Roundups #56: Rick And The Morty Is Getting An Anime, Kendrick Lamar Shooting Documentary In Ghana And The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen Reboot Is In Development

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Rick And Morty spinoff announced

Adult Swim has ordered an anime project from director Takashi Sano (Tower of God) that’s based on the Emmy-winning series. The network has placed an order for 10 episodes of Rick and Morty: The Anime.

Sano previously directed two acclaimed anime shorts in the Rick and Morty universe: “Rick and Morty vs. Genocider” and “Summer Meets God (Rick Meets Evil).” The shorts have generated more than 10 million combined views on Adult Swim digital platforms.

 

“The multiverse-straddling exploits of Rick and the gang pose challenges to the family bond, but they always rise to the occasion,” Sano said in a statement. “It’s such a life-affirming sight, and Jerry is no exception.” He adds, “I am honored to have been given an opportunity to tell a new story about this amazing family. I hope you enjoy their adventures!”

 

Kendrick Lamar documentary in the works

Kendrick Lamar has taken the campaign for his new album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, abroad, as the rapper was recently spotted in Accra, Ghana, where he is reportedly filming a documentary.

While the doc has yet to be confirmed by Lamar or his team, various media outlets in Ghana announced the news upon his arrival in the West African country, which occurred last week, prior to Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers‘ release. Images and clips of the Compton, Calif. native at various locations in Ghana began surfacing on social media as early as last Thursday (May 12), when the “Crown” rapper visited Kozo Restaurant that same day. Over the weekend, he was seen at Freedom Skate Park and was also captured playing soccer with children in Jamestown.

 

On Saturday evening (May 14), the rapper hosted a listening party, which was attended by numerous local Ghanaian artists, including Black Sherif, Stonebwoy, Amaarae, and Smallgod. In addition, Lamar and Spotify also partnered with local Ghanaian transportation companies, which plastered song titles from Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers on multiple tro-tro vehicles (privately-owned minivans and minibusses used for public transportation) within the area.

More reboots

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen was a fantasy pic released by 20th Century Fox in 2003, based on the comic book series of the same name from writer Alan Moore and artist Kevin O’Neill. Set in an alternate Victorian Age world, it followed a group of famous contemporary fantasy, science fiction, and adventure characters—including Captain Nemo, Dorian Gray and Tom Sawyer—as they teamed up on a secret mission.

 

The League of Extraordinary Gentleman comics were first introduced in 1999. Stephen Norrington directed the original film adaptation, starring Sean Connery, which was reputed to be the reason he retired from acting—so miserable was his experience on set. James Dale Robinson wrote the script, with Naseeruddin Shah, Peta Wilson, Tony Curran, Stuart Townsend, Shane West, Jason Flemyng and Richard Roxburgh rounding out the cast.

While multiple attempts at a League reboot have been made in the past, with one conceived as a female-centric take, they’ve thus far been to no avail. BAFTA Award nominee Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road) will adapt the script this time around. Susan Montford and 3 Arts Entertainment’s Erwin Stoff will produce alongside Don Murphy, who also produced the original.

Genius Brands Signs 20-Year Deal with Marvel Studios to License “Stan Lee” for Use in Future Feature...

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“Stan Lee Universe, LLC,” Genius Brands International’s “Genius Brands” (NASDAQ: GNUS) controlled venture with POW! Entertainment, has signed a 20-year deal to license the name and likeness of Stan Lee to Marvel Studios for future feature films and television productions, as well as use in Disney theme parks and experiences worldwide.

 

“We are proud to be the stewards of the incredibly valuable rights to Stan Lee’s name, likeness, merchandise, and intellectual property brand,” said Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Genius Brands. “And, there is no better place than Marvel and Disney where Stan should be for his movies and theme park experiences. As we enter the centennial year of Stan’s birthday, December 28, 2022, we are thrilled to see his memory and legacy will continue to delight fans through this new long-term agreement with Marvel.”

Under the terms of the deal, Marvel Studios has acquired rights to use Stan Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in movies and television projects, as well as use images, existing footage and existing audio recordings featuring Stan. Exclusive rights to use Stan Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in theme parks, water parks, cruise lines and in-park merchandise were included for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products as part of the deal.

 

“As Stan’s longtime business partner and friend, I’m looking forward to commemorating his work in this new way,” said Gill Champion, President of POW! Entertainment. “Building a connection with his fans is important to us and it’s a privilege to get to do that on his behalf.”

Stan is one of the most prolific and legendary comic creators of all time. As Marvel's editor-in-chief, Stan "The Man" Lee helped build a universe of interlocking continuity, one where fans felt as if they could turn a street corner and run into a superhero from Spider-Man to the Fantastic Four, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and more. Stan went on to become Marvel’s editorial director and publisher in 1972, and was eventually named chairman emeritus.

 

Stan also appeared in some of the most popular films of all time. His well-known cameos in Marvel films began in the 1989 telefilm The Trial of the Incredible Hulk. After the release of X-Men in 2000, he appeared in nearly every Marvel film and television project until his passing in 2018.

Among Stan’s many awards is the National Medal of Arts, awarded by President Bush in 2008, and the Disney Legends Award, received in 2017. He was also inducted into the comic industry’s Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame and Jack Kirby Hall of Fame.

Roundups #55: Descendants Is Getting A Spinoff, Cartoon Network Is Doing Live-Action Again And Boomerang Africa's Upcoming Series True And The Rainbow Kingdom Hits 1 Billion Views On YouTube

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Disney is getting more Descendants

The immensely popular fairy tale world of Descendants is about to get bigger. This week, Disney+ announced that a new original movie is in the works from Disney Branded Television. The Pocketwatch (working title) is a music and dance-filled movie that will once again center around the sons and daughters of classic Disney princesses and villains. The new installment is set to introduce Red, the teenage daughter of the iconic Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland; and Chloe, the teen daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming.

In an official statement, movie director Phang praised the Descendants’ world and revealed what drew her to the project:

 

'The Pocketwatch'; presents a delightful canvas with fantastical world building. Musicals sparked my imagination when I was a kid and are a huge part of what drew me to filmmaking. I think that's because they have a way of conveying these lovely, nuanced ideas through song and expressive movement. I'm also always inspired by the diversity of families that exist all around the world. So I really jumped at the chance to craft a supercharged musical experience and explore some new, invigorating themes inside an expansive Disney universe."

 

Cartoon Network is not a cartoon channel

Warner Bros Discovery-owned SVoD service HBO Max and kids’ cablenet Cartoon Network have ordered a music-filled live-action comedy series based on a concept by Hannah Montana creator Michael Poryes.

Scheduled to premiere in 2023, Home Sweet Rome is a coming-of-age series about a 13-year-old girl who moves from California to start a new life in Rome with her dad and Italian pop star stepmother.

Matt Huether and Courtney Jane Walker are developing and writing the series and will also serve as showrunners. Shot entirely on location in Rome, each episode will feature original songs.

 

HBO Max and Cartoon Network have also greenlit two original live-action specials based on toy company Mattel’s American Girl franchise.

American Girl: Corinne Tan (working title) is inspired by Mattel’s doll of the same name, which is its first doll of Chinese descent. The show follows the titular character and her sister as they adjust to life as part of a blended family after their parents’ divorce.

The one-hour special is produced by Mattel Television and MarVista Entertainment and is scheduled to premiere this December.

 

True And The Rainbow Kingdom reach a milestone

Toronto-based children’s entertainment powerhouse Guru Studio announced today its hit preschool series True and the Rainbow Kingdom has crossed a billion views and over a million subscribers on YouTube.

In addition to the highly successful English language channel, to support the growth of the True brand internationally, the company recently launched over 15 multi-language channels including: Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Swedish and Turkish. Within the first six months, the Portuguese and Spanish channels surpassed nearly 300,000 subscribers.

 

True has suprassed the billion-view milestone by providing regular content updates each week, releasing clips, songs, activities and unique multi-langauge contnet for the show’s growing worldwide audience. The series True and the Rainbow Kingdom currently streams on Netflix worldwide, and is a top performer on major linear networks around the globe including CBC Kids (Canada), Tiny Pop (U.K.), Gloob (Brazil) and Clan TV (Spain).

Roundups #54: The Wendy Williams Show Is Reportedly Dead, Fenty Beauty Expands To Africa And Katy Perry Lands The Lead Role In Melody

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Wendy is nowhere in site

Wendy Williams insists she's getting her show back despite getting replaced by Sherri Shepherd. It’s hard to say goodbye to Wendy Williams for some staffers at her eponymous talk show, while others are ready to move on with Sherri Shepherd.

“There’s talk [of how to say goodbye] and a lot of people on staff feel like there should be a tribute to [Wendy] or some kind of farewell,” an insider revealed.

 

Shepherd will inherit most of Williams’ production staff when her show debuts in September. And while it’s not confirmed, Shepherd is expected to guest host the last episodes of Williams’ show, which “makes it awkward because she’s the one replacing her,” the first source said.

Rihanna's makeup line expands to Africa

Over the years, the luxury beauty products have been sold anywhere else but the African continent. And this is not an omission that the singer and beauty entrepreneur has been unaware of. Well, it turns out she is finally ready to rectify that.

Earlier in the month, she announced the products would be launched in the following countries from May 27th: Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia.

 

Rihanna is now seeking to tap into the demand. And there is every indication that the products will sell out. After all, the celebrity is wildly popular across African countries, with millions of fans who will be influenced to patronise. The Fenty Beauty products will be competing with both local and other international beauty brands.

Katy Perry is working with the studio behind Miraculous

Singer/songwriter Katy Perry will star as the title character in Melody, an animated musical feature created, directed and produced by Jeremy Zag. Cross Creek’s Tyler Thompson will produce alongside Perry, Zag and Michael Gracey, The Greatest Showman director who helmed the upcoming big budget animated film Ladybug & Cat Noir Awakening, done by Zag’s Zagtoons.

 

In this musical adventure, Melody is a kind-hearted, insecure singer who must overcome the evil plans of Rose Stellar, a jealous wicked pop queen who has vowed to destroy her. Set against the backdrop of New York City, Melody will take audiences on an adventure of song, laughter and heroic quest. In her arsenal, Melody has seven musical notes that set her apart and have magical qualities and help guide her moral compass. Perry is writing and performing songs for the film, and sparked to the themes of self-discovery and self belief that is key to the fulfillment of life dreams like the one she is living.

The Tragic Story Of Charles Manson Jr.

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The name of infamous cult leader Charles Manson casts a long shadow on those close to him. No one knows this fact better than Manson's grandson Jason Freeman.  In an interview with CNN back in 2012, he spoke about what it was like growing up under a "family curse" that was started by his grandfather and the Manson Family. Manson had often claimed that he had no idea how many children he had fathered but it has been confirmed that he had at least three boys.

His eldest son, Charles Manson Jr., was born in 1956 when the criminal mastermind became a first-time father with his first wife Rosalie Jean Willis. He was, however, not the most present father and left the family home when his son was still very young.

As Manson Jr. got older, he struggled to come to terms with the heinous crimes his infamous father had committed. This made such an impact on him that he unofficially changed his name to Jay White so that other's would not associate him with his father.

 

Freeman, who is a 6-foot-2 kickboxer and cage fighter, told CNN in the interview: "I'm coming out." He also said that he was doing it because he wanted the real Manson family members to stop hiding. Freeman also said that he wanted to understand his roots and himself better.

He knew when he was very young that Charles Manson was his grandfather but it did not mean anything to him until one day, in his 8th-grade history class. Freeman said: "Our teacher was talking about Charles Manson and I'm looking around like, are there people staring at me?"  

He was then banned from talking about his cult leader grandfather to his school friends to prevent them from teasing or taunting him. This made him always feel different from the other children and even inside his own home the talk of his grandfather was not allowed. Freeman was also not allowed to talk to his grandmother, Rosalie, about her husband, whom she married in 1955. It was definitely a skeleton in the closet through most of his life.

 

More than anything in this world, Freeman wanted to connect with an absent father whom he only knew through a rare letter that was sent to him. He believes that Manson Jr. changed his name to Jay White just so that he could stay away from his father and to not blemish his son's childhood the same way his childhood had been. Freeman told CNN in 2012: "He just couldn't let it go. He couldn't live it down. He couldn't live down who his father was."

White, who was unlucky enough to get the name Charles Manson Jr., took his own life on June 29, 1993, on a lonely stretch of highway in Burlington, Colorado, which is a little to the west of the Kansas state line. The death certificate seems to give a few hints as to why he chose the particular spot and what it was that finally pushed him to commit suicide. The document has also indicated that the suicide happened at around 10:15 am from a "self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head" at "exit 438 on Interstate 70".

 

Freeman, who is an avid wrestler, fighter, and tattoo lover, works on oil rigs in western Pennsylvania to provide for his family. He is generally a tough guy but always gets very emotional when it comes to the father he never met. This is the case especially when it comes to what he went through as a child. He reportedly fought back tears when asked what he would like his father to know and said: "I want him to know that he missed out on a lot."

Freeman specifically says that he wished his father was there to meet his grandchildren and see the life that his son has managed to build for himself. He concludes the interview by saying: "I see my kids, you know, and that's kinda where I get shook up. I would hate to see them grow up without a father. That's important. Very important."

Roundups #53: eReality Documents The Life Of Charles Manson, People's Weather Hosts An Annual Event In Bloemfontein, StarSat Stirs Up Controversy With The Launch Of RT Global And Returning Comer Zee Bollymovies

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Inside The Manson Cult lands on eReality

eReality, South Africa's most popular reality channel offering a mixture of local through eKasi and international content continues indulging in some of the bizarre stories with a tale of Charles Manson.

A famous musician now criminal who led the Manson Family, a cult based in California, in the late 1960s. Some of the members committed a series of nine murders. In 1971, Manson was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder for the deaths of seven people, including the film actress Sharon Tate. The prosecution contended that, while Manson never directly ordered the murders, his ideology constituted an overt act of conspiracy.

Be sure not to miss out on 20 May as part of crime after dark on eReality.

 

The Bloem Show is coming to a TV near you

The Central Agricultural Society facilitate profitable show opportunities of a high standard which serve to trade, agricultural and entertainment needs of the community between April and May.

They serve 8 sections including arts and home, commerce, horses, cattles and several others. The Bloem Show airs this weekend on People's Weather inbetween the following times:

- 8:00 - 10:00
- 12:00 - 14:00
- 16:00 - 18:00

 

Zee Bollymovies has returned but with a shocking twist

StarTimes has been incredibly slow on launching new channels on top of replacing the hundreds removed over the years. Good news is they've finally added channels but one comes with extra baggage.

Zee Bollymovies (formerly on DStv) features a wide variety of Bollywood movies dubbed in English including action, romance, family, thriller/suspense, comedy and more. It covers new and classic movies, suitable for families of different ages to watch together, 24 hours a day.

 

RT Global creates news with an edge for viewers who want to Question More. RT Global covers stories overlooked by the mainstream media, provides alternative perspectives in current affairs, and acquaints international audiences with a Russian viewpoint on a major global events.

As usual, StarTimes quietly adds new channels with this time being Zee Bollymovies on channel 559 to their Super Package while RT Global launches on channel 260.

Roundups #52: Cartoon Network Expand Original Animation Slate With ‘Driftwood,’ And ‘Invincible Fight Girl’, SpongeBob SquarePants Launched A Children's Bible And Disney+ Expand Their Preschool Lineup With Disney Junior

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HBO Max and Cartoon Network Studios have announced two new animated kids and family commissions

Driftwood – Created and executive produced by Victor Courtright (Aquaman: King of Atlantis), the feature is billed as a “an original animated space opera with big laughs, heart and adventure for the entire family.” The series follows the journey of a mouse-like creature named Clover who must defeat the villainous overlord Thorn to save her home from a toxic fuel source. Along the way, Clover finds allies in Marigold and Caspia, and together the three defend the forest on the edge of infinity.

Invincible Fight Girl – From first-time executive producer-creator Juston Gordon-Montgomery (DC Super Hero Girls), Invincible Fight Girl is an action-comedy set in a world where where wrestling is more than just sports entertainment; it’s a way of life. The show follows Andy, a young girl with dreams of becoming the greatest-ever wrestler. With the help of cynical retired wrestler Aunt P, Andy adopts the moniker “Fight Girl” and begins training. Further support comes from Mikey, an aspiring wrestling analyst, and Craig, a schemer who is always looking for an angle.

 

SpongeBob SquarePants lost media enters the surface

When SpongeBob SquarePants was pitched to Nickelodeon by Stephen Hillenburg, a series of pages were created. This shows off Sponge Boy, Patrick, Squidward, and all the key elements of Bikini Bottom that would make up SpongeBob SquarePants.

The SpongeBob SquarePants pitch bible has been lost media ever since Stephen Hillenburg made it. Pages have come out every once in a while, but the full document hasn't been seen by the public until last year. In it, we get lost SpongeBob episodes and scenes, a surprise romance with Sandy Cheeks, different designs for The Chum Bucket and The Krusty Krab, and so much more!

Click Here To Get The Bible

Disney Junior and Disney+ fill their stockings for another 2 years

Hey A.J., based on the books by Martellus Bennett, is produced by LA-based Surfing Giant Studios in association with Disney Junior. The series features seven-year-old girl A.J., who uses her imagination to find excitement in ordinary activities. Bennett, Jeff “Swampy” Marsh and Michael Hodges will serve as EPs.

 

The kidscaster is also teaming up with Dublin-based Brown Bag Films on Robogobo. The series follows a group of adopted pets who become superheroes with the help of robo-suits from a kid inventor named Jax. Robogobo is being developed for TV by Matt Hoverman, who is also a co-EP and story editor, while creator Chris Gilligan also serves as an EP and supervising director.

LA-based Oddbot Entertainment will bring Broadway to the classroom with Kindergarten: The Musical, a co-pro with Disney Junior. The series enters the world of five-year-old Birdy who tackles everyday challenges by expressing her emotions through musical numbers. Creators Michelle Lewis and Charlton Pettus will serve as EPs along with ​​Tom Warburton, Kay Hanley, and Dan Petty. Co-EP Laurie Israel is also attached as story editor.

 

The kidcaster is also co-producing SuperKitties with New York and London-based Silvergate Media to tell the story of four superhero kittens who take on bad guys and hope to make Kittydale a “pawesome” place. Creator Paula Rosenthal will serve as EP with Kirk Van Wormer attached as co-EP.

Two short-form series Me & Mickey and Winnie the Pooh (working title) were also announced. While the former will feature Mickey Mouse in a vlog-inspired format, the latter is described as a musical series starring Winnie the Pooh and his friends.

Roundups #51: National Geographic Kids Africa To Launch By The End Of 2022 On National Geographic And Disney Channel, Afrikaans Voice Actors For eExtra's New Series Fenix, MultiChoice's Monopoly Reboot Could Be On The Cards

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National Geographic enter the playground

The Walt Disney Company, Wildlife Direct, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the U.S. Department of State have announced that production has commenced on the National Geographic Kids Africa educational entertainment series.

The 26-part television series will be shot primarily in East Africa with additional filming in West and Southern Africa.

Additionally, the series’ first group of presenters has been announced. Mysha Hodson (13), Marita Lucas (12), Shanah Manjeru (14), Railey Mwai (10), and Adarsh Nagda (12) will serve as the studio and Nairobi-based hosts for the show.

 

As mentioned last year, the series will air across Africa on both National Geographic Wild and Disney Channel, late in 2022, with engaging digital extensions on social media platforms that will allow viewers to further explore topics addressed in the series.

Who is who in eExtra's new series?

In 2 weeks, eExtra will be the releasing the Fenix, the Turkish adaptation of the French miniseries The Bonfire Of Destiny which follows the story of the 3 women who lives have changed amid a devastating fire which led to the deaths of several people.

 

Each cast member has an Afrikaans voice actor and they go as follows:

Hannah Borthwick as Cemre Kayabeyli
Karli Heine as Rüya Yildirimlar
Celeste Loots as Çiçek Görgülü
Marvin-Lee Beukes as Ömer
Terence Makapan as Ozan
Eben Bester as Kenan
Niël Tait as Ali
Daniel Snyman as Atlas
Electra Hartman as Tomris
Geon Nel as Bulent
Nicola Koen as Günes
Jacques Theron as Cemre's husband Çelebi.

MultiChoice's wings might be clipped

South Africa's broadcasting regulator is restarting its inquiry into South Africa's pay-TV industry and superficially the near-monopoly market dominance of MultiChoice, citing "ongoing developments in what is a rapidly changing market".

"Based on ongoing developments in what is a rapidly changing market, the consultation process in respect of the Inquiry into the Subscription Broadcasting Services Market must be extended into the current financial year," Icasa announced.

 

These over-the-top players like Netflix SA, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, VIU and others are making headway in signing up pay-TV subscribers in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa, with The Walt Disney Company Africa set to launch its streaming service Disney+ on 18 May in South Africa adding another one to the mix.

"Icasa is mindful that any regulation of the market and/or its market segments must be aimed at enhancing competitiveness in the market going forward."

"The rebooting of this process is meant to enableIcasa to take account of all relevant and current developments to inform a robust, forward-looking regulatory intervention that balances interests of consumers and stability of the broadcasting services market."

The Walt Disney Company Investing More Than 500 Series For Regional Content For Disney+, This Includes More Regional European Animation and Anime For The Animation Catalog

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Disney has previously revealed it has 500 shows in the pipeline outside of the U.S., but on Wednesday, the company broke down for the first time how those planned local-language programs are being dispersed throughout global regions.

According to Christine M. McCarthy, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer, 140 of those shows are in the works in the Asia/Pacific region, including Southeast Asia; 150 are in markets in Europe, West Asia and Africa; 100 are set up in India, and another 200 are being developed for Latin America audiences.

 

 

Elsewhere on the call, CEO Bob Chapek was pressed by analysts on another international topic: Disney’s lack of traction in recent months with getting its movies approved for release in China. Noting that the latest MCU release — “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” — reached nearly $500 million worldwide in its opening weekend without a berth in China, the world’s most populous country, Chapek said the box office split in China is not as generous for distributors as it is in other overseas markets.

 

‘It doesn’t really preclude our success, given the relatively lower take rate that we get in the box office in China compared to the rest of the world,” Chapek said.

Ahead of Disney’s quarterly earnings call on Wednesday, the company reported Disney+ gained 7.9 million customers in the first three months of 2022 to reach 137.7 million subscribers total. That new figure is up 33% year over year. The stat beat analysts expectations, as Wall Street had forecast Disney+ would net 5.2 million new subscribers for the quarter that ended on March 31, per FactSet.

Disney+ is currently available in 64 countries across North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific and Latin America. Disney+ Hotstar is offered by Disney in India.

 

Disney’s trio of streaming services reached 205.6 million globally (a quarterly net increase of 9.2 million, driven by Disney+). As of the end of the quarter, that included 45.6 million for Hulu (up 10% year over year) and 22.3 million for ESPN+ (up 62% year over year). Disney+ subs in the U.S./Canada region netted 1.5 million in the March 2022 quarter, to 44.4 million.

Also during the call, McCarthy said, while Disney had previously expected fiscal ’22 content spending to be as much as $33 billion, it now projects about $32 billion because of a “slightly slower cadence of spending than anticipated” during the first half of 2022.