MUMBAI: Here we bring exciting updates from Hollywood industry to keep you amused. Read on

Emma Thompson walks out of 'Luck'

Actress Emma Thompson has dropped out of new animated movie Luck because she didn't want to work with John Lasseter after his sexual harassment scandal.

Lasseter left Pixar Animation Studios because of sexual harassment allegations. And Skydance Animation, which is behind the movie Luck, defended their decision to hire the animator.

Skydance Animation's CEO David Ellison said the decision to hire Lasseter hadn't been "entered into lightly" after the animator left Pixar because of a sexual harassment scandal, reports leading publication.

However, a representative for Thompson, 59, said that she had dropped out "over concerns about working with John Lasseter when Skydance hired him".

A spokesperson for Thompson confirmed that she hadn't filmed any scenes for the animated movie.

Directed by Alessandro Carloni and set for release in 2021, Luck delves into a world about two opposing forces that control destiny and bad luck.

Kaluuya, Stanfield might work on film on Black Panther Party leader

Actors Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield are in negotiations to star in the historical drama Jesus Was My Homeboy, about Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton.

The project is set up at Warner Bros. with Black Panther director Ryan Coogler producing along with Charles King through his Marco production company, reports leading publication.

Shaka King will direct and produce the project from a script he wrote with Will Berson, which will focus on the death of Hampton, who was killed in 1969 while sleeping in his apartment during a raid conducted by a state tactical unit in conjunction with the Chicago Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

His death was ruled as a justifiable homicide by the inquest. A civil lawsuit resulted in a settlement of $1.85 million in 1982.

If the deals are made, Kaluuya will portray Hampton. Stanfield will play William O'Neal, who had provided the FBI with detailed plans of Hampton's apartment. O'Neal committed suicide in 1990.

Jussie Smollet's role in 'Empire' slashed

Actor Jussie Smollet's role in TV drama Empire has been slashed in the wake of the news that he staged his alleged homophobic attack.

Production sources told tmz.com that Smollet's five scenes have been cut in the second to last episode of the show.

Smollet was supposed to have nine scenes but now he will have only four scenes. And there will be no proper focus on Smollet in the remaining scenes. The scenes will feature an ensemble cast.

Due to Smollet's case, the script has also undergone multiple revisions.

Last month, Smollet reported to police that he was attacked by men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs and physically beat him.

Following an investigation, two brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo were arrested by the police who viewed them as "potential suspects", but they were released later due to lack of evidence. It was later reported that Smollet had staged the attack.

Smollet's case will now be presented before the grand jury.

Ryan Adams' guitarist urges musician to get help

Grammy-nominated musician Ryan Adams' guitarist Todd Wisenbaker has urged Adams to get help after the musician was accused of emotional abuse and sexual misconduct by several women.

A report in the New York Times outlined a pattern of manipulative behaviour, including accusations of psychological abuse from his former wife and actress Mandy Moore.

In a post on Instagram, Wisenbaker suggested that he had previously known about Adams's alleged behaviour, reports rollingstone.com.

"There were times when I chose to believe his insane version of the truth because it was easier than believing that anyone is capable of being this much of a monster. It's sickening and embarrassing. I've recently learned that pretty much everything he has ever told me is a lie upon a lie upon a lie," Wisenbaker posted.

Seven women accused Adams of misconduct and abuse, including Moore and singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridges. Among the most jarring claims came from a woman named Ava, who said that after striking up an online dialogue with Adams when she was 14, the two of them engaged in phone sex and had Skype calls where Adams exposed himself. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has since opened an investigation into the claim.   

In his statement, Wisenbaker said he previously urged Adams to get help, and that he believed in "forgiveness, redemption and recovery".

However, he added, "My life has become a complete shitstorm of someone else's utter delusion."

Wisenbaker also admitted he was anxious about addressing the accusations out of concern for the safety of his family. But he noted, "I do realise that I have a responsibility to speak up. The women that spoke out are brave beyond words."

In an interview, Moore opened up about her marriage with Adams, saying she had an unhealthy relationship with Adams.

"I was living my life for him. It was an entirely unhealthy dynamic. I had no sense of self. I felt like I was drowning.

"It was so untenable and unsustainable and it was so lonely. I was so sad. I was lonely with him," said the actress, who is getting positive response for her role in This Is Us, which is aired in India on Star World.

No prepared Oscar speech for Richard E. Grant  

Actor Richard E. Grant says he doesn’t have an Oscar speech prepared.             

The 61-year-old actor landed his first Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Jack Hock, the loyal accomplice of author-turned-literary forger Lee Israel (Melissa McCarthy) in the biopic Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Asked if he has rituals before awards shows, he said, "No, because I'm not superstitious at all."

"It happens every year that I've been observing awards shows, there's usually an actor that has a surefire through run," variety.com quoted Grant as saying.

He added, "Last year, it was Gary Oldman and Frances McDormand. Usually, there's one actor that's like roadrunner and just burns the way through everything. I happen to be in a category this year and Mahershala Ali has won absolutely every big award.

"And as sure as I am talking to you right now, he will win on Sunday. Knowing that means essentially you don't have to prepare a speech. I've been so awarded by the job offers I've had, winning 22 critics awards across Canada, US and England, I can't say I've been shortchanged in the awards department. The big four -- SAG, Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and Oscars -- Mahershala has so clearly won those without any doubt that in some way, it makes it easier."

Does that mean you are not going to have a speech planned on Sunday?

"Most certainly not. That would be foolish. The man that has to have the speech planned is the man who has had to come up with four different speeches for the four different awards that he's already won. He's the one with the duty of coming up with saying something new, not the other four nominees."

The 91st Academy Awards will be held on February 24 here. The ceremony will air live on February 25 morning on Star Movies and Star Movies Select HD.

Jasmine has stronger role in 'Aladin' remake: Producer

Producer Dan Lin, who is backing the reboot of the animated 1992 classic Aladdin, says the film will have a "much stronger journey" for Princess Jasmine.

In an interview to Empire, Dan spoke about the film and transformation of Jasmine's character, reports leading publication.

He said, "In the original movie, it felt like Jasmine didn't have as compelling a goal. Her main aim was to find the love of her life.

"In this case, the romance is important, but she also wants to see more of Agrabah, and take more of a leadership role in ruling the city. Her character has a much stronger journey."   

The upcoming film Aladin will star actress Naomi Scott as princess Jasmine, Mena Massoud as Aladin and Will Smith as the Genie.

Rocky Star treats every show as his first

Designer Rocky Star, who showcased his collection at London Fashion Week earlier this month, says he believes in treating each show with the same enthusiasm as his first.

It was his sixth time at the fashion gala.

"Every showcase at London Fashion week has been special. I truly believe in treating each show with the same enthusiasm as the first," Rocky, who has styled celebrities including Paris Hilton, Beyonce Knowles and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, told leading publication.

He added, "So even though it's the sixth season of showcasing in London, I have the same energy and drive. To see your vision come to life in the most beautiful way on the ramp season after season, is what makes me work harder and push boundaries."

By being a regular at the prestigious fashion event, he feels that he has not only carved a niche for the brand but also for Indian fashion at London.

"It is a place I am very glad to be at with the ability to forefront India on a global platform. A lot of myself has gone behind creating and putting together this collection in ways that can appeal to a global audience," he said.

(Source: IANS)