SciFiAndTvTalk

Outlander - Season Seven Premieres In June (STARZ)

Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). Photo by Robert Wilson and copyright of STARZ.

STARZ announced today the June 16 return of its fan-favorite time-traveling drama series Outlander, confirming the upcoming seventh season will be split into two parts of eight episodes each, with the back half airing in 2024. It was previously announced that the seventh season would be an extended 16 episodes. Additionally, STARZ released several first look images of the new season to quench the Droughtlander thirst. The series has already been renewed for an eighth and final season and a prequel series, Outlander: Blood of My Blood centering on Jamie Fraser’s parents has been greenlighted for a first season.

Clare Fraser (Caitriona Balfe). Photo by Robert Wilson and copyright of STARZ.

The highly anticipated seventh season of Outlander is set to premiere on Friday, June 16 at midnight ET on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms and internationally on the LIONSGATE+ premium streaming platform in the U.K. On linear, it will debut on STARZ on Friday, June 16 at 8:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada. New episodes will be available to stream weekly on Fridays at midnight on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms and will air weekly on the STARZ linear platform.

Young Ian (John Bell). Photo by Robert Wilson and copyright of STARZ.

STARZ previously announced several new additions to the Outlander family, including Charles Vandervaart as “William Ransom,” Izzy Meikle-Small as “Rachel Hunter” and Joey Phillips as “Denzell Hunter,” joining returning fan-favorites Caitríona Balfe as “Claire Fraser,” Sam Heughan as “Jamie Fraser,” Sophie Skelton as “Brianna MacKenzie,” Richard Rankin as “Roger MacKenzie,” John Bell as “Young Ian,” David Berry as “Lord John Grey,” Caitlin O’Ryan as “Lizzie Beardsley” and Paul Gorman as “Josiah” and “Keziah Beardsley.”

Lord John Grey (David Berry) and adopted son William (Charles Vandervaart). Photo by Robert Wilson and copyright of STARZ.

The Outlander television series is inspired by Diana Gabaldon’s international best-selling books, which have sold an estimated 50 million copies worldwide, with all nine of the books gracing the New York Times best-seller list. The Outlander television series has become a worldwide success with audiences, spanning the genres of history, science fiction, romance and adventure in one amazing tale.

Roger (Richard Rankin) and Bree (Sophie Skelton). Photo by Robert Wilson and copyright of STARZ.

Matthew B. Roberts, Ronald D. Moore, Maril Davis, Toni Graphia, Luke Schelhaas, Andy Harries, Jim Kohlberg, Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan executive produce. Outlander is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Left Bank Pictures and Story Mining & Supply Company, in association with Sony Pictures Television.

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Michael Gray - TV's Original Billy Batson in Shazam! - Makes Cameo Appearance In Shazam!: Fury of the Gods

(L-R): Zachary Levi and Michael Gray on the set of Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Photo courtesy of VOPR.

Michael Gray, television’s original Billy Batson, returns to the Captain Marvel spotlight with a notable cameo role in the newly-released Shazam!: Fury of the Gods.

Gray drew national attention as one of the stars of Shazam!, the DC character’s inaugural TV series that aired first-run episodes on CBS Saturday mornings from 1974-1977. The series featured Gray’s Billy Batson and Les Tremayne’s Mentor traveling the country in a recreational vehicle, armed with the ancient acrostic magic word courtesy of the cross-pantheon icons Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury. Shazam! spawned spin-offs and successors that brought non-animated action to the nation's children well into the 1980s.

A popular 1970s teen heartthrob who regularly adorned the covers of Tiger Beat, Flip and 16, Gray returned to the realm of his initial fame with a true “Easter Egg” appearance in the all-new Shazam! feature film sequel. As his legion of fans have noted across social media since the film premiered, Gray appears in the film wearing his patented red shirt with gold trim, and even utters a classic “Captain Marvel” reference in his dialogue with Zachary Levi’s title character.

In addition to his beloved role on Shazam, Gray starred as Ronnie in Garry Marshall’s series The Little People alongside Brian Keith & Shelley Fabares; played Burt Reynolds’ kid brother in the TV movie Run, Simon, Run; had a memorable role in Peter Hyams’ film coming-of-age drama Our Time opposite Parker Stevenson & Pamela Sue Martin (before they starred in The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries); and had guest roles on such adored 1960s-70s classic series as The Brady Bunch, Marcus Welby, M.D., The Flying Nun, Room 222.

In recent years, Gray has played a popular recurring character in episodes of FX’s Archer – voicing “TV’s Michael Gray,” an exaggerated, over-the-top animated version of himself.

“It was so much fun doing the cameo – from the time I got to set, I couldn’t stop smiling,” Gray recalls. “Acting is the only job I’ve ever truly loved, and being back on a movie set was a dream. It really felt like the ‘good old days’ of filming the TV series, and it was so thrilling to do that scene with Zachary. When we got done filming, I walked over to Zachary and said ‘You really are the best Captain Marvel!’”

Gray has fond memories of making the original series, and has truly enjoyed his interactions with the fans over the years since it first aired. Shazam! is now available in its fully-remastered glory on both Blu-ray and on HBO Max.

“The show was very special because of the moral values in every episode,” Gray recalls. “It was all about teaching kids right from wrong. At Cons these days, fans are continually thanking me for those lessons, and how it was our show that helped them get through hard times as a child. And now they pass on those strong moral values by watching with their kids and grandkids. In my opinion, we need more TV shows and movies like that today.”

The Power - First Look Sneak-Peek (Prime Video)

Prime Video just released a first-look sneak peek for upcoming thriller series, The Power. The first three episodes will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on Friday, March 31st with a new episode available each Friday, leading up to the season finale on May 12th.

The Power is our world, but for one twist of nature. Suddenly, and without warning, teenage girls develop the power to electrocute people at will. The series features a cast of remarkable characters from London to Seattle, Nigeria to Eastern Europe, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of the power balance of the world. The series stars Toni Collette as Mayor Margot Cleary-Lopez, alongside John Leguizamo as Rob Lopez, Auli’i Cravalho as Jos Cleary-Lopez, Toheeb Jimoh as Tunde Ojo, Josh Charles as Daniel Dandon, Eddie Marsan as Bernie Monke, Ria Zmitrowicz as Roxy Monke, Zrinka Cvitešić as Tatiana Moskalev, Halle Bush as Allie Montgomery, and more.

The Power comes from Amazon Studios and SISTER, with Raelle Tucker (True Blood, Jessica Jones) serving as showrunner.

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Belgravia: The Next Chapter - Season Two New Casting And Start Of Production Announced (MGM+)

Philip Glenister as Frederick Trenchard in Belgravia. Photo courtesy/copyright of Carnival Films.

Today, premium network MGM+ revealed today new casting for Belgravia: The Next Chapter, a continuation of the hit historical drama named for—and set in—the affluent London district that became synonymous with the upper echelons of London society in the 19th century. Filming commenced earlier this month in the UK, and the eight-part series is set to premiere in winter 2023. New cast includes Harriet Slater (Pennyworth), Ben Wainwright (Gangs of London), Edward Bluemel (A Discovery of Witches), Toby Regbo (Reign), Hannah Onslow (Call the Midwife), Sophie Thompson (The Detectorists), Claude Perron (Big Bug), Sophie Winkleman (Sanditon) and Elaine Cassidy (Harper's Island). Belgravia: The Next Chapter is a Carnival Films co-production with MGM+ Studios and will be distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution. Carnival Films is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. 

Belgravia: The Next Chapter picks up in 1871, three decades after the events depicted in the 2020 limited series, which was written by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age) and based on his novel of the same name. Developed and written by critically acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Helen Edmundson (Dalgliesh, Mary Magdalene), the series tells the love story of Frederick Trenchard (Philip Glenister), who has grown up as the third Lord Trenchard, and his new love interest, Clara Dunn (Harriet Slater), who is a newcomer to London society. Unaware that his birth was the product of an affair between his mother Susan (Alice Eve) and the scoundrel John Bellasis (Adam James), a troubled childhood has left Frederick deeply insecure, which challenges his courtship of and marriage to Clara.

Led by Gareth Neame, the series reunites Carnival’s award-winning creative team behind the original series. Neame and Nigel Marchant will serve as executive producers with Julian Fellowes and Joanna Strevens. Helen Edmundson serves as showrunner and executive producer. The series will be directed by John Alexander, Paul Wilmshurst and Marisol Adler. Colin Wratten (Killing Eve) who produced the original series, will return as producer. 

Citadel - Official Trailer Released (Prime Video)

Today, Prime Video debuted the high-octane official trailer for the upcoming epic spy-thriller series Citadel. The first season of the groundbreaking global series consists of six-episodes with two episodes premiering April 28 on Prime Video, and one episode rolling out weekly through May 26. The landmark, high-stakes drama is executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO and showrunner David Weil, and stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, with Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville. Citadel will be available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. 

Eight years ago, Citadel fell. The independent global spy agency—tasked to uphold the safety and security of all people—was destroyed by operatives of Manticore, a powerful syndicate manipulating the world from the shadows. With Citadel’s fall, elite agents Mason Kane (Richard Madden) and Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) had their memories wiped as they narrowly escaped with their lives. They’ve remained hidden ever since, building new lives under new identities, unaware of their pasts. Until one night, when Mason is tracked down by his former Citadel colleague, Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci), who desperately needs his help to prevent Manticore from establishing a new world order. Mason seeks out his former partner, Nadia, and the two spies embark on a mission that takes them around the world in an effort to stop Manticore, all while contending with a relationship built on secrets, lies, and a dangerous-yet-undying love. 
 
Richard Madden stars as Mason Kane, alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Nadia Sinh, Stanley Tucci as Bernard Orlick, Lesley Manville as Dahlia Archer, Osy Ikhile as Carter Spence, Ashleigh Cummings as Abby Conroy, Roland Møller as Anders Silje and Davik Silje, Caoilinn Springall as Hendrix Conroy, and more. 
 
From Amazon Studios and the Russo Brothers’ AGBO, Citadel is executive produced by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Scott Nemes for AGBO, with David Weil serving as showrunner and executive producer. Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Jeff Pinkner, and Scott Rosenberg serve as executive producers for Midnight Radio. Newton Thomas Sigel and Patrick Moran also serve as executive producers.
 
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Silo Coming In May (Apple TV+)

Rebecca Ferguson and David Oyelowo in Silo. Photo courtesy/copyright of Apple TV+.

Apple’s Silo (FKA Wool), the new 10-episode drama series based on Hugh Howey’s New York Times bestselling trilogy of dystopian novels, is set to make its global premiere on Friday, May 5, 2023 on Apple TV+. Debuting a first look teaser and photos from the series today, Silo is created by Emmy-nominated screenwriter Graham Yost (Band of Brothers, Justified), who also serves as showrunner. Academy Award-nominee Morten Tyldum (Defending Jacob, The Imitation Game) directs the first three episodes and the world-building drama stars an ensemble cast led by Rebecca Ferguson (Dune, Mission: Impossible films), who will also serve as executive producer. Silo will premiere with the first two episodes, followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday through June 30, 2023 on Apple TV+. Check out the teaser trailer below.

Silo is the story of the last ten thousand people on earth, their mile-deep home protecting them from the toxic and deadly world outside. However, no one knows when or why the silo was built and any who try to find out face fatal consequences. Ferguson stars as Juliette, an engineer, who seeks answers about a loved one's murder and tumbles onto a mystery that goes far deeper than she could have ever imagined, leading her to discover that if the lies don't kill you, the truth will.  

The ensemble cast starring alongside Ferguson includes Common (The Chi), Emmy-nominee Harriet Walter (Succession), Chinaza Uche (Dickinson), Avi Nash (The Walking Dead), Critics Choice Award and NAACP winner David Oyelowo (Selma), Emmy-nominee Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation) and Academy Award-winner Tim Robbins (Mystic River). Silo is produced for Apple TV+ by AMC Studios and based on the novels by Hugh Howey. The series is executive produced by Yost, Howey, Tyldum, and Ferguson, alongside Nina Jack, Fred Golan, Rémi Aubuchon, and Ingrid Escajeda.

Veteran Makeup FX Producer Sandra Lindala Named As New Vice President @ MastersFX

Sandra Lindala and Todd Masters with "friend." Photo courtesy/copyright of MastersFX.

International character FX company MastersFX, has appointed Sandra Lindala as new Vice President, overseeing the company’s operations in both their Vancouver and Toronto studios. She will develop new business to empower the continued expansion of MastersFX.

Lindala brings more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, having successfully collaborated with many of the biggest names in TV, film, music and publishing. For the past twelve-years, she managed Lindala Schminken FX, as Makeup FX Producer, to hundreds of film and television productions, including: Stephen King’s Pet Sematary and The Stand; Shogun, Resident Alien, Antlers, The Grudge, Peacemaker, See, Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Riverdale, Supernatural, and Once Upon a Time - which merited an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Makeup in 2012.

Prior to her position with Lindala Schminken FX, Lindala was an executive at Warner Bros., Spafax LLC, and Air Canada. At these posts, she focused on marketing, strategic-partnerships and acquisitions, licensing and branded content, publishing and merchandising.

“Sandy’s diverse experience will ensure the continued success of MastersFX.” says Todd Masters, the studio’s Founder, three-time Emmy Award winning president and CEO. “Sandy’s extensive background as a producer, along with her unique creativity AND her exceptional knowledge in character FX is the supreme meal-deal for us.”

“Sandy’s a legend in our industry,” Zane Knisley, MastersFX’s Toronto boss added – while juggling MastersFX work on the TV series, The Boys. “She is the missing link our studio has needed. I’m excited that she’ll help us get to our next-level and thrilled that she has joined our company!”

Said Sandy Lindala, “I look forward to better serving those clients who have been part of MastersFX’s journey for its thirty-six years, as well as many others, with whom I have connected. MastersFX is the true-home for artists and creators, and I look forward to evolving its ability to execute at even a higher level.”

Todd Masters adds, “As we have grown, we've developed into far-more than just a special-character-effects company. In addition to our FX work, we often function as innovative-partners, conceiving characters and assisting in the project’s overall tone. In certain cases, we’ll even work as producing associates. Adding Sandy’s specific experience in this area, makes her an invaluable component to MastersFX. We are so excited to welcome her to our team!”

About MASTERSFX:

Founded in 1987 by three-time Emmy Award winner Todd Masters, MastersFX is a character & makeup FX company with studios in Vancouver, BC and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

MastersFX’s creative teams produce a distinctive blend of practical & digital makeup FX, prosthetics and animatronics for hundreds of the entertainment industry’s biggest movies and television shows.

MastersFX created the cadavers from Six Feet Under… The vampires for True Blood… Jack from the Jack in the Box commercials… Bib the Michelin Man… The Borg from Star Trek… The babies from Look Who’s Talking… The werewolves from Underworld… Chucky from Child’s Play… And the predator from the recent film version of The Predator.

Recently, the studio completed Season Two of Showtime’s hit show, Yellowjackets, and MGM's popular, From series, along with the final season of CW’s Nancy Drew – all three shows are set to premiere in the next few months. Additionally, the prolific studio is currently filming Nickelodeon’s Monster High, CBS's Fire Country, season six ofThe Good Doctor, season four ofThe Boys, and season four of The Umbrella Academy.

The Great - Season Three Premieres in May (Hulu)

Nicholas Hoult (as Peter) and Elle Fanning (as Catherine) in The Great. Photo courtesy/copyright of Hulu.

Today, Elle Fanning announced that season three of the Emmy-winning series The Great will return to Hulu on Friday, May 12th with all ten episodes. 

Season 3 of The Great sees Catherine (Elle Fanning) and Peter (Nicholas Hoult) attempt to make their marriage work after some seemingly insurmountable problems. Peter witnessed his own attempted murder at Catherine’s hands and she also imprisoned all of his friends. On top of this, Peter is at a loose end playing First Husband to Catherine’s reign, so he busies himself with fathering, hunting and salty culinary ventures. But they’re not enough to keep him contented as visions of his late father (played by Jason Isaacs), get in his head about his failures as Peter the Great’s son. Catherine the Great starts making a name for herself beyond her borders and inspired by a visit from the US ambassador, sets up a conference where peasants, nobles and merchants can all give their input on developing a new Russia. She learns that even the best political leaders sometimes need to make compromises in order to progress. 

The Great is created, written and executive produced by Tony McNamara and executive produced by Marian Macgowan, Mark Winemaker, Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Echo Lake’s Brittany Kahan Ward, Doug Mankoffand Andrew Spaulding, Thruline’s Ron West and Josh Kesselman. The project is produced by Civic Center Media in association with MRC Television.

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Mrs. Davis Official Trailer Released (Peacock)

Peacock released the first official trailer (see below) for their highly anticipated drama series MRS. DAVIS. From the creative minds of Tara Hernandez (The Big Bang Theory) and Emmy Award Winner Damon Lindelof (LOST, Watchmen), and starring Emmy Award-Nominated Betty Gilpin (GLOW, The Hunt) as Simone alongside Jake McDorman (Dopesick, The Right Stuff) and Andy McQueen (Station Eleven, Fahrenheit 451), MRS. DAVIS follows the epic battle between “Mrs. Davis,” the world’s most powerful Artificial Intelligence, and Simone, the nun devoted to destroying Her. 

Coming up this month, MRS.DAVIS will make its world premiere on March 14, 2023 at SXSW as an Official Selection for the festival. MRS. DAVIS will premiere on Peacock with four episodes on Thursday, April 20, then weekly on Thursdays.