbreaking three-year contract with the AMPTP, securing substantial pay and residual increases, safeguards against AI exploitation, and enhanced industry safety. The 78.33% approval signals progress, though some members disagreed about AI provisions. Valued at over one billion dollars, the deal includes sustained minimum wage hikes through 2026, transparent streaming viewership data requirements, and improved measures against sexual harassment. The agreement's ratification, with a 38.15% turnout, signifies a positive turn for the industry, ushering in a return to full-scale productions. While addressing AI concerns, the contract ensures clear consent and compensation for the digital recreation of actors' likenesses. Despite some reservations, the overall approval positions the deal as a groundbreaking achievement, according to SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. As Hollywood resumes operations, ongoing discussions on AI and potential industry challenges remain.

Anthony Hopkins and Matthew Goode engage in intellectual battle as Freud and C.S. Lewis in 'Freud's Last Session'

In the upcoming film Freud's Last Session, Anthony Hopkins portrays Sigmund Freud, and Matthew Goode takes on the role of C.S. Lewis. Opening in limited release on December 22, the movie depicts a fictional meeting between the two iconic figures in London, in 1945. The narrative revolves around their heated debate on the nature of the divine, showcasing the clash between atheism and Christianity. Freud, on his deathbed, begins to psychoanalyze Lewis as  they passionately argue their opposing beliefs. Directed by Mark Brown and based on Mark St. Germain's stage play, the film also features Babylon Berlin actress Liv Lisa Fries, Bomb Girls actress Jodi Balfour, The Wind That Shakes the Barley actor Pádraic Delaney, and The History Boys actor Stephen Campbell Moore. Freud's Last Session is scheduled to release on 22 December 2023.

Max Unveils 2024/2025 Lineup with Sneak Peek of 'Welcome to Derry' - The 'IT' Prequel Series

Streaming platform Max has released a preview of its 2024/2025 programming slate, featuring a first look at the highly anticipated IT prequel series, Welcome to Derry. The show, set to

air in 2025, explores Pennywise's origin story in the 1960s, leading up to the

events of the first IT film. While Bill Skarsgård won't return as Pennywise, the series boasts an ensemble cast including Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, and James Remar. Co-showrunners Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane, along with 2017 IT director Andy Muschietti, collaborate to delve into Pennywise's dark origins. The Max video also teases various other projects, including The Penguin starring Colin Farrell, True Detective: Night Country, The Regime, The Sympathizer, and the return of established shows.

A tantalising glimpse of The Penguin, the upcoming spin-off series from Matt Reeves' The Batman, has also been revealed by Max. Colin Farrell takes the lead in this scarface-inspired narrative, providing viewers with a darker perspective on Batman's iconic adversary. The series, resuming production post-writer's strike, is set to premiere on Max in 2024. The sneak peek offers a chilling look into Oswald Cobblepot's criminal ascent, promising an intriguing character study and setting the stage for The Batman: Part Two in 2025.

Stellar cast additions heat up 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' TV series anticipation

Prime Video's Mr. and Mrs. Smith series unveils an all-star lineup with Alexander Skarsgård, Sarah Paulson, Sharon Horgan, Eiza González, Ron Perlman, Billy Campbell, and Úrsula Corberó joining Donald Glover and Maya Erksine. The enticing cast adds intrigue to the spy-centric narrative, where Glover and Erksine navigate a fake marriage, face enemies, and grapple with unexpected feelings. This remake of the 2005 comedy-action film promises fresh storytelling while retaining the essence of the original concept. The series promises a thrilling blend of espionage, romance, and star power when Mr. and Mrs. Smith premieres on Prime Video on February 2, 2024.

Soar into action with 'Masters of the Air' trailer – Apple TV+ unveils gripping World War II Drama

Apple TV+ has released the latest trailer for Masters of the Air, the highly-anticipated World War II miniseries produced by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman. This star-studded series, featuring talents like Austin Butler, Barry Keoghan, and more, follows the perilous missions of the ‘Bloody Hundredth’, the 100th Bomb Group, during bombing raids over Nazi Germany. Explore the emotional toll of war as the series premieres on January 26, 2024, with a two-part premiere on Apple TV+, followed by weekly episodes that delve into the individual fates of these courageous men. Brace for impact as Masters of the Air takes flight into the heart of history. The series will premiere on January 26, 2024.

Get ready for take-off: 'Fighter' teaser starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone to hit screens on December 8

Prepare for an adrenaline-packed experience as the much-anticipated teaser of Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, is set to be unveiled on December 8. Directed by Siddharth Anand, known for delivering gripping teasers with films like Bang Bang and War, the teaser is expected to be a brisk 1 minute and 10 seconds, offering a glimpse into the thrilling world of Fighter and its dynamic characters. As India's first aerial action franchise, Fighter promises to soar to new heights, featuring fast-paced action and a star-studded cast. Fighter is scheduled to hit theatres on 25th January 2024.

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