Impactful Moments From TheWraps Power Women Summit
On Tuesday, December 5, at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, TheWrap's Power Women Summit united prominent women in entertainment and media for a day of thought-provoking, inspirational conversation. We discuss it here!
Photo Credit: Shuttershock
On Tuesday, December 5, at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, TheWrap's Power Women Summit united prominent women in entertainment and media for a day of thought-provoking, inspirational conversation. The fifth annual Power Women Summit embraced the theme of "Resilience," with keynote speakers exploring this concept in their lives and work. Notable figures such as Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix, actress Danielle Brooks from Color Purple, director Ava DuVernay from Origin, and musician Saweetie graced the stage.
The day unfolded with an atmosphere of positivity and resilience, offering attendees valuable insights from various panels. Among them, three panels stood out the most.
Danielle Brooks shares her experience on Broadway with the audience at TheWrap’s Power Summit 2023 in Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Shuttershock
In the Actress Spotlight panel, Andi Ortiz engaged in a candid conversation with actress Danielle Brooks. Danielle shared her journey to fame with transparency, revealing how it demanded over 15 years of resilience. She reflected on the challenges faced post-graduation and numerous auditions, where rejections seemed endless. Despite moments of wanting to give up, her perseverance led her from The Color Purple on Broadway to The Color Purple on the big screen.
“At the end, of the day I had to surrender to what was going to be for me. I had to trust that if God has promised me something I do not have to rush the fulfillment of that promise.”
Candace Parker and Allyson Felix talk motherhood and sports speaks to the audience at TheWrap’s Power Summit 2023 in Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Shuttershock
Shifting the focus to women in sports, 3x WNBA champion Candace Parker and 7x Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix discussed the delicate balance of home and athletic life. Addressing the prevalent misconception that being a mother and an athlete is incompatible, both women shattered this stereotype. Candice emphasized the power of being unapologetic and saying 'no' during her experience as a mom and basketball player, highlighting how it enabled her to create balance.
“I remember being more afraid of telling people and telling my partner than raising my child and what you should be focused on. Now having other mothers that have been athletes that have gone through similar experiences, we’re making it better for our daughter.”
Ava DuVernay discusses upcoming film ‘Orgin’ with the audience at TheWrap’s Power Summit 2023 in Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Shuttershock
In the Filmmaker Spotlight, Sharon Waxman, CEO of The Wrap, engaged in a compelling conversation with the NAACP Image Award-winning writer and producer, Ava DuVernay. They delved into Ava's latest film, Origin, which explores themes of race and equality. Ava shared insights into the resilience required to bring the film from concept to the big screen, overcoming skepticism about adapting Isabel Wilkerson's book Caste. Undeterred, Ava embraced the challenge, from securing film financing from a philanthropist to shooting in three countries in just seven days, demonstrating her unwavering determination to bring this idea to life. Origin is scheduled to premiere exclusively in LA and NY starting December 8th, before its worldwide theatrical release on January 19th, 2024.
“The idea of that kind of excited me. To do something that everyone said I couldn’t do.”
Saweetie talks about resilience and giving back to the community at TheWrap’s Power Summit 2023 in Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Shuttershock
Ending the evening on a high note, Saweetie, the Icy Girl herself, shared her journey from a USC student to a content queen and platinum-selling rapper with her college professor. Despite facing numerous trials, her resilience propelled her to success. Beyond the music scene, Saweetie's true passion lies in philanthropy, evident through the Icy Baby Foundation, a non-profit she co-founded with her grandmother. This foundation is dedicated to providing financial literacy education to children in underserved communities. Inspired by her grandmother's altruism, Saweetie continues to make a positive impact on society through her commitment to giving back.
“If it was taught as much as it should be financial literacy would feel like second nature and not like a chore.”
TheWrap's Power Women Summit not only celebrated the accomplishments of resilient women but also provided a platform for valuable discussions and insights. As we reflect on the day's powerful narratives and inspiring moments, it's clear that resilience is a force that transcends boundaries and propels women forward in their diverse fields, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of entertainment and media.
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Dave Chappelle to Air New Netflix Special Two Years After 'The Closer'
Dave Chappelle, renowned for his comedic genius, reveals a highly anticipated New Year's Eve stand-up comedy special on Netflix, marking his seventh exclusive release, amidst anticipation and acclaim. We discuss it here!
Dave Chappelle preforming a comedy set. (Evan Agostini, Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
By: Joshua Martin
One of the most brilliant comedic minds of this generation, Dave Chappelle, will release a brand new stand up comedy special on New Year’s Eve to continue a string of a strong run of specials for the streaming service. The news was announced on “X”, formerly known as Twitter, with the streaming giant’s official “Netflix Is A Joke” account posting a short teaser clip with the caption: “Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special will launch globally on Netflix, December 31st.”
Dave Chappelle's latest comedy special will launch globally on Netflix, December 31st pic.twitter.com/zucnnpKPVV
— Netflix Is A Joke (@NetflixIsAJoke) December 6, 2023
The teaser video shows his iconic “C” logo lit up with neon lighting, with Dave Chappelle’s voice thanking a roaring crowd in the background. The video is capped off with famed actor Morgan Freeman stating proudly, “He’s back, folks!” The phrase “Dave Is Back” appears followed by the release date.
Dave Chappelle preforming a set on Netflix. (MATHIEU BITTON/NETFLIX)
Though untitled, this latest special will be Dave’s seventh with Netflix. A successful run that began in 2017 when he released four specials that year. The Age of Spin, Deep in the Heart of Texas, Equanimity and The Bird Revelation were then followed by Sticks and Stones in 2019 and The Closer in 2021. The latter special gained Chappelle a Grammy for Best Comedy Album earlier this year.
The Closer also landed the hot-button funny man in a bit of a controversy with members of the LGBTQ+ community and the many claiming that the comedian's jokes were transphobic. Netflix continued to stand behind Dave claiming that the special was never meant to cause harm.
“With ‘The Closer,’ we understand that the concern is not about offensive-to-some content but titles which could increase real world harm. Last year, we heard similar concerns about 365 Days and violence against women. While some employees disagree, we have a strong belief that content on screen doesn’t directly translate to real-world harm.”
It remains to be seen when and where the special was shot. Dave has most recently been touring the country as a part of this fall’s Dave Chappelle Live comedy tour.
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Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan set for 'I Am Legend' sequel
Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan set to star in I Am Legend 2, a sequel promising a new take on the original's alternate ending and a storyline set decades after the 2007 blockbuster. We discuss it here!
Will Smith and Michael Jordan set to star in I Am Legend 2. (Faye’s Vision/Cover Images & Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
By: Joshua Martin
According to reports, Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan is set to star in I Am Legend 2 the official sequel to the hit film I Am Legend that grossed over $585 million dollars at the box office in 2007.
It hasn’t been officially announced what role the Creed and Black Panther star Jordan will portray in the film but it has been confirmed he will sit in the producer’s chair.
If you can recall, Smith played the role of Dr. Robert Neville: a post-apocalyptic survivor that hadn’t turned into seemingly mindless vampiric mutants known as “Darkseekers”. However, Neville dies at the end of the film’s original theatrical cut. Initially the Academy Award winning actor had no interest in a sequel, but changed his mind after becoming aware of Michael’s vision.
“The idea came up. I can’t talk about it yet. But it’s a really, really cool concept, and he was a part of creating the idea. So it was one of those ones I was gonna leave alone, and then I heard the idea. I was like, ‘That might work. I think we can do that.”
Will Smith acting in blockbuster hit I Am Legend in 2007.
The 55-year-old mega star was also kind enough to share an update on the Jordan-assisted film at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia last year.
“The script just came in… I’m probably giving away too much information. You have to be a real ‘I Am Legend’ buff, but in the first one, in the theatrical version, my character died. But for the DVD, there was an alternate version of the ending of the movie where my character lived.”
Despite having interest in creating the film for some time, Warner Bros. hadn’t officially confirmed the production of the film until March of this year. Producer and writer of the film Akiva Goldsman, teased the synopsis of the film a month prior in an interview saying the sequel would take place “decades” after the 2007 movie. Goldsman also shared that the sequel would stick to the original novel where there is an alternate ending.
In an alternate ending made for DVD, Neville makes a peace offering with the Darkseekers by turning over a female mutant that he used as an experiment, realizing he had become a monster to them. Afterwards he leaves New York with Anna and Ethan in search of other survivors instead of dying. However, the novel ends with Dr. Neville accepting that the Darkseekers have created their own society and humanity is extinct.
Here you can watch the DVD alternate ending for the original film below.
I Am Legend (10/10) Movie CLIP - Alternate Ending (2007) HD
I Am Legend 2 has yet to receive an official trailer or release date.
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T.I. Makes His Directorial Debut With New Film Da 'Partments
The idea for the movie Da ‘Partments originated from TI and DC Young Fly, and after facing numerous rejections from other corporations, they decided to take matters into their own hands. We discuss it here!
By: Camille Shanklin
Da 'Partments, a collaboration between Da 'Partments and Grand Hustle Films, provides a vivid portrayal of the gritty and authentic westside of Atlanta, inspired by the upbringing of rapper TI. The idea for the movie originated from TI and DC Young Fly, and after facing numerous rejections from other corporations, they decided to take matters into their own hands.
Cast and crew live on the set of Da’ Partments in Atlanta.
Photo Credit: IMDB
The film features heavyweight talents such as Lil Duval, who also serves as the executive producer, DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and voiceover narration by the writer and director, TI. Categorized as "Hood Humor," the film promises to showcase the raw realities of living in the hood and will be available for streaming on Tubi, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience.
In a MoreThanCULTR podcast interview, TI expressed his desire to create something entirely authentic.
“ I want to do some shit that’s completely us. I don’t want to ask no mutha fucking white folks for permission to tell our story, to speak to our people.”
This collaboration with Swirl Films aims to break barriers in independent cinema, redefining urban film production.
T.I., Lil Duval, and crew on the set of Da’ Partments in Atlanta.
Photo Credit: IMDB
TI's involvement in opening an affordable housing apartment complex in Atlanta aligns seamlessly with the themes of the film. Drawing comparisons to his hit movie ATL, TI hopes for similar success with Da 'Partments.
Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic comedy experience that takes you to the heart of the westside of Atlanta, providing insight into the everyday lives of the community. The film is set to debut on Tubi although the release date is still pending.
Da ‘Partments (2023) Official Extended Trailer
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Five Years Later: Remembering Queen and Slim
Five years have passed since Lena Waithe's highly anticipated movie, Queen & Slim, was released. We celebrate it here!
By: Deion Higgins
Five years have passed since Lena Waithe's highly anticipated movie, Queen & Slim, was released. Eager to support a black film, I anticipated a narrative of black survival, prepared for my emotions to be stirred. Cinematically, Queen and Slim stands out as one of the best black films I've seen in years. The soft tone and the beautiful, dark, rich skin were everything you'd want in a black-led film, featuring protagonists with dark skin. I watched as Queen and Slim embarked on their first date, engaged in cute banter at a black-owned dinner, discussing John Coltrane's In a Sentimental Mood in the car, and having passionate arguments over the phone. The interaction with the police, as hinted in the trailer, set the stage for what we expected, but it was the unexpected turn that shifted this movie from beautiful to turmoil.
The actions taken by Queen and Slim after they killed a racist cop, responsible for the deaths of two other black people that year, were questionable and, even for a movie, unrealistic. What we thought would be a beautiful rom-com gone wrong turned into a complete mess. Nevertheless, the film leaves a lasting imprint on the minds of BIPOC movie lovers. The way Queen and Slim loved each other through the trauma was powerful. Lines like "I'm never letting your hand go" or "If I could kiss all of your scars to let you know that you are loved I would" added depth. Did it have to be another trauma movie? I would have preferred a black version of The Vow if anything.
In all honesty, I found the movie amazing; however, I remain an emotional mess. While I understand these are fictional characters, the ending felt like reliving a George Floyd video. My stomach formed knots, and my body mourned as if someone I knew had died. Movies are for escaping reality, and even in this case, we don't need an exact replica of reality. We wanted Slim (Daniel Kaluuya) and Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) to make it, to witness the impossible happen. Unfortunately, we didn't get that.
Why couldn't they hold on to their lives? Did we need to see the bullets enter their bodies? Is there a better way to employ our death, or just not have us die altogether? Are we not worthy of life in our own fictional stories? Today, five years later, we remember what could have been. To Queen and Slim.
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Sheryl Lee Ralph: First Black Mrs. Claus on Macy's Parade Float
Sheryl Lee Ralph made history as the first Black Mrs. Claus at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, bringing a touch of tradition and inclusion to the iconic event. We discuss it here!
Sheryl Lee Ralph poses at Mrs. Claus at the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade.
By: Joshua Martin
As the Emmy Award-winning Abbott Elementary star, Sheryl Lee Ralph, made history as the first Black celebrity Mrs. Claus to appear on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s Final float. The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is an iconic staple of American tradition and is one of the largest celebrated parades in the US. I personally enjoy seeing the many floats and balloons depicting some of our favorite cartoon characters, while enjoying the numerous musical performances every year. During the 97th edition of the event, we were able to witness a bit of history.
One of the original broadway Dreamgirls, Ralph, who is also known for her role as Dee Mitchell in the hit 90s sitcom Moesha, first teased her appearance on the popular social media site “X” (formally known as twitter).
Ralph surprised many adoring fans as she made her special appearance donning a festive green coat, portraying the popular Mrs. Claus character. Her admirers were quick to take to social media to show their adulation.
Now I want a Christmas movie centered around Mrs. Clause starring Sheryl Lee Ralph. 👀 https://t.co/1xcWWKesKE
— chris evans (@notcapnamerica) November 24, 2023
i saw sheryl lee ralph and i screamed! pic.twitter.com/8sn9lr940G
— lizzie milanovich (@lizovich) November 23, 2023
“I am so honored to have been asked by Macy’s to be their first celebrity Mrs. Claus for this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! It’s such a festive and enjoyable role, bringing warmth and joy to the start of the holiday season. I get to spread love and embody the spirit of giving. The perfect role for me!”
The Waterbury native, who is also married to Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes, won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series in 2022 for her portrayal of Philadelphia public school teacher Barbara Howard in Abbot Elementary. She also won the Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for the role in 2023.
Her appearance was a much needed appearance for the annual event. They couldn’t have chosen a more beautiful individual inside and out to encapsulate the iconic character.
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Jaleel White Set To Return As ‘Steve Urkel’ in New Holiday Animated Film
Jaleel White, most notably known for his iconic role in the critically acclaimed sitcom Family Matters, has officially reprised his role as the brilliant but accident-prone super genius in an upcoming animated film, Urkel Saves Santa: the Movie. We discuss it here!
By: Joshua Martin
If you missed hearing, 'Did I do That?' you're in luck! Steve Urkel is back and just in time for the holidays. Jaleel White, most notably known for his iconic role in the critically acclaimed sitcom Family Matters, has officially reprised his role as the brilliant but accident-prone super genius in an upcoming animated film, Urkel Saves Santa: the Movie.
American actor Jaleel White, who stars as Steve Urkel in the television series 'Family Matters', circa 1990.
Photo Credit: International/Archive Photos/Getty Images
After ruining a Christmas celebration where he embarrasses the department store Santa at the local shopping mall, Urkel decides to create a device that helps people spread the holiday spirit. Hoping to make things right, in typical Urkel fashion, things inevitably go horribly wrong. Using his big brain and an even bigger heart, it's up to Steve to help the city rediscover its holiday spirit.
Urkel Saves Santa: The Movie | Official Trailer
“I’m showing everybody I got what it takes; It’s not the holiday spirit without making mistakes,” sings Urkel in the two-minute trailer, while also reciting his signature tagline, “Did I do that?”
Along with White, the film also stars the voices of Nicole Byer, Roy Wood Jr., and Kym Whitley, with comedian and writer Wyatt Cenac credited with writing the screenplay. The Urkel Saves Santa film was one of six from Warner Bros. set to premiere on HBO MAX but was briefly shelved when the streamer transitioned to MAX. The film is currently streaming on demand.
Family Matters Family Pic [Image: UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 21: FAMILY MATTERS - gallery - Season Two - 9/21/90, Pictured, from top left: Bryton McClure (Richie), Telma Hopkins (Rachel), Rosetta LeNoire (Estelle), Reginald VelJohnson (Carl), Jo Marie Payton (Harriette), Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura); bottom: Darius McCrary (Eddie), Jaimee Foxworth (Judy)
Photo Credit: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
White isn’t the only Family Matters cast member bringing some cheer to the holiday season. Kellie Shanygne Williams and JoMarie Payton reunited for A Family Matters Christmas, but the film has nothing to do with the 90s sitcom Family Matters. The movie, however, focuses on three siblings in a newly blended family who get to experience life in each other’s shoes.
“Working with JoMarie again is such a pleasure, and I could not wait to rekindle the spark and warmth that millions have come to love.”
Shanygne Williams A Family Matters Christmas is also now available on demand. Be sure to check it out with your family this holiday season."
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Highlights from ComplexCon 2023
For its seventh annual festival and marketplace, ComplexCon, a dynamic two-day convergence of pop culture, music, art, food, sports, innovation, activism, and education, returned to Long Beach on November 18 and 19. We discuss it here!
Photo Credit: Complex
For its seventh annual festival and marketplace, ComplexCon, a dynamic two-day convergence of pop culture, music, art, food, sports, innovation, activism, and education, returned to Long Beach on November 18 and 19. Enthusiasts poured onto the show floor to explore over 30 restaurants and 150 brands offering new releases and exclusive merchandise, including the rebirth of Kanye West's original brand, Pastelle, Netflix, WJW Golf, B.B. Simon, Crocs, Homme Femme, MEA Culpa, The Auracles, eBay, LG, and more. Everyone brought their appetites, and for good reason! The food vendors in the First We Feast Lagoon were heavy hitters, featuring All Flavor No Grease, The Boiling Crab, Trill Burgers & Tenders, Chicken & Mambo Sauce, Evil Cooks, EL AF Tacos, and more to fulfill every munchie.
On Saturday, November 18, ComplexCon's musical lineup debuted with Field Trip Recordings featuring Zack Bia & Friends, wowing audiences with standout performances and DJ sets all day. While there were over 100 different booths to visit, here are our highlighted favorite moments and activations from the weekend.
Day 1 Highlights:
If you're a hype beast, ComplexCon is a must-attend. Lewis Hamilton and Takashi Murakami displayed their limited edition drop for +44 titled “The Vegas Trip,” inspired by F1’s 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix. (Insert actual pics here)
Accessories took the spotlight as B.B. Simon unveiled the world's most expensive belt at $900,000, laced with 119 GIA-certified VS1 F color diamonds and crafted in 14k white gold by Avianne & Co.
Kalan. Frfr hosted meet and greets, unveiling the limited edition Two.Fr Racing merch, with 247Live Culture grabbing the exclusive workman shirt. Stay tuned to see how we style it.
Guests attended a live recording of 360 with Speedy and special guest Funny Marco, discussing Marco’s rise to fame and the importance of measuring success by the right standards, not just social media.
Chris Brown and his son appeared at the Auracles booth to celebrate the release of the Nami slide in two new colors, LAVA (Orange) and Neptune (Blue) exclusively at ComplexCon.
Day 2 Highlights:
B.B. Simon celebrated 35 years of business and 50 years of hip-hop, hosting a meet and greet with The Diplomats, and announcing the launch of their collaborative capsule collection.
Fans flocked to the Grand Ball Room for the highly anticipated Sneaker of the Year panel hosted by Joe La Puma, accompanied by Lil Yachty, DJ Clark Kent, Kristen Noel Crawley, and Jim Jones. After an intense debate, the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 was formally crowned #1.
Jae Tips premiered his Grid Shadow 2 “What’s the Occasion?” collaboration with Saucony Grid, with the potential to be the sneaker of the year for next year's festival.
The moment that everyone was waiting for was the performances on the CATUS BUDDY Stage. Luh Tyler got the show started and performed some of his fan favorites like First Show, Back Flippin, and Law and Order.
Next up was LA’s own Kalan.Frfr. The crowd went wild as he performed some of his classics like Scorin, Never Lose You, Get Right Wit It, No Stopping, and his latest single featuring Tyga, Butterfly Coupe. Putting on for the city of LA he also brought out Blxst and 03Greedo to add that hometown touch.
Kid Cudi shuts down the stage at ComplexCon on Sunday in Long Beach.
Photo Credit: Complex
In advance of his upcoming album INSANO, Kid Cudi performed live in Long Beach, giving fans a sneak peek at new tracks, including the unheard song Superboy. For the duration of the performance, Cudi alternated between playing hits from the early era, such as GHOST!, and brand-new tracks, like the SoundCloud-only and BNYX-produced "MOST AIN'T DENNIS."
Sunday brought several celebrities seen hanging out and enjoying the vibes with the collective. Big names like Chief Keef, Iman Shumpert, the Clermont Twins, Jodie Woods, Nick Young, T.I., King Harris, Don Toliver, and more made this a weekend to remember! Be sure to check it out next year; you won't regret it!
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Michael B. Jordan Takes Director's Chair for 'Creed IV'
Irwin Winkler, producer of Creed, has confirmed the development of Creed IV, marking the return of franchise star Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as lead actor and director. We discuss it here!
Michael B. Jordan poses at the 2023 Oscar red carpet. (Mike Coppola via Getty Images)
By: Adonis Armstrong
Franchise producer Irwin Winkler announced the expansion of the Creed series with a fourth installment, revealing Michael B. Jordan's directorial role following his lead performance as Adonis Creed in Creed III. The third installment achieved a successful theater release in March, setting records with a $58 million opening weekend. Although MGM hasn't confirmed the news, Deadline was the first to report it.
Michael B. Jordan's role in the franchise commenced in 2015 with Creed, continuing through its sequels in 2018 and 2023. Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa featured in the initial two films as well.
Earlier this year, Variety also covered discussions between Jordan and Amazon, exploring the potential expansion of the Creed universe through supplementary film and TV projects.
Deadline also shared a video clip of Winkler discussing the project.
Irwin Winkler confirms Michael B. Jordan will direct ‘Creed 4’ #DeadlineContenders pic.twitter.com/nF4siAFslu
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) November 18, 2023
“We’re planning to do Creed IV right now — it’s in the works — and we think we have a really good story, a really good plot. We got a little delayed because of the strikes, but about a year from now, we’re going into pre-production.”
“Michael and the creative team had the beautiful vision from the start to create a wholly new and different experience for this movie,” he stated. “It had to be firmly cemented in what we all [know] the Creed and Rocky movies for… it had to have great action, boxing, but we also really examined what kind of movie we were making. And a lot of that, those early days with Michael, were spent crafting how we were looking at the Damian character, which is why I think everyone responded to the depth, not only on the page but also on the screen. You spend half the movie having deep sympathy for him and understanding his vulnerability.”
Will Creed IV follow a time jump for Adonis' daughter or introduce a new opponent? As 2024 and 2025 approach and Creed IV moves closer to pre-production, more details will likely emerge.
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Remembering the Iconic 'Malcolm X' Movie 31 Years Later
Spike Lee’s iconic film, Malcolm X, starring Denzel Washington, gave us one of the best in depth looks into the life of the slain civil rights leader. 31 years later, this film still stands as one of the greatest biopics ever. We discuss it here!
Malcolm X Movie Starring Denzel Washington
On November 18, 1992 Spike Lee’s classic movie, Malcolm X, starring Denzel Washington released in theaters. Spike Lee, who at the time was doing movies for Universal, was very impressed with Norman Jewison's take on the late activist Malcolm X. However, Lee felt like Norman may have missed some nuances of Malcolm’s journey. Spike Lee was very passionate about this story and he knew he was the right guy to show the true side of who Malcolm X really was. Fast forward thirty-one years later and his film portrayal of Malcolm X is one of the great American films not only of the decade but the century. It not only showed the true nature of Lee’s genius but it was his most self-effacing work to date in its humility before its subject.
Angela Bassett and Denzel Washington in Malcolm X
Some of the film’s fire and fury undoubtedly came from the circumstances under which it was made. Lee had a very weird relationship with the powers that be at Warner Bros. (Like most these days) than he had enjoyed at Universal, and there were numerous fights over the length of the movie that culminated in a period when the bond company shut down the film and took it out of Lee’s hands. That didn’t stop Lee, the director stuck to his guns, however channeling the same fiery determination that came to define his subject. An iconic scene was when Malcolm X, played by (Denzel Washington) was looking out the window with the Ak-47 gun, definitely an all-time photo in cinema history. With a star studded cast, Spike Lee had all the tools for a great film, and he did not disappoint.
I rate the Malcolm X movie 10/10. A great history lesson in Black Culture. A classic Spike Lee Joint.
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Meet Sharmaine Johnson, Media Correspondent for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Sharmaine@247LCTV.com