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If your thirst for non-stop action isn’t sated by the bloodletting in “Gladiator II,” take a gander at previous epics like “Spartacus” and “Ben-Hur,” which both heavily influenced the original “Gladiator.”

We’ve also thrown in some cinematic suggestions that go beyond Ancient Rome, with sprawling battles in West Africa, Persia, Spain, Japan and Norway, and confrontations that don’t necessarily involve a sword and shield.

Behold some great, epic action movies like “Gladiator II” to watch next.

(Universal Pictures) Gladiator (2000)

The Oscar-winning Ridley Scott epic is obviously the template for the new sequel, but if for some reason you haven’t seen Russell Crowe’s Maximus (almost) single-handedly upending the Roman Empire, you should remedy that with due speed. The film, which won five Oscars, including one for Crowe as Best Actor, is always worth revisiting, especially in light of the many callbacks in the new film. Strength and honor!

Tom Cruise, the Hollywood megastar, has always heeded his own counsel, and for better or for worse, the choices he made throughout his career paid off. Now, at the pinnacle of the industry, Cruise can boldly claim that he is the last true Hollywood icon left standing. And such a label comes with its own set of responsibilities.

Tom Cruise [Photo by Dick Thomas Johnson licensed under Cc By 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons]

Cruise is not the first actor to say no to sequels. The trend was only popular with sci-fi or action-adventure films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. For artists looking for something more creatively grounded, sequels were never an option.

It didn’t come as a surprise then that an actor like Cruise refused to entertain the idea of a sequel well until the 2000s when he left behind his Oscar-baiting career to pursue something more theatrically motivated aka the Mission: Impossible franchise.

A new streaming series centered on Kerala’s ancient martial art Kalaripayattu is being developed by director Abhilash Vijayan (“That Elephant From the Bridge”) and producer Nithin Lukose (“Paka: River of Blood”) and is participating at India’s Film Bazaar.

Set in 16th century Kerala, “Chekavar” follows a teenage warrior who secretly takes on a mission from the King of Kuttiyadi to lead an army against the rebellious Lord of Palayi, who has executed 44 of the king’s swordsmen. The young protagonist must prove himself worthy of his legendary father Thacholi Othenan’s legacy while mastering Kalaripayattu.

“I’ve been familiar with these stories since childhood. Characters like Thacholi Othenan, Unniyarcha and Aromal Chekavar stood as heroic figures of folk mythology,” Vijayan told Variety. “Later in life, I discovered Japanese Samurai cinema, particularly through the films of Akira Kurosawa, and became an instant fan.”

“The parallels between the lives of...

Christmas-themed releases have always been a mix of movies that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of where they are from or what religion they follow, and then movies that are for a certain kind of audience. Upon closer inspection, you’ll also notice the difference in the quality of filmmaking between these two categories of Christmas films, with one feeling timeless and the other reeking of blandness and regression. I have grown up watching stuff like Home Alone, Die Hard, Jingle All the Way, and of course, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Amongst recent releases, there are some good examples like Klaus, Anna and the Apocalypse, Krampus, and Merry Little Batman. But it seems like this snowy landscape has been hijacked by Netflix now. And the streaming platform is giving Hallmark a run for its money with garbage like the Princess Switch films, Love Hard, A Not So Merry Christmas,...

Alex Boden, producer of Max/Wowow series “Tokyo Vice,” outlined the hurdles and triumphs of filming the first U.S. studio streamer series shot entirely in Japan during a keynote at the Tokyo International Film Festival. The keynote was delivered as part of a Motion Picture Association event at the festival.

Created by J.T. Rogers and starring Ken Watanabe, Ansel Elgort, Rachel Keller and Kikuchi Rinko, the series followed a Western journalist working for a publication in Tokyo who takes on one of the city’s most powerful crime bosses.

Boden spent nearly two years in Japan producing both seasons of “Tokyo Vice.” Before production began in 2020, several international producers had advised against shooting entirely in Japan, citing lack of incentives, studio availability and complex permission processes.

“They’d gone to other countries like New Zealand for ‘The Last Samurai,’ Germany for ‘Speed Racer,’ Taiwan for ‘Silence’ – anywhere else but Japan,...

A decades-old unproduced screenplay set during Japan’s 1868-’69 civil war has been dusted off and given thoroughly modern action-movie treatment in Kazuya Shiraishi’s “11 Rebels.” A highly entertaining and highly blood-drenched take on the trusty old tale of crooks and miscreants embarking on a military suicide mission on the promise of being pardoned should they happen to survive, “11 Rebels” has just the right balance of spectacular swordplay, revenge-fueled drama and double-crossing political intrigue.

After opening the Tokyo Film Festival, Shiraishi’s lusty samurai slash-’em-up will march into Japanese cinemas on Nov. 1. A slightly different version of the film has been acquired for North America by specialty distributor Well Go USA. Fans of FX’s smash-hit “Shogun” series should find plenty to like about this handsomely produced tale set in the dying days of feudal Japan. In the broader scope of samurai cinema, it combines the chamber...

Jason Blum couldn’t reveal details today about Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 but he brought New York Comic Con attendees the poster for the sequel to last year’s highest grossing horror movie.

The first movie opened during the actors strike, day-and-date on Peacock and defied all hurdles during last fall’s marketplace. The movie based on the hit videogame was an anomaly performing equally well in theaters and on Peacock since it was a hot fan frenzied franchise. Five Night’s Freddy‘s was Peacock‘s most-watched film or series ever in its first five days, besting previous record-holders Halloween Ends, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Bel-Air and The Best Man: The Final Chapters.

Blum gave props to the pic’s screenwriter Scott Cawthon for having the foresight that it would be a hit. The movie won over fans in its faithful-to-the-videogame production design, down...

Tom Cruise is one of the most recognizable stars with a global fame that few other actors have experienced. During his lengthy career that started in the 1980s, Cruise has gone from strength to strength as an actor, establishing himself as one of the most bankable commercial stars in Hollywood with his movies grossing billions of dollars globally.

Tom Cruise starred in 2003’s The Last Samurai (Credit: Warner Bros).

In 2003, Cruise starred in the period action-drama film The Last Samurai, which marked the start of his long relationship with Japan and its culture. During an interview, Cruise spoke about his preparation for the movie and revealed the great lengths he went to assimilate into the Japanese culture. Here is what Cruise had to say, which proves the actor deserves his own day in Japan.

Tom Cruise Recalled His Intense Training For The Last Samurai

Tom Cruise played the role of...

Tom Cruise is a name synonymous with Hollywood stardom, especially in the action and thriller genres. Though his career peaked in the 80s and 90s, the 2000s also saw some stellar performances and iconic roles that further cemented his status as a versatile actor.

Despite his eventual transformation into the industry’s biggest action star, Cruise has produced his fair share of hits in other genres as well. Below are the top 7 Tom Cruise movies from the 2000s, ranked based on their impact, critical acclaim, and Cruise’s remarkable performances.

1. Minority Report (2002)

Director: Steven Spielberg

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Neo-noir

Runtime: 145 min

Starring: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton

Tom Cruise’s collaboration with Steven Spielberg resulted in Minority Report, a mind-bending adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s short story. The film showcases Cruise as John Anderton, a futuristic cop who arrests criminals before they commit crimes. The movie’s unique...

Exclusive: Radar Pictures is producing an adaptation of the Larry Loftis’ bestseller, Into the Lion’s Mouth: The True Story of Dusko Popov – World War II Spy, Patriot, and the Real-Life Inspiration for James Bond, which The Karate Kid and Pink Panther 2 filmmaker Harald Zwart will direct.

Loftis is writing the script, based on his book.

Into the Lion’s Mouth follows Dusko Popov, a double agent during WWII, who was also a suave and sophisticated playboy who is secretly spying for both the British and the Germans. In a daring twist, Dusko betrays the Germans and helps bring down the Nazi regime.

“The most remarkable aspect of this story is that it is entirely true,” said Zwart. “Thanks to Larry Loftis’ meticulous research and compelling writing, the narrative not only presents facts but also uncovers historical insights that may have previously gone unnoticed. It feels as if you’re...

Plot: When a preacher arrives at a British settlement in 1830s New Zealand his violent past is drawn into question and his faith put to the test as he finds himself caught in the middle of a bloody war between Māori tribes.

Review: When many of us picture Maori culture, the first film that comes to mind is usually Once Were Warriors. Director Lee Tamahori’s contemporary 1994 drama looked at the modern legacy of the Maori people. After four decades of Hollywood fare, including Mulholland Falls, The Edge, XXX: State of the Union, and the James Bond film Die Another Day, Tamahori returns to the subject of his feature debut but through a very different lens. The Convert is an epic yet intimate look at Maori culture in the early 19th Century, just as the British Empire expanded its colonialization. Told through the experiences of a preacher welcomed into tribal society,...

Tom Cruise almost ruined his pretty face after he suffered a small injury while filming an intimate scene with Gina Gershon in the 1988 film Cocktail. Before he became a staple icon in the action genre, the famed A-lister once dominated the romantic-comedy scene as a heartthrob.

Credits: Tom Cruise in Cocktail / Walt Disney Studios

The actor has come a long way in his career, and being a seasoned star encouraged him to help out and guide his rookie costars. This was exactly what he did when he worked with Gershon in the said movie, though he sort of slipped up and it backfired on him.

Gina Gershon Almost Broke Tom Cruise’s Nose During a Love Scene

Gina Gershon was a mildly famous actress when she took the opportunity to collaborate with Tom Cruise in Cocktail. At the time, she had only done four movie projects, which pushed her to...

You won’t believe it, but Tom Cruise who happens to be one of Hollywood’s heavyweights, once acted out of Fomo, while shooting The Last Samurai with Ed Zwick in 2002. As the filmmaker recalled his opportunity to meet with three of the most acclaimed directors in the entertainment industry—David Fincher, Cameron Crowe, and Steven Spielberg, Zwick mentioned clicking a picture with them.

Tom Cruise in a still from Top Gun: Maverick | Image: Paramount Pictures

Unfortunately, since Tom Cruise was busy with Steven Spielberg, somewhere on the set, he and the filmmaker were the ones absent from the image. Well, while Spielberg wasn’t bothered missing out on the image, Cruise was quite disappointed. So what he did next was truly hilarious.

Ed Zwick Recalled His Auspicious Meeting with the Acclaimed Directors

The Last Samurai filmmaker Ed Zwick vividly remembers the day he met three of the most legendary filmmakers of Hollywood.

Interviews can be pressuring especially when one is put on the spot and asked if someone is gay or not, and Colin Farrell might have felt the same when he was questioned about Tom Cruise’s real orientation.

Credits: Colin Farrell in Hart’s War / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Farrell’s answer was indeed hilarious, and it was quite the ice-breaker for such a very random question. He and Cruise have worked together in the past as well so it might have been a jest between friends.

Colin Farrell Said The Funniest Thing About Tom Cruise During An Interview

In 2002, actor Colin Farrell almost slipped and outed Tom Cruise in a press junket while promoting his movie Hart’s War. In the interview, he was asked if he thought the Mission: Impossible star was gay or straight. At first, he answered, “Gayaaahstraight.”

maybe not the most insane thing said but this has to be mentioned pic.

Tom Cruise might be the king of death-defying stunts, but even he knows his limits—well, sometimes. In a career full of heart-stopping moments, from hanging off planes to scaling skyscrapers, there’s one scene that left even Cruise tapping out. Yep, this one stunt was so extreme it was deemed impossible to shoot without risking a trip to the great beyond.

Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One | Paramount Pictures

And we’re not talking about some CGI extravaganza—this was supposed to be the real deal, but physics and common sense got in the way. Despite his adrenaline-junkie reputation, Cruise couldn’t pull this one off, leaving fans to wonder what could’ve been the most epic and expensive stunt sequence in cinema history. Even Ethan Hunt had to say no!

Behind the Scenes of The Last Samurai: How Tom Cruise’s...

Movies based on animated series have a 50-50 chance of succeeding. The added pressure of a pre-established fanbase can either make or break the project. Genndy Tartakovsky is a legend in the animated world, with gems like Hotel Transylvania, Primal, Dexter’s Laboratory, and many more.

The Samurai Jack animated series which was released in 2001 became exponentially famous. However, most fans aren’t aware that there was once a live-action movie planned for the beloved series. One of the most famous faces in Hollywood, J.J. Abrams was approached to take on the task, but it unfortunately didn’t work out. Given the chance of the movie being planned again, action star Hiroyuki Sanada would be the best choice for the role.

Huge plans for the animated series: An unfortunate end

Genndy Tartakovsky‘s Samurai Jack series had over the years established its niche fanbase. The animated show became so popular that...

It’s time to look at the work of one of the greatest directors of our generation: Christopher Nolan. A caveat – our Christopher Nolan movies ranked list is just one person’s opinion, and his work is divisive. Everyone has their favourites (and least favourites), so I’m hoping this ranking will open up some discussion in the comments below. We do not include Following in this list, as it’s only 69 minutes and can’t be put on the same level as his other work – although it’s an interesting black and white curio. Also, note that this list ranks all of his movies from worst to best, so if you don’t see your favourite film of his right off the top, don’t panic!

Insomnia (2002)

In my mind, Christopher Nolan has never made a bad movie. So, when I say one of his movies is his “worst,...

After twenty years of playing the most badass Japanese characters in Hollywood, actor Hiroyuki Sanada has finally gotten his due recognition when he won the Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for Shōgun. The actor also served as a producer on the series and ensured the historic drama had era-appropriate elements.

The ending of the series saw Sanada’s Lord Toranaga finally triumph over his enemies and be on the path towards the future of Japan he envisioned. However, Toranaga has also lost many people, including Anna Sawai’s Lady Mariko and it may seem like he had to sacrifice his closest to achieve his dream. Sanada mentioned that this was a happy ending.

Hiroyuki Sanada Believed The Ending Of Shōgun Is A Happy One Anna Sawai in Shōgun | Credits: FX/Hulu

James Clavell’s iconic novel Shōgun chronicles the events preceding the Edo period in Japan, where...

Live-action adaptations are in a league of their own. However, it can be tricky, especially with the casting. It’s almost equivalent to skating on thin ice. But not with this one. Being one of the Big 3 of Shonen, Naruto’s live-action movie is rumored to be under work. Moreover, Hiroyuki Sanada would be a perfect addition to the cast.

Team 7 in a still from the series |Credit: Studio Pierrot

The fan casting for the rumored movie has put forth the Emmy actor’s name for the role of the Third Hokage. While he is typecasted as a samurai character, the resemblance between the actor and the character is uncanny and does make sense.

Hiroyuki Sanada’s Emmy win outlines his acting prowess

Hiroyuki Sanada is one of the finest and most seasoned Japanese actors whose career spans 57 years. Apart from contributing to Japanese movies, television, and theatre, he starred...

With his Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for the FX series Shōgun, actor Hiroyuki Sanada became the second Asian winner in the history of the awards. The legendary actor has been in the industry for over two decades and worked as an actor in Tokyo since he was a child.

Sanada had his first Hollywood breakthrough in Tom Cruise’s historic drama The Last Samurai. Then known as the ‘Tom Cruise of Japan’, Sanada starred as Ujio in the film, which earned multiple Oscar nominations and over $454 million at the global box office. Sanada’s win for Shōgun is the first award recognition he has received since then.

Legendary Actor Hiroyuki Sanada Wins Big At The Emmys For Shōgun Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga in Shōgun | Credits: FX

The historical drama series Shōgun has been the highlight of the Emmys this year. After winning...

Hiroyuki Sanada has won his first Emmy. On Sunday he took home the award for Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in FX drama series Shōgun, on which he also serves as a producer.

“It was an East-West dream project with respect,” he said while accepting the award, “and Shōgun taught me that when people work together we can make miracles. We can create a better future together.”

In the epic drama series from FX based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel, veteran Japanese actor Sanada stars as Lord Toranaga, the ultimate strategist, whose intricate web ultimately served to unify 17th century Japan. Tadanobu Asano also stars as Lord Kashigi Yabushige, Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko and Cosmo Jarvis as shipwrecked Portuguese explorer John Blackthorne, known as ‘Anjin’.

Related: Jodie Foster Thanks Indigenous People For Sharing Their Stories With ‘True Detective: Night Country’ In Her First Ever Emmy...

The man who would be “Shōgun” has once again ascended to the top of his field. Hiroyuki Sanada, who played Lord Yoshii Toranaga in the FX historical epic, won the Emmy for Best Actor in a Drama Series. It’s Sanada’s first win and first nomination, although he is also nominated for Best Drama Series as an executive producer of “Shōgun.”

The win marks just the second time the Emmy for Best Actor in a Drama Series went to an actor of Asian descent. In 2022, Lee Jung-jae became the first Asian actor to win (after becoming the first Asian actor nominated in the category).

Sanada beat out competitors that included Oscar winners, Emmy winners, and a fellow first-time nominee (who certainly deserved acknowledgement prior to 2024). Many considered Gary Oldman to be Sanada’s biggest rival, considering the “Slow Horses” star’s stature in the industry as well as the...

Tom Cruise and Hiroyuki Sanada’s The Last Samurai has got to be one of the best in the period drama genre. Directed by Edward Zwick, the film was met with applause – 4 Oscar nominations, 3 Golden Globe nominations, and a whopping $456 million from a budget of $140 million. All in all, the film did fairly well for itself. Of course, it helped that the superstar of our generation was headlining the movie.

Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

While Tom Cruise was undoubtedly great in the role of Captain Nathan, Hiroyuki Sanada was not far behind either. He did absolute justice to his character, Ujio, one of Katsumoto’s most trusted followers. However, there was a time when it was assumed that the actor would be playing the role of Katsumoto himself, instead of his follower. Edward Zwick was adamant in his decision, though.

Hiroyuki Sanada Was Supposed...

Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise have been at the very top of Hollywood for decades, and this amount of success is bound to come with competition. The actors have been competing for the title of the pinnacle of the film industry for longer than they have been successful, with their feud starting before their fame in 1994’s Interview with the Vampire.

Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in Interview With the Vampire | Credit: Warner Bros

Even though they are technically at the same level when it comes to success, there is one star who is bagging better checks and has a wider approach than the other. While many of Pitt’s fans have tried to understand what makes Tom Cruise more successful than him, Ed Zwick’s thoughts on the actor may help clear out their confusion.

During an interview, Zwick talked very highly of Cruise, and it is safe to...

The victory lap for Japanese screen legend and FX hit Shogun star Hiroyuki Sanada continues. Poland’s pioneering EnergaCamerimage International Film Festival, which focuses foremost on excellence in cinematography, said Thursday that Sanada will receive an award for best TV series performance at the event’s upcoming 32nd edition in Toruń.

Sanada’s honor will be the first time the festival awards an actor for a performance on the small screen, another expansion of the prestigious festival’s ambit.

Rather like the regal Lord Toranaga he plays on FX’s hit show, Sanda is currently in active campaign mode as Shogun prepares to compete at the upcoming 2024 Emmys in more categories than any other drama. Sanada is personally nominated both for the best actor in a drama category and as a producer for the show as it competes in the outstanding drama series race.

But while Shogun‘s huge success...

Poland’s Camerimage Film Festival has launched a new award to honor performances on the small screen and will hand the inaugural gong to Shōgun actor Hiroyuki Sanada.

Hiroyuki will receive the award at the festival’s 32nd edition, which runs November 16 to 23.

Hiroyuki is one of Japan’s most successful international exports with over fifty film credits. Beyond Shōgun, he is perhaps best known for his leading role in The Twilight Samurai, which was nominated for an Academy Award.

Alongside acting in Shōgun, Hiroyuki also produces the FX show. He earned two Emmy nominations for the series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama and Outstanding Drama Series. The show also clocked several Television Critics Association Award nominations, including Program of the Year.

Hiroyuki was last seen on the big screen in John Wick: Chapter 4 opposite Keanu Reeves and Donnie Yen. Before that, he appeared in the Sony Pictures’ action feature,...

Alain Delon, the influential French actor who starred in European cinematic classics like Le Samourai and The Leopard, has died at the age of 88.

The actor’s children confirmed his death Sunday in a statement to Afp (via BBC), “Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, as well as (his dog) Loubo, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their father. He passed away peacefully in his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family.”

A box office star and heartthrob actor in his native France and across Europe throughout the Sixties and Seventies,...

On August 14 the television academy announced the winners in several juried categories that will be presented at the Creative Arts Emmys in September. The juried awards are judged by a panel of TV professionals in applicable peer groups, who can choose one winner, multiple winners or perhaps no winner at all after the entrants have been evaluated and discussed.

The big winner was Netflix’s “Blue Eye Samurai” with three trophies for Best Individual Achievement in Animation. It’s worth noting that Netflix’s “Arcane” also won three juried awards in advance of winning Best Animated Program in 2022, so this might be good news for “Samurai” in more ways than one.

Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions

The following juried awards will be presented Saturday, September 7:

Best Individual Achievement in Animation

Background Design

Scavengers Reign • The Signal • HBO | Max • Max in association with Titmouse Animation...

With Shōgun, the epic drama series from FX based on James Clavell’s epic 1975 novel, veteran Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada’s work pushed past any subtitle barriers to earn the show a massive worldwide following that includes 25 Emmy nominations. Sanada stars as Lord Toranaga, the ultimate strategist, whose intricate web ultimately served to unify 17th century Japan. And Sanada was not unfamiliar with the character, since in 1989’s Oda Nobunaga, he had played Tokugawa Ieyasu, the real-life man who inspired the Toranaga character.

Sanada’s epic career began at the age of just 6, and he is best known internationally for such films as The Last Samurai, Speed Racer and Bullet Train, along with the shows Lost and Westworld. Here, he describes what the role meant to him and how, as a first-time producer, he found profound meaning in bringing a culturally accurate depiction of Japan to life.

Deadline: Congratulations on your Emmy nomination.

Before “Shōgun” became a massive hit for FX and Hulu, most moviegoers or television viewers likely recognized Hiroyuki Sanada. Outside of his impressive list of Japanese credits, the veteran actor has appeared in Hollywood films for over two decades starting in 2003 with “The Last Samurai.” Since then, he’s appeared in “47 Ronin,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Bullet Train,” and “John Wick: Chapter 4”.

Continue reading ‘Shōgun’: Hiroyuki Sanada Says Season Two Writer’s Room Is Open [Interview] at The Playlist.

Just as rumors spread about action star Tom Cruise’s Paris Olympics closing ceremony stunt, the Jack Reacher films hit streaming. Coincidence? Maybe. But what better time than now to tune into the bestselling novels’ first film adaptations, Jack Reacher (2012) and its sequel, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back(2016). Plus, how else will you pass the time before witnessing whatever cliff Cruise flies off next?

The first film — from the director of the last three Mission: Impossible films, Christopher McQuarrie — stars Cruise as ruthless justice-seeker Jack Reacher, after he’s called upon to run an independent investigation to find the true identity of a deadly sniper. The sequel, from The Last Samurai director Edward Zwick, follows Reacher as he, in an attempt to exonerate a friend from being framed, gets targeted by law enforcement and ends up on the run before discovering a massive conspiracy.

Stream Jack Reacher and Jack...

With 25 Emmy nominations — the most of any show this year — FX on Hulu’s Shogun more than doubled the number of noms received by the seminal 1980 miniseries of the same name, based on the novel by James Clavell about an English sailor’s adventures in 17th century Japan. Among the nominees is Hiroyuki Sanada, recognized for his lead performance as the cunning warlord Yoshii Toranaga. Sanada, who also served as a producer on the series, tells THR how he worked to balance Eastern and Western perspectives and ensure historical authenticity, reveals when the next seasons are expected to start shooting, and why he thinks the world could use more samurai spirit.

You’ve played in many historical epics, including Twilight Samurai and The Last Samurai, and you’ve helped numerous Western productions get the historical details right, even if you didn’t get credit for it. How did you come...

Stars: Fiona Dorn, Eric Roberts, Gina Vitori, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Sunny Tellone | Written by Jacob David Smith | Directed by Michael Su

Long before Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, The Asylum was updating and repurposing myths and fairy tales into films like The 7 Adventures of Sinbad, 3 Musketeers, Avengers Grimm and the absolutely bizarre King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Here, they’ve taken the legend of Snow White and thrown in a name check of Kurosawa’s classic Seven Samurai to give us Snow White and the Seven Samurai.

Anya Voight wants her father to consider a change of careers. Considering he’s one of the biggest cocaine kingpins in the country, that’s not an easy thing to do. But she’s adamant, not only is it dangerous, but because of what he does, people keep calling her Snow White.

Their heart-to-heart chat is interrupted by a hooded assassin,...

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 is now available on VOD. There’s no way around it – the film’s theatrical release was a huge disappointment, as it earned back only a fraction of its reported budget and has put the release of the second film in major jeopardy. However, now that it’s streaming, the hope is that people will be able to discover it at home, perhaps paving the way for this saga to continue. If you’ve watched Horizon and are jonesing for more modern westerns to check out, here are some we really like here at JoBlo.

Tombstone (1993):

This is perhaps an ironic one to put on a list that pays tribute to Costner’s Horizon, as the star’s own big-budget western epic, Wyatt Earp, was badly overshadowed by this competing story about the same historical events. The fact is, George Pan Cosmatos and Kurt Russell...

“Star Wars: The Acolyte” is the latest and most controversial release in the franchise. It has received a mix of review-boosting and review-bombing from both fans and critics, making it difficult to form an objective opinion on the show’s overall quality.

Despite its issues, primarily related to pacing, dialogue, scripts, and character development, we have been analyzing these aspects as the weeks have progressed.

Even before the show aired, Leslye Headland shared the various influences that helped her craft such a unique Star Wars story, including Wuxia, Samurai, and The Matrix. In her latest interview with Collider, Headland revealed another significant influence: one of the most notable anime of all time, Cowboy Bebop.

I love all of the different influences that you have talked about throughout these three interviews that we’ve gotten to do, like Crimson Peak and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Are there any other visual or...

‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ is the latest release in the franchise, and so far most controversial. The show was both review-boosted and review-bombed by fans and critics alike, so it’s really hard to form an objective opinion regarding the overall state of the show.

The show did have its issues, however, most of them revolved around pacing, dialogues, scripts, and character development, which we analyzed as the weeks went by.

Even before the show aired Leslye Headland discussed various influences that helped her craft such a unique Star Wars story. Wuxia, Samurai, and The Matrix are just some of them. In her latest interview with Collider, Headland revealed one more influence, one that comes in the form of one of the most notable anime of all time, Cowboy Bebop.

I love all of the different influences that you have talked about throughout these three interviews that we’ve gotten to do,...

‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ faced criticism on several fronts. Its pacing was often deemed erratic, and both fans and critics pointed out awkward dialogues and scripting issues.

As a result, the show’s critical reception suffered, with the critiques extending beyond the perceived wokeness of the series.

However, there was one area where ‘The Acolyte’ truly excelled: the lightsaber battles. Even before the show premiered, the cast and crew hinted that it would surpass one of the franchise’s most iconic duels, The Duel of the Fates. Whether or not it achieved that is up to personal preference, but it undeniably stands out.

We’ve witnessed some impressive duels fitting for the High Republic Era. In her latest interview with Collider, Leslye Headland explained the creation process behind these epic fights:

[Second unit director] Chris Cowan and I, we were shooting for immortality. We were like, “We are fucking going for it. We...

One could say it’s a “by-the-numbers” summer with “Despicable Me 4,” “Inside Out 2”” and “A Quiet Place: Day One” among the top box office films. But one of the masterpieces of the 20th century, Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai,” is back in theaters for its 70th anniversary in a limited release in a new 4K restoration. The acclaimed, influential epic is set in a 16th century Japanese village of poor farmers who hire the seven samurai to protect them from invading bandits intent on stealing their barley crop.

The film stars two members of Japanese filmmaker’s stock company — Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura. “Samurai” as noted in the press notes for the new restoration “virtually redefined Japanese cinema’s sword play and period genres, proving Kurosawa a master of both visually thrilling and dramatically complex storytelling.”

Though “Seven Samurai” was released in Japan on April 26, 1954, and was...

It’s been over two decades, with years of speculation and delays and a long development process that, at one time or another, had names like John Logan, singer Nick Cave, and actors Chris Hemsworth and Barry Keoghan attached. As well as story ideas that ranged from prequel to resurrection to depictions of the afterlife.

Continue reading ‘Gladiator II’ Trailer: Ridley Scott’s Highly Anticipated Sequel Arrives November 22 at The Playlist.

With a film career that spans over four decades, Tom Cruise is arguably the biggest movie star of this generation. Cruise is associated with so many iconic film moments — the dance in “Risky Business,” the “need for speed” chant in “Top Gun,” and “Show me the money!” in “Jerry Maguire,” among many others — that it seems like he’s been a movie star forever.

He has been a critical darling through parts of his career but has mainly focused on blockbusters (acclaimed or not). He has received two Oscar nominations for Best Actor in “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989) and “Jerry Maguire” (1996) plus another as Best Supporting Actor in “Magnolia” (1999). Those are the three performances that provided him with Golden Globe wins. His other four nominations with the Hollywood Foreign Press were for “Risky Business” (1983), “A Few Good Men” (1992), “The Last Samurai” (2003) and “Tropic Thunder” (2008). Many of these roles...

The astounding success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has served as a launchpad for a great many number of actors in Hollywood. A lot of them have gone on to be highly successful in their film careers. But there have been times when an actor’s full potential was overlooked, giving their characters stunted growth and ultimately depriving the fans of a full-blown arc. Quite surprisingly, Hiroyuki Sanada is listed among them.

Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshi Toranaga in Shogun | FX

Currently ruling the television circuit as a promising Emmy contender with his FX series Shōgun, Hiroyuki Sanada is perhaps one of the most famous Japanese performers of the current generation. And the MCU completely wasted his talent in its biggest movie so far, Avengers: Endgame.

Hiroyuki Sanada: Marvel’s lost opportunity? Hiroyuki Sanada in John Wick Chapter 4| Lionsgate

While it is true that the MCU elevated the careers of several...

Hans Zimmer is now among the pantheon of great music composers in films of the 21st Century alongside masters like John Williams, Thomas Newman, Danny Elfman, A.R Rahman, and many others. His musical contribution to films like Dune, Gladiator, Interstellar, The Last Samurai, etc elevated the proceedings of the films and added a certain mood to them.

Hans Zimmer in The Jonathan Ross Show / YouTube

In addition to live-action films, he also scored many successful animated films such as Kung Fu Panda, The Prince of Egypt, and The Lion King. The famed composer always puts a part of himself in the music he creates. However, with The Lion King, his late father became his muse and the tragedy involving him inspired the darker musical score in the film.

The Lion King‘s Somber and Dark Musical Score Was Inspired By Hans Zimmer’s Personal Life

The Lion King is among...

Zack Snyder has plans to make a film on one of the greatest heroes in American history, George Washington. While other presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Richard Nixon, and even George W. Bush were brought to the screen, the Founding Father’s story is yet to be told.

Surprisingly, Snyder’s intention is to make a full-blown action movie like 300, showing Washington as a war hero. It is also possible that he could bring action stars like Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise to play the central character.

Zack Snyder and Gerard Butler on the sets of 300 | Legendary Pictures

If the movie gets made, it would be one of the most stylized depictions of an American president in films. Ever since Snyder made this desire public, some people opposed the idea, sharing that Washington’s story was more of a drama rather than an action-packed war movie.

Zack Snyder Wants to...

Fresh from her stunning performance in FX’s historical epic Shōgun as Toda Mariko, which catapulted her into the race, Anna Sawai sat down with Tom Hiddleston for Variety’s Actor on Actors segment. Experiencing the awards season rush and excitement for the first time, Sawai spoke about her onscreen character and her 2024 series.

Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko | FX

Further, sharing her thoughts on portraying a character that resonates deeply with her heritage, Anna Sawai broke down in tears during the interview. Addressing the role that might take her career to new heights, Sawai further recalled the response she garnered from Japanese and Asian women in general.

Anna Sawai Got Emotional Talking About Her Journey with Shōgun

In the realm of historical dramas, only a few performances have captivated audiences as profoundly as Anna Sawai’s portrayal of Toda Mariko in the epic series, Shōgun. Stepping into the shoes of a complex character,...

Spoiler Alert!Warning: Major 'SHŌGUN' Spoilers Ahead. Read At Your OWN Risk.

Even with its entire storyline adapted in a single season, Game of Thrones rival Shōgun has been an effortless masterpiece so far, loved by fans from all around the globe. As incredibly immersive as its entire storyline was, it was also filled with heartbreaks along the way.

For instance, Anna Sawai’s character Toda Mariko’s death scene was one of the most heart-wrenching events of the story.

Shōgun. | Credit: FX.

That said, fans inevitably want her to return to the saga, now that the series is reportedly being revived for a second and third season.

And, as it turns out, Sawai just may return through an epic Game of Thrones twist that brought one other fan-favorite character from the GoT lore back from the dead after killing him off. That is, if the creators decide to take that stream.

“Tokyo Vice” , the 2022 crime drama TV series based on the 2009 book by Jake Adelstein, starring Ansel Elgort ("Baby Driver"), Ken Watanabe ("The Last Samurai") and Rinko Kikuchi ("Babel") has been canceled after 2 seasons on Max:

“… Set in the late 1990’s, journalist ‘Jake Adelstein’ relocates to Tokyo to join the staff of a major Japanese newspaper as their first foreign-born reporter.

“Taken under the wing of a veteran detective in the vice squad, he starts to explore a dangerous life in the Japanese underworld…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

When Tom Cruise parted ways from his ex-wife Katie Holmes over a decade ago, their separation also catalyzed his reported estrangement from their daughter, Suri Cruise. In fact, the father-daughter duo has barely been seen together since then, if at all.

Meanwhile, the Top Gun star seems to be a goldmine of sweetness when it comes to Dakota Fanning, who played Cruise’s daughter in the sci-fi action feature, War of the Worlds.

Tom Cruise as Pete Mitchell in Top Gun: Maverick (2024) (Credit: Paramount Pictures)

Whether Cruise is channeling his fatherly affections or not, the endearing birthday ritual he seems to have upheld with Fanning will certainly melt your heart into a puddle.

Tom Cruise’s Sweet Birthday Tradition For Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning celebrated her 11th birthday with her co-stars on the set of Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds. And what was her gift? A Motorola Razr,...

Tom Cruise didn’t just jump up and down on a couch as an overeager romantic. The otherwise calm and composed Cruise often blurted out his love for his partner on public platforms in the 2000s. The actor might be single now, but there was a time when he was associated with some of the top actresses. After his divorce from Nicole Kidman, Cruise was involved in a romantic relationship with Penélope Cruz.

Tom Cruise in Top Gun | Paramount Pictures

Cruise and Cruz met on the sets of the 2001 film Vanilla Sky and hit it off right away. This was before the time he entered into another very public relationship and marriage with Katie Holmes. One old interview proves that Cruise was madly in love with The Last Samurai actress at the time.

Tom Cruise Confessed His Mad Love For Penélope Cruz

Tom Cruise and Penélope Cruz in Vanilla Sky...

The film adaptation of the game Ghost of Tsushima is currently being discussed. A film adaptation of the game was first announced by Sony back in March 2021, and it has been a mystery since. It was later reported that Chad Stahelski would be directing it. Stahelski is also on board to produce alongside Alex Young and Jason Spitz of 87Eleven Entertainment.

A still from Ghost of Tsushima

It is rumored that Hiroyuki Sanada is in talks with Stahelski, to be a part of the film. He was most recently seen in the Japanese historical Drama, Shogun, where he plays the role of Yoshi Toranaga. Although the role Sanada is eyed for has not yet been disclosed, fans are excited to see him as Lord Shimura in the film.

Hiroyuki Sanada is set to be the face of the film

According to Daniel Richtman, Sanada would be a perfect fit for the role of Lord Shimura,...

Tom Cruise has been so busy with his Mission: Impossible films over the past few years that he hasn’t done as many other projects besides the action franchise. Now, rumors have been spreading online that he’s going to be starring in a Clint Eastwood remake with no other than Scarlett Johansson.

Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible – Fallout / Paramount Pictures

Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie previously teased fans about an R-rated “gnarly” film that he and the legendary action star have been prepping that fans started calling it The Gnarly Movie.

Tom Cruise Is Rumored To Star In A Remake Of The Gauntlet

Clint Eastwood in The Gauntlet / Warner Bros.

In a Twitter post by MyTimeToShineHello, the industry insider shared Tom Cruise and Scarlett Johansson might be teaming up for an upcoming remake of Clint Eastwood’s 1977 thriller movie The Gauntlet.

Scarlett Johansson and Tom Cruise will star in...