A fresh chapter in the world of "How to Train Your Dragon" unfolds this week, bringing with it a new iteration of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III. Originally voiced by Jay Baruchel, Hiccup remains the unconventional soul of Berk—a place where locals are perpetually locked in battles against dragons seeking their sheep or raining fire upon their homes. In Dean DeBlois' reimagining of this tale (he directed the original animated film back in 2010 and now helms this live-action adaptation), a brand-new Hiccup steps into the spotlight, tasked with taming the franchise's beloved dragon, Toothless. This time around, the role is brought to life by 17-year-old actor Mason Thames. For Thames, however, mastering dragon training is merely one item on an expansive to-do list. As the leading figure in what many consider one of the greatest trilogies ever made, he shoulders immense expectations. Thankfully, Thames rises to the occasion with remarkable ease, delivering a performance that not only honors the legacy of Hiccup but also suggests that should DreamWorks adapt the entire trilogy, he would be more than capable of carrying the weight. After all, if an actor can navigate the harrowing world of child killers aided by spectral voices in one of the most acclaimed horror films of recent years, then commanding dragons surely feels like a walk in the park. Mason Thames’ journey through trials by fire began when he starred in one of the standout horror movies of 2022, "The Black Phone." In this chilling narrative, Thames portrayed Finney, a quiet schoolboy thrust into a nightmare after being abducted by Ethan Hawke’s menacing child abductor, The Grabber. Trapped in a soundproof basement with no apparent means of escape, Finney discovers a disconnected black phone hanging on the wall—a portal to the voices of The Grabber’s past victims, who peri

This morning at the Annecy Animation Festival, the world of animation was set alight as Walt Disney Animation Studios unveiled a tantalizing first glimpse into their much-anticipated sequel, “Zootopia 2,” set to premiere in theaters on November 26. With palpable excitement in the air, Jared Bush, the esteemed Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios and director/writer of the forthcoming “Zootopia 2,” graced the stage for his inaugural appearance at Annecy. His presence electrified the Bonlieu audience, who were treated to exclusive new footage and images from this sequel to the cherished Oscar-winning film. The crowd, composed of seasoned industry veterans, studio executives, and hundreds of artists and students, erupted with laughter, heartfelt "awws," and overwhelming enthusiasm as they witnessed the return of beloved characters Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), and Mr. Big (Maurice LaMarche). Adding to the thrill, the audience was introduced to fresh faces including Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles (Fortune Feimster), and Dr. Fuzzby (Quinta Brunson). A special treat awaited the predominantly French audience when it was revealed that the legendary French actor Jean Reno would lend his iconic voice to a cameo role as an officer within the Zootopia Police Department, sparking jubilation among attendees. As part of today’s presentation, the illustrious Ron Clements, a Disney legend ren

Martin Scorsese, the legendary filmmaker, celebrated his Sicilian heritage and reflected on the profound influence of immigration on the United States as he accepted a lifetime achievement award Thursday evening at the prestigious Taormina Film Festival. "With the exception of Native Americans," Scorsese poignantly stated from the stage of Taormina’s Ancient Greek Theatre, "we’re all either immigrants, children of immigrants or descendants of immigrants." The balmy evening was set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Sicily’s Mt. Etna volcano, creating an atmosphere charged with history and emotion. "The country is very young," he continued. "It’s 250 years old, which is nothing in terms of world history. We’re learning. We’re just crawling. We haven’t begun yet to walk or talk." In an emotionally charged speech, Scorsese reminisced about his childhood, recalling a pivotal moment when he was five years old. His family gathered together to watch Roberto Rossellini’s "Paisá," and for the first time, he heard the same Sicilian dialect spoken by his immigrant grandparents and parents echo from the TV screen in their New York home. It was a transformative experience. He remembered his family engaging directly with the characters on the screen, as if they were speaking to long-lost relatives. "It was there in that room, that night, that I felt called to make movies," Scorsese shared. "I wanted to touch people in the same way this film touched us that night. So it is Sicily that helped draw me to cinema, and cinema drew me back to Sicily." Tiziana Rocca, Taormina’s artistic director, presented the award with heartfelt praise, describing Scorsese as "the

In New York, everyone can hear you scream. But will they really care? In the city that never sleeps, evil lurks around every corner, ready to strike whenever one's guard is let down for just a moment. Sure, it's a gorgeous, bustling metropolis, but if horror movies have taught audiences anything, it's that the Big Apple packs some big scares. Tyler Gillett & Matt Bettinelli-Olpin surprised fans with their very funny, very bloody 2022 "Scream" reboot. For the sixth entry, the duo have supplanted Woodsboro, California, in favor of New York City, letting Ghostface get bigger, meaner, and deadlier.Shooting in the actual city can be costly (for reference, "Scream VI" filmed in Montreal), likely accounting for just how few true New York horror stories there really are. Often, Manhattan is merely used as a backdrop, the horror features never fully taking advantage of the distinct iconography or scale for something truly terrifying. Some have, however, and here, we'll be looking at 10 horror movies set in New York — even if they weren't exclusively filmed there.In the eighth entry in the long-running "Friday the 13th" series, recurrent killer Jason Voorhees had big plans. He was going to converge on New York City for a night of terror. In anticipation of the release, Voorhees even sat for an interview with Arsenio Hall. Only, Jason didn't really "take" Manhattan. He took Vancouver, and he didn't even really take that. Fans of the franchise know well that the much-touted New York angle amounts to little, with the protagonists (and Jason) only arriving in the city for the third act. Even then, they're mostly limited to grungy alleys and nondescript street corners.Admittedly, Jason does get a pretty stellar showing in Times Square, but for many fans, it&

Among the myriad questions actors routinely face from friends, family, and even strangers online, one stands out as particularly persistent: Can they tell, while filming, whether a movie will turn out to be a triumph or a disaster? Most stars steer clear of this topic like the plague, wary of jeopardizing the delicate creative partnerships that sustain their careers in the close-knit world of Hollywood. If they do address it, you're likely to hear a generic response about how everyone on set could feel the "magic" happening. It's exceedingly rare for prominent figures to openly admit that, yes, some high-profile flops seemed doomed from the start—even while the cameras were still rolling. But Bryce Dallas Howard isn't your typical star. This actor-turned-director, known for navigating both the peaks and valleys of her profession, has experienced the highs of starring in the financially successful (though critically divisive) "Jurassic World" franchise, alongside the inevitable missteps that accompany any career in entertainment. Such swings are par for the course, of course, yet many creatives struggle to reconcile their aspirations with reality. Not Howard. In a refreshingly candid profile published by The Independent, she demonstrates an enviable equanimity. After the underwhelming theatrical run of last year’s spy thriller "Argylle," it would be understandable if Howard wished to move past that experience ahead of her role in the upcoming Prime Video film "Deep Cover." Yet, disappointments like these affect e

The science-focused production powerhouse, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, has announced the appointment of Emmy Award-winning producer, writer, director, and showrunner Chad Cohen as their new Executive Producer of Development and Production. This strategic move underscores the studio's commitment to elevating the narrative of science through compelling storytelling. In his newly minted role, Cohen will spearhead the development and oversee the production of genre-defining science media that aligns with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios' mission to engage the public and educate about science. His responsibilities will span multiple platforms, encompassing shorts, documentaries, series, podcasts, games, and social media content, ensuring a comprehensive approach to reaching diverse audiences. "Our mission is clear: to deepen the public’s understanding, appreciation, and trust in science—a cause I’ve dedicated my career to," said Cohen with palpable enthusiasm. "I’m thrilled to continue this vital work alongside Jared Lipworth and the exceptional team at HHMI Tangled Bank Studios. Together, we have an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with the most talented storytellers in the industry, crafting inspiring and innovative science narratives that meet audiences wherever they are, on both emerging and established platforms." "Chad’s passion for science is infectious, and he tackles complex scientific subjects with unwavering determination," remarked Jared Lipworth, Head of HHMI Tangled Bank Studios. "We’re delighted to welcome his boundless creativity, extensive knowledge, and fervent dedication to science into our studio. With Chad’s leadership, we’ll continue to tell stories about groundbreaking scientific advancements while helping audiences grasp how fundamental research translates into tangible real-world applications." Before joining HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, Cohen distinguished himself as an Executive Pro

The IMAX Corporation has announced the appointment of Heather Morgan as its new head of global distribution. This marks a pivotal moment for IMAX, as Morgan brings a wealth of experience and vision to her role, where she will lead the curation of content showcased on their expansive network of screens. Prior to joining IMAX, Morgan served as chief content officer at Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, where she played an instrumental role in shaping the cinematic experience for audiences across the nation. In her new capacity, Morgan will be based at IMAX’s Playa Vista office and will report directly to Jonathan Fischer, the company's chief content officer. Additionally, Steve Garrett will continue his tenure as head of domestic distribution while expanding his responsibilities to include overseeing alternative content for IMAX. Morgan's arrival coincides with Craig Dehmel's retirement from his long-standing position as head of global distribution, marking a transition that underscores IMAX's commitment to innovation and growth in the entertainment industry. "Heather possesses an exceptional ability to blend data-driven insights with creative strategies and audience understanding," said Fischer. "As the demand for the IMAX Experience continues to soar and our content portfolio expands to encompass over 130 films and events annually, Heather's expertise will be indispensable in delivering unforgettable experiences for our fans and maximizing the potential of our unparalleled global platform." "In recent years, IMAX has solidified its reputation as the pinnacle of immersive entertainment, yet there remains vast untapped potential as filmmakers and creators worldwide increasingly align themselves with this extraordinary platform," remark

In a heartwarming reunion, Keira Knightley joined forces once again with her "Pride