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Chris Pratt on the "shocking" success of 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' and Star-Lord's future

Marvel Studios

Chris Pratt has earned a little R&R.

The actor tells Entertainment Tonight that he's looking forward to celebrating his fourth wedding anniversary with wife Katherine Schwarzenegger, which is June 8, and Father's Day later this month.

As for Dad's Day, Pratt said his family will "kind of go offline and get back to nature" at their Washington ranch.

The actor had two huge hits this summer, first The Super Mario Bros. Movie, then Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3.

The former film has made more than $1.2 billion and counting, recently surpassing Disney's Frozen to become the second-highest-grossing animated movie in history — behind only 2019's Frozen II.

Pratt calls the movie's success "really shocking."

He adds, "I mean, I expected that people would love it the way I was excited about it, but it's truly multigenerational around the world. People love it." He admits he "can't believe" he's part of the "heartwarming" family blockbuster.

Pratt also says fans will soon be hearing about plans for a follow-up, noting the writers strike is complicating matters. "[E]verything has been paused and [put] on hold for the right reasons," he expresses.

And while the end credits of the final Guardians film teased "the Legendary Star-Lord will return," Pratt is playing things close to the vest. "I've loved the character, love the fan reaction," he tells ET.

"If there was an organic way to tell the story that was meaningful and felt like it needed to be told, I want to be part of that," he adds. "But I don't think I'd want to do it just because people would see it. I think if the story is not right, then it's best left alone."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Chris Messina on 'The Boogeyman' film's focus on family

L-R: Thatcher, Messina, Blair - Photo: 20th Century Studios

In a major deviation from the Stephen King short story of the same name, much of the new movie The Boogeyman focuses on the effect the titular monster is having on the two grieving daughters of Will Sawyer, a therapist who recently became a widower.

In fact, the original story doesn't include the characters on which the movie focuses: Sophie Thatcher's teen Sadie and her younger sister, Sawyer, played by Vivien Lyra Blair.

Chris Messina, who plays Will Thatcher, tells ABC Audio that adding them was a good move by screenwriters Scott Beck, Bryan Woods and Mark Heyman.

"Yeah, I thought it was super smart," the Air actor says. "Because obviously you could take that short and do many different things, and the fact that they did what they did, I thought really worked."

Having the supernatural presence preying on his character, as well as his young daughters, helps sell the scares, according to director Rob Savage.

Messina explains the filmmaker really wanted the trio to bond before the cameras rolled. "We had, I think about a two-week rehearsal process where we got to hang out. We went to the aquarium, we went bowling, we ate pizza. By the time we got this set, we were really a tight-knit group. We were our own little family and we had so much trust in each other."

Like a proud dad, he calls his onscreen kids "awesome," adding, "I mean, they're great actresses, really kind souls."  

The Boogeyman is now in theaters.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Tennis star Naomi Osaka announces she's pregnant with a girl

Presley Ann/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka is pregnant with a girl.

Osaka, 25, shared photos on social media Friday from her baby shower, posing in front of a sign that reads, "A little princess is on the way."

Osaka confirmed her pregnancy in January, sharing a photo of an ultrasound on Twitter.

"I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future," she wrote. "One thing I'm looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, 'that's my mom.'"

Osaka continued, "2023 will be a year that'll be full of lessons for me and I hope I'll see you guys in the start of the next one cause I'll be at Aus 2024."

Just before Osaka's announcement, the Australian Open confirmed the two-time champion would not compete in this year's Grand Slam tournament.

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, released a children's book, The Way Champs Play, in December.

She said on GMA while promoting the book that she hoped to return to tennis in 2023 after having an up-and-down season in 2022, playing in only 11 tournaments, according to ESPN. She dealt with several injuries during the season, including abdominal and right ankle injuries.

"For me, I feel like I'm a very curious person, so I've really been grateful to be given all these avenues to explore, and I am definitely looking forward to doing a lot of stuff," she said, referring to her recent ventures, like becoming an author and launching a talent agency. "But I am a tennis player, so if I don't play tennis for too long, I get an itch."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse' catches super-powered $17 million in Thursday night sneak peeks

© 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, the long-awaited, COVID-delayed sequel to the Oscar-winning original Into the Spider-Verse, swung into the record books Thursday night.

Deadline reports the Sony Pictures release, which features the voices of Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Jake Johnson and Daniel Kaluuya, snagged $17 million from its sneak preview openings before Friday's official release date.

That haul is the second-biggest animated movie sneak peek performance in history, behind only 2018's The Incredibles 2 from Disney/Pixar, according to the trade.

With a sky-high 96% score from ratings aggregator Rotten Tomatoes and a near-perfect audience score of 98% as of Friday afternoon, the movie is poised to knock last weekend's champ, Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, from the top of the box office come Monday.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Padma Lakshmi leaving 'Top Chef' after 17 years

Bravo/Fred Jagueneau

After trying countless meals on Top Chef over 17 years, co-host Padma Lakshmi says she's had her fill.

On social media Friday, she announced she's leaving the Bravo show "after much soul searching."

The chef, author and TV presenter expressed, "Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and exec producer, I am extremely proud to have been a part of building such a successful show and of the impact it has had in the worlds of television and food."

The 20th season of the show was set in London and billed as Top Chef: World All Stars. As always, she appeared alongside fellow foodies and judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons.

Lakshmi noted, "After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family to me and I will miss working alongside them dearly. I feel it's time to move and need to make space for [her Hulu show] Taste The Nation, my books and other creative pursuits."

Padma concluded by telling fans she's "deeply thankful to all of you for so many years of love and support."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Reality Roundup: Khloé Kardashian sued, Paul debuts new girlfriend on 'Love is Blind', and more

Have no fear, your reality roundup is here! Here's a look at what's happened in the world of reality television this week.

The Kardashians (Hulu)

-Khloé Kardashian is refuting allegations of unlawful termination made by her former assistant in new legal documents, according to Us Weeklywho obtained documents. Khloé filed a case management statement in the Superior Court of California, denying all claim and allegations, and expressed her willingness to engage in mediation to resolve the case. Both parties have agreed to a 30-day extension, giving Khloé more time to respond to the initial complaint. The assistant, Matthew Manhard, claimed that Khloé fired him after he returned to work following a knee injury, alleging excessive workload and unpaid overtime.

Love Is Blind (Netflix)

-Love Is Blind's Paul Peden introduced his new girlfriend, Geneva Dunham to the world on Thursday. The reality star shared a snapshot of the pair looking cozy while vacationing together in San Diego on Instagram Stories, later sharing a post of the two posing in front of the historic Hotel Del Coronado. Geneva also shared a post of the lovebirds and playfully referenced Paul's preference for "witchy" girls. This marks Paul's first public romance since the dramatic finale where he called off his wedding with ex-fiancée Micah Lussier

Real Housewives of Miami (Bravo) 

- Real Housewives of Miami star, Guerdy Abraira, took to social media Thursday to give her followers an update after undergoing surgery to remove cancer from her breast. She revealed that the surgery was successful and expressed her gratitude to everyone who offered words of support and prayers during this challenging time. "The fight is not over as you know but just the beginning…but getting the surgery to remove the cancer at least was an emotional 'win' for sure," she added. 

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Weekend Watchlist: What's new on streaming

Ready, set, binge! Here's a look at some of the new movies and TV shows streaming this weekend:

Netflix
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson: Stream all new episodes of the outrageous comedy series' third season.

Manifest: The end is calling -- watch part two of the final season to find out what happens to the passengers in the wake of the devastating volcanic fissure.

Hulu
Drag Me to Dinner: Successful drag queens from two teams battle it out to throw the most fabulous, awe-inspiring, and drag-tastic dinner parties ever, with the goal of being crowned champion by three judgers, including the multi-talented Neil Patrick Harris.

Max
Reality: Based on a true story, Sydney Sweeney stars as an intelligence contractor interrogated about the leak of a classified government document.

The Idol: The Weeknd stars as a cult leader helping a pop star remake her public image after she suffers a nervous breakdown on stage.

Prime Video
With Love: In season 2, Lily wrestles with her different romantic and career options.

Paramount+
iCarly: Find out if Carly and Freddie actually go from best friends to happy couple in season 3.

Happy streaming!

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Tom Holland says a fourth 'Spider-Man' film is a go, but in the "very early stages"

©2021 CTMG. All Rights Reserved.

Doc Ock, Mysterio and the Green Goblin couldn't stop Spider-Man, but the writers strike can.

That's what Tom Holland told Variety about a fourth standalone film for his web-slinging hero, following the multi-Spidey blockbuster Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021.

On Thursday night, at the New York City premiere of his Apple TV+ drama series The Crowded Room, Holland explained he's been "having meetings" about a fourth Sony Pictures-Marvel Studios collab, but allowed, "We've put the meetings on pause in solidarity with the writers."

That said, the English actor noted, "There's been multiple conversations had, but at this point it's very, very early stages."

Incidentally, producer Amy Pascal said much the same thing to the trade the night before, noting "of course" there will be a fourth film starring Holland as Spidey/Peter Parker, but "nobody is working during the strike."

She added, "We're all being supporters and whenever they get themselves together, we’ll get started."

As the late Stan Lee used to say, "Stay tuned, true believers!"

But if you need your web-swinging fix, Sony Pictures' follow-up to the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse — called Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse — hits theaters Friday, featuring Miles Morales as Brooklyn's version of the hero.

Marvel Studios is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Beanie Feldstein weds longtime partner Bonnie-Chance Roberts

Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

Beanie Feldstein and her partner of five years, Bonnie-Chance Roberts, tied the knot on May 19, she revealed to Vogue in an article published on Thursday, June 1.

The couple got married in a summer camp-themed wedding at Cedar Lakes Estate in Hudson Valley, New York. The Booksmart actress wore a white lace Gucci dress while Roberts donned a blush pink Gucci suit white shirt and a matching pink bow tie.

“It is our happy place together,” Feldstein explained. “I grew up going to summer camp for 10 years, and my parents and both sets of my grandparents met at summer camp, so camp is a lineage of love through the generations of my family. Even though we met in London and fell in love on a film set, to get married at a camp was a truly beautiful emotional homecoming.”

The couple wrote their own vows, and Feldstein told the magazine that “Reading them for the first time to each other surrounded by everyone we love was the most profound moment of our lives.”

“It was genuinely the most magical, awe-inspiring moment of our lives,” she continued.

Feldstein’s longtime friend, Dear Evan Hansen star Ben Platt, performed the duo’s first dance song.

“We just kept mouthing ‘I love you’ to him while he was singing,” the 29-year-old actress shared. “It was such a special moment. And then we truly danced the night away in the barn — and then even more at the after-party in the treehouse.”

The couple, who began dating in 2018, announced their engagement a year ago, shortly after Beanie's exit from the Broadway revival of Funny Girl.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Friend Nick Cannon says Jamie Foxx will address health situation "when he's ready"

ABC

Amid rumors Oscar winner Jamie Foxx's "medical complication" that hospitalized him in April was actually a stroke, his pal Nick Cannon is trying to keep things positive.

To Extra's Billy Bush, Cannon said Thursday, "I believe when he's ready, he's going to address the awaiting fans in the world the way that only he can."

Cannon, who subbed for Foxx on the summer session of the Fox show Beat Shazam, expressed, "One thing I’ve always respected about how Jamie's moved throughout his entire career, if you've noticed, he's always been somebody who is extremely professional and extremely private."

He added, "I mean, you don’t ever really hear anything other than just the great work that he puts forth as a professional and...he's handled this situation with the same manner, you only can respect that."

When Bush pushed Cannon on the stroke rumors, The Masked Singer host allowed, "I'm probably in the same boat as you in that same sense of just knowing that, you know, as a friend, just being as respectful as I can. I don't pry. I don't ask any other questions."

He added, "...And I think in this scenario...what I've always said is just like, 'Hey, I'm here for you, whatever you would like me to say, whatever you would like me to do, I can be a mouthpiece.' And I think they said, 'We got it.'"

Further, Nick said, "The information that is out there is the information that they want to be out there… I was definitely one of those people initially with like the heavy-handed prayers… sending positive energy, love, and prayers. And they were like, 'Yo, we appreciate all of that, but we got it.'"

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


In Brief: 'Cruel Intentions' series announces cast, and more

HBO has renewed the comedy series Somebody Somewhere, starring and executive produced by Patti Cake$ star Bridget Everett, for a third season. The series, based on Everett’s own life, centers on a Kansas native struggling to fit in. Through singing, she discovers “finding your people, and finding your voice, is possible. Anywhere. Somewhere”…

Cruel Intentions, Amazon Freevee's series adaptation of the 1999 cult film, has nailed down its main cast, according to Variety. Impeachment: American Crime Story's Sarah Catherine Hook, Totally Completely Fine's Zac Burgess, Yellowjackets' Khobe Clarke, South of Hell's Brooke Lena Johnson, American Horror Stories' Sara Silva, Sean Patrick Thomas -- who starred in the original film, 9-1-1's John Harlan Kim and He's All That's Myra Molloy star in the series, with Younger's Laura Benanti and Major Crimes' Jon Tenney appearing in recurring roles. Cruel Intentions follows "two ruthless siblings who will do anything to preserve their power and reputations after a brutal hazing incident at an elite Washington, D.C. college -- even seduce the daughter of the Vice President of the United States."...

Former Wild 'N Out star Ms Jacky Oh! has died, according to a post on the show's Instagram. She was 32. The post went on to call Jacky -- who was born Jacklyn Smith -- "a loving friend and beloved colleague of the Wild 'N Out cast throughout five seasons," adding. "More importantly, she was a tremendous mother to three beautiful children." A cause of death was not revealed...

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'And Just Like That...' season 2 trailer reveals how Aiden lands back in Carrie's arms

Craig Blankenhorn/HBO Max

"You never know what tomorrow will bring" Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw is heard saying in the official trailer for season 2 of Max's And Just Like That..., which dropped on Thursday, and in her case, it's the return of John Corbett's Aiden Shaw.

Towards the end of the two-minute clip, Carrie's seen typing an email to Aiden that reads, "Hey Stranger … Remember me? IF this is still your email, it’s me — Carrie. Was just thinking about you the other day … and I wondered how you were doing. So, how ya doing?”

Next, we see the former couple sharing dinner at a restaurant, where he says, “Sitting here with you, it’s like 10 years just... [snaps his fingers].” The two then start laughing.

Elsewhere in the trailer, the partner of Cynthia Nixon's Miranda, Che -- played by Sara Ramírez -- believes Miranda is hiding something from her; and Charlotte, played by Kristin Davis, tries to balance motherhood and a career. 

There's no sign of Kim Cattrall's Sex in the City character Samantha in the trailer, although the actress did finally confirm the news that she'll return for one episode in season 2.

"Happy Pride," Cattrall shared on her Instagram in honor of Pride Month, along with a Variety headline announcing the news.

Cattrall starred for six seasons on the HBO series Sex and the City -- alongside Parker, Nixon, and Davis.

Cattrall reprised the character for a pair of films, but her character was written out of the Max's And Just Like That... spinoff.

Season 2 of And Just Like That... launches June 22 on HBO and Max.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


"Hobbs is back": Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson confirms lead in second 'Fast and Furious' spinoff

ABC/Paula Lobo

After his surprise reappearance in a post-credits scene in Fast X, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson took to social media to make a "long awaited" announcement that his Fast character, lawman Luke Hobbs, will be back on the big screen.

"It's true," Johnson said in a video. "Hobbs is back in the Fast and Furious franchise."

In the caption for the video, Johnson noted the next movie to feature the legendary lawman "will be the HOBBS movie that will serve as a fresh, new chapter & set up for Fast X: Part II."

The latter film is set for release in 2025.

The superstar referenced the beef between him and Fast series star and producer Vin Diesel, which at one point had Johnson vowing he wouldn't return to the "family."

"Last summer Vin Diesel and I put all the past behind us," Johnson explained. "We'll lead with brotherhood and resolve – and always take care of the franchise, characters and fans that we love. I've built my career on an 'audience first' mentality and that will always serve as my north star."

Johnson called the reaction to his appearance in the 10th film in the Fast saga "humbling and gratifying," adding keeping the post-credit scene a secret was "hard as hell."

The upcoming film will be co-produced by Johnson and Diesel through their respective production companies, 7 Bucks and One Race.

The first Fast spinoff, 2019's Fast and the Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, had Johnson starring, with fellow Fast troupe member Jason Statham playing Hobbs' frenemy Deckard Shaw.

Directed by Deadpool 2's David Leitch — and featuring Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds, in a minor role — the action movie was a smash, earning more than $760 million worldwide.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Sophie Thatcher explains her 'Boogeyman' playlist and how a haunted hotel room kept movie's shoot interesting

20th Century Studios

In The Boogeyman, Sophie Thatcher plays Sadie, a teen mourning her mom, who also has to deal with the titular menace haunting her grieving family.

For the Yellowjackets alumna, key to her character was music: sad music, particularly, and a lot of it. It was compiled into what she shared with director Rob Savage as "Sadie's Playlist."

"It was a lot of ambient, [there] was Brian Eno," she explained to ABC Audio.

"And Harold Budd always makes me feel really sad and nostalgic — specifically the Quicksilver Serpent record."

She continued, "There was just a lot of any song that made me feel really nostalgic. So there were some, like, Replacements songs because I grew up in The Replacements [era]. There are some Elliott Smith, but I'll always throw that in any playlists."

And while she also used different music to decompress after long shooting days, her hotel room in New Orleans didn't exactly help. "I think the place, the second place that I was staying at was haunted," she says.

"Because the TV would turn on and off and the music would turn on and off randomly throughout the night. And I dunno if I was bringing The Boogeyman home with me or what."  

The Boogeyman also stars Air's Chris Messina, Obi-Wan Kenobi's Vivien Lyra Blair and Ant-Man series veteran David Dastmalchian.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


George Lopez explains the real-life experience inspiring his children's book, 'ChupaCarter and the Haunted Piñata'

ABC Audio

George Lopez has had a successful career as a stand-up, a sitcom star and in movies, but his career as a bestselling children's book author hits particularly close to home.

He's just released his second book in a series, ChupaCarter and the Haunted Piñata, and believe it or not, he tells ABC Audio it's based on a pretty paranormal experience he had — not to mention his childhood, which seems like it would have fit right in with the kids from Stranger Things.

George explains his grandfather was strict, so he couldn't play outside all day. That forced him to make the most of his time and his imagination — like his main character, Jorge, who happens to befriend a chupacabra named Carter.

"The idea that you could almost replenish your past with color and with great stories and with great kids and, and all of that is derived from [my childhood]," Lopez says.

"We did everything but going to the cemetery, really. Everything was in play except the cemetery," he adds with a smile.

As for that haunted piñata? It goes back to a skull-shaped balloon at a Day of the Dead party thrown some years ago by his sitcom mom, Belita Moreno. "Before we left, we said, 'Hey, let's everybody get a picture.' So there's like a balloon behind [us] ... looking [the opposite] way," George recalls.

"So we all put our arms around each other. And when we look at the picture, the face was between our shoulders looking at the camera. And I was like, 'There's no way that that balloon would have turned that fast.'"

He adds, still a little haunted, "I've seen a lot of things that people think I'm crazy for, but that, that moment, it never left me."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


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