Paramount Lands Action Movie ‘Stray’ From ‘John Wick’ Writer Derek Kolstad (EXCLUSIVE)

EJ Panaligan editorStephen P. Neary, the creator of HBO Max animated series “The Fungies!,” tweeted a string of statements Thursday voicing his heartbreak over the show being pulled from the streaming service.“Last night during a figure drawing class I found out that ‘The Fungies!’ was getting pulled from HBO Max this week.

Selome Hailu The reign of “Stranger Things” is no more.During the July 18-July 24 viewing window, “Virgin River” took the No. 1 position on Nielsen’s weekly Top 10 Streaming chart, thanks to the debut of its fourth season on July 22.

Anna Marie de la Fuente Breaking Glass Pictures has snagged North American rights to “Blood-Red Ox,” the first genre pic by award-winning Bolivian director-producer Rodrigo Bellott, now playing at the 18th Santiago International Film Festival (Sanfic) sidebar Visions of the World.“A mind-bending trip into the depths of myth and madness, Bellott has crafted a haunting tale that pays homage to classic horror films while offering commentary on contemporary environmental and social issues,” said Scott Motisko, Breaking Glass VP of acquisitions, business development and sales, who together with Breaking Glass CEO Rich Wolff negotiated the pact with Ida Martins, CEO of Media Luna.“We have a longstanding business relationship with Breaking Glass Pictures and couldn’t think of a better outlet for “Blood-Red Ox,” said Martins, adding: “They have been doing an excellent job with all Media Luna previous titles, and we are honored to have one more title in their care.” Shot on location in Bolivia and upstate New York, “Blood-Red Ox” centers on Amir, a Lebanese American journalist, and his partner Amat. The two visit Amir’s environmentalist friend in the town of Tarija, which is being harassed by an oil company bent on exploiting the Bolivian rain forest.

Jon Burlingame editorAs Emmy voters mark their ballots in final-round voting this weekend, Variety breaks down the widely varied competitors in this complete guide to all seven categories including original scores, songs, music direction and music supervision.“The Flight Attendant” (HBO Max) Blake Neely One win, three other nominations Episode: “The Reykjavik Ice Sculpture Festival Is Lovely This Time of Year” Fun, energetic all-percussion score for Cassie in Iceland“Loki” (Disney+) Natalie Holt One prior nomination (two this year) Episode: “Glorious Purpose” Theremin, sampled clocks, orchestra for Loki encountering TVA“Only Murders in the Building” (Hulu) Siddhartha Khosla Three previous nominations and three this year Episode: “The Boy From 6B” Music, not dialogue, tells story from deaf boy’s POV “Schmigadoon!” (Apple TV+) Christopher Willis One previous nomination Episode: “Schmigadoon!” Underscores romance, magic in unreal musical-inspired town“Severance” (Apple TV+) Theodore Shapiro One previous nomination (two this year) Episode: “The We We Are” Dramatic variations on piano-and-strings theme in season finale“Succession” (HBO) Nicholas Britell One win, three previous nominations Episode: “Chiantishire” Classical piano, string sounds pervade Tuscany wedding locale“1883” (Paramount+) Brian Tyler, Breton Vivian Two nominations for Tyler, first for Vivian Episode: “1883” Powerful, tragedy-laden symphonic score with folk elements“Moon Knight” (Disney+) Hesham Nazih First nomination Episode: “Asylum” Orchestral and choral score rooted in Egyptian music“Station Eleven” (HBO Max) Dan Romer First nomination Episode: “Unbroken Circle” Strings, organ, wordless voices for uplifting finale“A Very British Scandal” (Prime Video)

Zack Sharf Sacheen Littlefeather dominated headlines this week after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a formal apology to her for the mistreatment she faced at the 1973 Oscars. Littlefeather, who was 26 years old at the ceremony, took to the stage on behalf of Marlon Brando, who was named best actor for “The Godfather,” and declined the award for him.

Jennifer Maas TV Business WriterNBC’s “Password” reboot from executive producer Jimmy Fallon and host Keke Palmer has picked up its key demo ratings by 43% and its viewership by 27% with delayed and digital viewing following the show’s Aug. 9 premiere, Variety has learned exclusively.Over its first two episodes (the second airing Aug. 16), “Password” is averaging an 0.63 rating among adults in the advertiser-coveted adults 18-49 demographic and 5.2 million total viewers, when combining both linear and digital viewing through Wednesday.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorCNN has enlisted a new executive to help it generate programming ideas.Ryan Kadro, a veteran of “CBS This Morning” and several digital ventures, is set to join CNN as a senior vice president of content strategy, overseeing the development of new programming such as a revamped morning show and other new concepts,  according to a spokesperson for the network and two other people familiar with the matter.Kadro is a former lieutenant to Chris Licht, the CEO of CNN, and succeeded him as executive producer after he left the CBS morning program to work with Stephen Colbert on CBS’ “Late Show.”His hire puts a trusted executive in place to create programming in which Licht is said to have a strong interest.  Licht, who helped launch “Morning Joe” and the most recent iteration of “CBS This Morning,” is said to be eager to revamp to play more robustly against the A.M. competition and to find a new program to fill CNN’s 9 p.m, hour.

Selling Sunset star Jason Oppenheim, 45, seems to be be spending a lot of time with his new lady love, model Marie-Lou Nurk.After appearing on two red carpets together this week they were spotted leaving a workout in Beverly Hills on Thursday. The 45-year-old real estate agent and the 25-year-old leggy beauty were side by side as they modeled athletic wear. Post sweat session: Selling Sunset star Jason Oppenheim, 45, seems to be be spending a lot of time with his new lady love, model Marie-Lou Nurk.

Oscar winner Casey Affleck and his 24-year-old girlfriend Caylee Cowan brought their May-December love to Dunkin' Donuts in Los Angeles on Thursday.The 47-year-old Massachusetts native and his brother - two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Ben Affleck - are both big fans of the fast-food chain founded in Quincy, MA circa 1950.And while Casey (first name Caleb) carried two dozen donuts, the Los Angeles native carried two iced coffees back to their SUV. 23-year age gap: Oscar winner Casey Affleck and his 24-year-old girlfriend Caylee Cowan brought their May-December love to Dunkin' Donuts in Los Angeles on ThursdayOn Wednesday, Caylee (first name Catherine) Instastoried a video of her substantial cleavage barely contained in the $50 Jumelle 'Perfect Blue - Royal Blue Top.''Got the bikini on [Tuesday] and have been literally wearing it ever since,' Cowan - who boasts 791K social media followers - wrote.

wedding after she failed to pay for the bachelorette party expenses.Lauren was supposed to be her friend's maid of honour but she got demoted when the bride asked for an extravagant hen do that cost more than $1,000 (£830) per head.She posted a video on TikTok and said: "Being maid of honour and telling the bride you don't know if you or others can spend $1,000+ on her bachelorette party.READ MORE: Bride wants to feast on whole roast chicken at wedding - while guests only have nibbles"Got demoted to bridesmaid and uninvited from wedding and blocked on everything!"She called out her friend for not being realistic and added in the comments: "People see influencers doing these amazing trips and don't understand they are freaking sponsored and things are paid for!"In another video, she explained that in her area, they have a wedding tradition that the maid of honour and bridesmaids are "supposed" to cover the expenses at the hen do."The point of a bachelorette party is for all of your girlfriends to rally around you and help you to provide the best version of yourself for your husband that you are about to marry," she continued."Social media is what has made wedding events and expectations so high and it's sad."While she's happy that she was invited to celebrate her friend's wedding but she made it clear that "my life doesn't revolve around you or your marriage".A lot of people agreed with Laruen and some commented to share their experiences as a bridesmaid or maid of honour.Want all the biggest Lifestyle news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Hot Topics newsletter"I was maid of honour at my friend's wedding, spent way more than $1k.

The Only Way is Essex has been left in turmoil after show star Dan Edgar refused to film scenes following accusation of “inappropriate touching.”The 32-year-old was said to be reeling on set and had to be calmed down by producers after co-star Ella Rae made the shock claims.A source revealed that Dan, who has been dating co-star Amber Turner since 2017, "was furious and refusing to film yesterday," according to The Sun.They added: "He was kicking off and saying he didn't want to be a part of the final episode.READ MORE: Lauren Goodger 'attacked' and rushed to hospital just days after baby's funeral"Producers were pulling out all the stops and trying to talk him into it for hours but the whole thing was chaos."In the end, he relented and filmed scenes but he wasn't happy and was dragging his heels over it."Another source of the show added: "Dan put his hands around Ella's waist while they were in a club - nothing more."It follows a statement released by Ella, 22, claiming that Dan's behaviour towards her was "not OK".She was forced to clarify comments she made in a recent interview in which she alleged her older co-star was "inappropriate," claiming he had touched her waist and held her hand.Her statement read: "I want to make it clear that Dan Edgar did not touch me inappropriately without my consent."What I did mean was that I think how he has acted towards me while having a girlfriend is not OK."No boyfriend should hold someone's hand or put their hands around another girl's waist while in a relationship."This is a story you will see covered in the upcoming series of Towie where you will see both sides of the story from Dan and myself."Reality star Ella cut a glamorous figure as she joined her pals Danni Imbert and

Ukraine. Russian defence spokesman Igor Konashenkov claimed Ukraine was planning a 'false flag' operation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine, the biggest power plant in Europe, tomorrow (Friday, August 19).Although Ukrainian officials have denied the allegations, speculation has now arisen that something could happen at the plant. READ MORE: Putin vows to give Russian mums one-off £13.5k payment if they have 10 children Russian radiological protection forces leader Lieutenant General Igor Kirllov suggested today that a nuclear disaster would most heavily impact Germany, Poland and Slovakia.

Manchester City superstar Ruben Dias has a new squeeze - an exotic cabaret dancer named Ginevra Festa.The two were spotted snogging on a boat off the coast of the Balearic Islands in Spain, with Dias splitting up with his popstar girlfriend less than a year ago.The 25-year-old Portuguese defender was also seen walking hand-in-hand with leggy brunette Ginevra as the two were seen getting cosy together while soaking up the Spanish sun.READ MORE: Playboy beauty traded Man City star for unknown goalkeeper in Austrian leagueGinevra has a jaw-dropping Instagram page where she regularly flaunts her voluptuous figure and dazzling dance moves.In her latest post, she's seen posing with a gorgeous bouquet of red and white flowers in front of a stunning seaside backdrop, captioning the photo: "The most beautiful gift a woman can ever receive."Elsewhere, she's shared images of herself wearing a skimpy pink bikini on a speedboat - the same swimsuit she wore when pictured romping with Dias - and posted a video strutting her stuff on stage while being grabbed from behind and kissed on the neck by her male dance partner.Is Ruben Dias the best centre back in the Premier League? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.Pictures also show her entertaining crowds at Spain’s Lio cabaret, starring on a catwalk in a dazzling red-sequin dress and lace-up boots, with her hair tied behind her head.Ginevra, who has also worked in Dubai, is among the performers at the 'world’s most glamorous cabaret', in which dancers, singers and acrobats entertain guests over dinner.Dias meanwhile had an ugly split from former partner April, who released a song called 'Broken Apologies' shortly after the break up, which appeared to be about the

BBC Breakfast anchor Nina Warhurst has taken to social media, revealing her dad's dementia has taken a turn for the worst as he "couldn't quite place her". The broadcaster, 41, often shares very little about her life outside of her Breakfast role but took to her Instagram page to give her followers an update on her dad's condition.However, while Nina appeared to have a laugh and giggle with her dad, she also shared the devasting impact dementia is having on her family.READ MORE: BBC Breakfast's Nina Warhurst takes swipe at Charlie Stayt saying he needs 'improving'The Business and Consumer presenter shared a snap of herself alongside her dad as they both smiled for the camera.Alongside the adorable snap, she penned: "My Dad. I missed him so much this week.

Carol Vorderman left online fans speechless as she took to her Instagram on Wednesday (17 August) to show off her transformed and age-defying figure. The 61-year-old looked to be in sensational shape as she flaunted her killer toned legs and rippling abs in teeny denim wash shorts and a string bikini top.Along with the steamy snap, The Countdown bombshell revealed to fans that she'd shed a whopping dress size after hitting up a juice retreat in Portugal for 18 days.READ MORE: Carol Vorderman fans wonder if she's 'topless' as she rocks nude illusion bikiniHaving returned to the UK, Carol was keen to maintain her awesome defined physic and hit up the gym alongside a familiar face.Teaming up with presenter Alex Scott, Carol got to work at pushing some heft weights and could also be seen in the video engaging in a number of full body pull-ups.After being on a juice diet for 15 days, The Pride Of Britain host was keen to maintain her results.Slipping into her gym kit which included skintight leggings and a fitted t-shirt, Carol got to work.Taking to her platform, the mathematician shared a video of herself in the gym while posing for pictures alongside football pundit Alex.She captioned: "Thursday morning....she was looking for me....my gym bud @alexscott2 found me eventually on the @trx_uk Hailing the ex-England footballer, Carol added: "She [Alex] definitely pumps bigger weights than I do and is a gazillion times fitter than I have ever been....

first look image at John Wick 4 earlier this week, the first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated Keanu Reeves film has been released.Released during San Diego Comic Con on July 24, the short trailer is packed with the explosive action that fans of the franchise have come to expect. The teaser also poses a major question for Wick who has been trying to leave the world of assassination behind since the first film: “Have you given any thought to where this ends?”The teaser, titled ‘Sneak Peek’, sees Wick face off against new villains like Donnie Yen and Bill Skarsgård.

When you think of “John Wick,” it’s impossible to imagine anyone else other than Keanu Reeves in the title role. In the three films already released, Reeves has crafted an original character that has broken through and become part of the cultural zeitgeist, which is becoming increasingly difficult to do.

Keanu Reeves has played the iconic action hero John Wick for nearly a decade, but the role was originally meant to be written for an older actor such as Clint Eastwood or Harrison Ford.  One of the "John Wick" producers, Basil Iwanyk, revealed in the new book, "They Shouldn’t Have Killed His Dog: The Complete Uncensored Oral History of John Wick, Gun Fu, and the New Age of Action," by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman, that the legendary assassin was supposed to be played by a 75-year-old man.  Iwanyk said in the book that one of his best friends sent him a script from Derek Kolstad — the creator of the "John Wick" franchise — according to Entertainment Weekly.  "The lead was a 75-year-old man, 25 years after being retired.

John Wick had originally imagined Keanu Reeves’ character as a 75-year-old man.Franchise producer Basil Iwanyk discussed the titular role’s origins in new book They Shouldn’t Have Killed His Dog: The Complete Uncensored Ass-Kicking Oral History of John Wick, Gun Fu, and the New Age of Action.“One of my best friends is Charlie Ferraro at United Talent Agency, who sent me this script from [screenwriter] Derek Kolstad called Scorn,” Iwanyk said, per The Independent. “The lead was a 75-year-old man, 25 years after being retired.“It was the fun of watching Clint Eastwood kick ass.

Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston looked unrecognisable at a celebrity softball game this weekend.The 66 year old actor, best known for playing Walter White in the critically acclaimed show and dad Hal in Malcolm in the Middle, was taking part in the MGM All-Star Celebrity Softball Game at Dodger Stadium. While playing he could be seen sporting a very different look, complete with much longer hair and a shaggy beard. Bryan is currently sporting the slightly more dishevelled look due to his role in new film Jerry and Marge Go Large, and added to the confusion by pasting two stick-on moustaches under his eyes.

Zack Sharf Keanu Reeves has turned John Wick into an iconic action here over the last seven years, but it turns out the role was originally written for an actor more in the vein of Harrison Ford or Clint Eastwood. Franchise producer Basil Iwanyk confirms in the new book “They Shouldn’t Have Killed His Dog: The Complete Uncensored Oral History of John Wick, Gun Fu, and the New Age of Action” that the title character was a 75-year-old man in the original script.“One of my best friends is Charlie Ferraro at UTA, who sent me this script from Derek Kolstad called ‘Scorn,'” says Iwanyk in the book (via Entertainment Weekly).