Any time someone announces a remake of a foundational horror film, my immediate reaction falls toward suspicion. But when that remake involves Michael Shannon stepping into the role of one of cinema’s earliest villains? That feeling turns into a complicated mix of excitement, hope, and very real apprehension. Let's talk out the upcoming horror movie remake Michael Shannon is attached to, and why I'm equal parts excited and nervous.

Michael Shannon Has Joined The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari Remake

According to Variety, Michael Shannon has signed on to star in Doctor Caligari’s Cabinet of Wonders, a contemporary reimagining of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, the 1920 German Expressionist film that many consider not just the first true horror movie, but the origin point for the genre’s most enduring ideas, and a visual feast all these years later.

The project is being written and directed by John Erick Dowdle, working alongside his brother Drew Dowdle, with whom he’s collaborated for years. Shannon will play Doctor Caligari, a traveling mesmerist who controls a sleepwalker and leaves a trail of murders in his wake, a character that helped establish the template for some of the best and scariest modern horror villains long before the genre even had a name for them.

Production is set to begin this summer, with the filmmakers framing it as a psychological horror story rather than a straight-up gore fest. So far, so promising.

Why I’m Genuinely Excited For the Remake

Let’s get this part out of the way: Michael Shannon is a phenomenal casting choice and is no stranger to creepy horror movies. Few actors working today can convey menace, instability, and quiet authority with the same unsettling ease. He doesn’t need to raise his voice to make a scene feel dangerous, because he can just stand there and sell it. However, he can also do a hell of a good job screaming. General Zod, anyone?

The brothers clearly have a lot of respect for the actor. Here is what John Erick Dowdle had to say to the outlet:

Putting Shannon in the role of horror’s first iconic villain feels inspired, especially if this version of Caligari leans into psychological manipulation rather than surface-level scares. The original silent film wasn’t just creepy; it was also disorienting and deeply uncomfortable in how it portrayed political power and control. Shannon thrives in that space.

Why I’m Also Nervous About the Remake

The one major catch for me regarding this project definitely isn't Michael Shannon's inclusion, but rather the Dowdle Brothers. I’ve never quite clicked with As Above, So Below or Devil. Both films had interesting premises, intense atmospheres, and moments that worked, but were both very uneven, and neither left much of a lasting impression on me. They flirted with big ideas without fully committing to them, which is precisely what cannot happen with something like Caligari.

That said, I’ve heard consistently strong things about Waco and its follow-up series, which suggests the Dowdles may be at their best when working with character-driven tension rather than high-concept gimmicks. That gives me pause, in a good way. Caligari could be a turning point for the sibling filmmakers, or another missed opportunity.

Why We Should All Hope This Works

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari mattered because it wasn’t just frightening, it was a warning. A warning about authority, obedience, and how easily truth can be bent when people are conditioned to stop questioning power. The original film was a pointed German political statement, released just years before the rise of Hitler and the Nazi regime, and its anxieties were baked directly into its twisted visuals and fractured narrative.

A century later, a remake has the rare opportunity to speak just as directly to the moment we’re living in now. If this new version embraces that same political and psychological DNA, and if Michael Shannon is allowed to be genuinely unsettling rather than merely theatrical, it could become something more than a respectful update. It could be a reminder of why the best horror movies exist in the first place: not just to scare us, but to confront us with uncomfortable truths we’d rather ignore.

There’s no release date yet, so don't expect it on the 2026 movie schedule. That being said, principal photography is set to begin in June 2026. And if you’ve somehow never experienced the original film, it’s currently available to stream for free on Tubi.

The superhero genre continues to be wildly popular, thanks to various cinematic universes in play. While DC co-CEO James Gunn is forming a new universe, fan are still unpacking the events of the DCEU (which is streaming in its entirety with a HBO Max subscription). One of the most controversial moments was Superman killing Zod in Man of Steel, and now Michael Shannon is responding to the discourse surrounding that twist.

Fans who spent years watching the DC movies in order will recall that the chatter surrounding Zod's death has been consistent, despite Man of Steel hitting theaters back in 2013. While Henry Cavill defended this choice, Shannon recently offered his two cents during a conversation with Vanity Fair about his career. The actor addressed this twist, saying:

Points were made. It's not like Superman killed Zod out of rage or a quest for power. Instead, following the massive destruction around Metropolis, he is forced to choose between snapping Zod's neck or letting the villain kill more people before his eyes. Ultimately Henry Cavill's hero had to do the unthinkable to save people, even if he's left completely distraught afterwards.

Zack Snyder got a ton of flak for having Superman kill at the end of Man of Steel, and he's not the only hero. Similarly, Batman killing in Batman v Superman was also the subject of backlash for the visionary filmmaker. Later in the same interview, Michael Shannon went on to sing Snyder's praises, sharing:

Points were made. Whether or not you agree with Snyder's directorial choices in the DCEU, he has a clear point of view in his storytelling. That includes having heroes who typically don't kill in the comics abandon these values under specific circumstances. Superman was never seen killing again in Batman v Superman or Justice League, so it's possible that his no killing rule actually started as a result of executing General Zod in Man of Steel.

Snyder was originally planning a five-movie storyline for the DCEU, but that never came to fruition. But after Zack Snyder's Justice League was released, fans began campaigning for Warner Bros. to #RestoreTheSnyderVerse. Unfortunately for those fans, there's no indication that this is happening, especially now that we've got a new DC shared universe.

The next upcoming DC movie hitting theaters is Supergirl on June 26th as part of the 2026 movie release list. As for Michael Shannon, his new TV series Death By Lightning is streaming now in its entirety for those with a Netflix subscription.

There have been many great movies about war that have depicted the battles and the death and the horrors of it, but the new movie Nuremberg explores what happens next. Or, I should say what happened next, as the historical drama is set just after World War II, ahead of the real trials of 22 surviving leaders of Nazi Germany. Critics have seen the film ahead of its November 7 release on the 2025 movie calendar, and they’re calling it “an old-school Oscar movie.”

Rami Malek stars as Douglas Kelley, the chief psychiatrist in charge of determining if the German prisoners are competent to stand trial, who enters a battle of wits against Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), Adolf Hitler’s right hand man. In CinemaBlend’s review of Nuremberg, Hugh Scott writes that while the second half of the movie carries the weight that it should, the first half is full of snappy jokes and one-liners that feel entirely out of place. He gives the movie 2 stars out of 5, writing:

Brian Truitt of USA TODAY gives it 3.5 out of 4 stars, writing that Malek and Crowe will be battling for awards for their performances in a movie that is definitely rousing but lighter than you might expect, given the subject matter. He continues:

Matthew Jackson of AV Club says there’s nothing subtle about James Vanderbilt’s movie, which urgently and earnestly screams its warning that history repeats itself. Jackson grades it a B, writing:

Rocco T. Thompson of Slant rates Nuremberg — a book-to-screen adaptation of Jack El-Hai’s The Nazi And The Psychiatrist — 2.5 out of 4 stars, writing that between James Vanderbilt’s direction and Russell Crowe’s performance, Göring is slippery, seductive and an all-too-human monster, holding a mirror up to our current world. Thompson says:

Lindsey Bahr of the AP also gives it 2.5 out of 4 stars, saying there’s a spark lacking in the conversations between Rami Malek and Russell Crowe’s characters, and we’re deprived of an unnerving descent into the mind of Hitler’s second-in-command. According to Bahr:

Owen Gleiberman of Variety writes that what the movie’s psychiatrist and the audience want is to explore the nature of evil through the eyes of Russell Crowe’s Göring. However, according to the critic, Nuremberg doesn’t quite get to the man behind the evil myth. Gleiberman says in his review:

The film has a mostly positive 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is one of several highly anticipated films that will have us heading to the theater multiple weeks in a row. If you want to see one of the films that, according to some critics, we may see again on Oscar ballots, Nuremberg will be in theaters starting Friday, November 7.

The streaming wars are in full effect, and those with a Netflix subscription have been treated to a variety of originals. There's a new Netflix show to binge watch with Mike Makowsky's Death by Lightning, which just released its four-episode season. The show stars Michael Shannon as ill-fated US President James A. Garfield, and the actor explained to CinemaBlend what got him to take on that role.

Plenty of folks are excited about Death By Lightning, as it tells a lesser-known story about how James Garfield was unwillingly elevated to the role of President before being killed by Charles J. Guiteau (played by Succession star Matthew Macfayden). As you can see in the video above, I spoke with the show's two stars, and asked Shannon what appealed to him about playing the 20th President. In his words:

Honestly, that did make me feel a little better. I was worried that Garfield's time as President was something that everyone knew about. But Shannon admits that even he ended up learning about this fascinating time in American History as a result of Death By Lightning. It made him like the late political figure, and I've got to say that the Netflix adaptation inspired me feel the same way.

What is perhaps the most shocking about Garfield's story in Death By Lighting is the fact that he actively did not want to become President. Instead his nomination came as a result of long deliberation at the Republican National Convention and despite his protestation. Later in our conversation Shannon spoke about how different this is than modern politics as we know it, offering:

Indeed, Garfield not wanting the nomination for President is one of the reasons why his peers end up elevating him to that position at the RNC that takes place in Death by Lightning. Although as Shannon says, that way of thinking about public servants feels very foreign nowadays.

Death By Lightning is streaming in its entirety on Netflix as part of the 2025 TV schedule. With just four episodes in the limited series, it's especially easy to binge-watch. And the timing of its release coming so shortly after Election Day might inspire more people to tune in.

The Nuremberg Trials were one of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century. On the heels of World War II, the Allies, for the first time in history, would put the aggressors of that war on trial for those aggressions, the Holocaust, and their crimes against humanity. The trials, especially the first trial that condemned the highest-ranking Nazis still living after the war, set precedents that are still in use today in international law. Nuremberg, from writer/director James Vanderbilt and starring Russell Crowe as the infamous Nazi Hermann Göring and Rami Malek as a psychiatrist studying the imprisoned war criminal, isn’t going to set any precedents.

The 2-hour and 28-minute movie really struggles to find its tone throughout. On one hand, it’s a pretty traditional courtroom drama. It’s also a psychological drama exploring the depths of humanity’s ability to be evil and justify it to oneself. It’s also, weirdly, a sort of adventure story that at times feels like it would fit into the Indiana Jones franchise.

This problem starts from the beginning. There are a lot of one-liners and snappy jokes that feel completely out of place for the subject matter. Making fun of Nazis and making them cartoonish, like Indiana Jones movies do, is great in the right context. But a study of how evil the Nazis were during the war and in implementing “The Final Solution of the Jewish Question” is not the time to slip in jokes. Yet, there are a bunch of them here, and it frankly made me squirm every time one was delivered.

The first act of Nuremberg is far too playful.

Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson, played here by Michael Shannon, was the chief prosecutor for the United States at the trial. By most accounts, Jackson was a serious man who took his duty at the trial solemnly and soberly. In Nuremberg, he’s often jokey, and that makes it difficult to take him seriously when he’s not. It’s a contrast that is impossible to reconcile. One-liners and hard cuts feel so out of place here; it makes you want to scream.

Meanwhile, Malek’s character, Dr. Douglas Kelley, seems to be off on his own separate adventure. His motivations are self-serving, as he intends to write a book about his interviews with the most notorious Nazis, especially Göring. More often, though, he’s just off on a jaunt through post-war Germany, speeding around in Jeeps and getting drunk in nightclubs with beautiful journalists. His character wouldn’t be out of place in a jaunty ‘60s war movie like The Great Escape or The Dirty Dozen. Sure, there is devastation all around us, but hey, let’s go have some fun in Europe!

Kelley’s constant bickering with the commandant of the prison holding the war criminals, Burton C. Andrus (John Slattery), borders on the absurd, with both men firing one-liners back and forth. At the same time, he’s combative in a far too self-serious way with another psychiatrist on the team, Gustave Gilbert (Colin Hanks). These two contrasting relationships again highlight how the film doesn’t strike a consistent tone. It’s enough to give any viewer whiplash.

The second half almost saves the movie.

Finally, once we arrive at the second act, the movie becomes what it should have been all along: a tense courtroom drama. When the prosecutors play films of the concentration camps, it carries the weight that it should. There are no more jokes, no more asides, and no more adventures; it’s a cold and brutal look at the Nazi atrocities and those responsible for them.

It's when Göring takes the stand that the movie finally shines. Shannon and Crowe are excellent as prosecutor and accused pitted against each other. We know from history just how this all plays out, and the movie stays true to that history, but Vanderbilt still builds the tension as the testimony unfolds. Göring is cocky at first, as he was in real life, before it all falls apart after only one question from British prosecutor Sir David Maxwell Fyfe (Richard E. Grant) in the film's best moment.

After all the uncomfortable playfulness of the first act, the movie settles into a seriousness that the subject matter demanded all along. The crowd I saw it with was completely silent for the final 45 minutes of the movie, as the jokes finally faded away, and the gravity of the crimes took hold. It’s a story most know, but that doesn’t lessen the impact of the real footage of the concentration camps, or the earnestness of the prosecutors in the trial. Even when Göring is charming, and he is at times, we aren’t allowed to forget how evil he is. That’s what was needed for the whole film, not just the final third of it.

The end of the film makes the beginning more disappointing

Nuremberg leaves the viewer asking why the whole movie didn’t strike the same tone as the trial scenes. It certainly left me wanting much more from the film. Instead, the movie misses the notes for far too long for the tense testimony of Göring to redeem it. The dramatization isn’t going to add much to the historical record, either, as the conversations between the Nazi Reichsmarschall and Kelley are truly fascinating, but ultimately fall flat.

The film makes a final point to show that the Nazis were just humans. Humanity at its worst, yes, but treating them as an anomaly discounts the possibility that something as evil as that regime could ever happen again. There is a clunky political message in there, but more than that, it's important to always remember that humans have a great capacity for wicked depravity. To forget that is to ignore the past and take the future for granted. If only the movie held that ideal throughout.

It’s impossible to make a man like Hermann Göring sympathetic, and it's probably not a great idea to try to, but Crowe does find a twisted sense of humanity in him. Unfortunately, the rest of the film doesn’t take itself seriously enough to make it stick.

There is a new historical drama coming this week about President James A. Garfield and his assassin, Charles J. Guiteau, called Death by Lightning. You’ll be able to watch it with your Netflix subscription starting tomorrow (November 6). If the prospect of watching a 4-part series about the short presidency and violent death of a man that not many people know much about sounds uninteresting to you, I ask you please to reconsider. President Garfield is one of the great “what ifs” in American history, and I’m hoping the Netflix series brings more attention to him and what his legacy could have been.

James A. Garfield Never Wanted To Be President

Garfield, who is being played by Michael Shannon in Death by Lightning, came to power in the 1880 presidential election after winning the Republican spot on the ticket at their convention earlier in the year. He did not seek to run, but after the convention failed to come to a consensus on the three leading candidates (former president Ulysses S. Grant, Maine senator James G. Blaine, and Secretary of the Treasury John Sherman) Garfield was chosen by the delegates as a compromise candidate.

In fact, he was only at the convention to make the nominating speech in favor of his fellow Ohioan, John Sherman. Garfield was the senator-elect from Ohio at the time and had long served in the House of Representatives from his home state. His speech focused on what kind of man makes a good president, and by many accounts, it was then that delegates began to see him as a viable candidate. Still, it would take dozens of ballots before Garfield would receive his vote. That came on the 33rd ballot of the convention, as no candidate had received a majority.

Garfield objected to the votes, but his objections were ignored. After the 35th ballot, both Blaine and Sherman recognized Garfield as the most obvious choice to find consensus, and they threw their support behind their good friend. He was finally selected as the nominee on the 38th ballot. Still, he was reluctant to run, and his campaign for president, in great contrast to modern times, was almost entirely held at his home in Ohio, which he rarely left.

Dubbed the “front porch campaign,” instead of Garfield traversing the country asking for votes, people came to his house, and he gave speeches and met with supporters without leaving his hometown of Mentor, Ohio. The politician was elected in an exceedingly close election over his Democratic rival, Winfield Scott Hancock. The margin in the popular vote was about 2000 votes, out of 9 million cast.

Garfield Never Had A Chance To Prove Himself

Garfield was, by all accounts, an extremely intelligent man and had a reputation for being honest and forthright. He despised the so-called “spoils system” that rewarded political cronies with jobs in the government, which was the standard operating procedure at the time. Rather than political patronage, he sought to fill bureaucratic positions with qualified people. This was at the heart of his campaign, and ultimately what led directly to his assassination by Guiteau. His killer was a pretty disturbed person with mental health issues who believed he was directly responsible for the election of Garfield and thus was “owed” a job in the administration.

Guiteau, who is portrayed by Deadpool & Wolverine cast member Matthew Macfadyen, did campaign for Garfield, but he didn’t work for the campaign, and the president didn’t know him. Still, for months after Garfield’s inauguration in March 1881, Guiteau hung around Washington, DC, begging members of Garfield’s administration for a diplomatic posting in Paris. He was continually rejected.

After one final rebuke from James Blaine (Bradley Whitford in the series), Guiteau snapped and became convinced that Garfield’s intent to tear down the spoils system would be the downfall of the Republican Party. He began keeping tabs on his schedule and movements. Remember, these were in the days before the establishment of the Secret Service, and presidents usually had very little, or no, security.

Garfield's Death Left So Many Questions About What Could Have Been

On July 2, 1881, not even four months after being sworn in, Garfield was met at a train station in D.C., by Guiteau, who shot the president twice, once in the shoulder and once in the back. Garfield collapsed and was carried back to the White House. He lived for another two and a half months before succumbing to his injuries and dying on September 19.

He'd only been president for six months, and for more than a third of that, he was on what would become his deathbed. A term that started with so much promise had barely begun before his life was snuffed out. Chester A. Arthur (Nick Offerman in Death by Lightning) would carry on some of Garfield’s ideals, most notably supporting the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, which was the beginning of the end of the spoils system.

We’ll never know just how much Garfield could have done, given his skills as a politician, his intelligence, and his beliefs, including his support of civil rights for African-Americans. It truly is one of the great “what ifs” of all time.

Death By Lightning Is The First Time The Story Will Be Told In A Series

There have been four presidents assassinated in United States history, and Garfield's is the least well-known, despite being hugely consequential in its time. I’m very excited to see this era come to life and to see this story finally being told in what is sure to be an excellent production. There have been many portrayals of presidents on screen, but never one of this president at this time in his life.

The cast is stacked; in addition to the aforementioned Shannon, Whitford, Offerman, and Macfadyen, it includes Betty Gilpin as Garfield’s wife, Lucretia, Shea Whigham, Downton Abbey star Tuppence Middleton, Željko Ivanek, and more. With such an interesting story to tell, I think Death by Lightning will be among the most interesting shows on the 2025 TV schedule, and I personally can’t wait to binge-watch the Netflix show this week.

In a memorable episode of the sitcom Friends, Matt LeBlanc's Joey Tribbiani lands a significant role acting in a movie, and what makes the part particularly special is that he gets to work with a legendary co-star (played by Gary Oldman). The problem? Said legendary co-star has a habit of spitting when he delivers his lines. The performance is played for laughs... but humorous is not how I would describe a saliva-soaked story that Michael Shannon recently shared about his first time working with Leonardo DiCaprio. Instead, the word that comes to mind is "mortifying."

Shannon was recently a guest on The Julia Cunningham Show, and it was during a discussion of the actor's past opportunities to work with some of the film industry's A-listers that the subject turned to the movie Revolutionary Road. The Take Shelter star doesn't have a massive role in the Sam Mendes-directed feature, but he does have a standout scene with DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and Kathy Bates, and it while shooting it that he experienced a heavy dose of embarrassment. He set the stage first, saying,

In said dining room scene, suburbanites Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) and April (Kate Winslet) announce that they are pregnant, and while this news is met with some celebration, Michael Shannon's character is rendered furious, as it means that the couple is going to cancel their plans to move to Paris. He particularly lays blame on Frank for the decision, and he taunts him while really getting up in his face – and it was apparently during the filming of that moment that the actor accidentally drooled on his co-star.

Recounting the memory in excruciating detail, Shannon continued,

In case you were wondering and/or don't remember: no, the drool take didn't end up in the final cut of the film, as you can see by watching the Revolutionary Road clip below.

To be fair, Leonardo DiCaprio has his own story about the accidental expulsion of bodily fluids: in the filming of Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, the Oscar-winning actor crushed a real glass under his hand while slamming it on a table during an intense scene, and it ended up seeing him pour some real blood on the set. Is that really comparable to Michael Shannon drooling on the star of Titanic in front of two other stars of Titanic? Not really, but it does show that movie sets can be messy places sometimes.

Should you be interested in revisiting the full movie, Revolutionary Road isn't currently available to stream on any subscription services, but it is widely available for digital purchase and rental, and physical media collectors can pick up a copy of it on Blu-ray.

Tis the season! Spooky season, that is. And, if you want a horror movie that will really get underneath your skin, might I suggest the 2006 Michael Shannon horror movie, Bug?

What? You haven't heard of it before? (If you have, you're a real one.) Well, while I wouldn't necessarily call it one of the best horror movies of all time, I would say that if you're looking for a psychological horror flick that feels like a bottle movie, then Bug is your film.

Based on the 1996 play of the same name, this is one of the few movies that I wouldn't recommend to everybody. But, if you're a certain type of viewer who’s more into the horror of what the human mind is capable of, then you have got to check out this movie. Here's why.

It's A Psychological Thriller From The Director Of The Exorcist

I'm going to be honest with you. Even though I'm a big fan of The Exorcist series (I even consider it one of the best horror franchises of all time), it would be foolish if I said that any movie in the franchise was as good as the original. In fact, none of the other movies even comes close to that first one, which might be why the original is one of the only horror movies to ever be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.

Well, the first film was directed by none other than master filmmaker, William Friedkin (who we lost in 2023), and the famed director had a sort of resurgence in the 2000s, in which he directed The Hunted, Killer Joe, and yes, Bug, which might not be as disturbing as Killer Joe, but is definitely creepier on a psychological level.

The story concerns a waitress (Ashley Judd) who comes into contact with a strange man (Michael Shannon), who seems okay at first, but then starts ranting about how he’s covered in bugs while the two of them are living in a small motel room together. Eventually, the waitress falls into his psychosis and also starts believing that not only is their room infested with invisible bugs, but that she's covered in them, too.

It's a movie that feels tight, uncomfortable, and ramps up rather quickly. However, I don't think this film would work without the excellent performances, which I'll get into next.

Michael Shannon's Performance Will Creep You The Hell Out

Picture this: The year is 2007, and my friends and I have no idea who Michael Shannon is. It's movie night, and even though my friends intend to see Pirates of the Carribean: At World’s End, I just can't bring myself to buy a ticket to see yet another Pirates film when I didn't even like the last one. That said, earlier in the day, I heard on the radio that Friedkin had directed a new movie, and it sounded really interesting.

So, being the little stinker that I am, I somehow sell Bug to my friends and get them to abandon plans to see Pirates 3 so that we can see this other movie, and guess what…my friends HATE IT. And, I mean to the extent that they said, “Rich never gets to pick movies ever again,” and they kept that promise.

I'll tell you what, though. From the moment I saw Bug, I was a fan of Michael Shannon, because his performance in this movie is bizarre beyond belief. First, he says he's a Gulf War veteran who's been experimented on, then he's saying stuff like he has bugs in his mouth, and he needs to pull out his teeth. Later, we're told he's escaped from a mental institution, and later still, he's dousing himself in gasoline.

I mean, I've seen lots of movies where characters are paranoid, but Shannon's performance in this is paranoia personified. You really have to see it to believe it.

Ashley Judd Will Also Make You Feel Paranoid

Now, I know I just gave a glowing review to Shannon's electric performance, but I would be remiss if I didn't beam a very heavy light on Ashley Judd, who really carries this movie. She's actually the protagonist, and if not for her stellar acting, it would be hard to buy into the rest of the film.

Judd's character has been reeling for years over the loss of her son, who was taken years before, and she suffers intense guilt. She now lives in a motel, but is constantly harassed and threatened by her ex-husband, played by a scary Harry Connick Jr., so Shannon's presence is actually a welcoming one to her…at first.

Eventually, Shannon's character's paranoia pretty much leaps right onto her to the point that she thinks the motel room she's been living in is suddenly infested with invisible bugs planted there by the government. Her deep depression definitely plays a role in her willingness to believe her new romantic partner, but to see her go from scared, to confused, to accepting in such a short amount of time is really a marvel to see.

We didn't include Bug on our list of movies that are honest about mental illness (even though we did include Take Shelter, which is another Shannon gem), but Bug is another worthy entry, as the whole film goes down that route.

The Close Space Of The Motel Will Also Start To Make You Claustrophobic

I love the horror genre, but there are certain movies that I'm just too afraid to watch. For example, if the movie has creepy faces, like Smile, or Goodnight Mommy, then even the trailer will elicit an, “Oh, hell no,” from me.

Well, I know some others have claustrophobia, and a movie where characters are trapped in tight places might be their "creepy faces." I'm talking about movies like Buried, The Descent, and even non-horror flicks like 127 Hours. So, if even the THOUGHT of being trapped in a tight space unnerves you, then I would NOT watch Bug, because its “intimate” setting will make you want to open up all of the doors in your house.

The motel room itself is almost a character. Its tight space really starts to feel like it's getting tighter and tighter the deeper our protagonists delve into their psychosis. When Shannon's character is searching all over the room for bugs that aren't really there, one almost starts to imagine that there could actually be bugs. We just can't see them.

When other characters come into the room, it feels even more oppressive, almost to the point where I find it unbearable. This is coming from somebody who is NOT claustrophobic. So, I could only imagine just how awful (and terrifying) this movie would be if you are. So, keep that in mind.

Overall, They Don't Make Uncomfortable Movies Like This Anymore

Friedkin had a really interesting career, and we lost one of the greats when he passed away. Yes, some of his spottier movies might have dampened his overall filmography, but his best films made us feel uncomfortable in the best sort of way, such as The Exorcist, The French Connection, and Cruising (though, the verdict might still be out on that last one, even after all these years).

I would add Killer Joe to that list, but also Bug, which as I said earlier, really gets underneath your skin. That’s because it really makes you question things, like what even is insanity? And, can it be shared?

I wish there were more films that made me this uncomfortable, but they’re hard to come by, which is why I think this is such a gem.

Have you seen Bug? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

It never ceases to amaze me when an actor is the spitting image of the real person they are selected to play. I do not think a historical portrayal necessarily lives or dies by the performer’s resemblance to the subject, but I think it is something to appreciate, especially when you consider the amount of biopics starring actors who bear absolutely no resemblance to their role. Here are a few notable examples of actors who were clearly hired for their talents above anything else.

Michael Shannon As Elvis Presley (Elvis & Nixon)

The most requested photo in the National Archives depicts Elvis Presley shaking hands with Richard Nixon in the Oval Office, and the events surrounding this historic meeting at the White House are dramatized in 2016's Elvis & Nixon. Kevin Spacey makes for a visually believable depiction of the 37th United States President, but the otherwise wonderfully talented Michael Shannon simply does not cut it as the one many call the King of Rock 'n Roll, even with a decent jumpsuit and wig.

John Wayne As Genghis Khan (The Conqueror)

Oh, boy, where do we begin with this one? The only visual evidence we have of what Genghis Khan looked like is artist renderings, but it does not take an expert to notice that John Wayne was not Asian. Still, the legendary Western movie star was cast as the Mongol chief in 1956's The Conqueror, which has since been regarded as one of the worst films ever made.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson As John Lennon (Nowhere Boy)

Director Sam Taylor-Johnson's 2009 music biopic Nowhere Boy focuses on the pre-Beatles life of John Lennon, as portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson. If you ask me, the Golden Globe-winning actor might have been a better fit to play, perhaps, Paul McCartney or, better yet, George Harrison.

Tom Cruise As Barry Seal (American Made)

If more people knew about Barry Seal and what he looked like, I believe Tom Cruise's portrayal in 2017's American Made would have been criticized as one of the most egregious miscastings in Hollywood history. The otherwise talented movie star did absolutely nothing to alter his appearance and pass for the ill-fated, heavy-set CIA smuggler, save what I regard as an embarrassing Southern accent.

Julia Roberts As Erin Brockovich (Erin Brockovich)

Julia Roberts gives, arguably, the finest performance of her career as a single mother and paralegal who uncovers a small town pollution scandal in Steven Soderbergh's Erin Brockovich from 2000. However, if a resemblance to the person an actor is portraying were part of the Academy's voting criteria, she might not have won the Oscar.

Denzel Washington As Frank Lucas (American Gangster)

Ridley Scott's 2007 biopic American Gangster dramatizes the career of mobster Frank Lucas, played by Denzel Washington, and also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Lucas' brother, Huey. Curiously, Ejiofor actually looks a whole lot more like the real Frank than the two-time Oscar winner. However, Washington was a good friend and frequent collaborator of the director's brother, Tony Scott, so he probably had the role in the bag for that, among other reasons.

Johnny Depp As J.M. Barrie (Finding Neverland)

Oddly enough, J.M. Barrie boasted a striking resemblance to another influential author, Edgar Allan Poe, with his tall forehead and small moustache. However, Johnny Depp, who played the Peter Pan author in 2004's Finding Neverland, does not boast a resemblance to either of them, if you ask me.

Hugh Jackman As P.T. Barnum (The Greatest Showman)

Let's not even bother talking about the many historical inaccuracies from The Greatest Showman, 2017's musical retelling of the origins of the circus, and even ignore the fact that P.T. Barnum was not the kindhearted man Hugh Jackman portrayed him as. All that matters to this list is whether or not the Wolverine star looked the part, and the famously attractive Australian actor most definitely was not a match for Barnum in that regard.

Michael Fassbender As Steve Jobs (Steve Jobs)

Michael Fassbender's Oscar-nominated performance in director Danny Boyle and writer Aaron Sorkin's Steve Jobs from 2015 is widely regarded as superior to Ashton Kutcher's portrayal in Jobs from two years earlier. However, at least the former That '70s Show cast member can say he resembled the tech pioneer more closely.

Jesse Eisenberg As Mark Zuckerberg (The Social Network)

Mark Zuckerberg once made a surprise SNL cameo, during which he stood right next to host Jesse Eisenberg on the Studio 8H stage, proving that they are certainly not a visual match. The actor does not even bother to imitate the Facebook founder's distinctly low voice when portraying him in 2010's The Social Network, but his Oscar nomination proves that that is not what really matters in the end.

Tom Hanks As Fred Rogers (A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood)

Casting a universally beloved actor such as Tom Hanks to play a universally beloved children's television personality like Fred Rogers, of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood fame, is brilliant in theory. However, even giving the Oscar winner the icon's signature haircut and sweaters is not quite enough to distract from the fact that you are still unmistakably watching Hanks on screen.

Leonardo DiCaprio As Howard Hughes (The Aviator)

A major inspiration for Marvel's Tony "Iron Man" Stark was Howard Hughes, whose resemblance is actually a striking match for both Robert Downey Jr. and Dominic Cooper, who plays Howard Stark in his early years in the MCU. In fact, I think either one of them would have been a better visual fit for the eccentric millionaire in The Aviator than Leonardo DiCaprio, even if his performance in the 2005 biopic makes it one of his best collaborations with the director, Martin Scorsese.

Warren Beatty And Faye Dunaway As Clyde Barrow And Bonnie Parker (Bonnie And Clyde)

From a performance standpoint, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway make a great onscreen duo portraying the titular notorious bank robbers in 1967's Bonnie and Clyde. However, the screen legends' casting does not earn the film any points for historical accuracy, considering Beatty does not have Clyde Barrow's jug ears, nor does Dunaway boast Bonnie Parker's sharp, thin face.

Taraji P. Henson As Katherine G. Johnson (Hidden Figures)

Taraji P. Henson gives an undeniably commanding performance in 2016's Hidden Figures as Katherine G. Johnson, a mathematician who was pivotal in helping NASA figure out space travel. Yet, when comparing the Empire star to photos of the real Johnson, it is clear the actor does not resemble her much at all.

Anthony Hopkins As Richard Nixon (Nixon)

Reportedly, Anthony Hopkins had some hesitation about taking on the lead role of Oliver Stone's 1995 biopic about Richard M. Nixon. Ultimately, I would say the Academy Award winner went on to give a great performance in Nixon, but I find myself distracted by his struggle to hide his accent and his obvious fake teeth and hairpiece that really do not help make him look any closer in resemblance to the disgraced U.S. president.

Margot Robbie As Queen Elizabeth I (Mary Queen Of Scots)

Cate Blanchett previously gave an Academy Award-nominated performance as the lead of 1998's Elizabeth, and even bore a strong resemblance to the royal based on artist renderings. I cannot say the same about Margot Robbie, even if the Australian actor's portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots was still worthy of praise.

Benedict Cumberbatch As Alan Turing (The Imitation Game)

Benedict Cumberbatch has such a distinct appearance, making it difficult for him to resemble anyone else without heavy alterations. However, nothing was done to make him look any closer to World War II-era computer scientist Alan Turing in The Imitation Game.

Javier Bardem As Desi Arnaz (Being The Ricardos)

Oscar winner Nicole Kidman went above and beyond to physically become Lucille Ball for writer and director Aaron Sorkin's dramatization of what went on behind the scenes of the beloved TV sitcom, I Love Lucy. However, playing her onscreen husband is Oscar winner Javier Bardem, who does not pass for Desi Arnaz in the slightest.

Ray Liotta As Shoeless Joe Jackson (Field Of Dreams)

Technically, Ray Liotta plays the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams, but even a person's spectral remnant should look something like them. The infamous MLB player had a much narrower face and wider ears, not to mention that he pitched left-handed, while the actor did the opposite in the beloved sports movie.

Beyoncé As Etta James (Cadillac Records)

No one could possibly deny that Beyoncé has the pipes to match Etta James, which had to have been the reason why she was cast in 2008's Cadillac Records. However, the "At Last" singer was short and round-faced, and the former Destiny's Child member is neither.

Dominic West As Prince Charles III (The Crown)

I mean no disrespect to Prince Charles III, but is it just me, or was The Wire star Dominic West just a little too handsome to play the Royal Family member on The Crown? Then again, any one cast member's portrayal on the historical Netflix series might pale in comparison to Elizabeth Debicki's striking resemblance to Princess Diana.

Kane Hodder As Ed Gein (Ed Gein: The Butcher Of Plainfield)

The most famous actor to wear Jason Voorhees' hockey mask in the Friday the 13th films must have seemed like an inspired choice to play one of the most notorious serial killers in history in 2007's Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield. However, the 6'2", broadly built Kane Hodder does not boast Gein's narrower face and small stature.

Clive Owen As Bill Clinton (Impeachment: American Crime Story)

In most cases, prosthetics can be very helpful in making an actor look more similar to the person they are portraying, such as when Charlize Theron became Megyn Kelly for Bombshell. Clive Owen adopted this method to play Bill Clinton on Impeachment: American Crime Story, but the makeup only caused the English actor to resemble the 1990s-era President even less.

Angelina Jolie As Christine Collins (Changeling)

Christine Collins is the subject of Clint Eastwood's 2008 period film, Changeling, which is based on the true story of when her missing son was replaced by an impostor. Had she been an even better-known historical figure, there might have been more criticism over casting Angelina Jolie, an actor known for her voluptuous lips, as the thin-lipped 1920s woman.

Fred Armisen As Barack Obama (Saturday Night Live)

Considering the fact that the otherwise extremely talented SNL star Fred Armisen is a white man with a subpar impersonation of the 44th. U.S. President, I'll just say that I am glad Jay Pharoah eventually took over as Barack Obama.

Tom Hulce As Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Amadeus)

Just based on artist renderings of the seminal composer, Tom Hulce was nowhere near a match to play the title role of director Milos Forman's Best Picture Oscar winner, Amadeus, from 1984. However, the actor is widely admired for his performance as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which earned him a well-deserved Academy Award nomination.

Robert Redford As Harry Longabaugh (Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid)

I wonder how many others like me had no idea that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was based on a true story, which might be how the film was able to get away with casting actors who look nothing like the Western outlaws they play. For instance, Robert Redford's mustache works just fine for the role, but Harry Longabaugh, a.k.a. "The Sundance Kid," did not have long blonde locks.

Diana Ross As Billie Holiday (Lady Sings The Blues)

Most would agree that 1972's Lady Sings the Blues is the superior biopic about the trailblazing "Strange Fruit" singer over The United States vs. Billie Holiday from 2021. However, those same people might also agree that Andra Day was a better fit to play Holiday, physically speaking, than the otherwise wonderfully talented Diana Ross in the earlier film.

Robin Williams As Patch Adams (Patch Adams)

The real Patch Adams hates Tom Shadyac's biopic based on his life, which has nothing to do with the fact that Robin Williams looks nothing like the influential doctor. However, it's still impossible to ignore, especially with how they do not even bother to give the Oscar winner Adams' signature mustache.

Mel Gibson As William Wallace (Braveheart)

In the most well-known illustrations of William Wallace, the Scottish warrior is depicted as having short hair and a beard. Why director Mel Gibson opted against this look when he portrayed Wallace in Braveheart is beyond me.

Serena Scott Thomas As Princess Diana (Diana: Her True Story)

Many actors have portrayed Princess Diana to varying degrees of success, but most consider Serena Scott Thomas from the 1993 two-part miniseries, Diana: Her True Story, to be one of the weakest matches, purely in terms of her physical resemblance.

Zoe Saldaña As Nina Simone (Nina)

The 2016 biopic, Nina, sparked controversy when Zoe Saldaña donned skin-darkening makeup and a prosthetic nose to better resemble singer Nina Simone, which the actor would later admit she regretted.

While I have never been a huge fan of Superman, James Gunn’s upcoming DC movie starring David Corenswet is one of my most anticipated upcoming 2025 movies. So, I figured now was a good time for me to finally get around to watching Zack Snyder’s 2013 interpretation of the last son of Krypton, Man of Steel.

The ridiculously divisive reception of the Henry Cavill-led Superman film led me to pass on checking it out for more than a decade, but I had a feeling my general lack of interest in the character would benefit me with an objective point of view so I could judge it fairly. Well, I ended up not caring much for it, and for many of the same reasons that disappointed even die-hard comic book fans. However, there was one aspect I assumed I would enjoy that sadly turned out to be the one thing I disliked most about Man of Steel. Allow me to explain…

Michael Shannon Was Wrong For Zod

Ever since I saw his performance in Take Shelter, a 2011 movie that gets honest about mental health, I have believed that Michael Shannon is one of the most talented actors alive. I have especially enjoyed some of his villainous roles, such as in Guillermo del Toro’s Best Picture Oscar winner, 2017’s The Shape of Water, so I was genuinely excited to finally see how he plays one of Superman’s archenemies, General Zod, in Man of Steel when I booted up my HBO Max subscription. However, my reaction to the performance may sound like heresy to other fans of the two-time Oscar nominee.

I recently wrote a listicle about miscast movie and TV villains, and had I seen Man of Steel then, I would have included Shannon’s Zod. Forgive me, but in my opinion, he lacks an authentic aura of menace needed to pull off an antagonist capable of creating such cataclysmic destruction. On top of that, I think he just feels generally out of place in the role, especially when interacting with fellow Kryptonians in the prologue. One could argue that is by design, based on the alien warrior’s opposition to how Krypton is governed, but it simply did not work for me, and that disappointed feeling lasted for the rest of the film.

Michael Shannon's Zod Might Have Worked In A Less Bleak Superman Movie

There is a part of me, however, that believes Shannon’s portrayal of Zod could have been an all-time great DC villain performance, but not in a movie like Man of Steel. You see, another major issue I have with the movie, which has also proved very divisive among fans, is that it takes itself just a little too seriously for its own good, especially when you consider that its lead hero is traditionally depicted as hopeful, positive, and fun. I cannot help but believe that the idea of having fun was also on Shannon’s mind.

While some of his comments in the past suggest Shannon did take his Man of Steel role very seriously, watching him, I get the feeling that he also wanted to ham it up a little bit with a more traditionally over-the-top comic book villain performance. Zod’s fourth, overexaggerated yelp of the line “I will find him!” in the prologue was enough to convince me of that. I am totally all for that approach, and I believe it probably would have worked if the tone of this Superman movie matched the tone of his portrayal, as I see it.

A movie that offered a perfect opportunity for Shannon to not hold anything back, as Zod was The Flash, which I think proudly leaned into its cheesiness. However, he seemed to have less enthusiasm for the role in that reprisal, and his comments to Collider in 2023 basically confirm that. I do wonder, though, if he were to give the role one more try–with Zack Snyder’s blessing, of course–how well his Zod would fare in an upcoming superhero movie set in James Gunn’s new DC Universe. It’s worth thinking about…

Filmmaker Rian Johnson has been on a roll lately, thanks to his work on high profile projects like Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and the Knives Out franchise. The latter began with the 2019 original movie, and was expanded when Glass Onion arrived on Netflix. Both of his Knives Out movies feature stellar casts, led by Daniel Craig. The original also features Chris Evans as the villainous Ransom Drysdale. And the Marvel alum recently revealed which co-star made him break character the most… and it might surprise you.

The Knives Out cast was killer (pun intended), and featured iconic performances from the likes of Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Colette, and Ana de Armas. Despite the murder mystery the franchise is also very much a comedy, with plenty of funny moments in each of the two movies so far. Chris Evans recently spoke to GQ about his career, and shared how Michael Shannon actually had him in stitches when filming. As he put it,

There you have it. It looks like Shannon was actually the one who made Chris Evans break while filming Knives Out-- despite being a celebrated dramatic actor. Specifically because of their two characters’ familial dynamic, and one scene involving cookies.

Evans’ comments to GQ show how much fun it was to film Knives Out for the stellar cast assembled by Rian Johnson. Glass Onion also had plenty of A-listers, with Daniel Craig being the only Knives Out actor included. What’s more, the 007 actor is expected to once again return in the developing Knives Out 3 movie.

While it seems unlikely that Chris Evans will ever reprise his role as Ransom in a Knives Out sequel, it should be fascinating to see what comes next for the 42 year-old actor. Some fans are hoping to see Evans return as Captain America, although he doesn’t seem interested in doing that anytime soon. He’s got other goals in mind, including his first Academy Award nomination.

Glass Onion was another critical hit for Rian Johnson, and it looks like the mystery sequel is taking up much of his focus as a filmmaker. Moviegoers can’t wait to see what all-star cast he assembles for the forthcoming threequel. Considering the cast and wild cameos for Glass Onion, it seems like just about anything is possible.

In addition to Knives Out 3, Rian Johnson is also working on the second season of Poker Face. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Michael Shannon has become widely recognized for his captivating performances, often finding himself in villainous roles. (That's why he’s been a popular choice among fans to portray a Bond antagonist.) However, his portrayal of General Zod in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel truly showcased his villainous prowess. Despite his character's demise in the film, Shannon is making a return as the formidable Kryptonian in the upcoming DC Extended Universe movie, The Flash. He recently compared his experiences working on the two superhero movies, he doesn't sound so stoked about his latest outing as the character.

In a frank discussion with Collider, Michael Shannon revealed his honest sentiments regarding returning to the character (which he did under one condition) for the upcoming DC movie. Shannon expressed dissatisfaction with the multiverse storytelling approach utilized by The Flash, likening it to someone playing with action figures. He explained:

The actor stood by his belief that Snyder’s take on the Big Blue Boyscout was a sophisticated story, irrespective of public opinion. He also asserted that while Andy Muschietti's feature is undoubtedly a nuanced story, there's not much room for him to play around as Zod. He continued:

The Take Shelter star's reservations highlight his preference for character-driven narratives and the opportunities they provide for actors to delve deep into their roles. While acknowledging the entertainment value of multiverse films and their thrilling action sequences, he expressed a desire for more extensive character exploration akin to what he experienced in his first superhero movie outing.

As Emmy nominations draw closer, viewers should keep an eye out for Showtime’s captivating limited series, George & Tammy, which delves into the extraordinary lives of country music icons George Jones and Tammy Wynette. It's a role that surely gave Michael Shannon a chance to stretch his acting muscles and explore character depth. The series, which also stars Jessica Chastain, explores the triumphs, tragedies, and undeniable love that defined this legendary power couple. Through their powerful and memorable performances, Shannon and Chastain bring to life the flawed human beings behind the larger-than-life personas, showcasing the raw vulnerability and the profound connection that was nurtured through their music.

It remains to be seen how The Flash will strike a balance between the thrilling multiverse elements and the nuanced character development that actors like Michael Shannon yearn for. Nevertheless, with a talented ensemble cast, including the Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash and the iconic Michael Keaton returning as the beloved Tim Burton-era Batman, The Flash promises to be a cinematic experience that seamlessly merges nostalgia with exhilaration. Despite some controversies surrounding Miller’s behavior, which Shannon has candidly addressed, critic reactions to the DC movie have been positive. (Cinemablend’s own Nick Venable gave it 4 and a half out of 5 stars). Let's hope it lives up to fans' expectations and still serves as a solid showcase for Shannon's talents.

As The Flash races onto the schedule of 2023 new movie releases on June 16, fans can anticipate a blend of familiar elements from the past with the adrenaline-fueled excitement of the present, offering a unique and thrilling journey into the multiversal world of the Scarlet Speedster.

When Superman snapped Zod’s neck in Man of Steel, naturally that marked the end of the Kryptonian general’s story in the DC Extended Universe… at least in life, since his corpse was used to create Doomsday in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. However, with The Flash seeing Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen travel through the multiverse, we’ll meet a different version of Zod in this 2023 new movie release. But Michael Shannon only agreed to appear in The Flash on one condition, which involved director Zack Snyder.

Ahead of The Flash’s arrival in theaters, Shannon sat down with Vanity Fair to go over some of his biggest roles, which includes reprising Zod in the upcoming DC movie. After discussing how he was initially confused by the multiverse concept, the actor had this to say:

Following his work on Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Zack Snyder returned to helm Justice League, but he left the team-up movie after principal photography wrapped, which is what Michael Shannon was referring to in the interview. We won’t go over the circumstances behind that exit here, but because Shannon was displeased by what went down, he wasn’t willing to sign onto The Flash unless Snyder was ok with it. Fortunately, the Army of the Dead filmmaker gave his blessing, so Shannon was free to step back into General Zod’s shoes once more and collaborate with director Andy Muschietti.

Just like in Man of Steel, this other General Zod arrives on Earth with his followers to terraform it into a new Krypton, only instead of facing Superman as his chief obstacle, he’ll confront two versions of Barry Allen, Michael Keaton’s Batman and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl. But just because Shannon played Zod in a similar scenario to what he’d done a decade before, that didn’t mean working on The Flash was similar to his experience on Man of Steel. He continued:

It is indeed poetically ironic that Michael Shannon didn’t spend nearly as long working on The Flash compared to Man of Steel, but that doesn’t make his Zod any less dangerous. On top of vanquishing him though, the main version of Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen will need to figure out a way to return to his universe after ending up in this alternate reality without metahumans when he traveled back in time to stop his mother’s murder. The Flash is also a big deal because along with being one of the final DCEU movies, it’ll reset continuity and pave the way for the new DC Universe franchise, with the Chapter One slate being called Gods and Monsters.

The Flash races into theaters on June 16, but in the meantime, you can kick off watching the DC movies in order by streaming Man of Steel with a Max subscription. Michael Shannon also recently reprised Gary Noesner in Waco: The Aftermath, the miniseries that can be viewed if you have the Showtime add-on for your Paramount+ subscription.

The DC Universe has had plenty of ups and downs since its inception, including a number of major behind the scenes shakeups. While James Gunn and Peter Safran were named co-CEOs, a few projects are being released from before their time at the head of the table. That includes Andy Muschietti’s The Flash, which is one of the most highly anticipated upcoming DC movies. That blockbuster looks like a wild multiversal ride, featuring new and returning faces. Case in point: Michael Shannon’s return as Zod, and the Oscar-nominated actor recently addressed Ezra Miller’s controversies.

Despite The Flash wrapping photography in October of 2021, fans were unsure if the movie would ever actually hit theaters. Namely due to various arrests and controversies surrounding its star Ezra Miller, who plays multiple version of Barry Allen throughout its runtime. Michael Shannon recently spoke to Variety about that very sensitive situation, saying:

There you have it. While the Knives Out actor was careful with his words, it sounds like working with Ezra Miller was a positive experience for him. And although he didn’t take Miller’s side regarding their controversies, Shannon doesn’t like to see a public pile on. We’ll just have to see if The Flash movie manages to separate itself from its stars’ issues.

Last year Ezra Miller’s name made countless headlines thanks to arrests and legal issues– many of which happened while they were staying in Hawaii. In August Miller issued an apology for their actions, and revealed they were seeking treatment for complex mental health issues. Since then Miller hasn’t had any new issues, so things certainly seem to be looking up. Although it’s unclear if they’ll end up participating in press and premieres for The Flash, which had a number of delays over the years.

There were rumors that the release of The Flash was partly depending on the behavior of Ezra Miller, who has seemingly cleared up their act in recent months. Indeed, they’ve been staying out of the spot light, apart from Miller’s court appearances. And the marketing campaign for Andy Muschietti’s blockbuster is really picking up lately, helping to buoy excitement until it hits theaters later this summer.

Given the new leadership at DC, there are countless questions about the future of the shared universe. This includes whether or not Ezra Miller will continue to play the Scarlet Speedster in future projects. The Flash is expected to course-correct the DC timeline, so it would make sense. But with Miller’s controversies still inspiring an active discourse, they could choose to part ways. 

The Flash will hit theaters on June 16th. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

With this year being the 30th anniversary of the federal government’s notorious 1993 raid of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, there are a great number of news specials, documentaries, books, and shows coming out about the event that would have a massive impact on the remaining years of the 20th Century, and beyond. One of those shows, Waco: The Aftermath, covers the story from a different angle, showing what happened in the weeks, months, and years after David Koresh, many of his followers, and several federal agents were killed during the 51-day siege.

Picking up where the 2018 Paramount Network original, Waco, left off, the new companion series, which is now streaming on Showtime before making its TV debut, features several returning stars, in addition to a group of new additions portraying some of the most consequential figures in the incident’s fallout. Here is where you’ve seen the Waco: The Aftermath cast before.

Michael Shannon (Gary Noesner)

At the top of the Waco: The Aftermath cast is Michael Shannon, who reprises his role of FBI hostage negotiator Gary Noesner. Only this time instead of trying to be the voice of reason in the 51-day standoff, Noesner finds himself trying to navigate the fallout of the infamous incident.

One of the most prominent names on the list of actors who surprisingly don’t have an Oscar, Shannon has given commanding performances in movies like Nocturnal Animals, Revolutionary Road, The Shape of Water, Take Shelter, and countless others. Fans of superhero movies will also recognize Shannon from his portrayal of General Zod in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel.  

John Leguizamo (Jacob Vasquez)

John Leguizamo is another member of the cast who appeared on the original 2018 series. The veteran actor returns as Jacob Vasquez, the undercover ATF agent who worked to gain the trust of the Branch Davidians prior to the raid.

Throughout his career, Leguizamo has landed a variety of roles in movies like Super Mario Bros., To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, the Ice Age animated movies, and countless others. More recently, he’s popped up in the John Wick franchise, Violent Night, and The Menu.

Giovanni Ribisi (Dan Cogdell)

Giovanni Ribisi shows up on Waco: The Aftermath as Dan Cogdell, the defense attorney tasked with representing the surviving Branch Davidians in the months following the 1993 raid on their compound.

With memorable performances in That Thing You Do!, Saving Private Ryan, Boiler Room, Lost in Translation, and Avatar, Ribisi has done just about everything on the big screen. He has also appeared on TV shows like My Name is Earl, Sneaky Pete, The Wonder Years, and Friends, on which he portrayed Phoebe’s half-brother, Frank. 

Shea Whigham (Mitch Decker)

Shea Whigham appears in the limited series, once again playing FBI agent Mitch Decker.

Whigham, who will be in the upcoming Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, has been all over the place throughout his career, appearing in movies like Wristcutters: A Love Story, Take Shelter, First Man, Bad Times at the El Royale, Joker, and various entries in the Fast and Furious franchise. His TV work includes Boardwalk Empire, True Detective, Narcos, and Perry Mason. 

David Costabile (Judge Smith)

David Costabile portrays Judge Smith, who oversees the trails of the surviving Branch Davidians on Waco: The Aftermath.

If Costabile looks familiar, it could have something to do with his appearances on shows like Flight of the Conchords, Breaking Bad, Billions, and the fifth and final season of The Wire, on which he played Baltimore Sun managing editor Thomas Klebanow. His notable film appearances include Lincoln, Side Effects, and The Post. 

J. Smith Cameron (Lois Roden) 

J. Smith Cameron stars in the series as Lois Roden, the one-time leader of the Branch Davidians.

Probably best known for her portrayal of Gerri Kellman on the HBO smash-hit drama series Succession, Cameron has had a long career on the small screen, with appearances on shows like Rectify, True Blood, Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Spin City, and several others. Her film credits include Vengeance, The First Wives Club, Harriet the Spy, and The Rage: Carrie 2, to name a few.  

John Hoogenakker (Clive Doyle) 

John Hoogernakker pops up on Waco: The Aftermath as Clive Doyle, one of David Koresh’s first followers after he took the reins of the Branch Davidians.

Fans of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan will surely recognize Hoogenakker from his portrayal of Matice during the Amazon original series’ first two seasons. His other notable TV appearances include the Dopesick cast, Castle Rock, Chicago Fire, and Boss. He has also appeared in movies like Flags of Our Fathers, Public Enemies, and Consumed. 

Keean Johnson (Vernon Howell) 

Keean Johnson appears in the Waco: The Aftermath cast as Vernon Howell, the man who would go on to become known as David Koresh.

Everyone who has watched the HBO drama series Euphoria will remember Johnson from his portrayal of Daniel during the show’s first season. His other TV credits include the likes of The Fosters, Nashville, and Spooksville. Johnson has also popped up in movies like Alita: Battle Angel, Midway, and a few others. 

Michael Luwoye (Livingstone Fagan)

Michael Luwoye takes on the role of Livingstone Fagan, one of the Branch Davidians on trial on Waco: The Aftermath.

Perhaps best known for his portrayal of Alexander Hamilton during the 2017 Hamilton national tour, as well as its 2018 Broadway run, Luwoye has appeared in productions of Tick, Tick… Boom!, Othello, Moby Dick, and countless others. His TV work includes shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Magicians, and The Lion Guard.  

Alex Breaux (Timothy McVeigh)

And then there is Alex Breaux, who portrays Oklahoma City Bomber Timothy McVeigh on Waco: The Aftermath.

Prior to landing the role of the domestic terrorist planning the April 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, Breaux appeared on shows like Blue Bloods, When They See Us, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Blacklist, and more. 

Waco: The Aftermath is currently streaming on Showtime as well as for anyone with a Paramount+ subscription with the Showtime add-on, and will make its on-air debut Sunday, April 16th. If you want to know what else is coming to your favorite channels and streaming services, check out our 2023 TV schedule for all the latest.

Stream Waco: The Aftermath on Paramount+ with Showtime.
Stream Waco: The Aftermath on Showtime.

Updated with video.

Whenever The Conners welcomes new characters into the dysfunctional fold, it usually means some form of bad news for the titular family, whether it's local business owners turning Darlene down for work or old classmates returning to reignite past rivalries. That pattern rang similarly true when The View's Whoopi Goldberg traded off morning chats for sitcom spats for a recent guest spot, where she played Mark's music teacher who also had personal history with Jackie. Thankfully, that discomfort didn't bleed over behind the scenes, as Lecy Goranson told CinemaBlend the EGOT comedienne was an absolute delight on the set. while also sharing what kinds of guest stars she'd love to see stopping by the ABC show.

Whoopi Goldberg appeared in Episode 517, "The Contra Hearings and the Midnight Gambler," taking on the role of Mrs. Glen. And while she wasn't a big barrel of smiling laughter the whole time, given her non-ideal relationship with the fam, she did get to dish out some signature Whoopi snark by way of Mrs. Glen ripping on the Conners' sliding scale of domestic class. She apparently dropped the character's aloofness when the cameras stopped rolling, though, as Lecy Goranson shared just how pleased she was to have the Star Trek vet as a guest star.

That's five different "wins," and only three of them made it into the headline. Whoopi Goldberg got wins for days. 

Since it sounded like she and other cast members were able to spend a decent amount of time with Goldberg during her visit, I asked Lecy Goranson how that usually went with Conners guest stars (particularly outside of pandemic-related setbacks). In her words:

The last time The Conners focused a plotline on Mark's contrabassoon skills, Hollywood icon Christopher Lloyd served as the wowzers guest star, reprising the role he originated in Roseanne. Assuming Mark's talents pop up again in the coming episodes, should we expect to see another major cameo as his new instructor? Or, since things went so well the first time around, maybe Whoopi Goldberg will be asked to return for a more genial experience with the Lanford fam. 

Two Guest Stars Lecy Goranson Would Love To Have On The Conners

Considering all the guest stars that have brought their talents to the ABC sitcom, with Season 5 alone serving up icons like William H. Macy and SNL vet Jane Curtain to share the screen with Katey Sagal and John Goodman, I asked Lecy Goranson about who she would love to welcome to the show in the future, whether as a love interest for Becky or in other capacities. First and foremost, she would love more theatre actors, and has two particular fan-favorite stars of the stage and screen in mind for potential Conners appearances. 

It probably goes without saying how amaze(bowling)balls it would be if John Turturro signed on for a Conners appearance, since he and John Goodman co-starred in one of the coolest damned movies of all time, The Big Lebowski. (You just know The Dude would go gaga for some of the rugs, sofa throws and more from the Conners' home over the years.) He's currently starring in Apple TV+'s Severance, which is on the other side of the TV spectrum tonally from the ABC hit, but it'd be the perfect way for him to go against type, amirite?

And who wouldn't want General Zod himself to have a reason to make Lanford kneel before him? Not that Michael Shannon would be playing the DC villain on The Conners, but he'd no doubt bring the same amount of intensity that he embues into every role. He's also currently busy promoting his latest small screen foray, as he's back for the follow-up miniseries Waco: The Aftermath, which will premiere on Showtime on April 16. 

I'm not sure what I can personally do to make either of those casting choices happen, but if it involves sitting down and writing about it from my home office, I think we're in good shape. In the meantime, The Conners' next episode is set to air on ABC on Wednesday, April 19, and will be available to stream the next day with a Hulu subscription. Head to our 2023 TV premiere schedule to see what other new and returning shows are popping up soon.

I have heard some say that the age of the movie star is dead and that audiences no longer go to the cinema just to see their favorite actor’s latest release. However, I think that the large ensemble of stunningly talented A-listers from Amsterdam — in which three friends uncover a political conspiracy while investigating a murder in 1933 — might be the perfect way to challenge that theory. 

If you were not interested in seeing writer and director David O. Russell’s latest release — a captivatingly mysterious period piece — before, just learning who is in the Amsterdam cast might be enough to change your mind. See for yourself by reading on to see who is playing who and where you might know them from.

Christian Bale (Dr. Burt Berendsen)

Following his Oscar win for 2010’s The Fighter and nomination for 2013’s American Hustle, Christian Bale re-teams with David O. Russell to play kindhearted, one-eyed war veteran-turned-surgeon Dr. Burt Berendsen in Amsterdam — his latest of many period dramas, including Empire of the Sun, Newsies, The Prestige, and Rescue Dawn, to name a few. 

The Welsh actor is better known for darker roles, such as modern horror villain Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, Trevor Reznik in The Machinist, John Connor in Terminator Salvation, or Dick Cheney in Vice. Also in 2022, the Dark Knight Trilogy’s Batman actor returned to the comic book genre to play Gorr in Thor: Love and Thunder, which his Ford v. Ferrari co-star, Matt Damon, also cameoed in.

John David Washington (Harold Woodman)

In his first collaboration with David O. Russell as lawyer and Burt’s Army buddy, Harold Woodman, we have John David Washington — who, like Bale, has also starred in a few period pieces (his film debut, Malcolm X, in 1992, and BlackKklansman and The Old Man and the Gun in 2018) and worked with Christopher Nolan (2020’s Tenet).

Denzel Washington's son really launched his acting career with the HBO series, Ballers, leading to roles in movies like the thought-provoking crime drama, Monsters and Men. Washington has also starred in a few Netflix original movies, such as when he played the title role of Beckett cast as and one of the titular duo from Malcolm & Marie in 2021.

Margot Robbie (Valerie Voze)

Also working with David O. Russell for the first time as Valerie Voze — who met Burt and Harold during World War I — is Margot Robbie, who also has a few things in common with Bale, having been in multiple DC movies (starring as Harley Quinn), made a cameo as herself in The Big Short, and once parodied one of his movies in the 2016 short, Australian Psycho. 

The Australian actor is also known for many historical/fact-based dramas, such as her breakout role in The Wolf of Wall Street, her Oscar-nominated performances in I, Tonya and Bombshell, and when she played a fictionalized version of Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Audiences may also recognize Robbie as Charlotte in 2013’s About Time, as Jane in The Legend of Tarzan, or from the Australian soap opera that jump-started her career, Neighbours, which she recently appeared on again 2022. 

Rami Malek (Tom Voze)

As Valerie’s brother, Tom, we have Rami Malek, who has won an Oscar for a biographical drama (as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody) and worked with John David Washington’s father in the 2021 detective thriller, The Little Things. 

After debuting with a small role on Gilmore Girls, he made his feature film debut as Ahkmenrah from the Night at the Museum movies and went on to star in acclaimed dramas like The Master and Short Term 12, and blockbusters like The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2 before achieving Emmy-winning success with USA series, Mr. Robot. Malek furthermore played a Bond villain in No Time to Die, and joined the cast of Christopher Nolan's upcoming Oppenheimer.

Anya Taylor-Joy (Libby Voze)

With her role as Tom’s wife, Libby, Amsterdam marks Anya Taylor-Joy’s latest effort to diversify her career outside of her enduring Scream Queen status, which she established with her (credited) feature film debut in 2016’s The Witch (her first collaboration with The Northman director Robert Eggers) and maintained with starring roles in Split, Thoroughbreds, Last Night in Soho, and The Menu, most recently. Her other, less scary period pieces include her stunning lead performance in Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit cast, recurring role on the platform’s Peaky Blinders, and title role in the Jane Austen adaptation, Emma. 

Andrea Riseborough (Beatrice)

As Burt’s estranged wife, Beatrice, we have Andrea Riseborough, who has also acquired Scream Queen status in recent years from her chilling performance in one of the best Black Mirror episodes (“Crocodile”), devastating turn in the title role of 2018’s psychedelic revenge flick, Mandy, and arguably more devastating turn in Brandon Cronenberg’s Possessor in 2020. 

Amsterdam is certainly one of the British actor’s more lighthearted credits, which also include 2008’s Happy-Go-Lucky, 2014’s Best Picture Oscar winner, Birdman, 2017’s Battle of the Sexes, and Amazon’s The Electric Life of Louis Wain, but does not include the otherwise notable Oblivion from 2013, 2016’s Nocturnal Animals, or the 2018 true crime miniseries, Waco.

Chris Rock (Milton King)

Milton King — Burt and Harold’s Army buddy — seems like a major departure for comedian and former SNL star Chris Rock, until you realize he effectively steals the show in Amsterdam with his humorous social commentary. Not to mention, the actor best known for comedies on both the small screen (he created and narrated Everybody Hates Chris, for instance) and the big screen (such as Head of State, the Madagascar movies, and several collaborations with his buddy, Adam Sandler) has explored various of genres. He has done crime thrillers (New Jack City and Fargo Season 4), action (Lethal Weapon 4 and Bad Company), and even horror (Spiral: From the Book of Saw, which he also wrote the story for).

Alessandro Nivola (Detective Hiltz)

Playing the overly suspicious gumshoe, Detective Hiltz, is Alessandro Nivola, who last worked with David O. Russell in American Hustle, but broke out in 1997 as Nicolas Cage’s on-screen brother in Face/Off. This led to roles in other major releases like the third of the Jurassic Park movies in 2001 and Oscar darlings like A Most Violent Year and Selma from 2014. In more recent years, he reunited with his Inventing the Applewhites co-star, Joaquin Phoenix, for the Amazon original thriller, You Were Never Really Here in 2017, appeared in Disobedience the same year, and starred in The Sopranos prequel movie, The Many Saints of Newark, as Dickie Moltisanti.

Matthias Schoenaerts (Detective Lem Gitwiller)

As Hiltz’s partner and WWI veteran, Lem, we have Matthias Schoenaerts, who made his acting debut at 13 in the Oscar-nominated Belgian drama, Daens, years before working with director Paul Verhoeven on 2006’s Black Book, sharing the screen with Marion Cotillard in 2012’s Rust and Bone, and making his English-language debut the next year with the crime thriller Blood Ties. Also in 2014, Schoenaerts appeared in the American remake of his 2008 thriller, Loft, starred in a pair of acclaimed period dramas in 2015 (Far from the Madding Crowd and The Danish Girl), and starred in Netflix's The Old Guard cast as a badass immortal.

Michael Shannon (Henry Norcross)

As an American who comes to the main trio’s aid named Henry, we have Andrea Riseborough’s Waco and Nocturnal Animals co-star, Michael Shannon, who actually received an Oscar nomination for that 2016 film — his second after his supporting role in 2008’s Revolutionary Road. He should have received a nod, as far as I am concerned, for his performances in Take Shelter and probably every other movie he has done with director Jeff Nichols. Man of Steel's General Zod is also known for other acclaimed films like Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water, Rian Johnson’s Knives Out cast in 2019, and (also in 2022) the Bullet Train cast. 

Mike Myers (Paul Canterbury)

As Paul (a character who slightly resembles his Inglourious Basterds role), we have Rami Malek’s Bohemian Rhapsody co-star and Margot Robbie’s Terminal co-star, Mike Myers — yet another SNL vet who is known for creating and portraying irreverent characters like the title role of the Wayne’s World movies, the title role of the Austin Powers movies, and most of the characters from Netflix’s The Pentaverate. His other notable credits include 1993’s So I Married an Axe Murderer, 1998’s 54, and, arguably, his definitive role as the titular ogre from the Shrek movies.

Timothy Olyphant (Milfax)

While he has played villains before (i.e. Scream 2 and Live Free or Die Hard), Chris Rock’s Fargo Season 4 co-star, Timothy Olyphant, has never played a character so menacing and physically transformative as Milfax in Amsterdam. The actor also previously starred alongside Margot Robbie in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in a role that reflected his penchant for starring in Westerns and, often, to Emmy-nominated acclaim — such as when he led both the Deadwood cast on HBO and the Justified cast on FX, and guest-starred on the Season  2 premiere of The Mandalorian. 

Zoe Saldaña (Irma St. Clair)

I cannot say I have seen Chris Rock’s Death at a Funeral co-star and Christian Bale’s Out of the Furnace co-star, Zoe Saldaña, play a role quite the like the reserved yet radiant morgue nurse Irma St. Clair — save, perhaps, her characters from Drumline, The Terminal, and Guess Who, for instance. I am more used to picturing her as a fierce, ass-kicking action hero from such films as the more recent Star Trek movies as Uhura, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy movies as Gamora, and the Avatar movies as Neytiri, just to name a few.

Taylor Swift (Liz Meekins)

I also cannot say I have seen Taylor Swift — who has been acting since her first appearance on SNL, before nailing her sole hosting gig, more than a decade ago — give a performance quite as strong and convincing as when she played Liz Meekins in Amsterdam. The Grammy-winning musician’s other acting credits include a 2009 episode of CSI, 2010’s romantic ensemble comedy, Valentine’s Day, the animated Dr. Seuss adaptation The Lorax, the 2014 Lois Lowry adaptation, The Giver, and Tom Hooper’s 2019 adaptation of Broadway’s Cats.

Robert De Niro (General Gil Dillenbeck)

Last, but certainly not least, as respected military general Gil Dillenbeck, we have frequent David O. Russell collaborator Robert De Niro, who is also known for his collaborations with Martin Scorsese — such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull (which earned him his second Oscar) and Goodfellas — and plenty of other gangster movies, like The Godfather Part II (which earned him his second Oscar). The living legend is certainly not one to shy away from all kinds of genres, having done horror with Angel Heart, various comedies (one of the best being Meet the Parents), heist thrillers like Heat, and a comic book flick (2019’s Joker).

It is always a pleasure to see an ensemble as stacked and as stellar as the Amsterdam cast and, luckily, the film — now in theaters — is also worthy of their talent.

Despite his penchant for comedies and dramas, Michael Shannon has dipped his toe in the superhero genre a few times. His most notable role in that area in supervillain General Zod in Henry Cavill’s first Superman outing, Man of Steel. Many DC fans enjoyed him as the rogue Kryptonian general, but after that movie, there was a chance for Shannon to hop over to rival Marvel, according to a Bullet Train producer. It turns out that Shannon, who appears in the now-released Bullet Train, almost played a major Marvel superhero.

Bullet Train producer Kelly McCormick spoke about the Knives Out actor almost joining the Marvel universe to play a pivotal role while being interviewed by Indiewire. After playing General Zod, Shannon came close to playing antihero Cable in Deadpool 2 before Josh Brolin landed the role. McCormick explained how Brolin ended up as the Marvel character instead of Shannon:

As the Hollywood producer pointed out, it’s hard to picture anyone else other than Brolin playing the time-traveling soldier. As far as Brolin is concerned these days, it isn’t sure if he will return as Cable, as the action-comedy franchise is now part of the MCU. While each man has their strengths, Brolin captured Cable’s stoic and cynical nature for the big screen whereas Michael Shannon may have come off harsh and menacing, as seen in Man of Steel. But things worked in a full-circle moment as Kelly McCormick and the 47-year-old actor finally got to work together on Bullet Train.

Michael Shannon probably isn’t crying over not playing the Marvel hero as he is set to reprise his role as General Zod. He will appear in The Flash alongside Ezra Miller and Batman actors Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton. His reprisal of the DC supervillain comes years after moviegoers last saw the former Kryptonian’s corpse in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.

But the Deadpool 2/Bullet Train connection didn’t just stop with Shannon. There’s Brad Pitt’s famous and insane Deadpool 2 cameo where he played The Vanisher, who got electrocuted trying to help the mouthy mercenary as an X-Force member. While viewers enjoyed the “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” moment, Ryan Reynold’s wife Blake Lively wasn’t amused. After a Deadpool 2 clip featuring Pitt went viral, Lively couldn’t help but get a classic quip about Reynolds not inviting her to set when the Oscar winner shot his scene. The actress’ response was expected as she and her husband are consistently trolling each other online.

Michael Shannon could always work with Marvel, especially after CEO Kevin Feige announced the official Phase 5 lineup and previewed the MCU’s Phase 6. In the meantime, audiences can watch Shannon as White Death in Bullet Train, which is currently in theaters. Check out CinemaBlend’s 2022 movie schedule to see what new films are being released the rest of the year.

Director David Leitch is hardly a stranger to the world of action filmmaking. After spending years working in the stunts realm, he made his directorial debut with 2014’s John Wick, which he worked on with Chad Stahelski. Since then, Leitch has helmed Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2 and Hobbs & Shaw, and now he’s tackling Bullet Train, based on the Japanese novel “Maria Beetle” by Kotaro Isaka, for Sony Pictures.

If you have recently watched the new movie or are planning on seeing Brad Pitt in action at some point, you are probably wondering where you’ve seen the Bullet Train cast before they found their way into what looks to be one of the best action films of the year. There are quite a few passengers we need to meet, so let’s punch our tickets and step aboard.

Brad Pitt (Ladybug)

Shortly after the release of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Brad Pitt said he would act in fewer movies going forward. Evidently he deemed Bullet Train worthy of his time, as Pitt stars as the lead character, a hitman named Ladybug in the new movie. 

Pitt and David Leitch previously worked together on Deadpool 2, where the former cameoed as Vanisher, who we only briefly saw when he was being electrocuted to death. So Bullet Train will give them a chance to become much better acquainted, and we’ll see how this compares to Pitt’s previous action outings, such as Fight Club, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and World War Z, to name only a few.

Joey King (The Prince)

Some of you might remember Joey King from films like Ramona and Beezus, The Dark Knight Rises (she played a young Talia al Ghul in a flashback), and Oz the Great and Powerful, but nowadays she’s best known for Netflix’s The Kissing Booth movies, Hulu’s The Act, FX’s Fargo and Blumhouse’s The Lie, among other things. 

While Bullet Train won’t mark King’s first foray into action movies, this will definitely be her biggest action platform yet, with her portrayal of a seemingly harmless schoolgirl who is actually a fierce and deadly assassin who goes by the name “The Prince.”

Andrew Koji (Yuichi Kimura)

Those of you who’ve seen the Cinemax series Warrior are already well acquainted with Andrew Koji, and G.I. Joe fans will remember him from bringing Storm Shadow to life in 2021’s Snake Eyes. Now Bullet Train is the latest opportunity for Koji to show off his action cred, and count on him standing out among the other main cast members with his martial arts skills as Yuichi Kimura, another mysterious assassin aboard the action-packed train.

Throughout his career, Koji has also given great performances on shows like American Gods, Call the Midwife, and Peaky Blinders.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Tangerine)

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is no stranger when it comes to action movies, plays a visible role in Bullet Train as Tangerine, one half of a citrus-themed team of contract killers who finds himself crossing paths with Brad Pitt’s Ladybug.

During the first half of last decade,  Taylor-Johnson drew attention for playing Dave Lizewski in the Kick-Ass movies, Quicksilver in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Ford Brody in Godzilla. More recently, Taylor-Johnson has appeared in Outlaw King, A Million Little Pieces,Tenet, and The King’s Man. And Taylor-Johnson knows a thing or two about playing less than heroic characters, especially with his menacing role in Nocturnal Animals.

Brian Tyree Henry (Lemon)

And who takes on the role of the other member of the citrus hit squad on the Bullet Train cast? Well, none other than Brian Tyree Henry, who can’t really be stopped thanks to a list of notable credits that includes hit shows like Atlanta.

If you’re an avid consumer of movies, then it’s hard to imagine you haven’t seen Henry in anything over the last several years, as he has appeared in Widows, If Beale Street Could Talk, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Child’s Play and Joker. In 2021 alone, Henry had major roles in the Legendary monster epic Godzilla vs. Kong and the Marvel Phase 4 movie Eternals. 

Zazie Beetz (The Hornet)

Like Brian Tyree Henry, Zazie Beetz is a member of Atlanta’s main cast, but if you haven’t seen her on that series, you likely remember her for her roles as Domino in Deadpool 2 or Sophie in Joker. Now Beetz is hopping aboard Bullet Train, taking on the role of “The Hornet,” an American assassin who has a fondness for poisons, hence her sleek and deadly name.

In the past year prior to punching her ticket to Bullet Train, Beetz has appeared in one of the best Netflix movies, Harder They Fall as well as the surprisingly clever and entertaining animated feature film The Bad Guys.

Masi Oka (Train Conductor)

Taking on the role of one of the conductors aboard the high-speed assassin deathtrap in Bullet Train is Masi Oka, who will be instantly recognizable for fans of a certain NBC drama from the early 2000s.

Oka kicked off his time in Hollywood working at Industrial Light & Magic as a digital effects artist, but in the 2000s, he began his acting career. Most of you likely remember him best either as the time-traveling Hiro Nakamura on Heroes or coroner Max Bergman on Hawaii Five-0, while his resume also includes Get Smart, Friends with Benefits and The Meg. 

Michael Shannon (The White Death)

Michael Shannon, who has been one of the most interesting and entertaining faces in Hollywood for the past decade-and-a-half, shows up on the Bullet Train cast as the White Death, a notorious and dangerous crime boss.

Some of you may know Michael Shannon best as General Zod in Man of Steel, while others followed along with him playing Nelson Van Alden in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. Or maybe you prefer one of his other credits more, like Revolutionary Road, 99 Homes, Elvis & Nixon, The Shape of Water or Knives Out. In any case, Shannon has clearly been around the Hollywood block, even before boarding Bullet Train. 

Logan Lerman (The Son)

Logan Lerman takes a seat on the Bullet Train cast as the son of the powerful and dangerous White Death, whose rescue and safe return can make some of his fellow passengers quite wealthy.

Some of you have most likely seen Lerman on the small screen playing Jonah Heidelbaum on the Amazon Prime Video original series Hunters. Lerman’s notable film credits include 3:10 to Yuma, the Percy Jackson movies, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Noah and Fury, the latter of which also featured his Bullet Train co-star Brad Pitt.

Hiroyuki Sanada (The Elder)

Showing up as a mysterious character known as The Elder, Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada serves as one of the most interesting passengers on the Bullet Train cast.

American audiences have gotten to know Hiroyuki Sanada over the years in movies like The Wolverine, Mr. Holmes, Life and Avengers: Endgame, as well as seeing him in TV shows like Lost, Revenge and Westworld. Sanada appeared in 2021 Warner Bros. films like the Mortal Kombat reboot and Netflix originals the Zack Snyder-directed Army of the Dead, and now we can throw Bullet Train into the mix too.

Bad Bunny (The Wolf)

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known by his stage name, Bad Bunny, appears as The Wolf, the pissed off hitman trying to stab Brad Pitt’s Ladybug in the Bullet Train trailer.

Bad Bunny is a Latin Grammy-award winning singer who has been on a tear the past few years, with performances alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2020, multiple appearances at major WWE events, and more. Acting-wise though, Mr. Bunny is just as busy. We already saw him in the Netflix series Narcos: Mexico and the movie American Sole, and now he’s taking the express train to superstardom. And this looks like it’s just the beginning as the Grammy Award winner is slated to star in his own Marvel movie in the future.

Sandra Bullock (Maria Beetle)

And then there is Academy Award-winning actress Sandra Bullock, who portrays Brad Pitt’s on-screen handler, Maria Beetle, in Bullet Train.

Brad Pitt and Bullock have been active in the Hollywood space for roughly the same amount of time, but Bullet Train will be only their second time working together (they previously appeared together earlier this year in The Lost City). Bullock is no stranger to working on action movies, with her resume includes Demolition Man, Speed and The Heat. Bullock and Pitt have also both been part of the Ocean’s franchise though they’ve never been in one together.

Bullet Train is now playing in theaters nationwide. If you want to know what other movies are coming to a cineplex (or streaming service) near you, check out our rundown of all the 2022 new releases. 

Based on the ending of The Batman, there is at one villain we can expect to see in director Matt Reeves’ follow-up to his smash hit DC reboot. However, there are a few other characters we also hope will appear alongside Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader at some point in this franchise, and one of them is Harvey Dent, who would also come to be known as Two-Face.

Instead of how Aaron Eckhart’s depiction was handled in The Dark Knight, I would like to see the next movie only explore Harvey’s days as Gotham City’s district attorney and save his tragic evolution into a murderous psycho at war with himself (and Batman) for a later sequel. It is going to take one hell of an actor to portray this good man’s descent into madness and we have a few candidates in mind, including one who has played a similar role before.

Adam Driver

Opinions regarding the more recent Star Wars movies vary, but one thing most agree on is Adam Driver’s performance as Kylo Ren - a Dark Side wannabe wrestling with an inner desire to use his Force sensitivity for good. From the opposite perspective, the arc feels a lot like how Harvey Dent struggles with his latent, menacing split personality before it is fully unlocked by his disfigurement, turning him into Two-Face. By channeling his Kylo Ren performance in reverse, the Academy Award nominee would be perfect for The Batman sequel.

Antony Starr

Someone who is also well-versed in playing two-faced individuals, as well as comic book characters, is Antony Starr - best known as Homelander in The Boys cast. The leader of The Seven is usually good at appearing heroic to the public, but is actually one of the most despicable characters on Amazon Prime’s hit show based on Garth Ennis’ truly graphic series. The New Zealand-born actor could make a great Two-Face by, once again, portraying this struggle to maintain a clean reputation, but with a more sympathetic angle.

Michael C. Hall

As the lead of the Dexter cast, seven-time Emmy nominee Michael C. Hall gave one of the most celebrated performances of his career as a homicidal two-faced individual. Of course, considering his moral code, I think most think of Dexter Morgan as more akin to Batman, but if the Dark Knight never honored his no-killing rule, that is. By playing Harvey Dent, Hall could revisit that duality he mastered on the hit Showtime series while also tapping into the more damaged psyche of an individual who is completely beyond saving. 

Jon Bernthal

Jon Bernthal has played two iconic comic book characters on TV and both give off some serious Two-Face vibes. The former Walking Dead cast member played Shane as the once trusted best friend of the main hero before grave circumstances brought out his true nature, and his vengeful and homicidal Frank Castle on Daredevil and The Punisher was once a kind, everyday individual before losing his family. We also know from both of those roles that he can play unbalanced very well and I’d like to see him lay that on a little thicker in a Batman movie.

Oliver Jackson-Cohen

I think it is clear that Oliver Jackson-Cohen could pull-off Two-Face from his roles in Mike Flanagan’s Netflix miniseries. We saw him wrestle with the demons (sometimes literally) that made him an outcast on The Haunting of Hill House and, on The Haunting of Bly Manor, his character was once a sophisticated and (seemingly) well-intentioned man before he was driven to murder by a violent act committed against him. Not to mention, the Londoner is, kind of, the spitting image of how I would picture Harvey Dent in a live-action setting.

Daniel Kaluuya

Did you ever notice how Daniel Kaluuya rarely plays a character who is not relatively calm and well put-together? For instance, throughout most of 2017’s Get Out, as Chris Washington, he keeps his composure brilliantly before shit really starts to hit the fan in Jordan Peele’s horror masterpiece, at which point he allows himself to let loose and rebel. I want to see the Academy Award winner play Harvey Dent in a similar way in future Batman movies: a cool, trustworthy everyman pushed to the brink of his sanity when he (or, more accurately, the left side of his face) falls prey to a cruel injustice.

Michael Shannon

Some iterations depict Harvey Dent and Bruce Wayne as old friends around the same age, such as on Batman: The Animated Series, but I am intrigued by the idea of making the DA older, more experienced, and privately disillusioned by what he has seen on the job - opening the door for his descent even wider. For this, I thought of Michael Shannon, who, surprisingly, received neither of his two Oscar nominations for his mesmerizing performance in 2010’s Take Shelter as a family man trying to keep his life together as he slowly loses his mind. I think seeing him play a Dent who struggles to internalize his maddening discontent would make for an amusing, unique take on Two-Face, which would be his second big DC role after General Zod, whom he is set to reprise in The Flash.

John David Washington

If Matt Reeves was to go with the angle that Harvey Dent and Bruce Wayne are old friends, I think he should cast someone who has already proven to have good chemistry with Robert Pattinson. For this, I thought of John David Washington, who previously teamed up with the Batman actor for a mission that exceeds the bounds of time in 2020’s Tenet, from Dark Knight Trilogy helmer Christopher Nolan. Additionally, I think that his portrayal of a charismatic justice seeker in 2018’s BlacKkKlansman would translate very well to a pre-Two-Face Dent, making his post-Two-Face transformation all the more shocking.

Taylor Lautner

If Matt Reeves, instead, reimagined Harvey Dent and Bruce Wayne as rivals, similar to how Christian Bale and Aaron Eckhart played them in The Dark Knight, I think he should cast someone who knows what it’s like to be at odds with the Batman actor. I am talking about the Jacob to his Edward from the Twilight cast, Taylor Lautner, who has not been given the chance to really show his worth as a performer beyond his career-making role as a werewolf in the blockbuster franchise based on the YA novel series. I would be curious to see his take on Two-Face and to see if it could put him on a new career trajectory like Pattinson’s post-Twilight years.

There are so many great storytelling opportunities in the character of Harvey Dent. Maybe we will see one of the actors above portray the best depiction of the tragic DC villain yet in one of Matt Reeves' next Batman movies.

The multiverse is a concept with which comic-book audiences are growing very familiar. It is currently being used by Sony and Marvel in Spider-Man: No Way Home to bring classic characters from existing franchises into Tom Holland’s world. And in 2022, Warner Bros. will attempt to apply the same rules to its DCEU, bringing classic heroes and villains in Ezra Miller’s world of The Flash. The biggest one, which we knew for a while, was Michael Keaton’s Batman, returning to the screen for the first time since Tim Burton’s Batman Returns. And now we are able to confirm that Man of Steel villains Michael Shannon and Antje Traue will reprise their roles of General Zod and Faora, furthering continuing the SnyderVerse of characters and actors that Zack Snyder established in 2013.

This news was part of a 2022 Preview Kit that Warner Bros. put on its press site. There isn’t any real plot details for how Zod and Faora will be part of The Flash. But their names are in the cast list opposite Ezra Miller, Kiersey Clemons, Sasha Calle (playing Supergirl), Ron Livingston (replacing Billy Crudup as Henry Allen), and Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne. One name absent from the cast list, however, is Ben Affleck… though there have been several indications that the Justice League star would appear opposite Miller as he tries to carry the first ever Flash film.

Andy Muschietti’s The Flash is rumored to be a loose adaptation of the Flashpoint story from DC’s Comics, where Flash tries to go back in time and prevent the death of his mother, creating a butterfly effect that creates massive problems in the existing DC timeline. As we saw in the first trailer for The Flash, this ability to cross universes puts Miller’s Flash on the path to meet Michael Keaton’s Batman. But now we know there will be other elements from Zack Snyder’s movies carrying over into the DCEU.

Does this mean that the SnyderVerse has been restored? Yes, and no. Die-hard Zack Snyder fans will argue that this isn’t even close. What they’d prefer is for Warner Bros. to allow Snyder to return to the world that he constructed with Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and his four-hour Justice League cut, which landed on HBO Max earlier this year. And while that reunion COULD happen one day, at the moment Snyder seems content creating feature films for Netflix, including his sci-fi epic Rebel Moon, and more installments in his Army of the Dead saga.

But it‘s interesting to see a studio that was so ready to move on from Snyder’s vision for the DCEU keep using characters and actors that he cast in his movies, strengthening the ties that the new DCEU movies have to Snyder’s existing features and essentially making Snyder’s movies the strong foundation on which the DC future will be built. Gal Gadot is rumored to be appearing in Black Adam. Jason Momoa returns to play Arthur Curry in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The next step should be the addition of Henry Cavill back in his Superman tights. It wouldn’t exactly be “Justice Is Served.” But it’d be a step in the right direction.

For now, the next major DC movie hitting theaters will be Matt Reeves’ The Batman, operating in its own universe and arriving on March 4. Look for The Flash, meanwhile, in theaters beginning on November 4 of next year.

Based on the best-selling novel from author Liane Moriarty, Hulu's new drama Nine Perfect Strangers tells a complicated and trauma-filled story, utilizing one of the best ensemble casts on TV. The story follows nine people aiming to better their lives with a visit to Tranquillum House, a retreat run by Nicole Kidman's enigmatic host Masha, but not all of those visitors are actually strangers. There's a married couple played by Samara Weaving and Melvin Gregg, as well as a familial unit that includes Michael Shannon, Asher Keddie and Grace Van Patten, and there are even a couple of famed folks in the group.

Certainly, Nine Perfect Strangers is an more pleasant title than Two Perfect Strangers, Two Semi-Celebs, A Couple And A Family, but just because some characters are familiars doesn't mean the TV series' (and novel's) title is erroneous. It just can't be taken so literally. While speaking with Nine Perfect Stranger's cast ahead of the Season 1 premiere, I asked star Grace Van Patten to share her thoughts on why the title is still fitting for the particular grouping at play. And as seen in the video above, she answered with:

While I won't be parceling out any novel or TV spoilers right here, suffice to say Grace Van Patten's answer does speak directly to her character Zoe's relationship with her father Napoleon (Michael Shannon) and her mother Heather. While there are still very clear bonds between the trio serving as evidence of a long and loving life together, there are also very clear scars and less-healed wounds caused by a shared tragedy. Everyone reacts to tragic events in their own way, of course, and it's in between their respective responses where the disconnect is birthed, leading to a point where each has developed personality traits that aren't at all familiar to their loved ones.

As well, Nine Perfect Strangers' title is arguably also speaking to the idea of celebrities and athletes being viewed in certain ways by fans, even if it's not at all representative of real life. Just because you're seen someone in a dozen movies, or read a dozen books of theirs, it doesn't mean you actually know the person, so they're as much of a stranger as someone whose writing you've never even heard of.

Even though she's not one of the titular "Nine," at least to our knowledge, Nicole Kidman's salary-breaking role as Masha is intentionally cloaked in mystery, but with a reputation that precedes her. So in that way, many of the guests have heard of her through former visitors' success stories, though she's absolutely a "stranger" to all involved when they arrive. And even for quite a while afterward, for most characters.

So it's technically a good thing that everyone is taking advantage of Masha's knowledge and her techniques, so that those closest to each other in the group will no longer feel like strangers in their personal lives. Of course, if everything went according to a best case scenario, there probably wouldn't be any reason for Nine Perfect Strangers to exist, would there?

Boasting the TV return of Melissa McCarthy, as well as stars such as Bobby Cannavale, Manny Jacinto, and Regina Hall, Nine Perfect Strangers will make its streaming debut on Hulu with its first three episodes starting on Wednesday, August 18. And while waiting to meet Masha at one of the most gorgeous TV retreats you've ever seen, read what critics thought about the new drama, and check out all the other big shows hitting the 2021 Fall TV schedule.

The upcoming Hulu thriller Nine Perfect Strangers, set for a staggered release in August, is the story of nine people who are seeking relief via a health and wellness retreat at the beautiful and isolated Tranquillum House. It's a fair assumption the series, adapted from the book of the same name by Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty, will provide its characters with quite a different experience than the brochure promised. The cast, led by The Undoing's Nicole Kidman and Thunder Force's Melissa McCarthy, is a who's who of awards show invitees, and I can't wait to see how this ensemble comes together to act out what is sure to be pure, delicious madness.

Created by David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies, The Undoing), Nine Perfect Strangers promises to be a dark and twisty journey, with frequent Kelley collaborator Nicole Kidman leading the way as Masha, the head of Tranquillum House. The nine strangers who have signed up for the pricey ten-day retreat are all seeking transformation, and the eight-episode miniseries should give viewers plenty of quality time to take that trip with the eclectic bunch. Here's a look at who will portray the retreat-goers, as well as the Tranquillum House staff, and remember to check back for more updates as we get closer to the August 18 premiere.

Nicole Kidman (Masha Dmitrichenko)

No stranger to Liane Moriarty's work, Nicole Kidman will play the role of Tranquillum House leader Masha Dmitrichenko, which comes with a nice paycheck for Kidman, who is reportedly pulling in $1 million per episode. Aside from her award-winning role as Celeste on Big Little Lies — for which Moriarty might be working on Season 3 source material — Kidman starred in David E. Kelley's disturbing miniseries The Undoing. She's also known from her work as Satine in Moulin Rouge!, Virginia Woolf in The Hours, and multiple other roles, and has another high-profile upcoming project coming in Aaron Sorkin's Lucille Ball biopic Being the Ricardos.

Melissa McCarthy (Frances Welty)

Nine Perfect Strangers features Melissa McCarthy's return to television for her first series regular role since Mike and Molly, though Nobodies and SNL kept her busy in recent years. Her character, romance writer Frances Welty, goes to Tranquillum House "in need of some fixing," according to the series' trailer. A master of both comedy and drama, McCarthy is known for her hilarious roles in Thunder Force opposite Jason Bateman and as Megan in Bridesmaids, among others. And who could forget Sookie from Gilmore Girls?

Michael Shannon (Napoleon Marconi)

Michael Shannon is set to bring his signature intensity as the Marconi family patriarch Napoleon, who is attending the Tranquillum House retreat with his wife and daughter after a family tragedy. Shannon's ability to bring humor to a dramatic performance should fit this role perfectly. Shannon is known for portraying as Zod in Man of Steel, as well as Walt Thrombey in Knives Out and Richard Strickland in The Shape of Water, and was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Revolutionary Road. On the TV side of things, he's best known for playing Nelson Van Alden in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire and Shannon will also appear in Bullet Train starring Brad Pitt and most of the rest of Hollywood, set for release in 2022.

Asher Keddie (Heather Marconi)

Asher Keddie is set to play Napoleon Marconi's wife, Heather. The highly decorated Australian actress is known particularly for her role as Nina Proudman on the Australian drama Offspring, but American audiences might still recognize her. Keddie had a small role as Dr. Carol Frost in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, starring Hugh Jackman.

Grace Van Patten (Zoe Marconi)

Grace Van Patten rounds out the Marconi family as the couple's young adult daughter Zoe. Van Patten is known for her roles in the Netflix movies Tramps and The Meyerowitz Stories as Adam Sandler's daughter. As a child she made guest appearances in episodes of The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire.

Luke Evans (Lars Lee)

Divorce lawyer Lars Lee will be played in Nine Perfect Strangers by Luke Evans, who won audiences over as Gaston in the 2017 live action remake of Beauty and the Beast (and will do the same again in the upcoming TV spinoff.) He'll take on another Disney role soon as The Coachman in the upcoming live-action Pinocchio movie. Others may recognize Evans as Owen Shaw from the Fast and Furious franchise and apparent bad-guy Scott in The Girl on the Train, while his most prominent TV work of late came in TNT's crime drama The Alienist.

Samara Weaving (Jessica Chandler)

Australian actress Samara Weaving has made a name for herself as one of the great modern scream queens for her roles in movies like Ready or Not, The Babysitter and Mayhem. Which makes me wonder just how horrifying the retreat will turn out to be for Weaving's seemingly lucky lottery winner Jessica Chandler in Nine Perfect Strangers. But Weaving is no one-trick-pony, as she showed off her comedy chops as Ted's daughter Thea in Bill & Ted Face the Music, as well as in SMILF and Guns Akimbo.

Melvin Gregg (Ben Chandler)

While the characters may have won the lottery, it doesn't appear as if Melvin Gregg's Ben Chandler and wife Jessica are living their dream, or anyone else's, as they make their way to Nine Perfect Strangers' Tranquillum House. Gregg is known for his roles as DeMarcus Tillman in Netflix's mockumentary series American Vandal and Erick Scott in High Flying Bird. He also played Marcus Parrish in The Way Back with Ben Affleck.

Regina Hall (Carmel Schneider)

Another entertainer known for her hilarious comedy skills, Regina Hall will presumably dial up the drama to play Carmel Schneider, a single mother struggling with the demise of her relationship. Hall is known for her roles as Jordan Sanders in Little and Brenda in the Scary Movie franchise. She played Lisa in the critically acclaimed film Support the Girls and is a standout opposite Don Cheadle as Dawn on the Showtime comedy Black Monday.

Bobby Cannavale (Tony Hogburn)

Tony Hogburn, a former athlete attending the Tranquillum House retreat, will be played by Bobby Cannavale, who appeared in Thunder Force with Melissa McCarthy. Cannavale has been in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as a smorgasbord of HBO series including Sex and the City, two episodes of Oz, Boardwalk Empire (for which he won an Emmy) and Vinyl. You might also recognize him as one of Will and Grace's best guest stars as Vince D'Angelo, or from a zillion other roles. Cannavale has quite a few projects in the works, including Sing 2.

Manny Jacinto (Yao)

Best known as the Jacksonville Jaguars-loving Jason Mendoza from The Good Place, Manny Jacinto seems to be going in a wildly different direction as Tranquillum House staff member Yao. In fact, I bet there’s a good chance Yao has never yelled, “BORTLES!” even one time in his whole life, though he would certain bet the quarter back some refreshments and/or a hot towel. Jacinto is also set to play a pilot named Fritz in the highly anticipated sequel Top Gun: Maverick later this year.

Tiffany Boone (Delilah)

Tiffany Boone rounds out the ensemble, playing fellow Tranquillum House staff member Delilah. No stranger to Hulu, Boone previously channeled her inner Kerry Washington as young Mia on Little Fires Everywhere and is also known for her roles as Roxy Jones on Hunters and Jerrika Little on The Chi.

Nine Perfect Strangers will bring loads of talent and personalities together on screen, and coupled with the storytelling of author Liane Moriarty and creator David E. Kelly, this Hulu miniseries should be considered a can't-miss event when it premieres August 18. Until then, be sure to check out our 2021 summer TV schedule, as well as what else is coming soon to Hulu.

Rian Johnson's murder mystery Knives Out evokes the feel of classic mysteries like those of the Agatha Christie collection, and it has a comedic tone similar to Clue. Knives Out was a runaway hit for Johnson, earning him critical praise and box office success. A major reason for the film’s popularity was the ensemble all-star cast lead by Chris Evans. People flocked to the film because of these a-listers but they enjoyed it because of the clever script and performances.

Since Knives Out, most of the cast has remained busy and booked--appearing in TV shows, movies, theater, and so-on. If you’re dying to know what projects the Knives Out cast will be doing next, then look no further.

Daniel Craig (Benoit Blanc)

Daniel Craig played lead detective Benoit Blanc in Knives Out. He was the one leading the charge to solve the case of who killed author Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). Craig will conclude his run as James Bond when No Time To Die hits theaters in April 2021.

Craig will reprise his role as detective Blanc in the upcoming Knives Out sequel. Not much is known about the sequel, but it will likely involve a new set of suspects and a new murder mystery.

Ana de Armas (Marta Cabrera)

Ana de Armas plays Harlan’s beloved nurse Marta. Originally, she believes herself responsible for Harlan’s death, but then gets involved in trying to uncover the truth behind it. Ana de Armas has been one of the busiest since Knives Out. She appeared in the British crime thriller The Informer. She then appeared in the Netflix original movie Wasp Network with Penelope Cruz, Edgar Ramirez, and Gael Garcia Bernal.

De Armas also appeared in another Netflix original movie: The Night Clerk. This one stars de Armas, John Leguizamo, Helen Hunt, and Tye Sheridan. It involves a hotel night clerk being the center of a murder investigation. She also appeared in Netflix's bio-pic Sergio about UN diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello.

Ana de Armas will appear alongside Craig again in No Time to Die. The Cuban actress will make history when she plays Marilyn Monroe in the upcoming movie Blonde. She’ll also star alongside Ben Affleck in Deep Water.

Chris Evans (Hugh Ransom Drysdale)

Chris Evans' character Ransom is the eldest grandson of Harlan. They have a disagreement and they fight before Harlan’s death. Ransom also is the family member most helpful with the case to find his grandfather’s murder, and he enjoys a knitted sweater.

Without having another Marvel movie to film, Evans was able to join the world of TV with Defending Jacob. In the Apple TV series, Evans plays an assistant district attorney whose life gets turned upside down when his 14-year-old son is accused of being involved in a murder. Jaeden Martell who also played a Jacob in Knives Out co-stars in Defending Jacob with Evans and Michelle Dockery. The series streamed on AppleTV from April to May 2020. Netflix has commissioned a project called The Gray Man that stars Evans and Ryan Gosling. The Russo brothers will direct it.

Evans is also rumored to be playing Orin Scrivello in the Little Shop of Horrors remake. Orin is the psycho dentist and abusive ex-boyfriend of Audrey. Steve Martin played this character in the 1986 version.

Jamie Lee Curtis (Linda Drysdale)

In Knives Out, Jamie Lee Curtis plays Linda Drysdale, Harlan’s daughter and a suspect in his murder. Curtis voiced the character of Agent Bruchstein for the FX animated series Archer. The Halloween actress is set to reprise her role as Laurie Strode for two additional Halloween movies: Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends.

Curtis will also appear in the A24 sci-fi film Everything Everywhere All At Once. The film stars Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, James Hong, and Jonathan Ke Quan.

Michael Shannon (Walt Thrombey)

Walt is Harlan’s son and the one who works in his publishing company. He’s fired by Harlan right before his death, making him a prime suspect in the case. Michael Shannon appeared in the Broadhurst Theatre production of Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune. He played Johnny from May 4th to July 28, 2019.

Shannon will join an ensemble cast in the adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s book Nine Perfect Strangers. David E. Kelley will act as executive producer for this upcoming Hulu series. In 2020, he appeared in the films The Quarry and Echo Boomers. Shannon also has a few upcoming projects: Bullet Train, Swing, and Shriver. Shriver reunites him with his Knives Out co-star Don Johnson.

Don Johnson (Richard Drysdale)

Richard Drysdale is Linda’s husband and Harlan finds out about his affair. Johnson appeared with Knives Out co-star Michael Shannon in Shriver. In 2019, the same year as Knives Out’s release, Johnson was appearing in Watchmen as Chief Judd Crawford.

Don Johnson teams up with John Boyega in Rebel Ridge. Rebel Ridge is a thriller about an ex-marine who takes on dirty cops. Johnson will also reprise his role as Nash Bridges in the upcoming revival of Nash Bridges.

Toni Collette (Joni Thrombey)

Joni is a Thrombey by marriage. She was married to Harlan’s now-deceased son Neil. She embezzles from Harlan by dipping into her daughter’s college fund to keep up her lifestyle. In 2020, Toni Collette appeared in Dream Horse alongside Damian Lewis. It’s a sports movie based on the true story of a racehorse. Collette had a role in the Netflix and Charlie Kaufman original film I’m Thinking of Ending Things.

In 2019, she also appeared in the critically acclaimed Netflix miniseries Unbelievable, which earned her an Emmy nomination. In 2021, Toni Collette will take on the leading role in the adaptation of Karin Slaughter’s novel Pieces of Her. She also has a few projects in development: a sci-fi thriller with Anna Kendrick called Stowaway and a Guillermo del Toro thriller called Nightmare Alley.

Lakeith Stanfield (Detective Lieutenant Elliott)

Lakeith Stanfield played a detective assigned to Harlan’s case. He doesn’t seem too thrilled with Blanc taking over the investigation but slowly gets on board with his method of crime-solving. Stanfield co-starred with Issa Rae in the romantic drama The Photograph.

Stanfield lent his voice to the final season of BoJack Horseman. He played Guy. In 2021, Stanfield will voice the first African samurai in Yasuke. Stanfield appears in the Black Panther Party drama Judas and the Black Messiah. He’ll play activist William O’Neal alongside Daniel Kaluuya and Jesse Plemons.

Katherine Langford (Meg Thrombey)

Katherine Langford plays Meg Thrombey, Harlan’s granddaughter and she’s Joni’s daughter. She seems nice and kind, unlike the rest of her family, but when her tuition is threatened, her true colors show. Langford had the lead role in the Netflix original series Cursed. She played Nimue, a young woman with magical powers on a quest during medieval times. It’s a retelling of the legend of King Arthur.

In 2020, Langford co-starred with Charlie Plummer and Hayley Law in the teen drama-comedy Spontaneous. She played a girl who finds love after people in her high school start to randomly explode.

Jaeden Martell (Jacob Thrombey)

Jaeden Martell played Jacob Thrombey, the youngest of the Thrombey dynasty. He’s the son of Walt and Donna (Riki Lindhome). He doesn’t do much in the film but stays on his phone, but you just know he’s up to no good. Martell appeared in many movies in 2019, including the horror film The Lodge and the coming-of-age story The True Adventures of Wolfboy.

He reprised his role as teen Bill in IT Chapter Two. Jaeden Martell joined his Knives Out co-star in Defending Jacob. In the Apple TV series he played Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery’s characters’ son Jacob. He’s suspected of being involved in the murder of another teen. Martell will star opposite Susan Sarandon in the upcoming drama Tunnels. The film is about the unlikely friendship between the grandmother who raised a school shooter and the brother of one of her grandson’s victims.

Christopher Plummer (Harlan Thrombey)

Harlan Thrombey was the patriarch of the Thrombey family who is killed by a member of his family. Knives Out then follows Harlan through flashbacks and shows various reasons why he might have been killed. Plummer appeared alongside Sebastian Stan, Ed Harris, Samuel L. Jackson, Peter Fonda, and William Hurt in The Last Full Measure.

Plummer played Howard in the suspense drama series Departure. It’s a show about the mystery of Flight 716, a plane that vanishes. Departure was renewed and Plummer will make an appearance in it. In 2021, Plummer will voice a character in the animated feature Heroes of the Golden Masks.

Noah Segan (Trooper Wagner)

Noah Segan plays Trooper Wagner in Knives Out. Wagner is one of the men called to investigate Harlan’s death. Unlike Detective Elliot, Wagner is immediately impressed and in awe of Blanc. Segan appeared in the anthology horror film Scare Package. Segan appears in the segment called “M.I.S.T.E.R.” The film is currently available on Shudder.

Noah Segan also appeared in the horror western The Pale Door.

Knives Out is full of amazing performances, so we can’t wait to see the cast’s upcoming projects. Knives Out is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Stream it here.

Michael Shannon’s Zod was infamously killed by Superman in Man of Steel. In the world of superheroes though, characters rarely stay dead for long. So with more scenes being filmed for Zack Snyder's Justice League, many have wondered if Zod could return with Michael Shannon playing him again in the Snyder Cut. Now, Michael Shannon has responded.

It’s been roughly seven years since Michael Shannon played Zod in Man of Steel. His ruthless and tough-as-nails performance has stuck with DC fans, with some perhaps wishing he hadn’t met his ultimate fate. Now that Zack Snyder is working on additional filming for his version of Justice League, is it be possible that Michael Shannon could return? The actor recently gave Comicbook.com a concrete answer on the subject:

That about settles the issue. His character is dead and likely won’t be making a return in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. That said, considering that DC might toy with alternate realities in the new Flashpoint movie, Zod making a return at some point isn’t exactly permanently off the table, is it? This DC fan can only hope.

Despite not being part of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, it sounds like Michael Shannon is glad Zack Snyder gets the chance to finish what he started. Earlier this summer, he had kind words for Zack Snyder, saying:

Part of the reason fans wondered if Michael Shannon would be coming back is due to the enormous amount of past stars making their return for the Snyder Cut, including Ben Affleck’s Batman, Henry Cavill’s Superman, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, and even Jared Leto’s Joker. The additional filming with these actors don’t sound extensive and will reportedly only take a week. It’s unclear if Ezra Miller or Jason Momoa will be returning.

This isn’t the only time fans have wondered if Michael Shannon would return as Zod. With the prospect of a Supergirl movie being developed by Warner Bros., Michael Shannon was asked if he’d be interested in coming back to play Zod for that, too. He shared his doubts about coming back, primarily because of his age, but said he’d have to look into it.

Michael Shannon left quite an impression as Zod in Man of Steel, but his return as the character seems to be cast in doubt. But what do you think? Should Michael Shannon return to the DCEU as Zod? Let us know in the comments!

There’s a lot that’s still up in the air with regard to the Snyder Cut. While we know it’s finally happening, it will be a while before we know what the finished product looks like. That’s undoubtedly a lot of pressure on Zack Snyder, on top of the other obstacles he’s faced so far with Justice League -- and his friend Michael Shannon has expressed sympathy for him for that very reason.

While Michael Shannon himself was not in Justice League, he did star as General Zod in both Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, which Zack Snyder also directed. During that time, he clearly formed a strong relationship with the director -- he recently told Car Con Carne host James Van Osdol that he had a good experience filming Man of Steel, and when he was asked what he thought about the upcoming release of the Snyder Cut, he offered a more personal take on the situation:

Zack Snyder had to leave the set of Justice League following the sudden death of his daughter and later battled with Warner Bros. over creative control of the original final cut. When fans were underwhelmed by the theatrical release, they pointed to both of these concerns as evidence for why a Snyder Cut was needed.

So it’s understandable why Michael Shannon would also reflect on those matters when thinking about what the Snyder Cut could mean for the director. In the weeks since HBO Max announced it would air what is now being called Zack Snyder’s Justice League, there’s been a lot of discussion about what the successful fan campaign could mean for the future of Hollywood releases. Some worry it gives fans too much power over a director’s artistic expression. Others are wondering whether other films could be given a similar treatment -- and whether that’s a good idea or not.

Despite the potential future implications, there’s a lot to be excited about in the present -- not only for Zack Snyder, who is grateful for the opportunity to share his vision, but for fans who have waited so long. HBO Max is reportedly forking over $30 million to help the director get the film ready to share, and we’ve already gotten some insights into what we can expect to see, including the answers to lingering questions. We’ve even had a glimpse of the first Snyder Cut footage, and there will surely be more teasers in the weeks to come.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League will be available to stream on HBO Max at some point in 2021.

Roughly three years after its victory, and Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water still feels like an unusual Best Picture winner. Not that it isn’t good. It’s actually great. But the love affair between a mute woman (Sally Hawkins) and a fish creature (Doug Jones) isn’t quite the usual Academy fare. Some found it to be a surprising win. Michael Shannon, a co-star in the film, was also portrayed as “surprised,” because he didn’t attend the Oscars the night that his movie won.

Michael Shannon, who plays a U.S. Colonel ordered to test the mer-man, famously was photographed hanging out in a Chicago watering hole the night that The Shape of Water took home the top Oscar. He had the ceremony on the TV, but wasn’t in the theater to support his director. We had Shannon on our ReelBlend podcast, though, and he told the real story behind that picture, and his reason for being in the Windy City.

Shannon explained:

That’s just the best possible answer. Michael Shannon already strikes us as a guy who’s disinterested in the trappings of Hollywood and its culture. His loyalty to the Chicago stage gives him severe credibility in our eyes, as well as his immediate defense of Guillermo del Toro, his collaborator.

Want to hear more from Michael Shannon? He came on ReelBlend to talk his new film, The Quarry, which will be on VOD on April 17.

Basically, Michael Shannon is exactly as authentic, humble, generous and interesting as you had hoped. And isn’t that something to celebrate?

It was a controversial ending. So controversial that it still divides a fanbase, to this day. Zack Snyder ends his Man of Steel with Superman (Henry Cavill) killing his enemy, Zod (Michael Shannon). It was an act that devastated Kal-El. But it was essential… even though a certain sect of Superman fans feel their hero should never kill, under any circumstance.

We scoured the Internet and didn’t see Michael Shannon’s opinion on Snyder’s decision to have Zod killed. So when the actor joined the ReelBlend podcast recently to discuss his upcoming film The Quarry, we asked him if he thought that Zod’s death was unnecessary. He candidly answered:

There’s no question Zack Snyder references Greek mythology when constructing his interpretations of the classic DC heroes and villains. This reaches back to the iconic way Snyder paints in movies like 300 and Watchmen. But he wallows in tragedy, and finds human elements in this conflicts. To me, the end of Man of Steel shapes who Superman is meant to become, so it’s necessary.

As for actually filming the controversial Man of Steel scene, Shannon says he was distracted for a totally different, more film-fan reason. He says:

Can’t blame him. That scene from The Untouchables is so memorable. Remember this choreography?

Back to Man of Steel. Another reason why Michael Shannon was totally fine with the way that Zod met his end in the movie is because he’s typically beholden to the script, and rarely asks for major changes. So it would be out of character for him to ask Zack Snyder to come up with a different resolution. Shannon told us:

And so, the ending of Man of Steel is what it was meant to be, and the controversy can continue to fuel debate for years to come. While Michael Shannon won’t be in a DC movie in the future, he will be playing a lawman in The Quarry, coming from Lionsgate soon.

The DC live-action universe is an ever changing place, with plenty of new potential projects popping up like weeds. Birds of Prey marked the eight film in the still growing franchise, which started back with Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. Snyder jumpstarted the entire DCEU with his Superman origin story, which featured a strong cast of actors. Chief among them was the great Michael Shannon as General Zod. With Warner Bros. reportedly developing a Supergirl movie, so could Shannon end up reprising his role as the iconic Superman villain?

Warner Bros. is constantly expanding the DCEU, and there are some very exciting projects coming to theaters over the next few years. Fans have been hoping for a Man of Steel follow-up, but the idea of a Supergirl movie is similarly exciting. Michael Shannon was recently asked if he'd be interested in reprising his role as Zod in that movie, to which he said:

While Michael Shannon hasn't been keeping up with the latest DCEU updates and rumors, it looks like he's not quite sure about playing Zod again. It's been a few years since he fought Henry Cavill's Superman in Man of Steel, and getting back into the wires and fight choreography might be especially appealing to the actor, who was recently celebrated for his hilarious role in Knives Out.

Michael Shannon's comments to Gold Coast Bulletin (via Screen Rant) is charmingly honest, as he admits that he hadn't heard rumblings of a Supergirl movie. What's more, he didn't make any empty promises about wanting to return to the DC Extended Universe. The 45 year-old actor might feel a little too old to join another blockbuster in the same role.

In the comics Supergirl is usually Superman's cousin from Krypton, who was sent to Earth as a teenager rather than a baby. As such, she would have memories of the planet's fall, possibly including General Zod. If the Supergirl movie went with this backstory, it might be a great way to bring back Zod temporarily and tie it to the events of Man of Steel.

Later in his same interview, Michael Shannon expressed his hopes that Zack Snyder would be involved in the possible Supergirl movie. As he explained,

Zack Snyder seemingly stepped away from the DC Extended Universe following the disappointing performance of Justice League. But it was his vision that kickstarted the entire property, starting with Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Michael Shannon seemed to love working with the filmmaker on the Superman origin story, so perhaps he could be convinced to return if Snyder came knocking?

The next installment in the DCEU is Wonder Woman 1984, which is currently set to hit theaters on June 5th. In the meantime, check out our 2020 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

Casual moviegoers might not think of Michael Shannon as being funny, and that’s a damn shame. Yes, he has done serious dramas over the years, but when used properly in the right comedies, Michael Shannon can be a scream. Rian Johnson’s Knives Out is the latest example of a movie that understands how to use every tool in Shannon’s creative box. So it should come as no surprise that Johnson considers Shannon to be the comedic MVP of his troupe.

During a Q-and-A following a Los Angeles screening of the whodunit comedy Knives Out, Rian Johnson was asked by moderator Scott Mantz who stole the show behind the scenes while they were making the movie. And Johnson happily explained:

Some of these classic lines almost can get overlooked on an initial viewing of Knives Out. There’s a lot of bustling energy in the movie, with several characters talking over each other as they deal with the madness that flows in the wake of the murder of Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). Members of the family are often accused, confused, and blustery. This leads to the ability for a talented comedian to venture off script with a well-timed line. And it sounds like Michael Shannon became the best one at doing this while filming Knives Out.

I’m not surprised that Michael Shannon had the ability to riff, comedically. The man stole scenes in seriously funny movies like The Night Before and They Came Together. What surprises me more is that Rian Johnson would allow detours away from his scripted dialogue. Not that the Brick and Looper director is precious about his words. But more that there’s a rhythm and cadence to the way that lines are delivered in his screenplays, so ad libs could threaten to rock that boat.

Apparently Michael Shannon’s additions were just that good. Rian Johnson also appeared as a guest on CinemaBlend’s own ReelBlend podcast, so to give that full conversation a listen, press play on our most recent episode.

Knives Out continues to perform well in theaters, so if you haven’t yet checked it out, do so now!

For the list of suspects in his murder mystery Knives Out, Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson assembled an all-star cast of actors so famous that any of tem would have a hard time getting away with a crime and disappearing into a crowd. As exciting as this is for movie fans, it’s just as appealing to the cast themselves. For actress Jamie Lee Curtis, there is one actor she never thought she’d be able to work with before Knives Out. See what she told CinemaBlend’s Jeff McCobb in an exclusive interview at the Knives Out junket in the video below.

Just as movie fans have dream pairings of actors they would like to see work together, so too do the actors themselves. And as Jamie Lee Curtis told Jeff, prior to Knives Out, she never thought she would be able to work with two-time Oscar nominee Michael Shannon. She presents it as a collaboration that she never even really considered because it would be such a pipe dream.

Jamie Lee Curtis is clearly a huge admirer of Michael Shannon’s work; she was effusive with praise and excitement just talking about him. She even dropped an F-bomb when describing how amazing of an actor he is. Perhaps selling herself short a bit, Jamie Lee Curtis just didn’t think that, based on her career and Michael Shannon’s career and talent, they would ever cross paths onscreen.

While Jamie Lee Curtis is best known for films like True Lies and the Halloween franchise (which she will be returning to for Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends), Michael Shannon is best known for what I suppose you could call smaller, more prestigious fare like The Shape of Water and 99 Homes. This difference in the kinds of movies they generally make seems to be why she didn’t think they would ever work together.

So the opportunity to work with Michael Shannon in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out was incredibly rewarding for Jamie Lee Curtis because she never expected it to happen. And as she says, she went from thinking she’d never be able to work with Michael Shannon to playing his older sister in Knives Out.

In Rian Johnson’s whodunnit, Jamie Lee Curtis plays Linda Drysdale, the daughter of Christopher Plummer’s successful author and patriarch Harlan Thrombey, whose death becomes the catalyst for intrigue and mystery. Michael Shannon plays her younger brother, Walt Thrombey, the steward of the family’s publishing empire. Jamie Lee Curtis gets to work with Michael Shannon and the rest of the cast when her father dies, and as the title implies, the family’s knives come out.

Investigating the potential crime is Daniel Craig's Southern accent sporting Benoit Blanc. The James Bond actor also seems to have found the cast of Knives Out to be a hugely thrilling part of the experience, finding that he appreciates it more now than he did when he was younger. The No Time To Die star seems to have really loved making the movie, so with his Bond days almost over, maybe he will wind up doing that Knives Out sequel Rian Johnson has mused about.

Knives Out is now playing. Per Daniel Craig’s orders, don’t spoil it, and be sure to check out our 2020 Release Schedule to see what’s coming out next year.

Long before Rian Johnson detoured into the Star Wars galaxy for the divisive Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the writer-director specialized in razor-sharp genre explorations that reveled in his deep film knowledge and unquenchable passion for cinema’s recognizable touchstones. Whether toying with the tropes of sci-fi time travel (Looper) or high-school film noir (Brick), Johnson enjoyed taking established genres and bending them around his finger.

Knives Out does that to the traditional structure of an Agatha Christie murder mystery, recruiting a brilliant cast and painting in between the lines with colorful character quirks and unexpected plot twists that add up to a highly-enjoyable evening at the theater.

The cast is damn delightful playing against type.

The best directors lure delicious ensembles, because talent wants to collaborate with them, and Rian Johnson may have populated his Knives Cast with the most enviable crew we’ve seen this year (outside of The Irishman, because really, damn). It starts with Christopher Plummer, who plays best-selling mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey, who triggers an investigation when he turns up dead in the family mansion.

The suspects are a murderer’s row of outstanding character actors. Michael Shannon is a son who desperately wants his dad to sell the rights to his books for movie adaptations. Jamie Lee Curtis is Harlan’s oldest daughter, and she and her husband (Don Johnson) have money problems of their own. Then there’s Harlan’s daughter in law (Toni Collette), who has been hanging around the family because she enjoys the spoils of their wealth. And finally, Chris Evans’ “Ransom” is the spoiled, entitled brat who didn’t give a damn about his grandfather Harlan… until the old man croaked.

The script is tight and the pacing is brisk.

Naturally, everyone has motive, so when a mysterious private detective (Daniel Craig) starts poking around, the cast is able to tee up Rian Johnson’s spectacular dialogue and dance around to his spectacular rhythms. Knives Out is the type of movie that’s expertly choregraphed to the dialogue, like a stage play that has been handed to Broadway veterans. Punchlines set up even better jokes, and Johnson knows that this surreal family is only more interesting when he provides unpredictable (yet credible) quirks.

Take Harlan’s dedicated caretaker, Marta (Ana de Armas, who practically steals the entire production away from her A-list co-stars). She was with Harlan on the night that he died, and may know more than she is letting on. But Marta is physically unable to lie, or it makes her vomit… a gag Johnson wisely unleashes at the best possible times.

Timing is key in Knives Out and everyone has it, but the joy comes in how the unique rhythms of the performers play off of each other – and how several actors are playing completely against their type. Chris Evans, in particular, makes a drastic shift from Marvel’s stoic Captain America to a self-centered asshole, and seems to be having the best possible time doing it. As for Craig, his inquisitive detective, with the ideal whodunit moniker of Benoit Blanc, is the farthest thing from 007’s suave sophistication, and yet the role fits the actor as well as a black tuxedo fits Bond.

This genre soars, when the entries are this good.

Hollywood doesn’t make murder mysteries that often, and Knives Out kind of reminds me why. There’s a certain dedication that has to be provided to make this genre sing, and if don’t fully appreciate the elements of a whodunit, your movie’s going to suffer.

Rian Johnson knows that the “who” isn’t the most important aspect of a mystery, so he understands exactly when to reveal it, keeping more tricks up his sleeve to make sure Knives Out leaves you guessing. He also knows that heightened comedy helps break the tension in a murder mystery (think Clue), so he draws broadly absurd caricatures of familiar people, then turns them loose in a beautifully constructed mansion that exists solely for stories of this ilk.

Murder mysteries likely won’t ever become as popular as superhero movies, but if we get one as good as Knives Out every other year, it should keep intelligent, cultured audiences very, very happy.

In the long and wild history of The Current War: Director’s Cut’s journey to the big screen, there’s one story that hasn’t been told just yet. Or at least, hasn’t been told in great detail, as writer Michael Mitnick’s tale of Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse clashing for the future of electrical power began its life in a very different genre. As it turns out, Mitnick first wrote what would eventually become The Current War: Director’s Cut as a musical.

Even wilder is the fact this musical ran for a time at Yale, back in 2008, but eventually the story was reworked into the historical drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Shannon that we are able to see today. Oh, what could have been if that first pass was so successful that Michael Mitnick couldn’t deny this story its musical roots.

After learning that amazing story for myself during research for The Current War: Director’s Cut junket, I asked those on hand during the press day for the film if they’d have still done the project if it was in its original musical form. The first time I posed that question was in a room with both Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Shannon, as well as their co-star Tuppence Middleton, as the three were teamed up for one of the interviews that day.

Each of their immediate reactions was as priceless as you’d expect:

Unfortunately for the cast of The Current War: Director’s Cut, they never got to hear the music for Michael Mitnick’s musical pass on the project. But their reactions to the prospect were absolutely hysterical to behold, as any actor’s approach to a project is sure to change once a person proposes singing and dancing be included in the mix.

That’s exactly what’s proposed in the actual footage of the interview I took part in, on behalf of CinemaBlend, and you can watch the cast’s further reaction to the prospect below.

As you can see above, not everyone involved with The Current War: Director’s Cut was in the dark about the musical roots to this very idea, as director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon not only knew of the original form this story too, but he got to hear songs from it as well! Unfortunately, Gomez-Rejon did not get to read the original book to The Current War: Director’s Cut’s more stage-ready counterpart, but he did head into the movie with a sort of simpatico sort of mindset when it came to how music meshed with the film.

Music was so important to the vision that Alfonso Gomez-Rejon had for his reworking of The Current War: Director’s Cut that he actually used a totally new score for the film in its second iteration. Originally, composers Volker Bertelmann and Dustin O'Halloran were drafted to score The Current War in its original cut; and a track from their original work still exists on the internet if you want to hear what that version of the score would have sounded like.

Yet, with the time between the 2017 festival cut and 2019’s Director’s Cut, Gomez-Rejon opted to have the film re-scored by composers Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans. It was one of the many additions and subtractions the director had approached working into The Current War: Director’s Cut’s now final form. While it’s not the musical that this project once was, Alfonso Gomez-Rejon did see music as a vital part of what made this film so special, as he continued to explain during our interview together:

The scoring isn’t the only musical flourish that Alfonso Gomez-Rejon used to bring The Current War: Director’s Cut to life. During a crucial scene at the Chicago World’s Fair, we see the event light up with an electric glow as the exhibition’s grand display of power illuminates a dreary looking night. Faces are lit up, attractions are powered, and all the while Max Richter’s track “Spring 1," a “recomposed” portion of Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” is playing to grand effect.

Musical moments like that are some of the highlights of The Current War: Director’s Cut’s ultimate vision, but it’s still hard to shake the idea that a full musical treatment could have been undertaken at one point or another. Plus, on top of telling me that he is a huge fan of musicals -- and musical directors like Bob Fosse, Stanley Donen, and Vincente Minnelli -- the director laid out how his musical version of The Current War could work; if it ever existed:

It may be too late for The Current War: Director’s Cut to become a musical, but it’s still an interesting idea to mull over, especially if anyone is interested in retelling Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse’s “war of the currents” through that very medium.

Maybe the film version can resurrect Michael Mitnick’s original book and score for some sort of stage engagement. Honestly, stranger things have happened, especially in a world where not one, but two versions of this very story exist on film. So if you’re one of those brave souls who wants to make a mark on Broadway’s musical landscape, you could probably get Michael Shannon to help you lead the way; and that’s not bad company to have in this sort of situation.

The Current War: Director’s Cut is in theaters now. However, if you’re looking for something else to catch your fancy at the movies, head over to our 2019 release schedule, and take a look at what else is in store at a theater near you.

Michael Shannon is one of the great modern movie villains. He's played the bad guy in everything from superhero movies like Man of Steel to the Oscar-winning The Shape of Water. One place he has yet to be the antagonist is the long-running James Bond franchise, though, as Jimmy Fallon recently brought up to the actor, there are many who would like to see that happen. Shannon thinks there's a specific reason why he's being attached to that film series, his remarkable resemblance to the actor Richard Kiel, who played one of the most famous Bond villains of all time, Jaws. Check out Shannon discussing the resemblance below.

While Jimmy Fallon says he doesn't see a resemblance between Michael Shannon and Richard Kiel, who played Jaws in a pair of Bond films in the 1970s, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker, there is at least enough of a resemblance to see where people might get such an idea. It's less obvious with the facial hair Shannon has in his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, but if you compare Kiel to Shannon without the mustache, the comparison certainly looks closer.

While Michael Shannon says that Richard Kiel is among the actors he is most commonly said to look like, he seems glad when Fallon doesn't agree, which may mean if people expect to see Michael Shannon play a modern version of Jaws, that may be unlikely.

It's difficult to argue that Michael Shannon wouldn't make a fantastic James Bond villain. He's been a great antagonist in many movies and he certainly has the charisma to be a fantastic Bond baddie. Having said that, if you get Michael Shannon in your James Bond movie, having him play a modern version of Jaws would be an utter waste of talent. Jaws was never more than a henchman to the main villain of the movies he appeared in and you don't waste Michael Shannon as a henchman.

Jaws became instantly recognizable not simply of the metal teeth which gave the character his name, but because he stood at over seven feet tall, making him a massive roadblock for Roger Moore's James Bond. The character was so well liked by fans that even though he was a bad guy, he was given a love interest and a happy ending at the Moonraker.

We know there's a new Daniel Craig Bond movie on the way, so there is an opening available for a villain. There certainly would be worse choices for a villain than Michael Shannon. The as yet officially untitled Bond 25 is set to begin filming later this year with a November 2019 release currently scheduled.

The Oscars are a time when Hollywood's best and brightest dress up to walk down the red carpet and look utterly glamorous accepting awards. Unless you're Michael Shannon. He apparently decided that instead of attending the Oscars, he'd watch them on TV. And by watch, we mean the sound was off. Also, the TV was in a bar. It's an interesting place to see the movie you were in getting named Best Picture. Check it out.

The Old Town Ale House calls itself the "Best Dive Bar in Chicago" according to its website, and that was apparently high enough praise for Michael Shannon, a man who has been nominated for Oscars twice himself, to make it the place that he watched the biggest awards show of the year for his profession. He wasn't nominated this year but a movie he starred in was, and The Shape of Water had the biggest night of any film nominated, taking home awards for Best Director, Production Design, Score, and, of course, Best Picture.

One wonders if Michael Shannon had any regrets not being there with his fellow castmates when the Best Picture envelope was opened, once the announcement was verified as being accurate, of course. On the one hand, it's a once in a lifetime moment that you might want to share. On the other hand, in the picture above, Michael Shannon doesn't appear to be too upset, there are certainly worse places in the world to be than a good bar with cold beer and a good song on the jukebox. Besides, based on previous experience, perhaps this is where Shannon wanted to be if his movie lost.

Oscar night gets derided by some who view it as a night of Hollywood elites, and while they all clean up nice, at the end of the day they're just people, and some of them, who look perfectly good in a tux, would rather just chill in a friendly bar with people they know, dressed in whatever they feel comfortable in.

Still, one assumes Michael Shannon ordered himself a celebratory drink when The Shape of Water won the night. He might not have been nominated himself, but you don't win Best Picture if you have a weak performance in a major role, so Shannon certainly did his part in making Shape the best movie of the year in the eyes of the Academy. Making movies is a team effort, and he was a key part of that team.

The Oscars probably weren't being watched very closely in a lot of dive bars on Sunday night, but that's part of what makes this picture so perfect. One of the best actors in the world, clearly focused on the event, but from a place he'd rather be.

The always excellent actors Michael Shannon and Michael B. Jordan are once again at their best in HBO's first look at its upcoming TV movie Fahrenheit 451. Both of the Michaels absolutely shine in this creepy trailer, and their combined intensity is almost as bright as the near-constant flames destroying all of the literature throughout the promo. Bibliophiles, be warned that this can be hard to watch.

Wow. HBO really hit the lottery landing both Michael Shannon and Michael B. Jordan for this TV film. (Not to mention the rest of the cast.) Jordan's presence is especially awesome for HBO, as the actor is red-hot in Hollywood for his performance in Black Panther, and his popularity will likely still be intact in May when Fahrenheit 451 makes its premiere. Jordan's Guy Montag shows little sign of the character Ray Bradbury's novel eventually portrays him to be, and while we can assume he'll begin to question his book-burning crusade, the trailer shows him firing on all anti-book cylinders. Shannon's Captain Beatty, whose distaste for books is only matched by his seemingly iron grip on Montag, obviously plays an inspirational role for Montag's story.

This trailer gives both Michael Shannon and Michael B. Jordan their own separate stand-out moments, but the moment where they're face-to-face looks absolutely electrifying. Shannon is plopping his hand down on the open flame and Jordan is saying, "I want to burn," and displaying the craziest eye a spoon-fed book hater could ever muster, and we're all in on watching the full scenes as soon as possible. Hopefully it'll be just one of many scenes between the actors share, and if Shannon and Jordan are half as good throughout the film as they were in that scene, Fahrenheit 451 is bound to receive widespread acclaim.

Another interesting point here is that Fahrenheit 451 supplies a modernized world that extends beyond what author Ray Bradbury could've imagined in 1953. Virtual reality bars, holographic images, and am I wrong, or did Michael Shannon's Beatty say they destroyed the Internet of old? Is an Internet devoid of information just non-stop YouTube unboxing videos and cake fails? It will be cool if some of those big changes are explored in this TV film, although if they aren't, the scope of the original story is still solid enough to carry this tale. Especially as seen through modern eyes.

HBO's television film adaptation of Fahrenheit 451 is written by Ramin Bahrani and Amir Naderi, and will also feature appearances by actors like Sofia Boutella, Laura Harrier, Martin Donovan and YouTuber Lilly Singh. This will be Bahrani's second collaboration with Michael Shannon, with the two first collaborating on Bahrani's film 99 Homes. Bahrani is also a co-executive producer alongside Michael B. Jordan.

Fahrenheit 451 will air on HBO at sometime this May. For a look at other upcoming television shows coming in 2018, head on over to our midseason premiere guide.

The Weinstein Company has just released the trailer for director Alfonso Gomez Rejon's upcoming historical drama The Current War for online consumption. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Thomas Edison, Michael Shannon as George Westinghouse and Nicholas Hoult as Nikola Tesla in a drama that explores the intense competition that wound up changing the entire world. As you'll see below, the trailer is literally electrifying!

In 1878, renowned inventor Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) began to tackle his biggest challenge to date: the electric light bulb. Later that year, he formed the Edison Electric Light Company with the goal of replacing gas lights with his new creation and, by 1882, several dozen Manhattan residents were receiving his direct current. It wasn't long thereafter that George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon) took notice and began developing his own electrical service provider, the Westinghouse Electric Corporation. Officially launched in 1886, Westinghouse managed to achieve an edge by working with young inventor Nikola Tesla (Nicholas Hoult), who pioneered an alternating current.

The Current War also boasts a pretty impressive supporting cast. Inherent Vice and Alien: Covenant star Katherine Waterston plays the wife of Michael Shannon's character, Marguerite Westinghouse. In real life, Marguerite and George Westinghouse were married for 47 years until they both passed away in 1914, just three months apart. Spider-Man: Homecoming's Tom Holland, meanwhile, is taking on the role of Samuel Insull. Born in England, Insull came to America in 1881 and began working with Thomas Edison at age 21. He went on to become a major player in the rise of the electrical current, eventually helping to found Edison General Electric. The company dropped the Edison from its name and became General Electric in 1892.

Also among The Current War's supporting cast is Tuppence Middleton, who previously worked with Benedict Cumberbatch in 2014's The Imitation Game. Here, she plays Thomas Edison's wife, Mary, whose death is likely to be an early part of the film. In real life, Mary Edison passed away in 1884 as the "War of Currents" was just beginning. Then, rounding out the cast, is Frost/Nixon star Matthew Macfadyen as J.P. Morgan. The banker famously invested in Thomas Edison, playing an important part in helping to bring the electric lightbulb to the masses.

The Current War also has an interesting individual in the director's chair with helmer Alfonso Gomez-Rejon. Following a decade of work as a second unit director, Gomez-Rejon made his full directorial debut with 2014's slasher sequel The Town That Dreaded Sundown. He followed that up with the acclaimed indie comedy drama Me and Earl and the Dying Girl in 2015. With The Current War, he working off a screenplay by Michael Mitnick. Mitnick's credits include the 2014 Lois Lowry adaptation The Giver and the HBO original series Vinyl. It was The Current War itself, though, that helped Mitnick make a name for himself. His script landed on the 2011 Black List. Oddly enough, the top entry that year was Graham Moore's script for Benedict Cumberbatch's last biopic, The Imitation Game.

The Current War hits theaters on November 24. You can stay up to date with what's still on the way using our 2017 movie release date calendar.

HBO has undeniably found success when it comes to adapting books for the small screen, and the network has another project in the works that will bring a legendary novel to television. A TV movie based on Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 is in production with Michael B. Jordan and Michael Shannon in the lead roles. Now, a first look at the action of Fahrenheit 451 has hit the web, and it points to an explosive project that will have us on the edges of our seats. Check it out!

Fahreinheit 451 takes place in a dystopian future in which books and history are outlawed. Firemen work not to put out fires, but to burn whatever remaining books are discovered. Mass media has replaced the written word, and society has been altered by constant sensory overload to the extent that few people even question the status quo anymore. Michael B. Jordan will play a young fireman by the name of Montag. When Montag begins to question whether he's doing the right thing by burning books, he finds himself conflicting with his mentor, Beatty. Michael Shannon is on board as Beatty, and the first look from HBO indicates that the firemen will have the resources to burn plenty of books without much difficulty.

The TV movie also stars Laura Harrier, Soufia Boutella, and Lily Singh. Harrier will play Millie, who is married to Montag and has an obsession with social media that has led to a major disconnect with her husband. Boutella will tackle the role of Clarisse, who book fans will remember as the young woman whose actions encourage Montag's growing dissent. Singh is on board as tabloid vlogger Raven, who assists the fire department by spreading propaganda about their book burnings.

Ramin Bahrani is directing the movie, which reunites him with Michael Shannon. The duo worked together for the film 99 Homes. Bahrani is also executive producing and is credited with co-writing the script in a collaboration with Amir Naderi. Star Michael B. Jordan is executive producing the project as well.

It should be interesting to see how audiences react to Fahrenheit 451 in the 21st century. The original Ray Bradbury novel was published in 1953, and the dystopian future in which the action takes place was never specified. Still, given the advent of social media and the wide variety of news outlets in recent years, audiences will probably be able to relate to certain aspects of the plot, if not necessarily the book burnings. I'm curious to discover if the HBO movie will go so far as to put a year to the events.

Fahrenheit 451 is still in production, so it'll likely be a while before the movie makes its small screen debut. Check out our summer TV guide and 2017 Netflix schedule to see what you can watch in the meantime, and don't forget to swing by our rundowns of all the renewals and cancellations for network and cable/streaming ahead of fall premiere season.

Deadpool fans are looking forward to the Merc with the Mouth returning soon to lead another solo movie, but there's arguably almost s much excitement for that next cinematic adventure to finally introduce Cable to the X-Men movie franchise. Ever since Wade Wilson teased bringing Cable into the sequel during the Ferris Bueller-inspired Deadpool post-credits scene, there's been no shortage of rumors and reports about who may play the bulky, badass mutant. With production on Deadpool 2 beginning soon, we're closer than ever to finding out which actor will play Cable, and now there's word that Michael Shannon is the current frontrunner for the role.

Michael Shannon is reportedly at the top of 20th Century Fox's list on who they're eyeing to play Cable in Deadpool 2. However, THR clarified that Shannon isn't quite a shoe-in for the role yet, as there are a few other choices for the character still in the mix, like Stranger Things' David Harbour. The article also notes that one factor that could prevent Shannon from joining Deadpool 2 is that he just signed on for the movie What They Had, which starts shooting in the spring. If Shannon were to be cast as Cable, this would be his third comic book movie role, previously playing Dr. Cross Williams in Jonah Hex and General Zod in Man of Steel.

Aside from the projects mentioned above, Michael Shannon's notable credits include his regular role on HBO's Boardwalk Empire as Nelson Van Alden, Revolutionary Road, World Trade Center, The Iceman, 99 Homes, Loving, Midnight Special and Nocturnal Animals, to name a few. Looking over his resume, Shannon has a history of playing intense characters, so Cable would be an excellent fit for him. Although Cable usually fits firmly into the hero category, he's also someone who carries a lot on his shoulders thanks to his rough upbringing in the future and the tragedy he's witnessed over the years. Shannon would be able to handle Cable's personality well, being the straight man to Deadpool's wacky protagonist. Besides, surely there are a lot of you curious to see Michael Shannon ripped and with a cybernetic arm, right?

No plot details for Deadpool 2 have been released yet, but aside from Cable, the other major character being introduced is Domino, who will be played by Atlanta's Zadie Beetz. Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Colossus and Dopinder the cab driver are also confirmed to return for the sequel. John Wick's David Leitch has taken over the director's chair from Tim Miller, while Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick working with Ryan Reynolds and Drew Goddard on the script.

Deadpool 2 is slated to hit theaters sometime in 2018. Let us know what you think about Michael Shannon potentially playing Cable in the comments below.

While big budget Hollywood blockbusters can afford to shoot for months on end, scheduling for smaller independent movies is a bit trickier. Due to various resource issues and conflicts, productions can be a whole lot thornier as filmmakers and actors work with the time they have to try and make the best product possible. This was a particular challenge in the making of the new film Frank & Lola, which actually split its schedule into two halves. Fortunately, this wound up working out for the movie, but it did have the side effect of frightening star Michael Shannon - who was legitimately concerned he wouldn't be able to ease back into his character after stepping away from it for nearly two months.

With Frank & Lola now in select theaters and available on Digital HD and On Demand, I recently had the pleasure of hopping on the phone with Michael Shannon to talk about his part in the movie -- and one of the subjects we discussed the production's awkward split schedule. Given the impressive number of films Shannon has been in this year, I asked him if there were times that he found himself playing multiple roles at once -- and while he told me he was never really bouncing around, Frank & Lola did have a five-to-six week break between filming sequences in Las Vegas, Nevada and Paris, France. Said Shannon,

As you would expect, this wasn't exactly the easiest transition for Michael Shannon, as the two projects really couldn't be more different (there aren't too many similarities between Frank, a talented chef working in Las Vegas, and the legendary Elvis Presley). Fortunately, what ultimately allowed it all to work was just the fact that Shannon felt connected to his part in Frank & Lola, and when he came back to the film he fell back into the part unexpectedly easily. Shannon explained,

The best news is that it shows in the finished product as well. In Frank & Lola - from writer/director Matthew Ross - both Michael Shannon and Imogen Poots put on impressively emotional and powerful performances as they navigate the waters of the dark romantic drama, and it's their turns that really drive the film. You'd never guess that there was a two month break in the middle of production, so it was legitimately surprising to learn there was one.

As mentioned above, Frank & Lola is now out in limited release, on demand, and Digital HD, and if you're a big Michael Shannon fan, we recommend checking it out.

The key to making a good comic book movie is to think of it outside of the superhero genre. It can't simply be about explosions and tights; it must go deeper than that. That's simply a process that everyone involved in a comic book movie must undergo at some point. As it turns out, Michael Shannon's preparation for his role as General Zod in Man of Steel was truly fascinating, and it involved likening the story to real world environmental issues. The actor explained:

During a recent Actors on Actors appearance (via Comicbook.com), Michael Shannon opened up regarding the deeper overall meaning of Man of Steel and explained what ultimate resonated with him in the story. At its core, he viewed the film as a story about an advanced civilization that used up its own resources, and looked elsewhere for solutions rather than fixing the problem at home.

It's pretty obvious what he is trying to intimate with that explanation. In the eyes of Michael Shannon, one of Man of Steel's biggest messages is a commentary on environmentalism, and the mentality we take towards a viable solution. Shannon has seen people in his own life discussing the possibility of trying to leave Earth in some sort of Interstellar-esque grand plan -- much like the Kryptonians in Zack Snyder's Superman origin story. Look how that turned out.

That's something that tends to get lost in the shuffle whenever people sit down to examine Man of Steel. Despite the fact that it has become reviled in certain circles for its somewhat off-kilter take on the Last Son of Krypton, the film actually does have quite a bit to say. If we get passed the bleak color palette, and the fact that Henry Cavill isn't Christopher Reeve, we find that the story actually tells a fairly resonant story. It's all about the hubris of an advanced civilization, the folly of believing resources will never run out, and arrogance to believe that the civilization can simply move somewhere else.

Those themes are laid out very clearly when Kal-El meets his father, Jor-El (Russell Crowe) for the very first time in the film:

What do you think of Michael Shannon's take on Man of Steel's story? Does his interpretation of the story have any effect on the way you view the first installment of the DCEU? Given the fact that Man of Steel 2 has officially been confirmed, I would definitely like to see these themes explored even further in the future. They matter now more than ever.

Even following his death in 2013's Man of Steel, General Zod continued to be an important DC Extended Universe player during Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice earlier this year. Michael Shannon, on the other hand, can't say the same thing. Although the actor had some fun in the past over just how much he was involved with the filming of the second DCEU installment, he's now confirmed once and for all that the only way he was participated in the blockbuster was by providing his voice, as he didn't show up to any of the sets.

While speaking with our own Eric Eisenberg, Michael Shannon confirmed that he wasn't anywhere near Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice when it was in principal photography, and his only contribution was recording some lines later on. He explained:

Michael Shannon also reiterated that the story he told about having to wear "flipper hands" while shooting was just him screwing with the press. As far as the voice tidbit, the actor mentioned in September 2015 he would be playing a "ghost," akin to Jor-El's consciousness appearing in Man of Steel despite the man himself having died decades earlier. However, as we've since seen, the Zod "ghost" subplot didn't make it into Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice's theatrical or Ultimate Edition cuts. As for Zod's body being seen in the movie, we can thank the finest in movie-making technology for creating a dummy that looked so much like Shannon that we briefly wondered whether the actor had simply come to the set to lay on a table.

18 months after Superman snapped Zod's neck to save a family from being incinerated, Lex Luthor obtained the Kryptonian general's corpse in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice for experimentation. After using Zod to confirm how kryptonite affects Kryptonian biology, Luthor later put the corpse into the Krytponian ship's Genesis Chamber and combined it with his own blood. This created the "Kryptonian Deformity," a.k.a. Doomsday, who went on a rampage before Superman sacrificed himself to stop it. This may not be the last we've seen of the beast if it's as resilient as its comic book counterpart, but as far as Michael Shannon is concerned, his time with franchise appears to be permanently over. Still, there's a small part of me that wishes we could have seen Zod haunting Luthor and whispering diabolical nothings into his ear.

The DCEU will continue in 2017 with Wonder Woman on June 2 and Justice League on November 17. Michael Shannon can next be seen in Nocturnal Animals, which hits theaters next Wednesday, November 23.

Horse Soldiers sounds like a story Steven Spielberg would make with Daniel Day-Lewis, using perfect period detail to enthrall us with tales of brave men riding into battle on trusty steeds. It's not that, exactly, though to will be a true-life story of brave young men galloping into combat, only it will take place in Afghanistan in the days and weeks following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, and it just started putting together its impressive cast.

Horse Soldiers will work from a non-fiction novel by Doug Stanton (which you can order right here), which pit a small band of Special Forces soldiers against Taliban forces on the ground in Afghanistan. The book explains how these brave men battled Taliban forces back into the stronghold city of Mazar-i-Sharif, only to find themselves outnumbered by attackers posing as POWs. The material sounds incredibly cinematic, and Deadline today reported on the actors lining up to join the fight.

Chris Hemsworth will trade his hammer for a rifle when Horse Soldiers gallops into war. The actor has played with both period combat (In The Heart of the Sea) and international espionage (Blackhat), though he has struggled to bring in an audience outside of the Marvel umbrella. Even when he plays against type -- like stealing scenes in the Ghostbusters reboot -- the project gets derided. Could Horse Soldiers break his streak?

Michael Shannon makes every movie better, so simply adding him to the ensemble of Horse Soldiers means that we'll be way more invested in its unpredictable outcome. Shannon thrives in everything from crude comedies to big-budget blockbusters, but he's also extremely picky with his screenplays, so if he's circling this script, it must be decent.

Another Marvel veteran (see him in Ant-Man), as well as a gifted character actor, Michael Pena will suit up for Horse Soldiers alongside his fellow brethren. Pena has been extremely busy as of late, contributing to Collateral Beauty, the CHiPs remake, Ava DuVernay's A Wrinkle in Time and the upcoming Murder on the Orient Express remake. But when the cameras roll on Horse Soldiers, he'll be ready.

Deadline finally reports that the last actor signing up for the war drama will be Austin Stowell, a relative newcomer who has impressed recently in films such as Whiplash and Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies. This could be a true breakout role for Stowell, and he'll be sharing scenes with some true powerhouses.

Working from a screenplay by Peter Craig (The Town, Blood Father), Horse Soldiers will be directed by Nicolai Fuglsig, a first-time filmmaker making his big screen debut. No word yet on when the film will be released, so keep it locked here for more details. We'll report them as they become available.

More like Batman v Snoozy-man: Dawn of Nap Time, am I right? Michael Shannon has a bit part in Zack Snyder's blockbuster behemoth, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. He continues to play General Zod, his character from Man of Steel, only now, he's a corpse who's eventually analyzed by Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg). However, when Shannon finally sat down to watch the final cut of the movie, he likely didn't make it all the way until his scenes, because he says he fell asleep:

This is a fun story. Mainly because it says more about how busy Michael Shannon stays, meaning he barely has time to WATCH the movie that he makes because he's usually off to make his next one. And when it comes to Batman v Superman, yeah, he wasn't going to spend too much effort trying to catch up with it, because he likely knew he'd barely be in it. As mentioned, he's a corpse lying on a table, until the scene where Lex Luthor brings him into a mysterious alien goo, to help ... upload him into a Kryptonian analysis chamber? I'm falling asleep just thinking about it.

But Michael Shannon's got a lot on his plate. The reason he was speaking with Fandango in the first place is because he's actively promoting his work in Loving, Nocturnal Animals and Frank & Lola. He's in pre-production on Horse Soldiers, and he has four more movies on his radar, according to IMDB.

And yet, deep down, don't you kind of just love the image of Michael Shannon, in an airplane seat, sleeping soundly while Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice plays on the tiny monitor in front of him. If someone had snapped that photo, it would have gone viral in an instant. And really, we have to give Shannon all of the credit in the world for admitting such a thing on the record. It's not a dismissal of the movie. It's not a true dig (more of a semi-dig). And he's friendly enough with Snyder to be able to get away with admitting it. This really is my favorite story of the day. (And I love BvS: Dawn of Justice! So there's that...)

"You know me. I never sleep. My ex-husband used to call me a nocturnal animal." Those ominous words set the tone for Tom Ford's mysterious and chilling Nocturnal Animals, a sexy new thriller from the director behind A Single Man that's due in theaters later this year. The first teaser trailer for the stylish noir just dropped, and it packs a slew of memorably beautiful, and dangerous, shots. Check it out below:

The title of the movie also ends up being the title of a book written by the ex-husband (Jake Gyllenhaal) of art gallery owner Susan Morrow (Amy Adams). When it arrives on her doorstep, Susan takes the novel's story of murder and revenge personally, believing it to be a threat levied against her by her former flame. She admits that she hurt him in the past. And she's contemplating striking back at him again, which may involve the sinister efforts of the always welcome Michael Shannon, or the wild-card unpredictability of Aaron Taylor Johnson.

So yeah, as you can tell, Tom Ford's Nocturnal Animals boasts an outstanding cast, and this teaser trailer shows that the director behind A Single Man knows how to photography beautiful, animate objects in a slick and sleazy light. There's malice at play beneath the lines of Nocturnal Animals, and we're willing to bet that the key players in this film are going to end up either dead or behind bars -- guilty of a crime, or not.

Focus Features, which just released this trailer, has been taking Nocturnal Animals on the fall film festival circuit, with stops in Toronto and at the Venice Film Festival, where it took home the Grand Jury Prize. That's a high honor, and likely bolstered the Oscar hopes of Ford's campaign. Critics in Toronto and Venice were equally impressed with Nocturnal Animals, stating:

And

Tom Ford made his name as an American fashion designer before shifting gears to film, and he's often praised for his visual eye over his narrative prowess. The reviews on Nocturnal Animals has us believing he could find his way into the Oscar race this year -- the win in Venice was a solid boost.

Focus Features will have this stylish thriller in theaters on November 18. What do you think of that first trailer? Intrigued?

Crimson Peak and Hellboy director Guillermo del Toro often has several irons in the supernatural fire, though his fans are never 100% sure which in direction his storytelling senses are going to send him. In the wake of last year's Crimson Peak, the filmmaker has flirted with a Pinocchio adaptation, Pacific Rim 2 (which someone else will direct), and the ever-possible Hellboy 3. Now, instead of any of those, we're learning that Guillermo del Toro is moving forward on The Shape of Water, and he already has a ridiculously impressive ensemble in his hip pocket.

In a press release today announcing the start of principal photography, Fox Searchlight confirmed that The Shape of Water will be Guillermo del Toro's next picture. Co-written by Game of Thrones scribe Vanessa Taylor, the movie is being described as "an other-worldly story, set against the backdrop of Cold War-era America circa 1963." Beyond that, we don't know much beyond the movie's incredible cast, which is led by:

Sally Hawkins

An Oscar nominee for Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine, Hawkins has been turning heads since playing the impossibly perky Poppy in 2008's Happy-Go-Lucky. IMDB says she'll be playing Elisa, but we don't know yet the true nature of the character.

Michael Shannon

General Zod, himself, will take a break from haunting Superman to possibly fight off spirits in Del Toro's next drama. OK, we don't know if The Shape of Water will involve ghosts, but given the director's penchant for the supernatural -- on display in movies like Crimson Peak and The Devil's Backbone -- then it's a safe gamble that there might be Cold War-era spirits on the screen with which Shannon will have to contend.

Richard Jenkins

From the Character Actor Hall of Fame, we borrow Richard Jenkins, a brilliant performer whose previous credits range from the Oscar worthy (2007's The Visitor) to the insane (Will Ferrell's Step-Brothers). Jenkins was recently spotted in the genre exercise Bone Tomahawk, and will be part of the upcoming LBJ, starring Woody Harrelson and directed by Rob Reiner.

Doug Jones

Doug Jones might be Guillermo del Toro's lucky charm, though every time they work together, the actor's usually buried under layers of prosthetics. After turns as Abe Sapien in the Hellboy movies, and a role in Pan's Labyrinth, Jones will return to Del Toro's team for an unspecified part in The Shape of Water. Either way, we're just happy he's part of this ensemble, even though there's a very good chance we won't see his face in the final film.

Michael Stuhlbarg

Our favorite role of Michael Stuhlbarg's remains A Serious Man, though he's been collecting parts in stellar ensembles over the years, from Trumbo and Seven Psychopaths to the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. Basically, any cast can only improve by adding Stuhlbarg, so we feel better about The Shape of Water already.

Octavia Spencer

Finally, Octavia Spencer continues to choose eclectic roles following her Oscar win for The Help. With the Divergent series sputtering to a close, Spencer is filling her time in the NASA historical drama Hidden Figures, and the Christian drama The Shack. What will her role in The Shape of Water involve? We can't wait to find out. The Shape of Water is eyeing a 2017 release date. We'll bring you the latest details as they arrive.

I know it's only July, but studios are already gearing up for Oscar season. Not only were we recently privy to the first footage for Clint Eastwood and Tom Hanks' Sully, but now the trailer for the drama Loving has also been released. It's an emotional tour-de-force, too, and in just a couple of minutes it makes it very clear that it has all the ingredients to be a bona-fide awards season contender come the end of next year, especially since its tackling an issue that unfortunately is still so rife in the US today. You can take it all in by clicking on the link below.

Loving tells the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, Virginia natives who traveled to Washington, D.C. in 1958 to marry. In doing so they evaded Virginia's Racial Integrity Act Of 1924, which was imposed to make marriage between whites and non-whites a crime.

After returning to Virginia they were arrested and sentenced to prison in 1958, and, in order for their sentence to be suspended for 25 years, they soon made their home in Washington D.C. However, by 1964 the couple had become frustrated by their inability to travel to see their families in Virginia and they began legal proceedings against the state, which went all the way up to the Supreme Court who found that laws prohibiting interracial marriage were unconstitutional.

Written and directed by Jeff Nichols, Loving's trailer immediately teases superlative and stirring performances from its leading stars Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga, who play the aptly named Richard and Mildred Loving, respectively. This is the second time that Joel Edgerton has teamed up with Jeff Nichols, following their collaboration on Midnight Special earlier this year.

Negga will mostly be familiar with moviegoers because of her work in Fury, World War Z, Jimi: All Is By My Side, and, most recently, Warcraft, while she has been wowing comic-book fans with her performances in Preacher as Tulip O'Hare in the last few weeks after also appearing as Raina in Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.

While it remains to be seen whether Nichols, Negga, and Edgerton can carry the film and impress the awards season powers that be -- even though the trailer suggests they'll do just that with ease -- I'm going to predict that Michael Shannon's role as the photographer who shot the family for Life Magazine, Grey Villet, will result in him landing a Best Supporting Actor nod.

And while I was immediately entranced and impressed by the debut trailer for Loving, which was met by a standing ovation at its Cannes screening, I did take umbrage with its use of Carter Burwell's stunning score fromthe 2010 remake of True Grit. Re-using it just feels a little lazy. Still, that's only a minor fault, and I'm certain that come Loving's release on November 4, 2016, its major positives will reduce this to an after-thought.

Who knew that NASCAR could serve as the backdrop for a heist thriller? Apparently Steven Soderbergh, that's who. Although it's very early in its development, Logan Lucky is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing thrillers in recent memory. Not too much is known about the project, but we know that Soderbergh has enlisted the acting talents of Daniel Craig and Channing Tatum as a pair of brothers who stage a daring robbery during a major NASCAR race.

However, it obviously takes more than a talented director and a pair of equally talented lead actors to tell a compelling heist story. According to a new report from THR, Logan Lucky has enlisted some incredibly stellar actors to fill out the supporting roles in the ensemble. Across the board, it's a talented band of actors and actresses, so let's get the ball rolling with the Oscar winner of the bunch...

Hilary Swank

The first performer confirmed to have joined the cast of Logan Lucky is none other than Oscar winner Hilary Swank. Out of all the actors present on the roster for the film, Swank has arguably the most impressive resume, having previously garnered two Oscars for her work on Boys Don't Cry, as well as Million Dollar Baby. We don't know the exact nature of the role she will play in Logan Lucky, but she's historically particular about the parts she picks, and we can likely assume she will bring her trademark intensity to the film.

Michael Shannon

These days, if you need to cast an actor to portray an all-around bad dude, there's no better performer to turn to than Michael Shannon. An incredibly skilled actor with a diverse portfolio of roles, Shannon has made a name for himself in the world of indie films with movies like Midnight Special and 99 Homes, as well as major blockbusters like Pearl Harbor and Man of Steel. Although we don't have many details about his role in Logan Lucky, we can reasonably expect Michael Shannon to once again embody the sort of vile character he's so good at portraying.

Katherine Heigl

Here's where things get a little more interesting. Although she achieved famed fame for her roles in Grey's Anatomy, 27 Dresses and Knocked Up. Katherine Heigl hasn't really appeared in many noteworthy films in recent years. That being said, she's an undeniably talented actress, and her place within the talented ensemble of Logan Lucky could signal the beginning of the Katherine Heigl comeback very soon.

Adam Driver

Unlike Katherine Heigl, whose career has decline somewhat in recent years, Adam Driver has slowly, but surely, become a household name with a strong resume of roles. First gaining notoriety in the hit HBO series Girls, Driver has made a swift transition to the silver screen with roles in Inside Llewyn Davis, and While We're Young. However, the former soldier's biggest break came last year with his career-making role as Kylo Ren in The Force Awakens.

Seth MacFarlane

Although he has become a household name over the course of the last two decades with his work in the field of animation, Seth MacFarlane doesn't have too many live-action credits to his name. His most recent effort -- 1,000 Ways To Die In The West -- fell fairly flat at the box office, but it's clear that he has more talent as an actor than he ever gets credit for. If his role in Logan Lucky is received well by critics and audiences, this could mark the beginning of a brand new Seth MacFarlane on the silver screen.

Riley Keough

The final confirmed member of Logan Lucky's cast, Riley Keough has made a very good impression on critics and audiences in a very short amount of time. She has appeared in numerous films, ranging from The Runaways, to Mad Max: Fury Road, and, most recently, The Girlfriend Experience. Logan Lucky will mark her reunion with director Steven Soderbergh following their work on 2012's Magic Mike, so the iconic director clearly sees something in this young talent.

With such a talented ensemble of actors and a noted visionary behind the camera, Logan Lucky could be the thriller to beat in the near future. We will bring you more information related to the upcoming NASCAR heist film as it becomes available to us.

It’s a debate almost as old as the characters themselves: could Batman actually beat Superman in a one-on-one brawl? Everyone has their own opinion on the matter. Some think The Dark Knight doesn’t stand a chance, while others think his brilliant mind will invariably lead him to victory over the Man of Steel. That question was recently posed to General Zod himself, Michael Shannon, and his response was hilariously villainous. As it turns out, he has no interest in the outcome of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice's showdown, none at all.

Speaking with Vulture, Michael Shannon explained that he has absolutely no concern over whether or not Batman can actually beat Superman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, or anywhere else. He said:

It sounds as though a he might be a little bitter that Kal-El snapped his neck like a tooth pick at the end of Man of Steel. Michael Shannon doesn’t care who wins or loses in a battle between The Man of Steel and The Dark Knight. Ultimately, he would rather see a fresh take on the characters where Superman develops a bloodlust after killing Zod and becomes a serial killer. That's certainly something no one would see coming. To be fair, that’s essentially Batman’s greatest fear in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and the rationale for why they do battle in the first place.

Critical reception for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has been mixed – at best – so one genuinely has to wonder whether or not Warner Bros. should take the franchise in that outlandish direction. We already know that Ben Affleck’s Batman has had visions of a world where Superman has taken over, and Michael Shannon has been involved with the DCEU from the beginning, so maybe he knows that Superman could eventually go bad at some point during the Justice League franchise.

We will just have to wait and see what happens, but that seems doubtful however. Those who have seen the film already know how the battle ends, but there’s still so much story for Warner Bros. to tell. We will bring you all of the latest and greatest DC superhero news as it becomes available to us. Be sure to check out Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in theaters this weekend. Stay tuned for more details.

Pretty much everyone has seen the classic photo of Elvis Presley shaking hands with President Nixon in the White House. Most people probably saw that picture and said, "How in the hell did that even happen? And what could they have possibly talked about?" Well, lucky for us, the new movie, Elvis & Nixon takes a stab at explaining all our questions away.

The trailer, posted on IMDb as an exclusive, is based on the actual story behind that odd staid-president-and-wacky-rock-and-roll-god meeting, which took place on December 21, 1970. I like how the video starts off sounding like a joke, because, certainly, most people who have seen this picture do believe it’s some kind of joke, but then goes on to mention how famous the photo is.

On that fateful day in 1970, Elvis Presley (Michael Shannon) randomly walked up to the north gate of the White House with a hand-written note for President Nixon. Let’s stop right there. This did, in fact, happen for real. And, we all know that the only people who can walk up to the White House with a note that looks like it was scribbled by a crazy person, is someone famous. Anyone else would have been promptly escorted off the premises by 50 percent of the people on the grounds who carry guns. Then, the letter actually got to Nixon (Kevin Spacey), and he, completely on the spur of the moment, agreed to talk with Elvis (even though his nap hour was coming). And it only gets weirder from there.

How could it get weirder, you ask? Well, Mr. Presley wants a badge. A federal Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs badge. And, he tried to get that badge earlier in the day from the deputy director of the bureau, but couldn’t convince him. Even with all his experience in costume and disguise from making 31 major motion pictures. So, he figured he’d go to the man at the top, and, obviously, that’s Nixon. You know, so he can get his badge and bust all those Communists.

Looks like Elvis was right, though, he could certainly have supplied his own firearm. Geez, Elvis. You have body guards, how many of your own weapons do you need to carry on your very own person? Two pearl-handled specials, a simple revolver and, a gold gun? It’s was probably solid gold, too. You know that, right? Gold plated guns are for Commies.

Our favorite hip-swiveler was bold, too. After being expressly told not to, he ate Nixon’s personal stash of M&M’s and drank the man’s Dr. Pepper. Again, any normal person would have been thrown right out on their spangled ass for that offense. Yet, somehow, they manage to find Commie and Beatle hating common ground. Which helps Elvis show off his knuckles of steel and "steel claws of a tiger" fingernails. Oh, Elvis. You slay me.

Well, even if only 40 percent of the things in this movie actually happened, I’m OK with that. I mean, aren’t you? This film looks batshit and beautifully funny. I can’t wait to see more. Elvis & Nixon comes out in April.