‘Batwoman’ casts Javicia Leslie:
Warner Bros. Television, the CW and Berlanti Productions announced Wednesday that Javicia Leslie has been cast as the new series lead of “Batwoman.”
Leslie will portray Ryan Wilder, described as “likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed,” who in season two will take over the Bat-mantle from Kate Kane. Her casting makes her the first Black actress to portray Batwoman in a live-action production. Similarly, Ryan will be the first Black character to become the caped vigilante in any medium.
“I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show, which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community,” Leslie said in a statement.
Rolling Stones to release unheard tracks: The Rolling Stones will release a new version of their 1973 album “Goats Head Soup” featuring three unheard tracks, including one with Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page.
The band announced Thursday that the release on Sept. 4 will include CD and vinyl box set editions that feature 10 bonus tracks, along with outtakes and alternative versions.
Page appears on a song called “Scarlet,” and the Stones also released a video for one of the unheard songs, called “Criss Cross.”
GLAAD Media Awards going virtual: On Thursday, the LGBTQ+ advocacy organization announced that 2020’s GLAAD Media Awards will be held online later this month.
The celebration — featuring appearances from Dolly Parton, Lil Nas X, Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Lena Waithe, the cast of “Pose” and other stars — will stream on GLAAD’s Facebook and YouTube pages on July 30 starting at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Hosted by comedians Fortune Feimster and Gina Yashere, the GLAAD Media Awards will also include a performance from sister duo Chloe x Halle.
July 10 birthdays: Actor William Smithers is 93. Singer Mavis Staples is 81. Actor Robert Pine is 79. Folk singer Arlo Guthrie is
73. Singer Neil Tennant is
66. Singer Gary LeVox is
50. Actress Sofia Vergara is
48. Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is 43. Actress Gwendoline Yeo is 43. Singer Jessica Simpson is 40. Actress Heather Hemmens is 36.