Steven Spielberg has managed to make a fortune off of his contributions to cinema. But the acclaimed director felt he was better off not knowing how much money he accumulated over the years.
What Steven Spielberg wants to do with his money Steven Spielberg | Stewart Cook/Getty Images
Spielberg has become one of the richest figures in the entertainment industry, constantly topping lists like Forbes. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the director has a net worth of $8 billion and earns $150 million annually. Spielberg has spent his earnings on a few extravagant purchases. He’s owned expensive homes, including his massive Los Angeles compound equipped with its own vineyard.
Still, the filmmaker has always dedicated himself to investing his money in more altruistic endeavors. This included forming the Shoah Foundation, which aimed to further educate on the Holocaust through video footage from survivors, documents, and photographs. He’s also tried to...
What Steven Spielberg wants to do with his money Steven Spielberg | Stewart Cook/Getty Images
Spielberg has become one of the richest figures in the entertainment industry, constantly topping lists like Forbes. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the director has a net worth of $8 billion and earns $150 million annually. Spielberg has spent his earnings on a few extravagant purchases. He’s owned expensive homes, including his massive Los Angeles compound equipped with its own vineyard.
Still, the filmmaker has always dedicated himself to investing his money in more altruistic endeavors. This included forming the Shoah Foundation, which aimed to further educate on the Holocaust through video footage from survivors, documents, and photographs. He’s also tried to...
- 5/21/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Walt Disney Company has revealed the Disney Plus June 2024 release schedule, which includes new Originals, movies, and TV series. The Disney+ streaming service features movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more, alongside exclusive Disney+ Originals.
The schedule includes the two-episode premiere of Star Wars series The Acolyte, new episodes of Doctor Who, a celebration of Donald Duck’s 90th anniversary,
You can view the Disney Plus June 2024 lineup below and stay tuned to our dedicated Disney+ section for daily news on the streaming service.
Disney Plus June 2024 Schedule
Available June 1
New Library Titles
For the First Time in Forever: The Making of World of Frozen
Available June 3
New Library Titles
World Eats Bread
Available June 4
New Library Titles
Erased: WW2’s Heroes of Color
Disney+ Originals
The Acolyte – Two Episode Premiere at 6 p.m. Pt
In Lucasfilm’s “The Acolyte,” an investigation into...
The schedule includes the two-episode premiere of Star Wars series The Acolyte, new episodes of Doctor Who, a celebration of Donald Duck’s 90th anniversary,
You can view the Disney Plus June 2024 lineup below and stay tuned to our dedicated Disney+ section for daily news on the streaming service.
Disney Plus June 2024 Schedule
Available June 1
New Library Titles
For the First Time in Forever: The Making of World of Frozen
Available June 3
New Library Titles
World Eats Bread
Available June 4
New Library Titles
Erased: WW2’s Heroes of Color
Disney+ Originals
The Acolyte – Two Episode Premiere at 6 p.m. Pt
In Lucasfilm’s “The Acolyte,” an investigation into...
- 5/20/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
The Star Wars franchise is one of the highest-grossing franchises of all time and has spawned multiple films, shows, animated series, and comic books. The Galaxies created by George Lucas changed pop culture as well as blockbuster filmmaking since the first film was released in 1977. The film earned $775 million against a budget of $11 million.
While Lucas directed the first film in the original trilogy, he wanted to take more of a creative producer role in subsequent films of the original trilogy. The Empire Strikes Back was helmed by Irvin Kershner while Return of the Jedi was directed by Richard Marquand. However, Lucas reportedly first had David Lynch in mind for the latter.
David Lynch Rejected The Opportunity To Direct A Star Wars Movie George Lucas | Credits: YouTube/Full Bodied Productions
George Lucas’ Star Wars was and still is one of the hottest properties in Hollywood and many filmmakers would give...
While Lucas directed the first film in the original trilogy, he wanted to take more of a creative producer role in subsequent films of the original trilogy. The Empire Strikes Back was helmed by Irvin Kershner while Return of the Jedi was directed by Richard Marquand. However, Lucas reportedly first had David Lynch in mind for the latter.
David Lynch Rejected The Opportunity To Direct A Star Wars Movie George Lucas | Credits: YouTube/Full Bodied Productions
George Lucas’ Star Wars was and still is one of the hottest properties in Hollywood and many filmmakers would give...
- 5/20/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park came out way back in 1993, and was truly a landmark project due to a plethora of reasons. The classic story of what happens when human beings set out to play god came with some groundbreaking VFX and special effects, the kind that effectively brought increased the threshold of possibility when it came to how special effects could help filmmakers expand their horizons.
Generating a whopping $1.05 billion against a budget of $63 million, the movie not only sparked a franchise but also in some ways inspired a total of 3 further billion-dollar franchises. These include George Lucas’ Star Wars, James Cameron’s Avatar, and Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings, all trilogies.
How Jurassic Park inspired (at least) 3 billion-dollar franchises that came years later!
A still from Jurassic Park | Universal Pictures
George Lucas returned to direct The Phantom Menace after previously directing 1977’s original Star War film.
Generating a whopping $1.05 billion against a budget of $63 million, the movie not only sparked a franchise but also in some ways inspired a total of 3 further billion-dollar franchises. These include George Lucas’ Star Wars, James Cameron’s Avatar, and Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings, all trilogies.
How Jurassic Park inspired (at least) 3 billion-dollar franchises that came years later!
A still from Jurassic Park | Universal Pictures
George Lucas returned to direct The Phantom Menace after previously directing 1977’s original Star War film.
- 5/20/2024
- by Rishabh Bhatnagar
- FandomWire
The Shawshank Redemption director Frank Darabont was once approached to write a Star Wars film for George Lucas. The Star Wars director was not the best at writing dialogue and tried seeking outside help for the same. However, Darabont couldn’t go through with the negotiations to write Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. The Green Mile director explained that he couldn’t affiliate himself with the project since it was a non-guild job.
A still from George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | Lucasfilm Ltd.
George Lucas exited the DGA, WGA, and MPA in 1980 after they fined his film The Empire Strikes Back for breaking the rules. During the prequel trilogy, Lucasfilm refused to become a signatory to any of these guilds, making it difficult for Darabont to accept the writing job.
The Shawshank Redemption Director Couldn’t Work For George Lucas...
A still from George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace | Lucasfilm Ltd.
George Lucas exited the DGA, WGA, and MPA in 1980 after they fined his film The Empire Strikes Back for breaking the rules. During the prequel trilogy, Lucasfilm refused to become a signatory to any of these guilds, making it difficult for Darabont to accept the writing job.
The Shawshank Redemption Director Couldn’t Work For George Lucas...
- 5/20/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Steven Spielberg had a great run in the 80s and 90s churning out blockbusters while also venturing into compelling dramas. He entertained audiences with the Indiana Jones franchise that has since become a significant part of pop culture and also made audiences cry with emotionally driven films such as Empire of the Sun and The Color Purple.
George Lucas helped in the editing process of Jurassic Park for Steven Spielberg
The 90s saw some of the best works from the director and Spielberg managed to churn out two of the best films of the 90s in the same year Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List (both 1993). Star Wars creator George Lucas was instrumental in making that possible but when it came to Lucas needing help from Spielberg, the maverick turned it down for a very logical reason.
Steven Spielberg Turned Down the Offer to Direct One of the Star Wars Prequel...
George Lucas helped in the editing process of Jurassic Park for Steven Spielberg
The 90s saw some of the best works from the director and Spielberg managed to churn out two of the best films of the 90s in the same year Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List (both 1993). Star Wars creator George Lucas was instrumental in making that possible but when it came to Lucas needing help from Spielberg, the maverick turned it down for a very logical reason.
Steven Spielberg Turned Down the Offer to Direct One of the Star Wars Prequel...
- 5/20/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
In the 1970s and '80s, Jim Henson and the Muppets were on top of the world. And it's easy to understand why: The Muppets were magical. As a concept, Muppets are simple things; little more than crude hand-puppets. But through the work of Henson and his Muppeteers, the characters came to life in startling ways. We believe in the Muppets; we believe they exist in our world, and interact with us, and ride bikes, and play the banjo, and do all sorts of things we kind of take for granted. The fact that Disney now owns the Muppets and seemingly doesn't know what the hell to do with them is a great pop culture tragedy; we need the Muppets now more than ever. Bring the Muppets back, damn it!
Another franchise owned by Disney is, of course, "Star Wars." And in 1980, the world of the Muppets and the galaxy...
Another franchise owned by Disney is, of course, "Star Wars." And in 1980, the world of the Muppets and the galaxy...
- 5/20/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Originally released on May 19, 1999, Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Upon its initial release, George Lucas’ film was met with mixed reviews and was judged harshly by both critics and fans. While the visual effects for the film were appreciated, viewers weren’t too kind toward the characters or how the story played out.
Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace | Lucasfilm Ltd.
As a result, The Phantom Menace became the lowest-rated film of the entire Star Wars franchise with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 53%. However, it now looks like the fandom has evolved and so has their original opinion on the first prequel film starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and more.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Celebrates 25 Years
Ahmed Best’s Jar Jar Binks in a still from The Phantom Menace | Lucasfilm Ltd.
Back when The Phantom Menace was first released in theatres,...
Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace | Lucasfilm Ltd.
As a result, The Phantom Menace became the lowest-rated film of the entire Star Wars franchise with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 53%. However, it now looks like the fandom has evolved and so has their original opinion on the first prequel film starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and more.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Celebrates 25 Years
Ahmed Best’s Jar Jar Binks in a still from The Phantom Menace | Lucasfilm Ltd.
Back when The Phantom Menace was first released in theatres,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
George Lucas’ Star Wars prequel trilogy has often faced criticism for various elements, from the cast’s performances to the complex political narrative. After The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones did not fare well among the audience, fans had already lost hope for Episode III.
Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
While the movie defied expectations, with a positive box office and critical reception, it still faced criticism for aspects like Hayden Christensen’s performance and Lucas’s screenplay. However, as it celebrates its 19th anniversary, fans have gradually come to appreciate the film, recognizing it as an underrated gem in the franchise.
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith Celebrates 19 Years
Following the events of The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, Episode III in the Star Wars trilogy features Anakin Skywalker’s (Hayden Christensen) eventual turn to the dark side as he joins...
Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
While the movie defied expectations, with a positive box office and critical reception, it still faced criticism for aspects like Hayden Christensen’s performance and Lucas’s screenplay. However, as it celebrates its 19th anniversary, fans have gradually come to appreciate the film, recognizing it as an underrated gem in the franchise.
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith Celebrates 19 Years
Following the events of The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, Episode III in the Star Wars trilogy features Anakin Skywalker’s (Hayden Christensen) eventual turn to the dark side as he joins...
- 5/19/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
The "Star Wars" prequels constitute one of the biggest and most controversial set of movies of all time. Incredibly successful, both during its original theatrical run and in subsequent re-releases, "The Phantom Menace" was hugely anticipated by the summer of 1999, driving impossible-to-meet expectations. When the film was released, it made lots of money, but left some audiences cold. Over time, the image of "The Phantom Menace" as the beginning of the end for the franchise far, far away was cemented.
Except, that was 25 years ago. In the time since, kids who grew up on the prequels and additional material like "The Clone Wars" expanding the story and the characters have become more vocal online. It also helped that disappointment over the sequel trilogy has driven fans back to the prequels and George Lucas' unique and clear vision.
Rewatching "The Phantom Menace" during its 25th anniversary theatrical re-release, the movie's flaws are even more glaring,...
Except, that was 25 years ago. In the time since, kids who grew up on the prequels and additional material like "The Clone Wars" expanding the story and the characters have become more vocal online. It also helped that disappointment over the sequel trilogy has driven fans back to the prequels and George Lucas' unique and clear vision.
Rewatching "The Phantom Menace" during its 25th anniversary theatrical re-release, the movie's flaws are even more glaring,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Geroge Lucas changed the face of the galaxy far, far away when the first installment in the prequel trilogy of Star Wars movies was released in 1999. The Phantom Menace introduced viewers to the character of Qui-Gon Jinn, played by Liam Neeson, who plays an integral role in the stories of both Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn was not in George Lucas’ plans for The Phantom Menace.
However, according to reports, Lucas’ original plans for the film almost did not include Neeson’s character. Moreover, when Lucas did plan to incorporate the Qui-Gon Jinn character, the initial idea was so outrageous that it would have not only upset loyal fans of the franchise but it is hard to imagine Obi-Wan actor Ewan McGregor being on board with it. Here is everything you need to know about the original plan for Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace.
Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn was not in George Lucas’ plans for The Phantom Menace.
However, according to reports, Lucas’ original plans for the film almost did not include Neeson’s character. Moreover, when Lucas did plan to incorporate the Qui-Gon Jinn character, the initial idea was so outrageous that it would have not only upset loyal fans of the franchise but it is hard to imagine Obi-Wan actor Ewan McGregor being on board with it. Here is everything you need to know about the original plan for Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace.
- 5/19/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
On May 19th, 1999, the world was taken back to a galaxy far, far away after a sixteen-year hiatus from the last film, Return of the Jedi. Ever since The Empire Strikes Back was dubbed “Episode V” this lead to many believing that we would one day see the origins of Darth Vader, the fall of the Jedi and the slow rise of the empire. And now that time had come.
The first episode in the prequel trilogy lets us see a young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) being found by master Qui-Gon Jin (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and freed from slavery to become a Jedi. He also meets his future wife, Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman). Meanwhile, from the shadows Darth Sidious (Ian McDirmis), and his apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park), manipulate the galactic republic by causing a war on the plane of Naboo in an attempt to seize power.
The first episode in the prequel trilogy lets us see a young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) being found by master Qui-Gon Jin (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and freed from slavery to become a Jedi. He also meets his future wife, Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman). Meanwhile, from the shadows Darth Sidious (Ian McDirmis), and his apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park), manipulate the galactic republic by causing a war on the plane of Naboo in an attempt to seize power.
- 5/19/2024
- by Mr. Milo
- Pirates & Princesses
The "Star Wars" prequel trilogy kicked off 25 years ago with the release of "The Phantom Menace," aka Episode I. At the time, hype was off the charts for George Lucas' first new movie in a galaxy far, far away in more than a decade. Despite being a massive financial success, the movie's reputation, and the prequel trilogy's reputation for that matter, are complicated. Many people hated the movies in their day. While the narrative has changed a lot, Lucas had people warning him that the story he planned to tell of a young Anakin Skywalker becoming Darth Vader might ruin the franchise. He just didn't care to listen.
In a 2005 interview with Rolling Stone around the time that "Revenge of the Sith" was hitting theaters, Lucas explained that those around him at Lucasfilm were nervous about his plans for the prequels. Darth Vader had a scary mystique around him as...
In a 2005 interview with Rolling Stone around the time that "Revenge of the Sith" was hitting theaters, Lucas explained that those around him at Lucasfilm were nervous about his plans for the prequels. Darth Vader had a scary mystique around him as...
- 5/19/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
There are many sung heroes associated with the overall Star Wars franchise, such as Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and George Lucas. However, all of these stars have been lauded for their work humungously and continue to receive praise habitually from fans of the never-dying series.
However, some names that also played a huge role in making the original trilogy of films a reality did not quite get the same due. Among them is none other than Frank Oz, originally a puppeteer, and the man responsible for bringing to life one of the most celebrated characters in the Star Wars universe: Yoda.
George Lucas wanted Frank Oz to be nominated for an Oscar after Empire Strikes Back. | Disney+
Oz’s troubles with respect to his work on the franchise included a ‘freaky encounter’ with snakes. Yes, actual, slithering, poisonous, moving, snakes that he was exposed to by the director, Irvin Kershner.
However, some names that also played a huge role in making the original trilogy of films a reality did not quite get the same due. Among them is none other than Frank Oz, originally a puppeteer, and the man responsible for bringing to life one of the most celebrated characters in the Star Wars universe: Yoda.
George Lucas wanted Frank Oz to be nominated for an Oscar after Empire Strikes Back. | Disney+
Oz’s troubles with respect to his work on the franchise included a ‘freaky encounter’ with snakes. Yes, actual, slithering, poisonous, moving, snakes that he was exposed to by the director, Irvin Kershner.
- 5/19/2024
- by Rishabh Bhatnagar
- FandomWire
John Boyega is a massive Star Wars fan and was fortunate to have starred in the high-grossing sequel trilogy of the space opera fantasy franchise. Yet, despite the massive opportunity and the effect it had on his career, the actor wasn’t afraid to call out Disney and others about how he and his character Finn were treated.
John Boyega in the Star Wars sequel trilogy
Over the years, while he seemed to have grown a more positive outlook on the fiasco, his fans are not ready to forgive Disney yet. Daisy Ridley, his co-star, will be returning to the Star Wars universe and remarked she would love to have Boyega back as well. However, Boyega’s fans don’t think that the George Lucas-created universe deserves him anymore.
Daisy Ridley Wants John Boyega Back in Star Wars Daisy Ridley in a still from the Star Wars franchise
Daisy...
John Boyega in the Star Wars sequel trilogy
Over the years, while he seemed to have grown a more positive outlook on the fiasco, his fans are not ready to forgive Disney yet. Daisy Ridley, his co-star, will be returning to the Star Wars universe and remarked she would love to have Boyega back as well. However, Boyega’s fans don’t think that the George Lucas-created universe deserves him anymore.
Daisy Ridley Wants John Boyega Back in Star Wars Daisy Ridley in a still from the Star Wars franchise
Daisy...
- 5/19/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
Mark Hamill remembered his Star Wars co-star Carrie Fisher in a 2023 interview and opened up about the tumultuous relationship they shared over the years. The duo were cast as siblings Luke and Leia Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy and reprised their roles in Disney’s sequel films. Fisher passed away in 2016 after suffering from a heart attack. Hamill recalled how they constantly argued and made up, presumably until her death.
Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill in a still from Star Wars | Lucasfilm Ltd.
Hamill and Fisher’s daughter Billie Lourde spoke highly of the actress while unveiling her posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last year. It appeared that Hamill has a good relationship with Fisher’s family as well.
Mark Hamill Recalled The Tumultuous Relationship He Had With Carrie Fisher
Mark Hamill in a still from Star Wars: A New Hope | Lucasfilm Ltd.
Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill in a still from Star Wars | Lucasfilm Ltd.
Hamill and Fisher’s daughter Billie Lourde spoke highly of the actress while unveiling her posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last year. It appeared that Hamill has a good relationship with Fisher’s family as well.
Mark Hamill Recalled The Tumultuous Relationship He Had With Carrie Fisher
Mark Hamill in a still from Star Wars: A New Hope | Lucasfilm Ltd.
- 5/18/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Over the years, there have been a lot of filmmakers who have been game-changers when it comes to filmmaking. Michael Bay has been receiving audiences by presenting them with movies such as ‘Transformers’ and the ‘Bad Boys' series. Denis Villeneuve has been recently wowing his audiences with Sci-fi epics like ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and the 2021 adaptation of ‘Dune,". Steven Spielberg is well-known for being a movie maker who influenced filmmakers who rose to fame after him. Just like the director Ridley Scott, Spielberg is an adaptable screenwriter by experiments in almost any genre, and he continues to successfully do so. Things to do: Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here. Limited Time Offer – Free Subscription to The Hollywood Insider Click here to read more on The Hollywood Insider’s vision, values and mission statement here – Media has the responsibility to better our world – The Hollywood Insider...
- 5/18/2024
- by Marco Castaneda
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Jar Jar Binks has undeniably been a controversial addition to Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. While initially intended to provide comic relief with his pseudo-Caribbean accent, he became the most hated character in the entire galaxy. Fans expressed dissatisfaction and viewed him as an annoying companion that detracts from the main storyline.
A still from George Lucas’s Star Wars: The Phantom Menace | 20th Century Studios
So when the prequel trilogy unfolded, creators diminished his role and instead focused on his interactions with Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) on Naboo. Even in those moments, the frustration of Qui-Gon was evident as he criticized Gungan for his lack of intelligence and dismissed him. These encounters set the tone for the audience’s perception of Jar Jar throughout the trilogy.
Despite the character being disliked for his sarcastic nature, Star Wars fans may be surprised to learn that...
A still from George Lucas’s Star Wars: The Phantom Menace | 20th Century Studios
So when the prequel trilogy unfolded, creators diminished his role and instead focused on his interactions with Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) on Naboo. Even in those moments, the frustration of Qui-Gon was evident as he criticized Gungan for his lack of intelligence and dismissed him. These encounters set the tone for the audience’s perception of Jar Jar throughout the trilogy.
Despite the character being disliked for his sarcastic nature, Star Wars fans may be surprised to learn that...
- 5/18/2024
- by Shikha Arya
- FandomWire
James Mangold has had an interesting filmography over the years venturing in various genres and not typecasting himself to a certain type of filmmaker. Films like Girl Interrupted, Walk the Line, 3:10 to Yuma, Logan, and Ford v Ferrari proved that Mangold could competently handle various genres with great relatability and emotional heft.
James Mangold most recently directed Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
Mangold continued venturing into blockbuster studio filmmaking with 2023’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny which did not fare well. He is set to direct an upcoming Star Wars film and franchise producer Simon Emanuel seemingly revealed the film’s title. Ironically, the title has a striking resemblance to an important element of Dune, adding to the discourse of Star Wars being a Dune rip-off.
Possible Title of James Mangold’s Star Wars Film Is Too Similar to Dune‘s Giedi Prime Giedi Prime...
James Mangold most recently directed Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
Mangold continued venturing into blockbuster studio filmmaking with 2023’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny which did not fare well. He is set to direct an upcoming Star Wars film and franchise producer Simon Emanuel seemingly revealed the film’s title. Ironically, the title has a striking resemblance to an important element of Dune, adding to the discourse of Star Wars being a Dune rip-off.
Possible Title of James Mangold’s Star Wars Film Is Too Similar to Dune‘s Giedi Prime Giedi Prime...
- 5/18/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Paul Schrader has long been known for his gruff personality, but he was in good spirits and slightly nostalgic during the Saturday press conference at the Cannes Film Festival for his latest film, Oh, Canada, where he also revealed his next film.
Schrader’s iconic team-up with Martin Scorsese, Taxi Driver, premiered at the festival, and the filmmaker has had several runs at the French fest since. This year’s Cannes sees the return of not only Schrader, but Francis Ford Coppola with Megalopolis and George Lucas, who will be on hand to receive an honorary Palme d’Or.
When asked if, at the time, he knew that he and the other directors that were dubbed “New Hollywood” were changing film forever, Schrader said bluntly: “Yes.”
He addressed that time of anxiety in the industry that saw many films failing at the box office. “When the late ’60s hit, studios...
Schrader’s iconic team-up with Martin Scorsese, Taxi Driver, premiered at the festival, and the filmmaker has had several runs at the French fest since. This year’s Cannes sees the return of not only Schrader, but Francis Ford Coppola with Megalopolis and George Lucas, who will be on hand to receive an honorary Palme d’Or.
When asked if, at the time, he knew that he and the other directors that were dubbed “New Hollywood” were changing film forever, Schrader said bluntly: “Yes.”
He addressed that time of anxiety in the industry that saw many films failing at the box office. “When the late ’60s hit, studios...
- 5/18/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The restored version of Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal’s 1976 masterpiece “Manthan” (“The Churning”) is screening at the Cannes Film Festival’s Cannes Classics strand.
Shot by DoP Govind Nihalani in rural Gujarat, western India, the film is produced by 500,000 farmers who contributed towards its making, under the banner Gujarat Milk Co-Op Marketing Federation Ltd. The film is a fictionalized version of the beginnings of the dairy cooperative movement that transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to the world’s largest milk producer, inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien. It also examines issues like caste, class, gender and economic discrimination. The cast includes Girish Karnad, Smita Patil, Anant Nag, Mohan Agashe and Naseeruddin Shah.
“The first thing we did was speak to the Gujarat Milk Co-Op Marketing Federation, and we had to make them understand that the film needs to be on 4K, we need to project it back on screen and...
Shot by DoP Govind Nihalani in rural Gujarat, western India, the film is produced by 500,000 farmers who contributed towards its making, under the banner Gujarat Milk Co-Op Marketing Federation Ltd. The film is a fictionalized version of the beginnings of the dairy cooperative movement that transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to the world’s largest milk producer, inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien. It also examines issues like caste, class, gender and economic discrimination. The cast includes Girish Karnad, Smita Patil, Anant Nag, Mohan Agashe and Naseeruddin Shah.
“The first thing we did was speak to the Gujarat Milk Co-Op Marketing Federation, and we had to make them understand that the film needs to be on 4K, we need to project it back on screen and...
- 5/18/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Star Wars – one of the many phenomena that forever changed the landscape of pop culture in modern history – has brought us stories of unbridled joy, hope, love, friendship, camaraderie, candor, optimism in the face of utter loss, and resolution in the face of utter despair. And yet, there remain aspects of the narrative that are as mysterious today as they were 47 years ago.
After the first chapter of the story premiered with Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, George Lucas established a new dynasty belonging to new-age superheroes who defied the rules and boundaries of this universe to achieve heroic deeds that resound throughout the entire galaxy.
The Star Wars gang [Credit: Lucasfilm/20th Century Studios]Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo would then go on to be names that inspired indelible virtue, bravery, and strength of moral character for generations to come just as much as Darth Vader...
After the first chapter of the story premiered with Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, George Lucas established a new dynasty belonging to new-age superheroes who defied the rules and boundaries of this universe to achieve heroic deeds that resound throughout the entire galaxy.
The Star Wars gang [Credit: Lucasfilm/20th Century Studios]Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo would then go on to be names that inspired indelible virtue, bravery, and strength of moral character for generations to come just as much as Darth Vader...
- 5/17/2024
- by Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire
Star Wars has become much more than a franchise ever since the first film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope premiered in 1977. Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and, Carrie Fisher as the lead trio, the film introduced veteran actor David Prowse as Darth Vader.
David Prowse as Darth Vader in a still from the Star Wars franchise | Production: Lucasfilm
Although Prowse acted as Darth Vader, the voice of the character was superimposed by legendary actor James Earl Jones. Being known around the world for being the voice of Darth Vader, millions of fans love him for it. However, the actor revealed that he doesn’t consider the role of voicing Darth Vader as true acting!
Darth Vader From Star Wars Isn’t Real. Never Was
We mean, he is real in the hearts of countless fans of the franchise. However, the role of Darth Vader was nothing more...
David Prowse as Darth Vader in a still from the Star Wars franchise | Production: Lucasfilm
Although Prowse acted as Darth Vader, the voice of the character was superimposed by legendary actor James Earl Jones. Being known around the world for being the voice of Darth Vader, millions of fans love him for it. However, the actor revealed that he doesn’t consider the role of voicing Darth Vader as true acting!
Darth Vader From Star Wars Isn’t Real. Never Was
We mean, he is real in the hearts of countless fans of the franchise. However, the role of Darth Vader was nothing more...
- 5/17/2024
- by Visarg Acharya
- FandomWire
Dave Filoni at the Clone Wars premierePhoto: Natalia Stewart (Shutterstock)
To describe something in the Star Wars galaxy as divisive is merely to say that it exists. With each new movie or TV series that comes out, the fandom gets increasingly fractured, with factions picking sides and digging in on multiple fronts.
To describe something in the Star Wars galaxy as divisive is merely to say that it exists. With each new movie or TV series that comes out, the fandom gets increasingly fractured, with factions picking sides and digging in on multiple fronts.
- 5/17/2024
- by Cindy White
- avclub.com
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom MenacePhoto: Lucasfilm
Regardless of how you feel about the Star Wars prequels—maybe they don’t actually deserve our hate, maybe The Phantom Menace is at least important, if not traditionally good, maybe they’re actually just terrible—there’s no denying that there...
Regardless of how you feel about the Star Wars prequels—maybe they don’t actually deserve our hate, maybe The Phantom Menace is at least important, if not traditionally good, maybe they’re actually just terrible—there’s no denying that there...
- 5/17/2024
- by Jen Lennon, Drew Gillis, Cindy White, Matt Schimkowitz, Matt Mitchell, Jacob Oller, William Hughes
- avclub.com
In October 2012, Disney dropped a bombshell, announcing their acquisition of Lucasfilm and the entire Star Wars universe. Along with that, they also revealed they’ve also snagged a treatment for Episodes VII-ix directly from the mastermind himself, George Lucas. Yet, amidst the chaos, it was the Star Wars fans who were confused the most.
George Lucas [Photo: Joey Gannon/Wikimedia Commons]As it wasn’t a secret that Lucas was content to bid farewell to Star Wars after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. He had no intentions of making a seventh installment. Thus, this left room for many to speculate. And the questions raised: Did Lucas’ vision shape the new era of the saga, or did Disney chart a different course entirely?
George Lucas Didn’t Want to Make Star Wars: Episode VII!
Nearly a decade back, on CBS’ iconic 60 Minutes, host Lesley Stahl dropped a bombshell question on George Lucas.
George Lucas [Photo: Joey Gannon/Wikimedia Commons]As it wasn’t a secret that Lucas was content to bid farewell to Star Wars after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. He had no intentions of making a seventh installment. Thus, this left room for many to speculate. And the questions raised: Did Lucas’ vision shape the new era of the saga, or did Disney chart a different course entirely?
George Lucas Didn’t Want to Make Star Wars: Episode VII!
Nearly a decade back, on CBS’ iconic 60 Minutes, host Lesley Stahl dropped a bombshell question on George Lucas.
- 5/17/2024
- by Sampurna Banerjee
- FandomWire
Set to receive the honorary Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, George Lucas is no stranger to the Croisette. The legendary filmmaker — whose first feature, Thx-1138, screened at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight in 1971 — brought Willow to the festival in 1988.
Directed by Ron Howard and counting Lucas as a producer, Willow follows the eponymous farmer, played by then-17-year-old Warwick Davis, joining disgraced warrior Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) on a mission to save a baby prophesized to end the reign of an evil queen (Jean Marsh). The movie hit theaters May 20, 1988, and collected $57 million worldwide ($151 million today), which was less than Lucas’ previous hits like Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark. THR’s review called Willow “relentlessly flat” but noted that Howard’s “ever gentle but robust directorial touch is always in evidence.”
Ahead of the movie’s theatrical release, during a Cannes press conference, Lucas criticized the U.
Directed by Ron Howard and counting Lucas as a producer, Willow follows the eponymous farmer, played by then-17-year-old Warwick Davis, joining disgraced warrior Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) on a mission to save a baby prophesized to end the reign of an evil queen (Jean Marsh). The movie hit theaters May 20, 1988, and collected $57 million worldwide ($151 million today), which was less than Lucas’ previous hits like Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark. THR’s review called Willow “relentlessly flat” but noted that Howard’s “ever gentle but robust directorial touch is always in evidence.”
Ahead of the movie’s theatrical release, during a Cannes press conference, Lucas criticized the U.
- 5/17/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lily Gladstone took a break from jury duty at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday to present Ron Howard with Variety’s Profile in Excellence Award.
Howard was the guest of honor at the annual Welcome to Cannes Party, hosted in partnership with the Gotham Film & Media Institute at Lucia Restaurant and Beach, where an array of industry veterans — including The Gotham’s Jeffrey Sharp, Focus Features’ Jason Cassidy, the Sundance Institute’s Eugene Hernandez and more — donned their best beach chic attire (with sunglasses) to mix, mingle and sip rosé.
“It’s rare that a director speaks to you at two fully different stages of your life,” Gladstone said, pointing to “Willow” and “Arrested Development” as pieces of entertainment that helped shape her childhood and college years. “I want you to narrate my life.”
Howard granted that wish as he took the stage, slipping into “Arrested Development’s” voiceover voice to thank Gladstone.
Howard was the guest of honor at the annual Welcome to Cannes Party, hosted in partnership with the Gotham Film & Media Institute at Lucia Restaurant and Beach, where an array of industry veterans — including The Gotham’s Jeffrey Sharp, Focus Features’ Jason Cassidy, the Sundance Institute’s Eugene Hernandez and more — donned their best beach chic attire (with sunglasses) to mix, mingle and sip rosé.
“It’s rare that a director speaks to you at two fully different stages of your life,” Gladstone said, pointing to “Willow” and “Arrested Development” as pieces of entertainment that helped shape her childhood and college years. “I want you to narrate my life.”
Howard granted that wish as he took the stage, slipping into “Arrested Development’s” voiceover voice to thank Gladstone.
- 5/17/2024
- by Angelique Jackson and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Though George Lucas is no longer at the helm of the Star Wars franchise, his influence continues to reverberate through each new project. Recently, his thoughts on the Obi-Wan Kenobi TV series were revealed by Lucasfilm executive Pablo Hidalgo. According to him, Lucas found great enjoyment in this particular Disney+ series. In a conversation on the Full of Sith podcast, Hidalgo shared insights into Lucas’s involvement in the series’ early stages. He noted that engaging with him was crucial given the time period it covered, stretching between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. According to Hidalgo, Lucas was
The post George Lucas Shares His Thoughts on the Obi-Wan Kenobi TV Series first appeared on TVovermind.
The post George Lucas Shares His Thoughts on the Obi-Wan Kenobi TV Series first appeared on TVovermind.
- 5/16/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Fight Club, Zodiac, The Social Network, Gone Girl. There's hardly anyone who hasn't seen, let alone heard, all of these movies and the name of the man behind them, David Fincher. From Alien 3 to The Killer with Michael Fassbender, from House of Cards to Love, Death & Robots, Fincher's career is now in its fourth decade and his films have collectively grossed over $2.1 billion. But of course, no matter how original his work, even a director as innovative as Fincher is inspired by the achievements of filmmakers who came before him. Here is a list of 26 films that David Fincher has cited as his favorites.
26 Must-See Movies David Fincher Loves
26. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
25. Chinatown
24. Dr. Strangelove
23. The Godfather Part II
22. Taxi Driver
21. Being There
20. Alien
19. Rear Window
18. Jaws
17. Lawrence of Arabia
16. Zelig
15. Cabaret
14. All That Jazz
13. Paper Moon
12. All the President's Men
11. Citizen Kane
10. 8½
9. The Graduate...
26 Must-See Movies David Fincher Loves
26. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
25. Chinatown
24. Dr. Strangelove
23. The Godfather Part II
22. Taxi Driver
21. Being There
20. Alien
19. Rear Window
18. Jaws
17. Lawrence of Arabia
16. Zelig
15. Cabaret
14. All That Jazz
13. Paper Moon
12. All the President's Men
11. Citizen Kane
10. 8½
9. The Graduate...
- 5/16/2024
- by louise.everitt@startefacts.com (Louise Everitt)
- STartefacts.com
For a while, Jar Jar Binks seemed to be the most hated character in cinema. The backlash against him was something to behold following the release of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25 years ago, but attitudes towards the Gungan have softened somewhat as a new generation has embraced the character. While speaking with Inverse, Best revealed that Star Wars creator George Lucas gave him a valuable piece of advice at the height of the Jar Jar backlash.
“I think it’s wonderful the younger generations are embracing not only the prequels, but Jar Jar specifically,” Best said. “This is something that George kind of predicted when all the backlash happened. He was like, ‘Thirty years from now, nobody’s going to be talking about this.’ And it was tough to realize that in the moment, but now here we are, 25 years later, and he was right.“
Related Jar Jar Binks actor: Gollum,...
“I think it’s wonderful the younger generations are embracing not only the prequels, but Jar Jar specifically,” Best said. “This is something that George kind of predicted when all the backlash happened. He was like, ‘Thirty years from now, nobody’s going to be talking about this.’ And it was tough to realize that in the moment, but now here we are, 25 years later, and he was right.“
Related Jar Jar Binks actor: Gollum,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
This past February, an unconventional delegation from Barco made the trek from Ghent to Los Angeles. Clad in bowties and evening gowns, this crew of execs and engineers cut dashing figures on a Hollywood red carpet, striding into an AMPAS Scientific and Technical Awards ceremony that saw the team honored for their pioneering work reshaping the global film business.
The accolades arrived at an auspicious moment for Belgian manufacturer, as the optical imaging specialist now celebrates its 90th anniversary while seeing its imprint on the film world ever expand.
Indeed, that cinematic impact is all the more notable for its relative recency. Founded by Flemish entrepreneur Lucien De Puydt in 1934, the Belgian American Radio Corporation (Barco) first emerged as an audio purveyor, quickly dominating the European market with radios and then jukeboxes sold under the slogan of “‘Your family’s indispensable friend.”
Such goodwill paved the way for television receivers...
The accolades arrived at an auspicious moment for Belgian manufacturer, as the optical imaging specialist now celebrates its 90th anniversary while seeing its imprint on the film world ever expand.
Indeed, that cinematic impact is all the more notable for its relative recency. Founded by Flemish entrepreneur Lucien De Puydt in 1934, the Belgian American Radio Corporation (Barco) first emerged as an audio purveyor, quickly dominating the European market with radios and then jukeboxes sold under the slogan of “‘Your family’s indispensable friend.”
Such goodwill paved the way for television receivers...
- 5/15/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
The tagline for the 2024 Cannes Film Festival should probably be “Back to the Future.” Indeed, four Hollywood legends who first established themselves in the 1970s as part of the “New Hollywood,” and haven’t been back to festival in decades, are front and center on the Croisette this year.
At the fest’s opening ceremony on Tuesday night, three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep was presented with an honorary Palme d’Or, 35 years after her only prior visit to the fest. In 1989, she came with Fred Schepisi’s A Cry in the Dark, which had opened in the U.S. in late 1988, landing her a best actress Oscar nom, but bombing at the box office. Streep’s presence at the fest was strategic: She reportedly only came because she wanted to try to boost the film’s profile ahead of its European release, and the fest reportedly only accepted the film...
At the fest’s opening ceremony on Tuesday night, three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep was presented with an honorary Palme d’Or, 35 years after her only prior visit to the fest. In 1989, she came with Fred Schepisi’s A Cry in the Dark, which had opened in the U.S. in late 1988, landing her a best actress Oscar nom, but bombing at the box office. Streep’s presence at the fest was strategic: She reportedly only came because she wanted to try to boost the film’s profile ahead of its European release, and the fest reportedly only accepted the film...
- 5/15/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Gareth Edwards rose to prominence with the sci-fi film Monsters, before directing Godzilla. The latter laid the foundation for the Monsterverse, which is thriving even today. Edwards followed up that film by directing the first live-action spin-off Star Wars movie Rogue One, which became a critical and commercial success.
Gareth Edwards’ Rogue One is considered one of the best modern Star Wars films.
Given Edwards has worked with two of the most popular franchises of all time, fans were curious to learn whether the director applied some of his Godzilla learnings to Rogue One. In response, Edwards revealed the one mistake he made with Godzilla that held the film back, which he was determined to rectify at all costs with Rogue One. Here is what Edwards said about directing Rogue One.
Gareth Edwards Reveals One Godzilla Mistake He Rectified in Rogue One
Gareth Edwards focused more on concept design...
Gareth Edwards’ Rogue One is considered one of the best modern Star Wars films.
Given Edwards has worked with two of the most popular franchises of all time, fans were curious to learn whether the director applied some of his Godzilla learnings to Rogue One. In response, Edwards revealed the one mistake he made with Godzilla that held the film back, which he was determined to rectify at all costs with Rogue One. Here is what Edwards said about directing Rogue One.
Gareth Edwards Reveals One Godzilla Mistake He Rectified in Rogue One
Gareth Edwards focused more on concept design...
- 5/15/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
One of the most heart-pumping and enthralling action set pieces in The Phantom Menace is the pod racing scene, which sees Anakin Skywalker demonstrate the full scope of his raw talent. The sequence remains one of the better-received aspects of the film, which is why fans might be surprised to learn just how challenging it was to execute.
The pod racing scene in The Phantom Menace is one of the film’s best moments.
John Knoll, the renowned visual effects supervisor who worked on the film, spoke about crafting the pod racing scene in The Phantom Menace. Knoll highlighted how Ilm lacked the necessary technology and tools to execute the scene and had to come up with compelling solutions for the same. Here is what Knoll said about the creation of The Phantom Menace‘s pod racing scene.
John Knoll Talks Challenges of The Phantom Menace‘s Podracing Scene
John...
The pod racing scene in The Phantom Menace is one of the film’s best moments.
John Knoll, the renowned visual effects supervisor who worked on the film, spoke about crafting the pod racing scene in The Phantom Menace. Knoll highlighted how Ilm lacked the necessary technology and tools to execute the scene and had to come up with compelling solutions for the same. Here is what Knoll said about the creation of The Phantom Menace‘s pod racing scene.
John Knoll Talks Challenges of The Phantom Menace‘s Podracing Scene
John...
- 5/15/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
The Disney-acquired Star Wars live-action lore is unarguably really trying to tighten its grip around the fandom. However, that doesn’t seem to be working, considering fans’ reaction to its latest and upcoming series, with very few series and fans as an exception. Even The Acolyte, which is the next series lined up for release this year from the saga, is ceasing to amuse fans.
The Acolyte.
This stands true because, even before its final release, this soon-to-hit-streaming series has gained massive criticism from fans because of all the changes it will be bringing to the previously massively fan-favorite lore. What’s worse is that this criticism doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon, considering how Jimmy Kimmel recently added even more misery to this project with his roasting.
The Acolyte Recently Got Brutally Roasted by Jimmy Kimmel
While not appealing to fans is one thing, even comedian Jimmy...
The Acolyte.
This stands true because, even before its final release, this soon-to-hit-streaming series has gained massive criticism from fans because of all the changes it will be bringing to the previously massively fan-favorite lore. What’s worse is that this criticism doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon, considering how Jimmy Kimmel recently added even more misery to this project with his roasting.
The Acolyte Recently Got Brutally Roasted by Jimmy Kimmel
While not appealing to fans is one thing, even comedian Jimmy...
- 5/15/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Jimmy Kimmel was in attendance at this year’s Disney upfronts, where the comedian entertained everyone with his comedic gags. During the upfronts, Kimmel touched upon several topics surrounding the entertainment conglomerate, including aiming some zingers at Disney boss Bob Iger.
Jimmy Kimmel poked fun at Bob Iger at the 2024 Disney upfronts.
Kimmel made some light-hearted and humorous comments about Iger. Moreover, with Iger recently coming out of a civil war for control over the company, in which he was backed by George Lucas, Kimmel’s jokes proved to be a hilarious take on the state of Disney’s leadership. Here is what Kimmel said about Iger at this year’s upfronts.
Jimmy Kimmel Roasts Disney Boss Bob Iger at Disney Upfronts
Jimmy Kimmel joked about Bob Iger’s continued control over Disney (Image via Apple TV)
Jimmy Kimmel took the stage during the 2024 Disney upfronts, where he performed a comedy bit,...
Jimmy Kimmel poked fun at Bob Iger at the 2024 Disney upfronts.
Kimmel made some light-hearted and humorous comments about Iger. Moreover, with Iger recently coming out of a civil war for control over the company, in which he was backed by George Lucas, Kimmel’s jokes proved to be a hilarious take on the state of Disney’s leadership. Here is what Kimmel said about Iger at this year’s upfronts.
Jimmy Kimmel Roasts Disney Boss Bob Iger at Disney Upfronts
Jimmy Kimmel joked about Bob Iger’s continued control over Disney (Image via Apple TV)
Jimmy Kimmel took the stage during the 2024 Disney upfronts, where he performed a comedy bit,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
Reflecting on her illustrious career at Cannes Film Festival, Oscar winner Meryl Streep opened up about one of her most iconic on-screen moments — the shampoo scene from “Out of Africa.”
The 1986 Sydney Pollack film starred Streep and Robert Redford as a baroness and a big game hunter who fall in love in a lush desert romance. In what is considered one of the most intimate moments in movie history, Redford gives Streep a steamy salon scrub in a South African river. The actress went so far as to call the moment a sex scene.
“It’s a sex scene in a way, because it’s so intimate. We’ve seen so many scenes of people fucking, but we don’t see that loving touch, that care,” Streep said to big applause during a conversation at Cannes’ Théâtre Debussy.
In an interesting wrinkle, Redford needed some coaching on precisely how to...
The 1986 Sydney Pollack film starred Streep and Robert Redford as a baroness and a big game hunter who fall in love in a lush desert romance. In what is considered one of the most intimate moments in movie history, Redford gives Streep a steamy salon scrub in a South African river. The actress went so far as to call the moment a sex scene.
“It’s a sex scene in a way, because it’s so intimate. We’ve seen so many scenes of people fucking, but we don’t see that loving touch, that care,” Streep said to big applause during a conversation at Cannes’ Théâtre Debussy.
In an interesting wrinkle, Redford needed some coaching on precisely how to...
- 5/15/2024
- by Matt Donnelly and Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Francis Ford Coppola is a visionary in the vast landscape of modern filmmaking and all of Hollywood. The director of The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the filmmaker-screenwriter is the recipient of five Academy Awards and more. And his latest movie, also a self-financed passion project, Megalopolis, is set to premier at the Cannes Film Festival.
Francis Ford Coppola (Image: World Travel & Tourism Council/Wikimedia Commons)
Yet despite his talent, the filmmaker gives much of the praise for the career he has made to his late wife, Eleanor Coppola. But in an old interview, despite remarking how marriage changed his life for the better, he asked young women to not marry early.
Francis Ford Coppola Doesn’t Think Women Should Get Married Early Francis Ford Coppola with his late wife Eleanor (Image: Instagram | @francisfordcoppola)
Francis Ford Coppola enjoyed a long and loving marriage with his late wife,...
Francis Ford Coppola (Image: World Travel & Tourism Council/Wikimedia Commons)
Yet despite his talent, the filmmaker gives much of the praise for the career he has made to his late wife, Eleanor Coppola. But in an old interview, despite remarking how marriage changed his life for the better, he asked young women to not marry early.
Francis Ford Coppola Doesn’t Think Women Should Get Married Early Francis Ford Coppola with his late wife Eleanor (Image: Instagram | @francisfordcoppola)
Francis Ford Coppola enjoyed a long and loving marriage with his late wife,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
Despite being seen as a step down compared to the original trilogy, George Lucas’ prequel trilogy did add something new to the galaxy far, far away, which can’t be said for the sequels. While it was 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker that put the final nail in the coffin for the sequel trilogy, which pushed Disney to stray away from the big screen releases, the initial entry too failed to win over Lucas.
Lucas criticized the films for their lack of originality, and fans couldn’t agree more with that sentiment, especially in the case of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
George Lucas Was Disappointed by the Lack of Originality in The Force Awakens
A Still from Star Wars: The Force Awakens | Walt Disney Pictures
For George Lucas, it was important that each entry added something new to the franchise, and was disappointed to find out that the first...
Lucas criticized the films for their lack of originality, and fans couldn’t agree more with that sentiment, especially in the case of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
George Lucas Was Disappointed by the Lack of Originality in The Force Awakens
A Still from Star Wars: The Force Awakens | Walt Disney Pictures
For George Lucas, it was important that each entry added something new to the franchise, and was disappointed to find out that the first...
- 5/15/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
Meryl Streep, the most celebrated screen actress of her time, added another prize to her collection — one of the few that she hadn’t received already — when she was presented with an honorary Palme d’Or during the opening ceremony of the 77th Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday night.
Upon being called to the stage and handed the gold-plated emblem of the city of Cannes by French actress Juliette Binoche, the 74-year-old received a thunderous 2.5-minute standing ovation from the more than 2,000 guests who packed the Grand Lumiere Theatre. Among them was Greta Gerwig, Streep’s Little Women director and this year’s Cannes jury president, who wiped away tears as Streep basked in the applause.
“You changed the way we look at women,” said Binoche, choking up with emotion as Streep comforted her.
“This prize is unique in the world of cinema and I’m very, very honored to receive it,...
Upon being called to the stage and handed the gold-plated emblem of the city of Cannes by French actress Juliette Binoche, the 74-year-old received a thunderous 2.5-minute standing ovation from the more than 2,000 guests who packed the Grand Lumiere Theatre. Among them was Greta Gerwig, Streep’s Little Women director and this year’s Cannes jury president, who wiped away tears as Streep basked in the applause.
“You changed the way we look at women,” said Binoche, choking up with emotion as Streep comforted her.
“This prize is unique in the world of cinema and I’m very, very honored to receive it,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Before Meryl Streep could accept her honorary Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday night, she was greeted by a thunderous two-minute standing ovation. The 74-year-old Oscar winner was so overcome with emotion that she first pretended to walk off the stage, but eventually began to dance to the applause.
French star Juliette Binoche, herself emotional, presented the award to Streep, saying: “When I see you on the screen, I don’t see you … Where does it come from? Were you born like this? I don’t know, but there’s a believer in you; a believer that allows me to believe.”
Binoche called Streep “an international treasure” as she listed off many of Streep’s most beloved roles, from “Sophie’s Choice” to “Julie and Julia.” Binoche later added, “You changed the way we look at cinema.”
In her speech, Streep thanked Cannes for welcoming her back after 35 years,...
French star Juliette Binoche, herself emotional, presented the award to Streep, saying: “When I see you on the screen, I don’t see you … Where does it come from? Were you born like this? I don’t know, but there’s a believer in you; a believer that allows me to believe.”
Binoche called Streep “an international treasure” as she listed off many of Streep’s most beloved roles, from “Sophie’s Choice” to “Julie and Julia.” Binoche later added, “You changed the way we look at cinema.”
In her speech, Streep thanked Cannes for welcoming her back after 35 years,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
The arrival of George Lucas’ Star Wars in theaters was a major turning point in Hollywood cinema as it not only changed the game in pop culture, but also created a whole jargon of concepts that would later become synonymous with the franchise.
George Lucas’ Star Wars
Take, for example, the word “force” – an ordinary term that has changed its meaning since the release of the Star Wars movies. Lucas thought this was a cool term to incorporate into the films; however, one of his colleagues thought otherwise.
Brian De Palma Mocked ‘The Force’ In George Lucas’ Star Wars
During a podcast interview via Light the Fuse, filmmaker Brian de Palma revealed he used to mock George Lucas for concocting the term “force” to denote the spiritual power in the Star Wars saga.
“I just thought the idea of The Force, you know – ‘The Force’, I would say, and I kept repeating it,...
George Lucas’ Star Wars
Take, for example, the word “force” – an ordinary term that has changed its meaning since the release of the Star Wars movies. Lucas thought this was a cool term to incorporate into the films; however, one of his colleagues thought otherwise.
Brian De Palma Mocked ‘The Force’ In George Lucas’ Star Wars
During a podcast interview via Light the Fuse, filmmaker Brian de Palma revealed he used to mock George Lucas for concocting the term “force” to denote the spiritual power in the Star Wars saga.
“I just thought the idea of The Force, you know – ‘The Force’, I would say, and I kept repeating it,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
George Lucas’ Star Wars became a cultural phenomenon in no time. There might only be a handful who do know something or the other about the franchise. Star Wars has a vast and loyal fanbase that somehow remembers all the minute details shown in the films and the television series. This is how much the fans love Star Wars and why wouldn’t they? After all, George Lucas poured his heart and soul into it.
George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977)
However, before Star Wars (1977) made waves in the film industry, the director met a roadblock on his way when he decided to screen the film for some of the most renowned personalities in Hollywood. This included Brian De Palma, Alan Ladd, and Steven Spielberg. Unfortunately, his film was not met with applause but luckily, his friends were there to help him out of the mess.
George Lucas’ Initial Screening Was Met...
George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977)
However, before Star Wars (1977) made waves in the film industry, the director met a roadblock on his way when he decided to screen the film for some of the most renowned personalities in Hollywood. This included Brian De Palma, Alan Ladd, and Steven Spielberg. Unfortunately, his film was not met with applause but luckily, his friends were there to help him out of the mess.
George Lucas’ Initial Screening Was Met...
- 5/14/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
Star Wars is a film that is a very important part of cinematic history. George Lucas’ third film and his greatest success in his cinematic career, Star Wars stands as one of the most influential film series in Western cinema. However, it is no secret that the film took a significant toll on Lucas’s health, something that landed the visionary director in the hospital.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
Star Wars: Episode IV put the director in the hospital, which caused everyone to panic because no one was sure what the film was actually about. Lucas’ then-wife, Marcia Lucas, was responsible for cutting the film to size, majorly contributing to the film being recognized as the masterpiece that is. Star Wars ended up being made without any severe harm to Lucas’ health, but it does not mean that the director did not suffer during the film’s production.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
Star Wars: Episode IV put the director in the hospital, which caused everyone to panic because no one was sure what the film was actually about. Lucas’ then-wife, Marcia Lucas, was responsible for cutting the film to size, majorly contributing to the film being recognized as the masterpiece that is. Star Wars ended up being made without any severe harm to Lucas’ health, but it does not mean that the director did not suffer during the film’s production.
- 5/14/2024
- by Anuraag Chatterjee
- FandomWire
Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom MenaceImage: Lucasfilm
In 1999, when Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace was first released in theaters, it had been 22 years since the release of just plain old Star Wars in 1977. Now, in 2024, the number of extant Star Wars features has more than doubled, and it...
In 1999, when Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace was first released in theaters, it had been 22 years since the release of just plain old Star Wars in 1977. Now, in 2024, the number of extant Star Wars features has more than doubled, and it...
- 5/14/2024
- by Jesse Hassenger
- avclub.com
If you’re a fan of the Mission: Impossible franchise, you owe a debt of gratitude to none other than Steven Spielberg. That’s right, the legendary filmmaker, 77, not only inspired Tom Cruise to offer the directing gig to Brian De Palma for the first film in the series, but he also played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Cruise’s career.
Mission: Impossible, which was released in 1996, is one of Cruise’s most notable films. This marked not only his first work as a producer, but also his first serious attempt at a major franchise. But above all, it is an exceptional flick that set the standard for the greatest franchise that continues to this day.
Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible (1996) Image via Paramount Pictures
Back in 2021, during a chat with Collider, Cruise revealed that his close relationship with Spielberg had a profound impact on his decision...
Mission: Impossible, which was released in 1996, is one of Cruise’s most notable films. This marked not only his first work as a producer, but also his first serious attempt at a major franchise. But above all, it is an exceptional flick that set the standard for the greatest franchise that continues to this day.
Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible (1996) Image via Paramount Pictures
Back in 2021, during a chat with Collider, Cruise revealed that his close relationship with Spielberg had a profound impact on his decision...
- 5/14/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
When most cinephiles think of Francis Ford Coppola, they think of his miracle run in the 1970s. During that decade, he directed four films, all of them five-star masterpieces: The Godfather, The Conversation, The Godfather, Part II, and Apocalypse Now. Or they think of embarrassments from his for-hire period, including the Robin Williams weepy Jack. Yet those five films hardly encapsulate the entire career of Francis Ford Coppola, which will likely end with the upcoming Megalopolis. Instead the best indication of Coppola as an artist and filmmaker might be found in the most recent movies he’s made, with Coppola having released three self-produced and self-financed pictures every two years between 2007 and 2011: Youth Without Youth, Twixt, and Tetro.
Although they vary in quality, and none top his work from the ’70s, this independent trio captures the experimental and romantic heart that lies at the center of Coppola’s overall oeuvre.
Although they vary in quality, and none top his work from the ’70s, this independent trio captures the experimental and romantic heart that lies at the center of Coppola’s overall oeuvre.
- 5/14/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
The Star Wars prequels might have been some of the most divisive entries in the franchise but feature a unique array of villains that fans have come to love over the years. One such villainous character from the prequels era that has become a fan favorite is General Grievous, who played a key role in Revenge of the Sith.
General Grievous had an important villainous role in Revenge of the Sith
To create the unique character, who is a droid with organic features, the Lucasfilm team had to undergo an intense process, slowly figuring out various facets of his design. In the process, the creative team ensured that the character felt original and not just a knock-off of some other popular robotic characters in past movies. Here is how Lucasfilm came up with the design for General Grievous.
Lucasfilm Team Struggled With Balancing Star Wars Villain General Grievous’ Design
General...
General Grievous had an important villainous role in Revenge of the Sith
To create the unique character, who is a droid with organic features, the Lucasfilm team had to undergo an intense process, slowly figuring out various facets of his design. In the process, the creative team ensured that the character felt original and not just a knock-off of some other popular robotic characters in past movies. Here is how Lucasfilm came up with the design for General Grievous.
Lucasfilm Team Struggled With Balancing Star Wars Villain General Grievous’ Design
General...
- 5/14/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
George Lucas’s Endorsement of Obi-Wan Kenobi Series The Disney-era of Star Wars has certainly brought us a myriad of stories and characters, but few have received the level of endorsement from the original creator himself, George Lucas, as the Obi-wan Kenobi series has. A standout in the constellation of Disney’s Star Wars universe, this series has been praised by Lucas, elevating it to one of his favorite things since the franchise’s acquisition by Disney. Understanding why George Lucas particularly enjoys this series involves a deep dive into what the show represents and revisits within the Star Wars saga. Rooted in
The post Lucasfilm Executive Explains George Lucas’s Fondness for Obi-Wan Kenobi as a Highlight of the Disney Era first appeared on TVovermind.
The post Lucasfilm Executive Explains George Lucas’s Fondness for Obi-Wan Kenobi as a Highlight of the Disney Era first appeared on TVovermind.
- 5/14/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
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