What to know:
Is there a Best Picture frontrunner?… While finding a frontrunner right now still seems a bit murky, The Wrap thinks it’s down to Belfast and Power of the Dog, as both of these were nominated for “every major guild award they were eligible for, and also for the crucial film-editing prize from the American Cinema Editors.” While both are strong films, neither are blow-you-away spectacular, so it might be another forgettable Best Picture year. If I had to choose a favorite between the two, I’d prefer Belfast. 🏆
The Rock called Joe Rogan’s apology “perfectly articulated” and expressed interest in coming on his show… Is Dwayne Johnson going rogue from his carefully curated public persona? Or did Joe Rogan just do a good job convincing people with his apology? For what it’s worth, today Joe Rogan tweeted then deleted more COVID-19 misinformation! 🦠
Brett Goldstein signs overall deal with Warner Bros. Television… He’s here, he’s there, he’s at Warner Bros TV, Brett G! Brett G! It would have been nice to see Goldstein land at Disney where he could take a stab at The Muppets (he’s a fanatic). Alas, maybe he can still make something Muppets-y at WB? I’m excited to see what the man behind Roy Kent turns out. ⚽️
Taraji P. Henson joins The Color Purple movie musical… Henson will star alongside H.E.R. and Corey Hawkins as Shug Avery. I was impressed by Henson’s musical turn in Annie Live!, so this should be great. 🎶
Geoffrey Rush to play Groucho Marx in biopic Raised Eyebrows… I know it’s based on a book but that is just the greatest title for a Groucho Marx movie. 🥸
Jason Katims casts Connie Britton as lead in new Apple show… it’s a Friday Night Lights reunion, y’all 🏈
AMC Theaters has best quarter in two years, despite losing $100M+… I bet it’s those Nicole Kidman pre-rolls! 🎟
AMC network greenlights two new drama series… I remember a time when it was BIG news for AMC to greenlight new shows. How the mighty fall. 📺
Video game about divorcing parents, It Takes Two, becoming a movie… Video games got dark, huh? 👩❤️💋👨
Hey all you creative people out there! Do you keep saying "I'll start writing tomorrow" and many tomorrows have passed? Are you curious about freelance writing and have no idea where to start? Culture writer Amber Petty is hosting a free workshop that helps new writers get off the ground and get bylines! Do check it out.
What’s new this week:
Pam & Tommy — Feb 2 | Hulu miniseries | 🍅 87%
Jackass Forever — Feb 4 | Comedy film in theaters | 🍅
The Winter Olympics — Feb 4 | NBC sports event
For more pop culture news, discussion, and what-to-watch recommendations subscribe to my pals over on the Kickball Friends podcast. 🎙
What to watch:
TV Trailer: The Offer — Apr 28 on Paramount+
Showrun by Michael Tolkin, starring Miles Teller, Matthew Goode, Juno Temple , Giovanni Ribisi, Dan Fogler, Burn Gorman, and Colin Hanks.
Paramount+ is laying its cards on the table this week. First the long-awaited Halo trailer and now a look at The Godfather making-of miniseries The Offer. Talk about night-and-day trailer experiences. This has style, flash, and drama for days. It’s a really smart use of recognizable IP and it’s cast to a tee with watchable talent. This looks like appointment viewing. It looks fun and dynamic, and like it might even have something to say about Hollywood and the movie biz. My only issue is that there’s not nearly enough Juno Temple in this trailer. Give me more Juno Temple, Paramount+!
For all past ‘what to watch’ recommendations, see the full list here!