Expresso Hollywood News Update at 7:30 pm on 9 July 2024

Let's begin with our top story: A 94-second teaser of the sports action drama F1 film was released recently. According to Variety, F1 tells the story of Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver who returns to the sport to mentor rookie teammate Joshua Pearce (Idris) on the fictional APXGP team. Set to the backdrop of the all-time hit song “We Will Rock You,” each shot of the teaser appears synchronised with the track’s beats. The promo also showcases a spectrum of atmospheres that can unfold over an F1 circuit, affecting racers, owners and viewers alike. Produced by Apple Studios, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Plan B Entertainment, and Dawn Apollo Films, the film is set to release on June 25, 2025.

In some tragic news: Jon Landau, an Oscar-winning producer who worked closely with director James Cameron on three of the biggest blockbusters of all time, Titanic and two Avatar films, has died. Landau’s family announced his death on Saturday, 6th July. Landau’s partnership with Cameron led to three Oscar nominations and a best picture win for 1997’s Titanic. Together the pair account for some of the biggest blockbusters in movie history, including Avatar and its sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water.” In a statement, Cameron said, “A part of myself has been torn away... His legacy is not just the films he produced, but the personal example he set — indomitable, caring, inclusive, and tireless.”

Actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman recently sat down for a conversation with the Indian chapter of Marvel’s YouTube channel. Jackman, a keen cricket fan described by Reynolds as “obsessed” with the sport, was asked about his favourite Indian cricketer. Without hesitation, Jackman named Rohit Sharma. Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds was asked which Bollywood actor he would like to work with. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Ranveer Singh is amazing. He has done the voice of Deadpool (in Hindi). He is also very funny... You think you are in shape? This guy makes you look like a crypt-keeper." The film Deadpool & Wolverine directed by Shawn Levy is set to hit the screens worldwide on July 26.

Here is a mini-review of Despicable Me 4: The film is driven solely by the purpose of cashing in, with a plot that is as inconsequential and as scattered as the minions swarming around, and with none of the laughs and little of the warmth. This is despite adding yet another member to the family of Gru (Carell), this time a baby. Meanwhile, Lucy and the girls are battling their own transition, and their mean neighbour’s daughter called Poppy (King), who proclaims that it’s not that she doesn’t respect elders… “I don’t respect Boomers”. Indian Express rated the film 1 out of 5 stars.

Next up: Filmmaker Mira Nair and actor Shabana Azmi spoke about the importance of an actor remaining connected to common people, and how difficult this can become as they become famous. Mira said in an interview at the New York Indian Film Festival alongside Shabana Azmi: “Tom Cruise has in his contract that you cannot meet his eyes. You’re not allowed to look at him in the eyes.” Shabana appeared to be taken aback by this revelation. Mira continued to claim it was true but also seemed to be cautious about what she was revealing. Cruise is known to be a demanding presence on film sets.

Here is a mini-review of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F: An approximation of ‘80s action-comedies but with an eye on contemporary anxieties, this movie is an uneven experience that doesn’t make you want to hurl an Adidas shoe at your screen as some other recent Netflix movies might have but also doesn’t leave much of an impression. The movie finds Murphy’s titular troublemaker answering a call to home and confronting his past. As always, it’s the emotional undercurrent that grounds Axel’s increasingly outlandish escapades. Directed by debutante Mark Malloy, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F doesn’t have the retro energy of the new Bad Boys films. Indian Express rated the movie 3 out of 5 stars.

Meanwhile: Pictures from the set of Superman have gone viral on social media, revealing the look of David Corenswet as the Last son of Krypton. The actor is seen wearing the classic costume that’s heavily inspired by the comics. He is seen in the iconic red-and-blue costume with the cape, which is more vibrant and unlike the costumes seen in Zack Snyder’s Superman. Fans of the superhero franchise are on cloud nine and claim that David Corenset is the perfect fit to play the character. Along with David Corenswet, Edi Gathegi was also clicked. Edi, who is playing Mister Terrific in the upcoming film, was also seen in a costume that justifies the ones in the comics.

Lastly: Chris Pratt visited his Guardians of the Galaxy director and new DCU co-head James Gunn on the set of the upcoming movie Superman. In an Interview with TMZ, Pratt said, “If it could fit into my schedule and it made sense, I would love it. Of course, I love playing Star-Lord, and hopefully, there’s a chance that can come back. I feel so blessed to be able to do any of it, to be considered for any of it. If it’s right and the fans would love it, I’d be more than happy to do.” Earlier this month, the 45-year-old visited the sets of Gunn’s directorial Superman and the filmmaker shared their picture on social media.

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