Britt Hayes is a writer, movie lover, and sensible sweater enthusiast living in Austin, Texas. She watches too much TV and never eats her vegetables.
Britt Hayes
New Netflix Instant Releases: October 2017
Let’s just get this out of the way up front: Yes, the highly-anticipated second season of Stranger Things is coming to Netflix in October. If you’re a fan of the ’80s throwback sci-fi series, that’s probably the only new release you’re thinking about right now...
What’s Expiring From Netflix: October 2017
By now you’ve probably heard that 30 Rock is leaving Netflix Instant, and if you’re anything like me, you are distraught. Inconsolable, even. The good news is that we still have Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Parks and Recreation, so there’s that, at least. Anyway, 30 Rock isn’t the only title expiring from Netflix in October, so let’s commence the mourning, shall we?
J.J. Abrams Officially Returning for ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’
We knew it wouldn’t take Lucasfilm long to find a new director for Star Wars: Episode IX. When Colin Trevorrow parted ways with the studio last week, it seemed obvious that there would be two names at the top of their list: Rian Johnson, director of The Last Jedi, and J.J. Abrams, Star Wars executive producer and director of The Force Awakens. Johnson took his name out of the running pretty early on, and now it seems as though Abrams is stepping up to the plate.
‘IT’ Director Spills Details on ‘Chapter Two’ and the Future of the Losers Club
Although Warner Bros. and New Line have yet to formally greenlight IT: Chapter Two, director Andy Muschietti and his producing partner (and sister) Barbara are already developing the follow-up to one of this year’s biggest hits. With a record-breaking opening weekend and screenwriter Gary Dauberman reportedly on board for the sequel, it shouldn’t be long before WB gives the go-ahead. Until then, Muschietti is spilling the beans on his plans for Chapter Two and how the young cast factors into the story, which is set 27 years after the first film.
‘IT’ Broke ‘Deadpool’s Thursday Night Box Office Record
Deadpool might need to watch his back. IT, the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s horror epic, just broke one of the R-rated box office champ’s records — and is primed to break a couple more before the end of the weekend. It’s doubtful that Pennywise will come close to overtaking the Merc With a Mouth’s massive box office haul, but it’s quite a win for the new horror film from Andy Muschietti, which already has a sequel in the works for 2019.
‘Blade of the Immortal’ Red Band Trailer: Takashi Miike’s 100th Film Looks Wild
Takashi Miike is the most prolific filmmaker working today — his near-constant output is rivaled only by actors like Nicolas Cage and Dwayne Johnson, who might actually be robots. Miike has reached a truly impressive landmark in his career, as he prepares to unleash his 100th film, Blade of the Immortal. And as you might expect from the iconic Japanese director behind Audition and Ichi the Killer, the first trailer for his latest effort is completely wild, insanely violent, and totally NSFW.
Jared Leto Confirms Joker’s Return, Calls ‘Bulls—’ on Crazy ‘Suicide Squad’ Method Acting Stories
It’s been a wild, wild week for the DCEU. First came the report on a new Joker origin story movie executive produced by Martin Scorsese and scripted by Todd Phillips, the man who puts the “Bro” in Warner Bros. But then WB topped themselves in the WTF department just one day later with news of a Joker and Harley Quinn romance film from the directors of Crazy Stupid Love. While Jared Leto won’t be participating in Scorsese’s bizarro origin film, the actor has confirmed his return for the Harley Quinn team-up, which has officially knocked Gotham City Sirens off the WB schedule (for now).
That Obi-Wan Kenobi ‘Star Wars’ Spinoff Is Officially in Development
As it turns out, asking Ewan McGregor about reprising the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in a Star Wars spinoff is basically like a publicity version of Bloody Mary — say it enough times and it’ll appear. Despite the actor’s numerous expressions of interest in revisiting one of the only good things to come of the Star Wars prequels (aside from Watto, of course), the decision ultimately rests with Lucasfilm. And it looks like Lucasfilm is most definitely down.
Mark Hamill and Rian Johnson Want You to Avoid ‘The Last Jedi’ Marketing
You’ve probably noticed that The Last Jedi has been taking up quite a bit of internet real estate over the last few days. With the latest chapter in the Star Wars saga hitting theaters in four months, this week’s flood of new photos and plot details is just the tip of the promotional iceberg — and we’re bound to see a steady increase in marketing from now until December, making The Last Jedi impossible to ignore. And yet, Mark Hamill and director Rian Johnson want you to do just that.
Fantastic Fest’s Killer 2017 Lineup Boasts ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer,’ ‘The Square’ and More
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year…Fantastic Fest 2017 is right around in the corner, and if the first wave of film programming is any indication, this year’s lineup is going to be pretty stellar. The initial roster boasts the usual assortment of intriguing genre fare (like Takashi Miike’s 100th film, if you can believe it) alongside festival favorites and potential awards contenders, including new films from Yorgos Lanthimos, Ruben Ostlund, Martin McDonagh and more — so much more!
‘The Lion King’ Remake Casts Alfre Woodard as Simba’s Mom
On the heels of last week’s Aladdin update comes another exciting bit of casting news for another big Disney remake. This time it’s Jon Favreau’s take on The Lion King, which has enlisted Alfre Woodard as the voice of Sarabi — head lioness, partner to Mufasa, and mother of Simba in the upcoming live-action (ish) version of the studio’s beloved animated classic.
‘IT’ Trailer: And You Thought Clowns Were Scary Before
You know what they say: Everything is better with friends. That includes fighting an evil demonic clown who lives in town sewer system and has an affinity for Victorian era garb. Wardrobe preference notwithstanding, Pennywise is still pretty darn terrifying, especially if you’re already scared of clowns — in which case, you might want to avoid the new trailer for IT.