MOVIES

Lagos-Centered Sci-fi “Iwaju” Streams On Disney Plus In February

Published

10 months ago

January 24, 2024

Lagos-centred Sci-fi "Iwaju" Streams On Disney Plus In February | Fab.ng

Kugali Media, in collaboration with Disney Animation, has officially announced February 28, 2024, as the launch date for the sci-fi series “Iwaju.”

This confirmation coincided with the release of a teaser on Monday, January 22, 2024, validating the earlier declaration made at the 2023 African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) that the series would make its debut in 2024.

“Iwaju,” created by Hamid Ibrahim, Toluwalakin Olowofoyeko, and Ziki Nelson (who also serves as the director), is an animated series unfolding in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria.

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A post shared by Walt Disney Animation Studios (@disneyanimation)

The storyline, penned by Adeola Hudson and Halima Hudson, revolves around the journey of Tola, a young girl from a privileged island, and her close companion Kole, a self-taught tech expert. Their friendship faces challenges when Bode, a tech pioneer with a concealed criminal underworld, comes as a threat.

Following the release date announcement, a stellar cast of voices for the animation has been unveiled, including Nigerian-American actors Dayo Okeniyi, Simisola Gbadamosi, veteran actor Femi Branch, Siji Soetan, British-Nigerian actress Weruche Opia, Shaffy Bello, Obi Maduegbuna, Kehinde Bankole, Chioma Omeruah, Bisola Ayeiola, and Tosin Oshinaike. Additionally, Lala Akindoju, who also serves as the casting director, is part of the project.

Lagos-centred Sci-fi "Iwaju" Streams On Disney Plus In February | Fab.ng

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According to Shock Ng, Simisola Gbadamosi lends her voice to Tola, a curious and opinionated girl eager to explore the world. Siji Soetan voices Kole, Tola’s best friend, while Weruche Opia takes on the role of a high-tech robotic pet lizard named Otin.

Expectedly, Kugali Media is set to release a documentary titled “Iwájú: A Day Ahead,” shedding light on the untold stories of the founders of this Pan-African entertainment company.

Shot on three continents, the documentary is directed by Megan Harding and executive produced by Amy Astley and Beth Hoppe.

Check out more movie updates here.

Related Topics:Animation Disney Disney Animation Disney Plus+Iwaju Kugali Media Movies

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FOREIGN

Lee Min-Ho Returns To The Big Screens In Netflix’s “When The Stars Gossip”

Published

8 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Reporter

Lee Min-Ho back to the screen in When The Stars Gossip | fab.ng

Lee Min-ho is set to make a triumphant return to the big screens with Netflix’s upcoming South Korean series When The Stars Gossip.

After a well-planned hiatus, the iconic actor will star in this highly anticipated sci-fi romance alongside Gong Hyo-jin.

The series will premiere globally on January 4, 2025. Netflix K-Content announced it with exclusive first-look images that tease a captivating narrative exploring love and life among the stars.

In the series, Min-ho takes on the role of an OB-GYN who becomes a space tourist. Meanwhile, Gong portrays a space mission commander. Their characters promise an exciting dynamic that blends romance and adventure in an interstellar setting.

Renowned as one of South Korea’s most celebrated actors, Lee Min-ho rose to international fame with his breakout role as the charismatic Gu Jun-Pyo in the 2009 drama Boys Before Flowers.

His performance earned widespread acclaim and established him as a key figure in the global Hallyu wave. Over the years, he has enthralled audiences with his performances in hit dramas. These dramas are The Heirs (2013), Legend of the Blue Sea (2016), and The King: Eternal Monarch (2020).

Known for his selective approach to roles, Min-ho consistently curates projects that highlight his versatility, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move.

His most recent major project, Apple TV+’s Pachinko, showcased his exceptional acting skills. In seasons one (2022) and two (2024), Min-ho delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Koh Hansu, a morally complex and nuanced character. This role further cemented his reputation as a versatile and skilled actor.

Lee Min-ho’s deliberate approach to choosing projects has elevated the anticipation for When The Stars Gossip. Fans are thrilled to see him return to the small screen in a fresh and compelling narrative.

The series boasts an impressive supporting cast. They include Gong Hyo-jin (When the Camellia Blooms), Oh Jung-se (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay), Han Ji-Eun (Be Melodramatic), Kim Joo-hun (Castaway Diva), Lee El (My Liberation Notes), Lee Cho-hee (Once Again), and Heo Nam-jun (Sweet Home).

Our squeals of excitement just broke the sound barrier:

OB-GYN-turned-space-tourist #LeeMinho meets space mission commander #KongHyojin in sci-fi rom-com #WhentheStarsGossip.

This star-studded series with #OhJungse, #HanJieun, #KimJuhun, #EL, #LeeChohee, and #HeoNamjun is… pic.twitter.com/8s0nvdZTA9

— Netflix K-Content (@netflixkcontent) November 20, 2024

Indeed, the show promises to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique mix of sci-fi and romance.

Check out more movie updates here.

INTERNATIONAL

“Gladiator II” Records ₦99.1 Million In Its Opening Weekend At The Nigerian Box Office

Published

15 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Reporter

Gladiator II records ₦99.1 million in its opening weekend | fab.ng

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II has taken the Nigerian box office by storm, earning an impressive ₦99.1 million during its opening weekend. This remarkable feat positions the epic as the second-highest opening film of the year in Nigeria.

Before its weekend release, Gladiator II generated significant momentum. On Wednesday, it earned ₦8.13 million, followed by ₦8.96 million on Thursday.

An advanced screening earlier in the week pulled in ₦17 million across two days, showcasing strong local anticipation. These milestones cement the film as one of 2024’s top-performing titles in Nigeria.

The sequel, directed by Ridley Scott, follows Lucius, the nephew of Maximus, the heroic protagonist of the original Gladiator. After ruthless Roman emperors seize his home, Lucius embraces the life of a gladiator to seek revenge and restore Rome’s glory.

The film delves into timeless themes of vengeance and redemption, set against the backdrop of ancient Rome.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington, Gladiator II has captivated Nigerian audiences. The movie’s strong local performance underscores the growing appeal of global cinema in Nigeria.

On the international stage, Gladiator II debuted with an estimated $87 million, marking the largest opening weekend for any Ridley Scott film.

This success highlights the sequel’s long-awaited arrival, nearly two decades after Gladiator premiered in 2000. The development of the sequel spanned years, with numerous script drafts considered before the final version emerged in 2018. Paul Mescal joined the cast in early 2023, solidifying the project’s momentum.

Written by David Scarpa (Napoleon) in collaboration with Peter Craig, Gladiator II was distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Filming took place between June 2023 and January 2024, delivering a cinematic masterpiece that bridges nostalgia and modern storytelling.

Check out more movie updates here.

MOVIES

Watch The Trailer For Jade Osiberu’s “Christmas In Lagos”

Published

16 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Reporter

Christmas In Lagos: Watch the trailer | fab.ng

Christmas is about to get a thrilling twist with the release of the trailer for Jade Osiberu’s highly anticipated film, Christmas in Lagos. Set to premiere on Prime Video on December 20th, the film promises an exciting blend of love, drama, and self-discovery during the festive season.

The story follows Fiyin, played by Teniola Aladese, as she navigates life after heartbreak. Convinced her best friend Elo (Shalom Obiago) could be her soulmate, she faces an emotional twist when Elo returns from New York, ready to propose to his secret girlfriend, Yagazie (Angel Anosike). Their tangled relationships set the stage for heartfelt moments and unexpected revelations.

Simultaneously, Gbemi (Shaffy Bello), a sophisticated 59-year-old, finds herself torn between her longtime boyfriend (Wale Ojo) and the rekindled spark of her high school sweetheart (Richard Mofe-Damijo). Her journey explores the complexities of love and second chances.

Adding to the drama, Ivie (Rayxia Ojo) arrives in Lagos from London, seeking the ultimate “Detty December” experience. Her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Ajani (Ladipoe), leading to a romantic and transformative holiday.

With a stellar cast and captivating storylines, Christmas in Lagos promises a festive celebration filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Sharing the trailer, Jade said,

CHRISTMAS IN LAGOS IS HERE!!! 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽

So proud to present to you the trailer for my new film 💕. Grateful to everyone who worked on this film, our amazing cast and super talented crew.

We set out to make a film that shows Lagos (and Naija) off in its full Detty December glory and when the film is out in exactly a month from today, I think you guys will be really proud of the film 💕

The holiday romance brings together a stellar Nollywood cast, spotlighting talents like Shaffy Bello, Wale Ojo, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Shalom C. Obiago, Rayxia Ojo, Teniola Aladese, Angel Anosike, and Folu Storms.

Adding a musical flair, the film also showcases top Afrobeats stars, including Waje, Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr, and Ladipoe, seamlessly blending acting and music for an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Watch the trailer of Christmas in Lagos below.