Jordan Peele for Variety. He talks stepping into The Twilight Zone!
Jordan Peele isn't trying to be Rod Serling, but he might step into the legendary Twilight Zone narrator's role.
The Oscar-winning screenwriter serves as executive producer for the new CBS All Access revival of The Twilight Zone. But in an interview, Peele told Variety he's undecided about whether he'll deliver the show's narration, as Serling famously did.
Variety says Peele has "resisted but not ruled out" taking on the narrator role.
Serling, who died in 1975, was the creator of the original anthology series, which premiered in 1959. He also began and ended each show with his smartly delivered narration.
Serling's role aside, Peele says he has wondered if he should even take on the revival, due to his great respect for the original show. But after thinking about it, he decided the show's unusual and often allegorical plots were still necessary.
"The realization, for me, was that it was an opportunity to attempt to continue with Serling's mission," Peele told Variety about the revival. "If we approach it without ego and sort of bow to Serling, that will hopefully suffice for our fellow 'Twilight Zone' fans but also bring back a show that I think is needed right now. Because it's a show that has always helped us look at ourselves, hold a mirror up to society."
Peele has already won acclaim for doing just that, taking home the best screenwriting Oscar for his directorial debut, 2017's Get Out.
CBS says the new Twilight Zone will debut in early 2019.
#RHoA: Todd Tucker Graces The Cover Of ‘The Quintessential
This is their season! Todd Tucker and Kandi Burruss are a match made in heaven who just so happened to meet on set of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” He is the ultimate example of what any woman would want in a husband and we are seeing the TV producer in a whole new light for his cover story on The Quintessential Gentleman.
TQG is a men’s lifestyle publication for men of color. Todd is gracing the front page with a salt-and-pepper beard, canary yellow blazer, and stylish striped pants.
When asked what a quintessential gentleman was, Tucker explained: “My definition of a Quintessential Gentleman is a man that has confidence. A man that does what he says he’s going to do. A man that loves his family. A man that’s not afraid to be vulnerable, not afraid to show love, and not afraid to be all around human.”
The shoot was posted by a “RHOA” fan page where followers went crazy over the stunning photo.
This year Todd is being highlighted as a man who is making emotional and physical strides toward building a foundation that will strengthen the modern day family.
The Quintessential Gentleman is available for pre-order.
#Empire: Lee Daniels' life explored on 'Breaking Big'
The intriguing PBS series “Breaking Big,” airing Friday at 8:30 p.m., traces the life and career path filmmaker and TV mogul Lee Daniels, from his beginnings on the streets of West Philadelphia, to his Academy Award nominated career in Hollywood.
According to the network, the half-hour program explores what compelled Daniels to conquer both the independent and mainstream sides of Hollywood by directing and producing “critical darlings” like “The Butler” and massive TV hits like “Empire.”
“I came to Hollywood. I got off the bus, and I was homeless. And then, AIDS hit! My lovers were dying around me ... as a director, I use those experiences,” Daniels states in the teaser for the show. “I speak for that face that you don’t see.”
Hosted by Carlos Watson, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-founder and CEO of OZY.com, “Breaking Big” explores the twists and turns on the road to thriving careers for some notable figures in various fields, including influential artists, innovators, political leaders, athletes, authors and entrepreneurs.
“PBS is known as the home for compelling stories that engage and inspire,” Marie Nelson, vice president of news and independent films for PBS, said in a statement. “We know audiences will love ‘Breaking Big,’ a series that offers a compelling look at the many roads to success, pulling back the curtain on the public figures and entertainers we admire to reveal our shared humanity.”
“The paths leading up to a game-changing career are varied and rarely without setbacks and lucky breaks,” said Watson. “The series will explore the various roads to and definitions of success, examine the qualities of people who have achieved mastery in their field and, we hope, serve as inspiration to the next generation hoping to “break big.”
#NewMusic from Miguel – ‘Vote’
Miguel contributes the feel-good anthem “Vote” for the soundtrack to the romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. Mark Ronson and Hudson Mohawke helm the funky production, while Miguel brings the sunny melodies and tequila.
“For the moments we remember and the people that we treasure,” Miguel sings on the celebratory track. “We can keep it all together / Vote for a good time.”
LISTEN HERE
Miguel will bring the good times to a city near you when he hits the road on “The Ascension Tour,” starting Aug. 23 in Boston.
#HipHopNews: There were Shots Reportedly Fired During Tekashi 6ix9ine & 50 Cent Video Shoot
BROOKLYN, NY – Tekashi 6ix9ine and 50 Cent were filming a music video in Brooklyn on Tuesday night (August 14) when a gunman reportedly open fired.
According to the New York Daily News, 6ix9ine and 50 were shooting the video near the Greenpoint waterfront when the incident occurred.
TMZ reports the suspect was driving a white Porsche with New Jersey license plates and fired at least 11 shots. Based on the shell casings collected at the scene, the gun is believed to be a 9 mm semi-automatic.
6ix9ine, 50, Casanova and Uncle Murda were all on the set at the time of the shooting. Nobody was hit.
Police are reportedly reviewing the surveillance video but as of publication time, authorities don’t have any suspects in custody.
While sources close to 6ix9ine reportedly said they don’t believe he was targeted, police have their suspicions. The controversial rapper was allegedly kidnapped and robbed last month, something he referred to as an “inside job.”
The 22-year-old also has a history of engaging in online beef. More recently, he got into it with Compton-bred rapper YG and told him to “suck my fucking dick, stupid.”
Halle Berry Uses Trap Beckham's “Birthday Bitch” To Usher In The Big 52
Academy-Award winning actress and Halle Berry turned 52 years old yesterday (August 14).
To celebrate, she got into a light-hearted birthday cake fight with her friends, stylist Lindsey Flores and Tonal Magazine founder Zarna Surti, set to Trap Beckham’s hit-single “Birthday Bitch.”
“Only Halle Berry could get me into a cake fight,” Surti wrote in an Instagram caption. “Happy birthday to a genuinely amazing woman, entrepreneur, and friend.”
Berry is far from the first celebrity to make “Birthday Bitch” their born-day anthem. Stars such as LeBron James, Kylie Jenner, actress/singer Zendaya, and SNL’s Leslie Jones have also been seen dancing to the track.
Berry won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2002 for her performance in the film Monster’s Ball. To date, she is still the only black woman to win the award. Next up for her is the third installment of the John Wick series alongside Keanu Reeves, currently set for 2019.
Books Christian Academy Bans 6-Year-Old With Dreadlocks!
Books Christian Academy in Apopka, Florida denied admission to a 6-year-old first grader because he has dreadlocks claiming his hair violated their standards.
Clinton Stanley Sr. was completely taken aback when he accompanied his son on the first day of school and was turned away for the child’s hair.
Clinton Jr., who was in uniform and ready to learn, looked totally confused and disappointed in the video posted on social media.
The frustrated father is heard saying, “Our son just got told he could not attend the school with his hair. If that’s not biased, I don’t know what is.”
“I respect their rules, but it’s not right,” Stanley told the paper. “Allow kids to come as they are. You are a Christian school. In the Bible it says, come as you are. You deny a kid an education on his hair?”
The school’s director, John Book, denied all claims of racism and bias. He told WESH2 News since it’s a private school they have a right to set their own standards.
You can see my school, it’s probably 95 percent black.
Obviously, I am not a racist. But we try to uphold certain Biblical standards and certain degrees of order that enable us to maintain a school.
According to the school’s parent/student handbook, boy’s hair must be “tapered cut, off the collar and ears. There are to be no dreads, Mohawks, designs, unnatural color, or unnatural designs. No combs or net caps.“
WATCH HERE
A Books Christian Academy’s Facebook page is in shambles right now.
The good news is Clinton Jr. is now enrolled in another school.
Priyanka Chopra Flaunts Reported Engagement Ring From Nick Jonas
Did Priyanka Chopra just debut her engagement ring from Nick Jonas? If these images are any indication, the Quantico actress may have casually confirmed her engagement to the "Anywhere" crooner.
In a handful of pictures posted to actress Raveena Tandon's Instagram page Tuesday (August 14), Chopra is seen wrapping her left arm around her friend's neck, bearing what resembles to be the well-hidden sparkler on THAT finger.
It's the first time the 36-year-old star has put her rock from Jonas on full display since the twosome were caught sporting matching gold wedding bands during their globe-trotting excursions in early July.
See the bling below:
Casual statements like these must be something the pair share in common.
Last week, it was reported the 25-year-old musician had also (quietly) affirmed his engagement when he modestly accepted a fan's well-wishes with no more than a simple "Thank you." (It's the simple gestures that count, right?)
Jopra's love story began only two months into their summer romance when they made things Instagram official in May. Reports of their surprise engagement didn't appear until late June, though it's believed Jonas popped the question to Chopra in London on her 36th birthday (July 18).
Tami Roman Abruptly Leaves Basketball Wives Reunion, Apologizes to Evelyn Lozada
According to theJasmineBRAND Tami Roman Abruptly Leaves Basketball Wives Reunion, Apologizes to Evelyn Lozada
new details have surfaced surrounding the recent taping of the ‘Basketball Wives’ reunion.
In addition to one cast member – Jennifer Williams– not showing up for the taping, sources tell us that Tami Roman threw up the deuces while the cameras were rolling. We’re told that the reality star abruptly left during the show.
Sources say that she apologized to cast mate Evelyn Lozada and Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson for the domestic violence controversy, then left.
“She told Evelyn that she was sorry, thanked everyone for a great season, then walked off the stage.”
If you watched this season, then you’re well aware that one of the story lines involved Tami stating that Evelyn wasn’t 100% truthful about her domestic violence situation with now ex husband Ochocinco.
No word on whether or not Evelyn accepted her apology. Sources tell us that producers were stunned that she actually left.
“They were upset and totally blind-sided, but that’s the nature of these shows.”
We’re also told that because of the incident, Tami’s spin-off is in jeopardy. Last month, we broke the story about the Mona Scott-Young executive produced project had been green lit, with plans to film this summer.
Cardi B Will Open the MTV VMAs 2018!
Cardi B is bringing the party to MTV!
The 25-year-old “Bodak Yellow” rapper will perform for the first time since giving birth to baby Kulture in July on Monday night (August 20) in New York City.
MTV made the exciting announcement on their VMAs Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon (August 15).
Are you excited to see Cardi return to the stage?
Disney’s First Black Princess Gets A Makeover… The Internet Is Not Here For The New Princess Tiana
Disney introduced their first black Princess to the world in 2009, a beautiful, melanin-filled, Louisiana girl named Tiana. At the time, ”Princess And The Frog” achieved major success. However, we haven’t seen much of Tiana since.
That is, until now…and she doesn’t look quite like we remembered.
The trailer for “Wreck It Ralph 2” was released earlier this week, leaving a lot of fans and critics confused. Who are these girls? All of Disney’s beloved Princesses came together with Princess Vanellope in the film, which made for an exciting yet disappointing trailer.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
According to The Root, Pocahontas, Mulan, and Princess Tiana all have had major makeovers to fit the typical Pixar animation style. They all have lighter skin and more slender facial features. However, Tiana’s changes are a little more noticeable. Not only did they also thin out her lips but she doesn’t even have the same grade of natural hair. Sis went from 4c to 3c!
Many have taken to social media to express their concern and to ask if this is colorist or just the way #CGI characters all look. Pixar has very distinct facial features for their human characters, but they almost always have euro origins. Are the minority Princesses simply taking on the same “Pixar look” across the board or is Disney making an effort to colorize its characters?
On Twitter, reactions are mixed. Many people believe this accusation is a reach and the changes are based on elements such as lighting, facial expressions, and standard editing. Others believe there is an agenda behind the changes and demand answers from Disney and Pixar. What do you think?
The #RHOP Begin Filming Season 4!
Now that the third season of The Real Housewives of Potomac is drawing to a close, viewers are dying to know when the ladies will be back, and we’re happy to report that the cast and crew have already begun filming season 4!
This news is a bit surprising considering the full season 3 reunion has yet to air, however it seems that Bravo wants to capitalize on what is arguably the best season of the show yet.
As for who’s returning, Gizelle Bryant and Candiace Dillard are both confirmed as they were spotted filming a scene together this past week at The Libra Lounge, a popular Potomac eatery.
No word on what the ladies were discussing over their meal, but the fan watching the drama certainly looks intrigued!
Also returning are Robyn Dixon, Karen Huger, and Monique Samuels as the ladies were spotted filming a scene last week by a Reddit user who happens to be a fan of the show!
RHOP cast members Karen, Robyn, Candiace and Monique pictured filming season 4
Since Ashley was in attendance at Candiace’s wedding, it’s safe to say she will be on the show as well.
So there you have it. From what we know so far, all of the ladies from the current season are returning next year. Makes sense for Bravo not to fix something that’s not broken! No word yet on whether the network will be adding any new cast members.
We know you can’t wait to see what kind of tea the ladies are brewing for next season, but first, don’t miss the conclusion of the two part reunion next Sunday at 8/7c,
Laverne Cox Opens Up About Suicidal Thoughts, Why She No Longer Tweets About Trans Murders
"Being misgendered and deadnamed in my death felt like it would be the ultimate insult to the psychological and emotional injuries I was experiencing daily," the actress shared Monday in a Twitter post.
Laverne Cox opened up about her past suicidal thoughts and her choice to no longer tweet about trans murders in a tweet on Monday.
"Many years ago when I was contemplating suicide, I was planning to have a note in my pocket at the time of my death and several other notes in my home which would state my name, preferred gender pronouns and that I should be referred to as a woman in my death," the actress wrote.
The post continued: "Being misgendered and deadnamed in my death felt like it would be the ultimate insult to the psychological and emotional injuries I was experiencing daily as a black trans woman in New York City, the injuries that made me want to take my own life." Deadnaming is when people are referred to as their birth name as opposed to their name of choice.
Cox then noted that she hasn't addressed the murders of trans individuals on her social media accounts as much as she used to. "I don't as much now because its retraumatizing for me to constantly live in this space of death, murder and the injustices that lead to these deaths," she explained.
The actress referenced a report from ProPublica that recounted the murders of three transgender women in Jacksonville, Florida. "As I read this report from ProPublica I sobbed and wept for all the trans people who have been murdered and those experiencing direct, cultural and structural violence," Cox wrote. "I wept because I haven't been allowing myself to. I wept for all the violence I have experience in my own life.
"I am angered, saddened and enraged that the police in Jacksonville, Florida and other jurisdictions don't have policies in place to respect the gender identities of trans folks when they have been MURDERED," she continued. "The misgendering and deadnaming also impedes the investigations into these murders. Injustice on top of injustice!"
Cox concluded the post by explaining that the misgendering of transgender individuals is an act of cultural and structural violence: "The police misgendering and deadnaming trans murder victims as a matter of policy feels like a really good example of that cultural and structural violence."
White House Falsely Says Trump Beat Obama on Black Employment
Falsely claims that Obama created only 195,000 jobs for blacks. African-American employment grew by 3 million under Obama
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders falsely claimed that President Donald Trump has created three times as many jobs for black workers as his predecessor Barack Obama did during his entire time in office.
Sanders asserted at a White House press briefing Tuesday that Trump had tripled Obama’s eight-year job creation record in just 18 months, quoting numbers that are not even close to accurate.
“This president since he took office, in the year and a half that he’s been here has created 700,000 new jobs for African-Americans,” Sanders told reporters Tuesday. “That’s 700,000 African-Americans that are working now that weren’t working when this president took place. When President Obama left, after eight years in office, he had only created 195,000 jobs for African-Americans.”
The claim isn’t true, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Sanders backtracked hours later in a tweet. While the U.S. economy has added about 700,000 jobs held by black workers since Trump took office, it added about 3 million while Obama was in office, according to BLS data.
There were 15.5 million black workers with jobs when Obama took office in January 2009, as the country struggled to emerge from one of the worst economic recessions in decades. By the time Obama left office, 18.4 million black people had jobs. Trump inherited an economy on the upswing, and the rate of job growth has not changed significantly during his administration.
Two hours after Sanders made the claim, the White House Council of Economic Advisers posted in a tweet its “apologies” for a “miscommunication to” Sanders.
Sanders herself acknowledged the mistake in a tweet on Tuesday night, saying the numbers were right "but the time frame for Pres. Obama wasn’t."
She added: "I’m sorry for the mistake, but no apologies for the 700,000 jobs for African Americans created under President Trump."
Her statement invoking Obama came in response to a question about whether Trump had ever used a racial slur to describe black Americans.
The Trump administration has been beset by accusations of racism in recent weeks, after former White House aide Omarosa Manigault-Newman said she had heard a tape of Trump using the n-word. Manigault-Newman, who is the highest ranking black person to have served in the Trump West Wing, released a book Tuesday titled “Unhinged: An Insider’s Account of the Trump White House.”
Sanders said Manigault-Newman has no credibility and called her claims outrageous. She went on to disseminate the false statistics about the first black president’s job-creation record.
Teamsters Local 399 “Ready To Fight” For A New Film And TV Contract
Hollywood’s Teamsters Local 399 says it’s “ready to fight” for a new film and TV contract, negotiations for which have been delayed because it took IATSE longer than expected to arrive at terms for its own new film and TV pact. The Teamsters and the Basic Crafts unions, which will jointly negotiate an agreement with management’s AMPTP, have agreed to extend the expiration date of their current contract until October 15.
“We have extended the contract to ensure labor peace until we’ve had a chance to bargain and let the members decide if they approve or not,” Steve Dayan, Local 399’s secretary-treasurer, told Deadline. The current pact had been set to expire on July 31, and if a new deal is reached, the terms will be retroactive to that date.
“Like us, all of the Basic Crafts unions unanimously voted to extend their agreements to October 15 since our successor contracts could not be completed by July 31, 2018, and we wanted sufficient time to properly negotiate our agreements before sending it out for a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote,” Dayan told his members on the local’s website. “At this point we have not even begun to negotiate so we do not have any information as to what the actual new provisions will be until negotiations conclude.”
In the run-up to bargaining, Local 399 surveyed its members about what they’d most like to see accomplished in the upcoming contract talks. Dayan thanked his members for their input, noting that the local’s Driver and Coordinator Steering Committees have been meeting over the past several months “to ensure that we are well prepared embarking on these negotiations.”
If so-called “pattern bargaining” holds, however, management will expect the Teamsters and Basic Crafts to accept a deal similar to the one IATSE recently agreed to. That deal, which IATSE president Matt Loeb has called a “huge victory,” includes what he says will be an additional $153 million in employer contributions to the union’s health plan, and a new funding mechanism for theatrical-length streaming content that will result in “additional monies for our pension plan.” IATSE, Teamsters Local 399 and the Basic Crafts all share the same pension and health plan. Of the IATSE’s 13 West Coast studio locals, only the Editors Guild has come out recommending rejection of the deal.
“We are ready to fight for the membership!” Dayan said on the website, telling his members, “Your voices have been heard loud and clear.”
The Basic Crafts unions include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 40, Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 78, Studio Utility Employees Local 724, and Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 755.
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘BLUE HUE’
Hey Mickey Blue Eyes. You’re no Hugh Grant.
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