Sizzling Samachar: Taylor Lautner and Sarah Hyland to star in romantic comedy 'The Token Groomsman'; Liam Neeson joins star-studded cast for 'Naked Gun' reboot

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

Taylor Lautner and Sarah Hyland to star in romantic comedy 'The Token Groomsman'

Twilight star Taylor Lautner and Sarah Hyland, best known for playing Haley Dunphy in the sit-com Modern Family, are teaming up for a new romantic comedy, The Token Groomsman. Lautner plays Scott, a career-focused man who attends a destination wedding to network but finds unexpected love with the groom's sister, Mia, played by Hyland. The film, directed by Natalie Simpkins, is currently in production and will be presented at the Cannes Film Festival. The film also stars Brenton Thwaites, who is best known for playing Batman’s protégé Nightwing in Titans.

Liam Neeson joins star-studded cast for 'Naked Gun' reboot

Paramount's reboot of the classic comedy The Naked Gun is assembling a stellar cast, with Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, and Kevin Durand joining the lineup. Danny Huston, known for his role in Yellowstone, is the latest addition to the ensemble. Neeson will take on the role of Detective Frank Drebin, originally played by Leslie Nielsen, while Hauser will play Drebin's partner, Ed. Details about Huston's character are still under wraps, but the film aims to revive the franchise's classic comedic style. Directed by Akiva Schaffer and produced by Seth MacFarlane, the reboot promises to capture the essence of the beloved series while offering a fresh take for both longtime fans and new audiences. Production is set to begin in Atlanta, Georgia, with a planned release date of July 18, 2025.

Jeremy Strong in talks to join Bruce Springsteen biopic 'Nebraska'

Jeremy Strong, known for his role in Succession, is reportedly in discussions to star alongside Jeremy Allen White in the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic, Nebraska. Strong is set to portray Jon Landau, Springsteen's long-time manager, while White will take on the role of The Boss himself. Directed by Scoot Cooper, the film will delve into the production of Springsteen's iconic album Nebraska, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of the process. Strong's recent successes include Emmy nominations for Succession and roles in films like Armageddon Time, while White gained fame through Shameless and The Bear.

Glen Powell and Anthony Mackie to star in legal drama 'Monsanto'

Glen Powell is set to lead the cast of the upcoming legal drama Monsanto, alongside Anthony Mackie and Laura Dern. Directed by John Lee Hancock, the film revolves around the landmark lawsuit against chemical giant Monsanto, focusing on the true story of a David vs. Goliath legal battle over the Roundup herbicide. Powell portrays Brent Wisner, a young lawyer, who takes on the challenging case on behalf of Dewayne Lee Johnson, played by Mackie, a school groundskeeper claiming illness caused by Roundup. Dern joins as Dr. Melinda Rogers, Monsanto’s chief toxicologist, adding depth to the courtroom drama.

Russell Crowe stars in action thriller 'Bear Country'

Russell Crowe is set to headline the upcoming action flick Bear Country, directed by Derrick. The film follows Crowe's character, Manco Kapak, an older club owner whose plans for a peaceful life with his girlfriend are disrupted when he is robbed by an anonymous criminal. Kapak finds himself entangled in a web of cartel bosses and a mysterious newcomer, leading to an uncertain fate. Crowe reunites with director Borte, known for their collaboration on the 2020 thriller Unhinged. Bear Country promises to deliver a thrilling narrative set against the backdrop of the gritty streets of Los Angeles.

Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård to star in queer romance 'Pillion'

Pillion is an upcoming queer romance film which marks director Harry Lighton's feature film debut. The film stars Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård, and the story revolves around Colin, portrayed by Melling, whose life undergoes a transformative shift upon encountering Ray, played by Skarsgård, the leader of a provocative biker gang. Initially embracing a submissive role in their relationship dynamics, Colin gradually begins to question his desires and identity as their connection deepens. Set against the backdrop of a unique love story, Pillion promises to explore themes of emotional intimacy and self-discovery.

New 'The Office' spin-off greenlit by Peacock

Peacock has given the green light to a spin-off series set in The Office universe, helmed by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman. With production slated to commence in July, the show will focus on a struggling Midwestern newspaper and its endeavour to survive with the aid of volunteer reporters. Domhnall Gleeson and Sabrina Impacciatore headline the cast, bringing their diverse talents to this anticipated project. While details about their characters remain undisclosed, Gleeson's recent role in Alice & Jack and Impacciatore's appearance  in The White Lotus showcase their acting prowess.

Shoojit Sircar unveils release date for next film starring Abhishek Bachchan on Piku's 9th anniversary

Celebrated filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, known for heartwarming tales like Piku, announces his next project with Abhishek Bachchan on the 9th anniversary of Piku's release. Reflecting on the special bond between fathers and daughters, Sircar shares insights into his upcoming film, set to hit theatres on November 15, 2024. Following the success of Piku, anticipation runs high for this new tale of emotional resonance.

Sydney Sweeney to portray trailblazing Boxer Christy Martin in a biopic directed by David Michôd

Sydney Sweeney, known for roles in Euphoria and White Lotus, gears up to play trailblazing boxer Christy Martin in a new biopic helmed by David Michôd. The film, set to debut at Cannes, will chronicle Martin's journey to becoming America's most prominent female boxer in the 1990s, breaking barriers and facing harrowing personal struggles along the way. Sweeney, with a background in boxing and MMA, expresses enthusiasm for the physically and emotionally demanding role, while Michôd highlights the ferocity and resilience of Martin's character. The project, backed by Black Bear, promises a captivating exploration of Martin's inspiring story.

Well that's all we got 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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