Matt Donnelly-Senior - celebsbar.com

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer WME will enter an expansive partnership with incubator Gold House, the talent agency announced on Thursday. Gold House is a multi-pronged operation devoted to elevating Asian Pacific excellence, focusing on areas including creative arts, media and capital investment. WME has been named a founding partner of the Gold House Creative Equity Fund, which hopes to identify, develop, produce and promote AAPI content. As part of the union, WME will offer financing, masterclasses for skill building, and of course business opportunities across its steep client roster. The agency will also leverage the broader assets of its owner Endeavor to find opportunities beyond filmed content, in areas like fashion, social impact, fine arts and more. For rising talent, WME will offer individually-matched mentors across its network, community events, and big activations around AAPI Heritage Month.

Matt Donnelly-Senior Beyond film social art voice innovations Platform

Kit Harington, Naomi Scott, Jeremy Irons Romance Epic ‘Eternal Return’ to Hit Cannes Market (EXCLUSIVE)

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer “Aladdin” and “Charlie’s Angels” breakout Naomi Scott will star alongside “Game of Thrones” alum Kit Harrington and Oscar winner Jeremy Irons in the epic romance “Eternal Return,” Variety can report exclusively. Village Roadshow Pictures is producing the project and will introduce the film to buyers at next week’s Cannes Film Festival. “Eternal Return” follows Cass (Scott), a young woman who has resigned herself to a life of emotional invulnerability until she meets Virgil (Harington), a cartographer who makes maps to imaginary places. Along with his partner Malcolm (Irons), a vibrant renaissance man, the pair relentlessly attempts to travel back in time awaken Cass to love again. The original feature is written and directed by Yaniv Raz (“Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets”).

Kit Harington Naomi Scott Jeremy Irons Matt Donnelly-Senior Jillian Apfelbaum Steve Mosko Cass Tristen Tuckfield Nic Gordon Jordan county Scott county Iron film stars reports classical exclusive Oscar epic

Ted Sarandos Pulls Out of PEN America Gala Honoring Him Amid Writers Strike (EXCLUSIVE)

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos will no longer attend a gala meant to honor him next week in New York. The decision comes as labor issues grab headlines across Hollywood. Sarandos was set to accept the Business Visionary Award at the annual PEN American Spring Literary Gala, alongside fellow honoree Lorne Michaels and a host of literati including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Susan Choi, Jennifer Egan, Min Jin Lee, Jay McInerney and Gay Talese. He’s skipping the event, to be held under the blue whale at the American Museum of Natural History, as many industry celebrations weigh how to address the writers strike. “Given the potential to disrupt this wonderful evening, I thought it was best to pull out so as not to distract from the important work that PEN America does for writers and journalists, as well as the celebration of my friend and personal hero Lorne Michaels. I hope the evening is a great success,” Sarandos told Variety in a statement.

Colin Jost Lorne Michaels Ted Sarandos Jennifer Egan Matt Donnelly-Senior Gay Talese New York USA Netflix Hollywood film art awards Celebrity PEN America

‘Riverdale’ Alum Charles Melton Excited About ‘Voyeuristic’ Cannes Debut ‘May December’ With Julianne Moore

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Few films at Cannes this year have indie pedigree and star power behind them like “May December,” Todd Haynes’ examination of a cross-generational couple who caused a tabloid scandal and the actress studying their family to portray the woman in a forthcoming movie about their lives. Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman lead the way, but the project is a significant launchpad for “Riverdale” alum Charles Melton. Playing opposite Moore as a character who’s about to become an empty nester at 35, Melton dishes about his Cannes debut and walking dogs before he hit stardom. Will this be your first Cannes? This will be my first film festival. I’m so excited to reunite with Julie and Natalie and Todd Haynes and everyone that was a part of making the film. I’m grinning from ear to ear right now.

Charles Melton Natalie Portman Julianne Moore Todd Haynes Matt Donnelly-Senior May December North Korea film stars actress gossips information career

‘Who the F— Is Michael Braun?’: Meet the Mysterious Zelig Who Has Become Hollywood’s New Best Friend

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Last December, Leonardo DiCaprio and Baz Luhrmann shared a quiet moment at a private residence in Los Angeles. They were gathered at an after-party for a fashion show held that night by luxury brand Celine. Iggy Pop gave a surprise performance at the show, and Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia Gerber strutted the runway, all before DiCaprio and Luhrmann sat gazing into an elaborate outdoor fire pit. Seated on the stone edge and facing the famous pair was another guest, Michael Braun. He promptly burst into flames. A lick of fire sparked what one partygoer described as a mohair sweater. Braun’s entire torso ablaze, DiCaprio recoiled in shock as Luhrmann sprang into action. Braun yanked the sweater off, extinguishing the flames in one lucky swoop. Shirtless and charred, clad in only leather shorts and Doc Martens, Braun was instantly the subject of an outpouring of text messages and social media DMs, sharing a video that captured the freak accident. It was a breakthrough moment for a man whom insiders have become more curious about as he has grown enmeshed in the closed-off social circle of the most famous people in the world.

Kaia Gerber Margot Robbie Kristen Stewart Matt Donnelly-Senior Last December Michael Braun Los Angeles Hollywood film stars social actor Celebrity Party

‘May December’ First Look: Natalie Portman Wants to Become Julianne Moore in Todd Haynes’ Cannes Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Variety has a first look at the anticipated Cannes Film Festival competition premiere “May December,” led by Oscar-winning heavyweights Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman and directed by Todd Haynes. The title, which is also for sale out of this year’s Marché du Film, represents a “Far From Heaven” reunion for Moore and Haynes and a significant breakout opportunity for “Riverdale” heartthrob Charles Melton. Moore and Melton star as married couple whose 20-year relationship inspired a national tabloid obsession at its offset. Now preparing to send their grown children off to college – as Melton reconciles with empty nest syndrome in his mid-30s – an actress (Portman) embeds with the family to study them for an upcoming film where she’ll play Moore. The couple buckles under the pressure as Portman probes as deeply as she can for an honest performance.

Charles Melton Natalie Portman Julianne Moore Piper Curda Todd Haynes Matt Donnelly-Senior Christine Vachon Pamela Koffler Grant S.Johnson Tyler W.Konney Sophie Mas May December Alex Mechanik Affonso Gonçalves France county Todd county Moore film performer stars actress photography

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, Signs With WME (EXCLUSIVE)

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has signed for representation with WME, Variety can report exclusively. The signing represents a crown jewel for WME, one might say, as numerous agency rivals have tried to land the public figure formerly known as Meghan Markle since she and husband Prince Harry moved to California in 2020. Her team at WME will include power agent turned Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, Brad Slater, the rep and brand architect within the agency for Dwayne Johnson, and longtime Serena Williams agent Jill Smoller. Additionally, WME will assume representation of Archewell, her and Prince Harry’s content creation label. Film and television production, brand partnerships, and overall business-building will be explored. Acting will not be an area of focus.

Dwayne Johnson Meghan Markle Prince Harry Serena Williams Ari Emanuel Matt Donnelly-Senior Brad Slater California Netflix film reports 2020 exclusive Love CEO

Rihanna Is Smurfette in Paramount Animation’s ‘The Smurfs Movie’

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Rihanna has been cast in the voice role of Smurfette, in a new animated feature from Paramount Animation. The superstar showed in person to CinemaCon, the annual convention of movie theater owners, to make the announcement. “I tried to get the Papa Smurf role but It didn’t work out,” the singer joked on stage at Daesar’s Palace Hotel and Casino. Appearing with Paramount Animation head Ramsey Naito, it was revealed that Rihanna will star, write and record original songs, and produce the upcoming projects. Rihanna previously lent her voice to the DreamWorks animated feature “Home,” which grossed over $380 million at the worldwide box office. Her live action screen credits include “Battleship,” “This Is the End,” “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” “Ocean’s 8” and “Guava Island.”

Katy Perry Julia Roberts Joe Manganiello Hank Azaria Neil Patrick Matt Donnelly-Senior Ramsey Naito Pam Brady Belgium film show stage stars record singer voice

Pedro Pascal Swindles, Margaret Qualley Twangs in Slick First Look at Ethan Coen’s ‘Drive-Away Dolls’

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Ethan Coen’s latest solo project just shifted into high gear, showing its first trailer at CinemaCon 2023. “Drive-Away Dolls,” a road movie about restless best friends and hapless crooks, is the latest from the co-director of modern classics “No Country for Old Men,” “Inside Llewyn Davis” and “Fargo.” During the Focus Features section of Universal’s presentation at the annual convention of movie theater owners, the audience was served up a sleek and sexy road noir with a major ensemble: Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Pedro Pascal, Colman Domingo, Bill Camp and Matt Damon.

Matt Damon Margaret Qualley Pedro Pascal Geraldine Viswanathan Matt Donnelly-Senior Ethan Coen Who Wasn Tricia Cooke city Fargo city Tallahassee film show audience classical country man Bill

‘The Exorcist: Believer’ Trailer Terrifies CinemaCon With Possessed Tweens, Demonic Voices and Ellen Burstyn

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Diners at Las Vegas’ many buffets may want to skip the split pea soup — a new trailer for “The Exorcist” shook the audience at Caesar’s Palace to its core on Wednesday. The rebooted franchise from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse debuted its first trailer to the annual convention of movie theater owners on Wednesday. The new saga is led by Tony and Grammy award winner Leslie Odom Jr. (“Hamilton”) and Ellen Burstyn, who reprises the role of Chris MacNeil from the 1973 original directed by William Friedken. The first “Exorcist” was a critical and commercial phenomenon, following two priests trying to rid an innocent girl of a nasty demonic possession.

Leslie Odom-Junior Jason Blum Ellen Burstyn Ann Dowd Williams Matt Donnelly-Senior Chris Macneil Las Vegas film stars audience awards voice symptoms exorcist

Legendary Wins Film Rights to Grady Hendrix Bestseller ‘How to Sell a Haunted House’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Legendary Entertainment has won the movie rights to Grady Hendrix’s runaway bestseller “How to Sell a Haunted House.” The studio behind “Dune” took the acclaimed novel over several bids. The book received critical acclaim and an instant following thanks to its dynamic storytelling — pulling off genuine fright with its evil puppet antagonist, and a deeply emotional story about the horrors of family. New Zealand-based Māori filmmaker James Ashcroft is attached to direct the project. Ashcroft made his mark in the indie genre space with the bleak “Coming Home in the Dark,” which premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival and was later acquired by Netflix. Hendrix will adapt his own novel for the screen.

Charlize Theron Andy Muschietti Grady Hendrix Sam Raimi Matt Donnelly-Senior James Ashcroft Adam Goldworm Rob Tapert New Zealand New York Netflix Entertainment film

David Zaslav Reassures Theater Owners: ‘We’re in No Rush to Bring the Movie to Max’

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav came to Las Vegas to put all of his chips on movie theaters. The executive made an appearance at CinemaCon, the annual convention of theatrical exhibitors, to reassure the crowd that the Warner Bros. Pictures Group was not interested in releasing its premium movies directly to streaming platform Max. “At Warner Bros., at DC Studios, we believe that everything is possible. This business could be bigger and stronger than its ever been,” Zaslav said on stage at Caesar’s Palace on Tuesday. “We believe in full windowing of the motion pictures. We do not want to do direct-to-streaming movies. We’re in no rush to bring the movie to Max.”

James Gunn David Zaslav Warner Bros Matt Donnelly-Senior Pamela Abdy Peter Safran Mike De-Luca Las Vegas film show stage stars CEO Platform

‘Not Your Mama’s ‘Color Purple’: Oprah Hypes Electric First Footage of Movie Musical at CinemaCon

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Without giving away a single favorite thing, Oprah Winfrey brought the house down with a surprise appearance at CinemaCon 2023. Revelers at the annual convention of movie theater owners were delighted by the mogul’s cameo at Tuesday’s presentation from Warner Bros. Pictures. Winfrey is a producer on the studio’s upcoming movie musical “The Color Purple,” based on the 1985 Steven Spielberg classic in which the former daytime host starred. “‘The Color Purple,’ in 1985 was the biggest and most important thing that happened to me. This is a full circle moment to be part of this film. It holds great personal meaning,” Winfrey told the crowd.

Corey Hawkins Oprah Winfrey Steven Spielberg Danielle Brooks Warner Bros Matt Donnelly-Senior Elizabeth Marvel Marcus Gardley USA county Jones county Scott county Sanders city Quincy Hollywood film show stars classical Music

Aaron Taylor-Johnson Brings Blood-Soaked ‘Kraven The Hunter’ Trailer to CinemaCon, Sony’s First R-Rated Marvel Movie

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Aaron Taylor Johnson beamed in to Las Vegas’ CinemaCon on Monday to show the first footage from his anticipated Marvel comic book film “Kraven the Hunter” — an ultraviolent show of blood and throbbing biceps that pleased the annual convention of theater owners. Taylor-Johnson called the J.C. Chandor-directed project “a Marvel movie grounded heavily in the real world. We know he is a fierce hunter, a highly trained killer.” He then gave an answer to “the internet’s biggest question,” as to whether the film would be rated R. “Fuck yeah it will be rated R,” the star said to huge applause from the Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino.

Russell Crowe Ariana Debose Christopher Abbott Matt Donnelly-Senior Alessandro Nivola Aaron Taylor-Johnson Las Vegas city Newark film show stars Sony Love Extreme Oscar

Sadie Sink Rock Opera ‘O’Dessa’ Adds Kelly Macdonald, Pokey LaFarge (EXCLUSIVE)

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer “No Country for Old Men” and “Harry Potter” star Kelly Macdonald has joined the ensemble of Searchlight Pictures’ rock opera “O’Dessa.” Written and directed by Geremy Jasper (“Patticake$”), the film is led by “Stranger Things” breakout Sadie Sink and costars Kelvin Harrison Jr., Murray Bartlett and Regina Hall. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the film tells of a farm girl on an epic quest to recover a cherished family heirloom. Her journey leads her to a strange and dangerous city where she meets her one true love – but in order to save his soul, she must put the power of destiny and song to the ultimate test.

Robert Pattinson Tom Holland Kelvin Harrison-Junior Bill Skarsgard Regina Hall Kelly Macdonald Matt Donnelly-Senior Rodrigo Teixeira Antonio Campos Murray Bartlett Michael Gottwald Gore Verbinski Dan Janvey Cornelia Burleigh Jonathan Montepare Croatia city Odessa Rock film stars country opera Citi CoStar

‘You’ Author and Screenwriter Caroline Kepnes Signs With CAA (EXCLUSIVE)

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Bestselling author and screenwriter Caroline Kepnes has signed with CAA, Variety can report exclusively. Kepnes is the writer-creator behind the four-book “You” series, following the exploits of magnetic serial killer Joe Goldberg. Her novels are the source material for the Netflix scripted juggernaut “You,” adapted by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble. The series reinvigorated the career of Penn Badgley in the lead role of Goldberg, and has proven a massive performer on the streaming platform. A fifth and final season of the series was just greenlit. Kepnes, a native of Cape Cod, will next release “For You and Only You” on April 25 from Random House. It joins previous titles “You Love Me,” “Hidden Bodies,” and the flagship “You.” She is also the author of the novel “Providence,” a supernatural love story. Her works have been translated into numerous languages and continue to build a rapt audience around the world.

Joe Goldberg Caroline Kepnes Greg Berlanti Sera Gamble Shailene Woodley Matt Donnelly-Senior USA county Love Netflix film performer reports exclusive career

Next ‘Fast and Furious’ Film Taps Louis Leterrier as Director (EXCLUSIVE)

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Louis Leterrier is staying in Dominic Toretto’s family. The “Transporter” helmer will serve as director of the next film in the grand finale of the “Fast and Furious” franchise. The new project will serve as a companion film to “Fast X,” the 10th title in the Vin Diesel series which opens May 19. Leterrier replaced Justin Lin as director on “Fast X” last May, a breakneck substitution that clearly resulted in something meaningful for the team – which includes producer-star Diesel and legacy cast Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson and Charlize Theron.

Charlize Theron Jason Statham Jason Momoa Tyrese Gibson Donna Langley Dominic Toretto Michelle Rodriguez Justin Lin Matt Donnelly-Senior Louis Leterrier Peter Cramer Entertainment film stars social president action man

WonderHill Hires Four Key Executives Across Theatrical Distribution, Music, Finance and Business Affairs (EXCLUSIVE)

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Bob Yari and Marvin Peart’s new content venture WonderHill Studios has named four key executives to bolster operations, Variety can report exclusively. Joining Oscar winner Yari and Peart are executives including The Weinstein Company veteran Laurent Ouaknine as president of distribution; David McPherson as president of music and VP of alternative TV; former Solstice Studios CFO Shaun Williams in the same role; and CJ Vranca as executive vice president of business and legal affairs. “This incredibly talented team has invaluable experience and are key pillars to what we are building at WonderHill Studios,” said Yari and Peart. “We look forward to sharing our team’s strategic initiatives as we collaborate and grow our upcoming versatile slate within film and television.”

Jennifer Lopez Shaun Williams Matt Donnelly-Senior Bob Yari county Williams Entertainment film record president Sony Music

Legendary Lands New $800 Million Credit Facility From J.P. Morgan

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Legendary Entertainment, the content studio behind “Dune” and the rebooted “Godzilla” franchise, has secured a new $800 million credit facility from J.P. Morgan. The new fund updates a preexisting line of credit and will span five years, the company announced Tuesday. It’s a sign of confidence in the unit, run by CEO Josh Grode and vice chairman of worldwide production Mary Parent, that a traditional mega-lender would invest at such a turbulent time in a media business rife with consolidation and Wall Street woes. Grode said the company was “pleased to extend our relationship with J.P. Morgan as we continue to grow our global film and TV pipeline and monetize our IP across multiple platforms.” He credited the creative team led by Parent for “creating compelling content that resonates with audiences around the world.”

Denis Villeneuve Josh Grode Matt Donnelly-Senior Mary Parent Bert Kreischer Russia Japan Entertainment film audience CEO

‘Floyd,’ Action Film Concept Described as ‘John Wick’ Meets ‘Big Lebowski,’ Underway From Writer Erik Olsen (EXCLUSIVE)

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer “Floyd,” an original action feature centered around a Latino veteran described as “John Wick” meets “The Big Lebowski,” is currently in development. Erik Olsen (“The Dirt,” “The Book of Eli”) is writing the script and will produce the project with Navid Mcllhargey. Story Kitchen, a media company focused on world-building and untapped intellectual property rights, is on board to produce the project with Exile Content Studio. The Los Angeles-set story will follow a former marine given the nickname Floyd by his corps. Marine vet William Brownleefe will serve as a co-producer and consultant.

Joel Silver Derek Kolstad Williams Matt Donnelly-Senior Mike Goldberg Britain Spain Los Angeles Netflix Entertainment film action Love Dreams

Prolific Media Rights Agent Ron Bernstein Joins APA (EXCLUSIVE)

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Ron Bernstein, a veteran rights agent who has brokered adaptive deals for modern classics like “No Country for Old Men” and “Blackhawk Down,” has joined the Agency for the Performing Arts. He will serve as senior vice president of media rights, a mantle he will take up after a 23-year run at ICM Partners. Bernstein joins APA partners Steve Fisher and Debbie Deuble Hill in the publishing and media rights group. APA president Jim Osbourne announced Bernstein’s hire, effective Thursday. The addition is another big score for APA as the representation business continues to shift amid consolidation. Over a long and enviable career, Bernstein has represented some of the most acclaimed novelists, authors and journalists in the marketplace and sold the rights to countless feature films, limited series and shows to major buyers.

Richard Jewell Ryan Murphy Clint Eastwood Steven Spielberg Lee Daniels Margaret Atwood O.J.Simpson Danny Boyle Matt Donnelly-Senior Candace Bushnell Paul Auster USA county Story film performer president classical art country Department

Matt Donnelly-Senior: Last News

Yorgos Lanthimos to Reunite With Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons for Alien Conspiracy Drama ‘Bugonia’ at Focus Features

All news where Matt Donnelly-Senior is mentioned