Smith, Lawrence reteaming for film
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are teaming up once again for a fourth “Bad Boys” movie, in one of Smith’s most highprofile new projects since the Oscars slap.
Sony Pictures announced Tuesday that the untitled “Bad Boys” sequel is in early preproduction. In a video posted on Instagram, Smith filmed himself driving to Lawrence’s house. Embracing at the door, Smith exclaims, “It’s about that time!”
Development on the “Bad Boys” sequel, which follows 2020’s “Bad Boys for Life,” was reportedly put on hold after Smith hit Chris Rock at the Academy Awards in March. But last May, Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman disputed those reports.
“There weren’t any brakes to pump because the car wasn’t moving,” said Rothman. “That was a very unfortunate thing that happened, and I don’t think it’s really my place to comment, except to say that I’ve known Will Smith for many years, and I know him to be a good person. … I believe his apology and regret is genuine, and I believe in forgiveness and redemption.”
Shortly before the pandemic shuttered theaters, “Bad Boys for Life” was a box-office hit, grossing $426 million worldwide.
Jackson’s nephew to star in biopic:
Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, 26, will play the King of Pop in the planned biopic “Michael,” to be directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Lionsgate announced Jackson’s casting Monday. The second youngest son of Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine Jackson, Jaafar Jackson has put out music of his own, but this will be his acting debut.
“I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” said the biopic’s producer, Graham King, in a statement. “It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.”
On Twitter, Jaafar Jackson said he’s “humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life.”
“Michael” is being produced with the cooperation of the estate of the singer, who died in 2009.
Actor Loring dies: Lisa Loring, who portrayed Wednesday on the original “Addams Family” series, has died, a friend announced. She was 64.
The actor “suffered a massive stroke,” the friend, Laurie Jacobson, wrote Sunday on Facebook. Loring’s daughter confirmed her death, telling Variety the actor died Saturday.
Loring was 6 years old when she debuted in 1964 as Wednesday in “The Addams Family,” which ran for two seasons and
more than 60 episodes. Loring also appeared on “Barnaby Jones” and “As the World Turns.”
Guitarist Verlaine dies:
Tom Verlaine — guitarist and co-founder of the seminal proto-punk band Television who influenced several bands while playing in New York alongside the Ramones, Patti Smith and Talking Heads — has died at age 73. He died Saturday after a brief illness, said Cara Hutchison from the public relations firm Lede Company.
Though Television never found much commercial success, Verlaine’s jaggedly inventive playing as part of the band’s two-guitar assault influenced many musicians. Verlaine also released eight solo albums.
Feb. 1 birthdays: Actor Garrett Morris is 86. Singer Del McCoury is 84. Guitarist Mike Campbell is 73. Singer Exene Cervenka is
67. Actor Sherilyn Fenn is
58. Comedian Pauly Shore is 55. Actor Michael C.
Hall is 52. Musician Jason Isbell is 44. TV personality Lauren Conrad is 37. Actor Heather Morris is 36. Singer Harry Styles is 29.