Jason Momoa (center) in “Chief of War”
By Dana Simpson TV Media
S‘Chief’ among men Momoa, new talent Makua star in historical Polynesian epic
torytelling is at the root of the human experience. Since we have existed as a species on this planet, human stories have been at the heart of our evolution and survival, plus our development has been dependent upon the most rudimentary morality tales and the most imaginative creation myths. Many of these stories — whether ancient or modern — serve as reminders of past failures and successes, teaching the newer generations lessons in humanity and raising various diverse issues of cultural prominence along the way.
These such stories have been of particular importance to Indigenous and Polynesian cultures for millennia, but as humankind continues to grow and evolve, so, too, does the narrative method. In the current age, many of us have taken a step back from more intimate forms of oration in favor of sweeping on-screen epics with high production value and familiar (often handsome) faces.
In Apple TV+’s newest series, “Chief of War,” premiering Friday, Aug. 1, co-creator Jason Momoa (“See”) stars as Hawai’ian warrior, explorer and chief Ka’iana, a real-life historical figure described in an 1893 edition of Paradise of the Pacific magazine as “a turbulent and ambitious chief” who “joined the side of Kalanikupule,” king of O’ahu, after turning his back on King Kamehameha I in the late 18th century.
While some viewers may already be familiar with Kamehameha’s story (or at least his name), this nine-episode Apple series dives deep into late 17th- to early 18th-century Hawai’ian history and politics, detailing several of the battles, alliances and devastations that occurred during the creation of Hawai’i as we know it today.
Showrun by Momoa’s fellow co-creator Thomas Pa’a Sibbett (“The Last Manhunt,” 2022), “Chief of War” is described by Apple TV+ as the “epic and unprecedented telling of the unification and colonization of Hawai’i at the turn of the 18th century.” Proudly boasting its “predominantly Polynesian cast,” the Apple streaming service released promotional photos and a trailer showing a plethora of gorgeous period costumes and beautifully lit and choreographed scenes.
And while Ka‘iana’s story is certainly less known than that of beloved leader Kamehameha I, Sibbett explained his and Momoa’s choice during a June 11 interview on Hawai’i Public Radio.
“I’ll be honest, I didn’t feel equipped to do that,” Sibbett told HPR of telling Kamehameha’s story. “Actually, I just kind of thought it wasn’t a great idea altogether. Not because the story isn’t amazing, not because it isn’t compelling, but because with that one, you do run the risk of being
completely commercial and not true to what Hawai’ians believe should happen.”
Sibbett continued: “I felt like, no matter what I did, no matter how we chose to build it, that it just would make more people unhappy than it would be happy.”
Conversely, Sibbett found a sympathetic and dynamic character in Ka’iana, telling HPR, “I’m able to play up some of his flaws, or I’m able to kind of place him in situations that allow us to realistically discuss Kamehameha, discuss Ka’ahumanu, discuss some of these people without directly hitting them. ... It was just a way to sort of protect the mana [spirit] of our ali’i [leaders] in a way that could be mindful.”
Despite Momoa taking up the charge as the titular chief, Kamehameha still plays a large part in the new historical action series.
Kaina Makua, a Hawai’ian kalo (or “taro”) farmer and agricultural educator with no earlier acting credits, portrays the iconic figure in “Chief of War.” And although Makua may not yet be known on the wider world stage, his work teaching and promoting traditional Hawai’ian practices is already well known on the island of Kaua’i.
As the founder of Kumano I Ke Ala (KIKA), a “non-profit and social enterprise empowering West Kaua’i through native land rehabilitation, food system revitalization, workforce training and youth development” (per KIKA), Makua has helped keep local Indigenous practices alive while giving back to the land and his community in a superbly meaningful way. With more than 70,000 pounds of kalo “processed and sold” to support “local farmers and food sovereignty in 2024” alone, KIKA empowers youth while making a tangible difference in the face of tough economic and environmental times.
Makua’s dedication to Hawai’i is not just evident through his hard work off-screen, but he also aims to lift up Indigenous communities by way of “Chief of War,” hoping the story will inform, inspire and pave the way for some muchneeded representation in film and television.
“It’s big,” Makua told “Hawaii News Now Sunrise” presenter Billy V in a July 3 interview. “Indigenous people, native people all over the world, we all get mo’olelo [legends], we all get stories. How do we, [sic] aside from just
Hawai’ian and our mo’olelo, bring every Indigenous people up? And I believe this is the tip of the spear.”
The series, which is “staged almost entirely in the Hawai’ian language,” features a largely Polynesian ensemble cast that includes Temuera Morrison (“The Book of Boba Fett”), Te Ao o Hinepehinga (“Breakwater”), Luciane Buchanan (“The Night Agent”), Cliff Curtis (“Kaos”), Siua Ikale’o (“They Don’t Cast Shadows,” 2022), Moses Goods (“NCIS: Hawai’i”), Brandon Finn (“Fantasy Island”), James Udom (“Judas and the Black Messiah,” 2021), Mainei Kinimaka (“Ka Po,” 2022) and Te Kohe Tuhaka (“Great White,” 2021), to name a few.
Don’t miss the wa’a kaulua. “Chief of War” premieres Friday, Aug. 1, on Apple TV+.
Te Ao o Hinepehinga stars in “Chief of War”
Stallone. < Escape Plan 2: Hade s (‘18) Sylvester Stallone. <++ Escape Pl an Sylvester Stallone.
Gilded Age
Notting Hill (‘99) Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts.
Death of a Unicorn (‘25) Paul Rudd. The Gilded Age
Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of
Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind
Knick
Knick
(‘17) Jamie Foxx.
Machete Kills (‘13) Danny Trejo. <++++ The Godfather (‘72, Cri) Al Pacino, James Caan, Marlon Brando. <++++ The Godfather, Part II
Risk (‘25) Mark Wahlberg.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
of Seventeen Hailee Steinfeld.
a Paddle Seth Green. <++
Vegas (‘13) Michael Dougl as
The Mexican
<+++ The Green Mile Tom Hanks.
Estadio
en Guadalupe, Nuevo León, México.
(‘00)
Ghost Rider (‘07) Nicolas Cage.
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
The Crow (‘24)Bill Skarsgård.
Gilded Age
Gilded Age (N) The Gilded AgeLast Week The Gilded Age Gilded
Knick The Knick "Crutchfield" <+++ State of Play (‘09) Russell Crowe. <++ The Watchers Dakota Fanning <+++ Love Lies Bleeding
The Godfather, Part II (‘74) Al Pacino. Dexter "Backseat Driver" Dexter "Call Me Red" (N) The Chi (N) Dexter "Call Me Red" The Chi "Ready or Not " Dexter "Call Me Red"
Strays (‘23) Will Ferrell. <++ Fast X (‘23) Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel. BMF BMF < Dirty Angels (‘24) Maria Bakalova, Eva Green. BMF
The Mexican <+++ The Nice Guys (‘16) Russell Crowe (P) <+++ Inglourious Basterd s (‘09) Mélanie Laurent, Brad Pitt. <++ Defiance (‘08) Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig. (P)
Highlights this
week
Sunday
The Replacements
(9) WGN 6:30 p.m.
When failed negotiations lead to a player’s strike with four games left in the regular season, Washington Sentinels owner Edward O’Neil (Jack Warden) and coach Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman) recruit replacement players to finish out the season.
Dexter: Resurrection
SHOW 7:00 p.m.
Following the events of “Dexter” and “Dexter: New Blood,” this latest endeavor finds vigilante killer Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) on the hunt for his son, Harrison (Jack Alcott), while attempting to evade Det. Angel Batista (David Zayas).
Monday
American Ninja Warrior
(5) WMAQ 7:00 p.m.
The semifinals conclude in Las Vegas during a brand-new episode as the com-
Wednesday Celebrity IOU
HGTV 7:00 p.m.
Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott team up with snowboarder Shaun White during this latest episode, helping Shaun to surprise his childhood best friend with a renovation of his new home. To get the job done, they must update the home’s dated kitchen.
Thursday
Revival
SYFY 9:00 p.m.
Officer Dana Cypress’ (Melanie Scrofano) job gets incredibly more complicated when the recently deceased miraculously rise from their graves no worse for wear. How will Dana solve a pressing murder case now that everyone alive or undead is a suspect?
Friday
The Three Sisters STARZ 2:25 p.m.
In honor of their grandmother’s legacy, three Mexican-American sisters (Marta Méndez Cross, Virginia Novello, Valeria Maldonado) embark on a traditional pilgrimage through Mexico. While on
Sunday
(5) WMAQ 1:00 p.m.
2025 Tour de France
Ride like your quads aren’t burning! The 21st and final stage of the 2025 Tour de France airs on NBC this Sunday, July 27, following as the world’s top cyclists race to capture the coveted yellow jersey. Last year, Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar claimed victory, leaving big shoes to fill for this year’s victor.
Saturday
Providence Falls: Chance of a Lifetime
HALL 7:00 p.m.
This three-part adaptation of Jude Deve-
raux and Tara Sheets’ book series of the same name follows thief Liam O’Conner (Lachlan Quarmby) as his undying love for sheltered and fiery aristocrat Cora McLeod (Katie Stevens) crosses time and space.
M Stooges <+++ Black Hawk Down (2001,War) Ewan McGregor, Josh Hartnett. <+++ Captain Phillips (2013,Docu-Drama) Catherine Keener, Tom Hanks <+++ Rocky III (‘82) T Stooges <+++ First Blood (‘82) Sylvester Stallone. <++ Shooter (2007,Action) Michael Peña, Mark Wahlberg. <+++ Gran Torino (‘08) Christopher Carley, Clint Eastwood. W Stooges <++ 2012 (2009,Action) Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Cusack. <+++ The Green Mile (1999,Drama) David Morse, Tom Hanks. Th <+++ Blazing Saddles (‘74) <++ Three Amigos! (‘86,Western) Steve Martin, Chevy Chase. <+ Major League II (‘94,Comedy) Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen. <++ Police Academy 2: Their First ... F Stooges <++ Real Genius (1985,Comedy) Gabriel Jarret, Val Kilmer. <+++ Fast Times at Ridgemont High (‘82) <++ Caddyshack (‘80) Chevy Chase. <++
Th 2025 AIG Women's Open First Round
M <+++ The Other Guys (‘10,Com) Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell. <+++ Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (‘10) Michael Cera. My WifeMy WifeMy WifePrince Prince
T <++ Wayne's World (1992,Comedy) Dana Carvey,Mike Myers. < Movie My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifePrince Prince
W <+ Mr. Deeds (2002,Comedy) Winona Ryder, Adam Sandler. <++ Monster-in-Law (‘05,Rom) Jane Fonda, Jennifer Lopez. My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifePrince Prince Th <+ Big Daddy (‘99,Comedy) Joey Lauren Adams, Adam Sandler. <++ Little Nicky (‘00,Comedy) Patricia Arquette, Adam Sandler. My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifePrince Prince F <++ I Know What You Did Last Summer (P) (‘97) <+ I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (P) (‘98) My WifeMy WifeMy WifeMy WifePrince Prince
502 Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various
M Gilded <++ The Whale (‘22) Sadie Sink, Brendan Fraser. Last Week <++ Assassin's Creed (‘16) Michael Fassbender. The Gilded Age <+++ The Perks of Being a Wallflo T < Knox Goes Away (‘23) <++ Goodrich (‘24) Mila Kunis, Michael Keaton. Last Week <+++ Napoleon Dynamite (‘04) <++ In Time (‘11) Justin Timberlake. Last Week
W Movie The Gilded Age Last Week To. < Super/ Man: The Christopher Reev <+++ Companion (‘25) The Gilded Age <+++ Sinners (‘25)
Th <+++ Dune (‘21) Timothée Chalamet. < Mountainhead (‘25) Steve Carell. The Gilded Age Billy Joel: And So It Goes Billy Joel
F <+++ The Suicide Squad (‘21,Act) Idris Elba, Margot Robbie. <++++ The Terminator (‘84) <++ A Nightmare on Elm Street < Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print (‘25,Doc)
M Movie <+++ Good Hair (‘09,Doc) <+++ The Florida Project (‘17) Willem Dafoe. <++ We Are Your Friends (‘15) <++ Going the Distance (‘10) Drew Barrymore. Movie
T <++ Gifted (‘17) <+ Jonah Hex (‘10) < Enter the Warriors Gate (‘16) Ni Ni, Mark Chao. <+++ The Killing of a Sacred Deer (‘17) <++ The Purge: Election Year (‘16) Movie
W <++ The Legend of Ta <+++ The Iron Claw (‘23,Bio) Jeremy Allen White, Zac Efron. < Spaceship Earth (2020,Documentary) <++ Mike & Dave Need Wedding D <++ Ghosts of Girlfrie
Th <+++ Love & Mercy (‘14) John Cusack. <++ Going the Distance (‘10) <+++ St. Vincent (‘14) Bill Murray <++ Woman in Gold (‘15) Helen Mirren. Movie
F <++ The Flash (‘23,Act) Sasha Calle, Ezra Miller. <++ Blue Beetle (‘23) Xolo Maridueña. <+++ My Cousin Rachel (‘17) Rachel Weisz. <++ Sleepwalking (P) (‘08) Movie
M <+++ The Hunt for R <+++ Point Break (‘91) Patrick Swayze. < Deadlock (‘21) Patrick Muldoon. <++ Red (‘10,Act) Morgan Freeman, Bruce Willis. <+++ The Nice Guys (‘16)
T <+ Texas Rangers (‘01) <++ Fanboys (‘09) Sam Huntington. < Star Trek: Section 31 (‘25) Michelle Yeoh. <++ Nacho Libre (‘06) Jack Black. <+++ Elf (‘03) Will Ferrell.
W <++ Love Me (‘24) <++ Girl, Interrupted (‘99) Winona Ryder. <+++ The Quiet American (‘02) <++ Terminator: Dark Fate (‘19) Linda Hamilton. <+++ Full Metal Jacket
Th Movie <++ The Gunman (‘15,Act) Idris Elba, Sean Penn. <+++ Point Break (‘91) Patrick Swayze. <++ Four Brothers (‘05) Mark Wahlberg. <++ Red (‘10) Bruce Willis.
F <++ The Contractor (‘22) Ben Foster, Chris Pine. <+++ Hell or High Water (‘16) <+++ 3:10 to Yuma (‘07,Wes) Christian Bale, Russell Crowe. <+++ Zoolander (P) (‘01) Movie
M <+++ Hustle & Flow (‘05) <++ 1992 (‘22) Tyrese Gibson. BMF <++ Cleaner (‘07) <+++ Hustle & Flow (‘05) Terrence Howard. Movie
T <+++ Spider-Man: No Way Home: Extended Ver <++ Inside (‘23) Gene Bervoets,Willem Dafoe. <+ Borderlands (‘24) Cate Blanchett. <++ The Wedding Ringer (‘15) Kevin Hart. Movie
533
W <++ Someone Marry < The Misfits (‘21) Pierce Brosnan. < Dirty Angels (‘24) Eva Green. <+++ Knocked Up (‘07,Romance) Katherine Heigl, Seth Rogen. <++ Get Rich or Die Tryin' (‘05)
Th <+ Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance <+++ Knocked Up (‘07) Seth Rogen. BMF <++ The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare <++ Ghost Rider (‘07) Nicolas Cage.
F <++ Draft Day (P) (‘14) <++ Flight Risk (‘25) <++ Happy Gilmore (‘96) <++ The Taking of Pelham 123 (‘09) < The Three Sisters (P) (‘25) STZENC 517
M <+ Bulletproof (‘96) <+++ White Men Can't Jump (‘92) <+ Expend4bles (‘23) <++ White Boy Rick (‘18) < Dear David (‘23) Justin Long
T <++ Don't Be a Mena <++ All About the Benjamins (‘02) Ice Cube. <++ Poetic Justice (‘93) Janet Jackson. <++ Stone (‘10) Robert De Niro. < Every Body (2023,Documentary)
W <++ Poetic Justice <++ Five Nights at Freddy's (‘23) < Greedy People (‘24) Joseph Gordon-Levitt. <+++ Zombieland (‘09) <++ Spoiler Alert (‘22) Jim Parsons.
Th <++ The Break-Up (‘06) <++ The Whole Nine Yards (‘00) <++ Tower Heist (‘11) Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller. <+ The Watch (‘12) Ben Stiller. <++ Easter Sunday (‘22) Jo Koy
F Movie < For the Love of Money (‘21) Keri Lynn Hilson. <++ Bombshell (‘19) Charlize Theron. <++ Takers (‘10) Matt Dillon. <++ Roman J. Israel, Esq. (‘17)
M <++ The Two Jakes (‘90,Mys) Harvey Keitel, Jack Nicholson. <+++ Airplane! (P) (‘80) <++ Airplane II: The Sequel (‘82) <+++ An Officer and a Gentleman (‘82) Movie
T <++++ Chinatown (‘74) <+++ Hamburger Hill (P) (‘87) Anthony Barrile. <+++ Serpico (‘73,Cri) John Randolph, Al Pacino. <++++ Rosemary's Baby (‘68) John Cassavetes,Mia Farrow.
W <++ Pelé: Birth of a Legend (‘16) < Irena's Vow (‘23) Dougray Scott, Sophie Nélisse. <++ A Walk on the Moon (‘99) Diane Lane. < Dead Shot (‘23) Aml Ameen. <+++ Dream Horse
Th <++ The Free World <+++ One Life (‘23) Anthony Hopkins <+++ Clouds of Sils Maria (‘14) <++ The Two Jakes (‘90,Mys) Harvey Keitel,Jack Nicholson. Movie
F <++ Camp X-Ray (‘14) <++ The Mist (‘07) Thomas Jane. <++ Defiance (2008,History) Liev Schreiber, Daniel Craig < The Last Stop in Yuma County <++ Flight of the Intr 8 AM 8:30 9 AM 9:30
From the list below, find each word and circle its letters in the puzzle to reveal the message relating to this week’s topic.
The Addams Family
Sports this week
S unday
11:00 a.m. (2) WBBM WCIA FIA Formula E
World Championship Racing FIA Formula E World Championship Racing. London ePrix, Race. (Live) (1:30) (5) WMAQ 2025 Senior Open Championship Final Round. (Live) (2:00) (32) WFLD UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Final: Teams TBA. (Live) (2:00)
Noon GOLF PGA Tour Golf 3M Open, Final Round. (Live) (2:00)
1:00 p.m. TRU NASCAR Cup Series NASCAR In-Season Challenge Altcast: Brickyard 400. (Live) (3:30)
ESPN Athletes Unlimited Softball League Championship Series, Game 2: Teams TBA. (Live) (2:00)
TNT NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400. (Live) (3:30)
2:00 p.m. (2) WBBM WCIA PGA Tour Golf 3M Open, Final Round. (Live) (3:00) (7) WLS WNBA Basketball Indiana Fever at Chicago Sky. (Live) (2:00) (9) WGN Banana Ball World Tour Texas Tailgaters vs. Savannah Bananas. (Live) (2:30) (32) WFLD IndyCar Racing Indycar Grand Prix of Monterey. (Live) (2:30)
6:00 p.m. ESPN MLB Baseball (Live) (3:00)
ESPN2 MLB Baseball Statcast Edition: New York Mets at San Francisco Giants. (Live) (3:00)
7:30 p.m. WGBO Fútbol Mexicano Primera División Monterrey vs. Atlas. (Live) (2:30)
M onday
4:30 p.m. TRU NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400. (Live) (3:30)
6:00 p.m. ESPN2 Athletes Unlimited Softball League Championship Series, Game 3: Teams TBA. (Live) (2:00)
7:00 p.m. ESPN WNBA Basketball New York Liberty at Dallas Wings. (Live) (2:00)
9:30 p.m. ESPN2 Cornhole ACL World Championships: International Invitational. (Live) (2:00)
T ue S day
6:00 p.m. TRU TBS MLB Baseball Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees. (Live) (3:00) ESPN2 USL Championship Soccer Miami FC at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. (Live) (2:00)
6:30 p.m. (26) WCIU WNBA Basketball Chicago Sky at Washington Mystics. (Live) (2:00)
W edne S day
7:00 p.m. ESPN WNBA Basketball New York Liberty at Minnesota Lynx. (Live) (2:00)
7:05 p.m. (5) WMAQ NFL Football Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers. (Live) (2:55)
F riday
2:00 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf Wyndham Championship, Second Round. (Live) (3:00)
5:00 p.m. GOLF PGA Korn Ferry Tour Golf Utah Championship, Second Round. (Live) (3:00)
6:30 p.m. (38) WCPX WNBA Basketball Indiana Fever at Dallas Wings. (Live) (2:00)
8:00 p.m. ESPN Professional Fighters League Professional Fighters League. PFL World Tournament, Finals. (Live) (2:00)
9:00 p.m. (38) WCPX WNBA Basketball Los Angeles Sparks at Seattle Storm. (Live) (2:00)
S aT urday
10:00 a.m. ESPN2 Cornhole ACL World Championship: Pro Doubles Final. (Live) (2:00)
11:00 a.m. (5) WMAQ 2025 AIG Women’s Open Third Round. (Live) (2:00)
Noon (2) WBBM WCIA BIG3 Basketball BIG3 Basketball. (Live) (1:00) (7) WLS Premier Lacrosse League Premier Lacrosse League. Maryland Whipsnakes vs. California Redwoods. (Live) (2:00)
GOLF PGA Tour Golf Wyndham Championship, Third Round. (Live) (2:00)
12:30 p.m. TRU NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350, Qualifying. (Live) (2:00)
1:00 p.m. (2) WBBM WCIA BIG3 Basketball BIG3 Basketball. Houston Rig Hands vs. Dallas Power. (Live) (1:00)
ESPN2 Athletes Unlimited Softball League All-Star Cup: Teams TBA. (Live) (2:30)
2:00 p.m. (2) WBBM WCIA PGA Tour Golf Wyndham Championship, Third Round. (Live) (3:00)
(7) WLS WNBA Basketball Minnesota Lynx at Las Vegas Aces. (Live) (2:00) (32) WFLD Horse Racing FOX Saratoga Saturday. (Live) (3:00)
3:00 p.m. (5) WMAQ Track and Field USATF Outdoor Championships. (Live) (2:00)
3:30 p.m. (9) WGN NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series HyVee Perks 250. (Live) (3:30)
ESPN2 Athletes Unlimited Softball League All-Star Cup: Teams TBA. (Live) (2:00)
4:30 p.m. WGBO Fútbol Leagues Cup Orlando City SC vs. Atlas. (Live) (2:30)
5:00 p.m. ESPN UFC Fight Night (Live) (3:00)
GOLF PGA Korn Ferry Tour Golf Utah Championship, Third Round. (Live) (3:00)
6:00 p.m. (32) WFLD MLB Baseball Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds. (Live) (3:00)
ESPN2 Banana Ball World Tour Texas Tailgaters vs. Savannah Bananas. (Live) (2:00)
Solution on page 6
9:00 p.m. ESPN2 USL Championship Soccer Phoenix Rising FC at Orange County SC. (Live) (2:00)
T hur S day
2:00 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf Wyndham Championship, First Round. (Live) (3:00) 5:00 p.m. GOLF PGA Korn Ferry Tour Golf Utah Championship, First Round. (Live) (3:00)
6:30 p.m. (38) WCPX NWSL Soccer San Diego Wave FC at North Carolina Courage. (Live) (2:00)
7:00 p.m. (9) WGN AVP Beach Volleyball League Week 7 - Austin. (Live) (2:00)
7:30 p.m. WGBO Fútbol Leagues Cup América vs. Minnesota United FC. (Live) (2:30)
8:00 p.m. ESPN UFC Fight Night (Live) (3:00)
9:00 p.m. (38) WCPX NWSL Soccer Houston Dash at Bay FC. (Live) (2:00)
MONDAY
<++ Blade II (‘02) Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman, Wesley Snipes. <++ Species (‘95)Ben Kingsley.
TBS 29 139 247 Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang
Strangers: Chapter 1 Madelaine Petsch. <+++ White Men Can't Jump (‘92)Wesley Snipes. <+ Bulletproof (‘96) Damon Wayans. <+ Expend4bles (‘23) Jason Statham < Battle: Los Angeles
Meyers (N)
Gilded Age
(‘15) Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett. <++ Where the Crawdads Sing
Imitation Game
Love & Mercy (‘14) Paul Dano, John Cusack. <+++ St. Vincent (‘14) Bill Murray. <+++ Barbie (‘23) Margot Robbie.
Hunt for Red October (‘90) Sean Connery. Dexter "Call Me Red" The Chi "Ready or Not " Dexter "Call Me Red" <++++ The Untouchables (‘87) Kevin Costner.
Notic e (‘21) Ruby Rose, Sam Heughan. BMF <++ 1992 (‘22) Ray Liotta, Tyrese Gi bson. BMF < Extraction
(‘86) David Bowie. < Singularity (‘17) Julian Schaffner. <++ Slingshot (‘24) Casey Affleck. < Parallel (‘24) Aldis Hodge. <++ Vanilla Sky (‘01) Tom Cruise.
Cube. <++ Battle: Los Angeles (‘11) Aaron Eckhart. <++ Poetic Justice Janet Jackson. < Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinkin Movie
Father Stu (‘22) Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg. MarcMaro
Devil's Rejects (‘05) Sid Haig.
Dream Scenario
Gump (‘94)
Hanks.
Green Book (‘18) Mahershal a Ali, Viggo Mortensen. Dexter "Call Me Red" <++ Faster (‘10) Dwayne Johnson.
Version (‘21) Tom Holland.
The Exorcist: Believer (‘23) Leslie Odom Jr..
Borderlands (‘24) Cate Blanchett. Movie
Trap Barron Boedecker.
Awake (‘07)
Christensen
Billionaire Boys Club (‘18) Ansel Elgort.
The Riot Club (‘14) Sam Claflin. <+ Cabin Fever Nadine Crocker.
Drafting the rumble
‘WWE: Unreal’ reveals the wrestling writers’ room
By Sarah Passingham TV Media
The question is all too familiar to pro wrestling fans who’ve heard it a thousand times before: “You know it’s scripted, right?” Yes, of course, we know that the choreographed fight opera is not a documentary, and no, that doesn’t make it less real. The existence of the writers’ rooms behind the drama of televised wrestling federations such as World Wrestling Entertainment is news to no one, but viewers are about to get an exclusive peek behind the curtain to see just how the action is crafted.
“WWE: Unreal,” a new five-episode docuseries premiering Tuesday, July 29, on Netflix, delves into the behind-the-scenes machinations of WWE events. Dive into a side of the wrestling world previously kept under wraps as WWE superstars work with writers and other team members to develop their storylines and matches.
WWE churns out so much entertainment — books, podcasts, live broadcasts and streaming events — from their massive organization that just tracking continuity, not to mention generating new and exciting stories, is a significant undertaking. Co-ordinating all of the moving parts is serious business, and Netflix promises that “the drama is just as intense offstage as it is under the spotlight.”
The official teaser trailer for the upcoming series prominently features current WWE chief content officer and former wrestler Paul Levesque, better known by his ring name Triple H, who has been onscreen talent for the organization for more than 30 years.
“Seven days a week, 365 days a year. This is a calculated, co-ordinated production. It’s time. We’re going to lift the curtain,” Levesque says in voice-over while a montage of candid clips of board meetings, wrestler warm-ups, choreography sessions, early mornings and late nights flash in the teaser. The matches either come together or fall apart during rehearsals over playback screens, test shots catching whatever needs more work as the big story for 2025 is moulded.
“WWE: Unreal” is directed by Chris Weaver (“Peyton’s Places”) with Erik Powers (“Hard Knocks: Training Camp”) serving as the showrunner. Peyton Manning (“Quarterback”), Jamie Horowitz (“Starting 5”), Ross Ketover (“Receiver”), Keith Cossrow (“They Call It Late Night With Jason Kelce”), Ken Rodgers (“30 for 30”), Jessica Boddy (“Fire Country”), Lee Fitting (“WWE Raw”), Ben Houser (“Biography: WWE Legends”) and Marc Pomarico (“Andy Kaufman Is Me,” 2025) executive produce the series. The series is just a part of WWE’s ever-growing partnership with Netflix. In January, the organization’s flagship series, “WWE Raw,” was broadcast live from the streamer for the first time, with
Netflix claiming that 2.6 million households tuned in to the inaugural event. A staggering $5 billion, 10-year deal made Netflix the exclusive home for WWE through 2035.
The popularity of pro wrestling is evergreen. Fans come out in droves to major events such as live tapings of “WWE Raw” or “WWE Smackdown” when they stop in town, but most people who tune in to slick TV productions are also likely to be found supporting their local wrestling promotion’s community center-hosted events. Wrestling fans find all angles of the sport interesting, and there is really no better place than Netflix to produce a winning sports docuseries.
Each streamer has developed its own niche over time, and it is undeniable that Netflix has the knack for choosing and shaping unscripted sports documentaries. Over seven seasons beginning in 2019, “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” has raised the profile of F1 racing and helped build a new fan base as it offered a look into how the drivers and their teams get to race days.
The wildly popular series has won Sports Emmy awards, been nominated for BAFTAs and likely inspired other series such as “NASCAR: Full Speed,” also on Netflix, and “Faceoff: Inside the NHL” on Prime Video, hoping to garner fresh interest in professional sports.
But Netflix’s other behind-the-scenes sport docuseries aren’t just limited to racing and wrestling. “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” dropped its second season on the streamer this summer, largely focusing on the dancers’ struggle for fair pay and attempts at collective bargaining.
“Full Swing” documented PGA players and tournaments; “Quarterback” followed NFL QBs; “Simone Biles Rising” shared a peek into the elite gymnast’s background and the road to her Olympic return; and “The Last Dance,” a miniseries detailing Michael Jordan’s career, was one of the most talked-about shows of 2020, the year nearly everyone watched the most TV they ever had in their lives to date. All to say, if you want a fascinating look at how athletes and sporting events make it to your screen, Netflix has you covered.
Don’t miss the new five-part docuseries
“WWE: Unreal” when it premieres Tuesday, July 29, on Netflix.
Screen Scramble
Unscramble the letters for each word to reveal five movies and TV shows. Then, rearrange the circled letters to discover the actor who has appeared in all five.
Solution on page 2
By Kimberly Tremblay TV Media
Abittersweet farewell to Anne Burrell (“Secrets of a Restaurant Chef”) begins in the kitchen, where she shined brightest. “Worst Cooks in America” returns Monday, July 28, for its 29th season with “Talented & Terrible” on Food Network, marking the final appearance of the beloved chef and longtime host, filmed shortly before her sudden death at the age of 55.
Joining Burrell as a co-mentor this season is chef Gabe Bertaccini (“24 in 24: Last Chef Standing”), as the two chefs “take on a team of hopeless home cooks and try to transform them from kitchen zeros into kitchen heroes” (per Food Network). But this time, there’s a twist: the recruits are
all performers, including actors, dancers, comedians and entertainers who shine on stage but fall apart in the kitchen. Among the cast are Rich Aronovitch (“Wingman Inc.,” 2015), Michael Judson Berry (“The Blacklist”), Tessica Brown (“The Doctors”), NaJe’ Elmore (“Go Lay Down”) and more.
In the season premiere, the contestants serve up their “signature” dishes before facing their first real test: recreating the chefs’ “winner winner chicken dinner.” Those who show promise move on while the rest face elimination. Each week, contestants will tackle many cooking challenges, learning to chop, saute and work under pressure. The competition heats up as one contestant is eliminated from each team every episode. In the finale, the top two must
prepare a three-course meal for a panel of food critics. The winner walks away with $25,000 and the title of no longer being one of the worst cooks in America.
But beyond the cooking chaos and hilarious missteps, the show has always been rooted in something deeper — a genuine sense of growth and connection, and co-mentor Bertaccini says that spirit came directly from Burrell.
Anne Burrell and Gabe Bertaccini host “Worst Cooks in America: Talented & Terrible”
Cody Rhodes as seen in “WWE: Unreal”
Crossword
Across
1. Pol’s funder
4. U.S. teeth-straighteners’ org.
7. Comparable (with)
12. “Burn Notice” network
13. COVID test inits.
14. Lather-laden
15. Chick ___
16. TV show set at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company
18. NBC legal drama
20. “_ __ hard hearts ...” (Shakespeare)
21. TV producer Issa
22. London paper (with “The”)
24. Immunotherapy approach that starts with a letter
28. Nicole’s “Cold Mountain” (2003) role
29. Rink surface
30. Place of business, in Italy.
33. Act introducer
35. Plug attachment?
37. Distinctive atmosphere about someone
38. Dorothy, Rose and Blanche
42. TV show about the Tanner family
44. Onion soup concoction
45. Santa ___
46. Stimpy’s pal
47. Lode load
48. “Mr. ___” (Rami Malek show)
49. Corrida cheer
50. Cutting tool
Down
1. Influence
2. Where the Yellow River flows
3. Julie Newmar role
4. Parts of a housing unit abbr.
5. “__ _ lieber”
6. Popular lunch bag munchie
7. Scheduling break
8. “Look, Ma, _ __!”
9. It beats ace high
10. Film buff’s station
11. Agatha Christie’s “A Pocket Full of ___”
17. Notable #4 on the ice
19. Sailor’s assent
22. Label
23. Cretan Mount
25. Mertz neighbors of ‘50s TV
26. Versatile blackjack card
27. “___-wee’s Playhouse”
31. Not crazy about
32. “__ __ and no cattle” (putdown of a poser)
33. Home city of the Pac-12’s Ducks
34. Source of 3D pictures?
36. Flap
37. Adams of filmdom?
38. Fluently talkative
39. French franc successor
40. Italian coin of old
41. Gush
42. Partner of wide and away
43. Colorful card game
Solution on page 6
Jana Wahlen, AuD
"Zombie Skin" Dr. Pimple Popper Dr. Pimple Popper Dr. Pimple "Holy Cyst?!" TLN 71 - - Paid Prog. Paid Prog. Paid Prog. Newswatch The 700 Club Baptist Jeffres sTurning Robert RobisonElevation ExaltedSingsation The Three Paid Prog.
52 138 245 <++ Tag Ed Helms. <+++ The Mask (‘94) Cameron Diaz ,Jim Carrey. (P) <++ Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (‘94) Jim Carrey. <++ Ace Ventur a: When Nature Calls Jim Carrey. <++ Tag Ed Helms.
TOON 32 176 296 King/Hill King/Hill King/Hill Burgers Burgers Burgers Burgers Burgers Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Rick Morty Rick Morty AquaUnit TRAVEL
Caught on Camera Paranormal Caught on Camera Paranormal Cam.
<+++ Dune (‘21) Timothée Chalamet. <+++ The Rookie (‘02) Rachel Griffiths, Dennis Quaid. <+++ The Rookie (‘02, Drama) Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez, Dennis Qua id Foul Play TVLND 30 106 304 A. Griffith A. Griffith A. Griffith A. Griffith Raymond RaymondRaymond RaymondRaymond RaymondRaymond RaymondKingKingKingKing
USA 51 105 242 Chicago Fire Chicago Fire <+++ The Rock (1996, Action) Nicolas Cage,Ed Harris, Sean Connery. <+++ The Rock (1996, Action) Nicolas Cage,Ed Harris, Sean Connery. VH1 61 162 335 Prince Prince Prince Prince <+ Mr. Deeds (‘02) Winona Ryder, Peter Gallagher, Adam Sandler. <++ Monster-in-Law (‘05) Jane Fonda, Jennifer Lopez. Basket ball Wives
"Dead Reflection" NCIS "Baltimore" NCIS "Swan Song " NCIS "Pyramid" NCIS NCIS "Restless" NCIS NCIS "Enemy on the Hill"
<+++ 50/50 (‘11) Joseph Gordon-Levitt. <++ Five Nights at Freddy's Josh Hutcherson. <+ The Watch (‘12) Ben Stiller <+++ Zombiel and Woody Harrelson < Whole Nine Yards
300 501 <+++ Sinners <++ Opus (‘25) John Malkovich, Ayo Edebiri. <++ Death of a Unicorn Paul Rudd. <+++ Get Out (‘17) Daniel
<+++
Jacket < Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ar k <+++ Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom <+++ Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade < Indiana
<++ Never
(‘24)
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<+++
<++
(N) Noticias
Kaluuya. The Gilded Age Movie
Not That Into You (‘09) Ben Affleck.
Lady Bird (‘17) Saoirse Ronan. <+++ Love Lies Bleeding <+++ The Martian (‘15) Matt Damon.
Jones& the
Let Go
Halle Berry.
The Misfits (‘21) Pierce Brosnan.
Knocked Up (‘07) Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen BMF < Dirty Angels (‘24) Eva Green.
Dream Horse
American Insurrectio n (‘21) Nadine Malouf. <++ The Hunting Party
The Fifth Estate (‘13) Daniel Brühl, Benedict Cumberbatch. <+++ Risk (‘16, Doc)
Burgers Burgers
Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Rick Morty Rick Morty AquaUnit TRAVEL 63 196 277 Osbournes- Bel. Mysteries of the Unknown Mysteries of the Unknown Mysteries of the Unknown Mysteries-Unk TRUTV 65 242 246 <++ Blue Beetle (‘23) Xolo Maridueña. <++ Angels in the Outfield (‘94) Danny Glover. <+ Over the Top (‘87) Sylvester Stallone. Wipeout Wipeout
A. Griffith A. Griffith A. Griffith A. Griffith Raymond RaymondRaymond RaymondRaymond RaymondRaymond RaymondKingKingKingKing USA 51 105 242 Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVULaw & Order: SV ULaw & Order: SVU Law-SVU "Dutch Tears" Law-SVU "Bubble Wrap" Law-SVU "Bend the Law"
Prince Prince Prince Prince <+ Big Daddy (‘99) Joey Lauren Adams, Adam Sandler. <++ Little Nicky (‘00) Patricia Arquette, Adam Sandler. Basket ball Wives
"Animus"
"Knockout"
"Hotel
"Stigma
Meyers (N)
Vaughn.
Wild Things (‘98) Kevin Bacon.
Cocaine Bear (‘23) Keri Russell Movie
Cleaner (‘25) Taz Skylar, Daisy Ridley.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find The m < A Minecraft Movi e
Home Again
Barbie (‘23) Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie. <+ The Sitter Jonah Hill. <+++ Role Models (‘08) Seann William Scott. <+++ Good Time Robert Pattinson. Movie
Red
Gasoline Alley (‘22) Devon Sawa, Bruce Willis <+++ Gladiator (‘00) Joaquin Phoenix, Russell Crowe. Dexter "Call Me Red" <++ Four Brothers (‘05) Mark Wahlberg.
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance <++ Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City BMF <++ The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare < The Hurt Locker
Jeanne du Barry <+++ Airplane! (‘80) Robert Hays. < Naked Gun: From the Files of Police
Naked Gun 2 1/2: Smell of Fear < Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult < Becky
By Caroline Collacutt TV Media
WHAT’S NEW ON NETFLIX
“Leanne” – Season 1
Created by and starring comedian Leanne Morgan
— perhaps best known for her stand-up special “I’m Every Woman” — the new sitcom “Leanne” debuts its first season on Netflix, Thursday, July 31. Inspired by her aforementioned special, the series begins as its titular character has her life turned upside down. After 33 years of marriage, Leanne’s husband, Bill (Ryan Stiles, “Whose Line Is It Anyways?”), announces he’s leaving his wife for another woman, forcing change for both the couple and its adult children: Tyler (Graham Rogers, “The Kominsky Method”), a new father, and Josie (Hannah Pilkes, “For Worse,” 2025), a rule-breaker, partier and seeker of all things fun. For Leanne, this newfound singledom means navigating dating in her late 50s, all while juggling motherhood, grandmotherhood, menopause and nagging comments from her tradition-loving parents, Mama Margaret (Celia Weston, “Dead Man Walking,” 1995) and Daddy John (Blake Clark, “United States of Al”). Produced by Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television, “Leanne” also stars Kristen Johnston (“Mom”), Algerita Wynn (“All American: Homecoming”), Kenna Wright (“Friendly Divorce,” 2025) and Annie Gonzalez (“Flamin’ Hot,” 2023).
WHAT’S NEW ON HULU
“Dope Girls” – Season 1
A housewife (Julianne Nicholson, “August: Osage County,” 2013) drops the dishrag and enters a world of gangsters, murderers and criminals in Season 1 of the historical drama “Dope Girls,” coming Monday, July 28, to Hulu. After the end of WWI, mother Kate Galloway (Nicholson) finds herself in
need of a way to support her daughters, Billie (Umi Myers, “Truth Serum,” 2024) and Evie (Eilidh Fisher, “The Outrun,” 2024). To do so, Kate opens a nightclub in London’s Soho district, quickly finding herself entangled with some of the city’s darkest and most notorious names. Based on the 1992 Marek Kohnwritten nonfiction book, “Dope Girls: The Birth of the British Drug Underground,” which chronicles the lives of Kate Meyrick, Billie Carleton and Edgar Manning, Season 1 of “Dope Girls” was developed by Bad Wolf in association with Sony Pictures Television for BBC One. Eliza Scanlen (“Sharp Objects”), Geraldine James (“Calendar Girls,” 2003), Rory Fleck Byrne (“This Is Going to Hurt”), Dustin DemriBurns (“Slow Horses”), Nabhaan Rizwan (“1917,” 2019), Sebastian Croft (“Heartstopper”), Will Keen (“Operation Mincemeat,” 2021), Fiona Button (“The Split”), Priya Kansara (“Polite Society,” 2023) and Ian Bonar (“Skyfall,” 2012) also star.
WHAT’S
NEW ON PEACOCK
“Twisted Metal” – Season 2
Start your engines: “Twisted Metal” returns Thursday, July 31, to Peacock. With 12 episodes in total, the second season of this post-apocalyptic
video game adaptation finds John Doe (Anthony Mackie, “Captain America: Brave New World,” 2025) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) fighting for their lives as they compete in the ever-deadly Twisted Metal demolition derby tournament, hosted by new character Calypso (Anthony Carrigan, “Barry”). Whoever wins earns their heart’s greatest desire, but with 16 other drivers to defend themselves against, John and Quiet know they’ll have to kick it up a gear or two. Season 2 of “Twisted Metal” also welcomes the likes of Richard de Klerk (“Repeaters,” 2010), Patty Guggenheim (“Don’t Tell Larry,” 2025), Tiana Okoye (“The Valet,” 2022), Saylor Bell Curda (“Walker”), Michael James Shaw (“Avengers: Endgame,” 2019) and Lisa Gilroy (“Interior Chinatown”).
WHAT’S NEW ON DISNEY+
“Project Runway” – Season 21
As former host Tim Gunn (“Under the Gunn”) would say, it’s time for designers to “make it work,” when “Project Runway” returns Thursday, July 31, to Freeform, Hulu and Disney+ for its 21st season. Seeing the return of host Heidi Klum
(“Making the Cut”) after a seven-year hiatus, this bright, bold and fashionable new season will also see Klum working as a judge alongside Elle editor-in-chief Nina Garcia (“Web Therapy”) and the ever-iconic Law Roach. Contestants — mentored by former “Project Runway” winner Christian Siriano — will utilize their talents as designers to compete in weekly themed challenges, showing their creations at the end of each episode. Those who evade elimination move on, until a top-notch group of finalists are left to battle for a highly coveted prize: a fashion spread in Elle magazine and $250,000 to start their own line. Dan Cutforth (“Top Chef”), Jane Lipsitz (“Is It Cake?”), Nan Strait (“Shine On with Reese”), Dan Volpe (“America’s Next Great Restaurant”) and Michael Rucker (“101 Places to Party Before You Die”) serve as executive producers for Season 21, alongside Klum, Garcia and Siriano.
WHAT’S NEW ON APPLE TV+
“Stillwater” – Season 1
Feel your feelings and face your fears with Season 1 of “Stillwater,” an animated series coming to Apple TV+ Wednesday, July 30. Siblings Karl (Judah Mackey, “The Young and the Restless”), Addy (Eva Ariel Binder, “Super Giant Robot Brothers”) and Michael (Tucker Chandler, “Gabby’s Dollhouse”) deal with the same things all kids do: sibling spats, school troubles and rivalries to boot. When things get tough, however, all it takes is a visit to their next-door neighbor — a wise, story-telling panda named Stillwater (James Sie, “Goldie”) — for the kids to find a way forward, no matter what. Based on the “Zen” book series by author Jon J Muth and developed by creator Rob Hoegee (“Abby Hatcher, Fuzzly Catcher”), “Stillwater” features the voices of Nara Thompson (“The Monkey King,” 2023), Sydney Thomas (“WandaVision”), Kari Wahlgren (“Pupstruction”), Isla Farris (“The Mandalorian”) and more.
Kristen Johnston and Leanne Morgan in “Leanne”
Anthony Mackie stars in “Twisted Metal”
Heidi Klum and Christian Siriano in “Project Runway”
Jack and Jill (‘11) Adam Sandler.
Marc Maron (N)
Real, Bill Maher (N) Marc Maron: Panicked Real, Bill Maher
Monster (‘24) Melissa Barrera. (P)
Notting Hill (‘99) Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts. (P)
Speed (‘94) Dennis Hopper, Keanu Reeves. <+ Getaway
Moms
Staten Island Summer (‘15) Ashley Greene. Dexter "Call Me Red" The Chi "Ready or Not "
Sleepless (‘17) Jamie Foxx. <++ Hostage (‘05) Bruce Willis.
Killer's Game (‘24)
To Be Announced
For Colored Girls
Return (‘24)
Fiennes.
The Mist (‘07) Thomas Jane.
Rosemary's Baby (‘68) John Cassavetes, Mia Farrow. Movie
Steve Martin. <++ Father of the Bride Part II (‘95) Steve Martin. <+ Mr. Deeds (‘02) Adam Sandler. TCM 501 132 256 Movie <++ The Spiral Staircas e <++ Triple Cross (‘67) Yul Brynner,
(N)
Gilded Age
Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
Eye in the Sk y (‘15) Helen Mirren. I Am
"Hannah"
"Danielle" I Am "Maria" I Am
Aviator (‘04) Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale,Leonardo DiCaprio
Gone Baby Gon e (‘07) Casey Affleck. (P) <++ Jack Reacher (‘12) Rosamund Pike, Tom Cruise.
<++ For Colored Girls (‘10) Kimberly Elise. To Be Announced <+++ Hustle & Flow (‘05) Terrence Howard. <++ Conan the Barbarian (‘11)Jason Momoa. TBA
Singularity (‘17) Julian Schaffner. <++ Event Horizon (P) < Detained (‘24) Laz Alonso, Abbie Cornish. <+++ The Talented Mr. Ripley (‘99) Matt Damon. < The Painter
Fútbol
Fútbol Leagues Cu p América vs. Minnesota United
Desde
Stadium, en Houston, Texas. (L) (N)
Contacto deportivo (L) (N) Contigo Noticiero Univisión (N)
Moms (‘16)
Kunis.
Up (‘07) Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen <++ This Is 40 (‘12) Leslie Mann, Paul Rudd.
Maron: Panicked <+++ Sinners (‘25) Michael B. Jordan.
Am Ruth" <++ Triple 9 (‘16) Chiwetel Ejiofor, Casey Affleck. <+++ Traitor (‘08) Guy Pearce, Don Cheadle. (P) <++ The Accountant (‘16) Ben Affleck <++ Dredd (P)
Star Trek Into Darknes s (‘13) Chris Pine. <++ Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Chris Pine. (P) < The Infernal Machine (‘22) Guy Pea rce. (P) Dexter "Call Me Red" The Chi "Ready or Not"
Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family TBA <+++ Blindspotting (‘18) Daveed Diggs. To Be Announced TBA <++ Pain & Gain (P)
The Painter < Ride (‘24) Annabeth Gish, C. Thomas Howell. <++ Vanilla Sky (‘01) Penélope Cruz, Tom Cruise. <++ Event Horizon (‘97) Laurence Fishburne. < Sound of Viol ence
By Adam Thomlison TV Media
Q: Was “Rocky” based on a true story?
A: Yes, though “inspired by” might be a better way to put it.
“One night, I went to see Muhammad Ali fight Chuck Wepner, and what I saw was pretty extraordinary. I saw a man they called the ‘Bayonne Bleeder,’ who didn’t have a chance at all against, you know, the greatest fighting machine that ever lived.”
That’s Sylvester Stallone, who wrote and starred in “Rocky” (1976), speaking in an interview included in the DVD version of the film.
Chuck Wepner was a fighter, born in Bayonne, N.J., who was a heavy underdog going into his fight with the living-legend heavyweight champion Ali in 1975. He didn’t win, but he made it all the way to the final round, which was much more than anyone expected.
The story goes that Stallone went straight home after seeing that fight and started banging out the “Rocky” script.
Exactly how much Stallone borrowed from Wepner’s life would later be the subject of a lawsuit, when Wepner sued for a cut of the film’s proceeds. The two settled for an undisclosed amount.
But since then, Wepner has been fully celebrated for inspiring arguably the greatest sportsmovie franchise of all time. This includes being featured in the ESPN documentary “The Real Rocky” (2011), and being played by Liev Schreiber (“Ray Donovan”) in the 2016 biopic “Chuck.”
Many have been celebrating Wepner for a lot longer than that, and generally for the same reason.
hollywood Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every
“The local heroes in New Jersey were Bruce Springsteen and Chuck Wepner,” said Jeff Feuerzeig, the Jersey-born director of “The Real Rocky.” “They were both underdogs who symbolized to me that you can come from nothing and make something of yourself.”
Q: What’s Rebel Wilson doing? Is there going to be another “Pitch Perfect” movie?
A: You might have missed it since it didn’t really move a lot of tickets, but Rebel Wilson’s (“Bridesmaids,” 2011) latest movie was a bit of a “Pitch Perfect” (2012) reunion.
“Bride Hard,” released just a few weeks ago, stars Wilson and her “Perfect” pal Anna Camp. Wilson plays a bridesmaid at the wedding of her childhood best friend (Camp), but she’s also a secret agent who’s forced into action-hero mode
when an armed group takes the whole wedding hostage.
While doing press for “Bride Hard,” Wilson was asked about the potential for a fourth “Pitch Perfect” (the previous films were all massive hits, with the third being released in 2017).
She said a fourth film will “hopefully” go into production next year, though in the same interview with Variety magazine, she admitted that the potential sequel doesn’t even have a director yet. In a different interview, this time with the U.K.’s Guardian newspaper, she said the studio hasn’t even settled on a script yet.
Meanwhile, Wilson isn’t just doing “Pitch”-adjacent projects. Just a few months ago, she had a
supporting role as Lady Capulet in the indie film “Juliet & Romeo,” a pop-musical version of the classic Shakespeare tale. And last year, she appeared in yet another indie musical comedy, “The Deb,” which she also directed.
She just wrapped filming on “Tinsel Town,” a Christmas-themed comedy about a washed-up Hollywood actor taking a role in a Christmas pageant in a small English town. That one, not surprisingly, is due out in December.
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