In brief: James Cameron reveals next non-‘Avatar’ project and more

September 17, 2024

James Cameron is planning to adapt Charles Pellegrino‘s novel Last Train From Hiroshima and the author’s forthcoming book, Ghosts of Hiroshima, into one “uncompromising theatrical film,” he tells Deadline. The film, to be titled Last Train From Hiroshima, will focus partly on the true story of a Japanese man who survived the atomic blast at Hiroshima, got on a train to Nagasaki, then survived the nuclear explosion in that city, per the outlet. The project will be his first non-Avatar movie since 1997’s Titanic …

Summer isn’t quite over, but Great American Family has already revealed its 2024 holiday lineup, featuring 18 new films beginning Oct. 19. That includes the Candace Cameron Bure-led films A Christmas Less Traveled, Home Sweet Christmas and Let It Snow. Mario Lopez and his wife star in Once Upon a Christmas Wish, and R&B legend Gladys Knight leads the cast of a holiday adaptation of Louisa May Alcott‘s classic novel Little Women, titled Little Women Christmas. The entire list can be found at GreatAmericanFamily.com …

There’s no need to fear, a new CGI-animated version of the classic 1959 cartoon Underdog is here! Variety reports that, similar to its predecessor, the new Underdog series will mix humor with lessons about teamwork, courage and perseverance, among others. The reboot, being produced by Italy’s Red Monk Studios, will debut in Italy and France in 2025, followed by a global rollout shortly thereafter …

New ‘Yellowstone’ images tease cast’s return ahead of Paramount Network’s Labor Day marathon

Bentley as Jamie Dutton – Paramount Network/Emerson Miller

If you don’t have Paramount+, Paramount Network is offering folks the chance to catch up on Yellowstone before the show’s fifth season returns on Nov. 10. Its Labor Day marathon will replay the entire series so far, starting Friday at 10 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the producers of the Taylor Sheridan series gave USA Today a peek of the second half of season 5 — which at one point was thought to be its last, considering Kevin Costner announced in June he wouldn’t return as Dutton family patriarch John.

Reportedly, he won’t be appearing in any of the new episodes.

His character, who went from ranch owner to the governor of Montana, was facing impeachment as the first half of season 5 ended, a political move orchestrated by his scheming adoptive son Jamie, played by Wes Bentley.

With news the fan-favorite couple may be carrying on the show into a sixth season, it’s no surprise Kelly Reilly‘s Beth Dutton is shown in a snap, with her husband, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser), standing behind her.

Another photo shows Beth’s brother, Kayce (Luke Grimes), along with his wife, Monica Long (Kelsey Asbille), and their son, Tate Dutton (Brecken Merrill), who grew up before the eyes of Yellowstone fans.

The second half of Yellowstone‘s fifth season starts Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. ET on Paramount Network.

Yerin Ha cast as Sophie Baek in ‘Bridgerton’ season 4

Emma Mcintyre/WireImage/Getty Images

Bridgerton has found its newest leading lady in actress Yerin Ha.

Ha has been cast as Sophie Baek, the love interest of season 4 lead Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, Netflix announced Wednesday.

Ha is an Australian-born actress of Korean descent. She played Kwan Ha in Halo, the series based on the video game franchise of the same name, and can also be seen in the forthcoming Dune: Prophecy, a prequel series to the Dune films.

The streamer says Sophie Baek “has been forced to spend much of her life working as a maid for the most demanding employer in the ton. But the resourceful Sophie always finds a way to persevere through her circumstances — which will drastically change after she disguises herself to attend Violet Bridgerton’s masquerade ball and meets Benedict Bridgerton.”

“What drew me to Sophie was that she immediately has obstacles — something that she constantly has to overcome,” Ha told Tudum, “whether it’s this battle around social status or trying to hide her feelings from Benedict.”

Fans of Julia Quinn‘s Bridgerton book series will notice the character’s last name on the show is different from the page, changing from Sophie Beckett — a nod to Ha’s background.

“A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world, and that’s why changing a name can be so powerful. To make Sophie’s name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering,” Ha said, crediting showrunner Jess Brownell for making the change.

She adds, “It’s a really nice way for me to feel like the role is fit for me, rather than me having to fit a certain mold. … So it means a lot that Jess did that for me.”

No release date has yet been announced for the eight-episode fourth season of Bridgerton.

Bryan Cranston to receive Lifetime Achievement Award from Santa Fe International Film Festival

ABC

The upcoming Santa Fe International Film Festival has announced it will be honoring Bryan Cranston with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Not coincidentally, his drama Breaking Bad was set in Santa Fe, New Mexico — a fact mentioned by SFiFF Executive Director Liesette Bailey in the announcement.

“Bryan Cranston’s work has inspired generations of actors and captivated audiences worldwide, cementing his place as one of the most respected and accomplished figures in the industry,” she said.

“We are truly honored to present him with the Santa Fe International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, not only in recognition of his exceptional body of work, but also for the deep connection he shares with the people of New Mexico and the lasting impact he has made on our community with his role in the iconic series ‘Breaking Bad.'”

Cranston will be honored on Oct. 19; the event takes place Oct. 16 through Oct. 20.