February Industry Wrap
Posted on: Feb 27, 2024
February has delivered a plethora of industry highlights ranging from new production companies launched by renowned celebrities to highly anticipated spinoffs. We’ve even seen record-breaking television events and a slew of award shows. Below are just a few of the many that caught our attention.
Jessica Alba Launches Production Company
Jessica Alba recently launched her new production company, Lady Spitfire, making headlines in the entertainment industry. This move signifies Alba’s expansion into the world of content creation and highlights her ambition to be involved in the behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking. Alba aims to bring fresh and diverse perspectives to the screen. “I’m thrilled that in this stage of my life and career, I get to create and build, and Lady Spitfire is part of this next chapter,” Alba said. “Reimagining and redefining how women and minorities show up in the world through great stories is my passion. I believe that my children and the next generation shouldn’t have to face the same barriers as I have. Inspired by the heroes whose shoulders I humbly stand on, I feel it is my duty to make it easier for dreams to be realized and potential to be met for women and minorities, particularly those in my community.” (Deadline)
GoT Spin-Off in The Works
Fans of the hit series Game of Thrones can look forward to an exciting new chapter. According to reports, a spinoff based on the events of Aegon’s Conquest is currently in the works. Helmed by Mattson Tomlin, the new series is set to delve deeper into the rich lore and history of Westeros, providing fans with new and intriguing stories set in the beloved fantasy world created by George R.R. Martin. (The Hollywood Reporter)
The Most-Watched Live Event in TV History
With over 120.3 million viewers on CBS alone, Super Bowl LVIII broke records to become the most-watched telecast in history. These impressive viewership numbers serve as a resounding testament to the enduring popularity and widespread appeal of the annual spectacle, reaffirming its unmatched significance in the realm of popular culture. (The Hollywood Reporter)
2025 Fantastic Four Casting Announced
Marvel Studios has announced the cast for the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn have been cast to portray the iconic superheroes. Pascal will take on the role of Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Kirby will play Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Quinn will portray Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Moss-Bachrach will star as Ben Grimm/The Thing. This film will be directed by Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, and is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Oppenhomies, “Yes Chef” and Pedro’s Drunken Speech
Various prestigious award shows celebrated the best in the entertainment industry this month, including the BAFTAs, SAG Awards, Indie Spirit Awards and PGA Awards. Repeat wins were a notable trend, with films like Oppenheimer (the cast now dub themselves “Oppenhomies”) and Hulu’s hit show The Bear being repeat winners.
Highlights from the 30th SAG Awards (hosted by Netflix) included a few memorable moments. One was Emma Stone’s immense joy at seeing fellow nominated Lead Actress Lily Gladstone win for her performance in Killers of The Flower Moon. Another was Pedro Pascal’s acceptance speech for Lead Actor in a Drama for The Last of Us, which took a hilarious turn when the actor joked about being “a little drunk” when accepting the award.
Oscars Adds New Best Casting Director Category
The Motion Picture Academy has introduced a groundbreaking new competitive Oscar category for Achievement in Casting, marking the first addition to the Academy Awards since 2001. The Casting Directors Branch, formed in July 2013 and currently consisting of nearly 160 members, receives well-deserved acknowledgment for their exceptional talent and dedicated efforts with the establishment of this category. Details on eligibility criteria and the voting process for the inaugural award will be disclosed in April 2025, coinciding with the release of the 98th Academy Awards Rules.
Rough Reporting for Madame Web
Reviews cited Madame Web faced a box office failure and received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics upon release. The studio behind the film was not only confronted with low ticket sales but also had the unfortunate experience of witnessing people return their tickets in real-time. Reviews cited issues with storytelling, pacing and character development, Madame Web struggled to resonate with both critics and audiences. Despite the anticipation surrounding the project, it ultimately fell short of delivering a compelling and engaging cinematic experience. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Sam Mendes Beatles Biopic in The Works
Director Sam Mendes has earned the right to direct four Beatles biopics, reportedly each centered around an individual band member. While previous biopics have successfully explored different aspects of the Beatles’ story, Mendes’ all-encompassing vision for all four movies raises questions and concerns. Some skeptics doubt whether Mendes can capture the profound essence of the Beatles, considering his filmmaking style and lack of notable needle drops in his previous works. (The Hollywood Reporter)
As anticipation builds, all eyes are now eagerly focused on the upcoming Oscars. The 95th Oscars ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 12, 2023, and will be presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
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