THE LEGEND OF ZELDATM MANGA CREATORS TO APPEAR AT 2019 MCM COMIC CON LONDON
VIZ Media And ReedPop Welcome The Creative Duo Akira Himekawa For Special Events And Autograph Sessions At The UK’s Premier Pop Culture Convention
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media partners with ReedPop, the world's leading producer of pop culture events, to announce the appearance of the creators behind the smash hit THE LEGEND OF ZELDA™ manga series, known jointly as Akira Himekawa, at the 2019 MCM Comic Con London. This marks their first-ever professional appearance in the UK.
Akira Himekawa is the penname of two women, A. Honda and S. Nagano, who have created multiple bestselling manga adventures inspired by the classic Nintendo® puzzle-solving, role-playing video games. Their latest continuing series is THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS, published by VIZ Media.
Organized and presented by ReedPop, MCM London is the UK’s biggest annual pop culture event. The event will take place May 24th-26th, 2016 at the London ExCel convention center. Additional information is available at: www.mcmcomiccon.com/london/.
Akira Himekawa’s MCM London Panels & Special Events Include:
Friday, May 24th
11:00am – 12:00pm - Official VIZ Media Panel with Special Guests
Center Stage
Join VIZ Media for exciting announcements, exclusive first looks at upcoming new titles, and special prizes! THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga creators, Akira Himekawa, will also make a special appearance.
Saturday, May 25th
2:00pm – 3:00pm - THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Panel
Main Stage
Join Akira Himekawa for an insightful panel to discuss their groundbreaking work, as well as catch a special live drawing session!
MCM London Comic Con On-Site Akira Himekawa Autograph Sessions:
Friday, May 24th at 2:00pm – limited to 100 people
Saturday, May 25th at 4:30pm – limited to 100 people
Signing session attendees each will receive an exclusive THE LEGEND OF ZELDA shikishi and poster from VIZ Media for Akira Himekawa to autograph (one item per person to be signed). Official signings are ticketed prior to the event, distribution details forthcoming.
Akira Himekawa Off-Site Autograph Sessions:
Forbidden Planet London Megastore
Friday, May 24th at 6:00pm
179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London
Join VIZ Media to welcome Akira Himekawa for a special off-site appearance in London! Wristbands to attend the autograph session will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Signing session attendees will receive an exclusive VIZ Media-supplied poster and shikishi; attendees select which one will be signed on site by the pair. Please visit the Forbidden Planet website for details at: https://forbiddenplanet.com/.
Akira Himekawa have created multiple THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga, each published in-print by VIZ Media. These include THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS as well as beloved earlier works such as THE Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Seasons, FOUR SWORDS and more. Volume 4 of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS is available now; Volume 5 releases in August.
Readers are invited to also enjoy VIZ Media’s THE LEGEND OF ZELDA - LEGENDARY EDITION which adapts the original 10-volume manga series into a collectible line of deluxe omnibus 2-in-1 releases that are available exclusively in-print.
For additional information on THE LEGEND OF ZELDA or other anime and manga titles available from VIZ Media, please visit VIZ.com.
ABOUT REEDPOP
ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions exclusively devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium brands in the pop culture world. ReedPOP is dedicated to celebrations of popular culture throughout the globe that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences. The ReedPOP portfolio includes: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) West, East, South and Australia, Emerald City Comicon (ECCC), BookCon, Oz Comic-Con, Comic Con India, Paris Comic Con, Star Wars Celebration, Star Trek: Mission New York, TwitchCon, ComplexCon and more. The staff at ReedPOP is a fan-based group of professionals uniquely qualified to serve those with whom they share a common passion. ReedPOP is focused on bringing its expertise and knowledge to world communities in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, India, and Australia. (www.reedpop.com)
About VIZ Media, LLC
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular SHONEN JUMP brand and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.
Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at viz.com.
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Monday, May 20, 2019
Sunday, May 19, 2019
James Earl Jones, Bette Midler Among Disney Legends Class of 2019
Eleven New Disney Legends to Be Honored During D23 Expo 2019 in Anaheim on August 23
Robert Downey Jr., Bette Midler, and Other Remarkable Talents to be Honored at a Special Award Ceremony Hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Robert Downey Jr. and Bette Midler, along with such luminaries as Wing Chao, Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Kenny Ortega, Barnette Ricci, Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer, will be honored as Disney Legends during D23 Expo 2019 for their remarkable contributions to the Disney legacy. Hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, the Disney Legends Awards ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2013, in Hall D23 of the Anaheim Convention Center.
“This year’s honorees have earned a place in our hearts and our history for their significant contributions in film, television, and our theme parks around the world.”
“The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor we can bestow; it’s a recognition of talent, a celebration of achievement, and an expression of profound gratitude to the remarkable men and women who have made an indelible mark on our company and our creative legacy,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This year’s honorees have earned a place in our hearts and our history for their significant contributions in film, television, and our theme parks around the world.”
The Disney Legends Awards program is a 32-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, and the first Disney Legend was Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), who was honored in 1987. The award ceremony is just one of the dozens of spectacular events Disney fans can enjoy during the three-day D23 Expo.
The 2019 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:
WING CHAO: For 37 years at Disney, Wing T. Chao played a vital role in designing and developing exceptional and inspirational projects, worth more than $12 billion, at Disney parks and resorts worldwide. Wing served as vice chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for Asia Pacific Development as well as executive vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, where he oversaw master planning, architecture, and design. Wing directed development teams consisting of Disney Imagineers and many of the world’s most renowned architects and designers. He also developed and built projects, including resort hotels, parks, cruise ships, entertainment venues, water attractions, convention and exhibition centers, sports stadiums, restaurants, retail spaces, recreational complexes, office spaces, and two new-town communities, at The Walt Disney Company’s properties in California, Florida, Hawai‘i, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and other locations worldwide.
ROBERT DOWNEY JR.: is a two-time Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe® winner who has appeared in more than 80 films. Considered one of the industry’s most talented and respected actors, Robert has embraced both dramatic and comedic roles, including his Disney debut in the 2006 remake of The Shaggy Dog. After numerous standout performances, Robert then went on to help launch Marvel Studios with his celebrated performance as Tony Stark as Iron Man. His role has spearheaded the iconic blockbuster franchises Iron Man and Avengers, for which he’s starred in three Iron Man films, The Incredible Hulk (2008), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017); and four Avengers films, including the most recent, Avengers: Endgame (2019), which shattered box office records and became the largest-ever film debut, bringing in $1.2 billion worldwide in its opening weekend. Robert will next star in the title role in 2020’s The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle and is in pre-production on the third installment of the successful Sherlock Holmes franchise.
JON FAVREAU: started his career with appearances in film and television and has since become one of Hollywood’s most successful producers and directors. Jon’s first roles included appearances on TV shows such as Seinfeld and Friends, but his big break came with the Miramax indie film Swingers (1996), for which he wrote the screenplay, starred, and co-produced. His directing credits include Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), the live-action remake of The Jungle Book (2016), and this year’s reimagining of The Lion King. Jon also made appearances in several Marvel Cinematic Universe films as Tony Stark’s loyal bodyguard, Happy Hogan. As an executive producer for Marvel Studios, Jon holds credits on such films as Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Iron Man 3 (2013), Marvel’s The Avengers (2012), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). He has also voiced characters for Disney television shows and feature films, including Hercules (TV, 1999), Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (TV, 2000), G-Force (2009), Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV, 2010–13), and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). Jon is writing and executive producing the live-action Star Wars series The Mandalorian for Disney+, which will premiere this November.
JAMES EARL JONES: started his acting career with television and film roles, including appearances in As the World Turns (1966) and Dr. Strangelove (1964). But the Oscar®, Emmy®, and Tony® Award-winning actor is well known for his iconic voice acting, beginning with the role of Darth Vader in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977). This villainous vocal performance was reprised in subsequent Star Wars films, including most recently in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and TV shows like Star Wars Rebels (2014–18). His voice can also be heard in Disney Parks around the globe, including recurring vocal performances as Darth Vader for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Other Disney credits include ABC’s Recess in 1998 as the voice of Santa Claus, narrator for the Disneynature film Earth (2009), segment host for Fantasia/2000 (2000), and as the celebrity narrator for the Candlelight Ceremony at Disneyland. Audiences also recognize the actor’s basso profundo as that of Mufasa in The Lion King (1994), a role James Earl would return to in The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride (1998), The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar (2015), and this summer’s reimagining of The Lion King.
BETTE MIDLER: When the Disney studio set out to expand the breadth of its film production with Touchstone Pictures, it was Emmy, Grammy®, Golden Globe, and Tony winner Bette Midler who helped lead the way to box office success for the new division. She appeared in a string of hit comedies, including Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), Ruthless People (1986), Outrageous Fortune (1987), and Big Business (1988). Touchstone’s 1988 drama Beaches not only proved to be a smash with audiences, but it also included Bette’s platinum-selling rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Other Disney films followed, including Stella (1990) and Scenes from a Mall (1991), as well as a memorable vocal performance as the spoiled poodle Georgette in Oliver & Company (1988). Bette is well known to Disney audiences for her role as the witchy Winifred in the perennial Halloween classic Hocus Pocus (1993). She also starred in The Lottery (1989), a short film produced for the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in Florida for guests of the park’s Backstage Studio Tour.
KENNY ORTEGA: is a multi-award-winning director, choreographer, and producer. His first work with Disney was choreographing the TV special Disney’s Totally Minnie (1988), followed by Mickey’s 60th Birthday the same year, and he would go on to direct three episodes of Touchstone Television’s Hull High in 1990. In 1992, Kenny directed his first feature film, the beloved Disney musical Newsies, which was followed, in 1993, by the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus. In 2006, he helmed the Disney Channel smash hit High School Musical, and the success of the first film would bring him back to direct—and choreograph—the sequels High School Musical 2 (2007) and High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008). Kenny also produced and staged the High School Musical: The Concert tour, as well as the Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers Best of Both Worlds Tour. His other Disney credits include directing the 2014 short The Making of Frozen, The Cheetah Girls 2 (2006), and, most recently, the international phenomenon Descendants (2015), Descendants 2 (2017), and Descendants 3, which will be released this summer.
BARNETTE RICCI: started her career with The Walt Disney Company as a choreographer at Disneyland. In the late 1960s, Barnette created and directed Kids of the Kingdom before going on to choreograph and direct many parades, including Christmas parades, America on Parade, and the Main Street Electrical Parade. She worked on the grand openings of Walt Disney World, EPCOT Center, and Tokyo Disneyland and directed popular stage shows such as Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland and the Diamond Horseshoe Revue in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Perhaps her biggest project to date is the creation of Fantasmic! Debuting at Disneyland in 1992, the production combines state-of-the-art special effects with live performers along the Rivers of America. The show continues a successful run at Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, and now Tokyo DisneySea. Following Fantasmic!, Barnette moved to The Walt Disney Studios as the vice president/show director of Special Events. After more than 40 years with The Walt Disney Company, Barnette retired in 2013.
ROBIN ROBERTS: In 1990, Robin joined ESPN and would quickly become a frequent contributor to the network’s programming. In her 15 years at ESPN, she contributed to NFL Primetime and hosted SportsCenter and In the Game with Robin Roberts. Robin began making appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) in 1995, and in 2005 left ESPN to join the show full-time as co-anchor. Since joining GMA, the show has won four Emmys for Outstanding Morning Program. For ABC, Robin has hosted In the Spotlight with Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville, as well as ABC’s red carpet coverage of the Academy Awards, and has created original broadcast and digital programming for the network through her production company, Rock’n Robin Productions. In 2007, Hyperion publishing released Robin’s first book, From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By. Among Robin’s many awards are the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, membership in the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, and being named one of Glamour's Women of the Year.
DIANE SAWYER: is an ABC News anchor, tackling some of the biggest issues of our time with original reporting, primetime specials, long-form interviews, and in-depth investigations. One of the most respected journalists in the world, she has traveled the globe delivering breaking news reports, and has conducted interviews with almost every major newsmaker of our time. Her primetime documentaries have won critical acclaim for shedding light on difficult and previously under-reported topics, including her reporting on the realities of poverty in America. Diane’s reporting has been recognized with numerous awards, including duPonts; Emmys; Peabodys; the grand prize of the premier Investigative Reporters and Editors Association; an IRTS Lifetime Achievement Award; and the USC Distinguished Achievement in Journalism Award. In 1997 she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. After more than a decade in television news, Sawyer joined ABC News in February 1989 as co-anchor of Primetime. She was named co-anchor of Good Morning America in January 1999, and held the post until taking over the World News anchor chair in December 2009.
MING-NA WEN: can currently be found saving the day as Agent Melinda May, aka “The Cavalry,” on the ABC series Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Ming-Na is also known for her seven years playing Jing-Mei Chen on ER. She found success on the big screen when she appeared in the acclaimed Hollywood Pictures adaptation of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club. Five years later, she would find animation immortality as the title star of the Disney classic Mulan, a role for which she would receive an Annie Award. Ming-Na returned to the role of heroic Fa Mulan in a slew of projects, including an animated sequel, video games Kingdom Hearts II and Disney Infinity, on television’s House of Mouse and Sofia the First, and in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). Ming-Na has been well known to audiences for her television projects, including her voice work in Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb, Disney XD’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Milo Murphy’s Law, the six-part digital short Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors, and a recurring role in ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat.
HANS ZIMMER: has scored more than 160 projects which, combined, have grossed more than $28 billion worldwide. Hans has been honored with an Academy Award®, two Golden Globes, three Grammys, an American Music Award, and a Tony Award. In addition to his long list of credits, including notable projects such as Gladiator and The Dark Knight trilogy, Hans has had a great history with The Walt Disney Company. His early work for them includes additional music for White Fang (1991) and co-writing music for Cool Runnings (1993). His groundbreaking, Academy Award-winning instrumental score for The Lion King (1994) was followed by many memorable projects, including Crimson Tide (1995), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), The Rock (1996), Pearl Harbor (2001), King Arthur (2004), and Iron Man (2008). Hans is the guiding force behind the music of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, serving in various composing, editing, and producing capacities for The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Dead Man’s Chest (2006), At World’s End (2007), and On Stranger Tides (2011). Hans composed the music for this summer’s reimagining of The Lion King.
Honorees receive a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity, and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients will also participate in a handprint ceremony at the end of the event, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.
Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the price of a ticket to D23 Expo 2019.
Including this year’s honorees, a total of 289 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Julie Andrews, Beatrice Arthur, Howard Ashman, Annette Funicello, Whoopi Goldberg, Peter Jennings, Sir Elton John, Angela Lansbury, George Lucas, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Regis Philbin, Marty Sklar, Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Walters, Betty White, and Robin Williams. Beginning with the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, thousands of Disney fans have been able to enjoy the Disney Legends Awards ceremony live.
Tickets for D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $77 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.
About D23 Expo 2019
D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2019 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Family Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Robert Downey Jr., Bette Midler, and Other Remarkable Talents to be Honored at a Special Award Ceremony Hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Robert Downey Jr. and Bette Midler, along with such luminaries as Wing Chao, Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Kenny Ortega, Barnette Ricci, Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer, will be honored as Disney Legends during D23 Expo 2019 for their remarkable contributions to the Disney legacy. Hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, the Disney Legends Awards ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2013, in Hall D23 of the Anaheim Convention Center.
“This year’s honorees have earned a place in our hearts and our history for their significant contributions in film, television, and our theme parks around the world.”
“The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor we can bestow; it’s a recognition of talent, a celebration of achievement, and an expression of profound gratitude to the remarkable men and women who have made an indelible mark on our company and our creative legacy,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This year’s honorees have earned a place in our hearts and our history for their significant contributions in film, television, and our theme parks around the world.”
The Disney Legends Awards program is a 32-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, and the first Disney Legend was Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), who was honored in 1987. The award ceremony is just one of the dozens of spectacular events Disney fans can enjoy during the three-day D23 Expo.
The 2019 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:
WING CHAO: For 37 years at Disney, Wing T. Chao played a vital role in designing and developing exceptional and inspirational projects, worth more than $12 billion, at Disney parks and resorts worldwide. Wing served as vice chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for Asia Pacific Development as well as executive vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, where he oversaw master planning, architecture, and design. Wing directed development teams consisting of Disney Imagineers and many of the world’s most renowned architects and designers. He also developed and built projects, including resort hotels, parks, cruise ships, entertainment venues, water attractions, convention and exhibition centers, sports stadiums, restaurants, retail spaces, recreational complexes, office spaces, and two new-town communities, at The Walt Disney Company’s properties in California, Florida, Hawai‘i, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and other locations worldwide.
ROBERT DOWNEY JR.: is a two-time Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe® winner who has appeared in more than 80 films. Considered one of the industry’s most talented and respected actors, Robert has embraced both dramatic and comedic roles, including his Disney debut in the 2006 remake of The Shaggy Dog. After numerous standout performances, Robert then went on to help launch Marvel Studios with his celebrated performance as Tony Stark as Iron Man. His role has spearheaded the iconic blockbuster franchises Iron Man and Avengers, for which he’s starred in three Iron Man films, The Incredible Hulk (2008), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017); and four Avengers films, including the most recent, Avengers: Endgame (2019), which shattered box office records and became the largest-ever film debut, bringing in $1.2 billion worldwide in its opening weekend. Robert will next star in the title role in 2020’s The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle and is in pre-production on the third installment of the successful Sherlock Holmes franchise.
JON FAVREAU: started his career with appearances in film and television and has since become one of Hollywood’s most successful producers and directors. Jon’s first roles included appearances on TV shows such as Seinfeld and Friends, but his big break came with the Miramax indie film Swingers (1996), for which he wrote the screenplay, starred, and co-produced. His directing credits include Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), the live-action remake of The Jungle Book (2016), and this year’s reimagining of The Lion King. Jon also made appearances in several Marvel Cinematic Universe films as Tony Stark’s loyal bodyguard, Happy Hogan. As an executive producer for Marvel Studios, Jon holds credits on such films as Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Iron Man 3 (2013), Marvel’s The Avengers (2012), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). He has also voiced characters for Disney television shows and feature films, including Hercules (TV, 1999), Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (TV, 2000), G-Force (2009), Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV, 2010–13), and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). Jon is writing and executive producing the live-action Star Wars series The Mandalorian for Disney+, which will premiere this November.
JAMES EARL JONES: started his acting career with television and film roles, including appearances in As the World Turns (1966) and Dr. Strangelove (1964). But the Oscar®, Emmy®, and Tony® Award-winning actor is well known for his iconic voice acting, beginning with the role of Darth Vader in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977). This villainous vocal performance was reprised in subsequent Star Wars films, including most recently in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and TV shows like Star Wars Rebels (2014–18). His voice can also be heard in Disney Parks around the globe, including recurring vocal performances as Darth Vader for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Other Disney credits include ABC’s Recess in 1998 as the voice of Santa Claus, narrator for the Disneynature film Earth (2009), segment host for Fantasia/2000 (2000), and as the celebrity narrator for the Candlelight Ceremony at Disneyland. Audiences also recognize the actor’s basso profundo as that of Mufasa in The Lion King (1994), a role James Earl would return to in The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride (1998), The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar (2015), and this summer’s reimagining of The Lion King.
BETTE MIDLER: When the Disney studio set out to expand the breadth of its film production with Touchstone Pictures, it was Emmy, Grammy®, Golden Globe, and Tony winner Bette Midler who helped lead the way to box office success for the new division. She appeared in a string of hit comedies, including Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), Ruthless People (1986), Outrageous Fortune (1987), and Big Business (1988). Touchstone’s 1988 drama Beaches not only proved to be a smash with audiences, but it also included Bette’s platinum-selling rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Other Disney films followed, including Stella (1990) and Scenes from a Mall (1991), as well as a memorable vocal performance as the spoiled poodle Georgette in Oliver & Company (1988). Bette is well known to Disney audiences for her role as the witchy Winifred in the perennial Halloween classic Hocus Pocus (1993). She also starred in The Lottery (1989), a short film produced for the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in Florida for guests of the park’s Backstage Studio Tour.
KENNY ORTEGA: is a multi-award-winning director, choreographer, and producer. His first work with Disney was choreographing the TV special Disney’s Totally Minnie (1988), followed by Mickey’s 60th Birthday the same year, and he would go on to direct three episodes of Touchstone Television’s Hull High in 1990. In 1992, Kenny directed his first feature film, the beloved Disney musical Newsies, which was followed, in 1993, by the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus. In 2006, he helmed the Disney Channel smash hit High School Musical, and the success of the first film would bring him back to direct—and choreograph—the sequels High School Musical 2 (2007) and High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008). Kenny also produced and staged the High School Musical: The Concert tour, as well as the Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers Best of Both Worlds Tour. His other Disney credits include directing the 2014 short The Making of Frozen, The Cheetah Girls 2 (2006), and, most recently, the international phenomenon Descendants (2015), Descendants 2 (2017), and Descendants 3, which will be released this summer.
BARNETTE RICCI: started her career with The Walt Disney Company as a choreographer at Disneyland. In the late 1960s, Barnette created and directed Kids of the Kingdom before going on to choreograph and direct many parades, including Christmas parades, America on Parade, and the Main Street Electrical Parade. She worked on the grand openings of Walt Disney World, EPCOT Center, and Tokyo Disneyland and directed popular stage shows such as Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland and the Diamond Horseshoe Revue in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Perhaps her biggest project to date is the creation of Fantasmic! Debuting at Disneyland in 1992, the production combines state-of-the-art special effects with live performers along the Rivers of America. The show continues a successful run at Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, and now Tokyo DisneySea. Following Fantasmic!, Barnette moved to The Walt Disney Studios as the vice president/show director of Special Events. After more than 40 years with The Walt Disney Company, Barnette retired in 2013.
ROBIN ROBERTS: In 1990, Robin joined ESPN and would quickly become a frequent contributor to the network’s programming. In her 15 years at ESPN, she contributed to NFL Primetime and hosted SportsCenter and In the Game with Robin Roberts. Robin began making appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) in 1995, and in 2005 left ESPN to join the show full-time as co-anchor. Since joining GMA, the show has won four Emmys for Outstanding Morning Program. For ABC, Robin has hosted In the Spotlight with Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville, as well as ABC’s red carpet coverage of the Academy Awards, and has created original broadcast and digital programming for the network through her production company, Rock’n Robin Productions. In 2007, Hyperion publishing released Robin’s first book, From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By. Among Robin’s many awards are the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, membership in the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, and being named one of Glamour's Women of the Year.
DIANE SAWYER: is an ABC News anchor, tackling some of the biggest issues of our time with original reporting, primetime specials, long-form interviews, and in-depth investigations. One of the most respected journalists in the world, she has traveled the globe delivering breaking news reports, and has conducted interviews with almost every major newsmaker of our time. Her primetime documentaries have won critical acclaim for shedding light on difficult and previously under-reported topics, including her reporting on the realities of poverty in America. Diane’s reporting has been recognized with numerous awards, including duPonts; Emmys; Peabodys; the grand prize of the premier Investigative Reporters and Editors Association; an IRTS Lifetime Achievement Award; and the USC Distinguished Achievement in Journalism Award. In 1997 she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. After more than a decade in television news, Sawyer joined ABC News in February 1989 as co-anchor of Primetime. She was named co-anchor of Good Morning America in January 1999, and held the post until taking over the World News anchor chair in December 2009.
MING-NA WEN: can currently be found saving the day as Agent Melinda May, aka “The Cavalry,” on the ABC series Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Ming-Na is also known for her seven years playing Jing-Mei Chen on ER. She found success on the big screen when she appeared in the acclaimed Hollywood Pictures adaptation of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club. Five years later, she would find animation immortality as the title star of the Disney classic Mulan, a role for which she would receive an Annie Award. Ming-Na returned to the role of heroic Fa Mulan in a slew of projects, including an animated sequel, video games Kingdom Hearts II and Disney Infinity, on television’s House of Mouse and Sofia the First, and in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). Ming-Na has been well known to audiences for her television projects, including her voice work in Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb, Disney XD’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Milo Murphy’s Law, the six-part digital short Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors, and a recurring role in ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat.
HANS ZIMMER: has scored more than 160 projects which, combined, have grossed more than $28 billion worldwide. Hans has been honored with an Academy Award®, two Golden Globes, three Grammys, an American Music Award, and a Tony Award. In addition to his long list of credits, including notable projects such as Gladiator and The Dark Knight trilogy, Hans has had a great history with The Walt Disney Company. His early work for them includes additional music for White Fang (1991) and co-writing music for Cool Runnings (1993). His groundbreaking, Academy Award-winning instrumental score for The Lion King (1994) was followed by many memorable projects, including Crimson Tide (1995), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), The Rock (1996), Pearl Harbor (2001), King Arthur (2004), and Iron Man (2008). Hans is the guiding force behind the music of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, serving in various composing, editing, and producing capacities for The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Dead Man’s Chest (2006), At World’s End (2007), and On Stranger Tides (2011). Hans composed the music for this summer’s reimagining of The Lion King.
Honorees receive a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity, and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients will also participate in a handprint ceremony at the end of the event, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.
Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the price of a ticket to D23 Expo 2019.
Including this year’s honorees, a total of 289 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Julie Andrews, Beatrice Arthur, Howard Ashman, Annette Funicello, Whoopi Goldberg, Peter Jennings, Sir Elton John, Angela Lansbury, George Lucas, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Regis Philbin, Marty Sklar, Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Walters, Betty White, and Robin Williams. Beginning with the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, thousands of Disney fans have been able to enjoy the Disney Legends Awards ceremony live.
Tickets for D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $77 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.
About D23 Expo 2019
D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2019 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Family Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Friday, May 17, 2019
Disney and Comcast Agree to Disney's Control of Hulu
The Walt Disney Company and Comcast Announce Agreement on Hulu’s Future Governance and Ownership
BURBANK, Calif. & PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) and Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) announced that Disney will assume full operational control of Hulu, effective immediately, in return for Disney and Comcast entering into a “put/call” agreement regarding NBCUniversal’s 33% ownership interest in Hulu. Under the put/call agreement, as early as January 2024, Comcast can require Disney to buy NBCUniversal’s interest in Hulu and Disney can require NBCUniversal to sell that interest to Disney for its fair market value at that future time. Hulu’s fair market value will be assessed by independent experts but Disney has guaranteed a sale price for Comcast that represents a minimum total equity value of Hulu at that time of $27.5 billion.
Disney and Comcast have agreed to fund Hulu’s recent purchase of AT&T Inc.’s 9.5% interest in Hulu, pro rata to their current two thirds/one third ownership interests and, going forward, Comcast will have the option but not the obligation to fund its proportionate share of Hulu’s future capital calls and will be diluted if it elects not to fund. Disney has agreed that only $1.5 billion of any year’s capital calls can be funded through further equity investments with any capital in excess of that annual amount being funded by non-diluting debt. Whether Comcast funds its share of those equity capital calls or not, Disney has agreed that Comcast’s ownership interest in Hulu will never be less than 21% such that Comcast is guaranteed to receive at least $5.8 billion under the put/call agreement.
In addition to the put/call agreement, Comcast has agreed with Hulu to extend the Hulu license of NBCUniversal content and the Hulu Live carriage agreement for NBCUniversal channels until late 2024 and to distribute Hulu on its Xfinity X1 platform. NBCUniversal can terminate most of its content license agreements with Hulu in three years’ time, and in one year’s time NBCUniversal will have the right to exhibit on its own OTT service certain content that it currently licenses exclusively to Hulu in return for reducing the license fee payable by Hulu.
About The Walt Disney Company:
Disney, together with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company with operations in four business segments: Media Networks; Parks, Experiences and Products; Studio Entertainment; and Direct-to-Consumer and International. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $59.4 billion in its Fiscal Year 2018. For more information about Disney, please visit www.thewaltdisneycompany.com.
About Comcast Corporation:
Comcast Corporation is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest high-speed internet, video, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
About Hulu:
Hulu is the leading premium streaming service offering live and on-demand TV and movies, with and without commercials, both in and outside the home. Launched in 2008, Hulu has grown to more than 28 million customers in the U.S. and is the only service that gives viewers instant access to current shows from every major U.S. broadcast network; libraries of hit TV series and films; and acclaimed Hulu Originals like Emmy® and Golden Globe Award-winning series The Handmaid’s Tale, Emmy® Award-nominated The Looming Tower, Shrill, The Act, Marvel’s Runaways and Castle Rock, and Oscar®-nominated documentary film Minding the Gap, as well as live news, entertainment and sports from 21st Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, CBS Corporation, The CW, Turner Networks, A+E Networks and Discovery Networks – all in one place. Upcoming Hulu Originals include Catch-22 from George Clooney; Four Weddings and a Funeral from Mindy Kaling; Wu-Tang: An American Saga from Brian Grazer and The RZA; and Little Fires Everywhere from Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington.
Forward Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may include expectations regarding our business plans, products, expectations regarding growth and performance, and other statements. Forward-looking statements herein may contain words such as “will,” “may,” “expect,” “believe,” similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made. Management does not undertake any obligation to update these statements. Actual events may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company, as well as from developments beyond the Company’s control, including changes in competitive conditions; consumer preferences; international, political, regulatory, health concern and military developments; and changes in domestic and global economic conditions that may affect our businesses generally. Additional factors are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2018 under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and subsequent reports.
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BURBANK, Calif. & PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) and Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) announced that Disney will assume full operational control of Hulu, effective immediately, in return for Disney and Comcast entering into a “put/call” agreement regarding NBCUniversal’s 33% ownership interest in Hulu. Under the put/call agreement, as early as January 2024, Comcast can require Disney to buy NBCUniversal’s interest in Hulu and Disney can require NBCUniversal to sell that interest to Disney for its fair market value at that future time. Hulu’s fair market value will be assessed by independent experts but Disney has guaranteed a sale price for Comcast that represents a minimum total equity value of Hulu at that time of $27.5 billion.
Disney and Comcast have agreed to fund Hulu’s recent purchase of AT&T Inc.’s 9.5% interest in Hulu, pro rata to their current two thirds/one third ownership interests and, going forward, Comcast will have the option but not the obligation to fund its proportionate share of Hulu’s future capital calls and will be diluted if it elects not to fund. Disney has agreed that only $1.5 billion of any year’s capital calls can be funded through further equity investments with any capital in excess of that annual amount being funded by non-diluting debt. Whether Comcast funds its share of those equity capital calls or not, Disney has agreed that Comcast’s ownership interest in Hulu will never be less than 21% such that Comcast is guaranteed to receive at least $5.8 billion under the put/call agreement.
In addition to the put/call agreement, Comcast has agreed with Hulu to extend the Hulu license of NBCUniversal content and the Hulu Live carriage agreement for NBCUniversal channels until late 2024 and to distribute Hulu on its Xfinity X1 platform. NBCUniversal can terminate most of its content license agreements with Hulu in three years’ time, and in one year’s time NBCUniversal will have the right to exhibit on its own OTT service certain content that it currently licenses exclusively to Hulu in return for reducing the license fee payable by Hulu.
About The Walt Disney Company:
Disney, together with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company with operations in four business segments: Media Networks; Parks, Experiences and Products; Studio Entertainment; and Direct-to-Consumer and International. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $59.4 billion in its Fiscal Year 2018. For more information about Disney, please visit www.thewaltdisneycompany.com.
About Comcast Corporation:
Comcast Corporation is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest high-speed internet, video, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
About Hulu:
Hulu is the leading premium streaming service offering live and on-demand TV and movies, with and without commercials, both in and outside the home. Launched in 2008, Hulu has grown to more than 28 million customers in the U.S. and is the only service that gives viewers instant access to current shows from every major U.S. broadcast network; libraries of hit TV series and films; and acclaimed Hulu Originals like Emmy® and Golden Globe Award-winning series The Handmaid’s Tale, Emmy® Award-nominated The Looming Tower, Shrill, The Act, Marvel’s Runaways and Castle Rock, and Oscar®-nominated documentary film Minding the Gap, as well as live news, entertainment and sports from 21st Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, CBS Corporation, The CW, Turner Networks, A+E Networks and Discovery Networks – all in one place. Upcoming Hulu Originals include Catch-22 from George Clooney; Four Weddings and a Funeral from Mindy Kaling; Wu-Tang: An American Saga from Brian Grazer and The RZA; and Little Fires Everywhere from Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington.
Forward Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may include expectations regarding our business plans, products, expectations regarding growth and performance, and other statements. Forward-looking statements herein may contain words such as “will,” “may,” “expect,” “believe,” similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made. Management does not undertake any obligation to update these statements. Actual events may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company, as well as from developments beyond the Company’s control, including changes in competitive conditions; consumer preferences; international, political, regulatory, health concern and military developments; and changes in domestic and global economic conditions that may affect our businesses generally. Additional factors are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2018 under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and subsequent reports.
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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from May 12th to 18th, 2019 - Update #17
Support Leroy on Patreon:
TELEVISION - From Variety: Oscar-nominated actress, Sharon Stone, and Grammy-nominated recording artist, Marilyn Manson, will appear in HBO's "The New Pope," from director Paolo Sorrentino.
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COMICS-FILM - From Variety: The site is reporting that Robert Pattison ("Twilight" series) will be the new Batman/Bruce Wayne in director Matt Reeves' upcoming film, "The Batman," which is due June 25, 2021.
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MOVIES - From Deadline: Chris Rock (yes, that Chris Rock) is joining Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures to reboot the "Saw" film franchise. The new film is due October 2020.
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MOVIES - From Deadline: James Gunn talks about being fired from "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" and then, being reinstated.
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MOVIES - From Movieweb: James Wan ("Aquaman") is rebooting the "Mortal Kombat" film franchise (based on the beloved video game). Wan will produce the film.
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DISNEY/STREAMING - From Variety: Disney now has full operational control of the streaming service, Hulu, of which it has at least 60% ownership interest. Comcast/NBCU retains its 33% ownership interest, which Disney can buy at some point in the future. Comcast is planning to launch a free, ad-supported streaming service next year.
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MOVIES - From Deadline: Rami Malek is in talks to join Denzel Washington in the serial killer film, "Little Things" from director John Lee Hancock.
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TELEVISION - From TVLine: The upcoming sixth season (2019-2020) will be the final season for Fox's soap opera-drama, "Empire."
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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 5/10 to 5/12/2019 weekend box office is "Avengers: Endgame" with an estimated take of 63 million dollars.
From Forbes: "Pokemon: Detective Pikachu" debuted this weekend and grossed 58 million dollars at the box office, the biggest opening weekend ever for a movie based on a video game.
From Patreon: My review of "Avengers: Endgame."
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TELEVISION - From Deadline: Broadcast television networks announce series orders and pick-ups.
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STREAMING - From TheVerge: CBS All Access to give Jordan Peele's rebooted "The Twilight Zone," which is in full-color the black and white treatment, beginning May 30th.
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MOVIES - From Variety: Russell Crowe to star in road-rage thriller, "Unhinged."
OBITS:
From Deadline: The Emmy-winning actor and comedian, Tim Conway, has died at the age of 85, May 14, 2019. Conway was best known for his work on the ABC sitcom, "McHale's Navy" (1962-1966), and the long-running CBS variety program, The Carol Burnett Show" (1967-1978). Conway won six Emmy Awards out of 13 nominations.
From TheWrap: The actor Isaac Kappy died at the age of 42, Monday, May 13, 2019. He had a small role in Marvel Studios' "Thor" (2011) and appeared in films such as "Terminator: Salvation" and "Beerfest."
From Deadline: Iconic American actress and singer, Doris Day, has died at the age of 97, May 13, 2019. She was known for such films as "Pillow Talk" (1959), which she made with her longtime friend, Rock Hudson; "That Touch of Mink" (1962), co-starring Cary Grant; and "Move Over, Darling" (1963) with James Garner. She was also known for her TV series, "The Doris Day Show" (1968-1973) and for a string a hit records from the mid-1940s to the mid-1950s.
From Variety: The actress and singer, Peggy Lipton, has died at the age of 72, Saturday, May 11, 2019. Lipton appeared in the TV series, "The Mod Squad" (1968-1973), as the flower child, Julie Barnes, a role for which she received four Emmy nominations and won a Golden Globe. Lipton also had a main role in the ABC TV series, "Twin Peaks" (1990-91). Lipton was married to legendary music producer, Quincy Jones, with whom she has two daughters, actress and producer, Rashida Jones, and model and fashion designer, Kidada Jones.
TELEVISION - From Variety: Oscar-nominated actress, Sharon Stone, and Grammy-nominated recording artist, Marilyn Manson, will appear in HBO's "The New Pope," from director Paolo Sorrentino.
----------
COMICS-FILM - From Variety: The site is reporting that Robert Pattison ("Twilight" series) will be the new Batman/Bruce Wayne in director Matt Reeves' upcoming film, "The Batman," which is due June 25, 2021.
----------
MOVIES - From Deadline: Chris Rock (yes, that Chris Rock) is joining Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures to reboot the "Saw" film franchise. The new film is due October 2020.
----------
MOVIES - From Deadline: James Gunn talks about being fired from "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" and then, being reinstated.
----------
MOVIES - From Movieweb: James Wan ("Aquaman") is rebooting the "Mortal Kombat" film franchise (based on the beloved video game). Wan will produce the film.
----------
DISNEY/STREAMING - From Variety: Disney now has full operational control of the streaming service, Hulu, of which it has at least 60% ownership interest. Comcast/NBCU retains its 33% ownership interest, which Disney can buy at some point in the future. Comcast is planning to launch a free, ad-supported streaming service next year.
----------
MOVIES - From Deadline: Rami Malek is in talks to join Denzel Washington in the serial killer film, "Little Things" from director John Lee Hancock.
----------
TELEVISION - From TVLine: The upcoming sixth season (2019-2020) will be the final season for Fox's soap opera-drama, "Empire."
----------
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 5/10 to 5/12/2019 weekend box office is "Avengers: Endgame" with an estimated take of 63 million dollars.
From Forbes: "Pokemon: Detective Pikachu" debuted this weekend and grossed 58 million dollars at the box office, the biggest opening weekend ever for a movie based on a video game.
From Patreon: My review of "Avengers: Endgame."
----------
TELEVISION - From Deadline: Broadcast television networks announce series orders and pick-ups.
-----------
STREAMING - From TheVerge: CBS All Access to give Jordan Peele's rebooted "The Twilight Zone," which is in full-color the black and white treatment, beginning May 30th.
----------
MOVIES - From Variety: Russell Crowe to star in road-rage thriller, "Unhinged."
OBITS:
From Deadline: The Emmy-winning actor and comedian, Tim Conway, has died at the age of 85, May 14, 2019. Conway was best known for his work on the ABC sitcom, "McHale's Navy" (1962-1966), and the long-running CBS variety program, The Carol Burnett Show" (1967-1978). Conway won six Emmy Awards out of 13 nominations.
From TheWrap: The actor Isaac Kappy died at the age of 42, Monday, May 13, 2019. He had a small role in Marvel Studios' "Thor" (2011) and appeared in films such as "Terminator: Salvation" and "Beerfest."
From Deadline: Iconic American actress and singer, Doris Day, has died at the age of 97, May 13, 2019. She was known for such films as "Pillow Talk" (1959), which she made with her longtime friend, Rock Hudson; "That Touch of Mink" (1962), co-starring Cary Grant; and "Move Over, Darling" (1963) with James Garner. She was also known for her TV series, "The Doris Day Show" (1968-1973) and for a string a hit records from the mid-1940s to the mid-1950s.
From Variety: The actress and singer, Peggy Lipton, has died at the age of 72, Saturday, May 11, 2019. Lipton appeared in the TV series, "The Mod Squad" (1968-1973), as the flower child, Julie Barnes, a role for which she received four Emmy nominations and won a Golden Globe. Lipton also had a main role in the ABC TV series, "Twin Peaks" (1990-91). Lipton was married to legendary music producer, Quincy Jones, with whom she has two daughters, actress and producer, Rashida Jones, and model and fashion designer, Kidada Jones.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
OnBuzz Heads to Cannes 2019
Social Impact Film Company Attends Festival de Cannes in 2019
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OnBuzz will be attending the 50th annual Festival de Cannes Marché du Film, the world’s leading global film industry organization. OnBuzz’s attendance follows the national success and critical acclaim of Friday’s Child, which featured an internationally-acclaimed cast with Tye Sheridan ("Ready Player One"), Imogen Poots (“Green Room”), Caleb Landry Jones (“Get Out”) and Jeffrey Wright (“Westworld”).
“Our platform is designed to engage audiences and improve our society globally.”
The social impact film brings to light the trials and tribulations of foster youth aging out of care in the United States, telling the courageous story of a young boy facing the challenges and unexpected realities of adult life. Following its premiere at SXSW 2018, Friday’s Child’s positive reception in America paves the way for OnBuzz to expand its reach to international audiences.
The mission of OnBuzz is to build a platform that allows audiences to be both entertained by film and also have the opportunity to learn about and engage in being a part of the solution through activism for important social issues.
OnBuzz strives to partner with international organizations to develop more films with strong social messages for international audiences. “We see the need to spread solutions and change across the world as a priority in our company,” said Marielle Zuccarelli, President, OnBuzz Studios. “Our platform is designed to engage audiences and improve our society globally.”
About OnBuzz
OnBuzz is an end-to-end film financing, production, distribution and marketing firm focused on sustainable filmmaking. We bring together the brightest minds, inspiring talent and forward-thinking creatives to draw attention to and create action around the social issues of our time. OnBuzz is focused on the development of new entertainment products, services and digital technologies and the global distribution of purpose-driven entertainment. For more information, visit www.onbuzz.com.
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HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OnBuzz will be attending the 50th annual Festival de Cannes Marché du Film, the world’s leading global film industry organization. OnBuzz’s attendance follows the national success and critical acclaim of Friday’s Child, which featured an internationally-acclaimed cast with Tye Sheridan ("Ready Player One"), Imogen Poots (“Green Room”), Caleb Landry Jones (“Get Out”) and Jeffrey Wright (“Westworld”).
“Our platform is designed to engage audiences and improve our society globally.”
The social impact film brings to light the trials and tribulations of foster youth aging out of care in the United States, telling the courageous story of a young boy facing the challenges and unexpected realities of adult life. Following its premiere at SXSW 2018, Friday’s Child’s positive reception in America paves the way for OnBuzz to expand its reach to international audiences.
The mission of OnBuzz is to build a platform that allows audiences to be both entertained by film and also have the opportunity to learn about and engage in being a part of the solution through activism for important social issues.
OnBuzz strives to partner with international organizations to develop more films with strong social messages for international audiences. “We see the need to spread solutions and change across the world as a priority in our company,” said Marielle Zuccarelli, President, OnBuzz Studios. “Our platform is designed to engage audiences and improve our society globally.”
About OnBuzz
OnBuzz is an end-to-end film financing, production, distribution and marketing firm focused on sustainable filmmaking. We bring together the brightest minds, inspiring talent and forward-thinking creatives to draw attention to and create action around the social issues of our time. OnBuzz is focused on the development of new entertainment products, services and digital technologies and the global distribution of purpose-driven entertainment. For more information, visit www.onbuzz.com.
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Wednesday, May 15, 2019
VIZ Media Announces its Plans for Anime Central 2019
Visit VIZ MEDIA During ANIME CENTRAL at Booth #IND 7
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES SPECIAL GUESTS, ACTIVITIES AND RETAIL EXCLUSIVES FOR ANIME CENTRAL 2019
VIZ Media will participate in this year’s Anime Central, which takes place from May 17th to 19th, 2019 in Rosemont, IL at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and the adjacent Hyatt Regency O’Hare. VIZ Media will be located in Booth #IND 7 in the Exhibit Hall. Complete details on Anime Central 2019 are available at: acen.org.
Attendees are invited to join VIZ Media in welcoming MEGALOBOX English voice cast members Kaiji Tang and Lex Lang, who will participate in a panel and signing session. Fan favorites from SAILOR MOON, Stephanie Sheh and Sandy Fox, will also attend as special guests. Join them at a variety of convention activities.
ACen attendees will learn the latest on a wide range of upcoming releases and other news during the official VIZ Media and SHONEN JUMP panels and celebrate the Guardians of Love and Justice at the Official SAILOR MOON panel. Throughout the weekend, the VIZ Media booth will offer a wide variety of retail products available for purchase. VIZ will also host fun booth activities including a SAILOR MOON-themed photo-opportunity!
Friday, May 17th
1 – 2pm - VIZ Media Industry Panel Feat. MEGALOBOX Voice Cast
Live Events 3
Join the VIZ Media crew and some very special guests from the cast of MEGALOBOX as we talk about the latest and greatest in Anime and Manga. We’ll be making announcements, showing off exclusive first looks at new titles, giving away prizes, and having a grand old time. There might even be jokes!
3 – 4pm - MEGALOBOX English Voice Cast Signing
Autographs 2
MEGALOBOX voice actors Kaiji Tang (Joe) and Lex Lang (Yuri) will take part in this special autograph session. Participants will receive a free limited edition MEGALOBOX poster. Tickets will be distributed Friday morning starting at 11AM from the Anime Central Autograph Booth.
Saturday, May 18th
12 – 1pm - Official SHONEN JUMP Panel
Live Events 3
Hang out with the English language editors of the world's most popular manga! We've got exciting news about the LATEST developments on new series, all-time fan favorites, and what we're doing to bring you the world's best manga! We'll also have amazing prizes up for grabs.
3 – 4pm - Official SAILOR MOON Panel
Live Events 2
Your friends from VIZ Media celebrate everything SAILOR MOON! Get ready for a festive time filled with news, updates, special guests and prizes. All attendees will receive a special treat while supplies last, so, in the name of the Moon, don't miss it!
5 – 6pm - SAILOR MOON English Voice Cast Signing
Autographs 2
Join SAILOR MOON voice actors Stephanie Sheh (Sailor Moon) and Sandy Fox (Chibi Moon) for a special autograph session. Participants will receive a free poster. Tickets will be distributed Saturday morning starting at 11AM from the Anime Central Autograph Booth.
VIZ Media Anime Central 2019 Retail Exclusives
The VIZ Media booth (#IND 7) will offer a variety of must-have convention exclusives. Each purchase comes with a special VIZ Media exclusive, limited edition tote bag available in two distinct designs. Notable VIZ Media ACen exclusives and presales include:
Exclusive SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS shirt ($20)
Exclusive Collectible Enamel Pins
ONE-PUNCH MAN Pin Set ($18)
JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE GOLDEN WIND Pin ($20)
HOMESTUCK Pin Set ($10)
Early Release Manga – Available Exclusively Before Street Date!
KOMI CAN’T COMMUNICATE Vol. 1 ($10)
MY HERO ACADEMIA Vol. 19 ($10)
NIER: AUTOMATA SHORT STORY LONG & LONG STORY SHORT Discounted Novel Bundle ($22)
For additional information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.
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VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES SPECIAL GUESTS, ACTIVITIES AND RETAIL EXCLUSIVES FOR ANIME CENTRAL 2019
VIZ Media will participate in this year’s Anime Central, which takes place from May 17th to 19th, 2019 in Rosemont, IL at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and the adjacent Hyatt Regency O’Hare. VIZ Media will be located in Booth #IND 7 in the Exhibit Hall. Complete details on Anime Central 2019 are available at: acen.org.
Attendees are invited to join VIZ Media in welcoming MEGALOBOX English voice cast members Kaiji Tang and Lex Lang, who will participate in a panel and signing session. Fan favorites from SAILOR MOON, Stephanie Sheh and Sandy Fox, will also attend as special guests. Join them at a variety of convention activities.
ACen attendees will learn the latest on a wide range of upcoming releases and other news during the official VIZ Media and SHONEN JUMP panels and celebrate the Guardians of Love and Justice at the Official SAILOR MOON panel. Throughout the weekend, the VIZ Media booth will offer a wide variety of retail products available for purchase. VIZ will also host fun booth activities including a SAILOR MOON-themed photo-opportunity!
Friday, May 17th
1 – 2pm - VIZ Media Industry Panel Feat. MEGALOBOX Voice Cast
Live Events 3
Join the VIZ Media crew and some very special guests from the cast of MEGALOBOX as we talk about the latest and greatest in Anime and Manga. We’ll be making announcements, showing off exclusive first looks at new titles, giving away prizes, and having a grand old time. There might even be jokes!
3 – 4pm - MEGALOBOX English Voice Cast Signing
Autographs 2
MEGALOBOX voice actors Kaiji Tang (Joe) and Lex Lang (Yuri) will take part in this special autograph session. Participants will receive a free limited edition MEGALOBOX poster. Tickets will be distributed Friday morning starting at 11AM from the Anime Central Autograph Booth.
Saturday, May 18th
12 – 1pm - Official SHONEN JUMP Panel
Live Events 3
Hang out with the English language editors of the world's most popular manga! We've got exciting news about the LATEST developments on new series, all-time fan favorites, and what we're doing to bring you the world's best manga! We'll also have amazing prizes up for grabs.
3 – 4pm - Official SAILOR MOON Panel
Live Events 2
Your friends from VIZ Media celebrate everything SAILOR MOON! Get ready for a festive time filled with news, updates, special guests and prizes. All attendees will receive a special treat while supplies last, so, in the name of the Moon, don't miss it!
5 – 6pm - SAILOR MOON English Voice Cast Signing
Autographs 2
Join SAILOR MOON voice actors Stephanie Sheh (Sailor Moon) and Sandy Fox (Chibi Moon) for a special autograph session. Participants will receive a free poster. Tickets will be distributed Saturday morning starting at 11AM from the Anime Central Autograph Booth.
VIZ Media Anime Central 2019 Retail Exclusives
The VIZ Media booth (#IND 7) will offer a variety of must-have convention exclusives. Each purchase comes with a special VIZ Media exclusive, limited edition tote bag available in two distinct designs. Notable VIZ Media ACen exclusives and presales include:
Exclusive SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS shirt ($20)
Exclusive Collectible Enamel Pins
ONE-PUNCH MAN Pin Set ($18)
JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE GOLDEN WIND Pin ($20)
HOMESTUCK Pin Set ($10)
Early Release Manga – Available Exclusively Before Street Date!
KOMI CAN’T COMMUNICATE Vol. 1 ($10)
MY HERO ACADEMIA Vol. 19 ($10)
NIER: AUTOMATA SHORT STORY LONG & LONG STORY SHORT Discounted Novel Bundle ($22)
For additional information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.
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Tuesday, May 14, 2019
"Naruto" Creator Debuts "Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru"
MASASHI KISHIMOTO’S SAMURAI 8: THE TALE OF HACHIMARU DEBUTS ON SHONEN JUMP
Other Manga Joining The SHONEN JUMP Digital Vault Includes JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE, GOLDEN KAMUY, And ONE-PUNCH MAN
VIZ Media announces exciting new digital content for SHONEN JUMP with the launch of SAMURAI 8: THE TALE OF HACHIMARU. Chapter 1 is available now for the highly-anticipated series by famed NARUTO creator, Masashi Kishimoto, who teams up with his longtime assistant artist Akira Okubo. SAMURAI 8 debuted in English with a 72-page opening chapter on May 12th, 2019, the same day it launched in Japan. New chapters will be available to English readers for FREE on a weekly basis at shonenjump.com and via the SHONEN JUMP app.
Additional just-added manga content now available in the SHONEN JUMP digital vault includes fan-favorite series JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE, PARTS 1 – 3 (PHANTOM BLOOD, BATTLE TENDENCY, and STARDUST CRUSADERS), GOLDEN KAMUY (Rated ‘M’ for Mature and web-only), and ONE-PUNCH MAN. Readers can access free SHONEN JUMP digital chapters and unlock the SHONEN JUMP digital vault at shonenjump.com or with the SHONEN JUMP app for iPhone, iPad and Android-based devices.
The SHONEN JUMP app experience has been enhanced with a new “Continue Reading” row on the app’s Home screen. This added feature allows users to instantly access their latest chapter read. Now manga fans can easily keep track of where they left off reading across any given series.
A SHONEN JUMP Vault Membership (only $1.99 per month) grants readers seamless access to a substantial and continually updated digital archive that currently features more than 10,000 manga chapters from over 100 series – almost every ongoing and completed SHONEN JUMP series published in English.
For additional information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.
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