Carl Weathers will still appear in Super Bowl ad / Crew member dies on Marvel's Wonder Man set / Emily Ratajkowski teaming with Lena Dunham
PLUS: Gina Carano sues Disney and Lucasfilm over The Mandalorian firing with backing from Elon Musk's Twitter/X.
Carl Weathers will still appear in FanDuel's Super Bowl ad following his death
After consulting with the late actor’s family following his death last Thursday at age 76, FanDuel will make adjustments to its Super Bowl ad that it teased last month featuring Weathers and Rob Gronkowski. Andrew Sneyd, FanDuel’s executive vice president of marketing, tells Variety “the family has been very supportive that they would still like to see Carl in the work" and that his goal is “to make sure they are comfortable.” Sneyd adds: “We have been viewing edits through tears. We really enjoyed the short time we had to work with him. He’s a wonderful man and he genuinely is an inspiration and had such a positive outlook on the world. We want to make sure we try to meet this moment with the respect it deserves.”
Crew member on Marvel's Wonder Man dies in fall
A rigger working on the Marvel series at CBS Radford Studios this morning fell off the rafters and died. The crew member has yet to be identified. Wonder Man wasn't filming at the time, as production isn't expected to begin until later this month. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends, and our support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this accident," Marvel said in a statement.
Gina Carano sues Disney and Lucasfilm over The Mandalorian firing with backing from Elon Musk's Twitter/X
Carano, who filed suit today in California federal court, "alleges she was fired for voicing right-wing opinions on social media and seeks a court order that would force Lucasfilm to recast her," according to The Hollywood Reporter. "Elon Musk, making good on a promise to foot the legal bill for users who claim they have been discriminated against due to their activity on his platform, is helping fund the suit through X." Carano was fired three years ago this week for what Lucasfilm called “abhorrent and unacceptable” posts on social media. In a statement, X’s head of business operations Joe Benarroch said: “As a sign of X Corp’s commitment to free speech, we’re proud to provide financial support for Gina Carano’s lawsuit, empowering her to seek vindication of her free speech rights on X and the ability to work without bullying, harassment, or discrimination.”
Tucker Carlson to interview Russian president Vladimir Putin
The former Fox News host teased his interview with Putin for his Twitter/X show. It will mark the first Putin interview with an American media figure since the Russia-Ukraine War began. Putin's last interview for American TV was with NBC's Keir Simmons in 2021.
Emily Ratajkowski is set to star in Lena Dunham's Netflix comedy series Too Much
Ratajkowski is in talks to co-star with Megan Stalter and Will Sharpe in the London-based comedy, playing the ex-girlfriend of Sharpe's character.
The White Lotus taps Julian Kostov to replace Miloš Biković
Bulgarian actor Kostov, a veteran of Shadow and Bone, will take over the Russian character Biković was set to play in the Thailand-set Season 3. Biković was dropped over his apparent pro-Russian support in the Ukraine War, prompting an international outcry.
Foundation Season 3 delayed over production issues
"Issues with physical production prompted the delay of filming in Prague and Poland, which had been scheduled to begin this month," reports Deadline, noting this is the second time Season 3 has been delayed.
YouTube TV surpasses more than 8 million subscribers
Even at a cost of $72.99 per month, YouTube TV is far and away the biggest internet-streaming subscription TV service in the country. Disney’s Hulu + Live TV is No.2 with 4.6 million customers.
Phoebe Tonkin to star in Australian crime series The Dark Lake
The Originals alum will play a detective forced to confront the secrets of her past when assigned to the murder of her high school nemesis in her small and tight-knit hometown. The Dark Lake is an adaptation of author Sarah Bailey's debut novel.
Kunal Nayyar says he pushed for tonight's Big Bang reunion with Melissa Rauch on Night Court
Tonight's episode marks Nayyars's first TV comedy appearance since The Big Bang Theory ended. "When (Night Court) got on the air, I was like, ‘Melissa, you’ve got to have me on at some point, right?’" Nayyar tells TVLine. "It was less her and more me forcing, I guess. I just wanted to really have an opportunity to work with her again.”
Netflix's Department Q books Matthew Goode and Kelly Macdonald
The drama series adaptation of Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen’s hugely popular crime novels has also cast Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov and Leah Byrne.
Henry Simmons and Bryan Greenberg join MGM+'s Emperor of Ocean Park
Torrey Hanson, Ora Jones and Jasmine Batchelor are also set to recur on the suspense thriller set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard.
Sesame Workshop CEO exits after three years
Steve Youngwood, who has led the Sesame Street parent since 2021, is stepping down. He'll be replaced by board member Sherrie Westin as interim CEO.
BBC sets Towards Zero as its next Agatha Christie adaptation
Based on the author's 1944 detective novel of the same name, Towards Zero unfolds around the murder of an elderly widow at a clifftop seaside house, linking a failed suicide attempt, a schoolgirl wrongfully accused of theft, and the romantic life of a famous tennis player.
My Name is Earl's Jason Lee, Ethan Suplee and Jaime Pressly reunite after 15 years
The stars of the 2005-2009 NBC sitcom from Greg Garcia appeared together at Megacon Orlando last weekend. "Had the best time ever being back with my boys this weekend!" Pressley captioned a series of photos.
When Calls the Heart vets Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing are reteaming for a Hallmark Christmas movie
While both have starred in Hallmark holiday movies before, this is the first time they have reunited for a “Countdown to Christmas” movie, titled Santa Tell Me.
Vanderpump Rules' Season 11 premiere was up 68% over its Season 10 premiere
About 3.2 million watched last week's season premiere, including delayed viewing.
Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer have a Friends reunion on Uber Eats' Super Bowl ad
“Have we met?” Aniston asks her former co-star, adding later: “Give me a hint.” Schwimmer responds: “Well, we worked together for 10 years.” Their Uber Eats ad also features Usher, Victoria and David Beckham and Jelly Roll.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a State Farm action star in Super Bowl ad
Schwarzenegger plays "Agent State Farm" in the "Like A Good Neighbaaa" ad.
Bud Light's Super Bowl ad features Peyton Manning, Post Malone and Dana White
Watch them unleash the Bud Light Genie.
Ken Jeong becomes unfrozen after 52 years for his Popeyes Chicken Super bowl ad
Watch Jeong get a taste of the future.
Addison Rae to promote Nerds in Super Bowl ad
Watch the TikTok star in her Flashdance-themed Super Bowl commercial for the popular candy.
Watch the trailer for Mike Epps' fourth Netflix special
Ready to Sell Out drops on Feb. 20.