Mornin! Here’s the Hollywood + MediaBiz news to know on THURSDAY March 18, 2021.

Where… I’m outta Jameson - But thankfully my rapper-pilot has me covered.

🎧 MUSIC TO READ BY

New GWEN STEFANI - “Slow Clap”

Listen on Spotify / YouTube

If you need new tunes:

THE WAKEUP Spotify playlist

📽 THE SILVER SCREEN

via Giphy. Also me the morning after St Pats Day

SONY moves “Venom” sequel from June 25 (new “F9” release date) to Sept 17

KevHart action-comedy “The Man From Toronto” is now TBD.

FOCUS sets Nov 12 release date for Kenneth Branagh directed “Belfast” - set in 1960’s Northern Ireland, also Branagh’s hometown. /THR

“Black Widow” May 7th release in theaters will now be a… “last minute” decision according to DISNEY CEO Bob Chapek. I mean, it’s not like the entire theatrical business is trying to build their employment plans around it or anything… /Deadline

NETFLIX buys “She’s All That” sequel “He’s All That” for $20+ Million

TIK TOK star Addison Rae & Tanner Buchanan from “Cobra Kai” in the (reversed) lead roles. Rachel Leigh Cook in a supporting role. Mark Waters (“Freaky Friday”) directing, will premiere later this year. /Deadline

ALSO IN MOVIES

SONY adds David Strathairn to “Where the Crowdads Sing” movie. /Deadline
Uma Thurman joins DISNEY+ sequel to YA movie “Stargirl”. /THR
If you’re wondering why “Justice League” has an old school TV 4:3 screen ratio… THE WRAP has your answer. (essentially… it’s formatted for IMAX, but they lay out all the details clearly.)
“Promising Young Woman” producer Ashley Fox promoted at FILM NATION to lead Development & Production at the film financing outfit. Their former head left to lead Meghan & Harry’s NETFLIX company. /Deadline

📺 THE TV SET

Chiwetel Ejiofor “The Man Who Fell to Earth” series moves from PAR+ to SHOWTIME

Based on book, was 1970’s movie starring David Bowie. Alien comes to Earth at turning point for human evolution. /Variety

Lena Heady starring in AMC/SPECTRUM SciFi show “Beacon23”

Based on a book, about 2 people who meet up at essentially a lighthouse at the edge of known Outer Space.

Zak Penn created, will premiere OnDemand on SPECTRUM Cable first, then to AMC 9 months later (timeline TBD). /Variety

ALSO IN TV

Natalie Portman signs first-look deal at APPLE TV+. No projects announced with deal. /THR
“Drew Barrymore Show” renewed for Season 2.
Piers Morgan now has most complaints to the UK Government Ever over his Meghan Markle comments. /THR
SYFY renews “Resident Alien” for Season 2. Highest rated new SYFY drama in 6 years. /THR

💻 THE MEDIA BIZ

COACHELLA likely moving from this Oct to April 2022

No official comment from the COACHELLA folks. /Variety

TIK TOK users no longer able to opt-out of personalized Ad tracking as of April 15th

You can still limit tracking somewhat, but no longer can opt-out of being tracked entirely based on interests or what you watch/like. Uhhh unless you live in Europe, where those protections are already put into law. /Recode

DISNEYLAND re-opening on April 30th

Will open at 15% capacity, and only for Cali residents. /CNBC

ALSO IN MEDIA

NBCU seeking Primetime linear TV advertising rates for PEACOCK advertising slots. /Variety
PARADIGM sells huge North American music rep business to Casey Wasserman led firm (he’s of Lew Wasserman lineage). /Variety
Hank Azaria reviving “Brockmire” character in podcast form, to do celebrity interviews. Guests include Ben Stiller, Don Cheadle, and Rich Eisen. Produced by former ESPN & DAZN head John Skipper’s new company MEADOWLARK MEDIA. /THR

🎥 TRAILER HOUSE

Before there was GAME STOP… there was WE WORK. HULU gives us the trailer for the first docu on the crash and (almost) burn of WE WORK. Premieres Fri April 2nd.

👩‍💻 NEW TO WATCH:

Talk about a spectrum of audiences:

HBOMAX “Justice League” 4 hour… movie, I guess? Watch or add to your List here.

E! “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” Final season premiere at 8pm.

NCAA MARCH MADNESS Tournament begins with the ‘first four’ games starting at 5pm on TBS/TruTV (main action begins tomorrow at 12noon.)

WWE Content begins on PEACOCK. Full library will become avail come early April.

That’s a wrap for this mornin’ - If you’d like to share it (and I’d be most thankful if ya did 🙏), here’s an easy to use button:

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Have a great Thursday!

-Sean McNulty

THU 3.18.21: VENOM sequel moves to Fall