‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ sneak previews snag $7 million, around half of original’s
Warner Bros. Pictures
Joker: Folie à Deuxis expected to top the box office this weekend, but comparisons to the original, which grossed more than $1 billion, are already haunting the sequel.
The movie, which stars Joaquin Phoenix reprising his Oscar-winning title role, has him teaming up with Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. It took in $7 million from Thursday night sneak preview showings, according to Variety.
While those are respectable numbers, the 2019 original had $13 million in the bank by Friday morning, on its way to a $96.2 million opening weekend.
Also weighing on the sequel’s box office future are reviews much weaker than its predecessor and a budget that was way higher — $200 million versus $65 million for the first one, according to the trade.
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.
Netflix has released its first look at Barry Keoghan in the new Peaky Blinders movie.
The photo features Keoghan’s character sporting the signature Peaky Blinders cap as he leans out the window of a truck. Details of his character have not yet been revealed.
Production is currently underway on the film in the U.K., with Cillian Murphyreprising his role as Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby. Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Roth are also joining the cast.
Netflix teases the film will be the “epic continuation of the multi-award-winning, six-season gangster saga,” which ran from 2013 to 2022.
Show creator — and the movie’s writer — Steven Knight previously called it “an explosive chapter in the Peaky Blinders story,” adding, “No holds barred. Full on Peaky Blinders at war.”
The film is said to take place during the World War II period.
The controversial Western film Rust is making its world premiere at Toruń, Poland’s EnergaCAMERIMAGE Festival, which runs from Nov. 16 to Nov. 23.
Almost three years ago, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was mortally wounded and director Joel Souza injured when a live bullet in the chamber of a Colt-style revolver being aimed by Alec Baldwin discharged, striking both of them.
The annual event is the most recognized festival dedicated to the art of cinematography and cinematographers, and the screening — and a follow-up Q&A panel that will include Souza — will be a tribute to Hutchins, who was born in nearby Ukraine.
Hutchins “was part of the festival family [and] Camerimage is set to honour her memory and remind the world of her legacy,” organizers say.
Also on the panel will be Bianca Cline, the cameraperson who stepped in to Hutchins’ shoes to complete the movie, as well as Stephen Lighthill, “Halyna’s mentor from her beloved film school, AFI.”
“We knew that our event was important to her, and that she felt at home among cinematographers from all over the world, who have been gathering at Camerimage for over 30 years,” says festival director Marek Zydowicz.
“During the festival, we [previously] honoured Halyna’s memory with a moment of silence and a panel of cinematographers discussed safety on set. Now, once again, together with cinematographers and film enthusiasts, we will have this special opportunity to remember her,” he concludes.
As reported, a New Mexico judge recently declined to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter case against Rust armorerHannah Gutierrez, who was responsible for the weapons and ammunition on set, and who was convicted in the fatal shooting.
The same judge, Mary Marlowe Sommer,had in July dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against Baldwin for evidence suppression.
