Javier Bardem to star in Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg series ‘Cape Fear’

Aaron Pierre is opening up about honoring James Earl Jones as the latest actor to voice Mufasa in the forthcoming film Mufasa: The Lion King.

Pierre told Good Morning America Wednesday it’s “truly surreal” to be continuing the story in the film, a prequel and sequel to the 2019 live-action remake of the 1994 animated classic — both of which featured Jones in the role of King of the Pride Lands.

“Not only was he a massive inspiration to me within the context of Mufasa, but he’s also been an enormous inspiration to me just in regards to the entirety of his artistry and his legacy,” Pierre said of Jones.

“For me, he truly is the top of the mountain, and I hope that in some small way I was able to honor him, and hopefully he would be proud of what we’ve put together here,” Pierre added.

Jones, one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, died in September at the age of 93.

Speaking to the franchise’s past, Pierre called the original animated film — which hit theaters the same month he was born — one of his favorite Disney films.

“There was something about it that made me feel included, made me feel involved,” he said. “I really love the way it celebrated the continent of Africa in a beautiful way.”

Mufasa: The Lion King roars into theaters on Dec. 20.

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Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger announced the arrival of their third child together on Monday.

“We are overjoyed to announce the birth of our son, Ford Fitzgerald Schwarzenegger Pratt,” the couple wrote in a joint statement posted to Instagram.

“Mama and baby are doing well and Ford’s siblings are thrilled by his arrival,” the statement continued. “We are so blessed and grateful. Love, Katherine and Chris.”

Pratt and Schwarzenegger also noted that Ford’s birthday was Nov. 8.

The couple, who married in June 2019, are also parents to daughters Lyla, 4, and Eloise, 2.

Pratt also shares son Jack, 12, with his ex-wife Anna Faris.

The Parks and Recreation alum and Schwarzenegger recently celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary, sharing heartfelt messages to each other on social media.

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Colman Domingo will be honored at the Palms Springs International Film Awards, taking place during the annual festival in January. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he’s set to receive the actor Spotlight Award for his work in the movie Sing Sing.

“We are so thrilled to honor the remarkable talent of Colman Domingo at the Palm Springs International Film Awards for the second year in a row. In Sing Sing, Colman Domingo delivers another outstanding performance based on the true story of the wrongfully convicted Divine G, who finds purpose in prison through stage acting,” says Nachhattar Singh Chandi, chairman for the festival. “For this incredibly raw and captivating performance, it is our honor to present the Spotlight Award, Actor to Colman Domingo.”

Colman is a repeat winner, as he won the award last year for his performance in the movie Rustin. 

The 2025 presentation is slated for Jan. 3, the second day of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, starting Jan. 2 and ending Jan. 13.

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