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Thriller: Michael Jackson Movie Will Come in Two Parts a la “Wicked” But Not Until 2026 (Exclusive)

Roger Friedman
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Thriller: Michael Jackson Movie Will Come in Two Parts a la “Wicked” But Not Until 2026 (Exclusive)

There’s been a lot of talk in the last 24 hours about the Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael.”

Both Deadline’s Anthony D’Alessandro and TheInsneider’s Jeff Sneider have been on the track of this movie since Lionsgate made no mention of the potential blockbuster at CinemaCon this week.

Now I can confirm exclusively that “Michael” will be split into 2 two hour films, and they will be released in 2026. There will not be a release in 2025.

My sources in the Michael Jackson world are very excited about these developments because the King of Pop, they say, deserves more attention than any other music star.

Given that the Beatles will get four movies in 2028, a Michael two-parter makes sense. I’m hearing this will be a la “Wicked,” although the two parts will occur in the same calendar year. That will make it easier in awards season.

This gives Sony Music enough time to organize soundtracks and tie-ins, and to get everyone ready for Michael’s nephew, Jafaar, who plays his uncle in the movie, up to speed in the public eye. Sources who’ve seen footage of Jafaar can’t stop raving about his performance.

Who’s not talking? The Michael Jackson Estate. They’re playing everything close to the vest considering they’re managing the “MJ” Broadway musical, a smash all over the world (and separate from the movie). After the live show and the movie, what can they do next? How about an opera? It would make sense!

PS Michael Jackson sales and airplay are already booming in the first quarter of 2025.

“Saturday Night Live” Ratings Down with Mikey Madison and Scandal-Prone Morgan Wallen

Roger Friedman
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“Saturday Night Live” Ratings Down with Mikey Madison and Scandal-Prone Morgan Wallen

Oscar winner Mikey Madison and country star Morgan Wallen were not a successful combo for “SNL” ratings this past weekend.

Total viewers came in at 4.27 million, just a whisper down from Shane Gillis and Tate McRae’s outing two weeks earlier.

It wasn’t the lowest episode this season. That distinction still belongs to Paul Mescal and Shaboozey back in December, which was 3.87 million.

I’m not surprised about Madison. “Anora” won Best Picture but made no money at the box office. Madison wasn’t “hot” despite her win. It was old news already.

Wallen put on two lackluster performances, then skipped out the end causing a scandal. Country music is not for the “SNL” audience anyway.

This week should be BIG. Jack Black is the host, he’s incredibly funny and popular.

Elton John and Brandi Carlile are the musical guests. They have an album releasing on Friday. Who’s bigger than Sir Elton? I wish he’d sing a solo song from the new album, called “When This Old World is Done with Me.” The song is so amazing and emotional he’d get a standing ovation.

Anyway, no more country music, Lorne. “SNL” has an urban, sophisticated audience. I doubt anyone in the studio owns a Morgan Wallen album. And now he’s back “in God’s country,” where he belongs.

Bruce Springsteen Readies Massive “Tracks 2: Lost Albums” Box Set Release on Thursday Night

Roger Friedman
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Bruce Springsteen Readies Massive “Tracks 2: Lost Albums” Box Set Release on Thursday Night

“Tracks 2” is almost here.

The massive box set called “The Lost Albums” seems to be pulling into the station on Thursday night. An announcement is set for earlier in the day. There’s already a web page set up for it at www.lostalbums.net.

“Tracks 2” will cover all unreleased material between 1983 and 2018 including an album called “Electric Nebraska,” an electric version of the great “Nebraska.” This would make sense since a movie is being filmed now starring Jeremy Allen White called “Deliver Me from Nowhere” about the making of “Nebraska.” There’s also a gospel album, as some have indicated.

If “Tracks 2” stops in 2018 then it won’t include the second volume of R&B covers called “Only the Strong Survive 2.” The first volume, in 2023, was a big hit and yielded a Grammy nomination.

“Tracks,” dropped in 1998, has been a staple of Springsteen’s catalog for almost 3 decades. It included one of my personal favorites, “Thundercrack.”

Tomorrow will be a busy night as Elton John is dropping his new album with Brandi Carlile, called “Who Believes In Angels.” I’m listening to it now, and it’s a killer.

Turn up the speakers, kids! It’s going to be a rock and roll weekend!

RIP Val Kilmer, Beloved Star of “The Doors” and Other Films, Dies at 65 After Valiant Battle with Cancer

Roger Friedman
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RIP Val Kilmer, Beloved Star of “The Doors” and Other Films, Dies at 65 After Valiant Battle with Cancer

Val Kilmer has died at age 65 from pneumonia after his long, valiant battle with cancer. The beloved star was 65 years old.

Kilmer had a long, successful career before his fight with throat cancer sidelined him. He should have had an Oscar nomination for playing Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” played Batman in “Batman Forever,” and was a break out in “Top Gun.” Three years ago, he returned for one last appearance “Top Gun: Maverick.”doc

His other roles included a star turn in “Tombstone,” in 1993 as Doc Holliday, Michael Mann’s classic “Heat,” and Ron Howard’s “Willow.”

In 2016, I ran into him at a fancy Hollywood party where he told me all about his throat cancer, losing his voice box, and how Cher — a former girlfriend– had taken such good care of him. It was heartbreaking. But he had reinvented himself as an artist, and a poet, and eventually was the subject of a documentary about how his life. (The poet part was lovely, as his second cousin, twice removed, was the famed poet Alfred Joyce Kilmer, author of “Trees.”)

The fact that he soldiered on for more than a decade living in this condition was remarkable.

Condolences to his family and friends. Val Kilmer was handed a rotten deal and turned lemons into lemonade.

Justin Bieber Needs Urologist, Tailor, or Both According to Paparazzi Photos: Too Many Peaches?

Roger Friedman
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Justin Bieber Needs Urologist, Tailor, or Both According to Paparazzi Photos: Too Many Peaches?

Justin Bieber’s latest public outing has turned up in paparazzi photos online.

What’s indicated from the pictures is that Bieber needs an urgent visit to a urologist, and maybe a tailor, too.

Bieber is shown in every picture grasping his baggy shorts in the area of his penis. This would suggest an urgency to urinate not common in males of his age (30).

He could also be suffering from wearing clothes so big that they’re falling down without a belt. He cure this himself by either buying a piece of leather or rope to hold the shorts up. Or he could see a tailor who could take in the shorts so they fit his hips.

If the former choice is sensible, a urologist might recommend Flomax, so that those frequent urges would subside.

Bieber’s wife, Hailey, could go with him to the doctor.

Bieber had a big hit a couple of years ago called “Peaches.” Maybe he’s eating too many, which could also cause stomach trouble.

Morgan Wallen’s Fans Counter “SNL” Walk Off Criticism, Push 4 of His Singles into iTunes Top 5

Roger Friedman
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Morgan Wallen’s Fans Counter “SNL” Walk Off Criticism, Push 4 of His Singles into iTunes Top 5

Morgan Wallen’s fans have fought back.

After the country yokel walked off “Saturday Night Live ” during the show’s closing segment this week, he was heaped with criticism.

Wallen became the first musical guest to exit the show while the credits were rolling. He stepped down off the stage and walked right out.

Usually all the guests stay on stage and chat while the ending music plays.

Wallen next showed up on Instagram with a picture of his plane taking off. He wrote: “Get me to god’s country.”

Since then he posted a new video showing him shooting at a target range, with the song, “Redneck,” playing underneath it

According to several reports, Wallen didn’t care for being on the show and didn’t fraternize with the cast. He declined at the last minute to appear in a filmed skit, too.

But the criticism everywhere has been harsh. The result is Wallen’s fans fighting back, downloading his two new songs, and two recent hits. All four are now in the iTunes top 5.

Ironically, before the criticism began the sales response from Wallen’s appearance wasn’t very strong.

But the walk off ginned up enthusiasm for the two songs he performed. It’s a little strange since the songs — “Just in Case” and “I’m the Problem” — weren’t very good.

Why Wallen was even on “SNL” is a mystery. He was previously canceled by the show during COVID for violating the masking rules at an event prior to what was supposed to his appearance.

The “SNL” audience has never been for country music, either. Now Wallen has only benefited from the appearance. Did it help “SNL” ratings? That remains to be seen.

Broadway’s Star Studded “Glengarry” with Kieran Culkin, Bob Odenkirk Brings Big Stars to Rainy Opening Night

Roger Friedman
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Broadway’s Star Studded “Glengarry” with Kieran Culkin, Bob Odenkirk Brings Big Stars to Rainy Opening Night

A real drenching night didn’t dampen the spirits for the glittery opening last on Broadway of the “Glengarry Glen Ross” revival.

The knockout play stars newly minted Oscar and Emmy winner Kieran Culkin, Emmy winner Bob Odenkirk together with comedian Bill Burr, the exceptionally talented Michael McKean, and sensational Donald Webber Jr — who will all be competing for Tony Awards as Best Supporting Actor.

Patrick Marber directs the timeless David Mamet dramedy, one of the few plays in the history that begs for a third act because it is was too short ad so very funny and sad at the same time.

“Glengarry” — set in a Chicago real estate office in 1969 — is a Damon Runyon-esque tale of brokers desperate for “leads” selling gated communities, and a stupid burglary that goes wrong very quickly.

Considering these talented guys are making their Broadway debuts, the play — arriving in the massive and beautifully renovated Palace Theater — is kind of a surprise gem of the season.

Their combined drawing power brought out a crowd in which you couldn’t throw a stone without hitting a star.

“Succession” players Sarah Snook (who has her own massive hit on Broadway), J Smith-Cameron, and David Rasche all turned out to support Culkin. The line to get through the VIP entrance last night backed up forever with Lorne Michaels, Tony Goldwyn, Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne, Cynthia Nixon, Anthony Edwards, former Senator Al Franken, Katie Holmes, Liev Schreiber, Evan Jongkeit and Zosia Mamet, Ansel Elgort sporting long locks, Eric McCormack, Darren Criss, Patrick Wilson, David Krumholtz, Richard Schiff, Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham, Jason Biggs, Michael Feinstein, McKean’s actress wife Annette O’Toole, and on and on.

Let me tell you, the heartiest laugh heard in the audience was from Cynthia Nixon, who roared with delight at very line. She wasn’t alone. “Glengarry” was the anti-woke enjoyment everyone in the theater needed, as the now classic characters eviscerate not only each other but language itself in Mamet’s masterclass.

From what I’m told, this first time cast of big personalities struggled to cohere in early previews. Even Odenkirk — who steals the show a little bit as ShelleyLevene — conceded it when I spoke to him last night. Among the cast, McKean — who co-starred with Odenkirk in “Better Call Saul”  — showed off unforeseen chops as George, the bumbling veteran salesman. Culkin’s self assured Ricky Roma is proof of the actor’s victory lap year. But the opening performance, fueled by adrenaline, kicked in and lightning struck. Every actor was “on,” to the delight of the crowd. A strong wind has now caught their sails, the GGGR ensemble looks headed for big things.

Sony Confirms April 2028 for Four Beatles Films Told from Each of the Group’s Members Perspectives — With Hot Stars Attached

Roger Friedman
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Sony Confirms April 2028 for Four Beatles Films Told from Each of the Group’s Members Perspectives — With Hot Stars Attached

The Beatles will get four simultaneous films three years from now, from Sony Pictures. They were announced at CinemaCon 2025.

The four films are each directed by award winner Sam Mendes, and be billed as “The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event.”

I suppose that’s the title, with John, Paul, George, and Ringo as the subtitles.

The lads will be played by four of the hottest young actors working today: Harris Dickinson (John Lennon), Paul Mescal (Paul McCartney), Barry Keoghan (Ringo Starr) and Joseph Quinn (George Harrison).

Listed producers are Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, Julie Pastor, and Alexandra Derbyshire — but no one from the Beatles “family” or the heads of Apple Records.

Final credits are not divulged, but Sony confirmed the release on Monday night.

The films will have total freedom to use all the Beatles songs. There’s no doubt that Apple Records will deploy a set of collectible soundtracks with the best sound technology.

The tie-ins should be insane, starting with Sirius XM’s Beatles channel and extending to all kinds of marketing.

Who will write each film? Will they overlap? What material is all based on? Again, no details were given. But the making of four simultaneous films is a mind boggling project. Mendes is a master, so he can surely pull this off. But the cost will be staggering.

Casting should include the roles of Brian Epstein, the Beatles manager, all the wives and girlfriends, plus Allen Klein, the man who successfully turned everyone against each other.

Sony also announced two new Spider Man movies, their bread and butter. “Spider Man: Brand New Day,” and “Spider Man: Beyond the Spider Verse” animated, are the titles. The former film, I’m told, will have a lot of the recent “Spider Man” cast, although the characters may not remember each other.

They will, however, remember the Beatles songs!

What’s Up, Doc? Warner Bros. Canceled $70 Million Hybrid Film “Coyote vs. Acme” Gets a Distribution Deal

Roger Friedman
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What’s Up, Doc? Warner Bros. Canceled $70 Million Hybrid Film “Coyote vs. Acme” Gets a Distribution Deal

Warner Bros. didn’t want “Coyote vs, Acme.”

But Ketchup Entertainment does. They’re going to distribute the live action saga of Wiley Coyote.

The film features a stellar cast, including Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor and Tone Bell. The film centers on Wile E. Coyote as he takes legal action against the Acme Corporation for the countless faulty products that have hindered his relentless pursuit of the Road Runner.

“Coyote vs. Acme” is produced by Chris deFaria and James Gunn with a screenplay by Samy Burch. Dave Green directed it.

The film cost at least $70 million, and has long been the fascination of fans. Is it any good? My Warner’s insiders told me this winter that it wasn’t, which is why they held it back.

Ketchup, a small distributor, certainly didn’t pay $70 million. But they’re already in the business of releasing classic Warner cartoons. They’ve taken in $8 million in theaters with “The Day The Earth Blew Up,” a Looney Tunes classic. On home video, they”re sure to do well especially among families. “Coyote vs. Acme” fits right in.

Gareth West, CEO of Ketchup Entertainment, said: “We’re thrilled to have made a deal with Warner Bros. Pictures to bring this film to audiences worldwide. COYOTE VS. ACME is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling, capturing the essence of the beloved Looney Tunes characters while introducing them to a new generation. We believe it will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.”

Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice” Series, Added to Amazon Prime With Big Announcement: No One’s Watching

Roger Friedman
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Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice” Series, Added to Amazon Prime With Big Announcement: No One’s Watching

Maybe real life under Donald Trump’s presidency is too real to watch a game show.

One game show in particular is not doing well on streaming.

Donald Trump’s TV series, “The Apprentice,” is so far not attracting a crowd on Amazon Prime.

Three weeks ago, Amazon Prime announced it was putting all seven seasons of “The Apprentice,” which aired on NBC, onto their streaming platform. They said it like it was a big deal.

But so far “The Apprentice” has not turned up in Amazon Prime’s top 10 streaming shows.

To be clear: Amazon, which owns MGM studios, already owned “The Apprentice.” It came to them when producer Mark Burnett sold his company to MGM. Burnett owned the rights. So no money was transacted that we know of. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos already announced he was paying Trump the ludicrous amount of $40 million for a documentary about AWOL wife, Melania.

“The Apprentice” can be streamed or purchased on DVDs. There’s been little interest in it in either format.

On DVD. “The Apprentice” 5 DVD set for season is ranked at number 80,182. It’s 113 of all reality and game shows.

Reviews aren’t so good. “The Apprentice” has 681 of them, with an average rating of 2.3.

As for streaming, companies like Amazon don’t give numbers. But it’s not in the top 10. One reviewer wrote: “Well, where do I even begin? This latest episode of The Apprentice was like watching paint dry while being forced to listen to Trump lecture you about “business genius” for three hours straight. I honestly thought I was stuck in some kind of corporate fever dream.”

To be fair, there are some positive reviews. But of the 681, 67% gave it 1 star.

Is there anyone dying to see the episodes of “The Apprentice”? Doesn’t seem like it.

In other news, the stock market has dropped 1,000 points in the last two business days. It’s down more than 3,000 points since Trump’s Inauguration.

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