Hulu Renews Selena Gomez’s “Only Murders in the Building” for Fourth Season

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez isn’t leaving the building just yet…

The 31-year-old Mexican American actress/singer’s critically acclaimed series Only Murders in the Building has been renewed for a fourth season by Hulu.

With the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike is over, the series’ writers room is expected to reconvene shortly.

The Season 3 premiere of Only Murders in the Building had the most viewers of any scripted Hulu Original in 2023. Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd guest-starred in the season that followed Charles, Oliver and Mabel (Steve Martin, Martin Short and Gomez) investigating a murder behind the scenes of a Broadway show.

Rudd played Ben Glenroy, a Hollywood action star whose Broadway debut is cut short by his death, while Streep portrayed Loretta Durkin.

Only Murders in the Building remains Hulu’s most watched comedy original ever. It hails from co-creators and writers Martin and John Hoffman, who executive produce along with Short, Gomez, Dan Fogelman and Jess Rosenthal.

The series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios. In January, it will vie for the Emmy in the Outstanding Comedy Series against Abbott Elementary, Barry, The Bear, Jury Duty, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Ted Lasso and Wednesday.

Short also is up for an Emmy, as is Nathan Lane for starring as Teddy Dimas.

Mariah Carey Makes Surprise ‘Debut’ in Broadway’s “Some Like It Hot”

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey is taking the Great White Way by storm.

The 52-year-old half-Venezuelan American Grammy-winning singer has made her surprise debut in Broadway’s Some Like It Hot on Sunday night, but probably not in the way the Lambs were expecting.

Ahead of the revival’s opening performance, audience members were treated to the singer’s voice welcoming them to the theater in a pre-recorded message.

“Welcome to the Shubert Theater!” she said in fan-captured video as the lights dimmed. “At this time, please take a moment to turn off your cell phones. And remember: The use of photographic equipment and recording devices is strictly prohibited. And now, Some Like It Hot.”

According to a report by People, the star-studded premiere was attended by Broadway greats like Bette Midler, Jane Krakowski, Nathan Lane and Victor Garber, as well as Andy Cohen, John Stamos, Uma Thurman and more famous faces.

The pre-show message is far from Mariah’s only contribution to Some Like It Hot.

In November, the Elusive Chanteuse announced via social media that she had joined the production team of the musical in between prepping for her performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and gearing up for another holiday season filled with the familiar strains of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Her seminal holiday hit returned to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated December 17 for the fourth consecutive year since it first reached the top of the chart in 2019.

On Tuesday, she also brought her Merry Christmas To All! holiday concert to New York City’s Madison Square Garden, where she was presented with the RIAA certification for the song going diamond last year.

See the video of Mariah’s pre-show announcement at Some Like It Hot here.

Javier Bardem Joins Voice Cast of Animated Film “Spellbound”

Posted on June 23, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Javier Bardem is officially feelin’ the magic…

The 53-year-old Spanish Oscar-winning actor has joined the voice cast of the animated film Spellbound.

Led by West Side Story’s Rachel Zegler, the recently expanded voice cast also includes Bardem’s Being the Ricardos co-star Nicole Kidman, John Lithgow, Nathan Lane, Jenifer Lewis, André De Shields and Jordan Fisher.

The upcoming musical from Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation will have Kidman voicing Ellsmere, the kind and just, yet hyper-precise Queen of Lumbria, with Bardem as Lumbria’s boastful yet big-hearted King, Solon. Together, they are the parents of Princess Ellian (Zegler), who they join on her daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms them into monsters and threatens to cover Lumbria in darkness forever.

Lithgow and Lewis will voice Princess Ellian’s royal advisors, Minister Bolinar and Minister Nazara Prone, with Lane and De Shields as The Oracles of the Sun and Moon that Ellian seeks out to break the spell on her parents and the kingdom.

Additional characters aiding Ellian throughout her journey include the young nomad Callan, voiced by Fisher.

Academy Award winner Alan Menken is providing the film’s original score and songs, with song lyrics by Glenn Slater. Chris Montan is serving as executive music producer.

Bardem, who landed his fourth nom for his portrayal of Desi Arnaz in Being the Ricardos, recently appeared in Dune and Fernando León de Aranoa’s comedy The Good Boss.

His upcoming projects include Columbia Pictures’ adaptation of the children’s book Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, Rob Marshall’s The Little Mermaid and Dune: Part Two.

Hulu Renews Selena Gomez’s “Only Murders in the Building” for Second Season

Posted on September 14, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez hasn’t left the Building just yet…

Hulu has renewed Only Murders in the Building, starring the 29-year-old Mexican American actress/singer, Steve Martin and Martin Short, for a second season.

That means Gomez and the gang will continue their podcast-inspired crime-solving ways.

The news comes after Hulu said the show was the most-watched Hulu Original comedy on premiere day and its most-watched comedy across all SVOD titles ever on the platform.

Only Murders in the Building follows three strangers (Martin, Short and Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one as they investigate the mysterious death of a neighbor in their New York City apartment building.

Amy Ryan and Aaron Dominguez also star. Nathan Lane will recur, and Tina Fey also features.

Co-created and written by Martin and John Hoffman based on an idea by Martin, the series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television and executive-produced by Martin, Short, Gomez, Hoffman, Jamie Babbitt, This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman and Jess Rosenthal.

“Only Murders in the Building reflects the kind of creative excellence that is the hallmark of Hulu Originals,” said Craig Erwich, president, ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals. “Steve, John and Dan have created a uniquely captivating and entertaining series. The audience’s response to the delightful blend of mystery, humor and emotion in the show has been overwhelming and we can’t wait to follow this unlikely trio on their next adventure.”

Added Karey Burke, president of 20th Television: “There has been something about this project that felt almost fated from the start; from Dan’s first lunch with Steve in which Steve happened to mention he had an idea for a series, to John jumping aboard to co-create it, to Steve’s agreeing to star but only if Marty joined him, to the inspired addition of Selena. The comedy this team delivered has been the obsession of every executive at this studio, and our friends at Hulu have treated it like the crown jewel that it is. And now, thanks to the incredible audience response, we are so happy to say there will be more murders in the building — which is great news for everyone, except perhaps the residents of the Arconia.”

Hulu Releases First Trailer for Selena Gomez’s Comedy Series “Only Murders in the Building”

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez is building up her acting resume…

Hulu has released the first trailer of the 28-year-old Mexican American actress/singer’s upcoming comedy series Only Murders in the Building.

The series co-stars comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short as true-crime-loving super sleuths alongside the “Rare” singer.

The series will debut August 31 on Hulu.

“A great murder mystery unpeels itself like an onion” says Martin’s character at the beginning of the trailer. “Secrets are the fun part,” says Gomez. “Sometimes it’s easier to find out someone else’s secret than deal with your own,” adds Short.

Co-created and written by Martin and John Hoffman based on an idea by Martin, Only Murders In The Building follows three strangers (Martin, Short and Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one as they investigate the mysterious death of a neighbor in their New York City apartment building.

Amy Ryan and Aaron Dominguez also star. Nathan Lane will recur.

Showtime Releases Series Premiere of Daniel Zovatto’s “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels” Early

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Daniel Zovatto’s dreadful time is beginning earlier than anticipated…

Showtime has released the series premiere of its new drama Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, starring the 28-year-old Costa Rican actor, early for free online sampling ahead of its April 26 on-air debut. It’s available now on YouTube and SHO.com.

Daniel Zovatto in Penny Dreadful: City of Angels

Zovatto stars alongside Nathan Lane, Natalie Dormer, Kerry Bishé, Rory Kinnear, Adriana Barraza, Michael Gladis, Jessica Garza and Johnathan Nievesin the follow-up to Penny Dreadful from the original series’ creator, writer and executive producer John Logan.

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels opens in 1938 Los Angeles, a time and place deeply infused with social and political tension. When a grisly murder shocks the city, Detective Tiago Vega (Zovatto) and his partner Lewis Michener (Lane) become embroiled in an epic story that reflects the rich history of Los Angeles: from the building of the city’s first freeways and its deep traditions of Mexican-American folklore, to the dangerous espionage actions of the Third Reich and the rise of radio evangelism. Before long, Tiago and his family are grappling with powerful forces that threaten to tear them apart.

Showtime is also supporting the Farmworkers Covid-19 Pandemic Relief Fundto help raise funds for farmworkers and their families, similar to the Vega family depicted in the series.

The episode is also available via multiple television and streaming providers as well as Showtime’s stand-alone service at http://www.showtime.com.

The 10-episode series will officially premiere this Sunday, April 26 at 10 pm ET/PT on Showtime.

Zovatto’s previous credits include television appearances in Here and Now, Fear the Walking Deadand Revenge.

Lin-Manuel Miranda to Take Part in Stephen Sondheim Virtual Birthday Concert

Posted on April 23, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Lin-Manuel Miranda is celebrating a living musical theater legend.

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican composer, lyricist, singer, actor, producer and playwright, widely known for creating and starring in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals In the Heights and Hamilton, has signed on to appear on Sunday’s Stephen Sondheim virtual birthday concert.

Miranda, who starred in Mary Poppins Returns, joins a roster of new additions that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Linda Lavin, Laura Benanti, Neil Patrick Harrisand Ben Plattfor the all-star benefit for Artists Striving To End Poverty.

Previously announced stars participating in the concert include Annaleigh Ashford, Melissa Errico, Beanie Feldstein, Josh Groban, Judy Kuhn, Randy Rainbow and Lea Solanga.

Special appearances will be made by Victor Garber, Joanna Gleason, Nathan Lane and Steven Spielberg.

They’ll all join the previously announced Meryl Streep, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone and Audra McDonald, among many others, in the special virtual concert to celebrate Sondheim’s 90th birthday.

Take Me To The World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration, hosted by Raúl Esparza, is set for this Sunday, April 26, the 50th anniversary of the opening night of Sondheim’s groundbreaking musical Company.

The concert kicks off at 8:00 pm ET, and will be available for free at Broadway.comand the Broadway.com YouTubechannel.

Other artists performing songs from the Sondheim catalog will include Mandy Patinkin, Christine Baranski, Donna Murphy, Kristin Chenoweth, Sutton Foster, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kelli O’Hara, Aaron Tveit, Maria Friedman, Iain Armitage, Katrina Lenk, Michael Cerveris, Brandon Uranowitz, Stephen Schwartz, Elizabeth Stanley, Chip Zien, Alexander Gemignani and, from the cast of Pacific Overtures at Classic Stage Company, Ann Harada, Austin Ku, Kelvin Moon Loh and Thom Sesma.

Esparza starred as Bobby in the 2006 Tony Award-winning revival of Companyand in the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration productions of Sunday in the Park with George and Merrily We Roll Along in 2002, as well as the City Center Encores! production of Anyone Can Whistle and in last year’s Road Show.

“The world is in a hard place,” Esparza said in a statement, “and we are all searching for something great. Well, Stephen Sondheim is greatness personified.”

Mary-Mitchell Campbell will be the music director, with Paul Wontorek serving as director.

The online event will act as a fundraiser for ASTEP (Artists Striving to End Poverty), the organization conceived by Campbell and Juilliard students to transform the lives of youth through art.

Adan Rocha to Star on Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels”

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Things are pretty Dreadful for Adan Rocha…

The Latino actor has joined the cast of Showtime‘s Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.

Rocha will recur in the Penny Dreadful spinoff as Diego Lopez, a young, vulnerable follower of Fly Rico (Sebastian Chacon), the powerful leader of the Pachucos, a Latino “Zoot Suit” gang. Ready to lay down his life for his Pachuco brothers or sisters, he becomes caught up in a dangerous event far beyond his control.

A spiritual descendant of the story set in Victorian-era London, the next chapter of the Penny Dreadful saga will employ a new vision, new characters and storylines. It opens in 1938 Los Angeles; a time and place deeply infused with social and political tension. When a grisly murder shocks the city, Detective Tiago Vega (Daniel Zovatto) is embroiled in an epic story that reflects the rich history of Los Angeles: from the building of the city’s first freeways and its deep traditions of Mexican-American folklore, to the dangerous espionage actions of the Third Reich and the rise of radio evangelism. Before long, Tiago and his family are grappling with powerful forces that threaten to tear them apart.

The series also stars Natalie Dormer, Kerry Bishé, Adriana Barraza, Rory Kinnear, Jessica Garza, Johnathan Nieves, Michael Gladisand Nathan Lane. Other recurring roles will be filled by Lorenza Izzo, Adam Rodriguez, Thomas Kretschmann, Dominic Sherwoodand Ethan Peck.

Rocha was recently a series regular on Murphy Brown. His other credits include appearances on The Fosters, Brockmireand American Crime.

Sebastian Chacon to Star in Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful” Spinoff “City of Angels”

Posted on July 30, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Sebastian Chacon is ready to Fly…

The Latino actor has joined the cast of Showtime’s Penny Dreadful spinoff City of Angels.

Chacon will play the character of Fly Rico, the powerful leader of the Pachucos, a Latino “Zoot Suit” gang. Rico exudes an irresistible bravado and is slick, smart and dangerous.

Chacon joins a robust cast that includes Daniel Zovatto, Natalie Dormer, Kerry Bishé, Adriana Barraza, Rory Kinnear, Jessica Garza ,Johnathan Nieves, Michael Gladisand Nathan Lane.

Other recurring roles will be filled by Lorenza Izzo, Adam Rodriguez, Thomas Kretschmann, Dominic Sherwood and Ethan Peck.

A spiritual descendant of the story set in Victorian-era London, the next chapter of the Penny Dreadful saga will employ a new vision, new characters and storylines.

It opens in 1938 Los Angeles; a time and place deeply infused with social and political tension. When a grisly murder shocks the city, Detective Tiago Vega (Zovatto) is embroiled in an epic story that reflects the rich history of Los Angeles: from the building of the city’s first freeways and its deep traditions of Mexican-American folklore, to the dangerous espionage actions of the Third Reich and the rise of radio evangelism. Before long, Tiago and his family are grappling with powerful forces that threaten to tear them apart.

Chacon has appeared in Netflix’s Tales of the City, The Code, Pose, Chicago Fire, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Narcos and the indie film Angelfish.

Adriana Barraza to Star in Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels”

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a dreadfultime for Adriana Barraza… But she’s not complaining!

The 63-year-old Mexican actress, an Oscar and Golden Globe nominee for her role in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Babel, has been cast in a lead role opposite Daniel Zovatto and Natalie Dormer in Showtime’s upcoming series Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.

The project is a follow-up to Penny Dreadful from the original series’ creator, writer and executive producer John Logan.

A spiritual descendant of the story set in Victorian-era London, the next chapter will employ a new vision, new characters and storylines. It opens in 1938 Los Angeles; a time and place deeply infused with social and political tension. When a grisly murder shocks the city, Detective Tiago Vega (Zovatto) is embroiled in an epic story that reflects the rich history of Los Angeles: from the building of the city’s first freeways and its deep traditions of Mexican-American folklore, to the dangerous espionage actions of the Third Reich and the rise of radio evangelism. Before long, Tiago and his family are grappling with powerful forces that threaten to tear them apart.

Barraza will play Maria Vega, the powerful matriarch of the Vega family. Maria will go to any lengths to protect her children from the dangerous world of 1938 social politics, as well as from the chilling supernatural forces invading their lives.

In addition to Zovatto and Dormer, the series also stars Jessica Garza, Johnathan Nievesand Nathan Lane.

Logan is the series’ creator, writer and executive producer. Paco Cabezasis set to direct multiple episodes.

Production on the drama series is expected to begin later this year.

Barraza’s feature film credits include Henry Poole Is Here, Drag Me to Hell, Thor, The 33 and Cake. She’s also appeared in television on The Strain and Narcos.

Barraza directed Locura de Amor, Nunca Te Olvidare and El Manantial.

Her upcoming film projects include Dora the Explorer and Rambo Vopposite Sylvester Stallone.

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