Reese Witherspoon Totally Blew An Audition With Robert De Niro Over One Big Mistake

Posted on 04/02/2023 by Boris Clair

Reese Witherspoon has recalled a disastrous audition with Robert De Niro, saying it was so bad the Hollywood legend remembered it a decade later.

Talking about her early career on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Reese brought up the tryout she had at age 14 for Cape Fear, the 1991 drama featuring De Niro as a psychopath.

She remembered walking into the room where De Niro and director Martin Scorsese were waiting. She said she was already rattled by the receptionist proclaiming of De Niro right before: “You know he’s the most important actor of our time.”

When it came time to act opposite De Niro, the Legally Blonde star said she couldn’t remember a word in the script and “he had to say the word for me … he had to finish the lines for me.”

She couldn’t recall the word in question but remembered being mortified 10 years later when she again tried out with the Raging Bull star.

“I thought, he’s never gonna remember that I bricked that audition,” Reese said. “And he’s like, ‘I remember you .. You’re the one who couldn’t say the word.’”

“Oh my god, this is so bad,” she said to herself.

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Reese, who won an Oscar for Walk The Line, has told the anecdote before, but it bears repeating as a funny lesson of hope for aspiring thespians out there.

And it should be noted that she was actually slated to star opposite De Niro in the 2015 comedy The Intern, but Anne Hathaway reportedly replaced her because Reese had a scheduling conflict.

Her latest project is the Netflix movie Your Place Or Mine, which begins streaming on Feb. 10.

Here’s Our Top Pick Of All The New Stuff Coming To Netflix This February

Posted on 31/01/2023 by Boris Clair

The good news? We’ve made it through January, congratulations one and all. The bad news? We’ve still got February to get through.

Fortunately, if the thought of four more weeks of cold wintery nights ahead is filling you with dread, we’re happy to report that Netflix has some great programming coming up to keep us entertained until spring is here.

Here’s a selection of the shows and films coming to the streaming giant in the next month…

Girls5Eva

Streaming from: 1 February

What’s it about? When a one-hit-wonder girl group from the 1990s gets sampled by a young rapper, its members reunite to give their pop star dreams one more shot ― this time while balancing spouses, kids, jobs, debt, aging parents, and shoulder pain.

Originally airing on the streaming service Peacock, it has now been picked up by Netflix for its upcoming third run after its original home cancelled it.

Gunther’s Millions

Streaming from: 1 February

What’s it about? Multi-millionaire Gunther VI lives in the lap of luxury: He travels on private planes, eats gold-flaked steaks for dinner, and surrounds himself with a glamorous entourage of spokesmodels and entertainers. He is also a German shepherd.

As the legend goes, Gunther’s great-grandfather was originally owned by a mysterious countess whose son died tragically. Having no heirs, the countess bequeathed her considerable fortune to her beloved dog, and placed him in the care of her son’s close friend, an Italian pharmaceutical heir and aspiring impresario named Maurizio Mian.

“Over the past 30 years, Mian has built an empire on behalf of his canine boss, including glamorous real estate purchases, controversial social experiments, and one of the biggest tax fraud schemes of all time. It’s a fairy tale both beautiful and bizarre, and naturally, questions abound.”

You (season four)

Streaming from: 9 February (part one)

What’s it about? One of Netflix’s most gripping originals is back for a fourth run, and after the jaw-dropping events of season three, Joe (played by Penn Badgley) arrives in London where he soon adopts a new identity and, of course, wastes no time in looking for “love”.

Excitingly, a new location means a brand new cast, with Charlotte Ritchie (Fresh Meat, Feel Good) and Lukas Gage (Love Victor, The White Lotus) joining the fun this time around, which sees the tables being turned on our anti-hero.

As with a number of their hit shows, Netflix has split the new season into two halves, the first of which is coming in February, with the second following in March.

Dear David

Streaming from: 9 February

What’s it about? An Indonesian teen romance.

A straight-A high schooler’s life is turned upside down when her risqué blog about her crush is leaked to everyone at school.

Your Place Or Mine

Streaming from: 10 February

What’s it about? Ashton Kutcher and Reese Witherspoon star in this romantic comedy arriving just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Debbie and Peter are best friends and total opposites. She craves routine with her son in LA; he thrives on change in NY. When they swap houses and lives for a week they discover what they think they want might not be what they really need.

In Love All Over Again

Streaming from: 14 February

What’s it about? September 2003. Irene comes to Madrid aiming to conquer the world and to become a film director. She will meet her best friends there as well as Julio, who would be the perfect lead role for her films and her life. But life has other plans.

In Love All Over Again is a romantic comedy. A gleaming story with a dash of nostalgia about the love and friendship that blooms during college years and the need to find your place in the world.

African Queens: Njinga

Streaming from: 15 February

What’s it about? From Executive Producer Jada Pinkett Smith comes a new documentary series exploring the lives of prominent and iconic African Queens.

The first season will cover the life of Njinga, the complex, captivating, and fearless 17th century warrior queen of Ndongo and Matamba, in modern day Angola. The nation’s first female ruler, Njinga earned a reputation for her blend of political and diplomatic skill with military prowess and became an icon of resistance.

Ganglands (season two)

Streaming from: 17 February

What’s it about? Return of the French action crime thriller series. Mehdi, a qualified robber, and Liana, an apprentice thief, get involved in a turf war between drug dealers, and have to collaborate in order to save their loved ones.

We Have A Ghost

Streaming from: 24 February

What’s it about? Finding a ghost named Ernest haunting their new home turns Kevin’s family into overnight social media sensations. But when Kevin and Ernest go rogue to investigate the mystery of Ernest’s past, they become a target of the CIA.

This family comedy stars Emmy winner Jennifer Coolidge, Stranger Things’ David Harbour, Marvel star Anthony Mackie and comedian Tig Notaro.

Too Hot To Handle: Germany

Streaming from: 28 February

What’s it about? The hottest German-speaking singles come together in a tropical paradise for what they think will be the most exotic and erotic time of their lives — but there’s a twist. These commitment-phobes who love a casual hook-up, will have to give up all sexy touching for the entire retreat if they want to win the €200,000 grand prize.

No kissing, no heavy petting, and no self-gratification of any kind. With every slip, the prize money goes down.

In this luxury no-bone zone, will the serial singletons be able to form deeper emotional connections? Or will the temptation simply be too hot to handle?”

Glass Onion Director Reveals One Key Change He’d Like To Make For Next Film In The Series

Posted on 26/01/2023 by Boris Clair

Glass Onion director Rian Johnson has admitted there’s one key change he’d like to make when the film’s sequel is released.

Towards the end of last year, Rian reunited with Daniel Craig for a follow-up film to Knives Out, in which the former James Bond star reprised his role as detective Benoit Blanc in another mystery with a whole new cast of characters.

While promoting the film, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker made no secret of his disdain for Glass Onion’s subtitle “A Knives Out Mystery”, which he said was added so that Netflix viewers would realise the connection to his previous film.

He’s now said the third film comes to Netflix, Rian said he’d like to see this gone, and suggested an alternative.

Rian Johnson at the premiere of Glass Onion in Paris last year

“The thing is, though, I totally get it. It’s not like this was done against my will or something. I completely understand it,” he told The Filmcast of the offending subtitle.

“After the first movie, I think people knew that they liked Knives Out [but] they didn’t necessarily know it well enough to know who Benoit Blanc was. I think [A Benoit Blanc Mystery] would’ve gotten blank stares.

“And I wanted everyone who loved Knives Out to know that this is the next one of those. So I absolutely 100% was on board and totally got it that we had to do that.”

However, he added: “It kills me a little bit and I want to see how quickly we can lose that subtitle.

“As soon as we can get past those and get to A Benoit Blanc Mystery … and I will say, with this one, with the reach of Netflix and just how many more people I feel like have seen it and how much more it feels like it’s actually in the culture, we’re at least getting closer to being able to get away with A Benoit Blanc Mystery.”

Rian previously said he was “pissed off” at having Knives Out within the title of Glass Onion, telling The Atlantic: “I want it to just be called Glass Onion.

“I get it, and I want everyone who liked the first movie to know this is next in the series, but also, the whole appeal to me is it’s a new novel off the shelf every time. But there’s a gravity of a thousand suns toward serialised storytelling.”

Following the success of Knives Out, Netflix announced that they had commissioned two sequels, with work on the third reportedly set to begin soon.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Glass Onion had earned Rian his second Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, with Knives Out previously receiving a nod for Best Original Screenplay.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is available to stream now on Netflix.

Austin Butler Shares ‘Bittersweet’ Reaction To Oscars Nomination Following Lisa Marie Presley’s Death

Posted on 25/01/2023 by Boris Clair

Austin Butler has admitted he’s feeling “bittersweet” to be in the running for his first Oscar, following the death of Lisa Marie Presley.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood star had landed a nomination in the Best Actor category for his leading performance in the biopic Elvis.

However, following the death of the music legend’s daughter Lisa Marie earlier this month, Austin admitted he had mixed feelings about the accolade.

Speaking to Today With Hoda & Jenna shortly after the announcement, he said: “It’s sort of a bittersweet moment right now. because I think of how much I wish she was here right now to get to celebrate with me.”

Austin Butler just woke up and got on the phone with Hoda and Jenna to talk about his ‘Actor in a leading role’ #Oscars nomination for ‘Elvis.’

“What an exciting way to wake up!,” he said. pic.twitter.com/Jv3nlAWEd7

— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) January 24, 2023

“It’s the same thing I feel with Elvis,” he added “I wish that they could see these moments, you know?

“It’s just sort of strange to celebrate at a time of such deep grief. But I sort of think of it as a way to honour her. This is for her.”

Lisa Marie died on 12 January at the age of 54, after suffering cardiac arrest.

She was laid to rest over the weekend, in a ceremony attended by Austin and his partner Kaia Gerber.

Austin previously paid his respects to the late singer-songwriter in an emotional statement, which read: “My heart is completely shattered for Riley, Finley, Harper and Priscilla at the tragic and unexpected loss of Lisa Marie.

“I am eternally grateful for the time I was lucky enough to be near her bright light and will forever cherish the quiet moments we shared.

“Her warmth, her love and her authenticity will always be remembered.”

Austin Butler and Lisa Marie Presley pictured at the Golden Globes on Tuesday evening

Days before her death, Lisa Marie had attended the Golden Globes, where Austin gave her a shout-out on stage after receiving his award.

Check out all the nominees for this year’s Oscars here.

Adam Lambert Speaks Out Over ‘Sarcastic Little Comment’ About Theo James Playing George Michael

Posted on 23/01/2023 by Boris Clair

Adam Lambert has clarified a comment he made when he appeared to criticise the suggestion that The White Lotus actor Theo James could play George Michael in a rumoured film about the singer’s life.

During an appearance on the US talk show Watch What Happens Live, Theo was asked if he would be interested in playing the lead in a biopic about the Wham! star, admitting he’d jump at the chance and described the Careless Whisper singer as an “icon”.

After the LGBTQ+ news outlet The Advocate shared the story on social media, Adam shot down the idea of Theo playing a gay man on screen.

“Yay another straight man playing a gay icon,” Adam wrote in a since-deleted comment.

The Queen singer and American Idol finalist has now spoken about his initial reaction during an appearance at the Sundance Film Festival, where he is promoting Fairyland starring Scoot McNairy as Steve, a gay dad living in 1970s San Francisco.

“Adam, you recently had some choice words about straight actors playing gay people with regards to Theo James potentially tackling George Michael. Explain,’ a Variety reporter asked him.

In response, the singer said it would be “ridiculous” to suggest only gay actors can play gay roles but went on to highlight a lack of equal casting opportunities within the film and TV industry.

“My actual comment – my little sarcastic comment on it – was [about] a straight actor playing a gay icon, which I think is a bit different,” Adam explained.

“I by no means think gay characters should only be played by gay actors. I think that would be ridiculous.

“Case in point: Scott’s brilliant performance in this film, which is incredibly moving and soulful. I don’t imagine anyone else playing this part.

“I just think, as a queer person, so many doors have been closed to us for so long, it’s a big step forward that these stories are at least now being told, but I hope that in the future you would also see an out actor be able to tackle a leading role.

“You haven’t really seen that very often.”

He added: “To the naysayers who are like, ‘oh, it’s acting, what about the other way around, are you saying that gay actors should only play gay characters?’

“You look at Kristen Stewart playing Diana, and that was a brilliant performance as well [but] we don’t have that many examples of queer people playing non-queer icons.

“I just want some equal opportunity that’s all.”

In March 2020, the American Idol finalist told Metro that he would like to play George – who died in 2016 aged 53 – should a biopic ever be made.

“That’d be cool,” he said. “I just feel like, we don’t know that much about him. You know, to me, it would be great to kind of explore George’s life.

“I’d give it a go. Yeah, sign me up.”

In recent years, prominent queer figures including Elton John and Freddie Mercury have been portrayed by non-gay actors – Taron Egerton in Rocketman and Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody, respectively.

It’s A Sin and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has previously spoken out about his belief that only gay actors should play gay characters.

“It’s about authenticity, he insisted. “You wouldn’t cast someone able-bodied and put them in a wheelchair, you wouldn’t black someone up. Authenticity is leading us to joyous places.”

Meanwhile, George Michael’s estate has denied the existence of any current plans to release a film on his life.

“To all of George’s Lovelies, fans and lovers of his music, a story has been published stating that George Michael’s family has endorsed a so-called ‘biopic’ about his life,” it said.

“On behalf of George’s family and [George Michael Entertainment] we want to make it clear that there is no truth whatsoever in this story, we know nothing about this project and will not be endorsing it in any way.”

British Actor Julian Sands Missing In California Mountains Amid ‘Dangerous Weather’

Posted on 19/01/2023 by Boris Clair

British actor Julian Sands, known for his work in films like A Room With A View and Snakehead, has been identified as one of two hikers recently reported missing in California’s San Gabriel Mountains.

Authorities are also searching separately for another hiker, Bob Gregory, whose family reported him missing on Monday, according to ABC News.

Sands was reported missing in the Mt. Baldy area on Friday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department told the Los Angeles Times.

Ground crews promptly began searching the area but had to stop on Saturday evening due to avalanche risks and unsafe trail conditions, a department spokesperson said. However, aerial searches have continued with helicopters and drones. Ground searches will resume when conditions improve.

Sands had been in the Baldy Bowl hiking area, approximately 50 miles east of Los Angeles, Variety reported.

The actor has dozens of film and TV credits, including the Warlock series, Leaving Las Vegas, Smallville, Arachnophobia and Naked Lunch.

A representative for the actor did not immediately return HuffPost’s request for comment.

On Wednesday morning, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department issued a warning about dangerous winter weather on Mt. Baldy. It said its search and rescue teams had responded to 14 rescue missions in the area over the past four weeks for lost, stranded or injured hikers.

“Please know the current conditions on Mt Baldy are adverse and extremely dangerous,” the alert read. “Due to the high winds, the snow has turned to ice making hiking extremely dangerous. Sheriff’s Search and Rescue efforts are often hampered by poor weather along with dangerous avalanche conditions.”

Tom Hanks, Famed ‘Nepo Dad’, Gets Defensive About Son Being In His New Movie

Posted on 07/01/2023 by Boris Clair

Tom Hanks appeared to get pretty heated over the “nepo baby” controversy during an interview with Reuters published earlier this week.

A “nepo baby,” short for “nepotism baby,” is a buzzy, albeit condescending term that refers to children of celebrities who are now famous due partly to their parents’ fame.

The topic hit its boiling point in late December when New York Magazine declared 2022 was The Year of The Nepo Baby.

Tom was speaking to Reuters (as seen in The Sun’s video below) about his new film A Man Called Otto, which employed a few of his family members.

He co-produced the film with his wife Rita Wilson, who also co-wrote the script and performed an original song in the movie, per The Hollywood Reporter.

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We have four kids, they are all very creative, they are all involved in some brand of storytelling and if we were a plumbing supply business or if we ran the florists shop down the street, the whole family would be putting in time at some point even if it was just inventory at the end of the year.”\n\nIn the film, Otto’s behavior to his neighbors is finally brought into check when a Latino family moves in across the street and begins to show kindness to the old man.\n\nTo ensure that there were distinct differences between ‘A Man Called Otto’ and ‘A Man Called Ove’, Hanks and his wife brought in the producer of the original film, Fredrik Wikstrom.\n\n“There are huge differences between the social structure of Sweden and the social structure of the United States of America and actually that gave us more things in order to examine,” said Hanks.\n\nHe added “In the United States of America, for a Mexican family to move across the street, it has very specific connotations to it, different 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Tom stars as the titular Otto in the movie, and his son, Truman Hanks, plays a younger version of the character in flashback sequences.

“Look, this is a family business,” the two-time Oscar winner says in the video, seemingly in response to his son being in his film. “This is what we’ve been doing forever. It’s what all of our kids grew up in.”

He added: “If we were a plumbing supply business or if we ran the florists shop down the street, the whole family would be putting in time at some point, even if it was just inventory at the end of the year.”

Although employing family members in your plumbing or florist company would still be a form of nepotism, the actor’s tirade wasn’t done.

Tom then claimed that his children did not get a leg up in their Hollywood careers thanks to his famous last name.

Tom Hanks and his son, actor Colin Hanks, in 2009.

His son Colin Hanks starred in Fargo and has also appeared in dozens of movies, including King Kong, Jumanji: The Next Level and The House Bunny.

Meanwhile, Tom’s son, Chet Hanks’ work includes roles in the TV shows Shameless and Empire.

“The thing that doesn’t change no matter what happens, no matter what your last name is, is whether it works or not,” Tom said.

“That’s the issue anytime any of us go off and try to tell a fresh story or create something that has a beginning and a middle and an end. Doesn’t matter what our last names are. We have to do the work in order to make that a true and authentic experience for the audience.”

He added: “That’s a much bigger task than worrying about whether anybody’s going to try to scathe us or not.”

Tom Hanks at a screening of Elvis last year

Although the cultural discourse around “nepo babies” is relatively new, actors deploying the family business excuse is getting pretty old.

Zoe Kravitz — the daughter of musician Lenny Kravtiz and actor Lisa Bonet — used the same tactic.

“It’s completely normal for people to be in the family business,” she told GQ in November.

Kate Hudson, the daughter of actor Golden Hawn and step-daughter of actor Kurt Russell, took a similar approach while speaking to The Independent last month.

“I look at my kids, and we’re a storytelling family. It’s definitely in our blood,” Kate said.

Maybe these celebrities could take a page out of “nepo baby” Allison Williams’ playbook and take a tad of accountability.

The Girls star, the daughter of former NBC journalist Brian Williams, called nepotism “just unfair” in an interview with Vulture published earlier this week.

“Period, end of the story, and no one’s really working that hard to make it fair,” she told Vulture.

“To not acknowledge that me getting started as an actress versus someone with zero connections isn’t the same — it’s ludicrous. It doesn’t take anything away from the work that I’ve done. It just means that it’s not as fun to root for me.”