Derek Jacobi: Celebs Rumors

EXCLUSIVE: Legendary has cast Ellie Bamber in Animal Friends, a star-studded feature combining live-action and animated characters from writing duo Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider. Peter Atencio is set to direct.

Ridley Scott’s upcoming Gladiator II has been shared – and it shows Paul Mescal as a gladiator fighting a rhinoceros.The footage was shown by Paramount yesterday (April 12) at the Las Vegas Cinema Con. It also included clips from actors Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, who are also in the film.“I remember that day.

Brent Lang Executive Editor There was something fitting about the setting. Paramount Pictures unveiled the first footage from “Gladiator II” on the stage of The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, a hotel that reimagines Ancient Rome in all its decadent splendor, albeit with a few more slot machines. Ridley Scott seems to be offering a bloodier version of that distant age, one that finds Paul Mescal enter the arena as a nobleman who has renounced his privilege.

Gladiator has been revealed.The follow-up to the Oscar-winning epic historical movie, released in 2000, is on the way, with Ridley Scott returning to direct.Starring All Of Us Strangers and Normal People’s Paul Mescal in the lead, the sequel will focus on Lucius, the son of Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla from the first film.Nielsen will be reprising her role, and the cast will also be joined by Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington and Stranger Things actor Joseph Quinn.Also reprising his role from the first movie, which starred Russell Crowe in the lead, will be Derek Jacobi, who played Senator Gracchus.Paramount Pictures is set to present its theatrical slate at CinemaCon in Las Vegas later this week. Attendees at the event have already seen the new poster for the movie, which confirms the film’s tagline and title.The name of the sequel to the winner of Best Picture at the 73rd Academy Awards, is simply Gladiator II.The poster (via The Independent) depicts a large gladiator shield, with the film’s title, release date (November 22, 2024) and its tagline, which reads: “What we do in life echoes in eternity.”In January, Mescal shared his concern about the fame which may come with the epic sequel.

Alex Ritman Ridley Scott has found the god of music for his upcoming “Gladiator” sequel. Harry Gregson-Williams has been hired to compose the score for the hotly-anticipated Paramount feature, which is due out Nov.

Lawrence Steven Meyers, the veteran sales agent and producer who set up Meyers Media Group, has died in London. He was 67.

Ridley Scott returned to comfortably epic territory with Napoleon starring Joaquin Phoenix.The director’s latest film depicts the French leader’s rise to power, along with his turbulent relationship with Empress Joséphine (Vanessa Kirby) amid the French revolution.Napoleon was released in cinemas on November 22, 2023. An extended four-hour director’s cut is set to arrive on Apple TV+ at a later date.It marks Scott’s 28th feature film, following the likes of The Martian, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Alien and Blade Runner.Gladiator 2 will be Scott’s next film and his 29th feature as director.

Variety. Shooting on the historical epic was delayed when the actors went on strike in July. But the Nov.

Ethan Shanfeld Denzel Washington is teaming up once again with his “Training Day” and “Equalizer” director Antoine Fuqua to play the ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal in an untitled Netflix movie, Variety has confirmed. The film will be written by John Logan, the three-time Academy Award winner who scribed Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” and Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator.” According to the official logline, the movie is “based on real-life warrior Hannibal, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. The film covers the pivotal battles he led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.” Hannibal famously invaded Italy while riding a Northern African war elephant.

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Ridley Scott revealed in a recent New Yorker profile that he has been editing the 90 minutes of footage he was able to capture for “Gladiator 2” before the Hollywood strikes shut down production. Scott was shooting the long-awaited “Gladiator” sequel in Morocco when filming stopped indefinitely. He can’t resume production until the SAG-AFTRA strike is resolved.

Sir Michael Gambon has been fondly remembered by Harry Potter fans across the nation following the tragic news of his passing on Thursday at the age of 82.

Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent Disney+ has unveiled the cast of Season 2 of “Extraordinary,” the coming-of-age comedy series from creator and writer Emma Moran and Sid Gentle Films (“Killing Eve”). Season 2 of “Extraordinary” just wrapped production with a raft of new cast members, including Julian Barratt (“The Mighty Boosh”) as George, Jen’s power coach; Rosa Robson (“Inside No. 9”), who plays Nora, someone from Jizzlord’s past; Kwaku Mills (“The Other One”), as Clark, Carrie’s new work colleague; and Derek Jacobi (“Murder on the Orient Express”), who will voice a cameo role.

Judi Dench is opening up about the eye condition that is making it more difficult for her on the set and read her scripts.

Russell Crowe has said he’s considering retiring from acting.The actor discussed his future during an appearance at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, where he accepted an award for outstanding contribution to world cinema.Speaking to the press at the festival (via Variety), Crowe pondered his future ahead of his 60th birthday next year.“You are standing in front of the mirror, and go: ‘Who the fuck is that?’ I am in that period now,” Crowe said. “I will take Ridley Scott as my role model: he is still discovering new things in his work.

EXCLUSIVE: A feature adaptation of John William Polidori’s classic 19th-century gothic novel The Vampyre, one of the first English language novels to feature blood-sucking creatures, is in the works at Milky Way Media and Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange) and Derek Jacobi (Murder on the Orient Express) are attached to lead.

A planned stunt has left six crew members with non-life-threatening burn injuries on the Morocco shoot of Paramount’s untitled Gladiator sequel.

EXCLUSIVE: Paramount’s sequel to the Oscar-winning hit Gladiator is rounding out its cast as sources tell Deadline the untitled pic has added May Calamawy, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Peter Mensah and Matt Lucas.

Angelique Jackson Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” sequel has rounded out its cast with the additions of May Calamawy (“Moon Knight,” “Ramy”), Peter Mensah (“Avatar”) and Matt Lucas (“Wonka,” “Bridesmaids”), as well as legacy cast member Derek Jacobi, who will reprise his role from the 2000 blockbuster. “Kraven the Hunter” and “The White Lotus” star Fred Hechinger is now in talks to take on the role of Emperor Geta, after Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan dropped out of negotiations due to a scheduling conflict. The new additions join a star-studded cast, led by Oscar nominee Paul Mescal and two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington, with “Stranger Things” breakout Joseph Quinn set to play Emperor Caracalla and Pedro Pascal in final negotiations for an undisclosed role.

Addie Morfoot Contributor Nearly 10 years after his death, Peter O’Toole is making a return to the screen in a BritBox documentary from Jim Sheridan.The revered Irish director, known for narrative films including “My Left Foot” and “In the Name of the Father,” interviewed colleagues and family about the “Lawrence of Arabia” star for “Peter O’Toole: Along the Sky Road to Aqaba.” They range from Kenneth Branagh, Brian Cox, Anthony Hopkins, Derek Jacobi and Stephen Fry to ex-wife Siân Phillips and daughter Kate O’Toole. Each interview helps shed light on the actor’s complicated yet brilliant life and career. O’Toole, who grew up in England with Irish heritage, was nominated for eight Oscars, winning an honorary Academy Award in 2003. The actor was also known for his stage work and fondness for alcohol.

Terrence Hardiman has died aged 86, his agent has said.

Naman Ramachandran The Royal Shakespeare Company’s theater adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro” swept the Olivier Awards on Sunday, taking home six out of the nine categories it was nominated in, including the Sir Peter Hall Award for best director, awarded to Phelim McDermott and the Noël Coward Award for best entertainment or comedy play. The Almeida Theatre also had a successful night, with three of its productions taking home awards. Will Keen won best supporting actor for his performance in “Patriots” and “Tammy Faye” garnered two acting awards – Katie Brayben for best actress in a musical and Zubin Varla for best actor in a supporting role in a musical. Rebecca Frecknall’s revival of Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” won best actor for Paul Mescal’s portrayal of Stanley Kowalski and best actress in a supporting role for Anjana Vasan’s performance as Stella. The play also won the best revival award.

The 2023 Olivier Awards are here!

Oscar-winning UK producer David Parfitt shared insights from the highs and lows of his 35-year producing career at a masterclass for the Doha Film Institute’s Qumra talent incubator over the weekend.

EXCLUSIVE: One notable title up for sale we’re hearing about at the European Film Market is Timothy Scott Bogart’s pop Romeo & Juliet musical, Verona starring Clara Rugaard, Jamie Ward, Rebel Wilson, Rupert Everett, Jason Isaacs and Derek Jacobi.

Ellie Bamber (Willow, The Serpent, Nocturnal Animals and The Trial of Christine Keeler) will star as Kate Moss in Academy Award-winning writer and director James Lucas’ upcoming feature film Moss & Freud.

BBC Two comedy Inside No9 is coming to a fitting end – after nine series. Creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith — who made comedy classic The League Of Gentlemen with Mark Gatiss and Jeremy Dyson — told me they will now focus on new projects after eight years of the cult show, in which every episode features the number nine. Steve said: “We feel it is a good time to pause Inside No9 after we finish filming series nine next year.” The dark comedy has featured some of the UK’s best acting talent, including Sheridan Smith, Keeley Hawes, Helen McCrory, Sir Derek Jacobi, Alison Steadman and Katherine Parkinson.

Sir Derek Jacobi fears he'll never act on stage again. The 83-year-old 'Cadfael' star began his career in the National Theatre in the 1960s and went on to become one of the UK's most prolific stage stars, performing both in London's West End and on Broadway as well as with the Royal Shakespeare Company - but Derek doubts he will ever tread the boards again. His last turn on stage was as Mercutio in a production of 'Romeo and Juliet' directed by Kenneth Branagh in 2016, and he has admitted it was a terrifying experience, telling the Guardian: "Toward the end, I would stand in the wings, terrified.

Judi Dench was in good spirits as she posed alongside Jennifer Saunders at the European premiere of movie Allelujah during the 66th BFI London Film Festival at the Southbank Centre on Sunday. The actress, 87, showcased her chic sense of style in all black attire as she draped an elaborately patterned black and gold scarf over her shoulder. Fellow screen star Jennifer, 64, looked stylish in a black pinstripe suit, with the star wearing a long red and blue scarf to add a splash of colour to her look.

It’s been nearly 3½ years since Good Omens debuted on Prime Video, and finally we a premiere date for Season 2 — sort of. Amazon Studios said at New York Comic Con today that the show’s long-delayed sophomore season will arrive in the summer.

Toronto International Film Festival.Unless, of course, you holler, “Allelujah! It’s time to go home!”That’s because the dinky drama, about a struggling hospital for the elderly in England, gets steadily more depressing as it plods along. There’s nothing wrong with some silver screen sorrow, but not when it amounts to indecisive mush. Sure, it is a pleasure to see the boffo acting talent together — Jennifer Saunders, Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi and more — but they deserve so much better than hospital Jell-O. The creaky film began as a play at London’s Bridge Theatre by writer Alan Bennett, who also penned “The History Boys,” and much like the 2006 screen version of that show, “Allelujah,” directed by Richard Eyre, doesn’t comfortably make the leap to cinema.

Brent Lang Executive Editor “Allelujah,” Richard Eyre’s latest film, unfolds in a Yorkshire geriatric hospital, following a group of patients as they make peace with or rage against the indignities of old age. It’s a story that resonates with Eyre, a legendary stage and screen director. “I’m about to be 80,” he says. “So old age isn’t my consuming passion, but it’s a subject that has been forced on me and that has become difficult to ignore. I’m acutely aware of having outlived both my parents and many of my friends.” Perhaps unwittingly, “Allelujah,” which premieres this weekend at the Toronto International Film Festival, also serves as a showcase for a generation of English actors such as Judi Dench, David Bradley, and Derek Jacobi, who have all entered their ninth decades.

Netflix has released a surprise bonus episode of The Sandman, available to stream now (August 19).Based on the series of comic books by Neil Gaiman, The Sandman stars Tom Sturridge as Morpheus/Dream, the personification of dreams and nightmares who sets out to restore order to his realm after being locked away for over 100 years.The two-part bonus episode is divided between animated story A Dream Of A Thousand Cats and the live-action Calliope. The former features a voice cast that includes Sandra Oh, Rosie Day, David Gyasi, Joe Lycett, Gaiman, James McAvoy, David Tennant, Georgia Tennant, Michael Sheen, Anna Lundberg, Nonso Anozie, Diane Morgan and Tom Wu.Speaking about the episode, director Hisko Hulsing said: “We endeavoured to make the animated version of A Dream Of A Thousand Cats as mesmerising and hypnotic as we could by utilising the magic of real oil paintings on canvas.“We combined the paintings with classically drawn 2D animation, based on realistic 3D animation of telepathic cats in order to create a trippy world that feels both grounded and dreamy at the same time.”Calliope, directed by Louise Hooper, stars Melissanthi Mahut, Arthur Darvill, Nina Wadia, Souad Faress, Dinita Gohil, Kevin Harvey, Amita Suman and Derek Jacobi.The Sandman showrunner Allan Heinberg previously told NME about plans to adapt the entirety of the comic series in potential future seasons.Asked how many seasons they’ve got planned, Heinberg said: “We’ve got as many as they’ll let us have.

 fans are getting an extra treat! Netflix dropped a special two-part episode at midnight on Friday, featuring the stories of «A Dream of a Thousand Cats» and «Calliope.» The first half of the bonus episode is an animated feature with series star Tom Sturridge reprising his role as Morpheus, known as Dream and the titular Sandman. The voice cast also includes creator and executive producer Neil Gaiman as Crow/Skull Bird, Sandra Oh as The Prophet, Rosie Day as The Tabby Kitten, David Gyasi as The Grey Cat, Joe Lycett as The Black Cat, James McAvoy as Golden-Haired Man, David Tennant as Don, Georgia Tennant as Laura Lynn, Michael Sheen as Paul, Anna Lundberg as Marion, Nonso Anozie as Wyvern, Diane Morgan as Gryphon and Tom Wu as Hippogriff.Directed by Louise Hooper, «Calliope» is live-action and stars Melissanthi Mahut as the titular character. Arthur Darvill also stars as Richard Madoc, as well as Nina Wadia as Fate Mother, Souad Faress as Fate Crone, Dinita Gohil as Fate Maiden, Kevin Harvey as Larry, Amita Suman as Nora and Derek Jacobi as Erasmus Fry.Hisko Hulsing, director and product designer of «A Dream of a Thousand Cats,» said in a statement that the production team worked to make the animation «as mesmerizing and hypnotic as we could» through the use of real oil paintings on canvas.«We combined the paintings with classically drawn 2D animation, based on realistic 3D animation of telepathic cats in order to create a trippy world that feels both grounded and dreamy at the same time,» Hulsing explained. «Untold Studio’s in London created the breathtaking 3D animation of the cats.

Naman Ramachandran Studio Soho International has acquired worldwide rights to “A Bird Flew In” and has launched sales at the Cannes Film Market. “Quant” producer Kirsty Bell, the founder of production company Goldfinch Entertainment, makes her directorial debut with the film, which stars Sadie Frost, Derek Jacobi, Morgana Robinson, Jeff Fahey, Frances Barber, Julie Dray, Sophie Kennedy Clark and Camilla Rutherford. It is produced by Ben Charles Edwards (“Quant”) for Goldfinch with Phil McKenzie (“Twist”) serving as executive producer.Composed of seven interlinked narratives, the film is set in the U.K.’s COVID-19 lockdown.

K.J. Yossman Marianne Jean-Baptiste (“Boxing Day”), Alistair Petrie (“Sex Education”), Romola Garai (“The Hour”) have joined BBC drama series “The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies.”Rounding out the cast are Rebekah Staton (“Raised by Wolves”), Derek Jacobi (“Last Tango in Halifax”), Julian Barratt (“The Mighty Boosh”), Karl Johnson (“Hot Fuzz”) and Ellie Haddington (“Enola Holmes”).Robbie McKillop (“Guilt”) and Nicole Charles (“Hair Power: Me and My Afro”) will split directing duties on the series, which was created and written by Penelope Skinner and Ginny Skinner.Production has already begun on the series, which will be distributed internationally by BBC Studios.“This is the story of two very different women and the conman they have in common; a dark, funny, and unpredictable thriller about three remarkable characters trapped in a tangled triangle of complexly layered half-truths and lies of epic proportions,” reads the logline.

Variety.While “The Crown” covers Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding in 1947 and her reign from the 1950s to the present day, the new show would look into the earlier events of the family’s tumultuous history.The series would reportedly dive into the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, and then into the dynasties of four British kings: Edward VII (1901-1910), George V (1910-1936), Edward VIII (1936) and George VI (1936-1952).These rulers governed the UK and the country’s Commonwealth realms from the period after Victoria and up to the start of Queen Elizabeth’s monarchy in 1952.The outlet reported that the new show has not been greenlighted nor is it in production as of yet.According to the Daily Mail, though, the prequel would run for about three to five seasons.In earlier seasons of “The Crown,” Jared Harris played King George VI, while Alex Jennings and Derek Jacobi both appeared as King Edward VIII.Jennings, 64, originated the role of the controversial Duke of Windsor for Seasons 1 and 2. Jacobi, 83, took over for Season 3, portraying the royal in his older years.George VI and King Edward VIII famously had a contentious relationship, with the latter abdicating the throne after less than a year in power back in 1936 so he could marry his beloved Wallis Simpson.