Celebrity
In ‘Equalizer 3,’ Denzel Washington’s Assassin Goes To Italy
For years, director Antoine Fuqua has wanted to take The Equalizer abroad. The action franchise (loosely inspired by a 1980s television series) starring Denzel Washington as the reluctant assassin Robert McCall had humble origins in Boston. But, with two films and $382.7 million in box-office receipts in the previous decade, the moment looked right.
“Denzel is an international movie star,” Fuqua said, according to The Associated Press. “We thought seeing a man of color in a more international story would be nice.” Why not travel the world with this character? Fortunately, Sony liked the concept.”
And just one country was ever really considered: Italy. Fuqua said he has been going to Washington every summer since his children were babies. He adores the culture, the people, and the cuisine. He can even communicate in Italian.
“He just feels right there,” remarked Fuqua.
And for Fuqua, getting to shoot in Rome’s Cinecittà Studios and tread in the footsteps of Fellini and so many other greats was the stuff of filmmaking dreams. They discovered a truly 1970s New York grit in Naples, which required little to no production design for a critical showdown. And on the Amalfi coast, they discovered the lovely Atrani, the small village of their and McCall’s thoughts.
It’s the kind of location you’d think someone like McCall (or anyone) would feel immediately connected to and protective of, which is exactly what occurs in “Equaliser 3,” which opens in theatres nationwide on Friday. The difference is that McCall is more positioned to take on the Camorra. Of course, solely on my own.
“When we went to that small town, we knew it was the place,” Fuqua explained. “The people were so lovely; we were sitting around, and they kept bringing us coffee and espresso.” We didn’t even request it. Or, because it was so hot, huge lemons. You fall in love with the people in a place like that.”
For years, director Antoine Fuqua has wanted to take The Equaliser abroad, starring Denzel Washington.
The steps were the only source of contention, which isn’t a complaint. One of Atrani’s gems is a medieval chapel set on the mountainside high above the beach, which they believed would be ideal for a key sequence involving McCall and Dakota Fanning’s CIA analyst. The only way to get there is to climb almost 700 steps. It wasn’t a comfortable journey with all the equipment needed to shoot a scene, but it served as a nice reminder of Fuqua’s and his cinematographer, three-time Oscar winner Robert Richardson,’s objective. They wanted to show a real location, not a vacation spot.
“It’s not a travelogue,” Fuqua pointed out. “The Mediterranean is beautiful, but it’s also real life for the people there.” Fishermen subsist on what they catch. They live in cramped quarters. Every day, they stroll up those steps.”
The film assembles a core team with decades of experience, including producers Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal. In addition to the “Equaliser” films, Fuqua directed Washington in “Training Day,” which earned him his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and the latest adaptation of “The Magnificent Seven.”
Black has produced all of Washington’s films and several others. Washington introduced Black and Fuqua for the first “Equaliser,” which everyone anticipated would be a single film rather than a franchise.
“When you’re making a film, you can’t think about franchises or awards.” “If you’re making a movie to win an award, or even to be nominated for an award, or to have a franchise, you’re probably dead in the water going in,” Black remarked. “Not 100% of the time, but you shouldn’t think that way.”
Instead, they approached it script by script and “let the audience decide.” The audience appeared to enjoy seeing Washington as McCall more than once. Both the first and second films grossed more than $190 million apiece on production budgets of less than $65 million, and Sony was interested in a third. It also helped that Black and Fuqua had become friends, with the invaluable trust that comes with it. Both know that everything on their projects will be secure and managed, whether dealing with an unexpected fan situation for their star or ensuring that shooting in Naples at night is not too dangerous.
For years, director Antoine Fuqua has wanted to take The Equaliser abroad,starring Denzel Washington.
“We’ve never had an incident at our movies because we are so vigilant,” added Black. “And Antoine really protects actors.”
Now, Black and Fuqua are in the rare position of having to be the principal voices advertising “Equaliser 3” in place of their movie stars, who, along with Hollywood writers, are on strike. While some films launched without a star’s late-night quips and red carpet appearances have struggled at the box office in the last month, Black is confident in “Equaliser 3.”
“I have other movies that will need my actors to promote them, but everyone knows Denzel Washington is the ‘Equaliser,'” Black explained. “We’re very confident, thanks to Antoine for creating such a beautiful film that works and audiences have embraced so far.” We’re in fantastic form.”
Both miss having Washington by their sides on the press trip. According to Black, the 68-year-old singer is much “mellower” today than he was years ago and is a pleasure to do publicity with. Fuqua also noted that McCall in “Equaliser 3” may reflect where Washington is in his life. Both are more calm and patient than the other.
“He’ll call me and Todd at 4 a.m. to look at the sunrise,” Fuqua explained. “Denzel wasn’t there before. It’s good to watch him slow down and appreciate life.”
SOURCE – (AP)
Celebrity
2024| Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Washington – Pras, On Friday, a court denied a request for a fresh trial in a multimillion-dollar political conspiracy lawsuit against Fugees rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly determined that his defensedefense attorney’s employment of a generative AI software during closing arguments and other errors made throughout the Washington, D.C. trial did not constitute a substantial miscarriage of justice.
Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Michel was found guilty of ten counts after a jury heard testimony from witnesses, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former US Attorney General Jeff Sessions. On the most serious charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison. He is free until sentencing, which has yet to be decided.
The Grammy-winning rapper was accused of funneling money from a now-fugitive Malaysian financier through straw donors to Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, then attempting to deter a Justice Department investigation and influence an extradition case on behalf of China during the Trump administration.
The defense said Michel received lousy advice as he attempted to support himself while recreating himself in politics.
His defense attorney, David Kenner, who has previously represented rappers like Suge Knight and Snoop Dogg, pleaded guilty to leaking grand jury evidence to reporters.
Michel hired a new lawyer, who claimed Kenner had made several errors, including deploying an “experimental” generative AI software that botched closing arguments by misattributing a lyric from his client’s influential 1990s group.
Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Michel, however, failed to prove that Kenner’s handling of the case influenced the jury, according to Judge Kollar-Kotelly.
She accepted that some of Michel’s faults were valid, but they did not neutralise the prosecution’s extensive evidence against him or render the nearly month-long trial unfair.
Michel’s representative had no immediate comment on the ruling.
SOURCE | AP
Celebrity
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
Julian Ortega, a Spanish actor best known for his role in the popular Spanish-language Netflix drama series “Elite,” has died, according to the country’s actor and actress union. He was 41.
“Our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the union said in a statement Monday.
The sun
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
Ortega, the son of Spanish actress Gloria Muñoz, was born in Madrid in 1983. According to the organization, he attended acting school in the Spanish capital.
He began his career in Spanish-language films, including the 2000 drama “El Otro Barrio” (“The Other Side”) and the 2008 horror fantasy “La raíz del mal.”
He appeared in various Spanish television programs before becoming well-known internationally after appearing in six episodes of Netflix’s Elite.
Ortega played a restaurant manager in the murder-mystery-infused high school thriller, which follows privileged pupils at a prestigious school.
His most recent performances were in drama programs like “The Countryside” (formerly called “El Pueblo”) and “4 estrellas.”
“You were a great man; humble, always smiling, generous, and thoughtful…” I have a great colleague. “Thank you for everything,” wrote his “Countryside” co-star Ruth Diaz in an Instagram post.
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
According to the Spanish Theatre in Madrid, Ortega has worked on theatre ventures, including the 2021 play “Ira,” which he created and co-starred in with his mother.
The reason for the death has not been officially confirmed.
SOURCE | AP
Celebrity
Selena Gomez Reacts To Taylor Swift Cameo Rumors in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ S4
Selena Gomez has recently put a fun twist on rumors swirling about a potential cameo by Taylor Swift in the fourth season of Only Murders in the Building. In an interview with E! News, Gomez responded to the speculation with her signature humor and charm.
Laughing off the rumors, Gomez quipped, “You’re hilarious. She’s a little busy, you guys.”
Her playful tone continued as she added, “Oh dear, I love that,” while still chuckling. Gomez’s light-hearted response showcased her easy-going nature and her ability to handle fan speculation with grace.
Gomez’s co-stars, Steve Martin and Martin Short, also joined in on the playful banter. Martin, in a comedic twist, said, “Listen, she calls us every day. Here – she’s calling right now. Ahh I’ll take it later.”
‘Only Murders in the Building’ S4
Martin Short added to the jest, joking, “No, I was talking to Taylor around 3:00 a.m.” Their jokes highlighted the camaraderie and fun atmosphere among the cast.
Beyond the jokes, Martin took a moment to genuinely praise both Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez for their poise.
He commented, “Taylor Swift handles everything perfectly and so does Selena. In the situations I’ve seen—politically, trolls, everything—she just seems to have a wisdom about how to do something quietly, effortlessly.”
The interaction underscores not only the strong bond between the cast members but also their mutual respect and admiration for each other.
Gomez and Swift’s friendship, along with their shared ability to navigate public life with elegance, continues to be a topic of interest and admiration among fans and colleagues alike.
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