A brief recap of the biggest news of the film industry in the week of November 6 2021.
BY: The DIFF Editorial Team
Last Night in Soho
October 29 saw Halloween creeping upon us and Last Night in Soho released, which eventually crawled up to a modest 6th at the box office. A competitive weekend for horror flicks all around, Edgar Wright’s newest time-travel piece has a complex premise that must have been a challenge to market to its full potential. The film grossed $4.2 million, below expectations, but the costuming definitely didn’t disappoint: we saw Anya Taylor-Joy as aspiring 1960’s entertainer Sandie and Thomasin McKenzie as fashion student Eloise dressed in frocks, coats, and dreamy Brigitte Bardot-inspired pieces that mirrored and riffed off of one another. The film also features Matt Smith as well as 60’s stars Terence Stamp, Margaret Nolan, and Diana Rig, unfortunately being the final performance of the latter two performers who both passed away in 2020. —Marina
Dune Part II Officially Green-lighted by Legendary Entertainment
Following Dune’s $41 million domestic opening weekend, the sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s newest film was officially approved for production. The film is currently expected to be released on October 23, 2023. Moreover, this sequel is also expected to have an exclusive theatrical run following the duel approach of its predecessor, who paired a theater run with a streaming release on HBOMax. According to director Denis Villeneuve, the adaptation was always conceived as a two part duology. Villeneuve simply did not believe that this vast story could be neatly summed up within the confines of one film. Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Stallan, Javier Bardem, Dave Bautista, and many others are expected to reprise their roles from the previous film as well. —Rett
Live Action Barbie to Begin Filming in 2022
The plastic icon from the 2000s is making her comeback on the big screen. Back in 2019, critically-acclaimed pair Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach joined the project to write the movie’s script. Since then, Gerwig has officially signed on as director, and Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling have been cast as Barbie and Ken. Acknowledging the long history of the character, Robbie says the role, “comes with a lot of baggage! And a lot of nostalgic connections.” She adds that people may hear the name ‘Barbie’ and feel as if they understand entirely what the movie will be, then learn that Greta Gerwig is writing and directing and think “Oh well, maybe I don’t…” —Sophie
Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan wants to play a younger version of Leslie Nope!
Parks and Rec fans have dreamed of a potential Parks and Recreation prequel that tells the story of young Leslie Knope. Actress Nicola Coughlan would not only love for this idea to come to reality but has stated that she would love to take on the role of a young Leslie Knope. Coughlan reported this wish of hers in a recent interview for a THR article in which she was asked if there were any movie or TV show remakes she would love to be a part of. Coughlan answered by proposing a potential prequel idea rather than a remake.
She responded saying “Not a remake of [Parks and Recreation], but Leslie Knope: The Early Years. I feel like I could play Leslie Knope in college. —Sofia
Black Panther Sequel Temporarily Halts Production
After suffering minor injuries on a stunt rig incident, actress Letitia’s Wright’s injuries have temporarily halted production on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Luckily these production delays will have no impact on the film’s planned November 11, 2022 release date. Filming had been underway in Atlanta for months before this incident, and director Ryan Coogler has reportedly shot everything outside of Wright’s scenes. Production is currently set to resume in the early part of 2022. With the opening of Eternals (2021) approaching $150 million dollars at the worldwide box office, Marvel fans have plenty to tide themselves over until next year. —Olivia
Trevor Noah’s The Tipping Point (2021) to Include Climate Change Docuseries
Acclaimed and oscar-winning director Orland VonEnsiedel’s new documentary The Tipping Point is set to air as a part of From Devil’s Breath—a docuseries produced by comedian Trevor Noah’s Day Zero Productions. The film reportedly focuses on a rather on the ever evolving issue of climate change via a personal narrative of many intersecting threads; one being that of a group of determined survivors of Portugal’s deadly 2017 wilderness fires as well as a landscape shifting scientific discovery.
From Devil’s Breath (2021) also sports a production credit from actor Leonardo DiCaprio. “Collaborating with Orlando on From Devil’s Breath was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” DiCaprio said in a recent interview. “This important story is gripping, powerful and timely, and I am proud to be part of it. Our planet is facing an undeniable climate crisis and my hope is that this film will spark conversation, inspire us to take action, and help unite us to rewild our future.” —Olivia
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