INTERNATIONAL

“Magnificent Seven” Becomes No. 1 at the Box Office With $35 Million

Published

8 years ago

September 26, 2016

Antoine Fuqua’s The Magnificent Seven galloped to a domestic debut of $35 million from 3,674 theaters, placing No. 1 in North America and corralling one of the top openings of all time for a Western, not accounting for inflation.

Magnificent Seven benefited from a star-studded cast led by Denzel Washington, solid reviews and an a A- CinemaScore from audiences. Pre-release tracking had suggested the movie might hit $40 million, but Westerns are a tough sell. The current record-holder for a live-action Western is Cowboys & Aliens ($36.4 million), but if including animated offerings, Rango is the champ with $38.1 million.

From Sony and MGM, Magnificent Seven is a remake of the classic 1960 movie, which in turn was a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai. Village Roadshow and LStar Capital helped co-finance the $90 million film, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month.

The movie stars Washington opposite Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke and Vincent D’Onofrio. Byung-hun Lee, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Martin Sensmeier, Haley Bennett and Peter Sarsgaard. Magnificent Seven’s is a career best for Fuqua; his previous top opening wasThe Equalizer ($34.1 million), also starring Washington. To date, Washington’s biggest opening is 2007’s American Gangster ($43.6 million) followed by 2012’s Safe House($40.2 million).

Source: Yahoo movies.

INTERNATIONAL

NBA Star Joel Embiid Partners With Anakle Films For Football Drama, “Backline”

Published

1 month ago

September 26, 2024

Reporter

Joel Embiid Partners with Anakle Films for “Backline” | fab.ng

Anakle Films, in collaboration with NBA All-Star Joel Embiid’s production company, Miniature Géant, and LeBron James’ athlete empowerment brand, Uninterrupted, is set to launch a captivating new narrative film titled “Backline”.

This inspiring film chronicles the journeys of African athletes as they tirelessly pursue their dreams of playing professional American football.

“Backline” draws inspiration from the true stories of current NFL players.

It follows two close friends from Nigeria as they navigate the challenges. They seize the opportunity of aspiring to play professional football in the United States. Editi Effiong (producer of the acclaimed “The Black Book”), wrote and directed this film.

“Backline” filming will commence in 2025. Production will take place in Nigeria and the United States, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the protagonists’ experiences.

Editi Effiong expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating,

“‘Backline’ is a story about the undefeatable strength of the human spirit, of hope, of friendship, and a drive to rise above one’s difficulties. From the moment I spoke to the young athletes who actually made the journey to play football in the U.S., telling this story has been a sweet obsession. We are excited to welcome Joel Embiid, Miniature Géant and Uninterrupted to this exciting project that will inspire audiences worldwide.”

In 2023, NBA All-Star Joel Embiid established Miniature Géan.

This is in partnership with The SpringHill Company, the renowned entertainment production firm that LeBron James and Maverick Carter founded. This studio specializes in telling the stories of individuals who have defied conventional expectations to achieve extraordinary success.

Embiid, himself a testament to this concept. Having risen from his hometown of Yaoundé, Cameroon, he became an NBA superstar and is uniquely positioned to champion such narratives.

Osi Umenyiora, a two-time Super Bowl champion, along with Editi Effiong and Anakle Films, serve as executive producers for the upcoming film “Backline”. Their collective expertise and passion for storytelling will undoubtedly contribute to the film’s impact and authenticity.

Check out more updates here.

INTERNATIONAL

“The Lion King” Is Getting A Prequel 30 Years Later To Tell Mufasa’s Story

Published

4 months ago

June 26, 2024

Reporter

Mufasa The Lion King is getting a prequel this December | Fab.ng

This December, Disney is releasing a brand new chapter in the beloved Lion King story. Thirty years after the original animation stole our hearts in 1994, “Mufasa: The Lion King” arrives as a prequel. It will take us back to explore the origins of the mighty king himself.

This isn’t just another Lion King movie though. “Mufasa” is an animated musical drama that dives deep into Mufasa’s past. It reveals the friendships, relationships, and defining moments that shaped him into the wise and courageous king we all know.

Barry Jenkins directed “Mufasa: The Lion King”.

He is the Oscar-winning director behind powerful movies like “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.” The script comes from Jeff Nathanson, who also wrote the 2019 live-action adaptation. Together, they aim to expand the Lion King universe while staying true to the magic of the original story.

The movie will follow Mufasa’s journey from a helpless orphaned cub to one of the greatest rulers the Pride Lands has ever seen. We’ll gain new insights into his character and the dynamics of the animal kingdom. This includes his complex relationship with his younger brother, Taka.

Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) | Fab.ng

Taka eventually becomes the villainous Scar, but “Mufasa” will explore their bond before it fractured. The story unfolds through a clever framing device – Rafiki, the wise mandrill, narrates Mufasa’s past to Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughter. Adding some comic relief, Timon and Pumbaa chime in with their own hilarious commentary throughout.

Get ready to hear some familiar voices alongside some exciting newcomers. Several stars from the 2019 adaptation are returning to lend their talents. Donald Glover is back as Simba, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa), Billy Eichner (Timon), John Kani (Rafiki), and Beyoncé (Nala).

Newcomers include Aaron Pierre voicing a young Mufasa, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. taking on the role of the young Taka. The cast also features Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Thandiwe Newton as Eshe, and Lennie James as Obasi. In a special debut, Blue Ivy Carter steps onto the big screen for the first time, voicing the role of Kiara.

“Mufasa: The Lion King” roars into theatres on December 20, 2024.

This prequel promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally engaging journey, giving us a deeper appreciation for the iconic Mufasa and the timeless world of The Lion King.

Watch the trailer below:

INTERNATIONAL

Tobi Bakre, RMD, Sola Sobowale & Nancy Isime Star In Nollywood-Bollywood Series “Postcards”; Debuts May 3 On Netflix

Published

7 months ago

April 16, 2024

Reporter

"Postcards": Nollywood-Bollywood Series Debuts May 3 | Fab.ng

Hamisha Daryani, the producer who brought you the laughter and joy of “Namaste Wahala” in 2021, is back with a brand new series. Daryani’s latest creation is titled “Postcards,” and it’s gearing up to be your next binge-watch. Mark your calendars because “Postcards” officially premieres on Netflix on May 3, 2024.

The news of the premiere date was revealed with excitement by Daryani herself on her Instagram page on April 14, 2024. So if you want to stay updated on the show, be sure to follow her.

“I’m super excited to announce that our show #PostcardsSeries will be arriving on Netflix on May 3rd! This means it will be premiering next month in over 190 countries to an audience of over 260 million people.”

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A post shared by Hamisha Daryani Ahuja (@hamishadaryaniahuja)

Get ready to be whisked away on a global adventure with “Postcards”! This exclusive Netflix series boasts a stellar cast, including Nollywood favourites. The likes of Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tobi Bakre, Sola Sobowale, and Nancy Isime. You’ll also see Bollywood stars Rahama Sadau and Rajniesh Duggall grace the screen.

Sharing a glimpse into the show’s plot, Daryani offered a synopsis on her Instagram:

“#PostcardsSeries follows the compelling stories of four individuals whose life’s journeys are filled with a rollercoaster of emotions – from joy to frustration, from grief to triumph, from love to heartbreak, and everything in between. Prepare to laugh, cry, scream, and most importantly, see yourself reflected in these powerful narratives.”

Following the popularity of her previous movie, Namaste Wahala, Daryani shared her excitement for the start of the series:

“Directed and Produced by yours truly 😁@hamishadaryaniahuja and brought to you by my production company Forever 7 Entertainment. After the exciting success of ‘Namaste Wahala’ super excited for you guys to see Nigeria and India come together again but this time with a whole different flavour,” she wrote.

Watch the trailer below: