As we edge closer to the debut of The Big Cigar on May 17, 2024, viewers are eagerly anticipating the thrilling blend of historical drama and Hollywood intrigue. This six-part Apple TV+ series brings to life the story of Black Panther co-founder Huey P. Newton’s daring escape to Cuba, skillfully intertwining radical politics with the glitz of Hollywood. André Holland stars as Huey P. Newton, alongside Alessandro Nivola as Bert Schneider, the Hollywood producer behind this audacious plan. The series is a dramatic recreation of how Schneider, known for his work on Easy Rider, used a faux film production to
The post The fascinating true story behind Apple TVs The Big Cigar first appeared on TVovermind.
The post The fascinating true story behind Apple TVs The Big Cigar first appeared on TVovermind.
- 5/15/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
You hear that? ? Summer movie season is about to begin. If it has an official kickoff date it’s Friday, May 3, which marks the debut of The Fall Guy, the first big, multiplex-friendly blockbuster of a season surprisingly (refreshingly?) light on the superhero fare that’s defined it for the past decade or so. May has a ton of must-see titles, from Anne Hathaway’s The Idea of You...
You hear that? ? Summer movie season is about to begin. If it has an official kickoff date it’s Friday, May 3, which marks the debut of The Fall Guy, the first big, multiplex-friendly blockbuster of a season surprisingly (refreshingly?) light on the superhero fare that’s defined it for the past decade or so. May has a ton of must-see titles, from Anne Hathaway’s The Idea of You...
- 5/1/2024
- by Keith Phipps
- Rollingstone.com
Since the start of the 2010s, André Holland has appeared in more TV shows than ever. The Bessemer, Alabama-born actor, has had an impressive acting career as a stage and screen actor. Since his screen debut in 2006, André Holland has stayed committed to his dreams of being one of Hollywood’s finest actors. André Holland leads the cast of the Apple TV+ biographical drama miniseries The Big Cigar, portraying Huey P. Newton. The miniseries details the manhunt of the Black Panther Party founder as he tries to escape to Cuba with the help of film and television producer Bert Schneider.
The post André Holland: 5 TV Shows You Know ‘The Big Cigar’ Actor From first appeared on TVovermind.
The post André Holland: 5 TV Shows You Know ‘The Big Cigar’ Actor From first appeared on TVovermind.
- 4/30/2024
- by Onyinye Izundu
- TVovermind.com
Apple TV+ has revealed the trailer for ‘The Big Cigar,’ the upcoming limited series led by André Holland.
Based on the magazine article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman (“Argo”), who also serves as executive producer, The series tells the incredible true story of the Hollywood revolution meeting social revolution. It’s a wild caper about Black Panther founder Huey P. Newton escaping from the FBI to Cuba with the assistance of famed producer Bert Schneider in an impossibly elaborate plan – involving a fake movie production – that goes wrong every way it possibly can.
The upcoming six-episode drama which tells the incredible true story of Newton’s escape to Cuba is executive produced by NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois, Jim Hecht and Joshuah Bearman, with the first two episodes directed and executive produced by multi-award winner Don Cheadle.
The cast includes Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, Pj Byrne,...
Based on the magazine article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman (“Argo”), who also serves as executive producer, The series tells the incredible true story of the Hollywood revolution meeting social revolution. It’s a wild caper about Black Panther founder Huey P. Newton escaping from the FBI to Cuba with the assistance of famed producer Bert Schneider in an impossibly elaborate plan – involving a fake movie production – that goes wrong every way it possibly can.
The upcoming six-episode drama which tells the incredible true story of Newton’s escape to Cuba is executive produced by NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois, Jim Hecht and Joshuah Bearman, with the first two episodes directed and executive produced by multi-award winner Don Cheadle.
The cast includes Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, Pj Byrne,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Today, Apple TV+ revealed the trailer for “The Big Cigar,” the upcoming limited series led by André Holland, who stars alongside Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, P. J. Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Moses Ingram, Rebecca Dalton, Olli Haaskivi, Jordane Christie and Glynn Turman. “The Big Cigar” makes its global debut on May 17 with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Friday through June 14.
Based on the magazine article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman (“Argo”), who also serves as executive producer, “The Big Cigar” tells the incredible true story of Hollywood revolution meeting social revolution. It’s a wild caper about Black Panther founder Huey P. Newton escaping from the FBI to Cuba with the assistance of famed producer Bert Schneider in an impossibly elaborate plan — involving a fake movie production — that goes wrong every way it possibly can.
NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois is the showrunner of “The Big Cigar.
Based on the magazine article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman (“Argo”), who also serves as executive producer, “The Big Cigar” tells the incredible true story of Hollywood revolution meeting social revolution. It’s a wild caper about Black Panther founder Huey P. Newton escaping from the FBI to Cuba with the assistance of famed producer Bert Schneider in an impossibly elaborate plan — involving a fake movie production — that goes wrong every way it possibly can.
NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois is the showrunner of “The Big Cigar.
- 4/24/2024
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Apple TV+ has just unveiled the trailer for “The Big Cigar,” the six-part limited series about Black Panther party founder Huey P. Newton (André Holland). The show tells the remarkable true story of how Newton, a film producer, and a whole crew of people involved in a fake movie production helped the political activist while he tried to evade the FBI in 1974.
The trailer introduces Holland as Newton and his revolutionary accomplishments, along Alessandro Nivola as producer Bert Schneider. The cast includes Tiffany Boone, Pj Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Moses Ingram, Rebecca Dalton, Olli Haaskivi, Jordane Christie, and Glynn Turman (guest stars include Taylor Jackson as Candice Bergen and Inny Clemons as Richard Pryor). With upbeat ’70s music and the peppy fonts to go with it, the vibe is more upbeat than one would expect of a drama thriller — but as the premise underscores, there’s always more story to tell.
The trailer introduces Holland as Newton and his revolutionary accomplishments, along Alessandro Nivola as producer Bert Schneider. The cast includes Tiffany Boone, Pj Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Moses Ingram, Rebecca Dalton, Olli Haaskivi, Jordane Christie, and Glynn Turman (guest stars include Taylor Jackson as Candice Bergen and Inny Clemons as Richard Pryor). With upbeat ’70s music and the peppy fonts to go with it, the vibe is more upbeat than one would expect of a drama thriller — but as the premise underscores, there’s always more story to tell.
- 4/24/2024
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
André Holland takes on the role of revolutionary Huey P. Newton in the trailer for Apple TV+’s The Big Cigar.
Far from a straight biopic about the founder of the Black Panther Party, the six-episode limited series based on Joshuah Bearman’s magazine article of the same name delivers the high-impact energy of a heist as it tells the story of how Newton escaped the FBI and fled to Cuba with the help of famed Hollywood producer Bert Schneider (played by Alessandro Nivola) in perhaps the most ambitiously staged and fake movie production of all time.
“You’re the hot-shot producer, man, produce this,” Newton tells Schneider as they begin to cook up an elaborate plan to help the political activist evade a murder charge, as police attempt to pin him for the death of a 17-year-old sex trafficking victim in 1974.
Tiffany Boone stars alongside Holland as Newton’s girlfriend Gwen Fontaine,...
Far from a straight biopic about the founder of the Black Panther Party, the six-episode limited series based on Joshuah Bearman’s magazine article of the same name delivers the high-impact energy of a heist as it tells the story of how Newton escaped the FBI and fled to Cuba with the help of famed Hollywood producer Bert Schneider (played by Alessandro Nivola) in perhaps the most ambitiously staged and fake movie production of all time.
“You’re the hot-shot producer, man, produce this,” Newton tells Schneider as they begin to cook up an elaborate plan to help the political activist evade a murder charge, as police attempt to pin him for the death of a 17-year-old sex trafficking victim in 1974.
Tiffany Boone stars alongside Holland as Newton’s girlfriend Gwen Fontaine,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Today, Apple TV+ revealed the trailer and key art for The Big Cigar, the upcoming limited series led by André Holland, who stars alongside Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, P. J. Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Moses Ingram, Rebecca Dalton, Olli Haaskivi, Jordane Christie, and Glynn Turman.
The first two episodes of The Big Cigar will make their global debut on May 17. They will be followed by new episodes every Friday through June 14.
Based on the magazine article by Joshuah Bearman (Argo), who also serves as executive producer, The Big Cigar tells the incredible true story of the Hollywood revolution and the social revolution.
It’s a wild caper about Black Panther founder Huey P. Newton escaping from the FBI to Cuba with the assistance of famed producer Bert Schneider in an impossibly elaborate plan — involving a fake movie production — that goes wrong every way it possibly can.
Award-winning actor, producer, and director...
The first two episodes of The Big Cigar will make their global debut on May 17. They will be followed by new episodes every Friday through June 14.
Based on the magazine article by Joshuah Bearman (Argo), who also serves as executive producer, The Big Cigar tells the incredible true story of the Hollywood revolution and the social revolution.
It’s a wild caper about Black Panther founder Huey P. Newton escaping from the FBI to Cuba with the assistance of famed producer Bert Schneider in an impossibly elaborate plan — involving a fake movie production — that goes wrong every way it possibly can.
Award-winning actor, producer, and director...
- 4/24/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
"I want to transform society. This is just the beginning." Apple TV has revealed an official trailer for a mini-series titled The Big Cigar, set to launch streaming this summer on Apple TV+. An unbelievable story of revolution through the eyes of a legend: Huey P. Newton. Based on an article by Joshuah Bearman, the same writer who wrote about the Argo story. The Black Panther Party, a fake movie production, and a nationwide manhunt. Chronicles the manhunt for Huey P. Newton, the founder of the Black Panther Party, who seeks the help of film producer Bert Schneider (also behind Easy Rider) as he tries to escape to Cuba. This stars André Holland as Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton, with the first two episodes directed & executive produced by multi-award winner Don Cheadle. The six-episode drama chronicles the story of Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton's escape, based on the monumental,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton (played by Moonlight’s André Holland) is a wanted man in the upcoming caper The Big Cigar, premiering with the first two episodes Friday, May 17 on Apple TV+. New episodes will stream weekly through June 14.
A new trailer for the six-episode limited series previews Newton’s daring escape from the FBI, who viewed the thought leader as a threat and had been pursuing him for years.
More from TVLineNeuromancer: Callum Turner to Lead Apple's Series Adaptation of Sci-Fi ClassicJohn Travolta's Surprise Welcome Back, Kotter Reunion With Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs - WATCHRashida Jones...
A new trailer for the six-episode limited series previews Newton’s daring escape from the FBI, who viewed the thought leader as a threat and had been pursuing him for years.
More from TVLineNeuromancer: Callum Turner to Lead Apple's Series Adaptation of Sci-Fi ClassicJohn Travolta's Surprise Welcome Back, Kotter Reunion With Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs - WATCHRashida Jones...
- 4/24/2024
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Alessandro Nivola has joined Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton in The Room Next Door, the first English-language film from Oscar-winning Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. Sony Pictures Classics will distribute and John Turturro is also on board.
Almodóvar’s El Deseo is producing.
The Room Next Door will be Almodóvar’s first feature-length project since 2021’s Parallel Mothers, which debuted at the Venice Film Festival. The film starred Penélope Cruz — who won the Best Actress prize at Venice — and Milena Smit as single mothers who became pregnant by accident and meet in a hospital room as they are about to give birth.
Nivola will next be seen starring in the Apple TV+ limited series The Big Cigar playing radical chic Hollywood film producer Bert Schneider in the crazier-than-fiction story about Schneider’s complicated friendship with Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton. The series has a May 17 air date. He then stars as Aleksei Sytsevitch,...
Almodóvar’s El Deseo is producing.
The Room Next Door will be Almodóvar’s first feature-length project since 2021’s Parallel Mothers, which debuted at the Venice Film Festival. The film starred Penélope Cruz — who won the Best Actress prize at Venice — and Milena Smit as single mothers who became pregnant by accident and meet in a hospital room as they are about to give birth.
Nivola will next be seen starring in the Apple TV+ limited series The Big Cigar playing radical chic Hollywood film producer Bert Schneider in the crazier-than-fiction story about Schneider’s complicated friendship with Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton. The series has a May 17 air date. He then stars as Aleksei Sytsevitch,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple TV+ has unveiled a first look at ‘The Big Cigar,’ the highly anticipated limited drama series that chronicles the story of Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton’s escape to Cuba, and is based on the monumental, eponymous magazine article of the same name.
Legendary, award-winning actor, producer and director Don Cheadle serves as director and executive producer on the first two episodes.
Based on the magazine article by Joshuah Bearman (“Argo”), who will also serve as executive producer, “The Big Cigar” is the incredible true story of the Hollywood revolution meeting social revolution: it’s a wild caper of Black Panther founder Huey Newton escaping from the FBI to Cuba with the assistance of famed producer Bert Schneider in an impossibly elaborate plan – involving a fake movie production — that goes wrong every way it possibly can. And somehow, it’s all true. Mostly.
Also in news – Arnold Schwarzenegger...
Legendary, award-winning actor, producer and director Don Cheadle serves as director and executive producer on the first two episodes.
Based on the magazine article by Joshuah Bearman (“Argo”), who will also serve as executive producer, “The Big Cigar” is the incredible true story of the Hollywood revolution meeting social revolution: it’s a wild caper of Black Panther founder Huey Newton escaping from the FBI to Cuba with the assistance of famed producer Bert Schneider in an impossibly elaborate plan – involving a fake movie production — that goes wrong every way it possibly can. And somehow, it’s all true. Mostly.
Also in news – Arnold Schwarzenegger...
- 3/14/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
It was only a few days ago that the Criterion Collection had a surprise flash sale. The home video company’s entire catalog was slashed down to 50% off list prices. While that sale only lasted for 24 hours, there are a number of titles that are still on sale for half-off at Amazon.
We rounded up the best deals on Criterion Collection releases, including Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing,” Dennis Hopper’s “Easy Rider,” Whit Stillman’s “The Last Days of Disco” and much more. In fact, even a few boxed sets are half off, such as Krzysztof Kieślowski’s “The Dekalog” and Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe” anthology.
Ahead, check out the best Criterion Blu-ray discs currently on sale for 50% off at Amazon:
‘Do the Right Thing...
It was only a few days ago that the Criterion Collection had a surprise flash sale. The home video company’s entire catalog was slashed down to 50% off list prices. While that sale only lasted for 24 hours, there are a number of titles that are still on sale for half-off at Amazon.
We rounded up the best deals on Criterion Collection releases, including Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing,” Dennis Hopper’s “Easy Rider,” Whit Stillman’s “The Last Days of Disco” and much more. In fact, even a few boxed sets are half off, such as Krzysztof Kieślowski’s “The Dekalog” and Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe” anthology.
Ahead, check out the best Criterion Blu-ray discs currently on sale for 50% off at Amazon:
‘Do the Right Thing...
- 10/20/2023
- by Anna Tingley and Rudie Obias
- Variety Film + TV
Tl;Dr:
The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz discussed how the band’s supervisor, Don Kirshner, helped them. Dolenz dumped ice on Kirshner and that became an “urban legend.” Kirhsner was later dismissed.
The Monkees‘ Micky Dolenz said the band often improvised on TV. Subsequently, he dumped ice on The Monkees’ supervisor, Don Kirshner, in the studio. Kirshner then told Dolenz how he expected to be treated.
Micky Dolenz dumped ice on The Monkees’ supervisor because he said something silly
Don Kirshner was The Monkees’ music supervisor. During a 2020 interview with Forbes, Dolenz discussed a famous anecdote about Kirshner. “Donnie Kirshner was responsible to some degree in picking The Monkees songs because he was head of Screen Gems Columbia Music in the famous Brill Building in New York,” he said. “He was the Brill Building during that period, along with those incredible writers like Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, Carole King and Gerry Goffin,...
The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz discussed how the band’s supervisor, Don Kirshner, helped them. Dolenz dumped ice on Kirshner and that became an “urban legend.” Kirhsner was later dismissed.
The Monkees‘ Micky Dolenz said the band often improvised on TV. Subsequently, he dumped ice on The Monkees’ supervisor, Don Kirshner, in the studio. Kirshner then told Dolenz how he expected to be treated.
Micky Dolenz dumped ice on The Monkees’ supervisor because he said something silly
Don Kirshner was The Monkees’ music supervisor. During a 2020 interview with Forbes, Dolenz discussed a famous anecdote about Kirshner. “Donnie Kirshner was responsible to some degree in picking The Monkees songs because he was head of Screen Gems Columbia Music in the famous Brill Building in New York,” he said. “He was the Brill Building during that period, along with those incredible writers like Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, Carole King and Gerry Goffin,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The very first episode of The Monkees, “Royal Flush,” won the series‘ director an Emmy Award in 1967. The Monkees‘ creators, Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider won their own golden statuettes in the Best Comedy Series category that same legendary evening.
Davy Jones is seated on the sand in front of fellow ‘The Monkees’ co-stars Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz in ‘Royal Flush’ | Keystone Features/Getty Images The first episode of ‘The Monkees’ was ‘Royal Flush’
The Monkees episodes may not have been the first to feature slapstick on television. However, the series was one of the first to include music shorts within each 30-minute episode.
Viewers were treated to a new music montage each week, driving The Monkees‘ record sales to number one on the Billboard Charts. However, the series also found a home with viewers who enjoyed its light humor.
In the series very first episode, “Royal Flush,...
Davy Jones is seated on the sand in front of fellow ‘The Monkees’ co-stars Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz in ‘Royal Flush’ | Keystone Features/Getty Images The first episode of ‘The Monkees’ was ‘Royal Flush’
The Monkees episodes may not have been the first to feature slapstick on television. However, the series was one of the first to include music shorts within each 30-minute episode.
Viewers were treated to a new music montage each week, driving The Monkees‘ record sales to number one on the Billboard Charts. However, the series also found a home with viewers who enjoyed its light humor.
In the series very first episode, “Royal Flush,...
- 6/9/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
On April 28, 2023, the sports and entertainment worlds lit up with joy at the sight of Jack Nicholson taking his courtside seat at Crypto.com Arena for the Los Angeles Lakers' semifinals-clinching game against the Memphis Grizzlies. This was the 86-year-old star's first appearance at a game since the home opener of the 2021-22 season, and it dispelled rumors of ill-health that had flitted about due to his absence from the public eye.
Ever since his career took off in the late 1960s, Nicholson exemplified Hollywood stardom. He played the celebrity game with devilish glee, donning his Ray-Ban sunglasses and strutting down red carpets to the delight of shutterbugs and fans. He was a near-constant presence at the Academy Awards, where he typically sat in the front row because, well, he's Jack. And no Lakers home game felt official without him sitting just to the right of the visiting team's bench...
Ever since his career took off in the late 1960s, Nicholson exemplified Hollywood stardom. He played the celebrity game with devilish glee, donning his Ray-Ban sunglasses and strutting down red carpets to the delight of shutterbugs and fans. He was a near-constant presence at the Academy Awards, where he typically sat in the front row because, well, he's Jack. And no Lakers home game felt official without him sitting just to the right of the visiting team's bench...
- 5/26/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
One of The Monkees‘ most prolific singalong hits, “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” appeared on their classic album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, and Jones Ltd. Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, the song was inspired by a street near the couple’s suburban New Jersey home. However, the song’s lyrics had a darker edge than fans realized.
Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Mike Nesmith are the cast of ‘The Monkees’ | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’ was a Monkees smash
The single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1967. At the number one position was Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe,” followed by The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
The Monkees held steady at number three. In addition, rounding out the top five in the first week of August 1967 was The Doors’ “Light My Fire” and Aretha Franklin’s “Baby I Love You.
Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Mike Nesmith are the cast of ‘The Monkees’ | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’ was a Monkees smash
The single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1967. At the number one position was Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe,” followed by The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
The Monkees held steady at number three. In addition, rounding out the top five in the first week of August 1967 was The Doors’ “Light My Fire” and Aretha Franklin’s “Baby I Love You.
- 3/30/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees may have acted like they were happy-go-lucky band members on the set of their television series. Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, and Davy Jones may have even acted friendly toward one another on stage during concerts. However, like with any partnership, some members don’t gel as naturally as others. Here are three ways Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork were “partners in silence” as Monkees members.
Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork on the set of ‘The Monkees’ | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Mike Nesmith admits ‘Peter [Tork], and I went our own ways’
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mike Nesmith admitted that he and Peter Tork typically “went our own ways.” He shared his take on their personal and professional relationship. Nesmith explained their estrangement was “known” on the series set.
“They knew Pete, and I went our own ways. This wasn’t a dislike of someone...
Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork on the set of ‘The Monkees’ | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Mike Nesmith admits ‘Peter [Tork], and I went our own ways’
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mike Nesmith admitted that he and Peter Tork typically “went our own ways.” He shared his take on their personal and professional relationship. Nesmith explained their estrangement was “known” on the series set.
“They knew Pete, and I went our own ways. This wasn’t a dislike of someone...
- 3/21/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Over the years, the Oscar for best documentary feature has provided the Academy Awards with some of the ceremony’s most contentious and divisive moments: In 1975, when the Vietnam War doc Hearts and Minds claimed the prize, producer Bert Schneider read a letter of thanks from the Viet Cong, so incensing hosts Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra that they took it upon themselves later in the broadcast to apologize “for any political references.” In 2003, while accepting his Oscar for the anti-gun doc Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore was greeted with both cheers and boos when he cried “Shame on you, Mr. Bush” for launching the war in Iraq.
In the past couple of years, as Academy membership has grown larger and more diverse, the feature documentary results have been a lot more mellow, with crowd-pleasing choices — like the 2021 concert film Summer of Soul and the 2020 nature doc My Octopus Teacher — prevailing.
In the past couple of years, as Academy membership has grown larger and more diverse, the feature documentary results have been a lot more mellow, with crowd-pleasing choices — like the 2021 concert film Summer of Soul and the 2020 nature doc My Octopus Teacher — prevailing.
- 3/6/2023
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tl;Dr:
The Monkees’ creator said Davy Jones was perhaps the biggest rock star of the 1960s.He explained why Jones was part of The Monkees.Jones only released one solo single that charted on the Billboard Hot 100. The Monkees’ Davy Jones | Express / Stringer
The Monkees‘ co-creator, Bob Rafelson, said Davy Jones might’ve been the most famous rock star of the 1960s. He was worried Jones might be wrong for The Monkees’ show. Subsequently, he changed his mind.
The Monkees’ co-creator explained why Davy Jones made the cut
Rafelson co-created The Monkees with Bert Schneider. Rafelson discussed Jones in a 2012 Los Angeles Times interview following the singer’s death. “Davy Jones deserves a lot of credit, let me tell you,” Rafelson said. “He may not have lived as long as we wanted him to, but he survived about seven lifetimes, including being perhaps the biggest rock star of his time.
The Monkees’ creator said Davy Jones was perhaps the biggest rock star of the 1960s.He explained why Jones was part of The Monkees.Jones only released one solo single that charted on the Billboard Hot 100. The Monkees’ Davy Jones | Express / Stringer
The Monkees‘ co-creator, Bob Rafelson, said Davy Jones might’ve been the most famous rock star of the 1960s. He was worried Jones might be wrong for The Monkees’ show. Subsequently, he changed his mind.
The Monkees’ co-creator explained why Davy Jones made the cut
Rafelson co-created The Monkees with Bert Schneider. Rafelson discussed Jones in a 2012 Los Angeles Times interview following the singer’s death. “Davy Jones deserves a lot of credit, let me tell you,” Rafelson said. “He may not have lived as long as we wanted him to, but he survived about seven lifetimes, including being perhaps the biggest rock star of his time.
- 2/17/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
The Lovin’ Spoonful tried out for The Monkees’ show.The Monkees’ creators chose not to cast The Lovin’ Spoonful in the program.The Lovin’ Spoonful had many hit singles in the United States. The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
The Lovin’ Spoonful tried out for the television program that became The Monkees‘ show. The Monkees’ creators had a strong reaction to their audition. Despite this, they decided not to cast The Lovin’ Spoonful.
The Monkees’ co-creator said the Prefab Four’s show was inspired by his time as a teenage musician
Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider were the co-creators of The Monkees. The band has long been compared to The Beatles. During a 2012 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Rafelson discussed how the premise of the show came together.
“This was a show I had written six years before The Beatles existed, and the pilot was based on...
The Lovin’ Spoonful tried out for The Monkees’ show.The Monkees’ creators chose not to cast The Lovin’ Spoonful in the program.The Lovin’ Spoonful had many hit singles in the United States. The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
The Lovin’ Spoonful tried out for the television program that became The Monkees‘ show. The Monkees’ creators had a strong reaction to their audition. Despite this, they decided not to cast The Lovin’ Spoonful.
The Monkees’ co-creator said the Prefab Four’s show was inspired by his time as a teenage musician
Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider were the co-creators of The Monkees. The band has long been compared to The Beatles. During a 2012 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Rafelson discussed how the premise of the show came together.
“This was a show I had written six years before The Beatles existed, and the pilot was based on...
- 2/15/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Mike Nesmith and his green wool hat became synonymous with The Monkees from the series’ first episode in Sept. 1966. The head topper, which Mike wore in his screen test, became such an essential talisman to Mike that it became part of his on-screen persona. However, Mike’s hat has a deeper meaning, and the mysterious story comes directly from his first wife, Phyllis.
Peter Tork, Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith and Micky Dolenz in a scene still from the television series ‘The Monkees’ | NBCUniversal via Getty Images Why did Mike Nesmith wear a wool hat?
Mike Nesmith originally wore a wool hat to his Monkees television audition in 1966. Although the audition was held in California, Nesmith wore the topper to keep his hair from blowing in his face as he rode his motorcycle to the audition, reported MeTV.
During his original audition for The Monkees, Nesmith clowned around with producers Bob Rafelson...
Peter Tork, Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith and Micky Dolenz in a scene still from the television series ‘The Monkees’ | NBCUniversal via Getty Images Why did Mike Nesmith wear a wool hat?
Mike Nesmith originally wore a wool hat to his Monkees television audition in 1966. Although the audition was held in California, Nesmith wore the topper to keep his hair from blowing in his face as he rode his motorcycle to the audition, reported MeTV.
During his original audition for The Monkees, Nesmith clowned around with producers Bob Rafelson...
- 2/8/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The story of the Monkees is well known to any fan of 1960s pop music. Producers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider, inspired by the freewheeling antics they witnessed in Richard Lester's celebrated 1964 Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night," wanted to capture a similar energy on the small screen. Widespread auditions were held to form a new band that possessed musical talent, but, more importantly, screen chemistry and maybe some acting acumen. The production team was lucky to land one Micky Dolenz, a former child star who appeared on the long-forgotten sitcom "Circus Boy." Davy Jones and Mike Nesmith followed. Peter Tork was suggested by his friend Stephen Stills. While the Monkees did not form organically, they did have chemistry, and possessed humor and acting talent that their less interesting Liverpudlian counterparts never did. Yes, it is now written. The Monkees are, in their way, more interesting than the Beatles.
- 1/1/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Apple TV+’s Huey P. Newton series The Big Cigar has rounded out its cast, with Jaime Ray Newman (Dopesick), Noah Emmerich (Dark Winds), John Doman (City on a Hill), Chris Brochu (Zero Contact) and newcomer Brenton Allen coming aboard in recurring roles. André Holland leads the cast, with Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, Pj Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Jordane Christie, Moses Ingram, Olli Haaskivi and Glynn Turman also set to star, as previously announced.
The six-episode limited series, based on the eponymous Playboy magazine article by Argo‘s Joshuah Bearman, tells the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Black Panther leader Newton (Holland) relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola) — the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider — to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
Newman will play Roz Torrance, with Emmerich as Schneider’s brother Stanley, and Doman as his father Abe.
The six-episode limited series, based on the eponymous Playboy magazine article by Argo‘s Joshuah Bearman, tells the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Black Panther leader Newton (Holland) relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola) — the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider — to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
Newman will play Roz Torrance, with Emmerich as Schneider’s brother Stanley, and Doman as his father Abe.
- 9/1/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Jack Nicholson received the first of his 12 Academy Award nominations for his supporting role in "Easy Rider," a film that tapped into the '60s counterculture to become a watershed for the New Hollywood era. Yet despite its cultural significance and impact on Nicholson's career, "Easy Rider" had a notoriously troubled production, much of which was documented in Peter Biskind's book, "Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex-Drugs-and-Rock 'N Roll Generation Saved Hollywood."
Among other things, "Easy Rider" director and star Dennis Hopper famously pulled a steak knife on actor Rip Torn, who was originally supposed to play lawyer George Hanson, the role that went to Nicholson. Hopper and his costar Peter Fonda also got into a dispute over the film's writing credits, which they shared with Terry Southern. In a 1974 interview with Sight and Sound magazine, Nicholson explained that he only stepped in to act after getting involved...
Among other things, "Easy Rider" director and star Dennis Hopper famously pulled a steak knife on actor Rip Torn, who was originally supposed to play lawyer George Hanson, the role that went to Nicholson. Hopper and his costar Peter Fonda also got into a dispute over the film's writing credits, which they shared with Terry Southern. In a 1974 interview with Sight and Sound magazine, Nicholson explained that he only stepped in to act after getting involved...
- 8/27/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Emmy winner Glynn Turman (Women of the Movement) has joined Apple TV+’s Huey P. Newton limited series The Big Cigar as a recurring guest star. He’ll be part of an ensemble led by André Holland, which also includes Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, Pj Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Jordane Christie, Moses Ingram and Olli Haaskivi, as previously announced.
Based on the eponymous Playboy magazine article by Argo‘s Joshuah Bearman, the six-episode series tells the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Black Panther leader Newton (Holland) relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola) — the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider — to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
2022 Apple TV+ Pilots & Series Orders
Turman is set for the role of Huey’s ailing father, Walter — a man he reveres, who worked multiple jobs over the course of his life to support his family.
Based on the eponymous Playboy magazine article by Argo‘s Joshuah Bearman, the six-episode series tells the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Black Panther leader Newton (Holland) relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola) — the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider — to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
2022 Apple TV+ Pilots & Series Orders
Turman is set for the role of Huey’s ailing father, Walter — a man he reveres, who worked multiple jobs over the course of his life to support his family.
- 8/19/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Olli Haaskivi (Oppenheimer) is the latest actor to join Apple TV+’s six-episode Huey P. Newton series The Big Cigar in a recurring role. He joins an ensemble fronted by André Holland, which also includes the previously announced Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, Pj Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Jordane Christie and Moses Ingram.
Based on the Playboy magazine article of the same name by Argo‘s Joshuah Bearman, The Big Cigar will tell the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Black Panther leader Newton (Holland) relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola) — the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider — to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
Haaskivi will play Artie Ross, the screenwriter behind such titles as Brubaker and Creature from the Black Lagoon, who was at one point blacklisted as the Red Scare infiltrated Hollywood.
The Big Cigar‘s showrunner...
Based on the Playboy magazine article of the same name by Argo‘s Joshuah Bearman, The Big Cigar will tell the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Black Panther leader Newton (Holland) relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola) — the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider — to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
Haaskivi will play Artie Ross, the screenwriter behind such titles as Brubaker and Creature from the Black Lagoon, who was at one point blacklisted as the Red Scare infiltrated Hollywood.
The Big Cigar‘s showrunner...
- 8/18/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jordane Christie (Why Women Kill) has signed on for a recurring role in Apple TV+’s limited series The Big Cigar. He joins an ensemble led by André Holland that also includes Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, Pj Byrne and Marc Menchaca.
The six-episode series based on the eponymous Playboy magazine article by Joshuah Bearman (Argo) tells the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton (Holland) relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola) — the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider — to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
2022 Apple TV+ Pilot & Series Orders
Christie will play Newton’s friend and Black Panther Party co-founder, Bobby Seale, who bonded with Newton over repeated incarcerations and infiltration by the FBI before deciding to leave the party.
The Big Cigar‘s showrunner is NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois. Jim Hecht (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) penned the show’s first episode, with Don Cheadle directing and exec producing the first two. The show hails from Warner Bros. Television, where Barrois and her Folding Chair Productions are under an overall deal. Barrois and Hecht are exec producing alongside Bearman, Joshua Davis and Arthur Spector (Little America) through their production company Epic, a division of Vox Media Studios.
Christie has been seen on the Paramount+ dark comedy series Why Women Kill, along with such shows as The Haunting of Hill House, Atlanta, S.W.A.T., Underground, Chicago P.D. and Containment. He is repped by APA and Authentic Talent and Literary Management.
The six-episode series based on the eponymous Playboy magazine article by Joshuah Bearman (Argo) tells the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton (Holland) relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola) — the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider — to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
2022 Apple TV+ Pilot & Series Orders
Christie will play Newton’s friend and Black Panther Party co-founder, Bobby Seale, who bonded with Newton over repeated incarcerations and infiltration by the FBI before deciding to leave the party.
The Big Cigar‘s showrunner is NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois. Jim Hecht (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) penned the show’s first episode, with Don Cheadle directing and exec producing the first two. The show hails from Warner Bros. Television, where Barrois and her Folding Chair Productions are under an overall deal. Barrois and Hecht are exec producing alongside Bearman, Joshua Davis and Arthur Spector (Little America) through their production company Epic, a division of Vox Media Studios.
Christie has been seen on the Paramount+ dark comedy series Why Women Kill, along with such shows as The Haunting of Hill House, Atlanta, S.W.A.T., Underground, Chicago P.D. and Containment. He is repped by APA and Authentic Talent and Literary Management.
- 8/1/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Though regarded by cinephiles as one of the architects of the “New Hollywood” largely because of moody character studies like 1970’s “Five Easy Pieces,” filmmaker Bob Rafelson — who died Saturday at 89 — will also always be adored for his co-creation and production of the decidedly less moody, madcap television series “The Monkees,” and for further directing that makeshift band in the comically avant-garde 1968 film “Head.”
Rafelson is very fondly remembered by vocalist and drummer Micky Dolenz, the final surviving member of the Monkees, who shared his thoughts about Rafelson’s role in the creation and development of the group with Variety.
A wildly silly sitcom about a faux teeny-bop band meant that its producer-showrunners, Rafelson and Bert Schneider (who died in 2011), had to find a willing quartet of actor-musicians. Enter Davy Jones, Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith and Dolenz, who became the Monkees, recorded a dozen hits selling over 75 million records worldwide,...
Rafelson is very fondly remembered by vocalist and drummer Micky Dolenz, the final surviving member of the Monkees, who shared his thoughts about Rafelson’s role in the creation and development of the group with Variety.
A wildly silly sitcom about a faux teeny-bop band meant that its producer-showrunners, Rafelson and Bert Schneider (who died in 2011), had to find a willing quartet of actor-musicians. Enter Davy Jones, Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith and Dolenz, who became the Monkees, recorded a dozen hits selling over 75 million records worldwide,...
- 7/25/2022
- by A.D. Amorosi
- Variety Film + TV
Micky Dolenz, the drummer of the mid-1960s formed-for-tv band The Monkees that became a pop music staple and Emmy winners to boot, took to Twitter on Sunday to remember Bob Rafelson, one of the co-creators of the musical show.
Rafelson, the film and TV director and producer who was Oscar-nominated for helming 1970’s Five Easy Pieces starring Jack Nicholson, died Saturday in Aspen, Co, at at 89.
Write Dolenz: “One day in the spring of 1966, I cut my classes in architecture at LA Trade Tech to take an audition for a new TV show called, “The Monkees”. The co-creator/producer of the show was Bob Rafelson. At first I mistook him for another actor there for the audition. Needless-to-say, I got the part and it completely altered my life.”
He added: “Regrettably, Bob passed away last night but I did get a chance to send him a message telling him...
Rafelson, the film and TV director and producer who was Oscar-nominated for helming 1970’s Five Easy Pieces starring Jack Nicholson, died Saturday in Aspen, Co, at at 89.
Write Dolenz: “One day in the spring of 1966, I cut my classes in architecture at LA Trade Tech to take an audition for a new TV show called, “The Monkees”. The co-creator/producer of the show was Bob Rafelson. At first I mistook him for another actor there for the audition. Needless-to-say, I got the part and it completely altered my life.”
He added: “Regrettably, Bob passed away last night but I did get a chance to send him a message telling him...
- 7/25/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Bob Rafelson, the writer, director, and producer who helped launch Jack Nicholson’s career while quietly working on some of the most influential films of the ‘60s and ‘70s, has died at the age of 89, his ex-wife Gabrielle Taurek confirmed.
Rafelson was best known for writing and directing “Five Easy Pieces” in 1970, which earned him critical acclaim and two Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. He also produced “Easy Rider” and “The Last Picture Show,” directed the “All Night Long” music video for Lionel Richie, and co-created “The Monkees.”
Born in New York City in 1933, Rafelson studied at Dartmouth College and was later stationed in Japan while serving in the U.S. Army. While there he found work as a translator of Japanese films, a job that led him to fall in love with the works of Yasujiro Ozu.
“I’d have to watch an Ozu movie over and over again — say,...
Rafelson was best known for writing and directing “Five Easy Pieces” in 1970, which earned him critical acclaim and two Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. He also produced “Easy Rider” and “The Last Picture Show,” directed the “All Night Long” music video for Lionel Richie, and co-created “The Monkees.”
Born in New York City in 1933, Rafelson studied at Dartmouth College and was later stationed in Japan while serving in the U.S. Army. While there he found work as a translator of Japanese films, a job that led him to fall in love with the works of Yasujiro Ozu.
“I’d have to watch an Ozu movie over and over again — say,...
- 7/24/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
After working on the hit pop TV show, Rafelson went on to collaborate with Jack Nicholson on films including Head, Five Easy Pieces and The Postman Always Rings Twice
Bob Rafelson, a co-creator of the Monkees who became an influential figure in the New Hollywood era of the 1970s, has died. He was 89. Rafelson died at his home in Aspen on Saturday night surrounded by his family, said his wife, Gabrielle Taurek Rafelson.
Rafelson was responsible for co-creating the fictional pop music group and television series The Monkees alongside the late Bert Schneider, which won him an Emmy for outstanding comedy series in 1967.
Bob Rafelson, a co-creator of the Monkees who became an influential figure in the New Hollywood era of the 1970s, has died. He was 89. Rafelson died at his home in Aspen on Saturday night surrounded by his family, said his wife, Gabrielle Taurek Rafelson.
Rafelson was responsible for co-creating the fictional pop music group and television series The Monkees alongside the late Bert Schneider, which won him an Emmy for outstanding comedy series in 1967.
- 7/24/2022
- by Associated Press
- The Guardian - Film News
Bob Rafelson, the Oscar-nominated maverick filmmaker who directed Seventies classics like Five Easy Pieces and The King of Marvin Gardens in addition to co-creating The Monkees, has died at the age of 89.
Both The Hollywood Reporter and Variety reported that Rafelson died of natural causes Saturday at his home in Aspen, Colorado.
A veteran television producer in Hollywood before he was a filmmaker, the New York City-born Rafelson had the idea to make a television show about the fictional pop band in the early Sixties amid the British Invasion; the...
Both The Hollywood Reporter and Variety reported that Rafelson died of natural causes Saturday at his home in Aspen, Colorado.
A veteran television producer in Hollywood before he was a filmmaker, the New York City-born Rafelson had the idea to make a television show about the fictional pop band in the early Sixties amid the British Invasion; the...
- 7/24/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Bob Rafelson, a giant in the American independent film movement as a writer, director and producer, and later a co-creator of The Monkees television show, has died at 89 of natural causes at his Aspen, Co home.
His death on Saturday was confirmed by his ex-wife, Gabrielle.
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2021: A Photo Gallery
Rafelson collaborated with Jack Nicholson on seven features including Five Easy Pieces (1970) and The King of Marvin Gardens (1972). He was an uncredited producer on Easy Rider.
He was also instrumental in co-creating The Monkees, a television music group that was seen as a Beatles offshoot.
Rafelson was involved in co-writing and producing Five Easy Pieces, and then produced Peter Bogdanovich’s The Last Picture Show (1971). He was Oscar-nominated for both.
He also made his mark as a cultural influencer in television. With Bert Schneider, he created The Monkees, the 1966 NBC show that brought together a young...
His death on Saturday was confirmed by his ex-wife, Gabrielle.
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2021: A Photo Gallery
Rafelson collaborated with Jack Nicholson on seven features including Five Easy Pieces (1970) and The King of Marvin Gardens (1972). He was an uncredited producer on Easy Rider.
He was also instrumental in co-creating The Monkees, a television music group that was seen as a Beatles offshoot.
Rafelson was involved in co-writing and producing Five Easy Pieces, and then produced Peter Bogdanovich’s The Last Picture Show (1971). He was Oscar-nominated for both.
He also made his mark as a cultural influencer in television. With Bert Schneider, he created The Monkees, the 1966 NBC show that brought together a young...
- 7/24/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Bob Rafelson, the director, producer and writer who brought a European sensibility to American filmmaking with “Five Easy Pieces” in 1970, died Saturday evening at his home in Aspen, Colo. He was 89 years old.
Rafelson’s death was confirmed by his former personal assistant of 38 years, Jolene Wolff, who worked under Rafelson’s production banner Marmont Productions. Wolff stated that Rafelson died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
The Monkees vocalist and drummer Micky Dolenz, the final surviving member of the music group, offered a statement on Rafelson’s death Sunday afternoon.
“One day in the spring of 1966, I cut my classes in architecture at L.A. Trade Tech to take an audition for a new TV show called ‘The Monkees.’ The co-creator/producer of the show was Bob Rafelson,” Dolenz said. “At first, I mistook him for another actor there for the audition. Needless-to-say, I got the part and it completely altered my life.
Rafelson’s death was confirmed by his former personal assistant of 38 years, Jolene Wolff, who worked under Rafelson’s production banner Marmont Productions. Wolff stated that Rafelson died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
The Monkees vocalist and drummer Micky Dolenz, the final surviving member of the music group, offered a statement on Rafelson’s death Sunday afternoon.
“One day in the spring of 1966, I cut my classes in architecture at L.A. Trade Tech to take an audition for a new TV show called ‘The Monkees.’ The co-creator/producer of the show was Bob Rafelson,” Dolenz said. “At first, I mistook him for another actor there for the audition. Needless-to-say, I got the part and it completely altered my life.
- 7/24/2022
- by Rick Schultz and J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Bob Rafelson, the writer, director, producer and maverick who set the tone for the swinging, psychedelic 1960s with The Monkees, then was a pioneer in one of the most influential eras in the history of independent film, has died. He was 89.
Rafelson, who collaborated with Jack Nicholson on seven features, including the classics Easy Rider (1969), Five Easy Pieces (1970) and The King of Marvin Gardens (1972), died Saturday night of natural causes at his home in Aspen, Colorado, his wife, Gabrielle, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Rafelson earned Oscar nominations for co-writing and producing Five Easy Pieces and then, for an encore, produced Peter Bogdanovich‘s breakthrough hit, The Last Picture Show (1971).
Along with his late partner Bert Schneider, Rafelson created The Monkees, the touchstone NBC show that debuted in 1966. He conceived the idea of a program that mimicked the exuberance of The Beatles, specifically the...
Bob Rafelson, the writer, director, producer and maverick who set the tone for the swinging, psychedelic 1960s with The Monkees, then was a pioneer in one of the most influential eras in the history of independent film, has died. He was 89.
Rafelson, who collaborated with Jack Nicholson on seven features, including the classics Easy Rider (1969), Five Easy Pieces (1970) and The King of Marvin Gardens (1972), died Saturday night of natural causes at his home in Aspen, Colorado, his wife, Gabrielle, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Rafelson earned Oscar nominations for co-writing and producing Five Easy Pieces and then, for an encore, produced Peter Bogdanovich‘s breakthrough hit, The Last Picture Show (1971).
Along with his late partner Bert Schneider, Rafelson created The Monkees, the touchstone NBC show that debuted in 1966. He conceived the idea of a program that mimicked the exuberance of The Beatles, specifically the...
- 7/24/2022
- by Chris Koseluk
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Big Cigar has added someone new to its cast. Marc Menchaca has been cast in the upcoming Apple TV+ drama. André Holland, Don Cheadle, Alessandro Nivola, and Tiffany Boone also star in the series which will revolve around the life of Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton (Holland).
According to the streamer, the drama will tell the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola), the Hollywood producer behind the Easy Rider movie to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
Read More…...
According to the streamer, the drama will tell the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola), the Hollywood producer behind the Easy Rider movie to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
Read More…...
- 7/7/2022
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Apple’s upcoming limited series “The Big Cigar” has cast P.J. Byrne in a series regular role, Variety has learned exclusively.
The six-episode series stars André Holland as Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton. It is based on the Playboy magazine article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman and tells the true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Alessandro Nivola), the Hollywood producer behind “Easy Rider,” to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
The cast also includes Tiffany Boone and Marc Menchaca.
Byrne will appear in the series as Steve Blauner. Blauner was a partner of Schneider’s and Bob Rafelson in Bbs Productions and was also well known as the manager of music superstar Bobby Darin. Blauner was previously played by John Goodman in the film “Beyond the Sea.”
Byrne recently appeared in...
The six-episode series stars André Holland as Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton. It is based on the Playboy magazine article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman and tells the true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Alessandro Nivola), the Hollywood producer behind “Easy Rider,” to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
The cast also includes Tiffany Boone and Marc Menchaca.
Byrne will appear in the series as Steve Blauner. Blauner was a partner of Schneider’s and Bob Rafelson in Bbs Productions and was also well known as the manager of music superstar Bobby Darin. Blauner was previously played by John Goodman in the film “Beyond the Sea.”
Byrne recently appeared in...
- 7/6/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Marc Menchaca (Ozark) has signed on to star alongside André Holland, Don Cheadle, Alessandro Nivola and Tiffany Boone in the six-episode limited series The Big Cigar, centered on Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton (Holland), for Apple TV+.
The series based on the eponymous Playboy magazine article by Joshuah Bearman (Argo) tells the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola), the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider, to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
Menchaca is set for the series regular role of Agent Sydney Clark. A former lawyer and Vietnam vet from Oklahoma, Clark lives undercover as a dirty hippie while pursuing Newton, who is wanted on charges of killing a teenage prostitute.
NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois is serving as The Big Cigar‘s showrunner.
The series based on the eponymous Playboy magazine article by Joshuah Bearman (Argo) tells the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola), the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider, to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
Menchaca is set for the series regular role of Agent Sydney Clark. A former lawyer and Vietnam vet from Oklahoma, Clark lives undercover as a dirty hippie while pursuing Newton, who is wanted on charges of killing a teenage prostitute.
NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois is serving as The Big Cigar‘s showrunner.
- 7/5/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
A comedy legend is coming to Better Call Saul: Six-time Emmy Award winner Carol Burnett will appear as a guest star in the AMC drama’s sixth and final season, portraying a character named “Marion.”
Said Burnett: “I’m thrilled to be a part of my favorite show.”
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Baz's Australia Series, Making the Cut Return Date and MoreDid a Small Army Steer Boys Orgy? Why Is Animal Kingdom Being Rushed? Best Ninja Warrior Obstacle Name? More Qs!TVLine Items: Seal Team Adds Series Regular, Outer Banks Casting and More
As previously reported, Bryan Cranston...
Said Burnett: “I’m thrilled to be a part of my favorite show.”
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Baz's Australia Series, Making the Cut Return Date and MoreDid a Small Army Steer Boys Orgy? Why Is Animal Kingdom Being Rushed? Best Ninja Warrior Obstacle Name? More Qs!TVLine Items: Seal Team Adds Series Regular, Outer Banks Casting and More
As previously reported, Bryan Cranston...
- 6/27/2022
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Alessandro Nivola To Co-Star With André Holland in The Apple Original Limited Series ‘The Big Cigar’
Exclusive: Alessandro Nivola is set to co-star alongside André Holland in Apple TV+’s The Big Cigar, a six-episode limited series that will chronicle the story of Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton’s escape to Cuba.
The series will be showrun and executive produced by NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois, with Holland starring as Newton and Don Cheadle on board to direct and executive produce the first two episodes. The growing ensemble cast also includes Tiffany Boone.
2022 Apple TV+ Pilots & Series Orders
With the first episode written and executive produced by Jim Hecht and based on the eponymous Playboy article from Joshuah Bearman, The Big Cigar tells the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola), the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider, to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
The...
The series will be showrun and executive produced by NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois, with Holland starring as Newton and Don Cheadle on board to direct and executive produce the first two episodes. The growing ensemble cast also includes Tiffany Boone.
2022 Apple TV+ Pilots & Series Orders
With the first episode written and executive produced by Jim Hecht and based on the eponymous Playboy article from Joshuah Bearman, The Big Cigar tells the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider (Nivola), the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider, to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
The...
- 6/27/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Tiffany Boone (Hunters) is set to star alongside Andre Holland in The Big Cigar, the Apple TV+’s limited series that chronicles the story of Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton’s escape to Cuba, from Claws showrunner Janine Sherman Barrois, Don Cheadle, Joshuah Bearman and Warner Bros. TV.
Written and executive produced by Jim Hecht (Winning Time) based on the eponymous Playboy magazine article by Bearman, the six-episode series tells the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider, the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider, to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
2022 Apple TV+ Pilots & Series Orders
Boone will play Gwen Fontaine, Huey’s loyal girlfriend.
Sherman Barrois will serve as showrunner and exec produce, with Cheadle on board to direct and exec produce the first two episodes.
The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television,...
Written and executive produced by Jim Hecht (Winning Time) based on the eponymous Playboy magazine article by Bearman, the six-episode series tells the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider, the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider, to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
2022 Apple TV+ Pilots & Series Orders
Boone will play Gwen Fontaine, Huey’s loyal girlfriend.
Sherman Barrois will serve as showrunner and exec produce, with Cheadle on board to direct and exec produce the first two episodes.
The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television,...
- 6/15/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Tiffany Boone is set to star opposite André Holland in the Apple limited series “The Big Cigar.”
The series is based on the Playboy article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman. It tells the true story of how Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton (Holland) relied in his friend Bert Schneider, the Hollywood producer behind “Easy Rider,” to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba. Boone will star as Gwen Fontaine, Newton’s girlfriend.
Boone currently stars in the Amazon series “Hunters,” which was renewed for a second season in 2020. Season 2 of the show does not currently have a release date. Boone also recently starred in the first season of the Hulu series “Nine Perfect Strangers.” She is also known for her work in shows like “Little Fires Everywhere” and “The Chi.” On the film side, she has been in features like “The Midnight Sky,” “Beautiful Creatures,” and “Detention.
The series is based on the Playboy article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman. It tells the true story of how Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton (Holland) relied in his friend Bert Schneider, the Hollywood producer behind “Easy Rider,” to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba. Boone will star as Gwen Fontaine, Newton’s girlfriend.
Boone currently stars in the Amazon series “Hunters,” which was renewed for a second season in 2020. Season 2 of the show does not currently have a release date. Boone also recently starred in the first season of the Hulu series “Nine Perfect Strangers.” She is also known for her work in shows like “Little Fires Everywhere” and “The Chi.” On the film side, she has been in features like “The Midnight Sky,” “Beautiful Creatures,” and “Detention.
- 6/15/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
"The Knick" and "Castle Rock" star Andre Holland is circling "The Big Cigar," an upcoming Apple TV+ miniseries about Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton and his flight from the FBI to Cuba in the 1970s. Don Cheadle will direct the first two episodes of the six-episode series, which is set to be adapted from a Playboy magazine article. Cheadle previously directed and starred in the 2015 Miles Davis biopic, "Miles Ahead."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, "The Big Cigar" will follow "how Newton turned to his best friend, 'Easy Rider' producer Bert Schneider, and eluded a nationwide manhunt" before fleeing the country to...
The post Andre Holland to Lead Apple TV+ Historical Black Panther Drama Series, The Big Cigar appeared first on /Film.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, "The Big Cigar" will follow "how Newton turned to his best friend, 'Easy Rider' producer Bert Schneider, and eluded a nationwide manhunt" before fleeing the country to...
The post Andre Holland to Lead Apple TV+ Historical Black Panther Drama Series, The Big Cigar appeared first on /Film.
- 4/8/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Apple TV+ on Thursday announced that André Holland (Moonlight, The Eddy) is poised to play Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton in the limited series The Big Cigar, with Don Cheadle (Black Monday) on board as director and executive producer.
Adapted from a Playboy magazine article by Joshuah Bearman (Argo) and written by Jim Hecht (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty), the six-part series will tell “the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider, the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider, to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being...
Adapted from a Playboy magazine article by Joshuah Bearman (Argo) and written by Jim Hecht (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty), the six-part series will tell “the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider, the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider, to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being...
- 4/7/2022
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Apple has ordered the limited series “The Big Cigar” about Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton, Variety has learned.
The six-episode series hails from Warner Bros. Television, with André Holland in talks to star as Newton. Jim Hecht, who recently created “Winning Time” at HBO, serves as writer and executive producer. Janine Sherman Barrois, the showrunner for shows like “Claws” and “Self Made” and the creator and showrunner of “The Kings of Napa” at OWN, will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Don Cheadle is onboard to direct and executive produce the first two episodes.
Based on the Playboy article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman, “The Big Cigar” tells the true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider — the Hollywood producer behind “Easy Rider” — to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
Hecht co-wrote the...
The six-episode series hails from Warner Bros. Television, with André Holland in talks to star as Newton. Jim Hecht, who recently created “Winning Time” at HBO, serves as writer and executive producer. Janine Sherman Barrois, the showrunner for shows like “Claws” and “Self Made” and the creator and showrunner of “The Kings of Napa” at OWN, will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Don Cheadle is onboard to direct and executive produce the first two episodes.
Based on the Playboy article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman, “The Big Cigar” tells the true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider — the Hollywood producer behind “Easy Rider” — to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI.
Hecht co-wrote the...
- 4/7/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Apple TV+ announced Thursday that it has acquired “The Big Cigar,” a six-episode miniseries telling the story of Black Panthers co-founder Huey P. Newton’s years of exile in Cuba during the 1970s.
Oscar nominee Don Cheadle will executive produce and direct the first two episodes of “The Big Cigar,” with “Moonlight” star André Holland in discussions to star as Newton. NAACP Image Award-winner Janine Sherman Barrois (“Claws”) will serve as showrunner and an executive producer.
Written by “Winning Time” co-creator Jim Hecht, “The Big Cigar” is based on the Playboy article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman (writer of the story “Argo” is based on); the pair developed the story together.
Photo by Gloria Mesa / Photo by Scott Nathan / Photo courtesy of Apple
Per the official description, “The Big Cigar” will tell “the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider, the Hollywood producer behind “Easy Rider,...
Oscar nominee Don Cheadle will executive produce and direct the first two episodes of “The Big Cigar,” with “Moonlight” star André Holland in discussions to star as Newton. NAACP Image Award-winner Janine Sherman Barrois (“Claws”) will serve as showrunner and an executive producer.
Written by “Winning Time” co-creator Jim Hecht, “The Big Cigar” is based on the Playboy article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman (writer of the story “Argo” is based on); the pair developed the story together.
Photo by Gloria Mesa / Photo by Scott Nathan / Photo courtesy of Apple
Per the official description, “The Big Cigar” will tell “the extraordinary, hilarious, almost-too-good-to-be-true story of how Newton relied on his best friend, Bert Schneider, the Hollywood producer behind “Easy Rider,...
- 4/7/2022
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
The wild story of how Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton was able to elude a nationwide manhunt and escape to Cuba while being pursued into exile by the FBI is being turned into a TV series for Apple.
The streamer has ordered six-part limited series The Big Cigar.
Moonlight and The Eddy star André Holland is in talks to star as Newton and the series comes from Claws showrunner Janine Sherman Barrois, Don Cheadle, Jim Hecht, Joshuah Bearman and Warner Bros. TV.
The series is based on the eponymous Playboy magazine article from Bearman, who will also serve as executive producer.
It tells how Newton escaped to Cuba to avoid prosecution for murder with the help of Bert Schneider, the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider, as well as a few other celebrity radicals.
Jim Hecht, who co-created HBO’s Winning Time, writes and exec produces, based on a story that he created with Bearman.
The streamer has ordered six-part limited series The Big Cigar.
Moonlight and The Eddy star André Holland is in talks to star as Newton and the series comes from Claws showrunner Janine Sherman Barrois, Don Cheadle, Jim Hecht, Joshuah Bearman and Warner Bros. TV.
The series is based on the eponymous Playboy magazine article from Bearman, who will also serve as executive producer.
It tells how Newton escaped to Cuba to avoid prosecution for murder with the help of Bert Schneider, the Hollywood producer behind Easy Rider, as well as a few other celebrity radicals.
Jim Hecht, who co-created HBO’s Winning Time, writes and exec produces, based on a story that he created with Bearman.
- 4/7/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles’ turbulent year of mass Covid-19 closures, racial unrest and exacerbated homelessness has led to a somewhat predictable stream of media coverage tied to the notion that the California dream is ending.
If you lived for any length of time in the city, you’ve heard the pessimistic outlook all before, only to see the city recover.
That’s why Ron Brownstein’s new book Rock Me on the Water is a bit of a refresher that the City of Angels has had its very, very good moments, in particular the year 1974 — a time when Los Angeles’ creative energies in TV, music, movies and politics were all their high points. Those sectors of the culture certainly went through periods of renaissance before and since then, but this was a year when all was happening at once. New York, by contrast, was in a state of crisis, not that there...
If you lived for any length of time in the city, you’ve heard the pessimistic outlook all before, only to see the city recover.
That’s why Ron Brownstein’s new book Rock Me on the Water is a bit of a refresher that the City of Angels has had its very, very good moments, in particular the year 1974 — a time when Los Angeles’ creative energies in TV, music, movies and politics were all their high points. Those sectors of the culture certainly went through periods of renaissance before and since then, but this was a year when all was happening at once. New York, by contrast, was in a state of crisis, not that there...
- 3/25/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
If the action-fueled, hit genre films “Bonnie and Clyde” in 1967 and “Easy Rider” in 1969 were the shotgun blasts whose breakout success opened the filmmaking doors for what became known as “The New Hollywood,” 1970’s “Five Easy Pieces” actually better represented the kind of film that the era’s aspiring young directors, producers, writers and actors were dreaming of making in those heady, hopeful days.
It’s been 50 years since Bob Rafelson’s powerful, perceptive drama about a young man torn between a life of white privilege and high culture in the Northwest and a more earthy, elemental existence in the oilfields of Bakersfield, scored critical raves and four Oscar nominations; for best picture, Jack Nicholson’s lead performance as Bobby Dupea, Karen Black’s supporting turn as his lovely but not exactly Mensa-contending waitress girlfriend Rayette, and Carole Eastman’s still dazzling, still wise and worldly screenplay.
You don’t...
It’s been 50 years since Bob Rafelson’s powerful, perceptive drama about a young man torn between a life of white privilege and high culture in the Northwest and a more earthy, elemental existence in the oilfields of Bakersfield, scored critical raves and four Oscar nominations; for best picture, Jack Nicholson’s lead performance as Bobby Dupea, Karen Black’s supporting turn as his lovely but not exactly Mensa-contending waitress girlfriend Rayette, and Carole Eastman’s still dazzling, still wise and worldly screenplay.
You don’t...
- 9/12/2020
- by Steven Gaydos
- Variety Film + TV
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