Songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are one step away from achieving Egot status, needing only an Emmy to complete the prestigious quartet of entertainment honors. The duo has submitted “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” from Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” for outstanding music and lyrics at this year’s Emmys. If they are nominated and win at the September ceremony, Pasek and Paul will become the 20th and 21st Egot recipients, joining the ranks of legends Richard Rodgers, Marvin Hamlisch and Elton John.
The song, co-written with celebrated composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, is performed by Steve Martin in the show’s eighth episode, “Sitzprobe,” helmed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. It will be the only original song the series submits this year, chosen over others such as “Look for the Light,” performed by Meryl Streep and Ashley Park, and two versions...
The song, co-written with celebrated composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, is performed by Steve Martin in the show’s eighth episode, “Sitzprobe,” helmed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. It will be the only original song the series submits this year, chosen over others such as “Look for the Light,” performed by Meryl Streep and Ashley Park, and two versions...
- 5/2/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
“It was a song that called out for as much writing and as many words as possible,” reveals Marc Shaiman of the epic tongue twister tune “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” This patter song at the heart of “Only Murders in the Building” Season 3 proved so complex that the initial songwriting team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul felt compelled to recruit another writing duo, Shaiman and Scott Wittman, to help with the intricate rhymes. “It really was one of those more-is-more kind of songs,” admits Paul, “and so we all had a blast.” Watch the exclusive video interview above.
According to Pasek, the incredible “ambition” of this season spurred him and Paul to reach out to another writing team. “It felt like to us, what an amazing opportunity to get to work with people that we love and bring in a couple of other voices to help shape a score,...
According to Pasek, the incredible “ambition” of this season spurred him and Paul to reach out to another writing team. “It felt like to us, what an amazing opportunity to get to work with people that we love and bring in a couple of other voices to help shape a score,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Meryl Streep is opening up about some of the fears she had going into season three of Only Murders in the Building, particularly when it came to her big musical number.
Streep joined Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, showrunner John Hoffman and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul for a For Your Consideration event on the Paramount lot on Friday night, with a conversation moderated by co-star Jane Lynch. The group is currently shooting season four of the series, which is largely set in Los Angeles, on the lot.
Streep told the crowd how she called Martin to ask to appear on the show, after having had a “really fun” time working with him on 2009’s It’s Complicated.
“I’m sorry, can you believe that Meryl Streep asked to be on this show? I could die,” Gomez exclaimed, as Streep responded, “Doesn’t everybody want to be on this show?...
Streep joined Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, showrunner John Hoffman and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul for a For Your Consideration event on the Paramount lot on Friday night, with a conversation moderated by co-star Jane Lynch. The group is currently shooting season four of the series, which is largely set in Los Angeles, on the lot.
Streep told the crowd how she called Martin to ask to appear on the show, after having had a “really fun” time working with him on 2009’s It’s Complicated.
“I’m sorry, can you believe that Meryl Streep asked to be on this show? I could die,” Gomez exclaimed, as Streep responded, “Doesn’t everybody want to be on this show?...
- 3/2/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This article contains spoilers for Netflix’s Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.
Scott Pilgrim‘s wild and retro-infused world is populated with sociopathic, cruel, and disloyal people, and that’s not even counting the literal league of evil exes. In a tale about 20-somethings learning to become less terrible, only one angelic character lies within the ensemble, and she’s a few years shy of 20. Call me Alanis Morissette because of how ironic that is.
That person is none other than Knives Chau, the bubbly 17-year-old Chinese-Canadian high schooler obsessed with her 23-year-old boyfriend, Scott Pilgrim, to the extent she fights others to regain the love he never reciprocated. Before Ramona Flowers roller-skated into Scott’s life, Chau was just peachy keen on being a groupie to Pilgrim’s rock band, Sex Bomb-Omb. However, when she’s whisked away from Scott’s life, across each iteration –– the book, the movie, and...
Scott Pilgrim‘s wild and retro-infused world is populated with sociopathic, cruel, and disloyal people, and that’s not even counting the literal league of evil exes. In a tale about 20-somethings learning to become less terrible, only one angelic character lies within the ensemble, and she’s a few years shy of 20. Call me Alanis Morissette because of how ironic that is.
That person is none other than Knives Chau, the bubbly 17-year-old Chinese-Canadian high schooler obsessed with her 23-year-old boyfriend, Scott Pilgrim, to the extent she fights others to regain the love he never reciprocated. Before Ramona Flowers roller-skated into Scott’s life, Chau was just peachy keen on being a groupie to Pilgrim’s rock band, Sex Bomb-Omb. However, when she’s whisked away from Scott’s life, across each iteration –– the book, the movie, and...
- 11/18/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
In season three of Only Murders in the Building, Broadway director Oliver Putnam, played by Martin Short, lands on the idea of turning his murder mystery play Death Rattle into a musical after the shocking death of his leading man.
The musical, in which a detective investigates the murder of a woman in a lighthouse that was only witnessed by her infant triplets, is meant to salvage the show, and his career. But it also acts as a motif for the rest of season, wherein the Broadway numbers performed by cast further the plot of the actual murder mystery being solved by Short, Selena Gomez and Steve Martin, the trio at the center of the series.
And so to make the already over-the-top musical feel as real as possible, the Only Murders in the Building writing team called on the Tony- and Oscar-winning songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul,...
The musical, in which a detective investigates the murder of a woman in a lighthouse that was only witnessed by her infant triplets, is meant to salvage the show, and his career. But it also acts as a motif for the rest of season, wherein the Broadway numbers performed by cast further the plot of the actual murder mystery being solved by Short, Selena Gomez and Steve Martin, the trio at the center of the series.
And so to make the already over-the-top musical feel as real as possible, the Only Murders in the Building writing team called on the Tony- and Oscar-winning songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
Steve Martin delighted fans of Hulu series Only Murders in the Building with an immaculate delivery of “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” — a patter song written specifically for the show.
After struggling to conquer the tongue twister for Oliver Putnam’s (played by Martin Short) Broadway show, Death Rattle Dazzle, Martin’s Charles-Haden Savage finally performs the song in all its tempo-dipping, word-spinning glory.
Episode eight left fans scrambling to find the lyrics, and on Wednesday, Hulu released the clip for those wanting to relive Savage’s onstage victory.
Steve Martin delighted fans of Hulu series Only Murders in the Building with an immaculate delivery of “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” — a patter song written specifically for the show.
After struggling to conquer the tongue twister for Oliver Putnam’s (played by Martin Short) Broadway show, Death Rattle Dazzle, Martin’s Charles-Haden Savage finally performs the song in all its tempo-dipping, word-spinning glory.
Episode eight left fans scrambling to find the lyrics, and on Wednesday, Hulu released the clip for those wanting to relive Savage’s onstage victory.
- 9/21/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
It’s 2003 and Jay-Z is planning a farewell concert at Madison Square Garden to celebrate his retirement from music.
But his bass player is unavailable. Adam Blackstone, a jack-of-all-trades who plays bass, drums, piano, organ, tuba and sousaphone — and is also a songwriter, producer, composer and everything else under the musical sun — is more than ready to step in.
Twenty years later, Blackstone, now 40, is still working closely with Jay-Z; both are Emmy winners for last year’s hip-hop-heavy Super Bowl halftime show. And the musician who has helped everyone from Rihanna to Justin Timberlake shine is stepping into his own limelight.
Rihanna performed during the Super Bowl Lvii halftime show in February.
After winning an Emmy in 2022 for music direction, Blackstone is nominated again. This time, however, he’s a double nominee. Not only is he competing for his work on Rihanna’s explosive Super Bowl performance (a nom...
But his bass player is unavailable. Adam Blackstone, a jack-of-all-trades who plays bass, drums, piano, organ, tuba and sousaphone — and is also a songwriter, producer, composer and everything else under the musical sun — is more than ready to step in.
Twenty years later, Blackstone, now 40, is still working closely with Jay-Z; both are Emmy winners for last year’s hip-hop-heavy Super Bowl halftime show. And the musician who has helped everyone from Rihanna to Justin Timberlake shine is stepping into his own limelight.
Rihanna performed during the Super Bowl Lvii halftime show in February.
After winning an Emmy in 2022 for music direction, Blackstone is nominated again. This time, however, he’s a double nominee. Not only is he competing for his work on Rihanna’s explosive Super Bowl performance (a nom...
- 8/21/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fan are finding a new reason to love Meryl Streep thanks to her lullaby in the latest episode of “Only Murders in the Building,” which you can watch in the video above.
In the third season of Hulu’s murder mystery, Streep plays Loretta Durkin, a struggling actress who finds her big break in Oliver’s (Martin Short) latest play. The scene starts as all of the character’s do: Loretta is supposed to perform a small scene for her small role. But seconds into her performance of “Look for the Light,” her on-stage charisma and raw talent transfix her castmates.
By the song’s end, Kimber (Ashley Park) joins her on stage as they both belt out this delicate lullaby.
Though “Only Murders in the Building’s” latest episode premiered on Tuesday, by Wednesday fans were singing the song’s praises. “I’ve been listening to it on Spotify for 12 hours now,...
In the third season of Hulu’s murder mystery, Streep plays Loretta Durkin, a struggling actress who finds her big break in Oliver’s (Martin Short) latest play. The scene starts as all of the character’s do: Loretta is supposed to perform a small scene for her small role. But seconds into her performance of “Look for the Light,” her on-stage charisma and raw talent transfix her castmates.
By the song’s end, Kimber (Ashley Park) joins her on stage as they both belt out this delicate lullaby.
Though “Only Murders in the Building’s” latest episode premiered on Tuesday, by Wednesday fans were singing the song’s praises. “I’ve been listening to it on Spotify for 12 hours now,...
- 8/16/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Meryl Streep has captured the hearts of the last remaining humans unaware of her enchanting charm with her performance of “Look for the Light” from the latest episode of Only Murders in the Building Season 3.
In the newly-released clip, Streep’s long-suffering actress Loretta reveals her powerful musical stage chops in front of the show’s familiar residents of The Arconia including Martin Short’s normally fickle Oliver and Steve Martin’s noticeably befuddled Charles. Without giving away too many plot details, Streep sings the lullaby-tinged number with the conviction of an actress whose career is on the line, yet she’s clearly struck a chord with the audience as she’s joined mid-song by fellow Season 3 recurring cast-member and real-life Broadway star Ashley Park. Watch the full solo showcase-turned-duet below.
“Look for the Light” was written specifically for Streep’s character by Sara Bareilles along with the Grammy, Oscar,...
In the newly-released clip, Streep’s long-suffering actress Loretta reveals her powerful musical stage chops in front of the show’s familiar residents of The Arconia including Martin Short’s normally fickle Oliver and Steve Martin’s noticeably befuddled Charles. Without giving away too many plot details, Streep sings the lullaby-tinged number with the conviction of an actress whose career is on the line, yet she’s clearly struck a chord with the audience as she’s joined mid-song by fellow Season 3 recurring cast-member and real-life Broadway star Ashley Park. Watch the full solo showcase-turned-duet below.
“Look for the Light” was written specifically for Streep’s character by Sara Bareilles along with the Grammy, Oscar,...
- 8/16/2023
- by Bryan Kress
- Consequence - Music
“Only Murders in the Building” leveraged the full talents of Meryl Streep in Season 3, including her singing abilities. Episode 3 closed out with a powerful ballad, titled “Look for the Light,” performed by Streep and Ashley Park that was written for the show by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Sara Bareilles.
Showrunner John Hoffman told TheWrap that Streep immediately fell in love with the song when she first heard it over Zoom.
“I’ll never forget playing her Sara Bareilles singing that song, with Justin Paul and Benj Pasek having just composed it,” Hoffman recalled. “My favorite moment was she was listening, and Sara’s just weaving this beautiful melody and the lyrics together and then she hits this line ‘My love is a lighthouse. So darling, my darling, look for the light.’ I watch Meryl just go ‘Oh’ and she left the screen and I thought ‘Ok, we’re in a good place here.
Showrunner John Hoffman told TheWrap that Streep immediately fell in love with the song when she first heard it over Zoom.
“I’ll never forget playing her Sara Bareilles singing that song, with Justin Paul and Benj Pasek having just composed it,” Hoffman recalled. “My favorite moment was she was listening, and Sara’s just weaving this beautiful melody and the lyrics together and then she hits this line ‘My love is a lighthouse. So darling, my darling, look for the light.’ I watch Meryl just go ‘Oh’ and she left the screen and I thought ‘Ok, we’re in a good place here.
- 8/15/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Finally, one of television’s most notorious series will achieve its final form, arguably fulfilling its destiny from the beginning: Smash is coming to Broadway in the 2024-2025 season.
The 2012-2013 NBC musical drama, which starred Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty as dueling actresses competing for the role of Marilyn Monroe in a high-profile stage production, was an object of fascination for viewers, thanks to its sometimes mesmerizing, sometimes bewildering blend of high-octane soap opera and Broadway-ready musical numbers, written by Tony winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
Unfortunately, there weren’t enough of those fascinated viewers to sustain such an incredibly expensive show (and behind-the-scenes drama involving original creator Theresa Rebeck being removed from showrunning duties didn’t help matters), leading to its cancelation after Season 2. Since its original airing, though, the question of adapting said Broadway-ready musical numbers as an actual stage show has arisen, with the show-within-the-show,...
The 2012-2013 NBC musical drama, which starred Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty as dueling actresses competing for the role of Marilyn Monroe in a high-profile stage production, was an object of fascination for viewers, thanks to its sometimes mesmerizing, sometimes bewildering blend of high-octane soap opera and Broadway-ready musical numbers, written by Tony winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
Unfortunately, there weren’t enough of those fascinated viewers to sustain such an incredibly expensive show (and behind-the-scenes drama involving original creator Theresa Rebeck being removed from showrunning duties didn’t help matters), leading to its cancelation after Season 2. Since its original airing, though, the question of adapting said Broadway-ready musical numbers as an actual stage show has arisen, with the show-within-the-show,...
- 3/22/2023
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Consequence - Music
Ryan Reynolds, a full-time K-Pop stan and occasional actor, has decided to dip his toes into the wonderful world of boybands. Gone are his days of admiring the artform from afar, as Reynolds is now attached to star in and produce "Boy Band," an upcoming comedy from Paramount. Reynolds penned the script with co-writer Jesse Andrews and will also reunite with frequent collaborator Shawn Levy.
Clearly, Levy and Reynolds are creatively infatuated — or just really good friends. The duo has made a habit of working together with Levy directing the actor in "Free Guy," "The Adam Project," "Deadpool 3" and potentially, "Boy Band." Per The Hollywood Reporter, the film is a potential directing venture for Levy but only if the timing works for his already jam-packed schedule. The two of them are currently in prep for "Deadpool 3," and Levy also has the upcoming season of "Stranger Things" on the near horizon.
Clearly, Levy and Reynolds are creatively infatuated — or just really good friends. The duo has made a habit of working together with Levy directing the actor in "Free Guy," "The Adam Project," "Deadpool 3" and potentially, "Boy Band." Per The Hollywood Reporter, the film is a potential directing venture for Levy but only if the timing works for his already jam-packed schedule. The two of them are currently in prep for "Deadpool 3," and Levy also has the upcoming season of "Stranger Things" on the near horizon.
- 2/23/2023
- by Shania Russell
- Slash Film
Netflix’s February rotation has much more to offer than just romance movies, though if you’re looking to extend the Valentine’s Day mood, several options like the Reese Witherspoon rom-com “Your Place Or Mine” from “The Devil Wears Prada” scribe Aline Brosh McKenna will warm your heart. “La La Land” could also satisfy the longing for a love story, but self-love is the most important, and “Eat, Pray, Love” can help you with that.
For those not feeling the love, “Lyle Lyle, Crocodile” promises fun for the whole family with the help of music from “La La Land” composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Shawn Mendes, who voices a CGI crocodile who only expresses himself through song, also contributed an original song to the film.
Here are the best seven new movies to stream on Netflix in February 2023.
“Your Place Or Mine” Wesley Kimmel and Reese Witherspoon in...
For those not feeling the love, “Lyle Lyle, Crocodile” promises fun for the whole family with the help of music from “La La Land” composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Shawn Mendes, who voices a CGI crocodile who only expresses himself through song, also contributed an original song to the film.
Here are the best seven new movies to stream on Netflix in February 2023.
“Your Place Or Mine” Wesley Kimmel and Reese Witherspoon in...
- 2/19/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Ryan Reynolds is sick of his own voice. Not from talking, mind you. But from singing.
As it turns out, while Reynolds’ Christmas movie “Spirited” – released on Apple TV+ in December – became a favorite of families over the holiday season, it also became a favorite in Reynolds’ household. Specifically with his kids.
“I’m so touched that I have something that they want to watch four times a day,” he told TheWrap during a recent interview. “It’s both alarming and deeply flattering.”
As many others have, his kids latched onto the number “Good Afternoon,” a showstopping piece in the middle of the movie set in Dickensian times in which Reynolds and Will Ferrell duet, tap dance and sidestep explosions.
The song has been shortlisted for the Best Original Song Oscar, and the process of writing, evolving and performing “Good Afternoon” was one of joyous invention on the part of songwriters Reynolds,...
As it turns out, while Reynolds’ Christmas movie “Spirited” – released on Apple TV+ in December – became a favorite of families over the holiday season, it also became a favorite in Reynolds’ household. Specifically with his kids.
“I’m so touched that I have something that they want to watch four times a day,” he told TheWrap during a recent interview. “It’s both alarming and deeply flattering.”
As many others have, his kids latched onto the number “Good Afternoon,” a showstopping piece in the middle of the movie set in Dickensian times in which Reynolds and Will Ferrell duet, tap dance and sidestep explosions.
The song has been shortlisted for the Best Original Song Oscar, and the process of writing, evolving and performing “Good Afternoon” was one of joyous invention on the part of songwriters Reynolds,...
- 1/16/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Apple TV+ is in the awards mix for the Ryan Reynolds-Will Ferrell musical Spirited, in particular for the big song-and-dance number “Good Afternoon” that has made the Oscar shortlists. This is a rip-roaring full-blown musical number, one that tests the stars’ ability to not only sing, but dance as well. Here, Reynolds, who suggested the song, discusses pulling it off with songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, best known for La La Land and for teaming with Hugh Jackman on The Greatest Showman. The same Jackman who is publicly campaigned against the tune for fear that Reynolds will be extra insufferable when they reprise their superhero characters Deadpool and Wolverine.
Deadline: This is quite a musical number, and if you guys get the nomination, it may be the first time for a nominated song that has the lyric “ass-less chaps.”
Ryan Reynolds: That might be worthy of its 20/20 special.
Deadline: This is quite a musical number, and if you guys get the nomination, it may be the first time for a nominated song that has the lyric “ass-less chaps.”
Ryan Reynolds: That might be worthy of its 20/20 special.
- 1/16/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
“I just love to do it. It’s breathing to me. If I couldn’t do it, I wouldn’t be able to live. What I love more than anything is writing songs. It’s that simple,” says Diane Warren about what being a songwriter means to her. Her original song “Applause” from the anthology film “Tell It Like a Woman” made the Oscars shortlist this year along with M.M. Keeravani‘s “Naatu Naatu” from “Rrr” and Benj Pasek‘s “Good Afternoon” from “Spirited.” We talked to the three artists for our “Meet the Experts” film songwriters panel. Watch our group discussion above. Click on each name above to watch that person’s individual chat.
See‘Meet the Experts’ film makeup and hair panel: ‘All Quiet on the Western Front,’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ ‘Blonde,’ ‘Emancipation’ [Exclusive Video Interview]
Keeravani’s “favorite aspect of creating music is to score music for movies that have intense emotions,...
See‘Meet the Experts’ film makeup and hair panel: ‘All Quiet on the Western Front,’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ ‘Blonde,’ ‘Emancipation’ [Exclusive Video Interview]
Keeravani’s “favorite aspect of creating music is to score music for movies that have intense emotions,...
- 1/13/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
“We are really proud to be a part of ‘Good Afternoon,’ and it’s been really exciting to see how it has sort of taken on a life outside of the film,” says songwriter Benj Pasek about the musical number from the film “Spirited” that has made the Oscars shortlist for Best Original Song. “The idea was actually pitched originally by Ryan Reynolds to say, what if actually this term really in the 1800s did mean Fu.” We talked to Pasek as part of our “Meet the Experts” songwriters panel. Watch our exclusive video interview above.
See‘Spirited’ trailer: Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell put a twist on the Dickens classic
“Spirited” is a musical retelling of “A Christmas Carol” in which the Ghost of Christmas Present (Will Ferrell) attempts to redeem an “unredeemable” media consultant, Clint Briggs (Reynolds). Their journey leads them to 19th century England where Clint learns...
See‘Spirited’ trailer: Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell put a twist on the Dickens classic
“Spirited” is a musical retelling of “A Christmas Carol” in which the Ghost of Christmas Present (Will Ferrell) attempts to redeem an “unredeemable” media consultant, Clint Briggs (Reynolds). Their journey leads them to 19th century England where Clint learns...
- 1/13/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Variety’s second annual FYC Fest: The Shortlist kicked off Oscar voting this Thursday, Jan. 12. The virtual event featured 13 panels with the top contending filmmakers and artisans that were shortlisted by the Academy in the documentary film, international film, song, hair and makeup, animated short, live-action short film and visual effects categories including creators from “Wakanda Forever,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “Spirited” and a lot more.
Below, we gathered all the conversations with the short listers for your consideration.
Original Song: ‘My Mind & Me,’ Selena Gomez (Co-Writer)
Selena Gomez knew she wanted to craft an original song to complement her Apple TV+ documentary “My Mind & Me,” opting to share her journals with a close-knit group of collaborators to bring the song to life. “We didn’t even have a name for the documentary…. the song is definitely where everything came from,” Gomez remarked. Of the eponymous track, Gomez felt...
Below, we gathered all the conversations with the short listers for your consideration.
Original Song: ‘My Mind & Me,’ Selena Gomez (Co-Writer)
Selena Gomez knew she wanted to craft an original song to complement her Apple TV+ documentary “My Mind & Me,” opting to share her journals with a close-knit group of collaborators to bring the song to life. “We didn’t even have a name for the documentary…. the song is definitely where everything came from,” Gomez remarked. Of the eponymous track, Gomez felt...
- 1/12/2023
- by Meredith Woerner, Michaela Zee, Katie Reul and EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
Hugh Jackman is starting off 2023 begging the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences not to “validate” his Deadpool costar Ryan Reynolds with an Oscar nomination.
“Hey everybody. It’s 2023 and I really really wanted to send out a positive message at the beginning of the year but recent events have made that impossible,” Jackman said in an Instagram video he shared.
“Don’t get me wrong, I loved Spirited, it’s a great movie, we had a blast and the entire family watched it. I love Will [Ferrell], I love Octavia [Spencer]. Obviously, I did The Greatest Showman with Benji [Pasek] and Justin [Paul], they’re incredible and I loved their music. And ‘Good Afternoon,’ by the way, the song ‘Good Afternoon’? I laughed the entire way through, it is absolutely brilliant. However, just heard the Academy have shortlisted ‘Good Afternoon’ in the best song category.”
Jackman continued, “Now, Ryan Reynolds, getting...
“Hey everybody. It’s 2023 and I really really wanted to send out a positive message at the beginning of the year but recent events have made that impossible,” Jackman said in an Instagram video he shared.
“Don’t get me wrong, I loved Spirited, it’s a great movie, we had a blast and the entire family watched it. I love Will [Ferrell], I love Octavia [Spencer]. Obviously, I did The Greatest Showman with Benji [Pasek] and Justin [Paul], they’re incredible and I loved their music. And ‘Good Afternoon,’ by the way, the song ‘Good Afternoon’? I laughed the entire way through, it is absolutely brilliant. However, just heard the Academy have shortlisted ‘Good Afternoon’ in the best song category.”
Jackman continued, “Now, Ryan Reynolds, getting...
- 1/4/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Hugh Jackman, staring down the abyss of a potentially harrowing year filming Deadpool 3, beseeched the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to not give his costar Ryan Reynolds a Best Original Song nomination for the Spirited track “Good Afternoon.”
At the tail end of last year, “Good Afternoon” — from Reynold’s recent Christmas flick with Will Ferrell and Octavia Butler — appeared on the Academy’s shortlist for this year’s Best Original Song prize (the actual nominations won’t be announced until Jan. 24). The news, however, only just seemed to reach Jackman,...
At the tail end of last year, “Good Afternoon” — from Reynold’s recent Christmas flick with Will Ferrell and Octavia Butler — appeared on the Academy’s shortlist for this year’s Best Original Song prize (the actual nominations won’t be announced until Jan. 24). The news, however, only just seemed to reach Jackman,...
- 1/4/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Apple Original Films announced the theatrical release of a new sing-along version of holiday musical comedy Spirited starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer in 100+ U.S. theaters starting this Friday, Dec. 16. Some of numbers are seen as contenders for Best Original Song.
The film, with original songs by Oscar, Grammy and Tony winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul had a limited theatrical release in U.S. on Nov. 11 before hitting streamer Apple TV+ on Nov. 18. In this version, all songs are featured with stylized lyrics on screen, karaoke style, with each word represented and highlighted to allow viewers to follow along in-time.
That includes showstopper Good Afternoon, written by Pasek and Paul, Mark Sonnenblick, Sukari Jones and Khiyon Hursey. After Ferrell’s character insists that the phrase Good Afternoon was an insult back in the day, he and Ferrell...
The film, with original songs by Oscar, Grammy and Tony winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul had a limited theatrical release in U.S. on Nov. 11 before hitting streamer Apple TV+ on Nov. 18. In this version, all songs are featured with stylized lyrics on screen, karaoke style, with each word represented and highlighted to allow viewers to follow along in-time.
That includes showstopper Good Afternoon, written by Pasek and Paul, Mark Sonnenblick, Sukari Jones and Khiyon Hursey. After Ferrell’s character insists that the phrase Good Afternoon was an insult back in the day, he and Ferrell...
- 12/15/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
A core musical moment in Sean Anders’ Apple TV+ “Christmas Carol” riff “Spirited” involves Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell repeatedly hurling the same insult at strangers set to song and dance in Dickensian London, and as it turns out, the whole thing was Reynolds’ idea.
“When Ryan Reynolds has an idea, you kind of just say like, ‘how do we make it happen?’ He has an okay, track record,” songwriter Justin Paul, who collaborated on the big musical number “Good Afternoon” with frequent writing partner Benj Pasek as well as Mark Sonnenblick, Sukari Jones and Khiyon Hursey, told TheWrap. “It was this sort of very straightforward concept, that was this is a vulgar, obscene insult in the world of Dickensian England that needs to become a song.”
In the words of Will Ferrell’s character ‘Present,” back in the old days “Good Afternoon” was a sick burn. In fact, Present...
“When Ryan Reynolds has an idea, you kind of just say like, ‘how do we make it happen?’ He has an okay, track record,” songwriter Justin Paul, who collaborated on the big musical number “Good Afternoon” with frequent writing partner Benj Pasek as well as Mark Sonnenblick, Sukari Jones and Khiyon Hursey, told TheWrap. “It was this sort of very straightforward concept, that was this is a vulgar, obscene insult in the world of Dickensian England that needs to become a song.”
In the words of Will Ferrell’s character ‘Present,” back in the old days “Good Afternoon” was a sick burn. In fact, Present...
- 12/12/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
“The idea of doing a Christmas movie musical with Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds was like an instant ‘hell yeah!’ for us,” declares Oscar, Grammy and Tony-winning songwriter Benj Pasek about working on Apple Original Films’ Christmas movie musical “Spirited.” Pasek is one half of the acclaimed hit-making duo alongside fellow awards magnet Justin Paul, who both wrote and produced the film’s soundtrack, with collaborators Khiyon Hursey, Sukari Jones and Mark Sonnenblick co-writing three of the songs in the film.
For our recent webchat with all five songwriters, Jones adds that there “was a lot of unheard of things that went into this process. First of all, possibly the most successful musical theater team working today decides that they want to share the wealth literally and figuratively, by creating something? That process doesn’t happen. That’s something that’s being pioneered, deciding to write characters that lots of...
For our recent webchat with all five songwriters, Jones adds that there “was a lot of unheard of things that went into this process. First of all, possibly the most successful musical theater team working today decides that they want to share the wealth literally and figuratively, by creating something? That process doesn’t happen. That’s something that’s being pioneered, deciding to write characters that lots of...
- 12/8/2022
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
The ASCAP Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting American music creators, launches its second annual silent auction to benefit its efforts to nurture the next generation of music creators.
Artists from across the musical spectrum have contributed items for bid including three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo; singer-songwriter and actress Selena Gomez; Canadian singer Shawn Mendes and multiplatinum co-writer Scott Harris; R&b star Ashanti, Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz; Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning songwriter Paul Williams; iconic musician, composer and producer Quincy Jones; country music stars Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce and Old Dominion; superstar DJs Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix and Dillon Francis; chart-topping DJ duo The Chainsmokers; film and musical theater super duo Pasek & Paul as well as NBA champion Kevin Durant and Oscar-winning actress and author Diane Keaton.
The auction takes place online here from today through December 16.
“For nearly five decades,...
Artists from across the musical spectrum have contributed items for bid including three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo; singer-songwriter and actress Selena Gomez; Canadian singer Shawn Mendes and multiplatinum co-writer Scott Harris; R&b star Ashanti, Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz; Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning songwriter Paul Williams; iconic musician, composer and producer Quincy Jones; country music stars Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce and Old Dominion; superstar DJs Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix and Dillon Francis; chart-topping DJ duo The Chainsmokers; film and musical theater super duo Pasek & Paul as well as NBA champion Kevin Durant and Oscar-winning actress and author Diane Keaton.
The auction takes place online here from today through December 16.
“For nearly five decades,...
- 12/5/2022
- Look to the Stars
Like a too-generous parent on Christmas morning, “Spirited” keeps doling out the shiny presents long after the recipients are sated. But if there’s a genre that begs to be maximalist, it’s a musical comedy with its roots in Charles Dickens; it’s not so much whether or not you like what “Spirited” has to offer but how much of it you can take in one sitting.
The whole “one sitting” concept may be an outdated one, since this is a film that’s going to live its life (and its Christmases Yet to Come) on Apple TV+, where there’s always a pause button. But viewers who can see “Spirited” projected on the big screen absolutely should, if only to fully appreciate the splashy (sometimes in a literal sense) choreography from Chloe Arnold, one of the film’s true MVPs.
Not that the marquee names are slacking — the...
The whole “one sitting” concept may be an outdated one, since this is a film that’s going to live its life (and its Christmases Yet to Come) on Apple TV+, where there’s always a pause button. But viewers who can see “Spirited” projected on the big screen absolutely should, if only to fully appreciate the splashy (sometimes in a literal sense) choreography from Chloe Arnold, one of the film’s true MVPs.
Not that the marquee names are slacking — the...
- 11/17/2022
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Apple TV+’s “Spirited” brings a new twist to the Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol.” With catchy tunes from Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, this time the story is told from the point of view of the ghosts.
This adaptation sees Will Ferrell’s Ghost of Christmas Present feeling disillusioned with his ghostly job. Alongside him are the Ghost of Christmas Past (Sunita Mani) and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Ryan Reynolds takes on Scrooge (a.k.a. Clint Briggs), who spends his time on social media spinning lies.
The musical numbers are filled with holiday cheer, as choreographer Chloe Arnold crafts each musical number with energy as she gathers the chorus together.
For the rousing “Good Afternoon,” Reynolds exercises his vocal cords and is accompanied by the “Spirited” choir. Pasek and Paul collaborated with songwriters Khiyon Hursey, Sukari Jones, and Mark Sonnenblick.
As for...
This adaptation sees Will Ferrell’s Ghost of Christmas Present feeling disillusioned with his ghostly job. Alongside him are the Ghost of Christmas Past (Sunita Mani) and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Ryan Reynolds takes on Scrooge (a.k.a. Clint Briggs), who spends his time on social media spinning lies.
The musical numbers are filled with holiday cheer, as choreographer Chloe Arnold crafts each musical number with energy as she gathers the chorus together.
For the rousing “Good Afternoon,” Reynolds exercises his vocal cords and is accompanied by the “Spirited” choir. Pasek and Paul collaborated with songwriters Khiyon Hursey, Sukari Jones, and Mark Sonnenblick.
As for...
- 11/15/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Nothing makes me feel Scroogier than a slapped-together Christmas movie, which, thanks to the algorithms of tech-companies-turned-content-creators, start to drop in late October (even before Halloween) at a rate of nearly a dozen a week. This year, Netflix has entries planned with Lindsay Lohan and Freddie Prinze Jr., Disney+ is doing “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” Lifetime gives us “Merry Textmas” and more, while Hallmark Channel has “#Xmas” and “Three Wise Men and a Baby,” in addition to its annual Luke Macfarlane canoodle.
You’ll be lucky to find a single keeper among the 150-plus new holiday movies heading to streaming platforms and cable networks this season (that number is not an exaggeration). Which is why the only one I’ll be reviewing is “Spirited,” an Apple Original Films offering with Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds — a musical featuring fresh tunes from “La La Land” songwriters Pasek and Paul — that’s...
You’ll be lucky to find a single keeper among the 150-plus new holiday movies heading to streaming platforms and cable networks this season (that number is not an exaggeration). Which is why the only one I’ll be reviewing is “Spirited,” an Apple Original Films offering with Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds — a musical featuring fresh tunes from “La La Land” songwriters Pasek and Paul — that’s...
- 11/9/2022
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
The Ghost of Christmas Present is putting a modern twist on a beloved tale of holidays past.
Apple Original film “Spirited” stars Will Ferrell as the Ghost of Christmas Present who selects grumpy corporate executive Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds) as his newest project. However, Clint soon flips the script on the Christmas spirit and instead visits the spirit’s past, present, and future.
Inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol,” the musical film also stars Octavia Spencer, Sunita Mani, Patrick Page, Joe Tippett, Marlow Barkley, and Jen Tullock. “Daddy’s Home” helmer Sean Anders directs from a script he co-wrote the script John Morris.
“Spirited” features original songs penned by “Dear Evan Hansen” and “La La Land” Oscar and Tony Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
“The rumors stop here. Will and I did Not lip sync our dancing in ‘Spirited,'” Reynolds joked in a teaser video he recently tweeted,...
Apple Original film “Spirited” stars Will Ferrell as the Ghost of Christmas Present who selects grumpy corporate executive Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds) as his newest project. However, Clint soon flips the script on the Christmas spirit and instead visits the spirit’s past, present, and future.
Inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol,” the musical film also stars Octavia Spencer, Sunita Mani, Patrick Page, Joe Tippett, Marlow Barkley, and Jen Tullock. “Daddy’s Home” helmer Sean Anders directs from a script he co-wrote the script John Morris.
“Spirited” features original songs penned by “Dear Evan Hansen” and “La La Land” Oscar and Tony Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
“The rumors stop here. Will and I did Not lip sync our dancing in ‘Spirited,'” Reynolds joked in a teaser video he recently tweeted,...
- 11/2/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
There are few things in this world that are surprising. Especially when it comes to cinema. A lot of horror films have pretty predictable endings. Marvel movies are going to the filled to the brim with “surprising” cameos. Fast and Furious is going to have some epic car chases.
But occasionally a film comes along to surprise you – and for me, it was Lyle Lyle Crocodile.
Based on a popular children’s book, Lyle Lyle Crocodile revolves around the talented scaly creature who is found by an ageing, desperate showman Hector P. Valenti. After training Lyle to sing and dance, Hector is dismayed to learn that Lyle also has crippling stage freight. When Hector has to go on the road to earn money, he abandons Lyle in his attic apartment. Soon a young family move in, and young son Josh discovers Lyle and strikes up a blossoming, musical friendship.
Lyle Lyle Crocodile is,...
But occasionally a film comes along to surprise you – and for me, it was Lyle Lyle Crocodile.
Based on a popular children’s book, Lyle Lyle Crocodile revolves around the talented scaly creature who is found by an ageing, desperate showman Hector P. Valenti. After training Lyle to sing and dance, Hector is dismayed to learn that Lyle also has crippling stage freight. When Hector has to go on the road to earn money, he abandons Lyle in his attic apartment. Soon a young family move in, and young son Josh discovers Lyle and strikes up a blossoming, musical friendship.
Lyle Lyle Crocodile is,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Sarah Cook
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Click here to read the full article.
Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell team for a spirited take on A Christmas Carol in the first teaser for their upcoming holiday movie musical.
On Wednesday, Apple TV+ dropped a video preview for Spirited, which sees Reynolds starring as Clint Briggs, a Scrooge-like character visited on Christmas Eve by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.
Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, who has the tables turned on him by Briggs, with the ghostly host ultimately reexamining his own past, present and future. The minute-and-a-half teaser is light on plot but does offer a glimpse of the story’s colorful and comedic take on the Charles Dickens classic, told from the perspective of the ghosts.
The trailer kicks off with an animated tap sequence which eventually comes to life as Reynolds and Ferrell — two of Hollywood’s favorite comedic riffers — play...
Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell team for a spirited take on A Christmas Carol in the first teaser for their upcoming holiday movie musical.
On Wednesday, Apple TV+ dropped a video preview for Spirited, which sees Reynolds starring as Clint Briggs, a Scrooge-like character visited on Christmas Eve by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.
Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, who has the tables turned on him by Briggs, with the ghostly host ultimately reexamining his own past, present and future. The minute-and-a-half teaser is light on plot but does offer a glimpse of the story’s colorful and comedic take on the Charles Dickens classic, told from the perspective of the ghosts.
The trailer kicks off with an animated tap sequence which eventually comes to life as Reynolds and Ferrell — two of Hollywood’s favorite comedic riffers — play...
- 10/12/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds are ringing in the holidays with a new musical. Apple TV+ has released the first teaser for “Spirited,” an upcoming Christmas movie that sees the two comedic actors teaming up — and squaring off in a tap-dancing battle.
Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novella “A Christmas Carol,” “Spirited” focuses on the Ghost of Christmas Present, portrayed in the original story as a Father Christmas-esque figure. In the (mostly) streaming film, Ferrell plays the spirit, who spends every year selecting a new corrupted person to be visited by him and the ghosts of Christmases Past and Future. However, when he chooses Clint Briggs (Reynolds) as the ghosts’ new project, he winds up getting the script flipped on him by the savvy businessman, who forces the spirit to go through his own past, present, and future.
The trailer contains many references to the original “Christmas Carol,” which seemingly...
Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novella “A Christmas Carol,” “Spirited” focuses on the Ghost of Christmas Present, portrayed in the original story as a Father Christmas-esque figure. In the (mostly) streaming film, Ferrell plays the spirit, who spends every year selecting a new corrupted person to be visited by him and the ghosts of Christmases Past and Future. However, when he chooses Clint Briggs (Reynolds) as the ghosts’ new project, he winds up getting the script flipped on him by the savvy businessman, who forces the spirit to go through his own past, present, and future.
The trailer contains many references to the original “Christmas Carol,” which seemingly...
- 10/12/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Remakes, reboots, reimaginings. Hollywood is obsessed with the "re-ification" — yeah, I'm copyrighting that — of the industry, and whenever there's an opportunity to bring a franchise or original property back from the dead and spend a lot of unnecessary money on it, they do it. In that vein, Apple Original Films released the first teaser trailer for the upcoming holiday musical comedy, "Spirited," starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Octavia Spencer.
In the sneak peek, we are introduced to Ferrell, a period ghost visiting Reynolds, a modern man who is more than surprised to find that the Charles Dickens novel has some truth to it. According to a press release, the film's synopsis reads:
Each Christmas Eve, the Ghost of Christmas Present (Will Ferrell) selects one dark soul to be reformed by a visit from three spirits. But this season, he picked the wrong Scrooge. Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds) turns the...
In the sneak peek, we are introduced to Ferrell, a period ghost visiting Reynolds, a modern man who is more than surprised to find that the Charles Dickens novel has some truth to it. According to a press release, the film's synopsis reads:
Each Christmas Eve, the Ghost of Christmas Present (Will Ferrell) selects one dark soul to be reformed by a visit from three spirits. But this season, he picked the wrong Scrooge. Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds) turns the...
- 10/12/2022
- by Lex Briscuso
- Slash Film
It was another lousy weekend with a total box office of just 57 million, the 11th in a row under 100 million and the seventh in a row under 65 million. There hasn’t been a stretch this bad since before the summer of 2021, but thankfully reinforcements are on the way. The next two weekends will see the releases of Halloween Ends and Black Adam, which will bring us to an era where these truly dire weekend grosses are exceptions rather than the norm.
As bad as the overall box office climate has been, there have still been glittery high points that show us that audiences are eager to show up if the content is there. The best example of that in the past two weeks is Smile, which opened to a solid 22.6 million last weekend and followed it up with a phenomenal 17.6 million, winning the weekend again as it dropped just 22. This...
As bad as the overall box office climate has been, there have still been glittery high points that show us that audiences are eager to show up if the content is there. The best example of that in the past two weeks is Smile, which opened to a solid 22.6 million last weekend and followed it up with a phenomenal 17.6 million, winning the weekend again as it dropped just 22. This...
- 10/9/2022
- by Sam Mendelsohn <mail@boxofficemojo.com>
- Box Office Mojo
Bernard Waber’s “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” book series is now a major motion picture. The live action/CGI musical comedy stars a whole host of names, including one Canadian singer as the voice of a talented crocodile. The film will feature songs performed by star Shawn Mendes and written by the songwriting team behind “The Greatest Showman” — Benj Pasek and Justin Paul — with an ensemble cast that includes Javier Bardem and Constance Wu.
For “Lyle,” Pasek and Paul are joined by Ari Afsar, Emily Gardner, Xu Hall, Mark Sonnenblick and Joriah Kwamé. Will Speck and Josh Gordon directed and produced the film, with a screenplay by Will Davies. Hutch Parker also produces, and executive producers include Kevin K. Vafi, Dan Wilson, Robert J. Dohrmann, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Tarak Ben Ammar and Andy Mitchell.
For those wondering how to watch “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” we have the information below, along with who is in the film,...
For “Lyle,” Pasek and Paul are joined by Ari Afsar, Emily Gardner, Xu Hall, Mark Sonnenblick and Joriah Kwamé. Will Speck and Josh Gordon directed and produced the film, with a screenplay by Will Davies. Hutch Parker also produces, and executive producers include Kevin K. Vafi, Dan Wilson, Robert J. Dohrmann, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Tarak Ben Ammar and Andy Mitchell.
For those wondering how to watch “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” we have the information below, along with who is in the film,...
- 10/7/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Josh Gordon and Will Speck’s live-action musical “Lyle Lyle Crocodile” lives up to it name. The story, about a crocodile named Lyle voiced by Shawn Mendes that can dance and sing, features songs penned by the award-winning Justin Paul and Benj Pasek. The dup then brought in a team of songwriters to carve out toe-tapping, infectious earworms.
From the get-go songwriting and composing duo Pasek and Paul knew Lyle would be a singing crocodile which made the project all the more exciting for them. “But when the voice actor became Shawn Mendes, that really informed a lot of the style and what we were going to write for,” explains Pasek.
With Mendes attached, the writers behind “The Greatest Showman” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” could blend musical theater with contemporary pop. “The aim was to create something with his voice,” says Pasek.
The next step was assembling a group of writers — Ari Afsar,...
From the get-go songwriting and composing duo Pasek and Paul knew Lyle would be a singing crocodile which made the project all the more exciting for them. “But when the voice actor became Shawn Mendes, that really informed a lot of the style and what we were going to write for,” explains Pasek.
With Mendes attached, the writers behind “The Greatest Showman” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” could blend musical theater with contemporary pop. “The aim was to create something with his voice,” says Pasek.
The next step was assembling a group of writers — Ari Afsar,...
- 10/7/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The classic computer game The Oregon Trail is currently being adapted into a musical from the same team who are bringing “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” to the big screen.
Filmmakers Will Speck and Josh Gordon revealed that they’ve been working with their “Lyle, Lyle” songwriting team Pasek and Paul (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul) to create a dark comedy musical version of the original 1974 video game.
A studio has yet to be attached to the project however, in an interview with Collider, the group shared that it’s in “active development” as they’ve gained rights to The Oregon Trail.
“People are very protective of their IP as they should be,” Speck told the outlet. “These guys have so far been great partners in allowing us to take it and run with it. Also, we’ve made them producing partners, basically.”
Read More: Shawn Mendes Drops New ‘Lyle, Lyle Crocodile’ Single ‘Heartbeat’
The directing duo,...
Filmmakers Will Speck and Josh Gordon revealed that they’ve been working with their “Lyle, Lyle” songwriting team Pasek and Paul (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul) to create a dark comedy musical version of the original 1974 video game.
A studio has yet to be attached to the project however, in an interview with Collider, the group shared that it’s in “active development” as they’ve gained rights to The Oregon Trail.
“People are very protective of their IP as they should be,” Speck told the outlet. “These guys have so far been great partners in allowing us to take it and run with it. Also, we’ve made them producing partners, basically.”
Read More: Shawn Mendes Drops New ‘Lyle, Lyle Crocodile’ Single ‘Heartbeat’
The directing duo,...
- 10/6/2022
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Whatever associations you may have with Lyle the crocodile, you probably didn’t imagine him crooning like Shawn Mendes. Based on Bernard Waber’s beloved children’s book originally published in 1965, the existence of a “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” movie proves nothing is sacred in Hollywood — especially nostalgic childhood storybooks.
If a CGI crocodile with the dulcet tenor of a pop idol seems at odds with Waber’s freehand illustrations, Javier Bardem is perfectly in step as eccentric showman Hector P. Valenti, star of stage and screen. Bardem’s lesser-seen playful side is on full display in “Lyle,” as he hoofs his way across New York City with madcap gusto. The minute he leaves the croc to fend for himself at the house on East 88th Street, his absence is sorely felt by all — not just lonely Lyle. Along with a few bouncy numbers from “The Greatest Showman” duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul,...
If a CGI crocodile with the dulcet tenor of a pop idol seems at odds with Waber’s freehand illustrations, Javier Bardem is perfectly in step as eccentric showman Hector P. Valenti, star of stage and screen. Bardem’s lesser-seen playful side is on full display in “Lyle,” as he hoofs his way across New York City with madcap gusto. The minute he leaves the croc to fend for himself at the house on East 88th Street, his absence is sorely felt by all — not just lonely Lyle. Along with a few bouncy numbers from “The Greatest Showman” duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul,...
- 10/6/2022
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
The Oregon Trail video game is being made into a movie musical, provided it doesn’t die of dysentery
I’d imagine most of us have played The Oregon Trail at some point in our lives. After all, it was one of the very few video games that you were actually allowed to play in school — In that vein, does anyone else remember Math Blaster Plus? According to Collider, the iconic Oregon Trail video game is in the process of being developed into a movie musical by the folks behind Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck are collaborating with their songwriting team Pasek and Paul (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul) on the Oregon Trail movie. “We were talking about what we could cook up next, because we really want to do another musical,” Speck said. “They mentioned [Oregon Trail], and we now have the rights to it, and we’re putting it together alongside them and some other exciting people.”
Related Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: Javier Bardem...
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck are collaborating with their songwriting team Pasek and Paul (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul) on the Oregon Trail movie. “We were talking about what we could cook up next, because we really want to do another musical,” Speck said. “They mentioned [Oregon Trail], and we now have the rights to it, and we’re putting it together alongside them and some other exciting people.”
Related Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: Javier Bardem...
- 10/6/2022
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Do-re-mi-fa dys-en-ter-y! A musical adaptation of the classic computer game “The Oregon Trail” is in the works from the team behind “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.”
In an interview with Collider, filmmakers Will Speck and Josh Gordon shared that they have been collaborating with their “Lyle, Lyle” songwriting team Pasek and Paul (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul), working to crack a darkly comedic musical version of the video game.
Although no studio is currently attached, the group shared that it has obtained the rights to “The Oregon Trail.” The report states that the project is in “active development.”
“People are very protective of their IP as they should be,” Speck said. “These guys have so far been great partners in allowing us to take it and run with it. Also, we’ve made them producing partners, basically.”
Speck and Gordon shared that Pasek and Paul offered the idea of adapting “The Oregon...
In an interview with Collider, filmmakers Will Speck and Josh Gordon shared that they have been collaborating with their “Lyle, Lyle” songwriting team Pasek and Paul (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul), working to crack a darkly comedic musical version of the video game.
Although no studio is currently attached, the group shared that it has obtained the rights to “The Oregon Trail.” The report states that the project is in “active development.”
“People are very protective of their IP as they should be,” Speck said. “These guys have so far been great partners in allowing us to take it and run with it. Also, we’ve made them producing partners, basically.”
Speck and Gordon shared that Pasek and Paul offered the idea of adapting “The Oregon...
- 10/5/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Grammy nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes debuted his new song, “Heartbeat”. The track was written by Shawn, Jon Bellion, Amy Allen, Scott Harris, Jason ‘Tenroc’ Cornet, Clyde Lawrence and Jordan Cohen and produced by Shawn, Jon Bellion, TenRoc, and The Diner. The song will appear in the end title of Sony Pictures’ upcoming live action/CGI musical comedy, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, out in theaters on October 7th.
Alongside the song, it was also announced the original motion picture soundtrack will be released on October 7th. The tracklist for the film was revealed last week. The soundtrack was written by Oscar winning duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and features Shawn Mendes, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John, as well as co-stars, Constance Wu, Javier Bardem, and Anthony Ramos.
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, starring Academy Award-winner Javier Bardem, Constance Wu and Shawn Mendes,...
Alongside the song, it was also announced the original motion picture soundtrack will be released on October 7th. The tracklist for the film was revealed last week. The soundtrack was written by Oscar winning duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and features Shawn Mendes, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John, as well as co-stars, Constance Wu, Javier Bardem, and Anthony Ramos.
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, starring Academy Award-winner Javier Bardem, Constance Wu and Shawn Mendes,...
- 9/30/2022
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Netflix’s “The Crown” has developed a reputation for finding fresh talent to portray some of the most notable names in British history, which will now include Prince William and Kate Middleton for Season 6.
Young Prince William will be portrayed by 16-year-old Rufus Kampa and 21-year-old Ed McVey while Kate Middleton will be played by Meg Bellamy. The royal roles will mark the first on-screen credits for all three actors.
Kampa, who will play the Prince at age 15, made his professional West End stage debut In June 2019, playing the lead role of Adrian in ‘Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole 13 & 3/4s’, The Musical.’ Other professional roles include ‘Ralphie’, the lead role in the European premier of Pasek and Paul’s ‘A Christmas Story, The Musical’, December 2018 at Waterloo East Theatre and John Darling in Peter Pan, Wycombe Swan, 2015. Rufus has also been a professional ensemble vocalist for the Cats Jr.
Young Prince William will be portrayed by 16-year-old Rufus Kampa and 21-year-old Ed McVey while Kate Middleton will be played by Meg Bellamy. The royal roles will mark the first on-screen credits for all three actors.
Kampa, who will play the Prince at age 15, made his professional West End stage debut In June 2019, playing the lead role of Adrian in ‘Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole 13 & 3/4s’, The Musical.’ Other professional roles include ‘Ralphie’, the lead role in the European premier of Pasek and Paul’s ‘A Christmas Story, The Musical’, December 2018 at Waterloo East Theatre and John Darling in Peter Pan, Wycombe Swan, 2015. Rufus has also been a professional ensemble vocalist for the Cats Jr.
- 9/2/2022
- by Brandon Katz
- The Wrap
Lyle takes a trip through New York in Columbia Pictures Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Photo by: Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Watch the new trailer for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile starring Shawn Mendes, Javier Bardem and Constance Wu.
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action/CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to a new, global audience.
When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle – a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) who loves baths, caviar and great music-living in the attic of his new home. The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbor Mr. Grumps (Brett Gelman), the Primm’s must band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem), to show...
Watch the new trailer for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile starring Shawn Mendes, Javier Bardem and Constance Wu.
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action/CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to a new, global audience.
When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle – a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) who loves baths, caviar and great music-living in the attic of his new home. The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbor Mr. Grumps (Brett Gelman), the Primm’s must band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem), to show...
- 6/23/2022
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
What exactly is “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile?” It’s a kids musical about a crocodile! He wears a scarf, and he can sing! And he’s voiced by pop artist Shawn Mendes.
On Wednesday, Sony Pictures released the first trailer for “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” which is a live-action movie featuring Mendes as the singing, dancing, CGI reptile based on the children’s book series by Bernard Waber.
The film follows the Primm family, played by Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy and Winslow Fegley, as they move to New York City and find waiting for them in their bathroom tub Lyle… who we’ll remind you is a CGI singing crocodile. He also loves caviar. And the trailer shows the Primm family at one point making a painting of Lyle, as well as him sticking his head out a NYC cab like a puppy while wearing a Florida Gators jersey, causing countless unseen car wrecks.
On Wednesday, Sony Pictures released the first trailer for “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” which is a live-action movie featuring Mendes as the singing, dancing, CGI reptile based on the children’s book series by Bernard Waber.
The film follows the Primm family, played by Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy and Winslow Fegley, as they move to New York City and find waiting for them in their bathroom tub Lyle… who we’ll remind you is a CGI singing crocodile. He also loves caviar. And the trailer shows the Primm family at one point making a painting of Lyle, as well as him sticking his head out a NYC cab like a puppy while wearing a Florida Gators jersey, causing countless unseen car wrecks.
- 6/22/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
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