From new movies to music history, this is your entertainment brief from last week’s biggest entertainment news.
Hugh Jackman Confirmed to Play Wolverine in Deadpool 3
Despite not attending the D23 expo, Ryan Reynolds and his Deadpool franchise still made news over the past week.
In a social media video released on Sept. 27, Reynolds offered his apologies for not making the expo, but explained it was because he was “working very hard” on the next Deadpool film.
“I’ve had to really search my soul on this one,” Reynolds said. “[Deadpool’s] first appearance in the MCU obviously needs to feel special. It has been a challenge that has forced me to reach down deep inside…and I… have nothing.”
Reynolds then mentioned how he had one idea for the third Deadpool installment as Hugh Jackman walked by in the background.
“Hey Hugh,” Reynolds said. “You want to play wolverine one more time?”
“Yeah, sure, Ryan,” Jackman said as he climbed the flight of stairs.
While fans were unquestionably excited about Jackman’s return to Marvel movies, many questioned how this could be possible, considering Wolverine was killed in 2017’s Logan.
To clear up the confusion, Reynolds and Jackman posted another video clarifying Logan takes place in the future, in 2029, and mentioned “they aren’t touching that.” The pair went on to describe the movie and various action scenes, although their voices were drowned out by Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.”
Jackman first played Wolverine in 2000’s X-Men and continued the role in every X-Man movie since. When his character was killed in Logan, it was assumed he would never come into the role again, with him even rejecting offers to return.
Deadpool 3 is scheduled to release on Sept. 6, 2024.
Lizzo Plays James Madison’s Crystal Flute
Lizzo made history on Sept. 27 when she played a crystal flute belonging to 4th president James Madison.
The opportunity was given to the singer by the Library of Congress. It is likely Lizzo is the first person to play the flute as it is thought Madison only admired it as an art piece.
A representative from the Library of Congress handed the pop star the flute and Lizzo played a short little melody with it, quickly returning it.
“We just made history tonight,” Lizzo told the crowd. “Thank you to the Library of Congress for preserving history and making history freakin’ cool! History is freakin’ cool, you guys!”
The Library of Congress has the largest flute collection in the world, with more than 1,800 pieces. Over the weekend, Carla Hayden, from the Library of Congress, invited the singer to come visit the collection and maybe even play a couple. This led to the aforementioned event.
Hocus Pocus 2 Premieres on Disney +
Just in time for Spooky Season, Hocus Pocus 2 debuted on Disney+ on Sept. 30.
The film is a sequel to the 1993 original which followed three teenagers as they fought off the wicked Sanderson sisters: Winifred, Mary and Sarah.
The second film is once again set in Salem, Massachusetts, although now in the present day. It also features the Sanderson sisters (played by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker respectively) as 16 year old Becca and her best friend Izzy resurrected them.
The film was better than I expected, although I set my expectations wildly low as sequels rarely surpass the original. While this movie still falls short when compared to the original, it was still decent and engaging throughout, especially with the three Sanderson sisters, whose actors embodied the characters very well.
Additionally, while this film made numerous callbacks to scenes and plotlines in the original, one does not need to watch the 1993 film to understand this one, which is always a plus.
Despite a few unanswered questions and plot holes by the end of the film, Hocus Pocus 2 was definitely better than anticipated and is a great choice for a family Halloween movie night. I rank the movie 6 out of 10 stars.
Hocus Pocus 2, along with the 1993 original, are now streaming on Disney+.
Adam Levine Makes First On-Stage Appearance After Cheating Scandal
This past Saturday, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine appeared on stage for the first time since his cheating scandal.
Levine performed in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for “The Event” fundraiser put on by the Shaquille O’Neal foundation. He shared the show with Maren Morris, H.E.R, John Mulaney and Pitbull.
This performance comes after an Instagram model released a series of Tik Toks alleging she had an affair with the singer, complete with screenshots of their text messages.
Levine publicly issued a statement following the controversy, denying the actual cheating allegations but admitting to being “inappropriate.”
“I used poor judgment in speaking with anyone other than my wife in ANY kind of flirtatious manner,” Levine said. “I did not have an affair, nevertheless, I crossed the line during a regrettable period of my life.”
Levine also announced he and his wife were currently dealing with the situation.
Levine and Maroon 5 will continue to stay in the public eye as it was announced the band was to have a residency in Las Vegas. A series of 16 shows will begin on March 24 and continue through August.
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