TuesdayFeb252020

ABC/Randy Holmes(LOS ANGELES) — Sure, he starred as the titular hero Darkman back in the day, and played the heavy Ra's al Ghul in Batman Begins, but Liam Neeson says he's done with superhero movies.

While he doesn't go full Scorsese — expressing he does "admire" them — Neeson tells Entertainment Tonight, "I'm really not a huge fan of the genre."

He adds, "I think it's Hollywood with all the bells and whistles and the technical achievements and stuff — which I admire — but I have no desire to go into the gym for three hours every day to pump myself up to squeeze into a Velcro suit with a cape."

He adds, diplomatically, "I admire the actors and I know some of the actors who do it, and do it fantastically."

For that matter, while he did revisit his Star Wars: Episode I character Qui-Gon Jinn — at least in voiceover, in both Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker — fans shouldn't expect Neeson to wield a lightsaber again, either.

"The first Star Wars, I was in that, that was 22 years ago, and I enjoyed that, because it was novel and that was new. I was acting to tennis balls, which were ultimately going to be little fuzzy, furry creatures and stuff. That was interesting, acting-wise, to try and make that seem real, but that was the last. It's quite exhausting."

However, Neeson, who in his 60s became an action movie star with the Taken series and similar thrillers, isn't similarly done with that genre.

"I'm just trying to make them real, even though they're absolutely crazy Tom and Jerry-esque type situations. But I try. If it's dumb dialogue…"

He confesses, "Sometimes it works, other times, it doesn't."

Neeson currently co-stars in the drama Ordinary Love.

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

TuesdayFeb252020

Nicola Dove © 2020 DANJAQ, LLC AND MGM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.(LONDON) — In a sneak peek just dropped to whet fans' appetites ahead of the April 10 release of No Time to Die, the director is teasing a rediscovery of James Bond in a new video.

Cary Fukunaga says "It was essential to rediscover Bond. After five years of retirement…he's sort of a wounded animal…The world's changed…The rules of espionage changed in this age of asymmetric warfare."

Over behind-the-scenes footage of death-defying stunts, Fukunaga explains that Daniel Craig's Bond finds those closest to him "are at great risk." Fukunaga adds, "From the moment he's called to action…it's a race not only to save the world, but their lives."

While the role is still shrouded in secrecy, the director hints of Oscar-winner Rami Malek's villain, Safin , "There's someone new out there. More dangerous than anyone who [Bond] has ever encountered. He says Safin is "smarter and stronger than SPECTRE," the terror organization that has threatened the world since Sean Connery first donned the tux.

For the record, co-star Ralph Fiennes would only hint to ABC Audio, "I think there's a strong story in this one." He adds of his spymaster character, "I love playing M, and I love working with Daniel Craig."

No Time to Die, the 25th Bond film, also stars fellow returning players Lea Seydoux, Geoffrey Wright, and Naomi Harris.

Copyright © 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

TuesdayFeb252020

ABC/Jenny Anderson(NEW YORK) — Miriam "Mimi" Haley, who accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, said she felt "relief" at the outcome of the trial, which found the disgraced movie mogul guilty of criminal sexual assault and rape in the third degree.
Haley, a former production assistant who had worked on Weinstein productions, testified in a New York court that he assaulted her at his apartment in 2006, and the jury found that Weinstein forced a sex act on Haley.
Hayley appeared on Good Morning America with her attorney, Gloria Allred on Tuesday, discussing what it was like to hear that Weinstein received the two guilty verdicts.
"I just sat down and I started crying," Haley told GMA, saying she was in a coffee shop when she learned the news. "It was just a huge sense of relief, just a relief that the jury got it, that they believed me and that I was heard…"
Weinstein, 67, was found not guilty of the more serious charges of predatory sexual assault and of rape in the first degree. The charge of rape in the third degree he was found guilty of came from a different victim and with sentencing guidelines of probation up to four years.
Weinstein pleaded not guilty to all charges and has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.
"It was terrifying, but after a lot of thought, I just felt that it was the right thing to do…so that's why I did it," Hayley said.
The outcome in the Weinstein case is seen as a landmark moment for other accusers and #MeToo — a movement against sexual harassment and assault that gained viral attention after allegations against Weinstein were first reported in October 2017 by The New York Times and The New Yorker.

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

TuesdayFeb252020

Photo by Matt Rourke-Pool/Getty Images(PENNSYLVANIA) — Bill Cosby's spokesperson is speaking out in support of Harvey Weinstein in the wake of Monday's conviction on two felony sex assault-related charges.

"There’s no way you would have anyone believe that Mr. Weinstein was going to receive a fair and impartial trial," reads a statement in part on Cosby's Instagram, posted by Andrew Wyatt.

According to Page Six, Wyatt says Cosby called him repeatedly on Monday, outraged over Weinstein's conviction.

"This is not shocking because these jurors were not sequestered, which gave them access to media coverage and the sentiments of public opinion," Wyatt's statement continues, before criticizing the judge in Weinstein's case and questioning whether "wealthy and famous men" would also be able to get due process.

"Where do we go in this country to find fairness and impartiality in the judicial system; and where do we go in this country to find Due Process?" the statement asks.

Wyatt also questioned the integrity of the #MeToo movement, writing, "If the #metoo movement isn’t just about Becky [White women], I would challenge #metoo and ask them to go back 400+ years and tarnish the names of those oppressors that raped slaves," the statement reads "This is a very sad day in the American Judicial System."

The post ends with the hashtags, "#FreeBillCosby, #FarFromFinished, #DueProcess, #JusticeReform.

Fans quickly took Wyatt to task on Instagram.

"Oh stop. You both got caught, tried and convicted. Stop aligning yourself with these predators," wrote one fan. "Wealthy people have every advantage. Just do your time and be quiet."

"Mr. Cosby, the #metoo movement was started by a Black Woman. #boybye," wrote another.

Cosby, who was convicted in 2018 of three counts of aggravated indecent assault for drugging and molesting Andrea Constand in 2004, is currently serving three to 10 years in prison. Weinstein was found guilty Monday of rape in the third degree and commission of criminal sexual act in the first degree and will be sentenced March 11. Weinstein's appealing his convictions.

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

TuesdayFeb252020

ABC/Randy Holmes(NEW YORK) — Chris Evans is in talks to play a "key character" in Little Shop of Horrors, a new film adaptation of the cult classic being directed by Greg Berlanti, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Evans' longtime friend and Avengers series co-star Scarlett Johansson, as well as Rocketman's Taron Egerton are also said to be eyeing roles in the horror comedy. Pose Emmy winner Billy Porter is already on board.

Little Shop of Horrors, the story of Seymour, a meek florist who discovers a man-eating venus flytrap-looking plant he dubs "Audrey II," after his secret crush, is based on the 1960 Roger Corman movie, later adapted into a popular musical play in the early 1980s, and itself was adapted as a 1986 movie starring Rick Moranis.

Evans would play the role of dentist Orin Scrivello, portrayed by Steve Martin in the 1986 movie. Egerton and Johansson would play the respective roles of Seymour and Audrey.

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

TuesdayFeb252020

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicPete Davidson broke his silence about his whirlwind romance — and engagement — to Ariana Grande. For those who blinked and missed it, the two were together from May to October 2018.

In an extremely candid Live Your Truth interview with Charlemagne Tha God, the Saturday Night Live star opened up about his former flame and about what went wrong.

While the 26-year-old doesn't regret their relationship, there's one thing he wish he could change and that's how the relationship changed him from being known as comedian first to being now known as Grande's ex.

"It's the worst," said Davidson of how it affects his ego. "It definitely hurts. 'Cause, you know, I've been doing this for like 10 years. So it sucks for, like, a six-month thing to just completely take over that."

Later, when talking about addiction and the recent string of young rappers dying from overdoses, the conversation steered toward Mac Miller, Grande's longtime boyfriend who died from an overdose. He was 26.

"I totally got it," revealed Davidson as he spoke about Ariana's public grieving. "I was like, 'Listen. I get it. Do whatever you gotta do and I'll be here.'"

However, he says that was the moment he knew their relationship was over. "I pretty much knew it was around over after that. That was really horrible," he explained, detailing the hell Grande went through with her grief, which fractured their relationship.

"All I do know is that she really loved the sh** outta him and she wasn't, like, putting on a show," revealed Davidson.

Overall though, Davidson feels no ill will, even when asked about the shade Grande apparently threw at him during her performance at the Grammys. Why? Because "that's her job."

Although, Pete wryly added that, "she's the queen of shade."

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

TuesdayFeb252020

© 2018 Paramount Pictures(VENICE) — Paramount Pictures is postponing its plans for a three-week shoot of Mission: Impossible 7 in Venice, Italy, "out of an abundance of caution" for the cast and crew in response to the coronavirus, according to a statement obtained by Variety.

Tom Cruise is set to return as secret agent Ethan Hunt for the film, slated for a July 23, 2021 release. The film also stars returning players including Rebecca Ferguson and Simon Pegg, as well as some newcomers: Mad Max: Fury Road and X-Men series star Nicholas Hoult, and Marvel movie veterans Hayley Atwell and Pom Klementieff.

Paramount also announced on Monday that it would delay the China release of Sonic the Hedgehog due to the coronavirus, which not only has proven deadly, but also wreaked havoc on the global box office, with with theaters shuttered in the lucrative Asian movie market over growing fears of a pandemic.

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

TuesdayFeb252020

Trae Patton/NBC(LOS ANGELES) — It may be a new season of The Voice, but there's a brand new face sitting in one of the judge's chair this year — Nick Jonas of The Jonas Brothers. The young singer proved to be a formidable opponent when battling it out with the other judges over competitors, too.

Jonas knew how to keep his fellow judges guessing from the second he arrived on the set — via parachute. That wasn't all, though. He also proceeded to do a series of costume changes before Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton, and John Legend right after he landed.

"Is this a Magic Mike moment?" Kelly yelled in disbelief as Jonas ripped off his wingsuit to reveal a black tuxedo underneath. He then tore off that outfit to reveal underneath a much more casual gray suit.

Memorable introductions aside, Jonas didn't make it easy for the other judges to woo over competitors that he wanted on his team.

First up was Todd Tilghman, 41, of Mississippi. The father of eight created the season's first four-way chair turn during his soulful rendition of Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band's "We've Got Tonight."

While Kelly tried winning Tilghman over by approaching him as a fellow parent as Jonas turned on the charm and spoke to him husband to husband — it was Blake who snagged the first competitor of the night by connecting with Tilghman on a personal level.

Next to take the stage was 27-year-old Nelson Cade III, a full time musician who once performed with the legendary Stevie Wonder. It doesn't take long for his raspy, bluegrass voice to win over John, Kelly, and Nick with his cover of Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Pride And Joy."

Unfortunately for Nick, he realizes that he was blocked by Legend, meaning no matter what pitch he had up his sleeve to win Cade over, it was fruitless. To turn insult to injury, the "All Of Me" singer then bragged about it by mocking he the words "star" and "wow" that Nick jotted down during the audition. Playing dirty paid off for John, who ended with a three-punch combo by casually sharing that Wonder also performed at his wedding to Chrissy Teigen.

Now with the judges warmed up, it's game on when Tate Brusa, 16, takes the stage. Brusa's chances of making it on a team looked grim, that is until he hits an edgy note towards the end of his audition convincing Nick to spin around. But he's not alone, Shelton follows shortly after, if for nothing than to give the Jo' Bro a hard time.

Nick hops on stage with Brusa and gives him an impromptu singing lesson to prove just how good of a coach he can be which triggers Shelton to play dirty by bringing out some reinforcement — an adorable white-furred puppy.

"If you don't choose me as your coach, this puppy's gonna go straight back to the animal shelter," he threatened.

Despite the taunt, the threat fails to sway Brusa and the teenage crooner picks Nick, making him the first contestant on his team.

Seven more hopefuls take the stage including rocker Todd Michael Hall who makes it onto Blake's team but it's "old soul" Joanna Serenko who closes out the show with a four-chair-turn.

The 18-year-old from St. Louis wooed with her jazzy, slowed-down version of "All My Loving" by The Beatles and just as she's deciding who's team to go to, Nick decides to lay it all on the line.

Bearing it all he pleads, "I'm gonna fight for you today. I know I'm not the logical choice but I have something to prove," which works.

The other singers of the night were Darious Lyles who went over to Team Legend, Todd Michael Hall to Team Blake –and two for Team Kelly, Megan Danielle and Tayler Green.

The Voice returns to NBC Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

TuesdayFeb252020

ABC/Maarten de Boer(LOS ANGELES) — Monday’s episode of The Bachelor, saw Peter, and the three remaining ladies, Hannah Ann, Madison and Victoria F., all heading to Australia for Fantasy Suites Week, and for the first time in the show’s history, everyone would be living under the same roof in the same suite.

The episode picks up where last week’s left off — with Madison finally revealing to Peter that she has been saving herself for marriage. However, she throws Pilot Pete another curve-ball by implying that she can't marry him if he gets intimate with anyone else. That leaves Peter with a huge dilemma as to how and if he'll step up to Madison’s challenge.

The first date goes to Hannah Ann, who provides little drama as she and Peter go for a jet ski exploration of the Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches by day, followed by an ultra romantic night together in a luxurious penthouse.

Next, following their disastrous hometown date, Peter and Victoria F. share an intimate helicopter ride to breathtaking Morans Falls, peppered with some serious discussions about a possible future together.

At dinner, Victoria explains why she keeps pushing Peter away, blaming a past relationship with an old boyfriend who made her feel like she wasn’t “good enough.” Peter assures her that won’t be the case with them, and that he wants her to feel like she “deserves all the love in the world.” The date ends with a night together in a cozy little hideaway in the woods.

Finally, Madison, who has been struggling all week with the idea of fantasy suites gets her chance alone with Peter. The date starts with the two taking their relationship to new heights — literally — by tackling SkyPoint Climb, an external building walk to the top of one of the world’s tallest buildings.

The tone of the date quickly changes during dinner, when Madison asks Peter if he has been intimate with either Hannah Ann or Victoria. When his answer is “yes,” Madison struggles to decide whether she should continue or go home. Peter begs her to stay, but after a lot of soul-searching, the episode ends with Madison being the one to finally walk away.

The Bachelor continues Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

MondayFeb242020

ABC/Art Streiber(NEW YORK) — Actor Will Yun Lee isn't a doctor, but, as the old saw goes, he plays one on TV — and as he jokes to ABC Audio, that's good enough for his parents.

Lee has been in huge films, including The Wolverine opposite Hugh Jackman, and he returns Thursday as Takeshi Kovacs on the second season of Netflix's sci-fi hit Altered Carbon. But as he explains to ABC Audio, it's his role as Dr. Alex Park in ABC's The Good Doctor that really hits home.

"It's the only thing I've ever done in my career that…validates me in front of my parents because they think I'm an actual doctor," the actor and martial artist says with a laugh.

The series, imported from Korea by actor-producer Daniel Dae Kim, stars Freddie Highmore as a young surgeon with autism and Savant syndrome who is recruited into the surgical unit of a prestigious hospital.

With a global audience of 50 million viewers, The Good Doctor was just named the most-watched drama series in the world at the Monte Carlo TV Festival. That success isn't lost on Lee.

"It is one of those shows that feels like a dying breed, in that it's a show about hope, and it's amazing it anchors itself to that," he notes.

The Good Doctor airs Monday nights at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.