In this weeks’ recap we have two major deaths in the industry, Warner Bros dropping a bomb on theaters, & Russell Brand/Matthew McConaughey are in hot water for comments made on Brand’s podcast.

1.) Famed Bodybuilder and Original Darth Vader actor David Prowse dead at 85.

“It’s with great regret and heart-wrenching sadness for us and million of fans around the world, to announce that Dave Prowse MBE has passed away at the age of 85,” Bowington Management tweeted out. Prowse is best known for his portrayal as Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. Prowse would have James Earl Jones iconic voice dubbed in for the character in post production.

SOURCE: Reuters

Opinion: While not a household name those of us who grew up with the Star Wars trilogy know of Prowse’ contributions to the franchise. My thoughts go out to his family and loved ones.

2.) Mad Max Star Hugh Keays-Byrne dies at 73.

In 1979’s Mad Max, Keays-Bryne played as Toecutter who led the film’s dangerous biker gang. He would return to the franchise 36 years later for Mad Max: Fury Road this time playing Immortan Joe and terrorizing the film’s protagonist once more. His co-star Charlize Theron remembered him fondly tweeting, “RIP Hugh Keays-Byrne It’s amazing you were able to play an evil warlord so well cause you were such a kind, beautiful soul. You will be deeply missed my friend.”

SOURCE: Deadline

Opinion: Another great talent lost. RIP, good sir.

3.) Warner Bros. to release entire 2021 slate on HBO Max

WB made waves when they announced that they were releasing their full 2021 schedule to their streaming service for a month same day as theaters. Insiders say that to avoid possible boycotts of the film from theater chains that those institutions will see a better ticket sales split. Warner Bros. Pictures Group chairman Toby Emmerich release the following statement about the move, “This hybrid exhibition model enables us to best support our films, creative partners and moviegoing in general throughout 2021. We have a fantastic, wide-ranging slate of titles from talented and visionary filmmakers next year, and we’re excited to be able get these movies in front of audiences around the world. And, as always, we’ll support all of our releases with innovative and robust marketing campaigns for their theatrical debuts, while highlighting this unique opportunity to see our films domestically via HBO Max as well.”

SOURCE: Hollywood Reporter

Opinion: I have been pushing for film studios to stop pushing back releases. There is a question of profitability for either the studio or the theater chains but with the new possible deal in place it could become a win win during the pandemic. I will be interested to see if other studios will follow suit & we may get back to a somewhat normal 2021 release schedule.

4.) Early reactions for WW84 earn near universal praise

Wonder Woman 1984 initial reactions call the upcoming DCEU sequel is even better than it’s predecessor. Those who have seen the film tweeted that It’s ambitious, wonderful, action packed & tells a very human story. Many called it’s message timely for 2020. WW84 releases Christmas Day in Theaters and on HBO Max.

SOURCE: Screenrant

Opinion: I’m happy to see the early reactions are overwhelmingly positive. Wonder Woman was by far the best DCEU movie to date. It appears that WW84 will continue that trend.

5.) Matthew McConaughey & Russell Brand slam hypocrisy of ‘illiberal left’ in Hollywood

During Brand’s podcast, Under the Skin, Brand chastised Hollywood for criticizing ordinary working people stating, “[There is] a kind of offhandedness, like, ‘Oh, they’re dumb, they’re voting for Brexit, they’re voting for Trump.’ I don’t like it, and I don’t like to hear it.” McConaughey seconded the notion, noting that “There are a lot [of people] on that illiberal left that absolutely condescend, patronize, and are arrogant towards the other 50 percent.”

SOURCE: Deadline

Opinion: No one with a single working brain cell is going to contend that Brand or McConaughey are right wing. There’s alot of talk of unity after Biden’s apparent electoral victory. These two rightly call out those, particularly in Hollywood circles, that were resistance for 4 years and our now all about unity when their guy occupies the White House. If we’re gonna ever get close to any semblance of unity we need more of this commentary not less.