The cast of ‘X-Men’ in 2000 — Scott Gries/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — In a wide-ranging, Hollywood Reporter oral history about the making of the groundbreaking 2000 movie X-Men — complete with backstage drama, lawsuits, and sexual abuse allegations against director Bryan Singer — was buried an interesting nugget: Michael Jackson tried to get himself to play Professor Xavier in the film. The role of …
Alan Parker, Oscar nominated director of ‘Mississippi Burning’ and ‘Midnight Express’, dead at 76
Parker in 2003 — Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage(LONDON) — Alan Parker, the British writer-director behind movies including Fame, Bugsy Malone, and Mississippi Burning died Friday after a lengthy illness, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 76. A versatile filmmaker, Parker was known for moving fluidly through various genres — from the Civil Rights struggle-themed Mississippi Burning through lighter, more musical-oriented movies including …
Channing Tatum teaming up with music producer Scooter Braun for a Lady Macbeth musical for Amazon
ABC/Randy Holmes(LOS ANGELES) — Channing Tatum and Scooter Braun, the manager of acts including Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, and Ariana Grande, are teaming up for a YA musical take on Lady Macbeth. That’s the word from The Hollywood Reporter, which notes the project is being produced by Amazon Studios, and directed by John McPhail, who called the shots …
‘American Idol’ auditions go virtual with “‘Idol’ Across America” August 10
Courtesy ABC(LOS ANGELES) — Since filling hotel ballrooms or stadiums with screaming — and singing — hopefuls is no longer an option amid the COVID-19 pandemic, American Idol is taking its auditions on the road virtually for the spring 2021 edition of the show. Starting August 10, the show will kick off its “Idol Across America” remote auditions, …
Report: Celebs were asked to “gush over” Ellen
ABC/Randy Holmes(LOS ANGELES) — Allegations of a toxic workplace at The Ellen DeGeneres Show have taken a celebrity turn, with an insider saying two famous guests were directed to “fawn over” the chat show host. Page Six reports that the two guests, who remain anonymous, were told by producers to, “compliment Ellen, tell her what …
Don Cheadle, Julianne Moore, others launching quarantine film series
Getty Images for EIF & XQ(LOS ANGELES) — A group of Hollywood celebrities have compiled a short film series while in — and all about — quarantine. Julianne Moore, Don Cheadle, Chris Cooper, Rosie Perez and Debra Winger top the all-star cast of With/In, a collection of short films made during lockdown by a number …
Naya Rivera’s final on-screen appearance revealed after being laid to rest
Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — The late Naya Rivera will be featured in an upcoming episode of Netflix’s Sugar Rush, Deadline reports. The episode, which is believed to have been her final on-screen appearance before her tragic death, premieres on the platform today as part of the show’s third season. According to the outlet, the Glee alum filmed as a guest judge on the baking …
“I am committed to ensuring this doesn’t happen again”: Ellen DeGeneres writes staff after abuse allegations
Photo by FOX via Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — While WarnerMedia completes an investigation into the accusations, Ellen DeGeneres wrote a letter to her staff regarding abuse allegations some of her self-titled show’s staff vented to Buzzfeed earlier this month. The Hollywood Reporter obtained the letter, in which DeGeneres apologizes to her staff. While several high-ranking producers on the show …
“I write, I write, I write” — Matthew McConaughey penned a memoir
ABC/Nicole Wilder(TEXAS) — Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey is now an author. In a message to his social media followers, the actor and part-time college professor revealed the book is called Greenlights. “Ever since I learned to write, I’ve been keeping a journal, writing down anything that turned me on, turned me off, made me laugh, made me cry, made …
‘I May Destroy You’ star Paapa Essiedu jokes he’s relieved to see positive reviews after wondering if series was “good”
Courtesy of HBO(NEW YORK) — U.K. star Paapa Essiedu can finally breathe a sigh of relief now that he knows fans are loving every moment of his new HBO drama series I May Destroy You. The new series centers on the show’s creator, Michaela Coel, as Arabella, a Twitter star-turned-novelist who discovers she’s been sexually assaulted after a night out with friends. …