If you’ve seen Regretting You, you know it’s not a comedy by any means. The film, among 2025 movie releases and new book adaptations, follows a family as they deal with two tragic deaths in the family that were secretly having an affair together. But, Allison Williams in particular brings some levity to the drama in a few moments. A new outtake from Regretting You has dropped, and it’s too funny.

Remember the scene where Williams’ Morgan finds her daughter Clara (Mckenna Grace) smoking weed with a boy from school Miller (Mason Thames)? Check out some of the alternative ways she was going to drive up thanks to this Instagram post:

According to Paramount Pictures, director Josh Boone loved watching Allison Williams deliver in the scene that he “made her do multiple takes for his own entertainment.” Hear that guy laughing in the background of the video? Yeah, that’s Boone. Can you blame him? Williams is hilarious in every one of these takes. There’s something about the intense eye contact that she glares at Thames’ Miller that’s just a blast to watch.

In the movie itself, this was a really funny scene, too. There’s something about Morgan showing up in that exact moment from that angle, and her comedic delivery that is both believable and just hilarious. It’s definitely not the only funny scene for Morgan in Regretting You, as she goes through the pretty serious grief process of losing her husband (played by Scott Eastwood), who she just found out was sleeping with her sister Jenny (Wlla Fitzgerald) for who knows how long.

Regretting You is based on the Colleen Hoover bestselling novel of the same name. In our interview with director Josh Boone, he told us that the author had a “very minimal” presence in the production process, but the book was a huge resource to him, the production team and the cast. Mckenna Grace told us she had a ton of tabs throughout the book, and she’d bring details to Boone’s attention sometimes.

While critics weren’t especially fond of Regretting You, audiences seemed to be into it. After it topped the box office last weekend, it has made a total of $54.7 million worldwide. That means it at least made its money back, and perhaps turned a modest profit. It’s certainly not as huge of a movie as Hoover’s It Ends With Us was (it made $351.4 million worldwide), but at least this one doesn’t appear to have any behind-the-scenes drama.

You can check out Regretting You in theaters now. We can’t wait to see more bonus features from this movie at some point. We hope there’s a whole blooper reel planned, because it has to be good.

Spoilers for Regretting You can be found throughout this story. If you haven't caught the movie yet, don't say I didn't warn you!

2025 movie releases may not be chock full of romance movies, but in Regretting You, there are actually two love stories to fall for based on Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us book. One is between Mason Thames and Mckenna Grace’s Miller and Clara, and another is between Allison Williams and Dave Franco’s Morgan and Jonah. I'm especially not over the coming-of-age storyline between Miller and Clara, but during CinemaBlend's interviews with the cast, we learned how it could have been different. Let's get into it.

The Regretting You Ending Between Clara And Jonah

In Regretting You, Mckenna Grace's Clara is dealing with a lot of transition and sadness in her life following the sudden death of her father (Scott Eastwood), and her mom (Williams) isn't taking it so well either. But, one major bright spot of it all is her blooming romance with Miller throughout the film. However, things get a little rocky for the young couple after her birthday dinner where the couple end up fighting, and leaving things on bad terms.

Clara's rough birthday dinner leads to her and her mother finally reconciling with Morgan finally telling her daughter that her father and her aunt were secretly having an affair – hence why Morgan has been having such a particularly rough time handling things as of late. The revelation allows Clara to understand what's been going on with Morgan, and both women decide they deserve to be happy. It lead Clara to surprise Miller at his place of work in a movie theater for an epic kiss, and the movie ends with Miller asking Clara to prom with a cute video her made for her, and word that they are both going to the same performing arts college.

How Regretting You's Ending Could Have Been Different

When I asked Mason Thames and Mckenna Grace about the ending during CinemaBlend's Regretting You interviews, they talked about one former version of the movie they wish they got to do. Per Thames' words:

So, the circumstances around the kiss were almost different. In fact, rather than Clara and Miller having an iconic kissing in the rain moment, it ended up that Morgan and Jonah got one instead. As Grace said:

Honestly, I totally get why Morgan and Jonah get the kiss in the rain. Their love story has spanned over 15 years, starting with when they were teenagers, so it's a lot more hard earned. (Oh, and Grace told me a hilarious story about Franco playing a 17-year-old in the movie).

Grace and Thames may not have gotten a kiss-in-the-rain moment, but they are already lined up to work together again in an upcoming Green Day-centered movie called New Years Rev, and based on their reactions to a popular Tangled fancast, they could have many more projects together to come.

Fans of Colleen Hoover saw a win with last year’s book-to-screen adaptation of It Ends with Us, which made big box office bank, despite (or perhaps assisted by) all of the legal drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Will the author go two-for-two on the big screen when Regretting You hits the 2025 movie calendar on October 24? Critics screened the film ahead of its release, and they have strong opinions about the movie’s tone and melodramatic script.

The trailer for Regretting You takes us into the relationship between high school friends Morgan (Allison Williams) and Jonah (Dave Franco) and the whirlwind romance between Morgan’s teenage daughter Clara (McKenna Grace) and Jonah’s student Miller (Mason Thames). Jacob Oller of AV Club gives it a C-, but says all of the clichés suggest some self-awareness, which makes the movie more ridiculous than detestable. Oller writes:

Owen Gleiberman of Variety says the film attempts to copy what It Ends with Us did by using soap opera conventions to lure viewers inside its tumultuous relationship, which worked because it was surprising and moving. Regretting You, the critic says, is just cheesy. He continues:

Richard Lawson of THR says having the 30-something actors, including Dave Franco, play 17-year-olds in flashbacks makes Regretting You feel off right from the start, and it never finds a tonal balance between the characters' grief and the love story. It may be enough to end the Colleen Hoover adaptation craze, Lawson says, writing:

Brian Truitt of USA TODAY also compares this movie to one inspired by Nicholas Sparks, writing that Colleen Hoover aims to “leave no tear unjerked.” The adult half of the movie is “insufferable and overwrought,” Truitt says, as Allison Williams’ talent is wasted. The teens’ story, however, saves it from being a complete loss. The critic rates it 2.5 out of 4 stars and says:

Damon Wise of Deadline agrees with other critics that the movie’s tone is all over the place. It feels like a Hallmark movie with unnecessary ironic smarts, Wise writes, and the cast deserves credit for being able to play it with a straight face. The critic continues:

The critics don’t seem to consider this a worthy follow-up to It Ends with Us, as far as Colleen Hoover stories go, with complaints of tonal imbalance, a melodramatic script and some unintentionally funny (and cringey) moments. The actors are undeniably talented, though, so if you want to give this movie a try, don’t let these reviews stop you. Regretting You hits theaters on Friday, October 24.

A year or so after It Ends With Us became the most talked about movie in the country, the next Colleen Hoover adaptation is ready to begin its marketing campaign. Regretting You, a Paramount adaptation based on her 2019 novel of the same name, dropped its first trailer today, and the initial response has been extremely positive amongst the author’s fans. In fact, many have been talking about how it looks to be exactly what they’d hoped for.

The film stars McKenna Grace and Allison Williams as a mother and daughter trying to figure out how to move on after a terrible accident. Mason Thames plays Grace’s love interest, a local cool kid, and Dave Franco plays Grace’s uncle and Williams’ brother-in-law, who is also wrestling with the scars of the aforementioned terrible accident. You check out the trailer that’s somber and emotional but also very full of life…

You can’t always judge something’s reaction based on social media, but I will say the comments are extremely positive on YouTube. Like really, really positive. Many are singling out the casting director, and it’s easy to see why. It really feels like there’s a strong chemistry here with all of the leads, which is particularly important since many of the characters have complicated relationships with each other. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised about Thames and Grace’ rapport though, given all the rumors that they’re allegedly dating in real life too.

Regardless, I’m really excited for this movie. I like films that don’t necessarily have one tone, and a lot of Hoover’s books are able to hit different kinds of emotional beats. This film is clearly going for that, and it has actors who, in theory, should be able to do that. Williams, in particular, has bounced between genres during her career and always excelled, no matter the subject matter.

It’ll be interesting to see whether this film is able to have the same cultural resonance as Hoover’s last adaptation It Ends With Us. The Blake Lively-led film took in more than $350M at the worldwide box office and was in the US top 10 for almost a month and a half, but at some point, the story became less about the movie and more about the behind the scenes problems. Director Justin Baldoni and Lively ended up suing each other, and numerous stories have emerged about tense meetings, inappropriate conversations and alleged meddling from Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds.

Controversy can, of course, be good for business. I’m sure all the stories helped expose some people to the movie who may not have heard about it otherwise, but on the downside, it’s left a lot of unanswered questions about Hoover’s viability at the box office. Many in Hollywood see her as someone whose books can get passionate fans into the theater, but because of all the noise around It Ends With Us, no one is quite sure whether that success will translate. We'll find out soon, as she has multiple upcoming adaptations in the works.

Regretting You will hit theaters on October 24th. Fingers crossed the discourse this time will be about how good the movie is and not about behind the scenes rumors.

This year is a big one for horror franchises, with several established universes getting new chapters on the big screen. One of those is Blumhouse’s M3GAN 2.0, a sequel to one of 2023’s best horror movies, which picks up two years after the events of the killer doll’s first murder spree. Critics were able to catch a screening of the flick before it hits the 2025 movie calendar on June 27, and some big changes have left them a bit conflicted.

Allison Williams and Violet McGraw lead the M3GAN 2.0 cast, and we’ll also be meeting a new robot villain named AMELIA. The Terminator 2-inspired plot sees Gemma and Cady calling on their former foe to help protect them against this greater threat. In CinemaBlend’s review of M3GAN 2.0, Sarah El-Mahmoud notes that the sequel is different — and maybe even better? — than the original, offering a new flavor of slasher goodness. She gives it 3.5 out of 5 stars, writing:

Mark Kennedy of the AP, however, wonders if writer/director Gerard Johnstone goes a little too big by straight-up changing the genre with its “horribly convoluted plot.” Whereas the first movie took place primarily at Gemma and Cady’s Seattle home, M3GAN 2.0 opens at the Turkish-Iranian border. Kennedy gives it 2 out of 4 stars and says:

EW’s Jordan Hoffman, meanwhile, gives it a B, calling the upcoming horror movie an upgrade in creativity (despite its “confusing and idiotic plot”). Hoffman likes that Gerard Johnstone didn’t take the easy route and do a simple retread of the killer original. In the critic’s words:

David Fear of Rolling Stone agrees with the critic above, but only with the part where the plot doesn’t make any sense. While the critic credits the director for avoiding the “rinse-and-repeat cycle,” a sequel should at least deliver some of what got fans excited in the first place. M3GAN 2.0 is devoid of scares, witty comebacks and anything resembling fun. Fear continues:

Brian Truitt of USA TODAY rates the upcoming Blumhouse horror 2 out of 4 stars, saying the singing, dancing robot we fell in love with two years ago has been “defanged and watered down” in this follow-up. In Truitt’s words:

This seems to be an interesting new chapter in the M3GAN-verse, which is also getting a pretty cool-sounding M3GAN spinoff as well as possibly a third killer doll movie. Critics seem to appreciate the director’s ambitions to do something different with the sequel, but they don’t agree on whether that was successful or pays homage to what we liked from the first movie.

You can decide for yourself soon enough! M3GAN 2.0 is rated PG-13 and hits theaters Friday, June 27.

In today's entertainment landscape, there are a lot of "nepo babies" thriving in Hollywood, with some having notched titles on the 2025 movie calendar. From Nico Parker (daughter of Thandiwe Newton) starring in the new How To Train Your Dragon to The Materialists’ Dakota Johnson (Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson's daughter, some of today’s biggest stars have familial ties to show business. M3GAN 2.0 star Allison Williams just talked about being a nepo baby herself (again), and I think she has a solid perspective on the whole thing.

Allison Williams is the daughter of former NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams and TV producer Gillan Stoddard. While talking to The Guardian about her career, she had this to say about being a nepo baby:

In recent years, there’s been a conversation around Hollywood about whether nepo babies have a leg up on their peers who don't have connections to help them get started. There’s been a range of opinions shared by actors and other industry veterans. When it comes to Allison Williams, she falls in the category of a nepo babies who absolutely aren't afraid to say they're more privileged than other actors who don’t already have famous parents, and I love to hear such candid thoughts.

As Williams shared in the new interview ahead of the release of M3GAN 2.0, there's one major aspect of her journey as an actor that separated her from the pack. She didn’t have the fear that if she didn’t make it in the industry, she wouldn’t be able to have food or a roof over her head. Those are struggle that some actors absolutely go through. As Williams continued:

Allison Williams’ path is an interesting one, because she came up as an actress, thanks to having her work on YouTube go so viral that Judd Apatow decided to cast her in HBO’s Girls. On that show, she starred alongside Lena Dunham, Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet, Adam Driver, Alex Karpovsky and Andrew Rannells. The series was a huge hit and, from there Williams has been in movies like Get Out, M3GAN and the latter's sequel, which is a major title on the schedule of upcoming horror movies.

During her interview, the Horizon Line star also pointed out that she had family friends in the form of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, who are both, of course, very successful actors. Her relationship with them made her realize her dream of being an actor wasn’t out of reach. Those are the kind of connections that few aspiring performers have at their disposal.

When Allison Williams previously spoke about being a nepo baby in 2022, she said when she was younger she was “concerned” with making sure other people understood she was “a hard worker” despite her privilege. Some nepo babies like Lily-Rose Depp (the daughter of Johnny Depp) have spoken about how being a nepo baby actually means people want to give you less opportunities. In Depp's case, she claimed people were “ready to see [her] fail.”

There's just something novel about the fact that Williams doesn't seek to deny the privilege she has. Plus, it's been great to see her rise in the industry, given the talent she possesses. You can see her put her skills to use in M3GAN 2.0, which she also produced, when it opens in theaters on June 27.

The upcoming M3GAN 2.0 will soon be slicing its way onto the 2025 release schedule. So far, it seems that the titular killer doll is coming back in a big way. At present, though, some fans of the horror-tech sensation may already have big question on their minds: is a third film in the works? While nothing’s been confirmed just yet, star and producer Allison Williams is already sharing some honest thoughts on the matter, and her feelings are quite clear.

Williams -- who also serves a producer on M3GAN 2.0 -- caught up with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss the film. The star reflected on reprising her role as Gemma Forrester, a robotics engineer, once again pulled into a deadly battle involving rogue AI. When asked how much planning had gone into a potential M3GAN 3.0, the Get Out star played it coy but couldn’t hide her excitement for continuing the saga. She told the outlet:

M3GAN 2.0, which picks up two years after the events of the first film, ups the ante with new tech threats and what’s being described as less an upcoming horror movie and more of an action-forward tone, drawing comparisons to genre-defining sequels like Aliens and, more explicitly, inspired by Terminator 2. This time around, Gemma is forced to resurrect the film's eponymous doll to stop an even more advanced (and military-engineered) AI gone rogue.

Such a tonal shift feels like the right move for this Blumhouse-produced franchise. There are only so many times you can have a scary robot trying to kill its owner before it becomes stale. Some of the greatest sequels in film history are successful precisely because they took risks and changed the formula a bit.

However, things could get tricky when they move on to M3GAN 3.0; it's often the third movie in a trilogy that poses challenges for creators. Looking at you, Alien 3, Terminator 3, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, RoboCop 3, The Hangover Part III and... okay, you get the point.

The original M3GAN became a viral hit in 2023 and is now known as much for its knife-sharp wit and viral dance scenes as it is for its horror chops. It earned nearly $182 million globally on a $12 million budget and inspired fan edits, memes and even an SNL spoof.

Allison Williams, who has also executive-produced the upcoming M3GAN spinoff Soulm8te, clearly isn’t finished exploring the universe. Her comments confirm that the creative team is at least thinking in trilogies, a classic structure in horror franchises, and one that could cement M3GAN as a modern genre staple.

Whether M3GAN 3.0 officially gets the greenlight or not, Williams’ passion suggests there’s still plenty of fuel in the tank. For now, M3GAN 2.0 hits theaters on June 27 and, if audiences turn out the way they did last time, don’t be surprised if the killer doll makes another encore. If you’re interested in doing some prep work before 2.0 lands in theaters, you can always check out the OG film with a Starz account or through VOD services.

What started as a great horror movie (though quirky) about a killer robot doll has turned into a full-blown cinematic phenomenon. With the upcoming M3GAN 2.0 set for the 2025 movie schedule, a spinoff film SOULM8TE dropping the following year, star and producer Allison Williams is teasing some ambitious moves for the rising M3GAN Cinematic Universe (MCU). But in a recent interview, the former Girls star dropped a chilling question about the franchises that has me asking my own questions.

Could we actually see a cross-franchise A.I. showdown in upcoming Blumhouse movies? Williams and director Gerard Johnstone recently spoke to Entertainment Weekly, and though they are keeping details about M3GAN 2.0 locked tighter than an encrypted server, their comments have sparked my imagination. The sequel aims to build on the unexpected magic of the original while taking the story to new heights, but what would an Avengers-level threat look like for the sentient dolls? The actress-turned-producer weighed in:

The idea of a full-scale “Avengers-style” event for the M3GAN Cinematic Universe might sound absurd but, considering the runaway success of the original, it’s not out of the question. The interconnected upcoming horror movies intend to expand the scope while staying true to the quirks that made the original so beloved, which, like Williams, I believe is key to keeping the movies interesting.

For Johnstone, brainstorming for sequels has always involved a playful mix of creativity and humor. The director added:

A Mad Max-style dystopia or perhaps–more fittingly–a Terminator future feels like a natural conclusion for a franchise about killer A.I. But is that the direction we want to see again? Personally, I think a more compelling route would be for M3GAN to pull a T2: Judgment Day. Imagine if she evolved beyond her villainous beginnings, gained a touch of humanity, and became a protector of sorts. That shift could open up fascinating storytelling possibilities, even setting the stage for this teased "Thanos-level threat" in the expanding fictional universe.

Speaking of the MCU—no, not that MCU. That will get too confusing—maybe we should call it the M3U (M3GAN Universe) or M3NX (M3GAN Nexus). There you go, Allison Williams and Gerard Johnstone, that suggestion is on the house! Now, back to the point: as the universe grows, Johnstone is conscious of the legacy being built, and he reflected on its broader implications:

The concept is ripe for exploration of timely themes while carving out a unique identity. The possibilities for where this horror franchise–I still think M3NX is the way to go–could feel limitless—and a protector-turned-hero M3GAN who has to team up with others or fight off fellow A.I. beings? Now, that’s a story I’d be excited for.

2025 will be a huge year for horror franchises, and one of the best scary dolls returns to the big screen when M3GAN 2.0 hits theaters on June 25 amid the 2025 movie schedule.

Few directors make a great movie on their very first try, as Jordan Peele did with his groundbreaking 2017 horror movie Get Out. The flick captivated audiences with its unsettling exploration of racism in America, cementing its place as one of the best movies of the 2010s and arguably, of all time. One of the film’s most powerful moments comes at its climax, which features a fateful moment for protagonist Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) that ends in a somewhat optimistic way. Yet the film initially had a much darker conclusion and, recently, one of the film’s stars, Allison Williams, reflected on it.

Allison Williams spoke with Comicbook.com amid the festivities at 2024 New York Comic Con. She discussed how the movie, one of only six horror movies ever to be nominated for Best Picture, initially concluded and why the team pivoted toward the more hopeful resolution audiences saw on screen. The M3GAN star recalled:

At the end of the film's theatrical cut, Chris is seemingly rescued by his cop friend, Rod (Lil Rel Howery), just as it seems the police arrive, sparking a moment of collective dread before the ultimate reveal. Jordan Peele’s initial vision for the ending had Chris arrested by the police despite having fought his way out of the Armitage family's sinister plot. This conclusion was meant to reflect the harsh realities of race in America, offering a more sobering statement on systemic injustice.

Allison Williams explained how the decision to change the ending came about after audience test screenings. In her own words:

The final version of Get Out retains the tension of Chris’ encounter with the police but offers a reprieve as Rod appears instead of law enforcement. Addressing the racial anxieties that drive the film, this alteration allows audiences to leave the theater with a sense of triumph rather than the gut punch of Chris’ unjust imprisonment. Thankfully, this original ending was better left on the cutting room floor.

Jordan Peele has spoken about how the political climate influenced his decision to scrap the OG ending at the time. With real-life stories of racial violence flooding the news, Peele recognized that audiences were already feeling the weight of these grim realities. So, instead of doubling down on the darkness, he provided viewers with a moment of hope.

In my eyes, this decision ultimately helped the film solidify its place as a cultural milestone, perfectly balancing horror with sharp social commentary and delivering a finale that struck a deep chord with audiences. Those final few minutes are very unforgettable, and chances are that due to Mr. Peele's shrewd creative choice, we'll never stop talking about them.

You can stream Get Out now with a Peacock subscription. Meanwhile, Allison Williams -- who wasn't just was in New York City to discuss her past work -- has an upcoming horror movie on the docket. She's set to star in the highly anticipated M3GAN 2.0, a sequel that promises to be one of the major horror releases on the 2025 movie schedule.

When we look ahead to upcoming horror movies we’re most hyped about, the return of M3GAN is certainly up there! After the artificially intelligent doll wreaked havoc on her roboticist and her niece’s life (along with showing off her viral dancing skills and an unforgettable rendition of Sia’s “Titanium” under her collar bow), she’ll be back for 2025’s M3GAN 2.0.

Considering M3GAN remains one of the best Blumhouse horror movies we’ve seen to date, for all its campiness, every new update about the second movie has us in greater anticipation for what’s to come for the murderous android and her upcoming victims. As producer Jason Blum updated on X (formerly known as Twitter) in mid-July, production has begun on the movie and it’s “time to put M3GAN back together." Check out the stacked cast for M3GAN 2.0:

Allison Williams

The roboticist behind M3GAN, Gemma, will in fact be back for the next movie. Allison Williams played the sneaky brainiac in the first M3GAN movie, and has been confirmed to return for the 2025 film. As you read through this list, you’ll notice there’s actually a lot of familiar faces, including writer Akela Cooper writing the script again and the M3GAN director Gerard Johnstone helming the sequel.

Williams has made quite the name for herself in horror in recent years, between being in one of the best horror movies of all time, Get Out, along with the underrated 2018 flick The Perfection. You also likely know Williams from HBO’s Girls and Showtime’s Fellow Travelers. We don’t know the plot of M3GAN 2.0 currently, but I'll be curious to see if Gemma is naive enough to create another version of her android, or if the first version somehow comes out of the woodwork to be rebuilt somehow.

Violet McGraw

Gemma’s niece, Cady, was played by Violet McGraw in the original 2022 movie, and she's set to play her character once again for 2.0. When we first met Cady, she had just gone through a tragedy when the eight-year-old’s parents were tragically killed in a car accident and she moved in with her aunt Gemma. She then gets paired with a prototype of M3GAN that turns rather violent and possessive of the child. Since it was announced that McGraw was cast, the young actress has said she is “literally dying to know what happens” and looking forward to working with the cast and crew. How will Cady’s next confrontation with the android play out?

Jenna Davis

Additionally, the voice behind M3GAN, Jenna Davis, has been cast in 2.0, too. The current 20-year-old provided the now iconic sound of the android’s voice whilst dancer Amie Donald portrayed the character on set. While we don’t know for sure if Donald is back as the physical M3GAN (she could have aged out), Davis’ haunting performance will definitely treat our ears.

Brian Jordan Alvarez 

Gemma’s main colleagues from the first movie will also return for the sequel. First up is Brian Jordan Alvarez’s Cole, who had a hand in the creation of the killer android. Alvarez is a comedic actor who had a recurring role in Will & Grace from 2018 to 2020 as the love interest of Sean Hayes’ Jack.

Jen Van Epps

Jen Van Epps is also back as Gemma’s other colleague, Tess. Her and Cole had a major hand in creating M3GAN, along with their decision to terminate her, so it makes perfect sense they would play a major part in the story for the sequel. The actress is just getting started when it comes to larger roles in movies and television, so coming back as Tess is exciting for the rising talent.

Ivanna Sakhno 

Our first newcomer to report for M3GAN 2.0 is Ukrainian-American actor Ivanna Sakhno in an unknown role. Star Wars fans might recognize Sakhno from her main role in the 2023 live-action series Ahsoka. Sakhno played Shin Hati, the apprentice to Ray Stevenson’s Baylan Skoll. Elsewhere, the actress was also in 2018’s Pacific Rim Uprising, 2020’s High Fidelity remake and Netflix rom-com Let It Snow.

Jemaine Clement 

Another exciting addition to the M3GAN 2.0 cast is Jemaine Clement. The New Zealand actor gets to shoot the horror movie in his home country (since that’s where production is taking place). The hilarious actor is best known for playing the vampire Vladislav the Poker in the What We Do In The Shadows movie and series, along with voicing the role of Tamatoa in Moana. We couldn’t be more curious about how he fits in the next chapter of M3GAN.

Timm Sharp

Another comedic actor can be found in the M3GAN 2.0 cast in the form of Timm Sharp. Sharp has had memorable roles in Undeclared, ‘Til Death, Blunt Talk, Apples Never Fall and even Disney+’s Percy Jackson series as Percy’s stepdad. This is another role we don’t know anything about, but Sharp is a welcome addition.

Aristotle Athari 

The last actor to be cast in M3GAN 2.0 that we know of, per Deadline’s mid-July report, is Aristotle Athari. (Yes, another comedian!) The Iranian-American actor is best known for joining the Saturday Night Live cast from 2021 to 2022 as a “featured player”. He went viral on multiple occasions for playing a character named Angelo with Rami Malek, Billie Eilish and Daniel Craig. We can’t wait to see what he brings to M3GAN 2.0!

M3GAN 2.0 is poised to be a great time with all this talent at the center. The movie has received a release date in the middle of next summer too: June 27, 2025. It will serve as fun counter programming for the Brad Pitt F1 movie set to come out in theaters on the same day.

The M3GAN sequel is also set to come out in the middle of a big year for the return of horror franchises as well. I Know What You Did Last Summer is coming out the same month (June 18), while The Black Phone 2 will come out on October 17 and the second Five Nights At Freddy’s movie has a release date for December 5. We’ll continue to update you about M3GAN 2.0 here on CinemaBlend!

In Hollywood, there are plenty of celebrities we all know and love, but sometimes, we might not realize that there are other actors they are related to, such as famous parents who have been around for decades. From new up-and-coming stars to people who have been in the business for some time, here are some celebrities with famous parents that you should know about. 

Gwyneth Paltrow

First up on this list has to be Gwyneth Paltrow. While the actress has built a career for herself over the last few decades with roles in movies like Shakespeare in Love, Seven, and of course, her role as Pepper Potts in the Iron Man movies, Paltrow comes from fame and is the daughter of Bruce Paltrow and Blythe Danner, both of which worked in the industry. 

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke may be an up-and-coming star, with her breakout role as part of the Stranger Things cast and only continuing to grow as an actor as time passes, but her parents have been around for some time. Hawke is the daughter of the actor Ethan Hawke and the actress Uma Thurman, who were married for a time back in the early 2000s. 

Anderson Cooper

While we all know Anderson Cooper now for his presence on the cable news network CNN, Cooper came from a large family that we all know well. His mother was Gloria Vanderbilt, who was a part of the famous Vanderbilt family. 

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston has become a significant actress in the last couple of decades, specifically for her time as Rachel Greene in the Friends cast and many other great movie and TV roles. But Aniston also comes from Hollywood royalty, as her father was John Aniston, who was on the classic soap opera Days Of Our Lives for 37 years. 

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie's best movies have only evolved over the years, from her time as the classic Disney villain, Maleficent, to her critically acclaimed roles. Jolie's father is Jon Voight, an Academy Award-winning actor; and her mother is Marcheline Bertrand, a Hollywood actress.

Chris Pine

Chris Pine is another example of someone you would never expect is the child of another celebrity, but his father was Robert Pine, and his mother was Gwynne Gilford. Robert Pine is best known for starring in the TV series CHiPS, while his mother appeared in many TV shows during the '70s and '80s. 

Colin Hanks

Colin Hanks has appeared in various films and TV shows over the last few years, including Fargo, Band of Brothers, Dexter, and more, and he hails from famous actor Tom Hanks. In 2022, Colin Hanks was a part of The Offer cast on Paramount Plus. 

Margaret Qualley

Margaret Qualley is another actress who has been up and coming for some time now, appearing in films like Death Note, Once Upon a Time In Hollywood, and more, as well as in TV shows like The Leftovers and Maid on Netflix. Qualley's famous parent is Andie MacDowell, a former fashion model and actress who has appeared in films like St. Elmo's Fire, Groundhog Day and Four Weddings and a Funeral. 

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz's best movies include The Batman, the Divergent franchise, and more, but she hails from a family of famous faces. Her father is the renowned guitarist/actor Lenny Kravitz, and her mother is a Hollywood it girl, Lisa Bonet. Zoe Kravitz is also the granddaughter of Roxie Roker, from the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. 

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson has appeared in plenty of movies, including the Fifty Shades of Grey series, and she is the daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith. Johnson was known for his role on the TV show Miami Vice, and Griffith appeared in films like Working Girl, Something Wild, and more. 

Mamie Gummer

With a mother like Meryl Streep, it's no surprise that Mamie Gummer went into acting. Streep, known for many famous roles, was married to Don Gummer for several decades and had a few children with him, including Mamie Gummer. The actress has starred in the CW series Emily Owens, M.D., and appeared in films like Side Effects, Cake, and more. 

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones is the daughter of the famous musician Quincy Jones. Considered a legend in the music industry, Jones was a significant influence and worked with several prominent musicians, such as Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. Rashida Jones  is known for numerous acting roles, including her part in the Parks and Recreation cast as Ann Perkins. 

Riley Keough

Riley Keough is an actress who has appeared in movies like The Runaways, Magic Mike, Mad Max: Fury Road, and more. She is the daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, who was the daughter of Elvis Presley. 

Liv Tyler

Liv Tyler is a well-known actress for her roles in movies like Heavy, Armageddon, Ad Astra, Wilding, and more, as well as the Lord of the Rings movies. But you might not know that Tyler is the biological daughter of Steven Tyler, the frontman of the famous band Aerosmith. 

Lily-Rose Depp

The actress is the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis. Lily-Rose Depp made a name for herself in 2023 with her starring role in The Idol cast on HBO. Depp has also appeared in other movies and roles, such as Tusk and A Faithful Man. 

Tracee Ellis Ross

While many know Tracee Ellis Ross as one of the main stars of the hit family show black-ish, Ross is the daughter of another famous face in Hollywood – Diana Ross, a legendary singer from the 1970s and beyond. Ross can sing like her mother, too, and recorded an album for the film The High Note in 2020.

Bryce Dallas Howard

Bryce Dallas Howard is known for many incredible movies and TV shows. She'll even be in the 2024 release of Argylle on Apple TV+ and is a well-known actress. However, her father, Ron Howard, began in Hollywood first and is a renowned director. Some of his biggest movies that he's directed include Willow, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and Frost/Nixon.

Jessica Capshaw

Jessica Capshaw is primarily known for her role in the TV shows The Practice and Grey's Anatomy, which has gone on for many years. However, Capshaw is also the daughter of actress Kate Capshaw, whom you might know from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, among other films. Jessica Capshaw is also the step-daughter of a famous Hollywood director you may have heard of – Steven Spielberg.

Jasmine Cephas Jones

Jasmine Cephas Jones earned much acclaim for her roles in the Hamilton cast and went on to star in the Starz series Blindspotting, but her father, Ron Cephas Jones, had been in Hollywood for far longer. While he has numerous movie and TV credits to his name, you may known him in recent years from his part among the This Is Us cast before he sadly passed away in August 2023. 

Lily Collins

Lily Collins is known for her starring role in the Emily in Paris cast and several other movies like The Blind Side and Mirror Mirror. Her father, Phil Collins, is a well-known musician and was the lead singer and drummer of the band Genesis. 

Jack Quaid

I knew who Jack Quad was before I knew who Dennis Quaid was, thanks to the young actor being in The Hunger Games franchise and then in one of the best Amazon TV shows, The Boys. His father, Dennis Quaid, has been in Hollywood for many years. Dennis Quaid's list of films include The Parent Trap, Breaking Away, Vantage Point, and more. Jack Quaid's mother is Meg Ryan, an actress known for her great romantic comedies and hilarious comedic timing. 

Harley Quinn Smith

Harley Quinn Smith is a young actress on this list who has appeared in movies such as Tusk and Yoga Hosers. Her father is Kevin Smith, a filmmaker who has made movies like Clerks, Mallrats, and more. He also directed both Tusk and Yoga Hosers. 

Laura Dern

Laura Dern is the daughter of Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd. Bruce Dern has appeared in movies like Nebraska, Coming Home, and more, and Diane Ladd also appeared in films like Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart, Rambling Rose, and more. Ladd is the recipient of three Academy Awards. 

Allison Williams

Allison Williams has appeared in the show Girls and horror movies like the Jordan Peele-directed film Get Out and M3GAN. She is the daughter of Brian Williams, a famous news correspondent for NBC Nightly News. 

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson is a well-known actress who has appeared in movies like Desert Blue, Almost Famous, Bride Wars, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, and more. Her mother is Goldie Hawn, and her biological father is Bill Hudson. Based on the post she shared honoring Kurt Russell -- her mother's long-time partner -- on Father's Day in 2022, it seems she has a very close family relationship with him. 

Liza Minnelli

When you think of Hollywood it girls, Liza Minnelli is bound to be one you think of, appearing in such movies as Cabaret, Stepping Out, The Act, and more. An EGOT winner, Minnelli is the daughter of director Vincente Minnelli and Judy Garland, known for her starring role in The Wizard of Oz. 

Domhnall Gleeson

Domhnall Gleeson is primarily known for his roles in the Harry Potter franchise, where he played Bill Weasley, and appeared in Star Wars films and movies like Anna Karenina, Frank, and more. He is the son of Brendan Gleeson, a famous actor who has appeared in movies like 28 Days Later, The Banshees of Inisherin, Gangs of New York, and more. 

Kaia Gerber

Kaia Gerber is a well-known young model who has appeared in Fashion Week for the last couple of years. She is the daughter of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, two famous models. Arguably, Crawford was one of the most popular models of the 1980s and '90s, and it's fitting that her daughter is turning out to be the same in the 2020s. 

Maude Apatow

While everyone knows Maude Apatow from the Euphoria cast, as her character in the show, Lexi, is a fan favorite, the actress grew up as the child of Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann. Judd Apatow's best movies that he has directed include Bridesmaids, Trainwreck, and The King of Staten Island, among others. Leslie Mann is a famous actress in films like This Is 40, Knocked Up, Big Daddy, and more. 

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis first appeared in the BC drama Quincy, M.E., and continued to gain popularity over time with her roles in the Halloween franchise and many other films. She is the daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, two well-known classic movie actors. Curtis lets their legacy live on now, and even won an Academy Award for her acting in 2023 for Everything Everywhere All At Once. 

Hailey Baldwin

Hailey Baldwin is a model who is the daughter of Stephen Baldwin, an actor who has appeared in movies like Bio-Dome, 8 Seconds, and more. She is also the niece of famous actor Alec Baldwin. Her legal last name now is Hailey Bieber, as she is married to well-known singer Justin Bieber, but many remember her as Hailey Baldwin from her earlier years in the industry. 

Cazzie David

Cazzie David is a scriptwriter and actor. She appeared in The Umbrella Academy on Netflix and has written TV show scripts for Hannah Montana, Eighty-Sixed, and more. She is the daughter of comedian and actor Larry David and Laurie David. 

Wyatt Russell

Wyatt Russell has appeared in shows like Black Mirror, Under the Banner of Heaven and more, and also was a part of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier cast. The actor is the son of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.

Other celebrities have famous parents out there, but these are just some you might not realize were related to someone famous. And now, I need to figure out who else might be related to someone I never knew about—time to dive into some Hollywood history. 

Today the road to the Academy Awards began with the announcement of this year’s Oscar nominees. Many of the nominations were expected, though there were a few Oscar nomination surprises and some even more surprising Oscar snubs. And one of the things that a lot of people are talking about is the presentation of the nominees itself, as people seem to love the work done by Allison Williams and Riz Ahmed. 

Ahmed and Williams were tasked with revealing the nominees for all of the Oscar categories. And based on the response on Twitter, it sounds like these two should be brought back to do this every year, if not host the awards themselves. Williams was specifically praised for what appeared to many as a concerted effort to pronounce everybody's name right.

While today wasn’t the Academy Awards itself, it’s still a really important day. While “it’s an honor to be nominated” is something of a cliché, it’s also very true. Being nominated for an Oscar is a big deal for people who make the cut, especially in categories that don’t always get a lot of fanfare. Hearing one's name pronounced correctly, especially for those people who probably tend to hear their name get mispronounced often, is probably a really big deal.

Perhaps part of the reason that Allison Williams and Riz Ahmed worked so well together is that they’ve done so before. One fan watching this morning’s announcement realized that, since Riz Ahmed appeared in a couple of episodes of the HBO series Girls, where Williams was a regular. So this was a special moment for fans. 

Whether it's the Oscars awards show itself or the announcement of the nominees, usually people tend to focus on what went wrong or what didn’t work with the host. It could be jokes that don’t land, scripted banter that comes off like scripted banter, or other decisions that make the presentations feel out of touch; this sort of thing rarely goes off without a hitch. But this time, it really seems like it did. Praise all around. 

Of course, the moments that are often the most memorable are those that were clearly and obviously unscripted. The funniest point of today’s announcements came while Riz Ahmed was reading the nominees for Best Animated Short, and he had to take an audible breath, leading to laughter from those in the room, after reading the name of one particular nominee. 

It’s actually unclear exactly what Riz Ahmed found so funny. He may have needed a beat after reading out My Year of Dicks, which, yes is very funny. However, he may have actually been reacting to the name of the final nominee, with the perhaps equally fantastic title, An Ostrich Told Me The World Is Fake And I Think I Believe It. We’ll find out if either of these fantastically titled short films wins the Oscar when the Academy Awards are broadcast on March 12. 

The twisted minds behind “M3GAN,” including James Wan (writer/producer), Jason Blum (producer), Gerard Johnstone (director), and star Allison Williams (Gemma), discuss their new horror movie in this interview with CinemaBlend's Eric Eisenberg. They dive into the creation of M3GAN’s look, the dangers of AI, and even some spoiler territory with the film’s ending.

Video Chapters

00:00 - Intro
00:24 - ‘M3GAN' Director and Allison Williams Discuss The Doll’s ‘Uncanny’ Appearance
01:50 - How The Film Struck The Balance Between Funny And Serious
03:55 - Why Is ‘M3GAN’ Rated PG-13, Not R?
04:48 - Allison Williams Discusses Her Research Into The World Of AI
06:48 - Animatronics, Puppets & More - How ‘M3GAN’ Was Brough To Life On Set
08:46 - [SPOILERS] Director Gerard Johnstone Discusses The Film’s Ending

January is usually a slow time at the box office, but luckily, we have M3GAN to keep us all entertained. The movie about a homicidal robotic doll, while not becoming an absolute blockbuster has been a decent money maker and M3GAN has received somewhat surprisingly positive reviews from critics as well as fans. More importantly perhaps, the internet loves her, but just what is M3GAN?

Part of the intrigue surrounding M3GAN as a character is that it’s less than clear just how the movie made her work. It’s not that M3GAN does anything particularly unique or surprising, but it’s able to blur the lines enough that we can’t always tell if we’re dealing with something real or CGI. As it turns out, M3GAN is a little bit of everything. 

M3GAN The Doll 

Appearing on Late Night with Seth Myers, M3GAN star Allison Williams talked about the process of creating M3GAN for the screen and exactly what it was that she was acting against when sharing scenes with the killer doll. There were multiple ways this was done depending on what the scene needed. Williams said that the scariest version of M3GAN was actually the one that moved the least. She explained…

M3GAN The Animatronic 

Of course, M3GAN still needs to move to be truly scary. One of the ways this was handled was through the use of an animated figure or animatronic. Animatronic technology has come a long way and according to Williams, this was a complicated process that didn’t always work out, but it was likely also the most impressive. Williams continued…  

M3GAN The Actress 

Finally, there were the times when M3GAN needed to move more or move faster than an animatronic would allow. This was when a real person, wearing a mask, would be called in. The moments that have gone viral from M3GAN, like the famous dancing scene, were pulled off this way. Although, Williams says this was also a bit scary… 

By all accounts these three methods of creating M3GAN have come together to make a memorable film. With success like this one has to wonder if we could see a M3GAN sequel. By then they may find even more ways to bring the character to life. 

As the 2023 TV schedule gets going, one conversation that is sticking around from last year is the discourse surrounding nepo babies, or famous people who have famous parents. From Tom Hanks defending casting his son, to Jamie Lee Curtis calling the discourse hurtful, there have been many instances lately of incredibly famous people weighing in on nepo babies, including The View panelists. Each woman weighed in on how actors and artists should be treated in the industry, and if the title and connotation that comes with being a “nepo baby” is fair. This included opinions from Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin, who opened up about her son going to Harvard.  

Goldberg started the discussion among The View panelists, citing the New York Magazine article about nepo babies, and speaking about how every industry has them. She also said that no one can teach someone to act, explaining: “you either have it or you don’t.” Then, Joy Behar talked about how it can be hard for kids of famous artists to live up to their parents' legacies. She mentioned Jane Fonda was able to do it, with the rest of the panel chiming in that she earned everything she got. 

Sunny Hostin, whose son goes to Harvard, started discussing this question referencing how there many other industries that have nepo babies, citing politics specifically. She then talked about her own experience when her son went to college, saying:

Goldberg then chimed in again, talking about how people shouldn’t assume that those who have parents in the same industry as them don’t work hard for what they have. She said:

Alyssa Farah Griffin then weighed in, saying it is important for celebrities dubbed nepo babies to acknowledge where they came from, noting Allison Williams’ comments on the discourse. Williams, who is the daughter of a famous journalist, has talked about how she felt the need to make sure people know she is a “hard worker,” she also acknowledged that there is no level playing field, saying “it’s just unfair.” 

Griffen also talked about the financial privilege these people have, and the importance of making sure people are aware that they started with a leg up. This is a topic Williams has also talked about, she recently explained that she knows she’s coming from a privileged place, and acknowledges that it helped her, but has also made it clear she works really hard too. 

The segment then closed with Whoopi saying:

Overall, the women of The View had a nuanced and interesting discussion about nepotism, and it comes at a time when lots of actors who many would call nepo babies are weighing in. For example, Kate Hudson has talked about it, saying there are many other industries where there are more nepo babies than in Hollywood. Lily Collins has also defended her success, saying she was willing to “wait to break through” in the acting world. 

This discussion around nepo babies has not slowed down, and likely won’t based on how many people have chimed in about it. It will be interesting to see if more actors with famous parents weigh in on the situation, and if the panelists of The View continue to discuss how nepo babies should be treated, and how their own kids are treated. 

The horror genre has been experiencing a renaissance for a number of years now, to the joy of moviegoers. These movies also stand out for their huge financial potential, often running on a smaller budget. That includes the best horror movies returning with new sequels, as well as totally original properties. Gerard Johnstone's M3gan is in the latter category, and is one of the first movies of the year. And it's been a critical darling as well as a box office hit. The horror flick first turned heads thanks to the viral trailer, which included the titular robot dancing. And after finally seeing her in action, there are 5 super meme-able moments (besides that iconic dance). 

Getting the general public invested in a movie can be a tricky job, and largely is up to the marketing of each new project. M3gan's has been killer (no pun intended), footage being made into memes, and the movie's official Twitter having A+ content. And aside from the viral dance scene, there are a few moments that I think will end up making the rounds online as a meme or reaction GIF. They go as follows:

The test dummy's stank face. 

One of the first big laughs in M3gan's 102-minute runtime comes as Allison Williams' Gemma is testing a prototype of the titular robot. During the presentation for her boss David (Ronny Chieng), things do not go as planned, and she's asked to abandon the project altogether.

That test of M3gan's prototype goes wrong for a few reasons, with one of the glitches ultimately being her facial expression. The robot ends up doing a hilarious stank face that seems like it's basically begging to be used in memes and as reactions on social media. Give us the footage, Universal!

M3gan embodies Regina George

Pretty early into M3gan, she bonds with Gemma's niece Cady (Violet McGraw) who loses both of her parents in the movie's opening sequence. On top of helping Gemma's career, she imprints the doll to Cady to help be her companion during this time of isolation and change. And their interactions make for some of the most hilarious and creepy moments that have audiences cackling.

One such interaction happens pretty early in, with M3gan saying to Cady "Oh I love that jacket, where did you get it?" On top of being a bizarre interaction between those two characters, it also felt like a deliberate reference to one of Rachel McAdams' lines from Mean Girls. M3gan goes full Regina George in this scene, in yet another thoroughly meme-able moments from the new horror comedy. Add in that Lindsay Lohan's character is also named Cady, and it's all even more rife for circulation online. 

M3gan is a coaster champion for all of us. 

In the first half of M3gan, Allison Williams' Gemma is guilty of letting her invention do the heavy lifting of parenting her young niece. This ends up being one of the moral dilemmas of the movie, and eventually the their connection gets dangerous. But it all starts off with small things, like the usage of coasters.

For many of us out there (myself included) coasters are non-negotiable in order to protect furniture. One of M3gan's first lessons to Cady is making sure she uses them, creepily explaining the science behind condensation in the process. It's a great running gag in the movie's first act, and I can just imagine GIFs of the title character sliding a coaster under a glass going viral. Because in that moment she was all of our champion. 

Singing "Titanium."

While the M3gan dance is perhaps the movie's most viral moment, there's some close competition that's been getting chatter online. Namely the scene where M3gan sings David Guetta's song "Titanium" to Cady as a lullaby, with the lyrics feeling hilariously appropriate. And given just how many tweets have circulated online about that scene, the memes are already coming. 

The new cover of "Titanium" from M3gan's soundtrack is currently available to stream, further helping the new horror movie become a viral sensation. Smart money says a clip from that scene will arrive on social media soon, possibly inspiring moviegoers to return to theaters for a re-watch. Cha ching. 

M3gan's one-liners in Act 3

Of course, things get action-packed in M3gan's third act. While it's violence and gore is tampered down thanks to its PG-13 rating, it's still a fun finale that mixes elements of horror and comedy. The latter occurs mostly thanks to one-liners that M3gan yells at both Gemma and Cady throughout this battle.

Once M3gan decides to make herself her own primary focus, she tried to take out both Gemma and Cady. During this time a number of meme-able moments occur, as she curses and calls the young girl am "ungrateful little bitch." And once that footage is widely available online, smart money says GIFs of these lines are going to be used regularly. 

Of course, the viral dance that first appeared in M3gan and made the movie go viral is included in the theatrical cut, and is a delightfully twisted moment of its runtime. Unfortunately for fans who wanted more footage, it's not all that much longer than what we see in the trailer, but that doesn't make is any less fun. Because shortly after busting a move after breaking bad, she takes a paper cutter and chases down Gemma' boss. 

While M3gan's violence isn't super thrilling thanks to its more tame rating, it almost doesn't need it. Namely because the movie's quick runtime is buoyed by a steady stream of jokes. And therefore, it really does seem like the perfect fodder for the internet to take and roll with. We've seen how Octavia Spencer's Ma continues to be a meme sensation years after its release, and it certainly seems like M3gan has the potential to follow suit. The movie equal parts horror and bonkers comedy, which has the potential to make it a real fan-favorite moving forward. We'll just have to wait and see if we're treated to a sequel. 

M3gan is in theaters now, and having a strong showing at the box office. Be sure to check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

The term "nepo baby" seems to be on the tip of everyone's tongue these days. In case you missed the conversation, a "nepo baby" describes a famous person who is assumed to be where they are in their profession due to influential relatives who paved the way. For as long as there have been people in positions of power, nepotism has been present in some form or fashion, so why would Hollywood be any different? In a recent interview, one Hollywood "nepo baby," Allison Williams (who has weighed in on nepotism before), gets very candid while clarifying her stance on the subject, and her comments are worth reading.

Allison Williams spoke with Vulture about her upcoming horror movie M3GAN. Before the interviewer even had the chance to bring the subject up, the 34-year-old Get Out actress used the term nepo baby herself. While some of her peers (such as Johnny Depp's daughter Lily-Rose) shy away from the conversation or have said they don't see themselves as privileged, Williams is not afraid to acknowledge the advantages she's enjoyed in life due to who her parents are. Amid her comments, the actress says people are just seeking some "acknowledgment" that the playing field isn't level:

The Perfection star is the daughter of two well-known and affluent individuals, Brian Williams, a news anchor, and Jane Gillan Stoddard, a journalist and news producer. Allison admits having wealthy parents afforded her a sense of relative comfort that made it easier for her to accept parts she wanted and pass on ones she didn't. Being the daughter of the former NBC anchor allowed her the opportunity for dreamlike summer jobs such as being a PA on the set of A Prairie Home Companion and the assistant to Tina Fey's assistant. 

Allison Williams isn't the only child of prominent individuals to face the "nepo baby" debate. However, most don't seem to agree with Williams' take on the subject. Kate Hudson (daughter of Bill Hudson and Goldie Hawn) says she doesn't care all that much about the issue and sees nepotism in business far more than in Hollywood. Self-proclaimed OG "nepo baby" Jamie Lee Curtis believes the whole conversation is designed to be hurtful, revealing that not a day goes by when she isn't reminded that she is related to movie stars. 

America's favorite uncle and father to a few children who have turned to acting, Tom Hanks, weighed in on the discussion as well. In Hanks' recent 2023 movie release, A Man Called Otto, his youngest son Truman Hanks plays a younger version of his grumpy character. When pressed about the possible nepotism in casting his progeny, Hanks defended the choice, saying that Hollywood is a family business and that if his relatives ran a floral shop, "the whole family would be putting in time at some point, even if it was just inventory at the end of the year."

Whether you agree with Tom Hanks or Allison Williams regarding the "nepo baby" discourse, it's nice to see an A-lister like the latter being very candid with her answer and acknowledging how her lot in life has opened doors that would not be afforded to the average person. Still, one can't deny the actress's hard work and talent. With only five movies to her credit since she hit the scene a decade ago, she's become an actress to keep your eye on. Fans can catch Williams in her latest film, M3GAN, which is slashing its way through theaters now, and/or check out The Perfection, which is now streamable with a Netflix subscription.  

Ah, horror movies. One of my favorite genres. Whether that be watching some of the most iconic horror movies, or some of the best A24 horror movies, I’m in love with jump scares, scary music, and creepy talking dolls – and now, another Blumhouse horror movie has been added to that last category in the form of M3GAN. 

The movie had a trailer that blew up on the internet when it first appeared online, and it's officially out in theaters. While its cast is small, the actors have done plenty in the worlds of both movies and television. From some appearances in Phase 4 Marvel flicks to popular shows on HBO, here is where you might have seen the M3GAN cast before. 

Allison Williams (Gemma)

First off on this list, we have Allison Williams, who plays Gemma in M3GAN. Hers is a name that I’m sure you’ve heard a good amount of over the last several years, as she’s appeared in many big name movies and TV shows. One of her most famous appearances was as one of the stars of Get Out, a Jordan Peele movie that ended up winning a ton of awards and praise for her acting. 

However, Williams has also been in other films as well, including The Perfection and Horizon Line. She has also had a career in television. Her most-known role was her starring part on the popular HBO series, Girls, and she also had a recurring role in the Neil Patrick Harris-led television show, A Series of Unfortunate Events. 

Besides that, she also appeared in shows such as Jake and Amir, The Mindy Project and more, and is set to appear in another new television show called Fellow Travelers. She was also the star of the televised production of Peter Pan Live!

Violet McGraw (Cady)

Moving on, we now take a look at Violet McGraw, who portrays Cady in M3GAN, the young girl who plays with the AI doll. McGraw isn’t new to horror, as she not only has a sister who also starred in a horror movie this year – Madeleine McGraw in the fantastic The Black Phone – she herself starred as Young Nell in The Haunting of Hill House, which was created by Mike Flanagan. 

Besides that, McGraw has appeared in several movies in her young acting career, including the Stephen King adaptation, Doctor Sleep, Our Friend, Separation, I Believe in Santa Claus, and even portrayed Young Yelena in Black Widow. In television, she also appeared in the series Jett. 

Ronny Chieng (David)

Next up on the M3GAN cast list is Ronny Chieng, who portrays David in the film. Chieng is an actor and comedian, who has appeared as a correspondent on The Daily Show, but he’s also done plenty of roles you might recognize him from. 

In terms of movies, he’s appeared in plenty that you might know of, including the incredible romantic comedy, Crazy Rich Asians, Bliss, Long Story Short, Wish Dragon, Godzilla vs. Kong and had a role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With television, he had roles in shows such as Legally Brown, Scissor Steven, and even had a guest role on Young Rock, a show about famous wrestler-turned-actor, Dwayne Johnson.

Brian Jordan Alvarez (Cole)

Cole in M3GAN is played by Brian Jordan Alvarez, who has appeared in mainly many independent movies, including Going Together, Simply Having, Wave, Consent, and so many more. But what Alvarez is mainly known for are his television roles, where he’s appeared in several big shows that fans will recognize. 

Alvarez had a role in the popular CW drama, Jane the Virgin during Season 2 of the series, and was in the new seasons of the revived Will & Grace. 

Jen Van Epps (Tess)

Next up on this M3GAN cast list is Tess, who is played by Jen Van Epps. The actress has done a variety of different roles in both movie and television. Mainly, Epps has been in several television movies, but she also had a part in the comedy, The Royal Treatment. Besides that, she’s appeared in several different kinds of television shows. 

One of my favorites that she did was appearing in the Netflix adaptation of Cowboy Bebop, which was unfortunately cancelled after one season (even though I not-so-secretly really liked it as an anime fan), where the talented actress had a guest role in the show before it ended. Other than that, she’s also appeared in several other big shows, such as the popular fantasy series, Grimm, and in others like Mr. Corman and One Lane Bridge. 

I have a feeling that after her role in M3GAN, we might get to see this actress a little more in movies – and if it’s in a horror film, sign me up. 

Lori Dungey (Celia)

Playing Celia in M3GAN is Lori Dungey, who has been in the business for a while. While Dungey has appeared in several movie shorts, some of her biggest roles were a part in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, as well as the television film, Superfire. 

Dungey has also done plenty of television, and has appeared in multiple different ways in the popular kids franchise, Power Rangers, where she has taken on both live-action as well as voice roles, so fans might recognize her from that. Other than that, she appeared in shows such as Young Hercules, and also had a guest role in Cowboy Bebop. 

Stephane Garneau-Monten (Kurt)

Last but not least is Kurt, who is played by Stephan Garneau-Monten in M3GAN. The actor has appeared in movies such as The Vintner's Luck and Kin, but M3GAN will be one of his first roles in a feature film since 2020, besides film shorts. The actor has also appeared in a variety of different shows, including the fantasy series, Sweet Tooth, Straight Forward, Murdoch Mysteries, Conviction, Reign and more. 

With such a talented cast, it’s no wonder that M3GAN is looking to be a success for Blumhouse, and hopefully after this horror movie has its run in theaters, fans might be able to find something else that these actors have done – or look forward to seeing them in more spooky, fun stuff in the future. 

It certainly surprised a lot of people when the first directorial effort from Jordan Peele, a man known almost exclusively for comedy, produced one of the best thrillers of the last several years. The movie wasn’t only a box office success, it was an awards season darling, garnering multiple Oscar nominations and even one win. It was something nobody saw coming, except apparently Get Out co-star Allison Williams.

Speaking with EW, Allison Williams reveals that only after reading the script, she told her publicist that she thought Get Out would become an Oscar-nominated film. Even she realizes that was a pretty bold thing to say, calling herself delusional, before the movie had even begun filming, but it’s perhaps fitting, considering the one Oscar that Get Out did win was for screenwriting. Williams explained… 

It sounds like even Allison Williams was a bit surprised that her own prediction came true, and to be fair, while Get Out wasn’t one of those movies that gets nominated for a dozen different awards, it was nominated for four of the biggest, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture. It lost two of those to another genre film, Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water. In another year Get Out might have been a big winner.

In addition to Jordan Peele being a first time director, the other “strike” against Get Out was that it fit into the thriller/horror genre, which doesn’t often get the recognition it deserves when it comes to awards season. But in the end the movie really was that good and there was just no way it could be overlooked.

Allison Williams has built a solid career for herself within the horror genre. After her turn in Get Out she has appeared in James Wan’s Malignant and she also appears in this weekend’s M3GAN. While there has clearly been something in each of these scripts that appealed to her, she saw something extra special in Get Out. 

There are people whose entire job is to find scripts that are going to be successful, either as box office hits, award winners, or more preferably, both. Perhaps Allison Williams should hire herself out as a script reader. I know a few movie studios that would love to have somebody with her talent on board. 

Allison Williams starred in a few well-received YouTube shorts before being cast by Judd Apatow in the critically praised HBO series Girls. From this television series, created by and starring Lena Dunham, the young actress began to make a name for herself, and her career soon evolved, as she took on roles, like her villainous character in Jordan Peeles’ Get Out. Though she may be enjoying the limelight, Williams isn’t the first in her family to be a big name on TV. The M3GAN star is the daughter of two well-known individuals, Brian Williams, a news anchor, and Jane Gillan Stoddard, a journalist and news producer. Recently gallons of ink have been spilled about nepo babies -- New York Magazine even dubbed 2022 “the year of the nepo baby" -- and The Perfection actress opened up about how she personally feels about the nepotism debate and having famous parents.

If you’ve somehow managed to miss the conversation, a nepo baby describes a famous person who is assumed to be where they are in their profession due to relatives who paved the path for them–á la, nepotism. While speaking with Wired about her take on the nepo baby debate as the daughter of parents who are public figures, Allison Williams had a candid response in regard to if she belonged in that category. The star said people’s perception of her shaped her work ethic but didn’t “absolve” her from a privileged position. Williams explained:

The actress admits that this need to look like a complete product, even though she was new to the business, was how she first approached stardom. However, over time, she realized growth is a natural part of the human condition, and she felt less pressure after letting the need to seem perfect go. She continued: 

Allison Williams has no problem acknowledging her privilege in life. She admits having wealthy parents afforded her a sense of relative comfort that made it easier for her to accept parts she wanted and pass on ones she didn’t. She also has complete trust in her skills as an actress. Which she says is why it isn’t hard to acknowledge a degree of nepotism. Williams continued: 

In Hollywood, connections matter and have their perks. In the entertainment industry, as challenging and competitive as it is, having a relative make their mark first can work to your advantage. However, labels like “nepo baby” can reduce a person’s accomplishments and talent. I find it hard to connect the excellent performances Allison Williams has served to audiences as the product of having well-to-do and known parents. 

Williams isn’t the only one being questioned or confronted with the “nepo baby” debate. Johnny Depp’s daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, landed in hot water with Italian model Vittoria Ceretti over nepotism comments. Others have been weighing in on the topic as well, like Kate Hudson (daughter of Bill Hudson and Goldie Hawn) and self-proclaimed OG “nepo baby” Jamie Lee Curtis. Curtis believes the whole conversation is designed to be hurtful, and she revealed that not a day goes by when she isn’t reminded that she is related to movie stars. 

Whatever side you land on regarding the “nepo baby” discourse, it’s hard to deny Allison Williams’ acting talent. With only four movies under her belt and a fifth on the way (the upcoming horror movie M3GAN) in the ten years since she hit the scene, she’s been able to make a name for herself and become one of the actresses people should keep an eye on. 

Fans can catch Allison Williams when her 2023 movie release, M3GAN, when slashes its way into theaters on January 6. 

When the wild trailer for Blumhouse’s new production M3GAN came out, it was a given that the dancing from this killer robot would seek the most attention. After all, how often do you see a life-size robot share sweet dance moves before making her kill? Not even Annabelle or Chucky was able to pull that off! Well, M3GAN’s actress and executive producer Allison Williams has seen your viral dance memes of the movie and she’s got a few things to say about them.

The sci-fi horror film M3GAN is about a brilliant roboticist who makes a life-size robot for her young niece who stays with her after the death of her parents. The problem is that this robot takes her job of protecting this young girl from physical and emotional harm a little too seriously. M3GAN’s Allison Williams spoke to Insider about how “thrilled” she was of the meme attention the movie has gotten not just as an actress in the film, but as an executive producer as well.

Well, we definitely know who M3GAN is: a killer robot with insane style before her first kill. The movie already taps into our fears about an out-of-control robot who looks sweet and innocent but is actually an inner assassin. Now, we have to watch her dance first with her deadpan expression before causing bloodshed. But based on one viral meme, what can lessen our fear is that maybe M3GAN learned her killer moves through Kristen Wiig?

No matter where M3GAN learned her moves, it still has us freaked out. What can creep you out even more is during the premiere of M3GAN, a DiscussingFilm video tweet showed there were eight M3GANs dancing to Taylor Swift’s “It’s Nice to Have a Friend.” I guarantee you that you can't unsee that.

I dare you to memorize that choreography. Actually, it seems that a lot of people have. There are TikTok users like @Kaicameronisacelebrity who dress up as the robot, swaying and showing off the robot’s ballerina-like footwork.

First viewers who had the chance to see M3GAN had some positive things to say about the Blumhouse horror film. CinemaBlend’s Eric Eisenberg felt it was “effectively creepy” with a lot of fun put into it but maybe should have been given an R-rating. Many other responses felt like the movie was highly entertaining with its creepy moments and laugh-out-loud parts coming into play. Even one Twitter user praised Allison Williams calling her “a timely white lady Frankenstein.” Since she gave excellent performances in horror films like Get Out and The Perfection, Williams fits into this genre very well. 

Allison Williams is absolutely thrilled that her new movie is considered meme-worthy. With all of the massive attention this movie is getting before its theatrical release, we might have a sequel on our hands. You’ll be able to see M3GAN’s moves in the upcoming horror film on January 6th.

Blumhouse is a production company synonymous with many iconic horror film franchises. And one of the most talked about upcoming horror movies is the James Wan and Jason Blum-produced M3gan. Since the wild trailer depicting the diabolical dancing evil doll dropped online, it has received nonstop viral meme treatment. The film just had its world premiere, and Jason Blum (one of the film's producers) attended the recent world premiere showing his support by dressing as the film's titular killer AI.

Producer Jason Blum dressed in the robotic dolls' already iconic look to attend the movie premiere, which took place at the TCL Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Eagle-eyed fans will recall this isn't the first time the horror filmmaker has donned the look. Blum and his wife always dress somewhat elaborately for Halloween, and this year the producer saw the holiday as an opportunity to premiere his take on M3gan. He shared the process of getting into the look on his personal Twitter. 

I can’t lie, the mega-producer pulls the look off. The sunglasses are an extra nice touch.

M3gan is the story of a roboticist (played by Get Out's Allison Williams) at a toy company that uses artificial intelligence to develop a life-like doll named M3GAN. The robot doll is programmed to bond with William's character's niece and protect the young girl. However, Megan takes things a bit too seriously and becomes overprotective, resulting in bloodshed. 

The movie's second producer, James Wan, posed for an amazing picture with lead actresses Allison Williams and Violet McGraw (who plays Williams' niece, Cady) and several terrifying Megan look-alikes--which include Jason Blum, of course.

Though the premise of the movie sounds like a brutal and bloody concept, the producers have promised elements of a black comedy, which these hilarious photos of the cast at the premiere exemplify. We can only hope the movie is as fun as the premiere seemed to be.

The film has been rated PG-13. While some gore thirsty horror fans might scoff at the rating, the studio behind the movie has spoken at length in the past about how they determine whether a film will be rated R. Considering the movie primarily focuses on a pre-teen girl, it makes sense the filmmakers would make a movie that teens can go to a theater and enjoy. Based on Blumhouses record, an R-rating was almost certainly never in the cards for M3Gan.

The early reactions from folks attending the horror flicks premiere have been very positive. This tremendous response to the movie will only bolster the rumors of a fast-tracked sequel. Universal was rumored to be so pleased with how the horror film turned out and the online response that sequel talks were ongoing before an audience even saw the movie.

Whether M3gan will be the next big horror icon is yet to be seen. Until the movie hits cinemas and we can decide for ourselves, we will have to settle for watching the trailer again. 

We will have to wait until M3gan shimmies into cinemas on January 6, 2023, to see if the killer AI has what it takes for franchise longevity, providing Jason Blum plenty more excuses to dress up as the maniacal dancing doll. For all your movie-going plans, stay tuned to CinemaBlend and check out our list of upcoming movie releases. 

There’s something particularly creepy about the idea of dolls coming to life, and it’s no wonder that movies like Child’s Play and Annabelle have had longevity in the horror genre. Now writer Akela Cooper has incorporated her own fear of ventriloquist dummies in the script she co-wrote with James Wan for the upcoming Blumhouse horror flick M3GAN. The movie premiered in Los Angeles on December 7, and those who attended the screening have taken to social media with their first reactions. Based on the tweets, it seems like there may be a new contender in the debate over who’s the better killer doll. 

M3GAN isn’t exactly a doll, however, but a life-sized android, tasked with protecting the recently orphaned Cady (Violet McGraw) from physical and emotional harm. M3GAN is already getting the meme treatment, ahead of its January 6 release to theaters, thanks to its wild trailer that features the titular robot showing off some dance moves before going to extreme lengths in order to protect her human friend. CinemaBlend’s Eric Eisenberg was among the film’s early viewers, and he tweets that M3GAN is a blast: 

Amy West of Games Radar shouts out both Jenna Davis as the voice of M3GAN and Amie Donald, the actress behind the android, for their performances, saying as well as bringing the horror, the movie provides some hilarious moments and sassy one-liners: 

Erik Davis of Fandango says James Wan has done it again, elevating this subgenre of film. He says M3GAN is just as much social satire as straight horror: 

Drew Taylor of The Wrap praises director Gerard Johnstone for the way the movie walks the line between horror and comedy, also pointing out its satirical tone.  

Film critic Simon Thompson says this movie was made to be watched on the big screen with a raucous crowd. He echoes a lot of the same sentiments as others who viewed an early showing, regarding M3GAN’s humor and also notes there are some “tasty kills.” 

When it comes to the debate over killer doll movies, Shannon McGrew of Nightmarish Conjurings has made up her mind, and sorry Chucky. This critic goes so far as to say this life-sized robot is even a step further than Furbies. Say it ain't so! In her own words: 

Phil Noble Jr. of Fangoria says that in addition to the great work done by the younger actresses in M3GAN, Allison Williams is a little like Dr. Frankenstein, as she continues a successful streak in the horror genre as Cady’s aunt and new caretaker Gemma. She and the film’s other adults are not much help to the orphaned child, making that grief land a little harder, he says: 

It sounds like those who were able to see an early screening of the movie are really excited about it, with some even expressing interest in a M3GAN sequel. We’ll be able to learn more about what critics think when reviews come out January 4 ahead of its theatrical release on Friday, January 7. In the meantime, you can check out some of the other best Blumhouse horror movies, and see what else is headed to the big screen in the new year with our 2023 Movie Release Schedule. 

The horror genre has been in a thrilling renaissance over the past few years, as plenty of unique properties hit theaters to critical and box office success. One of the most notable of these success stories is Jordan Peele's directorial debut Get Out, which ultimately earned him an Oscar for Best Screenplay. The acclaimed thriller came to theater thanks to the work of horror studio Blumhouse, which is now once again collaborating with Get Out star Allison Williams on a new project.

When Get Out hit theaters in 2017, the actor's performances were universally celebrated. This is especially true for Girls actress Allison Williams, who channeled a terrifying level of crazy as Rose Armitage. Fans of the genre will no doubt be thrilled to see Williams starring and executive producing the new tech thriller M3GAN for Blumhouse Productions.

M3GAN will mark Allison Williams' third major horror film, and she'll be playing the role of roboticist protagonist Gemma. She works at a high-tech toy company, and creates a life-style doll that can be programmed to be a friend to both parents and kids alike. She eventually takes a prototype of M3GAN home with her, and chaos no doubt ensues shortly thereafter.

The description of M3GAN sounds like a modern day take on Child's Play. But rather than being possessed by a villain, it seems that the AI programming could end up being the robotic macguffin for horror. The movie is being produced by an iconic duo of Jason Blum and James Wan, both of which have helped bring countless modern horror classics to life.

But that's not all we know about M3GAN. The upcoming horror project was written by Akela Cooper, who is known for her work in projects like The Nun 2 and Luke Cage. The rest of the movie's starring cast remain to be seen, but names like Allison Williams and James Wan are sure to attract more A-list talent.

This will mark Allison Williams' third starring role in a horror movie, making her a bonafide scream queen in the process. Get Out marked the Girls actress' transition from television to movies, and her performance was utterly chilling. She followed this up with the Netflix original film The Perfection, which was an even darker and far more bloody affair. It should be interesting to see how her character plays out in Blumhouse's M3GAN, especially given how successful their previous collaboration was.

Blumhouse has been behind a ton of iconic horror movies over the years. Aside from Get Out, the studio also helped to bring projects like Paranormal Activity, Insidious, Happy Death Day, and 2018's Halloween to theaters. So Allison Williams and company are in good hands with M3GAN, and we'll just have to wait and se how the project ultimately comes together.

CinemaBlend will keep you updated on all things M3GAN and horror as more details become public. In the meantime, check out our 2020 release list to plan your next movie experience.

Every movie ever made is made better when you don’t know exactly what’s going to happen before you watch, but that’s being said, The Perfection is a special case. Simply put, it’s one of the most surprising horror features released in recent memory, and possesses some major twists during its runtime that audiences will definitely not see coming. As such, it’s a feature that deserves extra protection from widely spread spoilers as it makes its way to Netflix this week – and that’s not just me talking, but also the film’s director and stars.

This past week I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with writer/director Richard Shepard and actresses Allison Williams and Logan Browning, and one subject that I brought up during both conversations was the way in which they hope that audiences will wind up discussing the movie. There’s a bit of an extra challenge involved given that it will be available to watch instantly by Netflix subscribers everywhere on Friday, but as Browning put it, The Perfection isn’t a film that you should recommend to your friends by simply explaining it beat for beat:

For his part, Richard Shepard agreed that the movie is best experienced when audiences know as little about it as possible – but also added that even if you are aware of some plot details, there is still a lot going on in the film that people will be able to appreciate. The Perfection is purposefully built with different layers (he describes it as “unique and sexy and weird and dark, and also funny”), and is personally excited to hear about the conversation that surrounds it following its release. He explained,

While I most certainly won’t spoil the movie for you here, it’s safe to mention that The Perfection stars Allison Williams as a former cello prodigy named Charlotte Willmore, who finds her way back into the music world following the death of her mother – whose sickness was the reason she left in the first place. Reuniting with her former instructor (Steven Weber) during an event in China, she has the opportunity to meet Logan Browning’s Elizabeth Wells, who has experienced all the global acclaim and fame to which Charlotte once came so close. The two of them immediately bond, agreeing to go on a two week vacation together, but things start to go horribly wrong when a night out partying results in Lizzy starting to feel exceptionally sick.

Allison Williams, of course, has some notable experience with big twists thanks to her acclaimed part in Get Out, and she had her own interesting perspective to add to the conversation. She definitely agreed with Logan Browning that specific details from The Perfection shouldn’t just be dropped on friends or blasted on social media, but she also has a certain hands-off approach that recognizes that the movie doesn’t really belong to the filmmakers or stars once it’s released; it belongs to the audience. Said Williams,

You can watch my conversation with Logan Browning, Allison Williams, and Richard Shepard about protecting The Perfection spoilers by clicking play on the video below.

The Perfection co-stars Alaina Huffman, Mark Kandborg, and Graeme Duffy, and arrives on Netflix this Friday. To be totally safe, you should definitely watch the movie as early as possible – and we can promise you it’s a decision you won’t regret.

There are many reasons why Jordan Peele’s Get Out is a phenomenal film, but certainly high on the list is the performance given by Allison Williams. Throughout the movie she does such an amazing job representing herself as an ally to Daniel Kaluuya’s Chris, so when the big twist goes down it basically feels like taking a shovel to the face. It’s become one of the most beloved surprises in modern horror, which makes it all the more exciting that Williams is returning to the genre with the upcoming The Perfection.

Interestingly, though, the connection between the two features doesn’t end with that. Without giving too much away, Allison Williams stars as a character in The Perfection that’s purposefully hard to get a full read on, and as a member of the audience you spend the majority of the runtime not quite sure if you can fully trust her. As you might imagine, this is a feeling that is only enhanced by those who associate the actress with her part in Get Out – and it’s a connection that Williams definitely recognized in the making of the new movie.

With The Perfection set to hit Netflix this Friday, I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Allison Williams, co-star Logan Browning, and writer/director Richard Shepard last week at the film’s Los Angeles press day, and during the interviews I took the opportunity to bring up the movie’s unique relationship with Get Out. Discussing the influence of audience perception of her character, Williams agreed with my analysis, and noted that it was something that occurred to her shortly after reading the script for the first time:

In the new movie, Allison Williams stars as Charlotte Willmore, a former cello prodigy who, at a young age, had to drop out of one of the most esteemed music schools on the planet when her mother got sick. Following her mother’s death, she tries to reconnect the world she was forced to disconnect from, and in the process gets to know Elizabeth Wells (Logan Browning) –the star student who joined the aforementioned school when Charlotte left. The two quickly hit it off during a special event in China, eventually making plans to go on a two-week vacation together in the country, but things start to go very badly very quickly on the adventure.

Without getting into spoiler territory, as the story progresses in The Perfection you’re never quite sure how to feel about Charlotte’s relationship with Elizabeth – and this is where memories of Allison Williams' Rose Armitage from Get Out start to play a role. As Williams explained, she loved that her past role tweaks the way we look at her new performance, while at the same time fully appreciating that Charlotte is an absolutely wonderful character independently. Said the actress,

This was a sentiment shared by Richard Shepard, who noted that he wrote the role of Charlotte in The Perfection with Allison Williams specifically in mind – having previously worked with her directing episodes of the HBO comedy series Girls. And while Get Out may not have had any specific influence in the writing process, it is something that he acknowledges will have an effect on the way people watch his film. Said Shepard,

Continuing, the filmmaker further added that part of what makes Allison Williams such a talented performer is the way in which she is able to modulate her emotional reactions to effective degrees. She doesn’t show her full hand until exactly the right moment, and when that happens it can be powerful and affecting. Explained the director,

You can watch Allison Williams and Richard Shepard discuss the special influence of Get Out on The Perfection by clicking play on the video below!

Also starring Steven Weber, Alaina Huffman, Mark Kandborg, and Graeme Duffy, The Perfection is a horrific delight that first premiered at Fantastic Fest last year, and will be available soon to set your brain on fire. As mentioned earlier, the movie will be available on Netflix this Friday, May 24th – and we’ll have more from my interviews with the cast and filmmakers coming your way soon here on CinemaBlend!

When one becomes a frequent moviegoer, it becomes rarer and rarer to become totally bowled over by a massive surprise. It’s simple math: the more films you see, the more you adjust to certain storytelling devices; and the more you adjust and recognize those devices, the more often you can see certain plot developments coming. This kind of predictability isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the reason why we see repetitive narrative constructions is often because they’ve proven to be effective in the past. That said, it does have the tendency to somewhat break the cinematic spell because you can see what’s coming beat for beat.

There is a special silver lining here, however, and it’s the fact that the rare exceptions become that much more exciting. Just when you think you have a movie’s number and know exactly where it’s going, watching it zag when you predicted it was going to zig becomes that much more thrilling. You begin to think, “If this story was able to pull that off, I have absolutely no idea where it’s going to go next,” and that mystery is intoxicating.

In that respect, Richard Shepard’s The Perfection is a most excellent dab of black tar heroin. It’s a movie that operates to first generate a certain level of expectation and perceptions about certain characters and events, and then in a heartbeat, it demolishes those notions and becomes something completely different than what had been established. Mix in multiple sequences that make you want to crawl under your chair, and particular images that will stay glued behind your eyelids for days, and what culminates is a tremendous piece of modern horror filmmaking and an epically satisfying experience.

Obviously revealing too much here would do an extreme disservice to the film, but it is safe to reveal the initial setup. Written by Richard Shepard, Eric C. Charmelo and Nicole Snyder, The Perfection begins with former cello prodigy Charlotte Willmore (Allison Williams) experiencing the death of her mother. It’s emotional, but also been a long time coming, as many years ago Charlotte dropped out of a hyper-elite music program to care for her when she first became sick. With her time as caretaker over, she decides to rejoin the world she was once prepared to dominate by attending a special event in Shanghai, China organized by her former instructor, Anton (Steven Weber), and his wife, Paloma (Alaina Huffman).

Charlotte is asked to participate as a judge in a contest that will determine the next student to be accepted to Bachoff Academy, and this leads her to meet Elizabeth Wells (Logan Browning) – the prodigy that succeeded her when she was forced to drop out of the school. Wells has achieved international acclaim for her music, playing in some of the most prestigious concert halls around the globe, but she is also a lifelong admirer of her Bachoff predecessor. The two women immediately hit it off, their relationship rapidly going from friendship to something more, and Lizzie decides to invite Charlotte to go with her on a two week “rough and tumble” vacation through Western China.

As fun and exciting as things start out, though, their situation quickly devolves into nightmare. Some hard partying leaves Lizzie waking up one morning feeling less than great, and her symptoms progressively get worse as she and Charlotte travel on a bus to their next destination. The full gravity of their situation hits them hard… and where the story goes from there needs to be personally witnessed rather than detailed in a review.

Right now you may think that you have the whole thing figured out, but I promise you that you don’t. The narrative as it unfolds is as surprising as it is deliciously fucked up – boosted by an approach to tone that feels like the film is perpetually shooting the audience a wink and a wry smile. The Perfection revels in knowing exactly what it is, unafraid to hit the audience with the occasional bit of comedy that perfectly pairs with its outrageousness, and it even manages to uncover unexpected layers that also reveal it to be genuinely in tune with the zeitgeist.

In a similar way that it plays with tonal juxtapositions, Richard Shepard also develops a wonderful aesthetic that fully engages both the beauty and the horror within the story. There are moments that will turn stomachs and prove to be far too much for more squeamish members of the audience (seriously, consider this a warning), but The Perfection also perfectly exploits the immense elegance that comes hand in hand with the world of classical music. The title references the value placed on every single solitary note played in the genre, and the film further reflects this by also being wonderfully and intensely detailed in both its production design and edit.

Ornate as it can be, the movie also never gets too lost in its details, particularly because of the maintained emphasis on its characters – which is something enforced by the fantastic lead performances. Between this film and Get Out, Allison Williams is developing into a special kind of scream queen, and delivers a turn here that is perfectly nuanced and subtly emotional. Logan Browning, meanwhile, has the opportunity to play a contrasting energy that is aggressive, seductive, and captivating throughout her complicated arc. Between this and her phenomenal work on the series Dear White People, she is emerging as a true talent who demands attention.

Being released on Netflix, The Perfection is going to be immediately accessible to millions of subscribers – and it’s partially with that in mind that audiences should seek it out and watch it as quickly as possible. This is a film that is best experienced knowing nothing beyond what has been mentioned here, and the longer you wait means the higher potential of being exposed to spoilers. Turn off every light in your home, sit comfortably close to the screen and thank me later.

In Get Out, Allison Williams proved to be quite the horror villain as Rose Armitage, a seemingly normal and harmless person who was really a cold and menacing sociopath. I mean, did you see how she ate her cereal? What a monster! The actress seemed to relish the role, and now she is returning to the horror genre for Netflix’s upcoming The Perfection. The first trailer for The Perfection has arrived, and yes, Allison Williams looks creepy in it. Take a look:

It really is a tough beat to be an artistic prodigy in movies these days, because inevitably your competition and friends are all plotting to kill you. The way the trailer for The Perfection starts off, you can tell that something is not quite right. Allison Williams’ Charlotte seems to not be taking the plight of Logan Browning’s Lizzie very seriously, as if she suspects it is all in her head.

We are then given glimpses of Charlotte and Lizzie and see that they are fellow musicians, friends and perhaps lovers. However, Lizzie has attained a real level of fame that Charlotte is perhaps jealous of, and Allison Williams looks positively devious in the role. Charlotte’s feigned concern and confusion is revealed for what it is when she pulls out a butcher knife, basically proposing that Lizzie cut off her bug-infested arm.

It’s a hilarious and creepy moment in a trailer full of unsettling imagery. The Perfection trailer has plenty of body horror elements with the vomit, the bugs under the arm and the head shaving. There are also a bunch of strange images of food, from a raw chicken to tomatoes to some kind of Asian dish. The food all takes on a nauseating quality in the context of the trailer though and something tells me this one is best watched on an empty stomach.

What’s interesting about The Perfection is that it’s not entirely clear if the horror elements in the film are all “realistic” or if they will go into the realm of the supernatural. There is a surreal quality to the trailer and there might be some sort of psychological element at play, because we do see indications that someone may be undergoing electroshock therapy. And although Allison Williams’ character appears to be nefarious, it also seems like she isn't in complete control of what's going on.

I really dug the dark humor in this trailer and it’s great to see Allison Williams in another horror film after her disturbing performance in Get Out. I really have no idea what is going on in this movie, but I look forward to laughing hysterically, barf bag in hand. You can check out the poster for The Perfection below.

The plot of The Perfection finds Allison Williams’ troubled musical prodigy seeking out the star student of her former school, and the journey they go on together has dark and shocking (also gross) consequences. From Don Hemingway director Richard Shepard, The Perfection debuted at Fantastic Fest last year to largely positive reviews that indicate it is a total blast and a movie that is full of surprises.

The Perfection arrives on Netflix on May 24. For all of the theatrical releases headed your way this year, check out our 2019 Release Schedule.

It's a great time to be a horror fan. The genre is in a bit of a renaissance at the moment, as films distributed by Blumhouse productions continue to thrill and innovate. One of the biggest surprise hits from recent memory is Jordan Peele's Get Out, which used social commentary about racism alongside a horrifying concept of mind control and possession. The acclaimed film starred Daniel Kaluuya and Girls alum Allison Williams, with the latter playing a cold and calculated villain during the back half of the film. And now it looks like Williams got the role of Rose due to her performance in NBC's Peter Pan Live! She recently explained how playing the boy that never grew up helped her land the role, saying:

It turns out that Allison Williams flying and singing as the title character in Peter Pan helped book her a part that is basically the polar opposite. Rather than a fairy tale favorite, she plays a predator who hunts outstanding black men so that she and her family could take control of their body. That stuff definitely doesn't fly in Neverland.

Allison Williams' comments from The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon highlights how Get Out pulls one over on the audience, as well as Daniel Kaluuya's character Chris. Rose is introduced as a sweet and loving boyfriend of Chris, who doesn't think that their interracial relationship is something that needs an explanation to her parents. And when the couple are pulled over on the way to her family's home, she seemingly stands up against the officer's inherent racism in asking for Chris' license.

Of course, it turns out that all of Rose's actions during the film's first half are part of an insidious plan. After she refuses to give Chris the keys in the third act, her choices become clear. She was actually luring Chris to her parents' in order to put an old white man into his body, and didn't let the officer take his license so there wouldn't be a paper trail. Rose ended up being the big villain of the film, and we've never seen a bowl of fruit loops the same since.

It's funny that Allison Williams' work with Christopher Walken in Peter Pan Live! was more significant to Jordan Peele than her impressive tenure on Girls. Then again, Marnie was never quite that likable in Girls, so perhaps Peele needed to see her flying and singing to observe a different side of the actress.

Get Out is currently available for home purchase, and will be competing in the Golden Globes in the comedy categories. Check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trips to the movies in the New Year.

Get Out is an amazingly layered film that is elegantly structured to be tremendously rewarding when rewatched. As entertaining as it is the first time around, it's even more amazing to catch it again and see how perfectly the finale is foreshadowed. Because of this, many wound up seeing the movie in theaters multiple times... but there are probably few who saw the movie more than famed The Roots drummer Questlove. Get Out star Allison Williams recently told me that the musician saw the horror flick in theaters more than 10 times -- fearing the potentially long wait until another feature delivered such a satisfying experience. Said the actress,

When I sat down to interview Allison Williams and Daniel Kaluuya at the home video press day for Get Out a few weeks ago, my first question was about the movie's rewatch factor -- and it was in her response that Williams told me about Questlove's intense affection for the movie (something that certainly seemed to surprise the hell out of her co-star). One can imagine that Questlove's friendship with the actress may have also been a motivating factor in wanting to see Jordan Peele's directorial debut over and over, but 12 is still a lot of screenings of the same movie.

Of course, Questlove's repeated viewings of Get Out are also indicative of some really great taste, as the film is destined to wind up on many Best of 2017 lists come December. The film not only introduces a fantastic new horror voice in Jordan Peele and has something legitimate to say, but it is also an elegantly crafted movie that is perfectly put together (I highly recommend giving the director's commentary track a listen on the Blu-ray). It's a tremendously rewarding cinematic experience, and it seems that few in this world took more pleasure in it than the bandleader for The Tonight Show.

Allison Williams' fantastic anecdote about Questlove was just one of the many funny revelations in my conversation with her and Daniel Kaluuya about the Get Out rewatch experience -- so click play on the embed below to watch the chat!

Get Out is now available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download so you can watch it as many times as your heart desires (and that includes you, Questlove, if you're reading this).

SPOILER WARNING: The following article contains major spoilers for Get Out. If you have not yet seen the film, and don't wish to have the ending ruined, please bookmark this page and return after your screening!

Movies are a tricky business. A vision that's crafted one day may not be realistic the next, and sometimes weeks of preparation goes up in smoke thanks to a quick edit. A perfect example of this fickle industry was illustrated in the making of Jordan Peele's Get Out -- as the stars of the movie actually practiced playing badminton for weeks in preparation for a scene that wound up not making it into the finished cut of the film.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of catching up with Get Out stars Allison Williams and Daniel Kaluuya during the home video press day for their hit film, and it was during our conversation that we discussed the sequences that didn't make it into theaters. One particular scene that Williams highlighted was a game of badminton that their characters played -- and apparently it was a brief moment in the movie that required quite a bit of preparation. Said Williams,

The deleted scene -- which is featured on the now-available Blu-ray -- takes place during the big Armitage annual event in the middle of the movie. Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) is asked by Rose (Allison Williams) and Jeremy (Caleb Landry Jones) to join in a game of badminton, and they casually hit the birdie back and forth over the net with their rackets. The scene starts to get really creepy, however, as Chris notices that all of the guests at the party have not only come over to watch the game, but have come over to specifically watch him play.

Of course, the reason why the party guests are watching Chris is because they want to see what he's capable of, should they decide to place a high bid and take over his body. It's actually a pretty great scene that does a nice job ratcheting up the oddness factor in Get Out -- but it's also easy to see why it could be viewed as ancillary.

And while Allison Williams brought up the badminton game in our conversation, Daniel Kaluuya had a different Get Out deleted scene in mind that he was excited to see on the Blu-ray. He described an extended sequence in the movie set in The Sunken Place (which was previewed in the film's trailers), and admitted that he hadn't had the opportunity to see what the scene actually looked like. Said Kaluuya,

You can watch both Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams talk about the Get Out deleted scenes in the video below!

Get Out, which also stars Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener, and Stephen Root, is now available on Blu-ray and DVD, and available for digital download.

As sad as it may be, all TV shows must come to an end eventually. And this year is bringing the final seasons of two of HBO's series: The Leftovers and Girls. The latter comedy created by Lena Dunham has been running for six seasons, with the series finale just two weeks away. As such, the cast has been making their rounds to promote the final episodes, including a fantastic recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! The four titular Girls (and Elijah) recently did a fantastic sketch, spoofing if the characters from HBO's acclaimed series aged into classic sitcom The Golden Girls. Check it out below.

Pretty great, right? In a perfect mixture of The Golden Girls and Girls, we see how the quirky Brooklyn 20 somethings would react to retirement. And it ain't pretty.

The clip from Kimmel opens up with everyone's favorite theme song "Thank You For Being A Friend". Substituting HBO's Girls logo into the Golden Girls title card was adorable, as were the opening credits that did an excellent impression of the beloved sitcom opening. Even the transition music from the theme song to the first scene was the same, substituting stock footage of the exterior of Hannah's apartment, rather than the home that Blanche, Rose, Sophia, and Dorothy share.

You can see how certain Girls characters are being heavily influenced by The Golden Girls. Allison Williams' Marnie Michaels has become the Blanche of her group- continuing to have quite the laundry list of sexual partners well into her 70's. Marnie has also apparently continued her poor luck in the dating world, and has been married a whopping eight times. Good for you, Marn.

Drawing another parallel from The Golden Girls is Lena Dunham herself. Despite the titular Girls being roughly the same age, Hannah's constant hijinks and nudity have made her the Sophia of the group. She's constantly getting the conversation sidetracked by her own thoughts, and acts in a way that generally embarasses everyone around her. The only thing missing was a Sophia "picture it!" moment, but maybe it got cut for time.

The other two Girls girls aren't quite as close to Golden Girls characters, but that doesn't stop making their aging any less hilarious. An elderly Jessa is just as free spirited as ever, only picking up cigarettes on her trip to the grocery store and enjoying a drip of morphine just for fun. Shoshana is still very much herself, constantly annoyed by the shenanigans of her more ridiculous friends.

And then there's Andrew Rannells' Elijah. He's apparently found the key to youth, and looks like he's still in his twenties. That secret: oil of olay and boxed wine. It's just that simple, bitches.

Overall this was a pretty great sketch, although I could have done without Jimmy Kimmel's inclusion as Hannah's stripping son. But this is a great way to celebrate Girls' final season, which is coming to an end very soon.

You can catch the final two episodes of Girls on HBO. Be sure to check our full summer 2017 premiere list to plan your next TV adventure.

When actors are trying to portray real life on the camera, this sometimes means they have to portray some of life's more intimate moments. However, while they are acting, sometimes biology takes control. So how does an actor deal with the somewhat embarrassing situation? Samuel L. Jackson says that getting an erection while filming a sex scene is one of those things that's going to be embarrassing regardless of whether or not it happens, so he responds the same way no matter what.

Samuel L. Jackson and Get Out 's Allison Williams were guests on Watch What Happens Live when the question, um, came up. Williams was asked if it was more embarrassing when an actor did or did not get an erection while filming a sex scene. Both actors seemed to concur that really it's just embarrassing either way. According to Williams, if they do, then both actors have to deal with the fact that it's there, but it is, in its own way, flattering. If it doesn't happen, then apparently the actress can feel like perhaps they're not attractive enough, which can also be awkward.

Samuel L. Jackson seems to have the right idea. Apologize in advance, regardless of what happens. Although, as Jackson himself points out, he hasn't been in very many love scenes in movies. He estimates only three off the top of his head, so he doesn't have nearly the experience with it that others, including Allison Williams, apparently have.

On the one hand, it seems like a foregone conclusion that something like that is going to happen. You're simulating an act of sex, both of your are mostly or entirely naked. At some point, biology just takes over. On the other hand, however, you're also in a room full of cameras and crew who are watching you while you do this. That probably kills the mood dead. Unless you're into that sort of thing, which probably makes filming the scene even more awkward.

Check out both actor's complete comments on the topic in the video below.

According to Allison Williams, this is an often debated topic and one assumes it will continue to be debated. Is an erection while filming a flattering thing, or just an awkward thing? We're guessing this will continue to be debated off screen, as the problem certainly isn't going away.

Light spoilers ahead for Get Out.

While it was released a few weeks ago, it seems that the hype and acclaim for Jordan Peele's horror film Get Out still hasn't slowed. Because while Get Out was critically acclaimed and did well at theaters, it seems like more casual moviegoers are still just discovering the satirical horror movie for the first time. And with popularity and conversations for the movie only continuing in recent weeks, a new viral video craze has grown from Get Out's success. Enter the #GetOutChallenge.

Much like other viral video challenges, the Get Out Challenge revolves around social media users who recreate variations of the same video. For this challenge, we see people recreating one of the more horrifying shots of the film, where groundskeeper Walter sprints full speed at Daniel Kaluuya's Chris, before making a sharp turn right as they are about to collide. This scene is bone chilling, and warns Chris that something isn't right with the few black people in town.

Well that particular scene was the catalyst for a new viral video challenge, where people (usually black men) run full speed at the camera, before making a sudden turn. And like all videos, various accounts put their own spin on the challenge. To start, there are simple and self-explanatory versions.

But then there are more creative versions, adding jokes or reasons behind the bizarre running behavior. For instance, one version has the runner trying to pick up a lady friend, before realizing she has a boyfriend and swerving.

Pretty funny, right? Turning a moment of terror into one of comedy makes for a moment of true surprise for those who have actually seen Get Out. Although videos of this caliber can probably be enjoyable for the folks that haven't seen Jordan Peele's triumphant directing debut.

But like every viral challenge video, there are sure to be quite a few failed attempts. Like when the floors you're running on are just a bit too clean and shiny.

Or maybe you haven't actually seen the movie, and your attempt at the #GetOutChallenge is a bit lazier than other versions.

And the #GetOutChallenge can also inspire a few more creative means of conveyance, rather than simply running. Check out these winners.

Overall, the #GetOutChallenge is something you'll likely want to explore when you have some time to chill. There is a lot of funny people and creativity out there, and it's great that an awesome movie like Get Out is getting the attention it deserves.

Get Out is out in theaters now, starring Daniel Kaluuya (Kick Ass 2), Allison Williams (Girls), Bradley Whitford (The West Wing), and Catherine Keener (The 40 Year Old Virgin).

With his directorial debut, Get Out, currently in the works, Jordan Peele is ready to explore the racial tensions of the modern world in his beloved horror genre. And now he's cast his first lead in the project, as Allison Williams – better known as Marnie from HBO's Girls - has taken a very important role.

Despite the exact details of the film's story being guarded under pain of torture, we have a good feeling about the role that Williams will be playing in the film. As we previously learned, Peele's film will be about an African American man paying a visit his Caucasian girlfriend's family home, only for some sort of horror related mayhem to break out. It's a fair bet that the girlfriend role will be played by Peter Pan herself, and that horror mayhem will most likely involve her family's past. It's not a lot to go on, but it's an interesting beginning.

With only one other film role to her credit, Variety's announcement seems to indicate that Allison Williams is setting out to broaden her filmography a little bit with her role in Get Out. Despite her only role being in the film College Musical, her relative inexperience in the movies could be an advantage. After all, Jamie Lee Curtis also got her start in the film business after making her way though the TV world, and she did it with a little independent film called Halloween. Williams could easily replicate the same success, and if she does, she'll be doing so at the best time possible in her career.

Considering Girls may be ending its cable TV run within the next couple of years, at least it will be if Lena Dunham's recent remarks are to be trusted, it's a good time for the cast to be evaluating its options for a continuing career paths. With season 6 being the hypothesized ending, that gives Allison Williams two years to hone her craft and land enough solid film experience to be a seasoned veteran when the curtain drops on the underground HBO hit. Of course, it helps that Jordan Peele is a fellow TV veteran making the jump to films. As Get Out will be Peele's first ever directing project, he and Williams will be able to navigate through the pitfalls and excitement of making a feature film together.

There's even a chance that the two will like working together well enough that, much like Jamie Lee Curtis and John Carpenter, the two will team up for future projects down the road. Ultimately, this is all pie-in-the-sky thinking for the moment, and will depend on Get Out being a success; but it could happen if everything lines up the way it should. While Get Out has no production schedule or release date set, we wouldn't be surprised if it was ready for distribution as a seasonal treat next Halloween.

Well, the numbers are in and NBC’s live spectacular take on Peter Pan soared high…just not high enough. The NBC event was clearly a hit but, unfortunately, it did not put the three-hour live production into the ratings stratosphere that some industry insiders might have hoped.

When it was all said and done, Peter Pan Live scored a solid 2.3 and 6 share in the key demographics of ages 18-49, which roughly translates to over 9 million viewers that watched the boy/girl that would never grow up. The telecast delivered the second-highest 18-49 ratings for NBC on a Thursday, excluding sports telecasts, in three years, since Steve Carell signed off of The Office in April 2011.

According to the numbers that Peter Pan managed to muster, they were very solid for a production that was something of a test as NBC enters the waters of live filmed entertainment. The powerhouse performance of last year’s effort did prompt NBC to sign on and produce more live presentations of musicals for the network in the future., Peter Pan being the first of the bunch in the new wave of extended live programming.

Remember, these live productions are very carefully planned and produced and made for maximum exposure to their target demographic. NBC’s event programming was ready and waiting for Captain Hook and company to take on last year’s live runaway hit, The Sound of Music Live! starring country superstar Carrie Underwood which did boffo numbers for the network. After the runaway success of Underwood’s musical, it was a no brainer for NBC to delve back into the live production business this holiday season. At the very least, Peter Pan managed to avoid the “hate watching” of the special which was the scourge of The Sound of Music Live! a year ago.

This year’s selection of Peter Pan Live starred Girls actress Allison Williams as the iconic lead and the brash and bold Christopher Walken as Captain Hook, and both were both smart casting choices. Girls’ cult following probably helped Williams’ audience, and who can turn down watching perennial tough guy Walken prove that the actor’s early song-and-dance days are still with him.

NBC Entertainment chief Bob Greenblatt called it “a great night for NBC,” and added this bit of silver lining-grasping, according to Variety.

The timeless stories of our youth will always have a special place in our hearts and whatever the networks can do to resuscitate a little more childhood out of the working man, I am all for it. Of course, there had better be some CGI in whatever comes next!

Peter Pan Live! is just about upon us and the buzz, both good and bad, is starting to hit its tipping point. Peter Pan Live! lead Allison Williams is playing the title role in the massive NBC production and sounds prepped and ready for the production set to air on the Peacock network. But the actress is very aware of the growing trend in TV watching simply known as “hate-watching” that infiltrated last year’s NBC live TV effort of The Sound of Music.

When talking about Peter Pan Live!, Williams sounds like she’s coating herself in Teflon, preparing for any negative feedback that comes the production’s way.

You have to hand it to Williams; in the quote to THR, she sounds ready to take on all of the naysayers that may not be the biggest “Pan-Fans” and are just tuning in to the production to see a live gaffe or screw up performance. Let’s face it, nobody loves it more than when something unplanned happens during a live production. However, Williams knows that there is a possible dark side to playing the iconic character of Peter Pan--especially after last year’s reception of Carrie Underwood’s The Sound of Music Live!.

Underwood’s performance was poorly received, and not just by critics. In fact, the whole production in general was lambasted by the audiences who watched. I am of course talking about the growing trend of hate-watching, which is often accompanied by live tweets from viewers voraciously tearing into what they are watching live. Still, NBC had the last laugh with The Sound of Music, as it scored with 18.5 million total viewers watching live (that figure jumped to nearly 22 million with DVR users).

While Williams is asking fans to go in with an open mind, her co-star Christian Borle (who is not only playing the dual role of Mr. Smee & George Darling in Pan but also had a part in last years The Sound of Music) takes a different approach to the haters.

Personally, I have always been a fan of the J.M. Barrie classic; most notably in Spielberg’s 1991 Hook and the underrated 2003 adaptation Peter Pan from director P.J. Hogan. Jason Isaacs (aka Lucius Malfoy) as Captain Hook really stole the show in that iteration, and although it did not set any box office records, that is my “go-to” Peter Pan film when I feel like never growing up! It seems that the Peter Pan continues to be popular, with 2015’s Pan also on the way. Still, we need to get through Peter Pan Live! tonight, first.

How Peter Pan Live! does tonight could be the sign as to whether or not NBC will continue to branch out their live productions to more than once a year. Peter Pan Live! airs tonight at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Allison Williams made waves as Hannah's snooty best friend (or frenemy) on the acclaimed HBO series Girls. But now she's living the dream of her twenty-something anti-heroine, having landed the lead in NBC's upcoming live musical Peter Pan. The network shared this casting coup on Twitter:

Following the success of The Sound of Music's live staging, NBC has been eager to repeat this kind of win. So the network has been seeking not only a property that would appeal to a broad audience, but also one that could attract more noteworthy stars. Carrie Underwood was of course a draw for The Sound of Music Live, but her performance of Maria Rainer received the kind of scorn she may never fully live down. NBC needed to raise the bar this time around.

Earlier this month, Peter Pan's live event earned headlines and fan enthusiasm with the casting of Christopher Walken as its Captain Hook. As well it should, Walken has a compelling screen presence, whatever the role. And we espect they'll give the trained dancer a moment to dazzle.

At the time, it was suspected that Frozen star Kristen Bell would step into the lead role of Peter Pan, a part that for many was defined by Mary Martin in the live broadcast from 1955. However, it seems Bell's deal could not be worked out, and so she's walked away from NBC's Neverland. But this is great news for Allison Williams, whose most memorable song styling to date might be this painful but hilarious moment from Girls, when Marnie embraced her inner pop star to sing a cover of Edie Brickell and New Bohemians' "What I Am":

Personally, I will be watching Peter Pan imagining Williams is Marnie playing Peter Pan. That will just amuse me infinitely. But Girls fandom aside, Williams seems a solid choice for the role. While Carrie Underwood is a renowned singer, she's not much of an actress. NBC's next live musical needs someone who can act and sing. And while the above video is laughable, it's purposefully so. To see Williams rock a song, check out her twist on the Mad Men theme song...

Allison Williams has received positive marks for her role as Marnie Michaels on Lena Dunham's Girls, but thus far she has not made her way to the feature stage of her career. But that looks like it could be changing soon, potentially in a big way. Deadline is reporting that not only has Williams landed her first role in a theatrical film, but that she is on the short list to star in one of the biggest upcoming superhero blockbusters.

First, the site says that the young actress has secured the title role in Michael Sucsy's Rosaline. The director has long been attached to the project, which is a take on Romeo & Juliet from a different perspective. In the play, Rosaline, the niece of a Capulet, was originally the object of Romeo's affections, but fell out of favor when he gazed upon Juliet. The film is now moving forward at 20th Century Fox with Shawn Levy attached as a producer.

The big news for comic book fans, however, is that Deadline says Williams is also on the short list of actors being considered for the Fantastic Four reboot that is being prepped for release in 2015. The site stresses that things are still in the "very early talking stage," but presumably she would be up for the part of Sue Storm in the movie. Chronicle's Josh Trank is attached to direct the project and newcomer Jeremy Slater wrote the first draft of the script, with Seth Grahame-Smith recently signing on to do some rewrites.

Do you think Allison Williams would make a good Sue Storm? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Despite being nominated in five categories—including Outstanding Comedy Series—the cutting-edge HBO show Girls won only an award for casting at the Emmys last night. But the inclusion of series' creator and star Lena Dunham naked and cake-pounding astride a toilet in the intro gave further evidence that stories of fearless women are having their moment. So it's fitting that updates are emerging on the casting process of Sony Pictures in-development adaptation of Sheila Weller's book Girls Like Us, which traces the lives of three remarkable women who dared to be different and in doing so forever changed the landscape of American music.

The compressive book offers in-depth biographies on singer-songwriters Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, and Carole King, which Weller believes represent a swath of relatable experiences whatever your background. Mitchell spent her childhood in small town Canada, while King grew up in the outer boroughs of New York City in a middle-class home and Simon enjoyed the privilege of the Manhattan's high society. Yet each came to connect to massive audiences through their heartfelt songs that captured the zeitgeist of the '60s and '70s.

We previously reported that country singer Taylor Swift was in talks to front the film, playing Joni Mitchell, and Variety reports she has since signed on. Still up for grabs are the roles of Carole King and Carly Simon. Earlier reports had Newsroom's Alison Pill as a frontrunner for the part of King, but now Olivia Thirlby (Juno), Ari Graynor (For a Good Time Call…), and Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks) are also being considered for the role. It's a curious cross-section of actresses who are better known for comedic roles, making me wonder if the script penned by John Sayles has King as a form of wisecracking comic relief.

More curious though is the selection of actresses in contention for the role of Simon, as each is up and coming. Girls's Allison Williams, Mad Men's Jessica Pare, and model turned actress Analeigh Tipton (Crazy, Stupid, Love) are all up for the part of Simon. Type-wise each of these ingénues is a good fit for the archetype of poised upper class girl with a vulnerable side. Williams and Pare would seem to have an edge when it comes to singing—as one did a sultry twist on the Mad Men theme and the other made "Zou Bisou Bisou" fresh again—but Variety insists the final casting decision will come down to chemistry.

The producers and director Katie Jacobs are bringing all of the above in for auditions that will test not only their acting chops but also their chemistry with their potential co-stars. This makes the film's final line-up impossible to predict. However, while I'm not convinced Swift is ready to shoulder a feature film, the pool of talent in the running to be her co-stars is rich with possibility. Perhaps when Jacobs has a cast she's happy with, Sony will at long last give Girls Like Us the green light.